Doing As He Has Done

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34 (New International Version)

There are two instances in Scripture where we are told to do what Christ has done. One is to love as He loved and the other is to forgive as He has forgiven. Both entail our interaction with others. Whether or not the loving and forgiving is “deserved” in our eyes, whether or not the other person is receptive to either, whether or not it is easy, we are to do as He did. He asks (insists on) nothing of us that He has not already done for us…in example as well as in relationship. He loves and forgives us when we least deserved it, when we aren’t receptive or even aware of it, and when we aren’t the easiest to work with or through.

Yet, at the same time, He knows we are human and will be prone to failure. He knows we cannot do as He as done without His help because out of our flesh and personal ambitions we will experience what Peter experienced when he proclaimed several verses later that he would lay down his life for Christ. In himself, he thought he was already equipped to die a martyr’s death yet failed miserably that very night. It was the beginning of coming to the end of himself and years later he DID lay down his life for Christ but only because the ability came from Christ.

No matter what the command to us is, we are as incapable of mustering up the obedience up on our own. Without true heart change from God’s work and Spirit in us we will accomplish behavior modification at best and it will be short lived. It will be a continual strain which lacks joy and fruit. It will be as empty and non productive as the things we attempted to do before coming to Christ.

So where do we start? We start with humility before God. We acknowledge what it is He calls us to do and how in ourselves we are unable to do it. We ask for His strength in our weakness and His work to be done in us even with our fleshly tendencies. This is the essence of Philippians 4:13 which says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.“ As the opportunities arise to live out His commands we stay aware of our need of Him. He is not looking for or expecting perfection and neither should we. Progress and growth, my friends. Progress and growth.

Father, I am not able to do the least of Your commands without Your help. All that You tell me to do is only possible by Your grace and assistance. I need You. Amen.

Power of Your Love - Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PLAWhr1o1A

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

Seeing for Myself

They said to the woman, "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.“ John 4:42 (New International Version)

Some are satisfied and content to let the words and experiences of others be their end all. I know the truth of that, for unlike the people of Samaria I often lived my Christian life watching and listening to others. As a teen, newly born into the family of God, it did not take me long to begin observing others as a way of learning how to live as a Christian. Good examples abounded and it felt safer to let those examples be my guide.

That is understandable for a fourteen year old. But now that I am in my early 50’s I have to question the tendency that still resides in me to take my leading from others. I still catch myself taking note of how another person walks with God and then proceed to follow rather than venture off on my own and discover my own unique, authentic walk.

I long for the day when I speak the words of the Samaritans which basically said, “We see it for ourselves now!” Whether it is in the area of prayer, applying biblical principals, setting standards, or just communing with God, it is imperative that my walk not be a mere copy of others. Copying their mannerisms, their style, their choices sets me up for a life of emptiness which is void of a genuine connection with God.

So I am asking myself a few questions. What am I afraid of? Why is the thought of individually seeking God so daunting and tenacious at times? Why is it so appealing to just look at others? Why do I pattern my walk after people who are not me? After nearly four decades of knowing Christ why am I still not fully venturing out on my own?

God and God alone can answer those questions for me. Through the futility of my former seeking He has my attention. I am poised to hear Him for myself. No longer intent or content to let another person show me, tell me, or direct me, I finally step out to approach Jesus on my own. Any other teacher leaves me with more questions than answers. Any other guide fills me with confusion. It is time I see Him for myself.

Father, help me to know You, see You, and encounter You in a way that is unique and individual for me. I am weary of trying to be someone other than who You made me. Amen.

When You Call My Name - Vineyard
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4Ce45YmVyE&feature=related

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

Whose am I Seeking?

Nevertheless many even of the rulers believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God. John 12:42-43 (New American Standard Bible)

Changing one’s mind, actions, or beliefs because of the opinion, judgment, or view of another person can be an unstable path to walk out your faith. According to today’s verse, there were rulers who believed in Jesus but would not let it be known because they feared the ramifications of the Pharisees. The approval of those in “charge” meant more to them than God’s approval. The sad thing is they were content to let it be that way. The approval of others is where they derived their honor, dignity, identity and security. In their minds, they could not afford to lose that approval and acceptance even at the risk of God’s disapproval.

I have spent most of the past four decades living with such approval seeking tendencies. So sure that others knew better than me and were wiser than me, I let them be in charge of my decisions and the direction of my life. Even if I was sure of something, one question on their part left me in doubt. I looked to them to set my standards, establish my guard rails, and dictate my belief system. I seemed to be more in tune of what they wanted of me and for me rather than what God wanted. Decisions could not be made with assurance unless I ran it past them first. This wasn’t their doing as much as it was mine. Unlike in the days of Jesus with the Pharisees, the people I sought approval from really had my best interest at heart. So what was wrong?

My relationship with God was often sketchy. I lacked the confidence that God could walk me through issues and difficulties. I left it up to others to tell me when I was right and when I was wrong. Even now when I know what it is like to hear God speak to me in my spirit, I still sense a need to run it by those I have come to trust. While the Bible says that there is wisdom found in a multitude of counselors, I can sometimes turn that into second guessing God and the things I know He has spoken to me.

The solution? Begin having more private conversations with God and taking the steps He directs me to take without asking people’s opinion. That is not easy for me. As a matter of fact it is both scary and uncomfortable. But I believe it is the necessary in order to develop stronger spiritual muscles. It will help me to become more dependent on God rather than on others. It is how I can begin to have a more intimate, connected walk with God. When the time is right, I can share with others what God is doing. Not out of a need for their nod of approval but as a way of acknowledging what God is doing.

Father, the journey is shifting once again. Replace my fears with anticipation of what You are about to do. My eyes are on You and my hand is in Yours. Lead me, guide me, change me. Amen.

My Deliverer - Chris Tomlin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmGeeNDJzx0

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

When Tempted to Remain Silent

When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” John 8:10,11 (New King James Version)

Jesus was confronted with an issue that was meant to entrap Him. A woman caught in the act of adultery was brought to Him with the intent of having her stoned (the penalty for committing adultery). What started out as a tense moment with an angry mob quickly became an audience of two. The one who was without sin could throw the first stone was an invitation no one was able to receive. The sinfulness of their own hearts was exposed, the stones were dropped, and the crowd was disbanded. The only One who was sinless and could rightly throw a stone simply engaged this woman in conversation rather than bring about her death. The conversation began with a question and ended with confrontation in love.

Today, the world would say to label something as sin means you are judging the person and judging them with condemnation and hypocrisy. They are quick to quote Scripture saying, “Judge not!” But Jesus sets the standard with balance. First, He didn’t put the woman to death. Second, He didn’t condemn her as a person. Third, He expressed the truth that her actions were sinful and she was to not continue in them. He knew that real freedom and the ability to move forward in her life would come only as she abandoned her immoral lifestyle. He knew how to confront this woman in love. We are not told the end of her story but my belief is that she left that day a changed woman with a changed life!

So where does this leave us when it comes to facing people who have made sinful choices? First, we must see the sinfulness of our own life. We may or may not have committed the same sin but we have sinned. Second, we must see the person as beside us rather than beneath us. Hating the sin but loving the sinner is impossible if we view the person as disgusting, repulsive, or one to be avoided. While their actions certainly affect them, they do not define them. Third, reach out to them in love, affirmation, and acceptance. Not acceptance of what they have done but rather acceptance of who they are. Forth, let them know the necessity of abandoning their sin. To leave them with the idea that things do not have to change is not only unloving but unbiblical as well. May God give us the grace, wisdom, and knowledge to approach others in the way Jesus so beautifully demonstrated.

Father, when I am tempted to think less of others because of their sin, stop me with the realization of my own. When I am tempted to remain silent on the issue of sin, help me to open my mouth and say what has to be said out of love and in love. I want to be like You! Amen.

Mary's Alabaster Box - CeCe Winans
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65S3GyA5E3o

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

Knowing the Difference

So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." John 8:31-32 (New American Standard Bible)

Sometimes I can read a portion of Scripture and walk away thinking I know what it is saying, only to discover later that one aspect completely escaped me. This morning that aspect that is being seen is from the phrase, “know the truth.” To me, it meant the taking in knowledge. To be told something, to read something, to hear something would equate knowing it and would hence lead to freedom. This morning I realized that I was confusing knowing ‘about’ something with knowing it.

I know that knowing about someone is different from actually knowing them and being in relationship with them. Knowing about a certain food is different from actually tasting it. Knowing about an activity is different from knowing it from experience. Cognitive knowledge is not the same as experiential knowledge. It is no different in the spiritual realm.

This is explaining to me why I can spend years searching Scripture, reading books, sitting under wise counsel, and even praying and still live with a sense that areas of my life have not been affected or transformed past the surface. Mindsets, actions, and heart issues remain pretty much unchanged and I am now seeing why. It is not due to a lack of desire or lack of knowledge. It is due to knowing more ’about’ the truth than actually knowing the truth. To understand it, perceive it, feel it, take it to heart, apply it, but most of all to depend on the Spirit of God to get it into the deepest part of me.

I have the ability to change my actions and modify my behavior but that will only be a temporary fix at best. I thank God for individuals who have shared profound truth with me over the years, but because they are simply people and not God, they did not have the ability to get that truth fully into me even though many times that is what I looked for them to do. My heart needs to change and my mind needs to be renewed through God’s Word and by God’s Spirit. Then and only then will I begin to walk in freedom.

Father, I have often looked to people and books to help me change. While they can give me knowledge ONLY You can help me truly know. Free me through the truth as I come to know it not just know about it. Amen.

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

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

What Knowing Means

So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." John 8:31, 32 (New American Standard Bible)

I have been intrigued with today’s verse….particularly the phrase “know the truth.” Too often, I limit that to mere cognitive knowledge, instead of the life changing and life freeing KNOWING of truth that Jesus was talking about. That is one of the reasons I can take in a lot of truth but fail to see it make any real difference in me. When I really GET something it makes a difference! I could see this but still needed a deeper picture. Something that would make sense to me. So I did some research and learned something about the original meaning of the word “know”. It is derived from the Greek word Ginosko and means to learn, to know, to get a knowledge of, and perceive. In addition to those words, it also means to feel and THAT was the word I needed!

One of the struggles I often have (and I believe many people have) is with feelings and emotions that run contrary to actual truth…in other words, perceived truth! Someone can tell me the truth and yet my core belief will really be from what I am feeling. I can be told to replace the lies with truth but that is ineffective if deep down inside I believe the lies are the truth. For instance, if I sense that someone thinks the worst of me, it doesn’t matter how many people tell me it isn’t true, I will remain a captive to my mindset. In actuality, my own thinking hinders me from being convinced of the truth that will bring freedom. At times, the battle rages profoundly!

Although I am not suppose to base what I believe on my feelings or emotions, God knows that many times I do! So He is letting me know that when I feel the truths I am taking in then I will fully know them and then they will make a difference in my life. My prayer then becomes, “Father, help me to feel the truth of the words being spoken to me. Help me to embrace them and live out of them. Please, convince me.”

It has taken quite a while for this to be a reality for me with regards to the truth about God and what He is really like. Now the work is being done in regards to the people in my life and the relationships I have with them. As I really come to know the truth about them I will then walk in freedom. Freedom from insecurities, suspicions, and self imposed condemnation. In some instances it is a painful process but I continue to rest in the fact that God always finishes what He starts.

Father, You offer me the truth and even cross my path with individuals who also offer me the truth. Help the truth to seem more believable to me than the lies. Amen.

My Redeemer Lives - Nicole C. Mullen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9p4G2GbPYQA&feature=related

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

Following the Examples

For I have given you this as an example, so that you should do (in your turn) what I have done to you. John 13:15 Amplified Bible

Who has influenced your life greatly? Who stepped in and reshaped the meaning, direction, and purpose of your life? Who nurtured your spirit, lifted your sites higher, and gave you a godly nudge in the right direction? Who did God use to impact not only your life, but your character, vision, and potential? For some, the list might be endless. For others it might hold the names of a precious few. They may have been members of your immediate family, part of the body of Christ, classmates, neighbors, or professionals. They may have remained in your life for years or for a brief span of time. But you know without a doubt you were forever changed because of them.

I would challenge you to do two things if possible. First, let them know. So often people have no idea how they’ve affected another individual and are quite surprised when they find out. Your words could bring a gift of significance to them. It could be just the reminder they need to see that God in fact did work through them. Your card, visit, email, or phone conversation could brighten their day and world in a special way. Don’t just tell them they impacted your life….give the details! With each word you will be celebrating their life, your life, and the combination of both!

The second thing you can do is be a living tribute of them. Determine by God’s grace and help you will take the opportunities to influence other lives. Ask God to show you creative, profound, and unique ways to shape another person’s existence. If nothing else, simply duplicate the words and actions that meant so much to you. Take the time to listen to others and learn what their needs are. There are people in your sphere of influence that no one else has the opportunities to reach like you do. Ask God to open your ears, eyes, and heart to another student of life.

That person who so greatly touched your life was the living example God placed in front of you at the right time and in the right place. Now you are that example to another person and God delights to see the interaction that is about to take place. What is forthcoming will be the greatest expression of “thank you” toward God and the people He used in your life.

I believe Heaven will be filled with revealed influences but let’s not wait until then. Sit back, close your eyes, make your list, share your appreciation, and then live your life determined to continue what was so graciously done for you!

Father, with a heart full of gratitude I thank you for the gifts you have given to me in other people. May I experience the joy of now being on the giving end! Amen.

Go Light Your World - Kathy Troccoli
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVSHCbolJew&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

Filling the Cavern

"He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'" John 7:38 (New American Standard Bible)

My innermost being. That place in me that is like a cavern of hunger and thirst. That part of me that I long to have filled. Jesus offers me (and you) a river of living water that flows in the depths of my internal world. That place was not made empty by my past experiences of life. It was in me before I took my first breath. Created in me by God to be filled by Him alone. That place in me that hungers and thirsts for significance, identity, love, acceptance, affirmation, and approval.

Some try to fill their voids with success, wealth, notoriety, accomplishments, possessions, positions, or education. Some, like myself, seek to fill the void with significant people. What we find in the end is that whatever amount of life’s “fill dirt” we shovel in, it never seems to reach the bottom or last long. I find that even the effects of the most special times and conversations begin to wane moments after they have taken place. My answer is to then go on a search for more and in the end my search is both futile and disappointing.

Jesus tells me that I am significant, loved, and valued because I am His. He speaks those words over and into my life, even though I have sought for it in other sources. This morning He is showing me how much of a bondage this is for me. Bondage to my needs. Bondage to my thoughts. Bondage to my search. At the same time He is reminding me that He came to set the captive free! I am that captive and I am in need of the freedom He offers.

Acknowledging the problem and seeing the root of that problem is only the first of many steps I am beginning to take. Recently, friends have told me I am persistent in my quest to find God’s love sufficient and to live out of that love. They are right. Of all the things I long for in this life, that is the ultimate desire of my heart. What encourages me the most is that I know it is God’s desire for me as well.

Father, my search has accomplished one thing…..it has pointed me to You. Show me how to let You fill up my innermost being with Your living water and presence. I am in need and I bring that need to You. Amen.

He Knows My Name - Maranatha Singers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXsiWoyjw60

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

When I Do Not Understand

Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.” John 13:7 (New King James Version)

I like Peter. He asks the questions every one else is pondering. Today’s verse is in response to his questioning of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet just hours before He would be arrested and later die on the cross. Jesus’ actions made no sense to Peter or the other disciples. Many are the times we question what God is doing and Jesus’ answer to Peter becomes our answer as well. “You do not understand now what I am doing but you will later on.”

Often times our ability to perceive what God is doing and why God is doing it is limited. For one, we are unable to see the full picture and we misunderstand God’s time frame. We attempt to figure it all out but in the end we don’t have a clue and when we try to ‘force’ our own interpretation into the situation we become like a little child trying to force a puzzle piece into the wrong place. Frustration and even anger can mark our path when we strain at God‘s un-understandable ways.

I look back at Bible characters and take note that they rarely understood what God was doing in their life. Joseph in prison for years. Ruth gleaning in the fields. Moses tending sheep in the wilderness. Mary and Martha at the funeral of their brother, Lazarus. Sarah, Hannah, and Elizabeth enduring years of infertility. In each case, they were being prepared and poised for a miracle! Joseph to be Prime Minister of Egypt. Ruth to marry Boaz and be part of the lineage of Christ. Moses to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt. Mary and Martha to see Lazarus’ resurrection. Sarah, Hannah, and Elizabeth to give birth to significant children….Abraham, Samuel, and John the Baptist. Their lack of understanding in no way rendered God powerless.

I have like the song by Twila Paris called “A Heart That Knows You.” A phrase stands out to me that references not understanding. "It may be for my sake just to help me grow. Maybe for Your kingdom, Lord. I don’t have to know." When I can voice those words back to Him it will evidence a heart that really does know Him even when I don’t understand.

Father, my understanding of what You are doing will not be complete until I see You face to face. Thank you for the grace to trust even when I don’t comprehend. I rest in the knowledge of You. Amen.

Warrior is a Child/ Do I Trust You - Twila Paris
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Pzu-jWpcdw

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

That Which Sets Us Free

The woman said to Him, "Sir, give me this water, so I will not be thirsty nor come all the way here to draw." He said to her, "Go, call your husband and come here." The woman answered and said, "I have no husband." Jesus said to her, "You have correctly said, 'I have no husband'; for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; this you have said truly." John 4:15-18 (New American Standard Bible)

Jesus pinpointed the area of struggle and shame in this unnamed woman’s story. It was the turning point of the conversation as well as her life. What she may have had no intention of sharing with a “stranger” was exactly what she opened up about to Him. What was hidden in the well of her heart flowed out with her words. Her sense of freedom, forgiveness, and wholeness was only possible with her honesty. When a person has no more to hide, it is then that they stop hiding and start living. It was true of this Samaritan woman and it is true of us as well.

So knowing this, what makes it so difficult for us to be honest and open with the people in our life? I am pondering that question in the early hours of this morning. One year ago today was my “woman at the well” experience with a trusted friend. The one thing I vowed I would NEVER discuss with her became part of our conversation and I sat in disbelief at what was coming out of my mouth. I was sharing not only a very personal aspect of myself but one that housed me in a robe of guilt, shame, disgust, and cringing. It was my personal demon of struggle and admitting it put me in a place of vulnerability and fear. I felt exposed, weak, defenseless, and susceptible admitting my well guarded secret and I was gripped with fear that sharing it would cause this person to walk away and sever the ties of our friendship. I was prepared for the worst but it never transpired. Instead of rejection I received acceptance. Instead of a lost relationship I received the assurance that we would walk through this issue together with God in the center. Instead of seeing my expectations played out I was given the hope of friendship, freedom, and a fresh start. I feared the worst but got the best and my mind desperately tried to wrap itself around the preciousness of it all. I am not the same person I was a year ago. The friendship has continued and slowly but surely more victories are coming. Neither is possible without honesty.

I learned that fear is my greatest hindrance to living the full life. It hinders me in my relationships, in taking risks, in being adventurous, and in living the life out of each moment. To be ruled by all the “what ifs” that I can think of is imprisonment of the worst kind because it places me behind walls of distrust and lies. Last year, Jesus gave me the key to my own freedom and I used it. Each time I choose to take continual steps forward the result is always best! May I never go back again!

Father, quiet any voices in me that would seek to recapture and imprison me. May Your love continue to cast out any and all fear. Amen.

Who Am I? - Casting Crowns
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VU_rTX23V7Q

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

Seeing the Advantages

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Temporary Times

When He had said this, He spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and applied the clay to his eyes, and said to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which is translated, Sent) So he went away and washed, and came back seeing. John 9:6, 7 (New American Standard Bible)

I have been thinking today of not only this miracle account in Scripture but many that played out in similar fashion. Every physical situation imaginable… blindness, deafness, leprosy, cripples, paralysis, demon possession, epilepsy….were no match for Jesus’ pronouncement of healing. What I find fascinating is that in each case the problem was permanently gone! This man who was blind from birth and received his sight, did not spend the rest of his life battling any trace of blindness. His sight was his from that point on. In each case where a miracle had happened the healing was permanent…excluding the raising of the dead who later died again. Their healing was complete and permanent.

I long for Jesus to apply a type of clay to my soul and heal me of my internal issues as profoundly and permanently as the physical healings I read of in Scripture. To no longer be confronted with returning bouts of sadness, emotional dependency, loneliness, and heartaches. When I have a good day I mistakenly think it is permanent. I have felt healed and even proclaimed it, only to eventually see the “healing” fade and the issues resurface. I have come to realize one thing. What I often deem as a healing is more of a temporary reprieve. It is a restful time but not a permanent place. At those times, it feels good to laugh and smile. How disheartening when the laughter dies down and the smile subsides. How anti climatic to realize I am living in a fallen world, with a fallen nature, and weaknesses too numerous to count. I despise the patterns and cycles!

Today has been a day of understanding the ebb and flow of my emotions. I am accepting the fact that permanent relief will most likely not be mine until I leave this world and become a permanent resident of Heaven. Strangely enough, this is comforting for me to realize. It takes away the pressure to be perfect and puts a stop to the condemning thoughts that I am doing something wrong. I want to begin noticing the many emotional reprieves God blesses me with throughout each day rather than cringing at the failures. While I cannot claim a healing for now, I can rejoice in progress made and with that I smile.

Father, just when I think the abundant life is out of reach for me, You come and comfort me. In the midst of every emotional battle, move me forward. Amen.

I Have A Shelter
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhmS6VvPm84&feature=PlayList&p=F0BA1ACD8C2BFC55&index=54

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

Losing Sight of Others

He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30 (King James Version)

John’s words were clear and to the point to any who looked to him as their leader, guide, teacher, or source. The Message Bible puts it this way, This is the assigned moment for him to move into the center, while I slip off to the sidelines. The NIV puts it this way, He must become greater; I must become less. However it reads, the truth I must grasp is the necessity to fix my attention on Jesus more than on His messengers and servants. It is an ongoing struggle for me to do so. I know myself too well. I have a propensity toward becoming enamored with people. I have experienced making significant people the center of my world and I have experienced the pain of having that world crumble. I am not proud of this aspect of myself but I am aware of it and honest about it. I see it for what it is and desire change.

This weekend I had the privilege of attending a Beth Morre simulcast. Of all the things I took away with me (and there was plenty to take away) the most profound aspect was a prayer I have begun to voice to God. My prayer is that He would give me a heart that delights in Him, is enamored with Him, excited about Him, passionate for Him, and fully captivated by Him. I long for Him to not only be the center of my world but to be my world! As far as I am concerned, there is no other way to pull my heart away from people and on to Himself. The idols of my heart will not lose their grip on me or place in me until He takes center stage.

Recently, God has begun showing me aspects of my heart, addictions, and longings, and the view is not pretty. The issues are many and at times over whelming. I feel like a small child holding a large tangled ball of yarn. If left on my own, untangling it is too daunting. Today was a day I lifted the ball of yarn to Jesus and, with tears streaming down my face, asked Him to help me straighten out the mess. I am desperate to be whole and healed. I am hungry to know what it is like to walk in freedom with a sense of security and identity that can only be found in Christ.

The journey I am on has taken a turn. I use to view it as a path to walk on in various terrains. Now it has become a frozen pond on which to skate. I have the skates on and am on the pond. But learning to skate entails many falls and hard landings. I am aware that the ability to stay up and move more gracefully will come with time. For now, each time I fall must be followed by a decision to stand up again. To try again. To get a little further. Each time.

Father, the support beams have been removed once again. You are my hope. Teach me to look to You. Help me to delight in You and live with the awareness that You delight in me. I stand up again and move forward. Amen.

You Are My All In All - Dennis Jernigan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9Up58OEtps

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

Knowing Where I Stand

No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. John 15:15 (New King James Version)

Intimacy! I still do not fully grasp God’s intimate view of me as His daughter. Through out Scripture I am given terms that define my relationship to Him. His sheep, servant, child, clay, vessel, messenger, vine, bride…..FRIEND! What does that mean? In personal terms it means one who is dear to me, one in whom I delight, one in whose company I long to be, one I talk to often, one who is on my mind a lot, one who takes priority, one whose love I am confident of, one whom I continually get to know, one who shares my heart and theirs, one who shares their world with me, and one I love with abandon.

Nothing hinders my delight in a friendship more than the uncertainty of the other person’s feelings toward me. When I perceive they no longer want a relationship with me I shut down. I no longer feel at ease to approach them because of my own fear of rejection. It is a measure of self protection that can be costly. Where once I may have felt entirely loved and accepted by them, I now expect the opposite. There is such a difference between feeling tolerated and feeling loved. Does it hurt? Yes! Is there a need for healing within myself? Absolutely! God is daily letting me know that whether my thoughts and feelings are justified or not, He must be my constant resort for comfort and renewal. While I may not always know another person’s heart, His heart is openly revealed in His Word.

For years I viewed Him as harsh, unloving, uncaring, and merely tolerating of me. I knew He loved others but felt I was not among the chosen few. How deceived I was! With such a distorted view of Him, I hesitated to seek relationship with Him. The very things that are necessary to be intimate with Him--prayer and being in His Word--were sporadic at best. I could not conceive of the fact that His endearing terms were meant for me as well. Oh, the change that came when the truth finally sunk in. He graciously opened my ears to His words of love, delight, and friendship! It changed the way I viewed Him, related to Him, and heard Him. May I never stop letting Him show me where I might still be blind to His face and deaf to His voice.

Father, all that You have to say to me, I want to digest to the fullest. With You I no longer feel insecure, uncertain, or excluded. You have called me Your friend! Amen.

The Motions - Matthew West
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaHmiFaX_pk&feature=PlayList&p=F0BA1ACD8C2BFC55&index=39

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

Where’s the Peace?

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. John 14:27 (New American Standard Bible)

That which Jesus gives to us is always irrevocable. The same peace He gave to His disciples in the upper room on the very night He was to be arrested and beaten, is the peace He gives to each one who comes to Him for salvation. No matter the circumstances of one’s life, no matter the situations they find themselves in, no matter what, the peace that He gives is within us. Just as the stars are still present during the day when they cannot be seen, so is the peace Christ gives even when it cannot be felt or experienced.

What exactly is the peace Christ gives? A state of tranquility, harmony, security, safety, prosperity, assurance, quietness, restfulness, and being undisturbed. If that is the case, why does it seem like that is missing from our life at times? It is not missing, it is just not apparent. The reason for that sense of loss varies, but it all comes down to other things clouding our view and dulling our senses to its presence and reality.

I woke this morning with a fresh sense of peace….Christ’s peace was profound. Why? There was the absence of turmoil. Thoughts of rejection, distrust, loneliness, and frustration were not marking my path. Relationships seemed right. Truth was prevailing. Skewed thinking was arrested. It was so intense for me because so often it doesn’t seem to be my experience. Why? Because I have a sin nature and an enemy of my soul who is intent and persistent at seeking to destroy me.

My answer to this dilemma is to daily practice dieing to myself, opening my clenched fists to all that I should give over to God, resisting the enemy when his calling cards are present, centering my thoughts on the Philippians 4:8 list, turning my focus toward the One who gave me peace to start with, seeking opportunities to encourage others, and living out of the abundance of all that God continually gives to me.

As a child of God, I am called to walk in the light not the darkness. I am called to love others not judge them. I am called to embrace who I am in Christ. All that God calls me to do He equips me to do. When anything gets in the way of that, His peace is still in me but I am far from experiencing the reality of it. When that is the case, it is imperative that I seek out the cause and remedy the situation God’s way. The result will always be a fresh realization of what has been in me all along….peace.

Father, thank you for the profoundness of Your peace in me this morning. I have settled for less but desire to change. Amen.

Spirit of the Living God
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShhUWVKZnEk

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

Living Informed

I will not speak much more with you, for the ruler of the world is coming, and he has nothing in Me; but so that the world may know that I love the Father, I do exactly as the Father commanded Me. Get up, let us go from here. John 14:30, 31 (New American Standard Bible)

Growth and victory in the Christian life is built on truth. Truth about God, truth about myself, and truth about the enemy of my soul, Satan. For too long I either forgot about him, ignored him, underestimated him, or limited his effectiveness on me. God is bringing me from that state to one of awareness and offensiveness. The list of what I should speak to him is growing and as it does I am being empowered to live life as God meant for me to live it all along.

Jesus’ phrase, “he has nothing in Me” was made clearer in the Amplified Bible. Having nothing in Me means he has no claim on Me. [He has nothing in common with Me; there is nothing in Me that belongs to him, and he has no power over Me.] No claim, no common ground, no possession, and no power! And what he doesn’t have in regards to Christ, he doesn’t have in regards to me. My first thought was that I could not wait to inform him of my newly found facts. Why is that necessary? Because as long as I believe he is less or more powerful than he is, he will have the upper hand in my life. But when I face him with the truth it clears the way for me walk in obedience to God and move forward.

Jesus does not want us to live obsessed with the enemy but neither does He want us to live in ignorance of him and for many of us that has been the problem. Ignorant of his methods, schemes, and nature. All of that is brought to the forefront each time I insist that he back off! When that happens, my mind is freed up to focus on God and His working in my life. My energy is directed toward the tasks at hand. Something as simple as listening to a sermon without distractions of needs being met and wondering what the people around me are thinking becomes possible. It also, strengthens me in areas that have been weak and helps me to be better able to fight off attacks in the future. It is a new lease on life and I am taking it!

At the beginning of this week I had come to the end of myself and my heart’s cry was for God to show me what was wrong and what to do about it. I was certain that there were too many quirks and places of brokenness in me to ever walk in victory. It seemed I could not win over the onslaughts of emotions, perceptions, and knee-jerk reactions. What I brought to God was a plea for help and fighting the enemy with wisdom and the Word has been God’s answer and gift to me. It is working and I am beyond excited!

Father, You are faithfully bringing me out of the darkness and into the light. I joy in what You are doing and how You are doing it! Amen.

Worship Song - Maranatha Singers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMpbm2p-1mo

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

Knowing Ahead of Time

I have told you this now, before it happens, so that when it happens, you will believe. John 14:29 (New Century Version)

Jesus’ words to His disciples came while He was telling them of His departure. Numerous times He told them of what lay ahead…His arrest, crucifixion, and subsequent resurrection. He wanted them to know that things would change but this wasn’t meant to scare them. It was meant to help them live in truth. Jesus understood how easily people can be led into false sources of security and permanence. He knew their perception was one that He would remain with them in a physical body and proceed to establish His kingdom here on earth. To allow them to continue to live with such a view would not be acting out of love. It would set them up for a huge amount of disappointment when the end would come of what they knew. At the time, it was hard for them to take in all that He was telling them but that did not stop Him from saying what they needed to hear.

I have known the tragic result of thinking something was permanent when it wasn’t. Of looking at a relationship through rose colored glasses with the belief that it would never go through changes much less end. My purpose was never to do without significant this individual. My purpose was to continue to live under the safe canopy of her encouraging words, giving heart, and well of wisdom. It was where I was at and where I wanted to stay. Oh, the devastation that awaits us when we refuse to see the truth. When change did come to the relationship I feasted on, I took it as rejection and abandonment, instead of God directed and God purposed change. It has been a long and arduous road out of my valley of grief and heartache.

How different a present relationship is. I am aware of the tentative nature of this relationship. I am aware of a time coming when the scope, purpose, and necessity of this relationship will cease to be. Not the entire relationship but this aspect of it. I am aware of it because we have talked about it and it was presented to me in such a way that I could understand. My desire is no longer to continually live under the watchful care of the one God is presently using. My desire is to know God in such a way that when the time comes for change I will walk prepared and ready for that change. I can so easily go into the mode of one who hunkers down and waits for an approaching storm but that is merely self-preparation. In prayer, last night, God let me know the preparations of my heart are from Him. As I walk in obedience and openness to Him, He will get me ready for upcoming transitions.

Father, You don’t always tell me the things that lie ahead, but this time You knew that I needed to know. I will forever be grateful for such knowledge. Amen.

My Life is in Your Hands - Kathy Troccoli
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlmYxZAgrGI

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

Without Sight

Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29 (New King James Version)

I remember as a 14 year old, reading this verse for the very first time and seeing the personal significance. It was the first time I had read Scripture and knew it was talking about ME because I was one who had believed in Christ without seeing Him with my physical eyes. Now, three and a half decades later, I am seeing a new truth come alive to me as I once again read this verse.

The Bible says that God is good, works all things together for good, and has purposed good things for our life. It also says He makes roads in the wilderness, gives beauty for ashes, and is conforming us to image of His Son. Some of us, like Thomas, live with a “I have to see it to believe it” mentality. We hold out believing with abandon until we actually SEE what God is doing, how things will turn out, why things are happening, where God is taking us, and when whatever we are experiencing will be over with. When we can finally see what God is purposing and doing we then make our proclamations of faith in Him. In other words, we believe He is Who He says He is and can do what He says He can do when we see it with our own eyes.

Today’s verse can be a personal invitation to us if we allow it. Jesus is saying to each of us, “Believe Me even when you don’t yet see all that I am doing and why I am doing it. The blessing comes as you walk in confidence even without the full picture and all the answers knowing that My view is really the only view that counts.”

I joy in the fact that THAT is the kind of God I love and serve. No matter what is transpiring in my life, He can be trusted, depended upon, believed in, and followed whether or not I understand and see everything. He already knows the end of each story of my life and my confidence in Him does not have to be weakened in the slightest by what I do or don’t see with my physical eyes. Eternity will reveal ALL the things I may question now, but I don’t have to wait until then to take hold of His hand and walk with boldness now. As far as God is concerned, it is ALL a done deal now even before it has begun.

Father, You’ve seen the tears, fears, and questions of my heart countless times. Now may You see the kind of faith that brings blessing. Amen.

God Will Make A Way - Don Moen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RmdzX5XPpM

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.

Platform Living

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33 (New International Version)

Some would read this verse this morning and groan, because the only thing they seem to be experiencing is the tribulation. Peace illudes them, good cheer is absent, and they wonder at the ‘overcoming’ part. If that is you today, may this devotional serve as a lifeline to you. Jesus’ intent is that we experience ALL the promises of this verse. Not to just stick our toe in His pool of words, but to plunge in and saturate ourselves with the hope in which He wants us to immerse ourselves!

This is one of those verses that has a sandwiche principle. The fact of tribulation in this life is sandwiched between the promises of peace and good cheer (taking heart). What does tribulation look like? It comes in many forms. It can be the pressures, hurts, disappointments, afflictions, anguish, burdens, turmoil, persecutions, troubles, or trials of life. Jesus does not want to leave us with the idea that the abundant life He promised would be absent of hardships. If we do not see that truth we will set ourselves up for disillusionment, confusion, and tremendous misunderstanding.

In the midst of the struggles Jesus makes available to us His peace, quietness, rest, and even prosperity. He invites us to live with good cheer, comfort, courage, boldness, and confidence. How? By seeing Him as the Overcomer to all of life. He subdued, conquered, and won the conquest at Calvary. Being in relationship with Him empowers me to live as a conquerer with a quiet boldness even in the midst of life’s difficulties. If nothing else, I stand on the premise that God is able to work all things out for my good and His glory.

As a devotional once reminded me, I can view my tribulations as “a platform for the display of His almighty grace and power.” It is up to me how I choose to live on that platform. I can curl up into a ball of pain, misery, and victimization, or I can accept God’s invitation to live life to the fullest with Him. While there will be tears shed along the way, I want to learn to sing, dance, and celebrate atop the platform!

Father, teach me to not only acknowledge the difficulties of life but to simultaneously proclaim Your Person, power, and presence at the center of it all. May I partner with You in my platform living! Amen.

In The Potters Hand - Hillsong (HQ sound)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=6beNoG0H0E0&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.

He Must Increase

He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30 (New American Standard Bible)

John the Baptist not only spoke these words to his disciples but he believed them. He lived them. He knew preeminence and prominence were Christ’s alone. What had to decrease was his image, his ministry, his position, his standing, his focus, his message, his influence, his following, his time, his will. None of that was a threat to him but rather a foundation for rejoicing. He knew better than to have it any other way. Others had to be taught the truth that epitomized his life…that of following, loving, and worshiping Christ with abandon.

I have found that allowing Christ to increase leads to the decrease of other things. But it is so easy to mistakenly try to reverse that order. I can often times draw the false conclusion that if I make things less important than I will more easily make Christ more important. He reminds me that is earthly thinking. Kingdom thinking knows that drawing closer to Him will lead to drawing away from that which is in competition for my heart.

I am asking myself this morning as Christ increases, what or who must decrease in my life? The answer lies in who or what has the majority of my attention and affections. That which my mind is consumed with on a continual basis. It is always me as a whole that must decrease. But along with that it is other people, problems, situations, aspirations, interests, failures, areas of bondage, schedule, or idols of my heart. It is not a matter of behavior modification but rather internal transformation. It comes not by squelching or suppressing what is in me but rather in pursuing God with all my heart, soul, and mind. The more He increases the more the others will decrease. It is the natural result of seeing Him for all He is and Who He is.

I know what it is like to have a person or thing become so important to me that it becomes the center of my life. Christ reminds me that is His place alone. I know what it is like to engage my heart in the throws of an unhealthy, unbalanced relationship. Christ reminds me balance will only come as I stay in intimate relationship with Him. I know what it is like to place all my hopes and dreams on something or someone outside of Christ. He reminds me He alone must be the One I direct my heart and worship toward. I know what it is like to attempt to derive my identity, worth, and significance from relationships or accomplishments. Christ reminds He is the true Source for each of those areas. What I know and what He continually reminds me of is a huge aspect of this journey.

Father, increase! Amen.