Serving Two Masters

No servant is able to serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stand by and be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (riches, or anything in which you trust and on which you rely). Luke 16:13 (Amplified Bible)

Dare to take this verse further than the love of money and it will change your life. Serving two masters is done anytime something or someone is in competition with God for our heart. It could be money and it could also be relationships, job status, financial security, success, bitterness, refusal to forgive, prolonged grief, or any other person or thing we view as necessary for our own survival. Just as our minds can only think of one thing at a time, our hearts can only embrace one thing at a time. It is God or ____________ and each of us would do well to identify what is in the blank. If nothing comes to mind, ask God to reveal it to you. He is an expert at showing us the things to which we are blind.

I have often said, God does not reveal truths to us about ourselves to shame or condemn us but rather to heal, restore, and free us. If I have a master other than God that I am holding to and serving, my freedom will only come as I acknowledge it and release it. Depending on the strength of its hold on me the process of letting go may involve a lot of time. I am learning that the quicker I deal with it the quicker the freedom will come.

It is not easy to release what depicts security and value to us. That which we treasure in our heart and view as necessary for our life will be the hardest to relinquish. But unless we are willing to release our grip, our hold will be on the wrong source. I speak as one who has known the full impact of having my “second” master be a person, an attitude, a passion, a position, an addiction, and a loss. Yet none of those things could or should be to me what God desires to be to me.

None could say, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” None could love me with an everlasting love. None could die for my sins and secure a place in Heaven for me. None could create me with a purpose and move Heaven and Earth to bring about that purpose. None but God. When it is He whom I serve, He whom I love, He whom I am devoted to, and He whom I stand by I am in the right place in my life. That is when there is true peace, joy, and delight in living.

Father, You offer me so much when You offer me Yourself. Help me to choose You above all others every minute of every day. Be my only Master. Amen.

Be Thou My Vision - David Arkenstone: Celtic Hymns
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMttnek4868

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

Overshadowed By His Power

The Holy Spirit will come upon you , and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Luke 1:35 (New American Standard Bible)

When Mary wanted to know how she (as a virgin) would conceive the Son of God, an angel spoke these words to her. The impossible would be possible because of the Holy Spirit coming upon her and God’s power enveloping her. As a believer, it is imperative that I hear God speak these words to me as well. They become the ‘how to’ behind Philippians 4:13 which says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

I found it interesting that the word overshadow appears in only two other instances in Scripture. It is mentioned at the Mount of Transfiguration in reference to the cloud overshadowing Christ, Moses, and Elijah. And it is mentioned in Acts 5:15 when people placed sick people along the street desiring Peter’s shadow to overshadow them. But when I stop to think of the displays of God’s power throughout Scripture I see the essence of His Spirit and His power overshadowing people, circumstances, and events. God is still in the business of investing His power and strength in us in order to bring about His fruit, healing, restoration, salvation, and purpose.

Each of us step into this day with the need for God to intersect our world and intervene on our behalf. Whatever we are called upon to do will only be possible with His Spirit in and upon us and His power overshadowing us. It is His power and presence that supercedes our own. He must be predominant and preeminent in our life.

I want to bring this truth down to our every day life. What is it we must have God’s power to do….today? What is it we must ask God for the ability to do? It could be any number of things: witnessing, showing love, overcoming an addiction, embracing forgiveness, surviving a loss, standing in faith, overcoming a fear, taking a stand for righteousness, living outside comfort zones, changing jobs, extending a hand in friendship, breaking off an unhealthy friendship. The list is endless. But when I know God has put me in any number of situations I know the ability to do what He calls me to do is found in His Spirit working in me and His power overshadowing me. Overshadowing my weaknesses, my limitations, my fears, my hesitations. God will make sure I can do all things through Christ.

Father, life is less daunting when I hear You whisper Your promises to me. Amen.

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

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

Living With the Truth

After these days Elizabeth his wife became pregnant, and she kept herself in seclusion for five months, saying, “This is the way the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked with favor upon me, to take away my disgrace among men.” Luke 1:24, 25 (New American Standard Bible)

My Bible note says that “not only did lack of children deprive the parents of personal happiness, but it was generally considered to indicate divine disfavor and often brought social reproach.” In this verse, Elizabeth proclaimed the truth against all the wrong perceptions, misjudgments, and looks of disdain she had lived with for decades. She reveled in God’s favor for five months in seclusion. When she finally stepped out into her neighborhood the truth was obvious!

Many of us can relate with this aspect of Elizabeth’s life. We have all experienced the wrong interpretations of our life by those with limited sight, limited faith, and limited love. For too many years we allowed other people to define truth for us and felt it was necessary to align ourselves with their opinions. It felt safer to just go along with the multitudes. But the result was that we lived our Christian lives out of fear, disconnection with God, and performance.

In the spring of 2004, I learned that God’s love is not dependent on what I do and that His Word is alive and applicable to my life. I learned that He desires an intimate relationship with me whereby He directs my daily walk. His desire is that I look to Him for comfort, counsel, and wisdom. Learning that I could have a one on one relationship with the Creator of the universe completely changed the way I lived my Christian life.

Yet, all of that brought about a sense of being misunderstood, misjudged, or rejected by some brothers and sisters in Christ. It hurt when others looked down on the very things I had come to love. It tested the very truths I had come to embrace in my life. Although it was painful, I learned a valuable lesson through it. I had a choice to make on a daily basis. I could fold to the pressure, climb back in the box of well defined expectations, and resume an empty, performance based Christian life. OR I could live under the banner of “Christ alone” whereby my daily review of truth became, “Christ alone defines me. Christ alone guides me. Christ alone satisfies me. Christ alone transforms me. Christ alone molds me into the image of Himself.” I chose and still choose Christ alone!

Father, some will not understand or see Your work in me. I rest in the fact that You and I know the truth. I come to You each time. Amen.

In Christ Alone - Stuart Townend
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESlhrn8efl0&feature=related

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

The Price Tag for Unbelief

And behold, you shall be silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time. Luke 1:20 (New American Standard Bible)

The price for Zacharias’ unbelief was high! He would remain silent (unable to verbally communicate) until Elizabeth would give birth to their son. That would be nine months or possibly longer depending on when she actually conceived. As a person who LOVES to talk, I look at this and I instantly go into a panic mode! The ramifications are huge! He would not be able to say anything out loud at all. Not even in his prayers. The silence on his part would be a constant reminder that God’s words would be fulfilled. I take comfort in the fact that his unbelief did not cause God to cancel his plans all together. And I take comfort in the fact that the fulfillment of God’s promises is in HIS time.

But I am asking myself if in this day and age we also pay a high price for our unbelief. The answer I am getting is YES! No matter what the circumstance in our life, unbelief has a price. It is usually exacted in sleepless nights, ulcers, tension headaches, bitterness, bottled up anger, loss of joy, and souls that lack peace, contentment, and security. We often think the circumstances and people in our life bring these things on, but that is not true! It ultimately comes down to what I believe about God and His care of me.

My interpretation of events in my life take on a whole new look when I realize everything that comes into my life is first filtered through the mind, heart, and hands of God. There are countless verses that I must speak over my life in order to get the right perspective of things. No matter how unfair something seems, how unkind someone acts, how unclear the path ahead looks, how misjudged I may be, or how uncomfortable life becomes, I am not an exception to the promises God gives me in His Word.

I have a choice in the midst of waiting for God’s promises to be fulfilled to me. I can review His character and rest in His love or I can go through the time with uncomfortable consequences for my unbelief. There is a part of this journey that depends on what I choose to do. God is faithful no matter what!

Father, keep teaching me the truth about Your work, Your promises, and Your word. May my pathway be filled with joy as I wait on You. Amen.

I Have a Hope - Tommy Walker
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSbJtqYow3Q&feature=related

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

The Ones He Sent My Way

The angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.“ Luke 1:19(New American Standard Bible)

God has often brought to my mind a list of significant women He has profoundly used in my life. Some were my age but most were older. From the time I was fourteen through to the present God has lovingly allowed our paths to cross.

Some came specifically to show me the love of Christ in a human form. They were the “skin” God chose to wrap around the concepts of His Word. I am a visual person. I understand things much clearer when I can see a picture of it. They gave me a visual picture in themselves of what tenderness, concern, loyalty, compassion, love, forgiveness, and nurturing looked like. Every time I couldn’t seem to grasp a concept for myself, God would place one of these individuals in front of me, turn my face toward them, and say, “See?! THAT is what I mean.” They lived the very things I needed to learn. I praise Him for their living examples to me.

Others came to speak to me and help me understand truths about God that I desperately needed. It was through their words to me that I could begin to take in the truth that God’s love is not dependent on what I do, that God’s view of me is richer and fuller than I ever dreamed, that God longs for a personal relationship with me, that He loves me, delights in me, and cherishes me.

The first few times I heard these things they were merely seeds being planted in my mind and heart. But with time and much repetition they have begun to take root and grow. They are continually “watered” with prayer, Scripture, books, music, speakers, and friends. I now have the joy of planting seeds in other women as I share with them the very things others have shared with me.

In Bible times, God sent angels and prophets to deliver messages to His people. Today we have His Word and yet He still sends individuals our way to teach, encourage, and mentor us. It is my desire to drink that in and disperse it to others for the rest of my life!

Father, I thank You for the women who have made such a profound impact on my life. May I faithfully and joyfully give to others what I have been abundantly blessed to receive from their hands and Yours. Amen.

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

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

What Stands in the Way?

Then Moses said to the LORD, "Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue." Exodus 4:10 (New American Standard Bible)

When God called Moses to go to Egypt as His spokesperson and to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt, Moses had two responses that he felt stood in the way of God’s plan working. First, he pointed to the possibility that the people would not listen to him or believe God had really spoken to him. God’s response? Moses was given three miraculous signs to give as proof that God had spoken to him. Second, he presented his limitation of a speech impediment. He did not see himself as a great orator and believed that would stand in the way of the message he was to deliver. God’s response? I made the mouth and I know what I am doing. While Moses could see the problems he was missing the power that came from God alone.

Am I not guilty of the same thing every time I allow my thoughts and fears to stand in the way when it comes to sharing my faith? I can so easily focus on how I think others will respond and how I might not say things just right. I can then allow those fears to stop me from even opening my mouth. When that happens, I miss the truth of what God is able to do. The results of witnessing must always be left up to Him. He alone can open the ears, eyes, and hearts of individuals to receive truth about the gospel. He chooses to use us with all our weaknesses and limitations as sharers of the good news! Rather than be a hindrance to God, our inabilities showcase His power and might.

Just as in the case of Moses, God knows what He is doing and who He wants to use to do it. The more the weaknesses the more profoundly it is seen that the results are coming from Him. We are the ones who deem ourselves unqualified and unusable, NOT God! God wants us to see that He can use our experiences, failures, weaknesses, personalities, deficiencies, and handicaps as we share His Word to keep us dependent on Him. Will everyone listen to and accept what we tell them? No, just like Pharaoh and the Egyptians did not listen to Moses. That was not due to Moses’ lack of skill but rather their heart condition.

We often mistakenly think if people do not accept God’s message then we have failed at presenting it in the right way. Not true! We have only failed if we have failed to share!

Father, may my confidence to witness to others be found in You. May I begin opening my mouth and then trust You to work and accomplish things in ways that only You can. Amen.

How Great is Our God - Chris Tomlin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKLQ1td3MbE

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

Words That Are Still For Us

Zechariah was troubled when he saw the angel, and fear gripped him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah.” Luke 1:12, 13a (New American Standard Bible)

It seems that every time an angel appeared to a person in Bible times, this same scenario was played out. The person was fearful and the angel spoke the same four words, “Do not be afraid.” It may not be angels appearing and sending us into a state of fear but life’s circumstances can certainly do the trick.

Fear is that uneasy, sometimes extreme, feeling that comes over us when we think we are in danger (real or imagined). There are many things that can bring this on. It may be rejection, failure, the unknown, the future, death, loss, financial ruin, sickness, disease, etc…. It seems that the things we fear the most are the things we cannot control. Difficult circumstances can leave us feeling like the passenger in a car that is traveling on icy roads or up a winding mountain trail. Because OUR hands are not on the steering wheel and OUR feet are not on the peddles, we can feel uneasy, uncomfortable, and nervous. Often, life can make us feel that way if we are not purposefully reviewing truth in our minds. While we may not have an angel standing in front of us telling us not to be afraid, we do have the Word of God whispering those very words to us.

When my heart is gripped with fear and a feeling of uneasiness has enveloped me I simply need to begin embracing my heavenly Father’s words to me. He has promised me that He will never leave me, that He is working all things out for good, that He will protect me, that He will provide me with everything I need, that He is watching over me, that I am inscribed on the palms of His hands, that He has a plan and purpose for my life, that He will give me strength, that He is always with me, that everything passes through Him before it gets to me. He is my rock, my fortress, my high tower, my protector, and my strength.

A friend sent me a quote that I just love. It is one more reminder of how I can view things that normally would make me fearful. “When we come to the edge of the light we know, and are about to step off into the darkness of the unknown, of this we can be sure ... either God will provide something solid to stand on or ... we will be taught to fly.” May today, we feel the sure footedness of being on the solid Rock or His wind beneath our wings!

Father, may my trust in and of You far outweigh my fears. May You be more real to me than the things I see, feel, and fear. Amen.

Can't Live A Day - Avalon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsgY5mYbMoo

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

More Choice Than Chance

According to the custom of the priestly office, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. Luke 1:9 (New American Standard Bible)

In Bible times, it was customary to make determinations and judgments by a process called ‘casting lots.’ This usually entailed putting a number of stones in a bag and drawing out one. Or in the case of the high priest there was the Urim and Thummim which was used to determine God’s will. Lots were cast to determine the possession of land by the tribes of Israel, to reveal a guilty party as in the cases of Achan, Jonathan, and Jonah, to choose a replacement for Judas, and even to determine which priest would enter the temple to burn incense as in the case of Zechariah. This was a common practice and apparently approved by God for there is no reference in these accounts that God condemned the practice.

Can you imagine making a decision today in what appears to be by ’chance’? Sometimes we have several options and they all seem to be valid and equal. Would we dare write them down on pieces of paper, put them in a bag, and allow the one we draw out to be God’s will for us? I get nervous just thinking about it. And yet that was a common practice in Bible times. Then I am reminded of Proverbs 16:33 which says, “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.” What seems to be chance and blind choosing still comes down to God’s sovereignty.

It is easy to become concerned that wrong choices will be made in the course of our day, but above it all I must remember that God is still in control. That is not to say sinful choices will not have consequences. But ultimately God will direct thoughts, opportunities, and decisions in such a way (without violating our free will) to accomplish whatever it is He wants to accomplish.

This gives me a great deal of assurance and security. To realize the Creator of the universe is so personally involved in my life, shifts the weight of responsibility for my life to the shoulders of my heavenly Father. I no longer have to worry if I am in the right place at this time in my life. I no longer have to play the mind game of “what if”. I have gone back many times to decisions I have made in the past that have drastically changed the course of my life. It is easy to second guess myself and wonder if I somehow ’messed up’ God’s plans for my life. But Proverbs 16:9reminds me “The mind of a man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.”

Father, I feel safe in Your hands. What has seemed like my own choices have really been the puzzle pieces to the portrait of my life that You are putting together. I trust You! Amen.

Be Still My Soul- Selah
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9zHn4QSH-8&feature=related

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

Seeing the Truth About the Lies

Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commandments and regulations blamelessly. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years. Luke 1:6,7 (New International Version)

Discouragement is rooted in lies. The enemy of our soul enjoys nothing more than to take the circumstances of our life and weave his own story of interpretation for us. He loves to tell us that “this is happening because _____________.” If we are not careful, if we are not grounded in the truth, we will buy into the lies and become discouraged.

When tragedy upon tragedy struck in Job’s life his “friends” were quick to tell him that he must have been doing something wrong and God was judging him for it. When Paul was bitten by a snake the people assumed he must have done something wrong and although he lived through a ship wreck God was carrying out a judgment against him. The disciples thought a man was born blind because of his sin or his parent’s sin. In each of these scenarios nothing was further from the truth!

I have known friends who struggled with infertility. Some battle the lies that they must be doing something wrong. They feel like there are hoops God must want them to jump through before He will finally allow them to conceive a child. Questions flood their minds as they wrestle with their own thoughts. What lesson are they suppose to learn? What amount of faith are they to muster up? What attitude do they need to correct? Is it hopeless? Not only do they struggle with these internal issues, but “friends” make it a point to say inappropriate things that further discourage them.

While I cannot relate with their infertility, I am sure Elizabeth could. Just in case she or others would draw the wrong conclusion, the first part of this passage lets me know she and her husband had their lives and priorities in order. They were called upright, obedient, and blameless. Elizabeth’s barrenness was not a punishment from God but rather a backdrop to a miracle! God hadn’t forgotten her. He had His eye on her and an amazing plan in store for her. Her present circumstance was NOT the end of the story and neither is ours. We must allow God to define our circumstances rather than allowing our circumstances to define God. It is all part of walking by faith rather than by sight. No matter what we see, experience, or feel, God is still on the throne and still working through ways and thoughts that are higher than our own.

Father, help me to continually review the truth of Your character and heart . My emotions, circumstances, and feelings cannot be my barometer. You alone are allowed to interpret my story. Amen.

Faithful to Me - Damaris Carbaugh
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNoLUVTtr98&feature=related

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

The Certainty of Scripture

That you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed. Luke 1:4 (New King James Version)

From time to time, I receive a forwarded email with an interesting piece of information. I have learned over time the importance of checking on the accuracy of what I am reading. One helpful site that helps me do that is snopes.com. It lets me know through research what is true and what is false information. It has saved me many embarrassing moments of forwarding on something I thought was true only to find out later was not.

Luke, by the inspiration of God, wrote the book that bears his name to a person by the name of Theophilus. Although he did not have snopes.com for a reference tool, he had eye witnesses of the facts. After gathering his needed information he wrote out the historical events of the life of Christ, so that (as our verse states) one would know the certainty of what he had been taught. Luke knew information is only as solid and stable as the truth of that information.

Scripture is our starting point for truth. The Bible is not merely a book of history, stories, and events. Although it includes those things, it is God- inspired, infallible, and unchangeable. It is God’s message to us for the purpose of knowing Him and learning the truth about Him. It is also for the purpose of knowing the truth about ourselves….how we were created, why we were created, and where we go after this life. Someone once wisely said we need to learn the truth about God, learn the truth about ourselves, and allow the truth about God to impact the truth about ourselves. There is no better place to begin that search than within the pages of Scripture. In a world filled with uncertainties, it is the one stable place to be.

For most of my Christian life I struggled to be consistently in God’s Word. Although I had read it through as a teenager, my adult years found me reading sporadically at best and bored at worst. It was like reading an encyclopedia that condemned me. Not anymore! It’s pages are filled with applicable, life changing truth. Because God’s Spirit resides in me (and any others who have trusted Christ as their personal Savior) I possess the ability to discern the messages God has for me. I come away knowing what was personally meant for me and that is a precious gift from Him.

As we approach the ending of one year and beginning of another year, I want to encourage the readers of these devotionals to consider beginning some kind of consistent Bible reading schedule for themselves (if they don’t presently have one). I have ideas for any who are not sure where to begin and would love to share them with you. Just ask!

Father, thank you for opening my eyes to the truths of Your Word. It is my plumb line of truth, compass for direction, and source of wisdom. Amen.

Word of God Speak - MercyMe
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JK_6osCH74

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

The Great Robber

And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life’s span? If then you cannot do even a very little thing, why do you worry about other matters? Luke 12:25,26 (New American Standard Bible)

The King James Version asks if you can add a cubit to your height by worrying. Whether we are talking about adding time to our life or height to our stature the point is this…..worrying NEVER adds….it always takes away. It robs us of the very things we need like sleep, peace of mind, clear thinking, trust, faith, confidence, security, and health. Just look at the synonyms for worry: to fret, be anxious, lose sleep, excessive concern, troubled-spirit.

I found it interesting to see a definition for worry that I had never realized even existed. Believe it or not, a dog can worry a bone which simply means to treat it roughly, as with continual biting. Is that not a good picture of what worry does to our insides? It is remarkable how the worrying can go on in our head while the churning is going on in our gut! The next time I am worrying, stewing, fretting, or being perturbed over something, I want to picture that “dog” gnawing away at me!

I know one thing, worry and faith cannot co-exist. Only one can be experienced at a time. Worry tells me my problem is bigger than God, I am on my own, improvement of the situation is impossible, there is no hope for relief, and I will never be able to handle what is coming. Faith on the other hand says my God is bigger than ANY problem, He will NEVER leave me, He is working ALL things for my good, my hope is IN Christ, and I can do all things THROUGH Christ. I also know that worry and faith both have the potential to shut the other down. It comes down to this question….to what am I yielding my thoughts?

I will admit, some people are more prone to excessive worrying than others. But the same antidote is applicable for both. Voice out loud your true feelings. Admit to God what you are really thinking. Then find Scripture to contradict what you are believing about yourself and your situation. Counter the worry with truth. It will flee every time! Worry is an option. Faith is a necessity!

Father, I need not worry when I keep in mind all the truths You are teaching me about Yourself. Nothing is impossible for You! Amen.


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

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

Asking, Accepting, and Receiving

Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done. And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. Luke 22:42, 43 (English Standard Version)

I find two interesting things transpiring in this passage. First, Jesus is asking for the removal of something from His life. Many thoughts arise pertaining to what is meant by the “cup” and I am in no position to explain what it means. What I am centering in on is the fact that He asked for its removal. It reminds me of the Apostle Paul asking for his thorn in the flesh to be removed. In both cases, the answer was “No.” God will not remove from our life that which He purposes to be in our life. That which He will use and work through. Removal comes only as God deems it necessary and in line with His ways, will, plans, and purposes. Both Paul and Jesus entrusted their situations to God and desired God’s will to be carried out.

When God’s response is “no” or “wait” it is imperative that we follow the examples of these men and others like them. We must allow God to speak the words of Isaiah 55:8,9 to us, “ For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thought.” God alone knows what He will bring out of the very thing of which He denies the removal. He knows the eternal purposes He will fulfill. Although there may be tears in the midst of bending the knee, when it is all said and done we will come to acknowledge His way was best.

The second thing that stands out to me is that strengthening for Jesus came in the form of an angel. Often are the times when strength and encouragement come to us through the hands of a chosen vessel of God. If Jesus was willing and able to receive the strength in this way, then I can give myself permission to do the same. While I have never (to my knowledge) been strengthened by an angel, I have numerous individuals who come to mind as those who strengthened me. They strengthened me with their words, Scripture, prayer, listening ears, and open arms. They strengthened me with comforting thoughts as well as tough love. They were the hands, heart, and face of Jesus to me in many ways and I lift up a prayer of praise and thanks for them today. How much my life would lack without them.

I leave you with two thoughts. First, Scripture gives us permission to ask for the removal of things from our life as long as we leave the answer to God and desire His will above our own or others. Second, be willing to receive the encouragement God sends in the ways He chooses to send it.

Father, thank you for the times You removed the things I asked. Thank you for the times they remained. Thank you for the ones You have used to encourage me. All three means have shaped my life profoundly. Amen.

Knees to the Earth - Watermark
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AQL8Zk2sOk&feature=fvw

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

Seeing and Admitting Our Condition

And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up. Luke 13:11 (New King James Version)


For eighteen years a woman’s body was bent over due to a spirit of infirmity. It was apparent to any who knew her that something was amiss and until Jesus intervened in her life her condition remained unchanged with little hope of improvement. Hers was an obvious and noticeable problem. What of the many who are “bent over” internally? From all outward accounts they seem to have it all together but if they allow you to see beyond the surface one comes to realize their spirit and emotions are far from straight and strong. What does one do when this is their truth? When this is their life?

In the past few years, God has been showing me the steps to take in order to begin standing straight internally and I freely share those steps with you now. First, admit to yourself there is a problem. Something is askew and you have to be willing to see that. Second, desire change. For some of us, what we have grown use to as a way of life has become comfortable and the thought of change can be scary. Yet, desire for change eventually becomes stronger than the satisfaction of remaining unchanged. Third, be willing to ask for help. Learning to open up to a trusted person and accept the truth that will come from advice given takes time to develop but is necessary. Fourth, see that the internal problems may be brought on by physical conditions. Schedule an appointment with a doctor to see whether or not this is a possibility. Fifth, daily ask God to show you practical steps you can take in applying His Word and other truths to your life that will make a difference.

These are not steps that one crosses off their list as they are taken. These are steps that continue to be a part of your life as you work through your weaknesses, places of vulnerability, and areas in need of change. In a week’s time I return to all of them in one way or another. There have been times when friends have admitted to thinking that at one time they thought I had it all together. The more we talked the more they saw my frailties and humanness. I wouldn’t want it any other way, because any noticeable change will be attributed to God.

These devotionals have never been meant to tell someone all the right answers or to make others think I have things all figured out. They are simply an invitation for others to join me on what many times feels like a roller coaster ride of varying speeds and heights. Walk beside me and let’s grow together.

Father, I realize now that it isn’t about appearing strong but being real. Help me to fully celebrate the victories and willingly share the struggles. Under Your care, amen.

The Motions - Matthew West
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHUppFNjy5E

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

When He Marvels

When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, “I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!” Luke 7:9 (New King James Version)


And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching. Mark 6:6 (New King James Version)

In all of the New Testament there are only two verses that reference Jesus marveling at something. In Mark 6:6 He marvels at unbelief and in Luke 7:9 He marvels at great faith. Unbelief and faith are polar opposites and yet Jesus responds to both in the same way…. He marvels. Quama/zw is the Greek word for marvel and it also means to wonder or be amazed. In other words, a person’s response to Jesus can evoke amazement in Him over ones faith or unbelief. It was true in Bible times and it is true in our times.

Each day I am given ample opportunities to respond in faith or unbelief toward God and my response has the potential to amaze Him. The question is not whether or not God is amazed but at what is He amazed. As I ponder that, a slew of questions begin formulating in my mind, as to how I will respond. Will it be with great faith or unbelief? When I see weaknesses in myself? When I am faced with a test or trial? When people are unavailable? When I am placed in a new situation? When life falls apart? When the future looks uncertain? When medical diagnoses are grim? When I am outside my comfort zone? When personal choices lead to painful consequences? When I am unable to control what I most want to control? When I don’t get my way? When others get what I want? When I do not see change in myself? When I sin? When life gets hard?

When I am faced with those or any other concerns the question becomes, “Which is greater, God or my issue?” In all honesty, is God still God? Is He still loving, in control, and watching over me? Is God able to do what He says He can do? Is He trustworthy?

I have spent the past couple of weeks in introspection and tonight I am determining that if God is going to marvel at anything in my life, I want it to be my faith rather than my unbelief. As a matter of fact, if I am going to marvel at anything in my life I want it to be my faith as well.


Father, the disciples once asked for their faith to be increased. I ask the same. May my faith increase to the point of causing You to marvel. May I get to the place of marveling over You and all You do. Amen.

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

What Others Have Seen

For I say to you, that many prophets and kings wished to see the things which you see, and did not see them, and to hear the things which you hear, and did not hear them. Luke 10:24 (New American Standard Bible)

I remember, as a teenager, reading the account of Thomas doubting that Jesus had risen from the dead. When Jesus finally appeared to him, he believed. Jesus said to him that he believed because he saw it with his own eyes but blessed were those who believe in Him without seeing. That was the first time I had read a verse and knew the words were speaking about me! I had come to believe in Jesus and accept Him as my Savior without ever seeing Him with my physical eyes. Today’s verse is another example of His words being spoken about me and every other believer.

What we see and hear as believers on this side of the cross is what prophets and kings of the Old Testament wished to see and hear but weren’t able to. I believe this is because they did not have the complete Word of God available to them as we do today and they did not have the Holy Spirit permanently residing in them as we do. Those two factors alone set us apart from our spiritual ancestors.

Yet, if I am honest, I will admit there are some things others saw and heard in Old and New Testament times that I wish I could experience today. Some saw first hand the numerous miracles that God performed….deliverances, healings, victories. Some heard God speak to them in audible tones. Some had profound dreams and visions that were messages from God. As I have pondered these things, God has had to remind me on several occasions that I am to walk by faith and not by sight.

What does it take to walk by faith? Knowledge of God from His Word. A personal relationship with Him through Christ. Open and honest communication with Him through prayer. Obedience to His commands. Sensitivity and awareness of His still, small voice. Trust that He knows what is best and does what is best. Fixing my eyes on Him. Loving Him with all my heart, soul, and mind.

Will I do those things perfectly all the time? Not hardly, but I desire to. His grace, mercy, and forgiveness cover the times I fail. I take comfort in the fact that He is honing my walk of faith on a day by day basis. No matter what, His hands and His eyes have never been taken off me.

Father, I find solace in Your words to me this morning. With You I have a new day, a fresh start, and a multitude of possibilities. Improve my steps, Lord. Amen.

Everlasting God - Chris Tomlin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yubLGTOcm8c&feature=related

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

Called to be Changed

When Jesus saw her, He called her over and said to her, “Woman, you are freed from your sickness.” And He laid His hands on her; and immediately she was made erect again and began glorifying God. Luke 13:12,13 (New American Standard Bible)

Instantaneous change! Just like when Jesus commanded the storm to be still at sea. Just like when He commanded Lazarus to rise from the dead. Just like when He performed any number of other miracles during His years on this earth. This woman was freed from 18 years of spiritual and physical bondage. She could finally stand erect and proclaim her praise to God. She had no doubt of her complete healing. She had no doubt God had moved on her behalf and brought immediate change to her life.

Can you imagine this woman experiencing all of this, leaving the synagogue, and then telling herself, “That was great but I am not use to this new way of life, so I choose to return to the way things were. The way I have grown accustomed to living my life.” Then proceeding to place herself back into her former bent over position! The sheer absurdity of that thought leaves one laughing. Not this woman! She would spend the rest of her life embracing, delighting in, and celebrating the change! There is no question the improvement was worth holding on to. Every day would be a reminder to her of a new way to live her life….in freedom of posture, mobility, and capability.

Is that not God’s desire for each one of us? Many times we look at the moment when we received Christ as a turn around point in our life. We instantly went from being alienated from God to becoming His son or daughter. The indwelling of His Spirit in us instantly gave us the ability to understand His Word, to live differently, and to communicate with God on a personal level. But God wants us to know that many changes will continue to take place in our lives on a daily basis. Just like Jesus saw this woman’s condition and called her over to Himself, He continually sees our conditions and calls us to Himself. There is a process of transformation, renewal, and growth that is on going. May we never think God is finished with the changes He has in mind for us. Some are slight and some are drastic. I want them all!

I wrote this devotional just over four years ago. God continues to work His changes in me. Of late, those changes pertain to relationships. Continuing to learn the balance between what to take to people and what to take to God alone. Learning to trust God to be enough when I am so use to looking to individuals for the meeting of needs. Learning to be content in times of solitude that God initiates. Ever learning. Ever changing.

Father, You still have much to do in me. Sometimes the process is delightful and sometimes it is painful. But I trust You. Amen.

Potter's Hand - Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRy79VQh-KI

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

Even When It Doesn't Make Sense

Simon answered and said, Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but I will do as You say and let down the nets. Luke 5:5 (New American Standard Bible)

I love Simon Peter! Jesus has just told him to prepare for a miracle and Peter is giving him reasons why it won’t work. After an entire evening of fishing with zero results, Jesus tells Peter to drop the nets one more time. Simon has limited vision. Jesus sees and knows what Simon can’t imagine…a haul of fish so great that the nets will begin to break and two boats will be filled! But more than fish are caught that day. While Simon and the others are after fish, Jesus is after their hearts. When it was all said and done three would be disciples left everything and followed Him.

God wants the stories of Scripture to be more than interesting reading to us. With each encounter we witness He wants us to see ourselves and our situations within the story lines. There are times He will come to us with a request that does not make sense to us. Maybe it has to do with an area where we have failed in the past. Maybe it has to do with something we feel unqualified or unable to do. Maybe we hear the instructions but fail to see how it will ever work. Maybe we are filled with more doubt than faith because we can’t imagine God would actually be calling us to a position whereby He is preparing us for something great. It might be a long time desire of our heart and yet we begin to formulate all the reasons we don’t see it ever working.

But there is a combination in this story that encourages me today. Like a match and a stick of dynamite it is very affective when put together. After giving his opinion, Peter ends up doing what Jesus tells him to do. It is his cooperation that opens the door for a miracle. Like Peter, God is not calling us to understand it all or have it all figured out. There are times in our life when we know what God is suggesting, we see what it is He wants us to do, and in the end we must simply cooperate. It is okay to tell God how we feel, to give voice to our doubts and concerns. God understands our turmoil. But in the end our cooperation will join our hearts with His work and life will never be the same!

Sometimes faith has to lead the way and sometimes actions have to precede faith. I am not sure what was going through Peter’s mind when he finally did the very thing Jesus told him to do. His past experience told him it wouldn’t work, but his Creator told him it would. He had to learn what we all have to learn. It is Christ, not our feelings, not our opinions, not our experiences, that matters…even when it doesn’t make sense.

Father, You and I have had similar conversations. May today’s Scripture bring me that much closer to following You with abandon! Amen.

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

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

They Are Not the Enemy

John answered and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name; and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow along with us.” But Jesus said to him, “Do not hinder him, for he who is not against you is for you.” Luke 9:49,50 (New American Standard Bible)

There was a time in my Christian life when I felt like these disciples. It was hard for me to accept differences among believers. If I were to go to a women’s event and during lunch sit at a table with 6 or 7 other women I was rapidly doing some calculating in my mind. I somehow had to figure out what they believed doctrinally and what standards they held. My findings would help me determine to what degree of fellowship I could enjoy with them. I have shared that aspect with others and they stand amazed that I would ever have such a rigid view.

What was my problem? I could not conceive of the fact that within the body of Christ there is much variety. I felt a need to constantly figure out who was “right” and who was “wrong” in many scenarios. I had to be the judge and the jury when it came to determining the validity of another person’s walk with God. Heaven forbid that someone should talk differently, walk differently, think differently, believe differently, and live differently than myself! I had set up a standard in my mind and with that standard I had built wall upon wall. Brothers and sisters in Christ were treated more like the enemy than family…..even within the same denominational circles.

Today’s passage brings things into perspective. The disciples knew this person was casting out demons in Jesus’ name but they were hung up because he did not do things the way THEY did things. Jesus’ answer? Leave him alone! He is not the enemy! I love the reading in the KJV for it says, “He who is not against us is for us.” If Christ says they are for us then I am free to enjoy fellowship with them. Fellow believers no longer have to listen to the same music I listen to, read the same version of the Bible I read, duplicate the same list of boundaries I have established, attend the same church I attend, hold to the same opinions on gray issues that I hold to, or worship in the same style I worship in. It is no longer my desire to live divided or separated from others within the body of Christ as I spent so many years doing. The joys I missed! The joys I now have!

Father, the day You helped me to remove the first bricks to the walls I had built within Your body of believers was memorable for me. I love Your family! I love You! Amen.

If We Are The Body - Casting Crowns
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SExJ9od-0zQ&feature=related

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

What's Behind it All?

Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37 (New King James Version)

I use to call it perception and felt it was my biggest hindrance to walking in joy and freedom. It was my label for having an idea about what someone was thinking and then responding as if it were the truth. Last night, God used my most recent experience as a wake up call to me. As I struggled to fall asleep and began allowing Him to reveal my heart to me, He wasted no time in pinpointing the problem. Perception was the symptom of a deeper problem. It was being fed by nothing short of judging another individual.

With a little word study, I found that judging means to be of an opinion about someone or something. Condemn means to pronounce one guilty. My perceptions are actually the process of judging and my negative response is the process of condemning. If I struggle with other issues such as insecurity, jealousy, or discontentment, the processes are even more profound.

So how does this work in my life? I enter a room and draw the conclusion that someone does not care about me or want me there by something that is done or not done, said or not said, and WHAM court is officially in session. The “evidence” mounts as every action or word becomes “proof” that my feelings and thoughts are based on truth. In my mind, there is a verdict of guilt and the sentence is to withdraw into a mode of silence and detachment. While my demeanor is noticed it is not understood at all because the individual has no idea they have done anything…and they haven’t.

It is not easy to see this aspect of myself and it is not easy to take the necessary steps of acknowledging it to God and the person who has been in my “courtroom”. Not easy but necessary and very beneficial. I cannot express how much of a load is lifted from my mind and heart when I speak words such as, “I have judged you and I am wrong. Will you forgive me?” As that took place over the phone last night, forgiveness was forthcoming and the courtroom of my doing was cleared.

Let me add, that for those times when someone really doesn’t care about me or want me around, God’s answer is that I walk in forgiveness. I don’t know their heart. I don’t know what’s behind their actions. At that point, I must choose to forgive and entrust them to God to show them their particular issue. Freedom for me will only come as I stay out of the courtroom of judgment and prison of unforgiveness.

Father, keep showing me the heart issues behind my words, thoughts, and actions. Amen.

Potter's Hand - Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdkfXhnqbos&feature=related

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

Letting it Show

And Mary said, “My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.” Luke 1:46,47 (New American Standard Bible)

Mary is not waiting until she holds her promised child in her hands to start rejoicing…..she is expressing her praise now! She knows the importance and necessity of giving voice to the truth. Her very words are the expression of the praise already felt in her soul and spirit….the very essence of who she is. I am trying to picture in my mind her body language and facial expressions as she speaks such words of and to her heavenly Father. I picture her to be much like David in the Old Testament who had very lively moments of praise to God.

When we are passionate, excited, and intense about something or someone it shows on our faces. It is seen in the way we walk and talk. It affects our whole demeanor. I often wonder how the same people who are so animated and expressive at sporting events, get togethers, and special activities can be so passive and stoic in a worship service. I realize personality plays a lot into this, but even an introvert will laugh at a good joke, smile at the greeting of a dear friend, and reveal the joy of their heart by the expression on their face.

When you go to church, look around at others. What do their faces tell you? Is there a look of celebration over the goodness of God? Is the joy evident? Is there a hint of a smile? Most of the time? Some of the time? Any of the time? Or does it more resemble a funeral? I don’t say any of this to be harsh or judgmental. I actually say it with sadness and confusion. I really wonder why many worship services have been reduced to such somber and solemn assemblies. If our eyes are truly windows to our souls than our whole face (expressions and all) must be wide open doors!

Each day we should ask God to give us the outward expression that denotes a passionate, excited, and lively internal world that is consumed with Him. I am not talking about a fake, plastered on smile. I am talking about authentic joy spilling out of us in an evident, noticeable way. Take my word for it, people will not only notice it but they will comment on it as well. Why? Because it is so rare out in the world as well as in the house of God. May God help us to change!

Father, may You ignite such a passion in us today that there is a noticeable difference in our expression, words, and countenance. Amen.

Come, Now is the Time to Worship
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELdQ66LK5Qw&feature=related

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