Stay the Course

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 15:57 (New American Standard Bible)

One of the aspects of God’s Word that I have come to appreciate has been it’s reassuring promises. Today’s verse can be a sign hung over any situation in my life. Anything I face and anything I am confronted with each day already has victory attached to it. And the wonderful truth is the victory is going to come through Christ…..each and every time! It may not look the way I thought it would look but when it is all said and done the victory will be apparent.

Sometimes we can be filled with fears and insecurities. Doubts weigh heavy on our heart and mind. The journey-road we are each on can become daunting at times. That is when I need God to whisper the reminders to me. Sometimes, His reminders come to me from two different sources…devotional books and His Word.

Once, at random, I opened the book I AM WITH YOU by John Woolley. Each day’s entry is written as if Jesus is the one talking. This paragraph strengthened me. Do not take back any of the matters which you have committed to Me…I, your Lord, am aware of every recurring doubt, but deep within you, there is bound to be the growing certainty of attainment…My plans for you are being perfected. The next day, the Apostle Paul said it this way in I Corinthians 15:58, Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

So what is it God wants me to hear and walk away with? Once again I am to see the importance of truth and cooperation. God is involved in my life and will lead me step by step in accomplishing all He has planned for me. My part is to stay the course, not get distracted or discouraged, and cooperate fully with Him. Let Him continue to do the transforming work in me as I take in His truths each day. Have my ears open to the sound of His voice and obey the nudgings that are from Him. While it is a walk of faith that does not entail a lot of detail or glimpses into what lies ahead, it is also a journey that has plenty for me to see, hear, and experience along the way. He is the initiator and I must be the responder. Therefore, I walk in confidence of who He is and what He can do.

Father, don’t allow me to get sidetracked. Help me to fix my eyes and heart on You and You alone. Amen.

Trust in You - Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiFkLn4gcJY

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

Waiting for Direction

Abram called on the name of the Lord…The Lord said to Abram, after Lot had left him….For all the land which you see I will give to you and to your posterity forever. And I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth…..arise, walk through the land….for I will give it to you. Then Abram moved his tent. Genesis 13:4, 14-18 (New American Standard Bible)

Have you ever had a difficult decision to make and weren’t quite sure what to do? I am learning that it is imperative that I learn to wait until I have discerned what it is God wants me to do. My personality is such that it is very easy for me to base decisions on emotions and the opinions of the people in my life. I am a “spur-of-the-moment” kind of person. I have spent the past couple of years departing from comfort zones, jumping off cliffs of security, and running with abandon into freedom. It has been quite interesting and necessary. But now I am sensing a shift in my own decision making processes. I am learning to wait!

I watch God’s interaction with Abram and find it settling. Genesis 13 is a chapter of returning, removing, and reaching for Abram. God brings him back to Bethel….a place of altar-building and decision making. Sometimes it is necessary for us to return to our own Bethels and realign ourselves with God’s agenda. It is a time to assess what it is God is doing in us, through us, and around us.

The first thing Abram is confronted with is disunity. The land is not big enough to support the herds of both Lot and Abram. A choice to separate is made with Lot being allowed to choose first. He picks what he believes to be the prime real estate and moves on. It is then that God gives some clear direction to Abram which is full of rich promises. He is promised land as far as his eye can see and descendents that are without number. Abram’s move comes after clear direction from God.

May I too learn to wait for clear direction from my heavenly Father. He will let me know in my spirit what I am to do, how I am to do it, and when I am to do it. There will be no confusion or second guessing. He may use the counsel of friends but I will not limit Him to that option alone. As I open myself up to hear His voice in this matter, I can rest assured He will speak.

Father, I desire to hear from You. I rest in the fact that I will know when You have given me direction. It is You I long to follow. 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.

What Hinders the Delight?

Then you will take delight in the LORD, and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth; and I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken. Isaiah 58:14 (New American Standard Bible)

I know what it is to delight in someone. Delight entails a sense of joy, pleasure, happiness, joy, glee, gladness, enchantment, amusement, and satisfaction. To revel in ones presence and think dearly of them even in their absence. To want to spend time with them and take every opportunity to do so. Individuals readily come to mind in the writing of this paragraph. Today’s verse gives me a promise of all that and more being directed toward the Lord.

What is the prerequisites for taking delight in the Lord? They are listed in the previous verse (58:13). Doing that which pleases God rather than turning my own way, seeking my own pleasures, and speaking my own words. It is aligning myself with the truths of Scripture and living out of those truths. Separating from what needs to be separated from and embracing what needs to be embraced.

What are the hindrances to taking delight in the Lord? For me, it is having a divided heart. The bottom line comes down to who has my heart and attention? Who seems to be the one I cannot live without? Who stands in competition with God in my thinking? Who is prominent in my thoughts? Who is the idol I have placed on the pedestal of my internal world? As long as I feel I need another person’s attention, approval, acceptance, and affirmation it will hinder me from taking delight in the Lord.

At one time, this type of hindrance required the severing of a relationship. At present, it is not a severing that needs to take place but rather a letting go of certain aspects that represent security to me. I know the steps I must take in order to delight in God and this morning finds me pondering the steps as well as the difficulty associated with taking those steps. Past fears and failures come to mind and attempt to convince me that obedience in this area will lead to a sense of loneliness and isolation. Yet, God’s Word tells me obedience will lead to finding my delight in Him. My flesh tells me to not let go of what has felt so safe. My heart yearns for the freedom that will come in releasing my grip. My mind quickly lists the advantages to keeping things the same. My spirit tells me those advantages are really disadvantages when it comes to my walk with God.

The bottom line is will it be my way, my pleasures, and my words or God’s? I want it to be His and by His grace and continual work in me it will be.

Father, I am at a crossroads in my mind and life. May I walk by faith and not by feelings. By trust and not by emotions. By grace and not by greed. Amen.

I'm Letting Go - Francesca Battistelli
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNEhKLrsUfo

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

Purposeful Goal Setting

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. Daniel 1:8 (King James Version)

Daniel’s ability to stay true to his heart and conscience was birthed out of the decisions he made ahead of time. He knew going into each day what he would do and what he would not do when it came to moral, ethical, and even dietary choices. Temptation was fought before it arose because he had already purposed in his heart what he would do.

I am not one to do a lot of planning out things ahead of time. I don’t plan out weekly menus. I don’t have “to do” lists. I tend to face things as they come. While that works fine for certain areas of my life, I have learned it has caused some difficulties when it comes to doing battles in the emotional arena. Last week, a friend suggested that I write out my goals. First I was to write out my life goals and then write out my daily goals. These goals were to represent the direction I wanted to head. Both of us knew that if I didn’t purpose to do things they most likely would not get done. We both knew that my “winging it” mentality was not having good results. Each day seemed to be filled with up and down moments and the spiraling was evident. Emotional battles were usually lost before they even took place. In short, I was in trouble. It took a week to finally start the goal lists but once I got started I was amazed at the difference it made.

My life goal was as follows: To be pleasing to the Lord in my words, thoughts, and actions. To love Him with all of my heart, soul, and mind and have Him as the center of my life. To delight myself in God and enjoy the people in my life. To take my thoughts captive before they take me captive. To find my significance, worth, and value in who I am in Christ and to live out of that realization.

My daily goals are specific ways to bring about my life goals. That list gets tweaked each day. It gets added to throughout the day. Today’s goal list already looks like this… Do what is right, loving, and good toward others. Think on what is true and encouraging. Smile when I talk to others.

This is what I have noticed. When I put something on my daily goal list it is predominant in my thinking as I enter the day. As temptations come up during the day to dwell on negative things or past hurts, to put myself before others, or to have a complaining spirit, the goals for that day come to mind and I switch gears internally. If it is not demonstrating a goal I have set then it needs to be halted immediately. Does it work? Absolutely! For me, it is the difference between victory and defeat.

Father, I purpose in my heart to do the things You are laying upon my heart. Help me to continue to set the goals that will change the direction of my life. Amen.

Be Thou My Vision
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EYYbwEqDlg

Did you miss a past devotional? My blog site now houses over 900 former devotionals with the theme and book of the Bible at the end of each. Click on to the theme or book and you will then see every devotional written on that theme or from that book. Or click on to the date at the left and see what was shared a month ago or several years ago. Enjoy!

Clear and Not-So-Clear Directions

The word of the LORD came to Jonah the son of Amittai saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh the great city and cry against it, for their wickedness has come up before Me.” Jonah 1:1,2 (New American Standard Bible)

One of the things I see and at times stand envious of in Bible times is God’s direct message to His servants. There was no mistaking God’s call to Jonah. He was hand-picked by God for a specific mission. There was no question as to Who was sending him, where he was to go, and what he was to do. Things are not always so clear cut for us today.

I have listened to missionaries talk of God’s call on their life. At some point, they knew where it was God was sending them. From that time on they moved in that direction. Many times it takes years for them to get to the mission field but the call keeps them on course. Others know the job God would have them take. They sense His leading into certain fields. One thing is sure, once they are in the place of God’s choosing they know they are there.

There are times I want God to do the same for me! I want direction that is clear. Instructions that are understandable. I want to know that I know what He has in mind for me. But I am learning God is not tied into any one system of dealing with us as His beloved children. For some, He spells things out clearly. But for the rest of us we feel more like Abraham who knew to go but had no idea exactly where he was going. His was a daily journey of simply following God moment by moment. We might also feel like Joseph who had dreams (literally) and yet spent years wondering how they would ever come about. His circumstances did not yield proof of what was to come. Talk about a walk of faith!

In March of 2005, God gave me a verse during a time of prayer in the privacy of a motel room. It was 2 Chronicles 25:9b which says, “The LORD has much more to give you than this.” In one aspect, He has continually fulfilled those words in my daily walk with Him. But when I view it in terms of future ministry and service it becomes a test of faith. Like Joseph, my present circumstances yield no proof. I can often feel like the student at the back of the classroom waving my hand and saying, “Pick me” only to be over-looked. How easily I can put that human aspect on God and yet it is not true. He is not over looking me, ignoring me, or placing me on a permanent shelf of inactivity. He has a plan and He has impeccable timing. I may not see all that He is doing or understand His purposes but I can allow Him to develop in me a trust in Him. His Word and His hand are what I hold on to today.

Father, this journey I am on is built on faith in You. Help me to know that You will open the way for me to go. I follow Your lead. Amen.

Make Me a Servant - Maranatha Singers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rznoe3zKxM

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.

Hearing the Word

Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, this is the way, walk in it, whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left. Isaiah 30:21 (New King James Version)

Several years ago I began writing and sending out email devotionals. From the first moment that I jotted down a paragraph of thoughts in a notebook to what I am writing this morning I have experienced God’s guidance and voice. He has let me know when changes needed to be made and when items needed to be added. He has changed my view and reasoning for why the devotionals are even shared. I have come to trust His heart as well as His leading.

From time to time, I have been asked by individuals whether or not I would consider getting a devotional book published. The desire has been there but so has the hesitancy. My greatest fear has been with the publishing world itself. I have the impression that publishers only consider the works of those who have a “name” as well as an established ministry. Because I have no public platform the impossibility of it all has kept me frozen in my tracks.

Once again, I have heard His word to me and I now know what it is He wants me to do. He wants me to venture into a world I know little of and take steps of faith I have never taken before. It requires leaving my comfort zone of what I have done so far, and simply taking this one step of obedience. All He is telling me to do is contact publishers with a book proposal. That’s it! Does it mean a book will be published? I don’t know. That is up to God. What it does mean is that I must do what He is leading me to do and I must leave the results with Him. It doesn’t matter if all I get back are rejection letters. That may or may not happen. What matters is that my faith in Him is developed and my spiritual muscles are strengthened.

As with any area of life, God is often after something that needs to be changed or developed in us. Discouragement and confusion set in when we misunderstand what He is saying and where He is leading. This is not about a book. This is about my relationship with Him. He wants me to see Him as one who can be trusted and safely followed. He wants to show me how much of an adventure a walk of faith can be. I don’t have to know the future or the end of the story. I just need to know Him.

Father, I don’t know what You have in mind for me but I know what it is You want me to do. You have spoken. I have heard. I will obey. By Your grace, amen.

God Will Make a Way - Don Moen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hOjYR8UZT8&NR=1

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

Looking Unto Jesus

Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Hebrews 12:1,2 (New King James Version)

What I focus on and turn my attention toward will determine how well I do at laying aside weights and sins that can ensnare me and also how well I run with endurance. There are times when my eyes turn toward things that distract me from making Jesus my focal point. Sometimes, it can be looking to others to give me what only God can give me. Sometimes, it can be the hurts and disappointments of life. Last night it was questions about myself that seemed to disturb me beyond words.

Although Romans 8:1 assures me I am not under condemnation, the condemnation was present. This time the area in question had to do with authenticity. Was I genuinely living out my Christian life as a unique individual or was I simply patterning the life of others? Did I know God through His Word and life experiences or was I trying to get Him to be and mean to me what He was to others? The questions shook me to my core and it did not take long for fear and tears to consume me. Once again, my eyes turned inward instead of upward! They centered on me and what I was and wasn’t doing, rather than on Jesus and His work in me.

I had to begin clinging to vital truths. God is authentic and involved in my life. I cannot trust myself but I can trust Him. I can rely upon Him to reveal Himself to me in specific ways even in the midst of my uncertainties. I can trust Him to show me what is at the root of my insecurities and fears. I am limited, He is limitless. I am human, He is God! I fail, He fulfills.

This morning, I look to Him and at Him for all that eluded me in the evening hours of last night….peace, contentment, stability, direction, genuineness, love, laughter, and joy! It is not about what I can manufacture on my own. It is not even about what I allow Him to do. It is about knowing that He is doing His work in me continuously. It is about turning my eyes away from other things and fixing them on Jesus. Completely on Jesus. Where I am shaky, He is steady and supportive. Where I am lacking, He is abundant. Where I am in need, He is there.

Father, the intrusive thoughts leave only at the touch of Your hand, sound of Your voice, and light of Your presence. I choose to fix my eyes on You and relax under Your ever present gaze upon me. Amen.

WARRIOR IS A CHILD/ DO I TRUST YOU? ~ Twila Parishttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Pzu-jWpcdw

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

Ask, Walk, and Find

This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ Jeremiah 6:16 (New International Version)

My journey is strewn with many crossroads…..places of decisions and direction, as is yours. Many options are available but God’s invitation to me is to take notice of the well warn paths of others and discover the ways that are beneficial for me to walk. If I follow in their footsteps by implementing truth with each step I am promised an internal rest that my soul craves and needs. The pathways my mind travels down each day will either lead to rest or restlessness. Therefore, I have a choice to make. I can be like the nation of Israel whom Jeremiah spoke of and refuse to walk in the good ways or I can listen to God’s pleading and yield to His invitation. I have done both and can attest to the consequences being painful or pleasant.

The Bible is full of individuals who are intended to be examples to me. I have the opportunity to learn from their failures as well as their victories. There are also countless historical figures who left me examples long after the Bible was written. And I am surrounded by individuals in my life time who serve as examples as well. I want to take note of the ones who walked paths that I would do well to follow. That I would step right into the footprints they left and reap the rich rewards of such a course of life. Then I in turn would be able to leave a trail that others could follow. What a precious cycle!

I have met individual Christians who leave such an impression on me that I desire to have what they have in their walk with God. Each time I voice that to God, He invites me to observe what they are doing and begin doing the same. Even the Apostle Paul urged believers of his day to follow him as he followed Christ. For me that means, watching their life, taking in their advice, and choosing the good way they have marked out for me. This all fits very well into my “show me an example” personality! Countless have been the times God has placed an individual in front of me and said, “See? THAT is what I am talking about!” He created me as a visual person and never fails to show me visual examples to follow. I thank Him for each one. Their words, actions, and life speak volumes to me as I open my ears, eyes, and heart to them. They are the ones who have cheered me on, encouraged me to seek God, and corrected me when I was heading in the wrong direction. May my life continue to bear fruit from their tree of influence. Their labor of love toward me has not been in vain.

Father, my spirit eyes are searching for the ancient paths. May each step I take lead me in the good way. I embrace the journey! Amen.

An Extension Of Himself

Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety. Proverbs 11:14 (New King James Version)

If I fail to search Scripture and implement it into my daily life, I can so easily take the wrong approach to situations. When life gets messy and failure marks my path, the enemy of my soul is all too anxious to take me to extremes. In order to avoid making the same mistakes, I will build up walls of defense and mistakenly assume I am walking in safety. God has recently revealed to me an area in my life where this was happening and is showing me how to redirect my thinking and my journey.

For a couple years, I sat under a mentor who gave me much wisdom and insight into the Christian life. I feasted off the question and answer times with her. But the day came when it was necessary for this mentor to step away and for me to live independent of her influence. THAT was painful and led to God walking me through a difficult transition time. As I began to see what He was doing in all of it, I came to a wrong conclusion. I felt that in order to avoid future dependency issues and hence more pain, it was time I “made it on my own.” That meant (in my thinking) that all future concerns, questions, and difficulties had to go to God and only God. What I had to come to realize was within God’s system of operation He is the One who has established the vehicle of human agencies. While He is to always be my main Counselor and Guide, He also encourages me to seek the advice, help, and direction of the godly people He has graciously brought into my life. I have a handful of people whom I readily turn to at certain times and I am the richer for it. The people vary according to the situation.

When I have made an important decision, I have a couple women who serve as my witnesses to the vows I am making. Telling them my plan of action solidifies the area of surrender and helps me to stay the course. When I am confronted with areas of turmoil and uncertainty, I have people who will listen and give me the perspectives I need but have been missing. When I am headed in the wrong direction but am not quite sure how to get turned around, I have people who will lovingly but firmly tell me the truth and encourage me to walk in it. And when a time of deep prayer is needed I have several people I can call and one who even affords me the opportunity to come to her home and avail myself of her kneeling bench. The only prerequisite to all of these encounters is that I have first taken the issues to God and sought His heart. Once that has taken place, He is then the One who brings the right people to mind. Within that context, I am safe to seek out counselors for their wisdom, discernment, and instruction. God bless each one!

Father, You have enriched my life with a multitude of counselors. They have listened and then wisely advised. You have gifted me with them as an extension of Yourself. I embrace this aspect of the journey! Praise You! Amen.

He Has His Eye On You

I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. Psalm 32:8 (New American Standard Bible)

Today’s verse shows me the extent to which God wants to be personally involved in my life. The God of the universe promises to be my Instructor, Teacher, and Counselor AND to watch over me every step of the way. ME! The one who so easily wants to watch people and follow their lead. The one who wants to find my answers in countless books. The one who desires exciting events and relationships in my life. The one who can so readily look for satisfaction and wholeness in countless sources.

I stood in a Christian bookstore last night with a friend. We were looking for a Bible study to do together. While many looked interesting, nothing in particular stood out to either of us. After my friend left I became uncomfortable with myself. I looked through a couple more books and browsed the music section. Nothing! Then it hit me. I was wanting to find another person’s walk with God to learn from. I wanted to crawl into their story and take in the truths they were learning. I wanted them to be the voice behind Psalm 32:8.

As I left the bookstore I became aware of my desire to have an authentic, genuine walk with God. Not a walk that is patterned after someone else’s. Not a walk that resembles someone else’s. Not a second hand faith! God was helping me to see that for much of my Christian life I was attracted to what I saw in others. What I saw in them I wanted for myself. This would usually lead to two dangers. I would become enamored with the person and addicted to the “high” of relationship. It never fails to be a recipe for disaster and an invitation to ride on a roller coaster of emotions. God sees it all and understands the reason behind the search. He is letting me know it doesn’t have to continue to be like that.

I am humbled by the truth of it all and asking Him to teach me. Teach me how to live satisfied in Him. Teach me how to drink my fill of Him. Teach me how to walk with Him. Teach me how to draw close to Him. Teach me how to keep my focus on Him. Teach me how to joy in Him. Teach me how to seek Him. Teach me how to embrace Him. Teach me how to hear Him. Teach me how to live for Him. He has given me His Word that He will do just that!

Father, I see now why You had to remove the props I was leaning on and learning from. My heart and my eyes are now on You. Teach me! Amen.

The Weight of Waiting

For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it hastens toward the goal and it will not fail: though it tarries, wait for it; for it will certainly come, it will not delay. Habakkuk 2:3 New American Standard Bible

Several years ago, God gave me a verse of promise. It was 2 Chronicles 25:9, “The LORD has much more to give you than this.” I had been on my journey with Him for a year, experienced His Word coming alive to me, seen changes taking place within me and around me, and had begun to see God for who He really was and what He was really like. So to have Him assure me that He had much more to give me than what He had already given me was powerful! Then came the season of waiting!

The most difficult part of waiting is when there seems to be no manifestations of the promises. I think back to when I wanted children. The waiting was hard when there was no pregnancy. I was filled with doubts as to whether or not I would even be able to bear children. But the waiting took on a different perspective when I became pregnant and awaited the delivery! The child growing in my womb was something tangible, felt, and evidenced in me. There was no more guessing, wondering, or doubting. It became just a matter of time.

God knows my tendency to grow discouraged when the waiting is without touchable, seen, and concrete areas along the way. So every once in awhile He sends a confirming reminder my way. He whispers encouragement through His Word, prayer, or even other believers. Last night and this morning He drew my attention to Habakkuk 2:3 and His words of “Wait for it; for it will certainly come,” spoke volumes to me. A quote from The Daily Bread brought assurance. It read, “God never says, ’Wait awhile,’ unless He is planning to do something in our situation--or in us. He waits to be gracious.” Occasionally someone will say to me, “God has big plans for you. He is doing something in you.” The wise advice of a godly woman came back to me this morning. In response to my question of what I should do during the wait, she said, “Just keep doing what you are doing. God will guide and open doors at the right time.” My Bible ancestors like David, Ruth, Joseph, and Moses are serving as personal reminders as well. Their waiting often covered decades!

This has been a weekend of reminders that I have needed. I am strengthened by the realization that God is always involved in my life and will eventually bring about His wishes, desires, and plans for me. The waiting time is not wasted time. I choose to rest in Him, cooperate with Him, learn from Him, and follow Him. He will not let me down!

Father, You hold my life and my heart in Your hands. Thank you for the assurance that You are not finished with me yet and that You continue to hasten toward the goal You have for me. I cling to You. Amen.

The Sound of His Voice

Listen to me; hold your peace, and I will teach you wisdom. Job 33:33 NKJV

These words were spoken by Elihu. He was a young man who listened in on the conversation between Job and his friends. Out of respect, he waited until they were completely finished before he voiced his opinion. Often times, there will be people in our life who seem to have the answers we are looking for. Several are coming to mind that I would take up on their offer of wisdom. They have a good track record with me. In the past, if they gave me advice I reaped the benefits when I heeded what they said. They are among the first ones I would call if I were seeking godly counsel. Some have been in my life for decades and some have only recently crossed my path. I thank God for them and treasure the gift they are to me.

But more and more the One who speaks Elihu’s words to me is God Himself. He daily invites me to listen to Him. This listening is more than just taking in the sound of His voice. It is active listening with the intent of obeying. When I do that He has much to teach me in the way of wisdom. It is not just a matter of knowledge but rather the application of knowledge. His desire is to teach me what to do with the knowledge He gives. I want the kind of relationship with Him whereby He is teaching me personally. While He will still use people and books in my life, I want the experience of receiving wisdom, answers, and guidance directly from Him.

I have lived too much of my life depending on “middle men” to get me through a minefield of questions. For most of my Christian life I trusted people to tell me what God was saying. It was always easier and felt safer to sit under their canopy of wisdom. I hung on their every word and for the most part they were godly words. But as long as they were the only ones I was going to for wisdom, I was missing out on learning to converse with God. His desire has always been for me to meet with Him directly.

If God chooses to speak to me through people I will accept that. But I have had enough conversations with Him to know the joy of hearing His wisdom spoken from His Word or in prayer. Many have been the times when taking a walk and pouring out my heart and my questions to Him have resulted in answers that left me in amazement and tears. Will I ever still seek the advice of people? Absolutely! But nothing compares to the sound of His voice in my ears.

Father, however You choose to speak to me today, I am listening. Amen.

Heart Implants

Blessed be the LORD God of our fathers, who has put such a thing as this in the king’s heart, to beautify the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem: and has extended mercy unto me before the king, and his counselors, and before all the king’s mighty princes. And I was strengthened as the hand of the LORD, my God was upon me. Ezra 7:27,28 KJV

Read through the Old Testament and you will find many occasions whereby God put things into the hearts of His servants. It may have taken years for those seeds to come to fruition but with time God brought it all to pass. He cleared away obstacles, crossed the paths of significant people, instilled talents and abilities, orchestrated events, and watched over every detail. His requirement for His servants was step by step obedience. Many could not have told you how God was going to do it, but when they looked back they could see His hand on them as well as on His plan for them.

For Ezra, it was the rebuilding of the temple. For Moses it was leading the nation of Israel out of Egypt. For Joshua it was leading the nation of Israel into the promised land. For Esther it was delivering her people from annihilation. For Joseph it was becoming Prime Minister of Egypt and preserving the lives of many. For Paul it was introducing many to Christ and writing much of the New Testament. The list goes on and on. Although each was a different era and drama I see similarities.

Each had a passion for something. Each went through a time of testing and waiting. Each faced difficulties and what seemed like death to their dreams. Each learned important lessons about themselves and God. Each were linked with specific individuals that played key roles in their lives. Each saw God’s involvement from start to finish. Each fulfilled the very thing God put within their heart. They are my examples. They are my encouragement. They are my guides.

I know the things God has placed within my heart. I feel a camaraderie with my biblical ancestors as I move closer to the fulfillment of those things. I am learning when to put my hand to the plow and when to “be still and know that He is God.” I am learning to develop the skills He has given me while keeping my ear open to His still, small voice. It is a cooperative effort between my Creator and myself. There is still much to do and much to learn but with God’s hand upon me I am strengthened. I may not see the completed picture for decades but in the mean time the path I am on will be rich with lessons and intimate fellowship.

Father, what You have put in my heart is meant to come to fruition and bring You glory. Much is new for me as I follow You. Fulfill Your dreams for me! Amen.

Voicing the Questions

And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. Exodus 3:4 (KJV)

This verse gives way to one of the most intriguing exchange of words found in Scripture. Moses’ questions reveal a lot about his thoughts, heart, and view of life. God’s answers reveal a lot about His person, presence, and power. I am struck by the candidness, honesty, and transparency of a man struggling to realize God actually has a call on his life and a desire to use him. While his dream of helping his people died long ago and he settled into what he thought he would end up doing with the rest of his life, God is intent on showing Moses that He has not forgotten him, given up on him, or abandoned him. He has simply spent the first 80 years of his life preparing him for a destiny of great proportion. I listen in as Moses questions his identity, exposes his fears, focuses on his limitations, and tries to convince God that He is choosing the wrong person to display His glory, fulfill His dreams, and carry out His plan.

How often I have believed the lies of the enemy and lost hope in ever having a realization of God’s purpose and involvement in my own life. Moses’ questions give voice to my own internal battles. His words somehow give me the courage to look deep within myself and begin to admit the things that hinder me from embracing the truth that God really does have something for me to do in His kingdom work. They reveal to me where I stand in doubt, fear, suspicion, and resignation. But that is only half of the story.

God’s responses are meant to fill me with hope, realign my belief with His Word, and give me the ability to join Him in all that He purposed for me before the foundations of the world. They are meant to free me from feelings of insignificance, thoughts of unworthiness, and attention on impossibilities.

I invite you to join me as I dig deeper into this conversation between God and Moses that was meant for our ears as well. It was meant to quiet our fears, strengthen our resolve, and renew our hope that God has not yet written the last chapter of our life in Him.

Father, I join Moses in his quest to get his questions answered by You. I am finally prepared to hear answers that will astound me. Amen.