A Necessary Reminder

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 (New King James Version)

I have no trouble accepting the fact that my disposition and attitude of fear does not come from God. It comes from the enemy and from me believing the lies that have been suggested to me through life’s circumstances. I do have trouble, however, fully grasping the truth that I possess power, love, and a sound mind. Recently, I have felt far removed from any and all of those gifts. Yet, God’s Word states it as a fact and that fact must over ride my own thoughts, feelings, and emotions.

The past couple of weeks have found me wordless when it came to writing a devotional. I cannot express all the mixed feelings and torn thoughts that stood in the way of sharing even the simplest of truths or aspects of this journey. Leading the list was a surety that I should not write devotionals because I still fail to fully live out of the power, love, and sound mind God has given to me. Emotional battles still rage. Relationships still confuse me. Negative, destructive thought patterns still jab at me. So I entertained the thought that maybe I should hold off writing until I have complete victory. Will I be able to write devotionals from Heaven???? Because that will be where I will be living when complete victory is mine!

God has had to remind me of the three stipulations He required when I first began writing devotionals in 2005. I was to stay true to Scripture, I was to be transparent, and I was to stay general enough that individuals could see their own story in what I was writing. With those stipulations in place, God assured me time and time again that there are people who battle the same issues I battle or battles unique to them and are looking for encouragement to continue their journey to God’s heart. I forgot all of that as I got up each morning and made the conscious decision to not write a single word.

I realize that some people write an article or a book after they have developed and perfected an area in their life. I am called to do the writing as the development is taking place. I have a long ways to go but while I go there will be many devotionals resulting from the steps taken. I offer them up to any who need to know they are not the only ones who feel and think the way they do. After all, each of us are such basket cases but God has definitely got our handle! I’m back!!!!!

Father, I’ve missed writing and I rejoice in the truth that has encouraged me once again. Amen.

You Are More - Tenth Avenue North
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgi-G-dHYkY&feature=related

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

A Call to Remembrance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Estimation Limitations

Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And so said all the disciples. Matthew 26:34, 35 (New King James Version)

Peter’s estimation of his strengths and abilities was over-exaggerated. On the flip side of that, his perception of how circumstances would effect him were under estimated. Christ knew the truth about Peter…what he would do, what he could handle, and what he could not handle. Not once, but twice, He told Peter the truth about himself. Not once, but twice, Peter argued and saw himself as an exception to what Christ was saying. The day would come when Peter would in fact die for his faith and his Lord, but much would transpire between the two accounts. This conversation of “you will…I won’t” started Peter on a course of learning that God knew so much more than he did…even about himself.

I shared with a small study group last night that I struggle with wanting to do things that, so far, God has not allowed me to do. Worse yet, I watch as others are given the opportunities I long to have. Today’s passage gives me a perspective I have been missing. Like Peter, I can easily over- estimate my capabilities and under-estimate the effect certain circumstances could have on me….even if those circumstances fall within the realms of ministry.

God knows me through and through. He knows how easily I could be enamored with myself if given certain opportunities at this stage in my life. He knows how easily I could seek to derive value, affirmation, and worth from wrong sources. He knows how easily I could take my eyes off Him. Because of that knowledge, He is selective in what He chooses for me to do and where He chooses to send me. In other words, He knows what I can handle and what I cannot handle.

In the past, God’s keeping of doors closed left me feeling much like the child at the back of a classroom waving my hand wildly to be chosen only to be over looked. That is not the way He wants me to interpret things now. I have not been over looked. Neither am I unfavored, unnoticed, or unchosen. He chose me before the foundations of the world. He blessed me with all spiritual blessings. He sees every aspect of my life from beginning to ending both inside and out. He has plans and purposes for my life and has promised to fulfill them.

So what do I do when the things I want to do are not what I get to do …at least not now? I trust God. He knows best and He knows me best. I don’t want to argue with Him or ignore Him. I want to know Him and watch as the knowing Him changes me. I also want to see Him as a Father who is not squelching my dreams but rather birthing His own dreams for me.

Father, I have to learn what Peter learned…..I don’t know myself as well as You know me. May I no longer estimate things from my vantage point. Amen.

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

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

The Way of Love

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Proverbs 3:3 (New International Version)

There are times when I want to pull away from everyone I know. My mind makes a decision to not answer phone calls, emails, or letters. It is called shutting my heart down, resisting the urge to need anyone, and safe guarding myself from disappointment, dissatisfaction, discouragement, and depravation. But God is letting me know that is not the way He would have me live. That is living out of my flesh instead of out of my spirit. It will grieve Him and do no one any good whatsoever.

God’s Word tells me to love others. I must allow His command to be more than words on a page and a sound in my ear. On a practical level, loving one another means I keep myself open to fully receive others as God brings them across my path. I welcome their conversations and listen to what their needs are. I ask God to show me ways to minister to them and allow His Spirit to infuse me with the love, desire, and ability to do so.

It also means setting aside the thoughts of who I would like to be involved with and watching for how God intersects my world with the ones of His own choosing. It becomes a time of anticipation rather than frustration. It also becomes a way of life whereby I receive abundance from Him and become a conduit of encouragement to others as I give to them what He has graciously given to me.

Will He encourage me through others? Absolutely! Will He allow others to be His conduit of grace to me? Most definitely! But He will choose the person and the timing. His desire is that I learn to rest in His hands and in His ways. Not squirming! Not sulking! Not closed off! But rather open to all that He intends this day to bring forth through me and to me.

Above each activity and each moment I need to display the words, “His ways are higher than my ways. His thoughts are higher than my thoughts. His plans are good. His love is enough. He is God!” Learning to live in trust and cooperation with Him and sensing His presence and His smile throughout my day is what will make today unique, powerful, and precious. May I go forth with praise on my lips, joy in my heart, and arms open wide to give and receive.

Father, thank you for the way that only You can redirect my thoughts and actions. I bow to the wonder of You. Amen.

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

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

Being a Go-Between

Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. Matthew 14:19 (New King James Version)

Many have been the times I have entered a room with expectations. Ever on the search for someone to make me feel loved, accepted, valued, and worth knowing. Hungry for having my emotions, soul, and needs of the heart fed through the words and actions of others. Starving for the attention and approval of individuals I may or may not know. In today’s verse, I would have been part of the multitude waiting to be cared for but God desires more.

Jesus wants to place me in the position He placed His disciples. They were simply distributors of the very things He gave them. I have heard it said that we cannot give away what we don’t first possess for ourselves. However, what we do possess we are called to give away as God opens such doors of opportunity. If I walk with an attitude of love, because I am deeply loved by my Father, it will affect my actions, attitudes, and words. It will free me to shift my focus from being on the receiving end of love to being a distributor of love.

What is it I can distribute to others today? Encouraging words that say the things they need to hear. Acceptance and value for who another person is and who God made them to be. Hugs that let someone know they are not only special but appreciated. A look that says, “I notice you and am glad to see you!” Smiles and expressions that bring sunshine into a room instead of a cloud of despair. Simple reminders about God and truths from His Word that will feed their places of spiritual hunger and thirst. The list is endless and the possibilities are profound.

It is not a “give to get” mindset. Too often that hidden agenda is lurking. Rather, it is being in a position to be to others what God has called me to be while allowing Him to be to me what He desires to be. My Identifier. My Supplier. My Provider. My Sustainer. My Caregiver. My God.

Father, I turn my gaze and my expectations toward You. Help me to live my life differently in a position of service between You and others. What You hand me, help me to give to others. What You tell me, help me to share with others. Make me a blessing just for the sake of You and others. Amen.

Create in Me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQVuF84OLag&feature=related

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

In the Name of Jesus

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 (New International Version)

Read back through the book of Acts and you will see a phrase often used in times of miracles and healings by the apostles…. “In the name of Jesus.” Whenever I see it, I have no trouble realizing the miracles came through the authority and empowerment of Jesus’ name. But it was never meant to be a phrase limited merely to healings. Today’s verse is a reminder to me that it should be voiced over every thought, word, and deed of a believer’s life.

Once I understand the depth and meaning of a word it comes alive to me and affects my life profoundly. When Peter spoke to the lame man in Acts 3, the phrase, “In the name of Jesus,” came from the same Greek word as today’s verse…. Oànoma. It was used for everything His name covered…everything it stood for. It housed the rank, authority, interest, pleasure, power, command, and excellence of Jesus. So imagine the change that would be forthcoming if that phrase was spoken over everything we did! If every deed was performed in the power and authority of the name of Jesus with His pleasure in mind.

My mind is thinking ahead to the many times and places I can voice, “In the name of Jesus.” While doing housework, talking to others, working at my place of employment, answering the phone or emails, encouraging others, eating my meals, extending or seeking forgiveness, praying, taking my thoughts captive, I can and must begin doing them in the name of Jesus. To actually say it! Oh, the power of words! In God’s eyes, there is no such thing as an insignificant action. Am I aware of that?! Is shaping my day?! I pray so.

I use to think this truth was reserved for people in Bible times or today’s prominent Christian leaders and teachers. What I am coming to realize is that it is meant for me as well! It is meant for any who name the name of Jesus as Savior. God is definitely calling me out into a bolder, more verbal walk with Himself. He knows I have too often allowed His words to go unspoken. No more! Each day as I open Scripture I am bombarded by a verbal treasure cove and if I will but speak those gems of truth I will begin to see things happen that I never imagined possible. They are not simply positive words. They are empowering!


Father, I am a communicator by nature but am just now coming into a fuller awareness of words! Loosen my tongue to voice Your truth-phrases over every word and deed that takes place both privately and publicly. In the name of Jesus, amen!

In The Name of the Lord - Sandi Patty
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8FxlN0ImqM

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

A Cheerful Giver

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:7,8 (New International Version)

At one time, if you had quoted the first half of this passage to me, my mind would have instantly thought of tithing. How easy it is to limit Scripture to one small picture when God intends for it to be a mural of beauty. His Word is not only alive and powerful it has many dimensions and layers. Our joy comes when we begin to see the bigger picture of what God is saying.

Recently, an act of kindness shown to me led to God bringing this phrase to mind, “God loves a cheerful giver.” Then He graciously broadened the image to, “God loves ALL cheerful giving.” That which is done out of joyous, promptness rather than duty or a have to mentality. Instantly, my mind began to formulate the many things that can be given to others beyond material things. The giving includes giving others an encouraging word, the benefit of the doubt, a second chance, a listening ear, the right of way, priority, a kind gesture, a smile, a helping hand, friendship, a shoulder to cry on, prayer support, forgiveness, time, attention, and even a hug. It could also entail giving them entrance into your life or allowing them the freedom to walk away. The list is endless and God will help you to come up with fresh ideas all day long. Once the full scope hits, the passion and desire will arise in you to carry out the very thing that God loves……..ministry to others.

The second half of this passage tells us the “how to” of our giving. He promises to give us more than enough of what we need to abound in every good work. It is all about His influence upon us that strengthens and kindles within us the desire to give to others what God lays on our heart to give. His grace is what affords us the joy, pleasure, and delight to bestow acts of loving kindness on others. God’s favor through us to others! God supplies it and He loves it when we take what He supplies and lavish it on others.

In God’s eyes, no act or moment of giving is insignificant or invisible. After all, in the midst of pompous giving Jesus noticed and mentioned the woman who gave two small coins. Do it and He will see it! Say it and He will hear it! It will never be wasted or go unnoticed by Him. How He delights in seeing His Word and His wishes become a part of our daily life!

Father, You are the ultimate Giver! Jesus’ life is my example as well. My I be an imitator of Him and a giver for You. Amen.

HOW BEAUTIFUL -Twila Paris
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJfSp_rceFs&feature=related

I welcome your questions and comments to any devotional thoughts. I am honored and delighted to share my journey with you and privileged to hear of yours. http://pathways2freedom.blogspot.com/