Essential and Purposeful Meditation

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8 (New King James Version)

There are times when troubling thoughts, persistent regrets, and memories of failure can be what we continuously mull over in our mind. They become the fodder upon which our mind feeds. This is the epitome of meditation whereby we keep something front and center in our thoughts. Our thoughts feed our actions, attitudes, and words so it is imperative that we follow the pattern set out for us in Philippians 4:8. I know that and yet God is helping me to see an aspect I have missed. What I am thinking on must not only fit the criteria of being true, it must also be noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy. If it doesn’t fit the entire mold it shouldn’t be the thing I dwell on day in and day out. In essence, God is saying, “There are many things you can think on and you must choose the right ones.” My thoughts, just like my words, need to be such that they encourage, enlighten, and energize me. What I would not allow to come out of my mouth I must not allow to be dominate in my mind.

I have often made the mistake of thinking if something is true than I can’t help but think about it. It has been a recipe for disaster! Two examples of dangerous meditation for me have been regret over becoming emotionally dependent on a person and experiencing that person’s change of heart toward me. No tool of the enemy is more effective to bring me down than those two reminders. Both are true but God wants me to know they don’t meet the standards of today’s verse and therefore should not be what I focus on. They are opposite of what He spells out in His Word. Their effect brings death rather than life to my emotions, feelings, and moods.

Is it easy to change my thoughts? Not always. At the beginning, it takes a lot of hard work and continual decisions to choose what is right. So what should I think on? Scripture passages, present things that bring me joy, songs that are meaningful to me, the ways God has worked in my life, prayer requests and praises….the list is quite long. The bottom line is this: I can continue to touch the wounds that hurt or I can fill my mind with other things and eventually see the wounds healed.

Father, I am weary of my thought patterns. I want to move beyond the things that torment and torture me. Help me to think on the things that are beneficial and life giving. Amen.

You are Mine
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bm5ORb96vmQ&feature=related

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

When Tempted to Remain Silent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Limitations

As a father pities his children, so the LORD pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust. Psalm 103:13, 14 (New King James Version)

I take great delight and comfort in the fact that God knows my human frailties, limitations, and weaknesses. He shows mercy and forgiveness in the midst of every one of them. As He does, He urges me to do the same toward myself and toward others. I am learning something that is making that understandable and doable.

Failures primarily come because of two different reasons. They come due to either my sin or my limitations. I am neither super human or perfect therefore I fail. Seeing this truth gives me direction as to what to do with the failure. If it is because of sin, I need to confess it to God and turn from it. As His child, I am assured of His love, mercy, and forgiveness. If, however, my failure is due to a limitation in ability, time, or resources then I need to see it as such and seek God’s grace to accept it or His intervention to change it. It is a reality check based on truth rather than a time for beating myself up.

This is not only a new way for me to start living my life, it is also a powerful ingredient to introduce into my relationships with others. Due to my own insecurities, I can often misunderstand and misperceive what others can or cannot do. A change of plans, an inability to give me what I want, or an unenthusiastic response can send me reeling with the idea I am unloved, unwanted, and unwelcome. I am not proud of this aspect of myself, but I am acutely aware of it.

Thankfully, God is showing me the necessity of practicing discernment rather than embracing perceptions. I must separate sinful acts from human limitations. If it is a sin, I must choose to forgive and show mercy. If, however, it is a human limitation I must see it as such rather than as a sign of rejection or disinterest. Rather than recoil, I can pray for them, extend an offer to help, and come to a fresh realization that they too are dust. Words cannot describe the freedom that comes when I simply acknowledge, “They are tired, they are busy, they are ill at the present. It really isn’t personal. It is life.” When I look at life as a whole, this lesson is a huge one for me to learn!

Father, forgive me for the times I have handed out condemning indictments against myself and others rather than seen the truth about our limitations. Teach me wisdom and discernment and fill me with grace and mercy. Amen.

Only You
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgmezEn-zvE

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

What Was Lacking

Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 106:1 (New International Version)

Yesterday was a day of feeling unsettled, uneasy, unsatisfied, and unhappy. I spent a better part of the day discouraged, disheartened, and in an internal seething mode. I felt it and others noticed it. It did not take long for God to begin to reveal the problem to me. It wasn’t my circumstances but rather my heart response to those circumstances. My focus had shifted from a God centeredness to negatively viewing life. Miserable does not begin to describe it. I knew I had lost my joy, my purpose, and my thankfulness. The wrong motives of my heart became prominent and began to steer me in wrong directions. Physically I felt drained and emotionally I felt weak.

God’s first word to me was to begin thanking Him. I’ll admit the list was short at first. Not because there was not an abundance of things to be thankful for but because my heart was in need of priming much like a water source that has not been active for a while. If given enough time, callousness can set in with grumbling, murmuring, and complaining and the softening of the calloused heart and mind takes time as well. The “softening” followed two significant steps. First, I had to spend time admitting my own heart attitudes that were wrong. Second, I spent time with some women in a Bible study last night who helped redirect my focus on to God. They encouraged me through their words and examples to let go of what I wanted and embrace what God wanted.

This morning, the thanks flows easily from my heart and mouth. With that thanks comes a change of perspective, a relinquishment of “rights”, a joy, a strength, and a sense of well being. If yesterday was a dungeon of sorts, today is an open field of wonder! I find it interesting that the only things that really changed were my attitude, my thoughts, my focus, and my desires. Yet, those changes make everything else look and feel completely different.

Living my life with an unthankful spirit is much harder than living with a thankful one. Hence, Jesus’ words ring in my ears, “My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” What He places on me in the way of kingdom principles is definitely more conducive than what He helped me take off and give to Him.

Father, You have once again given me beauty for ashes, strength for fear, and gladness for sorrow. Your exchanges never cease to amaze me! Amen.

Give Thanks - Don Moen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBpv-ZzcQD8

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

Emotionally Driven

Therefore, when Saul saw that he behaved very wisely, he was afraid of him. 1 Samuel 18:15 (New King James Version)

When Saul saw David’s popularity increase, jealousy ruled. When he saw David behave in wise ways, fear ruled. When he knew David was to be the next king of Israel, hatred ruled. My Bible notes refer to Saul as one having “schizophrenic behavior.” Those in close contact with him would have witnesses his highs and lows to a point of never being sure of what to expect from him. Today, we would say, “they walked on egg shells.”

We are not told if those who knew him best knew what set him off each time his emotions led him to act out in anger or why he was so determined to destroy David. As I read the accounts, I have to ask myself if Saul himself even knew the root of his actions and attitudes. I ponder whether or not he ever wanted to change. Did he lose sleep? Did he make resolves to “do better next time?” Did he realize he needed help? Or did he live with attitude of justification and declaration that what he was doing was okay? Did he have people in his life who ever tried to get him to see the truth about himself? When the first few episodes took place, did he see that he had a problem?

For any who experience mood swings and inconsistent behavior, it is easy to relate with Saul. As I read the accounts of his life in Scripture, I find myself knowing how it feels to be ruled by emotions and feelings. While I do not act out in the same way, I act out none the less! My default mode is usually sullenness and silence when I experience insecurity, jealousy, rejection, or disappointment. I am talkative by nature and love being part of conversations and laughter. But when I am hit with a downward pull, that all changes. Those who are around me are never sure what to do with me or to me. I am sure that prayers go up but along with that they must experience frustration, concern, and a sense of bewilderment.

As I think back to the most recent occurrence I know one thing….I do not want my life to end up like Saul’s did…..no change, no freedom, no true living. It won’t as long as I see and acknowledge the truth and continually seek God’s help and healing in my life. It requires being honest with God, others, and myself. It requires obedience in that which I know must be said and done. Some would say I am too hard on myself. I would say I am in need of change.

Father, the cycle is vicious and the times of failure daunting. Help me to walk in victory in those areas that have been filled with defeat thus far. Show me what to do and give me the grace and desire to do it. Amen.

Wonderful Merciful Savior - Selah
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQzrqmcwg8o&feature=PlayList&p=2715BD1BF5489D23&playnext_from=PL&index=0&playnext=1

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

Breaking the Pattern

They will sanctify My name; indeed, they will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob and will stand in awe of the God of Israel. Those who err in mind will know the truth, and those who criticize will accept instruction. Isaiah 29:23,24 (New American Standard Bible)

I have learned that when an uneasy feeling settles over me or I begin feeling shaky internally, it is time to do some searching. It is not enough to know there is a problem, I must get to the root of the problem. The “symptoms” I am experiencing will not go away without dealing with what is causing them to surface. Today’s verse shows me the issue and the solution. My shift of emotions, attitudes, and feelings can usually be traced back to error filled thinking and a critical spirit. God’s answer for me is to know the truth, accept His instruction, sanctify (revere) His name, and stand in awe of Him. But these are only words on a page unless I put them into practice on a daily basis.

James reminds me to be a doer of the Word and not merely a hearer. Truth only changes me as I apply it to my life. So what makes this so difficult to do? Many things. When one has spent years making wrong choices of thoughts and emotions there is a pattern that must be broken. The strongholds of idolatry and self pity must be acknowledged and torn down. What use to feel good and seem right must be seen as detrimental to my spiritual, emotional, and social health. When one has grown accustomed to jumping into one mental pit after another there comes a time when staying out of the pit must be a priority and accepted choice.

The words of 2 Chronicles 25:8 come to mind which says, “The Lord has much more to give you than this.” The “this” He is referring to for me this morning is all the ways I have learned to cope and survive emotionally. As I make my way around an all too familiar “spiral” God is letting me know He has a better way for me to think and act than what I have been use to. While I may feel shaky, He is reminding me of all the solid things in my life such as His Word, His Spirit, and Himself. This is what He is using to redirect my focus and my heart back toward Himself. As they take center stage for me, the rest begins to lessen and weaken. Calm replaces turmoil. Joy replaces discontentment. Peace replaces uneasiness. It is continually realigning myself to trusting, believing, acknowledging, and accepting Who God is and His ways for me. Precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little, there a little (Isaiah 28:13). Change and growth take God, time, and continual cooperation. With that I move forward instead of down. Praise Him!

Father, the old ways are slowly giving way to Your ways. How You long to free me from what has been a way of life for me. Keep teaching me to turn to You and abide in You. Amen.

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

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

Staying Power

You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3 (New King James Version)

What is it that robs you of peace and joy? Circumstances? Failure? Disappointment? Loss? According to James 1:3, those things develop us into stronger Christians. They are what we face in life but they are not the robbers. Our thoughts and what we choose to meditate and dwell upon are the culprits! God’s promise for peace is contingent upon our keeping our thoughts directed toward Him. Looking to Him to sustain and uphold us. To be our leaning post upon which we rest and relax. Not just every once in a while but on a continual basis.

Flowery words? To some. But they are meant to be more than words. They are meant to breath life into our fitful lives. God knows how easily we can drain and strain our strength by the mere practice of looking away from Him and (for the most part) forgetting about Him. We wear ourselves out with worry and anxiety. Like the slow churning of lava prior to the volcanic eruption, we poise ourselves for emptiness and bewilderness. Jesus promised abundant life and we dig our feet into the sod of a cemetery.

So what is it that fills me with anything but peace? Allowing myself to continually dwell on past relationships that did not work out the way I had hoped. Resigning myself to the thought that life holds no more adventure or change. Harboring regrets over past failure and present relapses into dangerous thinking. Allowing perceptions and distortions to play freely across the fields of my mind. It is deliberate thinking in the wrong direction and on the wrong objects.

A read through of the Psalms will quickly give me more than enough to think upon. Reviewing God’s past intervention in my life will equip me to live life peacefully. It is purposeful and intentional meditation upon the heart, character, and actions of God that will break the cycle of peace-draining mindsets.

I write often of the thought life because I experience the painful results of not taking the thoughts captive. Today is a day for redirecting my thoughts and standing guard against any that would be counter productive to God’s desire for me. He who holds my life in His hands longs to be the one upon whom my mind is fixated!

Father, fill my mind with thoughts of You! Amen.

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

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

It's Not What I Thought

They said to Him, "Grant that we may sit, one on Your right and one on Your left, in Your glory." "But to sit on My right or on My left, this is not Mine to give; but it is for those for whom it has been prepared." Mark 10:37,40 (New American Standard Bible)

James and John made a request of Jesus that opened up an opportunity for learning. Jesus had just revealed His future suffering, death, and resurrection to them and their first response is to ask for prime seating in His kingdom. Jesus’ answer is a quick reminder that many things are left up to the decision of God the Father to make and He has no intention on usurping that position. Not only are the seating arrangements in Heaven prepared for specific people but so are arrangements here on earth.

There are certain things I would like to do that are not for me. They have not been chosen and ordained by God for me. I watch as others step into rolls and relationships that I desire for myself. The ache of disappointment and the sting of dissatisfaction reveal my own heart attitudes that need God’s redemptive touch. The enemy of my soul wastes no time in parading his lies across the foreground of my thinking. Not good enough, not favored enough, being punished, the list goes on and on. When it is all said and done God’s character, heart, sovereignty and wisdom are what come under attack.

He longs for me to trust Him and His plan for me. He stands ready to remind me that His plans and thoughts are better than my own. He has had His hand and eye on me from the moment of my conception and He knows the end of my story. But I keep squirming and straining. I keep thinking my plan would be better and that I would be happier if given the things I want. How foolish and how childish of me. I am limited in my perspective, my abilities, and my vantage point. I have the “here and now” view and God has eternity past, present, and future.

Each day I am invited to exchange my thoughts for His. To believe His intentions for me are good, honorable, and precious. To open my closed fists and reserved heart to the very reason for which He created me. To poise myself for His work and design in my life. I am not looked over, ignored, invisible, or forgotten by Him. I am loved and I am His.

Father, You keep showing me these truths with the purpose of changing my view of You and myself. Thank you that You continue to invest Your time and heart in my life. Help me to stop looking at the things You have not prepared for me and start embracing the things You have! Amen.

Your Name - Phillips, Craig, & Dean
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=othYj8jWSwc&feature=related

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

God's Recipe to Live By

Who is the man who desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. Psalm 34:12-14 (New King James Version)

I love God’s invitations! He perks up our ears with an offer for not only a long life but a good one at that. But like so many of His principles and promises throughout Scripture, there is a condition that must be met. He is offering one thing while listing the requirements for obtaining it.

So what are the conditions upon which God’s promises hang? Watching our words as well as our actions. God knows that the words we speak over our life, our circumstances, and our relationships will have a big effect on each. Words that are evil and deceitful are not only opposite of His character of truth but they are tools for the enemy to use against us and others. In other words, He wants us to not say something that will give the enemy the means and opportunity with which to attack us. The words we speak will either add quality and length to our life or drain us of it.

He also requires a life of exchanges with our actions. Give up the evil ways for what is good and brings peace. Which of these words will define my actions today? I will have numerous opportunities to display one or the other. I must understand myself well enough to know that my flesh will always go for the evil ways while my spirit (my connection with God) will go after what is good and results in peace. Again, my actions will aid me in having an abundant life or hinder me from it.

In myself and through my own efforts I will fail in both these areas. I will speak the words that God cringes at and Satan delights in. I will also act in ways that work against me and others. That is why each morning I must start with a cry for help! David’s prayer can be my own, “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.” God will let me know throughout the day what should and shouldn’t be exiting my mouth. He will do the same with my actions. Not only will He instruct me along the way but He will empower me to obey Him, yield to Him, and cooperate with Him. He will give me the desire and ability to do the very thing He requires with all the benefits that come with it.

Father, I will not make it without Your help today. Be the Guard of my mouth as well as my actions. I want to defer to You every time. Amen.

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

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

Based on What?

Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 2 Corinthians 5:9 (King James Version)

At first glance, this verse appears to be saying that God’s acceptance of me is based on my works for Him. I can look back to over 30 years of my Christian life whereby I thought that God’s acceptance of me was based on my performance and good deeds. If I did well, I felt acceptable to Him. If I failed, I felt unacceptable to Him. Understand, I did not base my salvation on my works. I knew Christ paid the penalty for my sin on Calvary and hence my salvation was not something I could earn. I knew I would spend eternity in Heaven with Him because of His grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Yet, I lived with an uneasiness as to how He viewed me as His child. Toleration at best and dislike at worst. It was the foundational lie upon which I built my legalistic faith walk. When that is the case, there is no peace, no joy, no rest.

It is imperative that we see the meaning of the words we read in the Bible. It helps to take key words and see what they mean in the original language. The Greek word for accepted is euarestos and it means well pleasing and acceptable. With that in mind, look at how this verse reads in the New Living Translation: “So our aim is to please him always, whether we are here in this body or away from this body.” When I see it worded that way, I am made aware of the fact that my actions are to please God, which is far removed from thinking I have to work for God’s acceptance and approval.

When it comes to God’s view of me, I must remember to separate His view of me and His view of my actions, motives, attitudes, thoughts, and words. I am accepted through Christ, my Savior (John 1:12). My behavior is either pleasing or displeasing to Him depending on whether or not it is aligned with His desire and will. Because of Christ, I will always be accepted by God. When my actions displease Him, it is necessary for me to confess and repent the wrong and move forward in obedience. It is for His pleasure not His acceptance.

This is a pivotal truth for me as it helps me to see that I really am accepted by God. His view of me is one of approval and affirmation. While He is not always pleased with what I do, He delights in me as His daughter and in that I am free to live life to the fullest!

Father, Your view of me is becoming clearer to me and is replacing the distortions of the faulty belief system I can easily embrace if I am not careful. I joy in what I am seeing! Amen.

Friend of God - Phillips, Craig, & Dean
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMnMN08sv4k

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

The Choice is Mine

Who is the man who fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way he should choose. Psalm 25:12 (New American Standard Bible)

God’s instructions to me in the way I should choose is contingent upon my fearing Him….standing in awe and trust of Him. Once those instructions are given it is imperative that I follow them. When I do, life is lived the way He intended. When I don’t, heartache and trouble follow. I often limit God’s leading to employment, actions, and decisions that need to be made. I don’t want to make mistakes that will have painful consequences. I, like you, want to make wise choices and head in the right direction. This morning, God is broadening my picture of being guided by His instructions.

I make many choices throughout my day: what I will eat, what I will read, what I will wear, what I will do, what I will not do, etc… Most choices take little time or thought on my part. I just choose! Yet there is one area of my life in which I consistently feel I have no choice. I live more as a victim than a victor. That is in the area of my thought life. For many reasons, I have come to believe that if a thought comes to mind I must dwell on it. If a perception makes its way into my thinking I must believe it. To push it aside and think on something else seems like denial of “truth” and deep down inside the dangerous thinking lurks and taunts, until it eventually comes to the forefront again and wreaks havoc with my emotions, feelings, and actions.

When caring people in my life try to tell me, “Pam, you can choose what you are thinking on. You MUST choose what you will think on.” I struggle to accept that truth and responsibility. Like a deer with the headlights in her eyes, I blink back a look of confusion. Yet, their words are true. They are based on Scripture which will never mislead me. Philippians 4:8 says I am to think on whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good report, excellent, and worthy of praise. What I am coming to see is that in order to do that I must first CHOOSE to do it. I must choose to reject certain thoughts and embrace right thinking. I must choose to think on other things and allow right thinking to take up residence in my mind. If I don’t do so, I will continue to live my life cycling from one pit dwelling thought to the next.

This is God’s guidance for me today and every day. I can see the truth and express the truth with ease at this point. But I know that real change and transformation is not going to be mine until I apply the truth of what I have written this morning. Will I do what is necessary the next time a wrong thought enters my mind? I pray so!

Father, help me to live what I so easily write about in devotionals. Help me to cooperate with You and choose correctly! Amen.

Power of Your Love - Maranatha Singers
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.

A Word of Correction

For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. Romans 7:15, 18(New American Standard Bible)

I wonder if Paul’s words in the book of Romans surprised those who looked up to him. Was he being a fatalist and just beating himself up over his own weaknesses and propensity toward sin? No! He was being authentic and admitting the truth about his personal life and heart condition. It was moment of truth not a time of condemnation and shame.

One of the reasons for Scripture is for correction. If I allow it, God’s word will help me to see lies I am believing and the truth that is meant to replace the lies and allow me to walk in freedom. Today’s passage is doing exactly that! While the people of Paul’s day were set straight on any false notion that Paul had arrived, stood in perfection, and never battled with being human, his words are finding a home in my heart as well and urging me to release my own false notions about other believers. While I don’t hold this view toward all people, I am aware of the times I can look at a significant person and feel she never has a bad day, never walks with insecurity, never gives in to temptation, handles each crisis with ease, never struggles, never sins, never doubts God, and basically doesn’t bleed when she is cut or feel pain when she is hurt. And this morning, God is telling me to put her name and every one else’s name into this passage. Not to condemn but rather to see the truth about others and the truth about myself. For He knows that as long as I believe someone is above the battle, then I believe I can reach that state of perfection on this earth. And when I fail to do so, I cringe at the realization of my weaknesses, I come to believe other people cringe at the realization of my weaknesses, and I live with the belief that God cringes at my weaknesses. I then fall into a life style of posturing, pretending, and hiding.

God says, “I have a better way for you to live. Admit you are human and still deeply loved by Me! See that this is a journey of progress and I am your personal Guide. Open your heart up to the truth that My love and acceptance of you is not based on what you do and who you are but rather on Me. My arms are not folded, My face does not wear a scowl, I do not groan in my Spirit when you approach Me, and I am not disappointed in the fact that you are still imperfect. I love you and I embrace you!” I rest in His words to me.

Father, You have seen the comparisons I have made to others and the wrong conclusions I have drawn. Thank you that You are working to instill truth in me and anticipating with joy the freedom I will find in that truth! Amen.

Mercy Said No - CeCe Winans
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_SjhKJgqGg&feature=related

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

Gaining Control

Therefore my disquieting thoughts make me respond, even because of my inward agitation. Job 20:2 (New American Standard Bible)

Zophar’s words to Job speak volumes to me this morning, for I, too, can find myself responding to my own disquieting thoughts and inward agitations. I am amazed how frequently I can allow those very things to control me, my outlook on life, my view of others, and my opinion of myself. The odd thing about it is that it usually has to do with things I don’t really know for sure but perceive to be true none the less. Case in point, what another people might or might not be thinking of me. Due to my own weaknesses, internal wounds, and inconsistent emotions, I can often decide that others think the worst of me, yet the truth of the matter is that I don’t really know what they are thinking. The enemy loves to see me play mental gymnastics that lead no where but down. He loves for me to draw the conclusion that I am not loved, wanted, or even liked by others, and then proceed to withdraw into my own little world of self loathing, fear, and abandonment. Unmet needs, expectations, and longings become the fodder that I can mentally feed upon and the scene plays out like a tragedy.

A conversation with a friend via the internet last night helped me to see the dangers of this tendency as well as a way to get myself back on the right track spiritually and emotionally. I was reminded of the necessity to let go of past hurts and disappointments, to think on what I know to be true, and by the grace of God, to live out the things God has been teaching me. For me, each of those things become decisions I have to make regarding where I allow my mind to dwell. I cannot afford to review unchangeable history. The whys and what ifs are too numerous and unproductive at best. When I presume to know what another person is thinking I must see that as a form of judging on my part and take myself off the throne upon which only God has the ability to sit. I have to choose to meditate on what God says and thinks about me, which is ultimately where my true identity is based. Freedom and growth will come for me as I implement these things into my life the NEXT time the battle of my mind is raging, I am faced with unfounded perceptions, or I am tempted to withdraw into my own emotional cocoon.

Life is too short and the opportunities to live an abundant life in Christ are too many to continue living in a defeated mode. It is time once again to put on the armor of truth, righteousness, peace, and faith so that I can move forward in my Christian life, enjoy and love the people in my life, and be productive in the kingdom work of my Heavenly Father.

Father, help me to now live what I have just written in this devotional. Help me to make the right choices. The wise choices. The necessary choices. Amen.

JESUS,Lover of my soul (it's all about You)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dD-ZdMOx_HY&feature=related

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

What to do With the Toxic Thoughts

Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. Colossians 3:2 (New American Standard Bible)

My mother would often say, “You can only think of one thing at a time.” She was right! God’s Word is filled with verses that speak of the importance of meditating on the right things. Today’s verse is one such example. It not only has the idea of focus but also of coming into agreement with. Since a multitude of thoughts play out in my mind daily, it is imperative that I keep them aligned with God and His eternal perspective. There is more to life than merely those things I can experience with my five senses. In the midst of anything I see, feel, or experience, there is a heavenly realm that must be taken into consideration. I must learn to see the whole picture instead of just my limited point of view.

Last night afforded me an opportunity to practice setting my mind on things above. It came in the form of disappointment that someone was given the opportunity to do something I am longing to do but am not able to do at present. I found myself battling thoughts of jealousy as well as feelings of being over looked AGAIN! Fear abounded that God might never open the door for me to serve in THAT capacity. They were self-consuming, self- centered, self-condemning thoughts and they were toxic for all of 10 minutes. That is when I made a conscious decision to review truth and allow it to set me free.

What was the truth I reviewed? God is in control of my life. He has plans for me that He will fulfill. I can trust Him to use me in the ways He chooses at the times He chooses and for the purposes He chooses. He knows what He is doing in each ministry opportunity. I have not been over looked but rather His eyes and attention are constantly on me. My freedom comes in acknowledging God’s right to say where I am to be, what I am to be doing, and how I am to be doing it. He sets the agenda. He maps out the course. He guides and directs. His plans and thoughts are higher than my own.

Do I still have desires and wishes? Absolutely! But they are being laid at the foot of the cross with a heart of submission to and acceptance of what God wants for me. I don’t want to live my life honed in on what I cannot do but rather on all that He allows me TO do. He may still choose to have me serve Him in the place I desire to serve, but it will have to be on His time table. If it never comes about then it was not part of His best for me. I am not being neglected or ignored. I am being loved, cherished, and led by the Lover of my soul!

Father, You know my heart’s desires. As I set my affections on things above, change what needs to be changed, solidify what needs to be solidified, and accomplish Your will for me. Amen.

God Is In Control - Twila Paris
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQHlKc8DrB4&feature=related

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

Choosing My Thoughts Wisely

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 (King James Version)

God knows that what I choose to think about and what I choose to speak will shape my day as well as my life. There are times I feel as if I am standing beside two very different pools of water. One is stagnant, muddy, and foul smelling. The other is fresh, clean, and inviting.

Whichever I would choose to drink from or soak in would affect me in profound ways. Too often I have found myself forgetting there are two choices. Negative thoughts appear and before I know it I am engulfed by the muck and mire of my own mind. What starts out as a mere thought becomes something I dwell on, mull over, and meditate on at great length. The longer I center my thoughts on those things the more quickly I sense my spirit shrivel, my attitude plunge, and feelings of loss and hopelessness abound. For too many years, I did not know it does not have to be like that. I did not know I could redirect my thoughts and change the effect they are having on me.

It is not just a matter of becoming a positive thinker. It really comes down to a belief system. What is it I am choosing to believe about myself, other people, and God? In my flesh I am prone to think the worst about all three! I will view myself with contempt, condemnation, and criticism. I will presume to know what others are thinking and will proceed to treat them as if I know the very depths of their heart. God will stand suspect in my mind whereby I will distance myself from who He really is. The enemy loves to feed me lie after lie and unfortunately (too often) I have embraced the lies as if they were the truth.

God is continually letting me know it does not have to be like this. The prescription is to come to Him for the truth. His truth will expose the lies, repel the lies, and replace the lies. It is a matter of looking at life and allowing God to help me to interpret it properly. Things, people, circumstances, events, and situations are not necessarily what they appear. I will know who or what is behind my thoughts by the direction they lead me. If I am led into hopelessness, despair, and turmoil the enemy is at work. If I am led into peace, confidence, and joy my loving heavenly Father is at work. I must chose wisely who I will follow.

Father, already this morning the thoughts are coming. You are wooing me to Yourself where truth, healing, and wholeness are found. Amen.

Thy Word - Maranatha Singers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SLHWFpSlq4&feature=PlayList&p=B0FA3835941BD72D&index=0

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

The Wrong Conclusion

And he said: “ Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD.” Job 1:21 (New King James Version)

The question was asked at a study I attended last night that seemed easy to answer…at first. It went as follows: “Deep down inside, do you believe God is a giver or a taker?” My mind instantly went to today’s verse and I chose to say He is both…Job said so! Then something dawned on me. I had to consider the fact that Job’s perspective was faulty due to his limited view of things. He spoke those words of the Lord giving and taking away, after the loss of his children, property, possessions, health, reputation, and human support. At first glance he seemed to have a healthy view of things. After all, he served a sovereign God. Yet, I am struck by the fact that the one who actually took the things and people out of Job’s life was not God but Satan. Job didn’t mention that or think of it because, quite frankly, he wasn’t aware of Satan’s involvement in his life or of the conversation that led up to that involvement. He simply believed all his loss was at the hands of God when it actually wasn’t.

This realization is causing me to rethink my original answer to the Bible study question. Even as I ponder other Biblical accounts of people losing things I am coming to see the “other” hands besides God’s at work. Not only was there Satanic involvement but there were many aspects of just living in a fallen world. People take things, sickness takes things, nature takes things, and economic down turns take things. Sometimes, God chooses to intervene with healings. Sometimes He replaces what is taken. He teaches us things through the losses. He helps us see Him in a whole new light after the loss. But all of those are examples of giving. If I see God as a taker I get scared. Fearful that if I make a wrong move He will grab something from me.

For the longest time, when I thought of a significant relationship that had ended, I thought God had taken the person out of my life as a means of punishment. I displeased Him and therefore He took. How far from the truth that is! The broken relationship was the result of my own dependency issues and the other person’s change of heart. After the loss, God in His graciousness showed me aspects about Himself that were precious. He taught me many things. He brought other individuals into my life. He continually gave and He will continue to give. Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Some who are reading this have experienced great losses. If those losses have caused you to view God as a taker (like I had viewed Him), I encourage you to ask Him to show you who really did the taking and to also show you how much He is giving!

Father, Jesus was the ultimate display of Your giving nature. Thank you for the many giving moments You continue to have. Amen.

My Praise - Phillips, Craig, & Dean
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwPeud_V7cg&feature=related

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

That Which Prevails Against Me

Iniquities prevail against me; as for our transgressions, You forgive them. Psalm 65:3 (New American Standard Bible)

When that which resides in me, continues to show itself stronger than my resolve to fight it, and once again surfaces and prevails, I have a faithful God who willingly forgives. When what I have yet to conquer, conquers me, I am assured of God’s forgiveness. When the cycle of sin remains unbroken and the apologies are necessary AGAIN, I rest in the promise and possession of God’s forgiveness.

There are times, when I have failed to fight and stood in defeat once more, that my shoulders slump, the tears fall, and my head bows because I feel I will never overcome certain areas of my life. I may start the day with resolve only to fall apart in the battle. Yesterday was one such experience. Perceptions enveloped and encased me and I found myself telling God, “I will never beat this thing. I will never get it right!” Although forgiveness was forthcoming, today finds me apprehensive and fearful of the next time I am called to the same battlefield and scenario. In moments like this, joy eludes me and fear takes over. Why? Because my track record of failure stairs me in the face and the enemy of my soul works tirelessly to convince me things will never be different.

I have a choice to make. Believe the lies or review the truth that greater is He that is in me than He that is in the world. Not one thing defeated Christ here on earth. He stood Victor over everything. He is the One holding my hand and speaking words of assurance to me that He will do the work necessary for me to overcome. He is the One taking my face in His hands and turning my gaze toward Him rather than on my inabilities, depravity, and weakness. He is the One who knows my fears and is able to put them to rest. He is the One rewriting the endings to my stories that I am limited to see presently.

Hope is born when I see the possibility that things can be different. My past does not have to be my future. Yesterday’s failure does not have to be today’s scenario and it won’t be if my confidence is in Christ instead of myself.

Father, I long to experience freedom and victory in this area of my life that keeps prevailing. I want to know the joy of the victor’s song. I look to You to do in me what I am not able to do. Peter’s cry of, “Help me, Lord” is now my cry as well. Amen.

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

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

Seeing the Truth

For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in loving kindness to all who call upon You. Psalm 86:5 (New American Standard Bible)

It occurred to me this morning that I still have mindsets that God wants to free me of. One is in the area of His forgiveness. I often think there is a difference in the way God views a repentant person who is first coming to Christ for salvation and a Christian who is coming to Him for forgiveness of sin. Sort of like He is more accepting and understanding of the first over the second. I see Him with open arms and joy over the person coming to know Him as Savior but a more reserved reception for the one who is already His child. Maybe that is due to the fact that I am harder on myself now than before I knew Christ or maybe it is because the body of Christ can sometimes differentiate between the two. Whatever the reason, Psalm 86:5 is giving me a more accurate picture of God’s nature and heart in the area of forgiveness.

Remember the father of the returning prodigal son? He was looking for his return, ran to meet him, embraced him, and lavished him with a ring, robe, sandals, and a feast! He saw him as one who had not only come back home but had come back to life. He was overjoyed at having his son back. Did it mean his son’s actions didn’t bother him? No. Did it mean he was never heartbroken over the rebellion? No. It means when his son came to him in brokenness, sorrow, and confession he was extravagant in his reception of him. God is no different but rather exceeds even that picture! That is what is so amazing about His mercy, grace, and love! Unexplainable, uncomprehendable, and unfathomable!

With tenderness God is once again probing my heart with questions He wants me to answer in honesty. Just as in the area of forgiveness there are other underlying thoughts He wants to bring to the surface and expose to the light of His Word. He is asking questions to heal not to condemn. Do I sense delight or disappointment in His eyes? Do I view His love as extravagant and unfailing or limited and conditional? Am I striving for or resting in His acceptance? Do I grasp the innumerable times He thinks of me or do I feel invisible to Him? Do I think He plays favorites or am I secure in being His much loved child? Do I sense a distance or a closeness to Him? The answers I give will reveal a lot about how I view God and how I feel He views me. They will reveal what my relationship with Him is really like. He is inviting me to allow Him to give me an honest picture of Himself. He wants me to bring the doubts, uncertainties, and insecurities to Him once again and embrace the truth of who He is and what He is like. I use to fear these kinds of sessions with Him. Now I have grown to value them!

Father, when it comes to Your love, forgiveness, and acceptance let me not only see and embrace the truth, but let me walk and dance in it today! Amen!

Power of Your Love - Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ga6Qtxzd6vk

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

Transformed Words and Thoughts

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 (New King James Version)

I am learning that the two most powerful areas in my life to guard are my words and my thoughts. Both have the ability to rule my day in ways of blessing or ways of despair. I am amazed how quickly the wrong thoughts can plunge me into a pit so deep and produce words so dark that it leaves me spiritually, emotionally, and physically drained. But I am equally as amazed by how quickly I can be energized and freed when I take the thoughts captive, purposefully meditate on the right things, and speak the truth about God, myself, and my circumstances.

Show me a person who is bitter, angry, and negative and I will show you a person who has not embraced the truth of Psalm 19:14. What they don’t realize is how much is stemming from their heart and mind. We feast on the things we think about. That is it! That is what carries us through our day and it affects every part of our day. I want my feelings, will, and intellect to be filled with the things that are acceptable, delightful, desirable, favorable, and pleasurable to God. When that is the case, it will be evidenced in my actions and my words.

I am not saying this is an easy task. It is a battle! I find that I am doing battle against very negative thoughts all day long. When I dwell on them and allow them to rule me I reach a point of hopelessness and rage. What I am learning is to battle the thoughts with truth. A friend once suggested writing out a truth list and then proceeding to read the list out loud over my life on a daily basis…sometimes several times a day. Just simple phrases like I am loved, God is my all in all, I am an over-comer, etc… I must use Scripture as well. It is the only way to silence the murmurings and musings of my heart.

David knew the truth of this when he penned Psalm 63! It was not written when he sat on the throne of Israel or while he was enjoying the comforts of life. It was written in the wilderness. It is filled with thoughts of blessing, praise, trust, seeking, worship, and assurance. It definitely gives no hint of a victim mentality. I choose to follow his example!

Father, up until now so many of my thoughts and words have kept me from embracing Your power, love, and purpose. You desire that I replace the lies with truth and I am finally ready to do that. Amen.

Beautiful One - Tim Hughes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9bC9CRv9oU&feature=related

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

Disciplined Thinking

Therefore my disquieting thoughts make me respond, even because of my inward agitation. Job 20:2 (New American Standard Bible)

Zophar spoke these words to Job and I can relate all to well with what he is saying. Disquieting thoughts and inward agitation have been the culprits behind many downward turns on what should be pleasant, joy filled days and experiences. It seems to take mere seconds to go from a “top of the world” feeling to emotions full of disappointment, despair, and negativity. While I can often detect what triggers the shifts, I must admit I have not been victorious in the battle. I can so easily give in to the thoughts and that spells disaster every time.

God, the ever patient and present One, is continually helping me see things that are meant to lead to my eventual freedom. Yesterday, He gave me something to do. It was like He leaned over and whispered, “Try this! Focus on what you are doing at the moment. Direct your thoughts toward where you are, who you are, and what you are doing here and now.” Do you know what I found? When I purposefully set my mind on the task at hand my thoughts were not wandering off in other directions. I was no longer dwelling on past hurts and disappointments. I was no longer fantasizing about the way I wanted things to be. I was no longer filled with anxious thoughts or confusing mental conversations. I was at peace and contentment was marking the moments.

This is new for me because I have spent most of my life with a wandering mind and the trips I would take were usually futile, frustrating, and unhelpful. They prevented me from really knowing myself and appreciating where God had me at the moment. They hindered me from fully enjoying the people in my life and the present blessings God was graciously bestowing upon me.

As with any discipline I wish to develop in my life, this one will take time. It requires constantly bringing myself back “home” in my thoughts. Exercises for me will include, listening to a song and seeing how long I can stay focused on the words and music. Taking a walk and seeing how many signs of spring I can detect. Talking with a friend and taking in every word they say. At times, it may even require just speaking out loud what it is I am doing and where I am at. As much time as I have practiced wrong thinking, I must now devote to right thinking. Purposeful thinking. Focused thinking. Determined thinking. I choose to control the thoughts that have for too long controlled me. By God’s grace I will do it!

Father, keep drawing me back to the present. Help my mind to stay fixed on You and the life you have given me to live each moment of each day. Amen.

I Just Want to Be Where You Are - Don Moen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrBYbjSg3kA&feature=related

May each of you have a wonderful Easter weekend celebrating the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. How I joy in all that God is resurrecting in each of us.