Mutual Relationships

That is, that we may be mutually strengthened and encouraged and comforted by each other's faith, both yours and mine. Romans 1:12 (Amplified Bible)

I find that relationships come in three forms. There are individuals in my life for whom I am used of God to minister to. There are also individuals in my life who minister to me in profound ways. And then there are the relationships like Paul is describing whereby the strengthening, encouragement, and comfort are mutual. It runs both ways and what a blessing when it does! I am at a point in my life where that is happening more and more with the people I am crossing paths with and I am thrilled to have it that way.

Is it always easy? No. There are times I find myself feeling foolish for expressing needs or wanting to talk. There are times the unavailability of the other person can fill me with a sense of embarrassment and shame. Those are the risks that can cause me to want to retreat into a safe hole and pretend I don’t need anyone or wish I didn’t. Those are the times I can try to convince myself it would be better to live a solo existence. But more importantly, those are the times God reveals aspects about my own heart that need a touch from Him.

He knows there are reasons behind my relational issues and He wants to bring them to the light for healing and wholeness. He also knows that although relationships entail risk, they thrive on trust, respect, honesty, openness, vulnerability, and acceptance. I praise Him for the ones who provide a safe place with whom I can experience that. They have enriched my life and have allowed me to enrich theirs.

At a time when I struggled the most with the awareness of my own emotional dependency issues, I believed the answer was to live without close relationships. But my own transformation began when I became open to that very thing. As I allowed individuals to see the real me, I saw that they didn’t walk away in disgust after all. They know I have a long way to go and they are such precious cheerleaders along the way. They (more than anyone) have been the heart and hands of Jesus to me.

Do I still second guess myself, feel like a basket case, hesitate to ask for help, cringe at my own “phobias”, and long to be a different person inside and out? Absolutely! But mutual relationships are helping to lessen those moments and growth is coming slowly but surely. They remain the precious jewels in my treasure chest of life and I value them highly.

Father, thank you for all the relationships I enjoy. May each one please and glorify
You! Amen.

Kathy Troccoli sings "My Life Is In Your Hands"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlmYxZAgrGI

Poised For Change

For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me. Colossians 1:29 (New American Standard Bible)

Our passions can consume us and that is a good thing if the passions flow out of a deep relationship with our Creator. The Apostle Paul had two passions that stemmed from his walk with Christ. He desired to share the gospel with the world and he longed to see Christians grow and mature in their faith. What was so vital to his life, he wanted others to have as well. It was his life message! And he knew that it stemmed from God’s work being done in him. His power source was not behavior modification and will power, but rather the active influence of God’s Spirit living in him.

Many are the sad accounts of people laboring and striving according to their own power! I speak from personal experience here. When living out the Christian life boils down to church attendance, rote Bible reading, sparse prayers, and a personal list of do’s and don’ts, we have missed the essence of what it means to be in daily, intimate relationship with the God who wants to be known and experienced. But for many, their faith, life, and connection are anemic and weak. They long for more but have no idea how to make the transition. Mistakenly they assume it means changing their behavior and their activities hoping the outward change will somehow produce an inward transformation. But that is backward! Lasting and true change comes only as God is asked to change the very essence of who we are. Where does that start?

Being honest enough to admit to God that we are empty. Daring to open His Word and asking Him to show us Himself in a powerful way. Opening ourselves up to associations with people who have the kind of relationship with God that we crave for ourselves. Metaphorically sitting at the feet of authors and speakers who can give us a view of God we now lack. Learning to step outside our comfort zones and well built boxes in order to live our Christian life in a whole new way.

If I have described you just now and you long for change, be encouraged! The hunger you have is coming from God! He is awakening in you a desire to know Him more personally and to live your Christian life the way He always intended it to be lived.

Father, for each person who is empty, fill them. For each one who longs to know You, reveal Yourself. May their life be forever changed! Amen.

MY LIFE IS IN YOU LORD!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0M0NALW7EM&feature=related

Freedom of Silence

He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth; like a lamb that is led to slaughter, and like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, so He did not open His mouth. Isaiah 53:7 (New American Standard Bible)

Verbal restraint is difficult. In the moments I most want to defend myself, express my hurt, voice my opinion, announce unfairness, and tell my side of the story I am so far from the example Jesus set forth. The amazing thing is how small the offenses against me are compared to what He faced.

Surely the physical abuse hurt, the verbal insults stung, the ridicule ran deep, yet He remained silent. The Bible says a soft answer turns away wrath. How much more powerful is silence!

I realize once again the necessity of God doing a work in me. He is showing me yet another area in my life that needs His touch. I can do all things through Christ and without Him I can do nothing. Remaining silent amidst hurts, injustices, and insults is impossible in my flesh but with God ALL things are possible.

I am reminded that as a Christian I have God’s Spirit living in me. Galatians lists the fruit (result) of the Spirit and within that list I read the word self-control. James spells out the difficulty we have controlling our tongues.

So I ask myself this question, “Where am I struggling most at opening NOT my mouth?” While swearing or cursing may not pose problems for me I have a long list that does. How well am I at controlling the urge to defend myself, gossip, lie, be humorous at someone else’s expense, complain, respond in anger, speak negatively, interrupt others, brag, or belittle others?

Like Paul, I find in my flesh a law. In this case, I find in my mouth a law. I end up saying the things I shouldn’t say and not saying the things I should say. While there are times I should keep silent, there are plenty of times I should speak up. Times like sharing the Gospel, encouraging others, defending others, and giving honest reports.

If there is one thing I have learned it is this…God exposes areas that need changing not to condemn me but to show me where He desires to work. May I cooperate with Him.

Father, Jesus knew when to speak up and when to remain silent. Help me to be like Him. Amen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_-flIpeAsc

To Whom Honor is Due

Render to all men their dues. [Pay] taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, and honor to whom honor is due. Romans 13:7 (Amplified Bible)

There are times when God makes His way down to the bedrock of my soul in order to help me see the most precious truths. That is where His hand has been felt in the past number of months. I wanted quick results and resolutions to difficulties but God wanted to bring forth gold. He has dug below the surface with depth in mind. When I wanted things over, He was just getting started. Each time I “learned” a lesson and thought I was coming out of the darkest of caves, He let me know I had only received a small dose of truth which was necessary in order to take in the next dose.

This morning as I once again battled thoughts regarding a lost relationship I was confronted with two necessary truths. It seems that lately it is not difficult to understand the points God is making and wanting me to grasp. As I found myself dwelling on the thought that a former mentor was thinking the worst of me, I had to face two things. First, I don’t really know her heart and my perceptions are actually judgments I am making. Second, I am actually thinking the worst of her and placing her in the most negative of lights by assuming she is thinking only negative thoughts with regards to me.

I have come to the place that when I see a problem in my own heart I know it is time to ask God for some direction and help. My question to Him was, “How do I stop thinking and feeling this way?” His answer came in today’s verse, “Give honor to whom honor is due.” He began to encourage me to honor this woman for the many things I learned through her and the huge impact she had on my life. Honor the way He used her to teach me valuable life lessons and biblical truth. Honor what He did through her by living out the very things she taught me. Honor her for being His daughter and my sister in Christ. Honor the good memories that abound knowing that for a season she helped me take many first steps in this journey that began over four years ago. Honor each gift she instilled in me and what was birthed out of those gifts. Honor her commitment to mentor me and then her wisdom to step away. Honor the God who has had His hand in all of it!

My day has been spent honoring her and God in those ways and many others. What I am finding is that the thoughts that have tormented me and hung on me for so long have begun to lose their grip. I am also seeing many other people from my past who need to be honored in my mind and heart as well. God never ceases to amaze me!

Father, I have spent a year dishonoring your servant and your work in me. Forgive me for the things I have said and thought. Help me to now practice what You have lovingly shown me. Amen.

The Wind Beneath My Wings (Dedicated to my former mentor and all those I honor)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FryTIiUqU7I&feature=related

In the Art Gallery of My Mind

But do not listen to Hezekiah when he misleads you, saying, "The LORD will deliver us." Has any one of the gods of the nations delivered his land from the hand of the king of Assyria? Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena and Ivvah? Have they delivered Samaria from my hand? 'Who among all the gods of the lands have delivered their land from my hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem from my hand?'" 2 Kings 18:32-35 (New American Standard Bible)

Words can be used to paint factual or fictional pictures in our mind! The king of Assyria sent messengers to the children of Israel with a seemingly sure picture of defeat. Upon the walls of their imaginations they painted a scene with the use of Israel’s fears and Assyria’s past defeats of other nations. What they said sounded plausible but it never came about. Israel trusted God and the Assyrians mocked God and in the end their carefully crafted depiction dissolved.

The enemy of our soul uses the same strategy as the Assyrians. He loves nothing more than to paint distorted pictures of situations with hopes we will embrace his lies. For the past two days I found myself viewing his “art gallery” that he was more than happy to display. It started with an invitation by a friend to listen to the archives of a radio program she felt would be helpful for me. The subject was on relationships and after reading the excerpt of the program’s topic I was suddenly filled with a lot of negative emotions. What came to the surface was shame and condemnation over a past relationship issue wherein I still housed some wrong thoughts. Not only could I not listen to the program, I also couldn’t shake the feelings that enveloped me. Today, I began looking at the negative thoughts and feelings and realized they were sure signs of the enemy’s presence and tactics. With that realization came some truth I was ready to receive from God.

I had allowed the enemy to paint distorted pictures of a situation and what he was using for his paints was blood from my own internal wounds! But I knew it didn’t have to continue to be like that. What I needed to do was give my wounds to God and allow Him to paint a truthful picture for me. What a difference!

I have said it before and I will say it again, “I am a visual person and I need very visual examples to help me learn!” What God showed me today will stick with me and help me to walk in victory through His precious art galleries of my mind.

Father, the enemy has many tools and tactics, but only You have the truth! I now look to You for the interpretation and portrayal of all the events in my life. I praise You! Amen.

open the eyes of my heart lord
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wutmEjdbedE&feature=related

Already At Hand

"Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb; and you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink." And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel. Exodus 17:6 (New American Standard Bible)

As I think back on the many miracles of provision recorded in Scripture a truth is coming home to me. Amy Carmichael said it well when she wrote, “Have you ever been strengthened to win a victory perhaps over some inward foe, and have you suddenly found yourself tired out and sore athirst? Quite close, just where you are, there is water. Call, and the Lord will cause it to flow for you; some word of life will come to mind, some line of a hymn, some thought of peace, and your spirit will come again and you will be revived.”

When the children of Israel cried out because of thirst, the rock which brought forth water was close at hand. When thousands were fed from multiplied bread and fish, the boy’s lunch was already in their midst. When the widow set out to prepare a last meal for her and her son during a famine, the meal and oil were already in her home. When Abraham raised his hand to slay his only son, Isaac, the ram was already in the thicket near by. When Hagar placed her son Ishmael under a bush to die of thirst, the well of water was within sight. In these cases and many more, the supply God would use was right there for each individual. None of them could imagine that would be the way God would choose to meet their needs. They became the recipients of His sovereign generosity and compassion without even knowing what God would do or how God would do it.

God is showing me today that the same is to be true in my own life. It is imperative that I cry out to Him for my needs and then watch as He faithfully meets those needs. What He did in the past may not be what He does now but He will do something! I must leave the decision up to Him as to what or who He will use to meet my needs each time they arise. His options are not limited and neither is His ability.

Already this morning I opened His Word after letting Him know I needed refreshment from Him. I was feeling internally shaky and wanted Him to bring about a sense of peace and well being. His Word did that but it was accompanied by the reminder to no longer look to the old ways of satisfaction and help. Allowing Him to determine the supplying of my needs is to be my daily experience. What a God!

Father, looking to You never fails to put me in awe. You are the God who sees me and in that I rest, revel, and rejoice! Amen.

El Shaddai - Amy Grant
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=la0bQAJTelU&feature=related

No Comparison

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8,9 (New American Standard Bible)

There are times when my inabilities are so apparent to me. There are many things I cannot do or even begin to grasp. There are things I see in others that make me marvel. I have such respect for people who can speak several languages fluently, whiz through subjects like calculus, physics, and anything that ends with “ology” or “ometry,” or do any number of things that take a lot of brain activity. Some people who have mastered such things can derive pleasure in feeling superior to the rest of us and we might have a tendency to feel inferior next to them.

That is not the case with God’s proclamations regarding His ways and thoughts being far above our own. First of all, He makes these claims because they are true. He is omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent. So naturally His ways and thoughts ARE far above our own.
But He also states these truths to assure us that we can trust Him. He knows more than we know and can do more than we can do. What better One to entrust with our life, path, and future than almighty God Himself? Who better to ask counsel of, seek direction from, and follow closely than our heavenly Father? He knows the beginning from the end, sees the whole picture, and will always accomplish His purposes.

I think of the people I would trust with abandon in various situations. If trapped in a burning building I would trust a fireman. If engaged in battle I would trust a soldier. If shipwrecked on an island I would trust the captain of a ship. If entering surgery I would trust the doctor. If faced with any number of difficult situations I would trust someone with experience, knowledge, and capability.

Therefore, when it comes to every area of my life, God is the ultimate Source of every need, question, and concern. How comforting to know that I can rest in the fact that His ways are higher than my own and so are his thoughts. As I voice that out loud I am strengthened, comforted, and directed in magnificent ways.

Father, I stand in awe of Your superiority to me and sensitivity to me. With You I have all I need. Amen.

INDESCRIBABLE - Chris Tomlin
http://youtube.com/watch?v=VmTxZAl7ceU&feature=related