The Cure for Disappointment

You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 (New American Standard Bible)

God’s Word is full of conditional promises. We often want to see the fulfillment of the promise with little regard to the condition that is attached to it. It is imperative that as we come across a promise we look for the “when” and “if” statements that follow. Today’s verse is a great illustration of this principle. There is a promise of finding God WHEN we search for Him with ALL our heart.

I once read a statement in a devotional book that stopped me dead in my tracks. It got my attention because it addressed an issue that had been weighing heavily on my mind and emotions for the past number of days. God often allows me to struggle with an area in my life so that when He finally brings the answer I won’t miss it. Neon lights could not make it any clearer at that point!

In the book My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers made this statement: “Anything that savours of dejection spiritually is always wrong. If depression and oppression visit me, I am to blame; God is not, nor is anyone else. Dejection springs from one of two sources ~I have either satisfied a lust or I have not. Lust means ~I must have it at once.” While I realize there are chemical imbalances that can cause depression and there is certainly the work of the enemy to oppress us, I knew this statement was meant for my ears and heart on a personal level.

What did it mean to me? It addressed the issue of disappointment. He was letting me know that when my focus, hope, and desires are aimed in the wrong direction and placed in the wrong sources I will always experience disappointment. God says He has a better way for me to live my Christian life. His way is that I direct all my attention and energy into His person and plan and I will live with a satisfaction that is guaranteed. He and I are taking an honest look at motives, idols, and distractions. It is a painful but necessary process if I am to really know Him. There is no place for a divided heart in His kingdom. His desire is that I follow Him, search for Him, and embrace Him with abandon and passion.

Father, continue to show me the places in my heart that are not yet searching for You. Show me the wrong sources I continue to look to for satisfaction and significance. It is You I want to know and see! Amen.

All I once held dear - Robin Mark
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SI6_4KxTg2k

To See Real Change

You shall follow the LORD your God and fear Him; and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him. Deuteronomy 13:4 (New American Standard Bible)

There are a number of areas in my life wherein I want to experience change. God is awakening me to the truth that the change will NOT come through behavior modification, determination, or any attempt to muster it up on my own. Any “do it yourself” mentality must be put to death before there can be real and lasting change. My sites must be set on the God of change rather than my need and desire to change. It’s a change of focus for me and one that is filled with encouragement and hope. Change comes as I allow Him to do the external as well as internal molding and renovating. Doing His work on my body, mind, will, emotions, heart, and spirit!

Deuteronomy 13:4 is just one of a number of passages that gives me necessary pointers on my journey. If seen merely as “commands” I will miss the beauty of what is being said. It is actually an invitation to intimacy with God. It entails closeness, openness, and receptability to His ways and voice. Broken down it is rich with meaning.

*Follow means to walk in the direction He lays out for me….walking in His footsteps!

*Fear means reverence, honor, and respect. To be in awe of!

*Keeping His commandments means to obey, treasure, and observe the very things God says.

*Listening means to hear God’s voice with attention and interest. To understand, heed, agree with, and yield to what is being said.

*Serve means to work for as a servant. A bond servant by choice.

*Cling is so precious. It means to stay close, stick with, follow closely, join together, and cleave to. It is the same word used in verses that pertain to marriage! What a union we have with our heavenly Father!

Change comes, not as I try to keep this list, but rather as I allow God to instill and develop these qualities in me. It is not a legalistic life style but rather a pathway to freedom. It is His working in me the very life He has purposed for me. Will I still fail? Absolutely! But each failure can be a learning experience and one more opportunity to look to Him, grow in Him, and depend upon Him. Therefore, rather than being discouraged by failure I am encouraged to follow, fear, obey, listen, serve and cling to God by the power of Christ that works in me!

Father, thank you for the way You have designed the Christian life. Do the work in me that only You can do. I praise You! Amen.

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

A Pleasure Filled Choice

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 (New American Standard Bible)

Have you ever had a verse come alive on you? You may have read it or heard it numerous times before but it just sat on the pages of your Bible and you remained unmoved by its message. I am finding that for myself, God usually has to do some preparatory work in me before His Word becomes the living, breathing revelation He has intended it to be. Often times I have to see my own heart need before His Word will take hold of my heart and do its precious work in me.

Such was the case yesterday. The darkness of the morning hung on me through out the day and into the evening as God slowly revealed a fear I was housing. That fear was that in the midst of everything He was disappointed in me and that led to many thoughts of hopelessness and condemnation. The one thing I wanted more than anything else was to be free of that perception of God. People could tell me otherwise but it took God’s Word to finally open my eyes to a fundamental truth about Himself.

During a study with some friends we came across Ephesians 1:4,5 which says, “Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.” The part that came alive to me was the small phrase “good pleasure of His will.” I knew that God chose me before the world was made but I needed to take in the truth that He derived pleasure in His choosing. It was a choice filled with good will, kind intentions, benevolence, delight, pleasure, and satisfaction! That was the case even though He knew every aspect of my life….weaknesses, sinfulness, and all. He didn’t HAVE to choose me, He WANTED to choose me!

I needed to see that none of that was based on what I would someday do for Him and it is still not based on what I do. It is not about performance, although obedience brings blessing. It is about living in relationship with Him and growing in the grace and knowledge of Him. Disappointed in me? Not hardly. While my actions, words, thoughts, and choices do not always please Him, I am secure in His love and delight of me. I am reveling in the truth of that this morning and much is changing because of it!

Father, I tremble with joy over Your love for me. I am responding to Your delight and pleasure. How great and gracious You truly are! Amen.

Indescribable - Chris Tomlin
http://youtube.com/watch?v=7PTvr755V8s

Reviewing the Gifts

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. James 1:17 (New King James Version)

While God has certainly showered many good and perfect gifts on my life, July houses three of them I am reflecting on this morning.

Today is my nation’s 232nd birthday! Outside of a brief visit to Canada, I have spent my entire life here in America and I love my country. I hear complaints about the government, gas prices, unemployment rates, weather, questionable lifestyles, and education system, but we are still a blessed nation! We still possess the freedoms our forefathers wisely established at the founding of our country. Natural beauty still abounds within each of our fifty states and the four seasons are displayed in many of those states. Opportunities still exist and all the stories of heroic deeds people do have not been written or told yet. Churches, Bibles, Christian music, Christian material, and faith are still abundant within our borders. Charity and missions are still displayed to other nations. For these and much more I am deeply thankful.

July 2 marked Tim and my 25th wedding anniversary! I come from a family where divorce runs rampant so I know it is by the grace and gift of God that our marriage has lasted and will continue to last. Joy, difficulties, changes, challenges, moves, children, laughter, tears, harmony, discord, questions, and love have all marked our path as husband and wife. Through it all God has continued to impact and influence our lives through circumstances, people, situations, and each other. He has kept His hand and His eye on us and will continue to do so.

July 13 will be my 35th spiritual birthday! For the first fourteen years of my life there was no Christian influence whatsoever. I knew only two truths from Scripture (God created the world and Adam and Eve were the first people He created). I didn’t know the Bible or what Jesus had done for me. Yet, God allowed me to attend a VBS and understand enough to trust Christ. He has nurtured the growth in me all these years, but the last four years have seen the most change and growth. I marvel at His gracious ways! He took me from legalism to freedom. From distorted views of Himself to amazement over His heart. From rarely reading His Word to now writing daily devotionals from its treasure cove! Indeed, July is a precious month for me!

Father, I am filled with adoration for You and appreciation for the gifts You have lavished on me. To be a recipient of Your love and favor is beyond words. Thank you! Amen.

God Bless the USA - Lee Greenwood
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNqUORIFV4I

The Ulitmate Accuser

Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night. Revelation 12:10 (New American Standard Bible)

It came as a surprise to me a number of years ago to learn that Satan actually accuses me (and all believers) before God continuously. But I rest in the fact that God always, always, always comes to our defense! Even when I give him plenty to accuse me of, God proclaims me righteous in His sight. Nothing Satan says ever changes God’s view, opinion, or thoughts of me. My standing as His daughter is based on the finished work of Calvary and in Christ I am complete. That doesn’t change. God’s love and accept do not change amidst any charges.

Yet, tonight it is occurring to me that Satan does more than accuse the brethren before God. He is persistent at accusing us to each other! I have been limiting my relational issues to my own set of weaknesses such as distrust, past wounds, emotional dependency, fear, mood swings, etc… But I am coming to realize, while those certainly play a part, he is a master at bringing to mind accusing thoughts toward others. When I don’t acknowledge that, then I am not in a position to act against his schemes. Instead, I receive the accusations as truth and live my life out of that so-called truth.

And who are the ones he is accusing? It is usually the very ones that are meant to be important influences in my life. What better way for that influence to be hindered than for me to house a spirit of suspicion against the very people God desires to use powerfully in my life! Satan knows that if he can get me to think the worst of others or become wrapped in skewed thinking about them, then I will most likely back away from the full scope of that relationship. What God intended to do through those individuals is diminished and the gift of their friendship is not fully received.

Has that been happening? Absolutely! Does it have to continue to happen? Absolutely not! Now is the time to oppose the one who has been successfully accusing many dear people in my life. Now is the time to call him on the carpet for the lies, distortions, and twisted thoughts he has cleverly handed me time and time again. Indeed, I will know the truth and the truth will set me free!


Father, my spirit always knows when You have gotten truth to sink in to my mind as well as my heart. Change me at the very center of my being! Amen.

Michael Neale - Made Me Glad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zeywjhi_zcU&feature=related

What God Is Doing

This is what the LORD says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. Isaiah 48:17 (New International Version)

I love the book of Isaiah! As I read through it, there are phrases that are meant to be banners of encouragement. They must be my focus and foundation as I go through each day. When the things I see, feel, and experience become over whelming, the reminders of God’s Word resettle my heart, mind, and spirit…..if I let them. Already this morning I have been reminded that God is the One who has called me, carried me, chosen me, redeemed me, named me, established me, brought about His purposes for me, kept His word to me, and loved me.

All that is more than enough to know, but He doesn’t stop there. He adds to the picture of personal involvement by letting me know He is the One teaching me what is best for me and directing me in the way I should go. I too easily forget or ignore that. I too often think it all rests on my shoulders to “get it right!” Mistakes, set backs, and disappointments cause me to feel like Isaiah 49:4 which says “I have toiled in vain. I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity.” And God is letting me know THAT is not true. Even that which I think is nothing, He is using to show me what is best for me and the direction I need to be heading.

So what are the biggest hindrances to seeing that truth and living it out on a daily basis? Continual skewed thinking about myself, God , and others. Feelings of insignificance and insecurity cause me read into so much and draw wrong conclusions. They are what rob me of peace and joy. James 1:17 comes to mind and I like how it reads in the Message, “So, my very dear friends, don't get thrown off course. Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven. The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light. There is nothing deceitful in God, nothing two-faced, nothing fickle.” In other words, God is saying to me, “I am not what you think and the things I am doing in your life are not what you think. Trust Me to teach you. Trust Me to lead you. Get back on course. Get back to the realization that I love you and have your best interest at heart.”

Father, You have once again shown me just what I needed to see. Your truth is what will change and set me free. Amen.

Word of God Speak ~ Mercy Me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JK_6osCH74&feature=related

The Necessity of Abandonment and Acceptance

And He was saying, "Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will." Mark 14:36 (New American Standard Bible)

Frances J. Roberts wrote that joy is possessed by “the abandonment of selfish demands and the acceptance of the Father’s will.” Jesus simply stated it this way to His Father, “Not what I will, but what You will.” They are words I desire to speak but have spent the last number of days realizing my own hesitancy at living them. There is no such thing has having it both ways…..my will and His. Unless my will is brought into conformity with His will. For the embracing of God’s will is only possible as I abandon my own.

When I look at the synonyms of abandon and embrace my view is broadened. Abandon has the idea of dumping, deserting, ditching, discarding, disposing of, throwing away, and throwing out. Embracing has the idea of accepting, welcoming, adopting, taking up, supporting, and holding. That is easy to do when my heart and security is not tied to that which I am abandoning. But when I have wrapped myself up in a plan, person, or possession the battle is on! My resistance and hesitancy for relinquishment is a “red flag” that I am in bondage. Bondage of my own choosing. For all the while, God is letting me know that if I would abandon that which I hold on to so tightly, it will be the key that unlocks that in which I have imprisoned myself. Until then there is no peace or joy.

So why the battle? Why if I know in my head that what God offers is better than what I am holding on to, do I still tighten my grip? Fear. Fear that losing what I am holding on to will mean losing a part of myself that I am convinced I cannot live without. Distrust. Distrust that God will be able to do for me all that whatever I am holding on to can do for me. Rebellion. Refusal to walk in obedience to Him. Idolatry. Centering my life in any thing or any one other than God. The list goes on but I will stop there. My point is this, when I refuse to abandon whatever it is I am to abandon, I am reversing Jesus’ words and saying, “Father, not Your will, but my will be done.” I cringe at such arrogant pride.

Yesterday was a day of letting go of some things I was holding on to. While the realization of what was necessary entailed some tears, an ache, and a certain amount of fear, the act itself brought about internal peace and a sense of freedom I have been craving. I have awakened this morning not with a desire to have those things back but rather to experience more of the joy that comes from embracing my Father’s will.

Father, continue to help me loosen my grip on the things of “my will” until I stand with empty hands which are open to receive all that Your will entails. Amen.

I need Thee every hour - Selah
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIRJNgNSqok&feature=related