That Is What He Is Like

Then Peter came and said to Him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. Matthew 18:21-22 (New American Standard Bible)

The forgiveness of the father for the prodigal son, the forgiveness of the king for the servant who owed what he could not pay, and the higher standard of forgiveness given to Peter when his own was less than extravagant, go far beyond what God wants us to demonstrate. Each is an example of His willingness and capability to forgive and to keep on forgiving.

I marvel when someone sticks with me each time I fail, take steps backwards, give in to the dictates of my flesh, and just plain blow it! When it is all said and done, I look to see if they are still around and when I see that they are I wonder at their patience, persistence, and love. Each time I feel least deserving of their friendship and support they end up giving me the gift of compassion and companionship. Their ability to see the small steps of growth among the times of getting side tracked, off track, and back tracked makes me realize afresh how very little I truly understand about unconditional love.

The same is true of God. How He wants me to see that His love never falters. His forgiveness knows no limits or expiration dates. He sees the heart behind the actions and knows the desire for change. When what I thought was conquered comes back with a vengeance, He says, “I forgive you.” When my love for others is blocked by the hindrances of my own heart, He says, “I forgive you.” When failures are repeated and attitudes of the heart have once again been apparent, He says, “I forgive you.” Whatever I bring to Him is always met with the same words, “I forgive you.” His words entail more than a fresh start and stain removal. They let me know He is not giving up on me, tired of me, or disgusted with me. He is not seeing me as an impossibility or lost cause. He does not view my set backs as cancellation of all that He has done so far.

I drink in grace today whether it is extended to me by God or by another person. It is the only way to keep condemning thoughts and feelings from taking over and robbing me of the joy He intends for me to walk in.

Father, thank you for those who are Your hands and heart to me. They often flesh out the truths about You. Amen.

What a Faithful God - Robert Critchley
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLEgyKpzyUw&feature=related

He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food. Job 36:16

Confronting and Casting Out the Fear

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18 (New King James Version)

What is it you fear and what form of protection are you depending upon to calm that fear? The past couple of days have found me pondering the deep embedded fears of abandonment, rejection, and being forgotten. John has it right when he states that fear involves torment. As the mind becomes consumed with the gymnastics of tortured thoughts, we can often find ourselves living in a state of hopelessness, dread, and insecurity. If not dealt with, we can then find ourselves shifting to a mode of self protection in order to avoid what feels like an approaching storm or derailment from our tracks of safety.

I have several methods of self protection when I feel a need to safe guard a relationship. The temptation can run high to shut down my heart, go into a pretend mode, admit only to what sounds good and looks good, distract myself with music and books, jump through the hoops I perceive others are expecting of me, or deceive myself into thinking if I don’t say it then it doesn’t exist. Yet, God wants me to know that such behavior is not driven by love or His Spirit, but rather by the false notion that if acted upon I can avoid hurt, disappointment, and any other pain that comes from living in a fallen world. If I allow my fears and flesh to dictate my interactions or lack of actions with the people in my life the result will be more torment.

God’s answer? Live in His love. Acknowledge it. Delight in it. Allow it to be my starting point and rock of security. Unite and acquaint myself with the truth that what I need in the way of assurance and safety come only from knowing a sense of being loved by Him. Not simply tolerated but intimately and passionately loved. Accepted. Nurtured beyond every need to be cared for. It is love like that which will drive out the fears that others think the worst of me, have forgotten me, are merely tolerating me, or have grown tired of me. It is love like that which will change me from wanting love from others to demonstrating love to others.

I take these thoughts into a weekend retreat of solitude with my Father and God who invites me to know Him better and hear His heartbeat. It is His intent that I rest in His love, find security in Him, and begin once again to feel safe. Today’s verse is my starting point.

Father, like the waves of the ocean, the billows of fear continue to hit me with force and frequency. You and You alone are my shelter and rock of security. Thank you that Your love casts out fear and sets me free. Amen.

Voice of Truth - Casting Crowns
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuH1faTC22E&feature=related

"Facing some of life's challenges may require a 'leap of faith,' where we walk forward with only our faith and trust in the Lord to lead us. It will require all the heart and soul we have to act, to move, to reach out and grasp handholds the Lord will extend to us in times of extremity."
~Barbara W. Winder

Hands and Power That Can Do It

Is My hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? Or have I no power to deliver? Isaiah 50:2 (New King James Version)

Among the many things we crave is freedom. It is hard to fathom living in a country where freedom is rare or nonexistent. Here in America we have countless freedoms. As long as we have the resources, energy, ability, and desire we can go where we want, live where we want, and do what we want. But with that freedom comes responsibility and accountability. For if my acts of freedom entail breaking the law or brings harm to others or myself, I will have consequences to live with. Someone wisely said, “I can choose my sin, but I cannot choose my consequences.”

There are many who walk in freedom in the ways I have described but they are still not free from their past, their addictions, their strongholds, their generational bents, or their weaknesses. They live their life chained and enslaved by circumstances, choices, and habits. They have resigned themselves to a life of defeat. They cannot even conceive of walking in freedom internally. The invitation to embrace God and dance in His presence is unfathomable.

But God asks two questions which are meant to make us think. He asks if His hand is shortened and if He is powerless? The answer is NO whether we believe it or not. He is not powerless to free us and His hand is not too short to redeem us! This should change our whole outlook.

May God help us each morning to lift our “chains” to Him so He can not only unlock them but remove them. He longs to free us from those things that bind and confine us. It may have to start with asking God to reveal to us where we are in bondage. He wants to show us those things that prevent us from living in true freedom not to condemn and shame us but to free us!

The day I learned to come to God with honesty and vulnerability was the day I began to experience His love and freedom.

Father, You hold out the key while I hold up the chains. May the sound of fallen chains ring in my soul today. Amen.

Indescribable - Chris Tomlin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VE0yUobk6TM&feature=related

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

A Marvelous Sight

This is from the Lord and is His doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes? Mark 12:11 (Amplified Bible)

Unless we see that something is from the Lord, we are left with our own perceptions and Satan’s deceptions. Life is hard enough but it is made even harder when we don’t understand or accept the fact that God is working in certain ways in our life. Our reactions and responses to our circumstances and situations reveal who we think the things are coming from.

Often were the times God did something with the children of Israel and then gave them the reason He was doing it. It was for their good. It was to test their heart. It was to show Himself. It was to remind them from where God had brought them. It was to fulfill His promise to them. It is no different with us. The things that happen to us happen for a reason. When we don’t understand and can’t see the truth because of all the lies that are at the forefront of our thinking, we need to remember that we walk by faith and not by sight…not by our feelings, emotions, or ideas.

This was apparent to me recently when I was drawing all the wrong conclusions. As I poured out my heart to God, I admitted that I could not see the truth that I knew because the lies seemed so much more plausible. His answer to me was to once again choose to walk by faith instead of by sight. As I made the decision to do so, His way began to unfold in front of me. I began to see new options and actions to take. As I obeyed, peace began to replace the storm that was previously raging in me. I decided to act opposite of how I was feeling on the inside and the feelings began to lose their hold on me. Several hours later I could see some truth I had been unaware of. I could see what God was doing and it really was marvelous in my eyes.

Two things stood out to me. God’s actions were intended to bring me freedom and they were meant to draw me into a more dependent relationship with Himself. Those are two things I want but have gone about it in the wrong way far too many times. Once again, His ways are higher than my ways and His thoughts are higher than my thoughts. He knows the plans He has for me and they are good plans.

Father, may I learn to rest in You during the times of pruning, molding, leading, and teaching. May my heart stay tender and teachable to all that You are doing. Amen.

Draw Me Into Your Presence - Maranatha Singers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWsuQGVHvek&feature=related

He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food. Job 36:16

The Power of Short Prayers

But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Matthew 14:30 (New American Standard Bible)

A three word prayer was enough to bring Peter up from a “being pulled down” moment. Peter had requested that Jesus call him out of the boat to walk on water. When the request was made and Peter was out on the water, fear and the view of waves took him below the surface he was able to walk on just moments before. Jesus’ response to his cry for help was immediate and complete.

Ever been in that place? Doing fine one minute and sinking fast the next? One of the most frustrating battles I have fought over my life time has been that of spiraling moods. By nature I am talkative, enjoy people, and love to laugh. Communication is life to me. Relationships are treasures I hold dear. But when I spiral down into pits of darkness all those things I enjoy and value so highly are far removed and darkness engulfs me. It may last for a few hours or a few days until I choose to take hold of truth and allow God to once again lift me up.

A recent episode led me to desire freedom from the “fall.” I wanted a way to recognize the onset and gain victory before plunging down. God has been gracious to help me fashion a short but effective prayer. It requires identifying the heart attitude that can become my ladder into a pit. Once I recognize the attitude, I think of what I want instilled in me to replace it. Those become the substance of my prayer. For instance, when I am over come by a feeling of jealousy, my prayer becomes, “Father, I hate the jealousy arising in me. Fill me with a sense of well-being and contentment found only in You.” Is it effective? Absolutely! I have lost count of how many prayers of this nature I have spoken have in the last two days and each time no pit was visited. The heaviness and darkness lifted before they had a chance to settle in. The internal lightness was incredible.

I have no doubt this will continue to be a key to freedom for me as long as I choose to grasp it. Jesus is still in the business of rescuing us from sinking when our cry for help is directed toward Him. I have a daily choice to call out to Him or go down. I choose to call.

Father, I am astounded at You. Today is a day I am prepared to ask for Your help. I need You. I look to You. I thank You. I worship You. Amen.

Cry Out to Jesus - Third Day
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KODrd5KAsWk

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

The Place of God’s Choosing

But you shall seek the LORD at the place which the LORD your God will choose from all your tribes, to establish His name there for His dwelling, and there you shall come. Deuteronomy 12:5 (New American Standard Bible)

I am struck by the numerous times the phrase, “the place which the LORD your God chooses,” was used throughout the book of Deuteronomy. It showed purposeful direction and intent on God’s part for His people. On the surface it referenced the physical places of dwelling, but below the surface was God’s desired places for His people to be spiritually, emotionally, and relationally with Him. No matter what was taking place, God was after their heart which would be the driving force of their actions, attitudes, and words.

Scripture is meant to be a pattern and example to each of us. As we read it, we have the opportunity to learn from the lives of others. Their choices (good and bad) can become our tutors, instructors, and mentors, if we allow it. What God says to them can be messages to us as well.

This morning, I see “invitation” written all over Deuteronomy 12:5. The invitation is to see where God wants me to be in order to join Him. It will require two things…to leave the place I am at and to venture into what He has for me. I am not talking about a physical move, but rather a spiritual and emotional move away from the way I have always done things. God is whispering to me Deuteronomy 1:6-7, “You have dwelt long enough on this mountain. Turn and take up your journey.”

The mountain for me has been that of mindsets and strongholds. I have been living my life in the hold of wrong perceptions and enemy deceptions far too long and God is awakening in me a desire to move away from that. He is showing me what heart attitudes I have become comfortable with and where I have chosen to dwell. He is exposing the heart issues that feed my actions and attitudes. I am at a point of decision….stay where I am at or let God bring me to a new place. His Word and Spirit are my guide and honesty is my walking stick. My key to freedom lies in my willingness to be ruthlessly honest with God, myself, and a trusted friend. To admit what is going on in my head and heart and bring out in the light what I have become good at hiding, denying, and keeping in the dark. It will have to be a daily decision but it will be well worth it.

Father, there is power and freedom in obedience. You are calling me to a new place in my walk with You and this morning I choose to take the steps necessary to move off my mountain of self-pity, self-loathing, and self-destruction. Here is my hand and my heart. Lead on, O, King Eternal. Amen.

All Who Are Thirsty - Robin Mark
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrnvSf2dX18&feature=related

He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food. Job 36:16

What Does It All Mean?

I the LORD will answer him who comes, according to the multitude of his idols, that I may seize the house of Israel by their heart, because they are all estranged from Me by their idols. Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: Repent, turn away from your idols, and turn your faces away from all your abominations. Ezekiel 14:4-6 (New King James Version)

In the summer of 2006 God severed a person whom I had become dependent upon from my life. At the time, I called it the removal of an idol. All ties were cut, all communication ceased. The year that followed entailed a lot of tears and painful choices. One of those choices was to shred and burn two years worth of emails and to part with memorabilia that I had collected and treasured. I longed for freedom from the hold this relationship had on me and also from the hurt, disappointment, and pain the separation had caused. When it was all said and done, I had managed to clear away the external parts of idolatry….much like the children of Israel destroying their idols of wood, silver and gold…but wondered if anything had transpired internally.

While this person is no longer a part of my life or my journey, I still have within me a pull toward people and close relationships. I still find myself seeking the comfort, advice, and encouragement of those I value. I believe without a doubt that God uses people to comfort, advise, and encourage us, and yet when I reach out to embrace the relationships I fear I have once again set up an idol in my heart. Today’s passage haunts me with words like multitudes of idols, estranged, repent, turn away, abominations. Tears are close to the surface when I consider the possible loss of more individuals in my life.

I am asking God (pleading with God) to show me the heart issues that need to be dealt with. He knows my fears and at this time my skewed thinking of Himself. He knows I am questioning whether or not the letting go of mindsets and heart issues will entail letting go of the very people He has brought into my life. He also knows I am not sure how much of my unsettled thinking is of Him or the enemy.

Today will be a day of answers. I start with the premise that God loves me and is trustworthy. He is not intent on hurting me but on helping me. He alone can clear my mind of false information and unfounded fears. His Word is not meant to haunt me but rather to heal and restore me. I look to Him.

Father, I am not at peace with myself or with You. Hold me. Speak to me. Show me what I am failing to see. Help me to hear Your voice and understand Your words. I look to You. Amen.

Help Me, God - Kathy Troccoli
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmSSWHO8ueA&feature=PlayList&p=0292C1E0257C0CAB&playnext=1&index=44

He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food. Job 36:16