Truth for the Maladies

My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26 (New King James Version)

Two of the most difficult things for me to do on a daily basis are acknowledge the truth about myself and keep my eyes focused on the One who is remaking me. I want continual, consistent victory. To always walk in strength and not weakness, fellowship and not loneliness, stability and not confusion. And when that is not the case I grieve, sigh, and cringe.

David knew how I feel. Read through the Psalms and you will see a man who knew how to voice fear, failure, frustration, weakness, anger, loneliness, regret, rejection, and pain. He was not one to sugar-coat his disposition or circumstances. He wasn’t one to spit out “bumper-sticker” phrases and “feel-good” philosophies. Yet he was called a man after God’s own heart and one reason was because the truth about God always over shadowed the truth about himself. God was the answer to every part of his life.

So when my flesh, inner person, mind, will, emotions, and soul fail, that does not have to be the end of my story. It does not have to be the summation of my life. Above every negative thing I know to be true about myself must hang the banner of truth which says, “God is my strength!” I must make that the home for my heart. It must be where I choose to live and breathe.

It is a continual process of taking my words, thoughts, emotions, and feelings and shining the light of truth on them. Allowing the Word of God to expose the lies and then deciding to believe God rather than believe the lies. There is a biblical truth to be embraced for every destructive malady in me. My loneliness is met with “I am with you always.” My self-loathing is met with “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” My sense of abandonment is met with “I will never leave you.” My feelings of hopelessness are met with “I know the plans I have for you.” My areas of weakness are met with “I am your strength and redeemer.” My sin is met with “I forgive you. I do not condemn you.” My failure is met with “I have established your steps.” God will not fail to show me the truths I need to hold close.

Father, Your whispers and reminders are precious to me. Help me to continually come home to You. Amen.

Stong Tower - Kutless
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLYnN3rRC1Q&feature=related

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

A Portrait of Love

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (New King James Version)

A Bible study discussion last night centered on the subject of love. Feeling loved as well as contributing to others feeling loved. This morning, I am reviewing the definition of love as found in 1 Corinthians 13. The first three verses let me know actions without love (though noble) are really empty and amount to nothing in God’s eyes. I imagine the reason for that is because something besides love can drive the actions. Ever have someone do something nice for you but their demeanor clouded the whole thing? Ever have someone tell you they loved you but their facial expression, physical poise, and sense of distance left the words feeling hollow? Ever find yourself going through the motions yourself?

As I read through verses 4-7 I am acutely aware of God needing to teach me to truly love others. Each phrase seems opposite of what I know to be the condition of my heart many times. If I were to slip my name into each of the phrases it would sound foreign to me, “Pam suffers long and is kind; Pam does not envy; Pam does not parade herself, Pam is not puffed up; Pam does not behave rudely; Pam does not seek her own, Pam is not easily provoked, Pam thinks no evil; Pam does not rejoice in iniquity, but Pam rejoices in the truth; Pam bears all things, Pam believes all things, Pam hopes all things, Pam endures all things.” It would sound foreign because I find myself being impatient, envying, focusing on myself, behaving rudely, wanting my own way, taking things personally, thinking the worst of others, embracing false perceptions, disbelieving, doubting, and giving up. I see relationships driven more by wanting my needs met rather than true interest in the other person.

If this were the end of the story I would walk away discouraged, defeated, and disheartened. I didn’t list those things to self condemn. I wrote them to reveal and acknowledge what I need to bring to God and see where I need His help, grace, and molding in my life. He is the ultimate Lover! 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 is a portrait of Himself and it is the pattern by which He desires to paint my portrait. He knows that in my flesh and on my own I am incapable of living and walking in love. He knows that my selfish motives and areas of neediness can often get in the way. For that reason, I call upon Him and fall upon Him.

Father, You aren’t just loving, You are love. Teach me to love! Amen.

Work of God Speak - Mercy Me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsoiI8XhpmY

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

When a Thorn Exists

And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 2 Corinthians 12:7 (New King James Version)

We are not told the nature of Paul’s thorn in the flesh. Some have suggested it may have been a problem with his eyes. I, for one, like the fact that God chose not to have it revealed to us in Scripture. For if He had specified what Paul’s thorn in the flesh was, we would be quick to limit it to only that category. Nonetheless, we are given some aspects of Paul’s thorn. God allowed it, God used it, and God refused to remove it.

I have but one area in my life that I am coming to see as a thorn. Not a thorn in my flesh but rather a thorn in my life. It has been a source of frustration, aggravation, discomfort, and torment to me on countless occasions. It has brought an end to some relationships and turmoil to others. At times I have thought I knew how to keep it ineffective only to watch as it reared its ugly head once again. My thorn? My area of concern? Emotional dependency. In short, looking to people to give me what only God can give me. Looking to certain individuals to fill the ache, heal the wounds, and somehow take care of my emotional needs. I have lived enamored by them as well as obsessed with them. I have walked with shame and regret too many times to count and have feared this area of my life would never change.

I am now at a point whereby I want to begin seeing things differently. I want to see that, as in the case of Paul, this can be used to keep me from thinking too highly of myself as well as help me to minister to others without a sense of looking down on them. After all, how do you look down on someone who struggles in an area that you can still taste in your own life? Above that, I can accept the grace God offers each time the dependency over whelms me. I can also be thankful for an area in my life that keeps directing my attention toward the only Source capable of bringing me through each battle.

Am I giving up on the hope of complete deliverance? No. It could still happen or the day could come when my reliance upon God far out weighs my need for people. But until that happens, I am finding new strength to withstand the emotional onslaught that comes with this thorn of mine.

Father, I can hear You whisper the same words to me that You spoke to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you.” They comfort and strengthen me. In You, I sing a victor’s song. Amen.

His Strength Is Perfect - Steven Curtis Chapman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzKo25QKPsY&feature=related

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

Don't Be Fooled

If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. James 1:26 (New King James Version)

We are susceptible and vulnerable to self deception because we have deceptive and defective hearts. It is one thing to manipulate and fool the people around us. It is quite another to be so self deceived that we don’t even realize we have believed, bought, and embraced a lie. The lies are the very fibers that make up the material for the garments of hypocrisy we wear. Change will not occur because we don’t even understand there is a need for change. Hence, without revelation from God we will continue to cloak ourselves in a wardrobe of fruitless, purposeless, aimless living.

One litmus test for true religion is the bridling of the tongue. A person can have all the external manifestations of religion down pat and have it all come up worthless if there is no curbing of their words. Too often, we want to limit this to swearing or crude speech, but God wants us to go deeper and broader. While our conversations should be free of curse words, they should also be free of gossip, negative talk, lies, innuendos, exaggerations, boasting, putting others down, prejudice, and coveting (to name a few). All the church activities, Bible studies, doctrinal stands, and witnessing will be empty and futile if our speech continues to go unchecked, uncurbed, unchanged, and unguarded.

In order to avoid self deception I must be willing to let God show me the truth about myself, not only in the things I am saying but in all areas of my life. I want to know what would make my practice of religion profitless in God‘s eyes. Understand, this verse is not referring to salvation. Salvation is a relationship with God through faith in Christ. This verse is referring to the outward manifestation of that relationship. Think of the changes that could come about if just this one area of our speech would become apparent and fully realized. This is not a matter of looking around and seeing whether or not others are guarding their speech, it is a matter of each examining himself. And it starts with asking God to show us individually where we need to make some changes.

Our “speech therapy” needs to take place in our homes, work places, churches, and any other place whereby we are in the company of others. May God help us to not only detect our wrong usage of words but to replace them with words of truth, encouragement, and life! Not only the words we verbalize to others but also the words we say to ourselves.

Father, Your words are true and powerful. They always produce fruit and never return void. Make me like You. Amen.

We Will Glorify - Twila Paris
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4skT9ndv6ng&feature=related

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

Seeing Him

By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible. Hebrews 11:27 (New King James Version)

It is imperative that we begin seeing Him who is invisible. Seeing Him as the ever present, ever involved God that He is. I am asking myself the question this morning, “How do I see God?” What view and perception do I have of Him?

Do I see Him as my Provider? The One who knows every need of my heart, mind, body, and soul? The One who has promised to meet those needs in ways that far surpass the ways I would go about meeting them myself? He longs for me to rest in His awareness, availability, and ability.

Do I see Him as my Protector? The One who guards me and hovers over me as a mother eagle does her young? Nothing escapes His notice or supercedes His ability and desire to keep me from and in all forms of danger and harm. He stands ready to defend me, secure me, and protect me in any and all situations. My physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional well being are in His hands and He will never fail at the job of having my back!

Do I see Him as my Potter? The One who is molding my life into a portrait of His Son? Though marred, broken, and misshaped at times, He is not limited by my past failures, insecurities, or wounds. He has promised that the end result for me will be a masterpiece of beauty and a unique display of His craftsmanship. I may not always enjoy the process or tools that He wisely chooses to use, but I trust the outcome of His handiwork.

Do I see Him as my Pruner? The One who cuts away and removes all that is harmful or no longer necessary in my life? The change of relationships, the removal of comfort zones, the development of His gifts and calling, the altering of personal plans, the elimination of anything that is not of Him. He is the skilled Husbandman who has His eye and hand on every area of my life. He knows the fruit that will result with every clip!

Do I see Him as my Planner? Absolutely nothing intersects my world without first passing through His hands. He has planned the path and the pattern of my walk with Him. He has a call on my life and a purpose for me being here. I don’t see the full picture yet but He does. I rest in Him.

Father, open my eyes to all that You are. I want to see You as all of these and more. Amen.

Knowing You - Robyn Mark
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGbuz8QuhmE

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

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; Colossians 3:12 (New King James Version)

Putting on and extending to others tender mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, and longsuffering does not come naturally to us. Of late, I am acutely aware of how quickly I can put on just the opposite. The slightest thing can find me clothing myself in resentment, impatience, intolerance, suspicion and agitation. But I am noticing something that I have never noticed before. It takes more energy and robs me of joy when I put on what comes naturally as opposed to what God instructs me to put on.

It takes a lot of energy to hold a grudge. I have to keep reminding myself of the offense and the offender. It affects my relationships and keeps me in a perpetual state of turmoil. Yesterday, I took some steps to change the direction of my attitude and actions and I was struck by the lightness that came to me because of it. It actually felt good to clear away the mental list I had been holding on to. It felt good to talk to the ones I had been avoiding. It felt good to feel comfortable in their presence.

This morning, I admit to a bit of confusion. For the life of me, I cannot figure out why being resentful and vengeful were ever so appealing to me. I cannot think of one advantage that it gave or one benefit anyone (myself included) derived from it. Fitful nights of sleep and uncomfortable social settings certainly aren’t things to be desired. When I am alone and nursing a perpetual wound, who is even aware of it but God and me? My conclusion is that it is all a painful waste of time.

Life is too short to spend my energies and time on that which displeases God, disrespects others, and keeps me bound in apparel not meant for me. God is slowly showing me practical ways to begin living differently. He is showing me the necessity to release offenses to Him the moment I am aware of the sting. He is giving me right actions to take. He is even showing me a “wardrobe” that will be much more pleasing and appealing to wear. Indeed, as His elected, holy, and beloved daughter I am called to look and act like it. I am empowered by His Spirit to look and act like it.

A friend of mine likes to reference the show NCIS whereby a certain character is continually smacking individuals upside the head to get their attention. For me, the letters will stand for New Choices I See and they are coming as God tenderly “smacks” me with necessary truths.

Father, I love the fact that You never leave me to my own vices, choices, and ways. I stand in awe of You as You work in me. Amen.

Your Name - Phillips, Craig, & Dean
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2qm3eD4akM

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

The Ways of Love

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (New International Version)

I have spent the past number of days nursing a hurt. Something was said to me that cut me to the core and continues to cut as I continue to rehearse it. Today’s passage reveals several things that transpired in that moment of words that wounded me. It reveals my own heart condition and what it will look like to change that condition.

I was easily angered, I have kept a record of the wrong done to me because I have continually thought about it, I have not been kind or patient toward the person who spoke the words, I have been rude in my noticeable distancing and avoiding. How far from the description of love I have been….how far from the example of love Christ shows to me!

I look at the last part of this passage and I see love in action. It acts rather than reacts to the people and circumstances of my life. There are several scenarios that play across my mind this morning whereby I need to ask God to help me initiate love toward others. Rather than curl up with my anger, perceptions, hurt feelings, or injured ego, I need to find shelter in His wings and His ways.

So how do I go about implementing the truths He is showing me this morning? I start with confession for where I have been wrong. I admit to God the sin of my heart, mind, and actions. I receive the forgiveness that He so unreservedly offers to me. I ask Him to show me practical ways to walk in love toward any I have been avoiding. I resist (through His grace) the temptation to give in to my flesh and just continue doing what I have been doing. This is not about the other person deserving it or a guarantee another’s attitude or actions will change. This is about walking in love so as to free me and reach out to others for their sake.

God has demonstrated every aspect of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 to me innumerable times. He has placed individuals in front of me as well to show me through their examples how to walk in this kind of love. Now He invites me to join Him and follow His example.

Father, while You see my resistance, You also see my desire to live differently. Change in me is what I seek. Amen.

Power of Your Love - Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eA4narr2wyE

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