Overshadowed By His Power

The Holy Spirit will come upon you , and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Luke 1:35 (New American Standard Bible)

When Mary wanted to know how she (as a virgin) would conceive the Son of God, an angel spoke these words to her. The impossible would be possible because of the Holy Spirit coming upon her and God’s power enveloping her. As a believer, it is imperative that I hear God speak these words to me as well. They become the ‘how to’ behind Philippians 4:13 which says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

I found it interesting that the word overshadow appears in only two other instances in Scripture. It is mentioned at the Mount of Transfiguration in reference to the cloud overshadowing Christ, Moses, and Elijah. And it is mentioned in Acts 5:15 when people placed sick people along the street desiring Peter’s shadow to overshadow them. But when I stop to think of the displays of God’s power throughout Scripture I see the essence of His Spirit and His power overshadowing people, circumstances, and events. God is still in the business of investing His power and strength in us in order to bring about His fruit, healing, restoration, salvation, and purpose.

Each of us step into this day with the need for God to intersect our world and intervene on our behalf. Whatever we are called upon to do will only be possible with His Spirit in and upon us and His power overshadowing us. It is His power and presence that supercedes our own. He must be predominant and preeminent in our life.

I want to bring this truth down to our every day life. What is it we must have God’s power to do….today? What is it we must ask God for the ability to do? It could be any number of things: witnessing, showing love, overcoming an addiction, embracing forgiveness, surviving a loss, standing in faith, overcoming a fear, taking a stand for righteousness, living outside comfort zones, changing jobs, extending a hand in friendship, breaking off an unhealthy friendship. The list is endless. But when I know God has put me in any number of situations I know the ability to do what He calls me to do is found in His Spirit working in me and His power overshadowing me. Overshadowing my weaknesses, my limitations, my fears, my hesitations. God will make sure I can do all things through Christ.

Father, life is less daunting when I hear You whisper Your promises to me. Amen.

Power of Your Love - Hillsong
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.

Living With the Truth

After these days Elizabeth his wife became pregnant, and she kept herself in seclusion for five months, saying, “This is the way the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked with favor upon me, to take away my disgrace among men.” Luke 1:24, 25 (New American Standard Bible)

My Bible note says that “not only did lack of children deprive the parents of personal happiness, but it was generally considered to indicate divine disfavor and often brought social reproach.” In this verse, Elizabeth proclaimed the truth against all the wrong perceptions, misjudgments, and looks of disdain she had lived with for decades. She reveled in God’s favor for five months in seclusion. When she finally stepped out into her neighborhood the truth was obvious!

Many of us can relate with this aspect of Elizabeth’s life. We have all experienced the wrong interpretations of our life by those with limited sight, limited faith, and limited love. For too many years we allowed other people to define truth for us and felt it was necessary to align ourselves with their opinions. It felt safer to just go along with the multitudes. But the result was that we lived our Christian lives out of fear, disconnection with God, and performance.

In the spring of 2004, I learned that God’s love is not dependent on what I do and that His Word is alive and applicable to my life. I learned that He desires an intimate relationship with me whereby He directs my daily walk. His desire is that I look to Him for comfort, counsel, and wisdom. Learning that I could have a one on one relationship with the Creator of the universe completely changed the way I lived my Christian life.

Yet, all of that brought about a sense of being misunderstood, misjudged, or rejected by some brothers and sisters in Christ. It hurt when others looked down on the very things I had come to love. It tested the very truths I had come to embrace in my life. Although it was painful, I learned a valuable lesson through it. I had a choice to make on a daily basis. I could fold to the pressure, climb back in the box of well defined expectations, and resume an empty, performance based Christian life. OR I could live under the banner of “Christ alone” whereby my daily review of truth became, “Christ alone defines me. Christ alone guides me. Christ alone satisfies me. Christ alone transforms me. Christ alone molds me into the image of Himself.” I chose and still choose Christ alone!

Father, some will not understand or see Your work in me. I rest in the fact that You and I know the truth. I come to You each time. Amen.

In Christ Alone - Stuart Townend
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESlhrn8efl0&feature=related

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

The Price Tag for Unbelief

And behold, you shall be silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time. Luke 1:20 (New American Standard Bible)

The price for Zacharias’ unbelief was high! He would remain silent (unable to verbally communicate) until Elizabeth would give birth to their son. That would be nine months or possibly longer depending on when she actually conceived. As a person who LOVES to talk, I look at this and I instantly go into a panic mode! The ramifications are huge! He would not be able to say anything out loud at all. Not even in his prayers. The silence on his part would be a constant reminder that God’s words would be fulfilled. I take comfort in the fact that his unbelief did not cause God to cancel his plans all together. And I take comfort in the fact that the fulfillment of God’s promises is in HIS time.

But I am asking myself if in this day and age we also pay a high price for our unbelief. The answer I am getting is YES! No matter what the circumstance in our life, unbelief has a price. It is usually exacted in sleepless nights, ulcers, tension headaches, bitterness, bottled up anger, loss of joy, and souls that lack peace, contentment, and security. We often think the circumstances and people in our life bring these things on, but that is not true! It ultimately comes down to what I believe about God and His care of me.

My interpretation of events in my life take on a whole new look when I realize everything that comes into my life is first filtered through the mind, heart, and hands of God. There are countless verses that I must speak over my life in order to get the right perspective of things. No matter how unfair something seems, how unkind someone acts, how unclear the path ahead looks, how misjudged I may be, or how uncomfortable life becomes, I am not an exception to the promises God gives me in His Word.

I have a choice in the midst of waiting for God’s promises to be fulfilled to me. I can review His character and rest in His love or I can go through the time with uncomfortable consequences for my unbelief. There is a part of this journey that depends on what I choose to do. God is faithful no matter what!

Father, keep teaching me the truth about Your work, Your promises, and Your word. May my pathway be filled with joy as I wait on You. Amen.

I Have a Hope - Tommy Walker
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSbJtqYow3Q&feature=related

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

The Ones He Sent My Way

The angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.“ Luke 1:19(New American Standard Bible)

God has often brought to my mind a list of significant women He has profoundly used in my life. Some were my age but most were older. From the time I was fourteen through to the present God has lovingly allowed our paths to cross.

Some came specifically to show me the love of Christ in a human form. They were the “skin” God chose to wrap around the concepts of His Word. I am a visual person. I understand things much clearer when I can see a picture of it. They gave me a visual picture in themselves of what tenderness, concern, loyalty, compassion, love, forgiveness, and nurturing looked like. Every time I couldn’t seem to grasp a concept for myself, God would place one of these individuals in front of me, turn my face toward them, and say, “See?! THAT is what I mean.” They lived the very things I needed to learn. I praise Him for their living examples to me.

Others came to speak to me and help me understand truths about God that I desperately needed. It was through their words to me that I could begin to take in the truth that God’s love is not dependent on what I do, that God’s view of me is richer and fuller than I ever dreamed, that God longs for a personal relationship with me, that He loves me, delights in me, and cherishes me.

The first few times I heard these things they were merely seeds being planted in my mind and heart. But with time and much repetition they have begun to take root and grow. They are continually “watered” with prayer, Scripture, books, music, speakers, and friends. I now have the joy of planting seeds in other women as I share with them the very things others have shared with me.

In Bible times, God sent angels and prophets to deliver messages to His people. Today we have His Word and yet He still sends individuals our way to teach, encourage, and mentor us. It is my desire to drink that in and disperse it to others for the rest of my life!

Father, I thank You for the women who have made such a profound impact on my life. May I faithfully and joyfully give to others what I have been abundantly blessed to receive from their hands and Yours. Amen.

For Good
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzrGFQysfYU

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

What Stands in the Way?

Then Moses said to the LORD, "Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue." Exodus 4:10 (New American Standard Bible)

When God called Moses to go to Egypt as His spokesperson and to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt, Moses had two responses that he felt stood in the way of God’s plan working. First, he pointed to the possibility that the people would not listen to him or believe God had really spoken to him. God’s response? Moses was given three miraculous signs to give as proof that God had spoken to him. Second, he presented his limitation of a speech impediment. He did not see himself as a great orator and believed that would stand in the way of the message he was to deliver. God’s response? I made the mouth and I know what I am doing. While Moses could see the problems he was missing the power that came from God alone.

Am I not guilty of the same thing every time I allow my thoughts and fears to stand in the way when it comes to sharing my faith? I can so easily focus on how I think others will respond and how I might not say things just right. I can then allow those fears to stop me from even opening my mouth. When that happens, I miss the truth of what God is able to do. The results of witnessing must always be left up to Him. He alone can open the ears, eyes, and hearts of individuals to receive truth about the gospel. He chooses to use us with all our weaknesses and limitations as sharers of the good news! Rather than be a hindrance to God, our inabilities showcase His power and might.

Just as in the case of Moses, God knows what He is doing and who He wants to use to do it. The more the weaknesses the more profoundly it is seen that the results are coming from Him. We are the ones who deem ourselves unqualified and unusable, NOT God! God wants us to see that He can use our experiences, failures, weaknesses, personalities, deficiencies, and handicaps as we share His Word to keep us dependent on Him. Will everyone listen to and accept what we tell them? No, just like Pharaoh and the Egyptians did not listen to Moses. That was not due to Moses’ lack of skill but rather their heart condition.

We often mistakenly think if people do not accept God’s message then we have failed at presenting it in the right way. Not true! We have only failed if we have failed to share!

Father, may my confidence to witness to others be found in You. May I begin opening my mouth and then trust You to work and accomplish things in ways that only You can. Amen.

How Great is Our God - Chris Tomlin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKLQ1td3MbE

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

Words That Are Still For Us

Zechariah was troubled when he saw the angel, and fear gripped him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah.” Luke 1:12, 13a (New American Standard Bible)

It seems that every time an angel appeared to a person in Bible times, this same scenario was played out. The person was fearful and the angel spoke the same four words, “Do not be afraid.” It may not be angels appearing and sending us into a state of fear but life’s circumstances can certainly do the trick.

Fear is that uneasy, sometimes extreme, feeling that comes over us when we think we are in danger (real or imagined). There are many things that can bring this on. It may be rejection, failure, the unknown, the future, death, loss, financial ruin, sickness, disease, etc…. It seems that the things we fear the most are the things we cannot control. Difficult circumstances can leave us feeling like the passenger in a car that is traveling on icy roads or up a winding mountain trail. Because OUR hands are not on the steering wheel and OUR feet are not on the peddles, we can feel uneasy, uncomfortable, and nervous. Often, life can make us feel that way if we are not purposefully reviewing truth in our minds. While we may not have an angel standing in front of us telling us not to be afraid, we do have the Word of God whispering those very words to us.

When my heart is gripped with fear and a feeling of uneasiness has enveloped me I simply need to begin embracing my heavenly Father’s words to me. He has promised me that He will never leave me, that He is working all things out for good, that He will protect me, that He will provide me with everything I need, that He is watching over me, that I am inscribed on the palms of His hands, that He has a plan and purpose for my life, that He will give me strength, that He is always with me, that everything passes through Him before it gets to me. He is my rock, my fortress, my high tower, my protector, and my strength.

A friend sent me a quote that I just love. It is one more reminder of how I can view things that normally would make me fearful. “When we come to the edge of the light we know, and are about to step off into the darkness of the unknown, of this we can be sure ... either God will provide something solid to stand on or ... we will be taught to fly.” May today, we feel the sure footedness of being on the solid Rock or His wind beneath our wings!

Father, may my trust in and of You far outweigh my fears. May You be more real to me than the things I see, feel, and fear. Amen.

Can't Live A Day - Avalon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsgY5mYbMoo

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

More Choice Than Chance

According to the custom of the priestly office, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. Luke 1:9 (New American Standard Bible)

In Bible times, it was customary to make determinations and judgments by a process called ‘casting lots.’ This usually entailed putting a number of stones in a bag and drawing out one. Or in the case of the high priest there was the Urim and Thummim which was used to determine God’s will. Lots were cast to determine the possession of land by the tribes of Israel, to reveal a guilty party as in the cases of Achan, Jonathan, and Jonah, to choose a replacement for Judas, and even to determine which priest would enter the temple to burn incense as in the case of Zechariah. This was a common practice and apparently approved by God for there is no reference in these accounts that God condemned the practice.

Can you imagine making a decision today in what appears to be by ’chance’? Sometimes we have several options and they all seem to be valid and equal. Would we dare write them down on pieces of paper, put them in a bag, and allow the one we draw out to be God’s will for us? I get nervous just thinking about it. And yet that was a common practice in Bible times. Then I am reminded of Proverbs 16:33 which says, “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.” What seems to be chance and blind choosing still comes down to God’s sovereignty.

It is easy to become concerned that wrong choices will be made in the course of our day, but above it all I must remember that God is still in control. That is not to say sinful choices will not have consequences. But ultimately God will direct thoughts, opportunities, and decisions in such a way (without violating our free will) to accomplish whatever it is He wants to accomplish.

This gives me a great deal of assurance and security. To realize the Creator of the universe is so personally involved in my life, shifts the weight of responsibility for my life to the shoulders of my heavenly Father. I no longer have to worry if I am in the right place at this time in my life. I no longer have to play the mind game of “what if”. I have gone back many times to decisions I have made in the past that have drastically changed the course of my life. It is easy to second guess myself and wonder if I somehow ’messed up’ God’s plans for my life. But Proverbs 16:9reminds me “The mind of a man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.”

Father, I feel safe in Your hands. What has seemed like my own choices have really been the puzzle pieces to the portrait of my life that You are putting together. I trust You! Amen.

Be Still My Soul- Selah
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9zHn4QSH-8&feature=related

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