The Avenue of Help

May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob set you up on high [and defend you]; Send you help from the sanctuary and support, refresh, and strengthen you from Zion. Psalm 20:1, 2 (Amplified Bible)

I cannot tell you the number of times I have read a verse and exclaimed, “Why didn’t I see that before?!” I am so use to David speaking of his help coming from the Lord that I can sometimes miss the avenue God chooses to send that help. I would expect today’s verse to read, “May God send you His help and strength.” But instead it states from where God is going to send the help and support. It will be coming from the sanctuary and from the city of Zion. God’s house and God’s city! Within both are His people.

Many have been the times God has chosen to use His people to deliver His help to those in need…..to me when I am in need. It is not a sign of weakness to accept that help but it is a sign of trouble to refuse it. I stand amazed each time I struggle through problems only to eventually find the answer from the wisdom and counsel of others. They are willing to help if I but ask. They have so much to offer if I am willing to receive.

With that said, I must also be aware of who God has actually placed in my life for that help. Receive the help, yes. Hold on to the one who helps as if they are the only one each and every time, no. I have had the joy of knowing some incredible women of faith in my nearly 40 years of being a Christian. If I had a personal wall of faith numerous portraits would be on that wall. Yet, many of them are no longer the helpers God is using presently. Their season of involvement in my life is a treasure of my past and they still hold a special place in my heart and mind. God used them to help shape me into the woman I am today. At times, I have wanted to still be helped by them, but it is clear God’s intentions are different for them as well as for me.

So when I face my own personal days of trouble it is God I must first look to and then I must perceive who it is He has purposefully placed in my life as the much needed helpers. They may not be in the picture at future moments, but for now I praise God for the treasures that they are.

Father, You have hand-picked the help You’ve sent…each and every time. I love You and I love them. Amen.

You Never Let Go - Matt Redman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y83-vMeWc9E&feature=related

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

A Necessary Reminder

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 (New King James Version)

I have no trouble accepting the fact that my disposition and attitude of fear does not come from God. It comes from the enemy and from me believing the lies that have been suggested to me through life’s circumstances. I do have trouble, however, fully grasping the truth that I possess power, love, and a sound mind. Recently, I have felt far removed from any and all of those gifts. Yet, God’s Word states it as a fact and that fact must over ride my own thoughts, feelings, and emotions.

The past couple of weeks have found me wordless when it came to writing a devotional. I cannot express all the mixed feelings and torn thoughts that stood in the way of sharing even the simplest of truths or aspects of this journey. Leading the list was a surety that I should not write devotionals because I still fail to fully live out of the power, love, and sound mind God has given to me. Emotional battles still rage. Relationships still confuse me. Negative, destructive thought patterns still jab at me. So I entertained the thought that maybe I should hold off writing until I have complete victory. Will I be able to write devotionals from Heaven???? Because that will be where I will be living when complete victory is mine!

God has had to remind me of the three stipulations He required when I first began writing devotionals in 2005. I was to stay true to Scripture, I was to be transparent, and I was to stay general enough that individuals could see their own story in what I was writing. With those stipulations in place, God assured me time and time again that there are people who battle the same issues I battle or battles unique to them and are looking for encouragement to continue their journey to God’s heart. I forgot all of that as I got up each morning and made the conscious decision to not write a single word.

I realize that some people write an article or a book after they have developed and perfected an area in their life. I am called to do the writing as the development is taking place. I have a long ways to go but while I go there will be many devotionals resulting from the steps taken. I offer them up to any who need to know they are not the only ones who feel and think the way they do. After all, each of us are such basket cases but God has definitely got our handle! I’m back!!!!!

Father, I’ve missed writing and I rejoice in the truth that has encouraged me once again. Amen.

You Are More - Tenth Avenue North
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgi-G-dHYkY&feature=related

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

The Nathans in My Life

Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man!……..You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. 2 Samuel 12:7,9 (New International Version)

Nathan was used of God to pinpoint an area of sin in David’s life. God revealed it to him and he was faithful to deliver the message. I don’t believe this conversation was comfortable for either man but it was necessary. It led to forgiveness and change.

Throughout Scripture there are many accounts of people being God’s spokesman or spokeswoman to others. Good followed when words were delivered out of obedience and received as truth. Sure there were times God sent angels, but more often than not God sent people to people. He did it in Bible times and He does it in our day and age.

This past weekend was one such time for me. Two separate conversations. Two separate women as God’s mouthpiece to me. One message with several points. God had been preparing my heart so that when the time came I would be willing to listen and heed the words. I was not looking for a comfortable conversation. I was looking for answers that would lead to freedom. I was looking for the truth. There is no question in my mind that I needed to see the underlying issues of my personal problems. I share them with you now because I treasure them as gifts.

God’s message to me through two dear friends:

Choose to be Christ focused instead of self focused.

Learn to love God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Start believing that God is who He says He is and can do what He says He can do.

Every last emotional battle I fight is a sign of self focus at its worst. The only way to conquer that is to focus on Christ and to love God fully. Both require His help and both He is willing to help me do. I am taking the first steps in believing that God really can deliver me from my damaging mindsets and change me completely. Not only CAN He do it, He WILL do it! No doubt about it!!!

Father, thank you for those who love You enough to speak the truth in love to me. I heed Your words through them and I thank You for the change You will bring about. 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.

Empowered Change

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Colossians 3:16 (New King James Version)

God’s Word uses words that are multi-layered with meaning and richness. If we do not go beyond our limited scope of a word we will miss some big truths. The word ‘dwell’ is one such example. Upon first glance, I can think of it as merely being ‘in’ me, but a word study showed me a broader picture. It also means to influence and influence is a word that is rich with meaning. When someone or something influences me it changes me. When God’s word influences me it not only changes me but empowers me for that change. That is what I am hungry for this morning…..empowered change.

I just finished reading through the first three chapters of Ephesians. I was struck by all I am and all I have in Christ….all spiritual blessings, chosen before the foundations of the world, adopted by Him, accepted in the beloved, redeemed, forgiven, wisdom, prudence, an inheritance, sealed by His Spirit, raised and seated with Christ, saved by faith, God’s workmanship, access to the Father, a fellow-citizen, a habitation of God, a partaker of His promises, and confidence in Him. I read the list. I wrote it out in a notebook. I reworded it for personal effect. Then I asked myself a heart searching question.

If I am and have all that in Christ why am I living so far removed from its truth? I am rich in Christ and yet live as a pauper. If I found out I had $100,000 in the my bank account, I would live like I had $100,000.00. I wouldn’t be like the person I read about the other day who lived in a shack, dressed poorly, and collected empty cans for money while living with bundles of money in his home. Yet, on a spiritual plane I am doing the same thing if I am not living out of the truth of who I am and what I have in Christ. It is a truth that must not simply dwell in me but it must influence me as well. At the same time, I realize the changes I want will not come about naturally or in my own strength. On my own, I will continue to cycle in and out of victory and defeat. In Christ, I have hope, power, and change.

Father, change the patterns of thought and behavior in me. You are my starting point and resting place. Amen.

I Am His Daughter
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKh3wF7DBPk&feature=related

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

The Corridors of Life

When Pharaoh heard of this matter, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh and dwelt in the land of Midian; and he sat down by a well. Exodus 2:15 (New King James Version)

From the palace of Egypt to the wilderness of Midian, Moses entered a corridor of time that lay between his past and his future. From the loving, nurturing care of a father to the prison life of Egypt, Joseph entered his corridor. From the homeland of Moab to gleaning in the fields of Bethlehem, Ruth entered her corridor. From tending his father’s sheep to hiding in the wilderness, David entered his corridor. Many of my Bible ancestors experienced what it was like to leave what they knew to enter a time of wilderness living known as a corridor of passage. None of those places were permanent or comfortable but all were chosen by God to prepare them for His call on their life. We are no different.

This month of February, marks my seventh year of being on a significant journey with God. It began with a decision to leave a life of legalism and performance-based mindset to live with an awareness that God’s love is not dependent upon what I am doing. I entered a time of spiritual nurturing under the care of a significant person and God used her to equip me with many of the tools I still use today. It was a place of familiarity to me…my palace, my Moab, my homeland. On my own, I would have chosen to stay, but God had other plans. He wanted more for me and hence led me into my own personal corridor of preparation away from my place and person of comfort.

Like those who have gone on before me, I am spending years in this corridor. I do not believe this is permanent but rather a necessary place for now. What I am learning and what God is doing is meant to prepare me for His call on my life. I don’t know what that call will look like but He does and He knows what it will take to get me ready. I will be honest, I have not made the transition with ease or joy for the most part. Going from what felt safe and comfortable to what seemed like the darkest time of my life was terrifying at best. My emotions have been all over the map of my soul and yet no amount of questions, tears, or hindered steps have caused my Father to change His course of action. Out of an act of love and purpose, He closed the door of what once was, to lead me toward what will be. He has not left me. He has not given up on me. He has not let go of me. He will help me to rest in His loving heart and embrace this corridor of time with abandon so that my heart, attitude, and reactions take on a different flavor.

Father, oh how I have needed a shift in my spirit. My fear of letting go has prevented me from fully reaching forward. I give you my heart and my hand this morning. Lead on, Oh King Eternal. Lead on. Amen.

You Never Let Go - Matt Redman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqqtyuivolA&feature=related

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

When I Don't Understand

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 (New King James Version)

There are times when the questions of my heart go far beyond my ability to understand certain aspects of life. When there just doesn’t seem to be plausible answers for me to rest in. When the questions that start with “why” are not met with satisfying answers. It may be the circumstances of life, the actions of another, or any number of issues. Whatever the case may be, in the end it will come down to a matter of trust. Not trust in myself or trust in another individual, but trust in the Lord. To take whatever has been handed to me that produces more tears than joy or questions than answers and hand it over to Him for safe and proper keeping. To entrust Him with my life and my heart.

Sometimes I can have something happen and not give it much thought. But other times it seems that I enter a mental maze of questions and searching that take me on a journey that is futile and never ending. There just isn’t anything that makes sense. No logic, no answers, no understanding and hence no peace, no joy, no contentment. Life comes to a standstill until I begin once again to live out the truths of Proverbs 3:5.

God wants me to understand that I don’t have to have things or people all figured out. The heart and motives of others are not discernable to me just as the root system of a tree is not within my view. When it is all said and done I have to concede that I just don’t know and that is when God says, “It’s okay. Trust Me. Trust Me to take care of you, to protect you, to satisfy you, to meet your needs, to love you. When those who have been primary encouragers to you have stepped away, trust Me to introduce you to new encouragers. When direction is needed, trust Me to give it. You are not on your own, you are not abandoned, you are not helpless. You have Me and I have a hold of you. Trust Me.”

I need the reminders. Sometimes they come from other Christians and sometimes they make their way from God’s mouth to my ears. Sometimes they enter my mind while I am sleeping and the thought jolts me awake like a charge of electricity. However it happens, it is enough to turn my gaze back toward God and to nudge me forward on my journey once again. How gracious of Him to allow me to trade my misunderstanding for confidence in Him!

Father, You know my thoughts and my feelings. I confide to You all the unanswered questions and find assurance in Your invitation to trust You. Speak the “Peace be still” to the storms of my soul. I take refuge in You. Amen.

Do I Trust You, Lord? - Twila Paris
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSopilUouw8

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

Coming to My Aid

And He said, "Come!" And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" Matthew 14:29-31 (New American Standard Bible)

I find it interesting what Peter did not do when fear filled his heart and he started to sink. He did not attempt to swim back to the boat he had stepped out of. He did not attempt to return to the position of walking on the water. He did not consult the other disciples. He did not give up. He did not beat himself up for failing to stay on top of things. He did however direct his attention back toward Jesus and asked for His help. That cry for help did not fall on deaf ears. Jesus’ first response was to take hold of him to lift him up and then He spoke the necessary words of instruction and correction to him.

Peter’s plight was progressive. He took his eyes off Jesus and fixed them on his circumstances. He drew wrong conclusions about his ability and God’s availability to keep him from sinking. He sunk in fear rather than walk in faith. Yet he knew enough to ask for help from the One who was present and poised to give him help.

I relate all too well with Peter. I can be impulsive and full of adventure one minute only to be filled with fear and spiral down the next. I can too easily allow circumstances and emotions to get the best of me. My answer? Do what Peter did and cry out to Jesus for help with full assurance that He will come to my aid.

I am learning how easily I can turn away from the One who invites me to abide in Him, come to Him, rest in Him, trust Him, and follow Him. Staying focused is a challenge for me and when I allow my mind to wander and heart to stray I sink. When I beat myself up for past failures I sink. When the opinions of others take precedence over God’s opinion I sink. When I fail to bring issues to God I sink. When I refuse to release my grip on that which needs to go I sink. But just as quickly as I sink I can be rescued, revived, and restored. At no point does God say, “Stay there!” At no time does He turn a deaf ear to my voice. When I want His help He gives it with an outstretched hand and heart of love. Then and only then does He begin to instruct me with words of correction. May today be a day for wave walking!

Father, it is what You do AFTER I fail that astounds me. Keep correcting the distortions I have of You. Keep showing me the truth about Yourself and allow it to change me. Amen.

Help Me, God - Kathy Troccoli
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sksuqT1lCUY

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