Moving Away From the Mountain

You have circled this mountain long enough. Now turn north. Deuteronomy 2:3 (New American Standard Bible)

I have been trying to find a verse that epitomized the recent activity of God in my life and this morning I finally found it! The moment I read it I thought, “That’s it!!!!” It capsules the words of 2 Corinthians 10:5 which tell us to take every thought captive.

I once heard an illustration of what it means to take thoughts captive. It gave me a picture of cattle roping at a rodeo with the cowboy lassoing a cow and bringing him down to the ground bound. While that is an excellent illustration it was only part of the story for me. I was missing the other aspect. For me, it is more helpful and necessary to follow the pattern of Philippians 4:8 with its list of things on which to think and meditate.

I have had two areas of thought that have wreaked havoc on my life for the past year or so. One has been allowing my mind to remain focused on a former relationship and the other has been to habitually dwell on misperceptions. In both cases, God is calling me away from the mental mountains. He is saying, “You have circled and camped on this mountain long enough….turn north. Redirect your attention onto that which is uplifting and encouraging. Think on Me, other people, and other situations in your life that will keep you far from the emotional pits.”

Guess what? It WORKS….when I choose to do it! This morning God has given me a mental picture of this process. He helped me picture myself walking this journey but my ankles are shackled (because the issues are still a part of my life) and the shackles have a chain between them. As I “walk” through my day, the chain is lengthened as I take my thoughts captive by dwelling on good things and it is shortened when I dwell on wrong desires and misperceptions. My stride and progress is either hindered or helped by the mental choices I make.

Along with all of this, God has added one necessary step. Ask another person to keep my feet to the fire by frequently asking me how I am doing at applying this step of obedience. I already know who He would have me to be accountable to and I believe the accountability will be a powerful reinforcement for me. I marvel at God’s wisdom and direction. His commands are ALWAYS followed by the “how to” steps and His promise to help me take those steps is embraced!

Father, I long for the freedom You have desired for me all along. Now that You have shown me what to do, help me to daily do it! I follow You! Amen.

Painting Pictures of Egypt - Sara Groves
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZcIA4Cnj6j4


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

My Distinguishing Mark

Your sail was of fine embroidered linen from Egypt so that it became your distinguishing mark. Ezekiel 27:7 (New American Standard Bible)

Ezekiel 27 describes the city of Tyre as a majestic ship and gushes with elaborate details. The best wood, the best material, the best workmanship, the best….everything. Its presence commanded respect and its distinction was borne out of the exquisite embroidered linen with which its sails were made. As my eyes landed on this verse I was struck by the phrase, “it became your distinguishing mark.” I have spent the last couple of hours pondering what my distinguishing mark is. What is it that sets me apart with distinction and uniqueness?

I know what I often try to make my distinguishing mark. While it may vary from time to time it is usually found within the scope of abilities, relationships, personality, and successes. The truth of the matter is that none of those things actually are my distinguishing mark. My distinction comes from my relationship with God through Jesus Christ and His work in me. He and He alone gives me my worth, value, and significance. He and He alone has stamped out a unique plan and purpose for my life. As a master Potter, He is molding and transforming me into a one of a kind image of His own Son.

The fact that He is faithfully doing that astounds me but the way He goes about it at times pains me. Lately it seems that His technique involves exposing the worst parts of me to myself. He shows me what has to go and that is when I begin to cringe and squirm. Be it an attitude, a perception, an emotional rut, or a mindset, I often put up a fight before finally opening my closed fist (and mind) to His persistent pleading. The most recent “episode” took about 24 hours!

The truths that are so easy to share via devotionals are often the most difficult to live out and appropriate to my life. I take comfort in the fact that while I am so far from where I want to be, I am at least farther than I use to be. I am grateful for the friends who will come along side me during the dark times but even more grateful for a God who knows me thoroughly and still loves me. Even in the times when I cannot bring myself to confide in another person the deepest thoughts and hardest struggles, He remains my faithful Counselor and Comforter. I praise Him and need Him.

Father, the storm is subsiding and Your peace is returning. In the stillness of this moment I worship You! Amen.

Who am I - Casting Crowns
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGU76is9BuY

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

Seeing the Impossible Made Possible

Looking at them, Jesus said, With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God. Mark 10:27 (New American Standard Bible)

Continual defeat in an area can lead one to believe that area stands outside the realm of all things being possible with God. Where there seems to be no strength, power, ability, or possibility is the place that most needs the realization and reminder of the availability of might, fortitude, virtue, and the ability to excel. One’s focus must be redirected from personal failure to the all inclusiveness of God’s promise and pledge. Everything collectively in one’s life is to be wrapped in the power and provision of God’s Word. Nothing, absolutely nothing is excluded from future victory.

These thoughts have found a home in my heart as I have come to see the Christian life as a walk of progress rather than a demand for absolute perfection. God’s call to me on a daily basis to review and compare. Review the times I have failed in a certain area and compare those times to present instances when situations were handled in a better way. I find that God will often have me go through similar circumstances to help me see that growth really has taken place….even if in a small amount. The very things I use to strain at or cringe over exude a less threatening presence, if I will but look for the smallest ground gained in victory rather than repeated failure.

It is imperative that I find the measurable aspects of an impossibility becoming possible. Maybe it is simply seeing that patience held out a little longer or that there was an improvement in my tone of voice. Maybe a thought that use to send me spiraling down is beginning to be defeated by actively choosing to think on something or someone else. Maybe for the first time a thought of thankfulness overcame a heart of discontent and grumbling. Whatever the case may be, whatever the area of struggle and turmoil is, God urges each of us to look for progress, not perfection.

Some areas see progress more quickly than other areas. God is willing to take our entire life time to bring about the deliverances and victories that He as well as we want so badly. God’s willingness to work over time gives me permission to do the same. It becomes a journey of learning to cooperate with Him, acknowledge my weaknesses and failures, and seeking His work in me as I walk with Him. He of all individuals is urging me forward and compelling me to not give up! Any victories in any area stand as banners of hope in the face of all “impossibilities.” With God is the power and the promise.

Father, hopelessness marks the walls of no area in the life of ANY child of Yours. I wrap myself in the truth of You! Amen.

When I Call on Jesus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwMw16eocuU

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

Working Out What is Being Worked In

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:12,13 (New King James Version)

Let‘s not misread Paul‘s words to the Philippians. Working out our own salvation is not referring to being saved by our works. It is referring to the demonstration of our salvation in the areas of spiritual growth and development. It is the on going process in which each of us are energetically and persistently involved. It is the process of our spiritual maturation in Christ. The very things we are doing should be done to produce results in our life and reflect what God is doing in us.

There are a number of things involved in my growth as a Christian. At times, I have a book or two that I am devouring that target issues I am facing. I count it a privilege to metaphorically sit at the feet of numerous authors and draw from their vast storehouse of wisdom. Music can often bring a message home that solidifies a truth for me. Sermons and teaching from within the walls of my home church help with my growth and development as a Christian. Taking in the truths from God’s Word and actively applying those truths on a daily basis is like a dose of “miracle grow” for my spirit. Last, but not least, taking in the counsel and wisdom of others through talking and sharing aid in my process of maturing.

When any of those “pieces” are missing from my life I notice and must take care not to let it stagnate my walk. I take Paul’s comparison to heart when he refers to things being done in his presence and more so in his absence. I know what it is like to live out my daily walk with someone watching over my spiritual steps. There is something about another set of human eyes on my life that bring me a sense of security. Often times, though, God will allow that for part of the time and then bring me to a point of practicing the truths on my own.

Presently, that is how an accountability partnership is working for me. We talk and watch as God brings some wisdom to the forefront. Then it is time for me to step out of her home and presence and live out what I have been shown. All the while, God is faithfully and consistently doing His work in me. I am not on my own in any way, shape, or form!

Father, thank you that You never intended my lot in life to be one of isolation. Your internal work in me is often affected by the external tools You choose to use. Amen.

Made Me Glad - Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0Zc_VWJJoI&feature=related

I welcome your questions and comments to any devotional thoughts. I am honored and delighted to share my journey with you and privileged to hear of yours.

Times, Reasons, and Seasons

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 (King James Version)

Realizing that God has a time, a reason, and a season for everything in my life brings great comfort when I am going through a trial. I want to know the uncomfortable circumstances in my life serve a purpose and that there is an end in sight. I want to know life will not always be like this. I want to know that somewhere down the road there will be joy, laughter, and freedom. I want to know that the roller coaster of emotions will bring me to a place of rest.

But I am coming to realize this verse also applies to the good things of life. Those things that make me comfortable, those things I enjoy, those people who become precious to me, those relationships that put me on cloud nine. Anything I hold near and dear to my heart must be held with hands that have this verse inscribed on them. I must realize that nothing and no one this side of heaven can be considered a permanent part of my life. Just as the seasons change, just as nature itself changes, and landscapes change, our lives change. We cannot stop that. Our interactions with people will go through changes. It is natural and it is necessary.

The problem comes when I fight the change. Some people can come in and out of my life and it doesn‘t affect me much. With other people, their removal from my life can seem devastating. When I realize they are gone or the relationship has changed I can take a nose dive in my emotions and soul. I can feel that my world is falling apart and lose all sense of security and stability. It is then that I realize I have grabbed hold of them in a way I should grabbed hold of God. They have become precious to me and I don’t want to give them up.

God knows if I never experience these changes I will not draw closer to Him. I will not depend on Him as I should. I will live unsatisfied and stagnate. That is the difference between a pond and a river. A pond has life but it is very limited. A river is always moving forward and affecting the things around it. I want my life to be a river designed by God. I want Him to place the bends, the forks, and the banks in all the right places.

Father, all of life around me is changing but You and Your ways never change. You are the One constant in my life and I cling to that! Amen.

Draw Me Close To You
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALzCQn8LA4M&feature=related

God and Others

And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again. Philippians 1:25,26 (New King James Version)

There are times we set limits on ourselves that God never intended for us to set. Times when we attempt to do without the very things God purposes for us to embrace. Scripture is meant to be a pattern for us. It shows us truths we can digest and upon which we can live. I am in need of balanced truth this morning and Paul’s words to the Philippians are becoming my personal instructions. They are addressing an issue with which I am still wrestling. I stated it to a friend in an email just yesterday morning and it is this….finding the balance between going to people and going to God. My “all or nothing” mentality still rules much of my ideas, responses, and actions.

God knows each reason I hesitate to allow others to be a part of my progress and joy of faith. He knows where the skewed thinking is embedded. He knows where truth has been replaced by lies and how those lies seem like the truth. And He knows when I am keeping at arms length the very ones He has given me as gifts of encouragement. Somewhere along the line, rejoicing in others became idolatry. Asking for help became a dependency issue. Receiving instruction became wrong.

Then I come across Paul’s words to fellow believers and I see him connecting himself with their spiritual growth and journeys. He sees himself as a necessary part of their Christian lives. It is at this point that God once again encourages me to take down the “no trespassing” signs over relationships and learn to allow others to be what God intended them to be for me and me for them. I heard a speaker once say that “people are meant to be the icing and not the cake” and God sees the times I attempt to live with an uniced cake!

I want to reacquaint myself with the joy of fellowship. I want to joy in others and see them as “permissible” in my life. While my journey continues to be about learning the truth about God, He wants me to also learn the truth about others. He knows my fears and apprehensions. He knows how I distrust my own heart. He also knows how He will bring me to the point of healing and wholeness.


Father, help me to get it! Help me to see what others already grasp. Help me to reach out my hands and receive the gifts of friendship YOU are offering me. Amen.

Thank You - Ray Boltz
http://youtube.com/watch?v=UFrdJ2V3r7Y&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

His Unremovable Love

"For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake, but My lovingkindness will not be removed from you, and My covenant of peace will not be shaken,“ says the LORD who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10 (New American Standard Bible)

My present journey began in the spring of 2004 with the realization that God’s love was not dependent upon what I was doing. That journey continues with precious, continual reminders that His love will never be removed regardless of my attitudes, actions, and weaknesses. The security of that truth wraps itself around my spirit on an ongoing basis. I thrive under it, I revel in it, I rejoice over it, and I remain awe struck by it! As God pours out His love, peace, and compassion on me, I am changed.

This morning an “even then” list is formulating in my mind and it is having a powerful effect on me. When I fail Him, even then His love remains. When I live out of my flesh instead of my spirit, even then His love remains. When I look to others to give me what only God can give me, even then His love remains. When I give in to the things He desires to free me of, even then His love remains. When I react and respond to others in a non Christlike manner, even then His love remains. When I place my wishes and will above His own, even then His love remains. When I attempt to walk in my own strength and ability, even then His love remains. When I allow something or someone to take precedence over Him, even then His love remains. When negativity marks my mind and my mouth, even then His love remains. When I hold on to that which He asks to be released, even then His love remains. When I fear circumstances more than I trust His ability to carry me, even then His love remains.

It is not a sentimental, stoic, abstract kind of love either. It is a love that will intervene, correct, discipline, and instruct. It is a love that sings over me and under girds me. It is a love that wants the best for me and will not allow anything to come into my life without passing through His own hands and heart first. It is a love that will introduce and remove all the things necessary for my growth and His glory. It is a love that remains and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

God is the only One who patterns this kind of love. Some individuals give me glimpses of it but only He can display it on a never ending basis. Only He can put traces of it into my own heart. Therefore, I look to Him and follow.

Father, I spent decades misunderstanding Your love for me. Thank you for the clarity and consistency of that love. May I live out the rest of my days marveling over You and Your ways . Amen.

Love That Won't Walk Away - Kathy Troccoli
http://youtube.com/watch?v=6uQGr4fa2Z0

If what you are reading is touching your spirit and increasing your thirst for God then you are one of the reasons I write these devotionals. I want to extend a personal invitation to you to join my email devotional family and allow me to send them to you directly! Simply send an email to shattuck7@sbcglobal.net and request to be added to my devotional list. It would be my honor and privilege to do so.