When It Is Not of God

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)

There have been many times when the fear I was experiencing was definitely not of God. It was not a reverential trust in Him. It also was not a safe guard against danger. It was an emotion that could keep me frozen in my tracks and unable to experience life as God meant it to be experienced. Many were the times I feared taking a step in a certain direction because I believed by doing so would guarantee a consequence in which I wanted no part. I never questioned the source of my fear or the possibility that the fear was unfounded. I simply allowed it to be a stop sign to me and a hindrance to any movement.

There have been times in the past when I have decided to move a “stop sign” out of the way and step out uninhibited by speculative thinking. That which I feared would happen didn’t! Did this mean I should have acted sooner? Maybe not….I don’t know. What I do know is that testing the waters proved to be a good and necessary thing at the time. It gave me the freedom to test the validity of a fear that had kept me from actually walking in power, love, and a sound mind. Each time the experience would serve me well in future situations.

Often times, walking by faith will entail risks. I run the risk of being wrong, of being hurt, of being adversely affected, or of being thrown for a loop. When that happens I know Who to turn to for comfort, counsel, and further direction. I am not helpless or hopeless even when I face unpleasant consequences. I am human but my Father is God and He will see me through any wrong turns. As He does, I will come away all the wiser for it. As my pastor once said, “Even our sinful choices can teach us life lessons if we are willing to learn.”

On the same token, if I don’t take some steps of faith, I run the risk of missing out on intended blessings, spiritual growth, godly insight, and adventures intended for me to experience. I, for one, do not want that to be the predominant theme of my life.

It will take many trial and error moments to gain the insight and discernment I need for this journey. I would rather make and recover from some mistakes because of risk taking than continue to live life with a fearful stance whereby I miss out on the aspects of the abundant life God continually offers me.

Father, that which I fear happening does not always take place and I am so glad! Take me further on this journey than I have ever been before. In both victory and failure I will praise You. Lead on O King Eternal. Amen.

Voice of Truth - Casting Crowns
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwsvqVmFV6Y

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

Based on What?

Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 2 Corinthians 5:9 (King James Version)

At first glance, this verse appears to be saying that God’s acceptance of me is based on my works for Him. I can look back to over 30 years of my Christian life whereby I thought that God’s acceptance of me was based on my performance and good deeds. If I did well, I felt acceptable to Him. If I failed, I felt unacceptable to Him. Understand, I did not base my salvation on my works. I knew Christ paid the penalty for my sin on Calvary and hence my salvation was not something I could earn. I knew I would spend eternity in Heaven with Him because of His grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Yet, I lived with an uneasiness as to how He viewed me as His child. Toleration at best and dislike at worst. It was the foundational lie upon which I built my legalistic faith walk. When that is the case, there is no peace, no joy, no rest.

It is imperative that we see the meaning of the words we read in the Bible. It helps to take key words and see what they mean in the original language. The Greek word for accepted is euarestos and it means well pleasing and acceptable. With that in mind, look at how this verse reads in the New Living Translation: “So our aim is to please him always, whether we are here in this body or away from this body.” When I see it worded that way, I am made aware of the fact that my actions are to please God, which is far removed from thinking I have to work for God’s acceptance and approval.

When it comes to God’s view of me, I must remember to separate His view of me and His view of my actions, motives, attitudes, thoughts, and words. I am accepted through Christ, my Savior (John 1:12). My behavior is either pleasing or displeasing to Him depending on whether or not it is aligned with His desire and will. Because of Christ, I will always be accepted by God. When my actions displease Him, it is necessary for me to confess and repent the wrong and move forward in obedience. It is for His pleasure not His acceptance.

This is a pivotal truth for me as it helps me to see that I really am accepted by God. His view of me is one of approval and affirmation. While He is not always pleased with what I do, He delights in me as His daughter and in that I am free to live life to the fullest!

Father, Your view of me is becoming clearer to me and is replacing the distortions of the faulty belief system I can easily embrace if I am not careful. I joy in what I am seeing! Amen.

Friend of God - Phillips, Craig, & Dean
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMnMN08sv4k

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

His Word to Me

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10 (New International Version)

Battles leave me drained and in need of refreshment. They bring me to a point of desiring truth to once again make its way into my thoughts, life, and situation. Last night, I drifted off to sleep with one phrase running through my mind: “Is anything too hard for God?” Each time the question was asked, the resounding answer was “No!” It gave me assurance to know that my personal struggles, weaknesses, and failures are no match for God’s power and work in my life. How precious that today’s verse was waiting to great me when I woke this morning.

Although I have recently come off a bout with sinus infection, I don’t often suffer in the physical sense. Persecution by the government does not mark my path either. I have a job, a family, a roof over my head, food in my pantry, dependable automobiles in my driveway, clothes in my closet, a precious church family, and friends who stick with me through thick and thin. For each I am thankful! At the same time, I live in a fallen world, possess a sin nature, have an enemy of my soul who is intent on distracting, discouraging, and destroying me, and too often fall victim to spiraling moods, emotional over loads, and insecurities. Yet, by the grace of God, I am given many promises.

My Father, the Creator of the Universe and sustainer of His creation, will restore me and make me strong, firm, and steadfast….not just in eternity but in my everyday battles. He is fully aware and fully present in each hour of need and He wants me to know that each incident is NOT the end of my story. He promises that I will get up again after each stumble. I will regain my composure after each fall. Each doubt will be answered by truth. Each moment of weakness will be followed by His power and strength.

My journey with Him is a process of learning, growing, and gaining. Is it a task that is too hard for God? Am I a person that is too much for Him to work with? Absolutely not! Who better to rely upon and rest in than the One who sees it all, knows it all, and can handle it all?

Father, I long to walk in victory but when I don’t, You promise restoration, rejuvenation, and renewal. Make me strong, firm, and steadfast as I look to You. Amen.

Sing for Joy - Don Moen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Jjb1wOUt4I

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

Filling the Cavern

"He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'" John 7:38 (New American Standard Bible)

My innermost being. That place in me that is like a cavern of hunger and thirst. That part of me that I long to have filled. Jesus offers me (and you) a river of living water that flows in the depths of my internal world. That place was not made empty by my past experiences of life. It was in me before I took my first breath. Created in me by God to be filled by Him alone. That place in me that hungers and thirsts for significance, identity, love, acceptance, affirmation, and approval.

Some try to fill their voids with success, wealth, notoriety, accomplishments, possessions, positions, or education. Some, like myself, seek to fill the void with significant people. What we find in the end is that whatever amount of life’s “fill dirt” we shovel in, it never seems to reach the bottom or last long. I find that even the effects of the most special times and conversations begin to wane moments after they have taken place. My answer is to then go on a search for more and in the end my search is both futile and disappointing.

Jesus tells me that I am significant, loved, and valued because I am His. He speaks those words over and into my life, even though I have sought for it in other sources. This morning He is showing me how much of a bondage this is for me. Bondage to my needs. Bondage to my thoughts. Bondage to my search. At the same time He is reminding me that He came to set the captive free! I am that captive and I am in need of the freedom He offers.

Acknowledging the problem and seeing the root of that problem is only the first of many steps I am beginning to take. Recently, friends have told me I am persistent in my quest to find God’s love sufficient and to live out of that love. They are right. Of all the things I long for in this life, that is the ultimate desire of my heart. What encourages me the most is that I know it is God’s desire for me as well.

Father, my search has accomplished one thing…..it has pointed me to You. Show me how to let You fill up my innermost being with Your living water and presence. I am in need and I bring that need to You. Amen.

He Knows My Name - Maranatha Singers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXsiWoyjw60

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

When the Brook Dries Up

It happened after a while that the brook dried up, because there was no rain in the land. Then the word of the LORD came to him. 1 Kings 17:7 (New American Standard Bible)

If we misunderstand the purpose and tentative nature of our God-given places of spiritual refreshment and sustenance we can be in for a time of great confusion and discouragement. One of the biggest and yet most difficult lessons for me to learn in my Christian life has been the temporary nature of the very things God provides me with for a time. The first time the brook of relationship dried up for me it sent me reeling. It shook the false foundation of security I was standing on and I was sent back to the very basics of my faith.

It was a time when the temptation ran strong to never again open my heart to a meaningful, significant relationship. The option that played in my mind was to distance myself from ever again experiencing the pain of loss. I feared I could not trust myself to not repeat the same mistakes if I were to cross paths with another caring and nurturing person. I bought into the lie of the enemy that there would never be change and never be freedom for me in this area. God knew better and now I do as well. It has taken nearly two years but I am finally living out of the truth of God’s intentions.

First, I had to see God’s purposeful gift of friendships to me. There are things He wants to teach and show me through other believers. I cannot read Scripture and not see the power of relationship that God means for each of His children. Every significant person that God has ever crossed my path with has left a profound mark on my life and I would not be the person I am today were it not for God’s use of them in my life.

Second, I had to see that although God was using them in mighty ways the focus still had to be on Him. He was the One pouring the very things through them that I needed. While they were the vessels, He was the Source. Their words of encouragement and life were coming from Him.

Third, I had to come to a peaceful resolve that none of them were meant to be a permanent part of my life….at least not in such a hands on and personal way. Once the purpose for their involvement was fulfilled there would be a shift of access and activity. They would no longer be the ones I took questions to or from whom I sought advice. It wasn’t rejection or abandonment. It was a drying up and leading on. There would be new directions we both would go and yet never without God’s continued watch care and voice.

I originally wrote this devotional in October of 2008. I read it now for refreshment and needed review. Since the first writing, God has allowed me the precious experience of new significant relationships and I praise Him for allowing me to live out the truth of what He showed me a year and a half ago.

Father, I have sat beside the dried beds of friendship and struggled to move forward. Thank you that the steps are finally being taken to enter the new places You have for me. 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.

People Need the Lord - Steve Green
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AibBR6j2g54

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

When in Doubt

For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has done evil to this people; neither have You delivered Your people at all. Exodus 5:23 (New King James Version)

Moses did not start out as a man of faith and God knew this when He called him to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt. Moses’ first words back to God at the burning bush voiced his doubts. He doubted the people would listen to or believe him. He doubted his ability to be God’s spokesman to Israel or Pharaoh. He doubted that God would do what He said He would do. He looked at others, himself, and his circumstances and each gave him enough “proof” to doubt the very words of God. He doubted God’s call, God’s pledge, God’s power, and God’s nature. In essence, he was saying, “This is not turning out the way I thought it would, therefore, You are not keeping Your end of the bargain up, God.”

What does God do with our doubts? The same thing He did with Moses’ doubts. He restates the truth about Himself and His promises. He did not condemn Moses for what he said….actually God welcomes our honesty. He knows our thoughts even before the words come out of our mouth. What followed Moses’ statements was God’s proclamation of who He was and what He was going to do. He said, “I am the LORD. I will bring you out from under Egypt’s burden. I will free you from Egypt’s bondage. I will rescue you. I will take you to myself. I will be your God. I will bring you to the land I promised to your forefathers.” God was letting Moses know that no amount of difficulties, no lapse of time, no opposition can thwart His plans and purposes. Moses had to see that God’s truth always trumps his own problems and perspectives.

So what is it I must carry away with me this morning? That which I know to be true concerning God and what He has promised. In the face of anything this life throws at me, I must stand in and speak the truth. God is God. He is all powerful, all present, and all knowing. He will not leave me. He will finish the work He started in me. He will deliver me from strongholds. He will bring about His plans and purposes for my life. He will guide my steps. He will direct my path. He will bring about His ending to my story. His is my God. He is my Rock. He is my Fortress. He is faithful, trustworthy, and unchanging. He has me inscribed on the palms of His hands, keeps me under the shadow of His wings, tells me I am the apple of His eye, and holds me with His right hand. Will I face difficulties? Yes. Will circumstances get hard? Absolutely. Will there be tests of my faith and character? Definitely. Will I go through things that are uncomfortable and troublesome? Without a doubt. But none of that changes the truth statements about God. None of it!

Father, strengthen my eyes of faith. Let Your truth stand out dramatically above all that I think, see, feel, and experience. Help me to be a woman of faith. Amen.

You're Still God - Kathy Troccoli
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvclzwpAMxg

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