My Help Comes From the Lord

My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:2 (New King James Version)

The One who created the universe is my Helper! I am trying to wrap my mind around that thought. I can recall the many people who have helped me in one way or another during the course of my life but who compares to the One who made everything?! Whatever I face today, I can proclaim with David the fact that my help comes from the LORD. David faced giants, enemies, failures, fears, and betrayal and did so with God as his helper. The same help and Helper is available to me every moment of every day!

Wherever I stand in need…my help comes from the LORD. Whatever the task I am given….my help comes from the LORD. Whoever I am called upon to love….my help comes from the LORD. Whenever and whoever I need to forgive…my help comes from the LORD. When my strength fails me…my help comes from the LORD. When I grow weary with the journey…my help comes from the LORD. When the questions of my heart pile up….my help comes from the LORD. When I am spent…my help comes from the LORD. When life gets uncomfortable or messy…my help comes from the LORD. When circumstances overwhelm me…my help comes from the LORD. When loneliness, sorrow, or sickness mark my path…my help comes from the LORD. When I am in need of internal healing….my help comes from the LORD. When losses are experienced…my help comes from the LORD.

There is nothing I stand in need of that surpasses the creation of heaven and earth. I will never need help and find God unable to help. My Helper divided the Red Sea, defeated vast armies, and brought water from a rock. He gave sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf, healed lepers and lame ones, calmed the storms at sea, walked on water, drove out demons, and raised the dead. In light of that, is anything too hard for Him? Absolutely not!

I can think of individuals with whom I would be thrilled to have their help. Their counsel, assistance, and companionship would be invaluable. How much greater that the King of kings and Lord of lords comes to my aid and rescue. He is not distant, unavailable, unmoved, or unaware of my needs or deaf to my cries for help. May I go through every day fully realizing my help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth, and He will move heaven and earth to give me His help.

Father, I feel so cared for, safe, and protected. I stand in awe of You and in need of You. Because of You, I am never helpless! Amen.

I Will Lift My Eyes - Bebo Norman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtAjrNqEsoM&feature=related

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

Every False Way

From Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. Psalm 119:104 (New American Standard Bible)

The teachings, truths, principles, commands, and statutes of God’s Word are what will bring discernment, instruction, and right perspectives. Apart from that, I am left on my own to wade through lies, deceptions, disappointment, and falsehood. Instead of freedom and strength, the way of life becomes a tangled web of confusion and failure.

When I choose to believe a lie or wrong perception I am following a false way. When I choose to think the worst of another person I am following a false way. When I choose to let the enemy define and describe life to me I am following a false way. When I choose to replace what God says with what I think I am following a false way. When I put anything or anyone in place of God in my life I am following a false way. When I make choices opposite of what God wants for me I am following a false way. When I allow my emotions to rule me instead of God’s Spirit, I am following a false way. When I look for answers and direction apart from God and the Bible, I am following a false way.

As far as David was concerned, false ways were to be hated! Why? They are destructive, misleading, dangerous, and toxic to our whole being. I can attest to the truth of that because I fight a daily battle to choose between false ways and God’s ways. When I lose the battles (as was the case yesterday) I am devastated and discouraged. When I win the battles (by God’s grace) I am ecstatic! So why, when I know those outcomes do I continue to follow false ways at times? Why in the middle of a battle do I not choose the right path?

I am pondering those questions and more this evening. Like the Apostle Paul I find myself not doing what I want to do and doing what I don’t want to do too much of the time. Like the disciples, my spirit is willing but my flesh is weak. I want the victory and yet I fail. I want others to see Christ in me but the ones who know me best often see the worst. I want to live out of the truths I have taken in over the years but they often seem stuck in my head without making it to my heart.

So where do I start at this point? Scripture! Prayer! Confession! I must go back to what I know to be true and reconnect with my loving heavenly Father. I must stop allowing fear to control me. I must open myself up to trust the ones God has brought into my life as helpers. I must choose to take one more step forward.

Father, I keep coming to you with failure, brokenness, and tears. You keep receiving me with open arms. I am in amazement at such mercy and grace. Amen.

Beautiful One - Tim Hughes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9m8MjI-mhU&feature=related

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

When the Ending Has Not Been Written Yet

Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. 2 Timothy 4:11 (New International Version)

If one is not familiar with Scripture, they might read this verse and miss the dynamics of what Paul is saying. He is requesting Mark to be brought to him and he is referring to him as being helpful to him. Paul and Mark’s history is what makes this so amazing!

Mark (John Mark) had accompanied Paul on a missionary journey but had deserted him part way through. Later on when Barnabas wanted John Mark to join them for another missionary journey, Paul refused to allow that to happen. The contention was so sharp between them that they actually parted company. Respect was gone. Trust was gone. Friendship and fellowship were gone. Today’s verse tells us the end of the story but much had to transpire before that end could be written.

John Mark had some maturing and growing to do. Paul had some forgiveness and second chances to extend. It all took time and God graciously worked in both their hearts and lives. He reunited them in ministry and heart.

This account came to mind as I once again found myself thinking back to a severed relationship. I am not at the end of the story yet. I don’t see what the outcome looks like. I have no guarantee reconciliation of any kind will transpire in this life. While Paul and John Mark were brought back together we are not told of a reconciliation between Barnabas and Paul. My story could have either ending. Hope mingles with heartache and uncertainty.

What do I do in the meantime while I am waiting to see the outcome? Trust God to work in both our hearts and lives. Keep focused on what He has me doing at the present. Allow Him to change and mature me in my faith. Keep exchanging the sadness for gratitude for all God did through this person. Acknowledge the truth that my life’s story is bigger than the chapter that entailed the relationship I now miss. Believe that if reconciliation takes place in this life God will fully prepare us for it. Above all, know that after this life there will be an eternity of renewed friendships!

Father, You have comforted me today with Your Word and Your presence. I have learned once again to bring hurt and disappointment to You. I renew my commitment to trust You with the end of my story….fragile heart and all. 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.

From His Hands to Ours

Lord our God, we have gathered all this to build your Temple for worship to you. But everything has come from you; everything belongs to you. 1 Chronicles 29:16 (New Century Version)

Do we understand what David understood? Everything we have, everything we accomplish, everything we build in life is due to the fact that God has supplied what we needed. It has all come from His hands and even when it is placed in our hands it is still His. Whether it is our possessions, our personalities, our abilities, our intellect, our talent, our strengths, our relationships, our jobs, or our positions in life, it all comes from His hands. Do we get it? Do we see that we are merely stewards who have been entrusted during our brief life?

What am I building for God’s glory with that which He has given me? How am I using God’s materials for His kingdom work? This life is my opportunity in which I can build. This life is the time frame in which I have to work.

When do I begin the work? If I am not careful, wise, and discerning, I can somehow get the idea that I must wait until I have it all together. Wait for the healing. Wait for the wholeness. Wait for the weaknesses to be conquered. If I wait for any one of those to transpire I will do no work in this life time. I stand in awe of the fact that God uses imperfect, undeveloped, incomplete, and awkward ones such as myself. Serving Him and ministering to others is part of the journey not a proclamation that I have arrived.

There are times when I feel shaky on my journey. My thinking gets skewed and I mistakenly think it is time to step away for awhile from ministering through devotionals. I question my walk with God and wonder if I need more growth….more victory. It is then that God reminds me how often He has used weak vessels, broken lives, and hurting hearts to reach out to others. Along with all the things listed above, the circumstances of my life are also given to me by God and are intended to be used for Him.

Now is not the time to retreat. Now is not the time to take a rest. Now is not the time to stop working. I believe with all my heart that I am in a season that entails writing for the sake of others and the glory of God. As long as He places the words in my mind and draws those words out through my computer I will work and I will give Him the honor, glory, credit, and praise.

Father, Your call on my life has been made clearer tonight. Your hands hold me and they also pour into me the materials needed to serve You. May I work for You out of devotion, commitment, and love. Amen.

With All I Am - Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMrAafe7Mns&feature=related

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

No Place for Review

Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Psalm 32:1 (New King James Version)

Have you ever experienced it? That sense of forgiveness and that all is well between yourself and God or yourself and another individual? No more strained relationship. No more uneasiness or inability to look another person in the eye. No more knot in the pit of your stomach. That is exactly what transpires when I have genuinely sought forgiveness and graciously received it. It is what happened last night when I sat down with two people who mean a lot to me, who I had disappointed and hurt, who I asked forgiveness of, and who readily extended it. I left their home with no more weight on my shoulders or heart.

Yet amazingly enough, when I turned in for the evening the scenario of my wrong actions came flooding back to my mind and regret began to pound in my heart once again. Just as amazingly though the Lord began to speak to me in the privacy of my thoughts. He reminded me of the forgiveness I had been given and He urged me to live in the joy of that forgiveness rather than in the regret of wrong choices. He reminded me of Paul’s words in Philippians 3:13 that says to forget those things which are behind. He let me know that the quickest way to be robbed of joy and peace is to continue to replay what has been forgiven. He said in essence, “Your mind does not belong there anymore. Revel in the forgiveness. You don’t have to review the past any longer. I am not. They are not. You cannot!”

Reviewing past mistakes, sins, and failures has been a pattern for me throughout my life. A pattern that God wants broken. A pattern I too want broken. The breaking of it is starting with a simple of exercise. When the thoughts come back (which they have on countless times this morning) I simply remind myself I have been forgiven. With that reminder the scene that is playing across the walls of my mind vanishes. What comes in its place? The living room scene where two people extended the forgiveness I sought and the scene at Calvary where the price of sin was paid in full. When my mind reviews those scenes, the joy returns and with it, the ability to move forward.

Father, when I hesitate to embrace forgiveness I weaken my own ability to extend it to others. I want the joy and freedom that comes from receiving with abandon such a gracious gift. Amen.

What Sin? - Morgan Cryar
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3Wdzzx6-f4

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

Finding My Confidence

Do not be afraid of sudden fear nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes; for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught. Proverbs 3:25, 26 (New American Standard Bible)

Fear takes hold of us when we think about a future event, perceive the outcome of that event, and react to what we believe is going to take place. We don’t fear the past because we already know what happened. We don’t fear the present because it is right in front of us. We fear the unknown. Within that context I have come to see my two greatest fears are of loss and failure. Loss of anything or anyone I hold dear. Failure to live differently than I have in the past. The fear is often accompanied by feelings of darkness, despair, despondency, and discouragement. It is like having a wet blanket wrapped tightly around my mind and soul.

The question becomes in who or what is my confidence resting? If it is in myself, another person, things not changing, or any number of things I can control or desire to control, that confidence will be shaky and unreliable at best. The people and possessions in my life come with no guarantees and I often want guarantees. I want to know that I can count on the important things and relationships not changing. There is no peace and joy in such wishing. It brings about a restlessness of thoughts and emotions. It depletes me of energy and enthusiasm. So on whom should I place my confidence, trust, and reliance? God!

Scripture is full of doing just that. Today’s verse speaks of God being my confidence and protection. Confidence comes as I see God as my Helper (Hebrews 13:6), as the Finisher of the work He has started in me (Philippians 1:6), as the Supplier of all my needs (Philippians 4:19), as the Worker-outer of all things for my good (Romans 8:28), as the One who will never leave me or forsake me (Hebrews 13:5).

On a practical level, I can be confident that God will wisely and lovingly intersect my world with people whom He will use to help me on my journey. Fear of them leaving is over-come by recognizing Who really determines the times and seasons of each relationship. I can be confident that God is willing and able to give me victory in areas of my life that have only known defeat. Fear of failure is overcome by acknowledging that my past does not define me…God does!

Father, where I walk in doubt and fear birth in me a boldness and confidence in You! Amen.

My Life Is In You, Lord - Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0M0NALW7EM&feature=PlayList&p=B72B181C3BB024FD&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=49

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

That Which Causes a Shift

Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, "So may the gods do to me and even more, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time." And he was afraid and arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. 1 Kings 19:2-3 (New American Standard Bible)

I have often been fascinated by the fact that a threat from a woman was all it took for Elijah to be overcome with fear. Elijah! The one who had just stood against Ahab and 400 Baal worshippers. Elijah! The one who saw his prayer for fire from heaven answered in a dramatic way. Elijah! The one who personally heard the voice of God on numerous occasions. Elijah! The one who was used of God to perform many miracles. Yet none of that allowed him to withstand the onslaught of fear. In time, he once again walked with boldness but for a short season he walked in fear.

Ever notice that it doesn’t take much to open an emotional door in our life and experience being over-taken by anger, fear, anxiety, sadness, loneliness, or a host of other feelings? At times it seems to come out of nowhere and yet when it hits it is very apparent. Many of my worst moments have such insignificant beginnings that I am often too embarrassed to admit what triggered the feelings. If asked, my thoughts are usually that it is bad enough that I am even in the mood let alone having to go through the shame of admitting the childish reaction that set it off. While I may be slow in admitting what it is, I usually have no trouble knowing the exact moment and thing that brought about the internal shift. Even so, the conversation can take on the look of a dance as I side-step the issue and generalize my answer. Change is needed in all aspects.

I take comfort in the fact that God knew how to draw out an honest answer from Elijah and He knew the truth that Elijah needed to hear. Elijah felt he was the only one left standing for God and that perception became fodder in which to plant the seeds of fear in his heart. Discouragement was his breeding ground and it can be ours as well. God let him know he was not alone…many others had not left their faith. Once Elijah had some rest, some food, and some truth he was ready to move forward.

While I am learning the process of moving forward after each failure, my heart’s desire is that I find victory in the midst of an onslaught. That I experience the stronghold weakening rather than gaining strength. That I would stand in confidence that God will bring me to such a place.

Father, You’ve said that all things are possible if I will believe. I believe, Lord, help my unbelief. Help me to allow You to do what You long to do in me. Amen.

By Grace Alone - Maranatha Singers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6lhilgWXIE&feature=related

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