Available Guides

Philip ran up and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?" And he said, "Well, how could I, unless someone guides me?" And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. Acts 8:30-31 (New American Standard Bible)

An Ethiopian eunuch saw his need for help, asked for help, and received help. Philip, one of seven deacons mentioned in the early chapters of Acts, was available to be that help. The eunuch desired a guide and Philip became that guide. It was not a long encounter but it was God directed, God ordained, and God approved.

I rejoice in the truths that are pointed out from this passage of Scripture. Life is filled with moments when the help of others is not only needed but God purposed. I am a witness to that! I have had times in my life when human guides were sought and found. At just the right time, at just the right season they (like Philip with the eunuch) saw my need and became available to guide me. It was often only after the fact that I could look and see the full scope and value of their investment in my life. While many have been used of God to teach and guide me, three in particular are standing out in my mind this morning.

The first is a mentor who guided me as I transitioned from the entanglement of legalistic thinking to freedom in Christ. The second is an accountability partner walked me through the darkest season of my life and is still guiding me as I transition from looking to people to fixing my eyes on Jesus…the Author and Finisher of my faith. The third is just beginning the guiding process which I believe will help to transition me from a life of emotional bondage to finding emotional wholeness in Christ.

The common threads? All three have had a history with God. All three have walked through their own hurts, disappointments, and struggles. All three have accepted God’s call to guide others when prompted by Him to do so. I rejoice in being the recipient of their guidance but I also desire to be a guide to others. I want to be available (whether for a single conversation or an ongoing relationship) to be to individuals what others have been to me.

Father, You have always been faithful to send the right guides at the right times. I thank You for that and rejoice! I trust You to continue that pattern in and through me. Amen.

May I Be His Love - Kathy Troccoli
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7B6ieQL_Q-k

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

Encouraging Yourself the Right Way

And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters; but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. I Samuel 30:6 (King James Version)

This verse intrigues me. It comes at a time when David and his 600 men have returned to their city of Ziklag only to find that it had been burned with fire and their families taken captive. Their possessions and loved ones were gone and they spiraled into a pit of anger, confusion, grief, and revenge. Their first response was tears until they could cry no more. Their next response was to stone David. In their irrational thinking they felt, as leader, he was to blame for this horrific tragedy. They were not even able to digest the fact that David was experiencing the same loss as they were. They were blind to his personal pain and consumed with a wrong agenda. Fortunately, the story ended with this plot dissolving and the return of their families. Possible tragedy turned to victory!

It is in our nature when we are hurting deeply to find someone to blame and to go on the attack against them. Our minds tell us that making them pay for our pain will somehow bring relief or at the least make us feel better. Revenge can seem like a worthwhile and even healing answer. But as with so many other wrong conclusions, it is a lie and technique Satan masterminds and introduces, and it will not bring the result we are hoping for. He knows if he can get us to use our emotions to drive us to wrong actions then the destruction will be even greater. We must remember that he is still a roaring lion who seeks to devour us. Often he will even recruit believers to aid him in his plot! Oh the tragedy that awaits if we join him.

There is a better way. David encouraged himself in the Lord. This is where he received his strength and direction. He simply had to begin reviewing God’s faithfulness in the past as well as His covenant promise of protection, provision, and presence for the here and now. When all others turned on him, he turned to God. What a difference it would have made had each of his men reached for God’s hand instead of for a stone. David knew the dangers of having any other source of encouragement than almighty God Himself. No one, other than God, could deliver his people and redeem his story.

With that said, God now whispers to me the words of James 1:22, “Be ye doers of the Word and not hearers only.” He knows the necessity for me to apply this principle of encouragement the next time I am filled with sadness, loss, grief, and pain. How vital that I turn to Him rather than curl up with my emotions and do further damage.

Father, Bring me to the place where You are the only One I reach for, listen to, and follow. Amen.

Strong Tower
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqL_zcig9Is&feature=related

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

An Unending Quest

Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually. Psalm 105:4 (New American Standard Bible)

If put in my own words, this verse might read, “Resort to the Lord’s presence and might without interruption.” To do so is both necessary and helpful. To seek His presence is to talk with Him and be aware of Him on an on going basis. It seems that every time I turn around I am asking God to help me, advise me, cheer me up, or over whelm me with Himself. This is what He has wanted all along and I am only recently coming to see and do that.

It has taken me quite a while to see how many places in me are there to help me see my need of Him. Every thing I hunger for is really a search for Him. Every need I have is really what He desires to use to draw me to Himself. He longs to see me look to Him when I start to falter or get shaky in my inward thoughts. It happens a lot and hence His usage of the word “continually.” That word holds the same meaning as eternal!

Our God who is ever lasting has instilled that quality and expectation in the relationship He has with each of His children. Whether out moods, circumstances, feelings, and dispositions are good, bad, pleasant, or in need of improvement, God wants us to have on going connection and communication with Himself. He wants to hear all about whatever is going on inside, outside, and around us.

What I have had to learn is to turn to Him as soon as I experience changes of any size or dynamic. No longer should I wait until things get out of hand or over whelming. The earlier I seek Him, the better! I stand amazed at how quickly I can begin to feel His peace, joy, and comfort. My down moments have become signals to me and I heed them. They are the neon lights of my soul pointing me in His direction. I no longer have to fear them, cower in their presence, or wonder what is wrong with me. I can simply see them as the very things God will minister to as I let Him.

It has become clear to me over the past few years that what I experience on a daily basis, others are experiencing. So I know without a doubt that the words I share in this devotional have meaning for others as well. I use to marvel when someone would let me know a particular devotional was what they needed at the moment. Any more I simply realize God did it again! What a joy to seek Him!

Father, help my seeking of You to be continual. May my attention and my heart be directed toward You at all times. Amen.

Open Our Eyes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XJu0mnn_b4&feature=related

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

His Calling

Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass. 1 Thessalonians 5:2(New American Standard Bible)

I was called and chosen before the foundations of the world. God formed me in my mother’s womb and called me by name before I took in my first breath. His involvement in my life didn’t start when I trusted Christ as my Savior. His call on my life was not dependent on me. I don’t have to try and figure things out or come up with a plan for how to bring about His call. The call comes from Him, the equipping comes from Him, the realization comes from Him, and the bringing it to pass comes from Him. My job? To cooperate with Him.

I look back at some of my spiritual ancestors whose lives are recorded in Scripture. I think of people like Moses, David, Ruth, Esther, and Samuel. Each had a call and each had a time of preparation before that call was fully realized. God’s time table was never off. That encourages me! For I am at the point in my life where I could not tell you the specifics of God’s calling on my life. I don’t know what it is He will eventually have me doing. I entered a journey with Him six years ago that has radically changed my life but I know there is more to come. In the mean time, what is it I am suppose to be doing?

I remember a couple of years ago, asking a woman in ministry that very question. Her answer was full of wisdom. She said, “Keep doing what you are doing.” She was teaching me a valuable truth. God will open doors and bring about the right opportunities. I am simply to daily connect with Him and follow His lead. I am to faithfully carry out the assignments He gives to me. Right now God is developing my character, strengthening my spiritual muscles, teaching me truths about Himself, urging me to speak the truth in my heart, increasing my dependency upon Him, withdrawing support systems that hinder growth, honing my communication skills, and taking me through numerous transformation processes.

With Him I am learning to cry, celebrate, dance, leave comfort zones, confide, and open my heart. The terrain of my journey has changed as have the individuals who intersect my world. I look forward to the day I passionately proclaim, “It has all been worth it!” Until that day comes, I accept it by faith. I am not a numberless face to God. He has never lost sight of me in a crowd. His call is specific, His timing is impeccable, and His work in me will be completed. I wouldn’t want it any other way!

Father, keep reminding me of the significance of each day, the necessity of each trial, and the reality of Your call on my life. Amen.

The Voice of Hope - Lara Martin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbk1TGe5k0Q

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

A Promise to be Rebuilt

The LORD appeared to him from afar, saying, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness. Again I will build you and you will be rebuilt. Jeremiah 31:3,4 (New American Standard Bible)

Amidst Israel’s coming judgment God gave this precious word through the prophet Jeremiah. It was a proclamation of His love as well as a promise of future work. We must be aware of God’s love in the midst of whatever He is doing our life. His intervention in our life varies. As His children, we experience storms, calmness, chastisement, correction, direction, peace, turmoil, pain, disappointment, joy, and much more. There are times God tears down the things we have built our life upon and then there comes the rebuilding.

I have been through the tearing down process. It wasn’t enjoyable in the least. At times I felt there was too much loss and grief to wade through. I felt there would never come a time when life would feel “right” again. Sadness marked most of my waking hours and sleep was a welcome relief. During my time of tears and sorrow there were some necessities for me. I had to stay in the Word, accept the counsel of friends, and continually ask for God’s grace. Difficult? Yes! Worth it? Absolutely. For I have just recently begun to experience some freedom with a sense of hope.

Now I am entering a time of rebuilding. God has removed my idols and shaken up my faulty foundation of security and now He is rebuilding my walk with Him from the ground up. He is using the truth He has been teaching me all along but this time He is the main Architect. He wants my life to be centered on Him and firm in Him. My growth has to come from my relationship with Him rather than significant people in my life. What is built in that way will never be torn down by Him. It will be lasting!

He is not finished with the renovations that need to be done in me but He is faithful to do it all in love. He knows I will still make mistakes but He does not look at my life as a mistake. This life is short compared to eternity but God will use my remaining days to continue to build me up in Himself. For His loving kindness, tearing down, rebuilding, and watch care, I praise Him!

Father, I joy in You today! Amen.

Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) - Chris Tomlin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbe7OruLk8I

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

Until It Passes

My soul cleaves to the dust; revive me according to Your word. My soul weeps because of grief; strengthen me according to Your word. Psalm 119:25, 28 (New American Standard Bible)

Do you ever feel what David is describing in these verses? Dust. The rubbish and debris of this world. The rubbish and debris of your life. Grief. That heaviness and sorrow that can often be more felt than explained. How we long for relief. Actually, we long for more than just relief. We long to be raised up, established, fulfilled, and empowered. To be sustained and living prosperously in our spirits. At least I long for that. There are times I get a taste of it. Times when the joy abounds and the sheer delight of living is evident to me as well as those I come in contact with. I soar and feel I will continue to soar for a very long time. But my flight patterns are inconsistent and unstable. Just as quickly as I take off, I come down, and it is in the times of being down that I struggle. Finding myself in that all too familiar place is not occurring presently, but when I do I ask God to show me what to do until it passes. He is quick to answer and instruct me. I offer some of those answers to you now.

Start praising Him. Praise Him for anything and everything that comes to mind. From the beauty of His creation to the perfection of His character and everything in between.

Limit your thoughts. There are certain things I cannot afford to dwell on because of skewed thinking and clouded views. This is not the time to make important decisions, dwell on lost relationships, try to figure out what others are thinking, plan ahead, sort through difficult issues, or assess my growth and progress. My mind needs to rest, just like my body would need to rest if I were physically ill.

Feed off of Scripture and music. Both are like life lines to my spirit and will instill truth in me when all seems hopeless and dark.

Stay connected to the body of Christ. Stepping away from studies and church is tempting at times but dangerous. I need the fellowship of believers. Even if I do little more than sit in silence and stare, I need to be with them. They will know something is amiss (even if they have no idea what it is) and they will pray.

Pray. As Joyce Meyer has said, “Run to the Throne instead of the phone.” This is a hard one for me. I am use to taking my problems and heartaches to people. Use to letting them see me through the hard times. I am thankful for the times they do just that but God often reminds me they are His tools…..He is ultimately the source!

Wait. Sometimes, many times, the release from the pull down is slow in coming but worth the work.

Father, You keep holding on to me. Your grip never slips. Your love never falters. Until reviving and strength come to me, I will stand all the closer to You. Amen.

But For Your Grace - Rita Baloche
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1InpFHRE1ko&p=B564999B82337D7C&playnext=1&index=10

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

Deliverance

“They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you. For I am with you,” says the LORD, “to deliver you.” Jeremiah 1:19 (New King James Version)

God’s words to Jeremiah were meant for our ears as well. God was letting Jeremiah know that even though others would oppose him they would not prevail. They would not come out as the victors. Deliverance was promised to him and it is promised to us as well.

What is it that fights against you today and has you convinced it will pull you under never to rise again? Slip it into this verse and then speak the words out loud as a declaration of truth. At this time in my life, that which fights against me is not a foreign nation, financial ruin, failing health, legal problems, or a host of other outside influences. For me, each day, that which fights against me are my own thoughts. At times they can be so ominous and foreboding. They seem to over ride every truth I know. When that happens I feel they have won. But God knows better. He has already promised me the victory.

This week has been precious with truth. I sent out a devotional on Tuesday that spoke of not viewing other’s limitations or boundaries as a sign of rejection. I KNEW the minute the truth sunk in that my otherwise predominantly, harmful thought life took a massive blow. It changed the dynamics of every relationship I have.

The loss of a mentor and the accompanying thoughts from that loss have fought against me for several years. It was this week that I understood the need to allow my former mentor the freedom to choose whether or not to be in relationship with me. Voicing that truth to a friend gave another blow to my thought process.

Am I saying the fight in these two areas is completely over? No. That will not be experienced until I am in Heaven. What I am saying is the battle took a turn in my favor and I intuitively know what to do in future times of struggle. I am trusting God to give me further “wins” in other areas of my life that tend to trip me up. Jeremiah 1:19 is now my life verse and I am ready to stand on and in its truths.

Father, thank you for reminding me that I need never give up. The battle is Yours as is the victory! Amen.

The Battle Belongs to the Lord - Maranatha Singers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qp_PolBwjEw

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