Seeing and Admitting Our Condition

And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up. Luke 13:11 (New King James Version)


For eighteen years a woman’s body was bent over due to a spirit of infirmity. It was apparent to any who knew her that something was amiss and until Jesus intervened in her life her condition remained unchanged with little hope of improvement. Hers was an obvious and noticeable problem. What of the many who are “bent over” internally? From all outward accounts they seem to have it all together but if they allow you to see beyond the surface one comes to realize their spirit and emotions are far from straight and strong. What does one do when this is their truth? When this is their life?

In the past few years, God has been showing me the steps to take in order to begin standing straight internally and I freely share those steps with you now. First, admit to yourself there is a problem. Something is askew and you have to be willing to see that. Second, desire change. For some of us, what we have grown use to as a way of life has become comfortable and the thought of change can be scary. Yet, desire for change eventually becomes stronger than the satisfaction of remaining unchanged. Third, be willing to ask for help. Learning to open up to a trusted person and accept the truth that will come from advice given takes time to develop but is necessary. Fourth, see that the internal problems may be brought on by physical conditions. Schedule an appointment with a doctor to see whether or not this is a possibility. Fifth, daily ask God to show you practical steps you can take in applying His Word and other truths to your life that will make a difference.

These are not steps that one crosses off their list as they are taken. These are steps that continue to be a part of your life as you work through your weaknesses, places of vulnerability, and areas in need of change. In a week’s time I return to all of them in one way or another. There have been times when friends have admitted to thinking that at one time they thought I had it all together. The more we talked the more they saw my frailties and humanness. I wouldn’t want it any other way, because any noticeable change will be attributed to God.

These devotionals have never been meant to tell someone all the right answers or to make others think I have things all figured out. They are simply an invitation for others to join me on what many times feels like a roller coaster ride of varying speeds and heights. Walk beside me and let’s grow together.

Father, I realize now that it isn’t about appearing strong but being real. Help me to fully celebrate the victories and willingly share the struggles. Under Your care, amen.

The Motions - Matthew West
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHUppFNjy5E

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

Be Careful

Shout against her on every side! She surrenders, her towers fall, her walls are torn down. Since this is the vengeance of the LORD, take vengeance on her; do to her as she has done to others. Jeremiah 50:15 (New International Version)

Often times, God would use other nations in the process of Israel experiencing the painful consequences of their rebellion against Him. Even in times of correction, God’s intent was that Israel would do an about face and return to Him. To go His way instead of their way. When Babylon was used as a part of God’s correction, however, they took great delight in harshness and cruelty toward God’s chosen people. Little did they know or care that their actions would also be judged by the very One who put them in such a position. Think how different their story would have been had they shown mercy, grace, and love to their captures while they were in their domain.

For any who find themselves in a position of correcting, disciplining, punishing, or penalizing others, be careful how you treat those individuals. It is imperative to remember that although you may be God’s instrument of correction you are still responsible for the way you go about being that instrument. Even in times of war, there are boundaries and laws that set limits on what can be done to prisoners. Many have faced the consequences of their war crimes years after the war ended.

In the case of church discipline or individual confrontations the demeanor and heart of the church or confronter is important to God and noticed by God. How different would the words, actions, and attitudes be if they knew that one day they would be treated the way they treated others? In the case of parents, teachers, and law enforcement officers, do the words, “Do to her what she has done to others” bring fear or rejoicing?

May each of us take stock of how we are interacting with others, especially when we are part of their facing the consequences for wrong doing. May we treat them the way we would want to be treated and in a way that pleases God as He accomplishes His work in them.

Father, I’ve not always gotten this aspect right in my life. For past actions, I ask Your forgiveness. For future actions, I ask for Your help in showing Your heart when I am called upon to be part of another’s need of correction. Amen.

Everlasting God - Lincoln Brewster
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jP2nz6PG8KM

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

Recognizing God's Work in Others

And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. Galatians 2:9 (New King James Version)

Oh the preciousness when others can recognize and perceive the work of God in us. Paul and Barnabas were given the right hand of fellowship and the acknowledgement that they should minister to the Gentiles by the pillars of the early church. God’s grace in their life was evident to those who had experienced it themselves. How tragic it would have been had none of the early Christians been able to see that God was active in the lives of others.

While it is true that we are human and have limited perspective, I grow concerned when God’s work in a life is not evident to fellow believers even though He IS working. The opposite is also a concern for me, when people assume (falsely) that someone is on top of it spiritually but in reality they walk empty and aloof of intimacy with God. I have known both examples personally and they have taught me to be discerning with the opinions of others. Just as my perception of others can be dead wrong so can theirs be wrong of me. I must be careful not to let their thoughts replace what I know to be true.

Having said that, I can attest to the fact that once God begins working in a life He will make it very clear to others and they will often be faithful in sharing what they are seeing. I have learned to listen to the affirming and confirming words of others. When numerous people from different walks of life are saying the same thing it gets my attention and I walk with an assurance that changes really are being brought about in me.

While it is important that I keep my ears tuned to God’s voice, He often uses people to help me see things a little clearer. He knows that finding the balance between listening to people and listening to Him is still tricky for me but He will help me get there. In the mean time, I delight in the times someone will pull me aside and say, “I see growth in you.” Because the journey can often be slow and daunting at times, I need the insight of others to help me see what I am not seeing on my own.

Paul and Barnabas did not stake everything on the opinions and acceptance of others, but I am sure it was encouraging to be received by them. May God bless each of us with individuals in our lives who can perceive us accurately and may He allow us to be that for others.

Father, You have often let me know truth through other believers. Thank you for the ones who let me know what they see You doing in me. Help me to be the eyes for others as well. Amen.

Potter's Hand - Darlene Zschech
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSKe-gSXjAs&feature=related

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

What To Do and How To Do It

Be strong and of a good courage. Joshua 1:6

Three times God speaks this phrase to Joshua in the first chapter of the Old Testament book that bears his name. Moses had died and Joshua assumed the position of leader to the nation of Israel. As he was given the monumental task of leading them across the Jordan River to take possession of the promise land, he was not only told to be strong and have courage but he was told the basis for that strength and courage.

Right from the start God assured him of His presence, provision, and power. Then He told him to meditate on His Word and to obey His commands. These were the conditions upon which success and prosperity lay. Without an awareness of God’s presence and a reliance upon His direction there would be no victory.

Whatever task or trial lies before me today, next week, next month, or next year, I must realize these same truths apply to me. I must not only live with an awareness of God’s presence, but I must abide in it. God must be my primary source for direction, protection, and provision. I must know the truth of His character, heart, and mind. That can only be found in His Word. As I spend time in His Word and meditate upon it through out the day, I am brought into an awareness of His step by step direction for me. His Word not only has commands to follow, but promises to claim, instructions to heed, and wisdom to glean. It is alive and applicable to me.

God wants me to hear the same thing Joshua needed to hear. I am to keep my eyes and my mind on Him. What or who I choose to look at and follow and what I choose to think on will have profound effects on my actions. They will set the direction for my entire day. When I am focused on listening to Him, He speaks. When I am determined to obey Him, He leads. When I choose to stay close to Him, He astounds me with His presence. The amazing thing is that He willingly gives me the desire and ability to do all of this and more. None of this is simply my own self effort and behavior modification. It is brought about by His Spirit working in me as I cooperate with Him. The internal changes that lead to external changes are the results of living in relationship with Him.

Father, You have told me what to do and how to do it. I look to You for the ability to follow and listen to You. I don’t want to miss a thing! At the end of the day may I realize the victories that were mine! Amen.

All to Jesus I Surrender - Robin Mark
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hO3BouKCtDs

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

How Teachable Am I?

When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong. Galatians 2:11 (New International Version)

Have you ever had someone point out an area in your life that needs to change? Have you ever been the one who had to do the pointing out? Most of us are not comfortable in either role, but maybe that is because we fail to appreciate the necessity of it at times. When Paul saw Peter’s hypocrisy, as stated in Galatians 2:12, and the effects it was having on both Jews and Gentiles, he did the right thing. He confronted Peter and let him know in no uncertain terms that he was in the wrong. We are not told what Peter’s reaction was but I believe that by this point he had developed a teachable spirit. Paul had not told him anything he did not already know and the confrontation would have been enough to direct him toward necessary change. Paul was simply being a “truth teller” and Peter was to be the recipient of that truth.

I have been a student of Scripture long enough to know that God wants to get more mileage out of this passage than just what pertains to Paul and Peter. He wants me to bring it into the present and allow Him to develop in me the quality of being teachable when someone has to pinpoint areas in my own life. He wants to get me past the hurt feelings, the taking it personal, the sense of shame, the squirming, as well as the desire to run and hide. He wants me to be willing to hear and accept the truth from those who are willing to tell me the truth about things that need to change in me especially when it comes to attitudes of the heart.

There are really only two options for me when it comes to taking in truth. Either I can be willing to hear it from the Holy Spirit and act upon it or I can wait until God determines it is time to bring people along to tell me to my face what I am trying to avoid hearing from Him. Up until now that has been a terrifying thought for me, but only because I have bought into false ideas of what they are saying and why they are saying it. God’s heart as well as theirs is for my good and eventual growth. He is giving them the discernment to know what is hindering that growth. I need to see their words as gifts rather than reasons to cringe.

In the privacy of my home when my spirits are high this all sounds easy. I know though, that the real test will come the next time I am living more in the flesh than in the Spirit and the confrontation comes. Will I be receptive? Will I be teachable? Will I be grateful? I pray so and I ask God to begin now to prepare me.

Father, I want to be teachable and approachable in times of weakness. Help me to want truth and help more than any attitudes of my heart that are not of You. Amen.

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

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

Even When I Didn't Know

Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it.” Genesis 28:16 (New King James Version)

God’s presence is not limited or eliminated by my lack of knowledge or acknowledgment. Just as in the case of Jacob, God is always present whether I know it or not. My awareness of His presence is for my benefit. Seeing that for myself brings Him into focus….not existence. Jacob had to come to the place where he could see and understand God’s companionship in his everyday life. The realization of it all set him on a path of change and direction.

Each of us could look back at times in our life when we failed to know God was in the places of our life. Not just the physical places, but the seasons, circumstances, and circumference. Whatever I am going through, He is there. With each issue that I wade through, He is there. Through every failure and success, He is there. He is with me in all of my places. Not just present, but involved and interested. That is a concept I sometimes find hard to wrap my mind around.

For most of my Christian life I lived with the false idea that I was unimportant to God….a lost face and soul in the crowd. It was the very essence of feeling insignificant and invisible. At my lowest points, God wanted me to know that He has always been present with care, concern, and compassion. I am not unknown or unnoticed by Him. Time and time again He invites me to know that, because it is the key to living the abundant life He promised.

It is too easy to define the quality of my life by the things I possess, the people I know and am known by, the personal accomplishments I master, and the way I think and feel about myself. God wants me to know that those are parts of my life but they are not the essence of my life. He is the essence and He doesn’t change. He alone defines me and refines me. My quality of life is dependent upon Him and connected to Him. The more I know Him the more that quality grows. I don’t have to wait until everything in life works out the way I want it. I don’t have to wait until I have all of life’s lessons down pat. Beginning today, in this moment, I can live my life the way God intended. Perfect? Hardly! Fully aware of His presence and Person? Absolutely!

Father, You have never stood at a distance. Help me to sense the nearness of You. Amen.

Surely the Presence of the Lord is in This Place
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTX5lcxRIwg&feature=related

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

Still Spoken Today

Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ says the LORD; ‘and be strong, Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and be strong, all you people of the land,’ says the LORD, ‘and work; for I am with you,’ says the LORD of hosts. Haggai 2:4 (New King James Version)

Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the people who lived at the time of Haggai no longer live in this world but the words that were spoken to them by God almighty are still being spoken to us today. That has been the most precious concept of Scripture for me during this decade of my life. My view of Scripture and approach to God’s Word forever changed the day I realized how much of what God said in the Old and New Testaments is meant for me as much as it was meant for the original recipients.

Every time God sent His people into battle or gave them instructions to follow He emphasized the truth that He was with them. He continually reminded them to take courage in the realization of His presence and help. He was not a mere “spectator” to the events of their life and daily happenings, He assisted, aided, and upheld them. It is no different for us today.

As I enter a new day, I am already aware of His words to me, “Be strong, Pam, and work, for I am with you!” Whether it is working at my place of employment, walking through issues, seeking change, resisting temptation, or dealing with the ordinary “stuff” of life, His instructions to me are the same. Be strong….not in my own strength but in His. Work….stay at it with purpose. For I am with you…..a reason as well as a promise. Think of it! Each step, each choice, each task, each moment, strengthened by Him and accompanied by Him.

I have known the preciousness of individuals coming along side me in time of need. How much more precious that the Creator of the universe does that. It settles my heart and straightens my back to know that truly I am never alone at any given moment of the day. With or without the company of others, the Author of Scripture is my personal Aid and Assistant. My Heavenly Father is my Faithful Companion. My Savior and Lord is my Counselor and Guide. I take comfort in those thoughts this morning, as I view today with a limited view and perspective. I take courage in knowing that at no time will I be out of His view or care.

Father, any feelings of loneliness, failure, or fear will be met with the truth You have shown me this morning. Amen.

Cry Out to Jesus - Jeremy Camp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuoK6Pkzq1E&feature=related

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