Enriched Living

That in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge…so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:5, 7, 8 (New American Standard Bible)

Have you ever read one of those lists that express who and what you are in Christ? I have and yet I can’t remember even one of them including the word enriched. It means to make rich, possess spiritual riches, and to be richly furnished. That is quite a list in itself! Yet due to our weaknesses and failures we can often feel more bankrupt than rich. Living more out of our lack than our supply.

I want to not only see myself as the spiritually rich person I am in Christ, but I want to live out of that richness. I want it to have a profound effect on the words I speak, the knowledge I possess, the wisdom I walk in, and the thoughts upon which I dwell. If my cash flow was limitless it would affect my life in big ways. In the spirit realm, I have a limitless “cash” flow and it is meant to affect my life as well.

In order to begin living the enriched life, I must be willing to have my spirit nurtured. How do I do that? By living connected to God every day… being aware of His presence, talking to Him about everything, asking for His help, seeking Him, obeying Him, and making Him my central focus. By sitting under the teaching of godly men and women, allowing them to enhance me with the truths God has taught them. By listening to Christian music that can stir me to tears as well as action. By taking in God’s Word and allowing it to take hold of me. By living in reliance upon and obedience to the Holy Spirit who lives in me. By daily placing myself under the rule and reign of Jesus Christ.

While there are many things I could add to that list, I feel a need to express one thing. For each of us, the contents of the things I mentioned are individualized. A spiritually enriched life is not a “one size fits all” formula. Just as we are unique individuals, God’s methods with us and for us are unique. We are not all called or expected to read the same books, sit under the same speakers, listen to the same music, or attend the same church. We must carve out our own walk with God and allow Him to show us how to do that. As one who so easily wants to copy others, that speaks loudly to me. I can only live richly as I learn to live distinctively as the person God created me to be. No comparisons. No competitions. No copies.

Father, you have enriched me in Christ. Direct my life in such a way that I see it, experience it, and know it daily! Amen.

I Am A 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.

In Need of What He Will Do

And Moses said to the people, Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. Exodus 14:13 (New King James Version)

Moses spoke these words to the children of Israel when they found themselves between the Red Sea and the advancement of their enemies. Their fear was born out of what seemed like limited options….to be drown in the waters or put to death by the hands of the Egyptians. Those were the only two scenarios that played out in their mind. God had led them out of Egypt and now the Red Sea stood between their future and their past. How they needed the instructions and hope. How we need it as well.

Each of us faces our own moments of feeling trapped between where we are going and where we have come from. We often feel fearful of failure or ruin. Unless we determine to stand in faith and believe to see the salvation of God for us, we too will see only the fragile scenarios that play out in our mind. Those scenarios are usually crafted from past experiences and we limit ourselves to the way things have always been. The very thing that the children of Israel feared was what at one time had them in bondage. Although they were actually free, their past experience still had a hold on them. It would continue to have a hold on them until they experienced God’s deliverance in profound ways. In like manner, our past will continue to have a hold on us until we experience God’s deliverance in a dramatic way.

I have never been in bondage to a person but I have been in bondage to my own emotions. God sees my fearful heart as I contemplate situations in my mind where I can all too easily do what I have always done. Those are my “Red Sea” moments. I have yet to pass through the waters and live in a new place in my life. The enemy of my soul is all too happy to remind me of past failures and stamp the words “impossible” over any thought that things can actually be different. I am not fearful of enemies over taking me but rather of my own emotions ruling me. It did not occur to the children of Israel that God could divide the Red Sea and lead them across on dry land and then destroy their enemies. At the present, I don’t know how God will get me past my own sea of emotions, but I am going to start by allowing the words Moses spoke to be spoken to me, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today.”

Father, I am out of options. Drained to the core. Show me the salvation You have for me. I stand in need of You today and I thank You for what You will accomplish. Amen.

I Need Thee Every Hour - Selah
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIRJNgNSqok

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

The Avenue of Help

May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob set you up on high [and defend you]; Send you help from the sanctuary and support, refresh, and strengthen you from Zion. Psalm 20:1, 2 (Amplified Bible)

I cannot tell you the number of times I have read a verse and exclaimed, “Why didn’t I see that before?!” I am so use to David speaking of his help coming from the Lord that I can sometimes miss the avenue God chooses to send that help. I would expect today’s verse to read, “May God send you His help and strength.” But instead it states from where God is going to send the help and support. It will be coming from the sanctuary and from the city of Zion. God’s house and God’s city! Within both are His people.

Many have been the times God has chosen to use His people to deliver His help to those in need…..to me when I am in need. It is not a sign of weakness to accept that help but it is a sign of trouble to refuse it. I stand amazed each time I struggle through problems only to eventually find the answer from the wisdom and counsel of others. They are willing to help if I but ask. They have so much to offer if I am willing to receive.

With that said, I must also be aware of who God has actually placed in my life for that help. Receive the help, yes. Hold on to the one who helps as if they are the only one each and every time, no. I have had the joy of knowing some incredible women of faith in my nearly 40 years of being a Christian. If I had a personal wall of faith numerous portraits would be on that wall. Yet, many of them are no longer the helpers God is using presently. Their season of involvement in my life is a treasure of my past and they still hold a special place in my heart and mind. God used them to help shape me into the woman I am today. At times, I have wanted to still be helped by them, but it is clear God’s intentions are different for them as well as for me.

So when I face my own personal days of trouble it is God I must first look to and then I must perceive who it is He has purposefully placed in my life as the much needed helpers. They may not be in the picture at future moments, but for now I praise God for the treasures that they are.

Father, You have hand-picked the help You’ve sent…each and every time. I love You and I love them. Amen.

You Never Let Go - Matt Redman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y83-vMeWc9E&feature=related

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

A Necessary Reminder

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)

I have no trouble accepting the fact that my disposition and attitude of fear does not come from God. It comes from the enemy and from me believing the lies that have been suggested to me through life’s circumstances. I do have trouble, however, fully grasping the truth that I possess power, love, and a sound mind. Recently, I have felt far removed from any and all of those gifts. Yet, God’s Word states it as a fact and that fact must over ride my own thoughts, feelings, and emotions.

The past couple of weeks have found me wordless when it came to writing a devotional. I cannot express all the mixed feelings and torn thoughts that stood in the way of sharing even the simplest of truths or aspects of this journey. Leading the list was a surety that I should not write devotionals because I still fail to fully live out of the power, love, and sound mind God has given to me. Emotional battles still rage. Relationships still confuse me. Negative, destructive thought patterns still jab at me. So I entertained the thought that maybe I should hold off writing until I have complete victory. Will I be able to write devotionals from Heaven???? Because that will be where I will be living when complete victory is mine!

God has had to remind me of the three stipulations He required when I first began writing devotionals in 2005. I was to stay true to Scripture, I was to be transparent, and I was to stay general enough that individuals could see their own story in what I was writing. With those stipulations in place, God assured me time and time again that there are people who battle the same issues I battle or battles unique to them and are looking for encouragement to continue their journey to God’s heart. I forgot all of that as I got up each morning and made the conscious decision to not write a single word.

I realize that some people write an article or a book after they have developed and perfected an area in their life. I am called to do the writing as the development is taking place. I have a long ways to go but while I go there will be many devotionals resulting from the steps taken. I offer them up to any who need to know they are not the only ones who feel and think the way they do. After all, each of us are such basket cases but God has definitely got our handle! I’m back!!!!!

Father, I’ve missed writing and I rejoice in the truth that has encouraged me once again. Amen.

You Are More - Tenth Avenue North
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgi-G-dHYkY&feature=related

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

The Nathans in My Life

Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man!……..You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. 2 Samuel 12:7,9 (New International Version)

Nathan was used of God to pinpoint an area of sin in David’s life. God revealed it to him and he was faithful to deliver the message. I don’t believe this conversation was comfortable for either man but it was necessary. It led to forgiveness and change.

Throughout Scripture there are many accounts of people being God’s spokesman or spokeswoman to others. Good followed when words were delivered out of obedience and received as truth. Sure there were times God sent angels, but more often than not God sent people to people. He did it in Bible times and He does it in our day and age.

This past weekend was one such time for me. Two separate conversations. Two separate women as God’s mouthpiece to me. One message with several points. God had been preparing my heart so that when the time came I would be willing to listen and heed the words. I was not looking for a comfortable conversation. I was looking for answers that would lead to freedom. I was looking for the truth. There is no question in my mind that I needed to see the underlying issues of my personal problems. I share them with you now because I treasure them as gifts.

God’s message to me through two dear friends:

Choose to be Christ focused instead of self focused.

Learn to love God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Start believing that God is who He says He is and can do what He says He can do.

Every last emotional battle I fight is a sign of self focus at its worst. The only way to conquer that is to focus on Christ and to love God fully. Both require His help and both He is willing to help me do. I am taking the first steps in believing that God really can deliver me from my damaging mindsets and change me completely. Not only CAN He do it, He WILL do it! No doubt about it!!!

Father, thank you for those who love You enough to speak the truth in love to me. I heed Your words through them and I thank You for the change You will bring about. 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.

Empowered Change

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Colossians 3:16 (New King James Version)

God’s Word uses words that are multi-layered with meaning and richness. If we do not go beyond our limited scope of a word we will miss some big truths. The word ‘dwell’ is one such example. Upon first glance, I can think of it as merely being ‘in’ me, but a word study showed me a broader picture. It also means to influence and influence is a word that is rich with meaning. When someone or something influences me it changes me. When God’s word influences me it not only changes me but empowers me for that change. That is what I am hungry for this morning…..empowered change.

I just finished reading through the first three chapters of Ephesians. I was struck by all I am and all I have in Christ….all spiritual blessings, chosen before the foundations of the world, adopted by Him, accepted in the beloved, redeemed, forgiven, wisdom, prudence, an inheritance, sealed by His Spirit, raised and seated with Christ, saved by faith, God’s workmanship, access to the Father, a fellow-citizen, a habitation of God, a partaker of His promises, and confidence in Him. I read the list. I wrote it out in a notebook. I reworded it for personal effect. Then I asked myself a heart searching question.

If I am and have all that in Christ why am I living so far removed from its truth? I am rich in Christ and yet live as a pauper. If I found out I had $100,000 in the my bank account, I would live like I had $100,000.00. I wouldn’t be like the person I read about the other day who lived in a shack, dressed poorly, and collected empty cans for money while living with bundles of money in his home. Yet, on a spiritual plane I am doing the same thing if I am not living out of the truth of who I am and what I have in Christ. It is a truth that must not simply dwell in me but it must influence me as well. At the same time, I realize the changes I want will not come about naturally or in my own strength. On my own, I will continue to cycle in and out of victory and defeat. In Christ, I have hope, power, and change.

Father, change the patterns of thought and behavior in me. You are my starting point and resting place. Amen.

I Am His Daughter
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKh3wF7DBPk&feature=related

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

The Corridors of Life

When Pharaoh heard of this matter, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh and dwelt in the land of Midian; and he sat down by a well. Exodus 2:15 (New King James Version)

From the palace of Egypt to the wilderness of Midian, Moses entered a corridor of time that lay between his past and his future. From the loving, nurturing care of a father to the prison life of Egypt, Joseph entered his corridor. From the homeland of Moab to gleaning in the fields of Bethlehem, Ruth entered her corridor. From tending his father’s sheep to hiding in the wilderness, David entered his corridor. Many of my Bible ancestors experienced what it was like to leave what they knew to enter a time of wilderness living known as a corridor of passage. None of those places were permanent or comfortable but all were chosen by God to prepare them for His call on their life. We are no different.

This month of February, marks my seventh year of being on a significant journey with God. It began with a decision to leave a life of legalism and performance-based mindset to live with an awareness that God’s love is not dependent upon what I am doing. I entered a time of spiritual nurturing under the care of a significant person and God used her to equip me with many of the tools I still use today. It was a place of familiarity to me…my palace, my Moab, my homeland. On my own, I would have chosen to stay, but God had other plans. He wanted more for me and hence led me into my own personal corridor of preparation away from my place and person of comfort.

Like those who have gone on before me, I am spending years in this corridor. I do not believe this is permanent but rather a necessary place for now. What I am learning and what God is doing is meant to prepare me for His call on my life. I don’t know what that call will look like but He does and He knows what it will take to get me ready. I will be honest, I have not made the transition with ease or joy for the most part. Going from what felt safe and comfortable to what seemed like the darkest time of my life was terrifying at best. My emotions have been all over the map of my soul and yet no amount of questions, tears, or hindered steps have caused my Father to change His course of action. Out of an act of love and purpose, He closed the door of what once was, to lead me toward what will be. He has not left me. He has not given up on me. He has not let go of me. He will help me to rest in His loving heart and embrace this corridor of time with abandon so that my heart, attitude, and reactions take on a different flavor.

Father, oh how I have needed a shift in my spirit. My fear of letting go has prevented me from fully reaching forward. I give you my heart and my hand this morning. Lead on, Oh King Eternal. Lead on. Amen.

You Never Let Go - Matt Redman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqqtyuivolA&feature=related

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