Serving Two Masters

No servant is able to serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stand by and be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (riches, or anything in which you trust and on which you rely). Luke 16:13 (Amplified Bible)

Dare to take this verse further than the love of money and it will change your life. Serving two masters is done anytime something or someone is in competition with God for our heart. It could be money and it could also be relationships, job status, financial security, success, bitterness, refusal to forgive, prolonged grief, or any other person or thing we view as necessary for our own survival. Just as our minds can only think of one thing at a time, our hearts can only embrace one thing at a time. It is God or ____________ and each of us would do well to identify what is in the blank. If nothing comes to mind, ask God to reveal it to you. He is an expert at showing us the things to which we are blind.

I have often said, God does not reveal truths to us about ourselves to shame or condemn us but rather to heal, restore, and free us. If I have a master other than God that I am holding to and serving, my freedom will only come as I acknowledge it and release it. Depending on the strength of its hold on me the process of letting go may involve a lot of time. I am learning that the quicker I deal with it the quicker the freedom will come.

It is not easy to release what depicts security and value to us. That which we treasure in our heart and view as necessary for our life will be the hardest to relinquish. But unless we are willing to release our grip, our hold will be on the wrong source. I speak as one who has known the full impact of having my “second” master be a person, an attitude, a passion, a position, an addiction, and a loss. Yet none of those things could or should be to me what God desires to be to me.

None could say, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” None could love me with an everlasting love. None could die for my sins and secure a place in Heaven for me. None could create me with a purpose and move Heaven and Earth to bring about that purpose. None but God. When it is He whom I serve, He whom I love, He whom I am devoted to, and He whom I stand by I am in the right place in my life. That is when there is true peace, joy, and delight in living.

Father, You offer me so much when You offer me Yourself. Help me to choose You above all others every minute of every day. Be my only Master. Amen.

Be Thou My Vision - David Arkenstone: Celtic Hymns
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMttnek4868

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

God's Way of Doing Things

Let all things be done decently and in order. I Corinthians 14:40 (King James Version)

I appreciate the fact that God leads by example. He faithfully demonstrates the very things He commands, demands, and expects of me. He is definitely not like many parents who say, “Do as I say, not as I do.” With God it is always “Do as I say and as I do!” I look back at the account of creation and I see things being done decently and in order with specific creation on specific days.

I am currently reading the book of Numbers and what started out as repetitive and seemingly boring details quickly gave way to seeing God set up tabernacle worship and the placement of His people in a decent and orderly fashion. When I look at the vast number of Israelites in the wilderness (over a million) I realize the necessity of God doing things decently and in order.

But the words of I Corinthians 15:40 are taking on a new dimension for me. I am resting in the fact that what God does in my life is being done decently and in order as well. His daily plan for me is being carried out with precision, dignity, and individuality. There is design and purpose in the things He has me do, the people He has me meet, and the way He interacts with me. I am gaining a new appreciation for the way He orchestrates my life…..one day at a time.

There is a sense of security and peace when I take in the words of Psalm 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD; and he delighteth in his way. The word ‘ordered’ comes from a Greek word that means to set up, establish, fix, prepare, direct, fashion, ordain, perfect, prepare, and provide. Talk about significance! Seeing God’s watchfulness and detailed ordering of my life is the reason I can then delight in His ways. It is a delight He revels in as well.

I may not always understand God’s choices for my life but in this truth I choose to live…..God is faithful, good, loving, attentive, involved, and in control. His Word is filled with examples of that! Nothing He does is haphazard or half-hearted. Who better to arrange my life than the very One who created and sustains life?


Father, I feel cared for by You! I joy in the fact that whatever You have planned for my day as well as my life will be done decently and in order. Thank you that I need never expect anything less! Amen.

Ppotter's Hand - Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSyKUoCxFMU&feature=related

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

Confident and Specific

And the king said to her, “What do you wish, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given to you—up to half the kingdom!” Esther 5:3 (New King James Version)

Four times King Ahasuerus (Xerxes), voiced these words to Queen Esther (Esther 5:3,6; 7:2; 9:12). He ruled over 127 provinces, so when he said, “Up to half the kingdom” it was an extravagant offer! Each time, Esther was ready with specific requests which she had thought through in advance. She stated those requests with confidence because of the king’s words to her. In essence, he was saying, “Ask and it will be given to you!” He wanted to know what was on her mind and he wanted to give her what she desired. What love and what risk! He had no idea what she was going to say and yet he made a radical promise….and KEPT it! Each and every time!

Jesus has spoken the same words to us. He said, “Ask and it shall be given unto you, seek and you will find, knock and the door shall be opened on to you.” He also said, “Ask anything in my name, and it shall be given unto you.” But one of the differences between Ahasuerus and Jesus is that Jesus already knows what we plan to ask even before we ask it!

So I am asking myself this morning whether or not I approach Jesus with the same confidence as Esther approached Ahasuerus. Am I as specific? If not, why not? I believe my answer lies in the fact that I realize God does not always give me what I ask for. It is time to look at that aspect of prayer and see the reasons He would say, “No.”

I must embrace the truth that God is able to do ALL things and that His ways are above my ways. His “no” often means, it would not be good for me to have what I am asking Him for, He has a better plan, He desires to work in a different way, or He knows what is best. It can also mean there is sin that needs to be dealt with first. In the midst of it all, He invites me to trust Him with abandon and not depend on my own understanding. As I pray I must review the character and heart of God. If God’s denial of my request leaves me with thoughts of not being loved or cared for then I am buying into lies. The truth of the matter is that Jesus has invited me to ask and that gives me confidence. His sovereignty and wisdom gives me peace.

Having said this, let me also say that I believe Jesus intends and desires to do so much more than I dare to ask. I have to wonder what would happen if I received Christ’s words in the same way that Esther received Ahasuerus’ words. May I find out!

Father, help my prayers to be both confident and specific. There is much about prayer that still eludes me but I want to learn. Lord, teach me how to pray! Amen.

Draw Me Close - Kathy Troccoli
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgQJVfUQLho

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

God's Time Table

Noah was 600 years old when the flood of waters came upon the earth or land. Genesis 7:6 (Amplified Bible)

It is easy to read Scripture and forget the span of time that takes place from verse to verse or chapter to chapter. Whole lifetimes can be covered with just a sentence. One of the reasons we have stated ages in the Bible is to better understand the time frame that underscores the events. When we see that things did not usually happen instantaneously but rather over decades or even centuries of time in the days of Bible characters, we are better equipped to understand the possible years involved for the unfolding of God’s plan for us. It causes us to refocus our attention on God’s time table instead of our own.

From the time that Noah was told to build an ark for safety against a coming flood and the actual occurrence of the flood, 100 years had elapsed. While it would have been easy to grow discouraged and maybe even abandon the task, he stayed strong in his hope and his work. He did not let the slowness of the pace deter, distract, or disturb him. Trust involves walking by faith, living in God’s strength, and allowing Him to set the velocity of the steps.

There are numerous things I would like to see happen in my life. Spiritual growth and a deepened awareness of who God is, sit at the top of the list! But I know that two factors play into the progress on this journey….God’s predetermined time table and my willingness to cooperate. My desire is that I am farther along by this time next year but God Himself knows the actual distance that will be covered.

I also desire doors of opportunity to open and to be more confident and settled in my role within His kingdom work. Up to this point I feel that much of what He is doing in me is preparatory. Will this be a continued year of the same, or will I see His plan and purpose unfold and take place? I do not know but I know this….it continues to be according to His time table. It is imperative that I follow Noah’s example and stay strong in my hope and what God would have me do presently.

May I realize afresh that the process and progress of discovering God’s call on my life takes time and may I be in no more of a rush than the Designer of that call.

Father, Your time table takes precedence over my own…I yield. Amen.

In His Time - Maranatha Singers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wo-rGzx2OZk

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

Where It Comes From

And the LORD said to Gideon, “The people who are with you are too many for Me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel claim glory for itself against Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’ Judges 7:2 (New King James Version)

The reduction of Gideon’s army was for one purpose and one purpose only, to display Who was truly responsible for the forthcoming victory. God’s glory and the credit due Him can often be robbed when anyone but Him is seen as one’s helper, defender, deliverer, and sustainer. While He did use a small army for the battle against Midian, He made sure there was no way they would be able to give themselves the praise, thanks, or accolades for the victorious outcome. It may not have made sense to anyone but God but it was the only way for the people to see where their victory came from and Who gave them the victory. The impossibility of it was the backdrop for God’s work.

I can relate with God’s choice of methods when it comes to deliverance in my own life. This past week I have watched as God did in me what no one or nothing else could do. The domination of my emotions could not be experienced through reading books, talking to people, or following formulas. I could not muster up what it would take to walk in any semblance of freedom for an extended period of time. When I came to the end of myself and realized that all the avenues I “thought” would lead me to victory had failed to produce victory He brought the victory. It was so radical and so profound that I had no doubt it was His work of liberation.

He used some truths I had taken in from a number of sources and circumstances and I was aware of those things. But the result of actually experiencing freedom was all His doing and I am having no trouble giving Him the glory for it! He did not take negative emotions out of me nor did He remove the tendency I have toward wrong perceptions. What He did is show me that it is possible to not allow them to dominate and control me. They seem to have lost their effectiveness and power with me. Several scenarios played out this past weekend that would have normally evoked huge set backs for me without a single trigger taking place. I was able to take in the truth of each matter without the normal emotional feelings and responses getting in the way. Any who battle emotions will see why this is so huge for me! Any who have watched me struggle will rejoice along with me at what my God has done. I know that tests will come and failures will be experienced, but I now walk with confidence in the what God can and will do!

Father, You are incredible! Even in the midst of my own failures, fears, and doubts You brought about what seemed impossible for me. Praise You!!! Amen.

Mighty to Save - Laura Story
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYqogpLpC5Q

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

Taking Matters Into Our Own Hands

Now there was a famine in the land; and Abram went down into Egypt to live temporarily, for the famine in the land was oppressive (intense and grievous). Genesis 12:10 (Amplified Bible)

What happens when we face shortages in our life? How do we go about getting our needs met and hearts satisfied? Each of us travels this life once and find within our journey our own times of famine. It may be a shortage of material things, friendships, health, opportunities, spiritual growth, or any number of things. It is in times of deprivation that we come to realize our true source and on whom we are depending.

I find it interesting that Genesis 12 shows Abram in obedience and worship until the famine hits. He obediently follows God’s command to leave his home and make his way to a land of promise. On at least two occasions he builds altars to the God who appeared to Him and he calls upon Him. The very things he did at the onset of his journey should have been his practice when the shortage hit. But instead, Abram came up with his own plan. He went his own direction. Egypt became his destination and lying became his form of protection. What I find missing in all of this was asking God what he should do and relying on God to be His shield of safety. After all, since God was the One who told him to go on this journey, wouldn’t God be the One to direct his steps along the way?

How easy it is to dissect our life into parts that include God and parts that exclude God. But that is not the way God desires for us to live. He wants us to learn from the mistakes of our Bible ancestors. Seeing where they went wrong should serve as a teacher to each of us. As we read an account in Scripture we should take note of when a person is acting out of pride, independence, anger, fear, or defiance and watch for the painful consequences to follow. How did their actions affect the people around them, what discomforts did they bring upon themselves, and what ultimate price did they end up paying?

Those are the things I want to avoid. And the only way to do that is by running my decisions, agendas, and ideas past our all wise and all knowing God. He has direction for me on this journey. He has not left me to fend for myself or take matters into my own hands.

Father, may I learn to turn to You more and more. You are all knowing and all wise…I am not. Be my instructor and guide for life. Amen.

You Are God Alone - Phillips, Craig, & Dean
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xPzTSpbYmk

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

Faith Redefined

But Naaman was furious and went away and said, Behold, I thought, he will surely come out to meet me and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper. 2 Kings 5:11 (New American Standard Bible)

Expectations, perceptions, and preconceived ideas can do more to wreak havoc with our walk of faith than anything I know. I can very easily relate with Naaman. He has come to Samaria with a scenario playing out in his mind of what his own healing would look like. But upon arriving at Elisha’s house his ego, thoughts, and agenda all take a massive blow. What should have been a ‘done deal’ has become as muddy in his mind as the Jordan River itself. He cannot conceive of the fact that neither God nor Elisha are acting the way he thought they would or should. As he erupts in anger and storms off, he fails to realize that he is risking his own healing because of his own mindset.

As I read through 2 Kings I am struck by the fact that God is not limited in power or variety. He refuses to be put into an understandable, easy to grasp box! His ways and thoughts are far above my own and that has caused me to rethink and redefine my beliefs about faith. It is not a matter of me bringing my petitions before God and believing He will give me what I want, in the way I want it, and when I want it. My one-dimensional thinking of who God is and how God acts is presently going through a metamorphosis of great proportion.

While God certainly encourages and invites me to bring my requests, wishes, and desires to Him, I must keep in mind that He is still God and He is free to be good, loving, and right in how He responds to my prayers. His Word, His character, and His heart of love are the basis for when and how He chooses to intervene. Why would I want to limit Him to only operate in the way I THINK He should? Faith now becomes an act whereby I bring my requests to Him and then with childlike trust and expectancy watch to see what HIS choice is. If I allow this to be my heart’s desire, I will find that more times than not He will go above and beyond what I could imagine.

Father, let me take away the box in which I have spent years trying to get You to fit. Thank you for helping me to see where I have been limiting You. I now let go of my preconceived notions and am ready to embrace the truth about You. 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.