Promised
This is from my little In Touch calendar:
" Jesus is utterly faithful. Whatever He says He will do, He does. You can count on His promises. His commitment to you is lasting. All that Jesus is, he will always be. His friendship never changes. Jesus will be with us for all eternity. He has built us a heavenly home and will live with us forever. oh, what a friend we have in Jesus."
How wonderful to know that His promises are true. I am once again, reassured by the Lord.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
More visits
Two things this morning....I am just cleaning up a little, kinda wandering around the house. Things seem off, and of course they are. I am still adrift in all this. So as I clean up some dishes in the sink, there is a little thingamajig, like a word that was on a plaque. I've seen it before, but can't really remember where, I think it was on one of my knickknacks. But there it was lying in the sink. A little oval shaped piece of plastic with the word FAITH on it. Now, I have no idea how it got there, or where it came from but there it was looking up at me!
Immediately, the verse rose up in my heart, Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen, it gives us assurance about things we cannot see, Hebrews 11:1.
A little while later I walked past my frig, as I have a million times before, and one of my magnets jumped out at me (not literally of course!). On it is the words, written really big: I promise you. --God. The word "promise" is actually in bold print on the magnet. The verse on the magnet is 2 Corinthians 1:20, For as many as are the promises of God, they all find their answer in Him.
My Father is speaking directly to my heart today. I am just dumbstruck at His awesomeness and lovingkindness and care. All those things about Him comforting us and caring for us in the Bible I am seeing first hand. I cannot even describe how blessed He has made me feel. All I can do is say thank You.
I have heard stories from others about Him doing things like this during their times of loss, but quite honestly never felt He would do it for me. I kinda always think He expects me to just be strong in faith without any coddling from Him, because so often that seems to be the case. I was so wrong in this. And I have never been so happy to be so wrong.
And this doesn't even begin to speak of all the care and love He has shown through my family and friends, coworkers and facebook friends....I could write a thousand pages on that!! What a blessing it is to be His child.
The assurance we have of eternal life with Him is priceless. And we do have that assurance. I think my Mom called it unmatchable. And that is just what it is.
Two things this morning....I am just cleaning up a little, kinda wandering around the house. Things seem off, and of course they are. I am still adrift in all this. So as I clean up some dishes in the sink, there is a little thingamajig, like a word that was on a plaque. I've seen it before, but can't really remember where, I think it was on one of my knickknacks. But there it was lying in the sink. A little oval shaped piece of plastic with the word FAITH on it. Now, I have no idea how it got there, or where it came from but there it was looking up at me!
Immediately, the verse rose up in my heart, Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen, it gives us assurance about things we cannot see, Hebrews 11:1.
A little while later I walked past my frig, as I have a million times before, and one of my magnets jumped out at me (not literally of course!). On it is the words, written really big: I promise you. --God. The word "promise" is actually in bold print on the magnet. The verse on the magnet is 2 Corinthians 1:20, For as many as are the promises of God, they all find their answer in Him.
My Father is speaking directly to my heart today. I am just dumbstruck at His awesomeness and lovingkindness and care. All those things about Him comforting us and caring for us in the Bible I am seeing first hand. I cannot even describe how blessed He has made me feel. All I can do is say thank You.
I have heard stories from others about Him doing things like this during their times of loss, but quite honestly never felt He would do it for me. I kinda always think He expects me to just be strong in faith without any coddling from Him, because so often that seems to be the case. I was so wrong in this. And I have never been so happy to be so wrong.
And this doesn't even begin to speak of all the care and love He has shown through my family and friends, coworkers and facebook friends....I could write a thousand pages on that!! What a blessing it is to be His child.
The assurance we have of eternal life with Him is priceless. And we do have that assurance. I think my Mom called it unmatchable. And that is just what it is.
Visits continue
I have a story to tell. A God visit of a dear friend and sister in the Lord. Karen loved my Mom and my Mom loved Karen. So I will attempt to relay Karen's visit from our Lord as best I can. On Sunday, Karen gathered with her family at her Mom's house. Her brother Kirk collects items for restoration (curb shopping, treasure rescue...whatever you want to call it, I love it !!!). A while back he had picked up an item and forgot about it. Does anyone remember the string art back in the 70's? Well this was a large piece of string art. He "just happened" to bring it with him on Sunday and since Karen's son's girlfriend likes this kind of thing Kirk was going to give it to her. He asked Karen transfer the picture for him to Scott's girlfriend. When he handed her the picture, she was completely amazed....it was a string art butterfly!!!
My Mom loved butterflies. In fact when Karen and Greg came home from their recent cross country trek, she has brought my Mom some souvenirs and all of them were butterfly designs.
God had used this art piece to comfort Karen. Imagine, months and months ago, God had planned Kirk's finding of this piece, planned the timing of him giving it to Karen, all to bring comfort, peace and joy to one of his beloved children. Just think about this. Our God is so amazing. Even when all seems wrong, His timing, His ways are perfect. And He is so loving and intimately involved with us.
Please never forget this. He knows what He is doing. And the Father is always planning for our good. Thank You Lord.
I have a story to tell. A God visit of a dear friend and sister in the Lord. Karen loved my Mom and my Mom loved Karen. So I will attempt to relay Karen's visit from our Lord as best I can. On Sunday, Karen gathered with her family at her Mom's house. Her brother Kirk collects items for restoration (curb shopping, treasure rescue...whatever you want to call it, I love it !!!). A while back he had picked up an item and forgot about it. Does anyone remember the string art back in the 70's? Well this was a large piece of string art. He "just happened" to bring it with him on Sunday and since Karen's son's girlfriend likes this kind of thing Kirk was going to give it to her. He asked Karen transfer the picture for him to Scott's girlfriend. When he handed her the picture, she was completely amazed....it was a string art butterfly!!!
My Mom loved butterflies. In fact when Karen and Greg came home from their recent cross country trek, she has brought my Mom some souvenirs and all of them were butterfly designs.
God had used this art piece to comfort Karen. Imagine, months and months ago, God had planned Kirk's finding of this piece, planned the timing of him giving it to Karen, all to bring comfort, peace and joy to one of his beloved children. Just think about this. Our God is so amazing. Even when all seems wrong, His timing, His ways are perfect. And He is so loving and intimately involved with us.
Please never forget this. He knows what He is doing. And the Father is always planning for our good. Thank You Lord.
Monday, December 30, 2013
Mom
Yesterday, my beautiful Mom was called home by the Lord. My life, our lives, were so enriched by her. She will be so very missed, more than I can say.
My focus of this post if Hope. She lived with the hope of glory. And I am so at peace knowing she is with her Savior and all the loved ones who have gone before. I know lately she was missing more and more the ones who had gone on to heaven before her. And I am thrilled for her that she is finally with them.
Of course, God has visited during this time. Giving words and signs of comfort. He is so awesome and full of compassion. A couple of years ago, my Mom had spoke of a vision she had. She told of being in Heaven with Jesus and they were dancing.
As we drove home from the hospital Sunday morning, the Lord brought to my remembrance those words she spoke. And I was filled with peace and joy for her, knowing she was dancing with her Lord. What a comfort.
My Mom was sick of hospitals and doctors. She didn't want to go to them anymore. My husband and I both believe she died before she left the house. I thank God for that. She did not have any suffering, nor leave this earth from some hospital bed. What a blessing both for her and us.
Yesterday we went to the funeral home...you know all the details and arrangements that have to be done. As we picked out those little cards (forget what they are called) 2 stood out to me. One was a picture of a dove in the clouds. My Mom loved all the stunning cloud formations that the Lord created. She was always saying, "oh look at the clouds, aren't they beautiful!" So I knew this was perfect for her. Also there was one with the Cross atop the water. About a year or so ago, my Mom told of sitting at Tanner Park and just seeing Jesus on a boat in the water, beckoning her to come to Him. So I knew that both these were exactly what she would want on her remembrance cards. They so much spoke of her.
We had the opportunity to pick the reverse side verses as well. And of course the Lord's Prayer was one of the choices. Over the last couple of years she has been so excited about this prayer and studying it intensely. It's amazing the way God is working these things out, step by step, tiny detail by detail.
I was going through all our old pictures yesterday. I came across my eight grade graduation picture. There was a big banner in the church (I graduated Catholic school), and on the banner was written: "Death has been overcome." I always tell God when asking Him for direction that I want a neon sign to come down and tell me what choice to make. I think this was His way of sending my "neon sign." Our God is not only comforting but has a sense of humor. I am so humbled and grateful that He would do this, down to the littlest point of reference, for me.
I see God working out each and every detail of this process. I think back over the last year or so and see His hand weaving the last times of her life into a beautiful tapestry of visits with friends and family. It really is wonderful to see. So many times we take for granted and God was there, working it out that each person she loved and that loved her was able to spend time with her. I am so grateful and so blown away by His care.
Mom, I miss you. I know you are so happy where you are but I feel so adrift down her without you. I know God's comfort and care are here for me. I see it in everything. I am grateful. I love you.
Yesterday, my beautiful Mom was called home by the Lord. My life, our lives, were so enriched by her. She will be so very missed, more than I can say.
My focus of this post if Hope. She lived with the hope of glory. And I am so at peace knowing she is with her Savior and all the loved ones who have gone before. I know lately she was missing more and more the ones who had gone on to heaven before her. And I am thrilled for her that she is finally with them.
Of course, God has visited during this time. Giving words and signs of comfort. He is so awesome and full of compassion. A couple of years ago, my Mom had spoke of a vision she had. She told of being in Heaven with Jesus and they were dancing.
As we drove home from the hospital Sunday morning, the Lord brought to my remembrance those words she spoke. And I was filled with peace and joy for her, knowing she was dancing with her Lord. What a comfort.
My Mom was sick of hospitals and doctors. She didn't want to go to them anymore. My husband and I both believe she died before she left the house. I thank God for that. She did not have any suffering, nor leave this earth from some hospital bed. What a blessing both for her and us.
Yesterday we went to the funeral home...you know all the details and arrangements that have to be done. As we picked out those little cards (forget what they are called) 2 stood out to me. One was a picture of a dove in the clouds. My Mom loved all the stunning cloud formations that the Lord created. She was always saying, "oh look at the clouds, aren't they beautiful!" So I knew this was perfect for her. Also there was one with the Cross atop the water. About a year or so ago, my Mom told of sitting at Tanner Park and just seeing Jesus on a boat in the water, beckoning her to come to Him. So I knew that both these were exactly what she would want on her remembrance cards. They so much spoke of her.
We had the opportunity to pick the reverse side verses as well. And of course the Lord's Prayer was one of the choices. Over the last couple of years she has been so excited about this prayer and studying it intensely. It's amazing the way God is working these things out, step by step, tiny detail by detail.
I was going through all our old pictures yesterday. I came across my eight grade graduation picture. There was a big banner in the church (I graduated Catholic school), and on the banner was written: "Death has been overcome." I always tell God when asking Him for direction that I want a neon sign to come down and tell me what choice to make. I think this was His way of sending my "neon sign." Our God is not only comforting but has a sense of humor. I am so humbled and grateful that He would do this, down to the littlest point of reference, for me.
I see God working out each and every detail of this process. I think back over the last year or so and see His hand weaving the last times of her life into a beautiful tapestry of visits with friends and family. It really is wonderful to see. So many times we take for granted and God was there, working it out that each person she loved and that loved her was able to spend time with her. I am so grateful and so blown away by His care.
Mom, I miss you. I know you are so happy where you are but I feel so adrift down her without you. I know God's comfort and care are here for me. I see it in everything. I am grateful. I love you.
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Friday, December 27, 2013
Practice
Hmmmm....okay now comes the hard part. Putting this living out of victory thing into every day life practice. Since this morning, I have been given 2 extra jobs to do. (It's my vacation for crying out loud--don't I get a break) Well that was my thinking as the "extras" starting coming during the 1st hour of my waking !!
First off, my Mom decided she didn't want the coat she received for Christmas. Ok, not really a big deal, except now I have to go over to the mall and stand on the loooonnnngggg return line. Sigh. Next up....the heater disguised as a side table I purchased for my husband for Christmas is making entirely too much noise.
(insert another audible sigh here). So here's how this conversation with the Lord goes: Oh this is just great Lord, something else I have to take care of. (make sure I bring up the vacation thing again..lol). Where's the box it came in? (I run out to the garbage, no they haven't taken it yet, but it's not there) Great I got rid of it...me, the one who keeps all the receipts and boxes have gotten rid of the ONE I really needed!! God, can't You just help me with anything!?!?!? Thanks a lot !! Can you say "being a brat"?
Ok. Maybe there is something in the instructions. Of course, no phone #, just an email....ok put it on the to do list. Now my husband gets up. I talk to him about it. Asking about the box...oh! Low and behold! He has put it in the garage! Ummm, oops, sorry about the not helping thing Lord.
So this is the 1st hour of my day. And by now the living in victory thing is no where in sight. So I come into the computer room (calling it an office in my house just seems a little too pretentious for my purposes) and on the wall I keep a sign posted with the verse: "For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future"
That verse just flew off the wall right into my heart! I heard the Holy Spirit say, that is the verse you should be living out of today. The victory. Faith and trust. What if I had looked at all these annoyances with that attitude instead of the way I did? What might my conversation with God looked like, sounded like? Then I thought about it some more...what if I took a different verse every day and worked on living out of that verse ( remember, the Word is living!). How much more alive would my life look, and feel and be if I was living out of the living Word of God?
Lord, help me to live out of Your Word today. Help me to keep it front and center in my mind and heart and mouth. Forgive me for my tantrums. And thank You for using all this as another enlightening lesson for me. You are so patient and kind and loving. Help me to remember that always.
Hmmmm....okay now comes the hard part. Putting this living out of victory thing into every day life practice. Since this morning, I have been given 2 extra jobs to do. (It's my vacation for crying out loud--don't I get a break) Well that was my thinking as the "extras" starting coming during the 1st hour of my waking !!
First off, my Mom decided she didn't want the coat she received for Christmas. Ok, not really a big deal, except now I have to go over to the mall and stand on the loooonnnngggg return line. Sigh. Next up....the heater disguised as a side table I purchased for my husband for Christmas is making entirely too much noise.
(insert another audible sigh here). So here's how this conversation with the Lord goes: Oh this is just great Lord, something else I have to take care of. (make sure I bring up the vacation thing again..lol). Where's the box it came in? (I run out to the garbage, no they haven't taken it yet, but it's not there) Great I got rid of it...me, the one who keeps all the receipts and boxes have gotten rid of the ONE I really needed!! God, can't You just help me with anything!?!?!? Thanks a lot !! Can you say "being a brat"?
Ok. Maybe there is something in the instructions. Of course, no phone #, just an email....ok put it on the to do list. Now my husband gets up. I talk to him about it. Asking about the box...oh! Low and behold! He has put it in the garage! Ummm, oops, sorry about the not helping thing Lord.
So this is the 1st hour of my day. And by now the living in victory thing is no where in sight. So I come into the computer room (calling it an office in my house just seems a little too pretentious for my purposes) and on the wall I keep a sign posted with the verse: "For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future"
That verse just flew off the wall right into my heart! I heard the Holy Spirit say, that is the verse you should be living out of today. The victory. Faith and trust. What if I had looked at all these annoyances with that attitude instead of the way I did? What might my conversation with God looked like, sounded like? Then I thought about it some more...what if I took a different verse every day and worked on living out of that verse ( remember, the Word is living!). How much more alive would my life look, and feel and be if I was living out of the living Word of God?
Lord, help me to live out of Your Word today. Help me to keep it front and center in my mind and heart and mouth. Forgive me for my tantrums. And thank You for using all this as another enlightening lesson for me. You are so patient and kind and loving. Help me to remember that always.
Victory--part 2
Yesterday, shortly after I posted on living out of the victory given to us by Jesus, I picked up a little book given me by one of my cousins (love them all, they are the best btw). It's called "a little daily wisdom" by Joel Fotinos and August Gold. So I paged through to Dec. 26 and this is the verse it had for that day:
1 John 5:4 Every child of God can defeat the world, and our faith is what gives us this victory.
The wisdom from that verse offered by the authors was "Today I know taht every apparent defeat is a chance for resurrection."
How absolutely cool was this!?!?!?! Talk about instant confirmation of what God had just visited with. Yet another obvious.....GOD VISIT !!
Lord, thank you that you confirm and establish Your principles and teaching to us. When I think about the fact that the One who created everything and sustains everything, the One who is eternal, and non-ending in every way, actually takes the time to do this, to reach out and interact with me, I am amazed.
Yesterday, shortly after I posted on living out of the victory given to us by Jesus, I picked up a little book given me by one of my cousins (love them all, they are the best btw). It's called "a little daily wisdom" by Joel Fotinos and August Gold. So I paged through to Dec. 26 and this is the verse it had for that day:
1 John 5:4 Every child of God can defeat the world, and our faith is what gives us this victory.
The wisdom from that verse offered by the authors was "Today I know taht every apparent defeat is a chance for resurrection."
How absolutely cool was this!?!?!?! Talk about instant confirmation of what God had just visited with. Yet another obvious.....GOD VISIT !!
Lord, thank you that you confirm and establish Your principles and teaching to us. When I think about the fact that the One who created everything and sustains everything, the One who is eternal, and non-ending in every way, actually takes the time to do this, to reach out and interact with me, I am amazed.
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Victory
Aaaahhh. The after Christmas sigh of relief. Time to take a deep breath and reconnect with the Lord, after a week of hustle and bustle and hurry and rush. I so love this day. It's the most peaceful day for me. (except for the fact that this goofy person made a dentist appt for the day?? Why did I ever do that???) My wonderful heavenly Father rushed right into our time together with a new outlook for me to practice and learn and live. It's not really new, just fresh and it needs to be applied to my life.....CONSISTENTLY. That is the word of the year for me !!
I was in "31 Days of Praise" and the line was "How I praise You that I need not strive toward a possible victory, but can live from a position of victory already won..." Sounds familiar, right? Most of us have heard this before, right? But I guess I needed a refresher on this concept. What would it look like if I actually and consistently put this into practice?
In the Word I am told to renew my mind. I don't know about you, but my mental sound track goes a lot like this: "this is too hard", " I never get past this...", "why can't I ever seem to get this right?"....and so on. Failure and defeat seem to play over and over. But that is not the Lord's music. If I let the Lord write the sound track for me it would go more like this:
1 John 4:4 You are of God, little children and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
Conquerors. In the Greek the word is hupernikao which means one who is super-victorious, over and above, achieving abundant victory. Gotta love the Greek !!
1 Cor 15:57 says that God has given me victory. In verse 58 I am told, "THEREFORE, be steadfast and immovable."
I am not to be moved off of, out of, or away from the place of victory given to me by God through Jesus. when I stay in that place I will overcome, above and beyond and abound in His work accomplishing His goals and purposes for me. Yet I continually let myself be moved into and live in a place or mindset of defeat. Instead of joyfully accepting God's gift of victory, I all to easily accept Satan's "gift" of defeat.
This is not God's will for my life. Nor is it His will for yours dear readers. It's time to change that tune in our heads. Change the channel, in fact I think we should put a block on that channel LOL. Time to live in a place of victory. It's ours anyway, why shouldn't we !!
What would our days look like if we lived knowing the victory was already given to us, secured by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? Would there still be struggles and temptations? Of course, we live in a fallen world, we have a bratty flesh that wants all the wrong things. But the greater one who is in us told us in John 16:33: These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." And so we can too.
The Lord wants me to live in consistency. And that applies to this as well. Lord, help me to remember my place in You. The place of victory, overwhelming victory that You have given me. Thank You. As always, to You be the glory.
Ok, I am officially exhausted. I hope your Christmas was as nice as mine. I have the greatest family and I love them so very much. May your New Year be filled with visits from the Lord. Keep an eye out !! He is always looking to come and sit and talk with us. Keep an open door policy for Him. Many blessings !!
Madeline
Aaaahhh. The after Christmas sigh of relief. Time to take a deep breath and reconnect with the Lord, after a week of hustle and bustle and hurry and rush. I so love this day. It's the most peaceful day for me. (except for the fact that this goofy person made a dentist appt for the day?? Why did I ever do that???) My wonderful heavenly Father rushed right into our time together with a new outlook for me to practice and learn and live. It's not really new, just fresh and it needs to be applied to my life.....CONSISTENTLY. That is the word of the year for me !!
I was in "31 Days of Praise" and the line was "How I praise You that I need not strive toward a possible victory, but can live from a position of victory already won..." Sounds familiar, right? Most of us have heard this before, right? But I guess I needed a refresher on this concept. What would it look like if I actually and consistently put this into practice?
In the Word I am told to renew my mind. I don't know about you, but my mental sound track goes a lot like this: "this is too hard", " I never get past this...", "why can't I ever seem to get this right?"....and so on. Failure and defeat seem to play over and over. But that is not the Lord's music. If I let the Lord write the sound track for me it would go more like this:
1 John 4:4 You are of God, little children and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
Conquerors. In the Greek the word is hupernikao which means one who is super-victorious, over and above, achieving abundant victory. Gotta love the Greek !!
1 Cor 15:57 says that God has given me victory. In verse 58 I am told, "THEREFORE, be steadfast and immovable."
I am not to be moved off of, out of, or away from the place of victory given to me by God through Jesus. when I stay in that place I will overcome, above and beyond and abound in His work accomplishing His goals and purposes for me. Yet I continually let myself be moved into and live in a place or mindset of defeat. Instead of joyfully accepting God's gift of victory, I all to easily accept Satan's "gift" of defeat.
This is not God's will for my life. Nor is it His will for yours dear readers. It's time to change that tune in our heads. Change the channel, in fact I think we should put a block on that channel LOL. Time to live in a place of victory. It's ours anyway, why shouldn't we !!
What would our days look like if we lived knowing the victory was already given to us, secured by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? Would there still be struggles and temptations? Of course, we live in a fallen world, we have a bratty flesh that wants all the wrong things. But the greater one who is in us told us in John 16:33: These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." And so we can too.
The Lord wants me to live in consistency. And that applies to this as well. Lord, help me to remember my place in You. The place of victory, overwhelming victory that You have given me. Thank You. As always, to You be the glory.
Ok, I am officially exhausted. I hope your Christmas was as nice as mine. I have the greatest family and I love them so very much. May your New Year be filled with visits from the Lord. Keep an eye out !! He is always looking to come and sit and talk with us. Keep an open door policy for Him. Many blessings !!
Madeline
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Comforted
Lately it seems I am extremely frustrated at work. Frustrated with the job, the nonsense that goes on there....and most of all myself. My attitude has really taken a downturn and of course then that comes out of my mouth. I want so badly to be a good witness and glorify the Lord, but it seems an insurmountable task for me.
As I was bemoaning and belaboring this fact once again to the Lord, Matthew 5:4 came rising up inside. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Oh sweet relief ! I know God is working. And I know He sees my hearts desire to honor Him and I will come to victory. He sees the anguish of my heart over my sin and struggle and promises comfort.
I have a box of those little cards with a Scripture verse on one side and an uplifting sentence or 2 on the reverse. The one I picked out today said "If God loved you enough to give His Son for you, you can believe He loves you enough to meet your needs." This was just a reassuring confirmation that He blessed me with this morning.
I know that most of us know this stuff. But sometimes I feel I need to be reminded again and again that He is working. I am grateful for Your patience once again Lord. Help me, help all of us not to go down into discouragement, to to rise up in faith that says our victory is in You and we will see it come to pass.
Lately it seems I am extremely frustrated at work. Frustrated with the job, the nonsense that goes on there....and most of all myself. My attitude has really taken a downturn and of course then that comes out of my mouth. I want so badly to be a good witness and glorify the Lord, but it seems an insurmountable task for me.
As I was bemoaning and belaboring this fact once again to the Lord, Matthew 5:4 came rising up inside. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Oh sweet relief ! I know God is working. And I know He sees my hearts desire to honor Him and I will come to victory. He sees the anguish of my heart over my sin and struggle and promises comfort.
I have a box of those little cards with a Scripture verse on one side and an uplifting sentence or 2 on the reverse. The one I picked out today said "If God loved you enough to give His Son for you, you can believe He loves you enough to meet your needs." This was just a reassuring confirmation that He blessed me with this morning.
I know that most of us know this stuff. But sometimes I feel I need to be reminded again and again that He is working. I am grateful for Your patience once again Lord. Help me, help all of us not to go down into discouragement, to to rise up in faith that says our victory is in You and we will see it come to pass.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Expectancy
On the Third Sunday of Advent we celebrate the Light of Expectancy. The Jews awaited their Messiah for thousands of years. He arrived on Christmas day.
We are awaiting His return. This hit me on Sunday as we talked about it in Bible study and service. As awe-inspiring as His first coming was, (imagine the Creator of the Universe came as a baby) His return will be nothing short of astounding...and that is putting it mildly. When I think about Him coming at all, it is truly amazing. Why would someone want to come down here to save a people who had rebelled against Him?
And what affected me so on Sunday was not the Christmas season as we see it now, but the fact that it points to His return. There is something about aligning ourselves with the Jewish people in the expectancy of His coming that is truly beautiful. I read somewhere years ago, that before the country of Israel was reestablished, Jews around the world would toast on certain holidays "next year in Jerusalem". As a Christian, my focus should be, "next year in Heaven".
As I listened to the songs during service on Sunday the line in O Little Town of Bethlehem stood out: "the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight". And yes they were. Hope for a future, deliverance of fear of death. I am looking forward to the new day, to His return. The day when we sing "Joy to the world, the Lord is come, let earth receive her King!"
So for me, this Christmas has become about "expectancy". This God visit on Sunday brought me to a new place in celebrating the holiday. And I love it!!
Some verses to ponder this season:
Isaiah 9:6-7 For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice, even forever. For the zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
Revelation 11:15 Then the seventh angel sounded; And there were loud voices in heaven saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ and He shall reign forever and ever!"
1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
I thank God for this new revelation and different way of looking at Christmas. It is beautiful and wonderful and hope giving.
Revelation 22:20 He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming quickly." Amen. Even so come, Lord Jesus!
Are you expecting?
On the Third Sunday of Advent we celebrate the Light of Expectancy. The Jews awaited their Messiah for thousands of years. He arrived on Christmas day.
We are awaiting His return. This hit me on Sunday as we talked about it in Bible study and service. As awe-inspiring as His first coming was, (imagine the Creator of the Universe came as a baby) His return will be nothing short of astounding...and that is putting it mildly. When I think about Him coming at all, it is truly amazing. Why would someone want to come down here to save a people who had rebelled against Him?
And what affected me so on Sunday was not the Christmas season as we see it now, but the fact that it points to His return. There is something about aligning ourselves with the Jewish people in the expectancy of His coming that is truly beautiful. I read somewhere years ago, that before the country of Israel was reestablished, Jews around the world would toast on certain holidays "next year in Jerusalem". As a Christian, my focus should be, "next year in Heaven".
As I listened to the songs during service on Sunday the line in O Little Town of Bethlehem stood out: "the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight". And yes they were. Hope for a future, deliverance of fear of death. I am looking forward to the new day, to His return. The day when we sing "Joy to the world, the Lord is come, let earth receive her King!"
So for me, this Christmas has become about "expectancy". This God visit on Sunday brought me to a new place in celebrating the holiday. And I love it!!
Some verses to ponder this season:
Isaiah 9:6-7 For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice, even forever. For the zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
Revelation 11:15 Then the seventh angel sounded; And there were loud voices in heaven saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ and He shall reign forever and ever!"
1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
I thank God for this new revelation and different way of looking at Christmas. It is beautiful and wonderful and hope giving.
Revelation 22:20 He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming quickly." Amen. Even so come, Lord Jesus!
Are you expecting?
Friday, December 13, 2013
Rejection/Acceptance; God is smiling!
For as long as I can remember I have struggles with rejection issues. I have always battled feelings that God, while He may love me because that is who He is and what He does, really doesn't nor couldn't like me all that much. But patient as He is, He continues to encourage me, and reassure me of His acceptance and approval.
A few years ago, He reminded me that all this is based on Jesus and not on myself. And that it was actually sin for me to doubt this love and acceptance of His. That being said, I still have to be reminded of this lesson on a regular basis. And I am truly grateful for His long-suffering in this area with me.
This week was no exception. I have this kinda performance mentality, you know how we think when things are hard or going wrong then I must be displeasing God in some way. He's sending those lightening bolts again!! But God had other ideas for my thinking and He came with a series of visits with His reassurance again !!
So here is the list and the order in which they came.
1) A couple of days ago, I went to my index card file and the one for the day was "And this is my beloved daughter in whom I am well pleased." This is based on Matt 3:17. I once read that since we are in Jesus, and when the Father pronounced this over Him, He was also pronouncing it over us. He sees us in Jesus.
2) Yesterday's "31 Days of Praise" was all about my robe of righteousness, given to me by the Lord. The Scripture verse being Isaiah 61:10 I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For He has dressed me in the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels.
3) And from "Enjoying the Closeness of God" (Roger C. Palms) I was up to the chapter on....God smiling ! In it spoke of the fact that many people, because they have trials and troubles think that God is not "smiling" on them. But the author reminded us that Jesus Himself went through much suffering and God was certainly pleased with Him. In fact, Isaiah 53:3 calls Jesus, "a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief". The absence or presence of tribulation is by no means an indicator of God's pleasure with us.
4) My book mark was on a page it shouldn't have been in "31 Days of Praise" (Ruth and Warren Meyers). But of course it was exactly where God wanted it. The big, bold Scripture verse taking up most of the page where my book mark lay was: Ps. 103:10-13 He does not punish us for all our sins, He does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For His unfailing love for those who fear Him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from as us as the east is from the west. The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear Him.
5) And then back to today's reading from "31 Days of Praise" "You accepted me in Your beloved Son, welcoming me into the everlasting love you have for Him...and now as Your child, You take me into Your arms and tell me that You love me." I can say this myself, making these words my own, because my heavenly Father is doing just that right now. There is even a beautiful poem included in the reading adapted from "A Mind at Perfect Peace" by Catesby Pagent.
Near, so very near to You
Nearer I could not be,
For in the Person of Your Son
I'm just as near as He!
Dear, so very dear to You,
I could not dearer be;
The love wherewith You loved
Your Son,
Such is Your love for me!
I thank the Lord for His infinite patience with me. And I am so grateful for His love. Time and time again He holds me, whispering His love toward me, His unsure child. Tender and compassionate, loving and merciful. What an awesome God we serve. He loves me. He accepts me and smiles at me. And He is smiling at you as well dear reader. He knows we are not perfect, will make mistakes and missteps. But that doesn't change Him and the way He looks at us. And His love does not depend on us.
For as long as I can remember I have struggles with rejection issues. I have always battled feelings that God, while He may love me because that is who He is and what He does, really doesn't nor couldn't like me all that much. But patient as He is, He continues to encourage me, and reassure me of His acceptance and approval.
A few years ago, He reminded me that all this is based on Jesus and not on myself. And that it was actually sin for me to doubt this love and acceptance of His. That being said, I still have to be reminded of this lesson on a regular basis. And I am truly grateful for His long-suffering in this area with me.
This week was no exception. I have this kinda performance mentality, you know how we think when things are hard or going wrong then I must be displeasing God in some way. He's sending those lightening bolts again!! But God had other ideas for my thinking and He came with a series of visits with His reassurance again !!
So here is the list and the order in which they came.
1) A couple of days ago, I went to my index card file and the one for the day was "And this is my beloved daughter in whom I am well pleased." This is based on Matt 3:17. I once read that since we are in Jesus, and when the Father pronounced this over Him, He was also pronouncing it over us. He sees us in Jesus.
2) Yesterday's "31 Days of Praise" was all about my robe of righteousness, given to me by the Lord. The Scripture verse being Isaiah 61:10 I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For He has dressed me in the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels.
3) And from "Enjoying the Closeness of God" (Roger C. Palms) I was up to the chapter on....God smiling ! In it spoke of the fact that many people, because they have trials and troubles think that God is not "smiling" on them. But the author reminded us that Jesus Himself went through much suffering and God was certainly pleased with Him. In fact, Isaiah 53:3 calls Jesus, "a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief". The absence or presence of tribulation is by no means an indicator of God's pleasure with us.
4) My book mark was on a page it shouldn't have been in "31 Days of Praise" (Ruth and Warren Meyers). But of course it was exactly where God wanted it. The big, bold Scripture verse taking up most of the page where my book mark lay was: Ps. 103:10-13 He does not punish us for all our sins, He does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For His unfailing love for those who fear Him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from as us as the east is from the west. The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear Him.
5) And then back to today's reading from "31 Days of Praise" "You accepted me in Your beloved Son, welcoming me into the everlasting love you have for Him...and now as Your child, You take me into Your arms and tell me that You love me." I can say this myself, making these words my own, because my heavenly Father is doing just that right now. There is even a beautiful poem included in the reading adapted from "A Mind at Perfect Peace" by Catesby Pagent.
Near, so very near to You
Nearer I could not be,
For in the Person of Your Son
I'm just as near as He!
Dear, so very dear to You,
I could not dearer be;
The love wherewith You loved
Your Son,
Such is Your love for me!
I thank the Lord for His infinite patience with me. And I am so grateful for His love. Time and time again He holds me, whispering His love toward me, His unsure child. Tender and compassionate, loving and merciful. What an awesome God we serve. He loves me. He accepts me and smiles at me. And He is smiling at you as well dear reader. He knows we are not perfect, will make mistakes and missteps. But that doesn't change Him and the way He looks at us. And His love does not depend on us.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Robe of righteousness
My old robe is so comfortable. I've had it for years. Its warm and cozy, a pretty blue shade that I love to wrap around me and snuggle in. As I read today's (actually I read yesterdays by "mistake" haha) devotion in "31 Days of Praise", I came across the phrase from Scripture "robe of righteousness", and I felt the Lord's prompting question--"What sins and bad habits do I cling to because they are comfortable?"
Of course one of the first things that come to mind is my bad eating habits. Because even though they are making me sick, I still use food for comfort and receive pleasure from eating the things that are not good for me. Both of these responses are temporary, but, ugh, that is a whole other topic LOL. Other things come to mind, like not following the Holy Spirit's promptings to do the right thing, say the right thing, not say the wrong thing...It is more comfortable to follow the crowd than risk rejection and ridicule. More comfortable to stay in the old robe than to walk in the beautiful new one Jesus has given me.
I love when God visits with these little questions geared toward spurring me on to higher living. And while change does not come overnight, slowly, steadily like a wave of the ocean creating a beautiful piece of sea glass that you collect from the shore, the Lord washes me, and tumbles me around (and some days it really does feel like I went through the washing machine !!) so that I become more like Jesus, more the treasure He designed me to be. I become His masterpiece, created in Jesus for good works.
Lord, change me. I want Jesus to be seen in me.
Is 61:10 I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God ! For He has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels.
My old robe is so comfortable. I've had it for years. Its warm and cozy, a pretty blue shade that I love to wrap around me and snuggle in. As I read today's (actually I read yesterdays by "mistake" haha) devotion in "31 Days of Praise", I came across the phrase from Scripture "robe of righteousness", and I felt the Lord's prompting question--"What sins and bad habits do I cling to because they are comfortable?"
Of course one of the first things that come to mind is my bad eating habits. Because even though they are making me sick, I still use food for comfort and receive pleasure from eating the things that are not good for me. Both of these responses are temporary, but, ugh, that is a whole other topic LOL. Other things come to mind, like not following the Holy Spirit's promptings to do the right thing, say the right thing, not say the wrong thing...It is more comfortable to follow the crowd than risk rejection and ridicule. More comfortable to stay in the old robe than to walk in the beautiful new one Jesus has given me.
I love when God visits with these little questions geared toward spurring me on to higher living. And while change does not come overnight, slowly, steadily like a wave of the ocean creating a beautiful piece of sea glass that you collect from the shore, the Lord washes me, and tumbles me around (and some days it really does feel like I went through the washing machine !!) so that I become more like Jesus, more the treasure He designed me to be. I become His masterpiece, created in Jesus for good works.
Lord, change me. I want Jesus to be seen in me.
Is 61:10 I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God ! For He has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels.
Resolutions
A wise friend once told me he doesn't use the New Year to make resolutions for himself like most people do. Instead, he prefers to use his birthday as the day to focus on the positive changes he wants to make in his life. It's the time of your own "New Year", is the way he looked at it. And this year for some reason the Lord brought this conversation to my remembrance and the idea resonated within me. I hadn't thought about his words in years, but this year on my 51st birthday they came back to me.
Recently, I was thinking about the new direction God wanted me to focus on for the upcoming New Year. Every year the Lord gives me specific areas He wants to work on in my life. Last year was the quality of mercy. (Still working on it !!!) And this year I could feel the Lord impressing on me His desire for me to be consistent. And this was to start on Dec. 5, my birthday, not Jan. 1 the celebrated New Year.
So here I go. Off on another quest for growth. Another voyage of evolution and hopefully maturation so that when I look in the mirror at the end of my 51st year I will see more of Jesus looking back at me.
Lord, thank You for the work You continually desire to do in us. Thank You that You never stop helping us grow and change. Please do the work in me that You desire. Help me to let go of the things that hinder and reach for the things that will make me soar!!
Friday, December 6, 2013
God visits.
Yesterday was my birthday. I had so many wonderful birthday wishes from so many people who love and care about me. My God visits on my birthday came thru each one of you who took a moment to think about me and send birthday wishes and blessings. I am really so very blessed. Thank you all. And thank You Lord.
Yesterday was my birthday. I had so many wonderful birthday wishes from so many people who love and care about me. My God visits on my birthday came thru each one of you who took a moment to think about me and send birthday wishes and blessings. I am really so very blessed. Thank you all. And thank You Lord.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Busyness or fruitfulness?
That is the question I heard in my heart as I was reading an article from the "In Touch" devotional. The study was titled "Faith In Works" and the caption for it read "If your deeds feel more like hard labor, find power and purpose through the Holy Spirit.
In the opening paragraphs it referenced Luke 13:10-17. This is the account of Jesus healing the woman who had been bent over for 18 years. I pictured the scene: Jesus in the temple, it was the Sabbath. People all around, listening to Him teach. And then this woman walks in, and He zeroes in on her. He could have continued teaching, ignoring her completely. Or He could have just waited til He was done with His speaking, and then focused on her. But no. He stopped what He was doing and made her the center of His attention. And He met her need. He healed her. And that is the difference between busyness and fruitfulness.
It got me to thinking, how much of my time is spent merely busy. Is what I am doing being done with the attitude to honor God? To be a blessing? Or is it just to get things done, do my Christian duty. When God looks at me does He see fruitfulness? Jesus took time to care for people. What am I caring for? Is it pride in my accomplishments for the day? "Look at this 'to do' list and how many items I crossed off it today. Whohoo! Yaay me!"
I want God to look at me and see fruit. I think if I am focusing on honoring Him, doing the good works that He prepared for me beforehand, not what I think I should do then I will be fruitful and fulfilled and peaceful. And He will be glorified. This seems to be dovetailing with the recent discoveries of being who God designed me to be. I seem to be learning about this a lot lately. I hope through these post you dear reader are too. That in your life you are seeing where God is leading you. And feeling the joy and peace of being the YOU he created.
All this from one little question that God visited me with....Thank You Lord for these little nudges in our spirits. We really need them. Let Your will be done in my life and in all our lives, that You may receive the glory and honor from the fruit produced.
That is the question I heard in my heart as I was reading an article from the "In Touch" devotional. The study was titled "Faith In Works" and the caption for it read "If your deeds feel more like hard labor, find power and purpose through the Holy Spirit.
In the opening paragraphs it referenced Luke 13:10-17. This is the account of Jesus healing the woman who had been bent over for 18 years. I pictured the scene: Jesus in the temple, it was the Sabbath. People all around, listening to Him teach. And then this woman walks in, and He zeroes in on her. He could have continued teaching, ignoring her completely. Or He could have just waited til He was done with His speaking, and then focused on her. But no. He stopped what He was doing and made her the center of His attention. And He met her need. He healed her. And that is the difference between busyness and fruitfulness.
It got me to thinking, how much of my time is spent merely busy. Is what I am doing being done with the attitude to honor God? To be a blessing? Or is it just to get things done, do my Christian duty. When God looks at me does He see fruitfulness? Jesus took time to care for people. What am I caring for? Is it pride in my accomplishments for the day? "Look at this 'to do' list and how many items I crossed off it today. Whohoo! Yaay me!"
I want God to look at me and see fruit. I think if I am focusing on honoring Him, doing the good works that He prepared for me beforehand, not what I think I should do then I will be fruitful and fulfilled and peaceful. And He will be glorified. This seems to be dovetailing with the recent discoveries of being who God designed me to be. I seem to be learning about this a lot lately. I hope through these post you dear reader are too. That in your life you are seeing where God is leading you. And feeling the joy and peace of being the YOU he created.
All this from one little question that God visited me with....Thank You Lord for these little nudges in our spirits. We really need them. Let Your will be done in my life and in all our lives, that You may receive the glory and honor from the fruit produced.
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