Deuteronomy 31:8 "Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you."
Isaiah 41:10 Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
God has established a relationship with me. God gives us assurance of His strength, help and victory over sin and death.
Psalm 121 I look up to the mountains--does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, He who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. The Lord Himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.
From me:
Wow. What powerful and uplifting verses. And after the, bad news after bad news after bad news, kind of week I am having, it's certainly no coincidence that the Lord would lead me to Mom's journal entry on encouragement. God has a way of visiting when and how we least expect it!
I think of life, this twisting, turning, up one mountain, down one valley and back again journey we are on and realize we have no idea what the futures holds, how our days will unfold, good or bad....yet in Deuteronomy we are told the Lord goes ahead of us. He's already there! And not just in this life on planet Earth. Just this past weekend we celebrated Easter. Jesus has preceded us into death and resurrection, into everlasting life. He goes before us.
It is God's hand that hold us. And His strength never fails. As I said, it's been a week of bad news....death, sickness, injury, financial blows....sometimes it feels as if the rain will never stop falling....yet in and through it all He is holding my hand. And His hand always comes lifted up in victory!
Sometimes, you read a Scripture over and over again. Its almost like it becomes, (and I say this not in a disrespectful way) common. And then that same Scripture is brought to your eyes again...and all of a sudden it's as if you hear it, see it and feel it anew. And that is how I felt when I read
Psalm 121 today. It felt new and fresh, alive....and I really needed that. I love the verse...The Lord Himself watches over you! He doesn't send a substitute...no emissary ....HIMSELF....He is watching over all of my life. Every part. Every hurt. Every joy. Every minute. Every day. Nothing escapes His notice. Nothing is outside of His loving plans. Nothing is wasted. Nothing is left to chance.
Lord, thank You for Your care. Thank You that we can trust You, even in the dark. I don't know why things happen as they do. And sometimes things that come our way really hurt. A lot. They devastate us and derail us. Please help us to keep hold of the fact that You are still in control, still loving us and working on our behalf.
Today, take these verses and encourage yourself with them....and then share that encouragement with someone else!
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
We Miss Them
I found out yesterday that an old friend went home to be with the Lord. This beautiful lady left a family that needed her. We don't always understand the Lord's timing, but we know He is good and has the best plan for our lives. This dear woman was a mighty woman of God. A prayer warrior, a woman with a heart to serve, share hospitality, teach and pass on her faith to any and all who would hear. Heaven's gain is definitely our loss in the wilderness of a world we live in. I can only imagine her reward and the joy in heaven of seeing her come home. As a young Christian I learned so much from my friend. She was a great example and teacher. As years went by, her and her family moved away and as these things happen we lost touch except for Christmas cards....but I still feel the loss in my heart. And my heart aches for her family, they need her steadying influence and servant's heart so much.
As I thought about this lose, I couldn't help by be reminded of my own Mom's passing. We miss them. Our lives keenly feel the loss of such strong influences and constant companions. There is a gaping space where they once were. Old habits of reaching out to them die hard. I still, even after 3 years occasionally look to tell my Mom something or other. The Bible tells us in 1 Thessalonians 4:13: And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. This verse does not tell us we don't grieve at all. But in our grief is that kernel of hope. A steadfast belief, a security and assurance that death is not the end of our relationships. There is more to come. Our time together has just been interrupted for a while!
As I moved further away from the losses of 2013, my dog, my cat, and especially and most deeply, my Mom, I started thinking how far away from them I was feeling. I thought of my Dad, lost in 1990....My heart felt panicky, as if I was losing them completely. But the Lord comforted me in with the words, "You are not getting further away from them, but closer to the day you will be reunited with them." What a joy! That seed of hope lived in my heart, and bore the fruit of peace and comfort.
I contemplated the loss of this friend this morning, and how her daughter must be feeling. And the thought came to me (hmmmm, the Holy Spirit maybe), that our loved ones live on in our lives. Yes, we have our memories, photos, maybe some keepsakes....but it's more than that. For me it's finding myself using some of my Dad's sayings....I hear his words come from my mouth...."take two they're small." Or if you listened to my Mom, you would hear her say I had his attitude! (and she was not always thrilled with that. LOL) Then there is the fact that the song, "The Old Rugged Cross," is a favorite of mine. It was my Mom's, as well as my Grandmother's. Love for this old hymnn has been passed down through the generations. Perhaps you handle a situation as your parents did, or maybe it's certain mannerisms you have in common. A family favorite recipe that you cook. You may see them in your child's face. All these things tell us our loved ones are still with us, never far from our lives and hearts.
Our God is so good. He really does bring comfort in the saddest of times. And I pray for this family who is passing through the low valley of death and grief right now. I know the Lord will be faithful to hold them to Himself. I pray that this entry brings peace, comfort and a reminder of hope to anyone who is suffering the heartache of loss right now. God is here for you. He never leaves, even when our dearest ones do.
Thank You Lord.
As I thought about this lose, I couldn't help by be reminded of my own Mom's passing. We miss them. Our lives keenly feel the loss of such strong influences and constant companions. There is a gaping space where they once were. Old habits of reaching out to them die hard. I still, even after 3 years occasionally look to tell my Mom something or other. The Bible tells us in 1 Thessalonians 4:13: And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. This verse does not tell us we don't grieve at all. But in our grief is that kernel of hope. A steadfast belief, a security and assurance that death is not the end of our relationships. There is more to come. Our time together has just been interrupted for a while!
As I moved further away from the losses of 2013, my dog, my cat, and especially and most deeply, my Mom, I started thinking how far away from them I was feeling. I thought of my Dad, lost in 1990....My heart felt panicky, as if I was losing them completely. But the Lord comforted me in with the words, "You are not getting further away from them, but closer to the day you will be reunited with them." What a joy! That seed of hope lived in my heart, and bore the fruit of peace and comfort.
I contemplated the loss of this friend this morning, and how her daughter must be feeling. And the thought came to me (hmmmm, the Holy Spirit maybe), that our loved ones live on in our lives. Yes, we have our memories, photos, maybe some keepsakes....but it's more than that. For me it's finding myself using some of my Dad's sayings....I hear his words come from my mouth...."take two they're small." Or if you listened to my Mom, you would hear her say I had his attitude! (and she was not always thrilled with that. LOL) Then there is the fact that the song, "The Old Rugged Cross," is a favorite of mine. It was my Mom's, as well as my Grandmother's. Love for this old hymnn has been passed down through the generations. Perhaps you handle a situation as your parents did, or maybe it's certain mannerisms you have in common. A family favorite recipe that you cook. You may see them in your child's face. All these things tell us our loved ones are still with us, never far from our lives and hearts.
Our God is so good. He really does bring comfort in the saddest of times. And I pray for this family who is passing through the low valley of death and grief right now. I know the Lord will be faithful to hold them to Himself. I pray that this entry brings peace, comfort and a reminder of hope to anyone who is suffering the heartache of loss right now. God is here for you. He never leaves, even when our dearest ones do.
Thank You Lord.
Sunday, March 27, 2016
Saturday, March 26, 2016
He Is Risen!!
HE IS RISEN!
The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.”
The most wonderful day in Christendom. The reason we believe, and have hope. We serve a living Savior. The grave could not hold Him! Good Friday looked like sure defeat....but that was not the end of the story. He rose! And because He lives, so do we, and eternal life is ours in Jesus Christ.
God the Father had a plan. From the beginning. Genesis 3:14-15 Then the Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, you are cursed more than all animals, domestic and wild.
You will crawl on your belly, groveling in the dust as long as you live. And I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.” And that plan was for our salvation. Believe, is all He asks us to do. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. Accept His death as payment for our sins. Believe that we are forgiven, and that He is risen from the dead. He is God's son, and in Him we are adopted to be God's children.
HE IS RISEN INDEED!!
Silent Saturday
Silence. We have little clue as to what happened during the day between Jesus' death and resurrection. We are only told one thing. He wasn't inactive.
1 Peter 3:18-20 Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but He died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but He was raised to life in the Spirit. So He went and preached to the spirits in prison--those who disobeyed God long ago when God waited patiently while Noah was building his boat. Only eight people were saved from drowning in that terrible flood.
I don't know about anyone else, but that leaves me with some questions. Were these all the people that died before the flood, or just those who died in the flood? Were they given a chance to repent? Did they? Were any of the people after the flood included in this group? Guess we will have to wait til heaven to find out.
Last night at our Good Friday service we were challenged by our Pastor to meditate on what the disciples were thinking and feeling today. Confusion. Fear. Deep sorrow. What happened to the planned kingdom Jesus spoke of? He told them so many things. Perhaps a few of them might have had an inkling of what was truly going on....but they just didn't put the pieces together. Would the authorities come for them next? Were they destined for the same fate as Jesus? What were they to do now? Their lives seemed so planned and solid when Jesus was here...purposeful. What now?
Some thoughts to occupy your mind for the day!
1 Peter 3:18-20 Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but He died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but He was raised to life in the Spirit. So He went and preached to the spirits in prison--those who disobeyed God long ago when God waited patiently while Noah was building his boat. Only eight people were saved from drowning in that terrible flood.
I don't know about anyone else, but that leaves me with some questions. Were these all the people that died before the flood, or just those who died in the flood? Were they given a chance to repent? Did they? Were any of the people after the flood included in this group? Guess we will have to wait til heaven to find out.
Last night at our Good Friday service we were challenged by our Pastor to meditate on what the disciples were thinking and feeling today. Confusion. Fear. Deep sorrow. What happened to the planned kingdom Jesus spoke of? He told them so many things. Perhaps a few of them might have had an inkling of what was truly going on....but they just didn't put the pieces together. Would the authorities come for them next? Were they destined for the same fate as Jesus? What were they to do now? Their lives seemed so planned and solid when Jesus was here...purposeful. What now?
Some thoughts to occupy your mind for the day!
Friday, March 25, 2016
The Way Is Opened
Matthew 27:46 At about three o'clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" which means "My God, My God, why have You abandoned Me?"
Matthew 27:50-54 Then Jesus shouted out again, and He released His spirit. At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart, and tombs opened. The bodies of many godly men and women who had died were raised from the dead. They left the cemetery after Jesus' resurrection, went into the holy city of Jerusalem, and appeared to many people. The Roman officer and the other soldiers at the crucifixion were terrified by the earthquake and all that had happened. They said, "This man truly was the son of God!"
Matthew 27:50-54 Then Jesus shouted out again, and He released His spirit. At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart, and tombs opened. The bodies of many godly men and women who had died were raised from the dead. They left the cemetery after Jesus' resurrection, went into the holy city of Jerusalem, and appeared to many people. The Roman officer and the other soldiers at the crucifixion were terrified by the earthquake and all that had happened. They said, "This man truly was the son of God!"
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Good Friday
Bloodied, broken, forced to carry His own Cross. It must have seemed like an eternity to Jesus, this day of horror. Would this day never end? Paraded before one audience then another, forced to endure false accusations, beatings, ridicule. Can you imagine the pain of hearing the people you created, those you love so dearly, crying out for your death? "Crucify Him," they shouted. Each step Jesus took, carried Him closer to the place of death, Golgotha. Each step motivated by love. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. (Hebrews 12:2). We were His joy. We were His reason. Our sin the need that took Him down the road leading outside the walls of Jerusalem. I've heard it said that love held Him to the Cross even more than the nails. And all I can say is "Thank You." Nothing we can do, nothing we have to offer can ever repay the debt of the Cross.
Luke 23:32-38 Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with Him. When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed Him to the Cross. And the criminals were also crucified--one on His right and one on His left. Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing. And the soldiers gambled for His clothes by throwing dice. The crowd watched and the leaders scoffed. "He saved others," they said, "let Him save Himself if He is really God's Messiah, the Chosen One." The soldiers mocked Him, too, by offering Him a drink of sour wine. They called out to Him, "If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself! A sign was fastened above Him with these words: "This is the King of the Jews."
Luke 23:44-47 By this time, it was about noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o'clock. The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle. Then Jesus shouted, "Father, I entrust My Spirit into Your hands!" And with those words He breathed His last. When the Roman officer overseeing the execution saw what had happened, he worshiped god and said, "Surely this man was innocent."
Thank You. The words seem in no way enough. Eternity is not enough time to offer my gratitude. Jesus I love You. Thank You.
Luke 23:32-38 Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with Him. When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed Him to the Cross. And the criminals were also crucified--one on His right and one on His left. Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing. And the soldiers gambled for His clothes by throwing dice. The crowd watched and the leaders scoffed. "He saved others," they said, "let Him save Himself if He is really God's Messiah, the Chosen One." The soldiers mocked Him, too, by offering Him a drink of sour wine. They called out to Him, "If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself! A sign was fastened above Him with these words: "This is the King of the Jews."
Luke 23:44-47 By this time, it was about noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o'clock. The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle. Then Jesus shouted, "Father, I entrust My Spirit into Your hands!" And with those words He breathed His last. When the Roman officer overseeing the execution saw what had happened, he worshiped god and said, "Surely this man was innocent."
Thank You. The words seem in no way enough. Eternity is not enough time to offer my gratitude. Jesus I love You. Thank You.
Holy Thursday
This time of year we turn our focus to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Most churches have had this as their central theme in sermons, teachings....there are special services, seder suppers. Most devotionals will have this as their featured studies. It is a beautiful, moving, joyful time of year for us as Christians. Good Friday service is probably my favorite of the year. It brings to mind the depth of love my God had for me, reminds me of the cost of my sinful rebellion and the incredible lengths my Creator went to to restore our relationship. Feelings of gratitude for this selfless, horrific, and life-giving sacrifice are stirred up anew. Instead of penning my personal God visits today, I would just like to share from His Word, the wonderful culmination of God's visit to this earth almost 2000 years ago.
Luke 22:14-20 When the time came, Jesus and the apostles sat down together at the table. Jesus said, "I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins. For I tell you now that I won't eat this meal again until the Kingdom of God has come." He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then He broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you . do this to remember me." After supper He took another cup of wine and said, "This cup is the new covenant between God and His people--an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you."
Luke 22:39-45 The, accompanied by the disciples, Jesus left the upstairs room and went as usual to the Mount of Olives. There He told them, "Pray that you will not give in to temptation. He walked away, about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, "Father, if You are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want Your will to be done, not mine. Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened Him. He prayed more fervently, and He was in such agony of spirit that His sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood. At last He stood up again and returned to the disciples, only to find them asleep, exhausted from grief. "Why are you sleeping?" He asked them. "Get up and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation."
As the day and night progresses, we see Jesus betrayed, arrested, interrogated, beaten, denied, and humiliated. And innocent man, the Creator of the universe, and of each and every one of us....suffering for our rebellion, our rejection of Him. Imagine your own child rejected you. Basically spitting in your face and walking away from you. That is what we did as humans to our God. And yet He still loved us. Still wanted us to be restored to Him. Eternal life, eternal peace, eternal joy once again could be ours. And the plan was in motion to make that happen. His capacity to love and forgive is beyond anything we could imagine.
Luke 22:14-20 When the time came, Jesus and the apostles sat down together at the table. Jesus said, "I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins. For I tell you now that I won't eat this meal again until the Kingdom of God has come." He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then He broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you . do this to remember me." After supper He took another cup of wine and said, "This cup is the new covenant between God and His people--an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you."
Luke 22:39-45 The, accompanied by the disciples, Jesus left the upstairs room and went as usual to the Mount of Olives. There He told them, "Pray that you will not give in to temptation. He walked away, about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, "Father, if You are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want Your will to be done, not mine. Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened Him. He prayed more fervently, and He was in such agony of spirit that His sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood. At last He stood up again and returned to the disciples, only to find them asleep, exhausted from grief. "Why are you sleeping?" He asked them. "Get up and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation."
As the day and night progresses, we see Jesus betrayed, arrested, interrogated, beaten, denied, and humiliated. And innocent man, the Creator of the universe, and of each and every one of us....suffering for our rebellion, our rejection of Him. Imagine your own child rejected you. Basically spitting in your face and walking away from you. That is what we did as humans to our God. And yet He still loved us. Still wanted us to be restored to Him. Eternal life, eternal peace, eternal joy once again could be ours. And the plan was in motion to make that happen. His capacity to love and forgive is beyond anything we could imagine.
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Walking Free
I was blessed by a dear friend with tickets to see Joel Osteen on Friday night. There were originally 9 of us going....and people were dropping like flies! For one reason or another, people were unable to go, including my husband who was still pretty sick. I myself, had awoke that morning, queasy and not feeling quite 100%. A couple of people who had dropped out were replaced by others who were able to attend. I figure God had exactly who He wanted there for exact time and that exact message. So nine dwindled to seven and off we all went to see this very upbeat, inspirational speaker.
The night begins with music, and then Joel speaking a few words, more music, a short teaching by his wife, Victoria, and so on until the main message and altar call. But for me, it was almost the first sentence from Joel that hit home. I knew that the Lord was speaking directly to my heart in the words he said. Joel said that this was going to be the year of acceleration and that those who have been fighting addiction were going to be set free. The seeds were planted, and freedom was to be the fruit!
I've been free from drugs and alcohol for almost twenty-two years, cigarettes for almost twenty-one. But that doesn't mean I've been free from addiction. Food, especially junk food, coffee....these became my socially "acceptable" addictions of choice. And I've battled them for many years....usually only having success in short bursts. I also believe complaining has become an addiction for me as well. I have often chronicled here my struggles and successes in that area and the fact that I know the Lord wants me to eliminate that from my life.
For approximately the last six weeks, I have been walking in victory over these first two addictions (and to varying degrees of success the complaining as well.) I've had a few slips, but when I do the Lord reminds me physically....I literally feel horrible....that He does not want me overdoing it in either food or coffee any longer. It took getting a very uncomfortable stomach bug to accelerate breaking the addiction chains...but the Bible says that the Lord uses all things for our good! For me, coffee was a stress relief, an enjoyable treat. But it was also an enslavement and I was dependent on it to wake up, stay up, feel up. Food seemed to fill some unknown, unnamed empty space inside that really only the Lord is meant to fill. One problem is I have a medical condition which coffee, overeating, and unhealthy food choices, exacerbates and for which they can also lead to some very serious other conditions. But the main problem is substituting these items for God in my life, letting them control me instead of being led by the Holy Spirit.
When Joel spoke those words Friday night, it was as if the Lord put the picture together for me. He wants my freedom, He wants me healthy, probably even more than I do. His deliverance was at hand. Am I still struggling with cravings....yes. But when I am experiencing them, I am making it a habit to cry out to the Lord, and cry out and cry out and cry out until the hunger and longing pass. I believe it will take some time for me to not think about food and coffee as my go-to companions, both were like best friends to me, and it's funny I can still remember the depression and sense of loss I felt when I gave up my other "friends" (alcohol, drugs, cigarettes)...it's the same feeling now. But I want the Lord to be that best friend. Him to be my constant and much craved companion. And each time I succeed, the feeling of joyous victory is oh so sweet and feels me with gratitude. God is so good.
I pray that every time I get off track the Lord will lead me back on in what ever way He has too. I want to be healthy to run my race, to complete His course for my life, and do the good works He has planned for me. And I want this entry to be an encouragement to you too dear friends and readers, The Lord wants your freedom as well. And YES YOU CAN!! We don't rely on our own strength (for I would surely fail), but on HIS.
Lord, help us to step out of the prisons we live in. You have opened the door through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. This week we celebrate Your death and resurrection....our addictions, as well as our sins died on the Cross with You, Jesus. And when You walked out of the grave, alive and glorified, we too were raised to new life. Help us to walk in that new life, to leave the enslavement of addiction behind and walk onto the path of deliverance and freedom You desire to lead us on. There are so many forms of addiction, but all take us away from You. Help us to put You, and not substances, habits, people, things...whatever, on the throne of our hearts and lives. you promise to never leave nor forsake us. Thank You. You are the great deliverer. The healer.
The Lord is telling you right now, He wants to heal you, to set you free....what are those areas you need to walk away from in your life? What addictions do you put in the place of God? Pray and walk in His answers. And before you put it aside, YES, this message is for YOU!
Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.
Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.
Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.
1 Corinthians 9:24 Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training to to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.
Romans 6:1-4 Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of His wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined Him in His death. For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we may live new lives.
The night begins with music, and then Joel speaking a few words, more music, a short teaching by his wife, Victoria, and so on until the main message and altar call. But for me, it was almost the first sentence from Joel that hit home. I knew that the Lord was speaking directly to my heart in the words he said. Joel said that this was going to be the year of acceleration and that those who have been fighting addiction were going to be set free. The seeds were planted, and freedom was to be the fruit!
I've been free from drugs and alcohol for almost twenty-two years, cigarettes for almost twenty-one. But that doesn't mean I've been free from addiction. Food, especially junk food, coffee....these became my socially "acceptable" addictions of choice. And I've battled them for many years....usually only having success in short bursts. I also believe complaining has become an addiction for me as well. I have often chronicled here my struggles and successes in that area and the fact that I know the Lord wants me to eliminate that from my life.
For approximately the last six weeks, I have been walking in victory over these first two addictions (and to varying degrees of success the complaining as well.) I've had a few slips, but when I do the Lord reminds me physically....I literally feel horrible....that He does not want me overdoing it in either food or coffee any longer. It took getting a very uncomfortable stomach bug to accelerate breaking the addiction chains...but the Bible says that the Lord uses all things for our good! For me, coffee was a stress relief, an enjoyable treat. But it was also an enslavement and I was dependent on it to wake up, stay up, feel up. Food seemed to fill some unknown, unnamed empty space inside that really only the Lord is meant to fill. One problem is I have a medical condition which coffee, overeating, and unhealthy food choices, exacerbates and for which they can also lead to some very serious other conditions. But the main problem is substituting these items for God in my life, letting them control me instead of being led by the Holy Spirit.
When Joel spoke those words Friday night, it was as if the Lord put the picture together for me. He wants my freedom, He wants me healthy, probably even more than I do. His deliverance was at hand. Am I still struggling with cravings....yes. But when I am experiencing them, I am making it a habit to cry out to the Lord, and cry out and cry out and cry out until the hunger and longing pass. I believe it will take some time for me to not think about food and coffee as my go-to companions, both were like best friends to me, and it's funny I can still remember the depression and sense of loss I felt when I gave up my other "friends" (alcohol, drugs, cigarettes)...it's the same feeling now. But I want the Lord to be that best friend. Him to be my constant and much craved companion. And each time I succeed, the feeling of joyous victory is oh so sweet and feels me with gratitude. God is so good.
I pray that every time I get off track the Lord will lead me back on in what ever way He has too. I want to be healthy to run my race, to complete His course for my life, and do the good works He has planned for me. And I want this entry to be an encouragement to you too dear friends and readers, The Lord wants your freedom as well. And YES YOU CAN!! We don't rely on our own strength (for I would surely fail), but on HIS.
Lord, help us to step out of the prisons we live in. You have opened the door through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. This week we celebrate Your death and resurrection....our addictions, as well as our sins died on the Cross with You, Jesus. And when You walked out of the grave, alive and glorified, we too were raised to new life. Help us to walk in that new life, to leave the enslavement of addiction behind and walk onto the path of deliverance and freedom You desire to lead us on. There are so many forms of addiction, but all take us away from You. Help us to put You, and not substances, habits, people, things...whatever, on the throne of our hearts and lives. you promise to never leave nor forsake us. Thank You. You are the great deliverer. The healer.
The Lord is telling you right now, He wants to heal you, to set you free....what are those areas you need to walk away from in your life? What addictions do you put in the place of God? Pray and walk in His answers. And before you put it aside, YES, this message is for YOU!
Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.
Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.
Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.
1 Corinthians 9:24 Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training to to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.
Romans 6:1-4 Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of His wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined Him in His death. For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we may live new lives.
Thursday, March 17, 2016
No Good Deed...
No good deed goes unpunished....that's the old saying anyway, right? On the surface, a good deed I did this morning seemed to live up to the old adage. But God.....
My husband isn't feeling so good today, so I decided that I would run to the corner store and pick up his newspapers so he wouldn't have to go out. Nice wife, right. LOL So, off I go on my errand of kindness. The morning was bright with sunshine, and damp with dew on the car windows. Of course I would never actually take the time to wipe them off....nope, not me. Instead, I did what any normal, rushed person would do. I rolled the windows down via the push button electric window open/closer thingy. And yes, you guessed one of my back windows decided that going back up was not an option! I now have a half open window in the backseat of my car. Lucky me !!
Normally this would just be a minor annoyance, but I have to do quite a bit of driving today. Hmmmm, not the best timing. So of course, my first initial reaction....."Oh great. Just great Lord! Why does this stuff always happen to me at the most inopportune moments! This is the pits....." You get the picture. And then I stopped. Right there, right then....just stopped that well worn path of thinking in my brain. I changed direction. I said, "Okay Lord. You are still good. I trust You." Now, I felt none of that. My emotions were still in turmoil. But onward with my mission of mercy I went, determined not to complain.
So here's the great part....By the time I got out of the store with the papers, I felt at peace. My emotions had caught up with my determination and I could honestly praise the Lord and know that this was not something to lose my peace over. A verse I heard yesterday comes to mind. 1 Peter 3:11 Search for peace and work to maintain it. It felt so much better to not be all riled up inside, all agitated and upset....God visit! I could either let this little blip of a problem color the day with anger and annoyance or I could continue to let God paint His joyful version of this day in my life. I'm opting for the latter! It's amazing how the Lord was turning this "problem" into an amazing blessing and sweet lesson for me, and hopefully for others as well.
And just to keep the God visits going, I sit down at my desk to share this experience with you guys and my eyes drew upward to the verse I've had hanging on my wall for many years. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11) You know, I almost never do my blog at the desk. I usually do all my "God time," studying, praying, blogging....all from the comfy cozy position of sitting on my bed, usually joined by at least one cat. Quite the fortuitous change in habit that was. Our heavenly Father is quite the author of "coincidence." LOL
I'm thinking choosing this peace thing over allowing anger and frustration to rule my heart is a pretty great idea! I highly recommend it. Will I do it all the time? Hmmmm, that remains to be seen...but I sure want it to become my "go to," natural response.
Thank You Lord, for Your patient teaching. Thank You for the fruit You bear in my life. It's rewarding and a blessing to see it. Lord, help each of us to trust You more today.
In what circumstance do you need to praise the Lord today when complaining and bitterness have been your normal reaction to this specific circumstance? Try it ! And keep trying it! !
My husband isn't feeling so good today, so I decided that I would run to the corner store and pick up his newspapers so he wouldn't have to go out. Nice wife, right. LOL So, off I go on my errand of kindness. The morning was bright with sunshine, and damp with dew on the car windows. Of course I would never actually take the time to wipe them off....nope, not me. Instead, I did what any normal, rushed person would do. I rolled the windows down via the push button electric window open/closer thingy. And yes, you guessed one of my back windows decided that going back up was not an option! I now have a half open window in the backseat of my car. Lucky me !!
Normally this would just be a minor annoyance, but I have to do quite a bit of driving today. Hmmmm, not the best timing. So of course, my first initial reaction....."Oh great. Just great Lord! Why does this stuff always happen to me at the most inopportune moments! This is the pits....." You get the picture. And then I stopped. Right there, right then....just stopped that well worn path of thinking in my brain. I changed direction. I said, "Okay Lord. You are still good. I trust You." Now, I felt none of that. My emotions were still in turmoil. But onward with my mission of mercy I went, determined not to complain.
So here's the great part....By the time I got out of the store with the papers, I felt at peace. My emotions had caught up with my determination and I could honestly praise the Lord and know that this was not something to lose my peace over. A verse I heard yesterday comes to mind. 1 Peter 3:11 Search for peace and work to maintain it. It felt so much better to not be all riled up inside, all agitated and upset....God visit! I could either let this little blip of a problem color the day with anger and annoyance or I could continue to let God paint His joyful version of this day in my life. I'm opting for the latter! It's amazing how the Lord was turning this "problem" into an amazing blessing and sweet lesson for me, and hopefully for others as well.
And just to keep the God visits going, I sit down at my desk to share this experience with you guys and my eyes drew upward to the verse I've had hanging on my wall for many years. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11) You know, I almost never do my blog at the desk. I usually do all my "God time," studying, praying, blogging....all from the comfy cozy position of sitting on my bed, usually joined by at least one cat. Quite the fortuitous change in habit that was. Our heavenly Father is quite the author of "coincidence." LOL
I'm thinking choosing this peace thing over allowing anger and frustration to rule my heart is a pretty great idea! I highly recommend it. Will I do it all the time? Hmmmm, that remains to be seen...but I sure want it to become my "go to," natural response.
Thank You Lord, for Your patient teaching. Thank You for the fruit You bear in my life. It's rewarding and a blessing to see it. Lord, help each of us to trust You more today.
In what circumstance do you need to praise the Lord today when complaining and bitterness have been your normal reaction to this specific circumstance? Try it ! And keep trying it! !
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Breathe
Less than two hours sleep. That's how much rest I got Saturday night into Sunday morning. Ugh. My day ahead was overfilled with activity. And now I had gotten very little, and very unsatisfactory sleep that night. And top that off with the fact that just before I went to "bed" Saturday night, my phone decides to die. Yup. pretty green/pink/black sparkly screen that fades to white and is absolutely useless! Wonderful!! Now I have to fit getting a new phone into my day and my finances! I have a feature on my phone that allows me to use it as a gentle alarm clock. So added to this already fabulous (not!) night/morning was the fact I now had to use the regular blaring, blast you out of a sound sleep, make your heart race, alarming, alarm clock! So needless to say, I was not really looking forward to this day. Sunday, it's supposed to be a day of rest, sweet fellowship with the family of God, time to restore my spirit, mind and body....ha, didn't look like the day would live up to that ideal. But God......
I drag myself out of bed, head straight for the coffee, do my few morning chores and hit the shower. Off I go to try and trap a feral cat at the colony of cats I help care for. He needed to be neutered so as not to reproduce and exacerbate an already sad overpopulation of homeless and helpless cats living on the streets. I get in the car, thinking of course, of all the things I have to do, going over the list, the time for each thing.....turn on the radio and there's God.....I see Him reaching down to me and just loving me! Out of the speakers comes the djs voice with that wonderful verse we all love so much, Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purposes for them. Perfect timing. Perfect God. Perfect Love. He is so awesome. And then the song Breathe comes on. LOL God's little sense of humor, just giving me some laughter and fatherly advice. He is so cool. Then the dj comes back on and says he took a phone call that morning from a gentleman asking "how do you know exactly the right song to put on at the exact right time?" My sentiments exactly! The dj laughed and explained that he told the caller it was, of course, not him but God who knows precisely who needs to hear what and when they need to hear it. How many times have I written here about the Lord doing just that for me. And this morning was no exception. My heavenly Father was there, bringing comfort, strength and His all encompassing love to my crazy day.
Well, I get to the colony, set the traps and wouldn't you know it this cat practically walks right into the trap!! Wow....that was amazingly easy. I think we can all guess who is in control here! I pick up my now not to happy, trapped friend and take him to his holding place to await his spay/neuter appointment....which a fellow cat person graciously offered to take him to....yaaay one less thing I have to do in an overcrowded week ! Thanks Jenny! On to Bible study for me....I love our study at church and even though I have a bazillion things on the to do list this Sunday I really don't want to miss it. And as usual I am glad to have been there.
We are finishing up Exodus and some of the talk centered around Moses' face and how he been effected (or is it affected??? don't know myself LOL) by being in God's presence. How Moses spoke to God face to face, as a friend, but couldn't look directly at Him as it is too much for any man to see God and live. Well, I couldn't stay for service, I had a Bridal Shower for my soon to be niece in law to go to. She's a lovely young woman who is going to make a great addition to our family. Anyways, I also had to stop for a phone and wrapping paper and wrap the gift (I usually don't wait til the last minute like this!!) So missing service was not a happy thing for me, but a must do on this busy day. I got in the car and drove off to my many errands when lo and behold I look up. In the sky was a muted sun....grayish white clouds had dampened it's glow some, but still it shone through the center of those clouds. a soft creamy yellow-white orb, it's rays beaming all around so strongly that you could see them. The first thought that came to my head was that of Moses, seeing only the back of God's glory...just a taste. And I felt as if I was driving in the Lord's presence....I felt so loved and I knew He was in charge of this day and had it all worked out for me. Sleep or no sleep. A thousand to dos or not....He was there for me the whole day, loving and leading, my strengthener and my comforter.
How truly blessed we are to be His children. I know that sometimes we have to do this life strictly on faith. Our eyes and hearts don't always see His hand upon our days and our circumstances. But then there are other days, if we just open our hearts a little wider, believe a little more, beyond ourselves, we see His care and love falling all around us.
Thank You Lord for Your amazing, always surrounding love and tender caring for us. Lord, help us to see You more and to never forget that You are always there, whether we see or not. Help us to trust more, believe more, walk in faith....and let You lead the way. Thank You again for Your help and many visits Sunday. I in no way could do this life without You, nor would I want to.
Pray today, for an open heart and eyes that see through faith. As you go through the day, jot down any instances, no matter how tiny, you see God's help, correction, comfort....and encourage yourself with the fact that He is loving you all day, every day.
I drag myself out of bed, head straight for the coffee, do my few morning chores and hit the shower. Off I go to try and trap a feral cat at the colony of cats I help care for. He needed to be neutered so as not to reproduce and exacerbate an already sad overpopulation of homeless and helpless cats living on the streets. I get in the car, thinking of course, of all the things I have to do, going over the list, the time for each thing.....turn on the radio and there's God.....I see Him reaching down to me and just loving me! Out of the speakers comes the djs voice with that wonderful verse we all love so much, Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purposes for them. Perfect timing. Perfect God. Perfect Love. He is so awesome. And then the song Breathe comes on. LOL God's little sense of humor, just giving me some laughter and fatherly advice. He is so cool. Then the dj comes back on and says he took a phone call that morning from a gentleman asking "how do you know exactly the right song to put on at the exact right time?" My sentiments exactly! The dj laughed and explained that he told the caller it was, of course, not him but God who knows precisely who needs to hear what and when they need to hear it. How many times have I written here about the Lord doing just that for me. And this morning was no exception. My heavenly Father was there, bringing comfort, strength and His all encompassing love to my crazy day.
Well, I get to the colony, set the traps and wouldn't you know it this cat practically walks right into the trap!! Wow....that was amazingly easy. I think we can all guess who is in control here! I pick up my now not to happy, trapped friend and take him to his holding place to await his spay/neuter appointment....which a fellow cat person graciously offered to take him to....yaaay one less thing I have to do in an overcrowded week ! Thanks Jenny! On to Bible study for me....I love our study at church and even though I have a bazillion things on the to do list this Sunday I really don't want to miss it. And as usual I am glad to have been there.
We are finishing up Exodus and some of the talk centered around Moses' face and how he been effected (or is it affected??? don't know myself LOL) by being in God's presence. How Moses spoke to God face to face, as a friend, but couldn't look directly at Him as it is too much for any man to see God and live. Well, I couldn't stay for service, I had a Bridal Shower for my soon to be niece in law to go to. She's a lovely young woman who is going to make a great addition to our family. Anyways, I also had to stop for a phone and wrapping paper and wrap the gift (I usually don't wait til the last minute like this!!) So missing service was not a happy thing for me, but a must do on this busy day. I got in the car and drove off to my many errands when lo and behold I look up. In the sky was a muted sun....grayish white clouds had dampened it's glow some, but still it shone through the center of those clouds. a soft creamy yellow-white orb, it's rays beaming all around so strongly that you could see them. The first thought that came to my head was that of Moses, seeing only the back of God's glory...just a taste. And I felt as if I was driving in the Lord's presence....I felt so loved and I knew He was in charge of this day and had it all worked out for me. Sleep or no sleep. A thousand to dos or not....He was there for me the whole day, loving and leading, my strengthener and my comforter.
How truly blessed we are to be His children. I know that sometimes we have to do this life strictly on faith. Our eyes and hearts don't always see His hand upon our days and our circumstances. But then there are other days, if we just open our hearts a little wider, believe a little more, beyond ourselves, we see His care and love falling all around us.
Thank You Lord for Your amazing, always surrounding love and tender caring for us. Lord, help us to see You more and to never forget that You are always there, whether we see or not. Help us to trust more, believe more, walk in faith....and let You lead the way. Thank You again for Your help and many visits Sunday. I in no way could do this life without You, nor would I want to.
Pray today, for an open heart and eyes that see through faith. As you go through the day, jot down any instances, no matter how tiny, you see God's help, correction, comfort....and encourage yourself with the fact that He is loving you all day, every day.
Thursday, March 10, 2016
One Of Those Questions Again!
Another night at work. There always seems to be such unfairness there. Certain people seem to be taken advantage of regularly, and I can't stand watching it. So of course, I get aggravated, and of course I have something to say about it....and of course I don't always come across in the most kindly of manner. When I heard the line in that song, "and like a flood, Your mercy reigns," I was cut to the core. "Had I been merciful tonight?" I heard in my heart. And so sadly, so very, very sadly, the answer was "no."
There is nothing else to say to that. God has called us to share His mercy, and I, time and time again fail to do so. And to think how much mercy He has bestowed on me....undeserving, difficult child that I am.
But He did not leave me without hope, or comfort after these words of discipline. He truly is a good Father. The chorus opens with, "My chains are gone, I've been set free." I don't have to live with a hard, rigid heart....I've been freed from that, the prison doors are open for me to live a life of softness!
So last night I was back at work, and all the unfairness, all the same junk was going on, but my attitude was somewhat gentler. Things still need to change there....and I don't know if they ever will....but I know I will. The Holy Spirit is working on me day by day, minute by minute to create a Christ-likeness the world can see and feel.
Micah 6:8 No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what He requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
Hosea 6:6 I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.
Proverbs 3:3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Nudges
Sunday morning. Drag myself out of bed, not feeling it! And I had such a good nights sleep, I didn't want it to end! I was so comfortable, warm and cozy blankets, soft and comfy pillows...But the day awaits so up I get! I did my normal Sunday routine, bagel, coffee, get ready for church....and here is where the trouble really started. I was already a bit grumpy and tired and then I had a hundred things to carry out to the car just to leave. Really, I mean sometimes I feel like I am leaving for a two week vacation just to get out of the house for a few hours!! Bags, pocketbook, water, study books, notebook, Bible, coffee.....And I'm grousing about this...murmuring, dropping things....oh boy what a great attitude to be going to church with. LOL Thankfully, I felt the nudge to "self-correct," and the grumbly demeanor stopped quickly. That was nudge number one.
I get to church, and I am feeling more normal by now, awake and in a better frame of mind....mornings are just not my thing....but the Lord wasn't done with His advice just yet. He had one more reminder for me and it was on the front of our bulletin. "Enter His gates with thanksgiving; go into His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name." Psalm 100:4 Hmmmm, guess I missed the mark on that one.
I love little reminders like this. Nudges of correction, or help from the Holy Spirit. This morning was the help nudge. I was trying to get the morning chores out of the way before I sat down to share here, and spend time with the Lord. Feed the cats, empty the dishwasher, scoop litter, start the laundry....This morning there was some clothes to put away as well. I brought my computer inside to the bedroom where I do my study and blog, got out my materials,(coffee too!) and I knew there was just one more thing I wanted to do....what the heck was it?? And then came the nudge....thank You Holy Spirit! I had one more pile of clean laundry that needed to be put away and I wanted to take it into the bedroom with me to do just that. Helpful nudging!
God is so good. Whether its a nudge of correction, a prodding of memory, or a touch of encouragement, the Holy Spirit is always at work within to get us through our days. I pray for each of us, for a greater awareness of His Presence and His leading. Lord, lead us, let us sense Your guidance, companionship, and gentle nudging as we go through our daily routines, our struggles, our victories, the common and uncommon moments that we live in every day. I know You are with us. I know You desire to have us rely on and follow You. And I know You want to communicate with us to do so. Thank You.
How can we become more aware of the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives today? Are there special moments you've sensed, or maybe that you've missed that you can think back on now and see His hand at work?
I get to church, and I am feeling more normal by now, awake and in a better frame of mind....mornings are just not my thing....but the Lord wasn't done with His advice just yet. He had one more reminder for me and it was on the front of our bulletin. "Enter His gates with thanksgiving; go into His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name." Psalm 100:4 Hmmmm, guess I missed the mark on that one.
I love little reminders like this. Nudges of correction, or help from the Holy Spirit. This morning was the help nudge. I was trying to get the morning chores out of the way before I sat down to share here, and spend time with the Lord. Feed the cats, empty the dishwasher, scoop litter, start the laundry....This morning there was some clothes to put away as well. I brought my computer inside to the bedroom where I do my study and blog, got out my materials,(coffee too!) and I knew there was just one more thing I wanted to do....what the heck was it?? And then came the nudge....thank You Holy Spirit! I had one more pile of clean laundry that needed to be put away and I wanted to take it into the bedroom with me to do just that. Helpful nudging!
God is so good. Whether its a nudge of correction, a prodding of memory, or a touch of encouragement, the Holy Spirit is always at work within to get us through our days. I pray for each of us, for a greater awareness of His Presence and His leading. Lord, lead us, let us sense Your guidance, companionship, and gentle nudging as we go through our daily routines, our struggles, our victories, the common and uncommon moments that we live in every day. I know You are with us. I know You desire to have us rely on and follow You. And I know You want to communicate with us to do so. Thank You.
How can we become more aware of the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives today? Are there special moments you've sensed, or maybe that you've missed that you can think back on now and see His hand at work?
Sunday, March 6, 2016
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Encouragement, From Mom, Help from the Holy Spirit!
Mom found some verses in the Bible which spoke to her on God's encouragement. He is our greatest encourager, a biggest supported and always on our side!
Deuteronomy 31:8 Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you.
Isaiah 41:10 Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
God has established a relationship with me. God gives us assurance of His strength, help and victory over sin and death.
Psalm 121 I look to the mountains--does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, He who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. The Lord Himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go both now and forever.
Be encouraged!!
From me:
These simple verses, so much depth of love in them. I can sense the Lord's deep, abiding longing to stand by and to care for His children. Yesterday I was listening to Joyce Meyer's podcast as I jogged and she gave a definition for the word help that came out of The Daniel Webster original 1828 dictionary. I will share some of it here. It has such a deeper, more intimate meaning than we give the word HELP credit for in our modern day language. Her teaching was on the Holy Spirit. It's funny how today I decide on a Mom entry speaking on encouragement, while yesterday I heard a teaching on the Holy Spirit as our helper! LOL God visit!! I love the circle of focus God creates. His encouragement, His help, His Presence, and His care surround us as we keep ourselves in Him.
HELP, verb transitive A regular verb; the old past tense and participle holp and holpen being obsolete.
1. To aid; to assist; to lend strength or means towards effecting a purpose; as, to help a man in his work; to help another in raising a building; to help one to pay his debts; to help the memory or the understanding. 2. To assist; to succor; to lend means of deliverance; as, to help one in distress; to help one out of prison. 3. To relieve; to cure, or to mitigate pain or disease. 4. To remedy; to change for the better. 5. To prevent; to hinder. 6. To forbear; to avoid.
To help forward, to advance by assistance. To help on, to forward; to promote by aid. To help out, to aid in delivering from difficulty, or to aid in completing a design.
To help over, to enable to surmount; as, to help one over a difficulty. To help off, to remove by help; as, to help off time. [Unusual.] To help to, to supply with; to furnish with.
HELP, verb intransitive To lend aid; to contribute strength or means. To help out, to lend aid; to bring a supply.
HELP, noun Aid; assistance; strength or means furnished towards promoting an object, or deliverance from difficulty or distress.
Give us help from trouble; for vain is the help of man. Psalms 60:11.
1. That which gives assistance; he or that which contributes to advance a purpose.
God is a very present help in time of trouble. Psalms 46:1.
2. Remedy; relief. The evil is done; there is no help for it. There is no help for the man; his disease is incurable.
3. A hired man or woman; a servant.
I did not include the whole of this, but you can see the magnitude and added dimension Mr. Webster gives the word HELP. And this is the help the Lord provides!! This is the encouragement the Lord gives!!
Lord, thank You for being ever present in our lives. Sometimes we can't feel that, we doubt You are here, doubt Your love and distrust Your care. Help us to stand on Your Word, and not be led by our feelings or circumstances. It's so hard for us sometimes, but let Your promises be our encouragement. Thank You. Help us believe.
We all need encouragement. Can we let God work through us today to be an encouragement and a help to someone else? How can we stay in that encouragement ourselves?
Deuteronomy 31:8 Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you.
Isaiah 41:10 Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
God has established a relationship with me. God gives us assurance of His strength, help and victory over sin and death.
Psalm 121 I look to the mountains--does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, He who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. The Lord Himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go both now and forever.
Be encouraged!!
From me:
These simple verses, so much depth of love in them. I can sense the Lord's deep, abiding longing to stand by and to care for His children. Yesterday I was listening to Joyce Meyer's podcast as I jogged and she gave a definition for the word help that came out of The Daniel Webster original 1828 dictionary. I will share some of it here. It has such a deeper, more intimate meaning than we give the word HELP credit for in our modern day language. Her teaching was on the Holy Spirit. It's funny how today I decide on a Mom entry speaking on encouragement, while yesterday I heard a teaching on the Holy Spirit as our helper! LOL God visit!! I love the circle of focus God creates. His encouragement, His help, His Presence, and His care surround us as we keep ourselves in Him.
HELP, verb transitive A regular verb; the old past tense and participle holp and holpen being obsolete.
1. To aid; to assist; to lend strength or means towards effecting a purpose; as, to help a man in his work; to help another in raising a building; to help one to pay his debts; to help the memory or the understanding. 2. To assist; to succor; to lend means of deliverance; as, to help one in distress; to help one out of prison. 3. To relieve; to cure, or to mitigate pain or disease. 4. To remedy; to change for the better. 5. To prevent; to hinder. 6. To forbear; to avoid.
To help forward, to advance by assistance. To help on, to forward; to promote by aid. To help out, to aid in delivering from difficulty, or to aid in completing a design.
To help over, to enable to surmount; as, to help one over a difficulty. To help off, to remove by help; as, to help off time. [Unusual.] To help to, to supply with; to furnish with.
HELP, verb intransitive To lend aid; to contribute strength or means. To help out, to lend aid; to bring a supply.
HELP, noun Aid; assistance; strength or means furnished towards promoting an object, or deliverance from difficulty or distress.
Give us help from trouble; for vain is the help of man. Psalms 60:11.
1. That which gives assistance; he or that which contributes to advance a purpose.
God is a very present help in time of trouble. Psalms 46:1.
2. Remedy; relief. The evil is done; there is no help for it. There is no help for the man; his disease is incurable.
3. A hired man or woman; a servant.
I did not include the whole of this, but you can see the magnitude and added dimension Mr. Webster gives the word HELP. And this is the help the Lord provides!! This is the encouragement the Lord gives!!
Lord, thank You for being ever present in our lives. Sometimes we can't feel that, we doubt You are here, doubt Your love and distrust Your care. Help us to stand on Your Word, and not be led by our feelings or circumstances. It's so hard for us sometimes, but let Your promises be our encouragement. Thank You. Help us believe.
We all need encouragement. Can we let God work through us today to be an encouragement and a help to someone else? How can we stay in that encouragement ourselves?
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Relax
"Relax and enjoy the journey in My Presence." and "You are on the right path." These two sentences from "Jesus Calling" have felt like a breathtaking sunrise coming up in my heart. I spend so much time fighting the journey, doubting my every step, chafing under many of my circumstances that I forget the One who has designed this journey, who goes before me and stands along side, has written every page of my life in a loving and purposeful fashion. Nothing has escaped His notice, nothing is outside of His wonderful, hopeful plan for me.
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." His plans. Not mine. Good plans. Hopeful. Fruit bearing, God glorifying, being a blessing, plans!!
Now, maybe at one time or another some of us have heard this verse, and even agreed with it....but taking it with us as we walk through our days of jobs, dishes, aches, pains, sick kids, difficult co-workers, failed marriages, too little sleep, disappointments, minor and major disasters....we tend to lose sight of it. I know I do. What I love about this type of God visit is the Lord's never ending patience and love that brings it to the forefront of my mind again. Making it new all over again, illuminating the darkness of my tired heart.
Then our heavenly Father goes even further and loops this truth with another He has been filling my thoughts with....JOY. The reference verse for this day's devotional was Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. But my eyes zeroed in on verses 1-3 Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey His laws and search for Him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil and they walk only in His paths. Stay on the path!! Do not follow the path of the world, the path of your best friend, your brother or sister, mother or father. Do not go off on your own....Stay on God's path for you. Each step in truth.
What a encouraging visit this was. I have some disappointments lately, feeling a little left out and rejected....so I needed to hear this, needed to know God wasn't leaving me out, He has a better and more personal plan for me than what I thought I should be doing. Do I still hurt over not being included? Yes, some. But I know God has a reason and I am at peace with that. I am on His path and actually, it's been a blessing!
What's your path today? Watch for the next step, not the next mile! It's less overwhelming and most of the time all the Lord wants us to do.
Lord thank You for the path You have made for me. Help me not to veer to the right or to the left of following You. I know the plans You have for each of us is good,, whether we can see clearly or not, whether we feel it or not. Even if everything in us, all human logic says no way, can't be this, it'll never work out....You plan good! Lord, give us faith.
Can you trust God with the next step on your journey today? Trust by choice, not by sight? Lets give it a try this week!
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." His plans. Not mine. Good plans. Hopeful. Fruit bearing, God glorifying, being a blessing, plans!!
Now, maybe at one time or another some of us have heard this verse, and even agreed with it....but taking it with us as we walk through our days of jobs, dishes, aches, pains, sick kids, difficult co-workers, failed marriages, too little sleep, disappointments, minor and major disasters....we tend to lose sight of it. I know I do. What I love about this type of God visit is the Lord's never ending patience and love that brings it to the forefront of my mind again. Making it new all over again, illuminating the darkness of my tired heart.
Then our heavenly Father goes even further and loops this truth with another He has been filling my thoughts with....JOY. The reference verse for this day's devotional was Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. But my eyes zeroed in on verses 1-3 Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey His laws and search for Him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil and they walk only in His paths. Stay on the path!! Do not follow the path of the world, the path of your best friend, your brother or sister, mother or father. Do not go off on your own....Stay on God's path for you. Each step in truth.
What a encouraging visit this was. I have some disappointments lately, feeling a little left out and rejected....so I needed to hear this, needed to know God wasn't leaving me out, He has a better and more personal plan for me than what I thought I should be doing. Do I still hurt over not being included? Yes, some. But I know God has a reason and I am at peace with that. I am on His path and actually, it's been a blessing!
What's your path today? Watch for the next step, not the next mile! It's less overwhelming and most of the time all the Lord wants us to do.
Lord thank You for the path You have made for me. Help me not to veer to the right or to the left of following You. I know the plans You have for each of us is good,, whether we can see clearly or not, whether we feel it or not. Even if everything in us, all human logic says no way, can't be this, it'll never work out....You plan good! Lord, give us faith.
Can you trust God with the next step on your journey today? Trust by choice, not by sight? Lets give it a try this week!
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