Yesterday I read a devotional from Charles Stanley's In Touch that spoke of the practice of procrastination. I never really think of myself as a procrastinator...I usually just plow ahead and get done what needs doing....sometimes to the extreme. But the Lord showed me something today....an area in which procrastination and making excuses (we talked of this a few entries ago) tends to be the norm for me. And that is my diet. And yes, I am going there!!
Tuesday I wrote about getting the right start to the day, something I had learned about at the Joel Osteen conference I attended earlier this year. Another thing I took from those sessions was how addictions would be broken this year. And I snatched that little phrase to myself, and planned on holding onto it for dear life! I've dealt with addiction for what feels like forever....first drugs, alcohol, cigarettes....now coffee and junk food. I am so grateful, beyond what words can express that He has delivered me from the first 3....Drugs and alcohol in 1994, cigarettes in 1995. The others...well I've had an up and down ride with them for many years. For a while I was doing pretty good, but lately have been slipping into my old habits of excess with these two monkeys.
And this is where the procrastination comes in. I have a bad habit of saying "tomorrow." "Tomorrow I will eat right. Tomorrow I will only drink two cups of coffee. Just this last snack...." I'm sure many of you know the drill. Procrastination and excuses!! Once again, the Lord is making a string of pearls for me, tying together all His direction and instructions over the last few months, using others and His Word to speak to the situations He wants corrected and dealt with in my life. I love this work of His!!
Included in the devotional was four beautiful verses from Scripture. I will include them here, so we can all stand upon their solid deliverance and power.
Galatians 5:1 So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law.
1 Peter 1:3 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know Him, the one who called us to Himself by means of His marvelous glory and excellence.
2 Corinthians 12:9 My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness. So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.
Romans 8:37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loved us.
Freedom, strength, power, victory....all ours in Christ, through Christ and for His glory. Beautiful!!
Lord, let us walk in Your strength and power. You have freed us from all sin, all bad habits, all things that weaken or can destroy us. Help us to remember this. Help us to fight to hold on to the truth and not make excuses to cling to the lies. In Jesus most precious name, Amen.
Where are you letting procrastination rob you of your victory in Christ?
Thursday, June 30, 2016
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
The Right Start
I'm not really good in the morning, as anyone who knows me can testify to. I'm grumpy, groggy, and in a bit of a fog. Sentences and words, clear thinking....none of it is my strong suit before my first cup of coffee! All that aside, I can still start the day well with Jesus. I can still set my mind in the right direction.
I used to wake up, and as sure as the alarm clock, the "to do" list would start ringing through my head. A sure fire way to add to the confusion and grumpiness I already felt. For the last few months or so, I've been waking up and after I say "good morning" to the Lord, I quote Scripture, specifically Psalm 118:24 This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Of course I change the "we" to "I." I sensed the Lord impressing the practice on me some time ago and it has become a habit. A good habit!! I need a few more of those please!
Today, I was looking for a note I thought I had taken during Sunday's sermon....and I could find the note, but not the reference, I was planning on sharing it here....but the Lord had another plan, as He sometimes does. Last week I shared with you how sometimes God points over our shoulders to a specific Scripture we come across as we study and read the Bible with Him. Today He did the same with my notes....pointed out something I had written months ago as what He wanted to say today, to me and to you guys....a good morning God visit for us all! A reminder on starting the day in the right frame of mind!
We went to see Joel Osteen back in March and something he said about how to give a right start to the day hit home in my heart . So often we wake up feeling overwhelmed as thoughts of piles of chores, and stacks of problems flood our minds. We see only the confusing maze of worries, obstacles, and difficulties, fearing we will never find our way through. We forget that we face none of this alone. We neglect to grab the hand of our Savior before our feet hit the floor, and we try to walk through that maze of daily living alone. Of course we are overwhelmed, depressed, or at our wits end! I've done it a thousand times myself. Who wants to even get out of bed with that kind of mindset! Ugh, turn off the alarm, turn over and pull the covers over out heads!!!
Back to the good stuff Joel said....He explained how we are not to start the day in neutral. That is, don't just wake up and sit there empty, waiting to be filled by whatever thoughts drop into our head. The enemy (Satan) loves nothing better than to fill vacant spaces with negativity, helping you to rehash your problems and worries before you even get out of bed....put a dark cloud over the whole day right then and there! Instead, Joel explained, we are to decidedly point our faith in the right direction (upward to our loving heavenly Father), start with a grateful attitude and put on our garment of praise. How hard is it to say in the morning...."Thank You Lord for being with me this day, I believe You have it handled, whatever comes. You are good and loving, and I praise You." Honestly, it takes all of a few seconds and it at least gets us started in a positive direction. It takes only a small decision on our part to turn the course of our minds. Harder of course, is keeping it turned throughout the day...but I want to at least start off good! LOL
What a great reminder for me, hopefully for you too today. A great "good morning God visit!"
Lord, help us to start each day with our minds on You. On Your goodness, Your care, and Your love. Lord, help us to make the decision to believe upward! Lord, maybe we will struggle through the day, but we are not alone. And You have good plans for each of us. Help us to grab hold of Your hand this morning and follow You through our day. Set of minds on You.
Make a habit of starting the day with praise, gratitude and faith.
Isaiah 61:3 To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”
I used to wake up, and as sure as the alarm clock, the "to do" list would start ringing through my head. A sure fire way to add to the confusion and grumpiness I already felt. For the last few months or so, I've been waking up and after I say "good morning" to the Lord, I quote Scripture, specifically Psalm 118:24 This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Of course I change the "we" to "I." I sensed the Lord impressing the practice on me some time ago and it has become a habit. A good habit!! I need a few more of those please!
Today, I was looking for a note I thought I had taken during Sunday's sermon....and I could find the note, but not the reference, I was planning on sharing it here....but the Lord had another plan, as He sometimes does. Last week I shared with you how sometimes God points over our shoulders to a specific Scripture we come across as we study and read the Bible with Him. Today He did the same with my notes....pointed out something I had written months ago as what He wanted to say today, to me and to you guys....a good morning God visit for us all! A reminder on starting the day in the right frame of mind!
We went to see Joel Osteen back in March and something he said about how to give a right start to the day hit home in my heart . So often we wake up feeling overwhelmed as thoughts of piles of chores, and stacks of problems flood our minds. We see only the confusing maze of worries, obstacles, and difficulties, fearing we will never find our way through. We forget that we face none of this alone. We neglect to grab the hand of our Savior before our feet hit the floor, and we try to walk through that maze of daily living alone. Of course we are overwhelmed, depressed, or at our wits end! I've done it a thousand times myself. Who wants to even get out of bed with that kind of mindset! Ugh, turn off the alarm, turn over and pull the covers over out heads!!!
Back to the good stuff Joel said....He explained how we are not to start the day in neutral. That is, don't just wake up and sit there empty, waiting to be filled by whatever thoughts drop into our head. The enemy (Satan) loves nothing better than to fill vacant spaces with negativity, helping you to rehash your problems and worries before you even get out of bed....put a dark cloud over the whole day right then and there! Instead, Joel explained, we are to decidedly point our faith in the right direction (upward to our loving heavenly Father), start with a grateful attitude and put on our garment of praise. How hard is it to say in the morning...."Thank You Lord for being with me this day, I believe You have it handled, whatever comes. You are good and loving, and I praise You." Honestly, it takes all of a few seconds and it at least gets us started in a positive direction. It takes only a small decision on our part to turn the course of our minds. Harder of course, is keeping it turned throughout the day...but I want to at least start off good! LOL
What a great reminder for me, hopefully for you too today. A great "good morning God visit!"
Lord, help us to start each day with our minds on You. On Your goodness, Your care, and Your love. Lord, help us to make the decision to believe upward! Lord, maybe we will struggle through the day, but we are not alone. And You have good plans for each of us. Help us to grab hold of Your hand this morning and follow You through our day. Set of minds on You.
Make a habit of starting the day with praise, gratitude and faith.
Isaiah 61:3 To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”
Friday, June 24, 2016
No Obligation
New Living Translation: Romans 8:12 Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do.
The Living Bible: So, dear brothers, you have no obligations whatever to your old sinful nature to do what it begs you to do.
The Message Bible: So don’t you see that we don’t owe this old do-it-yourself life one red cent. There’s nothing in it for us, nothing at all. The best thing to do is give it a decent burial and get on with your new life. God’s Spirit beckons. There are things to do and places to go!
New King James: Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.
King James Version: Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
Voice: So, my brothers and sisters, you owe the flesh nothing! You do not need to live according to its ways, so abandon its oppressive regime.
The Amplified: So then, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation, but not to our flesh [our human nature, our worldliness, our sinful capacity], to live according to the [impulses of the] flesh [our nature without the Holy Spirit]—
One verse, many versions. We've been doing a study of Romans in our Sunday Bible Study. One of the best things to do, in my opinion, is to study the Bible with others. I love the teaching, the interacting, getting different perspective, It's edifying and uplifting as well as educational. You can learn how others put into practice the things they learn, maybe getting some helpful hints for your own walk with the Lord. Or maybe you can actually be the one to help someone else! It unifies the body of Christ and we have a lot of laughs!
So anyway, the verse that caught my attention a couple of weeks ago was Romans 8:12. I am under no obligation to do what my sinful nature wants! Wow. I know that seems so obvious, but sometimes seeing something in print mixed with the Holy Spirit's anointing...well it just comes to life in one's heart. Often times, when studying our Bibles it's as if God is right there, looking over your shoulder as your read, and pointing to the verse He has in mind just for you, just for that moment in time. God visit!!
Well, this is the verse I am trying to remember as I go through my days. I am under no obligation to gossip, criticize, complain, overeat, be negative, prideful or any of the other things I struggle with. Some days I get it, some I don't....but thankfully the Holy Spirit continues His work in me,
One of the ways to cement things in your heart and mind is to study them. Meditating on a verse, looking it up on other versions, and finding the original meaning in the Greek or Hebrew (depending on whether you are in the Old or New Testament) are great ways to do this. For me, the modern language of the New Living Translation clarifies God's Word well for me. But I love the pictures painted by the Message.
I love God's Word. I love the way He illuminates it. It is my desire to live it out. Lord, let Your Word become alive in our hearts and lives today. Thank You for it!
Want more God visits? Open up your Bible, start reading and studying!
The Living Bible: So, dear brothers, you have no obligations whatever to your old sinful nature to do what it begs you to do.
The Message Bible: So don’t you see that we don’t owe this old do-it-yourself life one red cent. There’s nothing in it for us, nothing at all. The best thing to do is give it a decent burial and get on with your new life. God’s Spirit beckons. There are things to do and places to go!
New King James: Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.
King James Version: Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
Voice: So, my brothers and sisters, you owe the flesh nothing! You do not need to live according to its ways, so abandon its oppressive regime.
The Amplified: So then, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation, but not to our flesh [our human nature, our worldliness, our sinful capacity], to live according to the [impulses of the] flesh [our nature without the Holy Spirit]—
One verse, many versions. We've been doing a study of Romans in our Sunday Bible Study. One of the best things to do, in my opinion, is to study the Bible with others. I love the teaching, the interacting, getting different perspective, It's edifying and uplifting as well as educational. You can learn how others put into practice the things they learn, maybe getting some helpful hints for your own walk with the Lord. Or maybe you can actually be the one to help someone else! It unifies the body of Christ and we have a lot of laughs!
So anyway, the verse that caught my attention a couple of weeks ago was Romans 8:12. I am under no obligation to do what my sinful nature wants! Wow. I know that seems so obvious, but sometimes seeing something in print mixed with the Holy Spirit's anointing...well it just comes to life in one's heart. Often times, when studying our Bibles it's as if God is right there, looking over your shoulder as your read, and pointing to the verse He has in mind just for you, just for that moment in time. God visit!!
Well, this is the verse I am trying to remember as I go through my days. I am under no obligation to gossip, criticize, complain, overeat, be negative, prideful or any of the other things I struggle with. Some days I get it, some I don't....but thankfully the Holy Spirit continues His work in me,
One of the ways to cement things in your heart and mind is to study them. Meditating on a verse, looking it up on other versions, and finding the original meaning in the Greek or Hebrew (depending on whether you are in the Old or New Testament) are great ways to do this. For me, the modern language of the New Living Translation clarifies God's Word well for me. But I love the pictures painted by the Message.
I love God's Word. I love the way He illuminates it. It is my desire to live it out. Lord, let Your Word become alive in our hearts and lives today. Thank You for it!
Want more God visits? Open up your Bible, start reading and studying!
Thursday, June 23, 2016
God's Goals
Romans 8:28-29 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. For God knew His people in advance, and He chose them to become like His son, so that His Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
God has a goal for us. That goal is to become like Jesus. I have loved Romans 8:28 for a long time, like most Christians. Quoting it and clinging to it during the rough seasons of life. But it wasn't until a couple of years ago that I saw the purpose, His purpose in the "all things." Good, bad, ugly, beautiful...whatever the "things" are that invade our days, God's purpose for all of it is to create a Christlike character in us.
I need goals. I need purposes. Like I spoke about regarding the complaining habit I have. It wasn't enough to just want to stop complaining and grumbling. I needed some extra umph behind it...and the Lord provided that in the suggestion to pray for others when I felt the need to complain. I have a bit of a junk food problem. And just saying I'm not going to eat it today isn't enough to stay away from it. What I needed was a reason outside myself, a way to be a blessing through sacrifice and abstaining. And the Lord told me do it for others. Lay it down as a fast to add to my prayers for the salvation of friends and family. God has so many wonderful ideas!
One of the hardest things about struggles and hardship is to think they have no purpose. As I searched for my little cat last week, my heart was breaking, but ultimately my relationship and my walk with the Lord deepened. The Lord says "ALL THINGS" have a purpose, and that purpose is to make us like Jesus. God has goals for us on a grand scale. He also gives us goals for our daily walk. But they all are designed to create a person who glorifies Him and clearly represents Jesus to the world. From the little instructions He gives for making our bad habits into something positive and beneficial for others, to the heart rending, soul grieving situations in life that drive us to the throne, God is at work, God has purpose and it is always for good.
I like the small purposes God gave me to help clean up my life this week. I am so glad my spiritual ears were open to hear Him. I pray that more and more all of our hearts are listening. Lord, open our hearts to Your voice. There are so many voices clamoring for our attention...a lot of them negative, Lord help us to filter them out to listen for You. You give us meaning. Let us live with the knowledge of You having a good plan for us! Help us to take hold of that and never let go.
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."
Today, let us ask the Holy Spirit to renew our hearts with the knowledge that nothing escapes God's notice or His good plan. Exercise faith to believe this.
God has a goal for us. That goal is to become like Jesus. I have loved Romans 8:28 for a long time, like most Christians. Quoting it and clinging to it during the rough seasons of life. But it wasn't until a couple of years ago that I saw the purpose, His purpose in the "all things." Good, bad, ugly, beautiful...whatever the "things" are that invade our days, God's purpose for all of it is to create a Christlike character in us.
I need goals. I need purposes. Like I spoke about regarding the complaining habit I have. It wasn't enough to just want to stop complaining and grumbling. I needed some extra umph behind it...and the Lord provided that in the suggestion to pray for others when I felt the need to complain. I have a bit of a junk food problem. And just saying I'm not going to eat it today isn't enough to stay away from it. What I needed was a reason outside myself, a way to be a blessing through sacrifice and abstaining. And the Lord told me do it for others. Lay it down as a fast to add to my prayers for the salvation of friends and family. God has so many wonderful ideas!
One of the hardest things about struggles and hardship is to think they have no purpose. As I searched for my little cat last week, my heart was breaking, but ultimately my relationship and my walk with the Lord deepened. The Lord says "ALL THINGS" have a purpose, and that purpose is to make us like Jesus. God has goals for us on a grand scale. He also gives us goals for our daily walk. But they all are designed to create a person who glorifies Him and clearly represents Jesus to the world. From the little instructions He gives for making our bad habits into something positive and beneficial for others, to the heart rending, soul grieving situations in life that drive us to the throne, God is at work, God has purpose and it is always for good.
I like the small purposes God gave me to help clean up my life this week. I am so glad my spiritual ears were open to hear Him. I pray that more and more all of our hearts are listening. Lord, open our hearts to Your voice. There are so many voices clamoring for our attention...a lot of them negative, Lord help us to filter them out to listen for You. You give us meaning. Let us live with the knowledge of You having a good plan for us! Help us to take hold of that and never let go.
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."
Today, let us ask the Holy Spirit to renew our hearts with the knowledge that nothing escapes God's notice or His good plan. Exercise faith to believe this.
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Growing Faith
We've just come off this series from Mom's journal on faith. And whenever we study a certain topic, you just know that you will be tested on it. And tested I was. Sometimes, well lets face it, lots of times, I don't understand the Lord's ways. The Lord tells us in Isaiah 55:8-9 "My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts," says the Lord. And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. "For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. All I can say to that is "ain't it the truth!"
My family had one of the most heart wrenching experiences last Friday. One of my cats got out of the house and was lost. Our little Noah, who is extremely shy, even in the house with us, was now out in the big open world, alone and I'm sure terrified. And I couldn't find him. Noah loves to be petted and cuddled, but only when he is ready...otherwise he will scoot away from us when we try to approach him. So there was no way this cat was going to come to me when I called to him, especially if he was scared. The best I can figure is he, unbeknownst to me, was in this cubby space in the garage while I was in and out of there, and took it upon himself to stroll out when the door was open.
Hours of searching, traipsing in the wooded area across from my house, calling, walking to the other side of the overgrown woods, finding the smallest pathways to get through to the center of the heavily vined, jungly strip across from my home. Still nothing. And while doing all this I was praying, and crying, and praying and crying. But something amazing was happening. I was trusting. I was reminding myself of God's goodness. I even sang the simple "Jesus Loves Me" song through my sobs, knowing that He indeed did love me and His little one Noah. As I was doing all this praying, I heard strongly and clearly in my head, "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." Jeremiah 29:11.
Now, I have to say, as I was searching, everything seemed to conspire against me for finding him, or even hearing him. Children's shouts and laughter could be heard from the nearby school. It seems everyone's home needed the lawn mowed right at that moment, along with leaf blowers and of course, lots of cars coming home from work. Even the birds seemed extremely noisy and excited. I couldn't buy a quiet moment to hear my little Noah"s meows. And the devil continually whispered in my ear...."See, God is mean. Why did He let this happen? He's not hearing your prayers. He won't even make it quiet so you can hear...." Things like that. And the Holy Spirit kept reminding me that nothing separates from God's love. And He was praying for us. And He was for us. Talk about a running battle inside your head!! I am happy to say for once, God won!!
Okay, first things first, I send off a text to a dear sister and friend for prayer. I thank God for those we can go to in these times, thankful we have someone who knows and understands the anguish of our hearts. Next, off I went to borrow some traps from the kitten and cat adoption agency I help out at. As I drove to get the traps I saw this small star on one of the light poles. (They were put up to encourage local residents after a terrible storm had destroyed many homes in our area). And this star said FAITH. God is so good. All throughout this ordeal, His message and encouragement and care was shining through. And I thank God for my Director's knowledge, as she suggested getting a hot roasted chicken and putting it in the open garage to attract Noah back. So I set my traps, put the juice of the chicken by the garage door, the other part back by the cubby area where Noah feels safe and secure hiding, and I went inside to let things get quiet. As evening was approaching I continually checked the traps, nothing. My heart was breaking, yet I continued to trust (this is such a victory for me).
Sometimes in life, we go through exceptionally dark periods. Some are prolonged. Some only last a few hours but all so painful. We wonder how we can hang on. How we can continue to put one foot in front of the other. I wondered how I would continue to do life if I had to live without knowing what happened to our Noah. These are the times we have to dig in, and tenaciously cling to our knowledge that God is good. God is for us. And God is working all things our for our benefit. He is not ever against us, nor ever means us harm or evil. It's hard to remember when things seem to spiral out of control or the difficulties won't let up. But that's what faith is, and that's what faith does.
And Noah? He's fine. He came out from wherever he had hidden himself. After a couple of hours of quiet outside, I checked under the cubby area, and there he was, in the corner with the biggest, most frightened eyes I've ever seen, but safe and sound. Today he is no worse for the wear after his harrowing adventure to the outside world. He's being Noah, liking his belly rubs and cuddles on his terms. And his Mom and Dad are happy to have him home.
Faith. Lord, we need it, but so often it's hard to find in our hearts. It's hard to believe You love us and are doing the best for us when things go wrong. Help us. I know we have to choose. Give us the strength to choose faith. Help us to hear Your voice over all and any other. Lord, I pray for those who are facing troubles and hardship. I pray You will help them through. And I pray You will give them peace to face things with You. Lord, so often we don't understand and that makes it hard for us to trust. Expand our vision of You. Expand our understanding of Your love.
Today, take the verse from Jeremiah 29:11 and hold onto it whatever comes your way. Choose to believe it over everything else you see, feel and think. And for added assurance of God's sovereignty read 39-41
Job 40:1-2 Then the Lord said to Job, "Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God's critic, but do you have the answers?
My family had one of the most heart wrenching experiences last Friday. One of my cats got out of the house and was lost. Our little Noah, who is extremely shy, even in the house with us, was now out in the big open world, alone and I'm sure terrified. And I couldn't find him. Noah loves to be petted and cuddled, but only when he is ready...otherwise he will scoot away from us when we try to approach him. So there was no way this cat was going to come to me when I called to him, especially if he was scared. The best I can figure is he, unbeknownst to me, was in this cubby space in the garage while I was in and out of there, and took it upon himself to stroll out when the door was open.
Hours of searching, traipsing in the wooded area across from my house, calling, walking to the other side of the overgrown woods, finding the smallest pathways to get through to the center of the heavily vined, jungly strip across from my home. Still nothing. And while doing all this I was praying, and crying, and praying and crying. But something amazing was happening. I was trusting. I was reminding myself of God's goodness. I even sang the simple "Jesus Loves Me" song through my sobs, knowing that He indeed did love me and His little one Noah. As I was doing all this praying, I heard strongly and clearly in my head, "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." Jeremiah 29:11.
Now, I have to say, as I was searching, everything seemed to conspire against me for finding him, or even hearing him. Children's shouts and laughter could be heard from the nearby school. It seems everyone's home needed the lawn mowed right at that moment, along with leaf blowers and of course, lots of cars coming home from work. Even the birds seemed extremely noisy and excited. I couldn't buy a quiet moment to hear my little Noah"s meows. And the devil continually whispered in my ear...."See, God is mean. Why did He let this happen? He's not hearing your prayers. He won't even make it quiet so you can hear...." Things like that. And the Holy Spirit kept reminding me that nothing separates from God's love. And He was praying for us. And He was for us. Talk about a running battle inside your head!! I am happy to say for once, God won!!
Okay, first things first, I send off a text to a dear sister and friend for prayer. I thank God for those we can go to in these times, thankful we have someone who knows and understands the anguish of our hearts. Next, off I went to borrow some traps from the kitten and cat adoption agency I help out at. As I drove to get the traps I saw this small star on one of the light poles. (They were put up to encourage local residents after a terrible storm had destroyed many homes in our area). And this star said FAITH. God is so good. All throughout this ordeal, His message and encouragement and care was shining through. And I thank God for my Director's knowledge, as she suggested getting a hot roasted chicken and putting it in the open garage to attract Noah back. So I set my traps, put the juice of the chicken by the garage door, the other part back by the cubby area where Noah feels safe and secure hiding, and I went inside to let things get quiet. As evening was approaching I continually checked the traps, nothing. My heart was breaking, yet I continued to trust (this is such a victory for me).
Sometimes in life, we go through exceptionally dark periods. Some are prolonged. Some only last a few hours but all so painful. We wonder how we can hang on. How we can continue to put one foot in front of the other. I wondered how I would continue to do life if I had to live without knowing what happened to our Noah. These are the times we have to dig in, and tenaciously cling to our knowledge that God is good. God is for us. And God is working all things our for our benefit. He is not ever against us, nor ever means us harm or evil. It's hard to remember when things seem to spiral out of control or the difficulties won't let up. But that's what faith is, and that's what faith does.
And Noah? He's fine. He came out from wherever he had hidden himself. After a couple of hours of quiet outside, I checked under the cubby area, and there he was, in the corner with the biggest, most frightened eyes I've ever seen, but safe and sound. Today he is no worse for the wear after his harrowing adventure to the outside world. He's being Noah, liking his belly rubs and cuddles on his terms. And his Mom and Dad are happy to have him home.
Faith. Lord, we need it, but so often it's hard to find in our hearts. It's hard to believe You love us and are doing the best for us when things go wrong. Help us. I know we have to choose. Give us the strength to choose faith. Help us to hear Your voice over all and any other. Lord, I pray for those who are facing troubles and hardship. I pray You will help them through. And I pray You will give them peace to face things with You. Lord, so often we don't understand and that makes it hard for us to trust. Expand our vision of You. Expand our understanding of Your love.
Today, take the verse from Jeremiah 29:11 and hold onto it whatever comes your way. Choose to believe it over everything else you see, feel and think. And for added assurance of God's sovereignty read 39-41
Job 40:1-2 Then the Lord said to Job, "Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God's critic, but do you have the answers?
Thursday, June 16, 2016
WaaWaaWaa
Complaining. It's one of those really ugly habits. And I indulge in it, heck I think I live in the "whining" zone more often than not. Complaining is not a beautiful sound. It's grating. Like a creaky door or nails on a chalk board. I get this picture in my head of how we are supposed to live in Christ. A beautiful pasture, quiet, peaceful....a lovely stream meandering through it, birdsong and floral scents fill the air....looking around all is crystal and serene....and then the jackhammer!! bumpbumpbumpbumpbump....complaining! All the peace and loveliness comes to a screeching halt! Ugh.
For Lent one of the things had fasted was complaining. And I think I did pretty good, thankfully. But I seem to have fallen back into the old grumbling habit once again. And the Lord has asked me to fast it. But this time He added another super aspect to the fast. I just love His great ideas!
At my church we started a prayer chart. The Bible speaks to the early church as joining together for corporate prayer, and we wanted to follow this example. Everyone is busy, some of us work, everyone is on different schedules....this makes it difficult for us to actually all get to the church at the same time. So what we did was make a chart with different times of the day....morning, afternoon and evening hours, breaking up each day of the week into these time zones. The idea was to sign up for the slots you that be your prayer time. This way, even though we aren't physically together, we are together spiritually, coming before the throne of God for specific needs (suggestions for prayer are in the time slots of the chart) of our church, our families, and our nation.
And yesterday the Lord added to this idea for me. As I said, He asked me to fast complaining (He must really get sick of hearing me....I hate that thought, it breaks my heart that I would be an irritating sound to Him) but not only that, He said anytime I wanted to complain that I was to lift up the prayer concern of my time slot that day. What an awesome idea!! God is so smart!!
What correcting and directing God visit!! Thank You Father!
Lord, help me to have complete victory over this loathsome habit of complaining. Forgive me. I don't want to be repulsive to You in my words, or my thoughts. I want to make a beautiful sound, sweet to Your ear. And thank You for the idea to pray more! What a great way to turn a negative habit into a positive blessing. I love You Lord.
Ephesians 5:19-20 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
If you are tempted to complain today, prayer for someone instead.
For Lent one of the things had fasted was complaining. And I think I did pretty good, thankfully. But I seem to have fallen back into the old grumbling habit once again. And the Lord has asked me to fast it. But this time He added another super aspect to the fast. I just love His great ideas!
At my church we started a prayer chart. The Bible speaks to the early church as joining together for corporate prayer, and we wanted to follow this example. Everyone is busy, some of us work, everyone is on different schedules....this makes it difficult for us to actually all get to the church at the same time. So what we did was make a chart with different times of the day....morning, afternoon and evening hours, breaking up each day of the week into these time zones. The idea was to sign up for the slots you that be your prayer time. This way, even though we aren't physically together, we are together spiritually, coming before the throne of God for specific needs (suggestions for prayer are in the time slots of the chart) of our church, our families, and our nation.
And yesterday the Lord added to this idea for me. As I said, He asked me to fast complaining (He must really get sick of hearing me....I hate that thought, it breaks my heart that I would be an irritating sound to Him) but not only that, He said anytime I wanted to complain that I was to lift up the prayer concern of my time slot that day. What an awesome idea!! God is so smart!!
What correcting and directing God visit!! Thank You Father!
Lord, help me to have complete victory over this loathsome habit of complaining. Forgive me. I don't want to be repulsive to You in my words, or my thoughts. I want to make a beautiful sound, sweet to Your ear. And thank You for the idea to pray more! What a great way to turn a negative habit into a positive blessing. I love You Lord.
Ephesians 5:19-20 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
If you are tempted to complain today, prayer for someone instead.
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
No Excuses
After spending the last couple of weeks engulfed in the faith portion of my Mom's journal, I've come to know my faith needs to work out more. I so easily lose my sight of God's goodness whenever the littlest opposition rolls my way. Why? I wish I had a ready answer. But the why is not what holds me back. It's the excuses. How can I believe when...., everything seems against me, nothing works out the way I want.....blah blah blah. It becomes a downward spiral of mistrust and frustration that I have to fight my way out of just to get back to even ground. This is not where God wants me to live. And I don't want to build my house here either. One of the problems I see, for myself and maybe for you as well, is that I base my faith on how I feel that day. Feeling good physically, mentally....faith is strong and sure. Wake up feeling achy, tired, down and faith flies out the window. This too, is not God's plan. Faith stays steady when all around and inside does not.
So as I was jogging the other day, I was listening to a Joyce Meyer podcast as is my habit (and a good habit it is!) and something she said really struck a chord for me, and I don't remember the exact words but the gist of it was that change doesn't happen until the excuses go. What a insightful concept. Seems simple, right? But oh how we love to hang on to our excuses...we are so justified in our disbelief.
And this is not just applicable to exercising faith. It can be applied to any area of our lives. Live with anger? What excuses are you using to hold on to it? It's everyone else fault that I can't be happy and at peace because they do this or that or the other thing. How about gossip? Well, everyone else does it. I feel funny just walking away or not joining in. And how about the biggie....overeating (ugh!!). Just this once. I'll eat less tomorrow. I feel so down today, I need a little treat. And yes I've used all of those. LOL But I think you get what I am trying to say here. None of our bad habits, our sin, our weaknesses will every be overcome without losing the excuses first. The Bible is full of can do expressions, why aren't we using them!?!?
Philippians 4:13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
1 Corinthians 15:57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:11 The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, He will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
These are some very powerful Words. While these are general and are "right for all circumstances" Scriptures, there are many verses in the Bible that can speak to more specific areas in our lives we wish to change. It's our job to seek them out and apply them to our hearts, minds and lives. Something else Joyce mentioned: hearing, loving, receiving, obeying. That is what we must do with the Word of God. Lose the excuses for why we can't obey what we've heard from God.
Oh, I have so much work to do!! So much to let the Holy Spirit have His way in my heart! I am so thankful for progress that has been made and look forward to what the Lord will continue to change in me on the path of life. I pray that this "no excuses" visit has created a spark in your heart as it has mine.
Lord, help us to let go of any and all excuses for disobedience, unbelief, and just plain staying in place instead of moving forward with You. Let us step out of our comfortable cages of faithlessness, anger, indulgence, people pleasing...whatever prisons we have set ourselves up in and made our homes and step into the wide open plains of freedom that you would have us run and rejoice in. There are mountains to climb for sure, but the view from the top will be incredible because we will stand there with You and see the victory. No excuses!!
Examine your heart today, find one area you constantly make excuses in and find a Scripture or two or three to meditate on. Let it empower you to overcome
Romans 8:37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
So as I was jogging the other day, I was listening to a Joyce Meyer podcast as is my habit (and a good habit it is!) and something she said really struck a chord for me, and I don't remember the exact words but the gist of it was that change doesn't happen until the excuses go. What a insightful concept. Seems simple, right? But oh how we love to hang on to our excuses...we are so justified in our disbelief.
And this is not just applicable to exercising faith. It can be applied to any area of our lives. Live with anger? What excuses are you using to hold on to it? It's everyone else fault that I can't be happy and at peace because they do this or that or the other thing. How about gossip? Well, everyone else does it. I feel funny just walking away or not joining in. And how about the biggie....overeating (ugh!!). Just this once. I'll eat less tomorrow. I feel so down today, I need a little treat. And yes I've used all of those. LOL But I think you get what I am trying to say here. None of our bad habits, our sin, our weaknesses will every be overcome without losing the excuses first. The Bible is full of can do expressions, why aren't we using them!?!?
Philippians 4:13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
1 Corinthians 15:57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:11 The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, He will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
These are some very powerful Words. While these are general and are "right for all circumstances" Scriptures, there are many verses in the Bible that can speak to more specific areas in our lives we wish to change. It's our job to seek them out and apply them to our hearts, minds and lives. Something else Joyce mentioned: hearing, loving, receiving, obeying. That is what we must do with the Word of God. Lose the excuses for why we can't obey what we've heard from God.
Oh, I have so much work to do!! So much to let the Holy Spirit have His way in my heart! I am so thankful for progress that has been made and look forward to what the Lord will continue to change in me on the path of life. I pray that this "no excuses" visit has created a spark in your heart as it has mine.
Lord, help us to let go of any and all excuses for disobedience, unbelief, and just plain staying in place instead of moving forward with You. Let us step out of our comfortable cages of faithlessness, anger, indulgence, people pleasing...whatever prisons we have set ourselves up in and made our homes and step into the wide open plains of freedom that you would have us run and rejoice in. There are mountains to climb for sure, but the view from the top will be incredible because we will stand there with You and see the victory. No excuses!!
Examine your heart today, find one area you constantly make excuses in and find a Scripture or two or three to meditate on. Let it empower you to overcome
Romans 8:37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
Thursday, June 9, 2016
And Lastly, Faith
Romans 4:16-21 So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, if we have faith like Abraham's. For Abraham is the father of all who believe. That is what the Scriptures mean when God told him, "I have made you the father of many nations." This happened because Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing. Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping--believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, "That's how many descendants you will have!" And Abraham's faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead--and so was Sarah's womb. Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. he was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.
vs 17,18 Belief releases the power of God in facing challenging circumstances.
vs 20, 21 When tempted by unbelief, know God can and will do what He promises. Choose to believe especially that we are united with Jesus through His death, burial and resurrection.
When difficulties arise we must remember how much God loves us. Even when circumstances are painful we can be confident that we are held in the capable and caring hands of our heavenly Father.
Just "TRUST GOD."
Secondhand faith: After Joshua sent the people away, each of the tribes left to take possession of the land allotted to them. And the Israelites served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and the leaders who outlived him--those who had seen all the great things the Lord had done for Israel. Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of 110. They buried him in the land he had been allocated, at Timnath-serah in the hill country of Ephraim, north of Mount Gaash. After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the Lord or remember the mighty things he had done for Israel. The Israelites did evil in the Lord's sight and served the images of Baal. They abandoned the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt. They went after others gods, worshiping the gods of the people around them. And they angered the Lord.
Personalized faith: Joshua 1:8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.
How: Know God's Word, ponder on it, let it become a deep part of our life, live it, make it our own.
There is no second hand faith. Find our what God says in His Word, personalize it so that yours is a fresh, first hand faith.
From me:
Faith is challenging. Sometimes it seems almost impossible to believe anything good can or will happen. My difficulty lies in believing that God is concerned for or working out good in my life when all the little stuff piles up. That is my challenge. What's yours? I aspire to faith such as Abraham....when all looks dead, still believing. Step by step, choice by choice, I will get there. And so will you if you make faith your choice. There are circumstances in all our lives that require us to just trust. We want to fix it ourselves, worry the problem to death....like bulls in china shops were flail this way and that instead of just going forward, resting in the Lord. How much peace do we forfeit by doing that. I know when I'm on my hundredth spill for the day and there still a to do list a mile high to accomplish before work, I lose my faith that God is there, caring for and loving me, working everything for good.. I don't trust His design for my time. Many situations for many people are extremely serious and heartbreaking. But He's there in the daily complications as well as the life shaking, life changing hardships. And God is good. Through them all God is good. And God does good and has good plans for us. Trust. Just trust!
Lord help up. We struggle with this faith thing. You have planted a seed in each of us. But it is our job to nurture it by choice. Lord, give us hearts to believe, minds set on choosing trust over unbelief. Increase our faith.
vs 17,18 Belief releases the power of God in facing challenging circumstances.
vs 20, 21 When tempted by unbelief, know God can and will do what He promises. Choose to believe especially that we are united with Jesus through His death, burial and resurrection.
When difficulties arise we must remember how much God loves us. Even when circumstances are painful we can be confident that we are held in the capable and caring hands of our heavenly Father.
Just "TRUST GOD."
Secondhand faith: After Joshua sent the people away, each of the tribes left to take possession of the land allotted to them. And the Israelites served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and the leaders who outlived him--those who had seen all the great things the Lord had done for Israel. Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of 110. They buried him in the land he had been allocated, at Timnath-serah in the hill country of Ephraim, north of Mount Gaash. After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the Lord or remember the mighty things he had done for Israel. The Israelites did evil in the Lord's sight and served the images of Baal. They abandoned the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt. They went after others gods, worshiping the gods of the people around them. And they angered the Lord.
Personalized faith: Joshua 1:8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.
How: Know God's Word, ponder on it, let it become a deep part of our life, live it, make it our own.
There is no second hand faith. Find our what God says in His Word, personalize it so that yours is a fresh, first hand faith.
From me:
Faith is challenging. Sometimes it seems almost impossible to believe anything good can or will happen. My difficulty lies in believing that God is concerned for or working out good in my life when all the little stuff piles up. That is my challenge. What's yours? I aspire to faith such as Abraham....when all looks dead, still believing. Step by step, choice by choice, I will get there. And so will you if you make faith your choice. There are circumstances in all our lives that require us to just trust. We want to fix it ourselves, worry the problem to death....like bulls in china shops were flail this way and that instead of just going forward, resting in the Lord. How much peace do we forfeit by doing that. I know when I'm on my hundredth spill for the day and there still a to do list a mile high to accomplish before work, I lose my faith that God is there, caring for and loving me, working everything for good.. I don't trust His design for my time. Many situations for many people are extremely serious and heartbreaking. But He's there in the daily complications as well as the life shaking, life changing hardships. And God is good. Through them all God is good. And God does good and has good plans for us. Trust. Just trust!
Lord help up. We struggle with this faith thing. You have planted a seed in each of us. But it is our job to nurture it by choice. Lord, give us hearts to believe, minds set on choosing trust over unbelief. Increase our faith.
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Faith Rising
Heard these two songs when I got into my car for errand runs.....I'm seeing a theme here!! Enjoy and be strengthened!!
Some More Faith, From Mom
Mark 4:40 But He said to them, "Why are you so fearful? How is that you have no faith?
Mark 4:24 Then He said to them, "Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given.
Whatever things, apply this principle to every aspect of our lives. The only restrictions are that our faith be in God and in our loving Father and in alignment with His will and Word. Never, no never, doubting in our hearts.
Mark 11:24 Therefore, I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
Think on this truth -- Doubt and do without, with faith, believe and receive. Expect a miracle! Expectancy opens you life to God.
Hebrews 12:1-12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the same, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: My son do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives. If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but he for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore strengthen the hands which hand down and the feeble knees...
"Truth in Action: look at nothing but Jesus. Embrace God's training through discipline, know it produces peace and righteousness."
From me:
Mom's entry on faith is really challenging me and stirring up seeds that have been in the dark soil of my heart....sometimes we forget the early lessons, and need a fresh reminder,...and that is where I am at. Faith is easy when things are going the way we like, when our emotions are up and even...but when we sail upon the rough seas of turmoil, and difficulties, the bills pile up,the body hurts, relationships are strained, the way is unclear...that's when we so easily toss our faith aside and shout at the heavens. But it is those times when our faith is tested, refined. The Lord's discipline. We sit in the boat with Him, amid the storm...He may seem to be asleep, but He is not. The storm and the boat are in His hands, and it is exactly the rocking we need to take us from the shallow waters of human understanding and into the deep seas of His perfect will. But oh, how hard it is to sail through! I finally seemed to be getting to a more comfortable place financially lately....not great, but a little nest egg was starting to grow and then....dentist bills, household repairs, vet bill....you get the picture. And so, once again I am faced with a depleted bank account. Faith stretching 101 once again! God is in control and God is good, even when it doesn't go the way I want or think.
Lord, it is so difficult for us to have faith, to trust in what we cannot see. But help us to remember how truly good and loving You are....nothing, not any little thing in our lives is designed for our destruction or harm. You only want good for us. Increase our faith. Let us remember, the more we use it, the stronger it gets. And it's not faith in ourselves, our finances, our abilities, but in You, in Your loving care, Your wisdom and Your character....faith in who You are.
What area of your life can you start believing for today?
Mark 4:24 Then He said to them, "Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given.
Whatever things, apply this principle to every aspect of our lives. The only restrictions are that our faith be in God and in our loving Father and in alignment with His will and Word. Never, no never, doubting in our hearts.
Mark 11:24 Therefore, I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
Think on this truth -- Doubt and do without, with faith, believe and receive. Expect a miracle! Expectancy opens you life to God.
Hebrews 12:1-12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the same, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: My son do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives. If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but he for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore strengthen the hands which hand down and the feeble knees...
"Truth in Action: look at nothing but Jesus. Embrace God's training through discipline, know it produces peace and righteousness."
From me:
Mom's entry on faith is really challenging me and stirring up seeds that have been in the dark soil of my heart....sometimes we forget the early lessons, and need a fresh reminder,...and that is where I am at. Faith is easy when things are going the way we like, when our emotions are up and even...but when we sail upon the rough seas of turmoil, and difficulties, the bills pile up,the body hurts, relationships are strained, the way is unclear...that's when we so easily toss our faith aside and shout at the heavens. But it is those times when our faith is tested, refined. The Lord's discipline. We sit in the boat with Him, amid the storm...He may seem to be asleep, but He is not. The storm and the boat are in His hands, and it is exactly the rocking we need to take us from the shallow waters of human understanding and into the deep seas of His perfect will. But oh, how hard it is to sail through! I finally seemed to be getting to a more comfortable place financially lately....not great, but a little nest egg was starting to grow and then....dentist bills, household repairs, vet bill....you get the picture. And so, once again I am faced with a depleted bank account. Faith stretching 101 once again! God is in control and God is good, even when it doesn't go the way I want or think.
Lord, it is so difficult for us to have faith, to trust in what we cannot see. But help us to remember how truly good and loving You are....nothing, not any little thing in our lives is designed for our destruction or harm. You only want good for us. Increase our faith. Let us remember, the more we use it, the stronger it gets. And it's not faith in ourselves, our finances, our abilities, but in You, in Your loving care, Your wisdom and Your character....faith in who You are.
What area of your life can you start believing for today?
Thursday, June 2, 2016
Faith, From Mom, Part 3
Wait on God Continually
Hosea 12:6 So now, come back to your God. Act with love and justice, and always depend on Him.
Wait for Him....who seek Him
Lamentations 3:25: The Lord is good to those who depend on Him, to those who search for Him.
Hope, wait quietly in all circumstances
Lamentations 3:26 So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord.
...who wait...shall renew their strength
Isaiah 40:31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grown weary. They will walk and not faint.
God will be gracious...be willing to wait and hope
Isaiah 30:18 So the Lord must wait for you to come to Him so He can show you His love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for His help.
So our eyes look to the Lord, our God, until He has mercy on us.
Psalm 123:2 We keep looking to the Lord our God for His mercy, just as servants keep their eyes on their master, as a slave girl watches her mistress for the slightest signal.
Wait silently....my expectation is from Him
Psalm 62:5 Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in HIm
Declare our faith
Psalm 27 The Lord is my light and my salvation--so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident. The one thing I ask of the Lord--the thing I seek most--is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord's perfections and meditating in His temple. For He will conceal me there when troubles come; He will hide me in His sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock. Then I will hold my head high above my enemies who surround me. At His sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy, singing and praising the Lord with music. Hear me as I pray, O Lord. Be merciful and answer me! My heart has heard you say, "Come and talk with me." And my heart responds, "Lord I am coming.: Do not turn your back on me. do not reject your servant in anger. You have always been my helper. Don't leave me now; don't abandon me, O God of my salvation! Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close. Teach me how to live, O Lord. Lead me along the right path, for my enemies are waiting for me. Do not let me fall into their hands. For they accuse me of things I've never done; with every breath they threaten me with violence. Yet I am confident I will see the Lord's goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.
From me:
I think back to all the times I've read the verse in Isa 40:31, and questioned...."Where is my strength, where is my energy? I'm weary and tired and feel like I can't go another step." But today, when I look back, I realize every time, I've come through. Maybe I've quit for a while, sat down in the middle of this path through life....but I've gotten back up and started walking forward again. The Lord has answered this prayer...this cry for help and strength. That is why this speaks to my heart today...because I've come to realize the answer was there all along! God visit!
Secondly, I want to be on the look out today for the slightest of signs, the lightest touch of God's hand on my day....I think we tend to want some big, neon light kind of moment to know He is there, when He is actually in the still, small voice of our hearts, the minutest portion of our circumstance.
I am going to leave you with these Scriptures. Faith is a deep, provoking, and powerful subject. It is complex and stunningly simple at the same time. Today, I pray one or more of these Scriptures speak to you. Pray over them, take them into your heart and let it settle in. I underlined the ones that resonated with me and plan on taking them with me today. I am praying for all of us that God's beautiful Word will produce His desired work in our lives.
Pick. Pray. Meditate. Let the Holy Spirit do His work!
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