Psalm 61:1-8 O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer! From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me. Let me live forever in Your sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of Your wings! For You have heard my vows, O God. You have given me an inheritance reserved for those who fear Your Name. Add many years to the life of the king! May his years span the generations! May he reign under God's protection forever. May Your unfailing love and faithfulness watch over him. Then I will sing praises to Your Name forever as I fulfill my vows each day.
God is our shelter, a high rock, a fortified tower, a mother hen with her outstretched wings, and a pitched tent.
Pray for the Lord to have mercy and guard yourself with His truth. His truth guards us and helps us. We praise and thank Him in the Name of Jesus.
2 Chronicles 20:1-18 After this, the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites declared war on Jehoshaphat. 2 Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army from Edom is marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea. They are already at Hazazon-tamar.” (This was another name for En-gedi.) 3 Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the Lord for guidance. He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting. 4 So people from all the towns of Judah came to Jerusalem to seek the Lord’s help. 5 Jehoshaphat stood before the community of Judah and Jerusalem in front of the new courtyard at the Temple of the Lord. 6 He prayed, “O Lord, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you! 7 O our God, did you not drive out those who lived in this land when your people Israel arrived? And did you not give this land forever to the descendants of your friend Abraham? 8 Your people settled here and built this Temple to honor your name. 9 They said, ‘Whenever we are faced with any calamity such as war,[d] plague, or famine, we can come to stand in your presence before this Temple where your name is honored. We can cry out to you to save us, and you will hear us and rescue us.’ 10 “And now see what the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir are doing. You would not let our ancestors invade those nations when Israel left Egypt, so they went around them and did not destroy them. 11 Now see how they reward us! For they have come to throw us out of your land, which you gave us as an inheritance. 12 O our God, won’t you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.” 13 As all the men of Judah stood before the Lord with their little ones, wives, and children, 14 the Spirit of the Lord came upon one of the men standing there. His name was Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite who was a descendant of Asaph. 15 He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16 Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel. 17 But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!” 18 Then King Jehoshaphat bowed low with his face to the ground. And all the people of Judah and Jerusalem did the same, worshiping the Lord.
In God's hand is power and might, He is faithful. We stand in His presence and He hears our pleas. We may be powerless, not knowing what to do, but we fix our eyes on the Lord.
From me. This is one of my favorite stories in the Bible. How often in life do we feel as if everything is coming against us at once! I can't imagine Jehosaphat's terror at seeing the vast armies of these other nation....yet his eyes turned from his enemies to the Lord. And that is our example for living in the troubled waters of life on earth. Psalm 61 gives us beautiful pictures to meditate on as we make our way through trials and tribulations, trusting God's protection and purpose. What encouragement! God is faithful. We will not be shaken. We are never left on our own. We are protected and kept safe....nothing in this world can separate us from God's love. Nothing can steal our place in heaven. Nothing can take us from His hands. We have eternal protection!
Lord, keep our eyes on You, help us to wait on You, and trust You to act when You know is best, in the ways You know are best. Nothing touches our lives that You are surprised by, that You are not able to make beauty from, that will not ultimately be for our benefit and Your glory. Remind us often of Your faithfulness, that we are protected and cared for by You. Thank You.
Hang onto the promises of God, meditate on Psalm 61.
Thursday, June 27, 2019
Tuesday, June 25, 2019
Promises, from Mom
God's promise. A solemn pledge to perform or grant a specific thing. God does not have to promise anything to us, but He did. This shows His grace and faithfulness to a sinful people.
Trust God. Hebrews 9:15 That is why He is the one who mediates a new covenant between God and people, so that all who are called can receive the eternal inheritance God has promised them. For Christ died to set them free from the penalty of the sins they had committed under the first covenant.
In order to receive God's promises we must humble ourselves and seek His face. Then we can be encouraged and claim His promises. The Holy Spirit will help us. Romans 8:26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. for example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.
We claim God's promises. 2 Peter 1:3-4 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by His great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance--an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.
Before claiming a promise, check ourselves in three areas: faith, obedience, patience.
First, we must trust Jesus as our personal Savior and live on the basis of our belief in Him. Obeying God is also necessary. If we continue to disobey the Lord, then He is not obligated to fulfill His promise. 1 Peter 3:12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and His ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns His face against those who do evil. Finally, patience is another requirement. God operates on His timetable to accomplish His purposes according to His plan. Waiting on Him is necessary.
From me. God gives us many, many promises throughout His Word. They are ours to claim. stand on, wait for and cling to. Some are for the here and now, others for our eternal glory. Some of the promises were for a specific event, time or person. While there are many promises for us to take as our own, we must always remember to check the context. The one thing that is true for any and all promises from Scripture is the One who promised is faithful. God always keeps His word and we can rest in Him. It may not be in our timing, but it will be in the perfect timing.
Lord, thank You. All of Your promises in Christ true and faithful. Lord, help us to wait on Your timing, trust in Your plans, and rely on Your love. Let us hold tight to the promises You give us. You are faithful.
Corinthians 1:19-22 For Jesus Christ, the Son of God, does not waver between "Yes" and "No." He is the One whom Silas, Timothy and I preached to you, and as God's ultimate "Yes," He always does what He says. For all of God's promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding "Yes!" And through Christ, our "Amen" (which means "Yes") ascends to God for His glory. It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us, and He has identified us as His own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything He has promised to us.
Find your promises from God. Write them down where you can look at them often. Cling to them.
Trust God. Hebrews 9:15 That is why He is the one who mediates a new covenant between God and people, so that all who are called can receive the eternal inheritance God has promised them. For Christ died to set them free from the penalty of the sins they had committed under the first covenant.
In order to receive God's promises we must humble ourselves and seek His face. Then we can be encouraged and claim His promises. The Holy Spirit will help us. Romans 8:26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. for example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.
We claim God's promises. 2 Peter 1:3-4 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by His great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance--an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.
Before claiming a promise, check ourselves in three areas: faith, obedience, patience.
First, we must trust Jesus as our personal Savior and live on the basis of our belief in Him. Obeying God is also necessary. If we continue to disobey the Lord, then He is not obligated to fulfill His promise. 1 Peter 3:12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and His ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns His face against those who do evil. Finally, patience is another requirement. God operates on His timetable to accomplish His purposes according to His plan. Waiting on Him is necessary.
From me. God gives us many, many promises throughout His Word. They are ours to claim. stand on, wait for and cling to. Some are for the here and now, others for our eternal glory. Some of the promises were for a specific event, time or person. While there are many promises for us to take as our own, we must always remember to check the context. The one thing that is true for any and all promises from Scripture is the One who promised is faithful. God always keeps His word and we can rest in Him. It may not be in our timing, but it will be in the perfect timing.
Lord, thank You. All of Your promises in Christ true and faithful. Lord, help us to wait on Your timing, trust in Your plans, and rely on Your love. Let us hold tight to the promises You give us. You are faithful.
Corinthians 1:19-22 For Jesus Christ, the Son of God, does not waver between "Yes" and "No." He is the One whom Silas, Timothy and I preached to you, and as God's ultimate "Yes," He always does what He says. For all of God's promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding "Yes!" And through Christ, our "Amen" (which means "Yes") ascends to God for His glory. It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us, and He has identified us as His own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything He has promised to us.
Find your promises from God. Write them down where you can look at them often. Cling to them.
Thursday, June 20, 2019
Receive Mercy
Mercy has been the topic of reading and conversation over the last few days for me and the Lord. Merciful is something I desire to be with all my heart, but have trouble practicing. I'm a bit of a perfectionist, firstly with myself, and unfortunately that tends to extend towards other as well. I battle a critical nature on a daily basis.
I know every time I make a mistake, I don't want to be made to feel "less than," or dumb or worthless. I'm beginning to see mercy is more than just forgiveness, it's the ability to look past the mistakes and flaws of others, and let them just be human. It's overlooking mistakes and seeing the valuable person standing in front of me, be it on the job, at home, in the supermarket....wherever. And the fact is they may have not even made a mistake at all, sometimes their action is only a mistake in my eyes. Criticism and judgement do not mercy make!
But this was only part of the message the Lord was giving me. The second part just about exploded my head last night as I sat praying and studying during my lunchtime. Much like many years ago when the Lord showed me His love depended on Him and not on me, He brought me to the same place of understanding of His mercy.
I learned last night, that I really don't accept His mercy for myself. I reject it every time I feel I deserve the problems or calamities that come with life. I reject it every time I blame my past mistakes for the circumstances I live in now. I reject His gift of mercy based on my actions, my character, my choices and leave His loving heart out of the equation. I reject it every time I reject myself. Wow. Is it any wonder I have so much trouble extending mercy? I don't own it for myself and you can't give away something you don't have.
Do you reject God's mercy too? Some of us are good at showing mercy, but refuse to accept it from God or from others. Some, like me, cloak our lives in perfectionism, looking for it everywhere and only finding frustration. Either way is unbalanced and not as our Father intends.
Luke 6:36 Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.
God is merciful. He desires to give us mercy. He does give us mercy!
Psalm 116:5 Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; Yes, our God is merciful.
You can look up verse after verse after verse of the Lord's extension of mercy toward us. And He expects us to let that mercy flow to others as well.
Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?
This is quickly becoming a favorite verse. It basically sums up our walk with God. We are to love mercy. And that means for ourselves as well as for others. Humility tells us we need God's kindness, justice tells us to share kindness with others.
Lord, You never cease to amaze me with new teaching in my life. You never fail to show me the deep needs of my heart and bring Your healing touch to the wounded parts of me. Thank You. I pray that You will use this latest revelation to help others as well. I know there are many like me who feel Your mercy is not for them, they don't deserve it, they've made or make too many mistakes....Lord You are so beyond what we deserve....and I am so grateful for that. Once again, You are above all our human-ness. Thank You. Help us to receive and to share Your mercy. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Look up verses on mercy...Learn to receive and to give!
I know every time I make a mistake, I don't want to be made to feel "less than," or dumb or worthless. I'm beginning to see mercy is more than just forgiveness, it's the ability to look past the mistakes and flaws of others, and let them just be human. It's overlooking mistakes and seeing the valuable person standing in front of me, be it on the job, at home, in the supermarket....wherever. And the fact is they may have not even made a mistake at all, sometimes their action is only a mistake in my eyes. Criticism and judgement do not mercy make!
But this was only part of the message the Lord was giving me. The second part just about exploded my head last night as I sat praying and studying during my lunchtime. Much like many years ago when the Lord showed me His love depended on Him and not on me, He brought me to the same place of understanding of His mercy.
I learned last night, that I really don't accept His mercy for myself. I reject it every time I feel I deserve the problems or calamities that come with life. I reject it every time I blame my past mistakes for the circumstances I live in now. I reject His gift of mercy based on my actions, my character, my choices and leave His loving heart out of the equation. I reject it every time I reject myself. Wow. Is it any wonder I have so much trouble extending mercy? I don't own it for myself and you can't give away something you don't have.
Do you reject God's mercy too? Some of us are good at showing mercy, but refuse to accept it from God or from others. Some, like me, cloak our lives in perfectionism, looking for it everywhere and only finding frustration. Either way is unbalanced and not as our Father intends.
Luke 6:36 Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.
God is merciful. He desires to give us mercy. He does give us mercy!
Psalm 116:5 Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; Yes, our God is merciful.
You can look up verse after verse after verse of the Lord's extension of mercy toward us. And He expects us to let that mercy flow to others as well.
Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?
This is quickly becoming a favorite verse. It basically sums up our walk with God. We are to love mercy. And that means for ourselves as well as for others. Humility tells us we need God's kindness, justice tells us to share kindness with others.
Lord, You never cease to amaze me with new teaching in my life. You never fail to show me the deep needs of my heart and bring Your healing touch to the wounded parts of me. Thank You. I pray that You will use this latest revelation to help others as well. I know there are many like me who feel Your mercy is not for them, they don't deserve it, they've made or make too many mistakes....Lord You are so beyond what we deserve....and I am so grateful for that. Once again, You are above all our human-ness. Thank You. Help us to receive and to share Your mercy. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Look up verses on mercy...Learn to receive and to give!
Tuesday, June 18, 2019
In the Beginning God
I heard Ravi Zacharias speak about a friend of his who had died in a tragic accident. He told the story of the man's twelve year old son who had written a letter to some close family friends thanking them for their support and friendship. In this letter the son told about his father's favorite words in the Bible...Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning God..."
Wow. Think about those words for a moment. "In the beginning God." Sorry for the cliche, but a light bulb went off in my head when I heard these words that Sunday morning on the way to church. In the beginning God.
In the beginning of my day, God. In the beginning of ministry, God. In the beginning of a marriage, God. In the beginning of a project, God. In the beginning of a new journey, God. In the beginning of everything, God. Just like creation itself, everything in our lives should start with God.
I once heard it said that the Cross needs to be at the center of anything and everything one does. Our days and lives should start with God, end with God and have God in the center of everything, walking on earth, but keeping an eye towards the eternal. But anytime we start a new chapter, seek to step out in an unfamiliar path, make big decisions....we need to start with God. Go to Him in prayer and seek His will first.
If we are walking in the Spirit, we have wisdom and common sense to get through our day. Hearts open, ears listening we navigate the choppy, often turbulent waters of life here on earth. Do we eat cookies for dinner or salad, do I drive the speed limit or fly down the road because I'm late. Do I overspend on conveniences when I know I need to be saving money...these are where walking in the wisdom of the Spirit should be the norm for us. Our mornings should see us seeking His will and wisdom for the day ahead, "in the beginning God."
Often we are called to life altering decisions, overwhelming circumstances, new and unknown fields of ministry, and we need to remember to put God at the start of any and all steps we take, decisions we make, challenges we face. Whether we are deciding to buy a new home, start a new job, get married, embark on a missions trip, pick a church, leave a church, facing a serious illness...."in the beginning, God." He has to be the lead and start of all our days and journeys, the head of all our bigs and smalls. In Matthew 6:33 we are told: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. We are to seek God and His purposes before we do anything else.
I now love these words from Scripture as well. I can see them at the start of each new morning. What a beautiful thought as we rise from our night's rest to focus our hearts and minds on our loving Savior. To seek Him first as we enter a new day, a new endeavor or new chapter in our lives.
In the beginning God. Lord, I make You the start of my day. I make You the start of my thinking, my decisions, my words and my actions. Be the start of everything I do, be the middle and the end as well. Lord, I want nothing but to begin in You and follow where You lead. As I open my eyes in the morning, please be my first thought, and as we know that You are the alpha and the omega, be my last thought before my eyes close again at night. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Start at the beginning...with God.
Revelation 22:13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”
Wow. Think about those words for a moment. "In the beginning God." Sorry for the cliche, but a light bulb went off in my head when I heard these words that Sunday morning on the way to church. In the beginning God.
In the beginning of my day, God. In the beginning of ministry, God. In the beginning of a marriage, God. In the beginning of a project, God. In the beginning of a new journey, God. In the beginning of everything, God. Just like creation itself, everything in our lives should start with God.
I once heard it said that the Cross needs to be at the center of anything and everything one does. Our days and lives should start with God, end with God and have God in the center of everything, walking on earth, but keeping an eye towards the eternal. But anytime we start a new chapter, seek to step out in an unfamiliar path, make big decisions....we need to start with God. Go to Him in prayer and seek His will first.
If we are walking in the Spirit, we have wisdom and common sense to get through our day. Hearts open, ears listening we navigate the choppy, often turbulent waters of life here on earth. Do we eat cookies for dinner or salad, do I drive the speed limit or fly down the road because I'm late. Do I overspend on conveniences when I know I need to be saving money...these are where walking in the wisdom of the Spirit should be the norm for us. Our mornings should see us seeking His will and wisdom for the day ahead, "in the beginning God."
Often we are called to life altering decisions, overwhelming circumstances, new and unknown fields of ministry, and we need to remember to put God at the start of any and all steps we take, decisions we make, challenges we face. Whether we are deciding to buy a new home, start a new job, get married, embark on a missions trip, pick a church, leave a church, facing a serious illness...."in the beginning, God." He has to be the lead and start of all our days and journeys, the head of all our bigs and smalls. In Matthew 6:33 we are told: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. We are to seek God and His purposes before we do anything else.
I now love these words from Scripture as well. I can see them at the start of each new morning. What a beautiful thought as we rise from our night's rest to focus our hearts and minds on our loving Savior. To seek Him first as we enter a new day, a new endeavor or new chapter in our lives.
In the beginning God. Lord, I make You the start of my day. I make You the start of my thinking, my decisions, my words and my actions. Be the start of everything I do, be the middle and the end as well. Lord, I want nothing but to begin in You and follow where You lead. As I open my eyes in the morning, please be my first thought, and as we know that You are the alpha and the omega, be my last thought before my eyes close again at night. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Start at the beginning...with God.
Revelation 22:13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”
Tuesday, June 11, 2019
Righteous Wrath
We've been journeying through the the whole Bible in our Sunday morning Bible study and are up to the Prophets, both major and minor. Quite frankly, these books can be quite depressing and discouraging. They speak of God bringing or going to bring severe discipline on His wayward children Israel. And severe it was. Utter destruction and enslavement was being predicted for His rogue nation. It couldn't get any more dire than that.
But I've been noticing a few others things as well. God's discipline is always just, as is His hatred of sin. Also, there was always a remnant. There is always a promise of restoration. And this brings me great hope, as I am one that strays easily and often.
God's punishment is never malicious. His wrath at sin may be great, but there is always the eye on drawing His people back to purity and renewed relationship. There is always purpose. Sin brings about destruction of our hearts long before we see the physical manifestations of consequences. God's discipline brings justice, teaching, cleansing and hopefully, ultimately restoration to Himself.
I've have committed many a grievous sin in my life. I deeply regret many of my past choices. But I hang onto the truth of 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.
God has a purpose for Israel. And even though He sent terrible chastisement upon this nation, He did not forget them or discard them. And it is the same with you and I. We may come under His discipline for a time, but we can choose to repent and turn back to Him, restoring our relationship with our loving Father.
From Joyce Meyer, "Everything God does concerning our lives and our relationship with Him is for our good." Everything. Just like it says in Romans 8:28. Everything. And that includes punishing us for sin. Hebrews 12:11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
I've been given so much hope from this God visit. I am so encouraged to see the promise of restoration even for the most broken down, sin filled, bottom of the barrel life. I've been there. Some days it feels like I still am. There is always the promise of His arms open to receive the prodigals.
But I've been noticing a few others things as well. God's discipline is always just, as is His hatred of sin. Also, there was always a remnant. There is always a promise of restoration. And this brings me great hope, as I am one that strays easily and often.
God's punishment is never malicious. His wrath at sin may be great, but there is always the eye on drawing His people back to purity and renewed relationship. There is always purpose. Sin brings about destruction of our hearts long before we see the physical manifestations of consequences. God's discipline brings justice, teaching, cleansing and hopefully, ultimately restoration to Himself.
I've have committed many a grievous sin in my life. I deeply regret many of my past choices. But I hang onto the truth of 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.
God has a purpose for Israel. And even though He sent terrible chastisement upon this nation, He did not forget them or discard them. And it is the same with you and I. We may come under His discipline for a time, but we can choose to repent and turn back to Him, restoring our relationship with our loving Father.
From Joyce Meyer, "Everything God does concerning our lives and our relationship with Him is for our good." Everything. Just like it says in Romans 8:28. Everything. And that includes punishing us for sin. Hebrews 12:11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
I've been given so much hope from this God visit. I am so encouraged to see the promise of restoration even for the most broken down, sin filled, bottom of the barrel life. I've been there. Some days it feels like I still am. There is always the promise of His arms open to receive the prodigals.
Isaiah 49 14 Yet Jerusalem says, “The Lord has deserted us;
the Lord has forgotten us.”
15 “Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child?
Can she feel no love for the child she has borne?
But even if that were possible,
I would not forget you!
16 See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands.
Always in my mind is a picture of Jerusalem’s walls in ruins.
17 Soon your descendants will come back,
and all who are trying to destroy you will go away.
18 Look around you and see,
for all your children will come back to you.
As surely as I live,” says the Lord,
“they will be like jewels or bridal ornaments for you to display.
Lord, there is no way to thank You enough for the encouragement You give. Lord, even Your discipline is meant for our good. Give us hearts of repentance. Forgive and restore. Thank You for the fact that You love us so much that You will not leave us in our sin. In Jesus Name. Amen
Keep a short list with the Lord. Repent quickly and as often as necessary.
Thursday, June 6, 2019
In the Belly of the Whale, Part 2
The encouragement from my Father continued last week, and I believe all the different pieces of this lesson from God are meant to be viewed as a whole. So the day after the Lord showed me the whole Jonah thing, I received a one of those chain prayers in the messenger app on my phone. Now, generally I just delete that sort of thing....I'm not into those chain things, and there is always the chance that it is something malicious being sent in the form of a harmless message from a friend. But for whatever reason (God prompting, maybe lol) I opened it.
This message was sent as a prayer for healing and wholeness. What I liked about it was that it was filled with Scripture. Included in this prayer was Psalm 91, which was a sweet reminder of the shelter we have when troubles are buffeting us on every side.
I wonder if Jonah was recalling David's words as he was stuck in the belly of that old whale. Even though we may feel as if we are in the darkest of places with life's circumstances squeezing us, surrounding us and crowding out the light, we have a place of refuge....Jesus, and we will be victorious as we remain in Him.
In this prayer was also included Isaiah 55:11. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.
Last week I was given as an admonishment Isaiah 55:8-9. “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. 9 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. Can you just see the Lord bringing this all together?!?!
We may not understand the reasons for our struggles. God's ways are not our ways. Sometimes it seems like we are stranded amid the ruin in our life, some of our own making, some of forces beyond our control....all painful, all difficult. But like Jonah, we can call out to our Father for help, even if we are so far down that we can no longer see any light. Deliverance may not come instantly...I've found it usually doesn't. It may not come in the form we believe it should...I've found that to usually be the case. His thoughts are so much higher than ours. But victory will come if we keep hanging on to Jesus. His Word to us will never come back empty. Salvation comes to those who wait patiently and in faith while God is doing His work.
Lamentations 3:26 So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord. I'm beginning to think waiting quietly means maybe we need to not talk so much about how bad our problems are, it causes us to lose faith when we do that.
Lord, help us to wait on You. Not just wait, but wait well. I know You are the God who saves, who delivers, who loves and who works in us Your perfect plan. If our difficulties have come through our own making, show us so we can repent and turn to You for forgiveness and restoration. I myself have made mistakes that have caused consequences in my life. I ask that You help me to make right choices. Let me humble myself before You, submit to You and resist the temptation in my life. Lord, I just want to pray for those who feel like they can't see any way, any hope....Lord reach them, wherever they are right now. Help them to take the first step of crying out to You. I've been down to that place, to the belly of the whale...it's terrible, and my heart breaks for anyone who is there now. Lord, please help them. If they can't even pray for themselves right now, let me and those who read this be the ones to pray for them...We don't have to know one another to pray for our family in Christ. We know that You know them and You will direct our prayers in the right way. Surround us with Your love as we go through this life, storms and all...Lead us on the correct paths, help us to choose Your ways above all else and thank You that You will never leave nor forsake us. After the test comes the testimony....let us and everything we go through bring glory to Your Name. Thank You for the work You are doing, even and especially when we don't see anything. Increase our faith that we may believe that You are doing good in our lives even when things feel terrible. Feelings are not fact. Your Word is fact. Your love is fact. Lead us in the next step for today. In Jesus' saving Name. Amen.
Look for ways to praise during difficulties. And remember, you have prayers from here!
This message was sent as a prayer for healing and wholeness. What I liked about it was that it was filled with Scripture. Included in this prayer was Psalm 91, which was a sweet reminder of the shelter we have when troubles are buffeting us on every side.
1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.
3 For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
4 He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor the arrow that flies in the day.
6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
7 Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you.
8 Just open your eyes,
and see how the wicked are punished.
9 If you make the Lord your refuge,
if you make the Most High your shelter,
10 no evil will conquer you;
no plague will come near your home.
11 For he will order his angels
to protect you wherever you go.
12 They will hold you up with their hands
so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
13 You will trample upon lions and cobras;
you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!
14 The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
15 When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
16 I will reward them with a long life
and give them my salvation.”
I wonder if Jonah was recalling David's words as he was stuck in the belly of that old whale. Even though we may feel as if we are in the darkest of places with life's circumstances squeezing us, surrounding us and crowding out the light, we have a place of refuge....Jesus, and we will be victorious as we remain in Him.
In this prayer was also included Isaiah 55:11. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.
Last week I was given as an admonishment Isaiah 55:8-9. “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. 9 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. Can you just see the Lord bringing this all together?!?!
We may not understand the reasons for our struggles. God's ways are not our ways. Sometimes it seems like we are stranded amid the ruin in our life, some of our own making, some of forces beyond our control....all painful, all difficult. But like Jonah, we can call out to our Father for help, even if we are so far down that we can no longer see any light. Deliverance may not come instantly...I've found it usually doesn't. It may not come in the form we believe it should...I've found that to usually be the case. His thoughts are so much higher than ours. But victory will come if we keep hanging on to Jesus. His Word to us will never come back empty. Salvation comes to those who wait patiently and in faith while God is doing His work.
Lamentations 3:26 So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord. I'm beginning to think waiting quietly means maybe we need to not talk so much about how bad our problems are, it causes us to lose faith when we do that.
Lord, help us to wait on You. Not just wait, but wait well. I know You are the God who saves, who delivers, who loves and who works in us Your perfect plan. If our difficulties have come through our own making, show us so we can repent and turn to You for forgiveness and restoration. I myself have made mistakes that have caused consequences in my life. I ask that You help me to make right choices. Let me humble myself before You, submit to You and resist the temptation in my life. Lord, I just want to pray for those who feel like they can't see any way, any hope....Lord reach them, wherever they are right now. Help them to take the first step of crying out to You. I've been down to that place, to the belly of the whale...it's terrible, and my heart breaks for anyone who is there now. Lord, please help them. If they can't even pray for themselves right now, let me and those who read this be the ones to pray for them...We don't have to know one another to pray for our family in Christ. We know that You know them and You will direct our prayers in the right way. Surround us with Your love as we go through this life, storms and all...Lead us on the correct paths, help us to choose Your ways above all else and thank You that You will never leave nor forsake us. After the test comes the testimony....let us and everything we go through bring glory to Your Name. Thank You for the work You are doing, even and especially when we don't see anything. Increase our faith that we may believe that You are doing good in our lives even when things feel terrible. Feelings are not fact. Your Word is fact. Your love is fact. Lead us in the next step for today. In Jesus' saving Name. Amen.
Look for ways to praise during difficulties. And remember, you have prayers from here!
Tuesday, June 4, 2019
In the Belly of the Whale, Part 1
As a bookmark for my daily devotional I have an index card with three Scripture verses printed on it. The first verse is Psalm 143:8 Let me hear of Your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting You. Show me where to walk for I give myself to You. I felt this verse come to life a few days ago while I was reading the book of Jonah for our Sunday morning Bible study.
I mentioned a couple of entries ago how I was going through a rough stretch of life problems, and all the emotional and mental depression and stress that goes with the territory. Spiritually, I felt adrift. Neither here nor there, just an arid-ness of my heart. We've all been there. But God.....
Along in my reading comes Jonah. Prophet of God. The Lord actually spoke to Him! Can't get much better than that right? But Jonah wanted no part of God's message, no part of delivering it to people he believed were completely undeserving of God's mercy...so he ran. His disobedience did not end well for Jonah.
We all go through hard things in life, feel overwhelmed and drowning in our problems, but I feel pretty safe in assuming most of us have not gotten as far down as being in the belly of a whale. Picture this. Dark. Stinky. Surrounded by fish guts. Twisted up with seaweed. Slimy. Claustrophobic. Ugh!! When we are really going through life's wringer, we can feel like that...it's dark, we can't see hope. It's claustrophobic, our problems seem to close in around us, tightening and tightening.
Jonah's predicament was caused by willful disobedience. Sometimes ours are too, sometimes not. But it was Jonah's prayer while he was in the terrible place that spoke to my heart.
I mentioned a couple of entries ago how I was going through a rough stretch of life problems, and all the emotional and mental depression and stress that goes with the territory. Spiritually, I felt adrift. Neither here nor there, just an arid-ness of my heart. We've all been there. But God.....
Along in my reading comes Jonah. Prophet of God. The Lord actually spoke to Him! Can't get much better than that right? But Jonah wanted no part of God's message, no part of delivering it to people he believed were completely undeserving of God's mercy...so he ran. His disobedience did not end well for Jonah.
We all go through hard things in life, feel overwhelmed and drowning in our problems, but I feel pretty safe in assuming most of us have not gotten as far down as being in the belly of a whale. Picture this. Dark. Stinky. Surrounded by fish guts. Twisted up with seaweed. Slimy. Claustrophobic. Ugh!! When we are really going through life's wringer, we can feel like that...it's dark, we can't see hope. It's claustrophobic, our problems seem to close in around us, tightening and tightening.
Jonah's predicament was caused by willful disobedience. Sometimes ours are too, sometimes not. But it was Jonah's prayer while he was in the terrible place that spoke to my heart.
Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from inside the fish. 2 He said,
“I cried out to the Lord in my great trouble,
and he answered me.
I called to you from the land of the dead,
and Lord, you heard me!
3 You threw me into the ocean depths,
and I sank down to the heart of the sea.
The mighty waters engulfed me;
I was buried beneath your wild and stormy waves.
4 Then I said, ‘O Lord, you have driven me from your presence.
Yet I will look once more toward your holy Temple.’
5 “I sank beneath the waves,
and the waters closed over me.
Seaweed wrapped itself around my head.
6 I sank down to the very roots of the mountains.
I was imprisoned in the earth,
whose gates lock shut forever.
But you, O Lord my God,
snatched me from the jaws of death!
7 As my life was slipping away,
I remembered the Lord.
And my earnest prayer went out to you
in your holy Temple.
8 Those who worship false gods
turn their backs on all God’s mercies.
9 But I will offer sacrifices to you with songs of praise,
and I will fulfill all my vows.
For my salvation comes from the Lord alone.”
Jonah had been disobedient. He had run from God's will. We've all been there. But his focus while under God's discipline was not on his failures, not on his circumstances, but on the One who could deliver. He turned his heart to God. He didn't see his utter unworthiness as an obstacle to God's deliverance. And neither should we. We are never too far away or too deep under for our Father to reach us.
Lord, our lives sometimes feel like we are in the belly of a whale. Problems oppressive, unrelenting, hopeless. But we can believe that if You heard Jonah from the depth of the seas, You can hear us when we cry out to You. You delivered Jonah and You will deliver us. Just like Jonah, we may not like or agree with Your command, but give us the strength and the will to obey anyway. It's in obedience that we find peace and strength to face whatever life hurls our way, in obedience that we find the heart and will to turn from our sins, and in obedience that we find a place of safety in Your arms. Thank You for the examples in Your Word that we can learn and draw encouragement from. I'm so grateful to hear of Your love in this way.
Second Scripture on my index card: Psalm 119:35 Make me walk along the path of Your commands, for that is where my happiness is found. Make this Your prayer this day.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)