Addiction. It's been part of my life for over 40 years. I've successfully battled drugs and alcohol overcoming their hold on my life by the power of the Holy Spirit. And I remain grateful everyday that I do not walk with those chains any longer. They no longer call to me the way they once did. I don't here the siren song of "just one more time." any more. I do still deal with food and coffee addiction and right now they seem to be glued to my days. I feel the pull constantly to make another cup of coffee or eat when I'm not hungry, take the extra helping or add some junk food to my day. It's hard to say no. I have successes and failures, it's like a yo yo, up and down, up and down.
The difference with food and other addictions is that you cannot go cold turkey with food. You can't just stop eating! LOL The trick is to stop making the wrong choices of what and how much I put in my body. So I started reading a book by Michael L. Brown and his wife Nancy called "Breaking the Stronghold of Food." It's been thought provoking, causing my heart to respond to their words. It's also brought some insight and some decisions on my part. I can't keep fighting the food battle the way I've been. Sometimes change needs to be drastic and determined.
One of my decisions is to pick up God's Word EVERY time I feel tempted to overeat or make an extra cup of coffee. Right now, I am allowing myself to have coffee in the morning, but I've changed to 2/3rd decaf....also if I feel it is going to be a trigger, I will have to let it go completely. If anyone knows anything about fighting addiction they know that when you give something up completely it's like losing your best friend. Depression and the sense of loss can be overwhelming. And I'm going to be coupling this new plan with a lot of prayer. Praying before every morsel I eat.
My plan is to read Psalms anytime I feel the pull of my addictions. And I am excited about this path the Lord showed me. He also sent some encouraging words to add to His plan and I just love these special God visits. It's a reminder that God sees each of us, what we are going through, what we are dealing with. He sees our daily struggles and knows our life's journey and what to do at just the perfect time to build us up and keep us on course. He sees me and you as individuals. Remember, Jesus said in Matthew 10:30 "And the very hairs on your head are all numbered."
I downloaded a new Daily Bible App on my phone and for the last two days the verses have been the perfect fit. No surprise there. LOL Our Father knows exactly what we need and when we need it!
Wednesday's verse: 2 Corinthians 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Thursday's verse: 1 Corinthians 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? (I had just read this verse in the above mentioned book too!)
And today's verse because I just checked the app LOL Ephesians 3:20-21 20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
God is so good. I am always thrilled by these visits. I want to encourage with these verses as He encouraged me. Whatever you are facing today, God sees you. He is El-roi. He is the God who sees you. Genesis 16:13 Then she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees; for she said, “Have I also here seen Him who sees me?”
Lord, You see us. You are not only the God of the universe, the God of the kingdom, the God overall things with a plan for eternity, but You are also the God who sees me. You see each of us, each life moment, each part of our day, our bodies our hearts and souls....You see us, individually and personally and love and care for us as a mother caring for her child. Your heart is tender and Your touch is love. Thank You for these sweet words sent into my days. I share them prayerfully. Let them sooth and encourage hearts as they go out to do Your will Lord. I pray each of us will come to the safety of You and find our strength and comfort there. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Use the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God for any and all battles you face.
Friday, July 31, 2020
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
Don't Give Up on Prayer
Sometimes when I look at my prayer life all I see is the answer "NO" stamped over it. I have to laugh at myself because I sound like a kid saying that to a parent. "You always say 'no' Mom!!" LOL And so Sunday morning I said as much to the Lord. Why do I bother praying if you are only going to say "no" all the time? That was my question. And He answered in a big way.
A couple of Sundays ago one of our church members asked for prayer for a coworker who was looking at a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. So we prayed. And God answered. This sister in the Lord came into church Sunday morning with the awesome news that the tumor her coworker had turned out to be benign. This was unexpected but very welcome news. Praise the Lord.
So I asked, the Lord answered. He as much as said, "it's not always 'No" so don't give up on prayer." Keep on praying. Jesus told us in Luke 11:9 “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. What we seek is an answer from the Lord, and we will get that. He always answers. We may not get the answer we want, but we will always get the answer that is best and exactly what we need. Sometimes I think what I need most is an adjustment to my thinking and my priorities. LOL Psalm 6:9 The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord will answer my prayer.
We can be assured because in His Word we are given the assurance of His answering. Psalm 17:6 I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray.
A lot of times I think my prayers are more like whining and complaint. And that is not the way to come to the Lord. It's a bad habit that I need to repent of and change. I think I'll be praying about this more. LOL Hebrews 5:7 While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God. Jesus Himself came to the Father in realness, earnestness, honesty and deep reverence. Should I not do the same?
We are never to give up praying. Even if everything we ask for turns out differently. We know that God knows best, but our feelings and our desires can get in the way of remembering that.
I was and am so thankful for the miracle in my friend's coworkers life. How awesome is our God! And I'm so amazed at His reminder given in such a beautiful and encouraging way. What a wonderful, amazing God we serve.
Thank You Lord for answering our prayers and bringing healing into the person's life. We are so grateful for this. To You be all the glory. Lord, strengthen our prayer life and strengthen our faith. You always do what is right. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Pray without ceasing.
A couple of Sundays ago one of our church members asked for prayer for a coworker who was looking at a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. So we prayed. And God answered. This sister in the Lord came into church Sunday morning with the awesome news that the tumor her coworker had turned out to be benign. This was unexpected but very welcome news. Praise the Lord.
So I asked, the Lord answered. He as much as said, "it's not always 'No" so don't give up on prayer." Keep on praying. Jesus told us in Luke 11:9 “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. What we seek is an answer from the Lord, and we will get that. He always answers. We may not get the answer we want, but we will always get the answer that is best and exactly what we need. Sometimes I think what I need most is an adjustment to my thinking and my priorities. LOL Psalm 6:9 The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord will answer my prayer.
We can be assured because in His Word we are given the assurance of His answering. Psalm 17:6 I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray.
A lot of times I think my prayers are more like whining and complaint. And that is not the way to come to the Lord. It's a bad habit that I need to repent of and change. I think I'll be praying about this more. LOL Hebrews 5:7 While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God. Jesus Himself came to the Father in realness, earnestness, honesty and deep reverence. Should I not do the same?
We are never to give up praying. Even if everything we ask for turns out differently. We know that God knows best, but our feelings and our desires can get in the way of remembering that.
I was and am so thankful for the miracle in my friend's coworkers life. How awesome is our God! And I'm so amazed at His reminder given in such a beautiful and encouraging way. What a wonderful, amazing God we serve.
Thank You Lord for answering our prayers and bringing healing into the person's life. We are so grateful for this. To You be all the glory. Lord, strengthen our prayer life and strengthen our faith. You always do what is right. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Pray without ceasing.
Friday, July 24, 2020
Corrie ten Boom's Story on Forgiving...copied and pasted from the internet
Corrie Ten Boom Story on Forgiving
“It was in a church in Munich that I saw him—a balding, heavyset man in a gray overcoat, a brown felt hat clutched between his hands. People were filing out of the basement room where I had just spoken, moving along the rows of wooden chairs to the door at the rear. It was 1947 and I had come from Holland to defeated Germany with the message that God forgives.
“It was the truth they needed most to hear in that bitter, bombed-out land, and I gave them my favorite mental picture. Maybe because the sea is never far from a Hollander’s mind, I liked to think that that’s where forgiven sins were thrown. ‘When we confess our sins,’ I said, ‘God casts them into the deepest ocean, gone forever. …’
“The solemn faces stared back at me, not quite daring to believe. There were never questions after a talk in Germany in 1947. People stood up in silence, in silence collected their wraps, in silence left the room.
“And that’s when I saw him, working his way forward against the others. One moment I saw the overcoat and the brown hat; the next, a blue uniform and a visored cap with its skull and crossbones. It came back with a rush: the huge room with its harsh overhead lights; the pathetic pile of dresses and shoes in the center of the floor; the shame of walking naked past this man. I could see my sister’s frail form ahead of me, ribs sharp beneath the parchment skin. Betsie, how thin you were!
[Betsie and I had been arrested for concealing Jews in our home during the Nazi occupation of Holland; this man had been a guard at Ravensbruck concentration camp where we were sent.]
“Now he was in front of me, hand thrust out: ‘A fine message, Fräulein! How good it is to know that, as you say, all our sins are at the bottom of the sea!’
“And I, who had spoken so glibly of forgiveness, fumbled in my pocketbook rather than take that hand. He would not remember me, of course—how could he remember one prisoner among those thousands of women?
“But I remembered him and the leather crop swinging from his belt. I was face-to-face with one of my captors and my blood seemed to freeze.
“ ‘You mentioned Ravensbruck in your talk,’ he was saying, ‘I was a guard there.’ No, he did not remember me.
“ ‘But since that time,’ he went on, ‘I have become a Christian. I know that God has forgiven me for the cruel things I did there, but I would like to hear it from your lips as well. Fräulein,’ again the hand came out—’will you forgive me?’
“And I stood there—I whose sins had again and again to be forgiven—and could not forgive. Betsie had died in that place—could he erase her slow terrible death simply for the asking?
“It could not have been many seconds that he stood there—hand held out—but to me it seemed hours as I wrestled with the most difficult thing I had ever had to do.
“For I had to do it—I knew that. The message that God forgives has a prior condition: that we forgive those who have injured us. ‘If you do not forgive men their trespasses,’ Jesus says, ‘neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.’
“I knew it not only as a commandment of God, but as a daily experience. Since the end of the war I had had a home in Holland for victims of Nazi brutality. Those who were able to forgive their former enemies were able also to return to the outside world and rebuild their lives, no matter what the physical scars. Those who nursed their bitterness remained invalids. It was as simple and as horrible as that.
“And still I stood there with the coldness clutching my heart. But forgiveness is not an emotion—I knew that too. Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart. ‘… Help!’ I prayed silently. ‘I can lift my hand. I can do that much. You supply the feeling.’
“And so woodenly, mechanically, I thrust my hand into the one stretched out to me. And as I did, an incredible thing took place. The current started in my shoulder, raced down my arm, sprang into our joined hands. And then this healing warmth seemed to flood my whole being, bringing tears to my eyes.
“ ‘I forgive you, brother!’ I cried. ‘With all my heart!’
“For a long moment we grasped each other’s hands, the former guard and the former prisoner. I had never known God’s love so intensely, as I did then”
(excerpted from “I’m Still Learning to Forgive” by Corrie ten Boom. Reprinted by permission from Guideposts Magazine. Copyright © 1972 by Guideposts Associates, Inc., Carmel, New York 10512>).
“It was in a church in Munich that I saw him—a balding, heavyset man in a gray overcoat, a brown felt hat clutched between his hands. People were filing out of the basement room where I had just spoken, moving along the rows of wooden chairs to the door at the rear. It was 1947 and I had come from Holland to defeated Germany with the message that God forgives.
“It was the truth they needed most to hear in that bitter, bombed-out land, and I gave them my favorite mental picture. Maybe because the sea is never far from a Hollander’s mind, I liked to think that that’s where forgiven sins were thrown. ‘When we confess our sins,’ I said, ‘God casts them into the deepest ocean, gone forever. …’
“The solemn faces stared back at me, not quite daring to believe. There were never questions after a talk in Germany in 1947. People stood up in silence, in silence collected their wraps, in silence left the room.
“And that’s when I saw him, working his way forward against the others. One moment I saw the overcoat and the brown hat; the next, a blue uniform and a visored cap with its skull and crossbones. It came back with a rush: the huge room with its harsh overhead lights; the pathetic pile of dresses and shoes in the center of the floor; the shame of walking naked past this man. I could see my sister’s frail form ahead of me, ribs sharp beneath the parchment skin. Betsie, how thin you were!
[Betsie and I had been arrested for concealing Jews in our home during the Nazi occupation of Holland; this man had been a guard at Ravensbruck concentration camp where we were sent.]
“Now he was in front of me, hand thrust out: ‘A fine message, Fräulein! How good it is to know that, as you say, all our sins are at the bottom of the sea!’
“And I, who had spoken so glibly of forgiveness, fumbled in my pocketbook rather than take that hand. He would not remember me, of course—how could he remember one prisoner among those thousands of women?
“But I remembered him and the leather crop swinging from his belt. I was face-to-face with one of my captors and my blood seemed to freeze.
“ ‘You mentioned Ravensbruck in your talk,’ he was saying, ‘I was a guard there.’ No, he did not remember me.
“ ‘But since that time,’ he went on, ‘I have become a Christian. I know that God has forgiven me for the cruel things I did there, but I would like to hear it from your lips as well. Fräulein,’ again the hand came out—’will you forgive me?’
“And I stood there—I whose sins had again and again to be forgiven—and could not forgive. Betsie had died in that place—could he erase her slow terrible death simply for the asking?
“It could not have been many seconds that he stood there—hand held out—but to me it seemed hours as I wrestled with the most difficult thing I had ever had to do.
“For I had to do it—I knew that. The message that God forgives has a prior condition: that we forgive those who have injured us. ‘If you do not forgive men their trespasses,’ Jesus says, ‘neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.’
“I knew it not only as a commandment of God, but as a daily experience. Since the end of the war I had had a home in Holland for victims of Nazi brutality. Those who were able to forgive their former enemies were able also to return to the outside world and rebuild their lives, no matter what the physical scars. Those who nursed their bitterness remained invalids. It was as simple and as horrible as that.
“And still I stood there with the coldness clutching my heart. But forgiveness is not an emotion—I knew that too. Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart. ‘… Help!’ I prayed silently. ‘I can lift my hand. I can do that much. You supply the feeling.’
“And so woodenly, mechanically, I thrust my hand into the one stretched out to me. And as I did, an incredible thing took place. The current started in my shoulder, raced down my arm, sprang into our joined hands. And then this healing warmth seemed to flood my whole being, bringing tears to my eyes.
“ ‘I forgive you, brother!’ I cried. ‘With all my heart!’
“For a long moment we grasped each other’s hands, the former guard and the former prisoner. I had never known God’s love so intensely, as I did then”
(excerpted from “I’m Still Learning to Forgive” by Corrie ten Boom. Reprinted by permission from Guideposts Magazine. Copyright © 1972 by Guideposts Associates, Inc., Carmel, New York 10512>).
Forgiveness is a Choice
Forgiving others doesn't always come easy or naturally. Neither does loving them. Especially when someone has hurt us, offended us or abused us in a horrible way. Often, those we consider "enemies" are people that should have cared for us, loved us and shown us kindness. That's probably the hardest to forgive.
As I was scrolling through Facebook, I saw a post on the KLove radio station page that I found interesting. The poster said that when they were in the 12 Step program of Alcoholics Anonymous they learned that when you were trying to forgive someone who had harmed you, you were to pray for their good for two full weeks. After the two weeks, it would be hard to remain angry and withhold forgiveness from someone you were praying blessings over. Wow. What a concept.
I think back to Corrie ten Boom when she told the story of forgiving one of the guards at the Ravensbruck concentration camp where she and her sister were held for hiding Jews during the World War II era. I imagine her walk with the Lord and time spent in prayer prepared her for just this moment when the decision to forgive would be put to the test. And she obeyed.
I don't think many of us would have this dramatic and experience, nor have had that much horror to forgive. But we seem to be a society that embraces being offended these days. And that is grieving my heart. I think we need to be a society that learns forgiveness and embraces loving one another rather than pointing fingers and holding hatred in our hearts. Whether it's on a personal level or national level, hanging on to anger and unforgiveness only cripples our ability to be the light Jesus desires us to be. Whether it is a small slight or horrible abuse, holding onto it and burying it in our heart only poisons the holder.
Today I read a short reading on loving your husband. But I think this could apply to others as well. Maybe you don't have those ooey gooey feelings for someone. But you can choose to be a blessing, choose to treat them kindly, choose to show love to them in tangible ways. I think this God visit is just solidifying in my heart, that my life has to be made up of choices to love, choices to forgive and especially the choice to obey the Lord's voice. Jesus told us in Matthew 5:44-48 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
Wow, a pretty high standard. But I'm thinking by using the "pray for your enemies for two weeks" strategy will help in obeying Jesus' command. And in forgiving, we find freedom. In blessing others, even if we don't like them, don't love them, are angry with them....we find peace and blessing in our own hearts. I know I need this in my own life so much. I desire to be set free from anger, free from bitterness. And I firmly believe God sent these words on Facebook and in my short reading today to give me that freedom. And it's not just for me, it's for all who will follow His path.
Lord, we hold onto so much, we allow our emotions to dictate our actions, allow the unforgiveness or anger to fester in our hearts when you gave us the perfect plan for freedom. Help us make the choices based on obedience to Your Word rather than the feelings we have and harbor. Lord, whether it's to forgive another's harm, love our husbands or wives, get along with a difficult coworker, let us be in prayer for them, let us learn, through that time of prayer to choose love, choose forgiveness and choose to follow Your path for us. In following You we are set free. Lord, help us. This is not an endeavor we can accomplish in human strength. But in You and through You we are overcomers! Soften our hearts and let us be perfect just as You are perfect. Thank You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Spend some time searching your heart and see where the Lord wants you to apply this two week plan in your life.
I'm putting Corrie's forgiveness story in a separate entry if you would like to read it.
As I was scrolling through Facebook, I saw a post on the KLove radio station page that I found interesting. The poster said that when they were in the 12 Step program of Alcoholics Anonymous they learned that when you were trying to forgive someone who had harmed you, you were to pray for their good for two full weeks. After the two weeks, it would be hard to remain angry and withhold forgiveness from someone you were praying blessings over. Wow. What a concept.
I think back to Corrie ten Boom when she told the story of forgiving one of the guards at the Ravensbruck concentration camp where she and her sister were held for hiding Jews during the World War II era. I imagine her walk with the Lord and time spent in prayer prepared her for just this moment when the decision to forgive would be put to the test. And she obeyed.
I don't think many of us would have this dramatic and experience, nor have had that much horror to forgive. But we seem to be a society that embraces being offended these days. And that is grieving my heart. I think we need to be a society that learns forgiveness and embraces loving one another rather than pointing fingers and holding hatred in our hearts. Whether it's on a personal level or national level, hanging on to anger and unforgiveness only cripples our ability to be the light Jesus desires us to be. Whether it is a small slight or horrible abuse, holding onto it and burying it in our heart only poisons the holder.
Today I read a short reading on loving your husband. But I think this could apply to others as well. Maybe you don't have those ooey gooey feelings for someone. But you can choose to be a blessing, choose to treat them kindly, choose to show love to them in tangible ways. I think this God visit is just solidifying in my heart, that my life has to be made up of choices to love, choices to forgive and especially the choice to obey the Lord's voice. Jesus told us in Matthew 5:44-48 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
Wow, a pretty high standard. But I'm thinking by using the "pray for your enemies for two weeks" strategy will help in obeying Jesus' command. And in forgiving, we find freedom. In blessing others, even if we don't like them, don't love them, are angry with them....we find peace and blessing in our own hearts. I know I need this in my own life so much. I desire to be set free from anger, free from bitterness. And I firmly believe God sent these words on Facebook and in my short reading today to give me that freedom. And it's not just for me, it's for all who will follow His path.
Lord, we hold onto so much, we allow our emotions to dictate our actions, allow the unforgiveness or anger to fester in our hearts when you gave us the perfect plan for freedom. Help us make the choices based on obedience to Your Word rather than the feelings we have and harbor. Lord, whether it's to forgive another's harm, love our husbands or wives, get along with a difficult coworker, let us be in prayer for them, let us learn, through that time of prayer to choose love, choose forgiveness and choose to follow Your path for us. In following You we are set free. Lord, help us. This is not an endeavor we can accomplish in human strength. But in You and through You we are overcomers! Soften our hearts and let us be perfect just as You are perfect. Thank You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Spend some time searching your heart and see where the Lord wants you to apply this two week plan in your life.
I'm putting Corrie's forgiveness story in a separate entry if you would like to read it.
Tuesday, July 21, 2020
Pause
A few weeks ago I wrote about meditating on the word of God. I talked about setting the scene, thinking about the people present and then getting into the words being spoken, the message being taught and praying over that message to help make it a part of us. But I found more!
Sunday we sang "How Deep the Father's Love for Us" during worship at church. And as I listened to the beautiful words of this song, I thought...."wow, this would be great to meditate on!" Godly music does so much for us. It lifts us up, brings voice to our heart's thoughts and feelings, honors our God, encourages, soothes, and carries us into the Presence of our Lord. (Thank you song writers, singers, musicians, and worship teams!) Some songs tell the story of our redemption, some give voice to the amazing love of our Father or expound on His attributes. Why not use some of those lyrics and tunes to focus our hearts and minds on our God, our Savior, Redeemer and King.
Taking time to listen to a song honoring our Lord, and spending time mulling over the words of that song gives rest to our spirits. It's like a pause in your day....and with all the craziness of our lives, the world and the cluttered landscape of our minds, I think we need more of these God pauses in our day. Lyrics and music can be found all over the internet, places like YouTube have tons of Christian videos, your church hymnals are another source for this as well.
Pull apart the lyrics, match them up with Scripture, expand on what they are saying in worship to our God. Use them to broaden your heart's love of the Lord, waking you up to His Presence and Glory. What a beautiful way to start or end the day, and a refreshing break during the busyness of life.
Lord, teach us to meditate on You. Give us quiet minds and open our eyes to the resources You supply that will help us focus on and glorify You. Thank You for Your Word, for God honoring music, let us use these to deepen our relationship with You, to bring us into Your Presence that You may grow us and change us and make us more like Jesus. Keep us from anything that is not of You and only lead us in ways that will draw us closer and closer to You. We love You and want to honor You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Sunday we sang "How Deep the Father's Love for Us" during worship at church. And as I listened to the beautiful words of this song, I thought...."wow, this would be great to meditate on!" Godly music does so much for us. It lifts us up, brings voice to our heart's thoughts and feelings, honors our God, encourages, soothes, and carries us into the Presence of our Lord. (Thank you song writers, singers, musicians, and worship teams!) Some songs tell the story of our redemption, some give voice to the amazing love of our Father or expound on His attributes. Why not use some of those lyrics and tunes to focus our hearts and minds on our God, our Savior, Redeemer and King.
Taking time to listen to a song honoring our Lord, and spending time mulling over the words of that song gives rest to our spirits. It's like a pause in your day....and with all the craziness of our lives, the world and the cluttered landscape of our minds, I think we need more of these God pauses in our day. Lyrics and music can be found all over the internet, places like YouTube have tons of Christian videos, your church hymnals are another source for this as well.
Pull apart the lyrics, match them up with Scripture, expand on what they are saying in worship to our God. Use them to broaden your heart's love of the Lord, waking you up to His Presence and Glory. What a beautiful way to start or end the day, and a refreshing break during the busyness of life.
Lord, teach us to meditate on You. Give us quiet minds and open our eyes to the resources You supply that will help us focus on and glorify You. Thank You for Your Word, for God honoring music, let us use these to deepen our relationship with You, to bring us into Your Presence that You may grow us and change us and make us more like Jesus. Keep us from anything that is not of You and only lead us in ways that will draw us closer and closer to You. We love You and want to honor You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
How deep the Father's love for us, how vast beyond all measure.
That He should give His only Son, to make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss, the Father turns His face away,
as wounds which mar the chosen One, bring many sons to glory.
Behold the Man upon a cross, my sin upon His shoulders.
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice, call our among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there, until it was accomplished.
His dying breath has brought me life. I know that it is finished.
I will not boast in anything, no gifts, nor pow'r not wisdom.
But I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer.
But this I know with all my heart, His wounds have paid my ransom.
Thursday, July 16, 2020
Stand
God is faithful. We are living in chaotic, confusing, crazy times. Last Sunday we learned that Jesus taught us to be prepared for the end times and His return. Perhaps we are starting the birth pangs of those times. I am not an end times authority.....I'm not even sure whether the church is leaving this earth pre-trib, mid-trib or post-trib! I leave that discussion up to the Biblical scholars and I leave the times and ways in the hands of our heavenly Father. I only know that in the end, Jesus wins!
We have many reasons to feel fear in this world. It seems like the enemy is running roughshod over the creation. Disease, rioting, anger, destruction and division seem to rule the days. Lawlessness is celebrated, a small unseeable germ keeps us isolated from one another, people believe the lie rather than the truth (which we know is contained in the Bible). Right is declared wrong, and wrong is encouraged. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. Sadly, I feel we are not only at this point but way beyond it.
Bad news, right? But there is good news, great news to go along with it. As I was listening to the radio, Josh Baldwin's song "Stand in Your Love" came on it, and it brought peace to my heart and mind. We need not walk in fear and trepidation. We don't walk alone. Our lives are held in the safe and loving hands of our Father and our destination is secure...Whatever happens in this world, we are heaven bound. What a beautiful comfort to know that Romans 8:28 stands true, not matter what goes on around us. Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
One thing that keeps coming to mind as I hear or read about this upside down world we are living in, with all the violence and hate, all the depressing and distressing statistics is that this is not our home. Yes, we have to live in it, deal with it and experience it, but it should not and cannot hold our hearts. Jesus told us in Matthew 6:19-21 19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Knowing that calms my heart when I start to get agitated at the nightly news (which I watch very little of). Hebrews 11:16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. Let us set our focus on a better country....our Heavenly county, where our true citizenship lies. Remembering this helps make the struggles here a little easier, lets peace rule our spirits and reminds us the God is in charge and has a wonderful future for us.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Lord, let us not weary in well doing, but be about Your work as we travel through this land on our way to our forever home. Thank You, that this is not our home, but that You are preparing a place for us and will come again to bring us home. Speak peace to our hearts, let us not be troubled or afraid. We know You are our strong tower, a very present help in times of trouble. Let us shelter beneath Your wings, but let us also remember we are to be salt and light, sharing the Gospel. Lord help us to navigate these dark days, fulfilling Your will for us. In Jesus saving Name. Amen.
Fear not, for God is with you. And when fear tries to overtake your heart, run to His Word and stand on His love.
We have many reasons to feel fear in this world. It seems like the enemy is running roughshod over the creation. Disease, rioting, anger, destruction and division seem to rule the days. Lawlessness is celebrated, a small unseeable germ keeps us isolated from one another, people believe the lie rather than the truth (which we know is contained in the Bible). Right is declared wrong, and wrong is encouraged. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. Sadly, I feel we are not only at this point but way beyond it.
Bad news, right? But there is good news, great news to go along with it. As I was listening to the radio, Josh Baldwin's song "Stand in Your Love" came on it, and it brought peace to my heart and mind. We need not walk in fear and trepidation. We don't walk alone. Our lives are held in the safe and loving hands of our Father and our destination is secure...Whatever happens in this world, we are heaven bound. What a beautiful comfort to know that Romans 8:28 stands true, not matter what goes on around us. Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
One thing that keeps coming to mind as I hear or read about this upside down world we are living in, with all the violence and hate, all the depressing and distressing statistics is that this is not our home. Yes, we have to live in it, deal with it and experience it, but it should not and cannot hold our hearts. Jesus told us in Matthew 6:19-21 19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Knowing that calms my heart when I start to get agitated at the nightly news (which I watch very little of). Hebrews 11:16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. Let us set our focus on a better country....our Heavenly county, where our true citizenship lies. Remembering this helps make the struggles here a little easier, lets peace rule our spirits and reminds us the God is in charge and has a wonderful future for us.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Lord, let us not weary in well doing, but be about Your work as we travel through this land on our way to our forever home. Thank You, that this is not our home, but that You are preparing a place for us and will come again to bring us home. Speak peace to our hearts, let us not be troubled or afraid. We know You are our strong tower, a very present help in times of trouble. Let us shelter beneath Your wings, but let us also remember we are to be salt and light, sharing the Gospel. Lord help us to navigate these dark days, fulfilling Your will for us. In Jesus saving Name. Amen.
Fear not, for God is with you. And when fear tries to overtake your heart, run to His Word and stand on His love.
Tuesday, July 14, 2020
Follow Instruction
Life changes. Change is not always comfortable or something we want to do. We like where we are. We are comfy and content. And then things start changing. We get bad vibes from those around us. The things we were doing now make us cringy and feel off. We look around and know we don't belong here anymore, but we like the feeling of the familiar. We feel safe with what we know, even when there is a niggling feeling we should move on. This was happening to Jacob towards the end of living with his father-in-law's family. He knew he was to leave Laban's house. But Laban had free labor and kept cosppmnvincing Jacob to stay. But it was getting increasingly uncomfortable to be there. Genesis 30:25-26 Soon after Rachel had given birth to Joseph, Jacob said to Laban, "Please release me so I can go home to my own country. Let me take my wives and children,f or I have earned them by serving you and let me be on my way. You certainly know how hard I have worked for you.." Genesis 31:1-3 But Jacob soon learned the Laban's sons were grumbling about him. "Jacob has robbed our father of everything!" they said. "He has gained all his wealthy at our father's expense." And Jacob began to notice a change in Laban's attitude toward him Then the Lord said to Jacob. "Return to the land of your father and grandfather and to your relatives there, and I will be with you."
Sometimes God causes the situation we are in to become like a scratchy sweater. It itches and irritates. Yet we are loath to take it off because it is offering warmth. We don't realize our Father has a better way, so leaving the familiar scares us. Taking a leap of faith and pulling off that sweater seems crazy. What will happen? Will I be warm? Will I freeze to death? Will God let me down? The answer to those questions regarding God ordained change is always "NO."
And that leads to the next tidbit. Trust and obey. We fast forward 400 or so years to Moses. Here we see another servant of God living with his wife's family. Comfortable. Making a good living. Safe. And then God.....LOL As Moses is out tending his father-in-laws flock (just as Jacob had done), he sees a miraculous sight. A bush aflame but not consumed! How could this be?
As the Lord spoke to Moses, He gave him some instructions. Moses was to go to Pharaoh and tell Pharaoh to let the Hebrews go. They were no longer to live in Egypt. God's plan was ready to be fulfilled. Well, Moses, like a lot of us made excuses. He was fearful, and felt unqualified. Surely he was not the one for this job. So excuse after excuse came out of his mouth....and God countered back with "I will be with you." Finally the Lord had had enough and just said, "Now go." And the Lord sent Moses and sent someone to help him. (See Scripture below*)
Has the Lord been leading you to a change in your life? Does that change make you fearful? Is the time for something different, a new level, a new adventure presenting itself? The Lord never wants our lives and our spiritual growth to stagnate. Jesus went all over doing the Father's work. And while it may not be a physical location change for us, we need to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and follow where He is leading. Fear? Do it afraid. Doubt? Trust and obey. If you make a mistake? God's mercy and wisdom will still be there.
Lord, let us follow where You lead. Please help us to hear clearly, and obey quickly. Help us to go past comfort and familiarity to faith and action. Help us to go past our fear to victory and fruitfulness. Open our hearts to hear Your voice and strengthen our hearts to go forward in our walk with You. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Listen. Obey.
*But Moses protested again, “What if they won’t believe me or listen to me? What if they say, ‘The Lord never appeared to you’?” 2 Then the Lord asked him, “What is that in your hand?”
“A shepherd’s staff,” Moses replied. 3 “Throw it down on the ground,” the Lord told him. So Moses threw down the staff, and it turned into a snake! Moses jumped back. 4 Then the Lord told him, “Reach out and grab its tail.” So Moses reached out and grabbed it, and it turned back into a shepherd’s staff in his hand. 5 “Perform this sign,” the Lord told him. “Then they will believe that the Lord, the God of their ancestors—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—really has appeared to you.” 6 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Now put your hand inside your cloak.” So Moses put his hand inside his cloak, and when he took it out again, his hand was white as snow with a severe skin disease. 7 “Now put your hand back into your cloak,” the Lord said. So Moses put his hand back in, and when he took it out again, it was as healthy as the rest of his body. 8 The Lord said to Moses, “If they do not believe you and are not convinced by the first miraculous sign, they will be convinced by the second sign. 9 And if they don’t believe you or listen to you even after these two signs, then take some water from the Nile River and pour it out on the dry ground. When you do, the water from the Nile will turn to blood on the ground.” 10 But Moses pleaded with the Lord, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.” 11 Then the Lord asked Moses, “Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.” 13 But Moses again pleaded, “Lord, please! Send anyone else.” 14 Then the Lord became angry with Moses. “All right,” he said. “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he speaks well. And look! He is on his way to meet you now. He will be delighted to see you. 15 Talk to him, and put the words in his mouth. I will be with both of you as you speak, and I will instruct you both in what to do. 16 Aaron will be your spokesman to the people. He will be your mouthpiece, and you will stand in the place of God for him, telling him what to say. 17 And take your shepherd’s staff with you, and use it to perform the miraculous signs I have shown you.”
Sometimes God causes the situation we are in to become like a scratchy sweater. It itches and irritates. Yet we are loath to take it off because it is offering warmth. We don't realize our Father has a better way, so leaving the familiar scares us. Taking a leap of faith and pulling off that sweater seems crazy. What will happen? Will I be warm? Will I freeze to death? Will God let me down? The answer to those questions regarding God ordained change is always "NO."
And that leads to the next tidbit. Trust and obey. We fast forward 400 or so years to Moses. Here we see another servant of God living with his wife's family. Comfortable. Making a good living. Safe. And then God.....LOL As Moses is out tending his father-in-laws flock (just as Jacob had done), he sees a miraculous sight. A bush aflame but not consumed! How could this be?
As the Lord spoke to Moses, He gave him some instructions. Moses was to go to Pharaoh and tell Pharaoh to let the Hebrews go. They were no longer to live in Egypt. God's plan was ready to be fulfilled. Well, Moses, like a lot of us made excuses. He was fearful, and felt unqualified. Surely he was not the one for this job. So excuse after excuse came out of his mouth....and God countered back with "I will be with you." Finally the Lord had had enough and just said, "Now go." And the Lord sent Moses and sent someone to help him. (See Scripture below*)
Has the Lord been leading you to a change in your life? Does that change make you fearful? Is the time for something different, a new level, a new adventure presenting itself? The Lord never wants our lives and our spiritual growth to stagnate. Jesus went all over doing the Father's work. And while it may not be a physical location change for us, we need to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and follow where He is leading. Fear? Do it afraid. Doubt? Trust and obey. If you make a mistake? God's mercy and wisdom will still be there.
Lord, let us follow where You lead. Please help us to hear clearly, and obey quickly. Help us to go past comfort and familiarity to faith and action. Help us to go past our fear to victory and fruitfulness. Open our hearts to hear Your voice and strengthen our hearts to go forward in our walk with You. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Listen. Obey.
*But Moses protested again, “What if they won’t believe me or listen to me? What if they say, ‘The Lord never appeared to you’?” 2 Then the Lord asked him, “What is that in your hand?”
“A shepherd’s staff,” Moses replied. 3 “Throw it down on the ground,” the Lord told him. So Moses threw down the staff, and it turned into a snake! Moses jumped back. 4 Then the Lord told him, “Reach out and grab its tail.” So Moses reached out and grabbed it, and it turned back into a shepherd’s staff in his hand. 5 “Perform this sign,” the Lord told him. “Then they will believe that the Lord, the God of their ancestors—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—really has appeared to you.” 6 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Now put your hand inside your cloak.” So Moses put his hand inside his cloak, and when he took it out again, his hand was white as snow with a severe skin disease. 7 “Now put your hand back into your cloak,” the Lord said. So Moses put his hand back in, and when he took it out again, it was as healthy as the rest of his body. 8 The Lord said to Moses, “If they do not believe you and are not convinced by the first miraculous sign, they will be convinced by the second sign. 9 And if they don’t believe you or listen to you even after these two signs, then take some water from the Nile River and pour it out on the dry ground. When you do, the water from the Nile will turn to blood on the ground.” 10 But Moses pleaded with the Lord, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.” 11 Then the Lord asked Moses, “Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.” 13 But Moses again pleaded, “Lord, please! Send anyone else.” 14 Then the Lord became angry with Moses. “All right,” he said. “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he speaks well. And look! He is on his way to meet you now. He will be delighted to see you. 15 Talk to him, and put the words in his mouth. I will be with both of you as you speak, and I will instruct you both in what to do. 16 Aaron will be your spokesman to the people. He will be your mouthpiece, and you will stand in the place of God for him, telling him what to say. 17 And take your shepherd’s staff with you, and use it to perform the miraculous signs I have shown you.”
Friday, July 10, 2020
Thank You!
I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who prayed for my knee surgery. It went well and my recovery is going smoothly...amazingly smoothly! Thank You Father!! My pain is minimal and my movement is good. I'm even getting around without crutches some! Hallelujah!! Thank you all again and thank You Lord.
Tuesday, July 7, 2020
We Are God's Miracles
Have you been saved? You're a miracle. Have you overcome difficulties? You're a miracle. Been healed, been set free, been lifted from the mire and set upon the Rock of Jesus Christ? You're a miracle. Each of us that have been brought into the Kingdom of God are miraculous testaments to His love. And many of us have had miraculous deliverances, both great and small in our lives. I love inspiring stories. I love the way they increase my faith and glorify God. And I love seeing someone be blessed and helped by the Lord. I get to share in their joy and that is such a beautiful blessing.
I heard this new song and it blessed me so much to see this young man's story and see God work wonders in his life. I am grateful for God's work and the talent he gave to Matthew West to bring this miracle to music. I am so honored to share this in the blog today. What a wonderful God we serve. Enjoy. And be uplifted. All glory to God!!
I heard this new song and it blessed me so much to see this young man's story and see God work wonders in his life. I am grateful for God's work and the talent he gave to Matthew West to bring this miracle to music. I am so honored to share this in the blog today. What a wonderful God we serve. Enjoy. And be uplifted. All glory to God!!
Praise God!!!
Questioning God
Do you question God? Do you look for answers to why He works the way He does, what His plans are, why tragedy, why heartache. Why God? Will You God....? Why can't You....The questions come, sometimes unbidden, most of the time out of pain, frustration, an even anger.
How do you question our Father? Do you come weeping? Do you come in humility? Or do you, like me, come stamping your feet, petulant as a three year old not getting a cookie on demand.
We started another trek through the Bible this week and in Genesis we find Abraham questioning the Lord.
Genesis 18:16-33 16 Then the men got up from their meal and looked out toward Sodom. As they left, Abraham went with them to send them on their way. 17 “Should I hide my plan from Abraham?” the Lord asked. 18 “For Abraham will certainly become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth will be blessed through him. 19 I have singled him out so that he will direct his sons and their families to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just. Then I will do for Abraham all that I have promised.” 20 So the Lord told Abraham, “I have heard a great outcry from Sodom and Gomorrah, because their sin is so flagrant. 21 I am going down to see if their actions are as wicked as I have heard. If not, I want to know.” 22 The other men turned and headed toward Sodom, but the Lord remained with Abraham. 23 Abraham approached him and said, “Will you sweep away both the righteous and the wicked? 24 Suppose you find fifty righteous people living there in the city—will you still sweep it away and not spare it for their sakes? 25 Surely you wouldn’t do such a thing, destroying the righteous along with the wicked. Why, you would be treating the righteous and the wicked exactly the same! Surely you wouldn’t do that! Should not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?” 26 And the Lord replied, “If I find fifty righteous people in Sodom, I will spare the entire city for their sake.” 27 Then Abraham spoke again. “Since I have begun, let me speak further to my Lord, even though I am but dust and ashes. 28 Suppose there are only forty-five righteous people rather than fifty? Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five?” And the Lord said, “I will not destroy it if I find forty-five righteous people there.” 29 Then Abraham pressed his request further. “Suppose there are only forty?” And the Lord replied, “I will not destroy it for the sake of the forty.” 30 “Please don’t be angry, my Lord,” Abraham pleaded. “Let me speak—suppose only thirty righteous people are found?” And the Lord replied, “I will not destroy it if I find thirty.” 31 Then Abraham said, “Since I have dared to speak to the Lord, let me continue—suppose there are only twenty?” And the Lord replied, “Then I will not destroy it for the sake of the twenty.” 32 Finally, Abraham said, “Lord, please don’t be angry with me if I speak one more time. Suppose only ten are found there?” And the Lord replied, “Then I will not destroy it for the sake of the ten.” 33 When the Lord had finished his conversation with Abraham, he went on his way, and Abraham returned to his tent.
As we read this passage we see Abraham boldly questioning the Lord's plans. He did so on behalf of the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham didn't hold back his questions. He didn't fear asking. And neither should we. Ephesians 3:12 Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. Hebrews 4:16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. We are given permission to come right up to the Lord's throne and boldly ask for our needs to be met, our requests to be considered and hopefully granted, our petitions to be heard.
Boldness is encouraged. But so is humility. Micah 6:8 No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. So is thanksgiving. Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. So is awe and worship. Psalm 99:5 Exalt the Lord our God, And worship at His footstool— He is holy. Look at how Abraham approaches the Lord. He knew God's character. He acknowledged who God was. Abraham recognized and affirmed God's sovereignty. And he came in humility.
Sometimes I think, and I'll speak for myself here (but feel free to own this behavior if it fits you too. lol), that we become so "familiar" with the Lord, that we forget to show Him the respect due His Kingship. We come like little children, not so much in faith, but in a bratty sense of entitlement. Instead of remembering that while yes, God is our Abba Father. Our Dad who loves and cherishes us, He is also the Sovereign Ruler and Creator of the Universe. Omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. Looking toward the end in the book of Job, we see the Lord answer Job: "Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God's critic, but do you have the answers?" ( Job 40:2) I am in convicted in my dealings with the Lord. Too often I've come, "knowing better," accusing and condemning instead of humbly trusting and beseeching.
Come to the Lord. Pour out your heart. Entreat Him with your needs. Cry out, get out anger and fear and doubt. He is more than able to handle that. He knows we are but dust and ash. But come back to His Lordship, come in your need and trust His response. Come in gratitude and worship even when His answer is different than what we want. Maybe especially then.
Lord, thank You for the conviction You brought me in these verses. I know I am a brat. I know I don't come with the respect You deserve. Forgive me. Help me to walk in Your Presence with humility and trust. Help us all to remember who You are and trust that You will always do what is right, for us and for those we care about. You are God! You are our Father! And You are our Sovereign King and Savior. We know the answer to Abraham's question, "Should not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?" You always do what is right. Let us boldly and humbly approach Your throne with that in mind, and know that as our Abba Father You always do what is right for us. Lord, give us a sense of awe in Your Presence. Remind us of Your wonder. Let us walk with You in comfort and awe, in humility and confidence. Thank You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Prayerfully check the way You approach God. See if it needs a tune up.
How do you question our Father? Do you come weeping? Do you come in humility? Or do you, like me, come stamping your feet, petulant as a three year old not getting a cookie on demand.
We started another trek through the Bible this week and in Genesis we find Abraham questioning the Lord.
Genesis 18:16-33 16 Then the men got up from their meal and looked out toward Sodom. As they left, Abraham went with them to send them on their way. 17 “Should I hide my plan from Abraham?” the Lord asked. 18 “For Abraham will certainly become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth will be blessed through him. 19 I have singled him out so that he will direct his sons and their families to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just. Then I will do for Abraham all that I have promised.” 20 So the Lord told Abraham, “I have heard a great outcry from Sodom and Gomorrah, because their sin is so flagrant. 21 I am going down to see if their actions are as wicked as I have heard. If not, I want to know.” 22 The other men turned and headed toward Sodom, but the Lord remained with Abraham. 23 Abraham approached him and said, “Will you sweep away both the righteous and the wicked? 24 Suppose you find fifty righteous people living there in the city—will you still sweep it away and not spare it for their sakes? 25 Surely you wouldn’t do such a thing, destroying the righteous along with the wicked. Why, you would be treating the righteous and the wicked exactly the same! Surely you wouldn’t do that! Should not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?” 26 And the Lord replied, “If I find fifty righteous people in Sodom, I will spare the entire city for their sake.” 27 Then Abraham spoke again. “Since I have begun, let me speak further to my Lord, even though I am but dust and ashes. 28 Suppose there are only forty-five righteous people rather than fifty? Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five?” And the Lord said, “I will not destroy it if I find forty-five righteous people there.” 29 Then Abraham pressed his request further. “Suppose there are only forty?” And the Lord replied, “I will not destroy it for the sake of the forty.” 30 “Please don’t be angry, my Lord,” Abraham pleaded. “Let me speak—suppose only thirty righteous people are found?” And the Lord replied, “I will not destroy it if I find thirty.” 31 Then Abraham said, “Since I have dared to speak to the Lord, let me continue—suppose there are only twenty?” And the Lord replied, “Then I will not destroy it for the sake of the twenty.” 32 Finally, Abraham said, “Lord, please don’t be angry with me if I speak one more time. Suppose only ten are found there?” And the Lord replied, “Then I will not destroy it for the sake of the ten.” 33 When the Lord had finished his conversation with Abraham, he went on his way, and Abraham returned to his tent.
As we read this passage we see Abraham boldly questioning the Lord's plans. He did so on behalf of the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham didn't hold back his questions. He didn't fear asking. And neither should we. Ephesians 3:12 Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. Hebrews 4:16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. We are given permission to come right up to the Lord's throne and boldly ask for our needs to be met, our requests to be considered and hopefully granted, our petitions to be heard.
Boldness is encouraged. But so is humility. Micah 6:8 No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. So is thanksgiving. Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. So is awe and worship. Psalm 99:5 Exalt the Lord our God, And worship at His footstool— He is holy. Look at how Abraham approaches the Lord. He knew God's character. He acknowledged who God was. Abraham recognized and affirmed God's sovereignty. And he came in humility.
Sometimes I think, and I'll speak for myself here (but feel free to own this behavior if it fits you too. lol), that we become so "familiar" with the Lord, that we forget to show Him the respect due His Kingship. We come like little children, not so much in faith, but in a bratty sense of entitlement. Instead of remembering that while yes, God is our Abba Father. Our Dad who loves and cherishes us, He is also the Sovereign Ruler and Creator of the Universe. Omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. Looking toward the end in the book of Job, we see the Lord answer Job: "Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God's critic, but do you have the answers?" ( Job 40:2) I am in convicted in my dealings with the Lord. Too often I've come, "knowing better," accusing and condemning instead of humbly trusting and beseeching.
Come to the Lord. Pour out your heart. Entreat Him with your needs. Cry out, get out anger and fear and doubt. He is more than able to handle that. He knows we are but dust and ash. But come back to His Lordship, come in your need and trust His response. Come in gratitude and worship even when His answer is different than what we want. Maybe especially then.
Lord, thank You for the conviction You brought me in these verses. I know I am a brat. I know I don't come with the respect You deserve. Forgive me. Help me to walk in Your Presence with humility and trust. Help us all to remember who You are and trust that You will always do what is right, for us and for those we care about. You are God! You are our Father! And You are our Sovereign King and Savior. We know the answer to Abraham's question, "Should not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?" You always do what is right. Let us boldly and humbly approach Your throne with that in mind, and know that as our Abba Father You always do what is right for us. Lord, give us a sense of awe in Your Presence. Remind us of Your wonder. Let us walk with You in comfort and awe, in humility and confidence. Thank You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Prayerfully check the way You approach God. See if it needs a tune up.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)