Sometimes the storm last so long it makes you wonder what is it all for. You've heard all the sermons and read all the Bible verses. You've even had a few personal conversations with the Father and yet you find yourself asking what's it all for? At this point none of the regular scriptures that you have used in the past bring you to any comfort. Scriptures like Romans 8:28, 'And we know that all things work together for the good of them who love the Lord, who are the called according to His purpose'. Genesis 50:20, 'But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive'. Psalm 30:5b, 'weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning', It doesn't matter that in the end it is going to turn out for your good. You need relief right now.
As I am sitting here reading in the book of Philippians I come across a verse that helps me to put things in an entirely different perspective for this journey of trust. This journey of trust has never been about me but all about God being glorified. Philippians 1:12-14 helped to make things more clear.
'And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God's message without fear'.
Paul was locked in prison when these verses were written. But in spite of obstacles, dangers, and distractions, the message of Jesus Christ was still spread. During this period of Paul's life, his faith was apparent. When others can see you continuing to praise God in the midst of everything you are going through, they are encouraged. And I have learned that when you praise God while you are going through the storm it changes your would be fatalistic outcome to one of hope and restoration. That's what is all about? Sometimes the reason we go through is for others, so that they might see first hand the goodness of the Lord. It's alright to read the stories of the Red Sea, the fiery furnace, the lion's den, a ram in the bush. You can even shout over it. But when I see my brother standing and testifying about how the doctors had given up on him and after a year here he stands singing praises to God. When I hear my sister talking about how she hadn't paid a mortgage payment in a year and then she went to the bank and they had lost the paperwork so now she is living in a house that was paid in full. These are stories that bring the goodness of God a little closer to home and it's most definitely something to shout about.
Yes every trial that we go through is for our benefit but it is also for the building up of the body of Christ. 'Therefore we do not lose hope. Though outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary inflictions are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal'. II Corinthians 4:16-18 So what is it all for anyway? To strengthen us. To grow us up. 'Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won't be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth'. Ephesians 4:14 God loves us too much to leave us in the condition we were in. Accept His plan for your life. Dig into the Word in times of weakness. Admit that you do not know everything and you need an Omniscient God. Trust Him. Obey His commands. And even in the midst continue to praise Him for He's worthy!
Most Gracious Heavenly,
Lately I have started questioning the purpose behind all this I am going through. I know what the Word says and I know that I need You in order to make it. But I'm weak. I need something to go my way. It's hard not to look at the circumstances staring me in my face and continue to have hope. Yet and still I do have hope. I have hope in You. In spite of what it looks like I know that everything is going to work out for my good. Give me strength Father to stand, to relinquish my own power and trust in You. I will forever give Your name the praise You so richly deserve. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
Showing posts with label Romans 8:28. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Romans 8:28. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Speak to my Heart
Speak to my heart, Holy Spirit
Give me the words that will bring new life
Words on the wings of the morning
the dark night will fade away
If you speak to my heart
Speak to my heart, Holy Spirit
Message of love to encourage me
Lifting my heart from despair
How you loved me and cared for me
If speak to my Heart
Speak to my Heart Lord
Give me your Holy Word
If I can hear from you,then I'll know what to do
I won't go alone, I'll never go on my own
Just let your Spirit guide and let your word abide
Speak to my Heart
I love the Word of God! It is a book that I can read over and over and each time the Holy Spirit may reveal something new to me. Most recently verses that I have known since I was a child now have new meaning. It is such a wonderful thing when the Word becomes a huge part of your life and you allow it to serve as that two-edged sword. Sometimes it pierces and other times it heals. Take for instance the scripture..Romans 8:28. You are familiar with this verse. 'And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose'. It is one of the verses quoted most often when you are going through something and someone wants to encourage you to 'fight on'. I remember my first thoughts on this verse. I thought it meant that if God is working it out for my good then I am getting what I want. After all a loving God wouldn't deny me what I want. So I was going to get the job, the house, the car, the man, the woman. Whatever I was asking for I should receive. Give me, give me, give me what I want! And not in God's time but in my time. I have been living a pretty good life. However, as Christians we know that is not always the case. In fact, sometimes it is the exact opposite. The question that I want to pose to you today is one very similar to the one the minister posed last night. Is this scripture talking about comfort or maturity? Is it truly about us getting what we want in the end? And if it is about getting what we want....do we only want material things? And if we don't get what we want, how do we respond?
Those of you that have been reading this blog from the beginning know that one of the things I stress is that our lives on this earth should be used so God can get the glory. And this should be done by any means God's deems necessary. Even through our trials and tribulations. Even in the eye of a storm. We have heard the preacher say time and time again that you are either in a storm, coming out of a storm or getting ready to go into a storm. But have we come to grip with this reality? Yes, God blesses us and hopefully we thank Him for His blessings. Do we thank Him, on the other hand, that the storm that we are in is going to used as a testimony that will help someone else? Or are we looking for that silver lining? That end result that means I have a better job...a bigger house...a nicer car. For me, it depends. On what? How bad the storm is? Did I get a breather in between storms? How badly wounded was I in the last storm? I think about all of this. Am I sitting there thinking that God is going to get the glory? Am I thinking that I am going to be STRONGER, WISER, BETTER, SO MUCH BETTER? Not at all. But I should be....because His promises are true and it will work out for my good. And if I faced every storm, every obstacle with this very attitude, I do believe things would be better. If I could say like David said, 'I have never seen the righteous forsaken, nor His seed begging for bread'. If I could 'hold to God's unchanging hand' or if I could just 'Keep Swimming' (Finding Nemo) I have often times heard myself say that 'I can make it through this situation because I know God has something better for me when it is over'. I have even made out my list of what that better should be. But the things on that list are things I can see and touch. They are not intangible things. Although it is those intangible things that make us survivors.
It's time to change it up. Instead of always looking for the next big thing, learn to be content with what you have. And if there is something that you stand in need of ask God to speak to your heart and give you the patience to HOLD ON until your change comes. Life is difficult at times but God did not leave you out there to fend for yourself. He left resources for you to pull from anytime you need it. It doesn't cost to pray. It cost you nothing to pick up your Bible and read it. Stop looking for that temporary fix. That thing you want at the moment instead of what will be with you for a lifetime. Allow God to make permanent changes within your heart and help you to see things from an eternal perspective. It then end you will not only have comfort but maturity also.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
stretched in order to receive. Whatever the cost Lord, your will be done. In Jesus' Wonderful name I pray Amen.
Give me the words that will bring new life
Words on the wings of the morning
the dark night will fade away
If you speak to my heart
Speak to my heart, Holy Spirit
Message of love to encourage me
Lifting my heart from despair
How you loved me and cared for me
If speak to my Heart
Speak to my Heart Lord
Give me your Holy Word
If I can hear from you,then I'll know what to do
I won't go alone, I'll never go on my own
Just let your Spirit guide and let your word abide
Speak to my Heart
I love the Word of God! It is a book that I can read over and over and each time the Holy Spirit may reveal something new to me. Most recently verses that I have known since I was a child now have new meaning. It is such a wonderful thing when the Word becomes a huge part of your life and you allow it to serve as that two-edged sword. Sometimes it pierces and other times it heals. Take for instance the scripture..Romans 8:28. You are familiar with this verse. 'And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose'. It is one of the verses quoted most often when you are going through something and someone wants to encourage you to 'fight on'. I remember my first thoughts on this verse. I thought it meant that if God is working it out for my good then I am getting what I want. After all a loving God wouldn't deny me what I want. So I was going to get the job, the house, the car, the man, the woman. Whatever I was asking for I should receive. Give me, give me, give me what I want! And not in God's time but in my time. I have been living a pretty good life. However, as Christians we know that is not always the case. In fact, sometimes it is the exact opposite. The question that I want to pose to you today is one very similar to the one the minister posed last night. Is this scripture talking about comfort or maturity? Is it truly about us getting what we want in the end? And if it is about getting what we want....do we only want material things? And if we don't get what we want, how do we respond?
Those of you that have been reading this blog from the beginning know that one of the things I stress is that our lives on this earth should be used so God can get the glory. And this should be done by any means God's deems necessary. Even through our trials and tribulations. Even in the eye of a storm. We have heard the preacher say time and time again that you are either in a storm, coming out of a storm or getting ready to go into a storm. But have we come to grip with this reality? Yes, God blesses us and hopefully we thank Him for His blessings. Do we thank Him, on the other hand, that the storm that we are in is going to used as a testimony that will help someone else? Or are we looking for that silver lining? That end result that means I have a better job...a bigger house...a nicer car. For me, it depends. On what? How bad the storm is? Did I get a breather in between storms? How badly wounded was I in the last storm? I think about all of this. Am I sitting there thinking that God is going to get the glory? Am I thinking that I am going to be STRONGER, WISER, BETTER, SO MUCH BETTER? Not at all. But I should be....because His promises are true and it will work out for my good. And if I faced every storm, every obstacle with this very attitude, I do believe things would be better. If I could say like David said, 'I have never seen the righteous forsaken, nor His seed begging for bread'. If I could 'hold to God's unchanging hand' or if I could just 'Keep Swimming' (Finding Nemo) I have often times heard myself say that 'I can make it through this situation because I know God has something better for me when it is over'. I have even made out my list of what that better should be. But the things on that list are things I can see and touch. They are not intangible things. Although it is those intangible things that make us survivors.
It's time to change it up. Instead of always looking for the next big thing, learn to be content with what you have. And if there is something that you stand in need of ask God to speak to your heart and give you the patience to HOLD ON until your change comes. Life is difficult at times but God did not leave you out there to fend for yourself. He left resources for you to pull from anytime you need it. It doesn't cost to pray. It cost you nothing to pick up your Bible and read it. Stop looking for that temporary fix. That thing you want at the moment instead of what will be with you for a lifetime. Allow God to make permanent changes within your heart and help you to see things from an eternal perspective. It then end you will not only have comfort but maturity also.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
stretched in order to receive. Whatever the cost Lord, your will be done. In Jesus' Wonderful name I pray Amen.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
A Diamond in the Rough
Some days I just want to throw my hands up and give up. I know that there is a purpose behind the pain I have had to endure in my light. But how much disappointment can I take? And just when I think that I can't stand anymore I open the word. First I read the story of Joseph. You know Joseph...sold into slavery by his family. Subjected by Potiphar's wife and thrown into jail for doing the right things. Pressure upon pressure upon pressure. I can only imagine how many times he wanted to throw his hands up and say "Forget it, I give up!" As I sat there and read the story looking for some ray of hope I happened to glance down at my wedding ring. The diamond seemed to be shining extremely bright at this very moment. Almost instantly, I thought about how at one point the diamond that was set so beautifully in my wedding ring was once a piece of coal.
Let's explore how diamonds are created. I did a little research and discovered that diamonds are formed at high-pressure high-temperature conditions existing at depths of 140 to 190 kilometers in the Earth's mantle. And this isn't just light pressure. The pressure endured to produce a diamond is at least 435,113 pounds per square inch at a temperature of at least 752 degrees Fahrenheit (400 Celsius). There is no other way for this precious jewel to be formed except to undergo pressure. In fact if the pressure or the temperature falls below these two points, only graphite will be produced. So pressure is necessary. And in the same way that pressure must be applied in order for the diamond to be formed. In fact the word "Diamond" comes from the Greek word "Adamas", which means indestructible.
What does this mean for me? It means that I can rejoice in my trials and tribulations. Why? Because God is controlling heat and the pressure. He know better than me what flaws I have and what I need in order to live a life that is dedicated to serving Him. Even though I may think that I have endured enough, God sees things differently. He has the ability to see further down the road. And for this I am grateful. Like Joseph I may not understand why I have to go through the things that I am going through right. Why every time I seem to have a little bit of breathing room something comes along to try and break me down. One verse has helped me stand during times of extreme pressure. This verse gives clear instructions on what I should do when faced with varying tests and trials. This verse clearly states, 'Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12 As a Christian I have every reason to rejoice. I can rejoice in the hope I have in future glory. And even more importantly I can never stop praying. It's about having a spirit of prayer. David prayed seven times a day and Daniel was known to pray three times a day. Sometimes I barely make time to pray once. This has to change. I must be consistent in my prayer life. It is in my devotion time that God is able to speak to me and provide me with a peace that surpasses all my understanding. It is in this time that I am reminded that I am simply a diamond in the rough. What you see before you is not the finished product. Yes, I have flaws but God is at work and when He has tried me, I will come forth as pure gold.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
I come before You as humbly as I know how asking for forgiveness. Right now I don't understand what is going on in my life right now. I seem to be on a roller coaster of emotions, filled with ups and downs. I haven't done the best job of STANDING in the midst of pressure. I know that You won't put more on me than I can bear. So today I am asking for strength. Help me not to be a complainer but instead a rejoicer. Lord I put all my trust in You. I know that You will never let me down. Thank you Father. I will forever give you all the glory, honor and the praise. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
Let's explore how diamonds are created. I did a little research and discovered that diamonds are formed at high-pressure high-temperature conditions existing at depths of 140 to 190 kilometers in the Earth's mantle. And this isn't just light pressure. The pressure endured to produce a diamond is at least 435,113 pounds per square inch at a temperature of at least 752 degrees Fahrenheit (400 Celsius). There is no other way for this precious jewel to be formed except to undergo pressure. In fact if the pressure or the temperature falls below these two points, only graphite will be produced. So pressure is necessary. And in the same way that pressure must be applied in order for the diamond to be formed. In fact the word "Diamond" comes from the Greek word "Adamas", which means indestructible.
What does this mean for me? It means that I can rejoice in my trials and tribulations. Why? Because God is controlling heat and the pressure. He know better than me what flaws I have and what I need in order to live a life that is dedicated to serving Him. Even though I may think that I have endured enough, God sees things differently. He has the ability to see further down the road. And for this I am grateful. Like Joseph I may not understand why I have to go through the things that I am going through right. Why every time I seem to have a little bit of breathing room something comes along to try and break me down. One verse has helped me stand during times of extreme pressure. This verse gives clear instructions on what I should do when faced with varying tests and trials. This verse clearly states, 'Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12 As a Christian I have every reason to rejoice. I can rejoice in the hope I have in future glory. And even more importantly I can never stop praying. It's about having a spirit of prayer. David prayed seven times a day and Daniel was known to pray three times a day. Sometimes I barely make time to pray once. This has to change. I must be consistent in my prayer life. It is in my devotion time that God is able to speak to me and provide me with a peace that surpasses all my understanding. It is in this time that I am reminded that I am simply a diamond in the rough. What you see before you is not the finished product. Yes, I have flaws but God is at work and when He has tried me, I will come forth as pure gold.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
I come before You as humbly as I know how asking for forgiveness. Right now I don't understand what is going on in my life right now. I seem to be on a roller coaster of emotions, filled with ups and downs. I haven't done the best job of STANDING in the midst of pressure. I know that You won't put more on me than I can bear. So today I am asking for strength. Help me not to be a complainer but instead a rejoicer. Lord I put all my trust in You. I know that You will never let me down. Thank you Father. I will forever give you all the glory, honor and the praise. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Fight or Flight
Every Christian faces opposition. It comes in many forms. We face it in our homes, on our jobs, and even in the church. It comes from those we know and from those we don't know. One of the things that I am working on right now is my reaction when faced with opposition. How do I respond? I must admit that in the past my reaction hasn't been the most positive one. My usual response has been either "fight or flight". Either I retreat into myself or I put my boxing gloves on. Neither response is the best response. So I decided to see what the Word of God has to say about what to do when faced with opposition.
First this first, "Don't be surprised". Remember when God asked Satan where he had come from, and the response was "I have been patrolling the earth, watching everything that's going on." Think about this. Satan has nothing better to do that to try to defeat you. To throw you off guard. To keep you distracted from doing the work of the Lord. Not only that but if you turn over to I Peter you find a similar message that says, "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour," (v8) The devil is not playing. There is a war going on. So what is opposition? I liked this definition best that says, 'a person or group of people opposing, criticizing, or protesting something, someone, or another group'. Sound familiar. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places'. (Ephesian 6:12) Opposition! Which brings me to my second point on what to do when faced with opposition. "Put your armor on". This must be a daily process. You must have on the belt of truth. Your feet shod with the preparation of peace. The sword of the spirit. The shield of faith. The breastplate of righteousness. The helmet of salvation. One thing I have realized it that I can't fight this enemy on my own. I don't have what it takes in the physical man to combat this enemy. This is spiritual warfare. Flight is never the response for a soldier in the army of the Lord. Why not? Because we are already victorious. No need tor retreat. You can stand firm knowing that you and God are a majority. And no need for boxing gloves...you can hold your peace and let the Lord fight your battles. Ask God to give you the words to say when faced with opposition.
Maybe you say that you have done all these things and you are still having a hard time handling the opposition that you face. If so, I have one last word of encouragement and that is to "Remember Jesus". Hebrews 12:3 says, "Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart". Reflect on this example so that you may be able to bear your trials. Think about the hardship that He suffered while being beaten, pierced in His side, nails pounded into His hands. Yet He endured so that you and I might have the right to eternal life. Understand that there is great danger when we become disheartened and weary by the opposition that we face. Satan wants to control our minds. That is why we must keep our eyes fixed on Him. Remember God has a hand in it all. He keeps His promises. It's okay for your enemy to think that he or she has one because you know your reward is not here on earth. You have the 'smoking gun'. "For we know that all things work together for the good of them who love the Lord, tot hem who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
I know You said in Your Word that I will have to endure trials and tribulations. I can't say that I like them and on most days I don't understand them. Yet will I trust you Lord. Let me not grow weary in well doing. Help me to stand firm when faced with opposition in my life knowing that all things will work out for my good. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen
First this first, "Don't be surprised". Remember when God asked Satan where he had come from, and the response was "I have been patrolling the earth, watching everything that's going on." Think about this. Satan has nothing better to do that to try to defeat you. To throw you off guard. To keep you distracted from doing the work of the Lord. Not only that but if you turn over to I Peter you find a similar message that says, "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour," (v8) The devil is not playing. There is a war going on. So what is opposition? I liked this definition best that says, 'a person or group of people opposing, criticizing, or protesting something, someone, or another group'. Sound familiar. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places'. (Ephesian 6:12) Opposition! Which brings me to my second point on what to do when faced with opposition. "Put your armor on". This must be a daily process. You must have on the belt of truth. Your feet shod with the preparation of peace. The sword of the spirit. The shield of faith. The breastplate of righteousness. The helmet of salvation. One thing I have realized it that I can't fight this enemy on my own. I don't have what it takes in the physical man to combat this enemy. This is spiritual warfare. Flight is never the response for a soldier in the army of the Lord. Why not? Because we are already victorious. No need tor retreat. You can stand firm knowing that you and God are a majority. And no need for boxing gloves...you can hold your peace and let the Lord fight your battles. Ask God to give you the words to say when faced with opposition.
Maybe you say that you have done all these things and you are still having a hard time handling the opposition that you face. If so, I have one last word of encouragement and that is to "Remember Jesus". Hebrews 12:3 says, "Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart". Reflect on this example so that you may be able to bear your trials. Think about the hardship that He suffered while being beaten, pierced in His side, nails pounded into His hands. Yet He endured so that you and I might have the right to eternal life. Understand that there is great danger when we become disheartened and weary by the opposition that we face. Satan wants to control our minds. That is why we must keep our eyes fixed on Him. Remember God has a hand in it all. He keeps His promises. It's okay for your enemy to think that he or she has one because you know your reward is not here on earth. You have the 'smoking gun'. "For we know that all things work together for the good of them who love the Lord, tot hem who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
I know You said in Your Word that I will have to endure trials and tribulations. I can't say that I like them and on most days I don't understand them. Yet will I trust you Lord. Let me not grow weary in well doing. Help me to stand firm when faced with opposition in my life knowing that all things will work out for my good. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Do You Have A Plan?
Have you ever tried to sit down and write a life plan? Typically people do this when they have reached that point of needing guidance in their life. They are not sure of which way to go. Someone had to go and ask that dreaded question "Where do you see yourself in five years"? I had to do this as my final assignment in my Human Relations in Training and Development course this semester. It was an interesting assignment. The object of the assignment was for you to identify those things that you want to improve about yourself and then put together a plan of action to correct those steps. As I begin to make a list of the things that I needed to improve. The funny thing about this list was that I had made this list before. So why was I once again in the same place? Or was I?
The more I sat and thought about it, I realized that I was not in the same place. I was indeed aware of those things that I did not like about myself. I recognized those things that I wanted to do better. This time was different. It was not by accident that these things were discovered. It was through my asking the Lord to "search me and know my heart. Try me and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends You and lead me in the way everlasting". (Psalms 139: 23-24). This discovery was through my reading of the Word that is "quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to dividing asunder of the soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart". (Hebrews 4:12) You see, in the past this discovery was done by accident. The process was kind of rough and I went pretty much unwillingly, kicking and screaming the entire way. The difference now is that I want to know these things. I trust that God knows what is best for me. He knows my innermost thoughts. He sees my sometimes evil ways. He knows those things about me that hinder my ministry. And because He knows He can point them out and take me through the necessary steps to remove them. Now I have come to know that this is not going to be the most pleasant experience but the reward in the end is heavenly. My encouragement for you today is for you to stop being surprised at the ways God is working in your life. There is truth behind Romans 8:28. He is working it all out for your good. One thing I have learned is that it is not the process but the pain that produces perseverance. Everything that God is doing in your life is perfect. It is achieving for you a far greater weight in glory. I know that it is easy to look at what you see right now in front of you. No one knows your circumstances better than you. But I challenge you today to test your faith. Are you relying in your own ability or in the power of God? I must admit that my greatest failures have come when I was relying on my own ability. The knowledge I had accumulated with the brain God gave me. The experience I had gained through employment opportunities God had blessed with me. My personality and the ability I have to interview well which came from a heart transplant given to me by God. All of these things that I thought were "my own" but were truly from God.
Maybe you feel that you are far from where you thought you should be. May you feel that there are manmade roadblocks in the way of you getting to where you want to be. Whatever the case I stopped by to remind you to trust God. Sometimes it's as simple as that. Allowing God to make the necessary changes in your life. Allowing Him to make up the difference. That's what it is all about. Remember that He loves you to much to leave you the same way. Go ahead and try to create steps and strategies to change your life. Unless God is at the center of that plan, you are setting yourself up to fail. How much better your life will be if you just trust God!
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
I thank You for Your Word that directs me and reminds me that I can show you all my flaws, my innermost thoughts, the very ugliness that I see staring me in the mirror some days, not to be ridiculed but for correction and for change. My hearts desire is to be more like you. To walk like you Lord. To talk like You Lord. I want the words that I speak to be acceptable in thy sight. I love you Lord. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
The more I sat and thought about it, I realized that I was not in the same place. I was indeed aware of those things that I did not like about myself. I recognized those things that I wanted to do better. This time was different. It was not by accident that these things were discovered. It was through my asking the Lord to "search me and know my heart. Try me and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends You and lead me in the way everlasting". (Psalms 139: 23-24). This discovery was through my reading of the Word that is "quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to dividing asunder of the soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart". (Hebrews 4:12) You see, in the past this discovery was done by accident. The process was kind of rough and I went pretty much unwillingly, kicking and screaming the entire way. The difference now is that I want to know these things. I trust that God knows what is best for me. He knows my innermost thoughts. He sees my sometimes evil ways. He knows those things about me that hinder my ministry. And because He knows He can point them out and take me through the necessary steps to remove them. Now I have come to know that this is not going to be the most pleasant experience but the reward in the end is heavenly. My encouragement for you today is for you to stop being surprised at the ways God is working in your life. There is truth behind Romans 8:28. He is working it all out for your good. One thing I have learned is that it is not the process but the pain that produces perseverance. Everything that God is doing in your life is perfect. It is achieving for you a far greater weight in glory. I know that it is easy to look at what you see right now in front of you. No one knows your circumstances better than you. But I challenge you today to test your faith. Are you relying in your own ability or in the power of God? I must admit that my greatest failures have come when I was relying on my own ability. The knowledge I had accumulated with the brain God gave me. The experience I had gained through employment opportunities God had blessed with me. My personality and the ability I have to interview well which came from a heart transplant given to me by God. All of these things that I thought were "my own" but were truly from God.
Maybe you feel that you are far from where you thought you should be. May you feel that there are manmade roadblocks in the way of you getting to where you want to be. Whatever the case I stopped by to remind you to trust God. Sometimes it's as simple as that. Allowing God to make the necessary changes in your life. Allowing Him to make up the difference. That's what it is all about. Remember that He loves you to much to leave you the same way. Go ahead and try to create steps and strategies to change your life. Unless God is at the center of that plan, you are setting yourself up to fail. How much better your life will be if you just trust God!
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
I thank You for Your Word that directs me and reminds me that I can show you all my flaws, my innermost thoughts, the very ugliness that I see staring me in the mirror some days, not to be ridiculed but for correction and for change. My hearts desire is to be more like you. To walk like you Lord. To talk like You Lord. I want the words that I speak to be acceptable in thy sight. I love you Lord. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
God's Providential Power
"Thou couldst have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above" John 19:11
I remember a time when I felt that everyone was to blame for the problems in my life. I took no responsibility for my own actions and I had no true understanding of God's providential power. You see, once I became a child of God, He took over control of my life. This means that there is nothing that has happened in my life that He does not know about. And furthermore, things can only go as far as He allows. What does this mean for me? It means that I don't have to worry about my enemies. They don't have any power. There is nothing they can do to me that will not prove to be beneficial for me. 'And we know that all things work together...' (Romans 8:28) Go ahead and let them think they have won. Then sit back and watch when they sit and stare when you come out on top. Just as there was a purpose for Jesus' sufferering, there is a purpose for your suffering. The ultimate purpose is for God to be glorified. My experience has shown that when God is glorified you are also the better.
Nothing that is not God's will can come into the life of one who trusts and obeys God. Are you shouting yet? Certain things that may be going on in your life are just temporary. Your eternal reward is inevitable. Continue to walk in victory! I read something today that said, "Is it not a glorious thing to know that, no difference how unjust a thing may be, or how absolutely it may seem to be from Satan, by the time it reaches us it is God's will for us, and will work for good to us? Anything that the devil may throw at us is harmless if not in the will of God. That is while riding in the storm you can find shelter. You can find peace. You have that blessed assurance that everything is going to be alright. This is not a maybe, it is a guarantee. Take a moment and look back over your life. Don't you see God's fingerprints all over the place. Has there ever been a time where He has let you fall without raising you up?
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
At times it seems as though my enemies have the upper hand. It appears that those around me are accomplishing great things while I continue to suffer. I need help. Increase my strength. Help me to accept the path that You have chosen for me so that I can be of service to You. Father all I want is less of me and more of You. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Let The Life That You Live Speak For You
New Year's Day I received a phone call with some very sad news. A very dear friend of mine was called home to be with the Lord. The one thing that has stood out the most to me during this time of bereavement is what everyone is saying about this young man. Those that knew him well talk about his relationship with the Lord and his smile and the love that was always shown by him. Not one bad word has been said by anyone. It made me think about what would be said about me if God were to call me on home. While I am not really concerned about what people say about me, I am concerned about what God will say to me when I am standing before Him on the day of judgment.
Revelations 2:2 says, 'I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary'. These words are a true testament to someone living life under God's direction, waiting on Him and allowing Him to direct his or her path. This verse also shows that God is intimately acquainted with us. He knows the good and the bad and yet He loves us anyway. Here in this passage, the church at Ephesus had remained faithful to the Lord through difficulty and persecution. Even though there were those around them who didn't live by God's law, they continued to stand on God's Word. Isn't that what this life is all about? God needs us to be a light that shines in this dark world. Even though we may live in a house with unbelievers, work with unbelievers, see them at the grocery store, at the mall, even at the church house.....they should always be able to see Jesus in everything we do. It is not just about quoting the Word, we should be living the Word. For the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. As Christians we ought to regularly examine our motives and priorities against God's standards. Taking the time to ask Him to remove anything that is not like Him.
This same chapter goes on to say that God had one complaint against the church at Ephesus, 'that you have abandoned the love you had at first'. (verse 4) So many times we allow the hardships of life to turn us away from the person God designed us to be. Things like the loss of a loved one, a job, divorce, a friend can cause us to become bitter with a hardened heart. Make us skeptical of everyone we encounter. But how will the world know that we are Christians but by our love. But the bitterness that shows in our everyday lives contradicts the Word which says that 'all things work together for the good of them who love the Lord and are the called according to His purpose'. (Romans 8:28) Yes, even death. That is why our hearts can be sad over the loss of someone we love, but as Christians we know that even death has a purpose in God's master plan. Look at the death of His Son Jesus. He died so that we might live. I am the first person to tell you that I could care less what other's think about me as long as I am living the life that God wants me to live. Being the best person I can be and always showing the love of Christ to everyone I meet is what matters. How do I do this? Through a smile, a kind word, getting over on the highway so someone can merge on, not repaying evil for evil, not always saying the first thing that pops into my head. I have to be honest and say that sometimes this is hard. There are days that I fail miserably at this but I confess it to God and He gives me grace and new mercies every morning and for this I am grateful. So as You continue to change me and grow me up in You, let the life that I live speak for me. And let that life be one that is pleasing in Your sight.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Thou who made me and knows all about me. Thou who knows my heart and the motives behind all that I do. Search me and try me and know my heart, try me and know my thoughts and whatever You find that is not like you Lord please remove it Lord. I want to be of service for You. In Jesus' Name I pray Amen.
Revelations 2:2 says, 'I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary'. These words are a true testament to someone living life under God's direction, waiting on Him and allowing Him to direct his or her path. This verse also shows that God is intimately acquainted with us. He knows the good and the bad and yet He loves us anyway. Here in this passage, the church at Ephesus had remained faithful to the Lord through difficulty and persecution. Even though there were those around them who didn't live by God's law, they continued to stand on God's Word. Isn't that what this life is all about? God needs us to be a light that shines in this dark world. Even though we may live in a house with unbelievers, work with unbelievers, see them at the grocery store, at the mall, even at the church house.....they should always be able to see Jesus in everything we do. It is not just about quoting the Word, we should be living the Word. For the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. As Christians we ought to regularly examine our motives and priorities against God's standards. Taking the time to ask Him to remove anything that is not like Him.
This same chapter goes on to say that God had one complaint against the church at Ephesus, 'that you have abandoned the love you had at first'. (verse 4) So many times we allow the hardships of life to turn us away from the person God designed us to be. Things like the loss of a loved one, a job, divorce, a friend can cause us to become bitter with a hardened heart. Make us skeptical of everyone we encounter. But how will the world know that we are Christians but by our love. But the bitterness that shows in our everyday lives contradicts the Word which says that 'all things work together for the good of them who love the Lord and are the called according to His purpose'. (Romans 8:28) Yes, even death. That is why our hearts can be sad over the loss of someone we love, but as Christians we know that even death has a purpose in God's master plan. Look at the death of His Son Jesus. He died so that we might live. I am the first person to tell you that I could care less what other's think about me as long as I am living the life that God wants me to live. Being the best person I can be and always showing the love of Christ to everyone I meet is what matters. How do I do this? Through a smile, a kind word, getting over on the highway so someone can merge on, not repaying evil for evil, not always saying the first thing that pops into my head. I have to be honest and say that sometimes this is hard. There are days that I fail miserably at this but I confess it to God and He gives me grace and new mercies every morning and for this I am grateful. So as You continue to change me and grow me up in You, let the life that I live speak for me. And let that life be one that is pleasing in Your sight.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Thou who made me and knows all about me. Thou who knows my heart and the motives behind all that I do. Search me and try me and know my heart, try me and know my thoughts and whatever You find that is not like you Lord please remove it Lord. I want to be of service for You. In Jesus' Name I pray Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)