As I know I've recently shared, I've had a hard time feeling "into" my work lately. It's been a struggle to motivate myself simply to accomplish the things which are within my purview to accomplish!
It's now Sunday morning, and I know that 24 hours from now, I will be in the office starting a new work week. Part of me feels looming dread as I think of it.
With that as my context, this is the verse that caught my attention today:
"Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls--Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation" Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NKJV).
I hear two basic messages in this verse. First, I am reminded that how I feel about a particular situation isn't necessarily relevant. As I have learned to be true, feelings lie. I don't know about you, but my feelings often are not reflective of the truth. They're simply how I feel. I don't have to give them ultimate authority over my experience.
Secondly, I am struck by the last sentence of this passage: "I will joy in the God of my salvation." I will joy in God? I wasn't even quite sure what this meant or how exactly to understand it. So I did what we all learned to do writing Junior High essays. I looked it up in the dictionary!
Joy, as a verb, basically means to bring gladness, to rejoice or to create a feeling of happiness. The nuance of the word seems to imply intentionality, purpose and willingness. What my heart hears in this message this morning is that, regardless of what happens with my morning, my work day or my mood, I can choose to receive the gladness, joy and happiness that is rooted in my Lord. There is an abundance of it!
I am reminded again of something I know I shared recently, a favorite sentiment from Beth Moore's study on the fruit of the spirit: God won't just change your life; He can also change your day.
Lord, as I go out into the world today, please help keep my focus on You. I thank You SO much for the sacrifices You've made for me. I thank You for a job to work at, thoughts to think and feelings to feel. Lord, help my very soul to know beyond a doubt that You are present in every moment, and help me receive the joy that comes with that truth. Lord, even when I feel less than excited about a situation, help me remember that I have a choice to make. And give me the strength and willingness to persevere in choosing to joy in You! Thank You Lord for your unfailing love for me. Thank You for the blessings Your continue to pour out into my life, day by day. I love You so much, Lord. Thank You.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Recognition
I've been praying a lot about my job lately. I've had a hard time feeling really engaged in it, and although I've been working and accomplishing tasks, my head hasn't really been in the game. Actually, to be more accurate, I should say that my heart hasn't been in it.
I've been asking God to help redirect me. If I'm meant to move on (which I don't believe is the case at this point), I've asked for that guidance. In the immediate, too, I've just asked for a renewal of mind and a change of heart so that I can show up each day and work in peace for Him.
This morning, this verse caught my attention and my heart immediately went to the topic of my job: "Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them" Matt 7:20 (NIV).
Each day I show up at work, I have the opportunity to be a witness. I absolutely pray that others might look at me and think, "there's something different about the way she works" or something like that. I want who I am, and the way I live - even in the context of corporate America - to be recognizably His. I'm not sure of what Monday will bring, and honestly, I'm trying to just stay in Saturday for now. But, regardless of what His plan is for my week, I pray for the ability to focus on Him and bearing fruit that speaks of His loving nature and grace. In that, I know my week will have purpose that will overflow into peace and efficiency. And, in that, there's simply more fruit to show.
Your will, not mine, Lord.
I've been asking God to help redirect me. If I'm meant to move on (which I don't believe is the case at this point), I've asked for that guidance. In the immediate, too, I've just asked for a renewal of mind and a change of heart so that I can show up each day and work in peace for Him.
This morning, this verse caught my attention and my heart immediately went to the topic of my job: "Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them" Matt 7:20 (NIV).
Each day I show up at work, I have the opportunity to be a witness. I absolutely pray that others might look at me and think, "there's something different about the way she works" or something like that. I want who I am, and the way I live - even in the context of corporate America - to be recognizably His. I'm not sure of what Monday will bring, and honestly, I'm trying to just stay in Saturday for now. But, regardless of what His plan is for my week, I pray for the ability to focus on Him and bearing fruit that speaks of His loving nature and grace. In that, I know my week will have purpose that will overflow into peace and efficiency. And, in that, there's simply more fruit to show.
Your will, not mine, Lord.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Shining His Light
Today is a day in which I'll have a unique opportunity. I'll be around family - mine and my boyfriend's - for the entirety of the day. Some of them are believers; some of them are not, especially on my side of things. The verse that jumps out to me this morning speaks directly to the opportunity my boyfriend pointed out to me last night: to be His light in their Thanksgiving day.
"For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ" 2 Corinthians 4:6 (NIV).
As I was going through some tough seeking years in college, I came up with a very short mental list of the people who seemed to have the kind of life I wanted. There weren't many on this short list, but they were all people who had what I called "the thing." Their faces glowed in a special way; their hearts seemed bigger than most. In those years, it was somewhat of a shock for me to realize the other thing they all had in common: they all had active, involved and thriving relationships with the Lord. Not a one of them ever had to witness to me with words, or speak to me about what was missing in my life. That much I knew. They just showed up in their lives - each day - and let the light of the glory of God shine through them.
It drew me in.
I have an uncle who said once that he thinks a lot of our job as followers of Jesus is to act as a prism. God's light shines into us, and by the power of the Spirit, we can reflect it and let all the amazing shades and colors spread out into our world.
I'm a firm believer that focusing on the things for which I'm grateful cultivates sincere gratitude. It's going to be a busy day for me, but I am going to take the time to thank the Lord for all the amazing gifts (unreasoned grace and astounding blessed favor!) He's bestowed upon me. And I will pray, in earnest, that His Spirit will not only fill me, but also be evident in me today. That I may step into any room today and have "the thing" in a way that makes people wonder about my Jesus.
I praise Your holy name, Lord. For You are above all things; thank You, thank You, thank You for the gifts of love and favor You pour out in my life every single day. I love You! Amen.
"For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ" 2 Corinthians 4:6 (NIV).
As I was going through some tough seeking years in college, I came up with a very short mental list of the people who seemed to have the kind of life I wanted. There weren't many on this short list, but they were all people who had what I called "the thing." Their faces glowed in a special way; their hearts seemed bigger than most. In those years, it was somewhat of a shock for me to realize the other thing they all had in common: they all had active, involved and thriving relationships with the Lord. Not a one of them ever had to witness to me with words, or speak to me about what was missing in my life. That much I knew. They just showed up in their lives - each day - and let the light of the glory of God shine through them.
It drew me in.
I have an uncle who said once that he thinks a lot of our job as followers of Jesus is to act as a prism. God's light shines into us, and by the power of the Spirit, we can reflect it and let all the amazing shades and colors spread out into our world.
I'm a firm believer that focusing on the things for which I'm grateful cultivates sincere gratitude. It's going to be a busy day for me, but I am going to take the time to thank the Lord for all the amazing gifts (unreasoned grace and astounding blessed favor!) He's bestowed upon me. And I will pray, in earnest, that His Spirit will not only fill me, but also be evident in me today. That I may step into any room today and have "the thing" in a way that makes people wonder about my Jesus.
I praise Your holy name, Lord. For You are above all things; thank You, thank You, thank You for the gifts of love and favor You pour out in my life every single day. I love You! Amen.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Unfailing Love
I have recently entered what I think will prove to be a new leg of the journey for me. There are wounds and old hurts in my life that the Lord is telling me He is going to heal. I believe, He's telling me, that it's time. As I've started with my own tiny tip-toe steps down the path, I have had a more than coincidental number of reminders about the unfailing nature of God's love. Then, this morning, I came across this verse:
"The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love" Psalms 147:11 (NIV).
First of all, I quickly noticed (again) the reference to His unfailing love. And what does this verse instruct? To put my hope in just that. My only hope is in the fact that He loves me - without fail. And if I rest in this space, if I truly do put my hope in His love, then, He delights in me!
The message here is really quite simple, and so shall this post be. His love NEVER fails. It is the source, foundation and continuation of all hope. And when I trust in Him, when I respect, revere and entrust myself to His loving care, He takes delight in me. What could be more "win-win"?
"The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love" Psalms 147:11 (NIV).
First of all, I quickly noticed (again) the reference to His unfailing love. And what does this verse instruct? To put my hope in just that. My only hope is in the fact that He loves me - without fail. And if I rest in this space, if I truly do put my hope in His love, then, He delights in me!
The message here is really quite simple, and so shall this post be. His love NEVER fails. It is the source, foundation and continuation of all hope. And when I trust in Him, when I respect, revere and entrust myself to His loving care, He takes delight in me. What could be more "win-win"?
Monday, November 24, 2008
Quick Obedience
As I think I've shared before, I was blessed to hear someone once talking about he & his wife remind their children to "be quick to obey." That really went to my heart, and I have tried to keep that mantra as my own when it comes to listening to my Heavenly Father.
In Luke 11:28, Jesus says, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it" (NIV).
Today is the first day of a 40 day commitment I've made to the Lord. I feel like He's been asking me to set aside the first portion of each day for Him, and to really make it my first priority. I have been fairly consistent in having a regular morning quiet time with the Lord, but I am not 100%, and often, that time becomes abbreviated - mostly because I sleep longer than I'd originally intended.
So, for 40 days, I'm going to make my time with Him my top priority for the day. If I sleep in later, then I'm late to work. I think the amount of time is probably unimportant, but I prayed about it, and I felt like He suggested 2o-30 minutes for me each morning. And so, here I am. I am excited to see what God has in store for me during this period of time. I felt like His initial point was just that it would have an impact on my life. I am sure it will; He always does!
The point is this. My alarm went off 4 1/2 hours after I went to sleep last night. I am tired, and definitely wouldn't have minded some more sleep. However, I am listening, hearing and following through on the instructions I've received from Him, and that's why I'm here at 6 o'clock on a sleepy Monday morning. Blessed are those who obey. I think that's a fair paraphrase. I will continue in my striving for obedience, and quick obedience at that.
I'm guessing that anyone out there reading this will be kept up to speed on the impact these 40 days have on my life; this is a natural place for that to show up. We shall see, however, and we shall see together!
In Luke 11:28, Jesus says, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it" (NIV).
Today is the first day of a 40 day commitment I've made to the Lord. I feel like He's been asking me to set aside the first portion of each day for Him, and to really make it my first priority. I have been fairly consistent in having a regular morning quiet time with the Lord, but I am not 100%, and often, that time becomes abbreviated - mostly because I sleep longer than I'd originally intended.
So, for 40 days, I'm going to make my time with Him my top priority for the day. If I sleep in later, then I'm late to work. I think the amount of time is probably unimportant, but I prayed about it, and I felt like He suggested 2o-30 minutes for me each morning. And so, here I am. I am excited to see what God has in store for me during this period of time. I felt like His initial point was just that it would have an impact on my life. I am sure it will; He always does!
The point is this. My alarm went off 4 1/2 hours after I went to sleep last night. I am tired, and definitely wouldn't have minded some more sleep. However, I am listening, hearing and following through on the instructions I've received from Him, and that's why I'm here at 6 o'clock on a sleepy Monday morning. Blessed are those who obey. I think that's a fair paraphrase. I will continue in my striving for obedience, and quick obedience at that.
I'm guessing that anyone out there reading this will be kept up to speed on the impact these 40 days have on my life; this is a natural place for that to show up. We shall see, however, and we shall see together!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Winner Take All
I have a tendency to allow life to get a little too complicated. Somehow, it seems that I easily lose sight of the simple truths of life, the simple pursuits of Jesus and the simplicity of my purpose here. I am here to serve the God Most High. I am here to do His will. I can do these things only one day at a time. I can do these things if, and only if I allow the Spirit of the Lord to fill me on a daily basis and to guide my path.
It's also easy for me to be discouraged when I think about how often I lose sight of these simple truths. I get swept up in...well, all the things of the worldly life. The to do list of "daily life" can become a master all its own.
And yet, this morning, as I think about all the ways in which I am prone to misappropriating my energy and misapplying a sense of priority, I am encouraged by 1 John 4:4: "But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world" (NLT). It is true. Life happens. I let life get in the way...often...of what it is that I am really meant for on this earth. But living my life - even one day in my life - with my mind caught up in all the ways I could have/should have/would have is a waste. I belong to God. I am His dear child. I have already won victory over all my human tendencies, including both those that are pesky daily habits and also those that seem to threaten me in a larger and more powerful way. I am going to say that again. I have already won victory. Why? Because HE is Victory. He gave up His beloved Son so that I could have a simple option to win and walk victoriously in this world.
The Spirit that lives in me (lives in me!) is greater than the spirit who is in the world. THANK YOU, Lord. Thank You dear, dear Father.
I am safe. I am free. I am His. And my dear friends, I am not the only one. If you are His, you are victorious. For the Spirit that lives in you is greater. Greater by far.
I am so grateful.
Father, help me to walk through my day today infused with the sacred presence of Your Spirit's power. I praise You Lord for Your amazing love and faithfulness. Thank You, God, for choosing me. Thank You for clearing the path for me, My Lord. I am Yours. Thank You for loving me. Thank You for sacrificing for me. May my heart today not only feel, but truly KNOW that I am free, and that I am already victorious in You. Amen.
It's also easy for me to be discouraged when I think about how often I lose sight of these simple truths. I get swept up in...well, all the things of the worldly life. The to do list of "daily life" can become a master all its own.
And yet, this morning, as I think about all the ways in which I am prone to misappropriating my energy and misapplying a sense of priority, I am encouraged by 1 John 4:4: "But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world" (NLT). It is true. Life happens. I let life get in the way...often...of what it is that I am really meant for on this earth. But living my life - even one day in my life - with my mind caught up in all the ways I could have/should have/would have is a waste. I belong to God. I am His dear child. I have already won victory over all my human tendencies, including both those that are pesky daily habits and also those that seem to threaten me in a larger and more powerful way. I am going to say that again. I have already won victory. Why? Because HE is Victory. He gave up His beloved Son so that I could have a simple option to win and walk victoriously in this world.
The Spirit that lives in me (lives in me!) is greater than the spirit who is in the world. THANK YOU, Lord. Thank You dear, dear Father.
I am safe. I am free. I am His. And my dear friends, I am not the only one. If you are His, you are victorious. For the Spirit that lives in you is greater. Greater by far.
I am so grateful.
Father, help me to walk through my day today infused with the sacred presence of Your Spirit's power. I praise You Lord for Your amazing love and faithfulness. Thank You, God, for choosing me. Thank You for clearing the path for me, My Lord. I am Yours. Thank You for loving me. Thank You for sacrificing for me. May my heart today not only feel, but truly KNOW that I am free, and that I am already victorious in You. Amen.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
We are Dust
"As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust" Psalms 103:13-14 (NIV).
I can put an awful lot of pressure on myself. In some form or another, it usually boils down to pressure to be perfect. I forget who I am; I forget what I am (and what I am not) capable of. I unconsciously act as if I believe that my own efforts will get me wherever it is I am trying to go.
More egregiously, I often project this same standard onto the Lord. I seem to unconsciously believe that God expects me to be perfect. Or, at the very least, to be stronger and wiser and more faithful than I am today.
Thankfully, I know and believe that the Lord is teaching me and shepherding me and that I do have the ability to become stronger, more faithful and more wise... but, at the end of the day, I am only made of dust. I'll never be perfect. I'll probably never make every decision in the wisest way. I'll probably never get to the place where the temptation to out of my flesh doesn't show up in some way in my life, subtle though it could be! And, truthfully, it's unlikely that I'll ever get to a place where I don't have to be reminded - at least every once in awhile - to trust in the Lord.
Now, don't get me wrong. I have way too many experiences under my belt to doubt that the Lord of Hosts can and will fight for me with a mighty and benevolent hand. I also know what glorious graces are awaiting me in Heaven. At the same time, I keep checking, and yep, it seems that for today, I'm still human.
For me, the verse above brings comfort on two levels: first, it helps remind me of what I am. I am just an earthly natural being, formed of dust at the hand of the Potter. Secondly, it assures me that He remembers that too. I can live my day to day life with the looming pressure of trying to be something I'm not; but I don't have to. He knows me. He knows how I am formed - down to the most minute of details, and He has compassion on me. The Lord loves me. Praise God! I can rest in that today. I hope you will join me as I pray for the strength to yield.
Thank You, Lord, for loving me!
I can put an awful lot of pressure on myself. In some form or another, it usually boils down to pressure to be perfect. I forget who I am; I forget what I am (and what I am not) capable of. I unconsciously act as if I believe that my own efforts will get me wherever it is I am trying to go.
More egregiously, I often project this same standard onto the Lord. I seem to unconsciously believe that God expects me to be perfect. Or, at the very least, to be stronger and wiser and more faithful than I am today.
Thankfully, I know and believe that the Lord is teaching me and shepherding me and that I do have the ability to become stronger, more faithful and more wise... but, at the end of the day, I am only made of dust. I'll never be perfect. I'll probably never make every decision in the wisest way. I'll probably never get to the place where the temptation to out of my flesh doesn't show up in some way in my life, subtle though it could be! And, truthfully, it's unlikely that I'll ever get to a place where I don't have to be reminded - at least every once in awhile - to trust in the Lord.
Now, don't get me wrong. I have way too many experiences under my belt to doubt that the Lord of Hosts can and will fight for me with a mighty and benevolent hand. I also know what glorious graces are awaiting me in Heaven. At the same time, I keep checking, and yep, it seems that for today, I'm still human.
For me, the verse above brings comfort on two levels: first, it helps remind me of what I am. I am just an earthly natural being, formed of dust at the hand of the Potter. Secondly, it assures me that He remembers that too. I can live my day to day life with the looming pressure of trying to be something I'm not; but I don't have to. He knows me. He knows how I am formed - down to the most minute of details, and He has compassion on me. The Lord loves me. Praise God! I can rest in that today. I hope you will join me as I pray for the strength to yield.
Thank You, Lord, for loving me!
Monday, November 17, 2008
"For the Battle is the Lord's..."
I had one of those wonderful moments this morning...the kind where something that I've heard many times before suddenly strikes me anew and takes on meaning it hasn't previously had for me, powerful meaning.
"And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands" 1 Samuel 17:47 (KJV).
Like many of us, there are areas in my life in which I am learning to let go, to surrender and to yield control. I've written before about feeling like I am not always sure how to do that. Actually, let me revise that, I'm often not sure how to do that. There are places in my world in which the patterns of control and wrestling are so ingrained that I don't really feel like I have even a conceptual understanding of how to release, or of what yielding would really look like. In truth, when it comes to surrender, sometimes I feel at a loss.
Then I read this passage this morning, and I almost hesitate to write about; I only can pray to do justice to the moment of revelation! In this passage of scripture, David is preparing to fight Goliath, and after being taunted by the giant, young David responds with inspiring and faithful boldness. This verse is part of what he says.
The weaponry may have changed these days. I do not grab a literal sword or shield as I attempt battle each day against the lies and tricks of the devil. I do, however, have my own weapons that I try to grab onto. And some of them are good and sound weapons. The Word. Prayer. Time of simply listening to my Lord. The trouble is, even though I am trying to fight with worthy weapons, I am doing so without being completely mindful of a key fact: the battle is the Lord's.
I admit, I don't often (ever?) go into my daily battle for surrender (an ironic phrase, isn't it?!) conceiving of myself as simply the hands and feet in this battle. Even in the fight against the enemy, for real-estate in my own heart and mind, I am simply someone who can go through the motions; the power is His. The battle is His. I feel sheepish to admit another truth: I often feel like I'm going through motions when it comes to surrendering my own habitual struggles... my self-sufficiency, my self-absorption, my fear, my stubbornness, my impatience and my quest for the approval of mankind.
When it comes to the things that I wrestle with on a perpetual basis, I have approached them like a warrior fighting for a good and worthy King, but I have approached them as if the battle was my own.
Lord, oh precious Lord, please embed deeply in my heart the profound truth that the battle always belongs to You. Not just the victory, not only the power and the vision, but that the battle itself is Yours. My day is not a matter of me versus the evil one, turning to You for strength and courage. This is YOUR battle; I am only to come alongside You and carry out whatever the marching orders of the day may be. Help me to yield even the battle, my King. For the only victory to be found is Yours. I praise Your mighty and powerful name, Lord. You are Holiest of Holies, and the whole earth kneels at Your feet.
"And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands" 1 Samuel 17:47 (KJV).
Like many of us, there are areas in my life in which I am learning to let go, to surrender and to yield control. I've written before about feeling like I am not always sure how to do that. Actually, let me revise that, I'm often not sure how to do that. There are places in my world in which the patterns of control and wrestling are so ingrained that I don't really feel like I have even a conceptual understanding of how to release, or of what yielding would really look like. In truth, when it comes to surrender, sometimes I feel at a loss.
Then I read this passage this morning, and I almost hesitate to write about; I only can pray to do justice to the moment of revelation! In this passage of scripture, David is preparing to fight Goliath, and after being taunted by the giant, young David responds with inspiring and faithful boldness. This verse is part of what he says.
The weaponry may have changed these days. I do not grab a literal sword or shield as I attempt battle each day against the lies and tricks of the devil. I do, however, have my own weapons that I try to grab onto. And some of them are good and sound weapons. The Word. Prayer. Time of simply listening to my Lord. The trouble is, even though I am trying to fight with worthy weapons, I am doing so without being completely mindful of a key fact: the battle is the Lord's.
I admit, I don't often (ever?) go into my daily battle for surrender (an ironic phrase, isn't it?!) conceiving of myself as simply the hands and feet in this battle. Even in the fight against the enemy, for real-estate in my own heart and mind, I am simply someone who can go through the motions; the power is His. The battle is His. I feel sheepish to admit another truth: I often feel like I'm going through motions when it comes to surrendering my own habitual struggles... my self-sufficiency, my self-absorption, my fear, my stubbornness, my impatience and my quest for the approval of mankind.
When it comes to the things that I wrestle with on a perpetual basis, I have approached them like a warrior fighting for a good and worthy King, but I have approached them as if the battle was my own.
Lord, oh precious Lord, please embed deeply in my heart the profound truth that the battle always belongs to You. Not just the victory, not only the power and the vision, but that the battle itself is Yours. My day is not a matter of me versus the evil one, turning to You for strength and courage. This is YOUR battle; I am only to come alongside You and carry out whatever the marching orders of the day may be. Help me to yield even the battle, my King. For the only victory to be found is Yours. I praise Your mighty and powerful name, Lord. You are Holiest of Holies, and the whole earth kneels at Your feet.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
To grasp how wide...
There's one particular prayer in scripture that I feel like God has repeatedly encouraged me to pray over a family member of mine. I've prayed it many times, and again and again I am struck anew by how powerful its requests are:
"so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God" Ephesians 3:17-19 (NIV).
This morning, what struck me most was the idea of really grasping how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ! I love that Paul prays for the readers of this letter to know this love, and then says in the next breath that it's a love that surpasses knowledge. Friends, as far as I can tell, it is only by the Holy Spirit that we are able to do just that - to grasp and know that which is ungraspable and beyond knowledge. I praise God for such a wonderful gift!
I've really felt a strong reiteration from the Lord lately: each day must begin with a filling of the Holy Spirit - at least I feel this to be His leading in my life. To lead a Spirit-filled life requires, of course, His filling and it is something I can ask for each day - and again and again throughout the day if needed (which it often is!).
For today, this prayer is the form in which I am asking for that in-pouring of Spirit. That I may be filled to point of submersion with the unknowable knowledge of the love of Christ - it makes complete sense to me that the end of the quoted passage links this "knowing" with being filled with the fullness of God.
The word I chose as the "keyword" in the title of this blog is the word consecrated. There's a Hebrew word, "mālâ", that is sometimes translated as "consecrated" in the Bible. The English definition primarily associated to it in Strong's is "to fill or to be full of." The word also includes nuance implications of both replenishment and a sense of having this action done to someone... it's not something you can do for yourself. It's not something I can do for myself.
To grasp the true width and depth and breadth of Jesus' love for us, for you. For me... The thought kind of knocks me over a little. To grasp this, to take it eagerly, to truly perceive this...well, I hope you will afford me the latitude to say that it's practically synonymous with that infilling and flowing of the Spirit (practically speaking, though not literally). And it is from this vantage point that Paul tells his reader they can be "filled to the measure of all fullness of God."
For today, my prayer for us all is to truly request and be open to receiving this full grasping, this complete understanding and filling - not just mostly, not just kind of. I will be praying that God astounds our expectations of His presence today. Being filled the measure of all fullness... His sacrifice gives us the opportunity for nothing less. What an awesome truth! What an awesome day!
Friday, November 14, 2008
He Goes with Us
I decide to come back toward the Lord all the time; sometimes multiple times in a day, sometimes less, and sometimes it feels like even more! It's very easy for me, with my stubborn tendency toward self-sufficiency to try to step out on my own...my own power, my own wisdom, my own strength.
Of course, I just keep finding trickier and more subtle ways to do this. I've realized that, lately, I seem to be operating as if the details of my morning routine with the Lord are "the key" to how my day goes. Now, don't get me wrong; I believe that taking time to connect with Him each morning is important. I'd go so far as to say that I believe that whether or not I take the time and make the room to be filled up by the Spirit in the morning also has a significant impact on my day. However, the subtle (and crucial) distinction is that it's the power of the Spirit that's making the difference! It's not me & my routine! My faith in the routine is just another area in which I need to work on releasing myself from my self-dependence, and looking more and more to God for sustenance.
One of my internal and mental challenges around this concept is that I truly feel like I am not sure how I'm supposed to make that shift. Honestly, I've lived in my self-sufficiency for so long, I don't really "get" what God-dependency looks like, let alone what part is mine to making that a reality in my daily life!
The scripture for this morning encourages me in this regard:
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you" Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV).
Although this is a power-house scripture on several levels, the part that really spoke to me this morning was the last part. When I wander off into my "I can do it" realm - no matter how unconsciously - I always need to come back. Come back to Him, come back to surrender, come back to a place of yielded control...the great news, evidenced here, is that even as I wander, He never leaves me! He goes with me! Hallelujah!
Truly, the Lord knows that I need Him! I need His protection as I travel the paths of my own making. I need His guidance as I (repeatedly) stumble through the little mini-journeys (and the big ones!) of learning that my way and my power are useless. I need His love as I find my way back to His heart. And I need His companionship every step of the way. Without Him, I am lost - truly. And as my natural self seems to repeatedly try to get me lost for good, I am never forsaken. For He never leaves my side.
He's a faithful friend, a patient lord and a Holy God. Praise Him today!
Of course, I just keep finding trickier and more subtle ways to do this. I've realized that, lately, I seem to be operating as if the details of my morning routine with the Lord are "the key" to how my day goes. Now, don't get me wrong; I believe that taking time to connect with Him each morning is important. I'd go so far as to say that I believe that whether or not I take the time and make the room to be filled up by the Spirit in the morning also has a significant impact on my day. However, the subtle (and crucial) distinction is that it's the power of the Spirit that's making the difference! It's not me & my routine! My faith in the routine is just another area in which I need to work on releasing myself from my self-dependence, and looking more and more to God for sustenance.
One of my internal and mental challenges around this concept is that I truly feel like I am not sure how I'm supposed to make that shift. Honestly, I've lived in my self-sufficiency for so long, I don't really "get" what God-dependency looks like, let alone what part is mine to making that a reality in my daily life!
The scripture for this morning encourages me in this regard:
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you" Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV).
Although this is a power-house scripture on several levels, the part that really spoke to me this morning was the last part. When I wander off into my "I can do it" realm - no matter how unconsciously - I always need to come back. Come back to Him, come back to surrender, come back to a place of yielded control...the great news, evidenced here, is that even as I wander, He never leaves me! He goes with me! Hallelujah!
Truly, the Lord knows that I need Him! I need His protection as I travel the paths of my own making. I need His guidance as I (repeatedly) stumble through the little mini-journeys (and the big ones!) of learning that my way and my power are useless. I need His love as I find my way back to His heart. And I need His companionship every step of the way. Without Him, I am lost - truly. And as my natural self seems to repeatedly try to get me lost for good, I am never forsaken. For He never leaves my side.
He's a faithful friend, a patient lord and a Holy God. Praise Him today!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Hope in Him
One thing I've learned in some of my word studies is that the words translated as "hope" in the Bible have a meaning quite different from the way you & I use the word hope. Whereas general conversation these days uses hope to express something that we think could happen, that we would like to have happen, the Biblical word hope expresses something far more powerful.
The words imply expectation, not just wishful thinking.
This morning's verse for my heart is this: "But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God" Psalms 146:5 (NLT).
I'll take the word study one step further here. The word translated here into "joyful" is a word that translates more literally to "blessed" and indicates the fullness of heart that comes when God bestows His complete favor upon a person; it indicates a state of prosperity and big picture good, not just the passing mood of pleasant feelings.
So, what can I learn from this today? When I expect God to help me, to take care of me, to fight for me, to protect me and to be my Lord...when I expect Him to do these things with a hopeful expectation, not just an "it could go either way" kind of hope, I am available for His blessing. I am available for God to come into my heart, into my life and into my day in a way that will sustain me, will satisfy and prosper me. I am open to receiving what it is that He wants to give.
I don't think it's too much of a stretch to say that I open myself up for His will.
So...if like me, you find yourself struggling with fears or doubts or insecurities (the spiritual equivalent of a door cracked open just enough for Satan to slip in and generate his particular brand of havoc), remember the assurances of our God. Put your hope in Him, your full and ardent expectation. And if that seems impossible to do with sincerity, pray for His help in bringing your heart farther down the path (His role as helper is another important one in this verse!). Once again, part of my prayer today will be help with my unbelief and the ability to yield!
Be blessed today, my friends; the first and simplest step is putting your hope in Him!
The words imply expectation, not just wishful thinking.
This morning's verse for my heart is this: "But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God" Psalms 146:5 (NLT).
I'll take the word study one step further here. The word translated here into "joyful" is a word that translates more literally to "blessed" and indicates the fullness of heart that comes when God bestows His complete favor upon a person; it indicates a state of prosperity and big picture good, not just the passing mood of pleasant feelings.
So, what can I learn from this today? When I expect God to help me, to take care of me, to fight for me, to protect me and to be my Lord...when I expect Him to do these things with a hopeful expectation, not just an "it could go either way" kind of hope, I am available for His blessing. I am available for God to come into my heart, into my life and into my day in a way that will sustain me, will satisfy and prosper me. I am open to receiving what it is that He wants to give.
I don't think it's too much of a stretch to say that I open myself up for His will.
So...if like me, you find yourself struggling with fears or doubts or insecurities (the spiritual equivalent of a door cracked open just enough for Satan to slip in and generate his particular brand of havoc), remember the assurances of our God. Put your hope in Him, your full and ardent expectation. And if that seems impossible to do with sincerity, pray for His help in bringing your heart farther down the path (His role as helper is another important one in this verse!). Once again, part of my prayer today will be help with my unbelief and the ability to yield!
Be blessed today, my friends; the first and simplest step is putting your hope in Him!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
While I'm Waiting...
“So you, by the help of your God, return, hold fast to love and justice, and wait continually for your God" Hosea 12:6 (ESV).
I don't know about you, but I have such a hard time being patient sometimes. And not just for the light to turn green, the person in front of me to make a decision, or for my friend to finish getting ready so we can leave. In fact, I find that in those daily types of situations, I can be a fairly patient person.
What I have a hard time with is the big stuff... knowing whether or not a life-altering job offer should be accepted, learning what it is that God wants me to do as service in a particular situation with a struggling friend, waiting for His indication on whether or not a relationship choice is right for me, a big purchase is something I should spend the money on, or if I'm meant to further pursue a family member who is walking far from the Lord.
I pray about these things. Sometimes I pray heartily and desperately. What I have more difficulty with is waiting for an answer. I like to say that if we (the humans of the world) would just "wait for the knowing", we'd save ourselves an immense amount of heartache. There are SO many questions that I and others in my life have had: Should I end this relationship? Should I quit my job/take this new job? How should I respond to this particular conflict? The list goes on and on.
My experience is that it's often almost intolerable for us to wait in that gray area of not-knowing...so, rather than experience that discomfort, we just charge forward on our own wisdom and steam. Oftentimes, in retrospect, I see that if I'd only waited for God's words of confirmation, I could have been spared incredibly painful and challenging situations that have unfolded out of my own insistence on avoiding the discomfort of waiting in the unknown.
This verse from Hosea not only gives me needed encouragement to keep waiting, but also points out a couple key helps: 1) While I'm waiting, I can busy myself with the other commands of this verse: holding fast to love and justice. If I can wait on God to do His part (His sense of time being far superior to, but so different from my own!), then I can keep busy by acting out His love for justice and love. There is much service I can do in that regard.
The other thing that's pointed out is that these commands are to be carried out "by the help of your God." Not only do I not have to do it alone, I'm not meant to! Hallelujah!
As I sit here, it takes me only seconds to come up with some areas in which I am definitely waiting on God - with varied degrees of patience and peace. As I live into these areas and work with the Lord on them, I am reminded and encouraged by this verse. There are things I can do in the meantime (practice an adoration of love and justice). That helps. It keeps my mind off of me and my impatience! And far more importantly, as I struggle to surrender these things to Him again and again, I can ask for help. And not just any help! His help! Isn't it an amazing blessing that although I cannot control God's timing (thankfully!), I can ask for His help in staying patient and faithful while I wait?
He's an amazing Lord. Though I confess that my heart does, at times, get impatient, I will keep waiting!
Thank you, Precious Lord, for your patience with me! Please help me to be steadfast in faith as I wait for your perfect timing to play out. Amen.
I don't know about you, but I have such a hard time being patient sometimes. And not just for the light to turn green, the person in front of me to make a decision, or for my friend to finish getting ready so we can leave. In fact, I find that in those daily types of situations, I can be a fairly patient person.
What I have a hard time with is the big stuff... knowing whether or not a life-altering job offer should be accepted, learning what it is that God wants me to do as service in a particular situation with a struggling friend, waiting for His indication on whether or not a relationship choice is right for me, a big purchase is something I should spend the money on, or if I'm meant to further pursue a family member who is walking far from the Lord.
I pray about these things. Sometimes I pray heartily and desperately. What I have more difficulty with is waiting for an answer. I like to say that if we (the humans of the world) would just "wait for the knowing", we'd save ourselves an immense amount of heartache. There are SO many questions that I and others in my life have had: Should I end this relationship? Should I quit my job/take this new job? How should I respond to this particular conflict? The list goes on and on.
My experience is that it's often almost intolerable for us to wait in that gray area of not-knowing...so, rather than experience that discomfort, we just charge forward on our own wisdom and steam. Oftentimes, in retrospect, I see that if I'd only waited for God's words of confirmation, I could have been spared incredibly painful and challenging situations that have unfolded out of my own insistence on avoiding the discomfort of waiting in the unknown.
This verse from Hosea not only gives me needed encouragement to keep waiting, but also points out a couple key helps: 1) While I'm waiting, I can busy myself with the other commands of this verse: holding fast to love and justice. If I can wait on God to do His part (His sense of time being far superior to, but so different from my own!), then I can keep busy by acting out His love for justice and love. There is much service I can do in that regard.
The other thing that's pointed out is that these commands are to be carried out "by the help of your God." Not only do I not have to do it alone, I'm not meant to! Hallelujah!
As I sit here, it takes me only seconds to come up with some areas in which I am definitely waiting on God - with varied degrees of patience and peace. As I live into these areas and work with the Lord on them, I am reminded and encouraged by this verse. There are things I can do in the meantime (practice an adoration of love and justice). That helps. It keeps my mind off of me and my impatience! And far more importantly, as I struggle to surrender these things to Him again and again, I can ask for help. And not just any help! His help! Isn't it an amazing blessing that although I cannot control God's timing (thankfully!), I can ask for His help in staying patient and faithful while I wait?
He's an amazing Lord. Though I confess that my heart does, at times, get impatient, I will keep waiting!
Thank you, Precious Lord, for your patience with me! Please help me to be steadfast in faith as I wait for your perfect timing to play out. Amen.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
By Faith...
One of my favorite verses that has, at various points in time, meant many things to me is from Hebrews 11, the chapter sometimes referred to as the Halls of Faith chapter:
"By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going" Heb 11:8 (NIV).
Sometimes, as with Abraham, we're called to move forward, to go out into a place and yet, we do not know where it is that we are going. It only takes me a few moments to come up with a list of areas like this in my own life. We all have areas like this. What path am I meant to take in my career? What is the next right step in my relationship? How am I meant to best pursue my relationship with God today? In what ways would my time be of best use to the Lord? How will this issue resolve? Sometimes, we just can't see it. Sometimes we think we can, but often we end up somewhere other than where we thought we were going in the first place. In my own life, I've noticed that this is particularly prone to happen when I let God lead. :)
There are areas in which we simply cannot stand still; there are areas in which we do not want to stop moving. And truly, sometimes, the direction we get is to stand still. When it's not, however, sometimes it can be terrifying...at least it is for me! I have a couple big areas that come to mind; areas in which I am certain I am being drawn forth, sent out, called ahead... and yet, called to what? Sent where? Drawn in which way? I don't know. My not-knowing doesn't change the fact that I know I'm being nudged. The Lord doesn't usually get out a megaphone and shout it in my ear, but as I learn to yield more and more to His voice, I hear that still small voice with more and more clarity. "Go." "Come." "Yes."
So, I acknowledge my fear. I pray for help, and I ask for constant reminders of His faithfulness. I read His word and learn of all the encouraging promises He gives to us. One of my favorites, especially in this particular regard, is Isaiah 30:21. "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it' (NIV). He leads the way, especially when I yield control and let Him! And His paths are straight. He will go before us and shield our ways. (Praise God!)
My job is to step forward. To do the best I can, and to trust. To walk by faith, you might say. And as I do so, I will remember, it is by this method (by faith) that Abraham went out and, in the process, found the place he would later receive as his inheritance. My heart leaps forward at the thought; that for which the Lord has destined me is only a step of faith away. Knowing where I am going isn't required; that's on God's list of things to cover. And He is always faithful and fully competent in His care of me.
So, I'll step out today. And, I pray, each day a little more. I will pray for you, and challenge you to do the same! A journey walked by faith, and not by sight, is like every other journey; it starts with a single step.
"By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going" Heb 11:8 (NIV).
Sometimes, as with Abraham, we're called to move forward, to go out into a place and yet, we do not know where it is that we are going. It only takes me a few moments to come up with a list of areas like this in my own life. We all have areas like this. What path am I meant to take in my career? What is the next right step in my relationship? How am I meant to best pursue my relationship with God today? In what ways would my time be of best use to the Lord? How will this issue resolve? Sometimes, we just can't see it. Sometimes we think we can, but often we end up somewhere other than where we thought we were going in the first place. In my own life, I've noticed that this is particularly prone to happen when I let God lead. :)
There are areas in which we simply cannot stand still; there are areas in which we do not want to stop moving. And truly, sometimes, the direction we get is to stand still. When it's not, however, sometimes it can be terrifying...at least it is for me! I have a couple big areas that come to mind; areas in which I am certain I am being drawn forth, sent out, called ahead... and yet, called to what? Sent where? Drawn in which way? I don't know. My not-knowing doesn't change the fact that I know I'm being nudged. The Lord doesn't usually get out a megaphone and shout it in my ear, but as I learn to yield more and more to His voice, I hear that still small voice with more and more clarity. "Go." "Come." "Yes."
So, I acknowledge my fear. I pray for help, and I ask for constant reminders of His faithfulness. I read His word and learn of all the encouraging promises He gives to us. One of my favorites, especially in this particular regard, is Isaiah 30:21. "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it' (NIV). He leads the way, especially when I yield control and let Him! And His paths are straight. He will go before us and shield our ways. (Praise God!)
My job is to step forward. To do the best I can, and to trust. To walk by faith, you might say. And as I do so, I will remember, it is by this method (by faith) that Abraham went out and, in the process, found the place he would later receive as his inheritance. My heart leaps forward at the thought; that for which the Lord has destined me is only a step of faith away. Knowing where I am going isn't required; that's on God's list of things to cover. And He is always faithful and fully competent in His care of me.
So, I'll step out today. And, I pray, each day a little more. I will pray for you, and challenge you to do the same! A journey walked by faith, and not by sight, is like every other journey; it starts with a single step.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Getting Fruity
There is a lot of talk about bearing fruit in the word, and of course, many metaphors about vines and branches and the like. I actually find these parallels to be very helpful and useful... When a vine is healthy, grapes grow. When a plant is nourished and fed, and deeply rooted, there is an abundance of fruit.
The verse that caught my attention this morning speaks about us and our ability to bear fruit: "My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples"
John 15:8 (NASB). Friends, I want to bring glory to God. I am so grateful for a true and sincere desire to do just that. And this verse tells me that one way I can do that is to bear much fruit.
Well, what does that mean? It means doing my part to deepen my roots, fortify the soil, nourish the planting that is my very self! I can't just look at a flower pot and hope it grows. I can't just cross my fingers and and hope that I produce much fruit. I need to do the things Jesus did; I need to do the things His followers did (and still do, praise God!). I need to pray. I need to spend quiet time alone listening to and talking with the Lord. And I need to know His word. I need to let it be my nourishment. I need to believe. I need to be conscious and intentional about following after Him. When Jesus recruited the disciples, He didn't just wander the hillsides hoping someone would accidentally amble onto the same general path.
He said, "Come, follow me." And those who came put down whatever things they held before, and made a decision to go. I can do this each day. Although I am pretty faithful about taking time for prayer and Bible reading each morning, I sometimes do not put in the extra time (and patience) it takes to really connect to the Lord. I basically just go through the motions. And, no, not every day is going to provide a feeling of soaring spiritual connectedness, but regardless of how I feel, I am connected each and every day.
And this word says that it is to His glory that I bear much fruit. I wouldn't toss a budding stem on the ground and hope to come back the next day and pick up a pear. So I will stick with it; I will take the extra energy and make that connection. I will pour out what's on my heart, so that He can pour in His spirit. That filling is what it's really all about!
The verse that caught my attention this morning speaks about us and our ability to bear fruit: "My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples"
John 15:8 (NASB). Friends, I want to bring glory to God. I am so grateful for a true and sincere desire to do just that. And this verse tells me that one way I can do that is to bear much fruit.
Well, what does that mean? It means doing my part to deepen my roots, fortify the soil, nourish the planting that is my very self! I can't just look at a flower pot and hope it grows. I can't just cross my fingers and and hope that I produce much fruit. I need to do the things Jesus did; I need to do the things His followers did (and still do, praise God!). I need to pray. I need to spend quiet time alone listening to and talking with the Lord. And I need to know His word. I need to let it be my nourishment. I need to believe. I need to be conscious and intentional about following after Him. When Jesus recruited the disciples, He didn't just wander the hillsides hoping someone would accidentally amble onto the same general path.
He said, "Come, follow me." And those who came put down whatever things they held before, and made a decision to go. I can do this each day. Although I am pretty faithful about taking time for prayer and Bible reading each morning, I sometimes do not put in the extra time (and patience) it takes to really connect to the Lord. I basically just go through the motions. And, no, not every day is going to provide a feeling of soaring spiritual connectedness, but regardless of how I feel, I am connected each and every day.
And this word says that it is to His glory that I bear much fruit. I wouldn't toss a budding stem on the ground and hope to come back the next day and pick up a pear. So I will stick with it; I will take the extra energy and make that connection. I will pour out what's on my heart, so that He can pour in His spirit. That filling is what it's really all about!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Apart from Him...
I am learning to more and more love the idea of paying specific attention to what it is that God says about Himself.
In Isaiah 43:11, He tells us, "I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior" (NIV).
This verse obviously speaks directly to the person of Jesus, and His relationship to the Father. It also speaks about who God is. He is the only way for us to find salvation - and, in this context, I am thinking not so much of the big-picture eternal kind. I'm thinking of the day-to-day, tough situation, challenging relationship, habitual weakness, I-am-so-human, kind.
I try and have tried a million and a half ways to "save" myself. It's all part of the "try harder" I was talking about yesterday. One of my ongoing challenges is to seek Him...and not just His will and His guidance (although those are beyond crucial!), but also His strength, His energy, His stamina, His best-idea. I can tend to be SO self-seeking. Self-reliant. And yet, this verse is clear.
Apart from God (that is, on my own), there is no savior... I can't save me. I am not even supposed to try. Plain and simple, that's not my job. Not only was it never offered to me, I am far from qualified. My own plans, my own reasoning, my own ideas...if I work on them without the influence of my Father, it's energy spent in vain.
God, I have so many ways in which I need saving today - and every day. I thank You earnestly and with the depths of my heart for the eternal gift of salvation, and for the sacrifice of Your Son. Help my heart to be reminded today that even in daily matters, there is no salvation apart from You. And, in that, help me stay close to and dependent upon You in every way. Thank You for Your loving guidance and protection, Lord. Help me stay hidden in the shelter of Your wing. I praise You for Your loving faithfulness, God. Thank You for letting me love You and know You. May this day bring glory to Your name. Amen.
In Isaiah 43:11, He tells us, "I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior" (NIV).
This verse obviously speaks directly to the person of Jesus, and His relationship to the Father. It also speaks about who God is. He is the only way for us to find salvation - and, in this context, I am thinking not so much of the big-picture eternal kind. I'm thinking of the day-to-day, tough situation, challenging relationship, habitual weakness, I-am-so-human, kind.
I try and have tried a million and a half ways to "save" myself. It's all part of the "try harder" I was talking about yesterday. One of my ongoing challenges is to seek Him...and not just His will and His guidance (although those are beyond crucial!), but also His strength, His energy, His stamina, His best-idea. I can tend to be SO self-seeking. Self-reliant. And yet, this verse is clear.
Apart from God (that is, on my own), there is no savior... I can't save me. I am not even supposed to try. Plain and simple, that's not my job. Not only was it never offered to me, I am far from qualified. My own plans, my own reasoning, my own ideas...if I work on them without the influence of my Father, it's energy spent in vain.
God, I have so many ways in which I need saving today - and every day. I thank You earnestly and with the depths of my heart for the eternal gift of salvation, and for the sacrifice of Your Son. Help my heart to be reminded today that even in daily matters, there is no salvation apart from You. And, in that, help me stay close to and dependent upon You in every way. Thank You for Your loving guidance and protection, Lord. Help me stay hidden in the shelter of Your wing. I praise You for Your loving faithfulness, God. Thank You for letting me love You and know You. May this day bring glory to Your name. Amen.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Making a Believer out of Me
Well, my friends, although my own personal work on this blog is barely beginning, I think it's clear that my own personal journeys are going to somewhat apparent to all. This is perhaps my tenth post in total, and again today the theme striking me is that of believing God.
"In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one" Ephesians 6:16 (ESV).
Probably like many of us, I have heard the phrase "the lies of the enemy" for years. However, it's only been more recently that I've really started to have an awareness of what that really means, and how it really operates in my daily life...and, believe me, that enemy is busy! I definitely encounter him in my life daily!
I shared last week that I have a particular area in which I've really felt the Lord asking me to let go; His message to me was simple and clear: He's going to take it from here. Of course, He's always been "in charge", but I have often held Him at bay and tried to manage this particular area of my world alone. With His help, and as I've learned greater degrees of surrender, I have experienced a growing freedom in that area of my heart, but the Lord spoke clearly to me earlier this year: "I have more freedom for you than you can even imagine." After I felt Him speak that to me, I started asking more urgently in prayer for guidance on how to get there, to that place of freedom. "Let go." That's my answer.
I have run into two major challenges in this regard: 1) I don't really seem to know how to let go, and 2) I'm afraid to actually do so. I don't know that there's much I can do about the first of these two issues, other than admit it regularly, ask for help and guidance, pray like crazy and be open to change and growth. I feel peaceful around that point. As for number two? I feel that God is using this point to really raise up the dross of my unbelief. There is far more content there than even I would have imagined - and I would have counted on a hefty load!
I find myself wondering (and this is just me being honest), "Does God really love me?" "Does that mean He really, really is going to take care of me, and heal this part of me?" "I wonder what else it is that *I* need to do..." And on and on and on. Does that sound like letting go to you? :) Well, I'll give you my answer to that question. It isn't the talk of someone who has fully let go and surrendered, but I heard somewhere that letting go is a process. And, for me, that sounds exactly like the earnest search of being in-process.
So, allow me to bring this back to our verse for today...
Intellectually, I recognize these questions as seedlings of the enemy's lies (or maybe shadows of full grown trees...). I recognize the lie in each of them; I know chapter and verse the scripture counteracting them. And yet, I find myself susceptible to this wandering wondering. So, what do I do? My old plan would have been to "try harder." Try harder to not think that way, try harder to be convinced, try harder to feel loved, etc etc etc. I've found - with exhaustive research - that trying harder pretty much never works. And in the rare instances in which it yields some small gain, it leaves me worn out completely. That is definitely not the freedom for which we have been set free; I know that too.
So, this verse gives me the key. All the flaming lies and arrows of the enemy? I cannot stop them from flying in my direction, BUT, I do have a shield on my side (and a whole set of protective tools detailed in the rest of this passage). That shield is faith.
The first definition listed at Dictionary.com says, "confidence or trust in a person or thing." In other words, believing. Or, in a definition that, in some ways, feels more practical to me: "Now, faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" Hebrews 11:1 (ESV).
So, how do I get there from here? I keep doing what I'm doing. I talk about it - with the Lord, with you, with friends...if you know me, you know that I definitely can do some talking! And I pray. I ask for help. Like that wonderful, wonderful story of the father with the ailing son, I cry out to God. "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" Mark 9:24 (NIV).
As my own personal sense of conviction about unbelief looms ever larger in my view, I will be pursuing a strengthened belief with gusto. God is very kind to often give me a sort of general sense of what it is that He would like me to be focusing on season to season. This, I believe, is His current direction. The areas of bondage we all feel in our lives are simple successes of the enemy and his pursuit of our ineffectiveness. If I am mortally wounded by his flaming darts, the sword of the Spirit has far less opportunity to cut through the world around me! I am praying for help with my unbelief. It was for complete liberation that we have been set free (Galatians 5:1, AMP); I encourage you as I encourage myself to settle for nothing less!
"In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one" Ephesians 6:16 (ESV).
Probably like many of us, I have heard the phrase "the lies of the enemy" for years. However, it's only been more recently that I've really started to have an awareness of what that really means, and how it really operates in my daily life...and, believe me, that enemy is busy! I definitely encounter him in my life daily!
I shared last week that I have a particular area in which I've really felt the Lord asking me to let go; His message to me was simple and clear: He's going to take it from here. Of course, He's always been "in charge", but I have often held Him at bay and tried to manage this particular area of my world alone. With His help, and as I've learned greater degrees of surrender, I have experienced a growing freedom in that area of my heart, but the Lord spoke clearly to me earlier this year: "I have more freedom for you than you can even imagine." After I felt Him speak that to me, I started asking more urgently in prayer for guidance on how to get there, to that place of freedom. "Let go." That's my answer.
I have run into two major challenges in this regard: 1) I don't really seem to know how to let go, and 2) I'm afraid to actually do so. I don't know that there's much I can do about the first of these two issues, other than admit it regularly, ask for help and guidance, pray like crazy and be open to change and growth. I feel peaceful around that point. As for number two? I feel that God is using this point to really raise up the dross of my unbelief. There is far more content there than even I would have imagined - and I would have counted on a hefty load!
I find myself wondering (and this is just me being honest), "Does God really love me?" "Does that mean He really, really is going to take care of me, and heal this part of me?" "I wonder what else it is that *I* need to do..." And on and on and on. Does that sound like letting go to you? :) Well, I'll give you my answer to that question. It isn't the talk of someone who has fully let go and surrendered, but I heard somewhere that letting go is a process. And, for me, that sounds exactly like the earnest search of being in-process.
So, allow me to bring this back to our verse for today...
Intellectually, I recognize these questions as seedlings of the enemy's lies (or maybe shadows of full grown trees...). I recognize the lie in each of them; I know chapter and verse the scripture counteracting them. And yet, I find myself susceptible to this wandering wondering. So, what do I do? My old plan would have been to "try harder." Try harder to not think that way, try harder to be convinced, try harder to feel loved, etc etc etc. I've found - with exhaustive research - that trying harder pretty much never works. And in the rare instances in which it yields some small gain, it leaves me worn out completely. That is definitely not the freedom for which we have been set free; I know that too.
So, this verse gives me the key. All the flaming lies and arrows of the enemy? I cannot stop them from flying in my direction, BUT, I do have a shield on my side (and a whole set of protective tools detailed in the rest of this passage). That shield is faith.
The first definition listed at Dictionary.com says, "confidence or trust in a person or thing." In other words, believing. Or, in a definition that, in some ways, feels more practical to me: "Now, faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" Hebrews 11:1 (ESV).
So, how do I get there from here? I keep doing what I'm doing. I talk about it - with the Lord, with you, with friends...if you know me, you know that I definitely can do some talking! And I pray. I ask for help. Like that wonderful, wonderful story of the father with the ailing son, I cry out to God. "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" Mark 9:24 (NIV).
As my own personal sense of conviction about unbelief looms ever larger in my view, I will be pursuing a strengthened belief with gusto. God is very kind to often give me a sort of general sense of what it is that He would like me to be focusing on season to season. This, I believe, is His current direction. The areas of bondage we all feel in our lives are simple successes of the enemy and his pursuit of our ineffectiveness. If I am mortally wounded by his flaming darts, the sword of the Spirit has far less opportunity to cut through the world around me! I am praying for help with my unbelief. It was for complete liberation that we have been set free (Galatians 5:1, AMP); I encourage you as I encourage myself to settle for nothing less!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Praise
I have many reasons to praise His holy name this morning... continual changes in my perspective that are impacting my heart and my workplace in big and small ways, the incredible winter sunrises and sunsets we're starting to see here in the Midwest, the overwhelmingly wonderful man that the Lord has put in my life to love me, and I could truly go on and on... And perhaps it would be good for me if I did! But, for now, I will keep this list short!
Here's the verse that grabbed me this morning:
"Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men" Psalm 107:8 (NIV).
His unfailing love. If love in an action (which I believe it is, more so than a feeling), then the quick start to a very long list of reasons to be grateful is just more proof that yes, the Lord loves me, and His word affirms that He loves me without fail. Amazing. My little pea-brain really can't quite wrap itself around what it means for God - The Lord of All the Earth - to love me unfailingly. Without mistakes, without fault, without gaps or inconsistencies. His love is unfailing. I praise His name for that alone!
Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, more than enough was done on my behalf than what would be needed to command my praise every second of every hour of ever day. My pastor at church likes to remind us that there's an important phrase in the oh-so-familiar John 3:16 that's often overlooked: "For God so loved the world that He gave." He gave. He gave. He gives and gives and gives. Why? Because He loves us. He loves me. God loves you SO much. He loves me SO much. He loves everyone in my office building, every driver on the road during rush hour, every person waiting in line at Target. And not just a little. He loves us so much that He sacrificed and He gave. Talk about a wonderful deed for men!
And I know I am not alone in knowing that Jesus' sacrificial deed was just the beginning.
Today, I challenge myself (and you, should you be up for a challenge!) to look at the world through the eyes of the Psalmist and what he captures in this verse. His love in unfailing. My challenge, I admit, is to really believe that. To really, truly, deeply grasp that as absolute truth within my soul...truth without doubt. To believe not just in Him, but to believe Him, to believe His word as absolute truth.
His love is unfailing. Unfailing. What does that word mean to you? Let's allow today to be a meditation on just that; I feel confident that the praise the verse requests will flow naturally from our hearts if we grab tightly to that truth!
Here's the verse that grabbed me this morning:
"Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men" Psalm 107:8 (NIV).
His unfailing love. If love in an action (which I believe it is, more so than a feeling), then the quick start to a very long list of reasons to be grateful is just more proof that yes, the Lord loves me, and His word affirms that He loves me without fail. Amazing. My little pea-brain really can't quite wrap itself around what it means for God - The Lord of All the Earth - to love me unfailingly. Without mistakes, without fault, without gaps or inconsistencies. His love is unfailing. I praise His name for that alone!
Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, more than enough was done on my behalf than what would be needed to command my praise every second of every hour of ever day. My pastor at church likes to remind us that there's an important phrase in the oh-so-familiar John 3:16 that's often overlooked: "For God so loved the world that He gave." He gave. He gave. He gives and gives and gives. Why? Because He loves us. He loves me. God loves you SO much. He loves me SO much. He loves everyone in my office building, every driver on the road during rush hour, every person waiting in line at Target. And not just a little. He loves us so much that He sacrificed and He gave. Talk about a wonderful deed for men!
And I know I am not alone in knowing that Jesus' sacrificial deed was just the beginning.
Today, I challenge myself (and you, should you be up for a challenge!) to look at the world through the eyes of the Psalmist and what he captures in this verse. His love in unfailing. My challenge, I admit, is to really believe that. To really, truly, deeply grasp that as absolute truth within my soul...truth without doubt. To believe not just in Him, but to believe Him, to believe His word as absolute truth.
His love is unfailing. Unfailing. What does that word mean to you? Let's allow today to be a meditation on just that; I feel confident that the praise the verse requests will flow naturally from our hearts if we grab tightly to that truth!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Responding to a Shout
The passage that caught my spirit's attention today was sort of a conundrum to me at first. I wasn't sure what meaning I was supposed to draw from it, other than its literal meaning.
First Thessalonians 4:16-17 reads, "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout , with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord." (NASB)
The next verse encourages the readers to use these words to comfort one another, and hallelujah, they should be a comfort! But I gathered another thought from these verses as well. I actually really enjoy the word picture this brings to mind... Christ descends and gives a shout (in my mind it's a sort of rallying whoop), there are trumpets and we arise...millions of us arise from the earth and we all join together to meet with our Father and the Son. The way it plays out in my imagination (which, of course, is nothing other than my own thoughts and isn't meant to reflect truth...just to engage with the Word), Jesus comes and gives His holy holler, and the world's believers just jump in response, to be with Him and to join in union with one another in eternity.
I may not often get a real hollerin' whoop from the Lord, but I do hear His voice on a fairly regular basis. Sometimes it's just a passage of scripture coming back to mind at the perfect and most opportune moment, guiding me and teaching me. Sometimes I feel a real word from the Lord reach down into my heart and spirit with a message specifically for me; it's often when I need it most.
My point today, though, is what do I do then? Do I shake loose the earth that may have me buried at the moment, and soar immediately to be in His presence? in His will? to be in union Him? Well, sometimes I do. Sometimes, I must admit, I instead freeze. I consider His call; I weigh out the trade-offs. I linger in my earthly mire. Lastly, I'd be lying if there weren't times that I (metaphorically speaking) just pushed my head and ears a little deeper into the dirt, effectively drowning out His voice and trumpet calls.
I admit that the scene described in First Thessalonians has a very animated quality to it in my mind's eye; I also can see the instruction I can take from that conceptualization. When He calls us into our eternal communion with Him, we will leap forth at the opportunity. My prayers this morning will include both repentance for the times I respond in any other way, and also a request for His aide in hearing clearly His shouts to my heart, and a willingness and ability to bound forward in His call without hesitation or delay. What an amazing God we serve who will not only accept us in our many failings, but also help us to grow and change!
First Thessalonians 4:16-17 reads, "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout , with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord." (NASB)
The next verse encourages the readers to use these words to comfort one another, and hallelujah, they should be a comfort! But I gathered another thought from these verses as well. I actually really enjoy the word picture this brings to mind... Christ descends and gives a shout (in my mind it's a sort of rallying whoop), there are trumpets and we arise...millions of us arise from the earth and we all join together to meet with our Father and the Son. The way it plays out in my imagination (which, of course, is nothing other than my own thoughts and isn't meant to reflect truth...just to engage with the Word), Jesus comes and gives His holy holler, and the world's believers just jump in response, to be with Him and to join in union with one another in eternity.
I may not often get a real hollerin' whoop from the Lord, but I do hear His voice on a fairly regular basis. Sometimes it's just a passage of scripture coming back to mind at the perfect and most opportune moment, guiding me and teaching me. Sometimes I feel a real word from the Lord reach down into my heart and spirit with a message specifically for me; it's often when I need it most.
My point today, though, is what do I do then? Do I shake loose the earth that may have me buried at the moment, and soar immediately to be in His presence? in His will? to be in union Him? Well, sometimes I do. Sometimes, I must admit, I instead freeze. I consider His call; I weigh out the trade-offs. I linger in my earthly mire. Lastly, I'd be lying if there weren't times that I (metaphorically speaking) just pushed my head and ears a little deeper into the dirt, effectively drowning out His voice and trumpet calls.
I admit that the scene described in First Thessalonians has a very animated quality to it in my mind's eye; I also can see the instruction I can take from that conceptualization. When He calls us into our eternal communion with Him, we will leap forth at the opportunity. My prayers this morning will include both repentance for the times I respond in any other way, and also a request for His aide in hearing clearly His shouts to my heart, and a willingness and ability to bound forward in His call without hesitation or delay. What an amazing God we serve who will not only accept us in our many failings, but also help us to grow and change!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
A Thief in the Night
Last night was an historic night for all of us in America, and perhaps the world. A presidential election, a landslide victory, and the first African-American president for one of the most influential and powerful nations in the contemporary world. As I read brief messages online from many of those I know, respect and admire, I was surprised and mildly dismayed by the amount of fear and worry expressed by those who had hoped for a different outcome.
I remembered Isaiah 41:10 which commands "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand" (NKJV). Almost immediately following the remembrance of the scripture, I thought, This is the work of the enemy. He comes to steal, kill and destroy. I truly am impressed by his unwavering efforts, and this seems to be another opportunity for him to gain some ground.
Then, I got into the Word this morning. The verse that jumped out at me was spoke directly to my thoughts; Jesus' words hit home even more directly in the Amplified Bible:
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]" John 16:33 (AMP)
I am so thankful for a Bible study written by Beth Moore about faith. It's called Believing God, and one of the themes challenged me to look at more than whether or not I simply believed in God, but rather asked, did I believe Him.
Jesus is the truth that enables each and every believer to have perfect peace and confidence. Perfect peace! There is much in this world that is worrisome and contrary to the heart and will of God. AND, He has overcome the world! He has conquered FOR us, and it no longer has the power to harm us. Hallelujah!
I want this post to not only remind others that we are not subject to the kings of this world, but to also remind myself that whatever trials or tribulations the world (and my day!) may throw at me, I have been given the blessed gift of perfect peace! I pray that I am enabled to receive it continually throughout the day, and that I do not sin by rejecting such a precious gift!
It was a big night for us all - no matter how you feel about our president-elect. But be on guard! There is a thief and he comes to disable us; fear is a wonderful tool in his repertoire! Embrace the perfect peace of Jesus; He is Lord of ALL.
I remembered Isaiah 41:10 which commands "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand" (NKJV). Almost immediately following the remembrance of the scripture, I thought, This is the work of the enemy. He comes to steal, kill and destroy. I truly am impressed by his unwavering efforts, and this seems to be another opportunity for him to gain some ground.
Then, I got into the Word this morning. The verse that jumped out at me was spoke directly to my thoughts; Jesus' words hit home even more directly in the Amplified Bible:
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]" John 16:33 (AMP)
I am so thankful for a Bible study written by Beth Moore about faith. It's called Believing God, and one of the themes challenged me to look at more than whether or not I simply believed in God, but rather asked, did I believe Him.
Jesus is the truth that enables each and every believer to have perfect peace and confidence. Perfect peace! There is much in this world that is worrisome and contrary to the heart and will of God. AND, He has overcome the world! He has conquered FOR us, and it no longer has the power to harm us. Hallelujah!
I want this post to not only remind others that we are not subject to the kings of this world, but to also remind myself that whatever trials or tribulations the world (and my day!) may throw at me, I have been given the blessed gift of perfect peace! I pray that I am enabled to receive it continually throughout the day, and that I do not sin by rejecting such a precious gift!
It was a big night for us all - no matter how you feel about our president-elect. But be on guard! There is a thief and he comes to disable us; fear is a wonderful tool in his repertoire! Embrace the perfect peace of Jesus; He is Lord of ALL.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Skimming of the Dross
The Word for me this morning talked about not being discouraged by trials, or by struggles. This was especially timely.
I have a certain area in my life in which, for years, I have been aware of as a place where I am often not at my best. It's a great door-in for the enemy, and has very slowly been losing its place of prominence as a stronghold of his unholy work. In the last year, especially, the Lord has been working in dramatic ways in this area. And most recently, I feel that He's told me let go and trust Him more fully. You see, I've been hanging onto this particular "flaw" or shortcoming with an iron fist, monitoring it closely to try to keep myself in check.
I'd been feeling the last couple weeks more and more tangible freedom in this area; I am moving toward true release of this trait into His capable hands. And then yesterday happened. I went to bed last night thinking that the day hadn't gone as well as I'd have liked in regard to this tendency of mine. It wasn't awful by any means, but it wasn't great... and it most certainly was being held and fondled and carried about in my little hands. And, truthfully, I was sort of disappointed. I struggle with knowing how to understand days like that. If God is working on release in me, on true freedom, then what am I to do with a day where I feel again like I'm wearing the yoke of this very human imperfection?
Then this morning happened... "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Heb 12:11 (NIV)" Ahhhhhhh. That verse is like a sigh of relief within my very spirit! I can remember that all can be used by the Lord of All for good. I've heard it put this way: "God never wastes a hurt." AMEN! And praise Him for it!!!
So, I can receive yesterday as discipline. And as it is, early this morning, I don't really "get it" yet, BUT I can believe the Lord for His instruction and training. He has long been, and continues to be a very, very gracious and talented Tutor in my life. And, His Word says that it will produce a harvest of righteousness and peace in me! Extra bonus!
So, my prayer this morning will confess my discouragement and doubt - such effective tools the enemy tried to use on me. But, for today, he gets not a foothold through my own imperfection. Today, I will ask the Lord for His training, and trust that He will reveal whatever it is that I am meant to learn. Thank You, Father, for Your ETERNAL goodness, faithfulness and love. There is no one like You!
I have a certain area in my life in which, for years, I have been aware of as a place where I am often not at my best. It's a great door-in for the enemy, and has very slowly been losing its place of prominence as a stronghold of his unholy work. In the last year, especially, the Lord has been working in dramatic ways in this area. And most recently, I feel that He's told me let go and trust Him more fully. You see, I've been hanging onto this particular "flaw" or shortcoming with an iron fist, monitoring it closely to try to keep myself in check.
I'd been feeling the last couple weeks more and more tangible freedom in this area; I am moving toward true release of this trait into His capable hands. And then yesterday happened. I went to bed last night thinking that the day hadn't gone as well as I'd have liked in regard to this tendency of mine. It wasn't awful by any means, but it wasn't great... and it most certainly was being held and fondled and carried about in my little hands. And, truthfully, I was sort of disappointed. I struggle with knowing how to understand days like that. If God is working on release in me, on true freedom, then what am I to do with a day where I feel again like I'm wearing the yoke of this very human imperfection?
Then this morning happened... "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Heb 12:11 (NIV)" Ahhhhhhh. That verse is like a sigh of relief within my very spirit! I can remember that all can be used by the Lord of All for good. I've heard it put this way: "God never wastes a hurt." AMEN! And praise Him for it!!!
So, I can receive yesterday as discipline. And as it is, early this morning, I don't really "get it" yet, BUT I can believe the Lord for His instruction and training. He has long been, and continues to be a very, very gracious and talented Tutor in my life. And, His Word says that it will produce a harvest of righteousness and peace in me! Extra bonus!
So, my prayer this morning will confess my discouragement and doubt - such effective tools the enemy tried to use on me. But, for today, he gets not a foothold through my own imperfection. Today, I will ask the Lord for His training, and trust that He will reveal whatever it is that I am meant to learn. Thank You, Father, for Your ETERNAL goodness, faithfulness and love. There is no one like You!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Continually
In his first canonical letter to Thessalonica, Paul urges the church there to "pray continually" (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NIV). Other translations say "pray without ceasing" (KJV) or "never stop praying" (NLT). The Amplified Bible adds an added dimension to its language: "Be unceasing in prayer [pray perseveringly]."
This morning, I read this verse in conjunction with verses in the Gospel of John that speak about worshipping the Lord "in spirit and in truth" (see John 4:23-24). I think sometimes about what it means to pray continually. I have certainly had seasons in my relationship with the Lord where I felt like I was in fairly constant contact with Him each day. On the flip side, I've had many (more) seasons where I would come to the end of a day and realize, "I haven't said a word to God since this morning." I strive to have my first intentional action of each day be connecting to God. Usually, it's a simple as when I start coming out of my sleepy fog saying, "Good morning, Lord!" It might sound silly, but the intentionality of putting Him first in my day feels important to me.
This morning, I read this verse in conjunction with verses in the Gospel of John that speak about worshipping the Lord "in spirit and in truth" (see John 4:23-24). I think sometimes about what it means to pray continually. I have certainly had seasons in my relationship with the Lord where I felt like I was in fairly constant contact with Him each day. On the flip side, I've had many (more) seasons where I would come to the end of a day and realize, "I haven't said a word to God since this morning." I strive to have my first intentional action of each day be connecting to God. Usually, it's a simple as when I start coming out of my sleepy fog saying, "Good morning, Lord!" It might sound silly, but the intentionality of putting Him first in my day feels important to me.
John's words about worshipping in spirit and in truth can, I think, probably be fairly applied to prayer as well... What does it mean to pray in spirit? Well, from what I can understand (or "discern" for those Bible-lingo folks) in this moment, it means connecting to God (whether in worship or in supplication or elsewhere) from the deepest parts of myself. It means doing more than going through the motions; and sometimes, honestly, I find myself doing just that. It means taking the split second of energy to be intentional about opening up from within in my moment with God, and, if I'm lucky, leaving that channel open so that my spirit can stay in that state of "continual" connection.
And, "in truth"? I think it just means to do it with transparency, bold honesty and authenticity. Perhaps that's why the phrase "in spirit and in truth" is used more than once. Worshipping (praying) in spirit and doing so in truth are tied together. The best of me is connected to Him through His spirit, which has come to take up residence within me... right, probably, in the place inside where my truth likes to hang out. I am pretty sure that's anatomically sound. ;) Seriously, though, to come to Him in spirit and in truth opens up my possibilities for coming to Him continually. And being intentional about that continual contact makes it easier and more likely for me to allow that access that defines "in spirit and in truth."
This post is feeling a little jagged to me; but some days will be like that, I suppose. Here's what I'm taking into my prayer time this morning: make an effort to take the action of connecting to, speaking with the Lord. And do it from the best place inside. Make it count; offer up the deep. Two simple ideas, neither of which are practically easy for me to grasp - or convey! Both of which, however, surely have great reward.
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