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!
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