In all honesty, I'm feeling a little reluctant about writing today's post. I'm feeling a sense of conviction, and am not at all sure how to capture it or convey it here in a way that's appropriate. I suppose I will just let the Holy Spirit take that action item. :)
Here's the verse that spoke to me today: "Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit" Matthew 12:33 (NASB).
There are two elements to this verse that grabbed me: first, the tree is known by its fruit. This is how we are recognized. As believers, as truth-tellers, as oaks of righteousness. Not by who we say we are, not by the books on our nightstand, and not even by the deep secret whisperings in our hearts. We are recognized in the world by that which comes forth from the lives we live and the decisions we made. We're seen and evaluated by our actions, our external realities and our outward behaviors.
This, frankly, isn't a truth I'm crazy about. I fail, at least on a daily basis, to live up to the reputation deserved by Christ. Sometimes I fail big. One way the enemy helps me along sometimes is to lead me toward rationalization. Enemy or not, though, it's me who chooses to accept whatever compromised position I sometimes take. That leads me to the second element: this verse clearly directs the reader to "make" the tree one way or another. There's a clear indication here of power, action and intent. Make it good. And the fruit is part and parcel with the tree; there's no room here for a great tree with really shabby fruit.
I am going to leave this message here today; it's simple, but sometimes that's the priceless part. Let the Lord speak through it in whatever way He intends for you today. Be well.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
Love Like a Fountain
We are so blessed to serve a God of love. His greatest commandments are to love Him with all we've got and to love one another sacrificially. Simple, but not easy. And yet, what a wonderful gift even these commands are!
I find again and again that the more intention I put into action and the more I love those around me - even when it's hard, even when I don't feel loving, the more love there is inside of me. What an amazing irony; the more love I give away, the more love I have!
I was fortunate enough to do a word study on Love once - looking at the different forms and uses of the word throughout the Bible and learning what we could from them. It was incredible! God's love for us, first of all...well, my eyes are welling up just thinking about it! And what that enables us to do in our own hearts and what we can then pour into the lives of others... wow. It's an honor and quite the gift.
These days, I am personally spending quite a bit of time thinking about love and what it means to love intentionally, what it means to love sacrificially, and what it means to love in service.
This is the verse that caught my eye this morning: "For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love" Galatians 5:13 (NLT). The word "liberty" is used in other translations. Because of Christ, and by the Grace of our Abba-Father, we are set free in Him. No doubt the world encourages us to believe that freedom is about being unattached to and let loose from others. I believe the message of Biblical, Godly love is more the opposite. We are given freedom. We are also given the freedom of choice. The greatest path to freedom (and this isn't theology, but my own suspicions based on both the Word and my own experience) is to exercise that choice and to choose to be bound in service and in love. We are each to be bound in loving servitude to the Lord, but also to one another.
Love is an action - not a feeling. I find that the more I live out the actions of love, the more I feel love. But, if I only acted lovingly when I was feeling lovingly, I'd miss many, many opportunities to serve the lives of others, and quite frankly, to fill up my own heart. We are free. Hallelujah, we are free! And never is freedom more glorifying to the heart of God than when we choose to give from our place of liberty. And the more we give it away, the more we have to pour out. What an amazing God we serve!
I find again and again that the more intention I put into action and the more I love those around me - even when it's hard, even when I don't feel loving, the more love there is inside of me. What an amazing irony; the more love I give away, the more love I have!
I was fortunate enough to do a word study on Love once - looking at the different forms and uses of the word throughout the Bible and learning what we could from them. It was incredible! God's love for us, first of all...well, my eyes are welling up just thinking about it! And what that enables us to do in our own hearts and what we can then pour into the lives of others... wow. It's an honor and quite the gift.
These days, I am personally spending quite a bit of time thinking about love and what it means to love intentionally, what it means to love sacrificially, and what it means to love in service.
This is the verse that caught my eye this morning: "For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love" Galatians 5:13 (NLT). The word "liberty" is used in other translations. Because of Christ, and by the Grace of our Abba-Father, we are set free in Him. No doubt the world encourages us to believe that freedom is about being unattached to and let loose from others. I believe the message of Biblical, Godly love is more the opposite. We are given freedom. We are also given the freedom of choice. The greatest path to freedom (and this isn't theology, but my own suspicions based on both the Word and my own experience) is to exercise that choice and to choose to be bound in service and in love. We are each to be bound in loving servitude to the Lord, but also to one another.
Love is an action - not a feeling. I find that the more I live out the actions of love, the more I feel love. But, if I only acted lovingly when I was feeling lovingly, I'd miss many, many opportunities to serve the lives of others, and quite frankly, to fill up my own heart. We are free. Hallelujah, we are free! And never is freedom more glorifying to the heart of God than when we choose to give from our place of liberty. And the more we give it away, the more we have to pour out. What an amazing God we serve!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Faith is the Opposite of Fear
I have been so blessed by God's choice to speak into my heart through the Holy Spirit. My theory is that He knows me so well, He knows that I do much better with a little time to get used to certain things before they actually come to pass. So, often, He gives me a little spiritual nudge inside that helps me to know what direction He's taking me. Trust me; it's an incredibly sweet concession on His part. I need the heads up!
To take it one step further, sometimes I feel Him speak firmly in my heart, and every now and then, the things He speaks about and the things I feel myself to hear are so concrete, direct and clear. He promises me things; He reminds me of His promises, and most frequently, He just re-speaks His Word into my soul.
There have been many times - often when I feel gripped with fear or doubt -that I will hear this word from Him in my heart. My soul immediately relaxes, fear is released and I am free again in the arms of the Prince of Peace. Now, please let me be clear. These occurrences don't happen on every topic; they're not every day moments and neither can I order them up at will! It's all about Him and His timing!
That said, I do have a couple areas in my life in which I've heard this clear promise of the Lord that are still "current" areas for me. Just last night, in fact, I was finding myself feeling fearful again about an area in which He's promised me, really promised that He was going to follow through. I lifted the area up to Him, and slept peacefully last night, but felt myself under attack again upon waking today.
Then I saw this verse in my morning quiet time: "He said to his disciples, 'Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?'" Mark 4:40 (NIV), and I was reminded of a saying I've heard many times. That fear is the opposite of faith. And by that same token, faith is the opposite of fear.
When I find myself feeling fearful, I am reminded that my fear - always - is a demonstration of my own unbelief and lack of faith in a God who breathed all of creation into existence. This couldn't be more true than when I feel doubtful about whether or not the enemy will overpower me in a situation in which He's already promised me victory. I hear this question of Jesus and my heart feels deep conviction. Just last night in church I was praising the Lord for all He's done in my life. If there was ever an example of His re-creating and restoration, I am it. He has, and truly does continue to work in my life in miraculous ways. And that's not a word I use lightly.
I could waste time and energy wondering how it is that I can find doubt in my heart? I can berate and chastise myself for my faithlessness and unbelief. However, I believe a more productive (and more Biblical) response is to instead simply confess my unbelief, and immediately turn from it. I have wondered many times how it is that I am supposed to believe God if and when I don't feel like I trust Him. And frankly, I've felt untrusting of Him many, many times. Not because of who He is, but because of me and the impacts of living in a fallen world.
The answer? And please bear with me as I share this; I feel as if I am only beginning to really "get it" in my own life. But the answer I'm starting to grasp is that it's simply a matter of choice. Repentance, in its simplest form, is turning around and going the other direction, right? I have a visual image in my mind of our pastor walking to one end of the stage, stopping in his tracks and turning 180 degrees to walk decisively in the other direction. This was his word picture for us of repentance. It's simply choosing to pursue a different route.
I can repent in this same way of my unfaithfulness and unbelief. As my mind (along with the help of Satan) is tempted to conjure up scary scenarios and possible future pitfalls, I need to take captive those thoughts, call on the powerful love of the MOST Powerful One, and then choose to think something different.
Frankly, it may not always "take" that my feelings are immediately changed. That anxiety and fear sometimes lingers as a feeling. However, what I'm realizing in my own life is that it isn't about feeling like I can believe a certain thing consciously and then letting the thoughts and beliefs flow from that feeling. I think that's the approach the world teaches. Rather, it's the exact opposite. I need to intentionally take captive my thoughts, choose to believe Him and the feelings of belief and trust flow from there. I've heard it said this way: "act as if." If I don't feel trusting, I need to act as if I do. And believe me, my thoughts are just as much "action" as running a marathon. I can't choose my first thought, but I can make conscious decisions about which paths of thought I nurture and pursue. Absolutely, I can!
And from that act - that step or leap of faith, if you will - I close the door on Satan's foothold in my heart, and make room for Truth and Light to enter. And once they enter, I continue to nurture them (thank You, Lord, that I have Your word to feed on and repeat...my little watering can for my garden of belief!). The more they're nurtured, the more they grow and bloom. My feelings (which are so transient and untrustworthy, friends!) are simply the fragrance that reflects what's growing in my garden. When I plant seeds of Him and work at tending that flower, I find I feel more and more trusting. I can also choose to do the exact opposite.
Lord, oh Lord... You see the unbelief and fear in my heart. I confess my lack of faith; I confess my doubt and mistrust. You have spoken great words of life into this world, and even specifically into my heart. Please forgive me for doubting You, for doubting Your intentions, for doubting Your power and grace. Help me to recognize the thoughts of doubt at their onset and to pray and battle against them with Your strength. He who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it. Praise You, Lord! In the authority of Your Son, I speak death to the fear and doubt the enemy tries to harvest in me. I affirm that You, Lord of All, are good and faithful and that Your loving benevolence for me never changes nor fades. Help me to turn resolutely away from the lies of the enemy; Help me to embrace truth and to let Your Word live in me richly. Help me to feed from Your truth, and I thank You in advance for the fruits of glory You will grow in response. May it bring You much joy, my Lord. I love You! Thank You for loving me and never giving up on me!
To take it one step further, sometimes I feel Him speak firmly in my heart, and every now and then, the things He speaks about and the things I feel myself to hear are so concrete, direct and clear. He promises me things; He reminds me of His promises, and most frequently, He just re-speaks His Word into my soul.
There have been many times - often when I feel gripped with fear or doubt -that I will hear this word from Him in my heart. My soul immediately relaxes, fear is released and I am free again in the arms of the Prince of Peace. Now, please let me be clear. These occurrences don't happen on every topic; they're not every day moments and neither can I order them up at will! It's all about Him and His timing!
That said, I do have a couple areas in my life in which I've heard this clear promise of the Lord that are still "current" areas for me. Just last night, in fact, I was finding myself feeling fearful again about an area in which He's promised me, really promised that He was going to follow through. I lifted the area up to Him, and slept peacefully last night, but felt myself under attack again upon waking today.
Then I saw this verse in my morning quiet time: "He said to his disciples, 'Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?'" Mark 4:40 (NIV), and I was reminded of a saying I've heard many times. That fear is the opposite of faith. And by that same token, faith is the opposite of fear.
When I find myself feeling fearful, I am reminded that my fear - always - is a demonstration of my own unbelief and lack of faith in a God who breathed all of creation into existence. This couldn't be more true than when I feel doubtful about whether or not the enemy will overpower me in a situation in which He's already promised me victory. I hear this question of Jesus and my heart feels deep conviction. Just last night in church I was praising the Lord for all He's done in my life. If there was ever an example of His re-creating and restoration, I am it. He has, and truly does continue to work in my life in miraculous ways. And that's not a word I use lightly.
I could waste time and energy wondering how it is that I can find doubt in my heart? I can berate and chastise myself for my faithlessness and unbelief. However, I believe a more productive (and more Biblical) response is to instead simply confess my unbelief, and immediately turn from it. I have wondered many times how it is that I am supposed to believe God if and when I don't feel like I trust Him. And frankly, I've felt untrusting of Him many, many times. Not because of who He is, but because of me and the impacts of living in a fallen world.
The answer? And please bear with me as I share this; I feel as if I am only beginning to really "get it" in my own life. But the answer I'm starting to grasp is that it's simply a matter of choice. Repentance, in its simplest form, is turning around and going the other direction, right? I have a visual image in my mind of our pastor walking to one end of the stage, stopping in his tracks and turning 180 degrees to walk decisively in the other direction. This was his word picture for us of repentance. It's simply choosing to pursue a different route.
I can repent in this same way of my unfaithfulness and unbelief. As my mind (along with the help of Satan) is tempted to conjure up scary scenarios and possible future pitfalls, I need to take captive those thoughts, call on the powerful love of the MOST Powerful One, and then choose to think something different.
Frankly, it may not always "take" that my feelings are immediately changed. That anxiety and fear sometimes lingers as a feeling. However, what I'm realizing in my own life is that it isn't about feeling like I can believe a certain thing consciously and then letting the thoughts and beliefs flow from that feeling. I think that's the approach the world teaches. Rather, it's the exact opposite. I need to intentionally take captive my thoughts, choose to believe Him and the feelings of belief and trust flow from there. I've heard it said this way: "act as if." If I don't feel trusting, I need to act as if I do. And believe me, my thoughts are just as much "action" as running a marathon. I can't choose my first thought, but I can make conscious decisions about which paths of thought I nurture and pursue. Absolutely, I can!
And from that act - that step or leap of faith, if you will - I close the door on Satan's foothold in my heart, and make room for Truth and Light to enter. And once they enter, I continue to nurture them (thank You, Lord, that I have Your word to feed on and repeat...my little watering can for my garden of belief!). The more they're nurtured, the more they grow and bloom. My feelings (which are so transient and untrustworthy, friends!) are simply the fragrance that reflects what's growing in my garden. When I plant seeds of Him and work at tending that flower, I find I feel more and more trusting. I can also choose to do the exact opposite.
Lord, oh Lord... You see the unbelief and fear in my heart. I confess my lack of faith; I confess my doubt and mistrust. You have spoken great words of life into this world, and even specifically into my heart. Please forgive me for doubting You, for doubting Your intentions, for doubting Your power and grace. Help me to recognize the thoughts of doubt at their onset and to pray and battle against them with Your strength. He who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it. Praise You, Lord! In the authority of Your Son, I speak death to the fear and doubt the enemy tries to harvest in me. I affirm that You, Lord of All, are good and faithful and that Your loving benevolence for me never changes nor fades. Help me to turn resolutely away from the lies of the enemy; Help me to embrace truth and to let Your Word live in me richly. Help me to feed from Your truth, and I thank You in advance for the fruits of glory You will grow in response. May it bring You much joy, my Lord. I love You! Thank You for loving me and never giving up on me!
Friday, December 5, 2008
My Weakness is a Gateway
I struggle sometimes with feeling like my fear and my worry are problematic signs of my lack of faith about a certain subject. And, in truth, this weakness and faithlessness is usually a signal that I am not trusting and believing God for something; it does show a lack of true faith in my heart. However, my position this morning is that it may not be such a bad thing after all.
In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul, speaking of Christ, wrote, "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me" 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV). His power is made perfect in my weakness. The Greek word that's translated as "perfect" indicates completion, accomplishment and fulfillment.
In other words, the more weakness I have in and of myself, the more opportunities there are for Jesus to make clear His power in my life. Woo hoo! It may seem silly to celebrate weakness, but the fact of the matter is, I'm weak whether I like it or not. I have many areas in which the enemy tries to get a foothold; he whispers lies into my heart and sometimes he gets that little ground and I feel afraid. I worry about things. I worry about life.
I am learning (albeit slowly sometimes!) that when I feel this fear, I can pray against Satan's lies, and I can ask for protection, strengthening and liberation from One who is far greater than he. However, I can easily be sidetracked by thoughts that I shouldn't be afraid in the first place (another clever tactic of the enemy!). A favorite saying of mine is, "it is what it is." I use that to remind myself that I can't will the past to be different. In essence, what happened 10 seconds ago in my heart - fear, doubt or gloried worship - is not mine to change. It is what it is.
My emotional reactions of fear, or my feelings of doubt are not something within my control. They sometimes pop up out of seemingly no where! What is within my control is how I then act in response. Do I nurture and tend the fear, growing it and stoking the fire of doubt? Or do I take captive my thoughts, pray for a renewing of my mind and a changing of my heart, and then move on in faith that the situations over which I was fearing will be handled rightly and lovingly by my God? Don't get me wrong, there is sometimes a part I also need to play, but surrendering the situation to Him is always a good first step!
My weak moments, my fears, my doubts, my anxieties are efforts by the evil one who pushes constantly for infiltration. Sometimes he gets more ground than others. However, the Word this morning teaches me that they are also so much more. They are opportunities for Glory itself to be made known. I've heard the phrase that "God never wastes a hurt." I love that. The enemy will bring what he can to the table, but none of his attacks are without an option for us to allow God to show us what He's made of.
Lord, I praise You for Your power! I thank You for Your willingness to step into my weak places and demonstrate that all real power is in You. When I am attacked today, Lord, and when I am afraid, please bring in Your power. And even when I forget this simple message - even if it's only minutes from now - please, Father, I ask that You would bring Your magnificence into view in ways that will surprise, astound and humble me. For You are the Lord of ALL, and Your power is brought to fullness in the cracks within my armor. Thank You, Lord, for taking care of me. In the name of Jesus Christ, I speak death to the lies of the enemy. By the authority of Jesus the Messiah, I speak death to the spirits of fear and doubt. Lord, You are Power itself. May the metaphoric rocks and stones of my day cry out in recognition of Your amazing glory!
In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul, speaking of Christ, wrote, "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me" 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV). His power is made perfect in my weakness. The Greek word that's translated as "perfect" indicates completion, accomplishment and fulfillment.
In other words, the more weakness I have in and of myself, the more opportunities there are for Jesus to make clear His power in my life. Woo hoo! It may seem silly to celebrate weakness, but the fact of the matter is, I'm weak whether I like it or not. I have many areas in which the enemy tries to get a foothold; he whispers lies into my heart and sometimes he gets that little ground and I feel afraid. I worry about things. I worry about life.
I am learning (albeit slowly sometimes!) that when I feel this fear, I can pray against Satan's lies, and I can ask for protection, strengthening and liberation from One who is far greater than he. However, I can easily be sidetracked by thoughts that I shouldn't be afraid in the first place (another clever tactic of the enemy!). A favorite saying of mine is, "it is what it is." I use that to remind myself that I can't will the past to be different. In essence, what happened 10 seconds ago in my heart - fear, doubt or gloried worship - is not mine to change. It is what it is.
My emotional reactions of fear, or my feelings of doubt are not something within my control. They sometimes pop up out of seemingly no where! What is within my control is how I then act in response. Do I nurture and tend the fear, growing it and stoking the fire of doubt? Or do I take captive my thoughts, pray for a renewing of my mind and a changing of my heart, and then move on in faith that the situations over which I was fearing will be handled rightly and lovingly by my God? Don't get me wrong, there is sometimes a part I also need to play, but surrendering the situation to Him is always a good first step!
My weak moments, my fears, my doubts, my anxieties are efforts by the evil one who pushes constantly for infiltration. Sometimes he gets more ground than others. However, the Word this morning teaches me that they are also so much more. They are opportunities for Glory itself to be made known. I've heard the phrase that "God never wastes a hurt." I love that. The enemy will bring what he can to the table, but none of his attacks are without an option for us to allow God to show us what He's made of.
Lord, I praise You for Your power! I thank You for Your willingness to step into my weak places and demonstrate that all real power is in You. When I am attacked today, Lord, and when I am afraid, please bring in Your power. And even when I forget this simple message - even if it's only minutes from now - please, Father, I ask that You would bring Your magnificence into view in ways that will surprise, astound and humble me. For You are the Lord of ALL, and Your power is brought to fullness in the cracks within my armor. Thank You, Lord, for taking care of me. In the name of Jesus Christ, I speak death to the lies of the enemy. By the authority of Jesus the Messiah, I speak death to the spirits of fear and doubt. Lord, You are Power itself. May the metaphoric rocks and stones of my day cry out in recognition of Your amazing glory!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
He Hears & He Listens
It is easy for me to fall prey to several of Satan's lies that can consistently work together to attack my faith and well-being. First, I can believe his lie that I am on my own. This puts me into a state of mind (often so quickly and so quietly that I don't even realize I'm there!) that prompts me to try to figure things out on my own. I spring immediately into action-mode, and in that mode, I am essentially relying upon not only my own strength, but also my own wisdom. Trust me when I tell you that it is not a place in which my best interests are served.
A second lie that the enemy often whispers to me is that my prayers are little more than wispy ramblings that float up to a God who sits far from me and then pass on into nothingness. According to the Word, this is far from the truth.
The Bible tells us that "the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" James 5:16b (NIV). It also tells us again and again that God hears us, and that we are remembered by Him because of our prayers. When we call out to Him, He hears us. What is more awesome is that not only does He hear us as I might hear a passing train, but He also listens. He is present and engaged in our prayers. Isaiah 65:24 tells us that before we call, He will answer, and that while we are still speaking, He will hear us! Hallelujah! The words that are translated here into His answering and His hearing combine to imply careful attentiveness.
The Lord is not some far off entity passively hearing our rumbling prayer in the distance. No, He is a best friend, leaning in close to us as we speak, drinking in our words and opening His heart to what we share.
The primary verse for me this morning was 1 Peter 5:7: "Cast all your care upon Him; for He careth for you" (KJV). The language choices here are wonderful. Casting our cares upon Him literally implies a very active hurling of our cares. This speaks to me and tells me that not only can I share my burdens with the Lord, but I can remove them from my own shoulders and throw them - with all the force they may inspire - upon Him. He can carry the load, and He will.
As the second part of the verse tells us, He cares for us. And this word doesn't imply really a simple passive interest, as it may in English. Instead, it implies that I am something under His care. I am a thing of the Lord's for which He has taken responsibility; I am within His care. Like a sick invalid or a small child, He is the One who is my Caretaker. Praise You, Lord. I know I need it! I need You, Lord. Care for me!
As I wake this morning, there are rumbling fears and anxieties waiting in the wings. The stronger my faith grows, the more energy the evil one puts into standing in my way. The lies get more and more fervent, and the attacks become more and more frequent. However, I am letting the Word abide in me richly, and I know I have nothing to fear. For HE is caring for me. As I turn to Him in prayer, He hears me and He takes into His concern my concerns. As the Bible and my own experiences have shown me again and again, when He cares, He also acts.
Lord, help me to cast my cares upon You today. Help me to fling them completely from my own worrying grasp, and to turn to You, resting in the knowledge that YOU are involved and at work. Thank You, Lord, for listening to me! And I thank You, truly, for the authority You've given us in prayer. As I pray against the lies of the enemy today, and pray in the power and authority of Your name, help my heart to know beyond all doubts that my prayers are a weapon of death to the lies of the evil one, for You and Your Spirit are at work in them! I praise Your Lord for Your loving attentiveness to me! Thank You for always loving me and bestowing on me more blessing than I could ever deserve! I love You!!!
A second lie that the enemy often whispers to me is that my prayers are little more than wispy ramblings that float up to a God who sits far from me and then pass on into nothingness. According to the Word, this is far from the truth.
The Bible tells us that "the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" James 5:16b (NIV). It also tells us again and again that God hears us, and that we are remembered by Him because of our prayers. When we call out to Him, He hears us. What is more awesome is that not only does He hear us as I might hear a passing train, but He also listens. He is present and engaged in our prayers. Isaiah 65:24 tells us that before we call, He will answer, and that while we are still speaking, He will hear us! Hallelujah! The words that are translated here into His answering and His hearing combine to imply careful attentiveness.
The Lord is not some far off entity passively hearing our rumbling prayer in the distance. No, He is a best friend, leaning in close to us as we speak, drinking in our words and opening His heart to what we share.
The primary verse for me this morning was 1 Peter 5:7: "Cast all your care upon Him; for He careth for you" (KJV). The language choices here are wonderful. Casting our cares upon Him literally implies a very active hurling of our cares. This speaks to me and tells me that not only can I share my burdens with the Lord, but I can remove them from my own shoulders and throw them - with all the force they may inspire - upon Him. He can carry the load, and He will.
As the second part of the verse tells us, He cares for us. And this word doesn't imply really a simple passive interest, as it may in English. Instead, it implies that I am something under His care. I am a thing of the Lord's for which He has taken responsibility; I am within His care. Like a sick invalid or a small child, He is the One who is my Caretaker. Praise You, Lord. I know I need it! I need You, Lord. Care for me!
As I wake this morning, there are rumbling fears and anxieties waiting in the wings. The stronger my faith grows, the more energy the evil one puts into standing in my way. The lies get more and more fervent, and the attacks become more and more frequent. However, I am letting the Word abide in me richly, and I know I have nothing to fear. For HE is caring for me. As I turn to Him in prayer, He hears me and He takes into His concern my concerns. As the Bible and my own experiences have shown me again and again, when He cares, He also acts.
Lord, help me to cast my cares upon You today. Help me to fling them completely from my own worrying grasp, and to turn to You, resting in the knowledge that YOU are involved and at work. Thank You, Lord, for listening to me! And I thank You, truly, for the authority You've given us in prayer. As I pray against the lies of the enemy today, and pray in the power and authority of Your name, help my heart to know beyond all doubts that my prayers are a weapon of death to the lies of the evil one, for You and Your Spirit are at work in them! I praise Your Lord for Your loving attentiveness to me! Thank You for always loving me and bestowing on me more blessing than I could ever deserve! I love You!!!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Psalm 23
Psalm 23 is a familiar one to many of us... I know that long before I really started my journey in the Word, I knew some of its culturally familiar phrases. This morning, however, I've read it again and it has struck me anew. He has struck me anew. Rather than my usual format, I'm going to simply paste the Psalm here. I encourage you to read it aloud, perhaps several times, as I will this morning. Let it minister to your heart. There is a word here for you today; I feel sure of it.
This world we live in is the valley of the shadow of death... He is beside us, and leading us and restoring us both.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil , for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows.
Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23 (NASB)
He is my comforter. He is THE Comforter. We are anointed by His oil. Friends, truly, our cups overflow. Goodness and lovingkindness do follow us - each and every day. We dwell in His house; we dwell in Him. Forever. Lord, I praise Your holy name. Thank You. Thank You!
This world we live in is the valley of the shadow of death... He is beside us, and leading us and restoring us both.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil , for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows.
Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23 (NASB)
He is my comforter. He is THE Comforter. We are anointed by His oil. Friends, truly, our cups overflow. Goodness and lovingkindness do follow us - each and every day. We dwell in His house; we dwell in Him. Forever. Lord, I praise Your holy name. Thank You. Thank You!
Monday, December 1, 2008
When I am Overwhelmed...
All of Psalm 61 spoke to me this morning, and I encourage all to read (and re-read!) this short Psalm today. As many of us head back into a busy work week after a longer holiday weekend, it brings a refreshing reminder that is doubly relevant as we head into the full-swing of the Christmas season.
Psalm 61:2 reads, "From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I" (NKJV).
There are so many thoughts that come to me simultaneously about this verse - all of which make me love it! First, it's a plea. When my heart is overwhelmed, I often can forget to seek the Lord immediately. It's so easy for me to just get into "go mode" and my human tendencies can take over, attempting to run roughshod over life. It's seldom very effective. This verse is a prayer that asks, "Hey, when I get to that place of being maxed out, please help take me back to You." I don't know about you, but I can certainly use that help!
Secondly, this verse reminds me that I can cry out to Him in anything. The Psalmist's use of "from the end of the earth" reminds me that no matter where I am in my heart, in my day or in my physical being, I can always cry out to the Lord. And I praise God that He always hears me! What a gift to have a loving Father who is never out of reach.
Thirdly, this verse reminds me that I will become overwhelmed. Even the Psalmist was overwhelmed sometimes it seems! Phew! I'm human... just like the rest of us. :) Seriously, though, I do have a remarkable ability to forget just that at times. I will become overwhelmed. I will become tired and worn out. There are days when I will feel like I am at the ends of the earth. It's okay. And, thankfully, no matter what may come my way, I am not alone, and I can live in the shadow of the wing of the God who created the heavens and the earth. I am never out of His reach, and He can simply imagine a whole new existence into being if it should ever come to that!
Lastly, this verse affirms that the Lord is a rock, and that He is higher than I. Yahweh Tsuri is a name used for God in the Old Testament. It means "the Lord is my Rock." The same root word is used here for rock, and conjures with it the sense of a mountain. God is BIG. Bigger than me (thankfully!) and waaaay bigger even than any problem, feeling or fear I could ever have. And He is higher than I. When I come to the end of me (which I pray comes more and more easily, Lord!), He is there, and He extends far beyond my tiny limitations.
Thank You, Lord, for being You. You are God the Rock, You are Higher than I. You are safety in the storm, shelter in the blowing winds of life. Thank You for being my only place of true refuge. Lord, when the swirl of life overwhelms me and threatens the peace that Your Son brings, please call my heart to You. Compel me to take a breath and to shelter in You, Lord. Remind my stubborn heart to call out to You, and to seek Your refuge and peace. Lead me to You, Lord, the Rock. And thank You, thank You, thank You for being that unchanging place of perfection in the storm. You are holy, Lord! I praise Your wonderful name!
Psalm 61:2 reads, "From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I" (NKJV).
There are so many thoughts that come to me simultaneously about this verse - all of which make me love it! First, it's a plea. When my heart is overwhelmed, I often can forget to seek the Lord immediately. It's so easy for me to just get into "go mode" and my human tendencies can take over, attempting to run roughshod over life. It's seldom very effective. This verse is a prayer that asks, "Hey, when I get to that place of being maxed out, please help take me back to You." I don't know about you, but I can certainly use that help!
Secondly, this verse reminds me that I can cry out to Him in anything. The Psalmist's use of "from the end of the earth" reminds me that no matter where I am in my heart, in my day or in my physical being, I can always cry out to the Lord. And I praise God that He always hears me! What a gift to have a loving Father who is never out of reach.
Thirdly, this verse reminds me that I will become overwhelmed. Even the Psalmist was overwhelmed sometimes it seems! Phew! I'm human... just like the rest of us. :) Seriously, though, I do have a remarkable ability to forget just that at times. I will become overwhelmed. I will become tired and worn out. There are days when I will feel like I am at the ends of the earth. It's okay. And, thankfully, no matter what may come my way, I am not alone, and I can live in the shadow of the wing of the God who created the heavens and the earth. I am never out of His reach, and He can simply imagine a whole new existence into being if it should ever come to that!
Lastly, this verse affirms that the Lord is a rock, and that He is higher than I. Yahweh Tsuri is a name used for God in the Old Testament. It means "the Lord is my Rock." The same root word is used here for rock, and conjures with it the sense of a mountain. God is BIG. Bigger than me (thankfully!) and waaaay bigger even than any problem, feeling or fear I could ever have. And He is higher than I. When I come to the end of me (which I pray comes more and more easily, Lord!), He is there, and He extends far beyond my tiny limitations.
Thank You, Lord, for being You. You are God the Rock, You are Higher than I. You are safety in the storm, shelter in the blowing winds of life. Thank You for being my only place of true refuge. Lord, when the swirl of life overwhelms me and threatens the peace that Your Son brings, please call my heart to You. Compel me to take a breath and to shelter in You, Lord. Remind my stubborn heart to call out to You, and to seek Your refuge and peace. Lead me to You, Lord, the Rock. And thank You, thank You, thank You for being that unchanging place of perfection in the storm. You are holy, Lord! I praise Your wonderful name!
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