"Are you willing to be the canvas upon which I paint my glory?" This is the question I hear as I pray. My response is simple,"Yes, Lord."
The picture to be painted on the canvas was predetermined in the heart of God before the world began. The painting is a picture of redemption and forgiveness. The colors are glorious reflecting His rich and lavish grace. There is mystery and insight as each stroke of his brush reveals his love and his glory.
To be a canvas for God's glory is to is to begin to know his heart. As I begin to see the picture unfold I count everything else as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing him. When I relinquish the right to make the painting of my life glorify me and instead choose to bring glory to God I also begin a quest to know what the glory of God is.
Part of the glory that I see is the resurrection of Jesus. And so I pray, " Oh Lord, yes, paint my life's story with the power of your resurrection." So the Master takes his brush and I see the splashes of color that represent life. The painting on the canvas is full of light and color and joy. It is a painting of victory. But there is more.
To be canvas surrendered to the Master means I also share in his sufferings. These are the colors of a darker hue. Each stroke is placed with a gentle touch.These are not the colors I would choose if I were the one who held the brush but I have chosen to relinquish my earthly perspective to his heavenly one.
It is hard sometimes for me to appreciate the art work of the Master. Just as it is hard to fully appreciate any art if you stand to close to the canvas. The only way I can interpret what is being created is to look at it through the lens of his word.
Lord Jesus, I ask that you redeeming love be clearly seen in my life. Please let the canvas of my heart be a place your glory fully displayed.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
He dwells with the broken hearted
"For this is what the high and lofty One says- he who lives forever, whose name is holy: 'I live in a high and holy place,but also with him who is contrite and lowly in Spirit, to revive the heart of the contrite.'" Isaiah 57:15 What does this mean?
For years as I have read through the Bible and my mind has been blinded by the glory of God as I read the first chapters of Ezekiel. I have tried to picture the cherubim, the chariots of fire, the likeness of a throne, in appearance like sapphire, the likeness of an expanse ,shinning like awe-inspiring crystal. I have tried but could not truly grasp the glory of God and His dwelling place. Truly this awe-inspiring place is a fitting dwelling for a holy God yet He also dwells with "him who is contrite and lowly in Spirit".
Sometimes my vision is equally dimmed by the sin and suffering all around me. I see no glory only darkness shrouds my vision. Then I hear the word of God penetrating my pain,"Surly the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear." Isaiah 59:1 "The Lord looked and was displeased that there was no justice. He saw there was no one to intervene; so his own arm worked salvation for him, and his own arm sustained him." Isaiah 5915,16
Isn't this the picture that I saw in the gospel at the foot of the mountain of transfigruation? Jesus stood on the mountain in his glory yet didn't stay there. He came into the valley and met a man whose heart and spirit were broken. Jesus showed that his arm was not to short to save nor was his ear deaf to the cries of one who was lowly in spirit. No one else could set the demon possessed child free so Jesus did it himself.
Lord Jesus, please give me the spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of you. Open the eyes of my heart and let me know the hope to which you've called me. Please show me the glorious inheritance you have for me. Let me see the immeasurable greatness of you power towards me. You who dwell in glory and with those who have a lowly spirit.
For years as I have read through the Bible and my mind has been blinded by the glory of God as I read the first chapters of Ezekiel. I have tried to picture the cherubim, the chariots of fire, the likeness of a throne, in appearance like sapphire, the likeness of an expanse ,shinning like awe-inspiring crystal. I have tried but could not truly grasp the glory of God and His dwelling place. Truly this awe-inspiring place is a fitting dwelling for a holy God yet He also dwells with "him who is contrite and lowly in Spirit".
Sometimes my vision is equally dimmed by the sin and suffering all around me. I see no glory only darkness shrouds my vision. Then I hear the word of God penetrating my pain,"Surly the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear." Isaiah 59:1 "The Lord looked and was displeased that there was no justice. He saw there was no one to intervene; so his own arm worked salvation for him, and his own arm sustained him." Isaiah 5915,16
Isn't this the picture that I saw in the gospel at the foot of the mountain of transfigruation? Jesus stood on the mountain in his glory yet didn't stay there. He came into the valley and met a man whose heart and spirit were broken. Jesus showed that his arm was not to short to save nor was his ear deaf to the cries of one who was lowly in spirit. No one else could set the demon possessed child free so Jesus did it himself.
Lord Jesus, please give me the spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of you. Open the eyes of my heart and let me know the hope to which you've called me. Please show me the glorious inheritance you have for me. Let me see the immeasurable greatness of you power towards me. You who dwell in glory and with those who have a lowly spirit.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Bound...but not by fear
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice." Philippians 4:4 How? How can I rejoice when my heart is broken am I to pretend? Am I supposed to be a fake? Isn't that what the Bible calls a hypocrite? Is this verse telling me to be a hypocrite?
I need the next verse to help me understand how I can, "Rejoice in the Lord always". "Let your gentleness be known to everyone." A horse is gentled when he submits to his master. My gentleness can be known to others when I submit to Jesus and become a, "prisoner of hope". As a "prisoner of hope" I am bound by the love of Christ. Just as a horse can be taken onto a battle field when their master is near so I can face life's situation, that cause my eyes to sting with tears, and rejoice. It is because my savior and the lover of my soul is near.
Isn't this hypocrisy a lack of honesty? No, because in this passage I am told not to be anxious but to pray and my prayers often overflow with tears. "Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning." Psalm 30:5 I am not a prisoner of my circumstances but I am a prisoner, a prisoner of hope. I have put my confidence in the person and promises of Jesus Christ so in faith I cry out.
I find great freedom in God's word to grieve, to mourn, to lament. However, it is not grief that defines me but joy. The Sun always rises. I find that His mercy is new every morning. I wake bound to the truth that, "This is the day that the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it."Psalm 118:24
Lord Jesus, I am your prisoner of hope bound fast by your unfailing love. By the power of Your Holy Spirit grant that I might live by faith and not by what I see. Let my life be defined by Your promise. "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the Lord, who has compassion on you." Isaiah 54:10 Thank you Jesus that the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding ,will guard my heart and my mind. Gladly do I surrender myself to you to be gentled by Your love.When you are near I can rejoice,always.
I need the next verse to help me understand how I can, "Rejoice in the Lord always". "Let your gentleness be known to everyone." A horse is gentled when he submits to his master. My gentleness can be known to others when I submit to Jesus and become a, "prisoner of hope". As a "prisoner of hope" I am bound by the love of Christ. Just as a horse can be taken onto a battle field when their master is near so I can face life's situation, that cause my eyes to sting with tears, and rejoice. It is because my savior and the lover of my soul is near.
Isn't this hypocrisy a lack of honesty? No, because in this passage I am told not to be anxious but to pray and my prayers often overflow with tears. "Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning." Psalm 30:5 I am not a prisoner of my circumstances but I am a prisoner, a prisoner of hope. I have put my confidence in the person and promises of Jesus Christ so in faith I cry out.
I find great freedom in God's word to grieve, to mourn, to lament. However, it is not grief that defines me but joy. The Sun always rises. I find that His mercy is new every morning. I wake bound to the truth that, "This is the day that the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it."Psalm 118:24
Lord Jesus, I am your prisoner of hope bound fast by your unfailing love. By the power of Your Holy Spirit grant that I might live by faith and not by what I see. Let my life be defined by Your promise. "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the Lord, who has compassion on you." Isaiah 54:10 Thank you Jesus that the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding ,will guard my heart and my mind. Gladly do I surrender myself to you to be gentled by Your love.When you are near I can rejoice,always.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Neither do I condemn you
When they put her in her mother's arms it was just a little taste of heaven here on earth. She was loved. Yet this world has a way of stripping joy from the heart and so it was for her. Somewhere along the way she got confused she got lost and found herself face down in the dirt.
She knew she was guilty. She spoke not a word in her own defense but simply waited for the stones. She heard their accusations they had found her committing adultery and had dragged her to the feet of Jesus. Her shame was great. She had gone with her mother to hear Jesus. She had longed to be his follower but she had failed and now she was being presented to him not as one who followed his teachings but as one who was deserving death. She knew the law.
Leviticus 20:10 "If a man commits adultery...both the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death." And so she waited almost welcoming an end to her shame. The beating of her heart was deafening and yet she heard his words. "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone." One by one she heard the stones drop.Then once more his voice penetrated her pain. "Women, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" For the first time she spoke, "No one, Lord."
She called him Lord. She had wanted to call him Lord from the first time she ever heard him speak when she'd been with her mother but the world and her flesh got in the way. Now she stood before him in her guilt and shame hearing him say,"Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more." But she knew the law she deserved to die but accepted his forgiveness.
There is more to her story it is found in Romans 3:21 "But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it- the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ. for all who believed...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith." She didn't know how he could forgive her but she put her faith in him.
The Law was the Law and Jesus paid the price on the cross."In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." 1 John 4:10 This is the rest of the story. That day when she stood before him guilty and covered in shame he didn't simply say "I don't condemn you." He took her shame upon the cross. He carried her guilt on the his soldiers. He paid the price for her righteousness that's propitiation!
Lord Jesus, I see myself your word says "all have sinned and fall short" Oh Jesus, I see myself. But I see you dying on the cross carrying in the robe of flesh my sin so that I can be draped in the robe of your righteousness. May I never forget the price you paid.
She knew she was guilty. She spoke not a word in her own defense but simply waited for the stones. She heard their accusations they had found her committing adultery and had dragged her to the feet of Jesus. Her shame was great. She had gone with her mother to hear Jesus. She had longed to be his follower but she had failed and now she was being presented to him not as one who followed his teachings but as one who was deserving death. She knew the law.
Leviticus 20:10 "If a man commits adultery...both the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death." And so she waited almost welcoming an end to her shame. The beating of her heart was deafening and yet she heard his words. "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone." One by one she heard the stones drop.Then once more his voice penetrated her pain. "Women, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" For the first time she spoke, "No one, Lord."
She called him Lord. She had wanted to call him Lord from the first time she ever heard him speak when she'd been with her mother but the world and her flesh got in the way. Now she stood before him in her guilt and shame hearing him say,"Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more." But she knew the law she deserved to die but accepted his forgiveness.
There is more to her story it is found in Romans 3:21 "But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it- the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ. for all who believed...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith." She didn't know how he could forgive her but she put her faith in him.
The Law was the Law and Jesus paid the price on the cross."In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." 1 John 4:10 This is the rest of the story. That day when she stood before him guilty and covered in shame he didn't simply say "I don't condemn you." He took her shame upon the cross. He carried her guilt on the his soldiers. He paid the price for her righteousness that's propitiation!
Lord Jesus, I see myself your word says "all have sinned and fall short" Oh Jesus, I see myself. But I see you dying on the cross carrying in the robe of flesh my sin so that I can be draped in the robe of your righteousness. May I never forget the price you paid.
Friday, September 23, 2011
What makes a person valuable or significant?
Do I have value am I significant? This is a question that often comes to my mind and I don't think I'm alone. When I was growing up I dreamed of doing great things for God. I listened to a radio program called,"Hero's of Faith". I was determined that one day I would be included in that lineup. Looking back I recognize that part of my desire was to be seen as valuable and significant.
What makes a person valuable? I read in Psalm 139, "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there were none of them."
Where can I find my significance? "Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved. and God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus...For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:4-10
I see this illustrated when the disciples encountered the man who was blind from birth and they asked, Who sinned this man or his parents that he was born blind?" Jesus told them that this blindness was not a result of sin but so that the glory of God could be displayed. Surely, God does not count value the way we do. I again read in I Corinthians 1:26-31 "God chose what is foolish in this world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing the things that are... "
Again I ask my self how can I know if I have value or significance? I find my answer in God's word, "Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you... everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made." Isaiah 43:4-7 I find my significance and value when I by grace do the works God planned in advance for me to do, sometimes by simply offering to Him my weakness to be a place where His glory can be displayed.
Lord Jesus, in your love I find who I really am. Help me see other through your eyes as well.
What makes a person valuable? I read in Psalm 139, "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there were none of them."
Where can I find my significance? "Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved. and God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus...For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:4-10
I see this illustrated when the disciples encountered the man who was blind from birth and they asked, Who sinned this man or his parents that he was born blind?" Jesus told them that this blindness was not a result of sin but so that the glory of God could be displayed. Surely, God does not count value the way we do. I again read in I Corinthians 1:26-31 "God chose what is foolish in this world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing the things that are... "
Again I ask my self how can I know if I have value or significance? I find my answer in God's word, "Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you... everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made." Isaiah 43:4-7 I find my significance and value when I by grace do the works God planned in advance for me to do, sometimes by simply offering to Him my weakness to be a place where His glory can be displayed.
Lord Jesus, in your love I find who I really am. Help me see other through your eyes as well.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Only one author
There have been some dark chapters in my story. There are places I've been that I would never have chosen to go. Sometimes I've felt like God lead me into my deepest fears. There is a verse in Hebrews that says that Jesus is the author of our faith and I confess there have been times I wanted to take the pen and be the author of my own story.
I have found that every time I have been lead to a place I would never have chosen to go I find Jesus waiting for me there. There are lessons I learn in the darkness I could have never learned in the light. In Hebrews 12 it says, "let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith..." Faith grows as I face my deepest fears but live my life based not on what I see or feel but believe. I surrender the pen I am not the author of my story. Jesus is not only the author of my faith he is the perfecter of it as well.
I think of the three Hebrew boys whose "race" lead them into a fiery furnace. They were in the furnace but they were not alone. When they came away from the flame only the ropes that bound them were burnt. This has been my experience as well. I think I have faith but when I experience his presents in the midst my pain my faith is strengthened.
I have known this in my own life but sometimes as a mother I want to shield my children. I don't want them to know the heat of the fire but I must ask myself from what am I wanting to shield them. I have to remind myself I am not the author and perfecter of their faith anymore than I am of my own. In faith I watch and pray as Jesus takes them into places where he will reveal himself to them, healing and releasing them from their fears even as he has released me from mine. This I have found is simply another part of the race set before me.
Lord Jesus, you are faithful. Again and again you told me not to be afraid. Thank you for all the times you have redeemed my sorrows and changed them into places where I encountered you in an more intimate way. Thank you that you are at work in my children's lives as well.
I have found that every time I have been lead to a place I would never have chosen to go I find Jesus waiting for me there. There are lessons I learn in the darkness I could have never learned in the light. In Hebrews 12 it says, "let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith..." Faith grows as I face my deepest fears but live my life based not on what I see or feel but believe. I surrender the pen I am not the author of my story. Jesus is not only the author of my faith he is the perfecter of it as well.
I think of the three Hebrew boys whose "race" lead them into a fiery furnace. They were in the furnace but they were not alone. When they came away from the flame only the ropes that bound them were burnt. This has been my experience as well. I think I have faith but when I experience his presents in the midst my pain my faith is strengthened.
I have known this in my own life but sometimes as a mother I want to shield my children. I don't want them to know the heat of the fire but I must ask myself from what am I wanting to shield them. I have to remind myself I am not the author and perfecter of their faith anymore than I am of my own. In faith I watch and pray as Jesus takes them into places where he will reveal himself to them, healing and releasing them from their fears even as he has released me from mine. This I have found is simply another part of the race set before me.
Lord Jesus, you are faithful. Again and again you told me not to be afraid. Thank you for all the times you have redeemed my sorrows and changed them into places where I encountered you in an more intimate way. Thank you that you are at work in my children's lives as well.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Keeping track of time
"Maybe God has a message in this for you", my sister said when she came to visit me in the hospital. The day before I had gone to the hospital having difficulty breathing and the feeling like I was being stabbed in the chest with a burning knife. When I got home I opened my "One Year Bible" to read the passage for that day and found:
My heart grew hot within me, and as I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue: "Show me, O Lord, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days a mere handbreath; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath." Psalms 39:4,5
I often set a timer when I know I have to go somewhere. Being aware of how much time I have to spend on different tasks helps me be a good steward of my time. I think this is true with life in general when I realize that my time is limited I can see the value of it more clearly.
This year I was reading in my "One Year Bible" again. I found the verses in Psalm 39 highlighted and for a minute I couldn't remember why I had highlighted them. Suddenly is dawned on me what had happen the year before. That day I also went to visit a friend who was very ill. It was the last time I saw her alive. She died latter that week.
Lord Jesus, help me remember that, "Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro: He bustles about, but only in vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it. But now, Lord what do I look for? My hope is in you." Psalm 39:6,7
My heart grew hot within me, and as I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue: "Show me, O Lord, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days a mere handbreath; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath." Psalms 39:4,5
I often set a timer when I know I have to go somewhere. Being aware of how much time I have to spend on different tasks helps me be a good steward of my time. I think this is true with life in general when I realize that my time is limited I can see the value of it more clearly.
This year I was reading in my "One Year Bible" again. I found the verses in Psalm 39 highlighted and for a minute I couldn't remember why I had highlighted them. Suddenly is dawned on me what had happen the year before. That day I also went to visit a friend who was very ill. It was the last time I saw her alive. She died latter that week.
Lord Jesus, help me remember that, "Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro: He bustles about, but only in vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it. But now, Lord what do I look for? My hope is in you." Psalm 39:6,7
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
I was good but not good enough
I just wanted to be good. Even as a little girl I wanted to obey my parents. I craved their approval and to have them smile on me. Can anything be wrong with that?
My grandmother gave me stickers for memorizing Bible verses. She began with, "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23 Next came, "All we like sheep have gone astray we have turned everyone to his own way." Isiah 53:6 Then, "There is none righteous no not one." Romans 3:10 I wanted to be good, I wanted to please my grandmother, I wanted those stickers. I memorized the verses got my stickers and saw the stickers as proof that I truly was a good girl a very good girl. However, I totally missed the point.
I will never forget the day I stood before my grandmother ready to yet again be awarded with another sticker for memorizing John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believed in Him might not perish but have everlasting life." I said it word for word I was ready for my reward. But this time Grandmother didn't give me a sticker she began to ask me questions. Her questions revealed what I really believed.
What did I really believe? I believed I was not only good but I was good enough for God. Grandmother reviewed all the Scriptures she had had me memorize. When we talked about what they meant it became clear that although I memorized them I didn't believe them. Although I thought they were true for others they were not true for me. Not only was I good, good enough for God, I was also better than anyone else. And so the Pharisaical heart of a little girl was revealed.
Grandmother kept going back to John 3:16. She asked me again and again, "How do we get eternal life?" I reluctantly bowed my knee before the Lord. I remember walking home and thinking, "I'm just a little girl surly if given enough time I could be good enough." Yet, God's word that I had memorized was at work in my heart.
I am no longer a little girl. If you ask my grandchildren they would tell you I am ancient. Over the years and through meditating on God's word I have learned the truth of who I am. I now realize that there is no sin I am not capable of commiting. Even the goodness I was so proud of as a child was a mantle of pride. Yet I am loved by God and all my sins were atoned for by the blood of Christ. This truth brings me to my knees and fills me with an overwhelming since of gratitude.
Lord Jesus, when I read the gospels I see myself as one of the Pharisees who stood in opposition to you because you pointed out their need for something greater than themselves. Thank you for not leaving me were you found me. Thank you for lovingly showing me who I was so that I could see who you are.
My grandmother gave me stickers for memorizing Bible verses. She began with, "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23 Next came, "All we like sheep have gone astray we have turned everyone to his own way." Isiah 53:6 Then, "There is none righteous no not one." Romans 3:10 I wanted to be good, I wanted to please my grandmother, I wanted those stickers. I memorized the verses got my stickers and saw the stickers as proof that I truly was a good girl a very good girl. However, I totally missed the point.
I will never forget the day I stood before my grandmother ready to yet again be awarded with another sticker for memorizing John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believed in Him might not perish but have everlasting life." I said it word for word I was ready for my reward. But this time Grandmother didn't give me a sticker she began to ask me questions. Her questions revealed what I really believed.
What did I really believe? I believed I was not only good but I was good enough for God. Grandmother reviewed all the Scriptures she had had me memorize. When we talked about what they meant it became clear that although I memorized them I didn't believe them. Although I thought they were true for others they were not true for me. Not only was I good, good enough for God, I was also better than anyone else. And so the Pharisaical heart of a little girl was revealed.
Grandmother kept going back to John 3:16. She asked me again and again, "How do we get eternal life?" I reluctantly bowed my knee before the Lord. I remember walking home and thinking, "I'm just a little girl surly if given enough time I could be good enough." Yet, God's word that I had memorized was at work in my heart.
I am no longer a little girl. If you ask my grandchildren they would tell you I am ancient. Over the years and through meditating on God's word I have learned the truth of who I am. I now realize that there is no sin I am not capable of commiting. Even the goodness I was so proud of as a child was a mantle of pride. Yet I am loved by God and all my sins were atoned for by the blood of Christ. This truth brings me to my knees and fills me with an overwhelming since of gratitude.
Lord Jesus, when I read the gospels I see myself as one of the Pharisees who stood in opposition to you because you pointed out their need for something greater than themselves. Thank you for not leaving me were you found me. Thank you for lovingly showing me who I was so that I could see who you are.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Honey or Hurt?
Many years ago I went to a writer's convention at Moody Bible Institute. I learned a lot that week but there is an incident that sticks out in my mind. At one session I had shared that I wanted to write devotionals. One of the women in the class told me later she had a Bible verse to share with me. Every time she saw me during that week she would say, "I must give you that Bible verse before this week is over." Finally, as I was packing up the car to leave she came running up to me and handed me a slip of paper. I opened it and read, "The Lord God has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary. Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught." Isaiah 50:4
This is what I experience morning after morning. An idea will come to me, a Bible verse, and illustration, sometimes a problem I am struggling with and then through out the night I feel like I am being taught and when I wake up in the morning I share what I've been taught in the night by writing it as a devotional.
I experienced it again this morning. Yesterday I read about the healing properties of honey. I read how it was used in the past as an antibiotic and would be put on wounds to bring healing and keep out infections. Last night I spoke unkindly to my husband. How do these two things fit together? When I woke up this morning I was thinking,"Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body." Proverbs 16:24
In James 3 I read how my tongue can be a, "restless evil,full of deadly poison" and yet if my words are gracious they can have the healing properties of honey. What's makes the difference whether my words bring wounds or healing? Jesus said it was a matter of the heart that it's from the heart that the mouth speaks.
Lord Jesus I want my words to sustain the weary. I want my words to bring healing. I want this not only for those who read the words I write but for those who hear my words day by day. Lord Jesus create in me a pure heart.
This is what I experience morning after morning. An idea will come to me, a Bible verse, and illustration, sometimes a problem I am struggling with and then through out the night I feel like I am being taught and when I wake up in the morning I share what I've been taught in the night by writing it as a devotional.
I experienced it again this morning. Yesterday I read about the healing properties of honey. I read how it was used in the past as an antibiotic and would be put on wounds to bring healing and keep out infections. Last night I spoke unkindly to my husband. How do these two things fit together? When I woke up this morning I was thinking,"Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body." Proverbs 16:24
In James 3 I read how my tongue can be a, "restless evil,full of deadly poison" and yet if my words are gracious they can have the healing properties of honey. What's makes the difference whether my words bring wounds or healing? Jesus said it was a matter of the heart that it's from the heart that the mouth speaks.
Lord Jesus I want my words to sustain the weary. I want my words to bring healing. I want this not only for those who read the words I write but for those who hear my words day by day. Lord Jesus create in me a pure heart.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Because You are worthy of my trust I wait
"Wait for me!" Waiting for someone implies that you trust them.
When I see my children struggling with painful circumstances I embrace them and whisper, "Trust in the Lord with you whole heart. Do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5 What I am saying is, "Wait, I know right now things seem really bad, but wait. God is faithful. He will come through for you."
As I watch my children struggle my heart is filled with pain. I want to take all their hurt away but I am their mother not their Savior. As I watch and pray I am embraced by the Holy Spirit who whispers to my Spirit," You must trust me with your whole heart, do not lean on your own understanding." So I join my children in watching and waiting expectantly to see God's faithfulness in every situation.
In our family we have a saying that the first sign of maturity is delayed gratification. I believe this is true in spiritual maturity as well. How could the psalmist say, "I waited patiently for the Lord" Psalm 40:1 ? It was because He had experienced God's faithfulness to him in the past.
This kind of waiting and trusting also shows that I am looking for something outside myself to meet my needs. This is the encouragement I give my children because I have known the faithfulness of the Lord. Like the psalmist I have experienced what is like to have my cry heard. I too have been lifted from the pit and have had my feet set on a rock and my steps made secure. Yet watching my children go through this period of waiting is hard. It takes me to another level of maturity.
Lord Jesus, I come to you watching and waiting and trusting. I join with the psalmist and say, "O my Strength, I watch for you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God." Psalm 59:9
When I see my children struggling with painful circumstances I embrace them and whisper, "Trust in the Lord with you whole heart. Do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5 What I am saying is, "Wait, I know right now things seem really bad, but wait. God is faithful. He will come through for you."
As I watch my children struggle my heart is filled with pain. I want to take all their hurt away but I am their mother not their Savior. As I watch and pray I am embraced by the Holy Spirit who whispers to my Spirit," You must trust me with your whole heart, do not lean on your own understanding." So I join my children in watching and waiting expectantly to see God's faithfulness in every situation.
In our family we have a saying that the first sign of maturity is delayed gratification. I believe this is true in spiritual maturity as well. How could the psalmist say, "I waited patiently for the Lord" Psalm 40:1 ? It was because He had experienced God's faithfulness to him in the past.
This kind of waiting and trusting also shows that I am looking for something outside myself to meet my needs. This is the encouragement I give my children because I have known the faithfulness of the Lord. Like the psalmist I have experienced what is like to have my cry heard. I too have been lifted from the pit and have had my feet set on a rock and my steps made secure. Yet watching my children go through this period of waiting is hard. It takes me to another level of maturity.
Lord Jesus, I come to you watching and waiting and trusting. I join with the psalmist and say, "O my Strength, I watch for you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God." Psalm 59:9
Friday, September 16, 2011
Be alert!
It was just a simple cotton thread that I wrapped round and round and round about him. He was a strong young man in his twenties and had volunteered to help me with my illustration. As I encircled him with the thread I talked about how Satan whispers to us concerning our sin," You can quit any time you choose and after all what you doing isn't really that bad". At first the young man was smiling but as I continued to talk he began to panic. By the time I finished with my second spool of thread he was desperately trying to break free. There was something that Satan was using to bind him and suddenly he became aware of the truth of my illustration.
I pulled out my scissors and explained," the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds". 2 Corinthians 10:4 He was struggling to break the threads I'd wrapped him in but it took the scissors to set him free. I explained that strongholds were not destroyed by our willpower but by the work Christ did on the cross. We are victorious when we by faith access the grace provided for us.
Again and again in Scripture we are told to be alert. Why? I believe it is because," we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12 I believe that one of our enemies greatest schemes is to lull us into complacency, like a spider wraps it's victim in thin silken thread until he is immobilized.
Lord Jesus, thank you that we are not powerless victims. Thank you for making us more than conquerors by your love for us. Thank you that neither death nor life, nor angles nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, not powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in you our Lord. But Lord Jesus, help us to be alert against the schemes of our enemy!
I pulled out my scissors and explained," the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds". 2 Corinthians 10:4 He was struggling to break the threads I'd wrapped him in but it took the scissors to set him free. I explained that strongholds were not destroyed by our willpower but by the work Christ did on the cross. We are victorious when we by faith access the grace provided for us.
Again and again in Scripture we are told to be alert. Why? I believe it is because," we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12 I believe that one of our enemies greatest schemes is to lull us into complacency, like a spider wraps it's victim in thin silken thread until he is immobilized.
Lord Jesus, thank you that we are not powerless victims. Thank you for making us more than conquerors by your love for us. Thank you that neither death nor life, nor angles nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, not powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in you our Lord. But Lord Jesus, help us to be alert against the schemes of our enemy!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Removing grave clothes
I was reminded by a friend recently that the Christian life is to be lived in community. I have a tendency to withdraw sometimes. If I am struggling with something I will often disappear into my cocoon while I try to figure out what is wrong. Why? Maybe because I feel vulnerable, maybe because I have an image I'm trying to protect. To be honest I don't always know why I retreat, but I know I retreat.
My friend reminded me of the story of Lazarus. Lazarus who had been dead for four days was called to life when Jesus cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out." The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, 'Unbind him, and let him go.'" John 11: 38-44 Jesus who called Lazarus from death to life could also have released him from the grave clothes but he chose not to.
As I have meditated on how this looks in my life I have thought about Ephesians 4 where it talks about unity in the Body of Christ. Just as Jesus called Lazarus to life He has called me to life. Just as Lazarus was alive but bound with grave clothes that needed to be removed by the hands of others so it is with me. The "calling" I see in Ephesians is a calling of community. I am called to walk in all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love. Other while operating in their Spiritual gifts speaking the truth in love remove from me the grave clothes that bind me. Then I in turn use the Spiritual gifts God has given me to help set them free.
Part of me wants to be independent, I simply want to be complete within myself. I don't want to need anybody. Jesus has called me from death to life isn't that enough? Yet what I see is not a call to independence but a call to interdependence. "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped , when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it build itself up in love." Ephesians 4:1-16
Lord Jesus You have called me from death to life. You have also called me to walk humbly before you in community. O Lord I choose to humbly submit to others out of reverence for You. Letting other people's hands remove my grave clothes. Willing also to help remove the grave clothes of those You've called to life.
My friend reminded me of the story of Lazarus. Lazarus who had been dead for four days was called to life when Jesus cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out." The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, 'Unbind him, and let him go.'" John 11: 38-44 Jesus who called Lazarus from death to life could also have released him from the grave clothes but he chose not to.
As I have meditated on how this looks in my life I have thought about Ephesians 4 where it talks about unity in the Body of Christ. Just as Jesus called Lazarus to life He has called me to life. Just as Lazarus was alive but bound with grave clothes that needed to be removed by the hands of others so it is with me. The "calling" I see in Ephesians is a calling of community. I am called to walk in all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love. Other while operating in their Spiritual gifts speaking the truth in love remove from me the grave clothes that bind me. Then I in turn use the Spiritual gifts God has given me to help set them free.
Part of me wants to be independent, I simply want to be complete within myself. I don't want to need anybody. Jesus has called me from death to life isn't that enough? Yet what I see is not a call to independence but a call to interdependence. "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped , when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it build itself up in love." Ephesians 4:1-16
Lord Jesus You have called me from death to life. You have also called me to walk humbly before you in community. O Lord I choose to humbly submit to others out of reverence for You. Letting other people's hands remove my grave clothes. Willing also to help remove the grave clothes of those You've called to life.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Take away the chaff and leave the grain!
"Look at her! She is so serene, so saintly, so Sarah." About that time I wake up from my daydream.
In my daydreams I am very forgiving no matter what the offences are. In my daydreams I have no fear but instead only respond to fearful situations with faith. In my daydreams I trust only in the Lord. I have no secret idols to which I go for comfort. But the pain and pressure and reality of this world wake me up from my daydream and I find the true condition of my heart exposed.
The pain and pressures of this life show me the truth of where I am. My irratablity is really a manifestation of my fear concerning the situation I'm in that I can't control. My overeating isn't just a bad habit it's an idol I turn to for comfort. I believe God uses these broken places in my life to draw me closer to Him.
I really really want to be forgiving. I want to be a woman of faith. I don't want to turn to anything but Jesus. Yet, when my life feels like it is careening out of control I see a different me than the me of my daydreams. I also realize how prideful my daydreams really are. In my daydreams I am the star. The truth is I am in desperate need of my Savior, everyday.
My brokenness causes me to cry out for mercy and grace. It's not always pretty sometimes the scene is downright messy. Like and operating table differs from a formal dining table, so my reality of who I am differs from my dreams. Yet I find again and again that I am grateful that the Lord exposes me.
"Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, The Lord, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation." Isaiah 12:2 When God allows the pressures of my life to expose the conditions of my heart and I cry out for mercy I find Him faithful to be my strength and the theme of my song. Pride is broken and a true since of stability is found on the Rock of my Salvation.
Lord Jesus, you alone know my heart. I am so much like Peter who vowed he would never forsake you. Yet, when he was sifted he saw who he really was. I feel like I am being sifted. Lord, take away the chaff and leave the grain. Thank You for new mercies every morning!
In my daydreams I am very forgiving no matter what the offences are. In my daydreams I have no fear but instead only respond to fearful situations with faith. In my daydreams I trust only in the Lord. I have no secret idols to which I go for comfort. But the pain and pressure and reality of this world wake me up from my daydream and I find the true condition of my heart exposed.
The pain and pressures of this life show me the truth of where I am. My irratablity is really a manifestation of my fear concerning the situation I'm in that I can't control. My overeating isn't just a bad habit it's an idol I turn to for comfort. I believe God uses these broken places in my life to draw me closer to Him.
I really really want to be forgiving. I want to be a woman of faith. I don't want to turn to anything but Jesus. Yet, when my life feels like it is careening out of control I see a different me than the me of my daydreams. I also realize how prideful my daydreams really are. In my daydreams I am the star. The truth is I am in desperate need of my Savior, everyday.
My brokenness causes me to cry out for mercy and grace. It's not always pretty sometimes the scene is downright messy. Like and operating table differs from a formal dining table, so my reality of who I am differs from my dreams. Yet I find again and again that I am grateful that the Lord exposes me.
"Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, The Lord, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation." Isaiah 12:2 When God allows the pressures of my life to expose the conditions of my heart and I cry out for mercy I find Him faithful to be my strength and the theme of my song. Pride is broken and a true since of stability is found on the Rock of my Salvation.
Lord Jesus, you alone know my heart. I am so much like Peter who vowed he would never forsake you. Yet, when he was sifted he saw who he really was. I feel like I am being sifted. Lord, take away the chaff and leave the grain. Thank You for new mercies every morning!
Friday, September 9, 2011
Spreading out my concerns before the King of Glory
I learned to pray this way from two stories in the Bible one in the Old Testament the other in the New Testament.
The Israelites had been captured and carried away to Assyria. Now Assyria turned his hungry eyes to neighboring Judah. Surly this would be an easy conquest, Judah was smaller than Israel. Assyria used the tactic that had worked so well in other countries, first came the terror and then the attack.
Hezekiah received a letter filled with threats. The letter listed all the nations that had been conquered. The letter listed the kings of those nation that fallen to Assyria. Hezekiah was well aware of the reality of the threat. However, his response to the threat has become one of my examples of prayer in the Old Testament.
Hezekiah received the terrifying letter and went up to the house of the Lord and spread it before the God of Heaven. There have been things in my life that terrify me. When I become stunned by the events of life I simply go before the throne of God and spread out my concern before Him. What I learned from Hezekiah is that prayer is sometimes simply spreading out before the Lord the circumstances over which you have no control.
I saw this pattern for prayer repeated in the New Testament when Mary and Martha sent Jesus word that,"The one that you love is ill". No more needed to be said. They felt no need to instruct Jesus but instead simply bring their concern before him. However, I doubt they expected him to wait till their brother was dead to come. They probably thought Jesus would heal Lazarus not raise him from the dead!
In both these stories there were situations over which the people had no control. I have learned from both Hezekiah and Martha and Mary that there are times when my prayer is simply to bring before God the things of this life that overwhelm me. But I have learned something else as well. I have learned that sometimes God allows painful things in my life to grant me the honor of bringing Him glory.
Lord Jesus, today there are many things over which I have no control. Like Hezekiah I spread them out before you. Like Martha and Mary I wait expectantly for you to respond. I lift my eyes to you and ask that you would be gloried.
The Israelites had been captured and carried away to Assyria. Now Assyria turned his hungry eyes to neighboring Judah. Surly this would be an easy conquest, Judah was smaller than Israel. Assyria used the tactic that had worked so well in other countries, first came the terror and then the attack.
Hezekiah received a letter filled with threats. The letter listed all the nations that had been conquered. The letter listed the kings of those nation that fallen to Assyria. Hezekiah was well aware of the reality of the threat. However, his response to the threat has become one of my examples of prayer in the Old Testament.
Hezekiah received the terrifying letter and went up to the house of the Lord and spread it before the God of Heaven. There have been things in my life that terrify me. When I become stunned by the events of life I simply go before the throne of God and spread out my concern before Him. What I learned from Hezekiah is that prayer is sometimes simply spreading out before the Lord the circumstances over which you have no control.
I saw this pattern for prayer repeated in the New Testament when Mary and Martha sent Jesus word that,"The one that you love is ill". No more needed to be said. They felt no need to instruct Jesus but instead simply bring their concern before him. However, I doubt they expected him to wait till their brother was dead to come. They probably thought Jesus would heal Lazarus not raise him from the dead!
In both these stories there were situations over which the people had no control. I have learned from both Hezekiah and Martha and Mary that there are times when my prayer is simply to bring before God the things of this life that overwhelm me. But I have learned something else as well. I have learned that sometimes God allows painful things in my life to grant me the honor of bringing Him glory.
Lord Jesus, today there are many things over which I have no control. Like Hezekiah I spread them out before you. Like Martha and Mary I wait expectantly for you to respond. I lift my eyes to you and ask that you would be gloried.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
The exchange
Once upon a time there was a little girl who owned a beautiful necklace. It was the most beautiful necklace in all the world, well in her eyes it was. She wore it day and night. She loved her necklace so much she refused to take it off. It became part of her identity.
This little girl had a father who loved her dearly. He knew that the necklace that his daughter wore was really a string of painted plastic beads. He watched as the paint chipped but she couldn't see it. He wanted to show his love for her. When he saw the time was right he bought her a sting of pearls. He didn't choose just any pearls, these pearls were to show his love. The pearls he chose were flawless, they had a rare brilliant sheen and a soft inner glow. They were both distinctive and precious just like his love for his daughter.
"I have a gift for you." That was all he said as he held out the box. She opened the box then stood looking up into his eyes. She saw reflected in his eyes a rare brilliant sheen a soft inner glow. From that day on her identity became not plastic beads but one who was loved by her father.
Lord Jesus, You once told a parable about the kingdom of heaven. You said it was like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. Lord Jesus, I have been holding onto a string of plastic bead. I ask You by Your Spirit let me see Your Kingdom clearly. Then it will be easy for me to let go these beads. Let my identity be found in Your love.
This little girl had a father who loved her dearly. He knew that the necklace that his daughter wore was really a string of painted plastic beads. He watched as the paint chipped but she couldn't see it. He wanted to show his love for her. When he saw the time was right he bought her a sting of pearls. He didn't choose just any pearls, these pearls were to show his love. The pearls he chose were flawless, they had a rare brilliant sheen and a soft inner glow. They were both distinctive and precious just like his love for his daughter.
"I have a gift for you." That was all he said as he held out the box. She opened the box then stood looking up into his eyes. She saw reflected in his eyes a rare brilliant sheen a soft inner glow. From that day on her identity became not plastic beads but one who was loved by her father.
Lord Jesus, You once told a parable about the kingdom of heaven. You said it was like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. Lord Jesus, I have been holding onto a string of plastic bead. I ask You by Your Spirit let me see Your Kingdom clearly. Then it will be easy for me to let go these beads. Let my identity be found in Your love.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
A view through the window
I have often viewed life like a big comfortable room. A room where all my needs are met. In this room there is a window but there was no need to look out the window as long as I have everything I need. Yet when the comfort provided in that room begins to diminish my attention is drawn to the window. Climbing up on a chair, standing on tiptoe I peer out that window. Suddenly my whole perceptive is changed.
It was the year King Uzziah died that Isaiah saw the Lord. Uzziah had reigned for 52 years. His had been a prosperous reign. I think we as humans like to find security in what is familiar. When Uzziah died the question hung in the air,"What will happen now?" This is when Isaiah got a view through the window."I saw the Lord seated on the throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple”(Isiah 6:1).
For Ezekiel his visions of God happened while he was among the exiles who had been taken into Babylon. He had been from a priestly background. Ezekiel had been taken away from his home and I can only imagine the uncertainty he would feel about what would happen next. That is when God gave him a view through the window. "The expanse over their heads was what looked like a throne of sapphire, and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man...Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him”(Ezekiel 1:25-28).
John was the last of the disciples and according to the historian Tertullian he survived being boiled in oil before he was exiled to the island of Patmos. In his own words he was a companion in the suffering and patient endurance that was his because he belonged to Jesus. But he also received a view through the window and this is what he saw someone, "like a son of man," dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. His head and hair like wool, as white as snow, his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters...His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance”(Revelation 1:12-16).
I really like to be comfortable but when that comfort is taken away I am drawn to the window. When I look through the window of prophecy I gain perspective.
It was the year King Uzziah died that Isaiah saw the Lord. Uzziah had reigned for 52 years. His had been a prosperous reign. I think we as humans like to find security in what is familiar. When Uzziah died the question hung in the air,"What will happen now?" This is when Isaiah got a view through the window."I saw the Lord seated on the throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple”(Isiah 6:1).
For Ezekiel his visions of God happened while he was among the exiles who had been taken into Babylon. He had been from a priestly background. Ezekiel had been taken away from his home and I can only imagine the uncertainty he would feel about what would happen next. That is when God gave him a view through the window. "The expanse over their heads was what looked like a throne of sapphire, and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man...Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him”(Ezekiel 1:25-28).
John was the last of the disciples and according to the historian Tertullian he survived being boiled in oil before he was exiled to the island of Patmos. In his own words he was a companion in the suffering and patient endurance that was his because he belonged to Jesus. But he also received a view through the window and this is what he saw someone, "like a son of man," dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. His head and hair like wool, as white as snow, his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters...His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance”(Revelation 1:12-16).
I really like to be comfortable but when that comfort is taken away I am drawn to the window. When I look through the window of prophecy I gain perspective.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Always!
It was just a little after two A.M when I heard it whispered in my ear,"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" With that sounding in my ears and in my heart I woke up.
I have this "thing" that happens when the seasons change. I don't want it to happen but it does anyway. I begin to struggle with a since of sadness. So, I felt it creeping in on me yesterday like a dark midst seeping in under the door. It began to shroud my thoughts and my emotions. My prayer was as simple as that of a child, it was all I could muster. "Lord show me Yourself!" Over and over I prayed this simple prayer as wave after wave of saddest swept over me.
Then I heard the command,"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" I had been sound asleep but suddenly I was wide awake. I got out of bed and I began to think about what that verse in Philippians means. I began to think about who my Lord is. As I meditated on who my Lord is I began to rejoice, I couldn't help it. The reality that he is not only the Lord but the lover of my soul simply caused me to rejoice.
Recently I looked on line for advice for people, like me, who want to write devotionals. The advice I found was that you must define your audience. As soon as I read that I knew who my audience was, it's me. I am my audience. Like David in 1 Samuel I seek to daily comfort myself in the Lord. I find the comfort that I seek and then I just want to share it with others who are on this pilgrims journey with me.
Lord Jesus, day by day I look for you. Sometimes I can see you clearly sometimes you seem hidden from my view. But always,always you are there. The same yesterday, today and forever and by faith I will rejoice. I want to turn and say to those around me," be encouraged, be comforted, rejoice, He is Lord!"
I have this "thing" that happens when the seasons change. I don't want it to happen but it does anyway. I begin to struggle with a since of sadness. So, I felt it creeping in on me yesterday like a dark midst seeping in under the door. It began to shroud my thoughts and my emotions. My prayer was as simple as that of a child, it was all I could muster. "Lord show me Yourself!" Over and over I prayed this simple prayer as wave after wave of saddest swept over me.
Then I heard the command,"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" I had been sound asleep but suddenly I was wide awake. I got out of bed and I began to think about what that verse in Philippians means. I began to think about who my Lord is. As I meditated on who my Lord is I began to rejoice, I couldn't help it. The reality that he is not only the Lord but the lover of my soul simply caused me to rejoice.
Recently I looked on line for advice for people, like me, who want to write devotionals. The advice I found was that you must define your audience. As soon as I read that I knew who my audience was, it's me. I am my audience. Like David in 1 Samuel I seek to daily comfort myself in the Lord. I find the comfort that I seek and then I just want to share it with others who are on this pilgrims journey with me.
Lord Jesus, day by day I look for you. Sometimes I can see you clearly sometimes you seem hidden from my view. But always,always you are there. The same yesterday, today and forever and by faith I will rejoice. I want to turn and say to those around me," be encouraged, be comforted, rejoice, He is Lord!"
Saturday, September 3, 2011
"This Is It" or is it?
My children would be shocked if they knew I was watching a DVD left behind by my younger daughter, but I was. It was a DVD that was titled "This Is It" by Michael Jackson. I was amazed at his talent and saddened by the title ,"This Is It".
I am reading Ecclesiastes and I keep thinking of Michael Jackson. He was so talented he won so many honors yet I wonder if he would have agreed with Solomon when he said," I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun." Ecclesiastes 2:10,11
At the beginning of the DVD there were talented people from all over the world who wanted to perform with Michael. One of the young men being interviewed made this statement, " Life is hard, and I've been looking for something to shake me up a bit. I've been looking for meaning, a reason to live. This is it." Less then three week before "This Is It" was to open Michael died. For the young man who looked to Michael as a savior this must have been devastating. Ecclesiastes asks the question," What does man gain from all his labor at which he toils under the sun?" If this life is all there is then I agree with Solomon," Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless." Ecclesiastes 1:2
Today I am going to a memorial service for my friend. The majority of the world does not know her. The news of her death did not make the headlines of all the major newspapers of the world, yet all of us who knew her were impacted by her life and her faith. " Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1 My friend Anne lived her life well. A midst difficulty and hardship she was an over comer. I believe the secret to her strength was that she didn't look at life and say,"This is it". She had the "Assurance of things hoped for, and the conviction of things not seen." Today, we will celebrate though our hearts are sad and our eyes fill with tears. We will celebrate a life well lived. Hebrews also tells us that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witness, those who put their faith in something beyond what they could see. Anne put her faith in Jesus Christ He is her Savior and she is with Him today.
I am reading Ecclesiastes and I keep thinking of Michael Jackson. He was so talented he won so many honors yet I wonder if he would have agreed with Solomon when he said," I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun." Ecclesiastes 2:10,11
At the beginning of the DVD there were talented people from all over the world who wanted to perform with Michael. One of the young men being interviewed made this statement, " Life is hard, and I've been looking for something to shake me up a bit. I've been looking for meaning, a reason to live. This is it." Less then three week before "This Is It" was to open Michael died. For the young man who looked to Michael as a savior this must have been devastating. Ecclesiastes asks the question," What does man gain from all his labor at which he toils under the sun?" If this life is all there is then I agree with Solomon," Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless." Ecclesiastes 1:2
Today I am going to a memorial service for my friend. The majority of the world does not know her. The news of her death did not make the headlines of all the major newspapers of the world, yet all of us who knew her were impacted by her life and her faith. " Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1 My friend Anne lived her life well. A midst difficulty and hardship she was an over comer. I believe the secret to her strength was that she didn't look at life and say,"This is it". She had the "Assurance of things hoped for, and the conviction of things not seen." Today, we will celebrate though our hearts are sad and our eyes fill with tears. We will celebrate a life well lived. Hebrews also tells us that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witness, those who put their faith in something beyond what they could see. Anne put her faith in Jesus Christ He is her Savior and she is with Him today.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Reflections on prayer
Maybe it was just a bad place for a mirror. I couldn't help but notice that whenever we were eating and my guests caught a glimpse of their reflection in the mirror that they would have a hard time looking anywhere but at themselves. Then I tried sitting opposite the mirror and I understood, I was captivated by my own reflection.
I think this is sometimes true when I come to God in prayer. My prayers are often more reflective of how I see myself than how I see God. Often when I have sinned that is where I want to start. "Dear God, please forgive me!" But this is not how Jesus taught us to pray. He taught us to begin with, "Our Father who art in Heaven." The focus isn't on me or my sin the focus is on a relationship with a father who is in Heaven. I am to be a child going into the presence of her father and not a criminal going into the presence of a judge.
"My soul is cast down within me; therefore I remember you..." Psalm 42:5 The next Psalm continues with this focus on God and not self. "Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Then will I go to the alter of God, to God my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God. Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, My Savior and my God."
When I reflect only on myself I become downcast. When I remember that I have access to the throne of Heaven and I let God's light and truth guide me to my Heavenly Father my heart is filled with hope. There is a place for confession of sin it is important to confess my sin. However, I believe that before I reflect on my sin I should spend time looking intently at my Heavenly Father.
Lord Jesus, thank you for giving me a pattern for prayer. Thank you also for showing me the heart of the Father to whom I pray.
I think this is sometimes true when I come to God in prayer. My prayers are often more reflective of how I see myself than how I see God. Often when I have sinned that is where I want to start. "Dear God, please forgive me!" But this is not how Jesus taught us to pray. He taught us to begin with, "Our Father who art in Heaven." The focus isn't on me or my sin the focus is on a relationship with a father who is in Heaven. I am to be a child going into the presence of her father and not a criminal going into the presence of a judge.
"My soul is cast down within me; therefore I remember you..." Psalm 42:5 The next Psalm continues with this focus on God and not self. "Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Then will I go to the alter of God, to God my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God. Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, My Savior and my God."
When I reflect only on myself I become downcast. When I remember that I have access to the throne of Heaven and I let God's light and truth guide me to my Heavenly Father my heart is filled with hope. There is a place for confession of sin it is important to confess my sin. However, I believe that before I reflect on my sin I should spend time looking intently at my Heavenly Father.
Lord Jesus, thank you for giving me a pattern for prayer. Thank you also for showing me the heart of the Father to whom I pray.
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