I see a question being asked throughout the Scriptures. It began in the garden and continues throughout every generation. How this question in answered determines much about how we live our lives. The question was first posed by God's enemy to Eve and yet I think everyone who has ever lived has had to decide how to answer it. The question is, "Does God really have your best interest at heart and can you trust Him?"
When God delivered the children of Israel from Egypt with a mighty hand and an out stretched arm there was a problem. The problem was they didn't really trust Him. They were delivered from slavery and promised a land of their own but on the way to that Promised Land they had to go through a wilderness. In the wilderness they murmured and complained, they murmured and complained because they didn't really believe that God had their best interest at heart nor did they believe that they could trust Him.
Daniel was in captivity. His enemies were looking for a fault in him a way to bring a complaint against him to the king and the only thing they could find was his devotion to God. They appealed to the king's pride that if anyone made a petition to a god or man other than the king for thirty days his would be thrown into the lions den. But Daniel believed that God had his best interest at heart and he believed that he could trust him so he continued to go to his upper chamber and kneel and pray with thanksgiving towards Jerusalem. He was praying towards Jerusalem even though it had been destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar, his prayers were marked by thanksgiving and not by murmuring and complaining because he was trusting in what he believed about God and not what he was experiencing.
I asked my friend to choose one word to describe Daniel after a short pause she said, "Steadfast." I thought about that and then I thought about James 1:1-4. "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trails of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." Daniel was firmly loyal and constant in his belief that God is good and he could trust Him. His unshakable faith caused him to offer prayers of thanksgiving just as the children of Israels doubt of God's goodness caused them to murmur and complain when their faith was tested.
Father, Your word is filled with stories of how You have shown Yourself faithful in the lives of Your people. Long ago I learned that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Thank You for letting me see Your faithfulness in the lives of others but thank You also that when I face trails I am also being invited to see You faithfulness first hand in my own life.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Habitual Thanksgiving
I read something yesterday morning that stayed with me. I read about Daniel in the lions' den. Such a familiar story, but this time something caught my attention that I hadn't noticed before. The men who were jealous of Daniel set a trap for him involving his prayer life: that if anyone prayed to any god or man other than the king for 30 days he would be thrown into the lion's den.
"Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the widow opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before" (Daniel 6:1).What got my attention was the content of his prayer. He gave thanks three times a day. He was giving thanks even though he knew the decree had been published and it could cost him his life.
By this time in history Daniel is an old man. He is an old man yet three times a day he got down on his knees to pray and to give thanks to his God. I know that scripture is given to teach, rebuke, correct and train in righteousness and this picture of Daniel as an old man on his knees praying and thanking God at the risk of his life does all of that.
Ever since I was a child and I first heard the story of Daniel I saw him as a quiet man. I saw him as a quiet man in the midst of turmoil. Every time I read his story I saw him as one who experienced peace no matter what situation he was put in. When I thought about how he humbled himself and prayed with thanksgiving I understood where the peace came from.
Lord, I want to learn this lesson from Daniel. I want my life to be marked by humility toward you. I also want to pray with thanksgiving three times a day. I have been around people who habitually complain and I don't want to be one of them. Lord, please let my life be marked by habitual thanks giving.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
The Choice
I watched the child sit with arms crossed determined to be in a bad mood. It was a beautiful day, we were at a party and a choice had to be made to participate in the fun or not to participate. I thought about that scene as I woke up this morning. The verse that came to mind was, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."(Psalm 118:24)
I first learned this verse as a teenager. I remember the difference it began to make in my life when I woke up recognizing that the Lord had made each day and I could choose to rejoice. It made a difference because before I knew that verse I would wake up with a since of dread not knowing what the day would hold.
Choosing to begin the day by rejoicing is choosing to walk by faith. Who can know for certain when a day begins what will happen? "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness."(2 Timothy 3:16) What Scripture teaches me is that I can rejoice at the beginning of each new day.
The truth is however, that sometimes I wake up in a bad mood, like the child at the party. Often I feel like I have some pretty good reasons for my dark mood. So what do I so then? That's when I am reminded that to rejoice is an act of faith. I find God's word rebuking me and correcting my thoughts. Like a child that needs to be disciplined or trained I too need to be disciplined. The correction of my thinking causes me to recognize that I can rejoice and be glad because I can trust the one who made this day.
O Lord, You know that I tend by nature to more negative than positive. Thank You for giving me Your word that day by day points me in the right direction. Today I will look for You and the good things You have provided. I choose to rejoice and be glad in this day because I trust the one who made this day.
I first learned this verse as a teenager. I remember the difference it began to make in my life when I woke up recognizing that the Lord had made each day and I could choose to rejoice. It made a difference because before I knew that verse I would wake up with a since of dread not knowing what the day would hold.
Choosing to begin the day by rejoicing is choosing to walk by faith. Who can know for certain when a day begins what will happen? "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness."(2 Timothy 3:16) What Scripture teaches me is that I can rejoice at the beginning of each new day.
The truth is however, that sometimes I wake up in a bad mood, like the child at the party. Often I feel like I have some pretty good reasons for my dark mood. So what do I so then? That's when I am reminded that to rejoice is an act of faith. I find God's word rebuking me and correcting my thoughts. Like a child that needs to be disciplined or trained I too need to be disciplined. The correction of my thinking causes me to recognize that I can rejoice and be glad because I can trust the one who made this day.
O Lord, You know that I tend by nature to more negative than positive. Thank You for giving me Your word that day by day points me in the right direction. Today I will look for You and the good things You have provided. I choose to rejoice and be glad in this day because I trust the one who made this day.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Keeping Balanced in an Unbalanced World
I was asked to speak on the topic "How to Keep Your Balance in an Unbalanced World." I've been thinking about that lately. When I think of someone who did this well I think of Daniel. As a young man he was taken from his homeland and given a different name. When all that was familiar was stripped away from him Daniel's resolved not to defile himself. I think this is the first clue in his ability to find balance when everything around him was changing. He didn't just look at his world with physical eyes, he used he spiritual eyes as well.
There was so much upheaval during Daniel's life. Soon after he was made a wise man in Nebuchadnezzar's court he was told he was to be killed if he couldn't interpret a dream the king had had, even though the king refused to tell what the dream was. Daniel wasn't destroyed because he and his friends sought mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery. Here is another clue to the way he kept his balance, he trusted God to reveal to him what he needed to know.
When Daniel blessed the God of heaven he said, "He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding."(Daniel 2:21) How many kings did Daniel see rise and fall? First there was Nebuchadnezzar then his son Evil-Merodach,who only reigned about two years before he was assassinated by his brother-in-law Neriglissar. Neriglissar only reigned for four years when he was replaced by Labashi-Marduk. Then a usurper named Nabonidus took the throne but removed himself to northern Arabia and his son Belshazzar became a co-regent. All the time this upheaval was taking place Daniel kept his balance by continuing to worship the God of heaven.
One of the ways I keep my balance in my own unbalanced world is to open my spiritual eyes and look at what Daniel saw. "As I looked, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat...In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like the son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of days and was led into his presents. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all people, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed."( Daniel 7:1-14) Because Daniel had a spiritual view and not just a physical view he was able to keep his balance no matter what he faced.
Oh Ancient of Days I too come before Your throne with the prayer that Jesus taught me to pray,"Father, who art in heaven hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." Help me to keep my balance by keeping my heart, my mind and my spirit focused on You and Your kingdom.
There was so much upheaval during Daniel's life. Soon after he was made a wise man in Nebuchadnezzar's court he was told he was to be killed if he couldn't interpret a dream the king had had, even though the king refused to tell what the dream was. Daniel wasn't destroyed because he and his friends sought mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery. Here is another clue to the way he kept his balance, he trusted God to reveal to him what he needed to know.
When Daniel blessed the God of heaven he said, "He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding."(Daniel 2:21) How many kings did Daniel see rise and fall? First there was Nebuchadnezzar then his son Evil-Merodach,who only reigned about two years before he was assassinated by his brother-in-law Neriglissar. Neriglissar only reigned for four years when he was replaced by Labashi-Marduk. Then a usurper named Nabonidus took the throne but removed himself to northern Arabia and his son Belshazzar became a co-regent. All the time this upheaval was taking place Daniel kept his balance by continuing to worship the God of heaven.
One of the ways I keep my balance in my own unbalanced world is to open my spiritual eyes and look at what Daniel saw. "As I looked, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat...In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like the son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of days and was led into his presents. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all people, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed."( Daniel 7:1-14) Because Daniel had a spiritual view and not just a physical view he was able to keep his balance no matter what he faced.
Oh Ancient of Days I too come before Your throne with the prayer that Jesus taught me to pray,"Father, who art in heaven hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." Help me to keep my balance by keeping my heart, my mind and my spirit focused on You and Your kingdom.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Borrowing Words
Sometimes I have a hard time finding the words that express how I feel. I remember when my sister came back from France and she would often use a French word that expressed what she wanted to say better than an English word. To be able to verbalize my thoughts, feelings and beliefs is a very basic need. It is the need to be known and that's why it's so frustrating when I can't find the right words.
Sometimes I turn to the Psalms to find the words that express what I want to say. Then again sometimes I read the Psalms and am amazed at how honest the Psalmist is about his struggle. When I read the Psalms I see someone who comes before God without a veneer. In the Psalms I find honest emotion, pain and sometimes anger. I also find permission to borrow these words to express how I really feel.
One particular Psalm makes me wonder, "Who borrowed whose words?" This is the Psalm that begins, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest." (Psalm 22:1,2) Jesus borrowed these words from David when He was hanging on the cross. Psalm 22 goes on to describe pain and suffering Jesus experienced on the cross. David wrote the Psalm to express the depth of his suffering to God and Jesus used the words and showed how He had entered into that suffering.
The words of Psalm 22 always make me think of Isaiah 53. "He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has bore our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed." So what I see when I look at the borrowed words of Psalm 22 is that because Jesus was forsaken I never will be.
Lord Jesus, emotions can be a deceitful. Thank You for showing me how to come before You and be completely honest with how I feel. Thank You for giving me the Psalms to guide me in how I can be completely honest in prayer. Thank You also for using the Psalms to point me back to the truth of Your great love.
Sometimes I turn to the Psalms to find the words that express what I want to say. Then again sometimes I read the Psalms and am amazed at how honest the Psalmist is about his struggle. When I read the Psalms I see someone who comes before God without a veneer. In the Psalms I find honest emotion, pain and sometimes anger. I also find permission to borrow these words to express how I really feel.
One particular Psalm makes me wonder, "Who borrowed whose words?" This is the Psalm that begins, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest." (Psalm 22:1,2) Jesus borrowed these words from David when He was hanging on the cross. Psalm 22 goes on to describe pain and suffering Jesus experienced on the cross. David wrote the Psalm to express the depth of his suffering to God and Jesus used the words and showed how He had entered into that suffering.
The words of Psalm 22 always make me think of Isaiah 53. "He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has bore our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed." So what I see when I look at the borrowed words of Psalm 22 is that because Jesus was forsaken I never will be.
Lord Jesus, emotions can be a deceitful. Thank You for showing me how to come before You and be completely honest with how I feel. Thank You for giving me the Psalms to guide me in how I can be completely honest in prayer. Thank You also for using the Psalms to point me back to the truth of Your great love.
Monday, September 17, 2012
"Clear off Your Desk and Get Out a Clean Sheet of Paper"
"Clean off your desk and get out a clean sheet of paper." Even now so many years latter those words that indicated that a test was about to take place make me uncomfortable. That cleared off desk and clean sheet of paper was preparation for finding out what I knew and what I didn't know.
I think tests get rid of clutter in my life like that cleaned off desk and clean sheet of paper a test forces me to focus. I just finished reading the book of Job and there seemed to be a lot of cluttered thinking going on. Everyone was trying to explain God and in the end they failed. I, however, have a little bit of an advantage when I read Job. I have a bit of a cheat sheet because I have the first twelve verses that show me a divine perspective of what's taking place on earth.
When Job is put to the test he doesn't pretend he's not suffering. He doesn't understand what is happening any more than the people around him. None of them had access to the first twelve verses like I do. Job suffered, he struggled and he complained but when every thing was stripped away Job showed what real worship looks like. He said,"The Lord gave and the Lord has take away; blessed be the name of the Lord."(Job 1:21) It's seems like the main question on this test was, "Do you believe God is good and that you can trust Him?" Job answered,"Yes."
Job was a very righteous man but he couldn't understand why God allowed him to be so thoroughly tested. Even reading those first twelve verse of Job I don't understand either. I think the point of Job and the test wasn't so that Job, his friends or anyone else could walk away and say,"Oh, okay, now I understand God." I think in the end the lesson learned by the test was that though I can't understand God I can trust Him. At the end of the test God revealed Himself to Job in such a way that Job responded,"My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you." (Job 42:5)
Father, the tests in my life reveal how little I really know. I'm afraid it also reveals how weak my faith is. But sometimes I wonder if the real reason for the test isn't to expose my lack but so that I can I can experience You in an uncluttered way. And I wonder sometimes if the test isn't more of an invitation for me to know You in a deeper and richer way. Maybe that's why the book of James says to count it all joy when my faith is tested.
I think tests get rid of clutter in my life like that cleaned off desk and clean sheet of paper a test forces me to focus. I just finished reading the book of Job and there seemed to be a lot of cluttered thinking going on. Everyone was trying to explain God and in the end they failed. I, however, have a little bit of an advantage when I read Job. I have a bit of a cheat sheet because I have the first twelve verses that show me a divine perspective of what's taking place on earth.
When Job is put to the test he doesn't pretend he's not suffering. He doesn't understand what is happening any more than the people around him. None of them had access to the first twelve verses like I do. Job suffered, he struggled and he complained but when every thing was stripped away Job showed what real worship looks like. He said,"The Lord gave and the Lord has take away; blessed be the name of the Lord."(Job 1:21) It's seems like the main question on this test was, "Do you believe God is good and that you can trust Him?" Job answered,"Yes."
Job was a very righteous man but he couldn't understand why God allowed him to be so thoroughly tested. Even reading those first twelve verse of Job I don't understand either. I think the point of Job and the test wasn't so that Job, his friends or anyone else could walk away and say,"Oh, okay, now I understand God." I think in the end the lesson learned by the test was that though I can't understand God I can trust Him. At the end of the test God revealed Himself to Job in such a way that Job responded,"My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you." (Job 42:5)
Father, the tests in my life reveal how little I really know. I'm afraid it also reveals how weak my faith is. But sometimes I wonder if the real reason for the test isn't to expose my lack but so that I can I can experience You in an uncluttered way. And I wonder sometimes if the test isn't more of an invitation for me to know You in a deeper and richer way. Maybe that's why the book of James says to count it all joy when my faith is tested.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Meditations in the Morning
I like to wake up before the Sun does. I start my day in the early morning silence. The silence is replaced by the sound of birds. I watch as the morning light chases away the shadows of the night. I have read that God's mercy is new every morning so I approach the new day with anticipation.
I don't know what the new day will bring but I know who brings the day. "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ."(Ephesians 2:4-7) As the light exposes the colors of the world around me God's word brings into focus the,"Immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." I will look for rich mercy, great love and the immeasurable riches of His kindness as I go through this day.
From my earliest memories I have fought with depression but I learned to fight. Sometimes when the day is beginning my mind awakens to the negative thoughts. Just as the light of the Sun replaces the darkness of the night the truth of God's word reveals His great mercy to me and living hope replaces despair.
When I begin my day I start by writing in my diary. I look back over the day that is past and look for God's grace to me, often during the day I'm to busy to notice. I trace in my memory the places I have received mercy. When I have acknowledged the grace and mercy that I have already received it gives me peace. When the day is filled with light and my heart is filled with peace I have the courage to face whatever the day may bring.
Father, thank You for Your grace, mercy and peace. I will look for You today. Thank You for Your promise that when I seek You I will find You. Thank You that I can begin each day with Your promise that You mercy is new and fresh every morning; great is Your faithfulness!
I don't know what the new day will bring but I know who brings the day. "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ."(Ephesians 2:4-7) As the light exposes the colors of the world around me God's word brings into focus the,"Immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." I will look for rich mercy, great love and the immeasurable riches of His kindness as I go through this day.
From my earliest memories I have fought with depression but I learned to fight. Sometimes when the day is beginning my mind awakens to the negative thoughts. Just as the light of the Sun replaces the darkness of the night the truth of God's word reveals His great mercy to me and living hope replaces despair.
When I begin my day I start by writing in my diary. I look back over the day that is past and look for God's grace to me, often during the day I'm to busy to notice. I trace in my memory the places I have received mercy. When I have acknowledged the grace and mercy that I have already received it gives me peace. When the day is filled with light and my heart is filled with peace I have the courage to face whatever the day may bring.
Father, thank You for Your grace, mercy and peace. I will look for You today. Thank You for Your promise that when I seek You I will find You. Thank You that I can begin each day with Your promise that You mercy is new and fresh every morning; great is Your faithfulness!
Saturday, September 15, 2012
A Living Hope vs A Temporary Life
This has been a hard week. I had several doctors appointments each one reminded me that I am getting older and my body is wearing out. I went upstairs to work in my daughter's room but had to stop because I couldn't quit crying. I am happy for her but it brought into focus how the roles in my life are changing. I woke up this morning thinking about this verse, "All flesh is like grass and all it's glory like the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever." (1Peter 1:24,25)
When I talked to my friend who is an atheist this was the view she held, life it beautiful but when it's over, it's over. Personally, I find no comfort in that at all. The Bible has much to say about how temporary life is. "He springs up like a flower and withers away; like a fleeting shadow, he does not endure." (Job 14:2) "As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field: for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and it's place knows it no more." (Psalms 103:15) "A voice says, "Cry out." And I said, "What shall I cry?" "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the LORD blows on it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever." (Isiah 40;6-8)
Because of what I am experiencing I see the truth in what my atheist friend says about how beautiful and temporary life is but I that's not all I see. The same Psalm that speaks of the days of our life being like the flower of the field speaks of God's steadfast love. "But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him...The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all." (Psalm 103:17-19) I believe what my physical eyes can see, the beauty of a Morning Glory that blooms in early in the day will by noon be withered. I also ,however, believe what I see through eyes of faith that the steadfast love of God is from everlasting to everlasting.
I woke up thinking about the verse in 1 Peter that says all flesh is like grass that was all I could remember so I read the whole chapter to put it in context. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you." (1 Peter 1:3-9) This is my living hope because of God's great mercy He sent His Son to give me eternal life.
When I talked to my friend who is an atheist this was the view she held, life it beautiful but when it's over, it's over. Personally, I find no comfort in that at all. The Bible has much to say about how temporary life is. "He springs up like a flower and withers away; like a fleeting shadow, he does not endure." (Job 14:2) "As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field: for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and it's place knows it no more." (Psalms 103:15) "A voice says, "Cry out." And I said, "What shall I cry?" "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the LORD blows on it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever." (Isiah 40;6-8)
Because of what I am experiencing I see the truth in what my atheist friend says about how beautiful and temporary life is but I that's not all I see. The same Psalm that speaks of the days of our life being like the flower of the field speaks of God's steadfast love. "But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him...The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all." (Psalm 103:17-19) I believe what my physical eyes can see, the beauty of a Morning Glory that blooms in early in the day will by noon be withered. I also ,however, believe what I see through eyes of faith that the steadfast love of God is from everlasting to everlasting.
I woke up thinking about the verse in 1 Peter that says all flesh is like grass that was all I could remember so I read the whole chapter to put it in context. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you." (1 Peter 1:3-9) This is my living hope because of God's great mercy He sent His Son to give me eternal life.
Friday, September 14, 2012
A Friend Of God
This morning I woke up with a jumble of thoughts but they all they all had the same theme. This has been a very eventful year in my life and I guess my subconscious mind was working to understand all that is going on even when I sleep. The theme of the night was being a friend of God.
I thought about Abraham and the journey of faith God took him on. I thought about how the Lord told Abraham to leave what was familiar and to follow Him. Abraham was promised a son yet had to wait till he old to have that promise fulfilled. I thought about how God told Abraham His plans and how Abraham interceded for Sodom saying, "Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?"(Genesis 18:25) Abraham's faith in who God is was seen in his hope, in his patience and in his prayers. Abraham was called a friend of God.
When Jesus was about to leave His disciples He told them that they were not just His servants they were His friends. The disciples had gone on a journey with Jesus and in the process they had learned to trust Him. Because they believed what He told them after His resurrection they were able to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer.
My journey with God began many years ago. Every difficult situation I have encountered has been like an invitation to experiences God's faithfulness. Because I have experiences God's faithfulness in the past I find I can rejoice in hope today. It's easier to be patient in affliction since I have encountered His comfort in past difficulties. I have also been invited to participate in what God is doing in my life through prayer.
Father, my life has been a journey of coming to know You. Please help me to abide in Your love and share that love with others. Thank You for being my friend.
I thought about Abraham and the journey of faith God took him on. I thought about how the Lord told Abraham to leave what was familiar and to follow Him. Abraham was promised a son yet had to wait till he old to have that promise fulfilled. I thought about how God told Abraham His plans and how Abraham interceded for Sodom saying, "Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?"(Genesis 18:25) Abraham's faith in who God is was seen in his hope, in his patience and in his prayers. Abraham was called a friend of God.
When Jesus was about to leave His disciples He told them that they were not just His servants they were His friends. The disciples had gone on a journey with Jesus and in the process they had learned to trust Him. Because they believed what He told them after His resurrection they were able to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer.
My journey with God began many years ago. Every difficult situation I have encountered has been like an invitation to experiences God's faithfulness. Because I have experiences God's faithfulness in the past I find I can rejoice in hope today. It's easier to be patient in affliction since I have encountered His comfort in past difficulties. I have also been invited to participate in what God is doing in my life through prayer.
Father, my life has been a journey of coming to know You. Please help me to abide in Your love and share that love with others. Thank You for being my friend.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Walking in The Truth
I was standing in line when the woman in front of me said, "Do you know what today is? It's Tuesday, September 11, the eleventh anniversary of the Tuesday America was attacked does that bother you?" I guess she thought it might bother me because we were standing in line to get on a plane. Her question caused me to remember what I was doing eleven years ago.
I was preparing to go to a church and speak when someone called and told me about the airplanes crashing into the Twin Towers. The talk I gave that morning was from 3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. What is the truth you walk in when your world seems so uncertain? Is it the truth that was shown repeatedly on the television that we were under attack?
The truth I choose to walk in is not found on the nightly news. The truth I choose to walk in is not based on negative test results. The truth I choose to walk in is found in God's Word. "I have loved you with an everlasting love: I have drawn you with loving kindness." (Jeremiah 31:3) If I based my life on negative things I would be shrouded by fear. When I base my life on the truth that I am loved by God I am wrapped in a deep since of peace.
When I walk in this truth of God's love I am choosing to walk by faith. "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (Hebrews 11:6) How can I live a life that brings God joy and pleases Him? I can do that by walking in the truth that, He exists, He loves me, and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. I can walk in this truth even in a world that can sometimes be scary.
Father, thank You that in You I find peace regardless of what the news is. Help me to walk in Your truth today and share that truth with others.
I was preparing to go to a church and speak when someone called and told me about the airplanes crashing into the Twin Towers. The talk I gave that morning was from 3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. What is the truth you walk in when your world seems so uncertain? Is it the truth that was shown repeatedly on the television that we were under attack?
The truth I choose to walk in is not found on the nightly news. The truth I choose to walk in is not based on negative test results. The truth I choose to walk in is found in God's Word. "I have loved you with an everlasting love: I have drawn you with loving kindness." (Jeremiah 31:3) If I based my life on negative things I would be shrouded by fear. When I base my life on the truth that I am loved by God I am wrapped in a deep since of peace.
When I walk in this truth of God's love I am choosing to walk by faith. "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (Hebrews 11:6) How can I live a life that brings God joy and pleases Him? I can do that by walking in the truth that, He exists, He loves me, and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. I can walk in this truth even in a world that can sometimes be scary.
Father, thank You that in You I find peace regardless of what the news is. Help me to walk in Your truth today and share that truth with others.
Friday, September 7, 2012
The Initiation
I want to share a secret with you. There are mysteries that are learned not by studying but by applying God's word in the midst of a trail. It's as if the very thing I fear becomes an initiation to a place of peace. If God has allowed a difficulty into my life He has with that difficulty issued me an invitation to know Him better.
I find this world a beautiful place filled with many good things. I would have no problem being content with it's simple pleasures, however, I can't ignore the suffering that I have seen. This awareness of suffering has caused me to be aware of not just time but eternity.
I have noticed the effect of suffering on different people. I have watched some people who seemed to know and love God encounter a grief, a disappointment, something that didn't match their expectation of how God should operate. I have seen the light go out as they walked away. I wanted to scream, "Don't give up! Don't just look at what you physical eyes can see."
I am old enough to have known disappointments on many levels. I have known hurt and sorrow. But I have walked long enough with my Lord to know the secret. A secret that I will now share. Whenever I walk among the charred ruins of my plans and dreams I look intently for the invitation. The invitation reads, "Come and know me better, Child"
Oh Father, I thank You for the good times and I thank You for the hard times. Thank You for teaching me how to rejoice in You with tears in my eyes. Thank You for initiating me into the mystery of faith by allowing me to find joy in You regardless of the circumstances. Thank You for teaching me the secret of contentment that I can do all things through You.
I find this world a beautiful place filled with many good things. I would have no problem being content with it's simple pleasures, however, I can't ignore the suffering that I have seen. This awareness of suffering has caused me to be aware of not just time but eternity.
I have noticed the effect of suffering on different people. I have watched some people who seemed to know and love God encounter a grief, a disappointment, something that didn't match their expectation of how God should operate. I have seen the light go out as they walked away. I wanted to scream, "Don't give up! Don't just look at what you physical eyes can see."
I am old enough to have known disappointments on many levels. I have known hurt and sorrow. But I have walked long enough with my Lord to know the secret. A secret that I will now share. Whenever I walk among the charred ruins of my plans and dreams I look intently for the invitation. The invitation reads, "Come and know me better, Child"
Oh Father, I thank You for the good times and I thank You for the hard times. Thank You for teaching me how to rejoice in You with tears in my eyes. Thank You for initiating me into the mystery of faith by allowing me to find joy in You regardless of the circumstances. Thank You for teaching me the secret of contentment that I can do all things through You.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
My Journey of Faith
When I was a little girl I loved to go to church. The door to the church opened to a Spiritual world that was as real to me as the physical world. When I spent the night with my grandmother I would cuddle in bed with her as she read the Bile out loud with a voice full of wonder. It seemed like a foreign language to me but I found it to be the language of peace. When I was young I saw a picture of a little girl resting her head on Jesus' lap, when I would go to bed at night I pretended I was the little girl in the picture and my pillow was Jesus' lap.
When I became a teenager I began to read the Bible for myself. I was very blessed to have exciting Bible teachers. I met Kay Author when she had only been a christian for five years. Every week I would look forward to learning more of the mysteries from Bible. Every day began with my mother, sister and I reading and sharing together the treasures we found in God's Word.
When I turned the corner from being a child to becoming an adult the tests of faith began. At eighteen I had a life altering illness. When I married my husband he had cancer and began chemo therapy the month after our wedding. There were times during our first year of marriage I wasn't sure if he would live. I have known the grief of standing at the graveside of one of my babies. I have known the wounds that cause the question, "God are You there?"
What I have found true in my life is in the dark times God's light shines the brightest. One of my favorite Scriptures is found in Lamentations "The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness(Lamentations 3:22) To lament is to express grief or sorrow and in the places of my life where I have experienced this kind of grief I have also experienced God's mercy.
Father, thank You for today. I do not know what I will encounter today but I know Your steadfastness love will be there. I thank You in advance for the new mercies I will find.
When I became a teenager I began to read the Bible for myself. I was very blessed to have exciting Bible teachers. I met Kay Author when she had only been a christian for five years. Every week I would look forward to learning more of the mysteries from Bible. Every day began with my mother, sister and I reading and sharing together the treasures we found in God's Word.
When I turned the corner from being a child to becoming an adult the tests of faith began. At eighteen I had a life altering illness. When I married my husband he had cancer and began chemo therapy the month after our wedding. There were times during our first year of marriage I wasn't sure if he would live. I have known the grief of standing at the graveside of one of my babies. I have known the wounds that cause the question, "God are You there?"
What I have found true in my life is in the dark times God's light shines the brightest. One of my favorite Scriptures is found in Lamentations "The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness(Lamentations 3:22) To lament is to express grief or sorrow and in the places of my life where I have experienced this kind of grief I have also experienced God's mercy.
Father, thank You for today. I do not know what I will encounter today but I know Your steadfastness love will be there. I thank You in advance for the new mercies I will find.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
I Can See a Rainbow!
Yesterday I went to the doctor and heard, "You have a brain tumor." I'm really glad my sister was with me because once I found out there was a tumor growing in my brain it was hard to focus on anything else. My sister has a nursing degree so she was able to ask the right questions and listen to the answers with understanding.
The doctor said it was the good kind of tumor because it grew slowly and 90% of the time this type tumor is benign. In some cases brain surgery is needed. Because the tumor is on the auditory nerve sometimes hearing can be lost when the surgery is done. So this is the physical reality in which I now live but I also live in a spiritual reality.
The day before I found out about my tumor I was visiting with a very dear friend of mine who is an atheist. Because I love her so much I wanted to share with her not only my physical life experiences but my spiritual life as well. I failed miserably and simply came across as being "preachy."
I thought about what I had wanted to communicate. This morning sitting here knowing that there is a tumor growing in my brain I know exactly what I was trying to tell her. I wanted to share with her the rainbow that I see. My daughter got married Saturday and at the reception there was a double rainbow. I wasn't satisfied to just look at it. I wanted everyone around me to see it too. "Look up! Can you see the rainbow?!"
Thank You so much Father for filling my cloudy sky the beauty of a rainbow! Your loving presence fills my physical and spiritual reality. Please help me to share what I believe without being"preachy." I want others to know the joy and hope I feel in You that cannot be disturbed by the presence of a brain tumor.
The doctor said it was the good kind of tumor because it grew slowly and 90% of the time this type tumor is benign. In some cases brain surgery is needed. Because the tumor is on the auditory nerve sometimes hearing can be lost when the surgery is done. So this is the physical reality in which I now live but I also live in a spiritual reality.
The day before I found out about my tumor I was visiting with a very dear friend of mine who is an atheist. Because I love her so much I wanted to share with her not only my physical life experiences but my spiritual life as well. I failed miserably and simply came across as being "preachy."
I thought about what I had wanted to communicate. This morning sitting here knowing that there is a tumor growing in my brain I know exactly what I was trying to tell her. I wanted to share with her the rainbow that I see. My daughter got married Saturday and at the reception there was a double rainbow. I wasn't satisfied to just look at it. I wanted everyone around me to see it too. "Look up! Can you see the rainbow?!"
Thank You so much Father for filling my cloudy sky the beauty of a rainbow! Your loving presence fills my physical and spiritual reality. Please help me to share what I believe without being"preachy." I want others to know the joy and hope I feel in You that cannot be disturbed by the presence of a brain tumor.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
When I Am Afraid
Sometimes I feel afraid. I feel overwhelmed by the things I have no control over. I see the effects of a broken world on the lives of the people I love. I know the Bible says not to be anxious but to pray,so, I choose to pray. If I pray with my mind wrapped around the thing I fear it anchors me to that fear, I choose instead to fill my mind with the pictures I find painted by the prophets as my starting point.
I think one of my favorite ways to picture the God is in Daniel. "As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire."(Daniel 6:9) I live my life confined by time but the one to whom I pray is not confined to time instead He is the Ancient of days. He knows the end from the beginning.
When I pray I like to think about what Ezekiel saw when he saw the Lord. "Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD."(Ezekiel 1:28) On rainy days the beauty of a rainbow gives me hope.
If this was the only way I pictured God I would never have the courage to pray. But I also read, "And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts,crying, "Abba! Father!"(Galatians 4:6) Sometimes my prayer is very short and its goes something like this, "Help!"Whether my prayer is long or short I direct it to my father who is in Heaven.
Father, I don't really understand prayer but I see again and again this invitation in Your word to come before You and to bring with me the things that cause me anxiety. So I come. When I am afraid I will come and I will lift my eyes, I will lift my voice, I will lift my heart to the Ancient of days whose radiance is like a rainbow on a rainy day and who has invited me to call Him Abba.
I think one of my favorite ways to picture the God is in Daniel. "As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire."(Daniel 6:9) I live my life confined by time but the one to whom I pray is not confined to time instead He is the Ancient of days. He knows the end from the beginning.
When I pray I like to think about what Ezekiel saw when he saw the Lord. "Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD."(Ezekiel 1:28) On rainy days the beauty of a rainbow gives me hope.
If this was the only way I pictured God I would never have the courage to pray. But I also read, "And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts,crying, "Abba! Father!"(Galatians 4:6) Sometimes my prayer is very short and its goes something like this, "Help!"Whether my prayer is long or short I direct it to my father who is in Heaven.
Father, I don't really understand prayer but I see again and again this invitation in Your word to come before You and to bring with me the things that cause me anxiety. So I come. When I am afraid I will come and I will lift my eyes, I will lift my voice, I will lift my heart to the Ancient of days whose radiance is like a rainbow on a rainy day and who has invited me to call Him Abba.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Wrapped Up in Perfect Peace
The day has been long and I am so very tired. Finally, I get to go to bed. Then it happens, just as my head is sinking into the pillow and my mind is blanketed with unconsciousness the "guilts" come. With a harsh voice they begin to whisper in my mind. "Why did you...? How could you have forgotten to...? You are so selfish and self centered!"
No matter how weary I may be the "guilts" have the ability to chase away sleep and replace it with shame. I would be an insomniac if it were not for my secret weapon. Long ago I hung a calligraphic Bible verse above my bed it reads, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee because he trusteth in thee." (Isaiah 26:3)
So how guilty am I? The thing that wakes me is the fact that there is truth in all the accusations that the "guilts" hurl at me. However, there is a deeper truth that I see when my mind is steadfast and I choose to trust God. Every scene of guilt and shame becomes a backdrop for me to see more clearly the love of God. I make a choice to fix my thoughts on my Savior, my Redeemer and the lover of my soul.
So the place where I have been attached for my failures becomes a place of worship. The contrast of who I am and who God is causes me to bow before Him and worship Him in the beauty of His holiness. My mind is blanketed with perfect peace my heart finds it's resting place in the unfailing love of God.
Lord Jesus, when the darkness of my sin matches the darkness of the night help me to chose seek Your comfort. Thank You for inviting me to worship You in the beauty of Your holiness. Thank You for wrapping me in Your perfect peace.
No matter how weary I may be the "guilts" have the ability to chase away sleep and replace it with shame. I would be an insomniac if it were not for my secret weapon. Long ago I hung a calligraphic Bible verse above my bed it reads, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee because he trusteth in thee." (Isaiah 26:3)
So how guilty am I? The thing that wakes me is the fact that there is truth in all the accusations that the "guilts" hurl at me. However, there is a deeper truth that I see when my mind is steadfast and I choose to trust God. Every scene of guilt and shame becomes a backdrop for me to see more clearly the love of God. I make a choice to fix my thoughts on my Savior, my Redeemer and the lover of my soul.
So the place where I have been attached for my failures becomes a place of worship. The contrast of who I am and who God is causes me to bow before Him and worship Him in the beauty of His holiness. My mind is blanketed with perfect peace my heart finds it's resting place in the unfailing love of God.
Lord Jesus, when the darkness of my sin matches the darkness of the night help me to chose seek Your comfort. Thank You for inviting me to worship You in the beauty of Your holiness. Thank You for wrapping me in Your perfect peace.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
I Saw Jesus At the Wedding
My little girl got married yesterday. All throughout the preparations I had a prayer that was a constant as the beating of my heart. "Lord Jesus, come to the wedding feast. Make your presents known." This morning I can't stop crying not because He didn't come but because He did. My tears are tears of joy not sorrow.
I saw Jesus at the wedding. His reflection was on all the faces of our friends and family who surrounded us as we prepared to celebrate. Again and again I felt my inadequacy. "Oh Jesus, I have no more strength." In the midst of my weakness I felt His loving presence by those who came to my aid. Every crisis became an opportunity for Him to turn the water into wine and bring joy.
I saw Jesus at the wedding. Today my mind is filled with the memory of the smiling faces of the Bride and Groom. I watched as my little girl walked down the aisle, her face glowed with the love that filled her heart. Her groom was waiting. The Bride had made herself ready for this moment. The preacher spoke of Jesus waiting to receive His bride. I saw His love reflected in their faces.
I saw Jesus at the wedding. We had prayed it wouldn't rain but it did. With the rain came the humidity. I always want life to be perfect. My plan was there would NOT be rain! Jesus' plan was to penetrate the raindrops with the light of His presents. He sent not one but two rainbows. The rain lasted but a moments the rainbows lingered.
Lord Jesus, thank You for coming to the wedding! Just as You did at Canon of Galilee You took the ordinary and made it extraordinary.
I saw Jesus at the wedding. His reflection was on all the faces of our friends and family who surrounded us as we prepared to celebrate. Again and again I felt my inadequacy. "Oh Jesus, I have no more strength." In the midst of my weakness I felt His loving presence by those who came to my aid. Every crisis became an opportunity for Him to turn the water into wine and bring joy.
I saw Jesus at the wedding. Today my mind is filled with the memory of the smiling faces of the Bride and Groom. I watched as my little girl walked down the aisle, her face glowed with the love that filled her heart. Her groom was waiting. The Bride had made herself ready for this moment. The preacher spoke of Jesus waiting to receive His bride. I saw His love reflected in their faces.
I saw Jesus at the wedding. We had prayed it wouldn't rain but it did. With the rain came the humidity. I always want life to be perfect. My plan was there would NOT be rain! Jesus' plan was to penetrate the raindrops with the light of His presents. He sent not one but two rainbows. The rain lasted but a moments the rainbows lingered.
Lord Jesus, thank You for coming to the wedding! Just as You did at Canon of Galilee You took the ordinary and made it extraordinary.
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