I am thankful that the God of the universe knows me. He doesn't merely know of me, or about me....He knows me.
"Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be." ~ Psalm 139:16
I don't marvel at this fact nearly enough. Before I was even born into this world, God had me in His heart & mind. He even already had a plan to bring me to salvation! Even though He knew how I would sin and wander and continually fall short of His standard. Even after 34 years of walking with Him, I've barely begun to know Him and yet He knows me entirely. I have stumbled, fallen, rebelled, ignored Him, mistrusted Him, discounted His grace, doubted His forgiveness, disobeyed, and flat-out withheld my heart from Him, at times. But, even so, He chose me to be His.
He is "El Roi", the God who sees me.....ALL of me; the good, the bad and the ugly.
And He loves me completely.
Praise Him! What a wonderful reality to be faced with.
Thank you, LORD!
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
It's all about trusting God
I am in a place of immense gratitude this morning. Thankful that God strengthens me and surrounds me with His love when I choose to trust Him rather than lean on my own feeble abilities.
Trusting God for THIS moment. Then the next.....and the next....etc. That is all I have to do. Take it one piece, one step, one moment at a time to get through the trials I encounter. It seems simple enough.
Then why do I try to conjure up clever methods and strategies to get through life's difficulties?
I have all the means necessary to overcome and be victorious ~ through Jesus. He purchased my freedom with a very high price: Himself. He will faithfully uphold me in the midst of the trials of life if I will simply trust Him. He will keep me standing firm, even when I lack the physical strength to stand at all. Praise HIM!!!
"Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own." ~ Proverbs 3:5 msg
"...the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in Him." ~ Psalm 32:10
Friday, January 25, 2013
God renews me through His Word
I am very thankful that I have God's Word readily available to me each day. Most of the time I take this privilege for granted and forget that in many places around the world, Christians don't have the luxury of opening a Bible each morning. I am guilty of skipping my time in the Word sometimes. I let my busy schedule dislodge my quiet time with the Lord.
I read this quote from Charles Spurgeon this morning: "What poor starving saints some believers are who neglect the diligent use of the Word of God and times of prayer. If our spirituality can survive without God, it is not of divine creation."
This got my attention this morning! A starving saint....am I a starving saint?.....and not starving because there isn't a way to nourish my spiritual walk. No....starving because I simply neglect to seize the opportunity to open up my Bible, every day, and drink in God's life-giving words that restore and renew my heart, soul, mind and strength. I don't want a spiritual walk that survives on its own standards. I want a thriving kind of faith-walk that is filled daily with Gods renewing Words that guide and direct me according to His will. How else will I be able to stand in the face of trials and difficulties when they arise?
"Direct me in the path of Your commands, for there I find delight.
Turn my heart toward Your statutes and not toward selfish gain.
Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to Your Word."
~ Psalm 119:35-37
Thank you, LORD, for the blessing and the privilege to open up Your Word and be renewed.
I read this quote from Charles Spurgeon this morning: "What poor starving saints some believers are who neglect the diligent use of the Word of God and times of prayer. If our spirituality can survive without God, it is not of divine creation."
This got my attention this morning! A starving saint....am I a starving saint?.....and not starving because there isn't a way to nourish my spiritual walk. No....starving because I simply neglect to seize the opportunity to open up my Bible, every day, and drink in God's life-giving words that restore and renew my heart, soul, mind and strength. I don't want a spiritual walk that survives on its own standards. I want a thriving kind of faith-walk that is filled daily with Gods renewing Words that guide and direct me according to His will. How else will I be able to stand in the face of trials and difficulties when they arise?
"Direct me in the path of Your commands, for there I find delight.
Turn my heart toward Your statutes and not toward selfish gain.
Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to Your Word."
~ Psalm 119:35-37
Thank you, LORD, for the blessing and the privilege to open up Your Word and be renewed.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Oh the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus
I am so thankful that God promises to meet all my needs. That's not a small promise! That's a "stand up-and-shout out "AMEN" " kind of promise!!
"And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus" ~ Philippians 4:19
The depth of my need can be pretty ominous at times, and yet God isn't daunted, overwhelmed or even slightly put-off by my neediness.....
I grow weary ~ and need to be renewed
I lose heart ~ and need courage
I face trials ~ and need hope
I become weak ~ and need to be strengthened
I fall into sin ~ and need forgiveness
Or....I just plain fall apart ~ and I need to be restored.
I am needy. Thankfully God is armed and ready with an arsenal of supplies to meet every single need I will ever have. Jesus died on a cross to meet my greatest need - salvation. If He went to such an extent to meet my greatest need.....His love will surely, ALWAYS, be deeper than the depth of my biggest needs. Praise Him!!!
"Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." ~ Hebrews 4:16
"And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus" ~ Philippians 4:19
The depth of my need can be pretty ominous at times, and yet God isn't daunted, overwhelmed or even slightly put-off by my neediness.....
I grow weary ~ and need to be renewed
I lose heart ~ and need courage
I face trials ~ and need hope
I become weak ~ and need to be strengthened
I fall into sin ~ and need forgiveness
Or....I just plain fall apart ~ and I need to be restored.
I am needy. Thankfully God is armed and ready with an arsenal of supplies to meet every single need I will ever have. Jesus died on a cross to meet my greatest need - salvation. If He went to such an extent to meet my greatest need.....His love will surely, ALWAYS, be deeper than the depth of my biggest needs. Praise Him!!!
"Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." ~ Hebrews 4:16
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
God longs to be gracious to us
I am thankful that God's kindness leads me to repentance.....not His wrath or anger, or punishment - all of which I deserve.
"...God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance." ~ Romans 2:4b
God's patience and forbearance with me is unparalleled! And once I make the choice to confess and turn from my sin, His forgiveness is instantaneous. He doesn't withhold it for even a second!
"Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore He will rise up to show you compassion..." ~ Isaiah 30:18a
God longs to be gracious to me? Even when I'm off in my own little world, completely wrapped up in myself? That is grace. That is kindness. That is mercy. It is totally incomprehensible! But without those I would certainly be hopeless, helpless and utterly undone.
"...God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance." ~ Romans 2:4b
God's patience and forbearance with me is unparalleled! And once I make the choice to confess and turn from my sin, His forgiveness is instantaneous. He doesn't withhold it for even a second!
"Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore He will rise up to show you compassion..." ~ Isaiah 30:18a
God longs to be gracious to me? Even when I'm off in my own little world, completely wrapped up in myself? That is grace. That is kindness. That is mercy. It is totally incomprehensible! But without those I would certainly be hopeless, helpless and utterly undone.
Friday, January 18, 2013
A Spiritual Milestone
Today I am rejoicing over my daughter and thanking God for her choice to ask Jesus to be her personal Savior, now 14 years ago.
It was on MLK Day and we were driving home from a Cub Scout event that my son had attended. We were discussing why we remember MLK each year , what he stood for and how he was a man who loved God and loved others. It seemed to really strike a chord within my daughter and she began asking me why someone would kill a man who loved Jesus, wanted freedom and equality for others and what happened to Dr. king after he died. After answering all of her questions we talked more about how Jesus died on the cross for ALL of our sins and made it possible for us to spend eternity in heaven with Him one day. After that, she was quiet the rest of the car ride home. Later, when we getting ready to say her prayers before bed, she looked me in the eye and said she wanted to ask Jesus into her heart FOREVER! We knelt together right then and there and she asked Jesus to be her LORD and Savior! As soon as we opened our eyes, her smile was a mile wide and she squealed with joy! It was a moment I will never forget.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" ~ 2 Cor. 5:17
From that day forward, I have to say that she was a new person. Her fears were not nearly as consuming, her obedience was much swifter, and her tenderness toward God and the suffering of others was much greater. Fast forward to today......I have seen God grow her over the years, into such a lovely servant of Christ. She longs to be authentic and relevant to a hurting world that questions whether or not Christians really do love the lost like Jesus did. She has a fierce motivation to do God's will and be an inspiration to others. She is still very moved by human suffering. In fact, she is making plans to head to Africa this summer to be a part of a mission to help people there.
My prayers for her today are summed up nicely in the following verse:
"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as LORD! Continue to live your life in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught and overflowing with thankfulness." ~ Col. 2:6-7
Praise God for His faithfulness!
It was on MLK Day and we were driving home from a Cub Scout event that my son had attended. We were discussing why we remember MLK each year , what he stood for and how he was a man who loved God and loved others. It seemed to really strike a chord within my daughter and she began asking me why someone would kill a man who loved Jesus, wanted freedom and equality for others and what happened to Dr. king after he died. After answering all of her questions we talked more about how Jesus died on the cross for ALL of our sins and made it possible for us to spend eternity in heaven with Him one day. After that, she was quiet the rest of the car ride home. Later, when we getting ready to say her prayers before bed, she looked me in the eye and said she wanted to ask Jesus into her heart FOREVER! We knelt together right then and there and she asked Jesus to be her LORD and Savior! As soon as we opened our eyes, her smile was a mile wide and she squealed with joy! It was a moment I will never forget.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" ~ 2 Cor. 5:17
From that day forward, I have to say that she was a new person. Her fears were not nearly as consuming, her obedience was much swifter, and her tenderness toward God and the suffering of others was much greater. Fast forward to today......I have seen God grow her over the years, into such a lovely servant of Christ. She longs to be authentic and relevant to a hurting world that questions whether or not Christians really do love the lost like Jesus did. She has a fierce motivation to do God's will and be an inspiration to others. She is still very moved by human suffering. In fact, she is making plans to head to Africa this summer to be a part of a mission to help people there.
My prayers for her today are summed up nicely in the following verse:
"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as LORD! Continue to live your life in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught and overflowing with thankfulness." ~ Col. 2:6-7
Praise God for His faithfulness!
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
A New Heart
I am so thankful that God gave me a new heart. I no longer have to live my life with a bent for sin, selfishness, insecurity or fear.
"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." ~ Ezekiel 36:26
Spiritual renewal is such a gift! I frequently need it. I regularly mess up and must seek God's forgiveness for going "rogue" and attempting to find fulfillment and purpose in other things. Thankfully I don't have to patch up things on my own, even when I'm the one who messed everything up in the first place. No matter where my sin has taken me, regardless of the depth or the darkness, God always offers a fresh start - but it must begin with repentance and surrender. Such a small sacrifice for something so crucial! Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice on the cross, so I could have a new heart and be transformed and empowered to live for Him. Thank you Jesus!
"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." ~ Ezekiel 36:26
Spiritual renewal is such a gift! I frequently need it. I regularly mess up and must seek God's forgiveness for going "rogue" and attempting to find fulfillment and purpose in other things. Thankfully I don't have to patch up things on my own, even when I'm the one who messed everything up in the first place. No matter where my sin has taken me, regardless of the depth or the darkness, God always offers a fresh start - but it must begin with repentance and surrender. Such a small sacrifice for something so crucial! Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice on the cross, so I could have a new heart and be transformed and empowered to live for Him. Thank you Jesus!
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
God's love never gives up - even though, at times, I do!
This morning I am in a place of total amazement! I am completely grateful that God's love is CONSTANT. It doesn't get poured out on the basis of how obedient I am. Nor does it get apportioned according to my faith. It is ever flowing, saturating my heart even when I find myself in faithless, hopeless, overwhelming times!
It's been a few days since I posted. It's been a rough few days, in fact. Sometimes life comes at me at record-breaking speed and throws a lot of confidence-shaking, rock-your-world kind of curve balls that really blindside me! Through it all, however, I am learning (like never before) that God's love always remains. I never have to live in fear of God removing His love from me. I have to type that again....I NEVER HAVE TO LIVE IN FEAR OF GOD REMOVING HIS LOVE FROM ME!
Oh, there will definitely be times in life when I am tempted to question that fact....because the enemy wants me to walk in defeat and doubt. But, PRAISE GOD that regardless of whether or not my heart loses confidence in His love....His love is there still! Nothing will ever separate me from God's love. Nothing!
"...neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." ~ Romans 8:39
It's been a few days since I posted. It's been a rough few days, in fact. Sometimes life comes at me at record-breaking speed and throws a lot of confidence-shaking, rock-your-world kind of curve balls that really blindside me! Through it all, however, I am learning (like never before) that God's love always remains. I never have to live in fear of God removing His love from me. I have to type that again....I NEVER HAVE TO LIVE IN FEAR OF GOD REMOVING HIS LOVE FROM ME!
Oh, there will definitely be times in life when I am tempted to question that fact....because the enemy wants me to walk in defeat and doubt. But, PRAISE GOD that regardless of whether or not my heart loses confidence in His love....His love is there still! Nothing will ever separate me from God's love. Nothing!
"...neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." ~ Romans 8:39
Friday, January 11, 2013
Before me, behind me and all around me
I am thankful that God goes before me and follows behind me....He is the beginning and the end.
"I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last." ~ Revelation 1:11
He began all things and He will be the one to complete everything. He is God in both instances and in everything in between! He will see everything through.
I am so thankful that God does not say to me, "I began it --- now you go finish it.". If left to me, I would wreck it every time! I guess God knew that and because of His faithfulness, He chose to be the finisher too.
"The LORD will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard." ~ Isaiah 52:12
He who leads me, also follows behind me. To protect me....reroute me back onto His path when I vier off of it....cover me with His grace when I need it....and to pick up the pieces when my world shatters. He even goes to battle for me when the enemy attempts to ambush me!
Thank you, Lord, for being my shield ---before me, behind me and all around me.
"I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last." ~ Revelation 1:11
He began all things and He will be the one to complete everything. He is God in both instances and in everything in between! He will see everything through.
I am so thankful that God does not say to me, "I began it --- now you go finish it.". If left to me, I would wreck it every time! I guess God knew that and because of His faithfulness, He chose to be the finisher too.
"The LORD will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard." ~ Isaiah 52:12
He who leads me, also follows behind me. To protect me....reroute me back onto His path when I vier off of it....cover me with His grace when I need it....and to pick up the pieces when my world shatters. He even goes to battle for me when the enemy attempts to ambush me!
Thank you, Lord, for being my shield ---before me, behind me and all around me.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Choosing to trust...
I am grateful that God never lets His children down. Today I am claiming the promise of God's faithfulness, while in the midst of disappointment and uncertainty.
After a post-op check with my son's surgeon we were told that he needs to have another surgery to scrape out scar tissue that seems to be hindering his recovery. Not what we were expecting at all! The look on his face and the disappointment in his eyes was enough to almost reduce me to tears.
What do you do when, even after doing all the right things, things go wrong? The only answer I can come up with is TRUST. My heart is inclined to have a major meltdown---but the words "TRUST ME" are reverberating through my heart and mind, as if God has placed a recording of His own voice inside of me.
I believe that God is sovereign. I believe that God is good....ALL the time. I believe that God is continually using the circumstances (good & bad) in our lives to grow us, change us, to work all things together for our benefit and to bring us to deeper places of trust with Him. Is there anything too hard for Him? He is the One who laid the foundation of the world. He is able to see us through anything this life throws at us.
"Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek You." ~ Psalm 9:10
After a post-op check with my son's surgeon we were told that he needs to have another surgery to scrape out scar tissue that seems to be hindering his recovery. Not what we were expecting at all! The look on his face and the disappointment in his eyes was enough to almost reduce me to tears.
What do you do when, even after doing all the right things, things go wrong? The only answer I can come up with is TRUST. My heart is inclined to have a major meltdown---but the words "TRUST ME" are reverberating through my heart and mind, as if God has placed a recording of His own voice inside of me.
I believe that God is sovereign. I believe that God is good....ALL the time. I believe that God is continually using the circumstances (good & bad) in our lives to grow us, change us, to work all things together for our benefit and to bring us to deeper places of trust with Him. Is there anything too hard for Him? He is the One who laid the foundation of the world. He is able to see us through anything this life throws at us.
"Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek You." ~ Psalm 9:10
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
God's endless, extravagant LOVE
This morning my heart is overflowing with gratitude for God's lavish love. As I was reading my Bible this morning, my heart caught a glimpse of God's unconditional love for me.....and I was astounded by it, once again!
"I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge ---that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." ~ Ephesians 3:17-19
God's love is SO abundant and "over-the-top", that we need power just to attempt to grasp how great it is! Its enormity completely overtakes my ability to comprehend it.
How awesomely reassuring it is to realize that I will never find the end of His love for me.....it will always be deeper still. Just as His grace has no limits and His forgiveness knows no boundaries.....so His LOVE has no end. What a delightful reality to be faced with today, and every day!
"I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge ---that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." ~ Ephesians 3:17-19
God's love is SO abundant and "over-the-top", that we need power just to attempt to grasp how great it is! Its enormity completely overtakes my ability to comprehend it.
How awesomely reassuring it is to realize that I will never find the end of His love for me.....it will always be deeper still. Just as His grace has no limits and His forgiveness knows no boundaries.....so His LOVE has no end. What a delightful reality to be faced with today, and every day!
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Wonderful words of LIFE
I am thankful for God's Word, the Bible. I am thankful that I can open it every day and be encouraged and reminded that this world is not my home, nor am I destined to be subject to its demoralization.
Each and every page of the Bible has priceless words of hope, promise, mercy and love on it. By trusting and following Jesus I am no longer bound to the hopelessness of this corrupt world. My new reality is every single promise God has given within the pages of His Word of Truth! What hope! What comfort! What joy! Thank you God for Your everlasting Word.
"Because of His glory and excellence He has given us great and precious promises that enable you to share His divine nature and escape the world's corruption caused by human desires." ~ 2 Peter 1:4 nlt
Each and every page of the Bible has priceless words of hope, promise, mercy and love on it. By trusting and following Jesus I am no longer bound to the hopelessness of this corrupt world. My new reality is every single promise God has given within the pages of His Word of Truth! What hope! What comfort! What joy! Thank you God for Your everlasting Word.
"Because of His glory and excellence He has given us great and precious promises that enable you to share His divine nature and escape the world's corruption caused by human desires." ~ 2 Peter 1:4 nlt
Monday, January 7, 2013
Overcoming temptation
This morning I am grateful for God's faithfulness to me, when I find myself in the midst of temptation.
Yesterday my pastor spoke from Matthew 4 on the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. Verse 1 really struck an unusual chord with me...."Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.". It is sobering to think that the Spirit would lead Him out to a place where He would be tempted. Why?
Though I'm not certain. I wonder if it was to give us the perfect example of what to do when temptation arises in our lives. Jesus, when faced with bold-faced temptations from the devil, went straight to the Word of God and used Truth to defy every single temptation Satan threw at Him. Oh that I could be so acquainted with Scripture that it is my first thought in the face of temptation!
I think God knew that Jesus could be victorious in the face of such stark temptation, so He allowed the temptation to occur. So, could that be the case in my life too? Could it be that God knows His power and Spirit can make me victorious in the face of temptation and so, in order to bring me victory, He allows such occasions to come about in my life?
What if God knows I am capable of more than I think I am because of how He is maturing me in His love and grace? What a perfect opportunity to gain confidence in His faithfulness and claim the power of His Holy Spirit, by surrendering to His will and NOT succumb to my own desire.
At first glance, the idea of the Spirit taking me to a place where I will be tempted seems scary! However, I Corinthians 10:13 says that God is faithful and won't allow me to be tempted beyond what I can bear....or beyond what His grace and power can enable me to overcome. All I need to do is trust Him. Because He is FAITHFUL, I am confident that His Spirit will only lead me to places where I can be victorious through Him!
He is faithful......so I must be faith-FILLED!
Yesterday my pastor spoke from Matthew 4 on the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. Verse 1 really struck an unusual chord with me...."Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.". It is sobering to think that the Spirit would lead Him out to a place where He would be tempted. Why?
Though I'm not certain. I wonder if it was to give us the perfect example of what to do when temptation arises in our lives. Jesus, when faced with bold-faced temptations from the devil, went straight to the Word of God and used Truth to defy every single temptation Satan threw at Him. Oh that I could be so acquainted with Scripture that it is my first thought in the face of temptation!
I think God knew that Jesus could be victorious in the face of such stark temptation, so He allowed the temptation to occur. So, could that be the case in my life too? Could it be that God knows His power and Spirit can make me victorious in the face of temptation and so, in order to bring me victory, He allows such occasions to come about in my life?
What if God knows I am capable of more than I think I am because of how He is maturing me in His love and grace? What a perfect opportunity to gain confidence in His faithfulness and claim the power of His Holy Spirit, by surrendering to His will and NOT succumb to my own desire.
At first glance, the idea of the Spirit taking me to a place where I will be tempted seems scary! However, I Corinthians 10:13 says that God is faithful and won't allow me to be tempted beyond what I can bear....or beyond what His grace and power can enable me to overcome. All I need to do is trust Him. Because He is FAITHFUL, I am confident that His Spirit will only lead me to places where I can be victorious through Him!
He is faithful......so I must be faith-FILLED!
Saturday, January 5, 2013
When there are.... no words
I am grateful that God can read my heart and understand where I am and what I am going through, even when I cannot.
There are times when I simply can't articulate what I'm feeling or what I need, because I really don't even know. Circumstances in life can overwhelm me to the point that I feel numb and unable to accurately process my feelings. Thankfully, God knows my heart better than I do....He created me and knows exactly what I need at all times! How amazing is that?
The events of life in this broken world can really impact me at times. Pain....fears....hurtful words....disappointments....evil....selfishness....oppression....and all sorts of trials can cause me to feel completely handicapped.
So when I feel unsettled, depressed, detached or just plain indifferent....all I need to do is trust that the Holy Spirit will help me in my weakness. He will voice my plight before the very throne of God. God will search my heart and extend to me the exact amount of His life giving grace to recharge my anesthetized spirit. Thank you Lord.
"In the same way the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God." ~ Romans 8:26-27
There are times when I simply can't articulate what I'm feeling or what I need, because I really don't even know. Circumstances in life can overwhelm me to the point that I feel numb and unable to accurately process my feelings. Thankfully, God knows my heart better than I do....He created me and knows exactly what I need at all times! How amazing is that?
The events of life in this broken world can really impact me at times. Pain....fears....hurtful words....disappointments....evil....selfishness....oppression....and all sorts of trials can cause me to feel completely handicapped.
So when I feel unsettled, depressed, detached or just plain indifferent....all I need to do is trust that the Holy Spirit will help me in my weakness. He will voice my plight before the very throne of God. God will search my heart and extend to me the exact amount of His life giving grace to recharge my anesthetized spirit. Thank you Lord.
"In the same way the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God." ~ Romans 8:26-27
Friday, January 4, 2013
God goes with them
This morning I am so grateful that God knows what is best for my children and that I can release them into His mighty hands.
Today my sweet daughter leaves to go back to college. Last week her older brother left. It's tough on my heart to say goodbye to my kids, but I am thrilled that they are happy and thriving where they are.
Ever since I first became a mom, I have relied heavily on consistently praying over my children. The practice of committing them into the LORD's Hands over and over serves as a great reminder to me that they belong to God to begin with. He knows exactly what is best for them. He knows their needs and just how to accomplish His perfect will in their lives. I can't go everywhere with them.....but God does. I can't be there to shield them from evil.....but God will. Knowing that God is faithful to protect and guide them wherever they go relieves my anxious heart and gives me such incredible peace!
"...He rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards. His huge outstretched arms protect you --under them you're perfectly safe; His arms fend off all harm. Fear nothing...because God's your refuge, the High God your very own home, evil can't get close to you, harm can't get through the door. He ordered His angels to guard you wherever you go. If you stumble, they'll catch you; their job is to keep you from falling..." ~ Psalm 91:3-12 (The Message)
AMEN!
Today my sweet daughter leaves to go back to college. Last week her older brother left. It's tough on my heart to say goodbye to my kids, but I am thrilled that they are happy and thriving where they are.
Ever since I first became a mom, I have relied heavily on consistently praying over my children. The practice of committing them into the LORD's Hands over and over serves as a great reminder to me that they belong to God to begin with. He knows exactly what is best for them. He knows their needs and just how to accomplish His perfect will in their lives. I can't go everywhere with them.....but God does. I can't be there to shield them from evil.....but God will. Knowing that God is faithful to protect and guide them wherever they go relieves my anxious heart and gives me such incredible peace!
"...He rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards. His huge outstretched arms protect you --under them you're perfectly safe; His arms fend off all harm. Fear nothing...because God's your refuge, the High God your very own home, evil can't get close to you, harm can't get through the door. He ordered His angels to guard you wherever you go. If you stumble, they'll catch you; their job is to keep you from falling..." ~ Psalm 91:3-12 (The Message)
AMEN!
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Fixing our eyes on what we cannot see
I am thankful that God doesn't leave us the way we are. He is ever-changing us through the circumstances we face in our lives. Even the really tough times when we feel like we aren't making any headway. As long as we are willing to yield to His transforming grace, He is ever faithful to renew us daily and continue to mold us into who He wants us to be.
Winter is great picture of those times in our lives when our circumstances leave us feeling cold, barren and even dormant. At first glance, the trees in my yard, right now, look dead. There are no leaves. Many of the branches are being broken off by the cold winds that gust their way through them. But the reality is, those trees are being renewed on the inside. Preparing for the next phase coming in the spring, when new life will burst forth from each of those bare branches. In just a few more months those trees will be flourishing with beautiful, green leaves. It is not unlike the circumstances of our lives. We have tough times when cold, strong winds blow. During those times it's easy to focus on the difficulty and pain. But, inside our hearts, God is molding us, reshaping us to look more and more like Jesus. Eventually we will reap incredible blessing from the fruit that will be as evident in our lives as the leaves on the trees. In the BIG picture of life, these trials are just bumps in the road on our journey. The lasting changes that God is achieving in us through the difficulties we face are worth so much more than an easy, trouble-free, comfortable journey. Let's take heart and fix our eyes on what is temporarily UNseen. Even though it may be cold and barren where we are right now.....spring is just around the corner!
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that FAR outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." ~ 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Winter is great picture of those times in our lives when our circumstances leave us feeling cold, barren and even dormant. At first glance, the trees in my yard, right now, look dead. There are no leaves. Many of the branches are being broken off by the cold winds that gust their way through them. But the reality is, those trees are being renewed on the inside. Preparing for the next phase coming in the spring, when new life will burst forth from each of those bare branches. In just a few more months those trees will be flourishing with beautiful, green leaves. It is not unlike the circumstances of our lives. We have tough times when cold, strong winds blow. During those times it's easy to focus on the difficulty and pain. But, inside our hearts, God is molding us, reshaping us to look more and more like Jesus. Eventually we will reap incredible blessing from the fruit that will be as evident in our lives as the leaves on the trees. In the BIG picture of life, these trials are just bumps in the road on our journey. The lasting changes that God is achieving in us through the difficulties we face are worth so much more than an easy, trouble-free, comfortable journey. Let's take heart and fix our eyes on what is temporarily UNseen. Even though it may be cold and barren where we are right now.....spring is just around the corner!
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that FAR outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." ~ 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
He restores my soul
I am thankful for God's leading Hand...that He gently intervenes and guides me to the places where I can be renewed and reminded that His plan for me is best.
"He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul..." ~ Psalm 23:2-3a
Left to my own devices, I will run myself ragged. Especially with the start of a new year---- it's easy to tear through the "pasture" in a million different directions as I seek to accomplish my new goals.
I need the reality of Psalm 23 in my life this year. I need a regularly restored soul. I need to be in the practice of following my Shepherd's lead, even if it means forsaking my agenda. He is faithful to steer me to the reviving places that renew my faith and strengthen my resolve to be "lead-able".
I personally, tend to struggle with allowing other peoples' agenda's coerce me out of the place where God wants me to be. I MUST be steadfast in my intention to be moved by God alone! This kind of persuasion can only happen if I take the time to lie down in His peaceful presence, release my insecurities and surrender my agenda to His.
The One who calls me is Faithful and He will restore my soul, if I am willing to let Him.
"He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul..." ~ Psalm 23:2-3a
Left to my own devices, I will run myself ragged. Especially with the start of a new year---- it's easy to tear through the "pasture" in a million different directions as I seek to accomplish my new goals.
I need the reality of Psalm 23 in my life this year. I need a regularly restored soul. I need to be in the practice of following my Shepherd's lead, even if it means forsaking my agenda. He is faithful to steer me to the reviving places that renew my faith and strengthen my resolve to be "lead-able".
I personally, tend to struggle with allowing other peoples' agenda's coerce me out of the place where God wants me to be. I MUST be steadfast in my intention to be moved by God alone! This kind of persuasion can only happen if I take the time to lie down in His peaceful presence, release my insecurities and surrender my agenda to His.
The One who calls me is Faithful and He will restore my soul, if I am willing to let Him.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Happy New Year!
As 2012 comes to a close, I am reflecting over another year gone-by......I am grateful for SO many things that God did for me this year. It's difficult to put them all into words, really.
There have been extreme highs and some pretty deep lows.....times of tremendous growth and points of frustration from a stubborn heart that refuses to change.
There were injustices we had to suffer through and endure...and blessings that we could never begin to be deserving of!
There was the joy of watching my daughter graduate from High School in the spring.....and the bitter sweetness of watching her move into her college dorm in the fall.
There was the thrill of seeing my son play Varsity football in his final season.....and the sheer devastation of watching him go down on the field with a torn ACL.
There have been moments of intense physical pain, but there were also times when God's grace covered me in such a way that I was able to accomplish way more than my physical constraints could otherwise possibly attempt.
We have witnessed terrible acts that have wreaked havoc in our nation.....and we have seen one another rise to the occasion in effort to reach out to those in incredible need.
So here we are at the start of 2013. It isn't unlike any other new year, I suppose....and yet, each year it feels like somewhere we've never been before. There will be "resolutions" made and new goals set just like any other January 1st. It's the perfect time to think about starting over. A fresh beginning for developing new habits, attaining goals, or creating a "new you". It's the exact thing that God wants to do in each one of us, if we let Him. It is His goal to make us new from the inside out.
"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17
I am thankful for new beginnings, clean slates and a fresh start. As I seek to make some changes in my life in 2013, I am committing to yield to God's plans for me. I will be striving to seek Him with all my heart, soul, mind and strength --- if I don't, I know I will utterly fail at being renewed. I know that He has plans to prosper me. To give me hope for what He has in store for my future.
"See, I am making everything new!" ~ Revelation 21:5
Happy New Year!!!
There have been extreme highs and some pretty deep lows.....times of tremendous growth and points of frustration from a stubborn heart that refuses to change.
There were injustices we had to suffer through and endure...and blessings that we could never begin to be deserving of!
There was the joy of watching my daughter graduate from High School in the spring.....and the bitter sweetness of watching her move into her college dorm in the fall.
There was the thrill of seeing my son play Varsity football in his final season.....and the sheer devastation of watching him go down on the field with a torn ACL.
There have been moments of intense physical pain, but there were also times when God's grace covered me in such a way that I was able to accomplish way more than my physical constraints could otherwise possibly attempt.
We have witnessed terrible acts that have wreaked havoc in our nation.....and we have seen one another rise to the occasion in effort to reach out to those in incredible need.
So here we are at the start of 2013. It isn't unlike any other new year, I suppose....and yet, each year it feels like somewhere we've never been before. There will be "resolutions" made and new goals set just like any other January 1st. It's the perfect time to think about starting over. A fresh beginning for developing new habits, attaining goals, or creating a "new you". It's the exact thing that God wants to do in each one of us, if we let Him. It is His goal to make us new from the inside out.
"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17
I am thankful for new beginnings, clean slates and a fresh start. As I seek to make some changes in my life in 2013, I am committing to yield to God's plans for me. I will be striving to seek Him with all my heart, soul, mind and strength --- if I don't, I know I will utterly fail at being renewed. I know that He has plans to prosper me. To give me hope for what He has in store for my future.
"See, I am making everything new!" ~ Revelation 21:5
Happy New Year!!!
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