It's been a tough week. Someone put it right when they said to me Wednesday night ... "You're all poured out." All poured out. Sometimes it feels that way, doesn't it? I truly believe I have poured everything out before God this week - sacrificed it all - anything that is of any worth, that is.
All I know (and what I am totally counting on) is that the Lord is worthy of the longings of our hearts. When we feel completely drained and emptied out, I think we are best to be still before our God. He will come to our aid, give us His instruction, and show us which way to go. In the mean time, we can take refuge in Him.
"The way of the Lord is a refuge for the righteous." (Proverbs 10:29) ... Thank You Lord, for that.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
The Hand of God in our Circumstances
The Lord woke me up at 6am this Christmas morning to give me the following word. I pray He will use it to remind you that His hand is most definitely moving amidst your circumstances. As we embark upon a brand new year, I desire so much to see the hand of God at work in my circumstances - I desperately need to feel His presence. And I believe you do too ...
Context: 1 Kings 17:1-24
In 1 Kings 17: 2-4, Elijah is called by God to leave where he's at: "Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah: 'Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. You will drink from the brook, and I have ordered the ravens to feed you there.'"
Point #1: Where He calls, He will also provide.
He gives us a vision. In 1 Kings 17:2-4, noted above, God calls Elijah to a specific task and He gives him just enough information to let him know that He is handling the details. He does not map out the entire journey or purpose for Elijah, but He does provide him with enough information to step out in faith.
He gives us the essentials. When he calls us to something specific, God already has every essential covered. He knows what we need in advance, even before we do. It is our responsibility to trust Him, to be obedient, and to walk by faith.
Point #2: Where we see nothings, He sees somethings.
He works out of the unlikely. In 1 Kings 17:7-11, God calls Elijah to go into town and there, he will meet a widow who will provide him with food. Elijah obeys the orders only to hear the following response from the woman: "As surely as the LORD your God lives ... I don't have any bread - only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug ..." (1 Kings 17:12a). She has a bunch of nothings to share with Elijah. Our imperfections, insecurities, failures, etc. - These all fall into this nothings category. These things trap us into thinking that God could never use us, or use our circumstances, for His purposes.
He works our fear into faith. What does God do with the nearly empty cistern of flour and jug of oil? "For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the LORD spoken by Elijah" (1 Kings 17:16). The flour and the oil went from nearly empty, to an overflowing excess - How? Because our God of great reversals got a hold of it. Those things in our lives that fear us - that we think that God could never use in a million years - are the exact things He will use if we allow Him. Just as he multiplied her flour and oil, when He has a plan to fulfill, He will do what He has to in order to get it accomplished. He wants to take our nothings ... and turn them into somethings.
Point #3: Where He positions, He also purposes.
He assures His plan through opportunity. God placed Elijah in this widow's life for a purpose. 1 Kings 17:17-18 shares with us that the woman's son becomes very sick and dies. The woman calls to Elijah in despair. 1 Kings 17:21 says, "Then [Elijah] stretched himself out on the boy three times and cried to the LORD, 'O Lord my God, let this boy's life return to him!'" Don't you think it would have made more logical sense for God to take Elijah to someones home who would have already had enough flour and oil for food - who would not have been starving to death? Maybe someone who could have offered a bit more of a hospitable environment? Not when God wanted to line an opportunity up. He knows when someone needs to experience His touch. He does not position us in certain circumstances by chance - He has great purpose in His positioning.
He assures His plan through His presence. We know when God is at work, when no other explanation makes sense. Those things in our lives that happen that we just "don't get," take another look, sister - That is the hand of God. You probably know how the story in 1 Kings 17 ends: "The LORD heard Elijah's cry, and the boy's life returned to him" (1 Kings 17:22). The woman now knows that God only could have raised her son back to life: "Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the LORD from your mouth is the truth." God showed up. We know when we are accomplishing His purposes, when He shows up - When we experience His presence, and know in our heart of hearts that we could not have had that kind of success on our own.
Lord, Please make Yourself known in our current circumstances. We trust You to lead the way. Help us to step out in faith, and do what You have called us to do, knowing that You will provide the details. We give you our nothings, and ask that You will make them somethings. Help us to recognize that we are positioned in specific places, in certain circumstances, not by chance, but by purpose. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Context: 1 Kings 17:1-24
In 1 Kings 17: 2-4, Elijah is called by God to leave where he's at: "Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah: 'Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. You will drink from the brook, and I have ordered the ravens to feed you there.'"
Point #1: Where He calls, He will also provide.
He gives us a vision. In 1 Kings 17:2-4, noted above, God calls Elijah to a specific task and He gives him just enough information to let him know that He is handling the details. He does not map out the entire journey or purpose for Elijah, but He does provide him with enough information to step out in faith.
He gives us the essentials. When he calls us to something specific, God already has every essential covered. He knows what we need in advance, even before we do. It is our responsibility to trust Him, to be obedient, and to walk by faith.
Point #2: Where we see nothings, He sees somethings.
He works out of the unlikely. In 1 Kings 17:7-11, God calls Elijah to go into town and there, he will meet a widow who will provide him with food. Elijah obeys the orders only to hear the following response from the woman: "As surely as the LORD your God lives ... I don't have any bread - only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug ..." (1 Kings 17:12a). She has a bunch of nothings to share with Elijah. Our imperfections, insecurities, failures, etc. - These all fall into this nothings category. These things trap us into thinking that God could never use us, or use our circumstances, for His purposes.
He works our fear into faith. What does God do with the nearly empty cistern of flour and jug of oil? "For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the LORD spoken by Elijah" (1 Kings 17:16). The flour and the oil went from nearly empty, to an overflowing excess - How? Because our God of great reversals got a hold of it. Those things in our lives that fear us - that we think that God could never use in a million years - are the exact things He will use if we allow Him. Just as he multiplied her flour and oil, when He has a plan to fulfill, He will do what He has to in order to get it accomplished. He wants to take our nothings ... and turn them into somethings.
Point #3: Where He positions, He also purposes.
He assures His plan through opportunity. God placed Elijah in this widow's life for a purpose. 1 Kings 17:17-18 shares with us that the woman's son becomes very sick and dies. The woman calls to Elijah in despair. 1 Kings 17:21 says, "Then [Elijah] stretched himself out on the boy three times and cried to the LORD, 'O Lord my God, let this boy's life return to him!'" Don't you think it would have made more logical sense for God to take Elijah to someones home who would have already had enough flour and oil for food - who would not have been starving to death? Maybe someone who could have offered a bit more of a hospitable environment? Not when God wanted to line an opportunity up. He knows when someone needs to experience His touch. He does not position us in certain circumstances by chance - He has great purpose in His positioning.
He assures His plan through His presence. We know when God is at work, when no other explanation makes sense. Those things in our lives that happen that we just "don't get," take another look, sister - That is the hand of God. You probably know how the story in 1 Kings 17 ends: "The LORD heard Elijah's cry, and the boy's life returned to him" (1 Kings 17:22). The woman now knows that God only could have raised her son back to life: "Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the LORD from your mouth is the truth." God showed up. We know when we are accomplishing His purposes, when He shows up - When we experience His presence, and know in our heart of hearts that we could not have had that kind of success on our own.
Lord, Please make Yourself known in our current circumstances. We trust You to lead the way. Help us to step out in faith, and do what You have called us to do, knowing that You will provide the details. We give you our nothings, and ask that You will make them somethings. Help us to recognize that we are positioned in specific places, in certain circumstances, not by chance, but by purpose. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Merry Christmas
"For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this." (Isaiah 9:6-7)
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Joel 2:26
"You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the LORD your God, who has worked wonders for you." (Joel 2:26a)
Thursday, December 18, 2008
"Seek Me"
I believe God spoke some words of Truth over me this evening while parked in front of my trusty coffee shop. I was sitting in my car listening to the remainder of a worship song on my new Hillsong London cd, and as always, I had a lot on my mind. I stared into the sky while listening to the words of this particular song, filled with the message of "God's peace," and I began asking Him some questions that have been frequenting my mind lately. He quietly yet profoundly spoke the words "Seek Me" over my wandering mind. Immediately, everything fell into perspective. I remembered why I am on this earth in the first place. My circumstances no longer looked and seemed so bleak - They were completely replaced with the vision of the Cross of Christ. Right then, I felt completely fulfilled and satisfied ... motivated to serve the One True Living God, Jesus Christ. My life again had substance, and I thought to myself ... "Yes, you know what? I think I may just be able to face another day after all. But, Lord ... Please don't let go of me. "
Do you ever have those days?
"And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek His Kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well." (Luke 12:29-31)
Having a heart that is focused on Christ, does not simply nullify every single human desire we have. In fact, God knits each of us together with specific desires and purposes, which I do believe He intends to fulfill. Why do I believe that? Because our God is an intimate God who wants good things for His children. He "satisfies our desires with good things" (Psalm 103:5). Notice the Scripture does not say that He may satisfy our desires. It also does not say that He will satisfy our desires with mediocre things. And then there's the fact that "He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him" (Psalm 145:19), and "satisfies the desires of every living thing" (Psalm 145:16). Yes, my dears ... He most definitely wants to bring good to our lives.
I love thinking about the fact that we as children of God, have holy hearts. I do believe that God fills our holy hearts with holy desires, which our Holy God then calls into action and fulfills. And let me assure you - When God has raised a desire, especially in spiritual things, He will gratify it. Oh, I get so excited about this! Mainly because I have seen God transform the desires of my heart from a spiritual standpoint so many times. Every time more re-shaping occurs, my desires are made more like His. My holy heart is fashioned more and more to match His. Spurgeon says, "A holy heart only desires what a holy God can give." I don't know about you, but that takes some pressure off for me.
The next time you are overwhelmed with a desire of your heart, one that will ultimately bring honor and glory to the Lord - Confidently take that as a holy desire, as the Lord's desire. And believe that He will satisfy it. Oh, I just love this!
And praise God that He knows what we need, as Luke 12:29-31 (noted above) reminds us. Just seek Him .... It is then that you will truly be in tune with your holy heart, with the holy desires He has put there, and with the faith to believe Him to bring these things to pass.
I love you dearly. Thank you for believing and seeking God with me. May you find great purpose in the Cross of Christ today. In fact, may it overshadow everything else on your precious little mind.
Do you ever have those days?
"And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek His Kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well." (Luke 12:29-31)
Having a heart that is focused on Christ, does not simply nullify every single human desire we have. In fact, God knits each of us together with specific desires and purposes, which I do believe He intends to fulfill. Why do I believe that? Because our God is an intimate God who wants good things for His children. He "satisfies our desires with good things" (Psalm 103:5). Notice the Scripture does not say that He may satisfy our desires. It also does not say that He will satisfy our desires with mediocre things. And then there's the fact that "He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him" (Psalm 145:19), and "satisfies the desires of every living thing" (Psalm 145:16). Yes, my dears ... He most definitely wants to bring good to our lives.
I love thinking about the fact that we as children of God, have holy hearts. I do believe that God fills our holy hearts with holy desires, which our Holy God then calls into action and fulfills. And let me assure you - When God has raised a desire, especially in spiritual things, He will gratify it. Oh, I get so excited about this! Mainly because I have seen God transform the desires of my heart from a spiritual standpoint so many times. Every time more re-shaping occurs, my desires are made more like His. My holy heart is fashioned more and more to match His. Spurgeon says, "A holy heart only desires what a holy God can give." I don't know about you, but that takes some pressure off for me.
The next time you are overwhelmed with a desire of your heart, one that will ultimately bring honor and glory to the Lord - Confidently take that as a holy desire, as the Lord's desire. And believe that He will satisfy it. Oh, I just love this!
And praise God that He knows what we need, as Luke 12:29-31 (noted above) reminds us. Just seek Him .... It is then that you will truly be in tune with your holy heart, with the holy desires He has put there, and with the faith to believe Him to bring these things to pass.
I love you dearly. Thank you for believing and seeking God with me. May you find great purpose in the Cross of Christ today. In fact, may it overshadow everything else on your precious little mind.
Celebrating the birth of our King
Undoubtedly, there are more than enough reasons to celebrate this Christmas. It's sometimes the little things that make me jump out of my skin with festive enthusiasm - taking a trip to Krispy Kreme on Peace St. followed by a tour of Christmas lights, staying up way too late watching Christmas movies (which I am doing right this moment), listening to Christmas music 24/7 if I feel like it, gift giving, wrapping pretty presents, participating in the last minute shopping frenzy, spending quality time with my family and friends, Christmas parties ... However, what I am most crazy over this year is anything but modest in terms of worth. In fact, tears well up in my eyes as I imagine spending my Christmas without it ...
I am honored this year to celebrate the birth of our King. To me, the first chapter of Luke paints the most beautiful picture of God's glory. I was recently led to this passage, and interestingly yet not at all accidentally, God has spoken very personally to me through this most special chapter in His Holy Word. I stand amazed at the truths I believe He intends all of us to grasp as we ever so intimately invite this wonderful story into our hearts and minds ... this Christmas.
In Luke chapter 1, Gabriel's visit to Mary creates in her an instant need to deeply believe in God's supreme plan. We know from her reaction that she is nothing short of perplexed and awestruck by the news he brings (v.34). Gabriel's words remind Mary, that yes, in human standards news such as this would be impossible, but with God "nothing is impossible" (v.37). Mary demonstrates the humility required in surrendering to God's service, as she says: "I am the Lord's servant ... May it be to me as You have said" (v.38). We fool ourselves if we believe that those words effortlessly slipped out of sweet Mary's mouth. An angel has just appeared to young Mary, told her that though a virgin, she was about to birth a child. Not only that, but that this child from her womb would be called the Son of the Most High. Wow. A lot of pressure, is an understatement.
Mary's acceptance of God's supreme plan came out of her belief in God's ability to work out the impossible. Mary did not surrender to His plan because she understood the impossible, but because she served the God of the impossible. Out of her belief and obedience, came the greatest gift this world has ever known. Breathtaking. Is there something in your life today, something in your life this Christmas, for which you are being challenged to believe God? Has God recently sent a messenger your way to remind you that "nothing is impossible with God" (v.37)? Are you walking in belief this Christmas, surrendering yourself to the God of the impossible?
Luke 1:35 reads: "The angel answered, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.' " To overshadow means to cast a shadow over, or to exceed in importance. At the point of the Holy Spirit's indwelling, Mary is transformed, overwhelmed, overshadowed. The power of God becomes exceedingly more important than anything of prior significance in her life.
I absolutely love the next few verses: Luke 1:29-45. Sweet Mary rushes to the home of her relative Elizabeth, whom Gabriel has told Mary will also bear a child (v.36). Luke 1:41 says, "When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit." Notice the 2 references to the Holy Spirit within the passage: The reference to Mary's indwelling of the Holy Spirit (v.35), and now Elizabeth's filling with the Holy Spirit (v.41). When we are passionate and intentional in our own intimate relationship with the Lord, the Holy Spirit's fire cannot help but blaze into the lives of others. Like the encounter between Mary and Elizabeth ... Our personal relationship with Christ is meant to vastly affect and encourage those who have been placed in our lives. Is your relationship with Christ at such high priority that the Holy Spirit ignited within your heart is drawing others closer in their walk with Christ?
Elizabeth's speaks words of truth and exaltation over Mary: "Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" (v.45). I am totally in love with Mary's response: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call my blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me - holy is His name" (vs.46-49). We will be blessed when we come to the point of believing God to fulfill that which He has said will be accomplished. When He accomplishes that which we have entrusted to Him, we must like Mary, give Him the praise He deserves! Mary fully proclaimed the greatness of her God. She did not hesitate to declare the wonderful things God had done on her behalf! Are you prepared to give the Mighty One glory for the great things He has and will do in your life? Are you giving credit where it is due, or are you shying back from celebrations of praise?
This Christmas, may we make an intentional effort to praise the God of the impossible for using a simple girl to accomplish His Supreme Plan - He certainly IS worthy of our praise this Christmas. As we celebrate the birth of our King, may we reflect on the incredible privilege we have in knowing Him - He who when we were in great need, saved us (Psalm 116:6b). May you be incredibly blessed this year as you celebrate the birth ... of your King.
Happy Birthday Jesus!
I am honored this year to celebrate the birth of our King. To me, the first chapter of Luke paints the most beautiful picture of God's glory. I was recently led to this passage, and interestingly yet not at all accidentally, God has spoken very personally to me through this most special chapter in His Holy Word. I stand amazed at the truths I believe He intends all of us to grasp as we ever so intimately invite this wonderful story into our hearts and minds ... this Christmas.
In Luke chapter 1, Gabriel's visit to Mary creates in her an instant need to deeply believe in God's supreme plan. We know from her reaction that she is nothing short of perplexed and awestruck by the news he brings (v.34). Gabriel's words remind Mary, that yes, in human standards news such as this would be impossible, but with God "nothing is impossible" (v.37). Mary demonstrates the humility required in surrendering to God's service, as she says: "I am the Lord's servant ... May it be to me as You have said" (v.38). We fool ourselves if we believe that those words effortlessly slipped out of sweet Mary's mouth. An angel has just appeared to young Mary, told her that though a virgin, she was about to birth a child. Not only that, but that this child from her womb would be called the Son of the Most High. Wow. A lot of pressure, is an understatement.
Mary's acceptance of God's supreme plan came out of her belief in God's ability to work out the impossible. Mary did not surrender to His plan because she understood the impossible, but because she served the God of the impossible. Out of her belief and obedience, came the greatest gift this world has ever known. Breathtaking. Is there something in your life today, something in your life this Christmas, for which you are being challenged to believe God? Has God recently sent a messenger your way to remind you that "nothing is impossible with God" (v.37)? Are you walking in belief this Christmas, surrendering yourself to the God of the impossible?
Luke 1:35 reads: "The angel answered, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.' " To overshadow means to cast a shadow over, or to exceed in importance. At the point of the Holy Spirit's indwelling, Mary is transformed, overwhelmed, overshadowed. The power of God becomes exceedingly more important than anything of prior significance in her life.
I absolutely love the next few verses: Luke 1:29-45. Sweet Mary rushes to the home of her relative Elizabeth, whom Gabriel has told Mary will also bear a child (v.36). Luke 1:41 says, "When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit." Notice the 2 references to the Holy Spirit within the passage: The reference to Mary's indwelling of the Holy Spirit (v.35), and now Elizabeth's filling with the Holy Spirit (v.41). When we are passionate and intentional in our own intimate relationship with the Lord, the Holy Spirit's fire cannot help but blaze into the lives of others. Like the encounter between Mary and Elizabeth ... Our personal relationship with Christ is meant to vastly affect and encourage those who have been placed in our lives. Is your relationship with Christ at such high priority that the Holy Spirit ignited within your heart is drawing others closer in their walk with Christ?
Elizabeth's speaks words of truth and exaltation over Mary: "Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" (v.45). I am totally in love with Mary's response: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call my blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me - holy is His name" (vs.46-49). We will be blessed when we come to the point of believing God to fulfill that which He has said will be accomplished. When He accomplishes that which we have entrusted to Him, we must like Mary, give Him the praise He deserves! Mary fully proclaimed the greatness of her God. She did not hesitate to declare the wonderful things God had done on her behalf! Are you prepared to give the Mighty One glory for the great things He has and will do in your life? Are you giving credit where it is due, or are you shying back from celebrations of praise?
This Christmas, may we make an intentional effort to praise the God of the impossible for using a simple girl to accomplish His Supreme Plan - He certainly IS worthy of our praise this Christmas. As we celebrate the birth of our King, may we reflect on the incredible privilege we have in knowing Him - He who when we were in great need, saved us (Psalm 116:6b). May you be incredibly blessed this year as you celebrate the birth ... of your King.
Happy Birthday Jesus!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
His Masterpiece
"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10)
This is one of most favorite scriptures. It speaks of our individual callings while here on this earth. One of the things I am most passionate about, is that we each are equipped with specific gifts, given to us for the building up of the body of Christ. We truly are God's individual masterpieces. It is both our privilege and our duty, to serve the Lord wholeheartedly and humbly through our gifts. I love that we are each individually fashioned with specific callings.
I listened to a great message by Beth Moore this morning. For anyone who watches her on Life Today, it was last week's session. All about using the gifts God has given us. Highly recommend taking 20 minutes to listen/watch this message: "Fan Into Flame."
This is one of most favorite scriptures. It speaks of our individual callings while here on this earth. One of the things I am most passionate about, is that we each are equipped with specific gifts, given to us for the building up of the body of Christ. We truly are God's individual masterpieces. It is both our privilege and our duty, to serve the Lord wholeheartedly and humbly through our gifts. I love that we are each individually fashioned with specific callings.
I listened to a great message by Beth Moore this morning. For anyone who watches her on Life Today, it was last week's session. All about using the gifts God has given us. Highly recommend taking 20 minutes to listen/watch this message: "Fan Into Flame."
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Having a "He Will" Mindset
In the book of Habakkuk, the prophet Habakkuk is seeking God regarding the spiritual decline of the nation of Judah. He is troubled over the sin that is ruling over the nation. Out of his burden for his people stems a deep sense of urgency within him - He desperately wants to state his case before the Most High, and surrender his attention to hearing from the Lord.
Habakkuk declares his passion and commitment regarding this particular matter, as he states: "I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what He will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint" (Habakkuk 2:1).
I love Habakkuk's choice of words in the above verse. "I will stand at my watch ... I will look to see what He will say to me." There is no wavering, no doubt. He is certain that God will speak ... and not only that, but also that he will clearly know when God has spoken.
Psalm 85:8 says, "I will listen to what God the LORD will say; He promises peace to His people -His saints ..." Again, we see the author's unwavering belief that God will speak. Sometimes when we are praying for something specific, we can easily become discouraged, frustrated, disheartened. We want the answer, and we want it NOW. We may not always understand God's timing. This particular psalmist is so good to remind us that as we listen, as we wait to see what God will say or do on our behalf, He promises peace to us. Peace in the midst of the waiting.
I have found such peace in the above passages of Scripture throughout the past few days. Just knowing that God will answer my prayers, and that I will know when He has done so, is so comforting and reassuring. We serve a God who is attentive to our needs, to our prayers. Why would we ever get caught up in the trap that we could miss His plan for our lives? As long as we are not treasuring sin in our hearts, God is listening to us (Psalm 66:18). And when we are overwhelmed by sins, we simply ask God to forgive us, and make an intentional decision to turn from those things that so easily entangle us (Psalm 65:3).
May we adopt a sense of urgency in our prayer lives. May we approach our God with a confidence that He will answer our prayers. State Psalm 85:8 aloud today, many times throughout your day: "I will listen to what God the LORD will say ..." Then, surrender your attention to hearing from Him.
Let's go be Habbakuk's of our generation: Standing at our watch ... Looking to see what He will say to us.
"You guide me with your counsel ... " (Psalm 73:4)
"Hear my prayer, O Lord God Almighty; Listen to me, O God of Jacob." (Psalm 84:8)
"In the morning, O Lord, You hear my voice; In the morning I lay my requests before You and wait in expectation." (Psalm 5:3)
Habakkuk declares his passion and commitment regarding this particular matter, as he states: "I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what He will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint" (Habakkuk 2:1).
I love Habakkuk's choice of words in the above verse. "I will stand at my watch ... I will look to see what He will say to me." There is no wavering, no doubt. He is certain that God will speak ... and not only that, but also that he will clearly know when God has spoken.
Psalm 85:8 says, "I will listen to what God the LORD will say; He promises peace to His people -His saints ..." Again, we see the author's unwavering belief that God will speak. Sometimes when we are praying for something specific, we can easily become discouraged, frustrated, disheartened. We want the answer, and we want it NOW. We may not always understand God's timing. This particular psalmist is so good to remind us that as we listen, as we wait to see what God will say or do on our behalf, He promises peace to us. Peace in the midst of the waiting.
I have found such peace in the above passages of Scripture throughout the past few days. Just knowing that God will answer my prayers, and that I will know when He has done so, is so comforting and reassuring. We serve a God who is attentive to our needs, to our prayers. Why would we ever get caught up in the trap that we could miss His plan for our lives? As long as we are not treasuring sin in our hearts, God is listening to us (Psalm 66:18). And when we are overwhelmed by sins, we simply ask God to forgive us, and make an intentional decision to turn from those things that so easily entangle us (Psalm 65:3).
May we adopt a sense of urgency in our prayer lives. May we approach our God with a confidence that He will answer our prayers. State Psalm 85:8 aloud today, many times throughout your day: "I will listen to what God the LORD will say ..." Then, surrender your attention to hearing from Him.
Let's go be Habbakuk's of our generation: Standing at our watch ... Looking to see what He will say to us.
"You guide me with your counsel ... " (Psalm 73:4)
"Hear my prayer, O Lord God Almighty; Listen to me, O God of Jacob." (Psalm 84:8)
"In the morning, O Lord, You hear my voice; In the morning I lay my requests before You and wait in expectation." (Psalm 5:3)
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
The Chase
"When my life was ebbing away,
I remembered You, LORD,
and my prayer rose to You,
to Your holy temple.
Those who cling to worthless idols
forfeit the grace that could be theirs.
But I, with a song of thanksgiving,
will sacrifice to You.
What I have vowed I will make good.
Salvation comes from the LORD."
(Jonah 2:7-9)
I read the book of Jonah tonight. It's amazing to me how the Lord uses times in our lives, times of blatant disobedience, to set us straight and to turn our eyes toward Him. When God calls Jonah to Nineveh, Jonah instead runs away from the Lord and heads to Tarshish (Jonah 1:2-3). Get this: Jonah knowingly disobeyed. Like, God actually said: "Go to the great city of Nineveh ..." (Jonah 1:2), and Jonah ran the other direction. And not only did Jonah know in his heart of hearts that he was clearly disobeying the Lord - He actually told the other sailors on the boat to Tarshish he was running from God (Jonah 1:10).
Personally, I can relate to this. I felt God's call on my life at a very young age, and ran away myself. Periods of disobedience followed, and in my heart I think I always knew I was running away from the Lord's call on my life. Like Jonah, I still very much had a relationship with my God - I was just ignoring His direction and taking my own road, which I thought was much more sensible. Sensible it was not; Sovereign however, it was.
God's plan is always sovereign. Just as he used Jonah's disobedience to win the hearts of unbelievers (Jonah 1:16), God can use our mistakes to bring glory to Himself. Is this an excuse to mess up? Absolutely not. The pain of disobedience is excruciating to our spirits. It is however proof that our God has plans - plans of His own, to bring attention and glory to Himself, so that the world may know the Saving Power of Christ.
After I was done running, my God caught up with me. He gently pulled me unto Himself and asked me: "What were you running from?" "I was afraid," I responded. "Afraid of what?" He asked. "Afraid I would fail You, Lord. I am unworthy of Your calling." "Yes, indeed you are unworthy. But I, my child, I Am Worthy. And that's all that matters."
The chase was over. He won. Praise the Lord for that.
Do not forfeit the grace that God has set aside just for you, based on previous mistakes. Instead, be overflowed with thanksgiving and sacrifice to Your God for His sovereign plan. Vow to follow His direction from this point on, not looking back, except to recall all the great things He has done on your behalf, even amidst your frailties.
Thank You Jesus - for Your grace, Your Sovereignty, Your Salvation.
I remembered You, LORD,
and my prayer rose to You,
to Your holy temple.
Those who cling to worthless idols
forfeit the grace that could be theirs.
But I, with a song of thanksgiving,
will sacrifice to You.
What I have vowed I will make good.
Salvation comes from the LORD."
(Jonah 2:7-9)
I read the book of Jonah tonight. It's amazing to me how the Lord uses times in our lives, times of blatant disobedience, to set us straight and to turn our eyes toward Him. When God calls Jonah to Nineveh, Jonah instead runs away from the Lord and heads to Tarshish (Jonah 1:2-3). Get this: Jonah knowingly disobeyed. Like, God actually said: "Go to the great city of Nineveh ..." (Jonah 1:2), and Jonah ran the other direction. And not only did Jonah know in his heart of hearts that he was clearly disobeying the Lord - He actually told the other sailors on the boat to Tarshish he was running from God (Jonah 1:10).
Personally, I can relate to this. I felt God's call on my life at a very young age, and ran away myself. Periods of disobedience followed, and in my heart I think I always knew I was running away from the Lord's call on my life. Like Jonah, I still very much had a relationship with my God - I was just ignoring His direction and taking my own road, which I thought was much more sensible. Sensible it was not; Sovereign however, it was.
God's plan is always sovereign. Just as he used Jonah's disobedience to win the hearts of unbelievers (Jonah 1:16), God can use our mistakes to bring glory to Himself. Is this an excuse to mess up? Absolutely not. The pain of disobedience is excruciating to our spirits. It is however proof that our God has plans - plans of His own, to bring attention and glory to Himself, so that the world may know the Saving Power of Christ.
After I was done running, my God caught up with me. He gently pulled me unto Himself and asked me: "What were you running from?" "I was afraid," I responded. "Afraid of what?" He asked. "Afraid I would fail You, Lord. I am unworthy of Your calling." "Yes, indeed you are unworthy. But I, my child, I Am Worthy. And that's all that matters."
The chase was over. He won. Praise the Lord for that.
Do not forfeit the grace that God has set aside just for you, based on previous mistakes. Instead, be overflowed with thanksgiving and sacrifice to Your God for His sovereign plan. Vow to follow His direction from this point on, not looking back, except to recall all the great things He has done on your behalf, even amidst your frailties.
Thank You Jesus - for Your grace, Your Sovereignty, Your Salvation.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)