Who are You, Lord?

And I said, Who are You, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus, Whom you are persecuting.

But arise and stand upon your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, that I might appoint you to serve as [My] minister and to bear witness both to what you have seen of Me and to that in which I will appear to you, Choosing you out [selecting you for Myself] and delivering you from among this [Jewish] people and the Gentiles to whom I am sending you—To open their eyes that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may thus receive forgiveness and release from their sins and a place and portion among those who are consecrated and purified by faith in Me. Acts 26:15-18 AMP

What a question, Who are You Lord? Let's look at this scripture for some answers to this question. 

Jesus is .... the One who appoints people to serve as His ministers.

You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed you [I have planted you], that you might go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit may be lasting [that it may remain, abide], so that whatever you ask the Father in My Name [as presenting all that I AM], He may give it to you. John 15:16 AMP

Jesus is....the One who delivers us 

And [how you] look forward to and await the coming of His Son from heaven, Whom He raised from the dead—Jesus, Who personally rescues and delivers us out of and from the wrath [bringing punishment] which is coming [upon the impenitent] and draws us to Himself [investing us with all the privileges and rewards of the new life in Christ, the Messiah]. 1 Thessalonians 1:10 AMP

Jesus is ... The One who offers forgiveness and release from our sins

So let it be clearly known and understood by you, brethren, that through this Man forgiveness and removal of sins is now proclaimed to you; 
And that through Him everyone who believes [who acknowledges Jesus as his Saviour  and devotes himself to Him] is absolved (cleared and freed) from every charge from which he could not be justified and freed by the Law of Moses and given right standing with God. Acts 13:38-39 AMP

Jesus is ... The One, who through faith in Him, allows us to be consecrated and purified, so we can be in right standing with our Heavenly Father.

Yet we know that a man is justified or reckoned righteous and in right standing with God not by works of the Law, but [only] through faith and [absolute] reliance on and adherence to and trust in Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). [Therefore] even we [ourselves] have believed on Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the Law [for we cannot be justified by any observance of the ritual of the Law given by Moses], because by keeping legal rituals and by works no human being can ever be justified (declared righteous and put in right standing with God). Galatians 2:16 AMP

Simply put, Jesus is our Saviour.

[It is that purpose and grace] which He now has made known and has fully disclosed and made real [to us] through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, Who annulled death and made it of no effect and brought life and immortality (immunity from eternal death) to light through the Gospel. 2 Timothy 1:10 AMP

Let's take some time right now to meditate on all that Jesus has done for us, all He is doing and all He is going to do. And let's come to Him with a thankful heart. He is our Saviour and is worthy of our praise.

The Lord is my Strength and my [impenetrable] Shield; my heart trusts in, relies on, and confidently leans on Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song will I praise Him. Psalm 28:7 AMP

The true end and scope of life

She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus [the Greek form of the Hebrew Joshua, which means Saviour], for He will save His people from their sins [that is, prevent them from failing and missing the true end and scope of life, which is God]. Matthew 1:21 AMP

The events of this week have again reminded our family of where our trust needs to be - in Jesus. It is His name that we call on when the tough times come. It is Jesus who truly does enable us to see our lives in the right perspective. He provides us with a way to come into the throne room of grace. The Message Bible puts it this way,

Now that we know what we have - Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God - let's not let it slip through our fingers. We don't have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He's been through weakness and testing, experienced it all - all but the sin. So let's walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help. Hebrews 4: 14-16 The Message

Jesus knows the pain Victoria felt this week when she couldn't walk - the physical and the emotional pain. He knows the pain that Ken and I felt as parents, watching her suffer. He knows about your pain too. He knows.

While he lived on earth, anticipating death, Jesus cried out in pain and wept in sorrow as he offered up priestly prayers to God. Because he honoured God, God answered him. Though he was God's Son, he learned trusting - obedience by what he suffered, just as we do. Hebrews 5:7-9 The Message

And there is one of the big challenges - do we allow these circumstances to teach us how to trust God at a deeper level, or do we hold on to the pain and let the circumstance immobilize our faith? It can be very painful letting go of the pain, but from my experience, if we don't process and let go of the pain, we miss an opportunity to get a greater understanding of 'the true end and scope of life - which is God.'

Questions for today, do you believe that Jesus understands your pain? Do you believe that He knows about suffering? Do you believe that He, through His suffering, has given you a pathway directly to God? Do you believe that you can ask God for mercy and help? 

The truth is that Jesus does understand and you can ask for mercy and help - right now. Let's endeavour to keep focused on Jesus and not miss the true end and scope of life - which is God.

Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 

Just think of Him Who endured from sinners such grievous opposition and bitter hostility against Himself [reckon up and consider it all in comparison with your trials], so that you may not grow weary or exhausted, losing heart and relaxing and fainting in your minds.  Hebrews 12:2-3 AMP

Your stability and faithfulness

But this I recall and therefore have I hope and expectation: It is because of the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant in Your stability and faithfulness. Lamentations 3:21-23 AMP

As circumstances come and go (and some that always seem to be there) I am learning more and more how 'unstable' my thoughts and emotions are and how stable my God is. As I read this scripture a picture came to me of a graph with two lines. There is a flat line and that is God's line, completely stable from infinity to infinity. Then there is my line, going up, going down, flat lining, going down, going up, flat lining, going up etc, completely driven by responses to my circumstances.  Thankfully, by God's grace, there are some times of stability on my line, when I am completely focused on God and His truth about the circumstance.

The works of His hands are [absolute] truth and justice [faithful and right]; and all His decrees and precepts are sure (fixed, established, and trustworthy). They stand fast and are established forever and ever and are done in [absolute] truth and uprightness. Psalm 111:7-8 AMP

So what happens to move us from that line of stability? Life. Something is said, something is done, something is seen, that shifts our focus, even if momentarily, from the stability that is in God and His truth. So for me, the question then becomes, how long do I stay unaligned with God and His truth? How long does it take for His truth to speak louder to me that my fears? How long does it take to get back to fixing my eyes on Jesus, My Saviour in all things?

Accordingly God also, in His desire to show more convincingly and beyond doubt to those who were to inherit the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose and plan, intervened (mediated) with an oath. This was so that, by two unchangable things [His promise and His oath] in which it is impossible for God ever to prove false or deceive us, we who have fled [to Him] for refuge might have mighty indwelling strength and strong encouragement to grasp and hold fast the hope appointed for us and set before [us]. [Now] we have this [hope] as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul [it cannot slip and it cannot break down under whoever steps out upon it - a hope] that reaches farther and enters into [the very certainty of the Presence] within the veil, Where Jesus has entered in for us [in advance], a Forerunner having become a High Priest forever after the order (with the rank) of Melchizedek. Hebrews 6:17-20 AMP

Amen and Amen. Now there is a scripture to shout out and declare and help draw us back to Jesus and stability in Him. 

Question for today, what would your line look like on the graph I described above? Would it be like mine - a bit all over the place? If so, ask God to show you how to become more stable when the circumstances are pushing you off course. He is our model and source of stability.

God's strength and power

I do not normally use this blog for updates about our daughter, however, given what I posted yesterday I thought it would be appropriate to give a quick update on how she is today.

God has again shown us His overwhelming grace. The doctor and physio are both of the opinion that the reason Victoria has been unable to walk is due to muscular issues, not neurological issues. She has returned to school today with a walking frame, which hopefully within the next week will no longer be necessary.

A friend text this scripture to me yesterday as we sat waiting to see the doctor.

But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) andshow themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, maypitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! 2 Corinthians 12:9 AMP

How grateful we are for God's strength and power and that indeed it is most effective in our weakness. 

Thank you for praying for Victoria and our family. We give God the glory for all He is doing in our lives, and that He continues to get us through the tough days.

Our powerful God-tools

We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity. 2 Corinthians 10:5-6 The Message

A bit of a story today .... two days ago I shared this scripture in an update about Victoria on the Victoria Grace Conqueror blog. I shared it in relation to keeping my thoughts captive as her next scan draws nearer. As I wrote the scripture I felt the Holy Spirit say to me, really take hold of this Wendy. So when I posted the blog update I printed that scripture and another one He had given me back in April, on bright pink paper and laminated them. The other scripture was Habakkuk 3:18-19

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will exult in the [victorious] God of my salvation! The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds' feet and will make me walk [not to stand still in terror, but to walk] and make [spiritual] progress upon my high places [of trouble, suffering, or responsibility]! Habakkuk 3:18-19 AMP 

About eight hours after posting that blog entry, I hear these words from my daughter's mouth 'I can't walk' and I find her crawling in the hallway. What happens in my mind?  All those memories of those very same words that came from her mouth 4.5 years ago before she was diagnosed with a brain tumour come flooding back. Then comes the scripture God gave me that very morning - fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Yes, that is exactly what I need to do - contain those thoughts and speak life not death. I need to walk, and not stand still in terror. 

We continue to get ready for church. Victoria decides to take the scooter to help herself get around. And so she scoots into church with a smile on her face. I walk into church, following her lead, with a smile on my face, inwardly continually making a decision to trust, to praise, to trust, to praise, to trust. 

The [uncompromisingly] righteous shall be glad in the Lord and shall trust and take refuge in Him; and all the upright in heart shall glory and offer praise. Psalm 64:10 AMP

At the end of the service, Victoria shows me a prayer card she has written out for herself, something along the lines of 'Dear Lord, please help me to get better Amen.' Prayer was offered at the end of the service, so we went up and her sisters and I prayed in agreement with our Pastor.

Again I tell you, if two of you agree (harmonize together, make a symphony together) about whatever [anything and everything] they may ask, it will come to pass and be done for them by My Father in heaven. For wherever two or three are gathered (drawn together as My followers) in (into) My name, there I AM in the midst of them. Matthew 18:19-20 AMP

Twenty Four hours after that prayer, sustained stretching, heatpacks and a warm bath Victoria continues to have difficulty walking. Yesterday I carried around the pink scriptures every where, reminding myself that 

- Yet I will rejoice in the Lord

- The Lord is my Strength

- He will make me walk  and not stand still in terror

- I will use his powerful God-tools for fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ.

I went to bed with these scriptures by my pillow. But just before going to bed I put the call out to some faithful prayer warriors, asking for them to pray for Victoria. 

As I went to sleep, our gracious God gave me a picture of someone interceding for her. That someone was her Saviour, Jesus Christ. What peace that bought to my mind. 

I do not know what Victoria will be like when she awakes this morning. But I do know this and we as a family will be standing on it today.

Who is there to condemn [us]? Will Christ Jesus (the Messiah), Who died, or rather Who was raised from the dead, Who is at the right hand of God actually pleading as He intercedes for us? 

Who shall ever separate us from Christ's love? Shall suffering and affliction and tribulation? Or calamity and distress? Or persecution or hunger or destitution or peril or sword? 

Even as it is written, For Thy sake we are put to death all the day long; we are regarded and counted as sheep for the slaughter. 

Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us.  For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening not things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:34-39 AMP 

I pray that what I have shared this morning will be of some encouragement to anyone else who finds themselves in the midst of a spiritual battle. Our God has given us powerful tools to use in the battle. This morning as I got dressed, with each piece of clothing I pictured myself physically putting on the armour of God. I know God has got it covered, and it is my job to stand, not in terror, but in faith. I pray that you can do the same.

Be alert and on your guard; stand firm in your faith (your conviction respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, keeping the trust and holy fervor born of faith and a part of it). Act like men and be courageous; grow in strength! 1 Corinthians 16:13 AMP

To You belongs silence

To You belongs silence (the submissive wonder of reverence which bursts forth into praise) and praise is due and fitting to You, O God, in Zion; and to You shall the vow be performed. Psalm 65:1 AMP

Silence. Let's look at some definitions of silence from the Oxford dictionary.

1. Complete absence of sound

2. The fact or state of abstaining from speech

3. The avoidance of mentioning or discussing something

4. A short appointed period of time during which people stand still and do not speak as a sign of respect for a dead person or group of people.

What does silence mean to you? Are there many times and places in your day when you find yourself with the 'complete absence of sound' ? What happens when you find yourself in that place? Are you able to enjoy the silence or does your mind work busily to fill the silence? The Bible tells us that there is a time for silence, and that time has a purpose.

To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven:

A time to rend and a time to sew, a time to keep silence and a time to speak, Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7 AMP

Silence has a purpose. As Psalm 65:1 says, being silent when communicating (ie the listening part of communication) with God enables us to go to that place of submissive wonder of reverence, which then leads to a bursting forth into praise. Have you ever had that experience? I have and it is a wonderful 'place' to be. The silence allows us to hear and see what God wants us to see, and that is Him. In the silence we can see all He has done and is going to do. In the silence we can hear His voice. 

He who has ears [to hear], let him be listening and let him consider and perceive and comprehend by hearing. Matthew 13:9 AMP

When we hear and see all that God has done and is doing in our lives, how can we not 'burst forth into praise'? How can we stop that smile that comes from our hearts as we get greater understanding of our Heavenly Father's love for us? 

Question for today, do you struggle to find time for silence in your life? Or when there is silence, do you find it uncomfortable and want the noise to return? I want to encourage you today to ask God to help you enjoy the silence, which belongs to Him, and in the silence let Him speak to your heart of his incredible love for you.

We all did it, all of us doing what we felt like doing, when we felt like doing it, all of us in the same boat. It's a wonder God didn't lose his temper and do away with the whole lot of us. Instead, immense in mercy and with an incredible love, he embraced us. He took our sin-dead lives and made us alive in Christ. He did this all on his own, with no help from us! Then he picked us up and set us down in highest heaven in company with Jesus, our Messiah. Ephesians 2:3-6 The Message 

Matchless, unbroken companionship

For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: In returning [to Me] and resting [in Me] you shall be saved; in quietness and in [trusting] confidence shall be your strength. Isaiah 30:15 AMP

How many times to we read in the Bible about people returning to God, resting in God, trusting in God, and getting their strength from Him? Doing those things (returning, resting and trusting) can be such a challenge for us as we have so many other sources telling us where we need to go, how much we need to do and who we cannot trust. 

There are four little words that I left off the end of verse 15, little but insightful words.

But you would not,

God know us so well! He knows that sometimes we succumb to those other sources and our own fleshly desires. The next verses in this passage of scripture describe our stubbornness to go on our own course, doing things our own way, in our own strength.

And you said, No! We will speed [our own course] on horses! Therefore you will speed [in flight from your enemies]! You said, We will ride upon swift steeds [doing our own way]! Therefore will they who pursue you be swift, [so swift that] One thousand of you will flee at the threat of one of them; at the threat of five you will flee till you are left like a beacon or a flagpole on the top of a mountain, and like a signal on a hill. Isaiah 30:16,17 AMP

Have you had that experience before, when you have travelled your own course, only to find that things go so very wrong, fear creeps in and you feel so isolated and more vulnerable than ever before? I have, and it is not a pleasant place to be. The only good thing about that 'place' is that so often a real heart felt cry to God emerges from us. And guess what? He is there, earnestly waiting to be gracious to us.

And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship]! Isaiah 30:18 AMP

How undeserving are we of His mercy and loving-kindness? How grateful are we that because of what Jesus did for us, we can have matchless, unbroken companionship with God. He is faithful, even when we aren't.

God is faithful (reliable, trustworthy, and therefore ever true to His promise, and He can be depended on); by Him you were called into companionship and participation with His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:9 AMP

Question for today, do you know that God wants to have matchless unbroken companionship with you? Today, He wants you to return to Him, to rest in Him and to trust Him, more than you have done before. He has provided a way for you to have that sweet, satisfying companionship. His name is Jesus.

The secret [of the sweet, satisfying companionship] of the Lord have they who fear (revere and worship) Him, and He will show them His covenant and reveal to them its [deep, inner] meaning. Psalm 25:14 AMP

The tongue can be tamed by no man

Even so the tongue is a little member, and it can boast of great things. See how much wood or how great a forest a tiny spark can set ablaze! And the tongue is a fire. [The tongue is a] world of wickedness set among our members, contaminating and depraving the whole body and setting on fire the wheel of birth (the cycle of man's nature), being itself ignited by hell (Gehenna). For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea animal, can be tamed and has been tamed by human genius (nature). But the tongue can be tamed by no man. It is a restless (undisciplined, irreconcilable) evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who were made in God's likeness! Out of the same mouth come forth blessing and cursing. These things, my brethren, ought not to be so. James 3:5-10 AMP

The Message Bible puts it this way

A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but is can accomplish nearly anything - or destroy it! It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire. A careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can do that. By our speech we can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation, send the whole world up in smoke and go up in smoke with it, smoke right from the pit of hell. This is scary: You can tame a tiger, but you can't tame a tongue - it's never been done. The tongue runs wild, a wanton killer. With out tongues we bless God the father; with the same tongues we curse the very men and women he made in his image. Curses and blessings out of the same mouth! My friends, this can't go on. James 3:5-10 The Message

These scriptures speak for themselves. I don't know how well-behaved your tongue has been this week, but I do know that mine has definitely had some 'moments'! Thankfully we have a God of grace, Who, when we come to Him and humble ourselves, asking forgiveness for our sins, is willing and able to forgive us.

But He gives us more and more grace (power of the Holy Spirit, to meet this evil tendency and all others fully). That is why He says, God sets Himself against the proud and haughty, but gives grace [continually] to the lowly (those who are humble enough to receive it). James 4:6 AMP

Let's pray, Heavenly Father, please forgive us for the words that come out of our mouths that aren't edifying to you and others. Please help us to take every thought captive into the obedience of Christ. Holy Spirit please help us to put a guard over our mouths when we don't take our thoughts captive. Thank you that your grace is sufficient when we do sin. Please help us to humble ourselves and come to you for forgiveness and make amends with whoever we have hurt with our words. Thank you for giving us Jesus, so we can still be in right-standing with you, even though we continue to sin. Amen

For just as by one man's disobedience (failing to hear, heedlessness, and carelessness) the many were constituted sinners, so by one Man's obedience the many will be constituted righteous (made acceptable to God, brought into right standing with Him). Romans 5:19 AMP

Guide me in Your truth

Guide me in Your truth and faithfulness and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You [You only and altogether] do I wait [expectantly] all the day long. Psalm 25:5 AMP

This scripture aptly describes what God has been doing in my life during the past few weeks. Among other things, He has been asking me the question, 'Whose truth is guiding you Wendy? Is it My truth or is it Wendy's 'truth' based on fear?' 

[Then] He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings shall you trust and find refuge; His truth and His faithfulness are a shield and a buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror of the night, nor of the arrow (the evil plots and slanders of the wicked) that flies by day, Nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor of the destruction and sudden death that surprise and lay waste at noon day. Psalm 91:4-6 AMP

In all honesty it hasn't been a pleasant few weeks. As the days went by, the Holy Spirit revealed to me that I hadn't been guarding my heart. I had let the lies come in and take hold.

Guard and keep [with the greatest care] the precious and excellently adapted [Truth] which has been entrusted [to you], by the [help of the] Holy Spirit Who makes His home in us. 2 Timothy 1:14 AMP

God, our Heavenly Father, has gently been reminding me that He has provided all that we need to do this life on earth. He has given us a complete set of armour to walk through each day with. We just need to remember to put it on.

Therefore put on God's complete armour, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place]. Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God, and having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produce by the good news] of the Gospel of peace. Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one]. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God. Ephesians 6:13-17 AMP

What a wonderful teacher God is, so full of truth, mercy, grace and wisdom. It has been a challenging few weeks on many fronts, but God has guided me. He has been faithful and reminded me yet again that He is trustworthy. He has taught me more about waiting for Him and Him alone, and in that time of waiting, to keep a guard over my mouth. He has reminded me again about the tongue and it's power to bring destruction and it's power to bring healing.

A soft answer turns away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger. The tongue of the wise utters knowledge rightly, but the mouth of the [self-confident] fool pours our folly. The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch upon the evil and the good. A gentle tongue [with it's healing power] is a tree of life, but willful contrariness in it breaks down the spirit. Proverbs 15:1-3 AMP

So it has been an eventful few weeks as God has done another refining work in my heart. I am grateful that He doesn't leave us to navigate through these 'learning programs' by ourselves. But rather, He is right there, in the midst, guiding us in His truth, showing us His faithfulness and teaching us His ways. 

Question for today, does your 'truth' line up with God's truth for your life? If like me, your 'truth' has gotten a little skewed in some areas, why not take time today to ask God to show you His truth for the circumstance. Ask Him to show you how to guard the Truth He has given you. And remember to put that guard over your mouth (it's a challenge - I know, but God is willing and able to help us).

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]. Proverbs 18:21 AMP

Chiseled by trial

When swelling and pride come, then emptiness and shame come also, but with the humble (those who are lowly, who have been pruned or chiseled by trial, and renounce self) are skillful and godly Wisdom and soundness. Proverbs 11:2 AMP

It seems that over the past few weeks there has been a continuing chiseling going on in my heart. I am now up to the fifth situation/circumstance in which I am finding myself asking God lots of questions like, what is going on here? What is it that I am not seeing? What is it that you want me to see? Why am I reacting like this? Why do I have such a lack of trust in this area? Why do I feel so rejected when I am so loved? Have I forgotten to whom I belong?

And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined and will test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, and I will hear and answer them. I will say, It is My people; and they will say, This is my God. Zechariah 13:9 AMP

I am one of His people. So now, today, it is time to stop asking questions and take time to listen. Time to be still and hear His voice.

Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts, as [happened] in the rebellion [of Israel] and their provocation and embitterment [of Me] in the day of testing in the wilderness, where your fathers tried [My patience] and tested [My forebearance] and found I stood their test, and they saw My works for forty years. And so I was provoked (displeased and sorely grieved) with that generation, and said, They always err and are led astray in their hearts, and they have not perceived or recognised My ways and become progressively better and more experimentally and intimately acquainted with them. Hebrews 3:7-10 AMP

Some of these situations I have faced over the past few weeks are not new. I have faced them before. So this begs the question, have I hardened my heart to what God has been trying to teach me? Have I been so pre-occupied with my own ways that I have not perceived or recognised God's ways? The answer would have to be 'yes'. There is pride to be chiseled away. Time again for repenting, asking and receiving forgiveness and hopefully sustaining a heart change and living out of godly Wisdom in this area in the future.

Questions for today, are you in the middle of a trial, feeling as though the chiseling is taking a toll? Why not let yourself get vulnerable with God, and ask Him the questions that are stirring deep in your heart? Then, as I am going to do today, take the time to hear His voice and let your heart be changed.

And I will give them a heart to know (recognise, understand, and be acquainted with) Me, that I am the Lord; and they will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with their whole heart. Jeremiah 24:7 AMP

What would you say in regard to Him?

For David says in regard to Him, I saw the Lord constantly before me, for He is at my right hand that I may not be shaken or overthrown or cast down [from my secure and happy state]. Therefore my heart rejoiced and my tongue exulted exceedingly; moreover, my flesh also will dwell in hope [will encamp, pitch its tent, and dwell in hope and in anticipation of the resurrection]. For You will not abandon my soul, leaving it helpless in Hades (the state of departed spirits), nor let Your Holy One know decay or see destruction [of the body after death]. You have made known to me the ways of life; You will enrapture me [diffusing my soul with joy] with and in Your presence. Acts 2:25-28 AMP

This scripture starts with 'For David says in regard to Him'. What would you say in regard to Him? What is it that Jesus has done for you? Let's look at some of the things David has on his list.

David saw the Lord constantly before him. David understood the security that comes from having that realisation that God is always in the midst. He understood God's love, mercy and grace for him. A truth that Zephaniah declares,

The Lord your God is in the midst of you, a Mighty One, a Saviour [Who saves]! He will rejoice over you with joy! He will rest [in silent satisfaction] and in His love He will be silent and make no mention [of past sins, or even recall them]; He will exult over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17 AMP

David knew that God was not going to leave Him, but rather He was going to provide a way for Him to be in right-standing with God and have eternal life. David knew that God was His hope. The same hope we read about in Job.

Then [God] is gracious to him and says, Deliver him from going down into the pit [of destruction]; I have found a ransom (a price of redemption, an atonement)! [Then the man's] flesh shall be restored; it becomes fresher and more tender than a child's; he returns to the days of his youth. He prays to God, and He is favourable to him, so that he sees His face with joy; for [God] restores to him his righteousness (his uprightness and right standing with God - with its joys). He looks upon other men or sings out to them, I have sinned and perverted that which was right, and it did not profit me, or He did not requite me [according to my iniquity]! [God] has redeemed my life from going down to the pit [of destruction], and my life shall see light! Job 33:24 -28 AMP

David knew that God was life. He knew that being with and in God's presence enabled him to live with joy. 

You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 AMP

Questions for today, what would you say in regard to Him? What testimony would you give? What has He made known to you? 

John testified about Him and cried out, This was He of Whom I said, He Who comes after me has priority over me, for He was before me. [He takes rank above me, for He existed before I did. He has advanced before me, because He is my Chief.] For out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received [all had a share and we were all supplied with] one grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing and even favour upon favour and gift [heaped] upon gift. For while the Law was given through Moses, grace (unearned, undeserved favour and spiritual blessing) and truth came through Jesus Christ. No man has ever seen God at any time; the only unique Son, or the only begotten God, Who is in the bosom [in the intimate presence] of the Father, He has declared Him [He has revealed Him and brought Him out where He can be seen; He has interpreted Him and He has made Him known]. John 1:15-18 AMP

Who do you confide in?

I will thank You and confide in You forever, because You have done it [delivered me and kept me safe]. I will wait on, hope in and expect in Your name, for it is good, in the presence of Your saints. Psalm 52:9 AMP

Who do you confide in? Are they trustworthy? Are they gracious towards you? Do they offer you wisdom that lines up with the way they live their lives? 

I am blessed to have family and friends that I can confide in, but there is only one that knows my inner most thoughts, fears and desires. And that is my Heavenly Father. He knows my heart. He knows each of our hearts.

And they prayed and said, You, Lord, Who know all hearts (their thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, purposes, and endeavours) Acts 1:24a AMP

He is always ready to listen and hear what we want to confide. In our times of distress, He is listening.

In my distress [when seemingly closed in] I called upon the Lord and cried to my God; He heard my voice out of His temple (heavenly dwelling place), and my cry came before Him, into His [very] ears. Psalm 18:6 AMP

In our times of wanting direction for our lives, He is listening. He is always ready to align our hearts and plans with His heart and plans for our lives.

Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed. Proverbs 16:3 AMP

Our Heavenly Father wants us to make Him our first stop when it comes to confiding. God always knows what is best.

He who deals wisely and heeds [God's] word and counsel shall find good, and whoever leans on, trusts in, and is confident in the Lord - happy, blessed and fortunate is he. Proverbs 16:20 AMP

So let's not hold back when it comes to confiding our inner most thoughts, desires and fears to God. Jesus has made a way for us to come directly to God and confide in an atmosphere of grace.

Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God's unmerited favour to us sinners), that we may receive mercy (for our failures) and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate and well-timed help, coming just when we need it]. Hebrews 4:16 AMP

Question for today, who do you confide in? Is God on your list of confidants? Is He at the top of your list? He wants to be. If there is something on your mind right now, and you are thinking, I need to get advice from "person X" about this, why not speak to God about it first, and listen to what He has to say. 

"My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts," says the LORD." And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 NLT

We are not wrestling with flesh and blood

Be well-balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking some to seize upon and devour. 1 Peter 5:8 AMP

Sunday morning, as often happens, the enemy, was roaming around our family, with one clear purpose in mind. He had come to steal away the opportunity for our family to go to church in unity, hear God's word and be changed both as individuals and as a family.

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). John 10:10 AMP

It was one of those mornings, when you look around and say to yourself, 'How did this happen? How did such havoc erupt so suddenly in our marriage and our family?'  Had we fallen 'asleep' and forgotten to watch and pray?

All of you must keep awake (give strict attention, be cautious and active) and watch and pray, that you may not come into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41 AMP

Yes, we had forgotten that there is a spiritual battle in play for our hearts and minds. 

For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against despotisms, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.  Ephesians 6:12 AMP

We had forgotten that there was someone who didn't want us to go to church that morning. There was someone who didn't want us to go to church that morning as a unified family. And we had fallen into the trap.  Thankfully, by God's grace we climbed out of the trap.

When half of the family arrived at church, I took a quiet moment to speak with God, ask forgiveness for my weakness, words and ask for restoration. And that somehow, some way, we could be a unified family at church today.

So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you. Come close to God and He will come close to you. [Recognize that you are] sinners, get your soiled hands clean; [realize that you have been disloyal] wavering individuals with divided interests, and purify your hearts [of your spiritual adultery]. James 4:7-8 AMP

Within 15 minutes, guess what? We were all there, at church, unified, supporting and encouraging each other. What's more that church service, and the subsequent night service at a friends church, both had a profound impact on every member of our family. Each of us, including the youngest (who spoke about church for 'news' at school the next day), heard from God and was greatly encouraged in their prayer life. We stood together as a family and laid hands on Victoria, thanking God, in faith, for her healing. It was a day that we will not forget for a long time, for all the right reasons. A day that God so clearly bought beauty from ashes.

To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion - to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit - that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. Isaiah 61:3 AMP

That night, as I went to sleep, all I could say was, Thank you God for your faithfulness, for never leaving us or forsaking us. Thank you for bringing us through and growing us all.

[God] disarmed the principalities and powers that ranged against us and made a bold display and public example of them, in triumphing over them in Him and in it [the cross]. Colossians 2:15 AMP

Question for today, are your feeling like you are in the midst of a battle? There is a spiritual battle going on for your heart and mind. But when we are in Jesus, we are on the winning side. Let's be alert, cautious, humble ourselves and stick with Him, and remember we are not wrestling with flesh and blood.

Then I heard a strong (loud) voice in heaven, saying, Now it has come - the salvation and the power and the kingdom (the dominion, the reign) of our God, and the power (the sovereignty, the authority) of His Christ (the Messiah); for the accuser of our brethren, he who keeps bringing before our God charges against them day and night, has been cast out! 

And they have overcome (conquered) him by means of the blood of the Lamb and by the utterance of their testimony, for they did not love and cling to life even when faced with death [holding their lives cheap till they had to die for their witnessing]. Revelations 12:10-11 AMP