I bring my life

Unto You, O Lord, do I bring my life.
Psalm 25:1 AMP

My life. Your life. What is our purpose here and now? Who or what do we give our lives to?

I am able to do nothing from Myself [independently, of My own accord - but only as I am taught by God and as I get His orders]. Even as I hear, I judge [I decide as I am bidden to decide. As the voice comes to Me, so I give a decision], and My judgement is right (just, righteous), because I do not seek or consult My own will [I have no desire to do what is pleasing to Myself, My own aim, My own purpose] but only the will and pleasure of the Father Who sent Me.  John 5:30 AMP

How different would our day look, if we submitted every thought, word and action to God before we said it or enacted it? How much less confusion would we have in our minds? And how much less confusion would we cause around us?

For He [Who is the source of their prophesying] is not a God of confusion and disorder but of peace and order. 1 Corinthians 14:33 AMP

So what would it take for us to submit to God in that way? 

My first thought is that we need to stop and be still. 

Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth! Psalm 46:10 AMP

Stop and listen. Stop and listen, not to ourselves, but to the words of Jesus.

And it occurred as the men were parting from Him that Peter said to Jesus, Master, it is delightful and good that we are here; and let us construct three booths or huts - one for You and one for Moses and one for Elijah! not noticing or knowing what he was saying. But even as he was saying this, a cloud came and began to overshadow them, and they were seized with alarm and struck with fear as they entered into the cloud. Then there came a voice of the cloud, saying, This is My Son, My Chosen One or My Beloved; listen to and yield to and obey Him! Luke 9:33-35 AMP

Stop and listen to the teaching of the Holy Spirit. 

But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring remembrance) everything I have told you. John 14:26 AMP

This 'stopping and listening' is a continual journey for us. We are not perfect and won't get it right all the time, probably not even most of the time. But today, let's ask God to help us to stop and listen to Him more than we normally would. Let's ask Him to help us move further towards the place where we wholeheartedly 'bring our lives' to Him.

Incline your ear [submit and consent to the divine will] and come to Me; hear, and your soul will revive; and I will make an everlasting covenant or league with you, even the sure mercy (kindness, goodwill, and compassion) promised to David. Isaiah 55:3 AMP

Restful waters

He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters. Psalm 23:2 AMP

There are times in our lives when we are forced to slow down, either through sickness in ourselves, or others that we love and care for. At first it can be frustrating, especially when you are used to living at a fast pace and 'achieving' a lot each day. But who says that living at a fast pace and ticking everything off your list is the best way to live anyway?

The 'slow' pace of life seems so foreign, until we take time in that slowness to seek more of God, and seek what He wants to do in our lives. That slowness becomes a fresh, tender, green pasture in which we allow ourselves time to connect more fully with Our Creator. 

You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.
Psalm 23:2-3 The Message

The slowing of our lives allows us time to hear more from God, and can be a time of realignment to God's purpose for our lives. What we hear during these times can be challenging, as God asks us to surrender more of our thoughts and plans to Him. However, it becomes an opportunity for us to let ourselves acknowledge once again that we are the clay and He is the potter.

Yet, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our Potter, and we are all the work of Your hand. Isaiah 64:8 AMP

He has the master plan and He decides the timing of each task and outcome. Our job is to stick close to God, listen to Him and trust Him. Trust Him no matter what.

I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me. Galatians 2:20 AMP

Question for today, are you being forced to 'slow down' due to circumstances in your life? If yes, and you are struggling with the slow down, why not ask God to show you what He wants to do in you during this season? He has a plan and it is good.

Surely or only goodness and mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place. Psalm 23:6 AMP

Uselessly opening your mouth

Job uselessly opens his mouth and multiplies words without knowledge [drawing the worthless conclusion that the righteous have no more advantage than the wicked]. Job 35:16 AMP

What an interesting phrase, 'uselessly opened your mouth and multiplies words without knowledge'? Have you ever done that? Uselessly opened your mouth and multiplied words without knowledge? Drawing worthless conclusions? I have.

God calls us to,

Give ear, O my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth. Psalm 78:1 AMP

So when we do 'give ear to God's teaching', and 'incline our ears to the words' of His mouth, why do we still sometimes uselessly open our mouths and multiple words without knowledge? Is it fear, a lack of trust in God's teaching and in His words? Is it that we are struggling to wait to see the fulfillment of His promises that leads us to come to worthless conclusions? 'It' hasn't happened yet, so we start believing that 'it' won't happen. What can we do?

We can repent, accept God's forgiveness and make this our daily prayer...

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my [firm, impenetrable] Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 AMP

And we can meditate on all the Bible says regarding our mouths, including

Be not rash with your mouth, and let not your heart be hasty to utter a word before God. For God is in heaven, and you are on earth; therefore let your words be few. Ecclesiastes 5:2 AMP

Question for today, what are we going to use our mouths' for? Will we let it uselessly open and multiply words without knowledge? Or will our words be God purposed, edifying, filled with His wisdom? Let's pray for the latter,

Heavenly Father, please forgive us for the times when we have uselessly opened our mouths and multiplied words without knowledge, drawing worthless confusions. Thank you that your grace is sufficient for us and that through Jesus we are acceptable in your sight. Please help us today to use our mouths for Your words alone. 

Then the Lord put forth His hand and touched my mouth. And the Lord said to me, Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.  Jeremiah 1:9 AMP

Please help us to praise You with our mouths.

O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Your praise. Psalm 51:15 AMP

Please help us to praise You all day long, not just now.

My mouth shall be filled with Your praise and with Your honor all the day. Psalm 71:8 AMP

Please help us to use our mouths to tell of all You have done.

My mouth shall tell of Your righteous acts and of Your deeds of salvation all the day, for their number is more than I know. Psalm 71: 15 AMP

Thank you that the wise and gracious use of the gift of speech is yet another continual journey we are on. Thank you that you don't leave us or forsake us on this journey and that you have given us the Holy Spirit to help us every moment of every day. In Jesus Name we pray, Amen.

A final word from The Message

Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift. Don't grieve God. Don't break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don't take such a gift for granted. Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:29-32 The Message 

For by You I can

For by You I can run through a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. Psalm 18:29 AMP

We all have times when the 'troop' is marching towards us and we feel trapped and powerless. Or there is a seemingly un-scalable wall in front of us. In these times, we can so easily assume the position of defeat - it is all too hard, we won't make it through, there is no way to get out of this. I know, because I have been there many a time. 

It is in those times that we need to search and keep searching in God's Word for the truth about the circumstance. When we search God's Word, look at what we find,

In your strength I can crush an army;
with my God I can scale any wall.
Psalm 18:29 NLT

We find that it is not about what we can do or not do. It is about what God can do. It is not about our strength. It is about His strength. It is not about going it alone. It is about 'going it' with God. His way is perfect.

God's way is perfect.
All the LORD's promises prove true.
He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.
For who is God except the LORD?
Who but our God is a solid rock?
God arms me with strength,
and he makes my way perfect.
Psalm 18:30-32 AMP

Because God's way is perfect,
Because all the LORD's promises prove true,
Because He is a shield of protection when we look to Him,
Because He is LORD alone,
Because He is a solid rock,
Because He arms us with strength,
Because He makes our way perfect,
We can declare,

I can run through a troop
I can scale a wall

All because of Him, we can declare

I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency]. Philippians 4:13 AMP

We can declare

Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. Philippians 4:13 The Message

And that is the key question - who makes you who you are? 
Is it you and your own strength? Or is it dependence on another human being to define who you are and what you should do? Or is it your Creator, your Heavenly Father? Is it Christ and His sacrifice for you? 

Christ can empower you to run through the troop - every time. Christ can empower you to leap over the wall - every time. When we surrender to Him, He infuses inner strength into us. In Him, we have all we need. Thank you Jesus.

But it is God Who confirms and makes us steadfast and establishes us [in joint fellowship] with you in Christ, and consecrated an anointed us [enduing us with the gifts of the Holy Spirit]; [He has also appropriated and acknowledged us as His by] putting His seal upon us and giving us His [Holy] Spirit in our hearts as the security deposit and guarantee [of the fulfillment of His promise]. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 AMP

Sinners

Here's a word you can take to heart and depend on: Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. I'm proof - Public Sinner Number One - of someone who could never have made it apart from sheer mercy. And now he shows me off - evidence of his endless patience - to those who are right on the edge of trusting him forever. 1 Timothy 1:15-16 The Message

I always get great encouragement when reading passages like this in the Bible. Passages that remind us of God's wonderful mercy towards us. Although let's not forget that we have a responsibility to acknowledge that we are sinners and confess our sins.

If we say we have no sin [refusing to admit that we are sinners], we delude and lead ourselves astray, and the Truth [which the Gospel presents] is not in us [does not dwell in our hearts]. 1 John 8 AMP

When we do freely admit and confess our sins to God, look what happens ...

If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought and action]. 1 John 1:9 AMP

In confessing our sins, and then accepting God's mercy and forgiveness, we don't have to walk around with the heaviness of condemnation, thinking that God doesn't love us anymore because we did the wrong thing. No, the truth is that we, the sinners, because of what Jesus did, continue to have direct access to the throne of grace. So....

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 help and well-time help, coming just when we need it]. Hebrews 4:16 AMP

Question for today, how are you going with confessing your sins to God, and the accepting His forgiveness? It can be tricky as sometimes we want to hold on to the guilt and hide, rather than confessing and accepting His forgiveness and drawing nearer to the throne of grace. Let's make a decision today to believe that God is a God of love who offers us true, unbroken fellowship through Jesus.

Come close to God and He will come close to you. [Recognise that you are] sinners, get your soiled hands clean; [realise that you have been disloyal] wavering individuals with divided interests, and purify your hearts [of your spiritual adultery]. [As you draw near to God] be deeply penitent and grieve, even weep [over your disloyalty]. Let your laughter be turned to grief and your mirth to dejection and heartfelt shame [for your sins]. Humble yourselves [feeling very insignificant] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up and make your lives significant]. James 4:8-10 AMP

Of vital necessity

The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men to see if there were any who understood, dealt wisely, and sought after God, inquiring for and of Him and requiring Him [of vital necessity]. Psalm 14:2 AMP

As the days go by, I am learning more and more that it is with vital necessity that I require the Lord not only in the big scary times of life, but also in the smaller seemingly mundane moments of life too.  I am getting more and more of the revelation that God is interested and wants to be involved in every aspect of our lives. He wants to be involved in every thought we have, in every word we speak and in every action we take. And why wouldn't He? He gave us life.

Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath or spirit of life, and man became a living being.

Genesis 2:7 AMP

A life, that He wants us to share with Him. In truth, it is more than that, it is a life that He wants us to give back to Him. He wants us to surrender every single part of our lives - no matter how big or small, to Him. How difficult is this for us due to a number of things including pride and a desire to be in control (actually a lack of trust in God). This journey of surrender is made up of continual lessons of humility and grace.

The humble shall see it and be glad; you who seek God, inquiring and requiring Him [as your first need], let your hearts revive and live! Psalm 69:32 AMP

Question for today, what is it that you see as your first need today, your vital necessity? Is it your Creator or is it something or someone else? The Lord is looking and waiting for us to require Him and Him alone, in and for everything. Let's make a decision to seek Him, inquire for Him and require Him today.

Then you will call upon Me, and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear and heed you. Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and required Me [as a vital necessity] and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. 

Jeremiah 29:12-13 AMP

And in making that decision, I pray,

May He grant you out of the rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the [Holy] Spirit [Himself indwelling your innermost being and personality]. Ephesians 3:16 AMP

We have all received

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. John 1:16 AMP

It can be so easy in life to focus on what we haven't got. So today let's do a recap of what we have got, all because of Jesus Christ. Let's remind ourselves of what we have received through faith in Jesus, starting with the amazing opportunity to have reconciliation with our Heavenly Father.

For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, it is much more [certain], now that we are reconciled, that we shall be saved (daily delivered from sin's dominion) through His [resurrection] life. Not only so, but we also rejoice and exultingly glory in God [in His love and perfection] through our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom we have now received and enjoy [our] reconciliation. Romans 5:10-11 AMP

Reconciliation that, through the Holy Spirit gives us the privilege of fully living as children of God.

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For [the Spirit which] you have now received [is] not a spirit of slavery to put you once more in bondage to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption [the Spirit producing sonship] in [the bliss of] which we cry, Abba (Father)! Father!

The Spirit Himself [thus] testifies together with our own spirit, [assuring us] that we are children of God.

Romans 8:14-16 AMP

We have received the wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit, who continually guides us in God's truth and teaches us discernment.

For what person perceives (knows and understands) what passes through a man's thoughts except the man's own spirit within him? Just so no one discerns (comes to know and comprehend) the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have not received the spirit [that belongs to] the world, but the [Holy] spirit Who is from God, [given to us] that we might realize and comprehend and appreciate the gifts [of divine favour and blessing so freely and lavishly] bestowed on us by God. 1 Corinthians 2:11-12 AMP

As a child of God, filled with the Holy Spirit, we have received a purpose, a calling - to align with God's will for our lives, in the grace He has given us.

[There is] one body and one Spirit - just as there is also one hope [that belongs] to the calling you received - [There is] one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of [us] all, Who is above all [Sovereign over all], pervading all and [living] in [us] all.  Yet grace (God's unmerited favour) was given to each of us individually [not indiscriminately, but in different ways] in proportion to the measure of Christ's [rich and bounteous] gift. Ephesians 4:4-7 AMP

We have a responsibility to use the gifts and talents God has graced us with.

As each of you has received a gift (a particular spiritual talent, a gracious divine endowment), employ it for one another as [befits] good trustees of God's many-sided grace [faithful stewards of extreme diverse powers and gifts granted to Christians by unmerited favour]. 1 peter 4:10 AMP

Questions for today, as you read these scriptures, what is your response to all you have received through Jesus. What did the Holy Spirit say to you as you read these scriptures? If you haven't heard anything from Him, I encourage you to read them again, expecting to hear from Him.

Finally, a prayer and some encouragement from Simon Peter for us, those who have faith in Jesus Christ.

Simon Peter, a servant and apostle (special messenger) of Jesus Christ, to those who have received (obtained an equal privilege of) like precious faith with ourselves in and through the righteousness of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ:

May grace (God's favour) and peace (which is perfect well-being, all necessary good, all spiritual prosperity, and freedom from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts) be multiplied to you in [the full, personal, precise, and correct] knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue). 2 Peter 1:1-3 AMP

What strength have I left?

What strength have I left, that I should wait and hope? And what is ahead of me, that I should be patient?

Is my strength and endurance that of stones? Or is my flesh made of bronze?

Is it not that I have no help in myself, and that wisdom is quite driven from me?

Job 6:11-13 AMP

There are times when we have no strength, no patience, no wisdom and no idea what is going on. We throw our hands in the air in surrender - I give up. We acknowledge, yet again, that we can't work it out ourselves. We have no help in ourselves. The Message Bible puts it this way,

Where's the strength to keep my hopes up?

What future do I have to keep me going?

Do you think I have nerves of steel?

Do you think I'm made of iron?

Do you think I can pull myself up by my bootstraps?

Why, I don't even have any boots!

Job 6:11-13 The Message

The questions come thick and fast, What is going on here? How much more do we have to bear? When is enough enough?  Then enters self control - a fruit of the Spirit - and the questions stop. The focus shifts. The small still voice speaks. The scriptures come and ministry starts.

Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance.

And endurance (fortitude) develops maturity of character (approved faith andtried integrity). And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of]joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation.

Such hope never disappoints or deludes or shames us, for God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us.

While we were yet in weakness [powerless to help ourselves], at the fitting time Christ died for (in behalf of) the ungodly.

Romans 5:3-6 AMP

Let us exult and triumph in our troubles. That is such a big ask! My mouth can only manage a very weak, "thank you." And in all honesty isn't really a thank you for here and now, but rather it is a thank you in expectation for what God will do to bring us through and create something new within us. That confident hope, reserved for Jesus alone. We have to come to the point we can rest in the trial and know that God is at work within us. And actually let Him do the work.

Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience.

But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing.

James 1:3-4 AMP

Question for today, are you feeling like you have no strength, no patience and no wisdom for the trial and/or suffering you are currently facing? If yes, let's take on the challenge of exulting and triumphing in our troubles. Let's start by thanking God for what He is doing in us at this time.

Thank you God that you are at work in each of us during the times of trial. Thank you that you are continually perfecting us. Please forgive us for when we have held on to pride and self-righteousness and not given you room in our lives to do what you want to do. Please help us to be still and know that You are God, and to know and recognise your voice. Thank you for your perfect peace in our lives every hour of every day. In Jesus Name, Amen.

[We pray] that you may be invigorated and strengthened with all power according to the might of His glory, [to exercise] every kind of endurance and patience (perseverance and forbearance) with joy,

Giving thanks to the Father, Who has qualified and made us fit to share the portion which is the inheritance of the saints (God’s holy people) in the Light. Colossians 1:11-12 AMP

Mindfulness

What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of [earthborn] man that You care for him?

Psalm 8:4 AMP

It has been estimated that in 2013 there were 7.125 billion people on earth. The Bible tells us that God is mindful of man. He cares for us and that He will bless us. Each and every one of us who reverently and worshipfully fear the Lord.

The Lord has been mindful of us He will bless us: He will bless the house of Israel, He will bless the house of Aaron [the priesthood], He will bless those who reverently and worshipfully fear the lord, both small and great.  Psalm 115:12-13 AMP

We know that God is mindful of us. What then are we mindful of? 

Let's look at the Israelites in the desert. We read that they forgot about what God had done for them. They were mindful of their lack, rather than God's gifts of provision and freedom.

But they and our fathers acted presumptuously and stiffened their necks, and did not heed Your commandments. They refused to obey, nor were they mindful of Your wonders and miracles which You did among them; but they stiffened their necks and in their rebellion appointed a captain that they might return to their bondage [in Egypt]. But You are a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great steadfast love; and You did not forsake them.

Nehemiah 9:16-17 AMP

Despite their disobedience and lack of mindfulness regarding God, God did not forsake them. Just as despite our disobedience and lack of mindfulness of Him, He does not forsake us. He is always and forever mindful of His promises to us.

He is [earnestly] mindful of His covenant and forever it is imprinted on His heart, the word which He commanded and established to a thousand generations, the covenant which He made with Abraham, and His sworn promise to Issac, ....

For He [earnestly] remembered His holy word and promise to Abraham His servant. And He brought forth His people with joy, and His chosen ones with gladness and singing, And gave them the lands of the nations [of Canaan], and they reaped the fruits of those peoples' labour, that they might observe His statutes and keep His laws [hearing, receiving, loving and obeying them]. Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!)

Psalm 105:8-9, 42-45 AMP

Praise the Lord indeed. Let's be people who hear, receive, love and obey Him.

Questions for today, do you know and believe that God, the creator of the universe is mindful of you and cares for you? What or more importantly, Who, are you choosing to be mindful about today? Let's choose Jesus.

Everyone who believes (adheres to, trusts, and relies on the fact) that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah) is a born-again child of God; and everyone who loves the Father also loves the one born of Him (His offspring). 

By this we come to know (recognize and understand) that we love the children of God: when we love God and obey His commands (orders, charges) - [when we keep His ordinances and are mindful of His precepts and His teaching].

For the [true] love of God is this: that we do His commands [keep His ordinances and are mindful of His precepts and teaching]. And these orders of His are not irksome (burdensome, oppressive, or grievous). 

For whatever is born of God is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that conquerors the world, even our faith.
1 John 5:2-5 AMP

The path of life

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

Thank you for your path of life Jesus. Thank you that your path is always the best path. Thank you that your path brings life in abundance.

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 itoverflows). John 10:10 AMP

Thank you that You have walked the path ahead of us. You have left a track for us to follow.

My steps have held closely to Your paths [to the tracks of the One Who has gone on before]; my feet have not slipped. Psalm 17:5 AMP

Thank you that as we stay close to You, You continually teach us how to recognise You and Your path for us.

In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. Proverbs 3:6

Thank you for wisdom. Please give us courage to trust and believe even when we don't understand the 'why's' of the path.

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unfathomable (inscrutable, unsearchable) are His judgments (His decisions)! And how untraceable (mysterious, undiscoverable) are His ways (His methods, His paths)! Romans 11:33 AMP

Thank you for the strength to 'brace up and reinvigorate' when we are exhausted.

So then, brace up and reinvigorate and set right your slackened and weakened and drooping hands and strengthen your feeble and palsied and tottering knees, And cut through and make firm and plain and smooth, straight paths for your feet [yes, make them safe and upright and happy paths that go in the right direction], so that the lame and halting [limbs] may not be put out of joint, but rather may be cured. Hebrews 12:12-13 AMP

Thank you Jesus that you take our hand, help us to stay on the right way and that your light guides us.

Now you've got my feet on the life path,

all radiant from the shining of your face.

Ever since you took my hand,

I'm on the right way.

Psalm 16:11 The Message

Question for today, whose path are you on? Your own path, someone else's path, or God's path designed for you? If you are unsure why not take time now to ask God to show you His path of life for you.

Enlarging in a time of distress

Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness (uprightness, justice and right standing with You)! You have freed me when I was hemmed in and enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me and hear my prayer. Psalm 4:1 AMP

Answer me when I call. We know that God always answers us, sometimes it is not the answer we want, and sometimes the answer takes a long time to come. It can be very painful and distressing waiting for the answer. Keeping ourselves connected with God and His people, and praying for patience are key.

Guard and keep yourselves in the love of God; expect and patiently wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) - [which will bring you] unto life eternal. Jude 1:21 AMP

You have freed me when I was hemmed in. How do we get to that place of having freedom while being 'hemmed in'?  We are not talking about a physical freedom, but a freedom within to have peace, regardless of what your circumstance is. Maybe the question is not how, but who, Who gives us this inner peace, this freedom? Jesus.

Now while they were talking about this, Jesus Himself took His stand among them and said to them, Peace (freedom from all the distresses that are experienced as the result of sin) be to you! Luke 24:36 AMP

Enlarged me when I was in distress. When we are in distress there is often the temptation to want to run away, hide and hope it 'all' just goes away. But over the years, I have learnt and am still learning, that that is not God's way. In the times of distress He wants us to run to Him, not only so He can comfort us, but so He can enlarge us.  Enlarge our faith, enlarge our hope, enlarge our capacity to love and have compassion, enlarge our influence for Him. He enlarges us so we can stand, and can continue to stand.

For You, O Lord, are my Lamp; the Lord lightens my darkness. For by You I run through a troop; by my God I leap over a wall. As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried. He is a shield to all those who trust and take refuge in Him. 

For who is God but the Lord? And who is a Rock except our God? God is my strong Fortress; He guides the blameless in His way and sets him free. He makes my feet like the hinds' [firm and able]; He sets me secure and confident upon the heights.  He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. 

You have also given me the shield of Your salvation; and Your condescension and gentleness have made me great. You have enlarged my steps under me, so that my feet have not slipped.

2 Samuel 22:29-37 AMP

Always remembering it is not us that does the enlarging, but the Lord, always the glory is His.

However, let him who boasts and glories boast and glory in the Lord. 2 Corinthians 10:17 AMP

Question for today, are you waiting for an answer to prayer, feeling hemmed in or distressed? Why not take time now to ask God to help you live out of His freedom today, and to show you what He is wanting to enlarge in your life? 

But I will sing of Your mighty strength and power; yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy and loving-kindness in the morning; for You have been a defense (a fortress and a high tower) and a refuge in the day of my distress. Unto You, O my strength, I will sing praises; for God is my Defense, my Fortress, and High Tower, the God Who shows me mercy and steadfast love. Psalm 59:16-17 AMP

But this I recall

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 is Your stability and faithfulness. The Lord is my portion or share, says my living being (my inner self); therefore I will hope in Him and wait expectantly for Him.

Lamentations 3:21-24  AMP

This is a new day. A day full of new mercy, loving-kindness and compassion from our Lord, for us. This is a new day in which we have the choice to put our hope in Him, to wait expectantly for Him. The Message Bible puts it this way,

But there's one thing I remember,

and remembering, I keep a grip on hope:

God's loyal love couldn't have run out,

his merciful love couldn't have dried up.

They're created new every morning.

How great your faithfulness!

I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over).

He's all I've got left.

Lamentations 3:21-24 The Message

If today is shaping up to be a challenging day for you, why not take time right now to declare this scripture aloud. Remind yourself that God has already supplied all you need for today. His love and mercy is there in abundance for you, waiting for you to receive it. His all consuming love.

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. Romans 8:35-37 AMP

There is one who tries all he can to separate us from Christ's love - to get us to just give up and turn away from our Saviour. Maybe it is through suffering, affliction, tribulation, calamity, or as is happening in some parts of our world, through persecution, peril or sword. And that, I believe, is why it is so important to have God's word in your heart and at the forefront of your mind - say it over and over. Along with spending time in God's presence, to know His heart and love for you, so you can honestly say,

What then shall we say to [all] this? If God is for us, who [can be] against us? [Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?] He who did not withhold or spare [even] His own Son but gave Him up for us all, will He not also with Him freely and graciously give us all [other] things?

Romans 8:31-32 AMP

Question for today, what is it that you recall in times of trial and desperation? Today let's make a choice to recall that the Lord's love and mercy for us is new every morning. Let's recall that we are more than conquerors who gain a surpassing victory through Jesus Christ. Let's do more than recall, let's shout it out, both with voice and the choices we make today.

Surely or only goodness, mercy and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place. Psalm 23:6 AMP

Belonging and living

Little children, you are of God [you belong to Him] and have [already] defeated and overcome them [the agents of the antichrist], because He Who lives in you is greater (mightier) than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 AMP

We belong to God. We have the victory because He Who lives in us is greater than he who is in the world. The Message bible puts it this way.

My dear children, you come from God and belong to God. You have already won a big victory over those false teachers, for the Spirit in you is far stronger than anything in the world. 1 John 4:4 The Message

Can you build a picture of that in your mind? A picture of God's Spirit living in you, loving you, guiding you, giving you life every day. What a beautiful picture. A picture of perfect love. But is it not just a picture, it is the truth. Even though we can't see God, because of Jesus sacrifice for us, His Spirit is able to live in us.

Again, this is God's command: to believe in his personally named Son, Jesus Christ. He told us to love each other, in line with the original command. As we keep his commands, we live deeply and surely in him, and he lives in us. And this is how we experience his deep abiding presence in us: by the Spirit he gave us. 1 John 3:23-24 The Message

How blessed are we? Despite every thing going on around us, we have the assurance that we can experience God's 'deep abiding presence' by His Spirit in us.  And with His presence comes love, joy, peace and so much more.

But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge]. Galatians 5:22-23 AMP

Again, how blessed are we? No amount of money or material wealth could ever buy us such 'fruit'. This fruit is freely available to those who belong to Christ Jesus. 

[The Gospel] regarding His Son, Who as to the flesh (His human nature) was descended from David, and [as to His divine nature] according to the Spirit of holiness was opening designated the Son of God in power [in a striking, triumphant and miraculous manner] by His resurrection from the dead, even Jesus Christ our Lord (the Messiah, the Anointed One). It is through Him that we have received grace (God's unmerited favour) and [our] apostleship to promote obedience to the faith and make disciples for His name's sake among all the nations, And this includes you, called of Jesus Christ and invited [as you are] to belong to Him. Romans 1:3-6 AMP

Questions for today, do you know who you belong to? Do you know what is available to you because you belong to Jesus? Do you experience God's deep and abiding presence every day? If not, take time today to 'be still' and listen. Listen for the promptings of His Spirit. Picture His love and peace within you, waiting for you to acknowledge them and let them pervade your life.

This how we know we're living steadily and deeply in him and he in us: He's given us life from his life, from his very own Spirit. I John 4:13 The Message

Praise the LORD!

Praise the LORD!
Praise the LORD from the heavens!
Praise him from the skies!
Praise him, all his angels!
Praise him, all the armies of heaven!
Praise him, sun and moon
Praise him, all you twinkling stars!
Praise him, skies above!
Praise him, vapors high above the clouds!
Let every created thing give praise to the LORD,
for he issued his command, and they came into being.
He set them in place forever and ever.
His decree will never be revoked.

Praise the LORD from the earth,
you creatures of the oceans depths,
fire and hail, snow and clouds,
wind and weather that obey him,
mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars,
wild animals and all livestock,
small scurrying animals and birds,
kings of the earth and all people,
rulers and judges of the earth,
young men and young women,
old men and children.

Let them all praise the name of the LORD.
For his name is very great;
his glory towers over the earth and heaven!
He has made his people strong,
honouring his faithful ones -
the people of Israel who are close to him.

Praise the LORD!
Psalm 148 NLT

This morning as I sat down to spend some time with God, I didn't feel like praising Him. My thoughts were something like, 'here we are again, waiting, waiting, waiting. This is so exhausting. We want to get on with our lives and move past this.'

As I start to read the Psalms, one verse stood out to me,

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds [curing their pains and their sorrows].
Psalm 147:3 AMP

Okay, yes I know He heals the brokenhearted, but it seems to me that often that healing, the curing of our sorrows, is a long term 'project'.  And we need to patient with God and patient with ourselves, allowing ourselves the time we need to process well. 

In my experience, coming to a place where we can praise God in the processing time can be challenge, but essential. Praising God helps to give us perspective, His perspective.

O Come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker [in reverent praise and supplication]. For He is our God and we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand. Psalm 95:6-7a AMP

God took me to that place this morning as I read Psalm 148, reminding me that everything He created is called to praise Him. He bought to mind a worship song from Vineyard Music UK - The Lord is Gracious and Compassionate (1998). As I played that song and made a decision to sing the words, my thoughts moved from our circumstances to God and His never failing love and grace for us. Praise the Lord.

Question for today, are you finding it difficult to praise the Lord today? If yes, why not try meditating on Psalm 148, asking God to bring you to a place where you can open-heartedly praise Him and let Him minister to you, giving you more of His perspective. 

Blessed (affectionately and gratefully praised) be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting! And let all the people say, Amen! Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!)

Psalm 104:48 AMP