They went to Phrygia, and then on through the region of Galatia. Their plan was to turn west into Asia province, but the Holy Spirit blocked that route. So they went to Mysia and tried to go north to Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus wouldn't let them go their either. Acts 16:6-7 The Message
We all have plans. Sometimes our plans aren't the same as God's plan for our lives. Today I have a simple example of a plan I had that wasn't God's plan. And when I say simple, it is very simple, not a life changing event in itself - other than what God taught me from the outcome.
Over the past couple of days I have been working with my parents to complete a 500 piece jigsaw puzzle (as I said, not a life changing event in itself). We had found all the edge pieces and put them in place. I had separated out all the pieces for the rafters at the top of the puzzle and the floor tiles at the bottom of the puzzle. My plan was that we would do those sections first, and then complete the middle section.
However, as we resumed our puzzle work the next day, we didn't use any of those pieces, rather I worked on the left hand side of the puzzle and my parents on the middle section. There was no discussion about this new plan, it just happened and flowed that way. Thankfully I wasn't stubbornly attached to my plan which could have made the whole experience a little stressful and controlling for my mum and dad! And in fact the rafters and floor tiles ended up being the last part of the puzzle to be completed.
God had reminded me that His plans are so often different to our plans, and they are always best.
Following on in Paul's story above ...
That night Paul had a dream: A Macedonian stood on the far shore and called across the sea, "Come over to Macedonia and help us!" The dream gave Paul his map. We went to work at once getting things ready to cross over to Macedonia. All the pieces had come together. We knew now for sure that God had called us to preach the good news to the Europeans. Acts 16:9-10 The Message
All the pieces had come together - only God knows the big picture. He knows how it all fits together. Sometimes we don't even know what piece we are to connect to on the right, left, top or bottom - but He knows. All we have to do is listen and obey. Although that is easier said than done, because it involves us relinquishing control and trusting God.
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Proverbs 3:5-6 The Message
Questions for today, is there something in your life that you have made a plan for? Have you surrendered that plan to God, allowing Him to have His way? Are you prepared to accept His changes to your plan, in a submissive and trusting way? If this is a struggle for you, as it is for most of us human beings with our own free will, let's repent and ask God right now to help us to submit to Him in all we do.
My soul, wait only upon God and silently submit to Him; for my hope and expectation are from Him. Psalm 62:5 AMP
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Saturday, May 28, 2016
Challenge to let God change us
Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]. Romans 12:2 AMP
Sometimes we are conforming to this world and we don't even know it. The influences of our culture are so subtle that we just take them as 'this is how we do life' without questioning as to whether that is God's way to do life. We see wants as needs. We accept certain behaviours because seemingly 'everyone is doing it.'
It is a challenge to step back and question what we are thinking, saying and doing. Asking the question, how does this align with God's plan and purpose for our lives? How does this align with God's truth?
But it is a challenge God wants us to take on and embrace.
Don't copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 NLT
And I believe it starts by seeking God, humbling ourselves and asking Him to change us .... but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think ....
Yesterday a friend shared this prayer with me. It seems to me like a great prayer to do exactly that - humble ourselves before God and ask Him to help us break-free and re-align with Him and His plan, when our thinking has gone skew-whiff, we have become complacent, proud, and comfortable with the status quo.
Disturb us, Lord when
We are too well pleased with ourselves,
When our dreams have come true
Because we have dreamed too little,
When we arrived safely
Because we sailed too close to the shore.
Disturb us, Lord, when
with abundance of things we possess
We have lost our thirst
For the waters of life;
Having fallen in love with life,
We have ceased to dream of eternity
And in our efforts to build a new earth,
We have allowed our vision
of the new Heaven to dim.
Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldy,
To venture on wider seas
Where storms will show your mastery;
Where losing sign of land,
We shall find the stars.
We ask You to push back
The horizons of our hopes;
And to push into the future
In strength, courage, hope, and love.
Attributed - Sir Frances Drake - 1577
And yes, some of the lines in that prayer seem a little scary, particularly the 'where storms will show your mastery', but as I have learnt, God's mastery is always more wonderful than we can imagine.
Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes or dreams] - to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it). Ephesians 3:20 AMP
So let's take up the challenge today, and pray that prayer wholeheartedly, with courage and expectancy for what God will do and the good He will bring in and through us.
Sometimes we are conforming to this world and we don't even know it. The influences of our culture are so subtle that we just take them as 'this is how we do life' without questioning as to whether that is God's way to do life. We see wants as needs. We accept certain behaviours because seemingly 'everyone is doing it.'
It is a challenge to step back and question what we are thinking, saying and doing. Asking the question, how does this align with God's plan and purpose for our lives? How does this align with God's truth?
But it is a challenge God wants us to take on and embrace.
Don't copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 NLT
And I believe it starts by seeking God, humbling ourselves and asking Him to change us .... but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think ....
Yesterday a friend shared this prayer with me. It seems to me like a great prayer to do exactly that - humble ourselves before God and ask Him to help us break-free and re-align with Him and His plan, when our thinking has gone skew-whiff, we have become complacent, proud, and comfortable with the status quo.
Disturb us, Lord when
We are too well pleased with ourselves,
When our dreams have come true
Because we have dreamed too little,
When we arrived safely
Because we sailed too close to the shore.
Disturb us, Lord, when
with abundance of things we possess
We have lost our thirst
For the waters of life;
Having fallen in love with life,
We have ceased to dream of eternity
And in our efforts to build a new earth,
We have allowed our vision
of the new Heaven to dim.
Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldy,
To venture on wider seas
Where storms will show your mastery;
Where losing sign of land,
We shall find the stars.
We ask You to push back
The horizons of our hopes;
And to push into the future
In strength, courage, hope, and love.
Attributed - Sir Frances Drake - 1577
And yes, some of the lines in that prayer seem a little scary, particularly the 'where storms will show your mastery', but as I have learnt, God's mastery is always more wonderful than we can imagine.
Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes or dreams] - to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it). Ephesians 3:20 AMP
So let's take up the challenge today, and pray that prayer wholeheartedly, with courage and expectancy for what God will do and the good He will bring in and through us.
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Being vulnerable with God's truth
Today, a couple of scriptures that I am sure you have read many times before. Scriptures that encourage us to:
1. Know that when we are weak, that is the perfect place to be, because we then lean further on Jesus, and find that In Him we can be strong.
2. Remember we have the Holy Spirit who helps us and intercedes for us.
3. Know that God always has a plan, and He works all things together for good.
As you read these scriptures, try not to say to yourself, 'Oh yes, I know these scriptures', but rather ask the God to reveal something new to you as you read them, and be expectant. For me, I have read them and clung onto them many times, but as I read them this morning I found myself in tears. So let's get vulnerable with our loving Heavenly Father .....
But He said to me, My grace (My favour 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) and show 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, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak [in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful in divine strength]. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 AMP
And then he told me, My grace is enough; it's all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness.
Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focussing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ's strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size - abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 The Message
So too the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance. And He Who searches the hearts of men knows what is in the mind of the [Holy] Spirit [what His intent is], because the Spirit intercedes and pleads [before God] in behalf of the saints according to and in harmony with God’s will. We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labour] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. Romans 8:26-28 AMP
Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit in right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail of our lives of love for God is worked into something good. Romans 8:26-28 The Message
And a beautiful worship song to finish - The Wondrous Cross by Chrisy Nockels.
1. Know that when we are weak, that is the perfect place to be, because we then lean further on Jesus, and find that In Him we can be strong.
2. Remember we have the Holy Spirit who helps us and intercedes for us.
3. Know that God always has a plan, and He works all things together for good.
As you read these scriptures, try not to say to yourself, 'Oh yes, I know these scriptures', but rather ask the God to reveal something new to you as you read them, and be expectant. For me, I have read them and clung onto them many times, but as I read them this morning I found myself in tears. So let's get vulnerable with our loving Heavenly Father .....
But He said to me, My grace (My favour 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) and show 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, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak [in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful in divine strength]. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 AMP
And then he told me, My grace is enough; it's all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness.
Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focussing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ's strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size - abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 The Message
So too the [Holy] Spirit comes to our aid and bears up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance. And He Who searches the hearts of men knows what is in the mind of the [Holy] Spirit [what His intent is], because the Spirit intercedes and pleads [before God] in behalf of the saints according to and in harmony with God’s will. We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labour] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. Romans 8:26-28 AMP
Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit in right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail of our lives of love for God is worked into something good. Romans 8:26-28 The Message
And a beautiful worship song to finish - The Wondrous Cross by Chrisy Nockels.
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Companionship
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
This week I shared this verse with a friend who is facing a difficult circumstance, praying that her companionship with Jesus would help to bring peace and hope. Since then I have been reflecting on my own companionship journey with Jesus.
God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Master Jesus. He will never give up on you. Never forget that. 1 Corinthians 1:9 The Message
From that moment I yielded, asking Jesus Christ to be Lord of my life - almost 20 years ago, I have felt that Jesus was my friend, the one confidante that would always be with me.
The One I could always seek wisdom from, whatever the question or issue. Three months after becoming a Christian, the question I needed an answer on was, should I say yes to Ken's marriage proposal? I waited six months for His answer on that question - a resounding yes (much to Ken's relief).
If you will turn (repent) and give heed to my reproof, behold, I [Wisdom] will pour out my spirit upon you, I will make my words known to you. Proverbs 1:22
The One I could always ask for help and know that help would be provided, when I couldn't see a way. Soon after we were married, I remember walking past our apartment, looking at the windows, saying, "God those curtains are so embarrassing, it would be great to have some wooden blinds." A couple of days later someone knocked on our door asking to use our apartment for a dog food TV commercial because we had a certain type window. And they wanted to put wooden blinds in all the windows. What's more, they were going to leave the wooden blinds in the window.
I will lift up my eyes to the hills [around Jerusalem, to sacred Mount Zion and Mount Moriah] - from whence shall my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2 AMP
The One who always provides comfort and hope in the times of disappointment. After Marshall was born I had two miscarriages. I started to think we wouldn't have any more children. It was a time of many early morning walks along the beach, talking to God, crying out God, seeking His love and reassurance, asking Him to restore hope.
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 and tried integrity). And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of] joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation. Such hope never disappoints or deludes of shames us, for God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5 AMP
The One who is always listening, never too busy (unlike me, the mum). The One who provides protection in so many different ways. The One who is the source of all we need. The One who is the perfect companion, always, no matter what is going on.
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
Dear Jesus, thank you that you are the perfect companion for each of us. Thank you that you know how we will respond to things in our lives, and thank you that You always have the perfect response to us - Your love and grace. Please help us to be vessels of Your love and grace today. Amen.
This week I shared this verse with a friend who is facing a difficult circumstance, praying that her companionship with Jesus would help to bring peace and hope. Since then I have been reflecting on my own companionship journey with Jesus.
God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Master Jesus. He will never give up on you. Never forget that. 1 Corinthians 1:9 The Message
From that moment I yielded, asking Jesus Christ to be Lord of my life - almost 20 years ago, I have felt that Jesus was my friend, the one confidante that would always be with me.
The One I could always seek wisdom from, whatever the question or issue. Three months after becoming a Christian, the question I needed an answer on was, should I say yes to Ken's marriage proposal? I waited six months for His answer on that question - a resounding yes (much to Ken's relief).
If you will turn (repent) and give heed to my reproof, behold, I [Wisdom] will pour out my spirit upon you, I will make my words known to you. Proverbs 1:22
The One I could always ask for help and know that help would be provided, when I couldn't see a way. Soon after we were married, I remember walking past our apartment, looking at the windows, saying, "God those curtains are so embarrassing, it would be great to have some wooden blinds." A couple of days later someone knocked on our door asking to use our apartment for a dog food TV commercial because we had a certain type window. And they wanted to put wooden blinds in all the windows. What's more, they were going to leave the wooden blinds in the window.
I will lift up my eyes to the hills [around Jerusalem, to sacred Mount Zion and Mount Moriah] - from whence shall my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2 AMP
The One who always provides comfort and hope in the times of disappointment. After Marshall was born I had two miscarriages. I started to think we wouldn't have any more children. It was a time of many early morning walks along the beach, talking to God, crying out God, seeking His love and reassurance, asking Him to restore hope.
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 and tried integrity). And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of] joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation. Such hope never disappoints or deludes of shames us, for God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5 AMP
The One who is always listening, never too busy (unlike me, the mum). The One who provides protection in so many different ways. The One who is the source of all we need. The One who is the perfect companion, always, no matter what is going on.
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
Dear Jesus, thank you that you are the perfect companion for each of us. Thank you that you know how we will respond to things in our lives, and thank you that You always have the perfect response to us - Your love and grace. Please help us to be vessels of Your love and grace today. Amen.
Saturday, May 21, 2016
More than conquerors
I lift up my eyes to the mountains - where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip - he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD watches over you - the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
The LORD will keep you from all harm - he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Psalm 121 AMP
This week we, as a family, have been reminded of so many things, including
When in our world there seems to be no other options, He always has options. We are so grateful to have received His mercy and grace this week. There is one song that I have been playing over and over - Amazing Grace.
I pray that what God has done for Victoria this week brings encouragement and hope into your life, and a knowing that He makes a way, always.
No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there there to help you through it. 1 Corinthians 10:31 The Message
This is true. He doesn't let us down - He just does things differently to what we expect. He doesn't let us be pushed past our limit - He knows our weaknesses, and wants to fill us with His strength. He's always there to help us through it - He doesn't walk away and leave us to go through it alone, He is beside us, and often carrying us.
Question for today, what are you looking to the LORD to do? We are still looking to the LORD to bring complete healing for Victoria. We are thanking Him every day for what He has done and what He will do.
So today, let's give thanks for what God has done, and more importantly for Who He is.
Jesus said to him, I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me. John 14:6 AMP
And in Him, who are we? We are more than conquerors...
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 nor 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 8:37-39 AMP
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip - he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD watches over you - the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
The LORD will keep you from all harm - he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Psalm 121 AMP
This week we, as a family, have been reminded of so many things, including
- to keep lifting our eyes up - to Him
- to always look to the LORD for help
- that He watches over us
When in our world there seems to be no other options, He always has options. We are so grateful to have received His mercy and grace this week. There is one song that I have been playing over and over - Amazing Grace.
I pray that what God has done for Victoria this week brings encouragement and hope into your life, and a knowing that He makes a way, always.
No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there there to help you through it. 1 Corinthians 10:31 The Message
This is true. He doesn't let us down - He just does things differently to what we expect. He doesn't let us be pushed past our limit - He knows our weaknesses, and wants to fill us with His strength. He's always there to help us through it - He doesn't walk away and leave us to go through it alone, He is beside us, and often carrying us.
Question for today, what are you looking to the LORD to do? We are still looking to the LORD to bring complete healing for Victoria. We are thanking Him every day for what He has done and what He will do.
So today, let's give thanks for what God has done, and more importantly for Who He is.
Jesus said to him, I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me. John 14:6 AMP
And in Him, who are we? We are more than conquerors...
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 nor 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 8:37-39 AMP
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Faith in God's Word
Surely or only goodness, 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
Here is one of God's promises about our future. A promise about what we will experience all the days of our lives - goodness, mercy and unfailing love. It is so easy to have faith in this promise when we see goodness, mercy and unfailing love in and around us.
But what about on the days when it isn't so easy to see His goodness, mercy and unfailing love? What about those days when it takes every ounce of self-control to take thoughts captive and not indulge in self-pity, but rather turn our mind to God's promises and choose to believe them?
God's promises don't change.
Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven [stands firm as the heavens]. Psalm 119:89 AMP
No, His promises do not change. It is our response to them that changes, and what a lot of emotional energy we can waste in that process. How exhausting it can be! So why do we do it? Why do we oscillate between believing and questioning?
I think it is because we don't really know and understand God. We don't really know who He is and how much He loves us. We don't really understand how He works, His plan to work all things together for good. We get glimpses, but not the big big picture. And a lack of knowledge and understanding makes it difficult for us to simply trust Him.
Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. Proverbs 3:5 AMP
Because trusting Him completely means we have to 'let go' of all our ideas and understanding and trust that He knows and He has it all under control. And trusting is hard, because for so many of us, we have trusted in the past, and seemingly been disappointed. And we have to pick up and acknowledge wholeheartedly .....
For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9 AMP
Question for today, is there a promise from God that you some times struggle to believe is going to come to pass? Today, let's ask God to show us what is holding us back from continually trusting in Him? And show us what we need to do to change. He loves us and wants the best for us.
We love Him, because He first loved us.
1 John 4:19 AMP
Here is one of God's promises about our future. A promise about what we will experience all the days of our lives - goodness, mercy and unfailing love. It is so easy to have faith in this promise when we see goodness, mercy and unfailing love in and around us.
But what about on the days when it isn't so easy to see His goodness, mercy and unfailing love? What about those days when it takes every ounce of self-control to take thoughts captive and not indulge in self-pity, but rather turn our mind to God's promises and choose to believe them?
God's promises don't change.
Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven [stands firm as the heavens]. Psalm 119:89 AMP
No, His promises do not change. It is our response to them that changes, and what a lot of emotional energy we can waste in that process. How exhausting it can be! So why do we do it? Why do we oscillate between believing and questioning?
I think it is because we don't really know and understand God. We don't really know who He is and how much He loves us. We don't really understand how He works, His plan to work all things together for good. We get glimpses, but not the big big picture. And a lack of knowledge and understanding makes it difficult for us to simply trust Him.
Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. Proverbs 3:5 AMP
Because trusting Him completely means we have to 'let go' of all our ideas and understanding and trust that He knows and He has it all under control. And trusting is hard, because for so many of us, we have trusted in the past, and seemingly been disappointed. And we have to pick up and acknowledge wholeheartedly .....
For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9 AMP
Question for today, is there a promise from God that you some times struggle to believe is going to come to pass? Today, let's ask God to show us what is holding us back from continually trusting in Him? And show us what we need to do to change. He loves us and wants the best for us.
We love Him, because He first loved us.
1 John 4:19 AMP
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
He is able
Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams] - to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it). Ephesians 3:20-21 AMP
He is able.
God can do anything, you know - far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. Ephesians 3:20 The Message
God can do anything.
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20 NLT
We all have things in our lives that we think are impossible to change. And yes, they are impossible for us to change. But they are not impossible for our God to change. He is able. God can do anything.
For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment. Luke 1:37 AMP
Question for today, when you read these scriptures, what happens in your mind and heart? Are you saying, 'Yes, Yes and Amen', or is your response, 'Well maybe, but not so sure He will do it for me' ? I have both responses depending on the day. The 'maybe' days are the ones I have to press further into God and ask Him to help me to believe that indeed He is able, He can do anything and nothing is impossible for Him.
If you are having a 'maybe' day today, why not ask God now to help you move from unbelief to full faith.
Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." Immediately the father of the child cried out and with tears, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!" Mark 9:23-14 NKJV
Glory to God!
Glory to God in the church!
Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus!
Glory down all the generations!
Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes!
Ephesians 3:21 The Message
He is able.
God can do anything, you know - far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. Ephesians 3:20 The Message
God can do anything.
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20 NLT
We all have things in our lives that we think are impossible to change. And yes, they are impossible for us to change. But they are not impossible for our God to change. He is able. God can do anything.
For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment. Luke 1:37 AMP
Question for today, when you read these scriptures, what happens in your mind and heart? Are you saying, 'Yes, Yes and Amen', or is your response, 'Well maybe, but not so sure He will do it for me' ? I have both responses depending on the day. The 'maybe' days are the ones I have to press further into God and ask Him to help me to believe that indeed He is able, He can do anything and nothing is impossible for Him.
If you are having a 'maybe' day today, why not ask God now to help you move from unbelief to full faith.
Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." Immediately the father of the child cried out and with tears, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!" Mark 9:23-14 NKJV
Glory to God!
Glory to God in the church!
Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus!
Glory down all the generations!
Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes!
Ephesians 3:21 The Message
Saturday, May 14, 2016
Thanksgiving
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all you lands!
Serve the Lord with gladness! Come before His presence with singing!
Know (perceive, recognise, and understand with approval) that the Lord is God!
It is He Who has made us, not we ourselves [and we are His]! We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and a thank offering and into His courts with praise! Be thankful and say so to Him, bless and affectionately praise His name!
For the Lord is good; His mercy and loving-kindness are everlasting, His faithfulness and truth endure to all generations. Psalm 100 AMP
Today, let's give thanks. Today, let's make the majority of the words that come out of our mouths be words of thanks. Not words of complaint and request, but words of gratitude, thankfulness and contentedness. The Message Bible puts it this way,
On your feet now - applaud GOD!
Bring a gift of laughter,
sing yourselves into his presence.
Know this: GOD is God, and God, GOD.
He made us; we didn't make him.
We're his people, his well-tended sheep.
Enter with the password: "Thank you!"
Make yourselves at home, talking praise.
Thank him. Worship him.
For GOD is sheer beauty,
all-generous in love,
loyal always and ever.
Psalm 100 The Message
I know it can be challenging to give thanks when circumstances don't lend themselves to being thankful. It definitely is a choice to lift up eyes and heart and look to God, rather than look around at your 'everyday'. But that is what God calls us to do.
Be earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer [life], being [both] alert and intent in [your praying] with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2 AMP
God is our only real hope. He is the One who can bring real change in hearts and minds. So how vital is it that we stick with Him, always giving thanks.
Have the roots [of your being] firmly and deeply planted [in Him, fixed and founded in Him], being continually built up in Him, becoming increasingly more confirmed and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and abounding and overflowing in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 2:7 AMP
Thank you Jesus that you came and defeated the enemy.
[God] disarmed the principalities and powers that were 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
Thank you Jesus that you are the Way, the Truth and the Life and that you provided a way for us to come back into relationship with our Heavenly Father. We no longer have to be isolated, striving to do life on our own.
Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me. John 14:6 AMP
Thank you for the Holy Spirit that remains with us forever.
And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener and Standby), that He may remain with you forever - The Spirit of Truth, Whom the world cannot receive (welcome, take to its heart), because it does not see Him or know and recognize Him. But you know and recognise Him, for He lives with you [constantly] and will be in you. John 14:16-17 AMP
One last word on thankfulness, actually it is a picture ....
And whenever the living creatures offer glory and honour and thanksgiving to Him Who sits on the throne, Who lives forever and ever (through the eternities of the eternities), the twenty-four elders (the members of the heavenly Sanhedrin) fall prostrate before Him Who is sitting on the throne, and they worship Him Who lives forever and ever; and they throw down their crowns before the throne, crying out,
Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive the glory and the honour and dominion, for You created all things; by Your will they were [brought into being and were created.
Revelation 4:9-11 AMP
Serve the Lord with gladness! Come before His presence with singing!
Know (perceive, recognise, and understand with approval) that the Lord is God!
It is He Who has made us, not we ourselves [and we are His]! We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and a thank offering and into His courts with praise! Be thankful and say so to Him, bless and affectionately praise His name!
For the Lord is good; His mercy and loving-kindness are everlasting, His faithfulness and truth endure to all generations. Psalm 100 AMP
Today, let's give thanks. Today, let's make the majority of the words that come out of our mouths be words of thanks. Not words of complaint and request, but words of gratitude, thankfulness and contentedness. The Message Bible puts it this way,
On your feet now - applaud GOD!
Bring a gift of laughter,
sing yourselves into his presence.
Know this: GOD is God, and God, GOD.
He made us; we didn't make him.
We're his people, his well-tended sheep.
Enter with the password: "Thank you!"
Make yourselves at home, talking praise.
Thank him. Worship him.
For GOD is sheer beauty,
all-generous in love,
loyal always and ever.
Psalm 100 The Message
I know it can be challenging to give thanks when circumstances don't lend themselves to being thankful. It definitely is a choice to lift up eyes and heart and look to God, rather than look around at your 'everyday'. But that is what God calls us to do.
Be earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer [life], being [both] alert and intent in [your praying] with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2 AMP
God is our only real hope. He is the One who can bring real change in hearts and minds. So how vital is it that we stick with Him, always giving thanks.
Have the roots [of your being] firmly and deeply planted [in Him, fixed and founded in Him], being continually built up in Him, becoming increasingly more confirmed and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and abounding and overflowing in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 2:7 AMP
Thank you Jesus that you came and defeated the enemy.
[God] disarmed the principalities and powers that were 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
Thank you Jesus that you are the Way, the Truth and the Life and that you provided a way for us to come back into relationship with our Heavenly Father. We no longer have to be isolated, striving to do life on our own.
Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me. John 14:6 AMP
Thank you for the Holy Spirit that remains with us forever.
And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener and Standby), that He may remain with you forever - The Spirit of Truth, Whom the world cannot receive (welcome, take to its heart), because it does not see Him or know and recognize Him. But you know and recognise Him, for He lives with you [constantly] and will be in you. John 14:16-17 AMP
One last word on thankfulness, actually it is a picture ....
And whenever the living creatures offer glory and honour and thanksgiving to Him Who sits on the throne, Who lives forever and ever (through the eternities of the eternities), the twenty-four elders (the members of the heavenly Sanhedrin) fall prostrate before Him Who is sitting on the throne, and they worship Him Who lives forever and ever; and they throw down their crowns before the throne, crying out,
Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive the glory and the honour and dominion, for You created all things; by Your will they were [brought into being and were created.
Revelation 4:9-11 AMP
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Stay with God!
[What, what would have become of me] had I not believed that I would see the Lord's goodness in the land of the living! Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord. Psalm 27:13-14 AMP
What would have become of me? What if I had? What if I hadn't? I know people often say it is not good to look back and say, 'What if?'
As I progress with writing the story of our journey with Victoria I am doing a lot of looking back and reflecting on what happened, how we coped or didn't cope at critical times. And I do ask that question, what would have become of me, if I hadn't believed that we would see the Lord's goodness in the land of the living? And not only me, but what would have become of our marriage, our children's well being, our business, had we not cried out to God, in unity?
I'm sure now I'll see God's goodness in the exuberant earth. Stay with God!
Take heart. Don't quit.
I'll say it again;
Stay with God.
Psalm 27:13-14
There are so many things in our lives that seem absolutely crazy, but we are choosing to stay with God. We have seen what He has done and are believing we will see more of His goodness in the land of the living!
However, while we give thanks and petition Him, the words of a song challenged me yesterday .... If you never, by Christy Nockels
Just when my world caved to nothing
You came on the horizon
Shining with Your love so bright
You came in all of Your glory
You're re-writing the story now
I was dead, but now I'm alive
If You never did another thing for me
It will always be enough that You set me free
Always be enough that You gave Your life
Jesus, You are mine
You give Your peace like a river
When I'm bound, You deliver me
From Your presence where could I go
You never sleep, never slumber
You're so faithful to cover me
But Jesus,
I just want You to know
I know You are mine
All day You are mine
I know You are mine
All I'll ever need
All I'll ever need
In a world so unstable
You keep setting a table here
Inviting me to rest in Your grace
To drink of all Your goodness
'til I'm more like You, Jesus
You'll never hear the end of my praise ...
Particularly the words, If You never did another thing for me, it will always be enough that You set me free.
Question for today, are you choosing to stay whole-heartedly with God, no matter what happens or doesn't happen? It is easy to answer yes when all is going well, so let's pray for bravery and courage to keep saying yes to God when the tough times come.
"Give you entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard times come up when the time comes. Matthew 6:34 The Message
What would have become of me? What if I had? What if I hadn't? I know people often say it is not good to look back and say, 'What if?'
As I progress with writing the story of our journey with Victoria I am doing a lot of looking back and reflecting on what happened, how we coped or didn't cope at critical times. And I do ask that question, what would have become of me, if I hadn't believed that we would see the Lord's goodness in the land of the living? And not only me, but what would have become of our marriage, our children's well being, our business, had we not cried out to God, in unity?
I'm sure now I'll see God's goodness in the exuberant earth. Stay with God!
Take heart. Don't quit.
I'll say it again;
Stay with God.
Psalm 27:13-14
There are so many things in our lives that seem absolutely crazy, but we are choosing to stay with God. We have seen what He has done and are believing we will see more of His goodness in the land of the living!
However, while we give thanks and petition Him, the words of a song challenged me yesterday .... If you never, by Christy Nockels
Just when my world caved to nothing
You came on the horizon
Shining with Your love so bright
You came in all of Your glory
You're re-writing the story now
I was dead, but now I'm alive
If You never did another thing for me
It will always be enough that You set me free
Always be enough that You gave Your life
Jesus, You are mine
You give Your peace like a river
When I'm bound, You deliver me
From Your presence where could I go
You never sleep, never slumber
You're so faithful to cover me
But Jesus,
I just want You to know
I know You are mine
All day You are mine
I know You are mine
All I'll ever need
All I'll ever need
In a world so unstable
You keep setting a table here
Inviting me to rest in Your grace
To drink of all Your goodness
'til I'm more like You, Jesus
You'll never hear the end of my praise ...
Particularly the words, If You never did another thing for me, it will always be enough that You set me free.
Question for today, are you choosing to stay whole-heartedly with God, no matter what happens or doesn't happen? It is easy to answer yes when all is going well, so let's pray for bravery and courage to keep saying yes to God when the tough times come.
"Give you entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard times come up when the time comes. Matthew 6:34 The Message
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
Are you shrinking back?
But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved. Hebrews 10:39 NIV
Starting with a question today - what is it in your life that you 'shrink back' from? There might be more than one thing.
Over the past few days God has bought to my attention some things that I have been 'shrinking back' from. Things I have been avoiding, due to fear. And what is happening as a result of me 'shrinking back' - a part of my life is being 'destroyed' because I am too fearful of stepping out. When thoughts of those parts of my life come, I feel defeated and a failure. And then God reminds me of this scripture in Hebrews that a friend sent to me a while back ...
But our way is not that of those who draw back to eternal misery (perdition) and are utterly destroyed, but we are those who believe[who cleave to and trust in and rely on God through Jesus Christ, the Messiah] and by faith preserve the soul. Hebrews 10:39 AMP
Another version says,
But we're not quitters who lose out. Oh, no! We'll stay with it and survive, trusting all the way.
Hebrews 10:39 The Message
Amen! We're not quitters. We will not shrink back. We will not be destroyed. We have faith. We are saved. And what's more ...
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
Another versions says,
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
There really isn't any more to say, other than Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! And believe it and receive it.
Starting with a question today - what is it in your life that you 'shrink back' from? There might be more than one thing.
Over the past few days God has bought to my attention some things that I have been 'shrinking back' from. Things I have been avoiding, due to fear. And what is happening as a result of me 'shrinking back' - a part of my life is being 'destroyed' because I am too fearful of stepping out. When thoughts of those parts of my life come, I feel defeated and a failure. And then God reminds me of this scripture in Hebrews that a friend sent to me a while back ...
But our way is not that of those who draw back to eternal misery (perdition) and are utterly destroyed, but we are those who believe[who cleave to and trust in and rely on God through Jesus Christ, the Messiah] and by faith preserve the soul. Hebrews 10:39 AMP
Another version says,
But we're not quitters who lose out. Oh, no! We'll stay with it and survive, trusting all the way.
Hebrews 10:39 The Message
Amen! We're not quitters. We will not shrink back. We will not be destroyed. We have faith. We are saved. And what's more ...
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
Another versions says,
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
There really isn't any more to say, other than Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! And believe it and receive it.
Saturday, May 7, 2016
For now
For now we are looking in a mirror that gives only a dim (blurred) reflection [of reality as in a riddle or enigma], but then [when perfection comes] we shall see in reality and face to face! Now I know in part (imperfectly) but then I shall know and understand fully and clearly, even in the same manner as I have been fully and clearly known and understood [by God]. 1 Corinthians 13:12 AMP
For now, we don't have perfect knowledge and understanding. The Message bible puts it this way,
We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a midst. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us! 1 Corinthians 13:12 The Message
For now, we need to trust that God does have that perfect knowledge and understanding. We need to accept that,
The secret things belong unto the Lord our God, but the things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. Deuteronomy 29:29
For now, we need to accept the truth that there are secret things that the Lord alone knows. But we always need to be open and ready to hear what He does want to reveal to us.
But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future].
He will honor and glorify Me, because He will take of (receive, draw upon) what is Mine and will reveal (declare, disclose, transmit) it to you. John 16:13-14 AMP
The challenge comes when we want to understand the why, and we don't. We feel disappointed, let down, possibly devastated and may be even abandoned. Resentment can build up within our hearts. And guess what, it is really difficult to hear what God is wanting to reveal to us when we are focused on the 'why'. We have to let our need to understand the 'why' go, and focus on the 'Who' - our God - who fully and clearly knows and understands us. And always has.
My frame was not hidden from You when I was being formed in secret [and] intricately and curiously wrought [as if embroidered with various colours] in the depths of the earth [a region of darkness and mystery]. Your eyes saw my unformed substance, and in Your book all the days [of my life] were written before ever they took shape, when as yet there was none of them. How precious and weighty also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Psalm 139:15-17 AMP
Question for today, how are you going with accepting those things that are secret to the Lord, the things that you want the answer to 'why' on? If it is challenging for you, as it is for me some days, why not take some quiet time today to sit with God, and ask Him to help you to trust that He knows and understands all, and that it is okay that we don't. Ask Him to help you move to that deeper level of trusting Him in all things and have peace about the things we don't understand.
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
Thursday, May 5, 2016
No hangdog skulking for me!
For we are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 NLT
This morning as I started my devotional time, in between conversations with God, my mind started to wander. Thoughts about circumstances started to crowd in, trying to push out the truth I was reading in Psalm 25 ...
Unto You, O Lord, do I bring my life.
O my God, I trust, lean on, rely on, and am confident in You. Let me not be put to shame or [my hope in You] by disappointed; let not my enemies triumph over me.
Yes, let now who trust and wait hopefully and look for You be put to shame or be disappointed; let them be ashamed who forsake the right or deal treacherously without cause.
Psalm 25:1-3 AMP
Thoughts about our circumstances were crying out - can you trust God? can you rely on Him? what about past disappointments?
I put on some worship music - The Desert Song ...
No weapon formed against me will remain ....
....I will declare God is my victory and He is here ....
This is my prayer in the battle when triumph is still on it's way..
... All of my life, in every season, You are still God, I have a reason to sing, I have a reason to worship
The circumstantial thoughts are still coming, so I check out Psalm 25 in The Message Bible ...
My head is high, GOD, held high;
I'm looking to you, GOD;
No hangdog skulking for me.
Psalm 25:1-2 The Message
That's enough - No hangdog skulking for me! No hangdog skulking for me! No hangdog skulking for me!
The Holy Spirit then prompts me - Ephesians 6:12
For our struggle is not against human opponents, but against rulers, authorities, cosmic powers in the darkness around us, and evil spiritual forces in the heavenly realm. Ephesians 6:12 ISV
How I love God's word. I am so grateful for those who listened all those years ago, where obedient and wrote as He prompted them, and then those who translated it so we have such easy access to it today.
Reading on in Psalm 25
Who is the man who reverently fears and worships the Lord? Him shall He teach in the way that he should choose. He himself shall dwell at ease, and his offspring shall inherit the land. Psalm 25:12-13 AMP
Oh, to dwell at ease, no matter what is happening - that is my prayer Lord Jesus. Thank you that it is possible with you, to dwell at ease.
And then this beautiful promise ...
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
And that is what is about, having the sweet, satisfying companionship of the Lord. And that is what the evil one is working to destroy - our trust, our reliance and our confidence in our God. But he will not prevail, in Christ we are more than conquerors.
Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us. Romans 8:37 AMP
No hangdog skulking for me!
Question for today, are there some thoughts in your mind that are trying to steer you away from God's truth? From His promises for you? Today, let's choose to take those thoughts captive and declare God's truth instead. Let's not do any hangdog skulking, rather let's actively pursue the sweet, satisfying companionship of the Lord.
This morning as I started my devotional time, in between conversations with God, my mind started to wander. Thoughts about circumstances started to crowd in, trying to push out the truth I was reading in Psalm 25 ...
Unto You, O Lord, do I bring my life.
O my God, I trust, lean on, rely on, and am confident in You. Let me not be put to shame or [my hope in You] by disappointed; let not my enemies triumph over me.
Yes, let now who trust and wait hopefully and look for You be put to shame or be disappointed; let them be ashamed who forsake the right or deal treacherously without cause.
Psalm 25:1-3 AMP
Thoughts about our circumstances were crying out - can you trust God? can you rely on Him? what about past disappointments?
I put on some worship music - The Desert Song ...
No weapon formed against me will remain ....
....I will declare God is my victory and He is here ....
This is my prayer in the battle when triumph is still on it's way..
... All of my life, in every season, You are still God, I have a reason to sing, I have a reason to worship
The circumstantial thoughts are still coming, so I check out Psalm 25 in The Message Bible ...
My head is high, GOD, held high;
I'm looking to you, GOD;
No hangdog skulking for me.
Psalm 25:1-2 The Message
That's enough - No hangdog skulking for me! No hangdog skulking for me! No hangdog skulking for me!
The Holy Spirit then prompts me - Ephesians 6:12
For our struggle is not against human opponents, but against rulers, authorities, cosmic powers in the darkness around us, and evil spiritual forces in the heavenly realm. Ephesians 6:12 ISV
How I love God's word. I am so grateful for those who listened all those years ago, where obedient and wrote as He prompted them, and then those who translated it so we have such easy access to it today.
Reading on in Psalm 25
Who is the man who reverently fears and worships the Lord? Him shall He teach in the way that he should choose. He himself shall dwell at ease, and his offspring shall inherit the land. Psalm 25:12-13 AMP
Oh, to dwell at ease, no matter what is happening - that is my prayer Lord Jesus. Thank you that it is possible with you, to dwell at ease.
And then this beautiful promise ...
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
And that is what is about, having the sweet, satisfying companionship of the Lord. And that is what the evil one is working to destroy - our trust, our reliance and our confidence in our God. But he will not prevail, in Christ we are more than conquerors.
Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us. Romans 8:37 AMP
No hangdog skulking for me!
Question for today, are there some thoughts in your mind that are trying to steer you away from God's truth? From His promises for you? Today, let's choose to take those thoughts captive and declare God's truth instead. Let's not do any hangdog skulking, rather let's actively pursue the sweet, satisfying companionship of the Lord.
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
The Truth
Pilate said to Him, Then You are a King? Jesus answered, You say it! [You speak correctly!] For I am a King. [Certainly I am a King!] This is why I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the Truth. Everyone who is of the Truth [who is a friend of the Truth, who belongs to the Truth] hears and listens to My voice. John 18:37 AMP
Why bother reading the Bible every day? Because it is all about the Truth. Reading the Bible allows us to hear the Truth. And what comes when we hear the Truth?
So faith comes by hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes from preaching [of the message that came from the lips] of Christ (the Messiah Himself). Romans 10:17 AMP
Faith. The faith we need to live and live life to the full. Every time we open our Bible and read it, it is an opportunity to hear from Jesus and listen to His voice. We then have the choice to make - what will we do with what we have heard?
I call heaven and earth to witness this day against you that I have set before you life and death. the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live. Deuteronomy 30:19 AMP
Let's always choose life.
Almost every time after I have read a passage in the Bible that speaks to me, I think 'what would have happened if I hadn't taken the time to read the Bible today? I would have missed out on that revelation, that direction, that piece of wisdom. I would have missed out on hearing more of the Truth that I so desperately need'.
Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another - showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us. 2 Timothy 3:17 The Message
Questions for today, what happens for you when you read the Bible, the Truth? Are you expectant that you will hear and faith will come? Today let's choose to read more than 'normal', and expect to hear more than 'normal', so we can be in better shape for the tasks God has for us.
Instead you thrill to GOD's Word, you chew on Scripture day and night. You're a tree replanted in Eden, bearing fresh fruit every month, never dropping a leaf, always in blossom. Psalm 1:2-3 The Message
Why bother reading the Bible every day? Because it is all about the Truth. Reading the Bible allows us to hear the Truth. And what comes when we hear the Truth?
So faith comes by hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes from preaching [of the message that came from the lips] of Christ (the Messiah Himself). Romans 10:17 AMP
Faith. The faith we need to live and live life to the full. Every time we open our Bible and read it, it is an opportunity to hear from Jesus and listen to His voice. We then have the choice to make - what will we do with what we have heard?
I call heaven and earth to witness this day against you that I have set before you life and death. the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live. Deuteronomy 30:19 AMP
Let's always choose life.
Almost every time after I have read a passage in the Bible that speaks to me, I think 'what would have happened if I hadn't taken the time to read the Bible today? I would have missed out on that revelation, that direction, that piece of wisdom. I would have missed out on hearing more of the Truth that I so desperately need'.
Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another - showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us. 2 Timothy 3:17 The Message
Questions for today, what happens for you when you read the Bible, the Truth? Are you expectant that you will hear and faith will come? Today let's choose to read more than 'normal', and expect to hear more than 'normal', so we can be in better shape for the tasks God has for us.
Instead you thrill to GOD's Word, you chew on Scripture day and night. You're a tree replanted in Eden, bearing fresh fruit every month, never dropping a leaf, always in blossom. Psalm 1:2-3 The Message
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