Our church sponsored a Sweetheart Dance on Valentine's Day. One gentleman who attended by himself was quite interesting to listen to and share thoughts with. His appearance was non-descript; the type of person one would rarely give a thought about had they seen him on the street ~ he looked to be a bit shabby and weatherworn, if I am going to share cultural truth (e.g. what we as a culture would label him)...but his heart, oh, his heart was genuine and kind.
As we were wrapping up the evening, we were talking about the changes in our culture with respect to speaking and self-promotion. He told me that someone had once share some words with him that he tried to keep in mind whenever interacting with others. What he shared was so easy to remember, yet poignant to consider, that I went home and wrote it down. I wanted to share with those who stop in...
Before we speak to others we must stop and THINK....
Is what we are saying...
Truthful (or is it partially true, and partially our own embelleshment)
Helpful (can this exhort or support the person we are speaking with)
Inspiring (will what we have to say provide encouragement or refreshment)
Necessary (speaks for itself)
Kind (or is it self-serving)
Wow ~ thank you, dear gentleman whose name I cannot recall ~ for your thoughtful words of wisdom. If only we would all consider these things prior to opening our mouths. What a wonderful world it could be. I pray that God put a bit in my mouth, and a hand upon my heart at all times. May He restrain my thoughts, which tend to race in eagerness because I love to share and interact and discuss things...and may He guide and direct my words to be pleasing to our Lord.
As for God, His way is perfect (Psalm 18:30)
Friday, March 28, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
This Is the God We Serve
I subscribe to a site called "Godspeak" . The words submitted are prayerfully reviewed for accuracy to the Word of God as well as reviewed for theme and timliness. It is always interesting to see how a theme plays out from those who submit words from all over our country and world.
This site provides encouragement and heart challenging words...The word below was submitted today by the owner of the site, Teres Seputis. She has recently returned from a mission trip overseas that was filled with incredible blessings and wonders. I wanted to share what she prophesied as I know God deeply desires all of His people to respond to His call.
I Will Exceed Your Expectations
"Child of Mine, it is time to stop limiting Me in your thinking and in your expectations. It is time to stop setting goals based on your estimation of your own ability and resources. It is time to start seeing what it is that I want to do, and then set your expectations accordingly.
I am the God of all power and all might, and I can do all things. I am able to do far more than you can think or imagine. And I am inviting you to do amazing things with Me.
But at the same time, you must understand that I am not interested in the agenda of man; I have My own agenda and it is very important to Me. I am looking for those who are willing to set aside their own plans and goals in order to embrace Mine, just as My Son did when He walked this earth. My kingdom is advancing forcefully on this earth, and it must continue to advance. Yes, dear one, I am looking for those who want to advance it with Me. Are you one of these?
It is My desire that My own dear children work with Me to accomplish My purposes. I am looking for those who say to Me, "Here I am Lord, send me. Here I am Lord, use me." I am going to empower these ones to advance My kingdom, and I am going to change their thinking to better line up with Mine. I am going to show them what it means to walk in the supernatural and to accomplish the impossible. I am going to teach them what it means live in the realm of faith, and to see the mountains move before them.
This is a season where I am removing all limitations off of My people; I am opening their thinking to expect greater things. This is a time and a season where I want to show My glory and My power and My great love to all men, so that many who are lost might come to believe.
I am looking for sons and daughters who are willing to embrace faith and do this with Me. I am looking for those who are willing to learn to trust Me, to know My voice and to believe that I really mean the things that I have said in My word. I am looking for those who will stop being limited by the constraints of this world and who will start moving according to the constraints of My will.
Dear one, learn to trust Me. Then watch and see how I will bring My glory into your life. What need do you have that I cannot meet? What obstacle is before you that is too hard for Me to overcome? There isn't any such thing--for I am greater than all, and I can indeed do all things through My own great power and might.
But despite all My power, My might and all My great strength, there Is still one that that limits Me. That thing is the faith and expectations of My own people. They think too small and they limit what they are willing to allow Me to accomplish through them. That must change, because I have great plans. It is time for My people to put off their the things that hold them back. It is time to for them to expand their tent pegs and embrace a larger vision. It is time for them to walk in faith.
My people, I am able to exceed your expectations, if only you will learn to put your trust in Me."
Amen?! Praise God!
This site provides encouragement and heart challenging words...The word below was submitted today by the owner of the site, Teres Seputis. She has recently returned from a mission trip overseas that was filled with incredible blessings and wonders. I wanted to share what she prophesied as I know God deeply desires all of His people to respond to His call.
I Will Exceed Your Expectations
"Child of Mine, it is time to stop limiting Me in your thinking and in your expectations. It is time to stop setting goals based on your estimation of your own ability and resources. It is time to start seeing what it is that I want to do, and then set your expectations accordingly.
I am the God of all power and all might, and I can do all things. I am able to do far more than you can think or imagine. And I am inviting you to do amazing things with Me.
But at the same time, you must understand that I am not interested in the agenda of man; I have My own agenda and it is very important to Me. I am looking for those who are willing to set aside their own plans and goals in order to embrace Mine, just as My Son did when He walked this earth. My kingdom is advancing forcefully on this earth, and it must continue to advance. Yes, dear one, I am looking for those who want to advance it with Me. Are you one of these?
It is My desire that My own dear children work with Me to accomplish My purposes. I am looking for those who say to Me, "Here I am Lord, send me. Here I am Lord, use me." I am going to empower these ones to advance My kingdom, and I am going to change their thinking to better line up with Mine. I am going to show them what it means to walk in the supernatural and to accomplish the impossible. I am going to teach them what it means live in the realm of faith, and to see the mountains move before them.
This is a season where I am removing all limitations off of My people; I am opening their thinking to expect greater things. This is a time and a season where I want to show My glory and My power and My great love to all men, so that many who are lost might come to believe.
I am looking for sons and daughters who are willing to embrace faith and do this with Me. I am looking for those who are willing to learn to trust Me, to know My voice and to believe that I really mean the things that I have said in My word. I am looking for those who will stop being limited by the constraints of this world and who will start moving according to the constraints of My will.
Dear one, learn to trust Me. Then watch and see how I will bring My glory into your life. What need do you have that I cannot meet? What obstacle is before you that is too hard for Me to overcome? There isn't any such thing--for I am greater than all, and I can indeed do all things through My own great power and might.
But despite all My power, My might and all My great strength, there Is still one that that limits Me. That thing is the faith and expectations of My own people. They think too small and they limit what they are willing to allow Me to accomplish through them. That must change, because I have great plans. It is time for My people to put off their the things that hold them back. It is time to for them to expand their tent pegs and embrace a larger vision. It is time for them to walk in faith.
My people, I am able to exceed your expectations, if only you will learn to put your trust in Me."
Amen?! Praise God!
Friday, March 21, 2008
Awaiting Easter
I love this time of year...the flowers beginning to bloom, refreshment in the air. As I drive around town, I look eagerly for the colors that are emerging, signifying new life and hope. God is always with us ~ He can so clearly be seen in nature.
The other day my seven year old took me outside to look at our daffodils, crocus, hyacinth and emerging tulips and azaleas. I was saddened to see that the deer had already eaten the heads off of many of my favorite tulips and some of the stems on my azalea bushes. I pray that next year God will resurrect the ones the deer have eaten; I am not sure if all of the energy of the plant is in the growing part or if some is still stored in the bulb. I will see... God can do all things, I am praying He blesses me with this one. Squirrels have also been busy and have dug up some of the smaller bulbs I planted late in the fall; there are a variety of holes in my flower beds these days. I pray they left enough that we have some joyful color to share with our neighbors. Meanwhile, I am spraying the beds with a natural deer and squirrel repellent...spring snuck up on me this year, and I did not spray soon enough.
That is so like our lives, I believe. While paying attention to the day in and day out events that are necessary to focus upon, we keep the upcoming possibilities and needs on our radars, but not in full focus. I believe this is actually how we ought to be, rather than trying to control and predict all things ~ submitting each day to our Lord and letting Him prioritize. However, often I realize a bit too late that I have missed opportunities to share His glory in some way ~ this, for instance. Had I sprayed a week earlier, the plants would have been saved and His beautiful creation would have sprung forth with a vivid beauty in parts of my yard that will not express such enthusiasm this spring. Is it terribly important? No, not really. Is it something I am saddened by? Yes, I do love the intricacies of Creation, especially in the delicacies of a flower. And, as I reflect upon why I went outside (my daughter's request) to look at the flowers, I realize that the still small voice inside had suggested this path at a time several days earlier, but it had been easy to push aside when dropped among the events of that moment.
God cares about what is important to us. He will keep us on a path that delights us while reflecting His face and glorifying His name through us ~ if only we would listen. Our job is to be available to His interruptions. Each day we need to temper our hearts and minds to be alert to God's prompts; ever ready to respond to His Spirit's whispers within. As the truth of the Resurrection is celebrated this weekend, I am recommitting myself to a more focused effort at attending to God each moment, versus being distracted by the life in front of me. Won't you join me?
The other day my seven year old took me outside to look at our daffodils, crocus, hyacinth and emerging tulips and azaleas. I was saddened to see that the deer had already eaten the heads off of many of my favorite tulips and some of the stems on my azalea bushes. I pray that next year God will resurrect the ones the deer have eaten; I am not sure if all of the energy of the plant is in the growing part or if some is still stored in the bulb. I will see... God can do all things, I am praying He blesses me with this one. Squirrels have also been busy and have dug up some of the smaller bulbs I planted late in the fall; there are a variety of holes in my flower beds these days. I pray they left enough that we have some joyful color to share with our neighbors. Meanwhile, I am spraying the beds with a natural deer and squirrel repellent...spring snuck up on me this year, and I did not spray soon enough.
That is so like our lives, I believe. While paying attention to the day in and day out events that are necessary to focus upon, we keep the upcoming possibilities and needs on our radars, but not in full focus. I believe this is actually how we ought to be, rather than trying to control and predict all things ~ submitting each day to our Lord and letting Him prioritize. However, often I realize a bit too late that I have missed opportunities to share His glory in some way ~ this, for instance. Had I sprayed a week earlier, the plants would have been saved and His beautiful creation would have sprung forth with a vivid beauty in parts of my yard that will not express such enthusiasm this spring. Is it terribly important? No, not really. Is it something I am saddened by? Yes, I do love the intricacies of Creation, especially in the delicacies of a flower. And, as I reflect upon why I went outside (my daughter's request) to look at the flowers, I realize that the still small voice inside had suggested this path at a time several days earlier, but it had been easy to push aside when dropped among the events of that moment.
God cares about what is important to us. He will keep us on a path that delights us while reflecting His face and glorifying His name through us ~ if only we would listen. Our job is to be available to His interruptions. Each day we need to temper our hearts and minds to be alert to God's prompts; ever ready to respond to His Spirit's whispers within. As the truth of the Resurrection is celebrated this weekend, I am recommitting myself to a more focused effort at attending to God each moment, versus being distracted by the life in front of me. Won't you join me?
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Decisions, Decisions...
I just love how God works...but I also struggle at times with hearing Him and knowing how He is working or wants to work in my life and/or the lives of my children. Does anybody else struggle with the strong desire to honor God while not knowing exactly what His plan is?. This is where I sit right now.
A few months ago I posted about not knowing what God would have me do regarding my children, schooling, my work...next year...
I thought it had been settled that I would be working 25 hours per week, taking Rose with me so she could attend preschool where I work (Wakefield School). The preschool hours are 8:45-1:15, so I could put the older girls on their bus, come in to work, and then leave around 1:30 or 1:45 (Rose could be in my office with me wrapping up), thus being able to support all of the children's needs in my life. This was what I thought God had planned.
Though this meant working every day, I accepted it and presumed that the extra hours were related to reaching the people I worked with in some way, as well as God's plan for our church (we could use some extra $$ right now, with my working so much more than what I am doing this year it would significantly increase our family's tithe). I also realized that, though it would tax me in my home manager role, it would still allow me to be a "stay at home mom" of sorts in that I would always be home when the girls were. My boss had even agreed that I could stay home the days our County had off when the private school was in session. All seemed good ~ but I still submitted to God (well, perhaps whined is the better word) that if this was not His plan, please stop me in the process.
Fast forward to this week. I recieved the acceptance packet for Rose in the mail over the weekend. Last week I had recieved my contract but it still reflected 9 hours per week. My boss told me that was a mistake in communication between herself and the headmaster, which she would rectify. The acceptance packet for Rose did not indicate a 75% tuition remission (which is provided for the first child enrolled by full-time employees). We cannot afford the cost her attending with me without the remission. It is a wonderful school; Bo and I would place all the kids here if it made sense financially as we really like the curriculum and teachers, but it really isn't in our budget nor, from what we understand, God's plan.
Anyway, I want to do what God wants me to do. I really want to do this regardless if it means I have to work full-time. Please don't misunderstand my struggle here. I prefer not working, but would do anything if I had assurance that it was God's intention. I especially prefer assurance when it seems to be in conflict with my biblical roles as help meet first, mother second, worker bee third. When I spoke with my boss about the confusion with the admission packet, we looked into things further. It seems that the Board has changed qualifications for full-time status to 30 hours per week versus 25 (which makes sense, but is not what it was a few years ago whenI was "full time" at 24 hours per week, working three 8 hour days).
My boss has asked that I change my hours to 30 so I can work this out financially...I was struggling with 25. My heart is not certain what is right. It would also mean Rose be enrolled in the extended day program, so a bit more money, and a bit more time in "daycare." I don't know what is right. The good news is that I don't have to decide yet, I still need to have this change (even to 25) agreed to by the headmaster, who has always stated to me that he would love to have me here full-time, but has budgeted me for 9 hours. The only reason he would not be able to change my contract would be if he could not come up with an appropriate salary.
So, God is in control again. If the headmaster can come up with a salary that supports 30 hours, I am going to presume it is God's will, since I am not hearing Him clearly otherwise and am too emotionally close to this to discern. Salaries are set based upon projected students' attendance since 93% of the school's income comes from tuition. My boss was not sure he could come up with the extra salary funds since he has already worked the budget and plan.
I have been fasting and praying for leading about this, among other things, this week. Please pray with me that God will lead clearly, and the ultimate decision reflect His will. He has a plan for Rose and myself, of this I am assured ~ ultimately, it will be for the good of more than us, so I wait and pray to know His will, that I might submit and be joyful...join with me in trusting Him.
Thanks ~
A few months ago I posted about not knowing what God would have me do regarding my children, schooling, my work...next year...
I thought it had been settled that I would be working 25 hours per week, taking Rose with me so she could attend preschool where I work (Wakefield School). The preschool hours are 8:45-1:15, so I could put the older girls on their bus, come in to work, and then leave around 1:30 or 1:45 (Rose could be in my office with me wrapping up), thus being able to support all of the children's needs in my life. This was what I thought God had planned.
Though this meant working every day, I accepted it and presumed that the extra hours were related to reaching the people I worked with in some way, as well as God's plan for our church (we could use some extra $$ right now, with my working so much more than what I am doing this year it would significantly increase our family's tithe). I also realized that, though it would tax me in my home manager role, it would still allow me to be a "stay at home mom" of sorts in that I would always be home when the girls were. My boss had even agreed that I could stay home the days our County had off when the private school was in session. All seemed good ~ but I still submitted to God (well, perhaps whined is the better word) that if this was not His plan, please stop me in the process.
Fast forward to this week. I recieved the acceptance packet for Rose in the mail over the weekend. Last week I had recieved my contract but it still reflected 9 hours per week. My boss told me that was a mistake in communication between herself and the headmaster, which she would rectify. The acceptance packet for Rose did not indicate a 75% tuition remission (which is provided for the first child enrolled by full-time employees). We cannot afford the cost her attending with me without the remission. It is a wonderful school; Bo and I would place all the kids here if it made sense financially as we really like the curriculum and teachers, but it really isn't in our budget nor, from what we understand, God's plan.
Anyway, I want to do what God wants me to do. I really want to do this regardless if it means I have to work full-time. Please don't misunderstand my struggle here. I prefer not working, but would do anything if I had assurance that it was God's intention. I especially prefer assurance when it seems to be in conflict with my biblical roles as help meet first, mother second, worker bee third. When I spoke with my boss about the confusion with the admission packet, we looked into things further. It seems that the Board has changed qualifications for full-time status to 30 hours per week versus 25 (which makes sense, but is not what it was a few years ago whenI was "full time" at 24 hours per week, working three 8 hour days).
My boss has asked that I change my hours to 30 so I can work this out financially...I was struggling with 25. My heart is not certain what is right. It would also mean Rose be enrolled in the extended day program, so a bit more money, and a bit more time in "daycare." I don't know what is right. The good news is that I don't have to decide yet, I still need to have this change (even to 25) agreed to by the headmaster, who has always stated to me that he would love to have me here full-time, but has budgeted me for 9 hours. The only reason he would not be able to change my contract would be if he could not come up with an appropriate salary.
So, God is in control again. If the headmaster can come up with a salary that supports 30 hours, I am going to presume it is God's will, since I am not hearing Him clearly otherwise and am too emotionally close to this to discern. Salaries are set based upon projected students' attendance since 93% of the school's income comes from tuition. My boss was not sure he could come up with the extra salary funds since he has already worked the budget and plan.
I have been fasting and praying for leading about this, among other things, this week. Please pray with me that God will lead clearly, and the ultimate decision reflect His will. He has a plan for Rose and myself, of this I am assured ~ ultimately, it will be for the good of more than us, so I wait and pray to know His will, that I might submit and be joyful...join with me in trusting Him.
Thanks ~
Monday, March 10, 2008
Weekend to Remember
Bo and I were privileged to getaway this past weekend at Family Life's Weekend to Remember marriage conference. This is our third visit in four years. Each time we have attended, we recieve something new to bless our home and hearts. This past weekend was absolutely our best time thus far.
Our five years of marriage have been characterized by many pitfalls and landmines that God has been pulling us through to heal and restore in order to deliver our family into a new land, replete with milk and honey (Isaiah 61:1-3 has been a blessing here). He has been promising me that assuredly He will repay us for the years the locusts have eaten (see Joel 2:19-27), provided I trust in and abide in Him and His truths versus keeping my eyes on my apparent circumstances at any given moment. We have recently been on the upswing of that promise, and this weekend became our stake in the ground. Hallelujah.
I have been praying that my husband would desire to renew our vows. I have also wanted to have a formal decision made where the children were witnesses to this renewal and recommitment. It has been the desire of my heart for about six months as we have been edging out of the mire. God called us together in marriage, He has a glorious plan, which of course we cannot do by ourselves...but to use us, He needed to change us significantly. We have been through the fires of change and are truly blessed to be growing in our awareness of His most awesome grace and mercy. Anyway, He has assured me over and over that I would be blessed, in time.
This past weekend, I could not stop crying ~ tears of joy, relief, renewal, deeper connection, illumination....I was so blessed at this conference. They sold large copies of the marriage covenant which I had wanted to use for our formal decision with the kids (they have not had this available at other conferences we attended), and Bo agreed that it was something he would want to do with me...oh Praise Him for answered prayers. Not only that, but at the end of the conference the couples were invited to partake in a renewing of vows ceremony if desired...and my husband stood before I did. I am so blessed and thankful. He really does hear our hearts cry and answer our prayers beyond our wildest dreams. Oh Praise God for He is faithful and loving and true!
Last night as we were watching a Hallmark movie together, really enjoying the end of our time before work resumed today, we discussed the covenant. Bo wanted to get the pastor who married us to witness (and sign for ) our recommitment on our anniversary this month...to carry the thread of where we began, and what we have walked through, to the place where we are now. He then agreed that we could have a small ceremony with the kids when his stepkids arrive for their spring break (ideally we would do all together on our anniversary, but we are a blended family and don't often get the ideals) ;-)
Oh, joys ~ thank you most precious Lord, for being the Savior of our souls, and the lover of our hearts. Bless you.
Our five years of marriage have been characterized by many pitfalls and landmines that God has been pulling us through to heal and restore in order to deliver our family into a new land, replete with milk and honey (Isaiah 61:1-3 has been a blessing here). He has been promising me that assuredly He will repay us for the years the locusts have eaten (see Joel 2:19-27), provided I trust in and abide in Him and His truths versus keeping my eyes on my apparent circumstances at any given moment. We have recently been on the upswing of that promise, and this weekend became our stake in the ground. Hallelujah.
I have been praying that my husband would desire to renew our vows. I have also wanted to have a formal decision made where the children were witnesses to this renewal and recommitment. It has been the desire of my heart for about six months as we have been edging out of the mire. God called us together in marriage, He has a glorious plan, which of course we cannot do by ourselves...but to use us, He needed to change us significantly. We have been through the fires of change and are truly blessed to be growing in our awareness of His most awesome grace and mercy. Anyway, He has assured me over and over that I would be blessed, in time.
This past weekend, I could not stop crying ~ tears of joy, relief, renewal, deeper connection, illumination....I was so blessed at this conference. They sold large copies of the marriage covenant which I had wanted to use for our formal decision with the kids (they have not had this available at other conferences we attended), and Bo agreed that it was something he would want to do with me...oh Praise Him for answered prayers. Not only that, but at the end of the conference the couples were invited to partake in a renewing of vows ceremony if desired...and my husband stood before I did. I am so blessed and thankful. He really does hear our hearts cry and answer our prayers beyond our wildest dreams. Oh Praise God for He is faithful and loving and true!
Last night as we were watching a Hallmark movie together, really enjoying the end of our time before work resumed today, we discussed the covenant. Bo wanted to get the pastor who married us to witness (and sign for ) our recommitment on our anniversary this month...to carry the thread of where we began, and what we have walked through, to the place where we are now. He then agreed that we could have a small ceremony with the kids when his stepkids arrive for their spring break (ideally we would do all together on our anniversary, but we are a blended family and don't often get the ideals) ;-)
Oh, joys ~ thank you most precious Lord, for being the Savior of our souls, and the lover of our hearts. Bless you.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Our Hope in Suffering...
Whenever I feel alone in a situation, despairing or confused, hurting or sure that I don't "deserve" what I am experiencing, I seek out God's Word. His Holy letter of love. God tells us that we have an intercessor who understands our experience. This intercessor, our High Priest~ Jesus Christ, lives to pray for us and work on our behalf... Amazing love!
"That is why we have a great High Priest who has gone to heaven, Jesus the Son of God. Let su cling to him and never stop trusting him. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will recieve His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it." (Hebrews 4:14-16, NLT).
Not only does He yearn to help us, He longs for more. He longs to dwell within us that God might be magnified and glorified. We fallen human beings, who are like nothing when compared with the holiness and majesty of our Lord, are the vessel He has chosen to inhabit and Love! I am amazed, humbled, and awed that He desires a relationship so caring and intimate with us. We are so undeserving and far from His righteousness in and of ourselves, yet He desires not only to make us holy and pure in His eyes, but to call us "friend." We are blessed indeed.
Friends, we are deeply loved by our Creator. He is our Redeemer, Comforter, Healer, Deliverer, Father, Brother and Friend. God gave His only begotten son, whom He deeply loved, as a living sacrifice, wholly poured out of His godliness yet walking in purity, that we might have the opportunity to walk through our trials side by side with Him. Amazing! God is glorified by our willingness to trust in this truth and walk in faith during hard times. Others are drawn closer to Him and His truths by our witness. Jesus assured His apostles that He conquered the wiles of the enemy once for all, and He told them in Luke 10:19 (KJV) "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you." We must cling to His many assurances during rough times!! Such Hope in His power and grace! Following the above verse in Luke's gospel, we are reminded that we should rejoice because our names are recorded in heaven and nothing of this earth can change our eternal destiny when we love and trust in Jesus as Lord.
So, if we follow the commands recorded in Hebrews 12:2a and Psalms 55:22a (NIV), "fixing our eyes upon Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, and casting our cares upon the Lord," the promise is that "He will sustain us; he will never let the righteous fall." (Psalm 55:22b) Now isn't that good news?! It excites me so when I sit and ponder the magnitude of this promise. God assures us that if we turn to Him, not only will He give us the faith we need, but He will also sustain us and keep us from falling. Hallelujah! We can trust that He knows exactly what we are experiencing, and that He is more than willing to walk us through the pain. He wants nothing more than to draw us nearer to Him. What an incredible honor and blessing!
Having struggled through some extremely difficult circumstances in the past few years, I have had the glorious opportunity to put these promises to the test. Many times I hvae been on my face before God, begging for mercy and asking for the visible work of His hand in my life; seeking some assurance that all was not in vain. During one particular hot spot, He spoke to me through Henry Blackeby's book "Experiencing God." I can't recall how the sentence was worded, but what His Spirit illuminated to me was that God was not calling me to something that I could succeed at in my own strength, but something I could only prevail through while submitted to and trusting in Him. In this way, I could grow in faith, He could be glorified and others could be blessed by His hand in my life. It would have been easy for me to assume that I had gotten through things in my own strength if the trial had not been beyond my abilities to manage. Despite always praying and seeking God, I would never have been fully assured that it was His hand and not a lot of mine. I am far too self-sufficient by nature. God's power and might are most easily illuminated when we join with Him in God-sized assignments that we cannot possibly accomplish alone. Many of these involve suffering.
So rejoice, brothers and sisters ~ Our Father seeks to be glorified through us, through our love and obedience! Praise Him if He has deemed you willing and worthy to carry the burden of suffering with Christ. Consider it an honor and privilege! And when growing weary of the dubious (in the eyes of self) privilege of difficulties, we can consider the sufferings of our Lord and Christ which were far more than most of us could imagine walking through...and He did it in order to save us from our sinful hearts and destructive lives. "For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:3 (NASB). Praise Him.
Suffering allows us to share a deeper understanding of Christ's life, thereby drawing us closer to His likeness. "The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now, if we are children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." Romans 8:16-17 (NIV). Amen? Hallelujah! Such sweet hope!
"That is why we have a great High Priest who has gone to heaven, Jesus the Son of God. Let su cling to him and never stop trusting him. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will recieve His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it." (Hebrews 4:14-16, NLT).
Not only does He yearn to help us, He longs for more. He longs to dwell within us that God might be magnified and glorified. We fallen human beings, who are like nothing when compared with the holiness and majesty of our Lord, are the vessel He has chosen to inhabit and Love! I am amazed, humbled, and awed that He desires a relationship so caring and intimate with us. We are so undeserving and far from His righteousness in and of ourselves, yet He desires not only to make us holy and pure in His eyes, but to call us "friend." We are blessed indeed.
Friends, we are deeply loved by our Creator. He is our Redeemer, Comforter, Healer, Deliverer, Father, Brother and Friend. God gave His only begotten son, whom He deeply loved, as a living sacrifice, wholly poured out of His godliness yet walking in purity, that we might have the opportunity to walk through our trials side by side with Him. Amazing! God is glorified by our willingness to trust in this truth and walk in faith during hard times. Others are drawn closer to Him and His truths by our witness. Jesus assured His apostles that He conquered the wiles of the enemy once for all, and He told them in Luke 10:19 (KJV) "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you." We must cling to His many assurances during rough times!! Such Hope in His power and grace! Following the above verse in Luke's gospel, we are reminded that we should rejoice because our names are recorded in heaven and nothing of this earth can change our eternal destiny when we love and trust in Jesus as Lord.
So, if we follow the commands recorded in Hebrews 12:2a and Psalms 55:22a (NIV), "fixing our eyes upon Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, and casting our cares upon the Lord," the promise is that "He will sustain us; he will never let the righteous fall." (Psalm 55:22b) Now isn't that good news?! It excites me so when I sit and ponder the magnitude of this promise. God assures us that if we turn to Him, not only will He give us the faith we need, but He will also sustain us and keep us from falling. Hallelujah! We can trust that He knows exactly what we are experiencing, and that He is more than willing to walk us through the pain. He wants nothing more than to draw us nearer to Him. What an incredible honor and blessing!
Having struggled through some extremely difficult circumstances in the past few years, I have had the glorious opportunity to put these promises to the test. Many times I hvae been on my face before God, begging for mercy and asking for the visible work of His hand in my life; seeking some assurance that all was not in vain. During one particular hot spot, He spoke to me through Henry Blackeby's book "Experiencing God." I can't recall how the sentence was worded, but what His Spirit illuminated to me was that God was not calling me to something that I could succeed at in my own strength, but something I could only prevail through while submitted to and trusting in Him. In this way, I could grow in faith, He could be glorified and others could be blessed by His hand in my life. It would have been easy for me to assume that I had gotten through things in my own strength if the trial had not been beyond my abilities to manage. Despite always praying and seeking God, I would never have been fully assured that it was His hand and not a lot of mine. I am far too self-sufficient by nature. God's power and might are most easily illuminated when we join with Him in God-sized assignments that we cannot possibly accomplish alone. Many of these involve suffering.
So rejoice, brothers and sisters ~ Our Father seeks to be glorified through us, through our love and obedience! Praise Him if He has deemed you willing and worthy to carry the burden of suffering with Christ. Consider it an honor and privilege! And when growing weary of the dubious (in the eyes of self) privilege of difficulties, we can consider the sufferings of our Lord and Christ which were far more than most of us could imagine walking through...and He did it in order to save us from our sinful hearts and destructive lives. "For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:3 (NASB). Praise Him.
Suffering allows us to share a deeper understanding of Christ's life, thereby drawing us closer to His likeness. "The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now, if we are children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." Romans 8:16-17 (NIV). Amen? Hallelujah! Such sweet hope!
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