Encouragement

Psalm 19:14,
“14Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.”

It was one of those days! You’ve all had them. You know the day, the day when you want to go back to bed and start over because everything you touch goes wrong.

It started with God waking me up at 4:30ish am to do dishes and take out the trash. I had planned to do that the next day, but God would not let me go back to sleep (Praise #1). So, I got up and started working on the household chores. Not far into these chores, I noticed that the floor was wet between the bedroom and the living room which was really strange as there is no water source there and the ceiling was dry. Then I stepped in another spot that was wet. Then, a third.

I started praying for wisdom and God gave it (Praise #2). I realized that the water was coming up from under the carpet. The pipe from the outside spiggot split causing a “flood” in my apartment. I quickly moved all that I could, packed a bag as I knew I couldn’t sleep their that night, and called maintenance. With just having started a new job, I was concerned about being late for work. God helped me and I was less than 1/2 hour late with a very understanding supervisor (Praise #3). God also gave me a way to contact my friend so that I could stay with her a night early (Praise #4).

When I arrived at work, the phones were not allowing me to call out to contact a customer with a phone appointment. The phones were allowing him to call in, but not allowing me to call out or answer his calls. I tried two cell phones but neither worked. Email then went down preventing me from calling him back.

I decided to start the shredding while I waited for technology to come back up. The bag filled up. When I went to change it, it exploded causing a cloud of confetti. Then, the copier went down.

Eventually, the phone came up and I was able to contact the customer who was very understanding. (Praise #5)

So, what is the spiritual lesson in all this? Everything seemed to be going wrong. Yet , in the midst of it all, God was there. God was and is still in control. God will not give us more than we can bear. (I Corinthians 10:13)

There was still much to praise Him for!! God reminded me throughout the day that I was still to praise Him. I was to not only let the words of my mouth praise Him, but also the meditation of my heart praise Him!

It has been awhile since I posted. The last few weeks have been hard and busy; hard due to a long migraine; busy due to, well, life.

During those hard days of the migraine and working, I was tempted frequently to despair. I cried out to God, waited, and cried out to Him more. I was struggling with discouragement, weakness, fatigue, and more discouragement. Finally, I told my close friend and prayer partner of my struggles so that she could pray with me as I continued to cry out to my Father.

God then used this friend as she sent me songs and quotes to point me back to God. One of the quotes was from the song “Put on the Garment of Praise,” “Lift up the hands that hang down, Lift up the voice now still, give unto God continuous praise, sing forth from Zion’s hill.” Sing when my heart was down and all looked gray? Yes. Sing. Praise God.

Discouragement is a loss of focus on God. Although I had chosen the passage months before this hard time, God had orchestrated that my passage to memorize the first week of this migraine was Psalm 112, “1Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. 2His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed. 3Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever. 4Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. 5A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion. 6Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. 7He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD. 8His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies. 9He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour. 10The wicked shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.”

Notice that it starts with PRAISING the LORD! As we praise Him, our focus is directed to Him! Notice that this Psalm continues to bring our focus on God through fearing Him and delighting in His commandments (v.1), seeing Him as our light (v.4), and trusting in Him (v.7-8). In applying this verse, it was helpful to me to be accountable to someone. Daily praise updates to my prayer partner helped me purposely, intentionally focus on God and His goodness through the valley. Graciously and patiently she praised with me while praying for me. Slowly, but in God’s time, He began to “sweep me off my feet” as only our precious loving God can do with comfort and love.

The migraine finally “broke” and hours and hours of sweet rest came. Then, our precious Saviour gave me a special gift. The next week He gave me literally hours upon hours of time alone with Him and His Word. It was a sweet time of fellowship with Him and in His Word. My heart soon was overflowing with joy and more praise!

Discouraged? Praise Him! It chases the storm clouds away!

Here is my testimony - the story of how God changed my life.

In one way, my story is not unique. I am a person created of God with a sin nature who has trusted in God’s Son for redemption and been not only gloriously saved from sin and spiritual death to a new eternal life in Him, but also gloriously changed to be a new person in Christ. God has this purpose and plan of salvation for each and every one of us. He wants to have a dynamic, intimate relationship with us through the sacrifice of His precious Son, Jesus. The Bible says that He is not willing that any should perish. Yet, He leaves the choice up to us.

I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour as a young child. Trusting Him as Saviour did not mean that I never had trials. God has allowed me to go through physical hardships, moves, financial difficulties and other life challenges. Through it all, though, God has been teaching me, guiding me, loving me, and providing for me. His Word and time spent with Him in prayer have been my source of comfort and sustenance.

As I grew, many people would have said that I was a “good Christian.” I went to church, read my Bible, prayed, avoided the “big” sins, and even served in a Christian ministry. God even was amazingly able to use me to bring others to Him. (I never cease to stand in awe of what God can accomplish through His children - frail and broken as we are.) However, although I knew Christ as my Saviour, I was not loving Him with my all or relying on Him to fulfill my every need. My focus was all about me, not others. I was needy and some may have said that I had low self-esteem. But in reality, I esteemed self very, very highly. Often, my disability was used to draw attention to myself or, sadly, even to make things go my way. During those years, God was working in my life as a Father does with a child, molding me, making me, and bringing me to a place where I recognized my self-will and my needs and was willing to turn to Him.

It was in 2004 and into 2005 that God really chastened me in order to bring me closer to Himself. God took everything away that I held dear. After nearly 15 years on my own in a ministry I loved, health difficulties forced me to move back to my parent’s home one thousand miles away. Not only did I leave a job and friends that I loved behind, but one close friend even went Home to be with God just a few days after I moved. I was fearful, filled with self, and very needy although I had not yet recognized these things.

In this condition far from God, my loving, merciful Heavenly Father reached out to me by introducing me to some very dear friends and using them to draw me closer to Himself. Their love for God was different than I had ever seen or known before as they truly strove to live each moment Biblically, to base every decision on what the Bible taught and to always love and forgive as Christ loves and forgives, no matter what. In the coming weeks and months, they prayed fervently for me while patiently putting up with my selfishness, lovingly taking me back to God’s Word and continually reminding me of how truly powerful and awesome our God is.

Through their living out God’s command to be salt and light, I have become thirstier for God than ever before and am being drawn away from the darkness of self into His light. These changes have been and continue to be difficult and wonderful all at the same time. God’s work in my life has meant much confession, repentance, and seeking of forgiveness from many that I had wronged with my selfish attitude over the years and also when I stumble. It means that freedom and joy are growing in my heart, mind, and soul. Jeremiah 29:13 has become real to me as I seek and find my God and Saviour. ” 13And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”

One verse that God is using to work in my heart and life is Luke 10:27, “²⁷And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.” I strive to live this verse in God’s strength, not my own. It is amazing what has and is changing as I seek to love God with my all. My focus is shifting from fears, uncertainties, aches, pains, and frustrating people to trusting my daily trials to an all-loving, all-powerful God and seeing others through my love for Him.

Slowly, a patient God was (and is) transforming my life. God continues to teach me the truth of this quote from Revive Our Hearts “Anything that makes me long for God is a blessing. Anything that makes me desperate for Him, anything that brings me to the end of my own resources, my own strength, my own power, that’s a good thing. Thank God if He is creating circumstances to make you desperate for Him, and then you seek the Lord with diligence.” He also shows me that while I can not ignore my disability, my focus should be on Him and His working through it rather than the disability. I am to glorify Him in everything. (2 Corinthians 6:1-10)

The disability and chronic illnesses that I focused so much on before have now become vehicles for blessing. (I must admit that there are days that I have to remind my heart of this fact, but God is faithful!) I now can truly thank God for these trials. Praising Him for what I once despised. Only God can change someone’s heart like that!

Another outcome of this growing relationship with God is that the more I learn of His perfect love, the more my fears are vanishing just as He promises. I John 4:18, ” 18There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” Peace and joy are coming into my inner being even when things are falling apart around me.

There are many, many other areas that God has worked in my life and many Scriptures that have become so precious to me - some of which are shared in the posts of this blog. I stand in awe of how God (and God alone) can change a person from self, frustration and fear to glorifying Him, love and peace! And, yes, He is still working on me. God continues to convict, love and change me as I draw near to Him. Oh, how I want to know Him more! To God be the glory, great things He hath done!

I also long for others to know the peace, freedom, joy, and love of knowing God intimately. This amazing God longs to show You His love and give you peace and contentment as well.

One day this past week, weakness prevailed and stress mounted. The load God had called me to that day in serving others was difficult. Unfortunately, I didn’t handle it well. The next day, I read this in My Utmost for His Highest.

“Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy and rejoice with you all.

Philippians 2:17
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=php+2:17&sr=1

Are you willing to be offered for the work of the faithful - to pour out your life blood as a libation on the sacrifice of the faith of others? Or do you say - “I am not going to be offered up just yet, I do not want God to choose my work. I want to choose the scenery of my own sacrifice; I want to have the right kind of people watching and saying, ‘Well done.’

It is one thing to go on the lonely way with dignified heroism, but quite another thing if the line mapped out for you by God means being a door-mat under other people’s feet. Suppose God wants to teach you to say, “I know how to be abased” - are you ready to be offered up like that? Are you ready to be not so much as a drop in a bucket - to be so hopelessly insignificant that you are never thought of again in connection with the life you served? Are you willing to spend and be spent; not seeking to be ministered unto, but to minister? Some saints cannot do menial work and remain saints because it is beneath their dignity.”

God worked in my heart and repentance came. A couple days later, came another hard day. But, that day, I had a song in my heart that kept spilling forth. I could not contain the joy in my heart. Stresses came and so did the joy. It was a pretty gruelling day with many challenges which left me in intense pain that night. Yet, the joy continued to overflow.

As I waited for sleep to come that night, God was speaking to my heart. I contemplated the difference between the two days and the example of a balloon came to mind. When pressure is put on a balloon that is full of air, it bursts easily. However, when pressure is put on a balloon that is not completely full of hot air, the balloon flexes easily and conforms to the pressure put on it.

The next morning, I was reading Luke 1:38 and was impressed by Mary’s attitude when God asked her to do an impossible task that would cause her to be rejected. “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” She was a flexible, pliable balloon ready to be molded and conformed to the pressure that God allowed.

So, am I going to be a balloon full of hot air (myself) today that pops when pressures come? Or, will I be a balloon that is flexible and pliable and ready to conform to how God wants to work in my life? How about you?

Yesterday on my drive home from work, the weather was fairly clear - just a few flurries in the air. However, one portion of my drive had me going through a near white-out. Those who have driven in a white-out know how scary they can be. It seemed to last forever, but in actuality only lasted five minutes. Very soon, I was driving under patches of blue sky.

The experience made me stop to think.  Sometimes my life has white-outs, periods of time when I can’t see light, the way ahead or behind, where I’m going. These times are just as scary. But, just as God was guiding me yesterday, He is guiding me through the other white-outs in my life. And, joy is coming! Even if these periods last the remainder of my earthly life, it will still be a very short time in light of eternity.

Psalm 30:5b states that, “weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”

Revelation 21:3-4, ” 3And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

Stand fast in the faith, my friends! Joy is coming!

It seems that there are some struggles that I repeat over and over. Just when I think that I have victory over them, back they come. (It reminds me of 1 Corinthians 10:12.)

The past five or six weeks have been spent in a chronic illness flare-up. As the “cellular level fatigue” drags on, my longsuffering begins to suffer. Loneliness and isolation take their toll. This is typically when the devil starts hitting me with lies of worthlessness, justified self-pity and discontent. This time is no exception. For my fellow chronic-illness sufferers, there is hope. Experience has taught me that God is my refuge. His Word, my relationship with Him and prayer are the only things that will pull me out. This is NOT to say that it is easy. It has been a continual struggle for me…as my close friend and prayer partner can attest. (Praise God for the friends who encourage and exhort us, walking through the trial and helping us focus our gaze on Him!)

This time, I happened to be studying through Exodus and saw a pattern. Being tested with the same trial repeatedly is not unique to me as the Devil has tried to tell me. Look at what the Israelites went through.

1. God places the Israelites in Egypt and promises release in Exodus 4:29-31 and 5:23. Then, things get harder for them. They complain to Moses in the end of chapter 5. What does Moses do? He goes to God directly instead of complaining. God’s response? Reassurance in Exodus 6:1-13. God will prevail!
2. So, God removes them from Egypt and slavery (Exodus 13), but then he puts them between the Red Sea and the Egyptians in Exodus 14. The people complain and panic even after seeing God’s greatness in bringing them out. Moses goes to God. God delivers!
3. The people are ecstatic for a little while when God delivers them the second time from Egypt, but then, in Chapter 15, they need water. So, do they turn to God, no. They … are you ready for this… complain. The people complain. Moses goes to God. God gives them water.
4. The next trial that God leads them to is found in Exodus 16 and involves no food. You would think that by this time, they would say, “Cool, can’t wait to see what God is going to do through this!” But, no… they… complain. And, God provides food.
5. Exodus 17 shows another familiar trial. The people have no water. Now, I do understand the fact that we have to have water to survive, but hadn’t God shown Himself strong in this before? The people complain again. Moses goes to God. And, God provides. Do you see a pattern here?
6. In Exodus 17 the end of the chapter, God allows them to face war. Moses takes command and trusts God and God gives victory!
7. What about me in my struggle? How am I going to respond? God is there and working. We need to seek Him and trust Him!

God also has used some of the verses that I’ve been memorizing to speak to my heart.

1. 1 Peter 4:7-13 - 7But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 8And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 9Use hospitality one to another without grudging. 10As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 12Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. NOTE: I must use my gifts that God has given me. I must see that my suffering is not unusual.
2. Psalm 37:3-5 3Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. 4Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. 5Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. NOTE: I must trust Him, delight in Him, commit my way to Him. He will give me the desires of my heart; the desire to honor Him!
3. Acts 4:13 13Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. NOTE: Can people tell that I’ve been with Jesus?
4. 1 Corinthians 7:23-24 23Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. 24Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God. NOTE: Am I serving God who has bought me or man? Am I abiding with God where He has called me even if that is pain?
5. Romans 4:19-21 19And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb: 20He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. NOTE: Am I looking at God and His promises or my weakness? Also, look at what God did with the five loaves and two fish! But, what if the little boy would have refused to give the lunch because it was so small in the midst of great need or that he had looked at the people around him and seen the major gifts that they could offer. Nothing would have been done.
6. 1 Corinthians 10:5-6 5But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 6Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. NOTE: Ouch! The Israelites were our examples. They failed when God put them in the wilderness. God didn’t point out how they did in the land of plenty, but how they did in the wilderness. I do not want God to be displeased with me, but well-pleased. I MUST bring every thought into captivity (2 Corinthians 10:5). I long for God not to be ashamed to be called my God! Hebrews 11:16.

The Israelites were tested over and over and failed. Will I fail these tests that God has allowed? Will I listen to lies or to God’s truth?

How about you?

In times of labored, weak, or tight breathing, I have been known to say “Breathing is highly overrated.” as an attempt to lighten the outlook. I really don’t remember if the phrase is original to me or to another friend who has myasthenia gravis. It is meant to be funny, not morbid or saddistic.

Recently, I’ve been in an illness flare-up which has given much occasion to say this phrase and has also required MUCH rest in order to function. (Considering I need 11 hours of sleep in good times, I do mean MUCH rest!) This enforced rest has given me precious time with God, a sweet time of fellowship with Him and in His Word.

My lungs have been weak due to a bit of overdoing it on my part. (Who knew that I really couldn’t physically work sixty hours in six days? oops!) When I said my trademark phrase about breathing being overrated this week, I realized, it really is! Don’t get me wrong, the past couple weeks when breathing was rough, I did what was necessary to improve it. However, I was reminded this week of a man from my church in Florida. Anytime a brother or sister in Christ would use the phrase, “I’m not feeling well today, but it is better than the alternative,” he would reply, “Really, it is better than the alternative? Isn’t Heaven better than this sin-cursed, pain-ridden world?” Hmmmm…. eternal perspective!

Here are some areas that God has reminded me not to hold too dearly this week.

Not Overrating my Pain and Trials:

Oftentimes, I put way too much emphasis on the way I feel and what I am able to do thinking that it is my right to feel good, to not be in pain. However, the Bible talks often of the suffering we will have to endure and the amazing way that God can use pain and trials in our lives.

¹⁶For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

¹⁷For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

¹⁸While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18, King James Version)

Job 23:10, ” 10But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” 1 Peter 4:12-13 “12Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” 1 Peter 1:7 “7That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:”

God holds our faith dear, holds souls dear. In His amazing wisdom, He knows that our pain, sacrifices, limitations, struggles will purge us, draw us closer to Him, and show others His grace and mercy. Ruth Stull said, “If my life is broken when given to Jesus, it is because pieces will feed a multitude, while a loaf will satisfy only a little lad.” These friends both love the Saviour. What amazing things He can do with them, for them, and through them in this time when they realize just how precious ETERNAL life is!

Not Overrating my Abilities

Too often, we often equate our abilities with our spirituality. Many times even our service to God is based on what we feel is important or what we want to do, rather than God’s plan. We say things like, “I am involved in ministry A, B, C. I work in administration, or I am an executive.” I was reminded of that the past two weeks as I could not even do small household tasks such as dishes and am having to accept help instead of serving others. In God’s eyes, though, I did not lose any worth. He still loves me. I am still His child! And, I can still serve Him although by the world’s standards I can do very little.

1 Peter 4:11, “11If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”

I am to minister according to my God given ability. For me, God has called me first and foremost to be a prayer warrior. What I accomplish in the way of worldly accomplishments (even down to a spotless house) does not matter. I learned this week not to think of a clean abode too highly. Will I be obedient to Him in His call to be a prayer warrior? Will I allow God’s spirit to work through me even as I am having to accept help? And, what about those who are bedridden? God has a job for them to do as well! They are to minister according to what God has given them. No matter our circumstance - invalid or pauper, we can serve our precious Saviour for eternity! We can allow Him to shine through us in spite of what is happening to us here on earth. Remember, these trials are here only for a moment.

Not Overrating my Time

As my close friend and I were holding each other accountable on our Bible study and prayer this week, we were discussing time with our Saviour each day. She mentioned how every moment is to be spent with our Saviour. Too often, we have our daily devotions and go about our day forgetting to live every moment in light of eternity and to God in the forefront.

Our time is precious, but not in the way people usually think of it. You see, our time is precious because it is so short here, so short a time to bring others to our precious Saviour, to show His love to the world.

James O. Fraser said, “My mistake has too often been that of too much haste. But it is not the people’s way to hurry, nor is it God’s way either.” So often, I have so much that I want to accomplish or see or do or experience. Instead, I should be asking God each moment, what is it that You would have me to do today, this moment! Times of rest and waiting are part of His plan!

Not Overrating my Finances

About a year ago, my close friend told me about the book called The Treasure Principle. This book was a tremendous blessing to me as it helped me realize ways to lay up treasures in Heaven financially. Through Voice of the Martyrs and Gospel for Asia, God has also changed my perspective on the material blessings that I have. (As an aside, check out my Christmas wish list.)

As we approach the holiday season, will you not overrate what we have on this earth? Will you instead invest for eternity?

So, yes. “Breathing is highly overrated.” This life here is just a small blip in the scope of eternity. Why would we want to hold on to it? Will I live today for Heavenly breath instead of earthly? Will I long today to live for the moment when I see my precious Saviour face to face and live to so as to hear Him say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

²¹And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.

²²And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

²³For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

²⁴Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

²⁵And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

²⁶But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses. (Mark 11:21-26, King James Version)

Work has been extremely overwhelming for the past few weeks. Then, one work morning my body decided it wanted the day off, but I can’t take the day off due to the amount of work right now, deadlines, etc.. I was exhausted to the point of tears by the time I got to work. My left side then decided it was done. (Translation - my left arm pulled up and my left leg dragged. These symptoms when I’m tired or weak are compliments of a stroke when I was three.) Great. A busy day and a left side that almost put me on the floor several times. It was one of my 10 hour days at work. Although I keep putting my snorkel up higher, I’m not only drowning, but someone is pouring water down the hole so to speak. Ever feel like that?

So, I stopped and asked our amazing God for help. There was NO HUMAN way for me to get through the day! I had just read the verses from Mark 11 that morning. God reminded me to “Have faith in Him!”

Within minutes, a song was in my heart - definitely the Holy Spirit - although my physical circumstances definitely hadn’t changed. Then, HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD!, He gave me some ministry opportunities to other overwhelmed co-workers. He actually used me to encourage them throughout the day! Now, that was God and God alone.

The saga continues as the workload continues to rise. I am being reminded many times a day that the biggest need is to glorify my Saviour every moment and that complaining is not an option for a child of God. This at times seems impossible as the tension and workload continues to increase. Yet, my God has told me that I can do all things through Him!

 ¹³I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:13, King James Version)

He will give the strength. He does not give us more than we can bear. God is using these circumstances in my life to mold me to His image. Will I put into practice what He has taught me in the preceding weeks? My reactions and responses may also draw someone to Him or turn them away from Him.

Does this mean that I’ve been successful every time? No. The battle right now is hard as it is a moment by moment decision to glorify Him, focus on Him, and trust Him instead of looking at the raging storm. Friday, I must admit, I failed. Yet, I am reminded to ask my Father to help me “stand up” and try again, to help me go back to the fight.

In the midst of my battles this week, I came across this quote: “Not relief from pain, not relief from the weariness that follows, not anything of that sort at all, is my chief need. Thou, O Lord my God, art my need - Thy courage, Thy patience, Thy fortitude. And very much I need a quickened gratitude for the countless helps given every day.” Amy Carmichael

God, that is my prayer!

What battle are you facing today? What struggles? Will you complain or glorify Him? “You don’t know what I’m facing” you may say. No, I don’t. But I know a God who is big enough to help you if you ask and draw night to Him.

“Have faith in God!”

Loved one’s illnesses.
Rough situations at work and, at times, an overwhelming work load.
Multiple allergic reactions resulting in acute and chronic flare-ups.

These are just a few of the things God has been doing in my life in the past few weeks since I last posted. And, through these things, He again is reaching out to me, refining me, touching me, teaching me.

God taught me the following through these trials:
Loved one’s illnesses. I failed to mention that these illnesses were critical. Although this dear one is doing better now, the incident brought me face to face with the fact that we are all mortal. Eventually, unless the rapture occurs first, my loved ones and I will be separated by death for a time. My siblings all have spouses and families to lean on. I am alone. Throughout this time, my close friends for various reasons could not be near me during this trial although I was able to talk to them on the phone and received a precious card from one of them. They were not here. They could not share my pain in close proximity.
God used the alone time to reach out to me. One night as I was hurting inside, God asked me what He did when Mary and Martha had lost Lazarus. “You wept, God.” I replied. God spoke again, “Yes. I knew that Lazarus would rise again, yet I wept for them, for their hurt. I am with you. I feel your pain. I care.” Without the trial and isolation, I would not have known the depth of my Father’s love. (Isaiah 54:5) Does Jesus Care? I know He cares! Also, God used this to teach me to be content in my isolation. (Philippians 4:11-12) and to use it to show 1 Corinthians 13 love to my family.
Also, during this time, I realized that the reasons for my not wanting to lose a loved one were selfish from an eternal standpoint. For, we do not sorrow without hope. When death separates us, I know that I will see this person again! 1 Thessalonians 4:13

Rough situations at work and, at times, an overwhelming work load. I profess to believe in God, to have His spirit in me, to love Him, and to want to follow Him. So, what should my reaction be to the tough situations around me? 1. John 14:15 - God spoke these words to me a hundred times at least in the past weeks, I think. “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” 2. Galatians 5:22-23 - Am I exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit that is in me? 3. 1 Corinthians 10:11 - The Israelites complained even after God’s provision. They complained about circumstances and angered God. Their complaints were not against authority as they supposed, but against God Himself. This “sat down hard and took up a lot of pew” as my Dad would say. God kept reminding me that I was NOT to complain. 4. 1 Peter 2:1-3 - Lay aside…evil speakings. Ouch. And reach for what? God’s Word. Desire it as a babe desires milk…but, only if you have found that the Lord is gracious. He is gracious. As I went through this time, God kept drawing me to His Word! Oh, how sweet-tasting it is! 5. 1 Corinthians 10:31 - All I do is to glorify Him. So, what is more important at work, that I am not frustrated or that God is glorified in the situation? When God reminded me of this, it reminded me of taking tests in school. Each test was actually two tests: one in honesty and the other in academics. The test in honesty was much more important. And, in the situations of life, my testimony of bringing glory to God is much more important than anything else in the situation.
I must say that just before these things all came up, I had prayed that God would just draw me nearer and nearer to Him. He did. Of course, His ways are not my ways!

Multiple allergic reactions resulting in acute and chronic flare-ups. The times of physical distress, if I allow them, will draw me to my Saviour. Thankfully, this was the case this time. I am constantly amazed at how He draws me to Himself through these illnesses! His grace is sufficient. God brings me to a place where I must rely on Him and Him alone. You know what I discover? God IS enough!

During this time, I had opportunity to read Green by Tedd Dekker. I was reminded again of God’s amazing love for us. (If you haven’t read the other books in this trilogy…which became a tetralogy…you must read them first. They are Black, Red, and White. These books reminded me again of God’s amazing great love for us. His Great Romance and reminded me that this world is not our final home. The trials here simply refine us for Heaven!

So, what does this have to do with Rose-colored glasses? Well, Jesus is the Rose of Sharon. These past few weeks, He has been teaching me again to see everything through His lenses. For instance, the trouble of a loved one showed me God’s great love and reminded me of what is eternally important. The difficulties at work and difficult people at work gave me opportunities to glorify God and to show His love to the people. The physical ailments remind me that this body is just a temporary house for my eternal soul. It is not important. My spiritual condition is…loving God and glorifying Him is. I must put on my Rose-colored glasses! I must see through my Jesus-lens!

May I live Luke 10:27 this week and remember Jeremiah 31:3!

This past week, I celebrated a small victory. It has been one year since I’ve had to take medical leave of any kind (sick days, yes; medical leave, no). Praise His Name! This victory came from practicing diligence in taking care of my body as God lead. It meant seeking God for wisdom in how to handle some of the chronic illness flares - what to do and when to visit the doctor to get more help. It also means that it was God’s will for me this year.

Some would say, “God is good!” as I celebrate this victory. I can say with the Israelites, “Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.” (Psalm 73:1) I agree, He is good. But His goodness is not contingent upon my medical leave or lack thereof. God is good because He is perfect.

The devil, however, can’t stand when we praise our God. He immediately began a vicious attack. He worked hard to make me discontent, to get me to complain, to rob my joy. He pointed out how frustrating it is to have a limited diet - all the time; he pointed out how isolated I am since my strength is very limited. He worked hard to keep my eyes focused on the storm instead of my Saviour. I must admit it took a little while for me to realize why I was having such an intense battle.

God then reminded me of the manna of the Israelites. They ate manna for forty years Exodus 16:35. This food was God’s provision, and yet they complained. God brought to mind 1 Corinthians 10. The Israelites were our examples. We should not complain! I was also reminded that as the manna was temporary, so are my diet restrictions (Joshua 5:12).

As the week wore on, I realized that a spiritual and physical rest period were in order. So, my weekend was restructured to include much spiritual sustenance, fellowship with God, and physical rest. What a blessed, sweet Friend our God is! He longs to help us!

So, a year void of medical leave was not the only victory that was had this week. The victory He worked in my heart is an even greater cause for celebration!

Galatians 5:22-23, ” 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

I greatly desire that my life reflects Christ, reflects His Spirit in me. It seems as if the list of the Fruit of the Spirit is impossible to accomplish…which it is in my own strength. However, as I have trusted Christ as my Savior, His Spirit lives in me. “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

As I endeavor to truly love God with my all - heart, soul, mind, strength, I must joyfully manage my chronic illnesses. This is not always easy as those of you with multiple illnesses know. If I let my eyes slip off of Him to my illness, there goes my peace and with it my gentleness, meekness, goodness, faith. Yet, by His strength, I can have all nine Fruit of the Spirit - even longsuffering and temperance.

Temperance, you say? How does that play a part? Longsuffering…anyone with chronic illnesses knows that we must rely on God for the longsuffering to endure the pain and fatigue that go with them. But, how does temperance play a part? For me, the following things play a huge role in my physical health:

• 10 hours sleep nightly…11 if it is a “weak” time
• 6 to 8 servings of vegetables/fruit DAILY…more if it is a sick time
• starting preventative asthma treatment immediately upon signs of cold symptoms
• resting more when symptoms show that a flare of any chronic illness is imminent
• being disciplined about my time with God in prayer and in His Word
• immediately rooting out any sign of ungodly thinking - self-pity, discouragement, etc…

Many times these things mean being content in the face of disappointment. It is not easy. Yet, when I am temperate in these things, I know the difference. My heart is full of joy and I am able to serve God in many, many ways.

My physical health also improves. For me, taking care of my physical body is often a spiritual battle. Consider 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

Christ gave His life for me. Can I not serve Him in this way?

The past few weeks, God has given me the privilege of having the dreaded shingles. It has not been an easy road. Admittedly, I have faltered, but God has been teaching me much and has been there to purge, comfort, strengthen. Perhaps you are facing insurmountable mountains today…maybe even shingles. Here are some of the things God taught me – in no particular order.

Numbers 15:38-41 “38Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue: 39And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them ; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring: 40That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God. 41I am the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am the LORD your God.” I wanted to seek after my own heart, my own eyes. I wanted good health and a freedom from pain. Yet, I was reminded to do God’s commandments - no whining and complaining. Then, I was reminded that God is my God. He is mighty to save, strong to deliver. Without the trials, how would I know His strength?

Ephesians 2:1-4 ” 1And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,” Before I trusted Jesus Christ as my Saviour, I followed the wrong things - fulfilling the desires of the flesh and mind. Now, however, God in His rich mercy has saved and changed me. How can I continue in my sin?

Proverbs 16:3 “3Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.” To be honest, I really struggled with my thoughts. I was discouraged, singing the blues, having a royal pity party and wallowing in self-pity. God was right there whispering in my ear…Philippians 2:5 and Philippians 4:8. But, I didn’t feel like rejoicing or having the mind of Christ or thinking on the right things. Then, the Holy Spirit reminded me of Proverbs 16:3. Rejoice in Him anyway. Act like you know you should. Commit your ways to God. He will then establish your thoughts. And, He did. (2 Corinthians 10:5)

1 Kings 8:61 “61Let your heart therefore be perfect with the LORD our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day.” My heart attitude needed an adjustment!

Deuteronomy 4:29 “29But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.” The reason I wasn’t having spiritual victory was that I wasn’t seeking God through this!

Matthew 16:8-12 ” 8Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread? 9Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up? 10Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up? 11How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees? 12Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.” This Scripture leaped off the page at me. Right now, I’m struggling with daily needs - even basic ones. There is no strength to make meals, clean, sometimes even to eat. Yet, God has promised to supply all my needs. This Scripture shows the disciples getting confused by what Christ is saying about leaven - forgetting that God had just fed the five thousand and then the four thousand. The disciples are worried about physical needs. Christ is concerned and warning them about spiritual needs. Oh, that I would leave the physical needs to Him and simply focus on spiritual things!

Jeremiah 12:5 “5If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?” Recently, I had been praying that God would help me grow, that I would see His power in my life, and that I would learn to trust Him more. Then, here comes this little trial and I fell flat. God brought this verse to mind. If I can’t be victorious with the footmen, how can I contend with the horses?

Judges 8:4 “4And Gideon came to Jordan, and passed over, he, and the three hundred men that were with him, faint, yet pursuing them.” Yes, I am weak right now physically and am fighting a spiritual battle. Yet, by God’s grace and strength, I am faint, yet pursuing.

God used His Word to challenge, convict, and comfort my heart. His lessons through this have challenged me to continue struggling and studying in His Word. It will not return void, but will come back to help at just the right time! Thank you, God, for your precious Word!

Currently, I’m still in the middle of the shingles. I know that God has more lessons for me. God is bringing me to the place of being thankful for this trial, of trusting Him completely through it. I cannot do this on my own, but God will give strength! He is still faithful to deliver and mighty to save!

Growth. It is all around us especially now in the springtime and into the summer. My nieces and nephews seem to be taller and more grown up each time I see them. The plants in my garden have started to grow and bloom. Growth is a slow thing which seems to creep up on us. We may not even notice it daily, but it is happening. Each moment in time, each drop of rain or dew, each ray of sun, each experience, each bite of food all contribute to growth.

What about spiritually? Am I growing more like my Saviour each day? Am I being watered by His Word, touched by the rays of His love while I pray, fed by my time with Him daily, by memorizing His Word, drawn to Him by the experiences of the day?

Or, am I allowing the weeds of life to creep in, allowing foolish companions to hinder my progress toward His image, allowing other things to take first place in my life, allowing junk food to become a steady diet, allowing problems to get my eyes off of Him?

The last few weeks have been busy - both personally and in what God is teaching…well, actually just reminding me. It seems that He is reminding me daily that I must be diligent in my walk with Him.

The following verses on growth remind us of how important each part of our Christian walk is to Him and how it is a part of the bigger picture.

2 Thessalonians 1:3 - Can others say that my faith is growing? Can others see that I am becoming more like my Father?
Ephesians 4:14-16 - My Christian walk should edify other believers. How can I speak the truth to them if I am not growing in the truth myself?
1 Peter 2:1-3 Notice, it takes deliberate effort. I must put off some things and desire others.
2 Peter 3:17-18 It is easy to be distracted. Therefore, I must be wary and purposefully grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Simple things, little things, moments make growth. The question is in what direction will I grow?

Remember the song from our youth:

May I use every moment and seize every opportunity today to love my Saviour, grow in Him and in His Word, and show His love to those around me!

This past weekend as I was driving to church, I noticed how fresh the air was after our recent rainstorm, how green the grass, and how beautiful the blossoms on the trees. Our recent rain storms were making everything grow. The next day, my mom was talking about a revival service at their church. She said that when it was over everyone felt fresh and clean - just like after a good spring rain. The rainstorm helped some things grow, but uprooted others. In the revival, Mom told about both restoration and conviction. This started me thinking.

God sometimes uses storms in our life to help us grow and to purge us.

• Consider Exodus 13:17-22. When God took the Israelites out of Egypt, their strength and faith were small. I’m sure that they were a bit overwhelmed with all that had just happened. He purposely did not lead them through the land of the Philistines. Notice, it was not that God could not conquer the Philistines, but that the Israelites were not ready for this yet. They would have turned tail and run. God also showed them His presence with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. He was providing all they needed for comfort and safety, all they needed to begin to grow in them as they were in this strange, overwhelming circumstance. (Also, see Psalm 103:13-14.) The past couple weeks, health problems have rendered me a bit overwhelmed and weak. Yet, in the midst of it all, God has provided His comforting presence to strengthen, encourage and guide even as it has been difficult for me to read His Word. No, there wasn’t a visible pillar of fire or cloud, but He has been with me, carrying me through just the same!
• In Exodus 14, God brings a storm into their lives in the form of the Egyptians following them. How is this going to strengthen their faith? The Red Sea is before them, the Egyptian army behind. Verses 13-14 hold the answer. God is going to fight for them. He parts the Red Sea so that they walk through on dry ground. Can you imagine being there? Talk about an impossible situation turning around! The children of Israel were watching God fight for them and learning to trust as they put their feet on the dry path with the sea on each side. Doesn’t God do that sometimes with us showing us His presence clearly while still giving us the choice to take that first step of faith?
• Sometimes, these storms purge us. Job went through a lot of trials, but knew that God would purge Him through these trials. (Job 23:10) Zechariah 13:9 also talks about God using trials to purge us. May we remember this and allow God to use the trials as a time to purge the dead trees and shallow-rooted trees in our life just as a hard thunderstorm does.
• Lastly, I thought about how we can prepare for the storms that come, how we can proactively work to be strong for the storms. Two passages come to mind. Psalm 1 tells of a tree planted by the rivers of water. This tree’s root does not wither and whatever he does shall prosper. This is an analogy of someone who meditates in God’s Law (Word) day and night. (See also Joshua 1:8) Matthew 7:23-25 tells about the wise man and the foolish man. The wise man’s house stood when the storms came. Why? He heard and did the sayings of Jesus. Am I wise or foolish?

Storms in life will come to refresh us, strengthen us, and purge us. Will you allow them to strengthen your faith and draw you closer to Him? Are you preparing now for these storms? Are you willing to embrace the lessons from the storms to grow in Him? Will you remember that as a child of God, He is with you in the storm? (Isaiah 43:2)

Currently, I’m in the midst of a fatigue and weakness flare from some chronic illness. God continues to grant so many blessings! Yesterday, someone on the radio referenced Psalm 103. What a blessing and a great reminder!

Psalm 103
1Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

2Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

3Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

4Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

5Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

6The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.

7He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.

8The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

9He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.

10He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

11For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

12As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

13Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.

14For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.

15As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.

16For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.

17But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children;

18To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.

19The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.

20Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.

21Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.

22Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.

From Amy Carmichael, by Sam Wellman, Barbour Publishing, 1998:

“‘If what you say is true,’ he said to Amy after she presented the Good News, ‘then you are an angel from heaven to us. But that is all preaching. Can you show us you live in Christ?’

So there was the challenge for evangelizing: Could the evangelist show that she was living in Christ? She became less and less privileged, more and more like the common Japanese. She traveled in third class. She stayed in their hotels, sleeping on the floor in their communal bedrooms under blankets. This lifestyle obligated her to a great loss of privacy…”

Later….
“The attitude of some missionaries that they were in India to protect British interests disturbed Amy very much. But she had to admit she herself did not feel very British. She never had. She didn’t feel particularly Irish, either. Not even Scottish. She was, in the haunting words of Moses, ‘a stranger in a strange land,’ no matter where she went.”

These quotes caught my attention and summarized what God has been teaching me of late. I must admit that I hesitated to write this as there are so many things that I am still learning and so many areas in which I still battle the flesh. Perhaps my struggles will help you.

1. Am I “living Christ” so that others see Him in me and thirst for Him?

• Do I truly love Him and exhibit evidences of His love? Luke 10:27 “27And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.” Do I live this out moment by moment, day by day in each part of my life? Jesus said in John 14:15, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
• Do I truly trust Him? I don’t mean just saying that I trust Him, but truly seeing Him as omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient. God used a dear friend of mine to show me that I was not truly trusting God or seeing His true greatness. As I got upset or uptight over events that happened, she would ask, “How big is your God?” God was patient as gradually I realized that NOTHING was too hard for Him. He is ready and willing to direct my path (Proverbs 3:5-6), able to fight my battles for me (Exodus 14:14), generous with wisdom (James 1:5), and always with me (Isaiah 43:2). No matter what, God is greater than my circumstances and knows what He is doing! More than that, He loves me - truly loves me! (Jeremiah 31:3)
• Do I seek Him? For a full post on seeking Him, click here.
• Do I show His love to others as described in 1 Corinthians 13? It is so easy to say we love people, but harder to love as Christ loves. It was not until recently that I listened to God’s prompting to see other’s needs instead of caring how their actions and words were hurting ME. This was not something that I could do on my own. So, I started to ask God to help me see people as He did. And, He has. It is amazing how God works in my life when I allow Him to in this way. It is still something that I struggle with, but by God’s grace, I am seeing victory. One of the hardest parts of this is forgiving others as Christ has forgiven me. (Ephesians 4:32). I must, however, forgive. For if I don’t, God will not forgive me. (Matthew 6:12-15)
• Do I see myself as a steward of His resources - time, money, strength? About a year and a half ago, God began to convict me about the ways in which I used my finances. Oh, sure, I was tithing, but after that, I felt that my money was just that, all mine. Then, God began to open my eyes to where my treasure should be. (Matthew 6:19-20) Recently, God has touched my heart about two other resources as well - time and strength. Jesus has a plan for me every moment. When I take a step back and submit to His will whether that means resting or being actively involved in something, my heart is at peace. It has made me endeavor to ask Him throughout the day what He has for me that day, that moment. In our society today, it is easy to waste time on the internet, Facebook, TV, movies, etc. It is so easy to waste copious amounts of time. Don’t misunderstand, I have seen God use each of the above items for His glory and to work in my life. However, although they can be a great tool for Him, they also can distract us from His true purpose. While we are spending time enjoying our life, people are dying without Christ, condemned to an eternal damnation. Oh, Christians, let us spend every moment for Him. May we focus on His will and His way in all things - finances, time, strength!
• Do I have the mind of Christ? This is a moment by moment discipline of bringing every thought into captivity. Our Sunday School class at church has been studying “Renewing Your Mind.” We have been looking at Philippians 2, Romans 12:1-2, and 2 Corinthians 10:5 It is amazing to think that we are to have the mind of Christ, to be transformed by the renewing of our mind, and to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. I say that I am a Christ-Follower. The Bible says in Proverbs 23:7 that as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he. My every thought should be that of a Christ-follower!
• Do I live holy as He is holy? 1 Peter 1:16 One area that I struggle with and know that other Christians do as well is the television shows that I watch. Many times, the “story” itself is good, but the language and side events in the show are unbiblical. Even if there isn’t any violence or brasen sin, the philosophy of the show is against God’s Word. Think of how many shows portray the kids as heros when they disobey their parents or mock Christianity or church. God is a holy God and commands us to be holy. Am I holy in every thing that I watch, read, or listen to?
• Do I serve Him as He directs, not as I desire? This point goes hand in hand with the point above of using my resources for Him. Perhaps those of you who also have chronic illnesses also experience times of intense frustration as you are not able to serve God. You should be able to serve God, right? What I have found is that Isaiah 55:7-9 is very true. Many times my idea of service is not His idea. It took many years and much patient prayer and counsel of some precious friends for me to realize that God had different ideas of my service than I did. Pride and selfishness were often a factor in my frustration. How would people get by without me? When I finally submitted (and continue to submit) to His will, I still may not be serving in every way that I want to, but He always provides what I need for the service He has in mind. And, perfect peace results. (Isaiah 26:3-4)

2. Am I living so as to draw others to Him rather than living for my own comfort, pleasure, ease? The purpose of my life is to glorify God. In doing this, we are instructed to be both salt and light. We are instructed to have compassion. I don’t know about you, but I find excuses are easy to come by. Sometimes, I just don’t feel like being salt and light, like praying, or even reading my Bible. Feelings in themselves are not wrong, and, I believe, are valid. However, they must not control us. As mentioned before, our every thought (and feeling) must be brought into captivity.

Something that I have observed in myself and in the current Western church is that we are so caught up in our own activities that we forget to be reaching out to those around us. Yes, they are different and have different philosophies. We however are commanded to share God’s Word with them. How many church activities today are for the church instead of to fulfill our call to tell others? How many of our day to day activities are for our pleasure and enjoyment instead of intentionallly to bring others to Him?

It is sometimes hard, sometimes frightening to live every moment in obedience to Him. However, I am a soldier of the cross, a follower of Christ. God’s purpose for me is to glorify Him and draw others to Him. He has not given a spirit of fear. He has equipped me with armour in which to serve Him and fruit of the Spirit. The question is if I am willing to die to self daily in order to draw others to our precious Father.

3. Am I living as a true citizen of Heaven?

“It is unfortunate that we have adopted such a phrase as ‘foreign missionaries.’ We are all missionaries, and we are all pilgrims and strangers, foreigners in this world.” ~T. J. Bach~ (from the calendar, Encouragement for the Missions Heart
Hebrews 11:13, “13These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.”
As a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, a child of God, I am a stranger and pilgrim on this earth. This world is not my home. Two things strike me as I meditate on this fact.

1. I am a citizen of Heaven. Therefore, I am a foreign missionary wherever I go on earth.
2. I must learn to live in the culture of my particular mission field in order to reach those around me for Christ. Amy Carmichael learned that she must adopt the traditions and habits of the Japanese people to reach them. Without compromising Biblical holiness and purity, I must do the same. I must see those around me not as lesser people, but as people for whom Christ died. Sadly, I believe oftentimes we work to fit the “lost” into our mold instead of finding common ground in order to bring them to our Saviour. In order to win people to Christ, we must learn the culture and then evangelize within that culture.

So, as the man said to Amy Carmichael, I say to you (and to me), “Can you show us you live in Christ?”

2 Timothy 2:1-5 ” 1Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
3Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
4No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
5And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. ”

God has called me to be a chronic warrior for Him. My heart’s desire is to live for Him in every way, to love Him with my all and love people as He does. Stories of missionaries and “great” Christians inspire me to live for Him, to run the race well. (Hebrews 12:1-2) I ask God to make me more like Him, to make me a servant worthy of my calling.

Then, the way gets tough and I falter. It is especially hard when my chronic illnesses flare or my immune system takes a siesta. During these times, I must walk by faith, not sight. I must bring my mind and body into subjection to His Word. Yet, in this “race” called the godly life, should I be surprised if sometimes I am “wounded” or weary from the strain? Should I then shrink back from the race or the fight? NO! The passage in 2 Timothy talks about enduring hardness as a good soldier. Am I willing to do that for my Lord?

While it is true that we must endure hardness, we also have the promise of Matthew 11:28-30 that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. He will give strength to endure if we rely on Him! Also, consider Isaiah 26:3-4. When my eyes are focussed on Him, no matter the circumstance, I can have peace - even through the difficult, wounded, weary times. My commanding officer knows just how much I am able to withstand. He knows my strengths, my weaknesses. He will not give me more than I can bear. (Psalm 103:13-14)

1 Corinthians 9:24-27, ” 24Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
25And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
26I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
27But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”

I must be careful to continue to run the race for my Lord come what may! I must endure the hardness like a good soldier. I must trust that my Father is in control and will help me!

I am reminded of the following hymn - especially verse 2.

“Am I A Soldier of the Cross?”

Text: Isaac Watts, 1674-1748
Music: Thomas A. Arne; arr. by Ralph Harrison
Tune: ARLINGTON, Meter: CM

1. Am I a soldier of the cross,
a follower of the Lamb,
and shall I fear to own his cause,
or blush to speak his name?

2. Must I be carried to the skies
on flowery beds of ease,
while others fought to win the prize,
and sailed through bloody seas?

3. Are there no foes for me to face?
Must I not stem the flood?
Is this vile world a friend to grace,
to help me on to God?

4. Sure I must fight, if I would reign;
increase my courage, Lord.
I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain,
supported by thy word.

5. Thy saints in all this glorious war
shall conquer though they die;
they see the triumph from afar,
by faith they bring it nigh.

6. When that illustrious day shall rise,
and all thy armies shine
in robes of victory through the skies,
the glory shall be thine.

I have heard it said that when God repeats something, we must pay close attention. It is very important. This past week as I studied various passages His Word, it struck me over and over that we are to seek Him. Here are just a few of the many Scriptures which command/constrain us to seek Him.

• Deuteronomy 4:29 “29But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.” (Reminds me of Luke 10:27 and James 4:8)
• 1 Chronicles 16:10-11 “10Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. 11Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.” Seeking God is not a one-time act, but a continuous act of our will. For me, some days it seems my heart is set to seek Him while others it takes moment-by-moment constant effort to choose to seek Him. Yet, I know that it is a battle worth fighting.
• 1 Chronicles 22:19 “19Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the LORD God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the LORD.” Set your heart to seek God and then, serve Him!
• 1 Chronicles 28:8 “8Now therefore in the sight of all Israel the congregation of the LORD, and in the audience of our God, keep and seek for all the commandments of the LORD your God: that ye may possess this good land, and leave it for an inheritance for your children after you for ever.” God will bless those who seek Him.
• 2 Chronicles 12:14 ” 14And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD.” What a warning for us! If we do not prepare our heart to seek the Lord, evil abounds.
• Psalm 34:10 “10The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.” Notice that we will not want any good thing. Sometimes my definition of good is different from God’s. However, if we seek the Lord, we will not want (lack) any good thing. He will provide all of our needs! Amen!
• Isaiah 31:1 “1Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!” What a great verse for our current economic status! We must not look to the government to help us, but to God and God alone!

It is so easy to get distracted by things…..housework, activities, serving, financial crises, etc., etc., etc. But, what should have our attention? Seeking the Lord!

Hosea 10:12 “¹²Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.”

Now is the time to seek the Lord! Will you seek Him?

In 2 Kings 7, we read the story of how God miraculously provides food for the nation. The prophet of the Lord tells the king that the next day food will be in abundance. This idea seems preposterous to the king as people are starving from a famine in the land. Because of the king’s doubt, God tells him that he will see it, but not partake of the food.

That night, God causes the enemy army to flee in verse 5. However, His people do not yet know that the enemies food is readily available. If it were us, we would call in soldiers, rulers, or the media to let the people know. Not God, though. He uses someone that we would never have thought about. He uses the outcasts of society, the disabled, unclean, contagious lepers. They did not even realize that they were a part of God’s plan, but just ventured into the enemy camp to ask for food. Yet, when they found the camp deserted, they did not hoard the blessing for themselves, but freely told their people of the miracle. God used the lepers.

Ephesians 1:22-23 says, “22And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.” Christ is the head of the church, but the church is His body. We are the fulness of him that filleth all in all.” These verses reminded me of the lepers. They did Christ’s work. It also reminds me of a saying I heard many times growing up, “You are the only Bible some people will ever read. You are the only Jesus some people will ever see.” Only recently have I begun to understand the impact of these words.

God has commanded us to “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel…” (Mark 16:15) and to love our neighbor (Luke 10:27). Notice, that the verses do not command only those who are fit or strong. No, all of us who have trusted Christ as Saviour are part of the church and therefore the fulness of Him.

So often, those who are weak, elderly, or disabled may feel that they do not have much if anything to give. However, 1 Corinthians 1:27 states, “27But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;” God uses lepers, little boy’s lunches (John 6), a poor widow’s sacrifice (Mark 12), and even a little maiden (2 Kings 5). They did not do these great things in their own strength, but God’s strength. (2 Corinthians 12:9). No matter what situation you find yourself in, God has a plan for you right now where you are. He has placed you there for a purpose.

This past week I heard of two contrasting stories which greatly affected me. The first was of a man who is very ill and unable to get out or do very much at all. However, instead of looking to see what God has for Him to do in this situation, he sits and does nothing falling deeper into self-pity. The second was of a missionary who had to return from the field for health reasons. Yet, instead of giving up, she looked for ways to serve where she was. For many years to come, she made recordings of the gospel that were greatly used by missionaries. She couldn’t do much in men’s eyes, but in God’s, she had a mighty ministry.

We are Christ’s body here on earth. He longs to use us to further His gospel. What an awesome privilege it is that He would use us - weak, fleshly creatures, as the ones to show His love to the world. This brings to mind two challenges. 1) Look around today for what Christ would have you do. It may be a prayer ministry or just showing God’s love to those who care for you. 2) Remember that we are ambassadors for Christ. Our actions and reactions are all that some people will know of Him. Will you be the “leper” God uses today?

My life is being changed by a small alteration in my daily living. I want to challenge you to make a similar alteration to your day and thereby change your life.

Philippians 4:8, “8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

What occupies your thoughts throughout the day? What are you focused on? I find that my own mind is very easily distracted from focusing on the list of things in the verse above. In Sunday School yesterday, our pastor challenged us to have renewed minds (Romans 12:1-2). How can we do this? By focusing on the things described in Philippians 4:8.

As I realized how easily I was getting caught up in the things of this world and distracted from my Quiet Times by my physical weakness/lack of discipline, God challenged me to start something a couple weeks ago through the suggestion of a good friend/prayer partner. Instead of listening to the radio or watching tv, I am striving to listen to God’s Word as I do my daily tasks, drive, etc. (This is in addition to my daily times with God.) I must admit that I still have listened to the radio/watched tv some, but a good majority of my day is spent listening to His Word. My life is being changed!

Joshua 1:8 “8This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

How has my way been prosperous? How have I had success? No, I have not suddenly come into a large sum of money. Yet, when I am being saturated in His Word throughout the day, I find my mind constantly being drawn back to our Saviour and God. Throughout the day, I am being reminded of God’s holiness and my sin; of God’s love and sacrifice for me; of how this sacrifice should affect my life and my treatment of others. My eyes seem to be opened to the needs of others. My heart is being filled with praise even in the midst of fatigue and pain. His Word is taking root in my heart and giving me victory over sin. (Psalm 119:11) I find verses coming to mind as situations arise during the day. Although I still have to work to memorize Scripture, I am finding that listening to His Word is helping me along.

Sometimes, we will use the TV or radio simply as background noise to our day. Whether we realize it or not, this is affecting our lives. Stop and think about it for a moment….how does what comes over the radio/tv line up with God’s Holy Word, with His plan for us? I heard on the radio the other day that they were challenging people to listen to Christian radio for thirty days. People were telling how this small change was impacting their lives. What difference could be made if we applied this challenge to listening to God’s Word? Imagine the impact His Word could have on the upcoming generation if they too were saturated in it consistently as they are saturated in the tv/radio programs.

You can download/order His Word in mp3 files online or listen online here. Will you take this challenge for one week?

Titus 2:3-5

She stands less than five feet tall and shows signs of her age. She is not strong nor is she able to come to all of the services or be involved in a lot of the church ministries due to physical limitations.

Yet, whenever her name is mentioned in the church, it is spoken of with great tenderness and fondness. Her life is an example of godliness. She started a Bible study in her assisted living complex. Periodically, people receive notes of encouragement from her - right when they need them. Her smile lights up the room. And, she prays. This godly woman uses the abilities she has been given to serve her precious Saviour. (1 Peter 4:11) When you are around her, you smell the “aroma of our Saviour.” Oh, that I may follow her example as I follow my Saviour and deal with health restrictions.

Many of us with chronic illnesses can’t do much. Our health limits us. It is easy to get our eyes on what we’d like to do or what we can’t do. Instead, let us do what God has called us to and equipped us to do! Let us give Him our few “loaves and fishes.” Oh, may those who are around us say of us that we have been with Jesus! (Acts 4:13)

It is the beginning of the year, a time when many of us make resolutions. This past week, the resolutions of Jonathan Edwards came across my path through the ministry of Revive our Hearts. These resolutions impacted my life.

As a good friend reminded me this week, resolutions are not just for the beginning of the year. Anytime that God shows us something, we should resolve immediately to do it. It does seem that the beginning of a year just lends itself to reflection and resolve. Am I closer to Christ this year than last? How will I resolve to become closer to Him this coming year? How will I resolve to become more like Him this year?

Luke 10:27 encapsulates my resolve for this next year. God gave me some poignant reminders this past week of the practical aspects of this verse.

1. I must love Him with all of my heart and mind even through disappointments. He is in control and knows what is best for me. He must have first place above all friends and family. Psalm 57:7 I must not allow wrong thoughts, fear, or worry to cloud my mind. (2 Corinthians 10:5)
2. I must redeem the time, using all my strength and soul for Him at any given moment. Ephesians 5:16, Colossians 4:5 With my chronic illnesses, my strength comes and goes. However, God has a plan for me to redeem the time no matter the strength level that day. I must choose to use the strength and time for Him. It is so easy to get lazy in this regard and slip into doing what is comfortable, what others want me to do or just what I want to do at the moment. I am a living sacrifice for Him. Romans 12:1-2 My life is not my own. (1 Corinthians 6:10, 1 Corinthians 7:23)
3. I must love others and see them as Christ sees them. God showed me amazing love. I must tell others and show them His love - even when they are not lovely. 1 Corinthians 13 This past week, I found myself in a situation where I started out afraid because of the people around me. Christ reminded me that He died for these people. On a second assessment of the situation, I was amazed at what I saw. These people had no hope. Even the children’s eyes were lifeless and empty. God loves these people. They need Him desperately. Fear turned to His love for them. 1 John 4:18 Now, I am praying the Lord of the Harvest to send labourers to these people who need Him so desperately. May God allow me to continue to see those around me through His eyes whether they are coworkers, family, friends, or strangers! Then, may He allow me and grant me strength to demonstrate His love and make them thirsty for Him!

These are great resolutions, but they cannot be accomplished without God’s strength. Studying His Word and praying MUST be a priority for my every day. He will grant me the strength to obey His Word and will mold me into His image as I seek Him!

May the year 2009 be a “turning point” in our lives, a time when we draw ever closer to our Saviour and become more like Him!

Merry Christmas! It is the time of year when we remember what amazing salvation God has given us through the gift of His own Son. His salvation is truly awesome.

This past weekend, I had opportunity to visit family out of state. While there, I stayed in a hotel with my brother and five-year-old nephew since my sister-in-law and their other children were not able to travel just now. One thing quickly became evident while I was with them daily. My brother loves his family dearly. He delights in doing things that will help and will please his son. He also is actively training my nephew to be a gentleman, to be wise with his money, and to love our God with his all. My brother also spoke with his family back home frequently and was interested in what they were doing. The love they have for each other is obvious!

Watching my brother with his son reminded me of our God’s love for us. The fact of salvation is an amazing demonstration of love. Yet God’s love does not stop there! He shows His love daily by protecting us and providing for us.

Psalm 68:19 “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.”

Even this weekend, God’s daily benefits were obvious. God provided a chair to sleep in at the hotel, abundant time for rest, an opportunity to see an old friend, and even gluten-free doughnuts. He also granted protection as we traveled, gave precious time with family, and opened up opportunities to witness to and serve others. Wow!

Recently, as I was reading in Matthew 22, I came to verses 4 and 5. The king had gone to great lengths to prepare a feast for his son’s marriage and invited many to come. “But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise:” These two verses gave me pause. How often do people put off accepting God’s salvation because they are too caught up in their own lives? How often am I too busy with my life to accept or even to thank God for the wonderful bounty He grants daily? Hmmmm…..

Take time to praise God this season for His wonderful gift of His son and for His daily benefits!

1 Samuel 7:10-12,
“10And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel.
11And the men of Israel went out of Mizpeh, and pursued the Philistines, and smote them, until they came under Bethcar.
12Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.”

Samuel was offering up a sacrifice to the Lord before God won the battle against the Philistines. He was trusting God. After God smites the Philistines, Samuel sets up a rock as his Ebenezer, his memorial, of what God has done.

This week, God gave me an ebenezer! God has been reminding me and teaching me lately to focus on Him and Him alone instead of my emotions, my desires, or the circumstances. (Matthew 14 Peter walks on the water but nearly sinks when he gets his eyes on the storm, but Jesus saves him. Psalm 27:6 The Psalmist offers sacrifices of thanksgiving based on what he knows about God - before he receives God’s help against his enemies.) Then, last Sunday evening, a visiting missionary preached on Romans 4:19-21: weak faith (focused on the circumstances), growing faith (doesn’t dwell on doubt), and a strong faith (focuses on the person and promises of God no matter what). It was amazing as this is exactly what God has been impressing on me.

Monday, God gave another opportunity to ignore circumstances, focus on God and God alone, and praise Him in spite of the circumstances. It had to be a conscious decision on my part. God brought to mind two more Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 10:5 and Exodus 14:14. I had to bridle my thoughts and bring each one into captivity only allowing those that were focused on God fighting for me.

God did fight for me in a mighty way and proved Himself strong. Praise Him through the valley. Trust Him! He is a great, mighty God. How big is your God? Focus on Him and His promises!

Change. None of us like it. But, the Psalmist said, “…Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God.” (Psalm 55:19b) The path on which God sometimes takes us involves change. This change is not always easy for us as it may not be something we like or may remove us completely from our comfort zone and will force us to depend totally on God.

Six weeks ago, God began working on my heart about a change that He wanted me to make. I did not understand it. This change was not in my plans and not only would force me completely out of my comfort zone and mean a time of loneliness, but also would force me to depend totally on God instead of the help… and approval of men. (This is a good thing although extremely hard.)

As I went through the process of seeking God and praying about this change, it was a time of revival in my own heart. (Good thing number two although not always pleasant during the process.) I am ashamed to say that I still did not want to make the change - even after getting other things right in my life. Then, I read the story of Joseph’s obedience to his father when he was instructed to take supplies to the very brothers who hated him. Genesis 37:13 Joseph’s response? “Here I am.” And, the story of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane. “…O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (Matthew 26:39b) They both were asked to obey in situations much, much worse than mine. But, you don’t see skid marks as they dig in their heels resisting God’s will. As my Dad would say, “That sat down hard and took up a lot of pew.”

Yes, my obedience may be misunderstood. It may cause hurt feelings. It will not be easy for me or others. It will take me completely out of my comfort zone. However, I must obey. It will make me totally dependent upon God. I must yield to His will.

So, even as my heart is breaking (and maybe my will), I yield to His will. It is not easy and may not be for awhile. God brought Jeremiah 29:11 to my mind. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11 Now, although I don’t know what the outcome will be, I have a sweet peace.

Several songs come to mind: “Trust and Obey,” “If Jesus Goes With Me I’ll Go Anywhere,” and “I Surrender All.” Also, this chorus I learned in college.

“I need You, Lord, in all I do.
I can’t get by unless I lean on You.
You light my way, You keep me out of the dark.

The Lord has a will and I have a need to follow that will,To humbly be still,
To rest in it, nest in it, fully be blest in it, Following my Father’s will.”

So, as a friend of mine said this past week, I now continue to walk this ever-surprising adventure that is life with the Lord. And what a precious adventure it is as He walks beside me and carries me through.

The past couple weeks have been a bit difficult physically which has prevented my posting. God has been faithful through this time, though, as always.

Here are two passages of Scripture that have been a blessing to me:
Psalm 27
Psalm 37

I hope they are a help to you as well. Lord-willing, I will be able to do a full post soon.

Have a great day serving our Saviour!

This past week has been quite busy for me. Although I have endeavored to get my required rest, I have not succeeded. Therefore, the typical fatigue-related health problems are recurring. Don’t worry, I’ve been praying about how to catch up on rest and about having wisdom with the whole resting thing.

I am sure those of you with chronic illnesses know that when your illnesses flare up, it is very easy to get discouraged. Last night and this morning, the discouragement started to hit. A song playing on the radio this morning on the way in was a good reminder as it talked about praising Him with our last breath. “Thanks, Lord! I needed that reminder.” Then, I prayed for help in overcoming this battle of discouragement. We have a faithful Father who is ready to help. “…for the joy of the Lord is your strength”

In my daily quiet time, I’m studying Genesis 37 in the Old Testament. (Somehow I think that instead of reading the Bible through in a year, I may finish Genesis and Matthew this year. The slow study of these books has been a blessing, though! God is showing me many truths through it!) This chapter is about Joseph.

These times of flare-ups sometimes cause me to ask, “Why, Lord? Why do I have to struggle so?” The answer is in this chapter and the following chapters of Joseph. The truths God reminded me of today were simple, but very helpful to me as God gives me strength over discouragement.

• Verses 1-12 - Joseph is Jacob’s favorite son which does not make him popular with his brothers. His dreams of their bowing down to him do not help any.
• Verses 13-14 - Jacob asks Joseph to serve his brothers by taking things to them as they watch sheep. Joseph obeys, no questions asked. Wow! How many times do we balk when God asks us to do a hard task or to serve someone who has not been kind? (Remember 1 Corinthians 13. Joseph is immediately willing to serve people who have been very mean to him.
• Verses 15-17 - Joseph doesn’t quit even when he can’t immediately find them. When the going gets tough in our Christian walk, do we give in? Then, God sends someone to help him. God will provide for our needs. He remembers that we are dust.
• Verses 18-20 - Joseph is coming to serve his brethren, but his brethren want to slay him. There will be times when those we serve will want to slay us or when they will despise us. We still must obey and serve. Sometimes, when we are serving, we expect everything to go right. This is not always God’s plan. He has a bigger plan which we will see in a moment.
• Verses 21-24 - God used Reuben to save him. However, it still was not pleasant at all. God does allow for His people to go through difficult times. He will provide what they need. Joseph needed to be alive and needed to be in the land of Egypt to fulfill God’s will.
• Verse 25 - The brothers sat down to eat bread. Was it the very bread that Joseph brought? Joseph must have been hungry from his trip, yet his brothers ate in front of him. Then, what seems like a tragedy happens. God doesn’t just come in and rescue him. He had other plans. He allows Joseph to be sold into slavery. Yet, Joseph doesn’t give up on God as we will find out in the next few chapters. Not only does God need him there in Egypt, but Joseph is used as a type of Christ. God cared about Joseph as an individual and kept him close to Himself, yet God also saw a much bigger plan. It isn’t all about us. It is about glorifying God. If that means glorifying Him as a slave/from a prison cell as Joseph did or a hospital bed, then, so be it! It is hard to come to that place. But, oh the joy when we get there. I am always amazed when I read the stories on the Voice of the Martyrs and Gospel for Asia websites. These precious Christian brothers and sisters are being persecuted, but they are still joyful and longing to serve God through it all.
• Verses 26-27 - His brothers were selling him for their own profit. They did not realize that they were working in God’s will, in God’s plan. They thought evil against Joseph, but God turned it for good. God was not surprised at the turn of events. God knew all along what was happening and was working it to His own good. If God is not surprised or panicked when things happen, why should we be. We must simply trust Him. Personally, I’ve found that when my focus is firmly on God, peace reigns no matter the circumstances. It comes down to a matter of trust in our gracious Father no matter what.
  Just a side note on establishing our thoughts….notice that Isaiah 26:3-4 says that those whose mind is stayed on Him will have great peace. This morning, I quickly realized that my thoughts were going amuck. I was reminded of 2 Corinthians 10:5. I must be diligent in bringing every thought into captivity. Then, in Proverbs 16:3, we are instructed that when we commit our ways to the Lord, our thoughts will be established. Part of what God encouraged me with this morning was that I must flee from the discouraging thoughts and even if I didn’t feel like praising or didn’t feel joyful, I must act upon the truths of His Word and the joy of the Lord. It didn’t happen instantaneously, but soon, I did find that my thoughts were established on Him again.
• Verses 26-35 - Deception abounds. These brothers are acting in their own best interest. They do not care about God or doing right even when they see the grief of their father. How can God turn this around for good? He will.
• Verse 36 - Joseph is right where he needs to be. Yes, he is still a slave. Yes, the way is difficult, but God has a purpose and a plan for him! As we progress in the story, we find what an amazing plan it is - A story of redemption and forgiveness and God’s perfect way being established.

So, this chapter really touched my heart today. I don’t know what you are struggling with, but remember that God is completely in control!

Ephesians 1

As I have been memorizing this chapter the last couple weeks, I was impressed again with God’s wondrous love for us. It states over and over how he chose us and he acted according to His good pleasure. That is an awesome love! It will put a song in your heart!

His wondrous love then constrains me as 1 Corinthians 5:14-15 states, “For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.”

Shouldn’t my every breath be lived for Him?

“The prayerlessness which exists in our land, and among us as believers, is nothing more than robbery of God.” –David Carroll, Gospel for Asia

Yesterday, I was challenged as I listened to a  session on prayer - Gospel for Asia’s 2008 Conference, “Dependence upon the Lord.” (I do look forward to listening to the other sessions from that conference and encourage you to listen as well.)

David Carroll (the speaker for this session) stated that statistics today indicate that the average Christian spends 4 to 7 minutes in prayer daily - including the mealtime prayers. The average pastor spends around 10-12, 30, or 56 minutes in prayer daily, depending on which study that you use. These statistics are disturbing. He goes on to say, and that, “Prayerlessness stems from pride.” Are we as a nation and specifically as believers here in America so proud that we feel we do not need God in every area of our daily life?

This information challenged me in two ways. 1) Am I robbing God by not obeying in the time that I spend in prayer daily or by allowing other things to distract me? 2) Am I praying for my nation? Am I praying for fellow Christians to be revived? Humbling oneself, praying, seeking God’s face, and repenting are imperative for our nation to see revival. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Let us practice 2 Chronicles 7:!4! Let us pray!

In verses 25-28, Jesus says, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. [Thou] blind Pharisee, cleanse first that [which is] within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead [men's] bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.”

That Scripture and the “banana incident” reminded me of 1 Samuel 16:7b “…for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”

Bananas. Who could have known that God would use them (along with a precocious four-year-old and His Word) to teach me a lesson this week?

Earlier this week, I went to my brother and sister-in-law’s home to rest a bit at lunch time. My nephew refused to share my banana as it was slightly brown on the outside. My niece on the other hand helped herself to the delicious fruit inside the damaged peel.

It seems that the men in Matthew 23 had the opposite problem of my banana. They look good on the outside, but are rotten - full of extortion, excess, dead men’s bones, all uncleanness, hypocrisy, and iniquity on the inside. Jesus condemned them for this. When I read those verses, I stopped. Which would you rather have? Fruit that is brown on the outside but delicious on the inside or the other way around? It made me stop and think. Am I like the Scribes and Pharisees? Do I live a “good Christian life” on the outside - and on the outside only?

It is so easy to look good on the outside - go to church in our nice clothes and cars, smile, use “Christian-ese,” give a minimum of our time and offering, even do our obligatory 1/2 hour of devotions every day. All the while, on the inside, we can be far from our Saviour and truly serving Him.

What does Christ say to do about it? He says to clean the inside…then the outside will come. By God’s grace, He is able, ready, and willing to clean our “insides”. (We cannot do this ourselves. It must be done by Him!) It is not a quick or easy process, but as we are willing to allow Him into my “closets,” He gladly will do so. As we allow Him to do this work, what joy will fill our hearts - even through the pain of being scrubbed. We begin to see things as Christ does. Some things that we thought were so important (maybe even “Christian” things) fade away while eternal things come into sharper focus and priority.

You see, when we have an inside that is beautiful, He can use us. We don’t have to look a certain way, be involved in a certain service or church, or have certain health. God can use the gifts He has given us to serve Him. He can use us just as he used the boys’ five loaves and two fishes to feed a multitude (Matthew 14:13-21) or the widow’s two mites (Mark 12:41-44). And, as He cleans the inside, the outside shows the changes He is making. I’m sure that we’ve all known someone who may not have been beautiful physically but who glowed with the love of Christ.

Later this week, some of those delicious bananas became fruit useful only for banana bread. As I froze them for later use, I remembered the earlier conversation on bananas and the Scriptures I had read. Then, I stopped to praise our Lord. Those bananas reminded me of myself. I am not strong or beautiful without God. Yet, He takes me and makes me strong and beautiful when I allow Him to use me. Aren’t you thankful that even when others may see us as useless - not necessarily lovely on the outside and worn out on the inside in the world’s terms, God can transform us and use us?

Mmmmmm….I think that perhaps I need to make that banana bread now.

A few weeks ago, God really burdened my heart to be in His Word and in prayer much, much more than I had been. Yes, I had been striving faithfully to have time with Him each day, but He burdened my heart to spend more time with Him daily. He challenged me to really decide to purpose time to spend with Him.

I had just read Revolution in World Missions and was impressed and challenged by the missionaries going into places where they knew they would be persecuted for their faith. Yet, they went. Other missionaries were living in poverty in various locations in order to dwell among and be accepted by the people just so they could spread the gospel. These missionaries would spend several hours in prayer and Bible reading each day. I knew that I wasn’t doing that. These Christians and others I had read about in Irresistible Revolution were purposely sacrificing and living simply with the sole purpose of sending the gospel to others - both supporting missionaries and giving to the poor.

So, I set about to do just that - to increase my time with my Lord and live as simply as possible as He was prompting me to do. The results were astounding! What amazing changes came over my life! What answers to prayer! What boldness - no, not really boldness in witnessing. I just couldn’t keep quiet about Him. Lest this be misunderstood, it was/is NOT me. What peace and joy! It is a testimony to God changing a life.

These verses encourage me:

Isaiah 26:3-4, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:”

James 4:8Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

I can testify that they are true. I was kept in perfect peace. God drew nigh as I sought His face.

I couldn’t see living any other way or not spending that much time with Him again. Then, my health changed (again) and my work schedule changed and you get the idea. It started out so easy to spend this amount of time with Him. Soon, I was being tested to see if I was going to continue on this path. Unfortunately, I found that it is so easy to get distracted. As the distractions came, I cried out to God for help. He did hear. He is helping me. But, I am learning a new lesson - the lesson of longsuffering, waiting, and diligence. I have to choose to spend that time with Him and be faithful to my commitment. However, it is now another aspect of the lesson of living out Luke 10:27. “…Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.” I must love Him with my all even when that means sacrificing more due to my need for more sleep than usual. My other activities must be adjusted so that I can continue to spend time with Him. I am finding that I must constantly ask for His help in guarding my heart against all the good things that come along. I must “redeem the time.” (Ephesians 5:16) It reminds me of the line in “Come Thou Fount,” “prone to wander, Lord I feel it…” Yet, God reminded me this week that I will have both the time and strength to do His will and desires; He will provide the time and strength.

This past week, God showed me this passage in Isaiah. To give a bit of background, everything is coming apart around Isaiah as God judges Israel for turning from Him. Isaiah is dedicated and longsuffering. He understands that his family may not have it easy, but they will be used of God.Isaiah 8:17-18, “And I will wait upon the LORD, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him. Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion.”

It is so easy to be distracted by the things of this world. But, if we couple Luke 10:27 with 1 John 2:15, we see that it all comes down to where our love is. 1 John 2:15, “Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”

My prayer has become increasingly for a passion and love for God and for a compassion and love for souls. I found these two hymns which seem to sum it all up.

“A Passion for Thee”
by: Joe Zichterman

Set my heart, O dear Father,
On Thee, and Thee only,
Give me a thirst for Thy presence divine.
Lord, keep my focus on loving Thee wholly,
Purge me from earth; Turn my heart after Thine.

A passion for Thee;
O Lord, set a fire in my soul, and a thirst for my God.
Hear Thou my prayer, Lord, Thy power impart.
Not just to serve, but to love Thee with all of my heart.

Father fill with Thy Spirit, and fit me for service,
Let love for Christ every motive inspire,
Teach me to follow in selfless submission,
Be Thou my joy and my soul’s one desire.

A passion for Thee;
O Lord, set a fire in my soul, and a thirst for my God.
Hear Thou my prayer, Lord, Thy power impart.
Not just to serve, but to love Thee with all of my heart.

“A Passion for Souls”
by: Herbert G. Tovey

Give me a passion for souls, dear Lord,
A passion to save the lost;
O that Thy love were by all adored,
And welcomed at any cost.

Jesus, I long, I long to be winning
Men who are lost, and constantly sinning;
O may this hour be one of beginning
The story of pardon to tell.

Though there are dangers untold and stern
Confronting me in the way,
Willingly still would I go, nor turn,
But trust Thee for grace each day.

Jesus, I long, I long to be winning
Men who are lost, and constantly sinning;
O may this hour be one of beginning
The story of pardon to tell.

How shall this passion for souls be mine?
Lord, make Thou the answer clear;
Help me to throw out the old life line
To those who are struggling near.

Jesus, I long, I long to be winning
Men who are lost, and constantly sinning;
O may this hour be one of beginning
The story of pardon to tell.

Oh, that I will be able to avoid the distractions of this world and have a passion for God and for souls!

Compassion - “a deep awareness of and sympathy for another’s suffering” or “the humane quality of understanding the suffering of others and wanting to do something about it” (http://wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=compassion)

Last week in my devotions, I came across Matthew 20:29-34. The story brought out Christ’s compassion for the two blind men who were begging by the side of the road as Christ came by. There are so many lessons in this short passage.

1. The blind men trusted in Christ to heal them. They demonstrated this faith both in their calling out to Him and in their asking directly for Him to heal them.
2. The multitude was not interested in helping them and even tried to quiet them when they called to Jesus. They were more interested in themselves than these two disabled persons. The blind men were not worth their time.
3. Jesus stopped when they called. It did not matter to Him that they were blind and outcast. He not only stopped, but showed them respect and love by asking what they desired, touching them, and healing them.

Simple story. Simple truths that I’ve heard many times. So, how can I apply them to my own life? I’ve listed just a few verses here, but there are many, many more that I could have listed for each application.

1. God loved me when I was unlovable. Romans 5:6, 8
2. God commands us to love. How can I do anything less when I consider what He has done for me?1 John 3:16 Luke 10:27
3. God wants us to be conformed to the image of Christ. Romans 8:29, Ephesians 2:8-10, Romans 12:1-2
4. Compassion is used 41 times in the Bible. Compassion is important to God. Lately, I’ve been convicted in my own life of showing compassion to those around me.
   • Romans 12:15 Often, instead of weeping or rejoicing for others or for eternal things, I find myself weeping or rejoicing for temporal things, selfish things, things that don’t really matter. I should be showing Christ’s compassion to others by rejoicing and weeping with them no matter what is happening in my own life at the time.
   • Psalm 126:6 Do I weep over those who need Christ? Jesus gave His life for them. Should I not weep to see them perishing without Him? Then, should I not bear this precious seed, planting and watering them as I work in His fields?
   • Matthew 7:1-6, Luke 6:37-38, Matthew 5:7, Matthew 9:27, James 2:13 Too often, I find myself judging and criticizing instead of showing mercy and seeing people through God’s eyes. God sees them as souls for whom He died. God is Judge, not me. May I show mercy to all those around me as Christ would - without criticizing their plight. (Lest someone misunderstand, I am not suggesting we just accept all doctrines or ideas of people, but rather of seeing them through God’s love and eyes and acting with compassion to bring them to our Saviour.)
   • Psalm 41:1 Blessed is he that considereth the poor! This Psalm is precious and shows how God will take care of those who show compassion on others. Also, Proverbs 13:7 shows one may choose to be poor (materially) in order to become rich (in Christ). Am I willing to sacrifice in order to show compassion to those around me and further His eternal kingdom?

That simple story in Matthew contains such amazing truth and practical guidance for our everyday life as we strive to be like our Master! May our prayer each day be to love Him completely, to be consumed by Him and then to show His love and compassion to all those He brings into our path!

Praise Him! Praise Him!
by: Fanny Crosby

Praise Him! Praise Him!
Jesus, our blessèd Redeemer!
Sing, O Earth, His wonderful love proclaim!
Hail Him! hail Him! highest archangels in glory;
Strength and honor give to His holy Name!
Like a shepherd, Jesus will guard His children,
In His arms He carries them all day long:

Praise Him! Praise Him!
Tell of His excellent greatness.
Praise Him! Praise Him!
Ever in joyful song!

Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessèd Redeemer!
For our sins He suffered, and bled, and died.
He our Rock, our hope of eternal salvation,
Hail Him! hail Him! Jesus the Crucified.
Sound His praises! Jesus who bore our sorrows,
Love unbounded, wonderful, deep and strong.

Praise Him! Praise Him!
Tell of His excellent greatness.
Praise Him! Praise Him!
Ever in joyful song!

Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessèd Redeemer!
Heav’nly portals loud with hosannas ring!
Jesus, Savior, reigneth forever and ever.
Crown Him! Crown Him! Prophet, and Priest, and King!
Christ is coming! over the world victorious,
Pow’r and glory unto the Lord belong.

Praise Him! Praise Him!
Tell of His excellent greatness.
Praise Him! Praise Him!
Ever in joyful song!

As I’ve gone through the Psalms the past couple months, I’ve been encouraged to praise, praise, praise! I’ve listed a few of the Psalms which really focus on praising our Saviour. (There are many, many other praise passages. I just listed a few.)

Psalm 100
Psalm 106
Psalm 107
Psalm 135
Psalm 138
Psalm 146 - 150

These passages blessed my heart. In fact, as I read and contemplated on them and focused on our amazing God, I couldn’t stop smiling (which made people wonder what I was smiling about and can open opportunities to spread the news of our great God)! Praise Him today!

A good friend of mine mentioned a few weeks ago that she was challenged by all that the Lord is for us as she read through the Psalms. Her comment encouraged me to take a look for myself to see what God is for me. It has been a blessed study as I see that He is our Rock, Refuge, Hiding Place, Song, and much, much more!

The other day, I came across Psalm 118:14. The Scriptures are full of references to God’s strength. For some reason, though, this really stood out to me perhaps because of the intense joy that I have experience in the last couple weeks as I have focussed on His strength to sustain me.

This passage made me think of several other passages:

Nehemiah 8:10b - “…for [this] day [is] holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

Psalm 28:7 - “The LORD [is] my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.”

Matthew 15:32-38 The disciples actions in this passage reminded me much of myself, unfortunately. You see, in the chapter before, Jesus had fed five thousand men plus women and children with five loaves and two fish. However, when Jesus has compassion on the four thousand men plus women and children in this passage and indicates that they need to be fed, his disciples respond out of their own resources, their own strength. They seem to have totally forgotten what Jesus just did. Jesus patiently asks them what food they have available. The little they have is not sufficient to accomplish His will which frustrates them. However, with His strength, that amount becomes more than sufficient and brings satisfies all who are there. A miracle! Can you imagine what joy there was among the multitude and the disciples that evening?

My own life often (sadly) reflects this forgetfulness and dependence on my own strength to accomplish what God has called me to. I find myself trying to obey and serve my Lord in my OWN strength and becoming miserable. However, obeying and serving through God’s strength produces joy not only in my own life, but also in the lives of others as they see Jesus instead of me!

Then, of course, there is Galatians 5:22-23. The fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, and so on. Although the strength of the Lord is not mentioned in this passage, the passage indicates that joy is part of the fruit of the Spirit. We can’t exhibit the fruit of the Spirit in our own strength!

These verses are exciting! I don’t know about you, but I much prefer being joyful! Rely on Him today!

Genesis 18 and 19

Reading Genesis 18-19 in the past couple weeks, I have found many little golden nuggets. One that I found today deals specifically with chronic warriors.

In chapter 18 verses 16-33, Abraham pleads with God to save the city of Sodom if there are a certain number of righteous located in the city. The LORD agrees to spare the city.

In chapter 19 verses 27-28, Abraham sees the city being destroyed. It seems that his family has been destroyed. Did his prayer make a difference?

Yes, it did. God was working “behind the scenes.” God listened to Abraham’s petition and does something more than what Abraham asked for. (Jeremiah 33:3) God can’t spare the city as there are not 10 righteous there, but he does save the righteous out of the city. God honored Abraham’s faith.

This passage also seems to show the sovereignty of God versus the free will of man. God listened to Abraham’s prayers. God was in control of the situation and gave all of Lot’s family an opportunity to escape. However, some of his family chose to follow their own way and were destroyed. (19:12-14)

Our responsibility is to pray, obey, and witness. Those to whom we minister then have a choice either to obey God and be saved or to disobey God and face destruction.

I was encouraged through this passage to keep on praying even when I don’t see God working and to remember that I cannot choose God for another person. However, prayer does make a difference!

Ahhh….being in love. We have all seen its affects on people. Those who are in love tend to, well, glow. They do not seemed bothered by sickness, inconvenience, work, or other difficulties. Nothing can touch the joy that they have. They long to spend every moment possible together. Their focus is on pleasing their beloved even if it means great sacrifice to themselves. Everything else in live becomes inconsequential. Their heart is passionate about their love. These lovers also want to share their joy both by talking incessantly about their love and by trying to help you find love.

This past week has found me thinking much about a different kind of love - our Father’s abundant love for us - and how His love should affect our lives. Before I share some verses that God is using in my life, I must clarify that this post is directed to those who have already accepted Christ’s sacrifice for our salvation. if you have not yet accepted God’s greatest gift of love, salvation, please do so today! (I’d love to answer any questions you may have if you’d like to email me at myrical.) It is impossible for God’s love to be evidenced in our lives unless we have accepted this gift of salvation.

Just as love changes one’s life here on earth, accepting God’s love for us should change our lives. His love for us will make us long to know God more, spend time with Him, joyfully sacrifice for Him, talk about Him, and long to bring others to His love in order for them to also experience this love and joy. (Does that sound familiar?) And, as will happen with couples as they spend more time with each other, we will begin to become more like Him. The amazing difference between earthly love and God’s love is that His love is eternal and perfect.

Contemplate the following verses on love.
1 John 3:16 “Hereby perceive we the love [of God], because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down [our] lives for the brethren.” When we consider His amazing love for us, how can we do anything but love others. He was willing to die for all. Should we not be willing to sacrifice for people?

John 15:13 “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Are we willing to lay down our lives, our time, our comfort, our desires, our dreams, our plans, our wallets, our material goods, etc. for our Saviour?

Luke 10:27, “And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.” When we actively seek to love Him with our all and die to self daily, what an amazing difference is made in our lives! The things of earth truly begin to fade away.

John 13:35 “By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” It is typically evident on a couples face that they are in love. Our love for God is evidenced not only by a joyful countenance, but by our love for each other. It is easy to love someone in the flesh when they are lovely, but difficult when they have wronged us, are getting in our space or on our nerves, or are just being “unlovable” (in our opinion) at the moment. Loving them during these times demonstrates that we are indeed His disciples.

Psalm 119:165 “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Spending time in God’s Word allows us to focus on what is truly important for eternity. The more time we spend there, the more the trivial “slights” of this world seem trivial.

Proverbs 10:12 “Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.” When I remember what great love God has for me, what He has forgiven in my life, and how much He loves everyone and desires for them to come to Him, it is easier for me to “overlook” and forgive what someone has done against me. It is not about God winking at sin, it is about my looking at the sinner as a person needing God’s love, forgiveness, and grace and focussing on the eternal.

Our list would not be complete without 1 Corinthians 13.
“1. Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become [as] sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
2. And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
3. And though I bestow all my goods to feed [the poor], and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
4. Charity suffereth long, [and] is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5. Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6. Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7. Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8. Charity never faileth: but whether [there be] prophecies, they shall fail; whether [there be] tongues, they shall cease; whether [there be] knowledge, it shall vanish away.
9. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
11. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
13. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these [is] charity.” Currently, I’m working on memorizing this entire passage.

As a testimony to God’s amazing love and grace, I can say that when I fix my eyes on Him, passionately seek and love Him with my whole heart, and purposely die to self, the evidences of His love are displayed in my life. Conversely, when I am not passionate about seeking Him and all that entails, it shows in all that I do. Practically what does “evidences of His love” mean? Here are some ways that God’s love can be evident in our daily lives.

• Loving, showing concern for, and praying for those who hurt us.
• Showing compassion and shedding tears for others instead of for our circumstances and trials.
• Seeing opportunities to show love to or help others - opportunities that are within our abilities and strengths.
• Sacrificing for Christ becoming more like joy than sacrifice.
• Putting other’s needs ahead of our own.
• Losing interest in the things of this earth.
• Becoming victorious over sin.
• Having sweeter relationships with family and friends. I don’t mean that the relationships will be perfect and they may even be difficult, but the relationship is sweet as you desire to show them and react to situations with Christ’s love!
• Experiencing unexplainable peace, joy, comfort and trust in one’s inner being.
• Hungering and thirsting for His Word.
• Longing to spend every possible moment with our Beloved!

God loves us. He not only loved us enough to provide a home in Heaven, but also longs to have us experience the fullness of His love in our every day lives. His love for me constrains me to love Him. (2 Corinthians 5:14-15 Will you love Him with your all as stated in Luke 10:27?

After this study was initially posted, I was sent a link to 40 Evidences That You May Have Lost Your First Love. You may want to take the time to read them.

The past few weeks have been busy moving, settling, and taking care of daily living needs. It seemed that even though it was a very simple move, it took me a bit to get back into the routine and just to feel settled. Through this time, God was teaching me or reminding me of several lessons through things I’ve read, Scripture, and even just daily happenings. So, here they are.

• Great and Mighty Things! - Jeremiah 33:3 I had been battling worry over the move. How was it all going to get done when I couldn’t do much and my friends/family were so busy themselves? I had been packing a box or two here and there since February, but it still seemed like there was so much to do at the end. God kept whispering in my ear that I needed to trust. He was going to take care of it. The move went amazingly well. My old place was cleaned and the new place settled (including pictures/curtains) within a day and a half of starting to move. God worked marvelously in the move! Whey did I worry? Why did I doubt?
• Our Protector! - Psalm 32:7 God is our hiding place! He will preserve us! Those of you who know me know that I have to work to overcome a fear of dogs. In the past few weeks, God has been working with me in other areas about trusting Him, leaning on Him every moment, and keeping a quiet heart. I hadn’t thought about my fear of dogs for awhile. As I left my brother’s home last week, God brought me face to face with fear - raw fear - as a dog came barreling toward me growling, snapping, barking, heading to attack me. My brother and his family could neither see me or hear my screams as I was on the other side of my vehicle. (Yes, I was screaming.) I had no defense and no way to remove myself from the situation. It was the dog and I. The whole incident probably only lasted a minute - maybe two - although it seemed to be much, much longer than that. On the one hand, I was screaming and panicking. At the same time, I was crying out to God. It seemed God was telling me to tell the dog to go away. (I was very skeptical! I couldn’t see that the dog was just going to stop mid-attack and walk away.) It seemed like a crazy idea. But, I did it. The dog stopped, turned around, and walked away - well at least about five feet back. It was far enough back for me to slowly unlock my vehicle and get in.
  

  As I thought about the incident later, I could definitely see several lessons. God protected me - He was my only defense. Although I was petrified and did panic, God did give me a peace and help me know what to do. God didn’t completely remove the dog as I would have liked; yet, He did put some distance between the dog and I. That made me think that sometimes God does not remove us from trials, but carries us through them, not giving us more than we can bear. It seemed as if God were saying, “Are you really going to trust me? Do you really believe that I can take care of you?” I am a bit ashamed and embarrassed that I basically freaked out, but I am calmed and encouraged to realize that God was right there with me and protected me even in the midst of my panic!

• God is good! - James 1:17 - This past week I read a book about Madame Guyon, a sixteenth or seventeenth century saint. She was rejected and persecuted for what she believed. Through it all, she chose to see God’s hand in all that happened and did not shrink away from the persecution. She knew that God only gives good gifts which meant her circumstances were somehow for her good. She trusted that He was using her trials to mold her into His image, to “make her fit for Heaven.” She had an eternal perspective. Do I remember to think of daily events in the light of eternity, in the light of them being a gift from God? Or, do I look at daily events in light of my desires and wants?
• God’s purpose and blessing! - A few weeks ago I wrote about God having a purpose for each of us as His children. The past couple weeks my faith in that area was tested as I struggled with focusing on God’s purpose for me. You see, many of my friends are missionaries or are on/going on mission trips this summer. My heart longs to “really be involved” (as opposed to just doing what is “easy” while other servants carry the load) with taking the gospel to the poor, with showing compassion to those who are hurting, with showing Christ’s love to many who need Him, and with making an eternal difference in people’s lives. I caught myself basically harboring jealousy toward them and coveting the opportunity to be “part of the action”.
  

  Discontent started to take root in my heart. Then, the Holy Spirit began to work on me. He reminded me that my disabilities come from Him and that He still has a purpose, plan, and area of service for me. Serving Him is a privilege. Serving Him is not about my desires and wants. (Where do we get the idea that our service to Him is about us?) How can I object to where He has chosen to use me? After these reminders and a time of forgiveness, He has shown me more ways to serve Him here and now - where He has called me. Sure, I’d love to take a mission trip someday, but only if it is in His time, His plan, and for His glory instead of my benefit. As always, what peace, joy, and contentment comes when we submit to His will! (Why do we ever stray?)

Keep trusting and serving our precious Lord!

What is the purpose of life? What is my purpose in life? What purpose is there in being in bed and in pain? What purpose does God have for me? Is there really a purpose in a life that is disabled?

This week, as I packed to move, I came across a list of “Lies that Enslave” and “Truth that Frees.” One of the lies was “I have no purpose in life.” The truth was Mark 16:15, “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

As I contemplated this truth, I also thought of the following verses:

• Ecclesiastes 12:13 “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this [is] the whole [duty] of man.”
• Micah 6:8 “He hath shewed thee, O man, what [is] good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
• Isaiah 24:14-15 “They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing for the majesty of the LORD, they shall cry aloud from the sea. Wherefore glorify ye the LORD in the fires, [even] the name of the LORD God of Israel in the isles of the sea.”
• Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
• and, perhaps most importantly, John 3:30 “He must increase, but I [must] decrease.”

I think the biggest thing that struck me in all this was that these purposes for life are universal. You can fulfill these purposes in life no matter your financial situation, your physical condition, your career, or your location. By God’s grace, we as Christians can fulfill this purpose, this high calling of God.

This week, a friend also sent me a link to the following video. It dovetailed with what God had been laying on my heart this past week.

The more I have contemplated the amazing purpose that we as Christians have, the more encouraged and excited I have become. Yes, God has each of us in different circumstances, but uses those circumstances will assist us rather than hinder us from fulfilling His purpose. What an amazing reason to live - to glorify our God and to share His love!

I recently read an article about great sacrifice for God’s Word. So often we take our Bible for granted here in the United States. This article tells how someone from a very poor circumstance gave up food in order to give someone else the Word of God.

God’s Word is precious to me. I spend time in it daily. But, when is the last time that I gave up food or some other comfort in order to give someone else God’s Word? Convicting! Challenging!

It reminded me of Psalm 19:7-11.
“7The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
8The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.”

Your local church, Bibles for the World, persecution.com, Gospel for Asia or BEAMS are just a few places that should be able to help you provide God’s Word for those who need it. Generally, it costs about $5 to provide a Bible for someone - just $5. Are you willing to find ways to sacrifice this week in order to provide God’s Word to others?

Matthew 6:33-34 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof.”

Chronic illnesses sometimes put us in the position of depending on others for our food, raiment, etc. There are many things changing in my life right now. I find it easy to worry about daily living needs especially when the one I have depended on for help is moving. How will I make it? What is going to happen? Will I be okay? Who will help me when I fall? What will I do? You get the idea…

Right now, I have just started over in Genesis and Matthew in my daily time with God. God is showing me things that I have never seen before.

First, I read Matthew 6 - the verses above really stood out. You really need read verses 24-34. God is telling us that He will provide. God provides for the birds and the lilies. God will provide for us. We don’t even have to worry about any of those things. My job is to just seek Him. What a job! What a privilege!

I’ve also been reading about Noah in Genesis chapters 6-8. (That is as far as I’ve gotten right now.) God started to show me things that I had not seen before.

• Noah obeyed God amidst amazing difficulty. The rest of the people on earth were wicked - unlike when Elijah thought that he was the only righteous one, but God said there were seven thousand in Israel who had not bowed to Baal. Yet, Noah walked with God. Wow! What a stand! But wait, it gets better.
• Noah and his family were alone in their beliefs. (With my chronic illnesses, I often feel isolated and alone as I’m sure others chronic warriors do.) But, what did they do? They obeyed. Noah kept walking with God. So, how did God reward their faith? He took them out of the situation and gave them all they asked for and all the friends they wanted and a life of luxury, right?
• Not quite. God took Noah into his confidence and told him something that was going to be difficult to understand, that would make his life more difficult, and that would change his life forever. God gave Noah a job - a difficult task. (vv. 13-21) Remember, Noah would not have seen rain before. Noah would be finding out that friends and relatives would be killed. Noah would now be more isolated and resented than ever.
• And, what did Noah do? He obeyed. (v. 22)
• I don’t know about you, but when I have finally trusted God through a situation and obeyed, then, I expect everything to become easy. God does not see things our way, though (Isaiah 55:9-13). God had a bigger plan in mind. Instead of making life easy after Noah had obeyed all that God commanded him, God “locked” him in the ark for over a year (chapters 7-8).
  • As I thought about this, I realized that they probably heard the screams of friends, loved ones, and neighbors, but were helpless to do anything. Then, would it have been worse when the screams stopped, knowing what that meant?
  • After that, the hard part - well, it would have been hard for me. They had to wait where they were for weeks, months.
  • They were dependent upon God for EVERYTHING during this time.
  • All they could do was serve the animals and each other day in and day out. That is where God put them. They had no place else to go. That really made me think. It is so easy for me to get discontent with the waiting, the resting and resting, and did I mention resting, only able to do a little bit for God? But, I need to see it as where God has me right now.
• During this time, they didn’t know what they would find when they got out of the ark. What would their new lives be like? Everything would be different. What was God doing? How often have I been in that place where it seems as if God is changing everything in my life. Psalm 55:19, God is bringing me closer to Him through the changes. Also, Jeremiah 29:11, I must trust that God has my future in His hand and that everything He brings is good for me.
• So, how did they come out of all these trials in the ark? How did they respond after over a year in the ark? What did they say when the finally saw the destruction? Did they question God, rail against Him? No. They worshiped Him and sacrificed to Him. Genesis 8:20 They still trusted Him. What about me?

What a lot of lessons from this story! Jesus tells me that my job is to seek Him and He will take care of the rest. I must trust Him even when things are hard or aren’t going as I want. Noah exemplifies this concept. God took care of Him through it all - even through the difficult times. Chronic illnesses may bring hard times, but are part of God’s plan for me. He will take care of me through it all and do what I need in the midst of it! Amen!

John 6:5-13
” 5When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?

6And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.

7Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.

8One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him,

9There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?

10And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.

11And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.

12When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.

13Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.”

God took this little boy’s small lunch and multiplied it for five thousand people with leftovers. Wow! This story is such an encouragement to me as I deal with my chronic illnesses. Many times as I deal with chronic illnesses, I feel as if my service to God is so small. I yearn to be used of Him, to do a mighty work for him. Yet, my physical health prevents me from doing many things. It is easy, so easy, for me to feel useless. But, I am reminded that God wasn’t concerned with how big the boy’s lunch was. He took this small gift, this seeming small contribution, and used it abundantly for His glory.

When the thoughts of uselessness come, I must do as it says in 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 and bring every thought into obedience of Christ. For, as it states in 1 Peter 4:11b, “…if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth…” God only expects us to do what He has called us to. And, why do we serve? 1 Peter 4:11c “…that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”

This past weekend I was greatly blessed by a concert at our church by Ray Overholt (author and composer of “Hallelujah Square” and “Ten Thousand Angels”). Although he is now blind and in a wheelchair, he still is serving God in concert and song, giving his five loaves and two fishes to God to use. It was a great example of what God can do when someone is willing to serve Him. What a blessing!

Over and over again God is reminding me that my entire focus should be on Him and His plan - not the circumstances around me, not my problems, not my ideas, not my hopes, not my comfort….you get the idea. And, today is no exception.

Today I was reading 2Corinthians 4:7-18. There are so many nuggets in this passage!

v.7 - ok, back up to verse 6 to get the context. God’s light has shined in our hearts - a light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ Jesus. Now, verse 7. This light is a treasure in our earthen vessels (bodies) so that the power is of God and not of us. Our weak old bodies/flesh are nothing. God’s power is everything! That is an encouragement as I know the weakness of this body. God’s light is a treasure for our earthly bodies!

v.8-9 - Paul tells the extreme weakness of the body and this life. However, he doesn’t do it without hope. They are befallen by all these troubles, but they are not consumed.

About this time, we usually ask WHY, LORD? Why us?

v. 10 - I see the answer here as well as another encouragement. “Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.” Again, we come back to Christ being glorified and manifested in our lives! It is all for His glory!

v. 11-15 - Continuing through the passage, we see that we die so that Christ may live in our lives. I guess I see this in two senses of die - go through hardship for Him and die to self. Why do we do this? Yes, so that Christ is manifested, so that others will see Christ through us.

v. 16-18 - I have quoted the last verses many times, but it wasn’t until today that I “put it all together.” You would have thought I would since it says, “For which cause…” I should have stopped to think - what cause? (No comments from the peanut gallery on my hair color. )

“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward [man] is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding [and] eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen [are] temporal; but the things which are not seen [are] eternal.”

Why do we not faint? Why is our inward man renewed day by day? Because we are focused on the eternal, on God’s light, on His plan and work. Our affliction is for a moment but works as part of God’s purpose - an eternal purpose. How many times do we focus on our pain? God says to look at the things which are not seen - the eternal things. Our comfort does not really matter when compared with the eternal benefit.

When I contemplate these things, my perspective changes. My prayer also changes. “God, may my life be used today for eternal purposes not temporal ones, no matter what that may entail.” And, as I pray for others, I do not pray for their comfort. I pray instead for them to be drawn to the Father, to come to a place where He is their greatest desire, where they are drawn closer to Him!

Those of you who have known me for awhile have probably heard this quote before, but it bears repeating. It is from Nancy at Revive Our Hearts. “Anything that makes me long for God is a blessing. Anything that makes me desperate for Him, anything that brings me to the end of my own resources, my own strength, my own power, that’s a good thing. Thank God if He is creating circumstances to make you desperate for Him, and then you seek the Lord with diligence.” What a perspective!

Revelation 21

What a blessing! The past few days have been a struggle for me to keep my eyes focused on God instead of circumstances. They have also been pain days which I am sure that you have experienced as well.

When I saw verse 3, I was excited! Yes, I have ready that verse many times before and gotten excited before, but what a wonderful reminder! We will dwell with GOD and He with us! That is encouragement for any day.

Of course, verse 4 gives me hope - a time to look forward to no pain. Praise His Name - this is temporary.

Then, verse 5 reminds us that His Words are faithful and true! During these painful, weak times, it is easy to have the truth distorted, at least easier than normal for me. Molehills turn into MOUNTAINS! But, God is still God and God will show me the truth about situations if I just trust in and focus on Him!

What an awesome God we serve!

What a lot of lessons God had for me this past week! It was one of those tough weeks physically - weakness, pain, fatigue, bronchitis, and all that goes with those things. Some days, I even had difficulty getting into God’s Word due to physical weakness. As I was reading 2 Corinthians 1, God spoke to my heart. The passages are familiar to me, but God knew that I needed them that day.

1. 2 Corinthians 1:11 - The prayers of the saints were important. These saints had a part in Paul’s ministry. God used them. They were then part of the praise and thankfulness of what God had done.
2. 2 Corinthians 1:8-10 - Paul was tested to the limit of his strength. He even despaired of his life. Why did God allow this for the great apostle? So that He would learn to trust in God. Wow! This really spoke to my heart. I find myself wanting in the flesh to run away from hardship, trials, and pain. However, I find that my spirit has a different perspective. These trials force me to trust Him more, to lean on Him and Him alone. That is a hard place to come to and a path that must be chosen daily.
3. From that same passage, I was reminded of Paul’s statement in Philippians 4:12. He knew how to be abased and how to abound. He was content in everything no matter what God brought - good times or bad. He took them as from the hand of God.God has talked to me before about my contentment in my disability and with the service that He has called me to at any given moment. I must learn to take it as from his hand. As Job said, “…the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” (Job 1:21) However, some things happened this week that brought it out in a different light. I had even thought of my service to God selfishly. It had become MY service for which I was getting satisfaction for me instead of GOD’s service for HIS will. The service that I am doing right now is what God has for me today. He may need me in something else tomorrow and have someone else doing my job. I must be content. God’s will is what is important, not my wants or desires, my comfort, or my service. We are just instruments for Him to use. It is sad that even in service pride can take over. God has called me to be a Chronic Warrior. However, I must not think that it is because I am “something.” I am nothing. He is all. His will is all! Two verses come to mind: John 3:30 and Isaiah 55:8-13.
   Another good devotional on this same thought is found here from My Utmost for His Highest.
4. 2Corinthians 2:14 - I have had many struggles lately both physically and spiritually. Yesterday, I was pouring them all out to God before my Bible study for the day. The first verse that I looked at was 2Corinthians 2:14. What an encouragement to be reminded that He will triumph and that He will give me the knowledge and wisdom that I need!

Like I said, it has been a week of lessons. I look forward to what God is going to continue to teach me this next week.

I just finished reading a book by Dr. Brand and Phillip Yancey entitled, The Gift of Pain. It brought an entirely new perspective on pain. Dr. Brand worked with lepers who feel no pain and studied pain.

Dr. Brand explains at length the difficulty caused by not having any pain at all. He spent years with the lepers whose main problem was not the leprosy but the absence of pain even after the leprosy itself was cured. He makes a convincing argument that pain is to be embraced as it protects us from so many things.

As I deal with chronic pain, I was very interested in his perspective on chronic pain. The first thing we must do is find the cause for pain and, if possible, alleviate it. If you aren’t able to alleviate it, then we must learn to live above it and work through it. He does not claim that it will be easy, but does show that it is possible.

Throughout his book, Dr. Brand shows how his love for Christ affected his compassion for those less fortunate and unloved. He and his family embraced the lepers and strove to help them both physically and spiritually.

This book encouraged me in my chronic pain in two seemingly opposite ways. 1) I need to pay more attention (something people have told me for a long time) to my pain signals and work hard to prevent them. 2) It is possible to overcome my chronic pain and live victoriously. Then, it was a wonderful example of Christ’s compassion and love in practice.

As I learn what it means to be God’s chronic warrior, I am finding that He is changing my perspective on the difficulties caused by my illnesses.  So, I thought I would just share a couple examples of how my thinking is changing.

1. While I am waiting on the floor for help up (sometimes I am down there awhile waiting for my roommate to get home or my brother to come), it reminds me to pray for persecuted believers and refugees who also may be cold and sleeping on the floor.
2. When I have to remain in bed and can’t get things for myself, I pray for those who have much less than I do and till praise Him!
3.  When the pain becomes unbearable, it reminds me to pray for those who are being persecuted for their faith.
4. When I’m too weak to make meals, I’m reminded to pray for the many who have not yet heard of the bread of life!
5. When I wake in the night, I first ask God who is in need of prayer before trying to immediately go back to sleep. Last week I learned that being a chronic warrior is hard work as many very difficult situations came up. It was spiritual warfare - even through the nights! But, God will give the victory!

These may seem like simple things, but it is exciting to see how God is changing my thinking from self to His Kingdom. I still have a lot of learning to do, but what an awesome God we serve! I’d love to hear how God is working through your illnesses, too!

Joshua 4:7 Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.

Through my chronic illnesses and time in God’s Word, I am learning so much. However, my memory is lax on remembering these lessons. A close friend encouraged me to make a memorial of these things that I am learning. Since our apartment does not have room for a literal pile of rocks, I took her advice and drew my memorial and placed it in my Bible. Just making the memorial was a blessing as I reviewed what God has been teaching me.

Chronic illnesses can seem overwhelming on many days. Now, when I go through the periods of stubbornly denying my physical limitations, being tempted not to love or forgive the people God brings to me, or not trusting God, at a glance I can look at the verses that God has shown me and remember what He has taught me recently.

I think that my “memorial rocks” are going to be a big help to me and thought I’d pass on the idea.