Bible Lessons

Luke 5:1-11,”1And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, 2And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. 3And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. 4Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. 5And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. 6And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. 7And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. 8When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. 9For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: 10And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. 11And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.”

I’ve read this passage many times, probably even taught it more than once. This morning, the account came alive to me. Consider the following:

• In chapter 4, Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law. (In Luke - first mention of Peter.) Jesus cares for Peter’s hurting family member. Jesus showed compassion to him.
• Jesus requests Peter’s boat to go out on the water when the crowds are growing on shore.
• Jesus commands Peter to go back out to fish after He finished teaching. This command doesn’t make sense as they have fished all night with no success.
• Peter obeys although the command seems foolishness to him. He obeyed.
• Peter brings in so many fish that 2 boats begin to sink.
• Peter worships and realizes his unworthiness as He sees God’s power. He tells Jesus to depart from his unworthiness. When we truly get a glimpse of who Jesus is - His power and purity, we are overcome with how unworthy we are! We don’t even deserve to be in His presence.
• Jesus does not reject him. JESUS does NOT reject him! Oh, the love that Jesus has for us! This astounded me. Jesus loves us despite our complete unworthiness. Jesus doesn’t leave Peter. Instead, He beckons Peter to follow Him, to serve Him! (Notice, Peter now has a choice to follow.
• They (Peter, James, John) bring the boats to land, forsook all (even the amazing bounty of fish) and followed Him! I’d never thought about the fact that they left all those fish before. Wow!
• Being in Christ’s presence was greater than the amazing material blessing Christ had just given!!!

How do I value Christ? Am I willing to forsake all for Him?

Matthew 9:36-37, “36But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.”

Isaiah 6:8, “8Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.”

Mark 16:15, “15And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

As I helped a friend plant part of her garden a few weeks ago, my hands got dirty. It also wasn’t always comfortable for me and could actually be called work. Don’t misunderstand - I loved doing it with her and look forward to helping more soon and putting in my own garden.

God spoke to my heart as we worked. You see, sometimes when we are willing to work for God, we want to keep our hands from getting dirty with the dirt of the world. We want to be comfortable and the way to be easy. So often we stop when hurting, broken, “dirty” people come along or when we are not in our comfort zone. If things get the least bit tough, we whine and complain and run back to God’s table instead of staying in the field.

Will I say, “Here am I, Lord, send me.” even when that means being around the dirt and misery of the world, going out of my comfort zone, or working hard?

In recent weeks, the doctors have added to my “hardware.” I now have five splints to wear every night to help prevent or correct various conditions. I must admit that I am still getting used to sleeping with all the various splints, but I persevere in my quest because I know these splints are for my own good. I have joked, however, that soon I will just wear an exoskeleton or a coat of armor (with appropriate straps) to bed!

As I was contemplating all the gear, I began thinking about our spiritual lives. What “splints” do I have in place spiritually to intentionally prevent or correct problems?

Ephesians 6:10-18 came to mind. “10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”

How is your armor today?

In Exodus 19, God comes down to the mountain to speak to the children of Israel and allow them to see His greatness so that they do not doubt Moses. The people are to sanctify themselves before God comes. They are to stay away from the mountain when He comes - not even touching it lest they die. Boundaries are to be placed around the mountain for their protection.

The appointed day arrives and God comes down to the mount. Smoke, heavy smoke covers the mountain. The mountain quakes. Thunder roars. Lightning flashes. A loud trumpet sounds. God has come down. Moses speaks to Him; He answers back in an audible voice.

Then, in the midst of all the fury and power of God’s presence, God calls Moses to come up to the top of the mount (v. 20). What? I had to read that again. Heavy smoke, thunder, lightning, a mountain quaking, a voice as a loud trumpet, and as far as Moses knows, sure death. God had not told Moses yet that it was okay for him to go up on the mount without dying (v. 24).

What amazes me most is Moses’ response! “…and Moses went up.” Simple. He went up. He did not complain, question, or compromise. He went up. He could have been facing death, but obedience to and fellowship with God were more important. He went up. He trusted God. Whoa! Selah!

A close friend of mine recently posted this quote, “When Augustine read those words, ‘Thou canst not see my face and live,’ he was bold enough to answer, ‘Let me die to see thy face.’” I do not know the originator of the quote, but what an awesome spirit!

What about in my life today? Am I that eager to obey and fellowship with my God?

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.”

Jeremiah 2:12-13, “12Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid, be ye very desolate, saith the LORD. 13For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.”

This passage made me stop and think. What am I drinking from, being satisfied with in my life? Am I going to the fountain of living waters or to broken cistern that can hold no water?

God has really brought this home to me in the past few days. What is it that fulfills my life? Am I fulfilled and satisfied with family/friends or the entertainment and social networking of today? Or, am I fulfilled with God? Please do not misunderstand. God has given us family/friends to help us change into His image and to bear one another’s burdens. Our family/friends are often used of God in our lives and us in theirs. Entertainment in and of itself is not wrong; social networking can be used of God to encourage, exhort, and evangelize. The problem comes when we are consumed with these things or are being satisfied with these things.

Look at what satisfied the Psalmist:
Psalm 17:15 “15As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.”

Psalm 63:5-7 “5My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: 6When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. 7Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.”

As we are satisfied with God, we will also be drawn to Him and His heart. Where is His heart?

2 Peter 3:9 “9The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

He is not willing that ANY should perish. Am I consumed with this same burden?

I recently read a quote from a great Christian, “As soon as we separate quality from the deepest passion of our Lord to seek and save the lost, it ceases to be Christian quality…. Even if we produce Christians who live as full brothers with men of other races, but do not burn with desire that those others may have eternal life, their ‘quality’ is certainly in doubt.” -Donald McGavran -

Too often I find myself being a “good” Christian. Yet, when I compare myself to God’s Word, I come up very short. As I pondered the verses in Jeremiah this week, I realized that many things in my life that are even good things, can be considered broken cisterns when I hold them up to the Fountain of Living Water.

It seems we often think of a great Christian as one who is “doing” all the right things…or rather “not doing” all the wrong things. We tend to stay in our little groups (myself included) where we are comfortable rather than reaching out to the lost. Even many activities in the church are about fellowship rather than outreach. We are not going out as commanded, but staying and hoping the lost will come to us. But, truly, our hearts should burn for souls to come to know our precious Saviour, our Fountain of Living Water!

Yet, how can they know Him if we ourselves are being satisfied with broken cisterns instead of our Fountain of Living Water? As I contemplated what this means in my own life, I thought about a “headline” regarding how lax I sometimes am with my burden for souls. It may go something like this:

“World Perishes While Saints Are Entertained”
Heavenly Press. Mytown, USA. While 146,000 died and went into eternity today, saints calmly surfed the web, watched youtube, kept up with the latest on various social networking sites, attended Christian concerts and ballgames, and watched the latest episodes of their favorite shows. Ministries lacked funds to reach the lost, yet saints had the funds to satisfy their own desires in food, home decor, and possessions.”

Ouch. So, how am I going to change? How can I put this into my life practically? First, by pressing toward the mark of my high calling in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14). Secondly, by laying aside every weight (anything that distracts from God’s purpose for any particular moment) (Hebrews 12:1-2). Third, by being transformed by the renewing of my mind - moment by moment seeking His Word, His fountain of living water, desiring to love Him with Luke 10:27 love (Romans 12:1-2). Finally, by taking every opportunity to share His love and His gospel (Mark 16:15)

Many times over the past few days, I have been prompted by the Holy Spirit with these two questions: a) What is God’s will for you to be doing at this very moment? and b) Are you drinking from the Fountain of Living Water right now or from a broken cistern? Yes, I still do check my various internet accounts which God uses greatly in my life, communicate with friends frequently, and so on. These things often are God’s will for the moment. Yet, my focus is on my Fountain of Living Water! How about you?

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!

Yesterday, I went to a Ladies’ Conference that was a tremendous challenge, encouragement and blessing! It was a time of great fellowship as well! A day spent with my precious mother, old friends whom I hadn’t seen in awhile, and new friends that God graciously brought into my life!

The sessions were convicting and uplifting at the same time! Donna Partow, author, spoke at the conference on Maximizing Your Life. It was a call to stand up and be counted for Christ instead of being so worried about ourselves. Many times, God’s agenda is different than our own. He is interested in growing and advancing His kingdom. We are often interested in our own lives, needs, desires, feelings. Don’t misunderstand. God is a caring loving God who cares for us personally. However, He longs to advance the kingdom and bring more people to Himself.

To summarize a full day of teaching, she used the following Scriptures among others to encourage us to stand in the gap as prayer warriors, to stand up for Christ. Ezekiel 22:30-31 God is looking for someone to stand in the gap. Yet, He found no one so His wrath was poured out. The battle is strong; the enemy looking to devour. (1 Peter 5:8) We must be vigilant and willing to focus on God’s agenda, not ours. His is much greater!

God already knows our needs. (Matthew 6:8,Psalm 23) God is taking care of us. We can simply concentrate on His mission, His assignment for us that day. Look at the difference in how Saul and David deal with adversity in 1 Samuel 15 and 30. Saul is concerned for himself and his consequences - how it affects HIM. David goes to the Lord! Wow!

A poignant illustration that she gave was that of the musk ox and the porcupine. When the enemy strikes the musk ox, they face the enemy head on. The strong form a protective ring around the weak - facing the Enemy, standing in the gap. What a great picture of what we are to do a soldiers for Christ. The porcupine on the other hand, has a lot of good points when adversity comes, but no one wants to be near them. They are defending only themselves.

Will I be a mighty musk ox: facing adversity and the enemy head on, standing in the gap for those who are weak? Or, will I be a porcupine: bristling out with all my good points of defense, defending only MYself, MY rights, MY needs?

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)

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?”

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?

Philippians 2:20-21 ” 20For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. 21For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.” Two simple verses, but they pack a powerful “punch.” The Holy Spirit brought them to my attention and “stepped on my toes” with them this week. Do I naturally care for the state of others or do I seek my own things, not the things which are Christ’s? Especially when we are chronically ill, it is easy to be centered on ourselves, our pain, our troubles. However, we should be focused on the mind of Christ and His will. You may say, but I can’t serve others. Yes, you can. You can pray, encourage, and focus on the things which are Christ’s. God will then show You His will for each moment! Earlier in the chapter, Paul tells us to have the mind of Christ and explains what that is. I’d encourage you to read the entire chapter! Philippians 2 Then, let us each examine our lives…are we really having the mind of Christ?

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!

The Messiah, Savior, is promised.
Genesis 3:15
Approximately 4,000 years later, He arrives.
Matthew 1:18

Can you imagine the anticipation and excitement surrounding His birth? This past week, I had opportunity to view “The Nativity” movie. The movie is excellent and really brought the story to life. (Watching it with a young child also added to the wonder of the story!) It is so easy after you have heard it so many times to almost become calloused to the excitement. Yet, as I watched the movie and contemplated the story, my excitement grew with Mary’s. When she contemplated the wonder of God growing inside of her, I cried. What awe! What wonder that God became man. How amazing it must have been for Mary to have the privilege of carrying the Almighty God inside her.

Then, yesterday in Sunday School, we were talking about what Christmas really means and how different “figures” in the story reacted. Without exception, the angels, shepherds, parents, and prophets (Simeon, Anna) reacted with glory, praise, and worship for God. People’s lives were changed forever.

This season often becomes very, very busy with things which really don’t matter. Yet Christmas is the celebration of the long anticipated Messiah coming, of God sending His Son to redeem us from our sins. Shouldn’t the focus of our celebration be on spreading the news of His arrival? Shouldn’t our lives exemplify His life every day, not just at this season?

In our Sunday School class, we were asked to fill out a variety of ways in which we were going to celebrate the holiday. Included in the list was visiting family and friends, overeating, overspending, and also, giving to missions and sharing the gospel. It was interesting that many of us without realizing it were caught up in the commercialization of Christmas rather than celebrating Christ. I’m not saying that it is wrong to give gifts or visit with family as these can be ways to celebrate Christ. However, it was interesting that even among Christians, the true meaning of Christ’s birth was lost. It was a good reminder.

This Christmas, let us keep in mind not only the true reason for Christmas - Christ’s coming to earth to pay the punishment of our sins (John 3:16) but also that we should anticipate His return to take His saints to glory. The Messiah will return. Are you ready? Have you trusted Him as the Savior from your sins? Are you eagerly anticipating His coming?

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!

“Landon, you can wiggle and squirm all you want, but you aren’t getting down.”

My brother was getting ready to carry my young nephew out to the car on a snowy, icy, wintry evening this past week. Landon wanted his freedom, his own way. He didn’t want to wait for Daddy or have to yield to Daddy’s will, steps, way. But, Daddy knew that the path to the car was much too treacherous for Landon’s newly found walking skills to navigate. So, Daddy made son follow his will and wait in his arms to be carried to the car. Eventually, Landon settled down and yielded to his daddy’s will.

As I thought about this later, I was convicted of how many times lately that I been squirming in my Father’s arms wanting my own way and not wanting to wait on His will and direction.

• I’m moving you to a different mission field, child. Wiggle, wiggle. Then, finally, OK, Lord. Show me where You need me and want me to serve.
• You need to rely on me to provide for your needs instead of a paycheck. squirm. squirm. Yes, Lord. You are my Provider.
• Pain, debilitating fatigue, and weakness are what you need right now. Pain, Lord? Debilitating fatigue? Weakness? Lord, I know You use these times to draw me closer to You and provide more time for fellowship before Your throne.
• You are weak and inadequate to do the task alone so that my grace is manifested in Your life. Sigh. Yes, Lord. In my life Lord, be glorified!

Deuteronomy 33:27
“The eternal God [is thy] refuge, and underneath [are] the everlasting arms…”

Romans 8:28-29
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”

Psalm 27:11, 13-14
“Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. [I had fainted], unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.”

Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Matthew 11:28-30
“Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke [is] easy, and my burden is light.”

Father, I rest in Your arms and yield to Your will and way today as You guide, direct, and protect me.

This year, the changing leaves have really reminded me of our Great Father God and Creator. My good friend Anita took these first two pictures.

For the first one, she says, “the gold color on the trees is from the setting sun, not the leaves changing…”

and, “when the sun is gone”

Amazing, isn’t it! As I thought about those pictures, I realized that my Christian life is much like that. When I am close to my Saviour, spending time in the Light of His Presence through His Word and prayer, my life shines for Him. (Matthew 5:16, John 8:12, Ephesians 5:8) People will be drawn to Him when they see His light in me.

Look at this tree:

What amazing colors God painted with His paintbrush! The tree is also in the path of the rising sun which magnifies its beauty.

These beautiful leaves not only reminded me that I am most beautiful (inside and out) when I am walking in His Light, but also made me think about why the leaves change color. Realizing that you cannot make a complete, perfect comparison, I do see a bit of a parallel. The leaves change color as the chlorophyll is no longer made. The leaves then show the brilliant colors of the food left in the leaf. The parallel that I saw as I thought about the leaves was that when I stop putting making self a priority, the Bread of life (John 6:48-51) in me shows through just as the vibrant colors of the food in the leave show through. John 3:30 “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

This past weekend God blessed me with a visit to Gun Lake in Western Michigan. The trees were absolutely beautiful as I made the trip, sat on the dock to enjoy the beauty around the lake, and enjoyed a nice stroll (ummm….actually Anita strolled and I rolled with her help) along the lake. When I can, I will post some pictures of this trip which exhibited God’s beauty.

The beautiful color of the leaves has reminded me of the song, “This Is My Father’s World.” God created this universe and saved my soul. What wondrous love is this! I am challenged then to radiate Him! Also, why should my heart be sad or scared? He is the Ruler! He is all-powerful. How great is our God!

“This Is My Father’s World”
Text: Maltbie D. Babcock
Music: Trad. English melody; adapt. by Franklin L. Sheppard

“This is my Father’s world,
and to my listening ears
all nature sings, and round me rings
the music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world:
I rest me in the thought
of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;
his hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father’s world,
the birds their carols raise,
the morning light, the lily white,
declare their maker’s praise.
This is my Father’s world:
he shines in all that’s fair;
in the rustling grass I hear him pass;
he speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father’s world.
O let me ne’er forget
that though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world:
why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King; let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let the earth be glad!”

Ants. These tiny little creatures can teach us so much. They even make an appearance in Scripture (Proverbs 6:6-8). The past couple weeks, I have been watching and also doing battle with some ants in my apartment. Watching them brought to mind the Scripture that we are to be like the ant instead of being sluggards - A point that I took to heart.

However, I was not impressed with the ants being inside my apartment. My home remedies for getting rid of them were not completely effective. So, a trip to the store provided the solution - ant traps! About an hour after I had set the traps out, I went back to see if they were working. The ants were flocking to this amazing treat that had been brought right to their door. The food seemed to be delicious to them. I watched as the friends and neighbors of the ants all came to this wonderful treat. Little did they know that they were all eating themselves to death. (Hmmmmm…..interesting thought.)

There were two lessons that I learned from these ants this weekend.

1. Temporary  pleasure can be deadly.  2 Corinthians 11:14-15 states, “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore [it is] no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” Satan can transform that which is deadly into something appealing for us as Christians. Sin can be pleasurable for a season, but the consequences are very costly. We must be like Moses: “By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.” (Hebrews 11:24-26). Yes, we may “suffer” temporarily by giving up that which looks good, but the riches of Christ are far better! Will you give up the “ant bait” that comes your way today?
2. Tell the world! Secondly, although what the ants were seemingly inviting friends and neighbors to was very deadly, they did share the treasure that they had found. How much more eager should I be to tell EVERYONE I know about the true feast and riches of Christ? Again, I must “Live Out Loud” and spread the word of His Great Love! (Mark 16:15)

So, remember the lessons from the ants today!

Romans 8:28-29 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

This cayenne pepper grew in my “garden.” It’s “lovely” shape was caused by growing against the wire surrounding the plant.

Do I stay close enough to my Saviour to be conformed to His image?
Do I let the trials He sends mold my life into His image?

What an object lesson!

Lately, I have been searching, seeking, longing for an answer to a question that has perplexed me. Sometimes, I believe that God gives us answers right away. Sometimes, I believe that He wants us to search out a matter. Sometimes, I make things harder than they are. The question that was compelling me to search His Word for answers (always a good thing) fell into the last two categories. This week, God began to reveal the answer to me. The answer was both simple and complex, but definitely a blessing! Now, I must seek His face daily to live out His answer. I can only do that through Him.

What was this perplexing question? How do I stand for what I believe while still showing Christ’s love? In our “Christianity,” there are two opposing views: being tolerant of any doctrine, standard, etc. or judging, criticizing, belittling, or berating anyone who doesn’t believe, believes but doesn’t hold to similar standards, or doesn’t fit in our “comfort zone” of Christianity. As I’ve studied, sought God, and pondered this question, I have come to believe that either of those views/practices is unscriptural. God has convicted me of some of each of these attitudes in my own heart. Both attitudes are also prevalent in our churches today. So, what is the right way to stand yet draw people to Christ? Many times, we are told to just “have a balance.” In this case, however, I don’t believe that advice fits. We are also told to be “in the world, but not of it.” Sound advice, but not really applicable to the full scope of my question.

This past week, the Holy Spirit brought two simple words to mind as I pondered this question - “salt” and “light.” My first thought was, “Duh, Myrical.” Here you’ve been studying and pondering for so long and the answer is so simple. As I pondered the answer more, I realized it wasn’t as simple as it first seemed. First, let’s look at Matthew 5 where Christ tells us to be salt and light.

Matthew 5:13-16

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Now, let’s look at these two elements and these verses as answer to our question.

1. Salt “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.”

Salt has two properties: it makes us thirsty and holds back corruption. So, herein is the first part of our answer.

1. We should make people thirsty for God. How?
   • Love God. Love your neighbor. Luke 10:27
   • Love your enemies. Matthew 5:44 Love those who don’t believe as you do; love those who are against you. You get the idea. There is a great sermon which practically demonstrates this concept, here.
   • Love one another. John 13:35

   Hmmmm….loving one another would mean loving those who may not have the same standards as we do or who are not in our comfort zone. (See the post on compassion.)

   • Do unto others as ye would have them do unto you. Matthew 7:12 For me, this means that as I take a stand, I must do it in a way that is gracious and kind. The truth may still divide or cause strife, but I must let it be the truth that divides, not my attitude and actions. It also means that I must not judge as I do not know the entire story. As an example, my mom and I were talking this past weekend about my habit of keeping the blinds closed in my apartment most of the time. It must look odd or even suspicious to my neighbors. However, there is a very legitimate reason - migraines! How many times I jump to conclusions about others - especially those who are different from me - when I want others to get the whole story before drawing conclusions.
   • Declare His glory among the Heathen. Psalm 96:3 People will want to hear about His glory if we have shown them His love.
   • Die to self, become like Christ. (John 3:30, Galatians 5:22
2. We should hold back corruption. How?
   • Resist the devil. Flee from sin. 2 Timothy 2:22, James 4:7 Those around you will see your stand and wonder why you have taken it.
   • When appropriate, follow Christ’s example in pointing out sin. John 4:7-42 Notice, He did not belittle the sinner, but did bring her attention to the sin. One caution: Remember that we are human. It is the Holy Spirit’s job to convict the individual of sin. We can bring God’s Word to light on the subject, but cannot change their attitude or heart.
   • Speak the truth in love. Ephesians 4:15

If we do not follow both of these attributes - making people thirsty for God and holding back corruption, the salt loses its savour. We lose our effectiveness and become worthless. This thought reminds me of John 15:1-8 A study of that passage fits right in with being salt!

2. Light “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Light has two properties shown in these verses: it draws people and dispels darkness. Now, we see the second part of our answer. As you can see, it is very similar to the salt.

1. Light draws people to God, to Jesus - the Light of the world. John 9:5 Jesus said that as long as He was in the world He was the light of the world. He also called us the light of the world. To me, this is practically shown when Paul tells people to follow Him as He follows Christ. (Philippians 3:17 There is another verse that is more clear on this, but I’ll have to post it later. )
2. Light dispels darkness. Look at the verses in Matthew 5. Light shines to all in the house. If we live for Christ and follow all that is in His Word, others will see Him!

Again, if we are not shining lights, if we put our light under a bushel or don’t set our light on a hill, God cannot be glorified through our good works.

There is a study on sound doctrine on Revive our Hearts. Portions of this study dovetail with these thoughts on living out our Christian faith as salt and light.

The answer is clear. Live out Luke 10:27 which encompasses studying and obeying God’s Word in every area (2 Timothy 2:15, John 14:15) and loving others.

We are commissioned to bring people to Christ. We cannot win the lost or bring backsliding fellow believers back to Him without much prayer and being both salt and light. Each day, I must seek God’s face in practically showing His love to others and obeying His Word in my life - in practically living out His command to be salt and light.

We must, “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”.(Matthew 5:44)

Additional Note: Today (October 6, 2008), I read an article on legalism and love that addresses one spiritual area that may cause questions. However, I believe the main principle that is taught can also help us in deciding what we should or should not allow in our lives as Christians as we strive to be salt and light.

Philippians 4:8 “Finally, 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.”

Proverbs 23:7a “For as he thinketh in his heart, so [is] he…”

Our thoughts - they control who we are. Recently I read In the Arena of the Mind by John Vandegriff which not only shows the pitfalls of allowing wrong thoughts to control our lives, but also gives Biblical answer to the incorrect thinking of worry, fear, lust, and other topics. I highly recommend this book as God has used it in my own life.

As I meditated the Scriptures dealing with our thoughts and pondered how my own thinking affects my life, I became acutely aware of how we MUST STOP the wrong thoughts as soon as they develop in our mind. The Scripture states that we are to be “casting down imaginations” (2 Corinthians 10:5) and “bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” Wow! How easy it is to let our thoughts wonder or to let one thought lead us down a wrong path - such as allowing one fact being expanded on and then blown out of proportion in worry. God convicted me that many of my thoughts are not obedient to Christ. Praise His Name for 1 John 1:9!

The Bible gives clear direction on what we are to think and do. 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.” Did you catch that we are to love the Lord our God with all our mind? So often, I focus on loving God outwardly, but, God expects us to show our love for Him - to be consumed by our love for Him - inwardly as well as outwardly. Our thoughts will control our actions.

Philippians 4:8 tells us exactly how to keep our minds focused on God and therefore loving Him! With God’s help, my thought life is being revived. What joy and peace I have when my thoughts are focused on Him and His Word. It has been exciting to see God work in my life as I put these principles into practice in my own life. In place of worry, there is trust in an almighty God; in place of frustration over a changed schedule there is peace that God has a purpose for this moment; in place of fighting against the pain is an acceptance that God is molding me into His image through the pain; in place of fear there is confidence that God is in control and only allows things that are good into my life (good in light of His plan and eternity).

May our passion be God in our thoughts as well as our deeds!

Recently, I read the following verses. Matthew 11:28-30 “28Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

I have heard them many, many times, but when I read them this time, I stopped to ponder them. You see, I had just read several updates from Mission Network News, Gospel for Asia, and Voice of the Martyrs which on the surface indicate that His burden is not light. What about the persecuted believers around the world, the floods here in the United States, the devastation in China and Myanmar, and the many struggling Christian friends whom God has brought directly into my life? Christians are being persecuted, in need of food and shelter, and hurting physically or emotionally for the cause of Christ.

Consider Hebrews 11 - the “Hall of Faith.” The entire chapter is amazing. Yet, look at the last few verses, “…and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: 36And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: 37They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; 38…they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.”

Does that sound like rest to you? No, not if those are the only verses that you read. It does not sound like rest.

Let’s look back at Matthew 11 again. “28Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

I don’t know about you, but yes, I am often heavy laden. The work, cares, pain, and trials of this world can become a very heavy load. But, God promises REST. Notice, He does not promise that the struggles will be gone.

Yesterday, God sent a coworker, a fellow believer to my office. We got to talking about and praising God. I noticed two things after he left. First, my spirit was so joyful and my faith had been strengthened. You see, it reminded me to fix my focus on the meek, lowly in heart Saviour, my Fiance, put everything in His hands, rest in His sovereignty, love, protection, and care. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. I am weak and foolish, but when I take His yoke and His burden, that does not matter. I then place my life in His hand. He is strong, wise, gentle, and sovereign. When we come unto Him, we no longer have the burden of carrying the load. He does.

Secondly, my heart rejoiced in the love of our Savior for those who do not know Him. This brother in Christ mentioned that he too had been witnessing to a coworker who is going through some deep waters - someone who labours and is heavy laden with difficult situations. Neither of us knew that the other was witnessing to her. (Praise the Lord! God is wooing her. Please pray for this dear lady.) He mentioned that she really needed to come to Christ and get in the Word. For then, her struggle would be over - not that her problems would be gone, but that her struggle would be over. For you see, then she would have peace and rest in Christ! Christ would give her rest in the midst of her trial. As I thought about her situation, I was reminded of Matthew 11.

Now, let’s look at Hebrews 11 again. “32And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: 33Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions. 34Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. 35Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: 36And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: 37They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; 38(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. 39And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: 40God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.”

Do you see the hope, power, and rest in taking His yoke? Hebrews 11:16 is one of my personal favorites and challenges, “But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.” God was not ashamed to be called their God. Wow! And, God is preparing for us a city - eternal joy in His presence. It reminds me of the song, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus!”

Personally, God is working these passages out practically in my life at this time. Due to circumstances beyond my control, the strength and progress I had been making physically are slipping. There is a possible solution in the works, but it is not yet God’s timing for it to come to pass. As the fatigue, weakness and pain have increased, it has not been easy physically, BUT, spiritually, I am challenged and sustained! God has shown His care, peace, rest, strength, and provision! Yes, I am praying that the solution would come through quickly. However, more than that, I am praying for God’s will in my life. My relationship with God, spiritual growth and testimony are much, much more important than physical health!

Rest in Him today!

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!

As I read Genesis 14-15, I was struck by two things - God’s love and Abram’s human-ness. This post is just my thoughts on the passage.

Victory! Abram had victory in Genesis 14. He was able to rescue Lot from the enemies and returned praising God.

Genesis 15 starts out with an encouragement from God saying, “Fear not, Abram: I [am] thy shield, [and] thy exceeding great reward.” As I read that, I stopped. Wouldn’t it have made more sense for God to say that before Abram went into battle?

As I read the next few verses, I was struck by several things:

• God’s love! God’s love, compassion, and care for Abram during his time of doubt were amazing. When I read through verse 6, I pictured God looking right into Abram’s eyes with care and concern and LOVE, putting His hands on Abram’s shoulder, and reassuring him.
• God is. God is! God says that He is Abram’s shield and He is his exceeding great reward. He does not say that He will give him a shield or He will give him a great reward. He IS Abram’s shield. He IS Abram’s reward.
• In the past few chapters as I had watched Abram’s faith, it was easy to compare his amazing faith with my daily struggles to put my faith that God is sovereign into practice. In these few verses, though, we see that Abram had the same battle of complaining, wondering, impatience, trying to solve the dilemma in his own way, doubting what God had told him. He faced the same temptations I do.
• God reassured Abram of his promise and gave him a visual example to show what He was going to do. The overwhelming sense that I get as I see God doing this is that although there may be a bit of Fatherly rebuke in what He is saying, God is showing Abram His love. He is meeting Abram where he is at the time and meeting his need. He does not lecture Abram on unbelief, but answers Abram’s questions and shows Abram that He will do what He said He would.
• Abram then believed. He did have faith. Later, he is called the friend of God!

My heart was greatly encouraged in this passage. Sometimes I just can’t see what God is doing either in my life or in the lives of those for whom He has called me to be a chronic warrior. Yet, I must remember and believe that He is doing as He said. He is with me (Hebrews 13:5b). He does hear and answer prayer (James 5:16b)! And, God’s love for me is awesome! (Jeremiah 31:3)

Psalm 46:10

Selah!

My heart’s desire is to draw near to my Savior, to love Him with my all, and to serve Him daily. However, many times, I find that this chronic warrior struggles to trust Him. God has called me to be a chronic warrior for Him, taking needs before His throne. I know He is in control. However, when the storm starts to rage, fear creeps in unawares. Then, as the storm increases, I find myself running frantically to my Savior. He says, “My child, I was here all along taking care of you.”

I have been struggling with this very issue lately. This morning, as I was reading Matthew 8:23-27 , God showed me that I was just like the disciples.

Verse 23: The disciples follow Christ into the ship. They wanted to be with Him, to be near Him.

Verse 24: The storm came and what a storm it was! The water was coming over the ship. Christ was right there with them. However, He was seemingly doing nothing as He peacefully slept through the storm. (He wasn’t concerned about the storm. He knew that God was in control of the storm. We know the God in control of our storms.) Notice that although the water was overtaking the ship, it was not destroying it. God knows how much we can take and will not give us more than we can bear. (Psalm 103:14, 1 Corinthians 10:13)

Verse 25: The disciples knew that Jesus was the One, the only One who could help them. They went running to Him.

Verse 26: Jesus rebukes them for their fear and says they are of “little faith.” At first as I thought about it, I wondered why He rebuked them when they came to Him in the time of their storm. It hit me that I am much like them. I know God can do something, but am concerned when I don’t see what He is doing or how the storm is going to work out. He didn’t say they were of NO FAITH, but of LITTLE FAITH. There is a difference.

Verse 27: This verse explains their lack of faith. They knew He is a wonderful God. But, they hadn’t practically applied it to their lives. They marvelled at how great a man He is. How often do we (ok, I) say that our (my) God is ALMIGHTY but not LIVE like our (my) God is ALMIGHTY? My close friend has often asked me, “How big is your God?” when I start to panic. It really comes down to where my focus is!

So, whether in our personal lives or as chronic warriors presenting other’s needs to God, let’s learn a lesson from the disciples and trust in this amazing God we serve!

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!

This past weekend God reminded me again that it is my choice to praise Him in any circumstance and to seek His will in the things that come. I had big plans to get lots done this weekend, however, a fall Friday left my joints needing a little more rest than normal. In these times it is easy for me to become discouraged as I already have to rest so much on a regular basis.

However, God has been working on my heart to choose to praise and then to ask Him what He has for the day - being a chronic warrior is sometimes what He has chosen for my day. The choice to praise sometimes comes hard, but I know that my God will always triumph and is patient as I walk this journey. 2Corinthians 2:14 “Now thanks [be] unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.”

Isaiah 55:8-13

Hebrews 13:14-16

Psalm 30:11-12

Choose to praise Him!

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!

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.

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.

There have been a couple passages of Scripture that have encouraged and blessed my heart the past couple weeks. I just wanted to share a bit of what I have been learning.

First, in John 4:6-8 Jesus was weary and had to rest while his disciples went on ahead to “serve” by getting food. While he was resting, God had a plan for Him to reach someone else. God had a plan for His rest as He then met and witnessed to the woman at the well. Simple, yet profound!

When I shared this with Anita, she reminded me of the time Jesus was actually sleeping in the boat while the disciples were rowing. As I was looking at those and related verses, I came to the following passages in Mark 6 and Matthew 14. I have heard and read these verses many times, but God really brought out several lessons that helped me when I studies them over the course of many days. I thought I would share them in hopes that they will encourage you, too.

Mark 6:45-52; Matthew 14:22-33

1. Jesus sent them to sea - He sent them into what He knew was going to be a hardship as He knew it was also going to be best for them.
2. Even though He must have been exhausted after ministering to people all day, He went to pray. That was convicting to me!
3. Jesus saw them toiling on the sea, but didn’t come immediately. He didn’t come until the fourth watch.
4. He would have passed by them. He knew they were ok and that this trial would show them His power. But, when they cried out in fear, He was there for them. We (at least I) want out of trials immediately. God has a greater purpose. Also, He will not give me more than I can bear! (1 Cor 10:13; Psalm 103:14)
5. The disciples were afraid and in the midst of the storm. When Jesus came, at first they didn’t recognize His presence but thought their trial had gotten worse (a spirit on the waters). How often do I not recognize God’s hand of intervention in my life?
6. Jesus took the faith that Peter did show and acted on it. When Peter faltered again, He reached out to him, rebuked his lack of faith, but still helped him - this time immediately. This was a great comfort to me as I struggle on this journey.
7. The storm was still raging until Jesus got into the ship.
8. After the storm, the disciples then worshipped, praised, and wondered at who Jesus was.

These passages really spoke to my heart this past week. They also taught me a lot about the heart of Christ.