Matthew 26:42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
Jesus is nearing the time when He must give His all for sinners on the cross. He is Omniscient, He knows about the cruel death that awaits Him. As a man robed in flesh, I'm sure the thought of pain and suffering does not appeal to Him. As the Savior of the world, He longs to offer the way to Heaven for all who will receive it. He prays, "O Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it," - He admits that it will be a hard thing to endure. But then He says the words that caught my attention today, "thy will be done". The Lord has been dealing with me about His will for my life for a couple of days now. I realized that I've been "kicking and screaming" (figuratively of course! haha!) to get out of the trial I'm in. I am always looking for an escape. The Lord pricked my heart just yesterday that perhaps I'm in this trial to learn to accept trials; to learn to stop "kicking" and take it like a woman who trusts God and desires His will.
Believe me, I'm not writing this flippantly. It was a bitter pill to swallow, to say to the Lord, "Oh, Lord, yes, I will stay in this trial for as long as you want me here. I will stop kicking, fighting, wishing to be out of it." I thought of the song by Ron Hamilton called "Rejoice, in the Lord". One part says:
"I bowed to the will of the Master that day, then peace came, and tears fled away."
I didn't mean not to bow to His will, but I haven't been. I will admit, it's hard. It's not fun to die to self and bury the hopes I had for the future. I do have hope that my Lord will see me through this trial. I have hope in Him for a better and brighter tomorrow. If not here, then on the other side! Before, I was hoping in my own desires, not His. I do have peace now. I'm still waiting to see if the tears have stopped. They are probably not gone forever, but maybe now they will less bitter!
I'm learning that anyone can say they want God's will for their lives. It's another thing entirely to want it when no one is watching. He has changed my perspective, and my longing is that it stay focused on Him forever.
Showing posts with label trials. Show all posts
Showing posts with label trials. Show all posts
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
Anatomy of a Trial
I apologize if my postings here seem to be all on one subject. I suppose, whenever we are going through something, we naturally tend to look for thoughts/encouragement/help from God's Word on that particular subject. Each day, when I open up my Bible, I seem to gravitate toward passages that deal with what I'm feeling.I certainly believe the Lord is strengthening me this way, but I also know that I'm partial; I'm looking for these things on purpose. (And that's okay.) Today, I read a bit from Jeremiah and Psalms. Psalms 107 is a great chapter. I noticed for the first time this morning that the Lord tells me the way trials work right in this chapter. The writer says:
Psalm 107:25-30
25 For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.
26 They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.
27 They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits' end.
28 Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.
29 He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.
30 Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.
Do you see the pattern? This encouraged me so much today! It lays it out for me.
1. The Lord is the one who allows trials to come. (v. 25)
2. He allows them to get bad - very bad. (v.26)
3. The one in the trial suffers, seems to be going crazy! (v.27)
4. They pray, no, they cry! The Lord delivers them.
5. He makes things calm again. (v.28)
6. The sufferer is glad, they have found a solace in the storm. They have survived, and are stronger for it. (v.29)
Then, I'm adding this: Repeat. The process will start over and over until we reach those pristine shores of Heaven. Each storm, each trial is to mold us and make us more like Christ. I am currently in #3 and #4 myself! What a blessing to know that God will bring me through this time. I know I will be glad and I will be in my desired haven someday. I have His Word on that.
Psalm 107:25-30
25 For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.
26 They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.
27 They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits' end.
28 Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.
29 He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.
30 Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.
Do you see the pattern? This encouraged me so much today! It lays it out for me.
1. The Lord is the one who allows trials to come. (v. 25)
2. He allows them to get bad - very bad. (v.26)
3. The one in the trial suffers, seems to be going crazy! (v.27)
4. They pray, no, they cry! The Lord delivers them.
5. He makes things calm again. (v.28)
6. The sufferer is glad, they have found a solace in the storm. They have survived, and are stronger for it. (v.29)
Then, I'm adding this: Repeat. The process will start over and over until we reach those pristine shores of Heaven. Each storm, each trial is to mold us and make us more like Christ. I am currently in #3 and #4 myself! What a blessing to know that God will bring me through this time. I know I will be glad and I will be in my desired haven someday. I have His Word on that.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Blossoms in the Desert
Is. 35:1 The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.
This verse captured my imagination today! The wilderness and desert shall rejoice? There will be roses blossoming in the desert? I know that there is a really deep truth to this passage. It's referring to the gathering of Israel. Isaiah is a prophet for the people of Israel, his words refer directly to them.
But think about this! Isn't it true that God takes our desert moments, our wilderness experiences, and turns them into something beautiful? God did that for the children of Israel when they were leaving Egypt. They were not in a pretty place, they were not in fun circumstances, yet over and over, God provided in amazing ways! He sent them blessings that they would not have seen anywhere else!
I can say that God has done that for me, too. Because of suffering with PPD not once, but twice, I saw the Lord work in my life in ways others have missed out on. Because of losing my Dad suddenly when I was 26 years old, I've seen God work miracles in my life. I've received blessings from His hand that I would not have gotten if Dad were still here. Do I wish the Lord could have left him here longer? Oh yes! That will never change. But if I have to go through hard times, I'm so thankful I have the Lord to go with me. He sends blossoms in the desert to make the journey easier, and that is a great blessing.
Are you in a personal wilderness today? Is your desert hot and dry? You are not alone! Cry out to your Heavenly Father and request a few roses! He will send them, and even better, He will see you through to the other side. If you don't know the Lord as your Savior, then go HERE for more information, or write me using the contact page above. He's waiting with open arms for you, to see you through and to send you some blossoms in the desert.
This verse captured my imagination today! The wilderness and desert shall rejoice? There will be roses blossoming in the desert? I know that there is a really deep truth to this passage. It's referring to the gathering of Israel. Isaiah is a prophet for the people of Israel, his words refer directly to them.
But think about this! Isn't it true that God takes our desert moments, our wilderness experiences, and turns them into something beautiful? God did that for the children of Israel when they were leaving Egypt. They were not in a pretty place, they were not in fun circumstances, yet over and over, God provided in amazing ways! He sent them blessings that they would not have seen anywhere else!
I can say that God has done that for me, too. Because of suffering with PPD not once, but twice, I saw the Lord work in my life in ways others have missed out on. Because of losing my Dad suddenly when I was 26 years old, I've seen God work miracles in my life. I've received blessings from His hand that I would not have gotten if Dad were still here. Do I wish the Lord could have left him here longer? Oh yes! That will never change. But if I have to go through hard times, I'm so thankful I have the Lord to go with me. He sends blossoms in the desert to make the journey easier, and that is a great blessing.
Are you in a personal wilderness today? Is your desert hot and dry? You are not alone! Cry out to your Heavenly Father and request a few roses! He will send them, and even better, He will see you through to the other side. If you don't know the Lord as your Savior, then go HERE for more information, or write me using the contact page above. He's waiting with open arms for you, to see you through and to send you some blossoms in the desert.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
But If Not
Dan. 3:17-18 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
It was probably the hardest trial I'd faced in my 26 years of living. I was driving down a main thoroughfare in Lawrence, Kansas, and my car started huffing and puffing, like it was about to die. It had been doing this for weeks. We had two children, lived in a ghetto, and barely made ends meet from week to week. My Dad died suddenly and our car was too iffy to drive the eight hours to the funeral. Our pastor loaned us his vehicle so we could go home and bury my Dad. Right after that, the knock on the door was the landlord, telling us that if we didn't pay our month overdue rent soon, he'd have to evict us.Our car was a frustrating problem that angered me. In that frustration, I said to the Lord when I was alone, "We're not quitting! It doesn't matter what happens, we're not quitting!" Tears streamed down my face. The truth is, I wanted to quit. I wanted to give up, go back to Arkansas, live in a little house with a white picket fence and try to grow flowers. I was tried of the ghetto, tired of the faulty car, tired of being broke. We worked in the jail ministry, Sunday School, soul winning, choir, and volunteered wherever we were needed. And all of this while my husband was on thirds at work. It felt like the least the Lord could do is keep a roof over our heads and our car running!
That day, I had a choice to make: would I serve the Lord even if He took the roof from over my head? Would I keep serving even if I broke down (right across from KU of all places!) and I had to walk home? Would I serve the Lord if He left me in the ghetto forever? I decided yes. Yes, I would.
I'm not in the ghetto anymore. I haven't been that close to eviction since that day in Lawrence. But, I'm in a trial. I'm weary, I want to quit. I feel forsaken, forgotten, and fruitless. I have a choice to make: will I keep serving the Lord, even if I never see His hand in my life (in a tangible way) again? If I remain alone forever, will I stay faithful to Him? The tears stream down my cheeks, I can't stop them. My heart is heavy with a desire to do more for His cause and tired of fighting Satan who is hindering every tiny effort I make. I'm tired...so very tired.
The three Hebrew boys were ready to take God's promises to the bank in the verse above. They said "Our God can take care of this fiery furnace, no problem!" Then, they had to face this stark possibility: what if He didn't? What if they died? We know the ending, but they didn't. And yet, they boldly declare "BUT IF NOT,...we will NOT serve thy gods nor worship thy golden image..." That's courage. That's faith. That's what I want! Everyone wants to serve God when He's allowing souls to be saved in church, or when He's sending us a check in the mail everyday, or when He's answering every prayer we pray.
But, what about when He seems to have moved away? What about the times He says "No". What if He says, "I'm giving you opposition" or "I'm not going to meet that need"? What then? Can we say "I'm serving You, no matter what, Lord!" or will we quit?
By the way, the Lord sent us the money to catch up on our rent through an amazing source. He also sent the money to us to get our car repaired. And, three months after my Dad went to Heaven, the Lord allowed us to move to Texas, out of the ghetto.
Are you ready to give up? Are you so sad today, you can barely stop the tears for a moment? Me too. Let's not give up, okay? Let's keep going! Let's say with faith that God CAN take care of these problems, but let's go ahead and add, "But if not, I'm serving You anyway!"
And then, let's wait for the miracle!
It was probably the hardest trial I'd faced in my 26 years of living. I was driving down a main thoroughfare in Lawrence, Kansas, and my car started huffing and puffing, like it was about to die. It had been doing this for weeks. We had two children, lived in a ghetto, and barely made ends meet from week to week. My Dad died suddenly and our car was too iffy to drive the eight hours to the funeral. Our pastor loaned us his vehicle so we could go home and bury my Dad. Right after that, the knock on the door was the landlord, telling us that if we didn't pay our month overdue rent soon, he'd have to evict us.Our car was a frustrating problem that angered me. In that frustration, I said to the Lord when I was alone, "We're not quitting! It doesn't matter what happens, we're not quitting!" Tears streamed down my face. The truth is, I wanted to quit. I wanted to give up, go back to Arkansas, live in a little house with a white picket fence and try to grow flowers. I was tried of the ghetto, tired of the faulty car, tired of being broke. We worked in the jail ministry, Sunday School, soul winning, choir, and volunteered wherever we were needed. And all of this while my husband was on thirds at work. It felt like the least the Lord could do is keep a roof over our heads and our car running!
That day, I had a choice to make: would I serve the Lord even if He took the roof from over my head? Would I keep serving even if I broke down (right across from KU of all places!) and I had to walk home? Would I serve the Lord if He left me in the ghetto forever? I decided yes. Yes, I would.
I'm not in the ghetto anymore. I haven't been that close to eviction since that day in Lawrence. But, I'm in a trial. I'm weary, I want to quit. I feel forsaken, forgotten, and fruitless. I have a choice to make: will I keep serving the Lord, even if I never see His hand in my life (in a tangible way) again? If I remain alone forever, will I stay faithful to Him? The tears stream down my cheeks, I can't stop them. My heart is heavy with a desire to do more for His cause and tired of fighting Satan who is hindering every tiny effort I make. I'm tired...so very tired.
The three Hebrew boys were ready to take God's promises to the bank in the verse above. They said "Our God can take care of this fiery furnace, no problem!" Then, they had to face this stark possibility: what if He didn't? What if they died? We know the ending, but they didn't. And yet, they boldly declare "BUT IF NOT,...we will NOT serve thy gods nor worship thy golden image..." That's courage. That's faith. That's what I want! Everyone wants to serve God when He's allowing souls to be saved in church, or when He's sending us a check in the mail everyday, or when He's answering every prayer we pray.
But, what about when He seems to have moved away? What about the times He says "No". What if He says, "I'm giving you opposition" or "I'm not going to meet that need"? What then? Can we say "I'm serving You, no matter what, Lord!" or will we quit?
By the way, the Lord sent us the money to catch up on our rent through an amazing source. He also sent the money to us to get our car repaired. And, three months after my Dad went to Heaven, the Lord allowed us to move to Texas, out of the ghetto.
Are you ready to give up? Are you so sad today, you can barely stop the tears for a moment? Me too. Let's not give up, okay? Let's keep going! Let's say with faith that God CAN take care of these problems, but let's go ahead and add, "But if not, I'm serving You anyway!"
And then, let's wait for the miracle!
Monday, October 24, 2011
Back to Reality
Psalm 63:1-2 O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.
Well, as some of you may know, I just returned from a whirlwind trip to the windy city, Chicago! Thank you to those of you that prayed for me. I cannot begin to explain how wonderful it was to be at that conference. The people there said I was a blessing to them, but I know for a fact that they ministered to me far more than I did to them. Their friendliness bowled me over, I haven't been made to feel that wanted in all of my life! The music was so beautiful, their smiles radiant, and their laughter contagious. My dry, parched soul soaked it up and wanted more!
It was wonderful to wrap my arms around my sweet babies yesterday afternoon, and of course, get a smooch from the man. ;-) But, I wasn't home long before the dirty laundry, messy floors, and needs of the children (combined with my extreme fatigue) overwhelmed me. I wanted to go back to my Chicago friends, sing songs, laugh and visit. But, I'd take the kids with me this time!. :)
I'm sitting here, amid the clutter that collects when mom is away, reading my Bible, wishing to go back, wishing to feel that "soaking" of joy and love again. But, my Best Friend came to meet with me today. He knew that I'd feel a bit sad and lonely to have left such wonderful people so far away. He knows I'm thirsting for Him in this dry land. He knows I'm longing to see His hand work miracles! Here are some words He said to me today:
Psalm 61:2 From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Psalm 62:8 Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.
Psalm 63: 8 My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.
I cry out to Him today, I pour my heart out before Him now, I follow hard after Him during these melancholy moments. He gives me strength, He restores my joy, and renews my spirit. He is...so very good to me.
If anyone from First Baptist Church of Sauk Village, IL, is reading, thank you so much for all you did for me at the conference. God used you to help a very weary sister (me). Thank you!!
Well, as some of you may know, I just returned from a whirlwind trip to the windy city, Chicago! Thank you to those of you that prayed for me. I cannot begin to explain how wonderful it was to be at that conference. The people there said I was a blessing to them, but I know for a fact that they ministered to me far more than I did to them. Their friendliness bowled me over, I haven't been made to feel that wanted in all of my life! The music was so beautiful, their smiles radiant, and their laughter contagious. My dry, parched soul soaked it up and wanted more!
It was wonderful to wrap my arms around my sweet babies yesterday afternoon, and of course, get a smooch from the man. ;-) But, I wasn't home long before the dirty laundry, messy floors, and needs of the children (combined with my extreme fatigue) overwhelmed me. I wanted to go back to my Chicago friends, sing songs, laugh and visit. But, I'd take the kids with me this time!. :)
I'm sitting here, amid the clutter that collects when mom is away, reading my Bible, wishing to go back, wishing to feel that "soaking" of joy and love again. But, my Best Friend came to meet with me today. He knew that I'd feel a bit sad and lonely to have left such wonderful people so far away. He knows I'm thirsting for Him in this dry land. He knows I'm longing to see His hand work miracles! Here are some words He said to me today:
Psalm 61:2 From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Psalm 62:8 Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.
Psalm 63: 8 My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.
I cry out to Him today, I pour my heart out before Him now, I follow hard after Him during these melancholy moments. He gives me strength, He restores my joy, and renews my spirit. He is...so very good to me.
If anyone from First Baptist Church of Sauk Village, IL, is reading, thank you so much for all you did for me at the conference. God used you to help a very weary sister (me). Thank you!!
Friday, October 21, 2011
Where to Take Broken Toys
Ps. 59:17 Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy.
The excitement and nerves surrounding this trip to Chicago has been a blessed diversion from the fact that daily, I'm in a battle. Problems, temptations and enemies are all around me. When this excitement is over, I will still have these battles to face. What will I do, then? Will I sit down and wallow in it? Will I mope? Pout? I hope not!
This verse today was an encouragement to me. It reminds me that GOD is my strength! HE is my defense and HE will take care of me. I don't run to him often enough, though. I first try to fix things myself, sometimes many times, before I hand the situation to the Lord as a child hands a broken toy to their parents. One thing about children, though, is that they don't try to fix a broken toy, they immediately bring it to their parents! I suppose they realize their lack of ability to repair it, so they take it to the person they love and trust the most, hoping they have the answer.
That's what I need to do. I need to immediately run to the Lord, the one whom I love and trust the most, for help. I am too inadequate, I can't do anything without Him. I want to be a blessing to the ladies today, but guess what! I'm too inadequate! I'm just flesh and blood, sinful and not smart! I need the Lord to use me, to work through me, to fix me up so I can do this work.
What might it be for you today? Caring for a sick child or parent? More month at the end of the money? Illness yourself? Job loss? Criticism from those whom you though loved you? Loneliness? Whatever it is, take your "broken toy" to the Lord, and let Him fix it. Run to Him for strength and protection. He is only a prayer away.
The excitement and nerves surrounding this trip to Chicago has been a blessed diversion from the fact that daily, I'm in a battle. Problems, temptations and enemies are all around me. When this excitement is over, I will still have these battles to face. What will I do, then? Will I sit down and wallow in it? Will I mope? Pout? I hope not!
This verse today was an encouragement to me. It reminds me that GOD is my strength! HE is my defense and HE will take care of me. I don't run to him often enough, though. I first try to fix things myself, sometimes many times, before I hand the situation to the Lord as a child hands a broken toy to their parents. One thing about children, though, is that they don't try to fix a broken toy, they immediately bring it to their parents! I suppose they realize their lack of ability to repair it, so they take it to the person they love and trust the most, hoping they have the answer.
That's what I need to do. I need to immediately run to the Lord, the one whom I love and trust the most, for help. I am too inadequate, I can't do anything without Him. I want to be a blessing to the ladies today, but guess what! I'm too inadequate! I'm just flesh and blood, sinful and not smart! I need the Lord to use me, to work through me, to fix me up so I can do this work.
What might it be for you today? Caring for a sick child or parent? More month at the end of the money? Illness yourself? Job loss? Criticism from those whom you though loved you? Loneliness? Whatever it is, take your "broken toy" to the Lord, and let Him fix it. Run to Him for strength and protection. He is only a prayer away.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
The Formula for Peace
Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
10 Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, will be exalted in the earth.
I'm a homeschooling mom of five kids and a pastor's wife. This means I live in a fishbowl. Everyone watches me, and most criticize me. No, not to my face. But do I look stupid? Wait. Don't answer that. Forget I asked that, okay? :) I know what people say...it gets back around eventually. It may not be, and probably isn't, their exact words. But it gets around. It gets distressing. Oh, and guilt! Wow! Do I know about guilt! I often think, "Why don't I do that?" "I'm such a bad mom because I don't do that!" "Oh, wow, I blew it there!" And so the guilt mounts.
Criticism + fatigue + guilt = a very distressed me.
These verses today reminded me that when the criticisms come, when the storms of life are raging, He is my refuge and strength. I run to Him! How? By praying and studying His Word!
Then, I get still. This is the hardest part for me. I want to fix the problem. I want to do something. But He wants me to relax and rest in Him. He will handle the critics. He will give me rest. He takes away the guilt by reminding me that I must not compare myself to others. I must do what HE wants ME to do.
HE + ME = PEACE!
I have a lot to do today: Groceries, house work, budgeting, homeschooling...oh and I have to go to the doctor for my horrible asthma. I usually have to wait a long time at the doctor's office, which stresses me. But, I won't let it bother me today! I'm planning to just be still, to wait, to rest.
These verses reminded me of a song with wonderful words. I hope you like them, too.
10 Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, will be exalted in the earth.
I'm a homeschooling mom of five kids and a pastor's wife. This means I live in a fishbowl. Everyone watches me, and most criticize me. No, not to my face. But do I look stupid? Wait. Don't answer that. Forget I asked that, okay? :) I know what people say...it gets back around eventually. It may not be, and probably isn't, their exact words. But it gets around. It gets distressing. Oh, and guilt! Wow! Do I know about guilt! I often think, "Why don't I do that?" "I'm such a bad mom because I don't do that!" "Oh, wow, I blew it there!" And so the guilt mounts.
Criticism + fatigue + guilt = a very distressed me.
These verses today reminded me that when the criticisms come, when the storms of life are raging, He is my refuge and strength. I run to Him! How? By praying and studying His Word!
Then, I get still. This is the hardest part for me. I want to fix the problem. I want to do something. But He wants me to relax and rest in Him. He will handle the critics. He will give me rest. He takes away the guilt by reminding me that I must not compare myself to others. I must do what HE wants ME to do.
HE + ME = PEACE!
I have a lot to do today: Groceries, house work, budgeting, homeschooling...oh and I have to go to the doctor for my horrible asthma. I usually have to wait a long time at the doctor's office, which stresses me. But, I won't let it bother me today! I'm planning to just be still, to wait, to rest.
These verses reminded me of a song with wonderful words. I hope you like them, too.
When the storms of life are raging,
Stand by me (stand by me);
When the storms of life are raging,
Stand by me (stand by me);
When the world is tossing me
Like a ship upon the sea
Thou Who rulest wind and water,Stand by me (stand by me).
Are you in a storm today? Is your life rocking you to and fro, up and down? The One upon whom we call is the One who said this:
And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. - Mark 4:39
Monday, October 17, 2011
Hope
Psalm 40:1 I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me and heard my cry.
This verse gives me hope. Hope that if I keep waiting for the Lord, as David did, I will receive answers to my heart cries. My dad would often say to me the old adage, "It's always darkest just before dawn." Surely our dawn is nigh, though I do wonder. We are saying goodbye to an answer to prayer this week. A family with five children joined our church almost a year and half ago. God sent them just for us! Their children are the same ages as our children. Their oldest daughter was our babysitter! They are a sweet, dedicated family. Then, his job relocated him! We heard they were moving about a year ago now. He works for the post office, and they move slowly. When they told me the news, it was like a punch in the stomach. I walked home, telling the Lord all about it. "Lord, why? Why must they go? They were the answer to prayer that You gave us!" I knew in my heart that God will do that which He sees fit and He knows best. It was as though He said, "Valerie, will you trust me? When things are confusing, will you just trust that I know best?"
Yes, Lord, I will trust you.
I can't begin to describe the pain of the last three years, especially the last few months. I tried typing it all out, but it just seemed too painful to re-live, so I deleted it. The bottom line is that things have been bad, and then worse. But things were bad for David, too. He faced some of the same situations we have. He cried out to the Lord over and over. Finally, we see in Psalm 40 that the Lord heard his cry! Praise the Lord! Help came! He was delivered! That gives me hope. One day, I will be delivered, too. It may be when He takes me home to Heaven. But I think I'll be delivered here, from these problems. I have hope, from the Lord, and that's really all I need.
This verse gives me hope. Hope that if I keep waiting for the Lord, as David did, I will receive answers to my heart cries. My dad would often say to me the old adage, "It's always darkest just before dawn." Surely our dawn is nigh, though I do wonder. We are saying goodbye to an answer to prayer this week. A family with five children joined our church almost a year and half ago. God sent them just for us! Their children are the same ages as our children. Their oldest daughter was our babysitter! They are a sweet, dedicated family. Then, his job relocated him! We heard they were moving about a year ago now. He works for the post office, and they move slowly. When they told me the news, it was like a punch in the stomach. I walked home, telling the Lord all about it. "Lord, why? Why must they go? They were the answer to prayer that You gave us!" I knew in my heart that God will do that which He sees fit and He knows best. It was as though He said, "Valerie, will you trust me? When things are confusing, will you just trust that I know best?"
Yes, Lord, I will trust you.
I can't begin to describe the pain of the last three years, especially the last few months. I tried typing it all out, but it just seemed too painful to re-live, so I deleted it. The bottom line is that things have been bad, and then worse. But things were bad for David, too. He faced some of the same situations we have. He cried out to the Lord over and over. Finally, we see in Psalm 40 that the Lord heard his cry! Praise the Lord! Help came! He was delivered! That gives me hope. One day, I will be delivered, too. It may be when He takes me home to Heaven. But I think I'll be delivered here, from these problems. I have hope, from the Lord, and that's really all I need.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
More from Psalms
I felt compelled to begin reading Psalms. About a week ago, that's what I did. I'm also reading Matthew, Isaiah and Exodus. I usually don't begin a new book until I've finished one, but my soul yearned for the comfort of Psalms so I gave in. I have enjoyed it so much. David has ups and downs, struggles and victories. He pours his heart out to the Lord time and time again, and always comes away changed. Terry and I often discuss our "Davidic moments". In our family, that phrase refers to when we start out our quiet time or our day heavy-hearted, ready to quit, questioning God's plan but end up joyful, encouraged, and with increased faith. How does this change take place? GOD! As we read His word and, like David, pour out our hearts before Him, He changes us. Not our circumstances, but us.
If you don't already have a quiet time scheduled in your day to read God's Word and pray, I encourage you begin now. It doesn't have to take a long time, 15 minutes or more, if you have it. Something is better than nothing. :)
Here are some verses that blessed me today.
Psalm 30:5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. (Oh how I needed to be reminded that joy will come!)
Psalm 31:24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD. (Hallelujah! I need "strengthening"!)
Psalm 32:7 Thou art my hiding place; thous shalt preserve me from trouble; thous shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah. (I'm running to my "Hiding Place" today.)
Psalm 32:10 Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about. (I need mercy...desperately.)
I'm so thankful for His Word!
Monday, October 10, 2011
New Strength
Is. 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
I've heard this verse quoted and even sung most of my life. I'd say it's right up there with Psalm 23 and Romans 8:28 in the popularity department. But, most of my life, I really didn't know what it meant.I used to think, "Of course you have strength when you're just waiting! Who's doing anything when they're waiting?" I pictured someone sitting on the sidelines of a ball game, waiting.
But, in the Christian life, there is no such thing as just sitting on the sidelines. Or, there shouldn't be. All Christians are to be busy while we wait upon the Lord's return. A Christian should be busy praying, reading and studying God's Word, caring for our families and teaching our children the Bible, witnessing to friends and family, helping others, and serving in our churches just to name a few. This can get exhausting! Especially when you're waiting on the Lord to send a blessing; to make your efforts bring forth fruit. Because, only God can save someone or help someone to grow in knowledge of Him.
Tick tock, tick tock...when? When will He send His blessings? I've been waiting on the Lord for some time now. I have had so many lonely days when my spirit was restless and I was ready to give up. Then, just recently, I realized that I hadn't given up. In fact, I seem to have more enthusiasm, not less. I have some hope, even if it's not much. I feel like I have my "second wind"; I feel good! Have circumstances improved? Not really. Has God sent that blessing I'm waiting for? Well, not yet, but I think He will soon! Then, I remembered this verse, and I realized that, like all of God's Word, this part is true, too. If I wait, if I stay busy for Him, He will renew my strength and help to keep running, to keep walking, to keep going, for Him.
Thank you, Lord, for the trials. Thank you for the strength to carry on.
I've heard this verse quoted and even sung most of my life. I'd say it's right up there with Psalm 23 and Romans 8:28 in the popularity department. But, most of my life, I really didn't know what it meant.I used to think, "Of course you have strength when you're just waiting! Who's doing anything when they're waiting?" I pictured someone sitting on the sidelines of a ball game, waiting.
But, in the Christian life, there is no such thing as just sitting on the sidelines. Or, there shouldn't be. All Christians are to be busy while we wait upon the Lord's return. A Christian should be busy praying, reading and studying God's Word, caring for our families and teaching our children the Bible, witnessing to friends and family, helping others, and serving in our churches just to name a few. This can get exhausting! Especially when you're waiting on the Lord to send a blessing; to make your efforts bring forth fruit. Because, only God can save someone or help someone to grow in knowledge of Him.
Tick tock, tick tock...when? When will He send His blessings? I've been waiting on the Lord for some time now. I have had so many lonely days when my spirit was restless and I was ready to give up. Then, just recently, I realized that I hadn't given up. In fact, I seem to have more enthusiasm, not less. I have some hope, even if it's not much. I feel like I have my "second wind"; I feel good! Have circumstances improved? Not really. Has God sent that blessing I'm waiting for? Well, not yet, but I think He will soon! Then, I remembered this verse, and I realized that, like all of God's Word, this part is true, too. If I wait, if I stay busy for Him, He will renew my strength and help to keep running, to keep walking, to keep going, for Him.
Thank you, Lord, for the trials. Thank you for the strength to carry on.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
My Refuge
Psalm 9:9-10 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
These verses were such a blessing to me today! I just wanted to share them. What a blessing that those of us who know the name of the Lord will trust in him. Why? Because, as verse ten says, he "hast not forsaken us". I'll be honest, sometimes I feel like waving toward heaven and saying "Yoohoo! I'm down here!", because I feel invisible to the Lord. But feelings, as we all know, are not facts. The facts are found in God's Word, and He says He is my refuge and that He has not forsaken me, nor will He ever forsake me.
Isn't that wonderful news?! I've been oppressed lately from various angles. I'm weary, I feel beaten up. These are truly troublesome times. What a comfort to know where to go in times like these - to the feet of my Lord in prayer; to the pages of His Word. My Lord is my refuge and I run to Him today. Would you like to come, too? There's room for all.
These verses were such a blessing to me today! I just wanted to share them. What a blessing that those of us who know the name of the Lord will trust in him. Why? Because, as verse ten says, he "hast not forsaken us". I'll be honest, sometimes I feel like waving toward heaven and saying "Yoohoo! I'm down here!", because I feel invisible to the Lord. But feelings, as we all know, are not facts. The facts are found in God's Word, and He says He is my refuge and that He has not forsaken me, nor will He ever forsake me.
Isn't that wonderful news?! I've been oppressed lately from various angles. I'm weary, I feel beaten up. These are truly troublesome times. What a comfort to know where to go in times like these - to the feet of my Lord in prayer; to the pages of His Word. My Lord is my refuge and I run to Him today. Would you like to come, too? There's room for all.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Wonderful and Excellent is He!
Is. 28:29 This also cometh forth from the LORD of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working.
I really loved this verse this morning. The verses before it are about the prediction of the Assyrian takeover of Ephraim. Ephraim's fate is a warning to Judah. To wrap up this chapter, Isaiah says that all of this is from the the LORD. He is wonderful in counsel and excellent in working.
Is is just me, or does it seem like a strange time to praise God? Isaiah's "forecast" for the tribe of Ephraim is not a pleasant one. He begins chapter 28 with "Woe to the crown of pride, the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty is a fading flower, which are on the head of the fat valleys of them that are overcome with wine!" It surprised me to read the final verse, which clearly gives praise and glory to our Heavenly Father.
Why does that surprise me? Probably because I'm the last person in the world to give thanks and praise to the Father while going through a trial. Probably because a lot of my prayers sound whiny to the Lord, or panicky. Probably because I want only fun and happy things in my life. But, I know from experience, or rather, experiences, {plural} that it is through trial and heartache that I see the Father's power the most. It is in the storms of life where I become the closest to Him. I receive miracle-type blessings from Him everyday, but especially in the lean times.
You know, that's something to praise Him for! Yes, I can say with Isaiah, "This [blessing or trial] also cometh forth from the LORD of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working."
I give thanks and praise to my Father, for wonderful and excellent is He!
I really loved this verse this morning. The verses before it are about the prediction of the Assyrian takeover of Ephraim. Ephraim's fate is a warning to Judah. To wrap up this chapter, Isaiah says that all of this is from the the LORD. He is wonderful in counsel and excellent in working.
Is is just me, or does it seem like a strange time to praise God? Isaiah's "forecast" for the tribe of Ephraim is not a pleasant one. He begins chapter 28 with "Woe to the crown of pride, the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty is a fading flower, which are on the head of the fat valleys of them that are overcome with wine!" It surprised me to read the final verse, which clearly gives praise and glory to our Heavenly Father.
Why does that surprise me? Probably because I'm the last person in the world to give thanks and praise to the Father while going through a trial. Probably because a lot of my prayers sound whiny to the Lord, or panicky. Probably because I want only fun and happy things in my life. But, I know from experience, or rather, experiences, {plural} that it is through trial and heartache that I see the Father's power the most. It is in the storms of life where I become the closest to Him. I receive miracle-type blessings from Him everyday, but especially in the lean times.
You know, that's something to praise Him for! Yes, I can say with Isaiah, "This [blessing or trial] also cometh forth from the LORD of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working."
I give thanks and praise to my Father, for wonderful and excellent is He!
Monday, September 19, 2011
He Deserves It
1 Peter 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, diving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
Rev. 20:1-3 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more,...
It seems like I have a target on my back lately. I find myself being irritable, quick tempered, a worrier (more than normal). If there is a problem in our family, I've noticed that lately, it begins with me. I'm the one who snaps at the children, putting everyone on edge; I'm the one fretting over this problem and that problem, causing my husband's stress level to increase; I'm the one who can't go on (or so I think, anyway). My family hasn't had to sit down with me and have an intervention, telling me how much I've been failing. The Holy Spirit holds a daily "intervention" with me each morning from the pages of God's Word and in my prayer time. I feel that He is grieved, and I don't like that feeling. I want to be strong during times of hardship; I want to trust more when things are looking bleak. When I do the opposite, I hate it.
I recently told my husband that I really feel that Satan is "gunning for me" during these hard days. If he can affect me, it's pretty certain that I will affect the rest of the family. Logically, an enemy would aim for the weakest point in a battle. God's Word tells us that women are the weaker vessel in 1 Pet. 3:7. This doesn't mean we can't do anything for ourselves, it's a comparison. We are weaker physically compared to a man, as well as emotionally. As a woman, I am sensitive. It doesn't take much to bring me low emotionally. If the Devil can drag me down, he's got everyone else, too. I asked my husband to be extra patient with me right now, to pray for me even more, and to help me fight Satan's attacks.
I was so pleased to read about Satan's ultimate demise in Rev. 20:3! I cannot wait for the day when my Savior will put Satan away! After all the trouble he's caused, I can say with confidence that He deserves it!
Rev. 20:1-3 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more,...
It seems like I have a target on my back lately. I find myself being irritable, quick tempered, a worrier (more than normal). If there is a problem in our family, I've noticed that lately, it begins with me. I'm the one who snaps at the children, putting everyone on edge; I'm the one fretting over this problem and that problem, causing my husband's stress level to increase; I'm the one who can't go on (or so I think, anyway). My family hasn't had to sit down with me and have an intervention, telling me how much I've been failing. The Holy Spirit holds a daily "intervention" with me each morning from the pages of God's Word and in my prayer time. I feel that He is grieved, and I don't like that feeling. I want to be strong during times of hardship; I want to trust more when things are looking bleak. When I do the opposite, I hate it.
I recently told my husband that I really feel that Satan is "gunning for me" during these hard days. If he can affect me, it's pretty certain that I will affect the rest of the family. Logically, an enemy would aim for the weakest point in a battle. God's Word tells us that women are the weaker vessel in 1 Pet. 3:7. This doesn't mean we can't do anything for ourselves, it's a comparison. We are weaker physically compared to a man, as well as emotionally. As a woman, I am sensitive. It doesn't take much to bring me low emotionally. If the Devil can drag me down, he's got everyone else, too. I asked my husband to be extra patient with me right now, to pray for me even more, and to help me fight Satan's attacks.
I was so pleased to read about Satan's ultimate demise in Rev. 20:3! I cannot wait for the day when my Savior will put Satan away! After all the trouble he's caused, I can say with confidence that He deserves it!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Let God Do the Fighting
Ex. 14:14 The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
This short little verse caught my attention today. The Israelites were being pursued by the Egyptians in the preceding verses. The Israelites were cornered, so to speak, since they were stopped by the Red Sea. It looked like the end. Moses tells them, don't worry, the LORD will take care of you. First, the Lord created a barrier between the Egyptians and His people all night long. (Ex. 14:20). Wow! That alone is pretty amazing, but He did even more! We all know that He parted the Red Sea and they crossed over (approximately 2 million people) on dry ground! (Ex.14:21-22) What a miracle! God took care of Israel, and not one arrow was shot, not one stone was cast or punch thrown!
Don't worry, I'm not thinking about fighting anyone, but I often think about ways that I can solve my own problems.I want to call so-and-so, and try to make a plan and work my plan. I don't want to "stand still and see the salvation of the LORD" as Moses tells Israel in Ex.14:13. I want to "Run around like a chicken with my head cutteth off and create mine own salvation". I really need to stop, to stand still, to pray, and then wait on my Father to save me. He probably has a barrier around my enemies right now, protecting me, and I don't even know it. I think I'll thank Him for that right now.
This short little verse caught my attention today. The Israelites were being pursued by the Egyptians in the preceding verses. The Israelites were cornered, so to speak, since they were stopped by the Red Sea. It looked like the end. Moses tells them, don't worry, the LORD will take care of you. First, the Lord created a barrier between the Egyptians and His people all night long. (Ex. 14:20). Wow! That alone is pretty amazing, but He did even more! We all know that He parted the Red Sea and they crossed over (approximately 2 million people) on dry ground! (Ex.14:21-22) What a miracle! God took care of Israel, and not one arrow was shot, not one stone was cast or punch thrown!
Don't worry, I'm not thinking about fighting anyone, but I often think about ways that I can solve my own problems.I want to call so-and-so, and try to make a plan and work my plan. I don't want to "stand still and see the salvation of the LORD" as Moses tells Israel in Ex.14:13. I want to "Run around like a chicken with my head cutteth off and create mine own salvation". I really need to stop, to stand still, to pray, and then wait on my Father to save me. He probably has a barrier around my enemies right now, protecting me, and I don't even know it. I think I'll thank Him for that right now.
Monday, September 12, 2011
He Knows Best
Ex. 12:23 For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.
Ex. 13:17-18 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Let peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt. But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel, went up harnessed out of the land Egypt.
Is anyone out there like me? Do you ever scratch your head and wonder what God is doing? I've been doing that a lot lately. I wonder, "Lord, why are doing so-and-so? It seems like this other way would be so much better." Or, "Lord, why is this happening now? Could you make it go away, or at least take the pain away?" Usually, the Lord doesn't solve the problem immediately,. or take the pain away. I have noticed, however, that He pours out just enough grace to get through the day, the week, the month, and so on.
Yesterday was a hard day for me. To be honest, going to church wasn't what I felt like doing. I wasn't feeling well physically, and I felt very alone for some reason. I dragged myself to church and the Lord helped me so much. We had a visiting singer come through, Bro. Tommy Drewett. He wasn't scheduled to be with us, but due to some sudden changes, he had the opportunity to come by. Every song he sang was just what I needed! I think I had tears in my eyes during the entire time he sang. I have several of his CDs, but I wish I could have had a recording of those five or six songs he sang. I'd like to listen to them over and over and over. That's how much it blessed my heart. I prayed as he sang, saying "Thank you, Lord, for being here for me today. Just for me." Now, He was probably there for many people in a specific way. I hope so! But I know He was there for me. I think the Lord had him pass through just for me. I hope that doesn't sound selfish or prideful, I just mean that the Lord loves us enough to do big things like that for us, and I believe that yesterday, He did it for me.
In my reading today, I see that God provided a way for the children of Israel to be protected from "The Destroyer". He's done that for me, too, through the blood of Jesus! I'm forever protected from the punishment for sin! Praise the Lord! I also see that He led the children of Israel the long way out of Egypt. We see why in verse 18. He wanted to protect them from war. Once again, God is taking care of His precious children. If you've read Exodus before, you know that the Israelites murmur and complain numerous times. They don't appreciate what God is doing, probably because they don't know.
I don't know what God's doing in my life, either. I do know that I've given it to Him, 100%, so why do I worry or fret about it? I should just trust and relax. For all I know He's using difficult circumstances to protect me. He knows best and He is with me, whether I understand His plan or not.
Ex. 13:17-18 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Let peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt. But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel, went up harnessed out of the land Egypt.
Is anyone out there like me? Do you ever scratch your head and wonder what God is doing? I've been doing that a lot lately. I wonder, "Lord, why are doing so-and-so? It seems like this other way would be so much better." Or, "Lord, why is this happening now? Could you make it go away, or at least take the pain away?" Usually, the Lord doesn't solve the problem immediately,. or take the pain away. I have noticed, however, that He pours out just enough grace to get through the day, the week, the month, and so on.
Yesterday was a hard day for me. To be honest, going to church wasn't what I felt like doing. I wasn't feeling well physically, and I felt very alone for some reason. I dragged myself to church and the Lord helped me so much. We had a visiting singer come through, Bro. Tommy Drewett. He wasn't scheduled to be with us, but due to some sudden changes, he had the opportunity to come by. Every song he sang was just what I needed! I think I had tears in my eyes during the entire time he sang. I have several of his CDs, but I wish I could have had a recording of those five or six songs he sang. I'd like to listen to them over and over and over. That's how much it blessed my heart. I prayed as he sang, saying "Thank you, Lord, for being here for me today. Just for me." Now, He was probably there for many people in a specific way. I hope so! But I know He was there for me. I think the Lord had him pass through just for me. I hope that doesn't sound selfish or prideful, I just mean that the Lord loves us enough to do big things like that for us, and I believe that yesterday, He did it for me.
In my reading today, I see that God provided a way for the children of Israel to be protected from "The Destroyer". He's done that for me, too, through the blood of Jesus! I'm forever protected from the punishment for sin! Praise the Lord! I also see that He led the children of Israel the long way out of Egypt. We see why in verse 18. He wanted to protect them from war. Once again, God is taking care of His precious children. If you've read Exodus before, you know that the Israelites murmur and complain numerous times. They don't appreciate what God is doing, probably because they don't know.
I don't know what God's doing in my life, either. I do know that I've given it to Him, 100%, so why do I worry or fret about it? I should just trust and relax. For all I know He's using difficult circumstances to protect me. He knows best and He is with me, whether I understand His plan or not.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
This Is Not the End
Exodus 3:1b ..: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even Horeb.
John 18:12 Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him,
Have I told you lately how much I love God's Word? How much it changes my life? How real it is? I know some people who are ultra spiritual. They never struggle with sin. They never get discouraged and wallow in it (like I do). I'm so glad the Bible isn't ultra spiritual. Don't worry, I'm not being flippant, it's the truth. We see over and over in God's precious Word examples of people who fall, get up, fall again, get up...you get the idea. Most of the Bible characters are not walking around in glowing robes of light, singing every word, rather than just speaking. No. They are real.
Can I be honest with you? Oh. I'm too honest for you already? Sorry about that. Hold onto your hats cause I'm about to get even more honest with you! ;-) I've been discouraged lately. Very. It seems like everything is going downhill fast. A very special family in our church is having to move away due to a job relocation. Another family has left to go start a church in our town. Almost a year ago, we lost our second group of people...yes, second. The first left a year and a half ago. We didn't think it could get any worse after that, because that was so heartbreaking, but it did. And it seems to be getting even worse than worse. (Is that possible?) Our Master Club and children's church have been shut down. It seems we just can't do anything right. Waaaa!!! Oh, sorry. {composing myself} Enough whining? Okay, I'll stop. All of this does get better, please keep reading.
Each day, I read a little from the Old Testament and the New. I started today in Exodus. I just love starting a new book! I came to Ex. 3:1. Moses was in the "backside of the desert". That sounds pretty barren and isolated, doesn't it? Sounds like a place where you might think even God has forgotten that you exist. I thought, Hmmm. I'm in the backside of the desert, well, it feels that way. Lord, why is everything so bleak? When will it start getting better? then, I read on. Later, Moses turned to behold a bush that was on fire, but not being burned up. It was in this barren, lonely place that God called Moses to do great things for Him! It wasn't Moses' end, it was his beginning!
Then, you will never believe this! Okay, maybe you will. I headed over to John 18, my New Testament reading for today. I read about Jesus being taken to be "tried" and crucified! Another bleak situation. I read about Peter's denial of the Lord Jesus. What a horrible event! I'm sure Peter thought his ministry was over. But you and I know the rest of the story. We know that Jesus rose again! We know that through Christ's suffering and death, we have eternal life in Heaven! We know that the Lord seeks Peter out and to tell him that his failures don't signal the end, but in fact, a beginning! Peter had far greater things happen in his ministry after his denial of Christ, than before.
I was thinking that the Lord was through with me and my family. I was thinking that all of these bad times surely signal the end. But the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, came down to me today - small, insignificant me - and sat beside me. He gave me a very special message through His Word. He said, "This isn't the end,Valerie, it just appears that way. I know where you are, I know what you're doing. And it's not over. Not yet."
And I say to Him, with tear-filled eyes, "Thank you, Lord. Thank you so very much."
John 18:12 Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him,
Have I told you lately how much I love God's Word? How much it changes my life? How real it is? I know some people who are ultra spiritual. They never struggle with sin. They never get discouraged and wallow in it (like I do). I'm so glad the Bible isn't ultra spiritual. Don't worry, I'm not being flippant, it's the truth. We see over and over in God's precious Word examples of people who fall, get up, fall again, get up...you get the idea. Most of the Bible characters are not walking around in glowing robes of light, singing every word, rather than just speaking. No. They are real.
Can I be honest with you? Oh. I'm too honest for you already? Sorry about that. Hold onto your hats cause I'm about to get even more honest with you! ;-) I've been discouraged lately. Very. It seems like everything is going downhill fast. A very special family in our church is having to move away due to a job relocation. Another family has left to go start a church in our town. Almost a year ago, we lost our second group of people...yes, second. The first left a year and a half ago. We didn't think it could get any worse after that, because that was so heartbreaking, but it did. And it seems to be getting even worse than worse. (Is that possible?) Our Master Club and children's church have been shut down. It seems we just can't do anything right. Waaaa!!! Oh, sorry. {composing myself} Enough whining? Okay, I'll stop. All of this does get better, please keep reading.
Each day, I read a little from the Old Testament and the New. I started today in Exodus. I just love starting a new book! I came to Ex. 3:1. Moses was in the "backside of the desert". That sounds pretty barren and isolated, doesn't it? Sounds like a place where you might think even God has forgotten that you exist. I thought, Hmmm. I'm in the backside of the desert, well, it feels that way. Lord, why is everything so bleak? When will it start getting better? then, I read on. Later, Moses turned to behold a bush that was on fire, but not being burned up. It was in this barren, lonely place that God called Moses to do great things for Him! It wasn't Moses' end, it was his beginning!
Then, you will never believe this! Okay, maybe you will. I headed over to John 18, my New Testament reading for today. I read about Jesus being taken to be "tried" and crucified! Another bleak situation. I read about Peter's denial of the Lord Jesus. What a horrible event! I'm sure Peter thought his ministry was over. But you and I know the rest of the story. We know that Jesus rose again! We know that through Christ's suffering and death, we have eternal life in Heaven! We know that the Lord seeks Peter out and to tell him that his failures don't signal the end, but in fact, a beginning! Peter had far greater things happen in his ministry after his denial of Christ, than before.
I was thinking that the Lord was through with me and my family. I was thinking that all of these bad times surely signal the end. But the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, came down to me today - small, insignificant me - and sat beside me. He gave me a very special message through His Word. He said, "This isn't the end,Valerie, it just appears that way. I know where you are, I know what you're doing. And it's not over. Not yet."
And I say to Him, with tear-filled eyes, "Thank you, Lord. Thank you so very much."
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Jesus Says Good-Bye
So, I'm a little strange, I guess. I get really attached to characters in books, especially Bible characters, because after all, they were real. I hate to come to the end of their lives.The end of Jesus' life is no exception. In John chapter 16, he tells the disciples about what to expect after He is gone. He says, Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you... (John 16:7-8b) He goes on to tell about His death, resurrection and the second coming.
To end the chapter, Jesus says These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
What a great way to begin my day! To be reminded that even though Jesus is gone, and has been for centuries now, I have the Comforter, the Holy Spirit. And to have Jesus say to me, in these very troubled days, that I need to be of good cheer, for HE has overcome the world! My hope is in Jesus, not in myself. I can say with confidence that I can make it, because He already has.
Oh, and isn't it nice that when I come to the end of a Bible character's life, I can just flip back a few pages and re-live it all over again? :-)
Have a wonderful day today, friends! Our hope is in the Eternal One, so let's not worry about these temporary times.
To end the chapter, Jesus says These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
What a great way to begin my day! To be reminded that even though Jesus is gone, and has been for centuries now, I have the Comforter, the Holy Spirit. And to have Jesus say to me, in these very troubled days, that I need to be of good cheer, for HE has overcome the world! My hope is in Jesus, not in myself. I can say with confidence that I can make it, because He already has.
Oh, and isn't it nice that when I come to the end of a Bible character's life, I can just flip back a few pages and re-live it all over again? :-)
Have a wonderful day today, friends! Our hope is in the Eternal One, so let's not worry about these temporary times.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Why So Troubled?
John 14:1-2 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
These seemed like fitting words with which to end my week. I have been so troubled about many things this week. I didn't think I'd get much out of my regular Bible reading today, and guess what?! I was right! I put my Bible away, sighed, wanted to cry, got up and took care of my precious little ones, and went on with the day. I thought for a moment that I should just sit down somewhere and wait for nightfall - surely nothing would happen if I just sat and held my breath? Of course not, that doesn't work! (Does it?)
I just now picked up my Bible again, trying again to hear from Heaven. I opened up to my reading from today, part of which was from John 12. My eyes rested upon an underlined verse, the one above. I wanted to weep! I could practically hear the Jesus saying these words, in a compassionate voice - "Let not your heart be troubled, Valerie." He says to me tenderly. "You believe in God, believe in me. Remember, I've not forsaken you! I'm preparing a place for you, and you for that place. Keep going." Okay, none of that is in the Greek, and perhaps some would be right to accuse me of heresy, but I'm hoping you understand my meaning. It seemed so personal, so special. Just how I love my devotional time to be!
I know problems will come and problems will go in this life, some of which can be debilitating. This verse reminds me that I am just a pilgrim, my home is not here, well, not for long, anyway! Jesus is preparing a place in a land with a very stable economy! :) And as I walk this road of life, I have a friend beside me, reminding me that there is an unseen purpose to my life. May I give Him my all.
These seemed like fitting words with which to end my week. I have been so troubled about many things this week. I didn't think I'd get much out of my regular Bible reading today, and guess what?! I was right! I put my Bible away, sighed, wanted to cry, got up and took care of my precious little ones, and went on with the day. I thought for a moment that I should just sit down somewhere and wait for nightfall - surely nothing would happen if I just sat and held my breath? Of course not, that doesn't work! (Does it?)
I just now picked up my Bible again, trying again to hear from Heaven. I opened up to my reading from today, part of which was from John 12. My eyes rested upon an underlined verse, the one above. I wanted to weep! I could practically hear the Jesus saying these words, in a compassionate voice - "Let not your heart be troubled, Valerie." He says to me tenderly. "You believe in God, believe in me. Remember, I've not forsaken you! I'm preparing a place for you, and you for that place. Keep going." Okay, none of that is in the Greek, and perhaps some would be right to accuse me of heresy, but I'm hoping you understand my meaning. It seemed so personal, so special. Just how I love my devotional time to be!
I know problems will come and problems will go in this life, some of which can be debilitating. This verse reminds me that I am just a pilgrim, my home is not here, well, not for long, anyway! Jesus is preparing a place in a land with a very stable economy! :) And as I walk this road of life, I have a friend beside me, reminding me that there is an unseen purpose to my life. May I give Him my all.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Jesus Wasn't There
John 11:15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.
John chapter 11 is about the raising of Lazarus from the dead. This was probably one of, if not the most, amazing miracles Jesus did. Jesus knew that Lazarus was sick, but in verse 4, he says that this sickness was "for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby." Whatever happened in this situation, it was all meant to bring glory to God. What caught my attention this morning was that Jesus says in verse 15 (above) that he was glad hewasn't there.
How many times have I felt like Jesus wasn't around? How often have I felt forsaken, abandoned and utterly alone? Sometimes, it's just my flare for the dramatic. Other times, it could be that Jesus "isn't there" in a visible, powerful way because He has a greater purpose to accomplish than just rescuing me - He could be working in me, to bring glory to God.
Lazarus had been dead four days when Jesus arrived. I'm sure all hope was lost of his healing by that time. In fact, I'm pretty sure all hope was lost the moment he breathed his last breath.In verse 40, Jesus says to Martha, "Said not I unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?" Believe. That's hard to do when one has no hope, isn't it? Yet, that is exactly what we should do.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
He Has the Answers
John 6:5 When Jesus 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? 6 And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.
In the passage today, the Lord and the disciples have 5,000 men, plus women and children, to feed. Jesus asks Philip, "What should we do?" Wow. The Creator of the universe asks a mere mortal what to do! The passage tells us that Jesus knew what He was going to do. He asked the question in order to "prove" or test Philip. Philip's answer was one of human reasoning, not blind faith.
Each day I'm "tested" in my Christian life. I constantly see some area, new or old, in which I need to improve. Just when I think I've got a meek and quiet spirit, something happens and I blow up in front of the children. Just when I think I've got a discreet tongue, I let some bit of gossip or criticism slip out. Then, I realize that I thought I had those areas licked, and thinking that is a pride problem. There is always something! Perhaps the test is one similar to what Philip faced, like, where will I get food for today? Or, how will I pay this bill? How often do I view those dilemmas with human reasoning and try to figure a way out, rather than pray and let God work!
I wonder what would have happened if Philip had answered the Lord with something like, "Lord, You can handle this with no sweat. I can't wait to see what You'll do!" I wonder what would happen if I did that in my own life? I think I'll do my best to face today by letting God handle the tests. When I do it myself, I always seem to fail. After all, He already knows what He will do, so I think I'll just let Him do it.
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