Sometimes the enemy of our soul will throw something at us and magnify it so we will operate in fear and miss what He is saying to us. We never have cause to fear. It's funny how this vein of thought came about... I was walking in silence again... it's getting too hot for that but I attempt it when I can. I have found a relatively safe place to walk but lately we have had some random break ins in our area which causes us all to be more "on guard". As I'm walking around in my "safe park", I see 2 guys that are very questionable. They are obviously not there for exercise and seem to be more in the "observing mode". I know... who am I to judge and put people in a category? We all do it. We don't want to, but we do. I caught myself looking around for them at every turn. I sped up to keep up with the "safe man" that was a good distance ahead of me. These quiet walks have been such a refuge for me... a place to be in silence and enjoy God's beautiful scenery and to hear His voice. I had blocked Him out for those first few laps because of my fear and worry.
Luke 12:32 "Fear not, little flock, for it is the Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom."
The previous verse says "seek ye the Kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you." Verse 29 says "...neither be ye of doubtful mind." (live not in careful suspense).
2 Timothy 1:7 "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind."
It's easier to understand how I operated in fear at the park, but what about the times when we are worrying so much about the other details of our lives that we aren't letting Him whisper His sweet promises into our spirit? We make a choice every day. Do we choose fear or faith?
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Clear Vision
In 2 Corinthians 12:1 Paul says " ...I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord."
Lately I feel He has been saying to me... "Clear, fresh vision comes when you peel back the lens you've been looking through. You allow fresh revelation to come when you aren't afraid to risk the vulnerability that comes from that exposure. Just like sunshades shield from the blinding sun, our shielded vision of the lens we're looking through filters how much revelation of the "Son" we allow ourselves to see. As you tear back that lens, I will allow fresh revelation to flow to you and through you. Just make yourself available to Me. Things that were clouded before will suddenly be crystal clear. Details you missed before will be so apparant. I don't look for perfection... only willing, obedient vessels. Seeing through My vision determines how you see yourself and those around you."
Lately I feel He has been saying to me... "Clear, fresh vision comes when you peel back the lens you've been looking through. You allow fresh revelation to come when you aren't afraid to risk the vulnerability that comes from that exposure. Just like sunshades shield from the blinding sun, our shielded vision of the lens we're looking through filters how much revelation of the "Son" we allow ourselves to see. As you tear back that lens, I will allow fresh revelation to flow to you and through you. Just make yourself available to Me. Things that were clouded before will suddenly be crystal clear. Details you missed before will be so apparant. I don't look for perfection... only willing, obedient vessels. Seeing through My vision determines how you see yourself and those around you."
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Steadfast and Unmoveable
1 Corinthians 15:58 "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."
Don't stop doing what you know to do. What looks like "no effect" to us is actually a deep heart work on His part. We are not to question the ways He works. Just be obedient. As we do the things He asks of us, He answers our slightest utterances. He knows our needs before we ask. Just keep reaching, searching, imploring...
Don't stop doing what you know to do. What looks like "no effect" to us is actually a deep heart work on His part. We are not to question the ways He works. Just be obedient. As we do the things He asks of us, He answers our slightest utterances. He knows our needs before we ask. Just keep reaching, searching, imploring...
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Letting Go
Why is that so hard? We know He's in control but yet we feel it is our place to figure out all the details. I'm trying to do just that, LET GO! I give it ALL to you, Lord! I have no idea how the details will work out, but it's all yours... your battle, your decision, your way.
I was looking back through my prayer journal this morning and found this entry from a few weeks back and I guess I really needed it today. This is what I had felt him speaking that day in prayer:
"There's a place in Me where all your answers become clear. I long to lift your heavy burden. You were never meant to bear it alone. Learn of Me. My yoke is easy. My burden is light. Only I can change hearts. You pray. Never stop. I do the work of the hidden things. You don't always see the work I'm doing. Circumstances and words aren't a gage of what I'm doing. ...only in this deep place of peace with Me in the secret place. Come here often and feel what I'm doing... then you'll begin to see it. Just trust that I'm doing it even when you don't see it so clearly."
Psalm 51:6 "...in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom."
The Amplified says, "in my inmost heart". As we learn to get away with Him in that secret place, He is ever teaching us, showing us, imparting wisdom in the innermost part of our heart!
I was looking back through my prayer journal this morning and found this entry from a few weeks back and I guess I really needed it today. This is what I had felt him speaking that day in prayer:
"There's a place in Me where all your answers become clear. I long to lift your heavy burden. You were never meant to bear it alone. Learn of Me. My yoke is easy. My burden is light. Only I can change hearts. You pray. Never stop. I do the work of the hidden things. You don't always see the work I'm doing. Circumstances and words aren't a gage of what I'm doing. ...only in this deep place of peace with Me in the secret place. Come here often and feel what I'm doing... then you'll begin to see it. Just trust that I'm doing it even when you don't see it so clearly."
Psalm 51:6 "...in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom."
The Amplified says, "in my inmost heart". As we learn to get away with Him in that secret place, He is ever teaching us, showing us, imparting wisdom in the innermost part of our heart!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Landmarks of Direction
Can you tell that I recently spoke on landmarks? It's something God has been "stirring up" in me lately. Another definition for landmark says "a prominent or conspicuous object on land that serves as a guide, esp. to ships at sea or to travelers on a road; a distinguishing landscape feature marking a site or location."
We need to know where we’ve been (where He’s brought us from, what’s He’s done on our behalf) in order to better understand where we’re going. These things help build our faith… we, like David, encourage ourselves in the Lord (I Samuel 30:6). I don't doubt that when David encouraged himself in the Lord, he reflected back on his "Goliath experience". He most likely reminded himself of how God used a sling and a few smooth stones to take out this giant that others had been unable to conquer.
He has promised direction to those who acknowledge him, recognize him in ALL our ways…
Proverbs 3:6 (Amplified) “In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.”
Landmarks guide. Have you ever used a landmark as a point of reference for someone? Turn left after you pass the hospital… there are places that just naturally serve as a reference point. Let’s make sure He’s our point of reference. Don’t let any other thing be our measuring stick. This gospel is so simple. We are fairly warned in 2 Corinthians 11:3:
“But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.”
It is so easy to be led away… to lose track of our one true landmark… to get bogged down in confusion and distraction. …to be influenced by the world system, the media, the world through the lens that the enemy of our soul wants us to look through.
We know His Word… we can quote it so easily, but do we apply it? Do we really let it come alive in us?
Psalm 119:105 “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
Let His Word be your guide… He is His word according to John 1:1.
Psalm 37: 23 from The Amplified “The steps of a [good] man are directed and established by the Lord when He delights in his way [and He busies Himself with his every step].”
I've always quoted this verse, but take note of the capital "H's" and the little "h's". Could it be that when He delights in the way we’re taking, He gets busy working on our behalf with every step, directing our steps, opening doors… the more steps we take for Him, through Him, with His leading… the more doors He opens… let’s follow His leading!
We need to know where we’ve been (where He’s brought us from, what’s He’s done on our behalf) in order to better understand where we’re going. These things help build our faith… we, like David, encourage ourselves in the Lord (I Samuel 30:6). I don't doubt that when David encouraged himself in the Lord, he reflected back on his "Goliath experience". He most likely reminded himself of how God used a sling and a few smooth stones to take out this giant that others had been unable to conquer.
He has promised direction to those who acknowledge him, recognize him in ALL our ways…
Proverbs 3:6 (Amplified) “In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.”
Landmarks guide. Have you ever used a landmark as a point of reference for someone? Turn left after you pass the hospital… there are places that just naturally serve as a reference point. Let’s make sure He’s our point of reference. Don’t let any other thing be our measuring stick. This gospel is so simple. We are fairly warned in 2 Corinthians 11:3:
“But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.”
It is so easy to be led away… to lose track of our one true landmark… to get bogged down in confusion and distraction. …to be influenced by the world system, the media, the world through the lens that the enemy of our soul wants us to look through.
We know His Word… we can quote it so easily, but do we apply it? Do we really let it come alive in us?
Psalm 119:105 “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
Let His Word be your guide… He is His word according to John 1:1.
Psalm 37: 23 from The Amplified “The steps of a [good] man are directed and established by the Lord when He delights in his way [and He busies Himself with his every step].”
I've always quoted this verse, but take note of the capital "H's" and the little "h's". Could it be that when He delights in the way we’re taking, He gets busy working on our behalf with every step, directing our steps, opening doors… the more steps we take for Him, through Him, with His leading… the more doors He opens… let’s follow His leading!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Landmarks of Reflection
Going way back... November 1992. :)
One of the definitions of landmark says "an event marking an important stage of development or a turning point in history." I thought of Roe Vs. Wade, which is, as you know, a United States Supreme Court case that resulted in a landmark decision regarding abortion. It is referred to as a “landmark” case. Unfortunately, this has not been a good landmark. We all, however, have landmark experiences in our lives that remind us of times when God came through… experiences that forever changed our lives.
I can take you to the place where I stood as an 8 year old little girl in a small country church where I was filled with the most precious gift of the Holy Ghost. There are other sentimental landmarks… the first time I kissed the love of my life, the day we married, the birth of both of our children… then there are reminders of a God who is faithful and just in every detail of our lives. I remember a time when Bryan lost his job… only to later realize God allowed it so He could give him a better one that would set the course of our lives and later bring us to where we are today... living in the center of His will for us.
I remember healings… as a teenager in a healing service… the minister told me to raise my hands and God would heal my anemia. I remember the warmth that came through my body from the top of my head slowly all the way down to my feet… an immediate warmth and complete, instant healing. I remember the day He completely healed both of my children from allergies, asthma and a huge regimen of medicines and breathing treatments. And of course, most recently, the day we anointed Tanner with oil in our home and He completely set his spine and shoulders in order… a spine that had protruded with scoliosis and caused him to slump and his shoulders to be uneven.
We have to continually reflect on these landmark experiences. They are our reminders. They tell us where we’ve been. They ground us and help us realize the future. They remind us that if He did it once... if He took care of every detail then, He will SURELY do it again!
Wednesday's Practical Tip
Some friends and I were discussing how we need to share practical things that have helped us save money, be a better parent, be a better wife, make better use of our time... so that's what this will be. :) I came across this recipe that allows a framework for a meal. I don't know about you, but I feel like I cook the same things OVER AND OVER AND OVER. So, here ya go...
Tightwad Casserole
1 cup main ingredient
1 cup second ingredient
1-2 cups starchy ingredient
1 1/2 cups binder
1/4 cup “goodie”
seasoning
topping
Main ingredient: tuna, cubed chicken, turkey, ham, seafood, etc.
Second ingredient: thinly sliced celery, mushrooms, peas, chopped hard-boiled eggs, etc.
Starchy ingredient: thinly sliced potatoes, cooked noodles, cooked rice, etc.
Binder: cream sauce, sour cream, can of soup, etc.
“Goodie”: pimiento, olives, almonds, water chestnuts, etc.
Topping: cheese, bread crumbs, etc.
Tightwad Casserole
1 cup main ingredient
1 cup second ingredient
1-2 cups starchy ingredient
1 1/2 cups binder
1/4 cup “goodie”
seasoning
topping
Main ingredient: tuna, cubed chicken, turkey, ham, seafood, etc.
Second ingredient: thinly sliced celery, mushrooms, peas, chopped hard-boiled eggs, etc.
Starchy ingredient: thinly sliced potatoes, cooked noodles, cooked rice, etc.
Binder: cream sauce, sour cream, can of soup, etc.
“Goodie”: pimiento, olives, almonds, water chestnuts, etc.
Topping: cheese, bread crumbs, etc.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Landmarks
Proverbs 22:28 “Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.”
Ships need a landmark to get back to the port. A port is, by definition, a place where ships load and unload but also a place where they take refuge from storms, a harbor. How unbelievably significant for us… we need some landmarks in our life… we need to be set apart with Him to see how to get back… back to Him, back to the place of safety, the safety of His presence… our harbor. In that place, storms can’t touch us. They may rage all around, but we are anchored there. In the port, the ship is anchored down, tied down to be sure it doesn’t drift.
He is our safe port…
Psalm 71:3 “Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.”
Habitation is a place of residence; dwelling; abode. Bryan has often told me that home is that safe place where he can come and get away from the stresses of his day... a place to recharge. We are saying, Lord, be our place of residence... our dwelling... let no other thing be our "escape".
Ships need a landmark to get back to the port. A port is, by definition, a place where ships load and unload but also a place where they take refuge from storms, a harbor. How unbelievably significant for us… we need some landmarks in our life… we need to be set apart with Him to see how to get back… back to Him, back to the place of safety, the safety of His presence… our harbor. In that place, storms can’t touch us. They may rage all around, but we are anchored there. In the port, the ship is anchored down, tied down to be sure it doesn’t drift.
He is our safe port…
Psalm 71:3 “Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.”
Habitation is a place of residence; dwelling; abode. Bryan has often told me that home is that safe place where he can come and get away from the stresses of his day... a place to recharge. We are saying, Lord, be our place of residence... our dwelling... let no other thing be our "escape".
Monday, June 15, 2009
The Simple Dollar
I just wanted to add this link to my sidebar and thought I'd post it here so everyone would be aware of it. This guy has some great money saving tips and who couldn't use those? You can subscribe to his blog and receive daily emails if you wish. I had to unsubscribe because I end up deleting them due to all the OTHER emails I receive. I'm adding it here so I can check it at my leisure. Feel free to do the same! http://www.thesimpledollar.com/
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Adversity
I know... not a cool subject. But, yes, we will have adversity. We will meet opposition in this life. This morning I so clearly heard Him say , "I use adversity in your life to teach, shape and mold you. Don't be fearful of it. Trust me to make all things right."
We say we want more of God. We say we want to be His hands and feet... His voice in this troubled world. How do we think that comes about? How do we get trained for this huge task?
Psalm 35:15 "But in mine adversity they rejoiced..."
Of course, as you guessed, this verse references back to Job. Poor Job... talk about adversity! God trusted him with it. He allowed it. He had to endure all of this to show us, to show others. Sometimes our trials aren't about us at all. They are for the greater good... Kingdom purpose. They teach us and train us but they also allow others to see Jesus in the way we are handling them... now, NOT ALWAYS! I don't know about you, but I don't always handle them the way Jesus would. I want to get better about that!
Isaiah 30:20 from The Amplified "And though the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide Himself any more, but your eyes will constantly behold your Teacher."
To me, that clearly says it all. It says that sometimes He may be the one allowing it but He will be right there to guide you through it and teach you along the way. The very next verse says:
"And your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, This is the way; walk in it, when you turn to the right hand and when you turn to the left."
So, if we'll just be patient, willing and pliable in His hands during the adversity, He will be right there telling us which way to go... directing every turn.
We say we want more of God. We say we want to be His hands and feet... His voice in this troubled world. How do we think that comes about? How do we get trained for this huge task?
Psalm 35:15 "But in mine adversity they rejoiced..."
Of course, as you guessed, this verse references back to Job. Poor Job... talk about adversity! God trusted him with it. He allowed it. He had to endure all of this to show us, to show others. Sometimes our trials aren't about us at all. They are for the greater good... Kingdom purpose. They teach us and train us but they also allow others to see Jesus in the way we are handling them... now, NOT ALWAYS! I don't know about you, but I don't always handle them the way Jesus would. I want to get better about that!
Isaiah 30:20 from The Amplified "And though the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide Himself any more, but your eyes will constantly behold your Teacher."
To me, that clearly says it all. It says that sometimes He may be the one allowing it but He will be right there to guide you through it and teach you along the way. The very next verse says:
"And your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, This is the way; walk in it, when you turn to the right hand and when you turn to the left."
So, if we'll just be patient, willing and pliable in His hands during the adversity, He will be right there telling us which way to go... directing every turn.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Reminders...
I know... I have some really wacky, crazy bloggie ideas sometimes, but you must not think they're TOO wacky, because you are still reading... hmmmmm...
I'm off today and while cleaning up in the kitchen, I thought about the plate on top of my microwave and the person it represents. Months and months ago a friend left a plate at our house after a "gathering". I have been so stressed about getting this plate back. In the meantime, this friend has gone through a WHOLE lot in these months (which is part of the reason I've been unable to return it... we haven't seen each other much). Here's the deal... every time I see that plate, I am prompted to pray over this person and check on them. So, let's not discount the "small things". There are no coincidences with God. Maybe I'm supposed to hold on to this reminder for a season until my friend is back on his/her feet and won't need all the extra prayer covering they have needed during this season.
Just a thought...
I'm off today and while cleaning up in the kitchen, I thought about the plate on top of my microwave and the person it represents. Months and months ago a friend left a plate at our house after a "gathering". I have been so stressed about getting this plate back. In the meantime, this friend has gone through a WHOLE lot in these months (which is part of the reason I've been unable to return it... we haven't seen each other much). Here's the deal... every time I see that plate, I am prompted to pray over this person and check on them. So, let's not discount the "small things". There are no coincidences with God. Maybe I'm supposed to hold on to this reminder for a season until my friend is back on his/her feet and won't need all the extra prayer covering they have needed during this season.
Just a thought...
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Times of Refreshing
It's been a really busy week. Cam has been at a church youth camp but was completely ready to come home yesterday afternoon. He was wiped out... the busyness of this week has somewhat spilled over into my time of prayer. This morning I felt Him so lovingly tell me not to be condemned by my "checklist". "Remember My love. It knows no boundaries, no limits... I bring newness of life. Just as the rain washes, renews, refreshes... it brings new growth and a reviving. You will feel my refreshing."
Romans 6:4 "...we also should walk in newness of life."
The Amplified says that we might habitually live and behave in newness of life. I want that... let it be such a habit that I automatically walk in His refreshing, remaking presence every day.
Acts 3:19 (Amp) "So repent (change your mind and purpose); turn around and return [to God], that your sins may be erased (blotted out, wiped clean), that times of refreshing (of recovering from the effects of heat, of reviving with fresh air) may come from the presence of the Lord;"
There's nothing like the renewed focus that comes when we give Him just even a small portion of our day... to let Him remake us, renew our minds, refocus our vision. It's all about His purpose. We forget it every single day... we HAVE to let Him remind us.
Romans 6:4 "...we also should walk in newness of life."
The Amplified says that we might habitually live and behave in newness of life. I want that... let it be such a habit that I automatically walk in His refreshing, remaking presence every day.
Acts 3:19 (Amp) "So repent (change your mind and purpose); turn around and return [to God], that your sins may be erased (blotted out, wiped clean), that times of refreshing (of recovering from the effects of heat, of reviving with fresh air) may come from the presence of the Lord;"
There's nothing like the renewed focus that comes when we give Him just even a small portion of our day... to let Him remake us, renew our minds, refocus our vision. It's all about His purpose. We forget it every single day... we HAVE to let Him remind us.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
The Process
Just a brief thought today... I just received a prayer request that said "accelerate my destiny". This makes me think that we should pray that God would stop any prayers we pray that are against His will. If we were to accelerate our destiny, or shall we call it "His planned purpose for us", it wouldn't be the same "destiny" He had planned, would it? For a major part of His plan for us has everything to do with the "process" that His plan brings. It's in the waiting, the struggles, the trusting blindly... that's where we learn of Him and become what He wants us to be. Then, when we do reach what He has planned, we are equipped to really handle it and do His will with our absolute best!
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