1 Sam 5:3... "When the Ashdodites arose early the next morning, behold, Dagon had fallen on his face to the ground before the ark of the LORD." The Ark of the Covenant was the original container for the Ten Commandments and the central symbol of God's presence with the people of Israel.
God has really been blessing my heart and soul through re-discovering 1 Samuel... It is so, so easy to get in a rut of reading His Word in a season of "performance" - attempting to "do" for Him...instead of...talking to Him from my whole heart and waiting to hear from Him. I thank God for a broken bone in my arm to have slowed me down. God is SO wise :). He uses our circumstances for our best...
God is a faithful... loving... and gracious Father.
He is also TRUTH and power. Wherever God is = Truth is.
When a thought or word is twisted and distorted...disorder, shame and pain most often follows. In 1 Samuel 5, the Philistines took the Ark from Israel via a victory at war. They placed this sacred Ark in a defiled place - a place that was dedicated to a pagan god named Dagon. Please read the following verses: :)
1 Samuel 5:1-5
1 Now the Philistines took the ark of God and brought it from Ebenezer to Ashdod. 2 Then the Philistines took the ark of God and brought it to the house of Dagon and set it by Dagon. 3 When the Ashdodites arose early the next morning, behold, Dagon had fallen on his face to the ground before the ark of the LORD. So they took Dagon and set him in his place again. 4 But when they arose early the next morning, behold, Dagon had fallen on his face to the ground before the ark of the LORD. And the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands {were} cut off on the threshold; only the trunk of Dagon was left to him. 5 Therefore neither the priests of Dagon nor all who enter Dagon's house tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod to this day.
God is God... The one and only living and true God (1Th 1:9). Dagon couldn't stand in the presence of God!
Pun totally intended here: the Philistines may have said, "Dagon! What is happening?" :) They recognized that the God of Israel was not allowing Himself to be contained or mastered. God promises to be our God...and the author of our faith! He made His dwelling to be in us...His temple is now in us- those who believe that He is the one, True God Who came to Earth in human form to free us from the bondage of sin. (Romans 7 & 8).
The sermon was about freedom yesterday at Common Ground... This chapter of 1 Samuel shares how God's presence/Jesus in us is the truth...the access to truth...the supply of truth that sets us free!
John 8:32 - "...and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."
Philippians 3:10 "...that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection..."
We are His children...(Colossians 3:12).. God loves us deeply and with a faithful pursuit of hearts...each day. He hears our prayers and doesn't forget them. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says that we are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory...His image.
For that reason, God WILL...LOVINGLY..." unearth areas within us that have been wounded by lies. God/Jesus WILL uncover some dagons...some false gods = areas of untruth = belief patterns = misplaced identity and worship...places winthin where we have gone to find life... God WILL find those and WILL cause them to fall. God can cut off the "head"/perceived authority of that area/pattern as well as remove the hands/power it has.
This is often a process that feels like an internal battle or war... because it is in fact a battle. Where God is - Truth is. Truth sets us free and brings us new insights into the heart of our God. Be encouraged when you feel as though you see ancient ruins in you surface! Be encouraged when the dirt that is being dug-up surfaces for a bit... FOR
Isaiah 61:4-9 "...they will rebuild the ancient ruins, They will raise up the former devastations; And they will repair the ruined cities, The desolations of many generations." God is rebuilding you and me...day by day... From glory to glory.
1John 5:4 "...For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith."
Let us seek Him out today in all that we do and see...His presence is truth and that truth is sweeter than any food or human accolade that we could receive. God has allowed me to see more and more how I need Him and depend on Him to love well and to receive love well... As well as to receive grace and to give grace to others (and myself). By giving God reignn in those soul-places...truth illuminates dark places and forms new land. He rebuilds...and I SOOO welcome that today....
Hebrews 11:6 "And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him."
Growing-up, my parents had me go to Sunday school but I didn't really understand what it all meant until I was 27. :) I can't remember more than 2 of those Sunday school lessons but I do recall the people there who really showed me that they cared for me. To me, they showed me the Bible. Especially having endured a painful divorce (my parents). I thank my Grandma for praying for my sis, brother and I b/c her faith and love really helped my heart to know God was there with me all along through those hard times. He has been since. Even when I choose my own way at times, His love doesn't change... It's a life-long journey of learning to trust Him with my whole heart. He's so worthy of that trust but it's against the grain of my old programming. That's what makes His Grace (in the Greek: "Unmerited/unearned favor)."
Here is a lil devotional to help us all think upon this week... What had happend and how those historical events continue on.
Last Sunday was Palm Sunday. I wasn't sure exactly what Palm Sunday was and thus did some research and reading. More than 300 prophecies given by God in the Old Testament were fullfilled by Jesus. Isn't that amazing! All were done to reveal Himself to us and to show significance through each fullfillment. Here are some regarding Palm Sunday through Easter...
Most of the Gospel Books (Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John) , they tell of the Passover and Jesus riding into Jeruselum. Here is one from my favorite Gospel, John 12:12-19:
12 The next day, the news that Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem swept through the city. A large crowd of Passover visitors 13 took palm branches and went down the road to meet him. They shouted,
“Praise God!
Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hail to the King of Israel!”
14 Jesus found a young donkey and rode on it, fulfilling the prophecy that said:
15 “Don’t be afraid, people of Jerusalem.
Look, your King is coming,
riding on a donkey’s colt.”
16 His disciples didn’t understand at the time that this was a fulfillment of prophecy. But after Jesus entered into his glory, they remembered what had happened and realized that these things had been written about him.
17 Many in the crowd had seen Jesus call Lazarus from the tomb, raising him from the dead, and they were telling others[j] about it. 18 That was the reason so many went out to meet him—because they had heard about this miraculous sign. 19 Then the Pharisees said to each other, “There’s nothing we can do. Look, everyone has gone after him!”
Here is a verse from the Old Testament:
Zechariah 9:9
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you;He is just and endowed with salvation, Humble, and mounted on a donkey,Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Some questions I had when preparing a lesson my some kiddos were, "Why Palms?," "Why a donkey?," and "What does 'hosanna' actually mean?"
The Palm branch represented victory, the donkey symbolized peacefuly intentions, and Hosanna means, "Save now." Given the context of history the Israelites and the rule over them by the Romans, this event was deeply important... They wanted freedom from oppression and victory. What God/Jesus had planned was indeed victory and freedom... Yet, it was in a much more profound impact. Freedom and victory over sin/selfishness and a way to have eternal life with Him/Them always.
After Palm Sunday and into the Passover:
Matthew 26:2
" You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man/Jesus is to be handed over for crucifixion." - Jesus
John 19:16-36
The Crucifixion
So they took Jesus away. 17 Carrying the cross by himself, he went to the place called Place of the Skull (in Hebrew, Golgotha). 18 There they nailed him to the cross. Two others were crucified with him, one on either side, with Jesus between them. 19 And Pilate posted a sign over him that read, “Jesus of Nazareth,[d] the King of the Jews.” 20 The place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek, so that many people could read it.
21 Then the leading priests objected and said to Pilate, “Change it from ‘The King of the Jews’ to ‘He said, I am King of the Jews.’”
22 Pilate replied, “No, what I have written, I have written.”
23 When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they divided his clothes among the four of them. They also took his robe, but it was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. 24 So they said, “Rather than tearing it apart, let’s throw dice[e] for it.” This fulfilled the Scripture that says, “They divided my garments among themselves and threw dice for my clothing.”[f] So that is what they did.
25 Standing near the cross were Jesus’ mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary (the wife of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” 27 And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home.
The Death of Jesus
28 Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. 30 When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and released his spirit.
31 It was the day of preparation, and the Jewish leaders didn’t want the bodies hanging there the next day, which was the Sabbath (and a very special Sabbath, because it was the Passover). ***So they asked Pilate to hasten their deaths by ordering that their legs be broken. Then their bodies could be taken down. 32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the two men crucified with Jesus.***
33 But when they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, so they ***didn’t break his legs.*** 34 One of the soldiers, however, pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out. 35 (This report is from an eyewitness giving an accurate account. He speaks the truth so that you also can believe.) 36 These things happened in fulfillment of the Scriptures that say, “Not one of his bones will be broken,” 37 and “They will look on the one they pierced.”
Matthew 27:35 - ***And when they had crucified Him, (A)they divided up His garments among themselves by casting lots.***
Matthew 27:41-43 (New American Standard Bible)
41In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking Him and saying,
42"(A)He saved others; He cannot save Himself (B)He is the King of Israel; let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe in Him.
43"(C)HE TRUSTS IN GOD; LET GOD RESCUE Him now, IF HE DELIGHTS IN HIM; for He said, 'I am the Son of God.'
Here are the OT verses that were fullfilled by Christ:
***Matthew 26:52-54 (New American Standard Bible)
52Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its place; for (A)all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword.
53"Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve [a](B)legions of angels?
54"How then will (D)the Scriptures be fulfilled, which say that it must happen this way?"
Psalm 22
14 My life is poured out like water,
and all my bones are out of joint.
My heart is like wax,
melting within me.
16 My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs;
an evil gang closes in on me.
They have pierced my hands and feet.
17 I can count all my bones.
My enemies stare at me and gloat.
18 They divide my garments among themselves
and throw dice for my clothing
Isaiah 53:12 (Old Testament/Covenant)
Therefore, I will allot Him a portion with the great,And He will divide the booty with the strong;Because He poured out Himself to death,And was numbered with the transgressors;Yet He Himself bore the sin of many,And interceded for the transgressors.
1 Peter 2:24 (New Testament/Covenant)
"and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed."
The Burial of Jesus (Luke 23)
50 Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph. He was a member of the Jewish high council, 51 but he had not agreed with the decision and actions of the other religious leaders. He was from the town of Arimathea in Judea, and he was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come. 52 He went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. 53 Then he took the body down from the cross and wrapped it in a long sheet of linen cloth and laid it in a new tomb that had been carved out of rock. 54 This was done late on Friday afternoon, the day of preparation,[l] as the Sabbath was about to begin.
55 As his body was taken away, the women from Galilee followed and saw the tomb where his body was placed. 56 Then they went home and prepared spices and ointments to anoint his body. But by the time they were finished the Sabbath had begun, so they rested as required by the law.
The Resurrection (Luke 24)
1 But very early on Sunday morning[m] the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. 2 They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. 3 So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes.
5 The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? 6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man[n] must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.”
8 Then they remembered that He had said this. 9 So they rushed back from the tomb to tell his eleven disciples—and everyone else—what had happened. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and several other women who told the apostles what had happened. 11 But the story sounded like nonsense to the men, so they didn’t believe it. 12 However, Peter jumped up and ran to the tomb to look. Stooping, he peered in and saw the empty linen wrappings; then he went home again, wondering what had happened.
Jesus Appears to the Disciples
35 Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread. 36 And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 37 But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost!
38 “Why are you frightened?” he asked. “Why are your hearts filled with doubt? 39 Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do.” 40 As he spoke, he showed them his hands and his feet.
41 Still they stood there in disbelief, filled with joy and wonder. Then he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he ate it as they watched.
44 Then he said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. 47 It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations,[r] beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ 48 You are witnesses of all these things.
49 “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”
The Ascension
50 Then Jesus led them to Bethany, and lifting his hands to heaven, he blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up to heaven.[s] 52 So they worshiped him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy. 53 And they spent all of their time in the Temple, praising God.
***Colossians 1:19-22 (New Living Translation)
19 For God in all his fullness
was pleased to live in Christ,
20 and through him God reconciled
everything to himself.
He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth
by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.
21 This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. 22 Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.
***Ephesians 2:7-9 (New Living Translation)
7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
***Galatians 5:1
[ Walk by the Spirit ] It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. (slavery to our selfishness, old wounds, mistakes, guilt, etc)
I hope that these blessed you as much as they have me... The truth is that we love b/c He first loved us (John 4). It is so easy to miss or dismiss due to the distractions of life or the pain that others have caused us...or we ourselves. Yet, the God I've grown to know is so good and His love isn't what we usually see from those around us. My encouragement is to do what I had done when in huge pits- ask God to show Himself to you...to know Who Jesus is. Ask... as He'll answer you in ways that you'll know are Him. He's good. Research, seek, ask...
Love you all...
Meridith
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJpeylRl68o
Luke 22 share the sequence of events in a comprehensive way:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2022&version=ESV
God's love story lived out and still unfolding:
http://www.godonthe.net/evidence/messiah.htm
Today I have been working on a product submission to Super Duper (rough draft) about a character God inspired me to create (got to give Him all the credit). Prayers are appreciated regarding the submission to this SLP Tx company. Here is one out of 40+ shows...the only DVD I have :( :
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST- MARCH 16, 2010 (DEVOTIONAL)
"The Master Will Judge"
We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ . . . —2 Corinthians 5:10
BY OSWALD CHAMBERS
Paul says that we must all, preachers and other people alike, "appear before the judgment seat of Christ." But if you will learn here and now to live under the scrutiny of Christ’s pure light (Psalm 139:23-24), your final judgment will bring you only delight in seeing the work God has done in you. Live constantly reminding yourself of the judgment seat of Christ, and walk in the knowledge of the holiness He has given you.
Tolerating a wrong attitude toward another person causes you to follow the spirit of the devil, no matter how saintly you are.
(Forgiveness is what Christ has given- to deny it for yourself or someone else causes division, hardness, and bitterness...Put it on the cross. This doesn't mean that you need to tell that person you forgive them but to let it go to the cross/In what God/Jesus has already done. Let God take it).
One carnal judgment of another person only serves the purposes of hell in you. Bring it immediately into the light and confess, "Oh, Lord, I have been guilty there." If you don’t, your heart will become hardened through and through. One of the penalties of sin is our acceptance of it. It is not only God who punishes for sin, but sin establishes itself in the sinner and takes its toll. No struggling or praying will enable you to stop doing certain things, and the penalty of sin is that you gradually get used to it, until you finally come to the place where you no longer even realize that it is sin. No power, except the power that comes from being filled with the Holy Spirit, can change or prevent the inherent consequences of sin.
(Romans 7:17-19 (New Living Translation)
17 So I (Paul writing to the church/body of believers in Rome) am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.
18 And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. 19 I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.
(When we ask Him into our lives- He is all that is good in us... Jesus in us sets us free from sin b/c He paid for it all on the cross. We choose to take that forgiveness and have God grow our faith/heal our souls/be our Father and our Lord)
Romans 6:6
We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin.
"If we walk in the light as He is in the light. . ." ( 1 John 1:7 ). For many of us, walking in the light means walking according to the standard we have set up for another person. The deadliest attitude of the Pharisees that we exhibit today is not hypocrisy but that which comes from unconsciously living a lie.
Galatians 5:1
[ Christ Has Set Us Free ] For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
David Crowder Band's "Thank You" (found on a media player to the right-on the web page)
http://www.last.fm/music/David+Crowder+Band/_/Thank+You+for+Hearing+Me
Love,
Mer
PS
Nothing tops God's Word :)... A Brother and Sister in Christ who share what God has taught them- have written 2 books filled with scripture that really help us glean what He has shown them (via His Word) about sin, truth, and freedom from sin and legalism. I need to read these again- I highly recommend them :)!!!
The Surrendered Life
I have been crucified with Christ . . . —Galatians 2:20
WRITTEN BY OSWALD CHAMBERS
To become one with Jesus Christ, a person must be willing not only to give up sin, but also to surrender his whole way of looking at things. Being born again by the Spirit of God means that we must first be willing to let go before we can grasp something else. The first thing we must surrender is all of our pretense or deceit. What our Lord wants us to present to Him is not our goodness, honesty, or our efforts to do better, but real solid sin. Actually, that is all He can take from us. And what He gives us in exchange for our sin is real solid righteousness. But we must surrender all pretense that we are anything, and give up all our claims of even being worthy of God’s consideration.
Once we have done that, the Spirit of God will show us what we need to surrender next. Along each step of this process, we will have to give up our claims to our rights to ourselves. Are we willing to surrender our grasp on all that we possess, our desires, and everything else in our lives? Are we ready to be identified with the death of Jesus Christ?
We will suffer a sharp painful disillusionment before we fully surrender. When people really see themselves as the Lord sees them, it is not the terribly offensive sins of the flesh that shock them, but the awful nature of the pride of their own hearts opposing Jesus Christ. When they see themselves in the light of the Lord, the shame, horror, and desperate conviction hit home for them.
If you are faced with the question of whether or not to surrender, make a determination to go on through the crisis, surrendering all that you have and all that you are to Him. And God will then equip you to do all that He requires of you.
Today I was emailing with my Sis in Christ, Patty, and discovered a few things... Slowing down, quieting my thoughts, and reflection can do that :)...
She had seen the 20 week baby ultrasound video and loved seeing baby Girl Black's eyes moving...
In response, I said that seeing the baby's eyes, hands, legs, etc made me cry each time. I'm in awe. Truly in awe that God has given us another daughter to take care of. Humbled in deeper ways that I have been.
I realized that I wasn't really able to truly understand what pregnant moms and dads were going through. Even though we had lil' Rose for 10-11 weeks last year, I couldn't wrap my mind/brain around the miracle of knowing a baby... a lil' person was growing inside of others I knew. All I knew was what I saw and what i didn't have. Despite wanting to join in fully with their joy I found myself limited with scope and a narrow capacity to empathize.
My mind knew it was utterly miraculous but my heart couldn't grasp it... C.S. Lewis once said, “Experience: that most brutal of teachers. But you learn, my God do you learn.”
This experience, pregnancy, isn't "brutal" :) (sometimes the nausea and discomfort are difficult but not brutal knowing that a baby is the reason behind it all) but it definitely has taught me a great deal. This is deep, :) but it also draws my mind to Christ and how he came down and was tempted in all ways as we are .... having Him as our high priest - One who can sympathize with us. He came to save us...to make a way to have a deep and lasting relationship with Himself and God. Along that journey in our skin He was tempted as we are.
He endured human temptations and felt emotion. He had his heartbroken and He danced. He had friends betray Him and wept for those were lost.
Hebrews 4:15 (NASB)
For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 4:14 (The Message Version)
[ The High Priest Who Cried Out in Pain ] Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let's not let it slip through our fingers. We don't have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He's been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let's walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.
I LOVE that about our God... He is engaged and involved. He desires relationship not religion. The author of "The Shack" wrote to this by saying that "relationship can be messy." I think that is why so many of us reach out to religion- rituals, rules, etc as a way to control what we are doing... to do something in hopes of receiving (approval, our wants, our needs, love, etc). Yet, with relationship we give our time and heart. We talk... we wait. We listen.
Despite our propensity to control....
Ephesians 2:7
Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus.
I must have a need for Grace (unearned favor). :) We fall but He never leaves us. Trusting Him is as if learning to walk for the first time. It's not always easy or automatic, we have to choose to put our hope/faith/trust in Him. We can ask for faith and we can seek Him to know Him more. Grace covers it all... The peace and joy that flow from seeking Him is beautiful... the heart can't get enough.
I love having a God Who walked in our shoes and is invovled in our lives. He is good...
Thank you, God, for teaching me deeper levels of love and humility through this beautiful experience of parenting. Thank you, God, for helping me to more fully rejoice with those who rejoice (via this experience) as well as for the times that have taught me to grieve/mourn with those who mourn. Your comfort is abundant.
Two songs that I hope/pray speak to you just when you need them the most: :)
After a painful break-up years and years ago, I heard this song and it really spoke to me.
At the time, I had a small crush on Bebo... He said that although he wanted to be married, he wanted to trust God with that endeavor
and chose to date Jesus. He's now married. God is faithful. After marrying he wrote, "Nothing Without You" as a prayer to God. He
confessed that although he loved his wife, his music, etc. that the only Person that truly filled Him up in the deepest places was God/Jesus.
After waiting and praying, God brought an amazing man into my life. One who was more than I prayed for: He loves God more than he does me...
And that is what holds us together.
Bebo Norman The Hammer Holds
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxlmcELauMk
A shapeless piece of steel, that`s all I claim to be
This hammer pounds to give me form, this flame, it melts my dreams
I glow with fire and fury, as I`m twisted like a vine
My final shape, my final form I`m sure I`m bound to find
So dream a little, dream for me in hopes that I`ll remain
And cry a little, cry for me so I can bear the flames
And hurt a little, hurt for me my future is untold
But my dreams are not the issue here, for thee, the hammer holds
And the water, it cools me gray, and the hurt`s subdued somehow
I have my shape, this sharpened point, what is my purpose now?
And the question still remains, what am I to be?
Perhaps some perfect piece of art displayed for all to see
So dream a little, dream for me in hopes that I`ll remain
And cry a little, cry for me so I can bear the flames
And hurt a little, hurt for me my future is untold
But my dreams are not the issue here, for thee, the hammer holds
The hammer pounds again, but flames I do not feel
This force that drives me, helplessly, through flesh, and wood reveals
A burn that burns much deeper, it`s more than I can stand
The reason for my life was to take the life of a guiltless man
So dream a little, dream for me in hopes that I`ll remain
And cry a little, cry for me so I can bear the pain
And hurt a little, hurt for me, my future is so bold
But my dreams are not the issue here, for thee, the hammer holds
This task before me may seem unclear
But it, my maker holds
Ginny Owens :: If You Want Me To
http://ginnyowens.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1q8pWgDsv1E
The pathway is broken
And the signs are unclear
And I dont know the reason why you brought me here
But just because You love me the way that You do
I will go through the valley
If You want me to
CHORUS:
Now I'm not who I was
When I took my first step
And I'm clinging to the promise
You're not through with me yet
So if all of these trials bring me closer to You
I will go through the fire
If You want me to
It may not be the way I would have chosen
When you lead me through a world that's not my own
But You never said it would be easy
You only said I'll never go alone
So when the whole world turns against me
And I'm all by myself
And I can't hear You answer my cries for help
I'll remember the suffering Your love put You through
And I will go through the valley
If You want me to
This song ministered to me at the same time as "The Hammer Holds." Per her biography:
*Born and raised in Jackson, Miss., Owens was discovering melodies on the piano almost before she could complete a sentence. Sunday school songs and common childhood tunes began to emerge from her fingers even as vision began to leave her eyes. By the age of three, a degenerative eye condition left Ginny completely blind. Despite her physical challenge, music just made sense to her, quickly becoming a lifeline for both understanding and communication. Songs provided a window into a world Ginny couldn’t see, but they also offered an outlet for her to express her own thoughts, dreams and questions.
What I LOVE about this song is that it helps me not to lose heart. <3 God knows that the heart is extremely valuable...He encourages us throughout His Word to "not lose heart" but to come to Him (all who are weary and heavy laden) and cast our/give Him our cares and anxieties. Why? Because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). I had gotten myself into a huge pit when I heard this song... and saw Jesus picking me up and out of it. His love overwhelmed me and yet I was struggling to learn to live without that pit. It felt like a valley... lonely at times, painful, and sometimes pretty downright miserable. Yet, His love is what drew me to Him and the desire to be free. I pray that this song helps you through whatever trial you find yourself in...going through.
As Beth Moore reminds, with God these trials are tunnels...not caves. He walks WITH US through them and uses them. Nothing is ever in vain.
Much love,
Mer.
2.14.10 The Image of What is Invisible Colossians (Part 3) Matt Chandler
http://hv.thevillagechurch.net/sermons
This sermon is so good... Matt Chandler works through part 3 of the Colossians series at The Village Church while lovingly and boldly addressing felt needs, faith, Jesus, and confusing doctrines (new age, the Gospel vs. Religion, etc).
On March 3rd, we found out that the baby we're having is a GIRL!!
Psalm 139
13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
16 You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.
Hearing the words from the ultrasound tech, "These are Girl Parts" and then knowing that God is giving us another daughter is amazing... difficult to adequately articulate... We are so thankful and full of joy!!
Babies are miracles!!
In this clip you can see her fingers, feet, face, legs, arms, and lil heart beating! :) It really openned our eyes to the reality that a miracle is happening- and that we are parents.
March 8, 2010
The Surrendered Life
I have been crucified with Christ . . . —Galatians 2:20
To become ONE with Jesus Christ, a person must be willing not only to give up sin, but also to surrender his whole way of looking at things. Being born again by the Spirit of God means that we must first be willing to let go before we can grasp something else. The first thing we must surrender is all of our pretense or deceit.
What our Lord wants us to present to Him is not our goodness, honesty, or our efforts to do better, but real solid sin. Actually, that is all He can take from us. And what He gives us in exchange for our sin is real solid righteousness (This refers to our placement and character: His character IN us...that He gives us. We see God as our saviour, our God, and we desire to humbly follow Him/place ourselves under and in His care. We recognize His rights upon us. I LOVE this as I want Him to be my Father and my God. I don't want to put my life in my own hands). But we must surrender all pretense that we are anything, and give up all our claims of even being worthy of God’s consideration.
Once we have done that, the Spirit of God will show us what we need to surrender next (Psalm 139:23-14). Along each step of this process, we will have to give up our claims to our rights to ourselves. Are we willing to surrender our grasp on all that we possess, our desires, and everything else in our lives? Are we ready to be identified with the death of Jesus Christ?
We will suffer a sharp painful disillusionment before we fully surrender. When people really see themselves as the Lord sees them, it is not the terribly offensive sins of the flesh that shock them, but the awful nature of the pride of their own hearts opposing Jesus Christ. When they see themselves in the light of the Lord, the shame, horror, and desperate conviction hit home for them.
If you are faced with the question of whether or not to surrender, make a determination to go on through the crisis, surrendering all that you have and all that you are to Him. And God will then equip you to do all that He requires of you.
(When we ask to know Him more...seek Him... He is there and answers. We almost always see how loving He is and realize, painfully at times, how much we need Him. We see our needs and our pride. It's seeing ourselves in the light of the most amazing love and realizing that although we don't deserve all that He wants to give us, we can fall in-love with Him b/c His love isn't contingent on deserving people. His love is a gift. Our shame wants to punish us but His love wants to free us. We WILL fail but He will not... His love will never fail us. When we fear and worry we deny that God is bigger/magnified above our fears. We can trust Him. If you need faith- ask. If you want to know who Jesus is- ask ;). If you want a renewed passion for His Son- you got it, ask. These are gifts He gives generously and will a full heart).
Shane and Shane: Yearn (with Bethany Dillion)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzKCp2tLqUo
"On My Knees" was one of the very first God centered songs I heard in 1999 that gribbed my needy soul... Reaquainting myself with some of these songs now. :)
On My Knees, by Jaci Velasquez
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? —Romans 8:35
God does not keep His child immune from trouble; He promises, "I will be with him/YOU in trouble . . ." ( Psalm 91:15 ). It doesn’t matter how real or intense the adversities may be; nothing can ever separate him from his relationship to God. "In all these things we are more than conquerors . . ." ( Romans 8:37 )...(b/c of Christ IN us. Mer asked Him into her life in the Spring of 1999)
Paul was not referring here to imaginary things, but to things that are dangerously real. And he said we are "super-victors" in the midst of them, not because of our own ingenuity, nor because of our courage, but because none of them affects our essential relationship with God in Jesus Christ. I feel sorry for the Christian who doesn’t have something in the circumstances of his life that he wishes were not there.
"Shall tribulation . . . ?" Tribulation is never a grand, highly welcomed event; but whatever it may be— whether exhausting, irritating, or simply causing some weakness— it is not able to "separate us from the love of Christ." Never allow tribulations or the "cares of this world" to separate you from remembering that God loves you ( Matthew 13:22 ).
"Shall . . . distress . . . ?" Can God’s love continue to hold fast, even when everyone and everything around us seems to be saying that His love is a lie, and that there is no such thing as justice?
"Shall . . . famine . . . ?" Can we not only believe in the love of God but also be "more than conquerors," even while we are being starved?
Either Jesus Christ is a deceiver, having deceived even Paul, or else some extraordinary thing happens to someone who holds on to the love of God when the odds are totally against him. Logic is silenced in the face of each of these things which come against him. Only one thing can account for it— the love of God in Christ Jesus. "Out of the wreck I rise" every time.
"Wow" is a favorite word of mine...and one that I kept saying yesterday when Steve and I were at Clarian North having a 2D ultraound.
When we saw the 20+ week old lil' person in my "belly" :) we saw a lil' GIRL!! Wow... :) There are few words that are easy to articulate when seeing a lil' miracle growing (not to mention IN you). Long legs moving... Fingers flexing and extending... Eyes moving.
Psalm 139 1
3 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
I don't cry very often, unfortunately, but I can't help but tearing-up when I think about what our Ultrasound tech, Sarah, said, "These are girl parts!" LOL I have been feeling her move more the past 48 hours. Instantly I smile, my eyes water, and I thank God.
Going through the process of loss, waiting, and then receiving has been extremely insightful!!
Before we were given this baby, I realized that it was very important that I didn't put my worth in conceiving. That I was loved just as much (by God and by my hubby) if I wasn't able. We still want to adopt a kiddo or two someday... Being an aunt has taught me so much, too. The love I have for our 7 nieces and nephews has grown my heart in a motherhood-way. I have been more used to taking care of baby boys (2 nieces and 5 nephews) and thus hearing that we have a lil girl brought even more insights. I think the fact that I see my frailties causes me to depend of God even more as representing a mother's love for her daugther. I don't know if this makes much sense :), but it was an unexpected insight into myself, yesterday.
Not only do I have comfort knowing that God will help us raise His lil' girl, but I have such joy being married to my bestfriend who is going to be the best Daddy ever!! Modeling a Father's love to his lil' girl... That is a blessing that won't end. He can't wait to meet her and is excited beyond words regarding being a Daddy for a lil girl. She is 12 oz and ~7 inches long. Her organs (brain, etc), spine, etc. all are healthy!! Wow...
We are praying about names and may need to see her lil face before we choose one... She is due on July 20th.
The pics attached might not be super easy to make-out/interpret :)... They are 2D... One show a hand; One shows a profile; A couple show her looking you with her hands and arms by or under her face.
Please know that your prayers have encouraged and supported us more than you know!! It has been a matra to pray, "God, no matter what happens, you are good." :) He is so good... and His wisdom is trustworthy. Thank you again!!
His love through me,
Steve and Mer (& Baby Girl Black)
God is The God who seeks personal relationship with us. He is persistant to heal us and rebuild us (Isaiah 61).
Jeremiah 17
“The human heart is the most deceitful of all things,
and desperately wicked.
Who really knows how bad it is?
10 But I, the Lord, search all hearts
and examine secret motives.
God doesn't want us to be puppets but wants a genuine, real relationship with us. He gives us the gift of choice/free will. He also allows us to experience what happens in this world when we choose. His wisdom is perfect. Just like a child touching the stove... He or she learns. Eventually, sometimes. :) But that child is curious and doesn't always take his or her parents at their words but wants to experience the freedom of experiencing that choice...walking through the consequences.
Galatians 6:8
For the one who sows to HIS OWN flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the God's Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. (Seek's God's wisdom, talks with Him, asks)
Galatians 5:17
For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh (sinful nature/old way of living/thinking/choosing/reasoning); for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.
God knows that hard times will come and that tough choices are inevitable. Jesus experienced these... more than we know.
Hebrews 2:18
For since He (Jesus) Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.
Hebrews 4:15
For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.
What is important to remember is that Jesus left His Father in Heaven and became fully man:
Philippians 2:7
but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.
He was tempted by Satan and our sinful nature but He was without sin because He prayed/depended on God to give Him the truth to battle lies and the strength to escape acting on those temptations. It's so EASY to forget that Jesus gave into the world fully God but fully man. He can sympathize with our weaknesses.
When the fires came, what did Jesus do? He prayed and sought out His Father...
When the fires come in our lives, sometimes we are the ones who ignite the flame by our choices. Sometimes we are the victims of the matches/choices of another. However, we also go through fires of growth with God.
Daniel 3:25, 27-28 (New Living Translation) “Look!” Nebuchadnezzar shouted. “I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!” (The furnace was heated 7 times hotter than it was typically thus when the 3 Israelites were thrown into the furnance, the guards died due to the heat. Despite the extra heat and the blazing flames, there was a 4th person/shape of a person walking IN the fire WITH the 3 men. That man was Jesus! Wow, HUH!).
So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stepped out of the fire. 27 Then the high officers, officials, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn’t even smell of smoke!
28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him. They defied the king’s command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.
Whether the fires are thrust upon us by our choices, the choices of others (our family, ancestors, friends, strangers), or by God... He is WITH us...
Isaiah 43:2
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you... When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.
Sometimes His words will burn within us... showing us our need for God. His words guide us and grow us.
Psalm 12:6
The words of the LORD are pure words; As silver tried in a furnace on the earth, refined seven times.
Psalm 66:10
For You have tried us, O God; You have refined us as silver is refined.
The fires that we cause can cause us a pain that breaksdown and leaves us feeling charred. We are left feeling like ashes. The fires that refine us- in God's care do the opposite: they don't leave us broken down but rebuild. They don't charr but burn off what is hindering us. We are left feeling and living more free and whole.
Friends, if you'd rather not get these emails :), I put these devotionals on our blog... http://steveandmer.blogspot.com/ Love you all very much!!
Mer.
Nicky introduced this song to me 2 years ago... so good... Natatlie Grant's "Real Me."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5kz9wU2QXU
Natalie Grant's, "Real Me"
Foolish heart looks like we're here again
Same old game of plastic smile
Don't let anybody in
Hiding my heartache, will this glass house break
How much will they take before I'm empty
Do I let it show, does anybody know?
But You (Jesus) see the real me
Hiding in my skin, broken from within
Unveil me completely
I'm loosening my grasp
There's no need to mask my frailty
Cause you see the real me
Painted on, life is behind a mask
Self-inflicted circus clown
I'm tired of the song and dance
Living a Charade, always on parade
What a mess I've made of my existence
But you love me even now
And still I see somehow
But you see the real me
Hiding in my skin, broken from within
Unveil me completely
I'm loosening my grasp
There's no need to mask my frailty
Cause you see the real me
Wonderful, beautiful is what you see
When you look at me
You're turning the tattered fabric of my life into
A perfect tapestry
I just wanna be me
But you see the real me
Hiding in my skin, broken from within
Unveil me completely
I'm loosening my grasp
There's no need to mask my frailty
Cause you see the real me
And you love me just as I am
Wonderful, Beautiful is what you see
When you look at me
Many of us so thanks in word, singing, dancing, running, etc... So often I find myself praying along with the words of a song. It guides me so well... The chorus of "Hosanna" by Hllsong United (Lyrics and Video at the bottom) is so powerful that as soon as I hear it my heart starts praying with those words as my prayer. Sometimes words fail me and thus praying along with someone's else's prayer helps me :)...
Jesus was talking to Religious Leaders (Matthew 6) when He said:
7 “When you pray, don’t babble on and on as people of other religions do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. 8 Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him! 9 Pray like this:
Our Father in heaven,
may your name be kept holy (Hallowed).
10 May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today the food we need,
12 and forgive us our sins,
as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
13 And don’t let us yield to temptation,
but rescue us from the evil one.
God knows our needs, even before we ask. Why ask then??? To build relationship, to enlighten/reveal truth (help us become aware of deeper needs, wounds, unhealthy patterns of thought, etc), and to free us. "Thy Will be done"... By praying our hearts soften and open-up to His voice and love. His thoughts become our thoughts and His heart moves ours. Without His heart and word leading, our hearts WILL lead us astray:
Jeremiah 17:8-10
“The human heart is the most deceitful of all things,
and desperately wicked.
Who really knows how bad it is?
10 But I, the Lord, search all hearts
and examine secret motives.
Knowing that I NEED His wisdom I pray these prayers almost daily:
Psalm 139:23-14
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
James 1
5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.
What does our Good God say about prayer and asking:
Luke 11:10
"For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened.
Why are some prayers not answered in the way or timing we'd prefer???
Since we are temporal and our knowledge is finite in comparison to God we won't be able to know everything nor can we see all that God sees (beyond time, the tapastry of how our actions combine with those of others, etc). God in His goodness helps us know some important reasons why many prayers are answered by God in different ways:
James 4:3
You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives,...
As we pray we learn about God's heart and character. God's mercy and love is married with His wisdom. His timing is perfect and His provision for us is always inspiried out of love for us. Due to His love, He knows we are healing and growing in our knowledge of Him... as well as our knowledge of our needs, areas of growth, as well as how to pray. He helps us...
Romans 8:26-27
26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. 27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.
Again, WHY SHOULD WE PRAY if God is praying in us and for us, already?
Hebrews 12:2
fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God
Philippians 1:6
For I (Paul) am confident of this very thing, that He (Jesus/God) Who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
As we talk with God we build relationship. Your heart will grow to hear His Spirit in you... He may ask you questions regarding things He knows the answers to, but is guiding you...helping you process. He allows us to join Him in loving others.
God wants to rebuild those ancient ruins IN YOU... Sometimes we fear letting go of old wounds and fears because they are like clothing for us. We grow into them as if we are our skin. These old ruins bring us false comfort and a false identity. God doesn't want us to live a life without joy or a true knowledge of Him or without a true knowledge of who we were intially designed for: to be a home for His Spirit (Jesus in us).
Isaiah 61:4
They will rebuild the ancient ruins,
repairing cities destroyed long ago.
If you have doubts, questions, etc. God loves you and knows... He encourages you to ask. Ask for faith. Ask to know love for God. Ask to know Who Jesus is... Ask...
Mark 9:24
Immediately the boy's father cried out (to Jesus) and said, "I do believe; help my unbelief."
How do we pray?
Review Matthew 6 above... It's not our words but our hearts that God loves. He wants relationship not our doings... We can talk and visualize what we hope for but without God in our lives, those prays and hopes may mislead us or trick us. God may put some of those prays on your hearts to ask of Him. Why? To build relationship with Him. When a prayer is answered you remember that GOD brought those to you... All good gifts come from God. (Matthew 7:11)
2 Timothy 2:13
If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.
Romans 3:3
What then? If some did not believe, their unbelief will not nullify the faithfulness of God, will it? NO :)
Love you all!! God is good... no matter what our circumstances or emotions might say...
“Though our feelings come and go, God’s love for us does not.” C.S. Lewis
HOSANNA By Hillsong United
I see the king of glory
Coming on the clouds with fire
The whole earth shakes
The whole earth shakes
I see his love and mercy
Washing over all our sin
The people sing
The people sing
[Chorus]
Hosanna
Hosanna
Hosanna in the highest [x2]
I see a generation
Rising up to take their place
With selfless faith
With selfless faith
I see a near revival
Stirring as we pray and seek
We're on our knees
We're on our knees
[Chorus]
-Heal my heart and make it clean...
-Open up my eyes to the things unseen...
-Show me how to love like you have loved me
Break my heart for what breaks yours...
Everything I am for your kingdoms cause
As I go from nothing to Eternity
Psalm 139:17-18
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand
When I awake, I am still with You.
Ephesians 1:3 "All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who has blessed us with EVERY spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ."
Not "united" with a Bible Study. Not b/c we are united with a church. Not b/c we think positively or are thankful. Not for anything we do or have done BUT because Jesus opens His arms and invites us into an intimate relationship with Him. When you ask Him to live in your heart and be with you always...to follow Him and know Him...then you/we are united with Him and have EVERY spiritual blessing given/planned. AWESOME.
HERE IS AN ILLUSTRATION:
"There was a very rich man who created wonderful masterpieces of art paintings and then he had a teriffic Son. One day the Son wen't out of his Father's house and befriend a beggar. The Son would tell this beggar about his Father's grand house and all his magnificent paintings. The beggar really likes the Son and the Son really likes the beggar. But one day the Son suddenly stop seeing the beggar and this beggar wondering where did he go. But the beggar found out that the Son had passed away.
So the beggar took a piece of paper and a crayon and drew the face of the Son because the beggar really likes the Son. The beggar went to the gatekeeper and told the gatekeeper "Would you please give this drawing to the Father because his Son is very nice to me". The gatekeeper thought this is quite a gesture and the gatekeeper said " I will give this to him when he comes by".
One day the Father also passed away and all of his masterpiece art gallery is going to be auctioned and the beggar found out about all of this. So the beggar find some casual clothes and try to fit in to the auctioning gallery and he succeeded. The beggar wondering if his drawing is amongst the paintings and he found out his drawing is among the masterpieces.
All of the rich people and officionados looking at all of this masterpiece paintings with their lenses and talking about it except the beggars drawing. The gavel pounded and the auctioner said "We are going to begin the bidding", and all of the rich people say " yeah, yeah, good, good its about time".
But the auctioner said, "But there is a condition in the will, we must first auctioned this piece of drawing"., and the crowd moan and groan but nobody bid on it. The auctioner said " anyone?, any bid at all?", but the beggar reached down to his poket and bid all that he had." No counter-offer?. Sold." The beggar won the bid on his drawing.
But as soon as The Beggar about to leave the auctioning place, the gavel pounded again. The auctioner say's "There is a second condition in the will, it says "Whoever bid on the first portrait of the Son gets the whole art gallery"
I USED TO PUT MY LIFE INTO MY OWN HANDS AS WELL AS IN THE HANDS OF OTHERS... I'M DEFINITELY IN BETTER HANDS NOW... HIS. :)
Peter’s response to this piercing question ("DO YOU LOVE ME?") is considerably different from the bold defiance he exhibited only a few days before when he declared, "Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!" ( Matthew 26:35 ; also see Matthew 26:33-34 ).
Our natural individuality, or our natural self, boldly speaks out and declares its feelings. But the true love within our inner spiritual self can be discovered only by experiencing the hurt of this question of Jesus Christ. (eye-opening awareness of our need for Him to show us our hearts: 139:23-24)
Peter loved Jesus in the way any natural man loves a good person. Yet that is nothing but emotional love.
It may reach deeply into our natural self, but it never penetrates to the spirit of a person. True love never simply declares itself. Jesus said, "Whoever confesses Me before men [that is, confesses his love by everything he does, not merely by his words], him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God" ( Luke 12:8 ).
Unless we are experiencing the hurt of facing every deception about ourselves, we have hindered the work of the Word of God in our lives. The Word of God inflicts hurt on us more than sin ever could, because sin dulls our senses. (So true)
But this question of the Lord intensifies our sensitivities to the point that this hurt produced by Jesus is the most exquisite pain conceivable. It hurts not only on the natural level, but also on the deeper spiritual level.
("Hurt"- meaning seeing our limits without God- the state of our natural selves- that part that needs refined- the part of us that acts independently of God and yet God promises to be the author and perfector of our faith. Again, Psalm 139:23-24..." Search me, O God, and know my heart; try/test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out any hurtful way in me, and lead me along the path of everlasting life." As well as Mark 9:24, "Immediately the boy's father cried out and said, "I do believe; help my unbelief.")
"For the Word of God is living and powerful . . . , piercing even to the division of soul and spirit . . ."— to the point that no deception can remain ( Hebrews 4:12). When the Lord asks us this question ("Do you love Me?"), it is impossible to think and respond properly, because when the Lord speaks directly to us, the pain is too intense.--It causes such a tremendous hurt that any part of our life which may be out of line with His will can feel the pain. There is never any mistaking the pain of the Lord’s Word by His children, but the moment that pain is felt is the very moment at which God reveals His truth to us.
("When asking Jesus to lead you and be in your heart, you are asking to be adopted by Him into His family. God/Jesus promise to never leave you nor forsake you. They promise no condemation in Christ but grace and mercy- new every morning. God desires ALL to come to the saving knowledge of the truth... ALL. In Christ, we are chosen, Holy, and DEARLY loved...Colossians 3:12).
thank·ful (thāngk'fəl)
adj.
Aware and appreciative of a benefit; grateful.
Expressive of gratitude: a thankful smile.
Essentially, we're expressing gratitude regarding a gift (ie, someone we love, a great parking space close to the store on a rainy day, someone opening a door, birds chirping after a loooong winter, etc).
Being thankful inherently indicates contentment in that moment... Expressing thankfulness seems to usher in an attitude of thankfulness (and vice versa)- which gives you a new lens through which you see others and helps you to receive their actions in a way that won't shake your foundation as much as they might have otherwise.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to (ask/choose to belong to) Christ Jesus.("Jesus, please show me Who You are...I want you to live in my heart and to follow You.")
Good circumstances? Bad? When are we to be thankful? "...in ALL circumstances." It's not easy to be thankful in tough or painful situations but it is essential.
For example, if someone for whom you open the door doesn't look at you or say, "thank you"...you might have more grace for that person if you have an attitude of thankfulness...it is POWERFUL!!
Remember when I shared that "thankfulness indicates contentment in that moment?" Contentment means
1. the state of being contented; satisfaction; ease of mind.
2. the act of making contentedly satisfied.
Thankfulness produces an "ease of mind" and grows a state of satisfaction. If we want to have satisfaction in a moment of discontentment, what do you do? Workout? Grumble? Worry? Distract yourself? OR, do we go against the grain of our programming of entitlement and seek thankfulness?
Here's the kicker: When we are thankful, TO WHOM OR WHAT are we thanking? Mother nature? Ourselves? Coffee? WHO ARE WE THANKING?
Ephesians 5 "...Instead, let there be thankfulness to God."
Being thankful isn't enough unless we are thanking the One Who gave us life and Who lives to woo us to Himself. When I went through a heartbreaking situation 10 years ago, I remember thinking, "I don't need a man to buy me a gerber daisy (my fav flower)." I felt as though God was touching my heart with the realization that He wanted to give me one... that He made Gerbers for us to enjoy and care for/nurture. I bought one from Marsh and put it by my computer at Roche. It was so simple and so pure...that flower gave me such joy b/c I remembered that I was/am loved so deeply by God. I was able to grasp it at that moment... I thank God for giving me that joy and for that memory...
Matthew 7:11
So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, HOW MUCH MORE will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those WHO ASK HIM.
Who created the trees, flowers, birds, rivers, seas, and us? :) Who gave us the talents to create? All things come back to Him...
I hear friends talk about "positive energy" and negative energy." Do I believe in energy? Definitely...
What some term as "energy" my heart interprets as the attitude of the heart. When I am discontent and attacked by entitlement then I definitely have a negative attitude. My emotions follow my attitude...and my actions follow my emotions. Usually I have a negative attitude when something isn't going my way or b/c someone/Someone isn't doing what I want in the way or timing I would prefer.
I can't have true, lasting peace and wholeness unless I know Jesus... and yet I have difficulty accessing the ability to pray/seek Him/trust Him sometimes. I wrestle through my tempermental emotions to thank God some days but then my heart seems to melt and open up to what God wants to show me. Does that make sense? Thankfulness initiates and thankfulness results.
John 14:27
" Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.
Psalm 139:23-24 (New Living Translation)
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
I'm thankful for how God has put people in my life to show me His love... I am thankful that Jesus prays for me (Romans 8- LOVE that chapter) and helps me pray; I am thankful that He is a very present help (Psalm 46); I am thankful for His comfort when I am hurting; I am thankful that God will help me see my selfishness and anxious thoughts- then guides me through; I am thankful for His unconditional love; and I am thankful for Jesus who took ALL of my sin (and yours) upon Himself as to give us freedom from guilt & condemnation...to make a way to know Him intimately as a Father.
Colossians 2:7
Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
Let's let our roots go DEEP down into Christ- Meaning, ask to know Him more. Ask... :) It's that simple... If we don't ask, why??? Are you not ready? Do you feel as though God won't give you the desires of your heart? Why???
Having a Masters degree in both Special Education and Speech-Language Pathology, I am now a stay-at-home mom. God had blessed with with a profession I love(d) and now with a husband and a daughter that fill my heart. This blog is a vehicle of sharing gems that have been given to me vocationally. I truly hope they are helpful for you and your family, too. :)
