Friday, December 5, 2008
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Same Fire, Different Result
"Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming," says the LORD of hosts. "But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap. "And He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the LORD offerings in righteousness. "Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the LORD, as in the days of old and as in former years.” Malachi 3:1-4 NAS
After the election a friend called to get my reaction. She mentioned that she had asked the Lord where she should read that day and He had guided her to Malachi. I was intrigued and read Malachi after we hung up.
What stood out to me was the different results of the fires He spoke of in Malachi 3 and 4.
Reading this Scripture brought to mind something that happened to me ten months ago. The Lord spoke to me with a mental picture in my mind as I woke up one morning. I saw an incident that had happened many years ago when I left my house forgetting that I had a pan that I was boiling water in to make tea. The pan was very old and gnarly looking on the outside.(Okay, now you know I am not Martha Stewart) When I finally remembered and went rushing home, I found the pan rocking violently on the burner. It was glowing and was the most beautiful color of silver I had ever seen. Even when it cooled down it was beautiful and pristine and looked better than new. As I rose to make my bed that still small voice that I cherish above any other began to speak. He told me that we were going to go through a fire and He would use it to answer my prayers and to accomplish His own purposes. Romans 8:28 came to mind, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” It is no longer a cliché or weakened through familiarity, it is the Rock beneath my feet, the shelter in the storm, the Light in darkness.
Malachi 4:1-2 "For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace; and all the arrogant and every evildoer will be chaff; and the day that is coming will set them ablaze," says the LORD of hosts, "so that it will leave them neither root nor branch." "But for you who fear My name the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall. The arrogant and evildoer will be left with neither root nor branch." No longer the chance for redemption which they refused. The fire will not refine but destroy and leave nothing but ashes.
When the soldiers took the three children of God and threw them in the fiery furnace, the fire killed the soldiers. But the only thing that was destroyed in the fire was the bonds of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. And in the midst of the fire with them was “one like the son of God.”
The Word of God is so consistent. Old Testament 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.” or New Testament 1 Peter 1:6-7 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
No matter what fires may be kindled in this world whether political, financial, or relational, we know the One who sits intently over our lives as a purifier of silver. The One who has promised, “When you walk through the fire I will be with you. I will purify you, I will prove you genuine, I will work it together for your good and my purposes!” Can I hear an amen?
What should our response be contemplating these things? No one says it better than Jude in 1:20-25 “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith; praying in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. And have mercy on some, who are doubting; save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh. Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.”
MY PRAYER: Lord, I want to use every opportunity to grow in my faith and character. Help me to grow in my prayer life and in your love. Help me to encourage those who are doubting and fearful. Help me to extend the offer of salvation to those who are lost. I will remember that I am never alone, You are with me. In Jesus precious name, amen.
MY CONFESSION: I will build myself up by praying in the Holy Spirit, and I will keep myself in Your love. You are able to keep me from stumbling, and to make me stand in the presence of Your glory, blameless with great joy. I stand on Your Word!
After the election a friend called to get my reaction. She mentioned that she had asked the Lord where she should read that day and He had guided her to Malachi. I was intrigued and read Malachi after we hung up.
What stood out to me was the different results of the fires He spoke of in Malachi 3 and 4.
Reading this Scripture brought to mind something that happened to me ten months ago. The Lord spoke to me with a mental picture in my mind as I woke up one morning. I saw an incident that had happened many years ago when I left my house forgetting that I had a pan that I was boiling water in to make tea. The pan was very old and gnarly looking on the outside.(Okay, now you know I am not Martha Stewart) When I finally remembered and went rushing home, I found the pan rocking violently on the burner. It was glowing and was the most beautiful color of silver I had ever seen. Even when it cooled down it was beautiful and pristine and looked better than new. As I rose to make my bed that still small voice that I cherish above any other began to speak. He told me that we were going to go through a fire and He would use it to answer my prayers and to accomplish His own purposes. Romans 8:28 came to mind, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” It is no longer a cliché or weakened through familiarity, it is the Rock beneath my feet, the shelter in the storm, the Light in darkness.
Malachi 4:1-2 "For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace; and all the arrogant and every evildoer will be chaff; and the day that is coming will set them ablaze," says the LORD of hosts, "so that it will leave them neither root nor branch." "But for you who fear My name the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall. The arrogant and evildoer will be left with neither root nor branch." No longer the chance for redemption which they refused. The fire will not refine but destroy and leave nothing but ashes.
When the soldiers took the three children of God and threw them in the fiery furnace, the fire killed the soldiers. But the only thing that was destroyed in the fire was the bonds of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. And in the midst of the fire with them was “one like the son of God.”
The Word of God is so consistent. Old Testament 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.” or New Testament 1 Peter 1:6-7 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
No matter what fires may be kindled in this world whether political, financial, or relational, we know the One who sits intently over our lives as a purifier of silver. The One who has promised, “When you walk through the fire I will be with you. I will purify you, I will prove you genuine, I will work it together for your good and my purposes!” Can I hear an amen?
What should our response be contemplating these things? No one says it better than Jude in 1:20-25 “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith; praying in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. And have mercy on some, who are doubting; save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh. Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.”
MY PRAYER: Lord, I want to use every opportunity to grow in my faith and character. Help me to grow in my prayer life and in your love. Help me to encourage those who are doubting and fearful. Help me to extend the offer of salvation to those who are lost. I will remember that I am never alone, You are with me. In Jesus precious name, amen.
MY CONFESSION: I will build myself up by praying in the Holy Spirit, and I will keep myself in Your love. You are able to keep me from stumbling, and to make me stand in the presence of Your glory, blameless with great joy. I stand on Your Word!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
HE WILL KEEP YOUR SOUL
Be Still My Soul by Selah
He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber. The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever. Psalm 121:3, 7-8
We’re temporarily in Virginia on a mission trip. I have my laptop and I am sitting on the motel patio looking out at the Chesapeake Bay. There is a stiff breeze coming off the bay and the waves are slapping the shore with a loud emphasis. Since Norfolk is a naval town the waves have to compete with the sound of a helicopter practicing some kind of maneuver that keeps it hovering over the water in one place. It’s too far away to see any of the details that I want to know. Are there sailors or Navy SEALS in the water under the powerful blast of the rotating blades? I can’t make it out. It is comforting to know that those entrusted with our national security and safety are on the job, honing their skills.
Above the comfort of national security is the truly wonderful promise for me and every child of God that He will keep our souls. My soul can tie itself in knots in the changing financial and political climate in which we find ourselves. His Word assures me that He will keep me steady on my feet, and He never sleeps on the job. He will protect and guard us. Anything that is allowed to touch us will be filtered through His fingers of love. He will work all things together for good to those who love Him and to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 That’s security. I can lay me down in peace and sleep knowing that He alone can truly cause me to dwell in safety. God gives these promises but we have to set our feet on the solid rock of not just hearing but doing. When thoughts try to rob us of the peace that Jesus left us we must not allow it. Our thoughts most bow to the truth of His provision and faithfulness. As a friend of mine wrote me, “We must combat whispered lies with spoken truth.”
MY PRAYER: Father, thank you for exceedingly great and precious promises. Help me to keep my focus on you and not on changing or uncertain circumstances. Help me to take captive every thought and renew my mind with your word.
MY CONFESSION: You will keep in perfect peace the one whose mind is steadfast, because their trust is in you. Isaiah 26:3 I stand on your word!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Free Indeed
Genesis 46:2-4a And God spoke to Israel in visions of the night and said, "Jacob, Jacob." And he said, "Here I am. And He said, "I am God, the God of your father; do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you a great nation there "I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also surely bring you up again."
Matthew 2:13-15 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, "Arise and take the Child and His mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is going to search for the Child to destroy Him." And he arose and took the Child and His mother by night, and departed for Egypt; and was there until the death of Herod, that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet might be fulfilled, saying, "OUT OF EGYPT DID I CALL MY SON."
Matthew 2:13-15 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, "Arise and take the Child and His mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is going to search for the Child to destroy Him." And he arose and took the Child and His mother by night, and departed for Egypt; and was there until the death of Herod, that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet might be fulfilled, saying, "OUT OF EGYPT DID I CALL MY SON."
I love the way the word of God is so consistent from Genesis to Revelation. God promised to deliver His children Israel out of Egypt. They were there approximately four hundred years and many of those years spent in cruel bondage and slavery. He did exactly what He promised by protecting the infant Moses and eventually raising him up to confront pharaoh with signs and wonders until pharaoh complied and let them go.
Approximately four hundred years passed between the last writings of the Old Testament and the appearance of Christ. There was no prophetic word from God during this time until a baby’s cry sounds forth from a manger. Once again God protects His Deliverer by sending his parents to Egypt with Him. Out of Egypt He calls His Son. He is the One who by signs and wonders heals and delivers those who are in bondage. He is the Passover Lamb who sheds His blood to deliver us out of the kingdom of darkness. God keeps His word.
He has given us an amazing promise. John 8:34-36 Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. "And the slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. "If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.” If we are slaves to sin we are in just as much bondage as the children of Israel were. Jesus came to deliver us to walk in freedom. Does that mean we never sin? No, we all fall short, but sin is not to have control or dominion over us.
· Through the blood of Jesus
· Through abounding grace
· Through the indwelling presence of His Holy Spirit,
· Through the renewal our minds with His powerful word
· Through prayer and confession of His promises
· Through fellowship with those to whom we can be accountable
We will overcome. Our Deliverer will not fail us. He has given us everything we need for life and godliness.
MY PRAYER: Father, I thank you that you sent your only begotten Son to free us from our captivity to the world, the flesh, and the devil. I thank you for the peace and the freedom that you have given us. In this world we will have troubles but you have assured us that you have overcome the world. In the mighty name of our Deliverer, amen.
MY CONFESSION: The Son has set me free. He is my Deliverer. I have put off the deeds of darkness and I have put on the armor of light. Romans 13:12 I stand on Your Word!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Examine and Hold Fast
1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil. 1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. Acts 17:11 Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
We are so blessed to have a wealth of resources available to us as Christians. I love to go on certain websites and hear sermons and teachings by gifted men and women of God that challenge, strengthen, and encourage me in my walk with God. I also have a few people on Christian TV that I love to take a break from my daily activities and watch their programs. There are an enormous number of options and with them come some pitfalls. There is a certain segment that seems to be growing in influence that delights in telling fanciful stories and experiences of a bizarre nature. One thing I have noticed is they often will say or imply that people who are legalistic or have a religious spirit probably won’t believe them or receive what they are saying. They try to squelch discernment by making you feel guilty if you are doubtful. They want you to believe if it is odd then it must be God. I certainly don’t find that attitude in the apostle’s teachings. Over and over again in Scripture they admonish us to examine, test, and prove the things we are being taught to see if indeed they are true. The word of God is our plumb line to see what is crooked and what lines up perfectly with His revealed word. Truth tellers aren’t threatened by examination and careful thought. Luke called the Bereans noble in character because of their eagerness to listen and examine the Scriptures to see if Paul’s teachings lined up with the O.T.
If your Spirit is troubled or doubtful about something you have heard or been taught don’t quench that response. You don’t have to make a snap or forced decision to gullibly swallow everything you are fed. Take the time to pray and search it out. God won’t think you are weak and doubting; He thinks you’re noble.
MY PRAYER: Lord, thank you for the wonderful teachers that have helped me to grow in my understanding of You. You have warned us Lord that there would be those who would seek to lead us astray from the simplicity of the gospel. Help me to verify that what I am taught or even what I think lines up with your written word. Help me to hold fast to that which is good.
MY CONFESSION: I will not be gullible enough to believe every spirit. I will exhibit noble character by testing and proving all things to see if they are true to Your word.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Sunday, September 14, 2008
What Religion Does
Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said to them, "Go and take for yourselves lambs according to your families, and slay the Passover lamb. "And you shall take a bunch of hyssop and dip it in the blood which is in the basin, and apply some of the blood that is in the basin to the lintel and the two doorposts; and none of you shall go outside the door of his house until morning. "For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when He sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the LORD will pass over the door and will not allow the destroyer to come in to your houses to smite you."And you shall observe this event as an ordinance for you and your children forever. Exodus 12:21-24 NAS
And the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And He found in the temple those who were selling oxen and sheep and doves, and the moneychangers seated. And He made a scourge of cords, and drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen; and He poured out the coins of the moneychangers, and overturned their tables; and to those who were selling the doves He said, "Take these things away; stop making My Father's house a house of merchandise." John 2:13-16 NAS
I am not one who enjoys reading through the Bible every year. I’ve tried it but I like to linger over what I am reading rather than plowing through a set number of chapters per day. I do however try to read in the OT and the NT every day. I’ve been reading in Exodus and the gospel of John and it has made an interesting contrast to see God’s instructions concerning the Passover and what it had become in Jesus’ day.
The Passover was the awesome display of God’s power in delivering His people out of bondage. Now everything that symbolized and fulfilled the Passover feast was being sold in the temple courtyard and often at exorbitant prices by religious profiteers. By the time Jesus walked the earth it had been commercialized and complicated to the point that Jesus felt compelled to clean the whole thing up. What was intended to be a wonderful commemoration of what God had done for them was now a money making scheme. What was to be a house of prayer had become a place of business. Would His verdict be so very different today?
How would this apply to you and to me? First, we should be grateful for the wealth of study and discipleship materials that are available. I have been deeply enriched in my personal life from these resources. I am grateful that Christian bookstores sell beautiful Christian themed accessories for our homes. However, we should realize that a “Christian industry” has risen to meet genuine needs. But with it comes all the perils of fortune, fame, crass materialism and selfish ambition. I suspect Jesus might be tempted to clear the house again. We need to soberly assess Christian celebrity speakers who charge exorbitantly large speaking fees. Just because a church can afford to pay them doesn’t mean it is right. I know many who give unselfishly of their time and talents to the cause of Christ with no thought of monetary rewards. Some are justly recompensed for their labor and efforts. The heart of the matter is the matter of our hearts. 1 Peter 5:2 “Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve.” With Him our motives are so important.
In the same way, it would be good to look at how we as a family celebrate our meaningful holidays. Have we fallen prey to emphasizing the material aspect of holidays and trivializing the spiritual reality we are supposedly celebrating? If you realize that it has become less than it should be resolve now and brainstorm with your friends and family to make it more about Him. Take it back as your act of worship to Him.
MY PRAYER: Lord, I don’t want to harbor selfish ambition or an unhealthy desire to receive earthly rewards. Help me to be eager to serve out of the overflow of all You have done in my life. Help me to resist the pull and influence of religious profiteers. In Jesus’ name.
MY CONFESSION: The Lord’s zeal will help me guard my home and my heart. Our celebrations will focus on substance and honoring You. We will not merchandize your holy things.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
DISCIPLINE AND STABILITY
For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ. As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him. Colossians 2:5-6 NAS
When I came to the Lord I was not a pretty sight. Many years of an undisciplined life left my character weak and deeply flawed. I did not come with a lot of good work or study habits. I pretty much did only what I wanted to do in every area of my life. I was an airline stewardess with enough tenure to only work three or four days a week. I made sure I didn’t fly any route that made me get up too early. I was easily bored with what I considered the mundane and glossed over little things like details. Even in my checkbook. My detailed oriented husband almost had a heart attack when he saw the sloppy way I kept it.
I would like to tell you that the minute I was saved great character traits immediately manifested in my life, but that wouldn’t be true. Some wonderful things did happen immediately. My language cleaned up, I by-passed the immodest clothing that hung in my closet for more modest fare, and I resisted using those “convenient lies” that so easily rolled off my tongue before the Holy Spirit took up residence.
For all my lack of personal discipline, I didn’t neglect times of reading my Bible and prayer. The wonder of that was explained when I heard someone say, “If you love someone you don’t have to discipline yourself to spend time with them.” Let that sink in. However, I continued to live by my motto, “I’ll do it when I feel like it,” for many years. God’s patience amazes me. Slowly but surely, diligence and self-control appeared as the fruit of the Spirit matured in my life. As that happened God gave me a little group of preschoolers to teach. Eventually my husband and I taught the teenagers. Then we began to teach the highly disciplined studies from Kay Arthur’s Precept Ministries. Amazing what His presence in our lives can do.
Good habits are essential if we are going to lead lives of accomplishment, but good habits apart from a love relationship with God can lead to a legalistic works oriented faith or a sense of self-righteousness. So walk in Him and with Him and watch your life bring forth the fruit of His Spirit.
PRAYER: Lord, I know that discipline and stability work hand in hand in my growth. Help me to be motivated by my love for you to meet with you day by day. Help me to be faithful to read your word and cultivate my prayer life as a way to stay intimately connected to You. I want my walk to bring joy to You and be an encouragement to others. In Jesus name.
MY CONFESSION: I received the Lord Jesus Christ by faith and I will walk in Him by faith today. I am disciplined and stable. Others will see the growth in my life and be encouraged. I stand on Your word.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
YOU WILL BE NOTICED
And a woman who had a hemorrhage for twelve years, and could not be healed by anyone, came up behind Him, and touched the fringe of His cloak; and immediately her hemorrhage stopped. And Jesus said, "Who is the one who touched Me?" Luke 8:47 And when the woman saw that she had not escaped notice, she came trembling and fell down before Him, and declared in the presence of all the people the reason why she had touched Him, and how she had been immediately healed. Luke 8:43-45a
Twelve years of weakness and uncleanness. Under the law (Lev. 15:25) this woman was unclean and would ceremonially defile all who came in contact with her. Imagine the growing fear as she sought the best medical help during that time of sickness and isolation. She had depleted her financial resources to no avail and the same account in Mark says, "She was not helped at all, but rather grew worse." One last hope as she made her way desperately through the crowd to touch this one named Jesus. Many were being jostled against Him, but this was a trembling, desperate hand of faith. The unclean touched the Holy One and was instantly healed and made clean. Jesus noticed! We are never just another need in a crowd to Him. He called her out for a face to face encounter and gave her an opportunity in the presence of all to tell her story. She did and that is how we know the details of her ordeal. We have no idea how the crowd reacted. Were they aghast that she had dared to touch the Rabbi in her unclean state? We know the Lord’s reaction. No condemnation from Him. He called her daughter, commended her faith, and told her to go in peace. She had not escaped His notice and neither have we. Whatever it is, whatever needs to be cleansed and healed, reach out, cry out to the One who will notice. That same power is available today to heal and cleanse.
If you are reading this and you have never asked for God’s forgiveness and cleansing make this the day of salvation. If you will confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. Romans 10:9-10
MY PRAYER: Lord, I thank you that you always notice my need and my trembling hand of faith. Help me to be willing to tell others of your faithfulness and all the ways you have healed me.
MY CONFESSION: Lord not even a sparrow falling to the ground escapes your notice. (Matthew 10:29) How much more do you see the plight of those made in Your image. I believe that I am cleansed and healed by Your presence. I stand on Your word.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Make a Highway
"Let every valley be lifted up, And every mountain and hill be made low; And let the rough ground become a plain, And the rugged terrain a broad valley; Then the glory of the LORD will be revealed, And all flesh will see it together; For the mouth of the LORD has spoken." Isaiah 40:4-5
I have had the privilege of leading and participating in some great Bible studies in my life. Gripped by the Greatness of God by James MacDonald was life changing. He asked us to pray through Isaiah 40:3-5 and to ask the Lord:
1. What voids or areas of deficiency (valley) do I have that needs to be filled?
2. What problems or barriers (mountains and hills) need to be brought down or made low?
I took the questions to the Lord one at a time and in His grace He answered me. The first answer came through a powerful song and as I listened, I sensed the sound of the Savior’s voice. “Carol, you don’t really understand the power of what I have accomplished for you on the cross.” I am deeply hungry to grasp and embrace the enormity of what He has done for me. I don’t know that I can ever plumb the depths of it, but I am beginning to live in the pursuit and experience of it. I am not satisfied with head knowledge. I want to press on to know Him.
The mountain and the hills which are barriers in my life came to me while reading 1 Peter 5:5-6. “You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time.” I was really arrested by the words “Clothe yourself in humility toward one another, because God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” God is looking to see how we act or react towards others to determine if our hearts are humble. It is one thing to humble ourselves before a perfect and loving God, but to humble ourselves toward other frail and imperfect human beings to me is more difficult. The word “clothed” in the Greek means to engirdle oneself (for labor), that is, figuratively (the apron being a badge of servitude) to wear (in token of mutual deference). Paul tells us in Philippians 2:3-10 that Jesus left us an example when He humbled Himself by taking on the form of a servant. Take the time to read that beautiful passage. A servant's heart is our greatest protection against pride and arrogance. Jesus was gentle and loving with people but never weak.
What will it take in my life to see the glory (who He is and what He does) of the Lord revealed? I believe He has given me some personal answers. I challenge you to ask Him to show you any hindrances to the revelation of His glory.
1. What voids or areas of deficiency (valley) do I have that needs to be filled?
2. What problems or barriers (mountains and hills) need to be brought down or made low?
I took the questions to the Lord one at a time and in His grace He answered me. The first answer came through a powerful song and as I listened, I sensed the sound of the Savior’s voice. “Carol, you don’t really understand the power of what I have accomplished for you on the cross.” I am deeply hungry to grasp and embrace the enormity of what He has done for me. I don’t know that I can ever plumb the depths of it, but I am beginning to live in the pursuit and experience of it. I am not satisfied with head knowledge. I want to press on to know Him.
The mountain and the hills which are barriers in my life came to me while reading 1 Peter 5:5-6. “You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time.” I was really arrested by the words “Clothe yourself in humility toward one another, because God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” God is looking to see how we act or react towards others to determine if our hearts are humble. It is one thing to humble ourselves before a perfect and loving God, but to humble ourselves toward other frail and imperfect human beings to me is more difficult. The word “clothed” in the Greek means to engirdle oneself (for labor), that is, figuratively (the apron being a badge of servitude) to wear (in token of mutual deference). Paul tells us in Philippians 2:3-10 that Jesus left us an example when He humbled Himself by taking on the form of a servant. Take the time to read that beautiful passage. A servant's heart is our greatest protection against pride and arrogance. Jesus was gentle and loving with people but never weak.
What will it take in my life to see the glory (who He is and what He does) of the Lord revealed? I believe He has given me some personal answers. I challenge you to ask Him to show you any hindrances to the revelation of His glory.
MY PRAYER: Lord, I want there to be no hindrances to what you want to do in and through my life. Help me to feast on the truth of your Word. I want the word to become flesh in my life. I want to take it in and live it out. I want to see Your glory.
MY CONFESSION: Through the power of your Spirit and the truth of Your promises, I am removing obstacles and deficiencies that would block the revelation of Your glory. I stand on your word.
IN HIM WE LIVE
'For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.' Acts 17:28
My six year old granddaughter just finished a week of church camp. She was given a CD of the music they would sing for the week and declared that the song Come to Jesus by Chris Rice as her very favorite. I listened to the words and it took me on a wonderful journey. No wonder it captivated her heart and spirit.
Weak and wounded sinner
Lost and left to die
O, raise your head,
for love is passing by
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus and live!
Now your burden's lifted
And carried far away
And precious blood has washed away the stain, so
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus and live!
And like a newborn baby
Don't be afraid to crawl
And remember when you walk
Sometimes we fall...so
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus and live!
Sometimes the way is lonely
And steep and filled with pain
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain,
then Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus and live!
O, and when the love spills over
And music fills the night
And when you can't contain your joy inside,
then Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus and live!
And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace,
and laugh on Glory's side,
and Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live!
MY PRAYER: Lord, you bid me to come to you and keep on coming. When I’m needy, when I’ve fallen, when I’m happy and victorious I want you to be the One I run to. May it be said of me, “In Christ she lived and moved and had her being.”
MY CONFESSION: I was saved from the penalty of sin by coming to Jesus. I am being saved from sin’s power by Jesus. I will be saved from sin’s presence when Jesus calls me to heaven and I fly to Him. I stand on Your Word!
Call to Jesus
Acts 17:28 'For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.'
My six year old granddaughter just finished a week of church camp. She was given a CD of the music they would sing for the week and declared that the song Come to Jesus by Chris Rice as her very favorite. I listened to the words and it took me on a wonderful journey. No wonder it captivated her heart and spirit.
Weak and wounded sinner
MY PRAYER: Lord, you bid me to come to you and keep on coming. When I’m needy, when I’ve fallen, when I’m happy and victorious I want you to be the One I run to. May it be said of me, “In Christ she lived and moved and had her being.”
MY CONFESSION: I was saved from the penalty of sin by calling on Jesus. I am being saved from sin’s power by calling on Jesus. I will be saved from sin’s presence when Jesus calls me to heaven. I stand on Your Word!
My six year old granddaughter just finished a week of church camp. She was given a CD of the music they would sing for the week and declared that the song Come to Jesus by Chris Rice as her very favorite. I listened to the words and it took me on a wonderful journey. No wonder it captivated her heart and spirit.
Weak and wounded sinner
Lost and left to die
O, raise your head, for love is passing by
Come to Jesus Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus and live!
Now your burden's lifted
And carried far away
And precious blood has washed away the stain,
so Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus and live!
And like a newborn baby
Don't be afraid to crawl
And remember when you walk
Sometimes we fall...so
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus and live!
Sometimes the way is lonely
And steep and filled with pain
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain,
then Cry to Jesus Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus and live!
O, and when the love spills over
And music fills the night
And when you can't contain your joy inside,
then Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus and live!
And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory's side,
and Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live!
MY PRAYER: Lord, you bid me to come to you and keep on coming. When I’m needy, when I’ve fallen, when I’m happy and victorious I want you to be the One I run to. May it be said of me, “In Christ she lived and moved and had her being.”
MY CONFESSION: I was saved from the penalty of sin by calling on Jesus. I am being saved from sin’s power by calling on Jesus. I will be saved from sin’s presence when Jesus calls me to heaven. I stand on Your Word!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
I CHANGE NOT!
"For I, the LORD, do not change. Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever. Malachi 3:6a
I don't think I am the only one who has had this experience. You have an acquaintance with whom you have some camaraderie. Time passes and circumstances keep your paths from crossing. The next time you see them they are cold and aloof and you have to win them over and re-establish a connection. This becomes a pattern and you realize that you never know which side of the person is going to show up. God is not like that. Scripture tells us that if we “draw near to God, He will draw near to us.” As the prodigal walked the road toward home the father ran to meet him. God doesn’t change. At this point in my journey with the Lord, I can look back and say, "Your love, your Word, your grace, your discipline in my life has changed me. I needed to change and to be transformed in my thinking and my ways. I have had the humbling experience of hearing my husband say, "You have really changed," and I knew that he meant it as a compliment.
I don't think I am the only one who has had this experience. You have an acquaintance with whom you have some camaraderie. Time passes and circumstances keep your paths from crossing. The next time you see them they are cold and aloof and you have to win them over and re-establish a connection. This becomes a pattern and you realize that you never know which side of the person is going to show up. God is not like that. Scripture tells us that if we “draw near to God, He will draw near to us.” As the prodigal walked the road toward home the father ran to meet him. God doesn’t change. At this point in my journey with the Lord, I can look back and say, "Your love, your Word, your grace, your discipline in my life has changed me. I needed to change and to be transformed in my thinking and my ways. I have had the humbling experience of hearing my husband say, "You have really changed," and I knew that he meant it as a compliment.
There are people in my life who I love dearly who have changed and it isn't good. The person who was tender hearted is now calloused and hardened by disappointment. Or the heartbreaking change that time brings to an aging parent who is slipping away before our eyes. Life by its very nature brings change. A job ends, our pastor retires, friends move away, a new pastor comes, we have a young family moving into the neighborhood.
Aren't you glad that underneath it all, the Rock beneath our feet stays firm and unchanging? He is perfect in all His ways so why would He change? He is who He says He is and He can do what He says He can do. Thank Him for the glorious stability that He brings to our lives. Count on Him to be the unchanging Constant in your life.
MY PRAYER: Lord you are perfect and there is no need for You to change. Help me not to let anyone or anything diminish You in my heart. Help me to walk in faith that You are who you say You are and You can do what You say You can do. You walked with your disciples in daily life and I know that you are walking with me. You brought healing and deliverance to Your people and You still do. Without faith it is impossible to please You. In Jesus’ name!
MY CONFESSION: Lord, I choose to believe Your Word. You don’t change. I will not accept that You are limited by the time we live in. I will not limit you with unbelief. You are still Savior, Healer, and Deliverer. I stand on Your word!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
MY STEPS ARE ESTABLISHED
The steps of a man are established by the LORD; And He delights in his way. When he falls, he shall not be hurled headlong; because the LORD is the One who holds his hand. Psalm 37:23-24
Whenever I read this Scripture I think of walking with a young child. As a first time mom I lost my grip on my little girl and down she went on a sidewalk. She was scraped up and I felt terrible. From that day on I walk with a firm grip if I am walking with a toddler. Of course the day of independence comes and they shake off our hand and run ahead. Sometimes they end in a heap with scrapes and tears. We go and comfort but temper it with a sense of “I told you so.” The Lord wants to direct our path and stay in a close relationship with us. In a surge of independence we may veer off course and stumble, but we have His assurance that it won’t be fatal. He is the Redeemer. He delights in us and He won’t let go. The experience will be used to make us wiser and less willing to “go it alone.”
MY PRAYER Lord, I thank you that you and I will walk together today. Direct me in the way that I should go. Lord Jesus you said that You are the way, the truth, and the life. No wonder the Father delights in me. I want to walk with You and stay on the path you have marked out for me. Lord, I don’t want to make a misstep, but what a comfort to know that if I fall it won’t be fatal and it won’t be final because you are the One who is holding my hand. In Jesus Name!
MY CONFESSION I confess that You are holding my hand. You have a path marked out for me and I will follow. I will choose to believe that you delight in me. I may not navigate every trial or obstacle perfectly, but I will rejoice that You won’t let go of me. I stand on your word!
Saturday, January 26, 2008
IT IS THE POWER OF GOD
IT IS THE POWER OF GOD
For the word of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18
When an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream to tell him to go through with his plans to wed Mary he said this, “You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21b We can rejoice because Jesus took the penalty of our sin on Himself at the cross. Those who are perishing will never know the sweet release we felt when the “burden of our hearts rolled away.” As wonderful as that is it just keeps getting better. As we renew our minds and grow in grace we find that the power of sin has been broken. Rom 6:18 “And having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.” And it just keeps getting better. One day when we see Him as He is we shall be like Him. 1 John 3:2 No longer will we have a sin nature and we will be saved from the presence of sin. Praise the Lord, praise the Lord oh my soul! The cross is the power of God. Pray daily to grow in understanding and application of all that He accomplished for us there.
MY PRAYER: Lord, thank you for taking my place and my punishment on the cross. I am so grateful to be free from sin’s penalty and power. It may sound like foolishness to those who are still lost and undone without you, but I know that it is the mightiest demonstration of your wisdom and power. I am filled with gratitude at the very thought of all that you accomplished for me there. Help me to speak that word to others with confidence.
MY CONFESSION: I am not ashamed of the gospel. It is the power of salvation to all who would believe. I will walk this day with a grateful heart acknowledging that I am free from the penalty my sins deserve. I will take every opportunity You give me to share with those who are perishing this powerful word.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Friday, January 18, 2008
HEARING AND ACTING
"Everyone who comes to Me, and hears My words, and acts upon them, I will show you whom he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation upon the rock; and when a flood rose, the torrent burst against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. Luke 6:47-48
MY PRAYER Lord, I don’t want to just hear Your words, I want to put them into practice as I go through my day. I am dependent on Your Holy Spirit to give me insight and wisdom to live out in my everyday life what You have shown me in Your word. Lord, you walked in this world and you know what I face today. I love you for that. Show me how to put it into shoe leather as I walk with You through my day. In Jesus’ name!
MY CONFESSION I confess that I have come to you and I have heard your word. This day I will act upon them as your Holy Spirit gives me insight and wisdom. I have a sure foundation of a life built on Jesus Christ who is my Rock. Whatever comes against me today will not shake me because You are my stability. I stand on Your Word.
MY PRAYER Lord, I don’t want to just hear Your words, I want to put them into practice as I go through my day. I am dependent on Your Holy Spirit to give me insight and wisdom to live out in my everyday life what You have shown me in Your word. Lord, you walked in this world and you know what I face today. I love you for that. Show me how to put it into shoe leather as I walk with You through my day. In Jesus’ name!
MY CONFESSION I confess that I have come to you and I have heard your word. This day I will act upon them as your Holy Spirit gives me insight and wisdom. I have a sure foundation of a life built on Jesus Christ who is my Rock. Whatever comes against me today will not shake me because You are my stability. I stand on Your Word.
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