Crazy Times

Today's culture. Media. Does it excite you? Make you cringe? Anxious? Mad? Scared? Tempted to spew your view?

Have you stopped to think how we are to react in these times? (It's not so different from Paul's day.)

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.... Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone... Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” - Romans 12:14-15, 17-18, 21 NIV 

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.” - 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 NASB

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” - Galatians 5:22-23 NASB

“Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation,” - 2 Corinthians 5:18 NASB (See verses 19-20 also)

Love.           Reconcile.            Prayer.            Share Jesus.            Help the weak.            Humble yourselves.           Love your enemy.            Forgive.            Pray for their salvation.           Trust God.

Father God, thank You for unmerited favor!!!! Give us wisdom & humility so we can be shrewd & gentle in these crazy days. Convict us if we have any unhealthy attitude or sin in us. Help us develop a grateful mindset, focused on what's good. Help us believe that prayer is powerful. Grow Your fruit in us! Love boldly through us! Father, speak truth and grace through us to people in our networks. Give us opportunities & compel us to share Jesus. How will they know if we don't share? Don't let us forget who we were before Jesus saved us. Don't let us get sucked into emotional bondage or verbal wars that aren't beneficial. There is much work to be done! Show me what You want me to do to spread the hope and promise of Jesus - for all who believe & follow Him. In Jesus' name! 

Joyful When I Feel Lost?

There’s no warm up in Psalm 33. It’s a full-blown “Hallelujah! Let’s get up and praise God!” kind of song.

Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous;
it is fitting for the upright to praise him.
Praise the LORD…

“What about when life feels so hard? What if I don't want to? Why should I?”

 

Those days to go back to the foundational training, the questions we've all had to answer in our faith journey. Is God who He says He is? Will He do what He said He'd do? Is His Word true?

 

For the word of the LORD is right and true;
he is faithful in all he does.
The Lord loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of his unfailing love.

Let’s switch gears a bit… Imagine for a moment that you are a pilot. Trained by the best, and given all the resources you need to fly successfully. Each time you fly, you have choices. Do what you’ve been trained to do... or wing it. Pardon the pun. Be sure to use that instrument panel; flying by sight alone, especially in bad weather, can get you killed.

Do you see the parallel to life?

We can choose to "fly blind" by emotion or use the instruments God provides for proper perspective. He is the Master Trainer. He made the rules of the universe and knows how to help us navigate life.

By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,
And by the breath of His mouth all their host.
He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap...

For He spoke, and it was done;
He commanded, and it stood fast.

 

Believing these verses are true, what can we do when we feel lost in a cloudy mess?

1. Breathe. Take a breath. Breathing helps us separate THIS moment from the moment we just left. It gives us a bit of oxygen to think better. Breathing is good.

2. Trust. Get your bearings and trust those instruments. Remember what God’s taught you and choose to trust Him.

The counsel of the Lord stands forever,
The plans of His heart from generation to generation.

...the plans of the LORD stand firm forever,

the purposes of his heart through all generations.

 

3. Remember grace is on-going.

From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind;
from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth—

he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.

 

…I am confident of this very thing,

that He who began a good work in you

will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. - Philippians 1:6, NASB

But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. 

Somehow, in all of life's messes, Abba God meets us - FAITHFULLY. We might not FEEL peace or joy today. We don't know when we'll come through the clouds to a blue sky. Yet we have TRUTH printed on pages that we can pick up. We are held in the hands of a mighty God who is much, much bigger and stronger than any storm we face.

We wait in hope for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.

May your unfailing love be with us, LORD,
even as we put our hope in you.

That is why we can, and will...

Sing joyfully to the LORD...
it is fitting for [us] to praise him.
Praise the LORD…

For the word of the LORD is right and true;
he is faithful in all he does.
The Lord loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of his unfailing love.

 

Abba God, You are beautiful. The way You work is beautiful. I'm so glad You know what I face and how to get me through today. Remind me when I look at the sky, that You are the One who made all I see... and when I look down, that You direct my paths. Give me the courage to praise You even in the storms. Have your way in me, Abba God. I know I can trust You. Help me live like it.Sustain those who are weary. Bind us the wounds of those who love You. In Jesus' name.

- Scripture portions from Psalm 33

Talking Myself Thru (5) - Grace helps us face HARD

Hopefully you have taken  - or recommitted to - some healthy steps toward a renewed mind:

• Figured out the lies you are typically attacked with
• Found verses to read, pray through, and focus on daily
• Found 1-2 followers of Jesus who will pray with and support you as you learn to take all thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ
• Chosen and/or created some reminders of God’s faithfulness to you

Our brains are intricately designed, and they hold an incredible amounts of detailed information. Training brains takes time and is a process. Please give yourself time. Abba God is faithful and loves you enough to help you fight this battle. You may find some days are easy and others are hard. Take heart because “

…the one who is in you (Jesus) is greater than the one who is in the world (Satan).” - 1 John 4:4

I thought it might be helpful to someone who is struggling to know what awful lies used to be engraved in my mind. Maybe you can identify. Maybe you’ll think I’m loony. Regardless, I do hope this helps someone to know you aren’t alone in the battle AND that God is powerful enough to break those chains!   I used to think: 

• I was too awful for God to unconditionally love. I was absolutely terrified God would run out of love toward me one day.
• I wasn’t enough – not good enough, not lovable enough. Sure, maybe a human wanted to be my friend for a short time, but they didn’t stick around. So, why would God be different?
• I was too stubborn - too rebellious – for God to be able to change me, to help me stop sinning.

Yep. Just a few of the big fat lies I believed for way too long. Over time – and much seeking and wrestling with Abba – He has been revealing how His grace is bigger than all of my lack could ever be. 

He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men. – Titus 3:5–8, NASB

His grace justifies us, made us right with God, and made us heirs with Christ Jesus. It motivates us and provides what we need to do today’s work. 

That kind of grace – God’s grace – leads me to hope!

GRACE is a mighty powerful weapon that rejuvenates hope. His grace causes me to be able to say: 

• Because HE loves me and never leaves me, I have hope that HE will help me through the ‘hard’.
• Because HE gives me all I need to do the work HE planned for me to do – because HE will finish what He started, I have hope that He will help me through all that today holds. 

He has loved me on my worst days. He has proven His faithfulness to me over and over again. He loves me right now. Right here, even when….

Abba God, thank you for your grace, for loving me right where I am today. You embrace all of me. Give me eyes to see how deeply you love me. It’s crazy to me to think that in my most embarrassing season of life – in the depth of sinful actions and harmful words – that YOU LOVED ME EVEN THEN. No human can earn your love; I’m so glad I can’t do anything to make you love me more or to drive you away. Help me accept your grace today, to accept that I am OK, valuable, loved and worth having in your family. Teach me how to battle according to Scripture, to trust YOU to be with me, and to never despair. Thank you for forgiving me, for training me so I can live in freedom, and for your perfect love which casts fear far away. I’m not “there” yet, but I’m glad You are taking me there! Help me lean on your strong arms and to trust that your grace is enough. Your love is enough. Jesus is enough. And I can do today, because YOU ARE HERE. You are present and alive and active. You are with me. Thank you for being faithful!!! In Jesus’' name…

Talking Myself through (4) - Remembering

There are two words in particular that help me in the battle for the brain. One is “but” - when I need to “finish the sentence” (mentioned in a past post). The other word is...  

 

Remember.

Think back to the Old Testament, from Abraham to Joshua.

 

How did they remember God’s work on their behalf? What did they use to share their amazing story with others?   

 

Passover Meal: God instituted the Passover Meal for the Israelites to observe and remember when He rescued them out of Egypt (Exodus 12:14). Still observed by many around the world, it is a reminder of God’s faithfulness and love. What a poignant visual of the ultimate Passover Lamb who saves us from death.  

 

Stones: As I imagine Joshua 4:1-9 unfolding (the sights, smells, sounds), I wonder how awe-struck I might have been if I were a grandchild of someone who had been there. When they took me to the stone memorial and testified to God’s work in their lives, what would it be like to see with my own eyes? I surely would have touched the monument with my own hands. I would have paused to listen to the river and consider what it looked like on the day of their crossing when God cleared the way. What a tangible reminder to share God’s works!  

They weren't the only ones blesses with memorial reminders...  

 

Remember The Cross:

“For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” - Colossians 1:18, NASB

“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.” – 1 Peter 2:24, NASB

“And when you were dead in trespasses… He made you alive with Him and forgave us all our trespasses. He erased the certificate of debt, with its obligations, that was against us and opposed to us, and has taken it out of the way by nailing it to the cross.” - Colossians 2:13-14, HCSB

Communion:

“The Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes. - 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

As humans, we tend to forget. Reminders are good tools.

In addition to the reminders Abba God has given us, mentioned above, I've chosen to "pick up various types of stones" along the way to remind me of God’s answers to my prayers. Memories, tangible objects I can reach out and touch, and places I visit.

• I can almost feel the Bible pages being tossed against my finders by the playful wind as I sat on a bench on a mountaintop when I realized God really did love me.
• One particularly weedy and unkempt sandy knoll has a very special place in my heart. While I didn't "feel" God's presence, I felt stronger in faith... I knew I was in an absolutely lovely and special place, and God knew me by name. I felt safe, valuable, and free from all my cares.
• Then, there's the rock I picked up on the day when I knew His answer was coming swiftly to release me from an obligation I couldn’t carry out any longer.  
• When I struggle with not understanding, I am encouraged by the faith of others who've gone before... and of the beautiful confessions of faith on white-washed tombstones in Salem, NC. Said in many ways, the heart of their faith was: "We don't know, but we know the One who does."

These memories build up my faith. They remind me of what is true: God is so much bigger than me and my struggles. He was faithful then. He is faithful now and always. 

These are just a few ways to remember. They make it is so much easier for me to command my soul to:

“Be still, and know He is God. He is faithful. He loves you. You are ok. He has you in His hands and will make all things work together for the good. Do you not remember what great things He has done?”

Abba God, thank You for reminders of what YOU have done FOR US. We can’t do anything to make you love us more – or less. How great is your love and kindness! Show me what memorials I can build into my daily life to remind me to renew my thinking. Thank you for hope, for teaching me that I CAN be transformed by the renewing of my mind. Help us to remember. Help us to choose to daily train the brain, using the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. In Jesus’ name...

Talking myself through (3) - Strength Training our Brains

train the brain?

Yes, it's hard and it's work. Not my favorite adjectives, I confess. However, this is very important for your survival. It's as important as water and air!

We are at war. We have enemies who are ruthless, who want to keep us down, standing over us with their stinky feet on our necks. The world - blindfolded to truth and hostage to sin and death - taunts us daily. "Come join us! Seek pleasure while you can!" The evil one roars about seeking whom he can devour, trying to confuse and confine us.

BUT GOD SAYS: "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove (or approve) what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2, NASB

So how can we be transformed by the renewing of our minds?

We can start by asking some questions.

1. What am I thinking? What am I saying? Does it line up with God’s Word? Is it true?
2. How am I reacting to these thoughts?

• Am I trying to ignore or suppress them, as I’ve tried repeatedly?
• Am I choosing to address them, training my brain to walk in line with Jesus?

3. What does God say? Don't assume or guess! Find Scripture that – in proper context – applies directly to those thoughts. Ask God to direct you. He is faithful!

• Abba God, please show me truth. Show me which verses to learn and speak when I am attacked. Please fight this battle for me because I know I cannot do this in my own strength. I need your help. 

4. Find 1-2 trustworthy, safe, sisters in Christ Jesus who will pray with you. Choose wisely, asking God to show you the right people to confide in. Pray via phone, email, text messaging, letters – whatever it takes! We need to support each other in this battle. If you cannot honestly find anyone to pray with you, contact me and I will pray with you through email. You are not alone!

Abba God, help us learn to believe truth and spot the lies immediately when they come. Help us stand firm in Christ Jesus, knowing we are no longer condemned or covered in shame. Give us courage to believe YOU have covered us in the righteousness of Jesus - who is beauty, light, and truth. Open our eyes to see truth - both what YOU say, and what thoughts we have been allowing to flood our minds. Show us what garbage we must toss out and help us cling to Jesus alone. Thank You for being faithful and promising to finish what you began in us. I'm looking forward to learning more of what your will is - your good and acceptable and perfect will. In Jesus' name...

Talking myself through (2) - It's ok. You are ok - right where you are.

I like easy. Mornings are NOT easy (at least, not for me).

Sure, I know:

• God made the mornings.
• His mercies are new every morning.
• We are called to rejoice in the mornings, because God made them.
• Some even find morning to be “wonderful” times with The Lord.

I’m just not there yet. I might never be. I don’t know. Anything’s possible I suppose. Some even say “mornings can be my friend.” Pardon my skepticism.

 

I've tried several tips and techniques to try to befriend mornings, but each effort has led to more frustration. [Please don’t send me a million emails telling me how to love them.] Thankfully, after much searching, I have found something very good to come from my wrestling match with mornings. This conclusion: it’s OK for me to struggle with the morning. Why would I even think I had to attain to loving mornings, as if it were a measure of perfection? (sigh) I make things way harder than they need to be.

• It’s OK that mornings feel hard to me. What feels hard to you?
• It’s OK that I feel yucky when I wake up. What frustrates or overwhelms you?
• It’s OK that I have to talk myself into facing the morning. What “hard” are you facing today?

What I struggle with ≠ who I am.

None of this affects my standing before God. The Provision – Jesus – has paved the way for me to stand united with God. Jesus alone – not what I struggle with – determines who I am.  Jesus is my Perfection, and the more I lean on Him, the more I will learn to trust Him and be less tossed by my struggles. This is a process, a lifetime journey to learn. Not a destination to be reached by shortcuts.

How I feel ≠ who I am.

Jesus alone – not how I feel – determines who I am. It’s important that I differentiate how I feel from who I am. Sad, mad, glad - doesn’t affect who I am.

Jesus is my Salvation.

The Way to joy,

The Truth which sets me free,

The Life I crave.

 

HE is greater than how I feel.  My emotions – by themselves – are not sin. How I feel may lead to sin, if I play with temptation instead of running from it. 

 

My emotions do not define me – proving or disproving who I am. I’m ok right where I am. And so are you.
 

You are ok – right where you are!

Abba God, “Help me in my unbelief!” Help me choose – daily – to believe that emotions are not my identity or destination. They are a tool in your gracious hands, used to draw me closer to you. Give me courage to trust YOU to help me take steps of faith when I feel so weak. Help me to remember these truths: 

...there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1, NASB

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. – Romans 8:28, NASB

Thank you for shining light and truth into my life. Give me feet quick to run from temptation, courage to turn my back on the lies I’ve believed (whether in my head or from others’ mouths), and eyes to see the way of escape which you have promised to provide. I’m so glad I can trust you to help me face each hardship. In Jesus’ name…

Talking myself through (1) - God uses struggles to grow faith

Most days, I honestly feel like all I have to show for my struggles is this resolution – of which I become more convinced of the older I get:

God uses struggles to grow faith.

He is creative - and able - to turn what was meant for evil into good. Our hardships are not ever wasted or ignored by our Abba. He not only weaves those hardships into good eternally, but also internally. He teaches us remarkable peace, unquenchable joy, and tender love. How mighty and kind is our God!

God tells us attacks will come, that there are evil forces we cannot see who hate Him (and therefore us), that there are thoughts not in line with Christ Jesus which need to be taken captive, and that we must renew our mind by focusing on what is true.

We all struggle with thoughts of doubt, fear, condemnation, shame… You are not alone in your struggle! God tells us there is nothing new under the sun, that Jesus went through every temptation, and that He completely understands our struggles. He shows us, through David's example in the Psalms, that we can develop the ability to command our souls to put trust in God. We can learn to dwell on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellent and worthy of praise.

To struggle with thoughts is human. Yet there is something

absolutely amazing

about being transformed

from broken "caterpillars" into vibrant, healthy butterflies

who can soar in faith.

 

Soaring in faith can happen. YES! It's true! Hope is calling you to choose to believe. It is not easy, but God is faithful and HE makes it possible for our faith to grow. We who are saved, are not only saved for eternity. We are also saved from this present age of darkness. We are free to live as living “lamps” for Jesus to shine through.

God Himself says in Romans 5:1-5: "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (emphasis mine)

 

Do you see all of the present-tense wording? For followers of Jesus Christ, these things are DONE. We have peace with God. We have obtained grace which we stand in. We learn to exult as we mature in our understanding of what has been done for us. [There are countless testimonials of believers who grew to welcome persecutions because Abba taught them what an exceedingly great joy was available to them through those tribulations. So we ought not be discouraged when we don’t grasp this yet. We know that God’s Word is true.]

 

Sisters, let us not be afraid to hope. Let’s believe – at this moment – that Abba God uses our struggles, because He loves us and He finishes what He starts.

 

Oh, Abba! Please release us all from the crippling fear that keeps us from trusting you. Give us courage to believe that you really do know what is best for us and that you intend to bring it to pass. That best might not look like what I expect it to look like, but I want to believe your love is perfect and always tender. Teach us what perfect love even means. So many of us have been hurt deeply by others and don't know what goodness is. Teach us, Father. We are listening. Protect us from those who beat, torment and taunt us. Give us sound minds, full of courage and faith. And help us cling to Jesus while we wait for your faithful answer. In Jesus' name...    

It's not about what I need to do!

Today, I can rejoice because of what He’s done and will do. Focusing on myself is a dead end. It’s not about what I need to do. No, it’s all about what HE has already done, is doing, and will do.  

All that I struggle with is NOTHING in light of HIM and what HE has done. His grace – what I don’t deserve – is so rich that it makes King Solomon’s treasures look poor. His mercy – not giving me what I do deserve – is mightier than a tsunami. His love is deep. His provision is overflowing. His promises are true. His wise and holy Spirit advises me. His own Son saved me from slavery and death.

Abba made me the object of Jesus' affection. I am Jesus’ Beloved, and He is mine. He tenderly showers me with His affections, patiently teaching me perfect love. His pure intentions are assurances that cannot be revoked or altered. 

As in all relationships, I still have the choice to draw closer or pull away. Daily I must practice trust. You may timidly wonder, "Can I really trust Him?" Oh, sweet sister, it is alright to ask! Abiding isn't running away from fear. Those who abide ask that question daily, and follow up with their answer. "Yes, He is faithful and true. He is trustworthy. He can and will transform me into Christ's image. I will obey Him, trusting that He will finish what He's begun in me."

He knows I am weak. He gives me strength to do what He calls me to do. He enables me to obey, teaching me to:

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7, NASB

Abba God, to You belong all blessing, honor, glory, and power forever. There’s nothing I can do to make You love me more. Oh, how I want to please You! It seems all You are asking me to do is trust You. I can only obey when I trust You. Open my eyes to see the treasure trove of your perfect love (You’ve saved me, You love me daily, You watch over me, You’ve made me right & clean in your sight, etc). Teach me to open that treasure chest daily and bask in your love. Thank You for saving me through Christ Jesus and for promising to finish the work You started! Give me courage to trust You when I’m tempted to fear or hold to old lies. I do believe. Help me in my unbelief! All my answers that I seek are in Christ Jesus; He is truth, light, and life. Through Him all things exist, which were brought into being. Praise and honor to You, Abba God, for You are so incredibly worthy. I love You. In Jesus’ name… 

Listen!

I wonder how often God stands beside me. Waiting. Ready to help me.

Yet I'm unwilling to stop my attempt at controlling the situation long enough to look into His eyes and ask.

Repeatedly, He offers His help, His kindness, His love... No, not repeatedly. Constantly!

While Isaiah 30:15, 18 (click to view) is written to Israel, hasn't God echoed this same message throughout history to all people?

Listen!

Do you have trouble? Are you tired, bruised, or burdened?

I will provide all you need. No one else can.

Simply COME TO ME.

I will help you.

Gracious... Abba God... You are pure, holy and good. I don't deserve your help, but You graciously long to give me help to live well. Give me eyes to see Your constant love for me and courage to trust You to provide all I need. Thank You for loving me so well. In Jesus' name... 

I want to finish strong!

I can relate so very well with David. Sure, my life seems so very bland compared to David's, and I suppose I may seem a bit dramatic to those who can't relate to my innermost struggles. Whatever... I know I'm not alone.

What amazes me about David is that he didn't become skeptical about all people, or withdraw from living a full life because of the hurts he faced. While he made lots of mistakes, and paid for them, I think he still finished strong and passionate for God. I want to live like that!

Dear Abba, Thank You for loving me just as much as you do your Son. I'm so glad You shared the ups & downs of so many lives in the Bible. Help me to focus on You: your strengths, capabilities, never-changing character, and love for me (even on my worst days). Give me strength to let go of the skepticism towards people which thunders in my soul, spewing out against others simply because of a few past hurts. Let me be like David (and ultimately Jesus), who didn't condemn a man yelling curses at him; help me have the courage to acknowledge your ability to deal with accusations in a loving manner. If I deserve negative consequences, so be it. If I did nothing wrong, may You be the one to come to my aid. Help me to not see people as my enemies, but to love as You have loved me, even when I was steeped in sin. Cause me to finish strong, to be so much more concern about blessing You than receiving blessings. To this end, knowing You will finish the work You've begun, I pray in Jesus' name...

I wonder what a canning jar feels like when it's in the pressure cooker?

I suppose it's pretty much how I feel when circumstances cause the air pressure in my sphere to push down on my fragile frame. My legs feel like they'll crumble, my lungs won't accept the oxygen I once took for granted, and the head feels like it will explode! On the brink of bursting - like a jar might if the temperature of the food in it were vastly different than the boiling water outside.  

What frustrates me most in these trials is that my response isn't exactly lining up to God's very Word, which says I'm to do something different than buckle under pressure. Hebrews 12 calls his discipline an encouragement, and proof that He accepts us. Elsewhere He teaches me to: 

strengthen weak knees, be strong, be courageous... 

do not despair, do not give up, do not fear

"And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, 

"My child, don't make light of the LORD's discipline, 

and don't give up when he corrects you. 

For the LORD disciplines those he loves, 

and he punishes each one he accepts as his child."" - Hebrews 12:5-6, New Living Translation

This I find hard to do. Resilience, endurance, and persistence aren't exactly my strengths. Abba knows that, and He continues to show up daily as my personal trainer in righteousness. The training routine I'd prefer: Abba reaches down to feed me His manna when I awake, which suddenly strengthens me so I may bound throughout the day with a Mary Poppins smile and song. Naturally I'd be able to produce a solution for every problem that comes my way.... 

Oh, but I remember.... 

pruning takes time, 

intimacy takes time,

maturity takes time. 

What Abba wants most for me is to be holy, so I can reap the benefits of knowing Him more fully - leading to more joy, greater peace, and so much more. 

So, today I will once again choose to REST against His bosom, wrapped in His strong arms. After some time there in close companionship with Him, I'll go about my responsibilities, resuming the struggle to fully trust that He will provide exactly what I need WHEN I need it. It won't be easy, but it's worth it. The alternative is to lie down in the valley of despair and go no further. That doesn't sound good to me. 

Abba, I'm so glad you accept me. You know I don't like the pain and suffering, but you also know that it's necessary. I do believe, help me in my unbelief! Ultimately I want to be in alignment with you. I want to be filled with your Spirit so that the outside stress doesn't affect my countenance - or affection -  for you. Lead me in your everlasting way and give me courage to accept the trials as a show of your love and affection for me. In Jesus' name.. 

What is it I seek?

Abba, I believe your word is true. Transform me, show me truths to focus on today, and fill me to overflowing so others will see Jesus through me. In him name…

What am I seeking today?

Perfection? Yes, absolutely I seek perfection in myself. I want desperately to be exactly my ideal, no less! Let me tell you, that is NOT going to be easy. So, I have a plan. I’ve got goals you see. I’ll get up at 4 am, spend 2 hours in heavy Bible study, 1 hr in prayer, exercise 30 minutes, clean the house, and even have supper in the crockpot before 10 am! I’m going to meet everyone’s needs, answer every friend’s call, and when I see someone face-to-face, I will joyfully look each person in the eye and give them whatever time they need. Yep! I got this…

Or do I?

Your idea of perfection may be different from mine, but don’t we all try to force ourselves into some type of perfection? (I need to do more, be more, yadda yadda...)

Humans have been trying to do this for centuries, and God has been showing us the answer all that time… Jesus. Faith. BELIEVE!

“… did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?... So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?” – Galatians 3:2-5, NASB

Abba, Thank you for give me truth and for convicting me to yield my desire for perfection. Jesus came to save me and HE is adequate. Your grace is sufficient. Your strength is shown beautifully through my lack, my weaknesses. Give me COURAGE today to boast in my weaknesses, and to boast in CHRIST JESUS who alone is perfect. In his name...

“A good definition of sin is simply setting out to meet our own needs in our own way.” – Ron Mehl, Meeting God at a Dead End.

“What did I do to deserve this?”

When troubles torment me, I mistakenly wonder, “What did I do to deserve this?”

I fall prey to lies, as the Pharisees did. Surely trouble only comes to those who have sinned. A man born blind was sinful from birth. Job’s friends believed this; and scholars claim they came before the Law. So, I at least have assurance that this thought is very, very old.  

However, it greatly bothers me that I think this way, because I know better. I know sunshine and rain fall on all people, regardless of their deeds. I know I don’t deserve anything good.

I’m a life-long student of the Word. I live on this side of Christ Jesus in history, have both Old and New Testaments to study, and all sorts of other resources! (I do not say any of this with any pride, but with great humility and frustration, because I STILL don’t get it - and YES, I mistakenly expect perfection in myself. Does anyone else relate?)  Scripture is clear.

Jesus was perfect. There was no blemish in his life. 

No sin.

He was pure, holy, righteousness, noble, good.

“But the LORD was pleased
To crush Him, putting Him to grief;”

Isaiah 53:10

Abba God, I am grateful that you saved me through Jesus. Still, it is hard to accept that his cruel death was the only way to save me, AND that you are pleased to “crush” when it is the only way... Your ways are higher; your thoughts are deeper. Help me abide and trust when I can't comprehend (Abba, you KNOW how I crave context & to grasp a concept fully!). Give me courage to trust in darkness, knowing you DO know best. Let me always believe that my story will never, ever, ever end on a negative note. Jesus himself is the author and finisher/perfecter of my faith. Your Spirit helps me do the good works you planned long ago! So, when I leave this world I will be done with "my jobs" and face-to-face with my sweet Prince Jesus. It's in his precious name I pray... 

Remember...

“[Abram] went on his journeys from the Negev as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai, to the place of the altar which he had made there formerly; and there Abram called on the name of the LORD.”-- Genesis13:3-4

I don’t think it’s extremely clear in Scripture why Abram went back to this place. However, I was reminded of an important action which we all can take, modeled by Hebrews throughout Scripture.

REMEMBER.

We all have moments that we must remember altar moments, when Abba God did something beyond comprehension in our lives:

§  a promise

§  peace spoken in the midst of a storm

§  a call to sacrifice

§  a release from a sin you struggled with

§  a miracle that saved you from disaster

We must remember – not to base our faith on experiences – but because we humans are quick to forget:

§  His love

§  His character

§  His ability and strength

§  His plan

§  Truth

Abba God, thank you for reminding me this morning of “altar moments” in my life, when you’ve shown me a little more of you, and a glimpse of your delight in me. Help me to let go of despair I've been feeling, choosing instead to frolic with joy in your pasture of love, believing you do delight in me. I’ve done nothing to deserve your love; Jesus has done it all for me. Help me to walk in joy and truth, simply because Jesus loved me so much that He stopped only when “It [was] finished.” Forever, in Jesus’ name… 

Desperate. Hopeful.

2011 was TOUGH = deeper faith + stronger resolve. 

2012 = continued goals + vibrant hopes. 

I'm not a resolution girl, but I am daily forward-thinking. It's a blessing & troublesome trait.  

When I'm focused on Jesus, I can keep the past/present/future in proper perspective... and it's as if I'm walking on water like Peter in Matthew 14:26-33, NASB. 

The trouble comes when I find myself consistently focusing on ME. That's why so much of 2011, I found myself identifying with Sinking Peter as I cried out, "Lord! SAVE ME!!!" 

I don't want to live like that anymore. I don't want to sinfully focus on ME. The abundant living that Abba calls us to is much different than how I've been living. Surely, in any storm, walking on water with Jesus is less  tiresome than thrashing with crazy fear gripping your heart. 

I imagine Peter woke up the next morning, resolving to believe better. I know I do. I desperately long to walk in faith daily, being fully convinced that my Abba IS helping me: to love like Jesus, to live abundantly (with joy & hope), and to do the good works HE wants me to do. 

So, this year, my top daily goal is summed up in this equation: 

Each day + focus on Jesus = love + abundant life + EVERYTHING ABBA has planned for me.

Don't you find it interesting that Peter didn't ask Jesus to stop the storm before calling him out? What in the world was he thinking??? I wonder if he instinctively knew that being WITH Jesus in the middle of the storm is so much better than in our own?

Abba, I'm so glad you tell us Peter's story. You give me hope as I remember that he was molded  from weakness and flippancy into the strong, immovable rock of the church. His letters reflect a strong confidence in the power of Christ Jesus - to save and to change us. Thank you. I do believe, Abba. Help me in my unbelief... to believe and to focus on JESUS. In HIS name... 

Thanks & credit to Do Not Depart for the recent "Believing Better" series, which has greatly encouraged me and challenged me to persevere. Believing Better Series, on Do Not Depart

I'm a Warrior Princess!

A little child once gave me a small decal that said “Warrior Princess.” (I know, so sweet!)

Simple Faith out of a Messy Sunday Morning

Ever have a Sunday morning which doesn't start so well?

Note to Self ~ When Discouraged

Aaron, you seem incredibly frustrated and discouraged lately.

Abba knows best.

During a very difficult and lonely season of life, a friend asked me what I was so desperately searching for in relationships. Tough question! I knew I was discontent, but why?

My attitude stinks most mornings.

I fight hard to find truth and goodness to dwell on (Phil 4:13). Rejoicing (Phil 4:4)? Let's not even go there! This morning, the Sinful Attitude Mommy Monster (SAMM) was at it again! Raging, threatening to swallow my family and me whole! I needed help! (surely I'm not entirely alone in my crazy drama). What's a woman to do?