Have you ever found yourself questioning God? I mean, I know that God's ways and reasons are far above my own, but sometimes I just can't help but think, "God, what the heck are You doing?" Or, "This makes absolutely no sense God." Can you relate?
Today I had one of those moments. We got some disappointing news about something we've been earnestly praying about for a long time. What made it worse, is that I was actually feeling pretty hopeful that this would be the answer to prayer we've been seeking. For me, it was one more closed door and I felt like someone just punched me in the stomach. Now, not to sound over-spiritual or anything, I've been pretty positive and hopeful recently. But this news started me on the familiar trail that begins as disappointment and slowly descends to the valley of doubt and discouragement. So imagine my reaction when I go to get in the Word today and this is staring me in the face...
"What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator. Does a clay pot argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying, ‘Stop, you’re doing it wrong!’"
Oh, but it gets even better...
"This is what the Lord says— the Holy One of Israel and your Creator: 'Do you question what I do for my children? Do you give me orders about the work of my hands? I am the one who made the earth and created people to live on it. With my hands I stretched out the heavens. All the stars are at my command.'" (Isaiah 45:9-12 NLT)
God knows everything. His wisdom and knowledge, no one can fathom. Me? I'm doing pretty good if I can find my car keys in the morning. Who am I to question the One who created the universe? The One who commands everything into being?
Yes Lord, point well taken.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Be Still
Life is crazy! And not just for me, but for a lot of you as well. There are so many things that need prayer right now that I completely understand why we are told to pray continually. As you know, there are a few things that I have been consistently praying for our family, and I pray over them multiple times a day, every day. God tells us to be persistent, right? So as I began my prayer time yesterday, I felt God say, "Be still". That was it...simply "Be still".
There comes a time where we all just need to sit down, shut up, and be still before God. Clear our minds and our hearts, and listen for Him to speak. If you are anything like me, that can be hard to do sometimes. But how can we expect to hear His voice when we are constantly busy trying to shrink our ever-present list of to-do's, or when our minds are cluttered by everything we have going on in our lives.
'Call to me and I will answer you. I'll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.'
-Jeremiah 33:3 (MSG)
God DESIRES to speak to you! And not only that, but He has some amazing things to say. He wants to speak to you about your past, present, and future circumstances. He wants to speak words of love, hope, challenge, and conviction. He wants to reveal more of Himself to you.
While God wants us to take your needs and requests before Him, we must not forget to also take the time to silence our minds (and our mouths) and listen for Him to speak. I don't know about you, but I would rather be attentive to God's whispers than to have to have Him beat me over the head trying to get me to sit still.
There comes a time where we all just need to sit down, shut up, and be still before God. Clear our minds and our hearts, and listen for Him to speak. If you are anything like me, that can be hard to do sometimes. But how can we expect to hear His voice when we are constantly busy trying to shrink our ever-present list of to-do's, or when our minds are cluttered by everything we have going on in our lives.
'Call to me and I will answer you. I'll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.'
-Jeremiah 33:3 (MSG)
God DESIRES to speak to you! And not only that, but He has some amazing things to say. He wants to speak to you about your past, present, and future circumstances. He wants to speak words of love, hope, challenge, and conviction. He wants to reveal more of Himself to you.
While God wants us to take your needs and requests before Him, we must not forget to also take the time to silence our minds (and our mouths) and listen for Him to speak. I don't know about you, but I would rather be attentive to God's whispers than to have to have Him beat me over the head trying to get me to sit still.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
The Pit Of Self-Pity
Today's post is a reading from the book "Jesus Calling". Self-pity is an easy trail to go down when we are going through tough times. But in actuality, self-pity can deceive you, paralyze you, and ultimately destroy you. Choose your thoughts wisely and refuse to be ruled by your emotions.
Be on guard against the pit of self-pity. When you are weary or unwell, this demonic trap is the greatest danger you face. Don't even go near the edge of the pit. Its edges crumble easily, and before you know it, you are on your way down. It is ever so much harder to get out of that pit than to keep a safe distance from it. That is why I tell you to be on guard.
There are several ways to protect yourself from self-pity. When you are occupied with praising and thanking Me, it is impossible to feel sorry for yourself. Also, the closer you live to Me, the more distance there is between you and the pit.
Live in the light of My Presence by fixing your eyes on Me. Then you will be able to run with endurance the race that is set before you, without stumbling or falling.
Psalm 89:15-16
Hebrews 12:1-2
Jesus Calling
by Sarah Young
Thomas Nelson Publishing
Be on guard against the pit of self-pity. When you are weary or unwell, this demonic trap is the greatest danger you face. Don't even go near the edge of the pit. Its edges crumble easily, and before you know it, you are on your way down. It is ever so much harder to get out of that pit than to keep a safe distance from it. That is why I tell you to be on guard.
There are several ways to protect yourself from self-pity. When you are occupied with praising and thanking Me, it is impossible to feel sorry for yourself. Also, the closer you live to Me, the more distance there is between you and the pit.
Live in the light of My Presence by fixing your eyes on Me. Then you will be able to run with endurance the race that is set before you, without stumbling or falling.
Psalm 89:15-16
Hebrews 12:1-2
Jesus Calling
by Sarah Young
Thomas Nelson Publishing
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Risky Faith
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
-Hebrews 11:1
This month is my anniversary of moving to Tennessee. I was born and raised in one place for nearly three decades. I had just quit my job, had my first child, and went from being a huge part of something to a part of nothing. To say that I was upset about moving would be an understatement. I fought God, I fought my husband, but deep down, I knew in my heart that this is where God was calling me and my family. So why my resistance? Because I was leaving everything familiar and stepping into a vast unknown.
As Christians we are to live by faith. Hard question: Are you truly living by faith if you never allow yourself to be put in a situation where you have no other choice but to trust God?
How can you ever fully experience the fullness of all God has for you if you are afraid to take a chance or give up at the first challenge? Many people are content to settle for a mediocre life because they aren't willing to risk. They aren't willing to change. They aren't willing to give up comfort and complacency for the unknown adventure. God is a God of the unknown. God is a God of risk. There are countless times in the Bible where He called people to situations where they were completely walking in faith.
Some of you will never live out your God-given calling in life and it's no one else's fault but your own. That may sound harsh, but unfortunately it is true more often than not.
Is God calling you out in faith?
Do you believe God is who He says He is?
If you answered yes, then what is keeping you from taking that step forward?
-Hebrews 11:1
This month is my anniversary of moving to Tennessee. I was born and raised in one place for nearly three decades. I had just quit my job, had my first child, and went from being a huge part of something to a part of nothing. To say that I was upset about moving would be an understatement. I fought God, I fought my husband, but deep down, I knew in my heart that this is where God was calling me and my family. So why my resistance? Because I was leaving everything familiar and stepping into a vast unknown.
As Christians we are to live by faith. Hard question: Are you truly living by faith if you never allow yourself to be put in a situation where you have no other choice but to trust God?
How can you ever fully experience the fullness of all God has for you if you are afraid to take a chance or give up at the first challenge? Many people are content to settle for a mediocre life because they aren't willing to risk. They aren't willing to change. They aren't willing to give up comfort and complacency for the unknown adventure. God is a God of the unknown. God is a God of risk. There are countless times in the Bible where He called people to situations where they were completely walking in faith.
Some of you will never live out your God-given calling in life and it's no one else's fault but your own. That may sound harsh, but unfortunately it is true more often than not.
Is God calling you out in faith?
Do you believe God is who He says He is?
If you answered yes, then what is keeping you from taking that step forward?
Monday, February 21, 2011
You See What You're Looking For
So over the weekend I celebrated a birthday. That means a whole new year is beginning, and honestly, I'm hoping this year is better than last. This has been a tough year in a lot of aspects and some of it, I would rather forget. But in all reality, despite the rough patches, I have a LOT to thank God for. This weekend, my husband, family, and friends spoiled me beyond belief! It was definitely one of my best birthdays. Ever. And as I sit here reflecting on the weekend, I realize all the many blessings that I have.
I think, as imperfect humans, it's a lot easier for us to naturally focus on the things in our life that aren't perfect or where we want them to be.
But no matter what is going on in your life, you have something to be thankful for.
I am a firm believer that you will see whatever it is you are looking for. If all you are looking for is the negative, then you will always see the things going wrong in your life. However, if you make an effort to look for the positive, you will see that you have a lot more to be grateful for than you may have originally thought.
Still can't seem to find anything to be thankful for? I have one. In fact, it's the best thing you have going for you...God's love. God loves you more than you will ever be loved by anyone else. And that love is constant, enduring, and unconditional. If anything else, you will always have God's love. That's a great place to start.
I think, as imperfect humans, it's a lot easier for us to naturally focus on the things in our life that aren't perfect or where we want them to be.
But no matter what is going on in your life, you have something to be thankful for.
I am a firm believer that you will see whatever it is you are looking for. If all you are looking for is the negative, then you will always see the things going wrong in your life. However, if you make an effort to look for the positive, you will see that you have a lot more to be grateful for than you may have originally thought.
Still can't seem to find anything to be thankful for? I have one. In fact, it's the best thing you have going for you...God's love. God loves you more than you will ever be loved by anyone else. And that love is constant, enduring, and unconditional. If anything else, you will always have God's love. That's a great place to start.
Friday, February 18, 2011
"Stronger"
This song has been in my head for the past few days. Take a minute, sit down, and listen to the words...let them sink into your mind and your heart. Our God is Lord over all. He has authority over everything. Whatever you are dealing with, remember that God is stronger.
"This Is Our God"
Hillsong Live
"This Is Our God"
Hillsong Live
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Nothing? (Repost)
This is a previous post from my 31 Days Of Hope series...I felt led to repost it today.
I feel my faith is being tested. A few days ago my heart was filled with so much faith and hope, I felt I could move mountains (and one large one in particular).
But now, that faith is tested and my hope has faded. I look in front of me and that mountain is still there. In fact, it hasn't moved an inch.
I have been praying and seeking, seeking and praying, asking God to show up. I want to yell out in frustration, "NOTHING!! All this time and still NOTHING!!"
But yet in my spirit, instead of an exclamation point at the end, I hear myself say, "Nothing?" I'm not so sure that's the reality of it.
Deep down in this time of darkness, a small light remains. It isn't a flame burning brightly or even flickering. More like the small bit of orange that's left on the wick when you blow out a candle, right before it completely goes out. The winds of time and life have blown on my candle of hope so much over the past year that the flame of faith is almost out. But despite that, I can't dismiss that small certainty that knows Who my God is.
He is a God who can change things in a moment. He is a God who is faithful, even when I am faithless. He is a God who keeps His promises. He is a God who is always there. As much as my emotions want to scream NOTHING!, my heart just doesn't believe it.
"God brings death and God brings life, brings down to the grave and raises up. God brings poverty and God brings wealth; he lowers, he also lifts up. He puts poor people on their feet again; he rekindles burned-out lives with fresh hope..." 1 Samuel 2:6-9 (The Message)
I don't see my mountain moving, but I have to know that God is moving.
I feel my faith is being tested. A few days ago my heart was filled with so much faith and hope, I felt I could move mountains (and one large one in particular).
But now, that faith is tested and my hope has faded. I look in front of me and that mountain is still there. In fact, it hasn't moved an inch.
I have been praying and seeking, seeking and praying, asking God to show up. I want to yell out in frustration, "NOTHING!! All this time and still NOTHING!!"
But yet in my spirit, instead of an exclamation point at the end, I hear myself say, "Nothing?" I'm not so sure that's the reality of it.
Deep down in this time of darkness, a small light remains. It isn't a flame burning brightly or even flickering. More like the small bit of orange that's left on the wick when you blow out a candle, right before it completely goes out. The winds of time and life have blown on my candle of hope so much over the past year that the flame of faith is almost out. But despite that, I can't dismiss that small certainty that knows Who my God is.
He is a God who can change things in a moment. He is a God who is faithful, even when I am faithless. He is a God who keeps His promises. He is a God who is always there. As much as my emotions want to scream NOTHING!, my heart just doesn't believe it.
"God brings death and God brings life, brings down to the grave and raises up. God brings poverty and God brings wealth; he lowers, he also lifts up. He puts poor people on their feet again; he rekindles burned-out lives with fresh hope..." 1 Samuel 2:6-9 (The Message)
I don't see my mountain moving, but I have to know that God is moving.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
For All The Single Ladies
So Valentine's Day was a few days ago and it got me thinking back on my pre-marriage Valentine's. Some good, some not so much. One that sticks out is the one I got dumped. It was amazing (note the sarcasm). The story actually is much worse than simply getting dumped, but I will spare you the details. I remember at the time thinking, "This is the worst Valentine's Day ever." But actually, it turned out to be one of the best Valentine's Days ever.
You see, this guy was definitely not the right one for me. Other people told me and I knew it. Deep down I knew that I was settling for less than God's best for me. But for some reason, I kept holding on. It took an ugly situation for God to finally get me to see things as they really were.
Looking back, I am so grateful that relationship ended. I wasn't treated right, I wasn't respected, I wasn't valued. And even though he told me otherwise, I wasn't loved.
Love is deeper than pretty words or surface actions. If you think that being in a bad relationship is better than being "lonely" and single, you are so wrong. Been there done that. There is a line from a movie that goes something like this, "You are everything I never knew I always wanted." That is exactly how I feel about my husband. Don't settle for what you think you want. Wait on God who knows what you need. Yes, waiting is hard, but you can do it and it is worth it. You are a daughter of the King of Kings...believe it. Live it!
You see, this guy was definitely not the right one for me. Other people told me and I knew it. Deep down I knew that I was settling for less than God's best for me. But for some reason, I kept holding on. It took an ugly situation for God to finally get me to see things as they really were.
Looking back, I am so grateful that relationship ended. I wasn't treated right, I wasn't respected, I wasn't valued. And even though he told me otherwise, I wasn't loved.
Love is deeper than pretty words or surface actions. If you think that being in a bad relationship is better than being "lonely" and single, you are so wrong. Been there done that. There is a line from a movie that goes something like this, "You are everything I never knew I always wanted." That is exactly how I feel about my husband. Don't settle for what you think you want. Wait on God who knows what you need. Yes, waiting is hard, but you can do it and it is worth it. You are a daughter of the King of Kings...believe it. Live it!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Change Your View
When we trust our lives to the hand and pen of an unseen but ever-present God, He will write our lives into His story and every last one of them will turn out to be a great read. With a grand ending. And not just in spite of those catastrophes. Often because of them. Don't just wait and see. Live and see.
-Beth Moore
Trials stink. No one likes to go through hard times. But they are a part of life. So what if we changed how we viewed them?
The Bible tells us many times to rejoice in our sufferings (Romans 5:3), to be joyful in trials (James 1:2). Hard to do? Yes. Impossible to do? No. Why? Because it is a choice.
We must choose to not give in to our doubts and emotions.
We must choose to walk forward with a joyful attitude instead of a complaining one.
We must choose to trust God.
We must choose to see beyond the "what is" to the "what could be", all the while remembering that God has a purpose for our life and that, if we are seeking Him and following in obedience, even the hardest times we face will be worked out for our benefit (Romans 8:28).
-Beth Moore
Trials stink. No one likes to go through hard times. But they are a part of life. So what if we changed how we viewed them?
The Bible tells us many times to rejoice in our sufferings (Romans 5:3), to be joyful in trials (James 1:2). Hard to do? Yes. Impossible to do? No. Why? Because it is a choice.
We must choose to not give in to our doubts and emotions.
We must choose to walk forward with a joyful attitude instead of a complaining one.
We must choose to trust God.
We must choose to see beyond the "what is" to the "what could be", all the while remembering that God has a purpose for our life and that, if we are seeking Him and following in obedience, even the hardest times we face will be worked out for our benefit (Romans 8:28).
Monday, February 14, 2011
Not Forgotten
Ok, this is not going to be a typical post. As I sat down to write, I felt so strongly that God wanted to simply say one thing:
I have not forgotten you.God sees you. God knows what you are going through. Just because you don't see things happening doesn't mean that God is not there. He is! And He loves you.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Life Happens - Repost from Caleb Magnino
Today's post is from Caleb Magnino. You can check out his website at calebmagnino.com.
It's a great reminder about the importance of perspective and not letting your problems cloud your vision.
Not gonna lie…today was a tough day. Honestly a terrible start to a week. There is room in a blog for transparency... right?! I would hope so.
We have all been where I am today... discouraged, frustrated, irritated, angry, and stressed out. We have all felt the pressure of life, work, family, personal goals, and the like pressing in on us. For me, that day was today. It started with my laptop (that is my world for connectivity and all things work related) having another hard drive issue that literally has taken me the last 24 hours to fix, couple that with life decisions that need to be made, parenting dilemmas, personal unrest at seemingly nothing happening as I would desire and BAM! you have my day.
Been there? Yeah... I thought so.
But here is the beauty of it: Christ is still good. Christ is still sovereign. He is still on the throne.
I had to constantly remind myself of that today I saw deadlines passing while waiting for my laptop to cooperate. I have to be mindful of that when my 4 year old daughter takes on the attitude of a 16 year old defiant teenager, I must keep that ever in front of me when life seems to put me between a tough spot and a tougher spot.
Perspective is everything.
As I have been sitting here waiting for all my updates to install so I can start working for the day, now that it is 11:20PM, I came across this post by David Platt, author of Radical. It was exactly what I needed to hear.
“@plattdavid: Christian, absolutely nothing can touch you today apart from the sovereign hand of a God who wills your good & His glory.”
I needed to hear that. I believe that some of you need to hear that. In the midst of being exceptional creatives and diligent leaders, we find ourselves walking through tough stuff of life. Be encouraged. Rest in Him.
But now, this is what the LORD says-
He who created you, Jacob,
He who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name;
you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the LORD your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;"
-Isaiah 43:1-3
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
-Psalm 46:10
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
-2 Corinthians 4:8-9
Life Happens
by Caleb Magnino
calebmagnino.com
It's a great reminder about the importance of perspective and not letting your problems cloud your vision.
Not gonna lie…today was a tough day. Honestly a terrible start to a week. There is room in a blog for transparency... right?! I would hope so.
We have all been where I am today... discouraged, frustrated, irritated, angry, and stressed out. We have all felt the pressure of life, work, family, personal goals, and the like pressing in on us. For me, that day was today. It started with my laptop (that is my world for connectivity and all things work related) having another hard drive issue that literally has taken me the last 24 hours to fix, couple that with life decisions that need to be made, parenting dilemmas, personal unrest at seemingly nothing happening as I would desire and BAM! you have my day.
Been there? Yeah... I thought so.
But here is the beauty of it: Christ is still good. Christ is still sovereign. He is still on the throne.
I had to constantly remind myself of that today I saw deadlines passing while waiting for my laptop to cooperate. I have to be mindful of that when my 4 year old daughter takes on the attitude of a 16 year old defiant teenager, I must keep that ever in front of me when life seems to put me between a tough spot and a tougher spot.
Perspective is everything.
As I have been sitting here waiting for all my updates to install so I can start working for the day, now that it is 11:20PM, I came across this post by David Platt, author of Radical. It was exactly what I needed to hear.
“@plattdavid: Christian, absolutely nothing can touch you today apart from the sovereign hand of a God who wills your good & His glory.”
I needed to hear that. I believe that some of you need to hear that. In the midst of being exceptional creatives and diligent leaders, we find ourselves walking through tough stuff of life. Be encouraged. Rest in Him.
But now, this is what the LORD says-
He who created you, Jacob,
He who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name;
you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the LORD your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;"
-Isaiah 43:1-3
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
-Psalm 46:10
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
-2 Corinthians 4:8-9
Life Happens
by Caleb Magnino
calebmagnino.com
Thursday, February 10, 2011
One Thing You Can't Lose
Everyone who has lost something at some point in your life, please raise your hand. If your hand is not raised, you are either extremely fortunate or lying. I'm betting on the second.
We have all experienced a loss of some kind...a job, a marriage, a loved one, a dream. Loss is painful and confusing. The struggle to cope and move forward is hard. But there is one thing you can be sure of--you can never lose God. He will always be there with you and for you.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified... for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.
-Deuteronomy 31:6
As I write this post, I am praying for everyone that reads this who is hurting. I pray that God's peace would triumph over your confusion. That His hope would transcend your pain. Loss is inevitable. But so is the love and grace of God.
We have all experienced a loss of some kind...a job, a marriage, a loved one, a dream. Loss is painful and confusing. The struggle to cope and move forward is hard. But there is one thing you can be sure of--you can never lose God. He will always be there with you and for you.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified... for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.
-Deuteronomy 31:6
As I write this post, I am praying for everyone that reads this who is hurting. I pray that God's peace would triumph over your confusion. That His hope would transcend your pain. Loss is inevitable. But so is the love and grace of God.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Facing Fear
`Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you; Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'
-Isaiah 41:10
I have noticed something about my kids...they are a lot more confident and brave when they know I am right there with them. For example, my daughter is typically pretty outgoing, but occasionally she can feel a bit overwhelmed at a situation. During those times she will say to me, "Mommy, you come with me." So I will take her by the hand and we will go on and face whatever it is together.
-Isaiah 41:10
I have noticed something about my kids...they are a lot more confident and brave when they know I am right there with them. For example, my daughter is typically pretty outgoing, but occasionally she can feel a bit overwhelmed at a situation. During those times she will say to me, "Mommy, you come with me." So I will take her by the hand and we will go on and face whatever it is together.
“Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in the doing.”Are you feeling overwhelmed at a situation you are facing? Do you feel scared, unsure, or anxious? Know that God is right there with you. Reach up and grab the hand of your heavenly Father and let Him lead you forward in strength and confidence, step by step by step.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Praying God's Word - Help Me To Believe
Today's post is from Beth Moore's book, "Praying God's Word Day By Day". If you have been praying for something but haven't seen it come to fruition, let this be your prayer today...
If you dare to believe and don't get your miracle, God has a greater one planned. Stay tuned.
Jesus, You told Your close followers, who were taught how to seek the Father's heart, that whatever they asked for in prayer they were to believe they received it and it would be theirs (Mark 11:24). O Father, help me to know Your heart intimately so that I'll know how to pray, what to pray, and believe in advance that I will receive it!
Please help me to not be foolish and slow of heart (Luke 24:25). If You speak to me regarding earthly things and I do not believe, how then will I believe when You speak of heavenly things? (John 13:12)
Help me to believe You here and now and not just in things concerning heaven. You are God of heaven and earth!
Praying God's Word
by Beth Moore
B & H Books
If you dare to believe and don't get your miracle, God has a greater one planned. Stay tuned.
Jesus, You told Your close followers, who were taught how to seek the Father's heart, that whatever they asked for in prayer they were to believe they received it and it would be theirs (Mark 11:24). O Father, help me to know Your heart intimately so that I'll know how to pray, what to pray, and believe in advance that I will receive it!
Please help me to not be foolish and slow of heart (Luke 24:25). If You speak to me regarding earthly things and I do not believe, how then will I believe when You speak of heavenly things? (John 13:12)
Help me to believe You here and now and not just in things concerning heaven. You are God of heaven and earth!
Praying God's Word
by Beth Moore
B & H Books
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Psalm 100:4
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
-Psalm 100:4
It's Sunday and many of us will be going to church. Regardless of what burden you are carrying, the questions in your mind, or the pain in your heart, choose to praise and worship God today.
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
-Psalm 100:4
It's Sunday and many of us will be going to church. Regardless of what burden you are carrying, the questions in your mind, or the pain in your heart, choose to praise and worship God today.
Friday, February 4, 2011
The Soft X - Repost from Jon Acuff
Today's post is a repost from Jon Acuff's blog and was one of his most popular posts in 2010. It's a bit long, but definitely well worth the read. I can't even begin to tell you how much I can relate to this in our current season of life. In fact, something happened just a few days ago that left us wondering what the heck God was doing. When things don't work out the way we had planned or thought they would, it's so easy to question God's intentions or if He is even there. That's when trust must step in...
I cried in the Chicago Airport.
And these were not tough guy, lumberjack, I just punched a mountain lion in the face with my bare fist kind of tears. These were sad and tired and give up tears.
I was flying home from a conference in Chicago. I had been the closing keynote speaker and it had gone really well. That’s not what I was crying about though. I was crying because of what I knew would happen when I landed.
I knew I would take the train to my car, grab work clothes, change in the handicapped stall and then disappear into a sea of cubicles. I didn’t hate my job, not at all, it just wasn’t what I felt called to do. The Stuff Christians Book wasn’t out yet, but the site was doing well. I had this completely different life starting to develop and it was hard to go back to work and act like Chicago had all been just a dream.
This was long before the opportunity at Dave Ramsey. This was a doldrums period where I was just writing and writing and writing, but things weren’t happening the way I thought they would.
I sat in meetings about TPS reports and budgets and would get frustrated with God, wondering if he even saw me. Wasn’t he the one who put this burning in my heart? Wasn’t it his call that I was answering? This wasn’t how life was supposed to go.
Have you ever felt that way?
Has there ever been a situation where you had an expectation that you felt like God simply wasn’t meeting? I think most of us have experienced that.
Right now, someone reading this blog is mourning a marriage that fell apart. You wanted to be the first in your family to have a grandkid for your parents, not the first to get divorced.
Right now, someone is in a gray cubicle and the degree they got, the passion they followed in college is a million miles away from how they spend 40+ hours every week.
Right now, there’s someone struggling with an issue that refuses to release it’s talons even though you’re occasionally able to shake it for a few “good weeks.”
Right now, someone had to send out wedding cancellation notes, because it’s off.
Right now, there’s a man who feels a lot less than a man because he doesn’t have a job and can’t provide for his family.
Right now there are a million different versions of “Don’t you see me God?” happening. And so we doubt and get angry and lonely. But we are not the only ones with expectations that go astray.
In Genesis 48, the same thing happens to Joseph, of the double rainbow coat fame. He has brought his two sons to his father Israel for his blessing. We don’t understand this culturally because we don’t really do this anymore, but this was a critical, massive thing that was about to take place. Manasseh was about to receive Israel’s blessing. That was what should happen. That was what Joseph expected.
Joseph the faithful. Joseph the former slave, former convict, former saved all of Egypt from death and destruction. Joseph had a great track record at this point. He was a deeply wise man of God. He knew what was about to happen. By lineage, by tradition, by faith, Manasseh was about to get blessed by Israel.
Only he doesn’t.
It doesn’t happen that way. Instead of doing what he should have done, Israel crosses his arms and forms an X, placing his hands on the heads of the wrong children. He blesses Ephraim, the wrong son in Joseph’s mind.
And in 48:17 we see what happens: When Joseph saw his father placing his right hand on Ephraim’s head he was displeased; so he took hold of his father’s hand to move it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head.
Joseph has lived his entire life with one belief about how a blessing is passed down. This is his, “I got my Master’s Degree in teaching, I should get a teaching job” moment. This is his, “People get married after college, that’s what they do,” moment. This is what he’s always been ready for and it goes the exact opposite way.
So Joseph, like me or you trying to fix a mistake, says, “No, my father, this one is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head.”
And how does Israel respond? Does he say, “Oh, I am failing of sight and made a mistake?” Does he reply, “Thank you for correcting this situation?”
No.
He says simply, “I know, my son, I know.”
And that is an incredibly tender thing to say as someone’s expectations crumble.
And I think it’s something God still says to us, even today.
“I know, my son, I know. I know, my daughter, I know. That thing you wanted is not going to happen. Not the way you’ve always dreamed. I know this hurts. I know this stings. I know you feel like I am distant or not aware of where you are and who hurt you and what you think life was supposed to be like. I know in moments like this you doubt that I can count the hairs on your head or have your best in mind. But please, I am not done. I have barely started to reveal your life to you. I am the God who satisfies your desires with good things. That is me! And when it comes to your hopes and your fears and your dreams, I know, my son, I know.”
I think of this moment as the “soft x.”
I think of the tenderness of Israel with his arms outstretched and crossed. I think of our desires and our dreams and the times they don’t work. Because those times will come. God is not an ATM, bound by our whims. Christ promises us that in this world we will have trouble. But above all, when I think of that soft x I think of a God who wants to tell you he hears you, he loves, he knows you. He is not disconnected or disinterested in who you are and who you want to be. Today, he says,
“I know, my son, I know.”
The Soft X
by Jon Acuff
Stuff Christians Like
www.jonacuff.com/stuffchristianslike/
I cried in the Chicago Airport.
And these were not tough guy, lumberjack, I just punched a mountain lion in the face with my bare fist kind of tears. These were sad and tired and give up tears.
I was flying home from a conference in Chicago. I had been the closing keynote speaker and it had gone really well. That’s not what I was crying about though. I was crying because of what I knew would happen when I landed.
I knew I would take the train to my car, grab work clothes, change in the handicapped stall and then disappear into a sea of cubicles. I didn’t hate my job, not at all, it just wasn’t what I felt called to do. The Stuff Christians Book wasn’t out yet, but the site was doing well. I had this completely different life starting to develop and it was hard to go back to work and act like Chicago had all been just a dream.
This was long before the opportunity at Dave Ramsey. This was a doldrums period where I was just writing and writing and writing, but things weren’t happening the way I thought they would.
I sat in meetings about TPS reports and budgets and would get frustrated with God, wondering if he even saw me. Wasn’t he the one who put this burning in my heart? Wasn’t it his call that I was answering? This wasn’t how life was supposed to go.
Have you ever felt that way?
Has there ever been a situation where you had an expectation that you felt like God simply wasn’t meeting? I think most of us have experienced that.
Right now, someone reading this blog is mourning a marriage that fell apart. You wanted to be the first in your family to have a grandkid for your parents, not the first to get divorced.
Right now, someone is in a gray cubicle and the degree they got, the passion they followed in college is a million miles away from how they spend 40+ hours every week.
Right now, there’s someone struggling with an issue that refuses to release it’s talons even though you’re occasionally able to shake it for a few “good weeks.”
Right now, someone had to send out wedding cancellation notes, because it’s off.
Right now, there’s a man who feels a lot less than a man because he doesn’t have a job and can’t provide for his family.
Right now there are a million different versions of “Don’t you see me God?” happening. And so we doubt and get angry and lonely. But we are not the only ones with expectations that go astray.
In Genesis 48, the same thing happens to Joseph, of the double rainbow coat fame. He has brought his two sons to his father Israel for his blessing. We don’t understand this culturally because we don’t really do this anymore, but this was a critical, massive thing that was about to take place. Manasseh was about to receive Israel’s blessing. That was what should happen. That was what Joseph expected.
Joseph the faithful. Joseph the former slave, former convict, former saved all of Egypt from death and destruction. Joseph had a great track record at this point. He was a deeply wise man of God. He knew what was about to happen. By lineage, by tradition, by faith, Manasseh was about to get blessed by Israel.
Only he doesn’t.
It doesn’t happen that way. Instead of doing what he should have done, Israel crosses his arms and forms an X, placing his hands on the heads of the wrong children. He blesses Ephraim, the wrong son in Joseph’s mind.
And in 48:17 we see what happens: When Joseph saw his father placing his right hand on Ephraim’s head he was displeased; so he took hold of his father’s hand to move it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head.
Joseph has lived his entire life with one belief about how a blessing is passed down. This is his, “I got my Master’s Degree in teaching, I should get a teaching job” moment. This is his, “People get married after college, that’s what they do,” moment. This is what he’s always been ready for and it goes the exact opposite way.
So Joseph, like me or you trying to fix a mistake, says, “No, my father, this one is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head.”
And how does Israel respond? Does he say, “Oh, I am failing of sight and made a mistake?” Does he reply, “Thank you for correcting this situation?”
No.
He says simply, “I know, my son, I know.”
And that is an incredibly tender thing to say as someone’s expectations crumble.
And I think it’s something God still says to us, even today.
“I know, my son, I know. I know, my daughter, I know. That thing you wanted is not going to happen. Not the way you’ve always dreamed. I know this hurts. I know this stings. I know you feel like I am distant or not aware of where you are and who hurt you and what you think life was supposed to be like. I know in moments like this you doubt that I can count the hairs on your head or have your best in mind. But please, I am not done. I have barely started to reveal your life to you. I am the God who satisfies your desires with good things. That is me! And when it comes to your hopes and your fears and your dreams, I know, my son, I know.”
I think of this moment as the “soft x.”
I think of the tenderness of Israel with his arms outstretched and crossed. I think of our desires and our dreams and the times they don’t work. Because those times will come. God is not an ATM, bound by our whims. Christ promises us that in this world we will have trouble. But above all, when I think of that soft x I think of a God who wants to tell you he hears you, he loves, he knows you. He is not disconnected or disinterested in who you are and who you want to be. Today, he says,
“I know, my son, I know.”
The Soft X
by Jon Acuff
Stuff Christians Like
www.jonacuff.com/stuffchristianslike/
Thursday, February 3, 2011
The Seeds You Sow
A farmer too lazy to plant in the spring has nothing to harvest in the fall.
Proverbs 20:4
Sounds simple right? A small Mr. Miyagi-like bit of wisdom. The basic message is this...
You reap what you sow. You don't reap what you don't sow.
What are those things that you would like to harvest? A different job? A better marriage? A healthier you? We all have goals and things we would like to see accomplished in our lives.
But we will never see those things fulfilled if we don't take steps to make it happen. What seeds are you currently planting to ensure a harvest in season? For example, one of the things I would like to continue to harvest is strong, Godly kids. In order to help them grow into the people that God wants them to be, I must plant seeds of encouragement, wisdom, and God-centered advice into their hearts and minds... then water those seeds with hope and love. I do my part and trust God to provide the rest.
You've heard it said that the best things in life don't come easy. They take work. You can't expect to see results if you aren't putting in effort. You can't reach your goal of being healthier by sowing seeds of fast-food into your body. You can't reach your goal of better relationships if you aren't sowing seeds of selflessness. You can't break out of the rut you are in if you don't take that first step. You reap what you sow. You don't reap what you don't sow.
One more thing I'd like to add is that there is a season for everything...work hard towards the things you want to see accomplished. Do what you can, take practical steps to move forward to reaching your dreams and goals. Pray about them and submit them to God. Then trust Him with the timing of the harvest. Some things may grow quickly, and others may take longer.
Know what you want to harvest and choose to sow the seed that it takes to grow that crop. Choose today to invest in tomorrow.
Proverbs 20:4
Sounds simple right? A small Mr. Miyagi-like bit of wisdom. The basic message is this...
You reap what you sow. You don't reap what you don't sow.
What are those things that you would like to harvest? A different job? A better marriage? A healthier you? We all have goals and things we would like to see accomplished in our lives.
But we will never see those things fulfilled if we don't take steps to make it happen. What seeds are you currently planting to ensure a harvest in season? For example, one of the things I would like to continue to harvest is strong, Godly kids. In order to help them grow into the people that God wants them to be, I must plant seeds of encouragement, wisdom, and God-centered advice into their hearts and minds... then water those seeds with hope and love. I do my part and trust God to provide the rest.
You've heard it said that the best things in life don't come easy. They take work. You can't expect to see results if you aren't putting in effort. You can't reach your goal of being healthier by sowing seeds of fast-food into your body. You can't reach your goal of better relationships if you aren't sowing seeds of selflessness. You can't break out of the rut you are in if you don't take that first step. You reap what you sow. You don't reap what you don't sow.
One more thing I'd like to add is that there is a season for everything...work hard towards the things you want to see accomplished. Do what you can, take practical steps to move forward to reaching your dreams and goals. Pray about them and submit them to God. Then trust Him with the timing of the harvest. Some things may grow quickly, and others may take longer.
Know what you want to harvest and choose to sow the seed that it takes to grow that crop. Choose today to invest in tomorrow.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Discovering Your Passion - Post from Women Of Faith
Today's post is written by Nicole Johnson and is from the daily blog on the Women Of Faith website at http://www.womenoffaith.com/blog/.
Jesus said, “Love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy.”
—Mark 12:30 (MSG)
I have a friend who says, "The deepest question of our lives is not, ‘If you died tonight, do you know where you would spend eternity?’" That’s a good question, and one that must be settled, but the deeper question is:
There is something that God is calling you to do. You know it. You’ve always known it. You may not know exactly what it is, or what shape it will ultimately take, but it is unique to you and it is why you were put here on this earth. I don’t think this passion is just handed to us like a gift. I think it is revealed in us over time like an excavation. Everything extra gets chiseled away.
Uncovering God’s purpose for your life and following it will lead you to the greatest satisfaction there is.
-Nicole Johnson
Jesus said, “Love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy.”
—Mark 12:30 (MSG)
I have a friend who says, "The deepest question of our lives is not, ‘If you died tonight, do you know where you would spend eternity?’" That’s a good question, and one that must be settled, but the deeper question is:
‘If you wake up tomorrow, do you know how you will spend the rest of your life?’A lot of us aren’t afraid of dying. We’re afraid of living. We don’t know what we are living for. We know that Jesus will be there for us when we die, if we have a relationship with Him, but we don’t understand what kind of life He is calling us to today.
There is something that God is calling you to do. You know it. You’ve always known it. You may not know exactly what it is, or what shape it will ultimately take, but it is unique to you and it is why you were put here on this earth. I don’t think this passion is just handed to us like a gift. I think it is revealed in us over time like an excavation. Everything extra gets chiseled away.
Uncovering God’s purpose for your life and following it will lead you to the greatest satisfaction there is.
-Nicole Johnson
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