October 22 - Keeping the faith

"Faith is the center of the target for trials." All throughout the Word we learn that our faith is refined in this way. There is a special passage I share with my Pinky buddy in 2 Timothy and it was the subject of today's 2nd paragraph. I found it "GOD" because the last two nights, I have asked my hubby to read me the book of 2 Timothy. Again, as I read today's devotion, that VERY 2nd Timothy song by the Sons of Korah was playing on my iPod (out of a list of about 100 songs). So there you have it, three confirmations on this 2nd Timothy passage, "I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith." And by that, I do not mean that I have done these things, but that such prayer TO DO these is imperative. That when the time comes, this can be said with confidence, with Paul.

Thank God that Jesus prays for us to keep the faith! I doubt we could otherwise. We are sifted in a sieve as today's verse confirms. A second "God"... yesterday I read p. 172 of Beside Still Waters entitled Sifted in a Sieve. It talked about how this refining produces a brave and hardy race. "Whether rich or poor, we must look on our present condition as a test in which God would make known to us whether we are solidly in Christ and in the work of the Holy Spirit or just superficial professors having a name to live, but who are dead." Ouch. But so important to really count the cost of our temperament...His purpose or our sin? Is His work being accomplished in you?

"Faith must be tried, and seeming desertion is the furnace..."
-Spurgeon

The Psalmist often spoke of God's seeming absence. Desertion. I feel it often. When I sink into the depths of depression, I feel so alone...helpless...and hopeless. Two days ago, I thought, how can I do this godly?! I was exasperated and sick of myself. It is a horrid thing to be sick of the very person that you are. That is when I asked my hubby to read to me 2 Timothy. Paul says that God gives us a sound mind. A sound mind. A sound mind.

It is odd that in my darkest hours, I find it difficult to read two words together, let alone sentences. So I think, I must rely on my spotty memory to fall on His Word...but then my memory fails because I cannot think in such a fog. And so, a few phrases cut the thick darkness, and I cling to them...

...He has not given us a spirit of darkness but a sound mind...
...Where does my help come from, my help comes from the Lord...
...In Him who is my strength...

And, through prayer, and the prayer of those that love me, I fumble through another day...clinging to phrase and faith.

Sept. 10 - Purpose

"the Lord will fulfill His purpose for me"

I found today's reading in Psalms 138, very encouraging. I admit I have been a worrier as of late. I have worried over any and every detail...and I must say that it is exhausting to do so. I think that I get very frustrated when I don't get my way. How sad that I am still in such a 'toddler' state of mind.

I seem to take on the pain of others and feel devastated. On one hand, I know that it is this deep concern that turns me to the cross in prayer. But it is a fine line to watch; are my eyes turned toward Him or are they turning inward...toward my own strength? It is easy to get caught up into thinking that there is more I can do, or should do. I had a counselor once tell me, "Oh...you 'should' on yourself." Should can be a very dangerous word when used out of God's context. I should pray; I not be discouraged.

...for let the circumstances be what they may, it seeks only for God and His will, and it feels assured that God is making everything in the universe, good or bad, past or present work together for its good.

Oh, the blessedness of being absolutely conquered."

Please join me in praying for my dear, sweet friends as one prepares for a double mastectomy on the 16th (less than a week from now) and the other nears the one year anniversary of her hubby's death in this world and his entrance into the Kingdom of God.

Pray for me to be supportive and submissive to God's will...that I will not fight for control, but acquiesce to His will. Thanks you.

Aug 17 - I believe God

Today's passage shows a clip of George Mueller's faith. Then we read in Acts 27, a clip of Apostle Paul's faith. What treasures we have in the lives of those that have gone before us in faith.

What I know of George Mueller, to date, comes from a children's picture book. Yet, every time I read it, I get goose bumps and tears in my eyes. "At ninety-two George Muller died while sleeping peacefully. He'd helped ten thousand orphans through his life, which we can see was lived as an example of what each of us can do--If we will put our faith in God and let Him use us too. Whever God may lead us, whether it be near or far, as George discovered, through one girl: be helpful where you are." (George Muller: Faith to Feed Ten Thousand by Renee Taft Meloche)

In Acts 27, we read of Paul as the leader on a ship destined for destruction. He does not out-rank the others on board, in fact, he is a prisoner. But the difference between him and the other passangers (with the exception of Luke who is recording the event) is that Paul has HOPE. And in the absence of assurance, when those on board are desperate, their eyes turn toward the one who has HOPE. What else do they have? Their choice is clear: death or HOPE. [I am reminded of a young athlete who day after day would dispute the gospel with my pastor, who at the time was the young athlete's coach. One day, he ran to my pastor (his coach) and declared that he had proof that there was no God. He explained with excitment his reasoning. The argument he presented paled in comparison to the real issue which was presented by my pastor in this way: "Why are you so excited to prove that you have no hope?"]

Verse 29 says that those on board 'prayed for day to come.' "Some Bible versions use the word wished instead of prayed, but the Greek word that is used always implies prayer (Disciplers Bible Study, 2001)." These men on board were actually praying with Paul, soldiers, crew and prisoners, alike.

Mueller, likewise, found his hope in prayer, and in faith that could move mountains (in this case fog). He tells the captain, "I have known m Lord for 57 years, and there has never been a single day that I have failed to get audience with the King." While we can each and every one of us say the same thing, do we? Do we revel in the fact that we 'get audience' with our Lord every time we seek Him. That He has and will never turn us away. What a cause to rejoice. How many times have you called a friend, a place of business or even a family member, and found that you were unable to 'get audience' that minute, hour, day, week, etc. But with our Lord, we have audience even when we have no clue. God said, "Consider my servant Job" because God Himself 'considered' Job. Likewise, He 'considers' us. We must make time to 'consider' Him in return. It is shameful for me to think of how much time I spend actually 'considering' God. Thankfully, God has blessed me with family members and friends who love to talk about God, who help me to keep God at the forefront of my thoughts. (thank you mom, Edie and Suzie) Nevertheless, I fall short. I know by His word, that I am not alone. We all fall short...and therefore, the CROSS.

Lastly, as I read today's Streams passage and Acts 27, a particular chorus rang out in my ears. It actually, began yesterday and now I realize its signifigance. You see, yesterday was my grandmother's birthday, although she celebrates in heaven now. But, when she was still here, she would break out in hymn every time I saw her...every time. So, in her memory, I leave you with the chorus that has been ringing in my ears since yesterday, and so fittingly claims these passages in Streams and in Scripture.

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, What a glory He sheds on our way! While we do His good will, He abides with us still, And with all who will trust and obey. Trust and obey, For there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Not a shadow can rise, Not a cloud in the skies, But His smile quickly drives it away; Not a doubt nor a fear, Not a sigh nor a tear can abide while we trust and obey. Trust and Obey, for there's no other way To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

But we never can prove the delights of His love until all on the altar we lay; for the favor He shows and the joy He bestows are for them who will trust and obey. Trust and Obey, For there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet, or we'll walk by His side in the way; What He says we will do, Where He sends we will go, Never fear, only Trust and obey. Trust adn obey For there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey."

Wisdom will reign...in me???

I have, of late, been more acutely aware of how I fall short of the mark (God's mark) in every aspect of my being. It's not a particular sin...it's more an awareness of sinfulness. Spurgeon's commentary on Psalm 51, verse 6, lifted a huge weight from my spirit. David wrote:
Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts,
And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.
And Spurgeon writes: Behold. Here is the great matter for consideration. God desires not merely outward virtue, but also inward purity. The penitent's sense of sin is greatly deepened...as he...realizes how far he is from satisfying the divine demand...You desire truth in the inward parts. Reality, sincerity, true holiness, and heart fidelity, these are God's demands. He cares not for the pretense of purity; He looks to the mind, heart, and soul...To God, the inward is as visible as the outward and He rightly judges that the essential character of an action lies in the motive. And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. The penitent feels that God is teaching him truth concerning his [the penitent's] nature...the love of the heart, the mystery of its fall, and the way of its purification, this hidden wisdom we must attain. It is a great blessing to BELIEVE that the Lord will make me to know wisdom. No one can teach our innermost nature except the Lord, and He can instruct us to profit. The Holy Spirit can write the law on our heart, and that is the sum of PRACTICAL wisdom. He can put the fear of the Lord within, and that is the BEGINNING of wisdom (Prov. 9:10). He can reveal Christ in us, and He is ESSENTIAL wisdom. Such poor, foolish, disarranged souls as ours WILL YET BE ORDERED ARIGHT, and TRUTH AND WISDOM WILL REIGN IN US. (ALL CAPS emphasis, mine.)

May 2 - Winds

"The only safety is, in everything, to love and trust and praise." -Mark Guy Pearse
Thankfully it does not say to be happy. My soul lingers where I do not want to linger. As of late, I have begun to grumble---'I'm tired of feeling like this'--I've been grumpy and discontent. How good it is to be reminded that HE brings every wind and no one else. Better yet, how humbling it is to be reminded that HE sacrificed His life for me to have this wind. Psalm 103 is so beautiful and worthy of repetitive daily...also, it is one of the songs sung by Sons of Korah.

April 13 - Rest

Some things that stood out to me in Ezekiel 1-3: God tells Ezekiel that He is sending him to a rebellious people; He tells Ezekiel that they will give him "looks" and He tells Ezekiel not to be afraid! If God tells you not to be afraid, you can bet it is going to be scary. So, if God knows they will not hear what Ezekiel will say, then why does He bother sending him at all? 2:5 explains that the purpose is for Israel to know they they have a prophet among them. It's almost like our "due process." He also explains to Ezekiel that Ezekiel himself will be saved by proclaiming the Words of God. It is interesting to think of God calling His 'chosen people' a "rebellious nation." It makes me think of our churches today - there are many that do not proclaim the Word of God. They are rebellious; not wanting to be scorned by a rebellious people, they preach what the people want to hear. They do not want to offend the sinner, lest he not come to church. But at what cost do these churches keep the rebellious sinner in their midst? They threaten the children among them and their very own flock. And, then, sin begets sin. Where does the line get drawn in omission of offense? Jesus offended when He came. He endured scorn for our us, how much more shouldn't we endure scorn and 'looks' for Him? Proclaiming God's word is not negotiable.

God tells Ezekiel that the blood of the rebellious will be on Ezekiel's hands if He does not proclaim the Words of God. He says it twice in 2:18 and 20. In contrast, He says that if Ezekiel does as God instructs/obeys, Ezekiel's soul will be delivered.

Streams uses Ezekiel 3:22 as a springboard for rest in God. Although I do believe that God provides many passages for such admonition, I don't think this is one of them. I don't see Ezekiel getting much rest. I see him being tested in his obedience to God. There in the plains, Ezekiel sees God's glory and falls on his face! Rest? If you consider a quickened heart rate as rest. On the heels of seeing God's glory, he is sent out of the plains, back to his house where he is told that he will be shut in and bound in ropes. It doesn't resonate 'rest' with me...I think God was increasing Ezekiel's faith to prepare him for the hard work ahead of him. I'd love to hear your comments/perspective.

April 8 - Thorns in the Flesh

“Shew me that I have climbed to Thee by the path of pain.

:Shew me that my tears have made my rainbow.”

-George Matheson

What is at the end of your rainbow?

A cloud or a pot of gold?

p s a l m 4 6, v v. 4 - 7

p s a l m 4 6, v v. 4 - 7

There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; god shall help her, just at the break of dawn. The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted.

The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.

Selah.

from Spurgeon, Treasury of David:

Divine grace, like a smoothly flowing, fertilizing, full, and never failing river, brings refreshment and comfort to believers. This is the river of the water of life...[i]t assures the citizens of Zion that the Lord will unfailingly supply all their needs. The streams are not transient like Cherith, nor muddy like the Nile, nor furious like Kishon, nor treacherous like Job's deceitful brooks, nor worthless like those of Jericho. They are clear, cool, fresh, abundant, and gladdening...Jerusalem, which represents the church of God, is described as abundantly supplied with water. This means that in seasons of trial, all-sufficient grace will be given to enable us to endure to the end.

from cool dat! (don't expect Spurgeon's elloquence here!)

The parched and wasting circumstances of my trials enable me to appreciate more fully the refreshment taken from God's streams in the desert. Without the trials, in my hurry to get to the places I think I need to be, I might pass by God's quiet streams, leaving them untasted, and become all the poorer for it.

p s a l m 4 6, v v. 1 - 3 ~ s e l a h

p s a l m 4 6, v v. 1 - 3

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling.

Selah.

[God] is more present than friend or relative can be; yes, more present than even trouble itself. Spurgeon, Treasury of David

S e l a h We can sit and wait while earth dissolves, mountains race, and oceans roar.

S e l a h We can calmly confront the danger, meditate on the terror, dwell on its separate items and united forces.

S e l a h We do not suspend our song in alarm, but we tune our harps with deliberation in the midst of the storm.

Unfortunately, too often we speak in haste, lay our bewildered, trembling hands on the strings, and strike the lyre with a rude crash, marring the melody of our life song. Spurgeon, Treasury of David

April 2 - Keep Looking Up

A-ha! Here I am, writing on the blog :) I have wanted to write the last few days but, alas, time did not allow.

Today's devotion said a lot about depression, and I am not going to focus on that...it is a topic for another day. Rather, I want to talk about the eyes being kept heavenward!

I just drove back from New Mexico (home away from home) and I have to tell you that your eyes are easily cast to the heavens...in fact, they are drawn there...why? Well, there is little distraction when you look out and see only the fields that stretch out and lead into the plains ... the plains give way to the mountains and their majesty. The song by George Strait played often during our drive through the deserts and we could see God's fingerprints all around us.

I remember China and the city of Guangzhou (Gwon-Joe) where it was buildings all around. I remember coming out of LAX and, to my surprise, the first thing I noticed was the SKY! It was night but it still caught my eye...the openness of El Segundo (!) Of course, in contrast to driving back from New Mexico or toward Arkansas, you gain a new perspective on openness. But, there in lies the truth. It is in our perspective and our disposition toward God that leads our eyes heavenward, is it not?

"...They looked toward the wilderness, and behold, the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud." In reading chapter 16 of Exodus today, I was struck by certain pronouns. In verse 3 the Israelites complain that "you have brought us out into the wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger" and they are talking to Moses. But Moses did not lead them into the wilderness, God did. Moses points out to them in verse 6 and again in 8 that it is God that their complaints are against.

In verse 3 it says that "the children of Israel said to (Moses and Aaron), 'Oh that we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, where we sat by the pots of me and when we ate bread to the full!'..." They acknowledge God's hand in Egypt but not in the desert. Clearly they have no faith or, at best, little faith. But then, in verse 6 it says that Moses and Aaron spoke to "all the children of Israel." This indicates to me that it was not all that approached them in complaint. In verse 20 it says that "some" of the Israelites did not heed Moses instructions regarding taking only enough food for them to eat and not store any for later. That means others did follow instructions. Again in verse 27, "some" of the people went out on the Sabbath to gather food even though they were told it would not be there and had been told to gather twice as much on the day before. Again, this means that there were others obeying instructions...others with greater faith...those that had they eyes on the cloud of God's glory, shall we say, heavenward. Just as there were some among the Israelites (God's chosen people) with little faith or no faith, there are those within the church with little faith or no faith. (In studying the New Testament we learn that the nation of Israel as God's chosen people is a foreshadow of the church.) I say all of this, because we need to pray for each other...the saved and unsaved...the little faith and the great faith. And, we need to pray for ourselves..."(Lord) Increase our faith." Lk 17:5.

In our prayer meetings after the Sabbath sermon, a woman always prays for those in the church that are unsaved. The first time I heard her, it struck me as odd. But each week that she prayed for the unsaved among us in the church especially the children, I became more and more aware of the need for this particular prayer. I then interpreted this need for faith as a need for increased faith among the faithful. Then, I read this,

We need, also, to guard against unbelief as we would against an enemy.
Faith needs to be cultivated. We need to keep on praying. "Lord, increase our
faith." for faith is susceptible of increase. Paul's tribute to the Thessalonians was, that their faith grew exceedingly. Faith is increased by exercise, by being put into use. It is nourished by sore trials.

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that
perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor
and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.

Faith grows by reading and meditating upon the Word of God. Most, and best of all, faith thrives in an atmosphere of prayer.

It would be well, if all of us were to stop, and inquire personally of ourselves: "Have I faith in God? Have I real faith--faith which keeps me in perfect peace, about the things of earth and the things of heaven?" (The Necessity of Prayer by E. M. Bounds, p 21)

In conclusion, I read these words yesterday which struck me square between the eyes and I believe they relate very well to our keeping our eyes HEAVENWARD:

I am wired by nature to love the same toys that the world loves. I start to
fit in. I start to love what others love. I start to call earth "home." Before
you know it, I am calling luxuries "needs" and using my money just the way
unbelievers do...I don't think much about people perishing. Missions and
unreached peoples drop out of my mind. I stop dreaming about the triumphs of
grace. I sink into a secular mindset that looks first to what man can do, not
what God can do. It is a terrible sickness. (Don't Waste Your Life by John
Piper, p 112)

FAITH

God honors FAITH! This 3 little word sentence says lots and is filled with motivation. When it seems that FAITH is hard to come by - this sentence spurs me on. Sometimes, as weak little human sinners, we need some kind of motivator. The really sad thing for me is that FAITH isn't gained once - NO! it is something that you have to continually strive for. Wouldn't it be easy if once you obtained great FAITH it was yours at that same degree forever? Well, for some reason (maybe that God wants us to exercise our spiritual muscles) we get to wake up each day and deem in our hearts that today we are going to TRUST and have FAITH in our God. If we can't seem to do anything else - this should be our daily goal - and sometimes our every breath goal.

I did NOT think I was the endurance athlete in my family - but apparently, we were a little mixed up in our thinking. The triathlete got to be the sprinter in life and the couch potatoe got to be the ultra marathoner of the family. Endurance is gained by mere discipline. Disciplining your spirit is an all out war. Good thing that I have God (the victor) on my side. A big part of that discipline is waking each morning and declaring my TRUST and FAITH for the day. Don't think of it over the long haul - for this is very discouraging to an endurance athlete - a really good friend told my girls not so long ago, "we'll run from this light post to the next and then we will walk from that light post to the next." Taking our lives in this manner greatly reduces the overwhelmingness of life and has a tremendous advantage with our abilities to have FAITH. God is AMAZING in all circumstances - be they heart ripping or joy topping. Trust Him and He will honor you in ways that you can not even fathom. Live your lives for Him and Him alone. The rewards are so beautiful!

(I am also posting this on the streams blog - so that my really dear friend will NOT be mad at me)

Mar 21 - Increasing Faith

"According to your faith be it unto you" Matthew 9:29

When I give out a copy of Streams in the Desert, I always recommend that the devotion be read followed by reading the Bible chapter that the verse is taken from, in today's case, Matthew chapter 9. Before I get to Matthew 9, let's look at a few of the statements in today's readings:

"Praying through" might be defined as praying one's way into full faith,..." c-bug said once during devotions, "we cannot go around this or under this, we have to go through this." She was referring to the grief and mourning that lay ahead of her and her family.

"...no earthly circumstances can hinder the fulfillment of His Word..." Thank God that our ignorance, mistakes, wants, etc. cannot thwart the fulfillment of His promises.

So, reading today's devotion, I am left looking at the verse "According to your faith be it unto you." I read chapter 9 of Matthew and in this chapter there are several examples of Jesus healing according to the faith of those in need. "When Jesus saw their faith" bringing the lame man to Him, He healed (9:2). To the woman who touched the hem of His garment to be made well, He said, "your faith has made you well"(9:22). He raised the daughter of the ruler from the dead because the ruler believed He could (9:18). Two blind men begged Him for mercy, and He asked, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" and then He told them, "According to your faith let it be to you." Again he heals a mute and demon possessed man because of the faith demonstrated in the act of bringing this man to Jesus (9:32). Again and again, we see in this chapter the deomonstration of faith and the results of the faith.

In Luke 17:5, the disciples cry out to Jesus, "Lord, increase our faith." This is what our prayer needs to be every day. Our faith is not to be left stale or 'as is' but instead, it should be increasing every day. This beggs the question, How?? How do we increase our faith? I have begun reading a book by E. M. Bounds (an author introduced to me in Streams) and I will share with you some of his comments that I highlighted yesterday (while I was getting highlights LOL):

"Faith is increased by exercise, by being put into use. It is nourished by sore trials."

"Faith grows by reading and meditation upon the Word of God. Most, and best of all, faith thrives in an atmosphere of prayer."

"Doubt and fear are the twin foes of faith."

In closing for today, I leave this quote found also in E.M. Bounds book "The Necessity of Prayer."

"Ask of God more faith. Beg of Him morning, and noon and night, while you walk by the way, while you sit in the house, when you lie down and when you rise up; beg of him simply to impress divine things more deeply on your heart, to give you more and more of the substance of things hoped for and of the evidence of things not seen." -anonymous

Hallelujah!

As I settled in just now and prepared to share my thoughts, I first read the last few entries by M and I realized I had been found out! I pretty much only post on the Lord's Day. Most days, I read the devotion in the book, but don't seem to find time to read the blog or post until Sunday. Thanks for encouraging me, M-- Each week, I really look forward to checking out this blog and hopefully finding something to say.
So, here it goes... God has been driving home the same point to me everywhere I turn. I mentioned it a little last week. I hear it from the people I talk to, it's in the books I read and today it was in two separate devotions. One being Streams and the other being The Christian in Complete Armor. Streams sums it up this way, "The saints' burdens are God given." The saints burdens are God given. The saints burdens are God given!!!!!!!!!! Hallelujah! I have known this since my conversion, but just now am beginning to learn to rejoice in this blessed truth.
From The Christian in Complete Armor... "Know this for certain: If we had not been Satan's prisoner first, we would not fully understand or appreciate our deliverance at last. God permits Satan's temporary reign in order to increase the saint's eternal joy. Does this sound like a paradox? Think about your own life, and you will find that often the occasions for the greatest joy arise from the ashes of suffering. Scripture gives three illustrations of great joy: the joy of a new mother, the joy of a prosperous farmer, and the joy of a successful soldier. The exultation of all three is harvested from hard soil. It costs the travailing woman great pain, the farmer many months of backbreaking labor, and the soldier grave peril, before they come to their reward. But at last they are paid in full. And it is a peculiar attribute of sorrow that its past remembrance so often adds a sweetness to our present joy."
I find myself greiving with people in their pain, but there is a little spot of joy in me, believing that the Lord can use their sorrow to mature them in a way that is otherwise impossible to achieve. I pray that their difficulties will drive them into the hand of God and will not lead them into bitterness. I pray that my difficulties will drive me into the hand of God and will not lead me into bitterness. The world looks different when we believe God's sovereignity. May we all have a godly perspective on sorrows and difficulties through the power of the Holy Spirit. May our "greatest joy arise from the ashes of suffering." Christ suffered enormously more than we ever will. May we rejoice with Christ in his victory over our sins and his care for our sorrows.

J

Mar 8 - Promises

There is only one Promise Keeper...everyone else is a promise breaker. What great comfort in knowing that He keeps His promises. In fact, where would we be if He did not keep His promises. Recently, my children and I read the story of Noah and there He made a promise to never destroy the world again by flood. I have to wonder at the very fact that He promises us anything to begin with. He certainly doesn't owe us a promise. It is only another indication of His love for us in that while we are sinners, He cares for us.
At the beginning of today's devotion reading. F. B. Meyer says of prayer, 'many times we ask for things which are not absolutely promised.' My children and I pray together every day. I noticed that every day they would each pray and include this phrase somewhere in their prayer, "God, help us to have a good day today." Last week, I said to them that I wanted them to think about what they each meant by that phrase "a good day" and then we would talk about it later that night during devotions.
Each of us prays along those lines...the 'having a good day' prayer...but what does it mean exactly? Are we asking God to give us all that we want that day? Are we being shallow and hoping He'll save the best parking spots for us, etc.? Are we being righteous and hoping we don't sin all day? Are we being servants and wanting to 'do good' all through the day? When we pray for a 'good day' are we praying God's promises? In truth, all of our days are good...each are numbered along with the strands of our hair. Each day from Him is a good day. How we see the day or interpret the day is negotiable, but that they are good is not questionable.
God doesn't change...another promise from God. We change. We are fickel. Our tastebuds change and our taste in clothes change. Our habits change and our hobbies change. Our priorities change. But God never changes.
God is so full of promises...great promises of love toward us...but how can we pray and receive the promises that we don't know about? We must first produce the promise...meaning, "Look, here, God. You say in Your Word that You will never leave me nor forsake me. I claim the fullfillment of that promise right now...in this very moment of discouragement. I call out to anyone who can hear me that my God will not leave me alone here...I cannot see Him but He is here."
Sisters, we are only here for a "moment"...and, truth be told, we are pressed on all sides for a purpose...to be squeezed until all that is left is what is pure ...what is true.
I hope that you are all blessed with a wonderful day of rest tormorrow.
I also hope that Jalamadreamer posts her Sunday tidbit...I do look forward to her Sabbath reflections on Streams.

leaving the stream for the well (just for a moment)

Taking a risk that no one will stone me for departing from Streams to take a drink from the well that is found in the Psalms, drawn by the pen of C.H. Spureon...

Psalm 41:12a
As for me, You uphold me in my integrity...

Your power enables me to rise above the reach of slander by living in purity and righteousness. Our innocence and consistency are the result of divine upholding. We are like drinking glasses that do not have a base but can only be upright while they are held in the hand. We fall, spill, and spoil all, if left to ourselves. the Lord should be praised when we are preserved from gross sin. When others sin, they show us what we would do but for grace. "He today, and I tomorrow," was the exclamation of a holy man when he saw another falling into sin. Our integrity is comparative as well as dependent; we must therefore be humbled while we are grateful. If we are clear of all alleged faults, we still have enough actual blame to make it shameful to boast (C.H. Spurgeon, Treasury of David).

I must thank God for His divine upholding! And I must also thank Him for when He allows me to sin even while He is upholding me. "The most wise, righteous, and gracious God does oftentimes leave, for a season, His own children to manifold temptations, and the corruption of their own hearts, to chastise them for their former sins, or to discover unto them the hidden strength of corruption and deceitfulness of their hearts, that they may be humbled; and, to raise them to a more close and constant dependence for their support upon Himself, and to make them more watchful against all future occasions of sin, and for sundry other just and holy ends" (Westminster Confession of Faith V.5).

Feb 28 - Praise Continually

Today's devotion talks about examples of some who go through life encouraging us to be of good cheer. It talks of some who have 'earthly want and suffering and saintly trust and peace." These people are referred to as "human sunflowers"...instantly, I had a vision of sunflowers popping up in my head...those pictured above are a few of my Sunflowers!

Feb 25 - March On

“I will give you every place where you set you foot, as I promised.” Then He set the boundaries of the Land of Promise – all theirs on one condition: they must march across its length and breadth, measuring it off with their OWN feet. Yet, they never marched across more than a third of it and as a consequence never possessed more than a third of the land.

WOW! I absolutely love the way this has been said. How many times are we satisfied with ONE THIRD – I want to claim the WHOLE of the promise – not just a part of it. One of the things I am learning in my suffering is that there is so much MORE to God. I want more of Him and I don’t want to be satisfied with the one third any longer. I want to walk across the wholeness of the promises of my God. He has so much in store for us – and I want to live IT! I think some people refer to this as living victoriously. Count me in on this one.

The JOY that God has given me when I thought all joy was lost is amazing and is enough for me to know that God wants to show and share so much more with me. And it is enough for me to do whatever is necessary to claim the promises. If He wants me to march across the barren waste land – then so be it – and I will do it in JOY. I love how he puts responsibility back on us. I absolutely love that this is something we get to do WITH God.

Feb 21 - Patience

Psalm 46:10 says "Be still and know that I am God..."

Phrases that come to mind about patience are 'Never pray for patience,' and 'Lord, give me patience but please hurry.' We joke about how we do not want to wait. We say things like, 'Oh, I could never do that, I don't have the patience.' But, what we are really doing is excusing our sin. Immediate gratification has become an idol unto us. We are greedy for it. It has made it near impossible to just be still...to just be. For instance, we rarely walk and bike, we drive cars in the fast lane and through the fast food drive thru. We are no longer tethered to our wall by our telephones...we now carry them with us wherever we go. We don't miss a call with call waiting. Even those old, stationary, bulky, box shaped computers are portable. We have text messages, instant messages, myspace, blogs, chats and e-mail. We have express check-in and 10 items or less express checkout and let's not forget next day delivery and '30 minutes or it's free.' We aren't ashamed to say, "I don't have the patience for this." We feel entitled to fume when we have to wait in line. We have forgotten that patience IS a fruit of the Spirit...the Spirit that dwells within us.


I am reminded of these song lyrics by Alabama:
I'm in a hurry to get things done
Oh I rush and rush until life's no fun
All I really gotta do is live and die
But I'm in a hurry and don't know why
Don't know why I have to drive so fast
My car has nothing to prove
It's not new
But it'll do zero to sixty in five point two
I'm in a hurry to get things done
Oh I rush and rush until life's no fun
All I really gotta do is live and die
But I'm in a hurry and don't know why
Can't be late, I leave in plenty of time
Shakin' hands with the clockI can't stop
I'm on a roll and I'm ready to rock
I'm in a hurry to get things done
Oh I rush and rush until life's no fun
All I really gotta do is live and die
But I'm in a hurry and don't know why
Oh, I hear a voiceThat says I'm running behind
Better pick up my pace
It's a race and there ain't no room for someone in second place
I'm in a hurry to get things done
Oh I rush and rush until life's no fun
All I really gotta do is live and die
But I'm in a hurry and don't know why


The next time you wait in line, I encourage you to look around at the people. Say a prayer for someone you see. Think about the day...where your loved ones are...pray for them. Pray for our country and its direction. Remember that God chooses our leadership...He places men in power and beg Him to have mercy on who that person is. Pray for the men and women fighting for our freedom...as you stand in line waiting for your fluffy coffee drink or more toilet paper, someone is giving their life or limb for your freedom to do so. Pray for the children in your church, pray for the marriages in your church...the sanctity of marriage and family is attacked in our culture and no one is exempt. And as you get caught up in praying, you may just find that someone behind you impatiently will say, 'Excuse me, it's your turn!' ...you'll apologize. Dare to say, 'Sorry, I was praying.'

Feb 20 - Possibilities

It is importnat to note regarding today's devotion that 1) preceding the
passage in Mt. 17:20 'nothing shall be impossible unto you' are the words 'if
you have faith.' Faith is a requirement for possibilities. It is
also important to note here that 2) Jesus is speaking to his disciples
concerning the use of spiritual gifts (in this case the casting out of a
demon). He is not saying if you name that 'Lexus' as your own and have
faith, you can claim it. The 'name it and claim it' thinking of some
Christians misses this mark. That kind of thinking is being 'of the world'
instead of 'in the world.' When you read the Divine Possibilities as
listed here by H.C.G. Moule, you see that what is in sight far exceeds a 'Lexus'
or any other material gain. It is the treasures of the Spirit that are
possible for us to possess.

My pastor puts it this way,

"Moving a mountain is a hyperbole, and "nothing will be impossible for you" should not be though of as Christians becoming super-heroes or gods themselves. There are damaging effects of those who interpret these
types of sayings in the Bible (John 14:14 "If you ask anything in My name, I
will do it" being another example) as if this means God will respond to our
every whim or every prayer with a glowing affirmative.

All of these promises are in the context of a mission of redemption.
The 'moving of the mountain' and the 'nothing will be impossible' are in the
context of overcoming death and the evil one in the world. The kingdom
of God will prevail and the Christian's labor in the Lord are not in vain (I
Cor 15:58).

The gentle admonition from the lips of Jesus is quickly followed by
words of encouragment regarding the end result of faith which begins as a
flicker and then produces a great refining flame. Mt. 17:21"

That said, I love the Divine Possibilities listed in today's
devotion. My favorite was "It is possible to see the will of God in
everything, and to receive it, not with sighing, but with
singing."

Feb 19 - Being Pruned

"No branch can bear fruit by itself...neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in (Jesus Christ)." John 15:4

Isn't it true that when trials come, they come in numbers? My E-Bug loses her husband while her dad fights cancer, and now her son has a broken leg. My MIL lost her husband, found out she had cancer and then buried her own mother after she finished her own chemo and radiation. Watching and praying for both of these women, I can attest to this: their faith shone through the sequence of trials and they have encouraged those watching them. Either one would surely confirm that the pruning they have endured (or are enduring) is producing much fruit in their lives even in the midst of the suffering.

John 15:6 says that not remaining in Christ is like being a branch picked up and thrown into a fire to be burned. Branches used for fires are dry as a bone! We never want to be dry and withered branches. We must remain in Christ!

February 9th He Answered Her not a Word

As I read today's selection, I want to concentrate on the first and last paragraphs, which speak of the Master's silence. We are not to interpret God's seeming silence or distance as a lack of love toward us. It may be just the oppposite. It may be the Lord trusting us or not having to baby us all the time.
The last sentence says, "...praise Him, for every time He withdraws His gifts that you may better know and love the Giver." I think this is so true. There are so many aspects of sanctification that seem to be the opposite of how we typically think things work, but because God is omniscient, He can handle situations quite differently than we would. Praise be to Him for this!

Feb 3 - Immediately

Just wanted to point out that in Mark 1 -- the word 'immediately' occurs 5 times and 'at once' occurs twice. In reading chapter one...I get the sence of urgency and forward momentum...

I love the phrase in Streams, "Yesterday thou wert soaring far in the firmament, and singing in the radiance of the morn; today they wings are folded and thy song silent." I am often debilitated after great accomplishment. I spend a day or two in bed regenerating after a period of ministry. These quiet days of folded wings are prescious though often there are tears of exasperation. This is when I fall on God's lap and as a child loses restraint, I tell Him how "I can't do anymore." He soothes and comforts and consoles... Then, when I am calmed, He gently pushes me out into the world again, to do more. 'I am not finished with you,' He says. 'You CAN do more.' When I was a little girl, I had a t-shirt that said, 'Be patient with me...God's not finished with me yet.'

January 31 - Quietness

Oh my goodness. My head is spinning. Have you ever started to clean out some small compartment and found hours later that you have completely dissassembled the entire room! Well, I feel like that with today's reading! Here's how it has gone...

I read Streams and I highlighted a few things, one of which was the reference in the poem to Jesus as our "Elder Brother." I really liked that because I always wanted an older brother to look out for me. I have often thought of God as my father, Jesus as a husband, but never Jesus as my Brother. Anyhow, I went on to read Job 34 from which the verse for today's passage was taken: "He giveth queitness." I always like to do this to see the context of the verse and make sure I understand the occassion and the audience. (Too often I have seen verses misused because of man twisting them to mean what he wants to hear, so I find this step of our devotion very important.)

The context of this verse is regarding oppression of wicked men toward the poor. God hears crys of the afflicted and gives quietness. The occassion is Elihu (one of Job's friends) has listened to Job's defense in which he justifies himself rather than God. Elihu's wrath is arroused because of the poor council given by Job's three other friends, their inability to respond to Job's defense (they are 'dumb struck') and Job's self-righteouss claims. The audience is Elihu speaking directly to Job regarding the disciplinary and redemptive role of suffering, and the truth that no one is really innocent therefore God denies no one justice.

That said, in this particular verse, Elihu is repsonding to Job's accusation that the wicked do not see God's judgement. Elihu says that in fact God does hear the cries of the afflicted and gives quietness. I really like what he says in the rest of the verse, "when He hides His face, who then can see Him, whether it is against a nation or a man alone?" Sometimes it may seem as though God's face is hidden and he is not seeing our distress. This is what took me to Matthew 8:21 to follow up on the beginning of Streams where it talked about Jesus calming the storm.

The disciples did infact think that Jesus was "unaware" or that His face was "hidden" from their distress .

I then was prompted to read the sermon notes from my pastor (Pastor Paul Viggiano) on this passage and, although, all of it is edifying, I will put here just a few of the nuggets. You can click HERE if you want to read the sermon notes in full.

"Jesus, true to our experience, gives the appearance of being uninvolved...'Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?' Have you not been tempted to ask that question during the storms of your life?...(the disciples)failed to realize that Jesus, the man slept, but Jesus, the living God, never slumbers" Psalm 121:1-4 confirms that He does not slumber (love this song by Sons of Korah by the way).

"Let us never mistake God's apparent idleness to be genuine inacitivity on His part. His actions, be they blessings and curses are sure. God is not unaquainted or indifferent to your storm."

My pastor points out that Jesus corrected the disciples before He spoke to the storm...seemingly out of sequence. Wouldn't you rather He calm the storm first and then talk to you about it? But my pastor points out, "we are often most malleable amidst life's tempests." Now, I can certainly vouch for this. When I'm down and out...there is no where else to turn...but to Him.

Next, I love how my pastor asks the question, "(Would God) create a storm merely to instruct?" and then sites the passage Psalm 107:23-32. You have to read it...right now!

Lastly, there is this, my favorite point in the notes,

• "What had perhaps escaped their attention--what perhaps escapes the attention of many--is that Jesus is not merely the calmer of storms, He is the raiser of storms.


• Popular yet unbiblical is the notion that God is not the ultimate and first cause of our troubles--


• even employing Satan for His own desired ends (John 13:27).


• All of creation is His classroom and His children are His beloved students.


• Hence fear is always mixed with a want of faith."

(I added the bullets just to break out the points being made :)

I could go on and on, especially since the sermon notes go on to talk about whether or not fear is always an act of faithlessness, and my oldest son and I were discussing the sin of fear on the way to school this morning. But I think I have made the point that I am getting at, and that is, when you open your Bible...you never know where it will take you. Don't be afraid to dig deeper and deeper.

January 30 - As The Dew

It wasn't that long ago that I didn't even open my Bible every day. My spirit was "drooping for lack of dew.' Sometimes, I dare say, it was near shrivelling. But, even in these times, God was still using me. He was still directing my paths. Through the desert, I travelled parched...and that parched spirit magnified and intensified the dew when, at last, I arrived, ready to be tended by Him. Many times of late I have said, "I never want to go back to who I was before October 7th." Why? Because, now I am rich where then I was poor. Now I feel satiated in His Spirit...even in difficult times, I have a peace.

A quick look at the archives will reveal a break in my posting. Where once I was diligent in almost daily posting, there comes a reprieve. For those that know me intimately, it is not hard to guess why. I suffer from depression. And, it is my habit, to retreat into my shell when the clouds close in on me. But this last gloom was different. Though, physically the same, even emotionally the same, my spirit was not tread upon. Instead, I longed for heaven...for completion. Though I did not post, I read my streams every day. I read my Bible. There were times when I did not "hear" anything to help me...but I knew that the action, the commitment to do it anyway, was of utmost important. On January 23rd we read, "Let us not rely on feeling, but on faith..." It was faith to keep reading Streams and the Bible. It was faith to not let go when I didn't "feel" comfort or help.

Prior to October 7th, I would have allowed this slump to take me away from my soon to come"dew." Not having received the "quick fix," I would have put the Bible in a drawer and gone on, headed toward the desert and parching again. But, faith that has been strengthened kept me close. "We can counterpoise and overcome the other law that bears us down... (with) real spiritual energy and fixed purpose and a settled posture and a habit of faith." (Streams January 27th).

"...When the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according the the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men." -Titus 3:4-8

So...even when it doesn't make you "feel" good and even if you don't "feel" like doing it, read, be still and know that He is God...because you have faith, you read. The blessings will follow...because He says so.

Stablish, Strengthen, Settle You

So, today the devotion talks about a "natural law in sin and sickness" and if we just let go and sink into our circumstances, this law will lead us downward, away from the things of God and into the power of Satan. It also states that there is another law of spiritual life and of physical life in the Lord, which we can seek after... which will overcome the heavy, burdendsome, natural law. It goes on to say that this takes effort and a "habit of faith."



This idea of working in our faith sometimes seems antithetical to grace, but of course, we know it isn't. I believe the author is right in implying that we need to work at our spiritual life. There are all sorts of ways of working at it, even being still before the Lord is a sort of working at it.

We have to show up to meet with Him in His word. We have to talk to Him to get to know Him better. When I first became a Christian, my college youth leader said that when people are asked about their walk with God, some say they are coasting along just fine. He then pointed out that in order to coast, you need to be going down hill, meaning that coasting isn't how we want our spiritual life. I guess we need that uphill struggle to keep us growing in godly ways.



Towards the end of the devotion, the author seems to be saying that God needs us to plug in for Him to work. I believe He will work anyway. He isn't dependent on our actions, however, he blesses us by allowing us to be plugged in. In fact, He is the plugger inner.



May we all seek God in an active way.

Feelings or No Feelings

"His promise of remembrance is more substantial and dependable than any evidence of our senses." Our senses fail us time and time again - think of that bag game, you know the one where you stick your hand in a brown bag and try to feel and guess what you are feeling. That can be tricky and sometimes we guess wrong - or have you ever taken the pepsi challenge? My taste buds failed me numerous times with that challenge. Better yet, think of matters of the heart - have you ever made a bad decision and then made the comment "but it really felt right at the time"? Our senses WILL fail us BUT God never will. He knows what we need WAY more than we know what we need. He has a perfect plan for us and sometimes that includes witholding something we think we need - like encouragement, a sense of peace, a restored relationship, health or well, you get the picture. Of course, God never witholds these things longer than we NEED. He is so FAITHFUL and worthy of believing no matter the circumstance.

January 21 - The Open Secret

"Grief has always been the lot of greatness.
It is an open secret."

Yes, tis true. The Bible does tell of the suffering we shall endure and goes a step further telling us how to handle such suffering. And yet, it is like being warned of how your life changes when children arrive...you can be told but not understand until you are in the midst of it. Or, as an 'empty nest' mother said to me yesterday, "I think to myself, no one told me how hard it would be." But, perhaps, we are told but lack understanding. There is no way to prepare yourself for lessons which are only understood through experience. It is as if, sorrow is a hands on course. It is very much an "open secret"...it is known but still vailed.

"With seams of anguish deep in His brow, the "Man of Sorrows" said, "In the world ye shall have tribulation"--but after this sob comes the psalm of promise, "Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

Yes, tis true. We all face tribulations of different sorts. Our sorrows are our own to bear and only His aid (the Word) brings releif.

I wanted to share this beautiful poem I came across which is such comfort to me. It encapsulates the desire of longing to go but willing it stay. I can read it over and over and never tire of its sweet saddness and obedient acquiesence. I hope that it blesses you also.

The Distant Voices
by Anna Shipton

Nearer and nearer day by day the distant voices come;
Soft through the pearly gate they swell, and seem to call me home.
The lamp of life burns faint and low; ay: let it fainter burn;
For who would weep the failing lamp when birds announce the morn?
I saw the faces of my loved gleam through the twilight dim,
And softly on the morning air arose the heaven-born hymn.
With looks of love they gazed on me, as none gaze on me now;
The glory of the Infinite surrounded every brow.
Fair lilies, star-like in the bloom, and waving palms they bore,
And oh, the smiles of peace and joy those heavenly faces wore!
Thou who hast fathomed death's dark tide, save me from death's alarms;
Beneath my trembling soul, oh, stretch Thine everlasting arms!
No second cross, no thorny crown can bruise Thy sacred brow;
Thou who the wine-press trod alone, o'er the dark wave bear me now.
A parting hour, a pang of pain, and then shall pass away
The veil that shrouds Thee where Thou reign'st in everlasting day.
No sin, no sigh, no withering fear, can wring the bosom there;
But basking in Thy smile I shall Thy sinless service share.
How long, O Lord, how long before Thou'lt take me by the hand,
And I, The weakest child, at last among Thy children stand?
Beyond the stars that steadfast shine my spirit pines to soar,
To dwell within my Father's house, and leave that home no more.
O Lord, Thou hast with angel food my fainting spirit fed;
If 'tis Thy will I linger here, bless Thou the path I tread;
And though my soul doth pant to pass within the pearly gate,
Yet teach me for Thy summons, Lord, in patience still to wait.

13 January ~ God Has Chosen Me

"I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction" (Isa. 48:10).

The burden of suffering seems a tombstone
hung about our necks,
while in reality
it is only the weight which is necessary
to keep down the diver
while he is hunting for pearls.
~ Richter

While circumstances smile I forget that it is the pearls of God's wisdom and truth that are my treasures. When the tide turns and the waters become murky I seek out the depths of clarity found in God's Word and I discover a richness beyond measure.
The knowledge of His Sovereignty and His Goodness revealed in His Word sustain me when all earthly supports fail.

A blessed Lord's Day to all...rest in Him.

January 9 - Suffering Toward Perfection

I loved the story of the moth becuase we (humans) are far too shortsighted. We seldom see the big picture. Especially in the culture we live in. Fast food, fast fun, fast communication...there is very little time to pause and look toward the future. My dad used to tell me, "If you want something done, do it yourself." In addition to that he would tell me, "Don't do a "mickey mouse" job." Together it meant, if you want it done, do it and do it right. So, I go through life doing what needs to be done. If there's a job to be done...do it. I can easily see myself looking at the cocoon and saying, "oh, just let ME do it for you." And, then there would be the poor broken moth. Never able to live up to its capacity. Have you ever said, "I wish I could be sick instead of 'so and so' or "I wish it had been 'so and so' who 'such and such' instead of 'so and so'." We are putting our thinking before God's knowledge. It is a sneaky deception creeping into our hearts in which we assume we know who could have benefited more from the situation.

"False Tenderness" was a phrase that struck me between the eyes. Anything with the word "False" attached to it is repelling...false teacher, false prophet, false accusation, etc. It's as if you don't want to have anything to do with it. But, how easily we can be guilty of false tenderness, as described in the previous paragraph. The pretense of being sympathetic and instead blasphemeing God's perfect purpose/plan/glory. I have decided that any words of compassion not drawn from one of God's 66 infallible books of The Bible are 'false tenderness.' For we have nothing to offer from ourselves. It is only God through us that can comfort.

This week, as I have hushed my new nephew's cries on many occasions, I have often thought of C-bug crying on her 10th bday. She cried out for her daddy while her mom and I held her...never once telling her "shhhhhhh." It was hard for me to hold a crying child and not hush the tears. How often our weak minds want to "hush" suffering...cut it short...put an end to it. But it has a purpose. Tears are as important as a smile or hearty laugh. God has called each of us to different circumstances and we each have a different capacity of emotion. It is all a part of His plan to carry out His glory. We must not hush suffering or try to cut the moth out of his cocoon. We must watch and learn...and endure.

Lastly, I have often thought, would Sixbit have wanted it any other way? Were death to knock at the door, would he have wanted his wife or children to have taken his place? NO and YES. He would have not thwarted God's plan...for such was his character. He, like Abraham, would have obediently offered up any of his family members including himself to please His Heavenly Father. Who are we to judge what God should do...who are we to say "it's not fair." Who are we to try and take away the suffering that our sister and her children endure? We must be a source of encouragement for them. Continually praising their reliance on God's strength. Do not cut away at the cocoon, or the means by which they are growing and struggling toward God, instead sing hymns to them, send scripture, read the Bible aloud, hold a hand, hug without hushing...let tears fall, cry together. Praise together...this is how we encourage one another...not by silence, not in quiet places...
Live Out Loud
Love Out Loud
Praise Out Loud
Encourage Out Loud
He is the same, yesterday, today and tomorow
AND HIS MERCIES NEVER END

January 7 - Be Content

The Heartsease, also known as the Jonny Jump Up...who'duh thunk it!

Do you find yourself reading today's devotion and still struggling? I am an optimist...my glass is half full most always. and this is how I see it...there is always something or someone for which you can give thanks. When discontent creeps in, shine the light of this thankfulness on it. For instance, when sick and feverish, coughing and cold...shine the light "I'm thankful it is me and not _____." When friends have forsaken you or dissapointed you, "I'm thankful Christ never will." When pain and hopelessness threaten your joy, "I'm thankful my loved ones are not terminally ill."
We all have suffering---in different capacities---and every one can shine the light of thanksgiving to chase away the shadows and darkness. Futhermore, He is the Light!

January 2 - UPward NOT Forward

"Many Saints are content to live like men in coal mines." Typically, I think of contentness as a good and holy attribute. But here the writer is challenging us NOT to be content in our spiritual walk. Spurgeon tells ust to press on toward the goal - just as the apostle Paul said. We need to be content with where God has placed us, our circumstances, but never with our walk to Christ.

Often times, this world can distract us from keeping our focus upward. So much busyness around us, can make our heads drop as we begin to look forward and not upward. It is unavoidalbe and yet resistable.

Continually, at His feet, day by day, we must ask Him to raise our heads and eyes to focus upward. We must weigh every decision in the light of His will. When I wake up in the morning, I am flooded with thoughts of all I have to do...my eyes are forward. But when I take a breath and say, "What will You have me do today, Lord?" He raises my eyes upward. I say, "I will do today what He will have me do." This is freedom from the burden to get it all done. This is how I decide between dishes and storytime. I have come to terms with cleanliness and orderliness. When my children are grown and moved out...my home will be in order. Until then, I will have clean toilets and bed sheets; I will have lots of time to spend with my children, helping them to raise their heads and eyes upward, always upward.

Jan 1 - E.D.'s Challenge

In case any of our blog readers do not read all of the comments, I wanted to repost the challenge from E.D. for our lives in 2008. This is something small that we can all do and it will greatly enrich our lives.

"I challenge all that read this blog to write out your "hither to" - remember all that God has done for you by writing it in a journal. What a great exercise to see the evidence of God at work mightily in your life! "

It is also very Biblical. On Thanksgiving, my mother in love asked us to read Psalm 136 aloud. Rob read the first half of each verse and everyone said in one voice, the second half of the verse, "For His mercy endures forever." Taking time to right down your 'stones of remembrance' will help you create your own Psalm 136. And perhaps, by Thanksgiving 2008, you will have a version of your own to read aloud.

Last night, during our family devotion, we were told to 'write down some of the great things God has done for you.' I immediately thought of this challenge. But as we went around the room...do you know it was harder than I thought it would be...not for the children...but for Rob and I. So, don't take this challenge lightly. As adults, we are less grateful than children. Our children do not have jobs, money, etc. to fool them into thinking they provide for themselves. As adults, we can easily be fooled into thinking we contribute to our own success...In FACT, it is all from God. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ..."(Eph.1:5a) "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." (James 1:17) We must beware of deception!