The Good Life

"It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love."

John 13:1

You and I have been set up to have an incredibly good life. Did you know that? The thing is, we have to choose it. We can choose to live in a relationship with Jesus Christ and have the "good" life. However, this doesn't mean that we will have a life void of problems or hard times. Our lives will have trouble, will have pain and sorrow, but that relationship with Jesus gives us a hope and a peace that those who don't know him will not experience. Jesus loved you and I so much that He gave Himself for us. He laid down His life so that we would never have to face an eternity without Him. He did it, but you have to choose to accept that and believe it. 

Choose the "good" life, you will NEVER regret it!

My week without sleep

"But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

2 Cor. 2:9a

This week I went 5 nights without more than a few hours sleep. I don't function well, if at all, without 7-8 hours of sleep at night. I've never been able to, even in my teens and twenties. Yesterday, Mother's Day, was my breaking point. I was so exhausted, so hormonal, so emotionally raw, that I was not a nice person to be around. The tears were near the surface, or streaming down my face, all day long and I was only able to function in a highly reactive state. Small comments or actions pushed me to the edge and my responses were brash and charged with emotion. Yeah, I was a ticking time bomb that should've been in time out. 

Last night, thanks to God's grace and a sleep aid, I was able to sleep more and wake up feeling a bit better. Thinking about it, I was in time out...God's time out. A place where I was empty of myself, my ability to control, think or process. I was finding myself continually turning to Him and begging Him for strength, peace, comfort. However, I'm sure my actions and responses didn't exactly reflect my Savior. 

This is where His awesome grace comes in. He loves me anyway, no matter how much of an emotional and physical wreck I am. And it is by His grace that my family loves me as a zombie too. :)  

I am empty, Lord. I ask you, Father to fill me with Your peace, Your strength, Your love, Your compassion, Your kindness...so that I can overflow onto others. Help me to love You more. Help me to walk out each and every day, no matter how much sleep I've had, in Your grace, continually turning to You. Thank You, Lord God for loving a wretch like me. 

I'm Working on It!

Over the course of the last few weeks I have felt, discovered, been encouraged by some changes happening in my heart and in my life. I am finding that God is drawing me closer, drawing me out and placing me on a path of His choosing, not mine.  I have waited for a long time to be out of the "holding pattern" that I have felt I've been in since last year. I have felt direction-less, frustrated and anxious about how and where to move forward. He is changing that. As I have given up more of myself and my selfish ways, He has gently revealed those parts of me that needed to be cast out, whittled down and thrown away. HE IS SO FAITHFUL! I couldn't have done any of this on my own and as I continue to turn to Him, seek Him and follow His prompting I am finding incredible peace and clarity. WOW! I guess I'm a slow learner...or maybe I wasn't supposed to get it until now? Either way, I'm glad I'm here now and I pray that I will continue, through His strength, to seek Him and His ways. I can't do life without Him. I've tried and it doesn't work. 

Trusting and Tithing

"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,' says the LORD Almighty, 'and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it."

Malachi 3:10

Today I have been praying over a rather big decision for our family. For the last year we have been living with my parents because of financial hardship. In the last few years we have had unemployment, disability, the loss of our home and the stripping of almost all of our assets. The economy still isn't supporting my husband's line of work in a consistent fashion and we have been struggling to get by, even with a "rent free" roof over our heads. 

Recently, however, work has increased and things are looking up. I want God's guidance and His wisdom to lead us each day, and I know one of the best ways to show my trust is to return to Him what He has given. We haven't been consistent in our tithing over the last few years and I have lost sight of the fact that He will bless us as we give back to Him. 

Lord, I ask that You would help me to see You in all things, especially in the gifts and blessings that you give us. Help me to trust You, to give back to You the "first fruits." Guide our decisions and give us wisdom in the ways that you would want us to go. Thank you, Father, for all that You have done, and are doing, in our lives. 

Amen.

Believe, not Believe In

"We are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved." 

Hebrews 10:39 

I read a devotion this morning that used Hebrews 10:39 to reference a number of situations in which we feel that we lack confidence. I recognize this in myself, as I feel I'm usually not qualified, or am too fearful, or I just lack faith. 

Yes, I know what the Scriptures say, but do I really believe that "All things work together for good for those who love me and are called according to my purpose." or "All things are possible to he who believes."  (Romans 8:28, Mark 9:23)

The question is, do I believe in God or do I believe God? I tend to fall into the first category. I want, and need, to be in the second. 

Help me Father, to believe YOU!

My Refuge

"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.  Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge."

Psalm 62:5-8

I trust you, Lord. I lift up my hands and my heart. I give you my hurts, fears, frustrations and concerns. You are my rock and my safe place. I shall rest in You!

In His Time

"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from the beginning to end."

Ecclesiastes 3:11

I forget that He makes all things beautiful in His time. I forget that good things are worth waiting for. I forget that His timing is perfect. I am so glad that He knows me, and loves me anyway. He has given me this reminder in so many ways. I have His Word, I have His creation, I have His earthly angels to speak this truth to me. No matter what my circumstance, I need to remember that it too will work out, in His time. In His way. In His beauty.

I am Free!

"To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, 'If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

John 8:31-32

Having faith is seemingly easy, until it is put to the test. What it comes down to is this: You have to know what you believe. And in order to do that, you have to take the time to learn what the truth is. Jesus is "the Way, the Truth and the Life." He is the one who stands in the gap for us. His teachings, the Word of God, are filled with the truth. Knowing this, and Him, will set you free. 

Are you set Free?

Change of Plans

"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.'  Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'"

Matthew 25:35-40

I was reading a wonderful devotion* this morning using this scripture, and it got me thinking about how often God has brought people into my life and I have totally missed it. Have I been so busy, and so self absorbed, that when He has been present I have walked right passed Him? I know I have. I get so caught up in life, and the most insignificant things, that I completely miss it. I want to allow those things to fall away, and set my sights and focus on God and the things He is doing in my life. I want to be aware of His presence through those He places in front of me. Not only would those people be blessed, I would be blessed. I want to give up my selfish desires and give of myself the way He has gifted me. Help me, Lord, to seek You, and be aware of those precious angels You send my way. 

* proverbs31.org "Interrupt Me" by Luann Prater

Contentment

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'"

Hebrews 13:5

It isn't easy to be content, especially in the world we live in. Every "voice" around us is telling us that we don't have enough or we don't have the right things, we don't look the right way, we don't have the right job, we don't have the right friends or we don't eat the right food. How are we ever suppose to feel content when we are bombarded with these messages? We turn off those voices, is what we do. We need to press in to the Lord and His Word. We turn our focus on being grateful, which in turn helps us to feel content. We don't always want to express gratitude when we don't like our circumstances, but I know from experience that when I am grateful anyway, my perspective changes and I experience His peace. For no matter the situation, He has promised that He will never leave us or forsake us. How awesome is that?!?

I Can't Understand

"As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things."

Ecclesiastes 11:5

How many times have I said "I don't understand, Lord?" Probably close to once a day, if I was being honest. I always try to make sense of things, and when things don't make sense it frustrates me. This is where trust comes back into the equation. I just have to trust that His will and plan for my life is good, that He is providing for me and taking care of all the details, that He is in control! I don't have to understand all of it, or any of it for that matter. If He didn't need my input to create the earth and all that is in it, then why do I think He can't take care of my life without my input? 

Giving in to Trust

"But blessed is the man who trust in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him."

Jeremiah 17:7

Does "trust" come naturally? I believe it does. A newborn infant trusts that her needs will be met, a toddler trusts that protection and comfort will be there when needed. Its when we feel that our trust has been broken that we struggle with it. Humans will break our trust, again and again. It is not easy to come back to a place of confident trust when that happens, but it can be done. It takes work. It takes choice. Everyday. 

But God has never, or will ever, break our trust. We can trust Him in all things. If we feel that He has broken our trust, we need to take a closer look at our expectations and motives. His plan, and actions, are for our best. Not to harm, but maybe they hurt a bit...or a lot. However, that trust has not been broken on His end. I struggle with this type of complete trust, but when I do give in to it, I experience the peace that passes all understanding and all seems right, even though it may not look that way through the earthly eyes viewing it. 

God is good. Always. No matter what. 

I want, and choose, to trust Him.

In Him, Always

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is is in Christ Jesus our LORD."

Romans 8:38-39

In Sarah Young's Jesus Calling devotion for today, she writes how God has invested Himself, His very Life in us. WOW! Once we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, His Holy Spirit dwells within us. He LIVES in us. Everyday. All the time. So, then, what can separate us from Him? Not a darn thing! So, when I get in those places where I question His plan, where I feel alone and anxious, I need to just review this verse and then rest in it. 

He is Risen!!

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."

1 Peter 1:3

Good Friday

 “One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.”

Psalm 27:4

Today is the day that we reflect upon Christ's sacrifice on the cross. Without this sacrifice, I would not be able to dwell in the house of the LORD and spend eternity gazing on His beauty. I am not worthy for such love and mercy, but He loves me anyway. He's called me anyway. He died for me anyway. Thank you, Lord Jesus!!!

Someday

One day, I shall see this sight for myself. I have a trip to Scotland in mind for our 20th wedding anniversary. Now, I just have to save up. :)

Be Still

"Be still and know that I am God."

Psalm 46:10b

As I head out into my day, that has a long list of stops and to-do's, I am mindful of the fact that I could be so overwhelmed by it all. I plan on taking it slowly, not hurriedly. I plan on stopping by the park with my kids and enjoying a hot dog in the sunshine. The other stuff is just peripheral. 

God's got this!

A Comforting Thought

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction , with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."

2 Corinthians 1:3-5

I have experienced the painful heartache and betrayal of infidelity and I have battled cancer, as well as loss of friendship, family members and homes. I know rationally that none of these things was for naught. God had a plan for each of these things. A plan to grow me, mold me, break me. And not just in those moments! He intended for these experiences to continue to grow me. Each time He brings someone into my life who is experiencing these trials I can truly, and honestly, say "I know how you're feeling." Whenever I am privileged enough to walk with someone through these things, I find that my heart heals a little bit more, my scope widens a bit more and my thankfulness for His faithfulness grows a LOT more. Although these things were intended for me, it was ALL for HIS GLORY!! I want to be faithful in sharing my experiences so that I can give back to those who need it, and to honor my God, and doing so through His strength and comfort. 

Fulfilled Needs

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

I often forget that I am NOT the one in control. It's a shock, I know.  

Although I am glad of it most of the time, there are moments where I doubt that my needs really are being met. I think it should look different. But really, if it looked the way I want it to, it wouldn't be nearly as good. God has already equipped me, gone before me and generously given me what I actually do need! I get wants and needs confused a lot. But God is faithful, and He reminds me gently, sometimes not so gently. I'm glad that I'm not the one in control. 

Technical Difficulties

This morning I am having a hard time getting my head and my heart in the same place. I know rationally that no matter where I am or what I'm doing, how I act or feel, God will love me. Has loved me. Why can I not grasp this now? Or, better yet, I can grasp it, but why can't I just apply it? Sit in it? Just be in it? I know its me and not Him. God Himself is my tech support, and I think its time to call Him. :)

Focus on Your Call

"Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches."

1 Corinthians 7:17

I read this verse and it strikes me that I am responsible to the call that the Lord has put on my

life, the call that He has prepared me for and gifted to me. My call. Not yours. Your call is the same. I am not to judge the call that the Lord has placed on you. How often do we look around at our neighbors, believers or not, and make a judgment? I do it, and this is a great reminder to me to keep my focus on my call. 

Losing "Monica"

"Let love and faithfulness never leave you;

   bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.  Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

  Trust in the LORD with all your heart

   and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Proverbs 3:3-6

I am one who likes control. Ok, I might even be a control-freak. If I were a "Friends" character, it would be Monica, even though I believe I'm a Rachel. Yes, I have issues. 

I find that when I can move out of that control mode, I am more at peace and more focused on what really matters. I trip myself up by thinking that I need to have my hands on something or be right there in the decision making process. God doesn't need my help. I need His!! 

For Such a Time as This

"For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"

Esther 4:14

When called to act, I often shy away if I deem the action to difficult. I am one, not proudly mind you, who wants to enjoy the beautiful garden without doing any of the work. I am attempting to change this horrid aspect of myself, and making progress, but I fear its not nearly close enough to completion. I cannot complete this on my own, I know that. I have been equipped, by Him who calls, for whatever task He lays before me, but its still a choice, isn't it? 

I cannot imagine the weight and difficulty of the task set before Esther, and I'm almost positive that I would have said, "Find someone else, I'll take my chances." But that's not having faith, is it? If I believe that He has called me, then I need to also trust that He has equipped me and that He will direct the path, words and actions of all involved. I am not alone, He holds my right hand and has promised to never let me go. I HAVE to choose, stay put and stay stubborn, or step out in faith and accept the call to action. 

Today, I choose to step out.

Oh yeah.... Happy Spring!!

I can't wait!

Opening My Eyes

"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe."
Ephesians 1:17-19a

I can see. I can look around me and notice the people, the plants, the animals, the life going on around me. I see. But am I really seeing? Am I looking and just merely taking in the images like a camera? I want to see with my heart, to see and love and experience life through the eyes of my Father. He has given me hope. He has called me to a life filled with His love and mercy and grace. I'm not just here, I'm here because He put me here, to know and experience the riches that He gives here on this earth, with a hope of the glorious inheritance that awaits me in Heaven.

Morning Glory

I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:4-9

I don't know about you, but I oftentimes feel completely unqualified for the tasks set before me. I tend to doubt myself, and I fear that I will fail and look foolish. The apostle Paul's words in these verses resets my thinking. I have been given the gifts, the knowledge and the strength to do whatever I've been called to do. I can no longer use the fear and doubt as an excuse, which in itself is scary enough, because now I have to doit. But even in that, He is faithful! He has made me strong and has promised to walk this out with me. Now, to just take that first step.

Reviving an Old Habit

I was thinking the other night about where I am in my life and where I've been, and why I have let some habits go. Obviously, letting go of "bad" habits is a great thing, but I've let some "good," and essential ones go. After some thinking, praying, thinking and more praying, I feel like I need to resurrect one from the dead. I have decided that I will start up my "Morning Glory" daily devotions/thoughts again. These will keep me in the Word, and in a state of reflection about the Lord's blessings and work in my life. How can I go wrong?