In Exodus 2:12, Moses hid the body of the slain Egyptian. It was exposed and in the papers the very next day. Hiding is wrong and I am convinced that from that moment on Moses was transparent. He did not hide again. He would speak his heart regardless of the vulnerability.
How can I relate to this? Oh, wow, many ways. For years, I led a "hidden" life and what turmoil and disappointment that brings. It helps you to run to things that will never satisfy. It creates and stirs longings that will never be fulfilled. God's Word tells us that what happens in the darkness HE will bring to light. Well, He definitely did this for me, maybe not in the way I would have chosen but I can say today with ALL certainty that HIS way was good and it was right. I am grateful for the enormous blessing of living in the light and out of darkness.
Living a life of transparency gives such a freedom. I believe this is exactly what we are created to be : FREE!! Free from condemnation, free from guilt, free from burdens and free from yokes of slavery. In 1 Cor. 3:17, the Word tells us that where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom!! May we all be so full of HIS Spirit that we all dance a freedom dance today.
The Lord walked a very transparent life. His life should set the example of how we live out ours. He had no hidden agendas, no manipulative techniques, no underlying motives.
(ref. Chuck Swindoll) Ever been to a testimony where everyone was on Cloud 39 and you were in the Tunnel #7? People talk about soaring in the heavenlies yet you are still counting gum wrappers in the gutter? Why not hand the microphone around to people and ask, "When is the last time you took a nosedive?" "Can you share a time of great disappointment in your life?"
Stay with me here: I am far from being a negative person but I am a relational person....Can you relate to me in times of failures? In times of need? In times of hurt? In times of disappointment?
I think it would be a great encouragement to others to show how we have come through disappointments, failures, hurts, how others help to provide in our times of need. Peter did this in his letters to us. So many times in our lives, we feel like we are all alone in our struggles. That is far, far from truth. We feel like we have to hide our failures because we feel like no one could have failed as tragically as we have. Some are even afraid to tell God in fear that He would be put off by us.
Oh, friends and loved ones, He is not like that at all. He has 'inclined His ear' to hear our cries and wants us to pour out our hearts to Him. He awaits your heart. He wants you to rid yourself of shame and distress. His burden is light; yours can be also. Just as we cry out and tell Him how we have failed, His arm is outstretched to lovingly put around us with His love and forgiveness; He waits....Are you willing to give it all to Him? He accepts you as you are. There is no sweeter place of freedom to be than in the arms of the Father.
Lord, I pray for all who read this today that You would extend Your Hand of deliverance to all who need You as their Savior. I pray for hurting, wounded, disappointed people; that You would woo them to You. I ask for favor on Your people and those who have a gift to help those in need. Extend Your mercy to ones who cry to You with shame, guilt, failures; set them free in YOU. Lord, thank You for your tender mercies and sweet love in my life. Let me always be willing to share the hope I have in You and how You are my Healer and Redeemer. In Jesus name.....
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
My Brother, I will miss you....
Here it is, the "aftermath", the next days, whatever we will call it. You know how we gauge our lives so many times by "before_____" or "after______"? Well, I am in the after part now; after my brother saw Jesus....I can only imagine what a glorious sight that was. WOW!!!
But, I am here to tell you what all God has done and is continuing to do through this season. First of all, I recount the morning Craig called me from the hospital. I had been trying to call his phone and it was not on; I knew something was not right. You see, we have been living in the middle of his battle with cancer since 2009. He had good days and he had bad days. Since about November of 2010, he was in much visible pain. His days at the office seemed very labored and the pain was visible to us who know him but to others, he carried that cross like a true soldier. He conducted business as usual, not complaining at all. He was determined to take care of his family, no matter what. This is what God called him as HUSBAND/FATHER to be and do; and he did just that: He took care of and loved his family.
He called and I went to the hospital asap. As I walked into that ER room, I rushed over and put my arms around him and lay my head on his head. I cannot explain what God did exactly, but I will try. Grace literally fell as if raindrops were washing over me and forgiveness shocked through my body. Then I asked God exactly what my role was to be in the following days to come. All I heard from HIM was: love him and hold his hand; so, I did that to the very best of my ability. I stopped all extra activity and sat with Craig some days, some nights all night long at times. I made friends with the people that cared for him. I prayed over his room, his body, his wife, his children, our parents, his friends, and those on staff at Hendrick Medical Center.
This is something he would have wanted, I believe. Not only did I do this, we did this as a family.
As the days turned into weeks, I held steady my post of loving Craig and praying and holding his hand. The very last night he took breaths on this earth, Mom, Dad, and I had the opportunity to be in the room together, singing worship songs, crying, praying and praising our God. Then, I held his fragile face between my hands, told him we loved him and we believed he loved us too and a tear fell from his eye. A single tear that I wiped away and I turned and walked out. That was the last time I saw my precious brother breathing and then he left to dance with Jesus.
The story unfolds as to what God has been doing for me in this situation: deeper compassion. As he lay in his bed and could not move his legs by himself, I took lotion and massaged his feet gently to watch his face relax and be at ease. I laid my head on his chest at times and just said over and over I LOVE YOU. I stroked his forehead and massaged his temples and told him to be at peace. I never thought of myself as a compassionate person but God showed me otherwise. He showed me how to be compassionate in a new, deeper way. Thank YOU, Lord, for this time with my brother.
I also journaled this journey and will continue. The revelations that HE showed me in sitting still in this hospital room are amazing. He allowed me to sit in HIS lap and HE tenderly held me up and loved me as my pain was in my human eyes of watching my brother decline. God kept saying to me that this is not the end; the rough part will soon be over and you will see in a new way. I believe this as I prayed for spiritual eyes for months leading up to these moments. HE provided.
I can say with all certainty today that I do not regret one moment that God gave my brother and I in his last days here. I loved him. Plain and simple: I loved him, the best I know how and to the greatest ability I have been given.
Please understand that life has not always been this way for us. We have been through some very rough patches and God restored relationship between us with new, Godly boundaries. We allowed God to intervene with us and take us to where HE wanted to take us.
I would like to encourage anyone reading this to not take anything for granted and to ask God's guidance in your relationships. He will speak to you and guide you if you allow Him to do that.
But, I am here to tell you what all God has done and is continuing to do through this season. First of all, I recount the morning Craig called me from the hospital. I had been trying to call his phone and it was not on; I knew something was not right. You see, we have been living in the middle of his battle with cancer since 2009. He had good days and he had bad days. Since about November of 2010, he was in much visible pain. His days at the office seemed very labored and the pain was visible to us who know him but to others, he carried that cross like a true soldier. He conducted business as usual, not complaining at all. He was determined to take care of his family, no matter what. This is what God called him as HUSBAND/FATHER to be and do; and he did just that: He took care of and loved his family.
He called and I went to the hospital asap. As I walked into that ER room, I rushed over and put my arms around him and lay my head on his head. I cannot explain what God did exactly, but I will try. Grace literally fell as if raindrops were washing over me and forgiveness shocked through my body. Then I asked God exactly what my role was to be in the following days to come. All I heard from HIM was: love him and hold his hand; so, I did that to the very best of my ability. I stopped all extra activity and sat with Craig some days, some nights all night long at times. I made friends with the people that cared for him. I prayed over his room, his body, his wife, his children, our parents, his friends, and those on staff at Hendrick Medical Center.
This is something he would have wanted, I believe. Not only did I do this, we did this as a family.
As the days turned into weeks, I held steady my post of loving Craig and praying and holding his hand. The very last night he took breaths on this earth, Mom, Dad, and I had the opportunity to be in the room together, singing worship songs, crying, praying and praising our God. Then, I held his fragile face between my hands, told him we loved him and we believed he loved us too and a tear fell from his eye. A single tear that I wiped away and I turned and walked out. That was the last time I saw my precious brother breathing and then he left to dance with Jesus.
The story unfolds as to what God has been doing for me in this situation: deeper compassion. As he lay in his bed and could not move his legs by himself, I took lotion and massaged his feet gently to watch his face relax and be at ease. I laid my head on his chest at times and just said over and over I LOVE YOU. I stroked his forehead and massaged his temples and told him to be at peace. I never thought of myself as a compassionate person but God showed me otherwise. He showed me how to be compassionate in a new, deeper way. Thank YOU, Lord, for this time with my brother.
I also journaled this journey and will continue. The revelations that HE showed me in sitting still in this hospital room are amazing. He allowed me to sit in HIS lap and HE tenderly held me up and loved me as my pain was in my human eyes of watching my brother decline. God kept saying to me that this is not the end; the rough part will soon be over and you will see in a new way. I believe this as I prayed for spiritual eyes for months leading up to these moments. HE provided.
I can say with all certainty today that I do not regret one moment that God gave my brother and I in his last days here. I loved him. Plain and simple: I loved him, the best I know how and to the greatest ability I have been given.
Please understand that life has not always been this way for us. We have been through some very rough patches and God restored relationship between us with new, Godly boundaries. We allowed God to intervene with us and take us to where HE wanted to take us.
I would like to encourage anyone reading this to not take anything for granted and to ask God's guidance in your relationships. He will speak to you and guide you if you allow Him to do that.
Friday, March 4, 2011
The following is a glimpse out of a daily devotional/journal entry I receive daily. As I read this today, I am reminded that life is good! It certainly is not easy right now and it is quite painful but in the midst of the pain, God continues to woo me and to love me. He shelters us in the storm of life and I am thankful.
I am constantly showered in encouragement from friends. I am able to talk with my parents in a realistic view point and share spiritual insight. I know what the human eye is sensitive to but am so thoroughly encouraged as to what the spiritual eye is in tune to.
I pray today: Lord, I thank You for Your goodness. I thank YOU in the midst of storms of this life and I am ever aware that NOTHING separates me from YOUR love. May I be keenly aware of all the good and wonderful things You have created.
When your heart wakes up...
The sky stretches out its arms in the early inky blue of spring, stars flung here and there, twinkling lights that wink above the trees.
My husband and I light the fire pit, pull up chairs next to each other, turn on music, remember how it feels after winter is over.
These moments--I shut my eyes, draw in a deep breath--try to capture them, keep them, like little glimpses of heaven.
And I believe again...
that life is good
God is close
and I am loved
It's not that I ever forget. I think sometimes I just stop paying attention. I fall asleep at the wheel of life. I stop hearing what's true, stop seeing what really matters, stop feeling like who I really am.
Then God sends along a night knit together, woven with wind, filled with fire, and suddenly I am awake.
Oh, yes, my heart recalls.
I am made for more than the everyday.
I am fashioned for eternity.
Sometimes it seems I hold a speck of it in my hand.
Not much at all, really.
Just enough to jolt me back to joy.
And once again I'm a dreamer with her eyes wide open.
I am constantly showered in encouragement from friends. I am able to talk with my parents in a realistic view point and share spiritual insight. I know what the human eye is sensitive to but am so thoroughly encouraged as to what the spiritual eye is in tune to.
I pray today: Lord, I thank You for Your goodness. I thank YOU in the midst of storms of this life and I am ever aware that NOTHING separates me from YOUR love. May I be keenly aware of all the good and wonderful things You have created.
When your heart wakes up...
The sky stretches out its arms in the early inky blue of spring, stars flung here and there, twinkling lights that wink above the trees.
My husband and I light the fire pit, pull up chairs next to each other, turn on music, remember how it feels after winter is over.
These moments--I shut my eyes, draw in a deep breath--try to capture them, keep them, like little glimpses of heaven.
And I believe again...
that life is good
God is close
and I am loved
It's not that I ever forget. I think sometimes I just stop paying attention. I fall asleep at the wheel of life. I stop hearing what's true, stop seeing what really matters, stop feeling like who I really am.
Then God sends along a night knit together, woven with wind, filled with fire, and suddenly I am awake.
Oh, yes, my heart recalls.
I am made for more than the everyday.
I am fashioned for eternity.
Sometimes it seems I hold a speck of it in my hand.
Not much at all, really.
Just enough to jolt me back to joy.
And once again I'm a dreamer with her eyes wide open.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Have you lost yourself?
How can we possibly succeed at being ourselves if we don't know who we are? It is sometimes easy to get lost in the maze of life. It seems everyone wants something or expects something from us. That puts pressure on us to meet the needs of others or live up to expectations of others. Have you ever noticed how much mental energy we put into the people who are important in our lives? We often attempt to become what they want us to be. In the midst of this, we fail to discover what God wants or what His intention is for us.
Have you ever tried to be like that creative friend? Or that mild, gentle pastor's wife? Or like that patient person who never angers? Or like the cake decorator? (that's my fave) Well, I want to tell you my friend, God created YOU to be unique, like no other, and that is a beautiful thing! He made you "wonderfully" and knew who and what you would be before you were ever in the womb. Our God is THAT big and THAT awesome. As long as I was trying to be busy being someone else, I was failing at everything.
I was once (and still struggle with this) insecure. There, you all know my "secret": I am insecure! Through this insecurity, I would say YES when I really meant NO. I allowed others to control me. I am a recovering "people pleaser". I never wanted anyone to be displeased with me and certainly never wanted to be rejected by anyone. By doing this, I allowed myself to conform to others' standards and not to what God had intended for me. I remember feeling so much pressure when people would ask me to do things that I didn't want to do; when in reality, it was my own fear of rejection that was creating that pressure.
I now know that my responsibility is to be what God has created me to be. I have to succeed at being ME. I have to confer with the Spirit to lead me where HE wants me to go and what HE wants me to do. Of course there are times in life we have to do things we are not fond of and we do things because we love people; but in doing so, we are walking in love for someones benefit or welfare. This is totally different from being controlled by other people's demands on us.
1 Cor. 15:41 The sun is glorious in one way, the moon is glorious in another way, and the stars are glorious in their own [distinctive] way; for one star differs from and surpasses another in its beauty and brilliance.
We are all different. God did this on purpose!! Each of us meets a need and that's part of His overall plan. When we struggle to be like others, we not only lose ourselves; we grieve the Holy Spirit. Different is OK; different is good.
Romans 12 tells us that we are to give ourselves to our gift. In other words, we are to find what we are good at and throw ourselves into it. For those of you who know me, I literally throw myself into what I like!! I enjoy this. I now accept that God has given me gifts and I am thankful. I want to encourage you in your potential not your limitations.
Through finding differences in people, I am finding how to celebrate those differences! Through this celebration, I am finding how to accept people. We should be free to accept ourselves and others without feeling like we need to compare or condemn. It is so often we judge others out of our own insecurities instead of celebrating that they are different. Secure people know God loves them and has a plan for them and are not threatened by the abilities of others. They enjoy what other people can do and what they can do.
Comparison and condemnation are worldly, not Godly. When I stand before God, He will not ask me why I wasn't like _________(fill in the blank). I don't want to hear Him say, "Why weren't you like Mandy?" I want to hear Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant..." (Matt. 25:23) I want to be able to say to God what Jesus said to Him in John 17:4: I have glorified You here on the earth by completing what You gave me to do.
Have you ever tried to be like that creative friend? Or that mild, gentle pastor's wife? Or like that patient person who never angers? Or like the cake decorator? (that's my fave) Well, I want to tell you my friend, God created YOU to be unique, like no other, and that is a beautiful thing! He made you "wonderfully" and knew who and what you would be before you were ever in the womb. Our God is THAT big and THAT awesome. As long as I was trying to be busy being someone else, I was failing at everything.
I was once (and still struggle with this) insecure. There, you all know my "secret": I am insecure! Through this insecurity, I would say YES when I really meant NO. I allowed others to control me. I am a recovering "people pleaser". I never wanted anyone to be displeased with me and certainly never wanted to be rejected by anyone. By doing this, I allowed myself to conform to others' standards and not to what God had intended for me. I remember feeling so much pressure when people would ask me to do things that I didn't want to do; when in reality, it was my own fear of rejection that was creating that pressure.
I now know that my responsibility is to be what God has created me to be. I have to succeed at being ME. I have to confer with the Spirit to lead me where HE wants me to go and what HE wants me to do. Of course there are times in life we have to do things we are not fond of and we do things because we love people; but in doing so, we are walking in love for someones benefit or welfare. This is totally different from being controlled by other people's demands on us.
1 Cor. 15:41 The sun is glorious in one way, the moon is glorious in another way, and the stars are glorious in their own [distinctive] way; for one star differs from and surpasses another in its beauty and brilliance.
We are all different. God did this on purpose!! Each of us meets a need and that's part of His overall plan. When we struggle to be like others, we not only lose ourselves; we grieve the Holy Spirit. Different is OK; different is good.
Romans 12 tells us that we are to give ourselves to our gift. In other words, we are to find what we are good at and throw ourselves into it. For those of you who know me, I literally throw myself into what I like!! I enjoy this. I now accept that God has given me gifts and I am thankful. I want to encourage you in your potential not your limitations.
Through finding differences in people, I am finding how to celebrate those differences! Through this celebration, I am finding how to accept people. We should be free to accept ourselves and others without feeling like we need to compare or condemn. It is so often we judge others out of our own insecurities instead of celebrating that they are different. Secure people know God loves them and has a plan for them and are not threatened by the abilities of others. They enjoy what other people can do and what they can do.
Comparison and condemnation are worldly, not Godly. When I stand before God, He will not ask me why I wasn't like _________(fill in the blank). I don't want to hear Him say, "Why weren't you like Mandy?" I want to hear Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant..." (Matt. 25:23) I want to be able to say to God what Jesus said to Him in John 17:4: I have glorified You here on the earth by completing what You gave me to do.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Why we need each other...
I am re posting this today. This is not my own writing but when I read it, I can SO relate. As in my pain of what all is happening in my own family, I set off for my friend's house yesterday afternoon. She welcomed me with OPEN arms and an OPEN heart. I lay on her shoulder and cried tears of pain for my family who is in pain. It sucks when we cannot FIX what needs to be well, but I believe it is a way that God says gently," You cannot replace ME nor can you do MY job."
Then after a reassuring visit to the hospital, I went to Bunco with my girlfriends. Refreshing. That's what it was. Just having hugs from friends and knowing they are praying for my family because they love.....
So, when I read this post this morning, I can relate. How about you?
Why we really do need each other...
The laughter rings like church bells around the table, calling me home. I fill a plate and slide into a seat. These faces, these women, have walked the hills and valleys with me.
We're not in a sanctuary (or are we?) but at a kitchen table. After a week of being snowed in and fighting the flu, my voice feels rusty from disuse.
We swap the usual questions, "How are you? What have you been up to?" Answers range from casual to confidential without a thought.
We are safe here.
The food on my plate slowly disappears. I find myself saying, "I feel full." And then I realize I'm not talking about the food at all.
I'm talking about my heart.
"You are the salt of the earth," said Jesus.
My world has felt a bit bland lately. Now I understand why. You see, when I struggle I sometimes do the opposite of what works best.
When Sharon left this comment on my post at (in)courage, I nodded in understanding:
I find myself asking God to help me remember the tiny moments, enjoying the detail of each one and enjoy it to the fullest. Resting in the moment and not getting over stressed about what I may see coming on the horizon. Not to sit on the couch…I am finding that the sitting on the couch is an enabler to my depression. To keep busy, focused on what matters, doesn’t give me time to wallow in self-pity and therefore I spend less time being overwhelmed and drowning in pools of depression.
When I'm hurting, I withdraw. When I do so my plate may not be as full but it sure isn't as satisfying either.
I'm learning how much I need the salt of my brothers and sisters--the salt of tears shed together, the salt of sweat when we work side by side, the salt of a smile cracked at just the right moment to make the world right again.
I need that salt even in (especially in?) my wounds.
That's how we heal.
I look up from being lost in my thoughts. My friends, these beautiful women from my church small group, have their elbows on the table, forks mid-air, sentences splitting the air with life. "Holley, aren't you going to eat the rest of your food? What are you thinking about?"
I lean across the table and smile.
Suddenly, I'm hungry for more.
Then after a reassuring visit to the hospital, I went to Bunco with my girlfriends. Refreshing. That's what it was. Just having hugs from friends and knowing they are praying for my family because they love.....
So, when I read this post this morning, I can relate. How about you?
Why we really do need each other...
The laughter rings like church bells around the table, calling me home. I fill a plate and slide into a seat. These faces, these women, have walked the hills and valleys with me.
We're not in a sanctuary (or are we?) but at a kitchen table. After a week of being snowed in and fighting the flu, my voice feels rusty from disuse.
We swap the usual questions, "How are you? What have you been up to?" Answers range from casual to confidential without a thought.
We are safe here.
The food on my plate slowly disappears. I find myself saying, "I feel full." And then I realize I'm not talking about the food at all.
I'm talking about my heart.
"You are the salt of the earth," said Jesus.
My world has felt a bit bland lately. Now I understand why. You see, when I struggle I sometimes do the opposite of what works best.
When Sharon left this comment on my post at (in)courage, I nodded in understanding:
I find myself asking God to help me remember the tiny moments, enjoying the detail of each one and enjoy it to the fullest. Resting in the moment and not getting over stressed about what I may see coming on the horizon. Not to sit on the couch…I am finding that the sitting on the couch is an enabler to my depression. To keep busy, focused on what matters, doesn’t give me time to wallow in self-pity and therefore I spend less time being overwhelmed and drowning in pools of depression.
When I'm hurting, I withdraw. When I do so my plate may not be as full but it sure isn't as satisfying either.
I'm learning how much I need the salt of my brothers and sisters--the salt of tears shed together, the salt of sweat when we work side by side, the salt of a smile cracked at just the right moment to make the world right again.
I need that salt even in (especially in?) my wounds.
That's how we heal.
I look up from being lost in my thoughts. My friends, these beautiful women from my church small group, have their elbows on the table, forks mid-air, sentences splitting the air with life. "Holley, aren't you going to eat the rest of your food? What are you thinking about?"
I lean across the table and smile.
Suddenly, I'm hungry for more.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Resting In Peace Now...
Peace is not the absence of problems, it is the presence of God. I can honestly tell you that I have more peace in my life today than I have ever had before. That does not mean that I have no problems or that I am free from any concerns; it simply means I am coming to know how to trust God. Trusting God in His sovereignty and trusting God that He is always looking for my best interest are two things that are becoming reality to me in my every day life. Thank YOU, Lord, for bringing me to places I never knew.
Primarily, I believe there are 3 robbers of our peace.
1. Pressures (deadlines, bills to pay, peer, etc)
2. Problems (sickness, loss of job, etc)
3. People (abuse, prodigal child, criticism, etc)
Just as sin robs you of your joy, worry robs you of your peace. For every second you spend in worry, you are robbing yourself of God's peace. When you TRULY give God your worries, He gives you His peace. The key word here is truly. We can say we do this and so many times, we allow ourselves to recapture that worry and take it back. I know all too well this to be true because so many times I do it myself.
Ways to go about having peace are found in Philippians, chapter 4.
Specifically, verse 3, Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
I know some people will say that it is easy for me to say that as I am not the one facing _____, fill in the blank. That is absolutely correct, I am not. BUT, I am not the one who says this; Paul is! Remember Paul is not free in the world here; he is in a dungeon prison, chained to a Roman soldier 24 hours a day living on bread and water, and nasty water at that, thinking every single day is his last day. He is facing a horrible death at any time and he knows this and is living with this while what? REJOICING, yes, rejoicing. I do not believe for one second this was an easy thing to do for Paul. I know it is hard to rejoice when we are facing cancer, job loss, abuse, a prodigal child....yet, Paul emphasizes the fact that we should rejoice.
I am also not implicating that we should rejoice that we have lost our job or that we are facing cancer or whatever your problem may be; I am saying that we are to rejoice IN THE LORD. He is always good even when our circumstances are not. You can always rejoice in the greatness of God, in the grace of the Lord.
Philippians 4:5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Relax. I take this meaning of near to be next to as in space, not near as in time. So to know that our Creator is always near us is more comfort than any words or instruction from any person. When others see you calm in the middle of a storm, they want to know why and how you can possibly be this way: Jesus near.
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
I have found that it is hard for me to worry when I am thanking God and praying. Every time we are confronted with a problem, a dilemma, I think it is an invitation to take it to God in prayer and for Him to grow us. It is certainly easy to thank Him in the good times but what I am going after here is that we don't necessarily thank God when things are good, we thank God because HE is good. I want to be the person who can look into the face of God and thank Him for bringing these problematic things to me, knowing I have been given the ability in Him to release them to Him because He cares for me and He has my best interest at heart. The closer I have become to the Father, the deeper and more intimate my prayer life has become. It is a time of refuge and of sweet consolation for me to be in fervent prayer. When I pray, I find it hard to worry. My cares are placed at the foot of the Cross and I am able to walk away KNOWING that I KNOW that He cares. This would be considered release. Release it to HIM.
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
This is the rest that God gives us IN HIM. This is peace. Like I said before, peace is not the absence of problems, it is the presence of God.
I pray that God's peace be with each one of you today and that you seek HIM in new and deeper ways. I pray that each one who reads this will have all doubt removed that God is good. Believe me, I have problems but I have a much bigger God than any problems I could ever face. Thank YOU, Lord, that YOU are able to handle them all and that YOU will work all things to the good for those of us who believe. May you all believe in HIS goodness today. In Jesus Holy Name....
Primarily, I believe there are 3 robbers of our peace.
1. Pressures (deadlines, bills to pay, peer, etc)
2. Problems (sickness, loss of job, etc)
3. People (abuse, prodigal child, criticism, etc)
Just as sin robs you of your joy, worry robs you of your peace. For every second you spend in worry, you are robbing yourself of God's peace. When you TRULY give God your worries, He gives you His peace. The key word here is truly. We can say we do this and so many times, we allow ourselves to recapture that worry and take it back. I know all too well this to be true because so many times I do it myself.
Ways to go about having peace are found in Philippians, chapter 4.
Specifically, verse 3, Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
I know some people will say that it is easy for me to say that as I am not the one facing _____, fill in the blank. That is absolutely correct, I am not. BUT, I am not the one who says this; Paul is! Remember Paul is not free in the world here; he is in a dungeon prison, chained to a Roman soldier 24 hours a day living on bread and water, and nasty water at that, thinking every single day is his last day. He is facing a horrible death at any time and he knows this and is living with this while what? REJOICING, yes, rejoicing. I do not believe for one second this was an easy thing to do for Paul. I know it is hard to rejoice when we are facing cancer, job loss, abuse, a prodigal child....yet, Paul emphasizes the fact that we should rejoice.
I am also not implicating that we should rejoice that we have lost our job or that we are facing cancer or whatever your problem may be; I am saying that we are to rejoice IN THE LORD. He is always good even when our circumstances are not. You can always rejoice in the greatness of God, in the grace of the Lord.
Philippians 4:5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Relax. I take this meaning of near to be next to as in space, not near as in time. So to know that our Creator is always near us is more comfort than any words or instruction from any person. When others see you calm in the middle of a storm, they want to know why and how you can possibly be this way: Jesus near.
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
I have found that it is hard for me to worry when I am thanking God and praying. Every time we are confronted with a problem, a dilemma, I think it is an invitation to take it to God in prayer and for Him to grow us. It is certainly easy to thank Him in the good times but what I am going after here is that we don't necessarily thank God when things are good, we thank God because HE is good. I want to be the person who can look into the face of God and thank Him for bringing these problematic things to me, knowing I have been given the ability in Him to release them to Him because He cares for me and He has my best interest at heart. The closer I have become to the Father, the deeper and more intimate my prayer life has become. It is a time of refuge and of sweet consolation for me to be in fervent prayer. When I pray, I find it hard to worry. My cares are placed at the foot of the Cross and I am able to walk away KNOWING that I KNOW that He cares. This would be considered release. Release it to HIM.
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
This is the rest that God gives us IN HIM. This is peace. Like I said before, peace is not the absence of problems, it is the presence of God.
I pray that God's peace be with each one of you today and that you seek HIM in new and deeper ways. I pray that each one who reads this will have all doubt removed that God is good. Believe me, I have problems but I have a much bigger God than any problems I could ever face. Thank YOU, Lord, that YOU are able to handle them all and that YOU will work all things to the good for those of us who believe. May you all believe in HIS goodness today. In Jesus Holy Name....
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Setting Your Captives Free: Forgiveness
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. ~Ephesians 4:32~
Forgiveness is the gift we all want to receive but so often we find it hard to give. It is not easy to forgive. Yet, I believe in forgiveness is revival and freedom. When we repent, God mercifully forgives us and releases us from our debt. He did this through the high price of His Son's death on a wooden cross. We are called to forgive others because we received His forgiveness. When we are able to release our offenders, we find the key to unlock the door of our own hearts and that sets us free to experience peace and joy.
We have all been and we will all be hurt or offended at some point in life. The Word doesn't say you MIGHT suffer, it says WHEN you suffer. So, in saying that, we will never totally avoid being hurt or wronged by others. Therefore, we cannot avoid the need to forgive others. If you ask: how many times should I forgive? Matthew 18:22 says seventy times seven. We must be willing to forgive the same person time and time again. Forgiveness unlimited.
I do not believe that forgiveness equals trust, by the way. I think this is an important step in learning the forgiveness process. Forgiving someone does not mean we are to run back and ask for more. It does not mean we forget and allow the same things to happen to us time and again. Trust is a another subject (maybe a future topic?).
I think about the story of Joseph. He was a classic example of being wronged, and by his own family, of all things. Aren't we supposed to be able to rely on family? Well, that is not necessarily the case. We all know someone or it might be you personally, who has had a horrible family life. If this is you, I am so sorry. Back to Joseph, he did not look to someone to blame nor did he seek revenge. Joseph knew God was in control of his life all along and was able to see the hand of God in times of adversity as well as prosperity. He realized that the purposess of God were much greater than his personal comfort. I KNOW that suffering is not comfortable. But, like Joseph, I want to able to forgive and bless those who have mistreated me. I cannot do this on my own; it is only through the strength of Christ in me. The Word is very clear that we are forgiven AS we forgive others. I know all the wrongs in my own life and I want to receive the forgiveness God extends.
Letting the offender off YOUR hook does not mean they are off of God's hook. Forgiveness involves transferring the prisoner over to the ONE who is able and responsible for carrying out justice. It relieves us of the burden and responsibility to hold them in prison ourselves. That is freedom. Just a little something to think about: would I be willing for God to deal with me in the same way that I want to see my offender dealt with?
Be assured that if you are willing to walk into the pain, God will go there with you. Hard as it may be to forgive those who have sinned against you, you will experience great freedom as you choose to obey God, by His grace. In obedience to Him is great joy!!!
Forgiveness is the gift we all want to receive but so often we find it hard to give. It is not easy to forgive. Yet, I believe in forgiveness is revival and freedom. When we repent, God mercifully forgives us and releases us from our debt. He did this through the high price of His Son's death on a wooden cross. We are called to forgive others because we received His forgiveness. When we are able to release our offenders, we find the key to unlock the door of our own hearts and that sets us free to experience peace and joy.
We have all been and we will all be hurt or offended at some point in life. The Word doesn't say you MIGHT suffer, it says WHEN you suffer. So, in saying that, we will never totally avoid being hurt or wronged by others. Therefore, we cannot avoid the need to forgive others. If you ask: how many times should I forgive? Matthew 18:22 says seventy times seven. We must be willing to forgive the same person time and time again. Forgiveness unlimited.
I do not believe that forgiveness equals trust, by the way. I think this is an important step in learning the forgiveness process. Forgiving someone does not mean we are to run back and ask for more. It does not mean we forget and allow the same things to happen to us time and again. Trust is a another subject (maybe a future topic?).
I think about the story of Joseph. He was a classic example of being wronged, and by his own family, of all things. Aren't we supposed to be able to rely on family? Well, that is not necessarily the case. We all know someone or it might be you personally, who has had a horrible family life. If this is you, I am so sorry. Back to Joseph, he did not look to someone to blame nor did he seek revenge. Joseph knew God was in control of his life all along and was able to see the hand of God in times of adversity as well as prosperity. He realized that the purposess of God were much greater than his personal comfort. I KNOW that suffering is not comfortable. But, like Joseph, I want to able to forgive and bless those who have mistreated me. I cannot do this on my own; it is only through the strength of Christ in me. The Word is very clear that we are forgiven AS we forgive others. I know all the wrongs in my own life and I want to receive the forgiveness God extends.
Letting the offender off YOUR hook does not mean they are off of God's hook. Forgiveness involves transferring the prisoner over to the ONE who is able and responsible for carrying out justice. It relieves us of the burden and responsibility to hold them in prison ourselves. That is freedom. Just a little something to think about: would I be willing for God to deal with me in the same way that I want to see my offender dealt with?
Be assured that if you are willing to walk into the pain, God will go there with you. Hard as it may be to forgive those who have sinned against you, you will experience great freedom as you choose to obey God, by His grace. In obedience to Him is great joy!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)