"17 There I will make a horn grow for David;
I have prepared a lamp for My anointed one.
18 I will clothe his enemies with shame,
but the crown he wears will be glorious." Psalm 132:17-18 HCSB
Have you ever been in this situation--someone that you were close to--suddenly ends the relationship and then you hear that this person or persons may be spreading rumors about you. How do you feel? Betrayed? Caught off-guard? You can't wrap yourself around the reason why. How could this person or persons do this to me? I am so hurt! What is your first response? Deny the rumors? Confront that person or persons? Respond back in like manner? Get even? Revenge.
All of these responses are normal--but we aren't normal are we? We, as Christians, need to rise above what our carnal nature wants us to do. The Bible is full of carnal responses by Godly men, but there is also Godly examples of how to respond.
The one that comes to me of course involves Jesus. Jesus picks His 12 disciples. His closest friends. He knew each and every one of their flaws and strengths. Maybe He even chose them on purpose because of those strengths and flaws. But the one that sticks out to me is Judas. Jesus knew that Judas was going to betray Him. It was part of God's plan. At one point, Jesus even tells Judas that he was going to betray Him. Then in Matthew 26:50 NIV, "as the soldiers come to the garden to arrest Jesus, Judas said, 'Greetings Rabbi!' and kissed Him. Jesus replied, 'Friend, do what you came for.'"
Brothers and sisters, what an example of how to respond! Of agape forgiveness. Coupled with the above verses, don't you see? When you feel unfairly treated, you don't need to worry. Your Father covers you. Your Father will make sure that your wrongs will be made right. That your enemies are the ones that will be covered in shame--not you. As long--you must remember this--as long as you stay above the norm, the carnal. He will make your crown shine bright.
So, what should you do? You need to prayerfully give your thoughts, initial reactions to your Heavenly Father. Pray for His gracious and agape spirit to cover and fill you.Spilling out into your world. Bringing honor to Him and His name as you are representing Him.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Places
“'Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
wisdom and power are his.
21 He changes times and seasons;
he deposes kings and raises up others.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.
22 He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what lies in darkness,
and light dwells with him.
23 I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors:
You have given me wisdom and power,
you have made known to me what we asked of you,
you have made known to us the dream of the king.'” Daniel 2:20-23 NIV
When I was praying over the Bible, asking God what truth He wanted you to have today, He led me to this. And to be honest,I'm not sure why. But this is what He said to my spirit. He said that these verses will meet you, whomever you are, where you are.
If you are in the place that you just want and need to praise your God, as Daniel did, all four verses do that, but especially verses 20 & 23.
If you are in a place that is not good and you feel like you have been there for eternity, He gives you hope in verse 21.
If you are in need or desiring wisdom or words of knowledge, the last half of verse 21 meets you there.
If you are in a dark place where you don't want to be or should not be, verse 22 lets you know that He is even there, in those dark places, shining light, giving you a way out.
So please, I'm not going to tell you how to do it, but I would encourage you to just sit, pray and meditate over these verses--asking the Lord how He wants to use them to meet you today. To please have what He wants revealed to you, revealed to you.
'"Be still and know that I am God..."' Psalm 46:10 NIV
wisdom and power are his.
21 He changes times and seasons;
he deposes kings and raises up others.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.
22 He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what lies in darkness,
and light dwells with him.
23 I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors:
You have given me wisdom and power,
you have made known to me what we asked of you,
you have made known to us the dream of the king.'” Daniel 2:20-23 NIV
When I was praying over the Bible, asking God what truth He wanted you to have today, He led me to this. And to be honest,I'm not sure why. But this is what He said to my spirit. He said that these verses will meet you, whomever you are, where you are.
If you are in the place that you just want and need to praise your God, as Daniel did, all four verses do that, but especially verses 20 & 23.
If you are in a place that is not good and you feel like you have been there for eternity, He gives you hope in verse 21.
If you are in need or desiring wisdom or words of knowledge, the last half of verse 21 meets you there.
If you are in a dark place where you don't want to be or should not be, verse 22 lets you know that He is even there, in those dark places, shining light, giving you a way out.
So please, I'm not going to tell you how to do it, but I would encourage you to just sit, pray and meditate over these verses--asking the Lord how He wants to use them to meet you today. To please have what He wants revealed to you, revealed to you.
'"Be still and know that I am God..."' Psalm 46:10 NIV
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
In God I Trust
"14 Wait for the LORD;
be courageous and let your heart be strong.
Wait for the LORD." Psalm 27:14 HCSB
Well, I have to confess something. Yesterday I had to go on a 10 hour road trip and I usually bring our youngest with me. Not only for company, but it is also a our special one-on-one time. As you can imagine, a 10 year old can have a lot to say when he has his mother's undivided attention for 10 hours.
Anyway, Joey had gone to bed with the sniffles, so when I woke him up, I wasn't sure that he was up to going. And I was torn. I didn't want to go alone, but the mother in me said, Hello! You aren't going to be selfish and force him to go are you? Seriously!
Well, as God always does, He met me where I needed to be met. He had the above verse come before me--be courageous and let your heart be strong. Wait for (or in my heart, I thought upon) the Lord. Wow! What timing!
But in the moment of joyfulness, my spirit was checked. What was I putting my security in? The presence of my 10 year old son or the holy presence of my Heavenly Father? Once I got the verse, I was able to release the sadness and disappointment of this possible missed time with Joey.
I share this story in hopes that it helps you to grasp this verse. Our God, our Heavenly Father, is big. He is BIGGER than anything--no matter how large or small--that could ever discourage, frighten or dishearten you.
With Him and in Him, you can overcome anything. With Him and in Him, you can gather all the strength and courage you will ever need!
So, I challenge you--Who or what are you putting your strength and courage into? As you can see--like my situation yesterday--it doesn't have to be a great big major situation. It could just be something small and everydayish. But, we need to put ALL things and situations under the Lord's coverage.
Our God is SO MIGHTY!
"The Lord is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.
My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song." Psalm 28:7 NIV
be courageous and let your heart be strong.
Wait for the LORD." Psalm 27:14 HCSB
Well, I have to confess something. Yesterday I had to go on a 10 hour road trip and I usually bring our youngest with me. Not only for company, but it is also a our special one-on-one time. As you can imagine, a 10 year old can have a lot to say when he has his mother's undivided attention for 10 hours.
Anyway, Joey had gone to bed with the sniffles, so when I woke him up, I wasn't sure that he was up to going. And I was torn. I didn't want to go alone, but the mother in me said, Hello! You aren't going to be selfish and force him to go are you? Seriously!
Well, as God always does, He met me where I needed to be met. He had the above verse come before me--be courageous and let your heart be strong. Wait for (or in my heart, I thought upon) the Lord. Wow! What timing!
But in the moment of joyfulness, my spirit was checked. What was I putting my security in? The presence of my 10 year old son or the holy presence of my Heavenly Father? Once I got the verse, I was able to release the sadness and disappointment of this possible missed time with Joey.
I share this story in hopes that it helps you to grasp this verse. Our God, our Heavenly Father, is big. He is BIGGER than anything--no matter how large or small--that could ever discourage, frighten or dishearten you.
With Him and in Him, you can overcome anything. With Him and in Him, you can gather all the strength and courage you will ever need!
So, I challenge you--Who or what are you putting your strength and courage into? As you can see--like my situation yesterday--it doesn't have to be a great big major situation. It could just be something small and everydayish. But, we need to put ALL things and situations under the Lord's coverage.
Our God is SO MIGHTY!
"The Lord is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.
My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song." Psalm 28:7 NIV
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Unfailing Love
"Come and listen, all you who fear God,
and I will tell you what he did for me.
For I cried out to him for help,
praising him as I spoke.
If I had not confessed the sin in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened.
But God did listen!
He paid attention to my prayer.
Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer
or withdraw his unfailing love from me." Psalm 66:16-20 NLT
What a great statement of encouragement and hope!
God listens to us and acts, when we pray to him. The fact that God heard and acted on the psalmist behalf resulted in praise and joy.
Notice the progression of the above scripture. The psalmist is speaking to those that fear or reverently respect the Lord. A relationship with God is possible through his son Jesus. Do you have a respect for God?
Next the writer called out to God for help. He recognized his need and was humble enough to cry out to God. While the psalmist was crying out for help, he was also praising God. What a combination. Realizing your tremendous need and his tremendous grace and love.
Confession played a key role in answered prayer. Notice the psalmist did not cover over the fact that there was sin in his life. He admitted his fault and trusted God to forgive him.
We can have a life giving relationship with the God who loves us, and blesses us. It is his character to care for his children. Acceptance of his grace and a healthy reverence of God are keys to obtaining and sustaining your relationship with Jesus.
I hope this psalm helps you to walk in the reality of that relationship.
and I will tell you what he did for me.
For I cried out to him for help,
praising him as I spoke.
If I had not confessed the sin in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened.
But God did listen!
He paid attention to my prayer.
Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer
or withdraw his unfailing love from me." Psalm 66:16-20 NLT
What a great statement of encouragement and hope!
God listens to us and acts, when we pray to him. The fact that God heard and acted on the psalmist behalf resulted in praise and joy.
Notice the progression of the above scripture. The psalmist is speaking to those that fear or reverently respect the Lord. A relationship with God is possible through his son Jesus. Do you have a respect for God?
Next the writer called out to God for help. He recognized his need and was humble enough to cry out to God. While the psalmist was crying out for help, he was also praising God. What a combination. Realizing your tremendous need and his tremendous grace and love.
Confession played a key role in answered prayer. Notice the psalmist did not cover over the fact that there was sin in his life. He admitted his fault and trusted God to forgive him.
We can have a life giving relationship with the God who loves us, and blesses us. It is his character to care for his children. Acceptance of his grace and a healthy reverence of God are keys to obtaining and sustaining your relationship with Jesus.
I hope this psalm helps you to walk in the reality of that relationship.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Abide in His Word
"Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31,32 NKJV
Freedom. The heart cry of man. Wars are fought for freedom, money is paid for freedom, many wait for freedom.Jesus promises freedom from the power of sin and death. He offers deliverance from our hurts, habits, and hangups.
Notice the above progression of scripture. Jesus spoke to those who believed in him. It is impossible to receive a life in Christ without faith. We all put our faith in someone or something. Jesus said to those that believe in him, he will give everlasting life and favor with God.
Next is abiding in the word of God. Abide, is a word that we do not use very much. It means, to dwell, remain, and continue. The psalmist wrote;
" Your word is a lamp to guide my feet
and a light for my path." Psalms 119:105 NLT
A key to freedom is to not simply visit God's word, the Bible. But to abide in his word.
The Holy Spirit helps us understand and apply God's word to our life, giving us strength for today and hope for tomorrow. The Holy Spirit leads us into the truth of God's word. We are bombarded with lies. We need the word of God to set us free.
Believe in Jesus. Abide in his word. Receive freedom!
Freedom. The heart cry of man. Wars are fought for freedom, money is paid for freedom, many wait for freedom.Jesus promises freedom from the power of sin and death. He offers deliverance from our hurts, habits, and hangups.
Notice the above progression of scripture. Jesus spoke to those who believed in him. It is impossible to receive a life in Christ without faith. We all put our faith in someone or something. Jesus said to those that believe in him, he will give everlasting life and favor with God.
Next is abiding in the word of God. Abide, is a word that we do not use very much. It means, to dwell, remain, and continue. The psalmist wrote;
" Your word is a lamp to guide my feet
and a light for my path." Psalms 119:105 NLT
A key to freedom is to not simply visit God's word, the Bible. But to abide in his word.
The Holy Spirit helps us understand and apply God's word to our life, giving us strength for today and hope for tomorrow. The Holy Spirit leads us into the truth of God's word. We are bombarded with lies. We need the word of God to set us free.
Believe in Jesus. Abide in his word. Receive freedom!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Battle Cry!
Announce this to the godless nations:
Prepare for battle!
Soldiers at attention!
Present arms! Advance!
Turn your shovels into swords,
turn your hoes into spears.
Let the weak one throw out his chest
and say, "I'm tough, I'm a fighter."
Hurry up, pagans! Wherever you are, get a move on!
Get your act together.
Prepare to be
shattered by God! Joel 3:9-11 MSG
Do you ever feel like you are in a war? Whenever you are trying to do right, you are drown with wrongness. When you make strides into freedom from fears, habits, hang-ups and hurts, all of a sudden--BANG!--you get hammered with a fresh line of blows to your area of infant strength growth.
Seriously, be honest--do you ever just get tired fighting? I do. Do you ever just want to make a fist and shake at Satan, yelling, "Just leave me alone, you big bully!?" I have. I'm not proud of those feelings, but I need to be honest and if I am, maybe you can too. I get ever so weary of "fighting the good fight." Of trying to rise above. To, as in my case, conquer my self insecurities--have my moment of feeling such peace and oneness with my God and fellowman--only to have that moment taken away by Satan.
But thankfully our God is a god full of grace and He gives us little gifts along the way. For example, just like today, the Lord gave me this verse which encourages me with this thought. Life--true, everlasting life--is a battle. And while I may get tired of having to be on top of it all the time, it's the price I pay.
It may be wearying to have to just "know" the truth and cling to it--but at least we have the truth to cling to. We are blessed to have the trinity--Father, Son & Holy Spirit to share the battle scars with. At least we have the armor of the Bible to protect our hearts, minds and souls. And the gift of prayer, when it just gets too much and we need to cry out.
Brothers and sisters, we cannot give up the good fight. For if we did, where would we be? Where would our world be? We do NOT want the evil one to win. After all, Jesus fought the ultimate fight for us--and that should be encouragement enough for a lifetime, don't you think?
Prepare for battle!
Soldiers at attention!
Present arms! Advance!
Turn your shovels into swords,
turn your hoes into spears.
Let the weak one throw out his chest
and say, "I'm tough, I'm a fighter."
Hurry up, pagans! Wherever you are, get a move on!
Get your act together.
Prepare to be
shattered by God! Joel 3:9-11 MSG
Do you ever feel like you are in a war? Whenever you are trying to do right, you are drown with wrongness. When you make strides into freedom from fears, habits, hang-ups and hurts, all of a sudden--BANG!--you get hammered with a fresh line of blows to your area of infant strength growth.
Seriously, be honest--do you ever just get tired fighting? I do. Do you ever just want to make a fist and shake at Satan, yelling, "Just leave me alone, you big bully!?" I have. I'm not proud of those feelings, but I need to be honest and if I am, maybe you can too. I get ever so weary of "fighting the good fight." Of trying to rise above. To, as in my case, conquer my self insecurities--have my moment of feeling such peace and oneness with my God and fellowman--only to have that moment taken away by Satan.
But thankfully our God is a god full of grace and He gives us little gifts along the way. For example, just like today, the Lord gave me this verse which encourages me with this thought. Life--true, everlasting life--is a battle. And while I may get tired of having to be on top of it all the time, it's the price I pay.
It may be wearying to have to just "know" the truth and cling to it--but at least we have the truth to cling to. We are blessed to have the trinity--Father, Son & Holy Spirit to share the battle scars with. At least we have the armor of the Bible to protect our hearts, minds and souls. And the gift of prayer, when it just gets too much and we need to cry out.
Brothers and sisters, we cannot give up the good fight. For if we did, where would we be? Where would our world be? We do NOT want the evil one to win. After all, Jesus fought the ultimate fight for us--and that should be encouragement enough for a lifetime, don't you think?
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Purposeful Gleaning
23 Be glad, people of Zion,
rejoice at what the Lord your God has done for you.
He has given you the right amount of autumn rain;
he has poured down the winter rain for you
and the spring rain as before.
24 The threshing places will be full of grain;
the pits beside the presses will overflow with wine and olive oil.
Joel 2:23-24 GNT
Sometimes we look at the glass as half empty--when we should look at it half full. Our God is such a gracious God that even when we deserve to be punished, He always brings us back with grace. He always blesses us more than we could ever bless Him.
When we are going through times of trial, it may seem like years have gone by with no break from the turmoil. But oh, to the contrary, my dear friend. Our God has used our turmoil for our own growth. He has used it to make something that wasn't what it could be, to make it what it should be.
When you read these above verses, I have a request--first, pray over them. Then secondly, please break them down, verse by verse, and glean from them what the Lord wants you to glean. You may be surprised what insight you'll receive when you are purposeful with your gleaning. And then share that insight with someone that you trust. What a difference it'll make!
rejoice at what the Lord your God has done for you.
He has given you the right amount of autumn rain;
he has poured down the winter rain for you
and the spring rain as before.
24 The threshing places will be full of grain;
the pits beside the presses will overflow with wine and olive oil.
Joel 2:23-24 GNT
Sometimes we look at the glass as half empty--when we should look at it half full. Our God is such a gracious God that even when we deserve to be punished, He always brings us back with grace. He always blesses us more than we could ever bless Him.
When we are going through times of trial, it may seem like years have gone by with no break from the turmoil. But oh, to the contrary, my dear friend. Our God has used our turmoil for our own growth. He has used it to make something that wasn't what it could be, to make it what it should be.
When you read these above verses, I have a request--first, pray over them. Then secondly, please break them down, verse by verse, and glean from them what the Lord wants you to glean. You may be surprised what insight you'll receive when you are purposeful with your gleaning. And then share that insight with someone that you trust. What a difference it'll make!
Monday, October 10, 2011
Freedom
"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:36 NLT
I love the truth of this verse. In Christ Jesus we have complete freedom from sin, the power of death, the devil, and victory over our hurts, habits and hang ups. The key to this truth is that the freedom and victory come from Christ. It is His doing. He does in us and through us what we cannot do for ourselves. We submit our lives to Him. He releases grace into our lives.
When we come to Jesus for freedom, we must believe that He can and will set us free. I have overcome porn, alcohol and drug addiction, and various other bondages. Each time I was very aware of my inability to have victory on my own strength. I was convinced that Jesus could and would set me free. I needed to want to be free, and release myself into His care.
How about you? What bondage needs to be broken in your life? Give it completely to Jesus. It's great to be free!
I love the truth of this verse. In Christ Jesus we have complete freedom from sin, the power of death, the devil, and victory over our hurts, habits and hang ups. The key to this truth is that the freedom and victory come from Christ. It is His doing. He does in us and through us what we cannot do for ourselves. We submit our lives to Him. He releases grace into our lives.
When we come to Jesus for freedom, we must believe that He can and will set us free. I have overcome porn, alcohol and drug addiction, and various other bondages. Each time I was very aware of my inability to have victory on my own strength. I was convinced that Jesus could and would set me free. I needed to want to be free, and release myself into His care.
How about you? What bondage needs to be broken in your life? Give it completely to Jesus. It's great to be free!
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