RSS

Monthly Archives: October 2011

My God is My Portion – Psalm 73:26

26 Oct

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26

God is my portion

Maybe you’ve noticed, I like food. I have already admitted I’m fat and that I struggle with eating the right amount of the right things. One of the things the book “Made to Crave” and my Over eaters Anonymous books both mention is keeping your focus on God. As God does, He often beats me over the head with the concepts I seem to be absorbing a bit slowly. Recently I have been finding verses from scripture that call God my portion. I’m into portions, so this peaked my interest.

How is God my Portion? 

What does portion mean?

por·tion

n.

1. A section or quantity within a larger thing; a part of a whole.
2. A part separated from a whole.
3. A part that is allotted to a person or group, as:

a. A helping of food.
b. The part of an estate received by an heir.
c. A woman’s dowry.
4. A person’s lot or fate.
tr.v. por·tioned, por·tion·ing, por·tions

1. To divide into parts or shares for distribution; parcel.
2. To provide with a share, inheritance, or dowry.

Looking at these definitions, I see God being my portion as a combination of a few of these.
Definition 3 –  A part that is alloted to a person or group. This can be food or an inheritance. Obviously for this food obsessed girl the idea that God is my food portion peaked my interest. It’s not that I eat God. Though I do consume His word and I do come to the Lord’s table for communion. The truth is He is the portion that satisfies. He is what soothes my soul. He is the answer to all the reasons I’m eating when I shouldn’t. Sad – don’t eat – turn to God. He satisfies. Mad – don’t eat – turn to God. He calms your temper. Embarrassed – don’t eat – turn to God. He Loves You. Nervous – don’t eat – turn to God. He will be your strength. Whether a portion of food or an inheritance, God is my portion. He is what satisfies.

God is my fate
One of the other meanings of portion is “a person’s lot or fate”. Now, if this is the definition that we are to take from the scriptures that call God my portion, I’m good with that too. He is my fate. He is my destiny. Because of Him, I will spend eternity in heaven.

Bring Him your best portion
In scripture, the word portion is also often used in reference to offerings people bring to the altar. There are instructions to bring our best portions to the Lord. Bring our best, because God deserves no less than our very best. I’m sure that one of the meanings as God as our portion is reference to the fact that He is the sacrificial offering that solidifies our eternal life. He is our portion. Jesus was sacrificed, our portion, to pay forever and finally for our sins. Because I have been forgiven by His actions, I now have a portion, an inheritance I didn’t deserve, but I’m very grateful to have.

Have you felt the satisfaction that having God as your portion can bring?
 
6 Comments

Posted by on October 26, 2011 in God is My Portion, Psalm

 

Tags: , , , , ,

My God is … My Joy – Psalm 4:7-8

18 Oct

You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and new wine abound. I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, LORD, make me live in safety. Psalm 4:7-8

God is my Joy

I’m reading a book called “Made to Crave“. It’s a book about getting your focus off of food and on to Christ. About satisfying your desires with God. This book is really good, and I feel it’s really reinforcing a lot of what the Lord is trying to transform in me right now.

I’m Fat

It’s the sad truth. I have often self medicated my feelings and thoughts with the comfort of food. Using the endorphin rush to help me not have to feel whatever I was avoiding. The Lord has been putting a lot of information in front of me lately about focusing on Him instead of food (like the grain and new wine in Psalm 4). Through this book, OA (overeaters anonymous) and Bible Study, I feel the Lord making a big transformation in me. Helping me to take my focus off of food and put it where it needs to be – on Jesus. He’s the one who will put more joy in my heart.

Come after me

On Sunday, one of our pastors did a message on Luke 9:23 – “And He was saying to them all, ‘If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.'” This was an amazing message. He focused on the very first part of that verse. If any one wishes to come after me. He talked about being in pursuit of God, like we are in pursuit of our first love. Thinking about them at all times, wondering what we could do to get their attention. It spoke to me. I was always a bit boy crazy. I worked hard at getting the boy I liked to like me. Looking my best, being nice to him, spending time with him. Do I do that with my Lord? If I did pursue God that way, would I have a problem with my eating? Would many of my sins survive that kind of singular focus on my Lord?

Attention Seeking

I want the attention of my husband. When I don’t get it, I’m embarrassed to say I don’t behave very well. I’ll do almost anything to have a few extra minutes with my hubby. I find ways to spend more time with him, invite him out to dinner, do the dishes so he won’t and will hang with the family in the living room. Whatever I can do to spend that time with him, I’m likely to do. This week we’re spending some time apart. He’s at a conference, and I’m home with the rest of my family. I was concerned about this, because I’m more likely to overeat when I’m alone or lonely. So I brought it up to my counselor, and she asked, what if you spend that time you would have spent with your husband with God. It was one more piece to the puzzle. One more way the Lord was showing me I need to put my focus back on him, to come after him as it said in Luke 9:23.

In hot pursuit

I’m going to work on spending this time away from my husband as a boot camp for being in pursuit of the Lord. I’m going to set aside more time to spend with Him. Talk to Him about my day. Ask Him how to handle situations, and rely on Him more. I want to deny myself, pick up my cross and follow Him.

Are you in hot pursuit of God?

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on October 18, 2011 in God is My Joy, Psalm

 

Tags: , , , , , , ,

My God is … the one who sanctifies

13 Oct

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4:11-16

I am Sanctified

I don’t know if your church talks a lot about being sanctified or not. Maybe they talk about it, but don’t give it the name Sanctified. Being sanctified means that you’re set apart by God to do His will.

God Sanctifies

For me, one who is dealing everyday with her sinfulness, the best part of God being the one who sanctifies is that I’m not responsible for it. It’s a gift and a calling, but the Lord is the one doing it. As part of the body of Christ, I can rest assured that the Lord has a plan and is transforming and sanctifying me for His will. I get to be a part of His will in spite of making stupid decisions, bad words and unkind actions.

Sanctification Changes You

Being sanctified by God changes you. As you’re transformed, you’re called to turn away from your old ways and the Lord is working to help you avoid temptations, pitfalls and frustrations. As we learn to lean more on Him, we can be sure transformation is coming. No longer will we want to hold on to our old sins, but be sanctified to be a useful part of His plan, working to further His kingdom.

Do you feel the Lord sanctifying you?

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on October 13, 2011 in Ephesians, My God is the one who sanctifies

 

Tags: , , , , , ,

My God is…My Intercessor Job 16:19-21

11 Oct

Even now my witness is in heaven; my advocate is on high. My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God; on behalf of a man he pleads with God as one pleads for a friend. Job 16: 19-21

God is my intercessor

I don’t always say the right thing. In fact, sometimes I put my foot in it (right Jenny?). Friends who know me well know I’m quick with my words, and that has also led me to be quick with apologies. That’s because when you speak without thinking, you have to apologize a lot.

When I talk to God I don’t apologize

The beauty of talking to God is that I don’t get misunderstood. I have the Holy Spirit interceding for me, making it clear, concise and coherent. At times I think the Holy Spirit is acting like a TV censor, cutting out all my bad words and offensive language. I don’t have to apologize for having the wrong words, the Holy Spirit has my back.

It’s like on a recent episode of Big Bang Theory. Raj, who normally can’t talk to girls much less date them is introduced to a woman who is deaf and communicates through sign language. His friend is their interpreter. Raj however is not saying anything that would be appropriate to tell a girl. His friend, edits and changes what Raj says into what he means.

I think that’s how it must be for the Holy Spirit. He’s probably saying to God the Father, “What Jill meant to say was….”. The Holy Spirit is a much better intercessor than Raj’s friend though. The Holy Spirit keeps the message the same, but improves it. Sometimes He even translates our thoughts, when we are unable to put our feelings into words. It’s amazing to have someone be able to translate for you in such a way!

When words fail me

Sometimes I don’t know what I need. I don’t know what to ask. I don’t know the words. The Holy Spirit does and intercedes for me with the Father. Making sure my message is received.

How does it make you feel to know you have someone interceding on your behalf?

 

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on October 11, 2011 in God is my Intercessor

 

Tags: , , , , , ,

My God is … My Shepherd Psalm 23

06 Oct

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 
 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, 
he leads me beside quiet waters, 
 3 he refreshes my soul. 
He guides me along the right paths 
   for his name’s sake. 
4 Even though I walk 
   through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil, 
   for you are with me; 
your rod and your staff, 
   they comfort me.

 5 You prepare a table before me 
   in the presence of my enemies. 
You anoint my head with oil; 
   my cup overflows. 
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me 
   all the days of my life, 
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD 
   forever. Psalm 23

Do I believe Psalm 23?

Even if I believe it, do I live like I believe it? Let’s look a little closer at this very familiar Psalm.

The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing. 

It’s true. Never in my life have I lacked what was really needed, hope. God gives me hope. No matter how bad things are getting in my personal life, My Lord has a greater promise for me. Eventually I will end up with Him in Heaven, and these temporary troubles will be remembered no more.

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 

This verse is especially meaningful to me. I’m currently going through quite a transformation. God is changing me. Sometimes it seems fast, sometimes it feels slow. Since my move to Oregon, I feel like the Lord is calling me to take off some old hurts, some insecurities and to move on to truly living in His Grace. I’ve opened myself up to change, asked for forgiveness from those I haven’t always treated so well (yes, that’s you mom) and have started to give Him control over something I thought was out of everyone’s reach… my eating.He is refreshing my soul. Scary what’s next, because I have a feeling with this blessed transformation comes responsibility. We’ll see where I end up with that! Should be an interesting ride.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

To be honest, this is an area I still need to work on. Overcoming fear. Living Boldly because He is with me . Have I not commanded you? “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 God is commanding us to be strong and courageous. I need to step out of my box a bit more. How about you?

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 

I don’t know about you, but I’m not that excited to have a table next to my enemies. But in reality, I think this is more about the Lord taking us under His protection, keeping us from our enemies evil plans. I pray I don’t have enemies like that, but I’ve not always been bright, so I may not be aware of all the wrongs I’ve committed. Lord forgive me for those. The Lord has blessed me beyond all measure. I have a mug with my name on it, and the Christian meaning of my name. It’s a mug that is generally smaller than the other mugs in our home. When my husband brought me a cup of tea in it, it was right to the rim. He handed it to me and said your cup overfloweth! My cup – my name on it. It is truly overflowing. Not just with tea, but with blessings. I have too many to write them all here. I’m guessing if you started listing them you’d have a lot too.

In a book called Pivot, by Dr. Zimmerman, he tells us how one small change in attitude can lead to success. I love this book. I really think it’s worth reading. One of the first things he has you do is list your blessings. That exercise took a lot longer than I expected, each blessing I listed made me think of two or three more. If i remember correctly, I stopped out of exhaustion, not material.

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

It is an amazing blessing to hear this promise. To know God’s love will follow me all the days of my life, and even into the afterlife. I’m truly blessed.

What are some of your blessings? Is your cup running over?

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on October 6, 2011 in God is my Shepherd, Psalm

 

Tags: , , , , , ,

My God is … A Healer Psalm 103:1-4

04 Oct

Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion Psalm 103:1-4

I’ve been healed!

I have Multiple Sclerosis. I’ve had it for since 2001. I have almost no signs or symptoms that others can see. But this isn’t what was healed, but it was the catalyst.

At least you’ve got your health

I don’t. People always say things like “At least I’ve got my health” when bad things happen, but truthfully my state of healthiness is always a moving target. It can be fine one day and hard the next. For years I had a friend who was frustrated by the fact that I didn’t really want to pray for healing of my MS. I wasn’t really motivated to pray that it be removed from my body. This was a foreign concept for her. She had known people who had miraculous healings, and wanted that for me too.

A thorn in my flesh

I have always been sure of my salvation, but having a personal relationship, where I turned to Him for strength, mercy and guidance really became a reality for me because of my MS. St. Paul’s mystery affliction reminds me of how I feel about my MS.

Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Cor. 12:17

I am boastful

I know that all of my weaknesses turn me directly to my Lord in all things. It is only through Him that I’m able to have a strong marriage to a wonderful Christian man, have wonderful Christ centered children, and be able to call on my God whenever I need to. I will boast in Christ. The things He has done for me when I knew I couldn’t are miraculous and wonderful. I’m grateful to have a weakness that shows me my Lord every day.

Do you have a thorn in your flesh? Is your weakness drawing you closer to God?

 
2 Comments

Posted by on October 4, 2011 in God is My Healer, Psalm

 

Tags: , , , , , ,