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Category Archives: Books of the Bible

Find Characteristics of God in your favorite chapter in the Bible

My God is…A Gift Giver Luke 11:11-13

19 Jun

Luke 11:11-13 Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!

My Cousin is a great gift giver!

My cousin Rob is one of the best gift givers I know. I’ve been given a lot of great gifts in my day, but some of my most memorable came from my cousin Rob. We didn’t even exchange presents with him very often, but he sure did make the most of each opportunity. Rob puts a lot of thought and creativity into his gifts. My favorite? When I was in high school, I received a birthday (or was it graduation) card in the mail from Rob. Inside? A blank check. What???? That’s right, a blank check. Unless you’ve received a blank check from someone, you may not know the conflict this brings with it. On the one hand it showed that he valued me, a lot. That was extremely meaningful. Then I had to decide what amount to put on the check. How much did I value me? I’ll leave you to guess how much I put on there.

Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead?

Suppose your dad is dishing out ice cream, and he offers you chocolate or vanilla. You ask for vanilla, and he gives you vanilla. He doesn’t give you chocolate or strawberry. He gives you what you requested. Most parents really want to give kids what they want. God is no different.

If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!

The Holy Spirit is the ultimate gift. Like the blank check that my cousin gave me, God giving me His Holy Spirit shows me how much He values me. He’s given me His Holy Spirit, through whom I am given even more gifts, like faith. If God values me enough to give me His Holy Spirit, now I’m faced with a dilemma. How much do I value myself. Do I value myself enough to ask for the gifts of the Holy Spirit that I want?

In 1 Corinthians 12: 7-11, we’re shown a look at some of the gifts of the Spirit.  “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.”

If we ask for the Holy Spirit, God promises to give it to us.

Have you asked for the Holy Spirit? In our verse from Luke 11, God promises to give it to all who ask for it. Maybe you were given the Holy Spirit in your Baptism, maybe you were given the Holy Spirit through the Word of God in scriptures, or maybe the Lord came when you asked. Some might say if you can ask you already had the Holy Spirit. And that might be true too, but we can be sure from this scripture that if you do ask, he won’t refuse you.

 
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Posted by on June 19, 2012 in Luke, My God is a Gift Giver

 

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My God is…Reliable Hebrews 13:8

12 Jun

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 

People Change

Some people claim that people never change. You’ve heard it…”Once a cheater, always a cheater.” I guess that many of our tendencies are genetic, and so some things might be hard to change, but I don’t believe impossible. In fact I think people are changing all the time. We’re growing, growing older and maturing (hopefully). I think that so many moments throughout our lives change us, maybe ever so slightly, but as the build on each other, our thoughts and feelings change.

I used to hate fish, Chinese food and soup.

I hated them. I would swear up and down that they were awful. These foods had no redeeming qualities what-so-ever. I would practically throw a fit if one of these items were placed in front of me for dinner (well beyond the fit throwing ages, too). I believe that I never actually hated these foods, but wanted something else instead. I didn’t want fish, I wanted chicken, and in order to sell that to my mom, I HATED fish. When we went out to eat, my father might ask, Chinese or Mexican, and because I loved Mexican, I had to HATE Chinese food. You get the picture. Imagine to my amazement how surprised I was, in my adulthood, I no longer hated these foods, but actually quite enjoyed them. I had changed.

Every Experience Changes Us

Whether it’s your moms encouraging words, the mean comments from the girls in 7th period or the huge mistake we made at work, things change us. As humans we are pliable. Our feelings and circumstances change how we feel, live, look and behave. Some might say we’re adaptable, others might say we’re unreliable.

Expect the unexpected

Because humans are unreliable, and our feelings change from day-to-day, our lives can feel unstable. Families can feel unstable. Things we think we should be able to count on disappoint us. We get discouraged. Unexpected things happen, and it’s hard for us to adjust. We liked it the way it was. But things change.

Things change, but God doesn’t

A midst our every changing world and circumstances is something we can rely on, God. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. That is why we can trust the promises He made in the Bible, because unlike our spouses and parents, He’s not going to change. He is consistent and reliable. You can put your faith in Him.

What do you put your faith in?

 
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Posted by on June 12, 2012 in Hebrews, My God is Reliable

 

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God is…my help Isaiah 41:10

07 Jun

Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you;  fear
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

So do not fear, for I am with you

Someone told me recently that there are 365 places in the Bible where we are told not to fear. When researching it, it becomes a little less clear that there are that many, but let’s be honest whether it’s 365, 100 or 45, that still means the Lord has a lot to say about the subject. Dictionary.com defines fear like this:

fear noun

1.  a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil,pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid.
2.  a specific instance of or propensity for such a feeling: an abnormal fear of heights.
3.  concern or anxiety; solicitude: a fear for someone’s safety.
4.  reverential awe, especially toward God: the fear of God.
5.  something that causes feelings of dread or apprehension;something a person is afraid of: Cancer is a common fear.
I made the part bold that I think is so interesting, fear is a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger – whether the threat is real or imagined. Real or imagined – fear is powerful. I don’t know about you, you’re probably a little more “normal” than I am, but I am often overwhelmed by fear. And I’m embarrassed to say that most of my fears turn out to be imagined fears. I’m afraid I’ll pass out when I speak in front of people. I’m afraid people won’t like me when I show up to a party. I’m afraid my work isn’t good enough. I’m afraid I’m failing my children (jury’s still out on that one).
Real Fears
Some of us are facing real fears. I was just contacted by a dear friend of mine asking for prayers for a 4-year-old  who was trampled by a horse and had to be flown to the hospital here in Portland. Her grandmother works with my friend, and they are facing the fear of losing this precious little girl. And yet God says to us – Fear not. I understand that when I’m dealing with imagined fears, but when there are real threats to the lives of those we love, it’s not easy for us humans to behave that way.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 
So when I pray for this family and the healing of this little girl, I’m going to trust in the last portion of the verse from above. I am going to pray that the Lord strengthens the girl and her family. That the Lord would be faithful to His words and help them. That the Lord would uphold them with His right hand.
 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I’m caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won’t turn back
I know you are near

And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/m/matt_redman/you_never_let_go.html ]
(Chorus:)
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We’ll live to know You here on the earth

(Chorus)

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You

(Chorus 2x’s)

What are you afraid of?
 
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Posted by on June 7, 2012 in Isaiah, My God is My Help

 

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My God is…Immanuel Matthew 1:23

31 May

Matthew 1:23 – “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

Not just along for the ride

I hate going to the grocery store. It seems such an overwhelming task. I’m good at it though. I bring my list, and I stick to it. I work to get the best deals I can, using the internet and sometimes coupons as well. I put my list in the order I’ll find the items in the store, so there is as little back tracking as possible. I hate grocery shopping. It takes a long time, is followed by unloading the car, and because everyone else in my family hates it, a lonely job.

Why don’t you come with me?

I know it’s not a Bible verse, but I believe it’s almost a truth – greater love has no husband than this, that they go to the grocery store with you, and then even help you unload the car. I’m not sure, but for me, going to the grocery store with me may be one of my favorite ways my husband can show me he loves me. I’m sure it has to do with sacrifice, because we both know it is one!

Most of us want companionship.

Even the introverts among us are not so separatist that they don’t want to be around people sometimes. We need people. Our development as human being relies on having interactions with others. The importance of having another living breathing creature with us is the whole concept behind companion animals. Having someone to love who loves us back is important.

Immanuel – God with us

Our creator knows full well what we need. In fact He sent His Son to be with us; to live among us; to interact with us. He was our companion here on earth and still is in our hearts. His word provides us with a daily interaction with Him. We can also talk with Him at any time through prayer. He’s not merely with us in presence, but fully present. Interacting with us through scripture, communion and baptism with the Holy Spirit. We are blessed to have a creator and a God who wants to go to the grocery store with us. He’ll go with us where ever we are.

Are you looking for companionship?

 
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Posted by on May 31, 2012 in Matthew, My God is Immanuel

 

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My God is…a Communicator Matthew 10:18-20

29 May

Matthew 10:18-20 – On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

On my account you will be brought before governors and kings

What’s the likelihood of you or I actually being brought before governors and kings? How many of you have met a king? Maybe a homecoming king, but for most of us that’s the closest thing to a king we’ll likely meet on this earth. Most of us aren’t rubbing shoulders with royalty. Some of you might actually know your governor. You might even be friends with them, but again, most of us probably don’t hang out with our governor.

We may not have daily interaction with the government of our state or nation, but we have those who govern us. We have bosses, parents, teachers, friends and relatives. These people strongly influence what we do and say. They have expectations of us, and try to help us fit in the “norm” of our societies.

But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it

In America, we are blessed to have the freedom to say what we want and to believe what we want, for the most part. But in our places of business, in our schools and sometimes even in our families, we’re not permitted to say what we believe.

Imagine this. You’re at work, and someone rushes in to tell your co-worker that her spouse has been in an accident. Her daughter is on her way to pick her up and take her to the hospital. You instinctively go to your co-worker and ask if you can pray with her. She says yes. You pray together, and your words are received with the compassion they were given. But over in the corner your boss stands looking on. He comes over after your prayer and walks your co-worker out. On his return, he calls you into his office.

You’re nervous. You know your boss has teased you about your beliefs before, but you’ve never been this bold about your faith, and you don’t know how he’ll react. He asks, “What could you say to her in a time like this?”

At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

This is your opportunity. Your chance. Are you going to chicken out or are you going to witness about the one who saved you? Are you going to be more worried about your job, or your bosses faith? In the verse above it says, “when they arrest you”, but we can also think – when they call you into their office. When we’re asked about our faith, we don’t have to worry about the words we’re going to use or saying it perfectly. Instead we can trust that the Holy Spirit will be there helping us to communicate God’s word and heart when we’re witnessing about our faith.

God is still speaking. He’s speaking through you.

Every moment is an opportunity to witness for the Lord. In the grocery store, we can let the person with cranky children and a pile of coupons go in front of us. In our families, we can reconcile with those who are frustrating and have caused us harm. Forgiving them, not because they’re sorry, but because we have a chance to respond differently, because we have been given a gift of eternal life – even though we don’t deserve it. When our children frustrate us, we can respond with patience instead of fury even though they’ve done the same thing wrong everyday this month. We have an opportunity to have the Lord speak through us by His Holy Spirit. That is if we can hold our tongue long enough to turn our thoughts, voices and hearts over to His control.

1 Corinthians 12:3
Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

What are you saying about God?

 
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Posted by on May 29, 2012 in Matthew, my god is a communicator

 

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My God is…My Guard Isaiah 52:12

25 May

Isaiah 52:12– But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the Lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard.

The God of Israel will be your rear guard

But you will not leave in haste or go in flight

So many times we begin to worry about what’s going to happen. We spend so much time thinking about the worst scenarios we’re no longer thinking about today. We let our fears and concerns get in the way of moving forward in what the Lord has planned for us. We stress out as if everything is dependent on us. We avoid the problems of today by allowing ourselves to get overwhelmed with what might happen. Not what’s happening, but what might happen. And I don’t know about you, but my worst fears almost never come true. I am great at making a mountain out of a mole hill.

We don’t have to run away from our problems

We don’t have to leave in haste or go in flight. You know the flight of the fight or flight reflex. How many times are we confronted by a problem, only to find ourselves looking for a way to avoid it. We even pride ourselves on it, saying to our friends, “I avoid that problem by…” or “I’m just not going to go to the meeting so I don’t have to talk to …” or “I’m going to schedule something else that night so I don’t have to go”. We even use our children as excuses to avoid responsibilities, worries, frustrations and anxieties. However, those things are all still there tomorrow. The problems or problem people haven’t gone away.

For the Lord will go before you

We can face our problems head on. We don’t have to run away or avoid them. Why, because in our verse above, God promises to go before us. Have you ever had someone call ahead and let someone know you’re coming? When you arrive they might say something like, “Oh, yeah, we knew you were coming”. That’s because someone paved the way. There’s a “Little house on the Prairie Episode” where Mr. Edwards and Charles Ingles are transporting a dangerous explosive. One man has to walk in front of the wagon, filling in holes and removing rocks. That’s what I picture the Lord doing for us. Going ahead of us, removing obstacles, rocks, and filling in the holes so we don’t get too jostled.

Have you ever had the Lord clear your path?

Maybe you remember being able to say – That worked out well. The truth is the Lord had gone before you. Making sure that things would work out for you, to His Glory. I find that the more I talk to the Lord about my hopes and dreams for me and my family, the more I can see the road being cleared for us.

The God of Israel will be your rear guard

What is a rear guard?  Definition of REAR GUARD : a military detachment detailed to bring up and protect the rear of a main body or force

He’s got your back!
You know what I find really funny about the way humans think. We not only worry about things that are coming up, but we worry about things that have already happened. We linger in the pain, wallow in the memories, thinking somehow we could change what happened or the way we were treated. But sadly we can’t change those things. But we can trust in God who promises to have our back. He promises to be our rear guard and protect us so nothing gets us from behind.
The Holy Body Guard
You’re surrounded. All around you is God’s presence. He’s protecting you from in front and behind. I’m going to try to think of that as I enter the next big problem (don’t know what it is yet). I’m going to think about Him, my Lord, going before me to make sure things go the way the should. I’m going to pray to Him and thank Him for caring for me in such away. Then I’m going to diligently do what I need to do, trusting that the Lord’s got my back and will make sure that what is supposed to happen will. I don’t know if I’ve ever entered into a problem or situation with the confidence this scripture should give.
Who’s protecting you?
 
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Posted by on May 25, 2012 in Isaiah, My God is my Guard

 

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My God is…The Way John 14:6 (again)

22 May

John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except

Think you're getting in?

Think you’re getting in?

through me.”

I don’t think I’ve done this since I started writing my blog, but today I’m going to revisit a verse. I prayed that God would tell me what I should write about, and this is what came to my mind. Forgive me if it feels repetitive.

I want to get in

I’ve been standing in line for over two hours. The line in front of this night club is going nowhere slowly. I want to get in and see what it’s like. I want to sit on the fancy couches, spotting famous celebrities. I’m sure once I’m in, they will all realize how awesome I am and welcome me into their fold.

Lights Start Flashing

It’s clear that someone important has just arrived. The paparazzi are gathered around, lights flashing and some are pushing and shoving just to get a better shot. I stand on my tiptoes. I try to see who it is, and if I’m lucky, catch their attention so they will let me go in with them.

Turned away

With his entourage in tow, the famous man walks up to the bouncer. It’s clear he’s got the clout to be in a place like this. It’s even more clear to me that I don’t. What was I thinking? How did I ever think I was going to get into a place as awesome as this. As the Celebrity spoke to the bouncer, you could see his face turning red. His voice began to escalate. He was being refused entrance. He wasn’t going to get in. He pulled out his wallet, and tried to give the bouncer a wad of cash. Embarrassed and confused, the celebrity restrained himself from hitting the bouncer, perhaps only because the paparazzi were there. He got back into the limo and drove off.

I can get you in

From somewhere behind me I heard someone whisper in my ear, “I can get you in.” I turned around and saw a man standing there. He told me that he was the son of the owner of the nightclub. All he had to do was to tell His dad that I was with him. That’s it. Now, to look at this guy you wouldn’t think he was something special. He wasn’t bad-looking, but he wasn’t flashy or dressed to impress. He was normal. I didn’t know what to think. I had been in line for hours. If I got out of line now, I might not ever get into the club. If this guy was lying, I was going to be up a creek.

No one’s getting in

You could hear the bouncer telling the crowd that no one was getting in unless they were on the list. I knew I was doomed. I looked at the man behind me and said. Please, let me meet your father. He smiled and led me to the front of the line. Out from the door came a white-haired man. He gave the man with me a hug and pat on the back. He looked at me and said, Jill, we’ve been waiting for you. I’ve got a special spot just for you. Follow me.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Jesus is our only way to get into heaven. No matter how beautiful, rich or influential we are here on earth, without believing in Jesus Christ, we’re never getting into heaven.

Are you getting in?

 

 
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Posted by on May 22, 2012 in John, My God is the Way

 

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My God is…the Gate John 10: 7-10

17 May

John 10:7-10 Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come

I am the gate

I am the Gate

before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Have you ever locked yourself out?

There is nothing as precious as getting into your home when you’re locked out. It may start like this. You walk up to the door thinking your spouse is home. You reach for the door, it’s locked. You realize the other car is gone. You jiggle the handle again. No problem, you think, I have a key here somewhere. No luck. Your pockets seem deeper than ever as you practically pull down your pants trying to dig the non-existent key from your pocket. Unfortunately you have always felt keeping a key hidden outside was a security risk, so you don’t have a back up. You have not made friends with your neighbors, so none of them have a key either.

You start to strategize. You think, if I were a burglar, how would I get in. I’m not breaking into my own home. I’ll call my husband. He doesn’t answer. Normally this alone would send you into a rant, but right now you have bigger issues than him not answering the phone. You try all the windows, hoping your husband has not diligently locked them all. But of course, his efficiency has doomed you. You’re desperate to get in.

Have you ever locked yourself out?

Sometimes we lock ourselves out from heaven. We’re desperate to get in. We want eternal life. We want there to be something after death, but we want to be free to do whatever we want. We want to be open-minded. We want to believe that people of all religions go to heaven. Sadly that thinking locks us out of heaven. The only way to heaven is through the gate. Through Jesus Christ. All are welcome, but only those who believe that Jesus died and rose again to save them from their sins and strengthen their faith will be able to walk through that gate.

God doesn’t lock the gate

God is always there. He never locks the gate. He never keeps you from entering heaven. That’s why he sent Jesus, so that no matter what religion you were before, no matter what sins you’ve committed and no matter how pretty you are, you can enter heaven through the gate, Jesus Christ.

I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.

Whoever. Some people say that Christians are bad because they say their the only ones going to heaven. The truth is we’re the only religion where you going to heaven isn’t somehow reliant on your own actions. Everyone is allowed in, if they come through the gate, Jesus Christ. Whoever enters through Jesus will be saved. We will not be saved by being good, giving away money, going to church or anything else. We go to heaven only because Jesus died for us.

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

God wants what’s best for us. When we believe and know where we’re going when we die, we are given freedom in grace that allows us to live fully. We don’t have to worry about tomorrow, because our future is planned out for us. We are going to heaven. In response to His great love, we may very well do the things I listed above, but not to gain entrance to heaven, but as a reflection of the love He has given to us. We are free to do what we want, but if we believe in Christ, our wants will change to match His.

Are you able to live life to the full?

 

 
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Posted by on May 17, 2012 in John, My God is the Gate

 

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My God is…The Way John 14:6

15 May

John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

GPS Tracking Disaster

I can hardly live without my GPS. I use the GPS on my iPhone nearly every day. I type in the location I want, and then it gives the directions I need. Most of the time, my GPS is right. Sometimes it’s not very clear in the directions it gives. Though my GPS hasn’t failed me totally, there are those who have been completely led astray. Some have followed the GPS instructions into lakes, the middle of nowhere or even the Pacific ocean.

Looking for clear directions

We don’t like to be lost. We want to know what is the fastest, shortest and safest way to where we’re going. We don’t want to hit construction, traffic or dead ends. It’s the same way in our Spiritual life. There are a lot of “systems” out there that promise to get you where you want to go, but only one can be trusted to get you there.

The directions are clear

In the verse from John above, we see Jesus clearing up the directions to heaven. He doesn’t want to leave any room for confusion. Jesus says, ““I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”  So how do you get to Heaven? How do you get where the Father is? Through your faith in Jesus Christ. He is the way. The only way. His way is available to everyone, but sometimes people get set on the wrong path. They get told a different direction is better. Jesus promises He is the Way. Following other directions will likely make you end up in the lake.

GPS – God Positioning System

As we go through life, sometimes we get off path. We get distracted by the things of this world; money, sex, success and selfishness. We don’t keep our eyes on the Way, Jesus Christ. God has given us a GPS (God Positioning System) to help keep us on our path toward Jesus Christ. The Bible is our GPS. It points us always towards Jesus, and through the word and the Holy Spirit, the GPS will lead us to our salvation through the acts of Jesus Christ. He died on the cross so we might spend eternity with Him in heaven.

What is your destination? 

Where are you going? Do you know? Do you want to be in heaven after you die? How are you going to get there? Not all paths lead to heaven, but we know of one that does, Jesus Christ. With faith in Christ Jesus, you can be confident of where you’re going. You know the path, and He makes your way straight.

 
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Posted by on May 15, 2012 in John, My God is the Way

 

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My God is…My Help Psalm 40:16-17

08 May

Psalm 40:16-17

But may all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who love your salvation
say continually, “Great is the Lord!”
As for me, I am poor and needy,
but the Lord takes thought for me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
do not delay, O my God!

“What’s the worst that can happen?”

So many times I have found my self wound up tight. Worrying and concerned about this and that. It doesn’t really matter what it is I’m worrying about, because it’s all the same. I imagine horrible outcomes. “What’s the worst that can happen?” My mom would ask me. My mom used to try to get me to have a more realistic outlook by having me actually list the worst thing that could happen. I think she was trying to get me away from thinking vaguely about how badly something was going to end, but instead be realistic and see that I wasn’t actually going to die if something went wrong. “What’s the worst that can happen?”

I’m a bit fatalistic

I’m pretty aware of the fact that I’m a sinner and that I screw up. That has often kept me from even attempting things that may be difficult. I didn’t want them to turn out badly, so it’s better I just don’t try. What if I did try and fail. Horror of horrors! The problem with this way of thinking is that I’m relying on my own thoughts, strengths and abilities. But I have access to someone who is perfect, who can do it right and can see me through.

God has a better way

You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God! When I am willing to hand over my concerns and worries, I’m always surprised (yes it takes me a while to learn things), at how much better God’s way is than my way. I think sometimes when we try to take control, we block the opportunity to see small miracles. I was reminded of that the other day with my son’s glasses. The result was so much better than I could have imagined. The insurance came through in record time, three hours. There have been times I’ve been on hold with the insurance company for that long. I couldn’t believe the Doctors and the insurance would all work so well together to get it taken care of so quickly. I do consider that a minor miracle. Others offered assistance if the insurance didn’t come through.  If I had tried to control all of that on my own, I would have ended up paying more than we could afford at the time. But in God’s way, everything worked out better than I could have expected. His ways are better.

But the Lord takes thought for me

What a wonderful blessing we have in our Lord. We have a God who takes thought of us. He thinks about you. He thinks about me. He is interested in everything about us, from the safety of our children to the trip to the grocery store. Inviting God into everything you do, through prayer, allows you to open your eyes so you can see His miraculous works.

You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God

I love this verse. It makes the Psalm writer so human. Just like us he’s impatient, asking God not to delay in being a help and deliverer. The beauty of this verse is that God doesn’t mind that we ask Him not to delay. He understands our needs and wants. I don’t know if the Psalmist was afraid he would not be able to let go of the problem if the Lord didn’t take care of it quickly, but I know I sometimes have that problem. I think it’s awesome to pray that God would not delay. He cares and wants to answer our prayers, so why not ask for all of what we need, even if part of that is to have some relief from our worry in a quick manner.

Great is the Lord

But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the Lord!” I find that as I let go of control over things I have no control over, I find God’s hand at work in my life. I can see more clearly how He’s in control and taking care of my needs. And remembering the way that He cared for my greatest need, being saved from my sins on the cross and rising again that I might spend eternity with Him, certainly makes me say over and over again, “Great is the Lord”.

Who is your help?

 
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Posted by on May 8, 2012 in My God is My Help, Psalm

 

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