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My God is…Calming Matthew 8:25-27

18 Sep

Matthew 8:25-27 And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.”  And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.  And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”

Save us Lord; we are perishing

Everybody dies. It’s a concept most people on this earth agree on. It’s what happens after death that gets people pretty wound up. Of course when the disciples said this, it wasn’t their time to die, and Jesus was with them, but they didn’t have faith that he would take care of it. They were freaking out. Some of us might say “I’m gonna die” or “I thought I was gonna die”, but no matter how you say or think it, most of us at times have had little faith. We’ve relied on ourselves or other people to handle the stuff that seemed out of our control. We freak out. Some of us hold on tighter and try to fix it ourselves without ever asking for help. Others of us don’t trust in the gifts God has given us to handle the situation and abandon ship before there is even really a problem.

Then he rebuked the winds and the sea

Sometimes things do go wrong around us. Things we really have no control over. But we can rest assured that Jesus has got our back and can change things on a dime. He can change things in ways we didn’t even think could happen. Do you see how the disciples react to the way Jesus changed things? They were shocked. They said, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?” They just didn’t get it, and they were among the one’s who got it best. So even if we normally have strong faith, sometimes the devil finds just the right thing to push our buttons and make us freak out. He knows just what we’ll be irrational about, which things will make us panic, and he hopes he can make us not trust God. And then he’ll do it again, because the devils not satisfied with us being “of little faith”. The devil wants us to be of no faith. We have to ask the Lord to help us not to give in to the temptation to freak out and not trust in the Lord.

And there was a great calm

It’s as if Jesus woke up and said, “I got this”. He just came up and showed us all who He is and what He has power over. He has power over everything, even nature. I should have remembered all of this last night at three when I was freaking out. Over the past few days, I have gotten strange bug bites. Most of them different from each other, but at 3am, I felt like bugs were crawling up and down my legs (not unusual with MS), but with all of my recent bug bites, it made me freak out. My husband and I just spent a weekend in Idaho for his niece’s wedding (which was amazing), and he’s staying behind to visit for a few more days. In my freak out state, I called my father, convincing him my bites were so dire I needed to go to the Doctor. I sent a text to my husband at what was 5:50 his time, then one at 7 am his time to talk him into my panic. He wasn’t having any of it. He talked me down from the cliff. He said I had some bites from being at the farm where the wedding was held, to calm down and go back to sleep. There was nothing to be worried about.

So I just woke up from a two-hour nap of blissful sleep after a complete freak out. And there was nothing actually wrong. This is a small version, some of us have even bigger freak outs about real problems (not imagined like mine). But in each freak out we need to look at reality and who is really in control. Is God telling you “I got this” while you continue to freak out running around the boat trying to wake someone up to help you?

Are you freaking out?

 
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Posted by on September 18, 2012 in Matthew, My God is Calming

 

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My God is My Guide Psalm 73:24

28 Aug

Psalm 73:24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.

Why is everyone else better off than me? 

Does it ever seem that way to you? It does to me, and it did the writer of the Psalms too. In Psalm 73, you’ll hear the Psalm writer going off on those who don’t believe in God. Why do they get to have all the good stuff? They don’t know God and yet it looks like they get all the rewards.

Here’s how it reads in Psalm 73:3-12 “For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
For they have no pangs until death; their bodies are fat and sleek.
They are not in trouble as others are; they are not stricken like the rest of mankind.
Therefore pride is their necklace; violence covers them as a garment.
Their eyes swell out through fatness; their hearts overflow with follies.
They scoff and speak with malice;  loftily they threaten oppression.
They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongue struts through the earth.
Therefore his people turn back to them, and find no fault in them. 
And they say, “How can God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?”
Behold, these are the wicked; always at ease, they increase in riches.”

They get away with everything

It seems like the rich, the worldly, self-seeking people get what they expect; riches, fame and fortune. And that may be true. They get those things here on earth, but if you don’t put your faith and trust in God, you wont have that for long. “For they have no pangs until death”. 

Until death

They have no pangs until death. But when death comes, those who do not believe in God as their savior will not know about the riches and blessings those of us who do believe will receive. Death is the final say. You know, “you can’t take it with you”!

But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task,
 until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end.

I think this is really interesting. The Psalm writer says it’s hard to understand why the unbeliever, the spiteful towards God get to have it so well here on earth. Where did he go to figure it out? He went to the sanctuary of God. Then it was revealed to him their ultimate end. We too need to go to the sanctuary of God to help us discern the things that are spiritually weighing on us. We need to meet Him in His house and talk with Him. We can talk to our pastors or priests, pray and worship God. In His sanctuary we will have His truths revealed to us so that we too might be reminded of our end – in heaven. We can walk away knowing where we’ll end up when we put our faith and trust in our Lord.

You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.

Fortunately when we are still and when we are in His sanctuary, God guides us with His counsel. He tells us through His words and sacraments what we need to know so that we might have a full, rich life in heaven with Him. As we remain in God’s counsel, we can rest assured that we will be received by Him in glory. We may not always have it easy here on earth, but this is not our home – Heaven is our home.

That reminds me of an old Hymn – I am but a stranger here – I especially like the last verse where it says, “Whatever my earthly lot, Heaven is my home;”. 

I’m But a Stranger Here
By: Thomas R. Taylor

I’m but a stranger here, 
Heaven is my home;
Earth is a desert drear, 
Heaven is my home;
Danger and sorrow stand
Round me on every hand;
Heaven is my fatherland,
Heaven is my home.

What though the tempest rage,
Heaven is my home;
Short is my pilgrimage,
Heaven is my home;
And time’s wintry blast 
Soon shall be over past;
I shall reach home at last,
Heaven is my home.

Therefore I murmur not,
Heaven is my home;
Whatever my earthly lot,
Heaven is my home;
And I shall surely stand 
There at my Lord’s right hand.
Heaven is my fatherland, 
Heaven is my home.

Actually – After reading these lyrics again and singing it to myself, I think I want this played at my funeral. I love it! And I want everyone to sing really loudly and with conviction! Praise God for the promise and hope of a future in heaven!

Where is your home?

 
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Posted by on August 28, 2012 in My God is a Leader, My God is my Guide, Psalm

 

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My God is…Forgiving Mark 2:1-12

24 Aug

Mark 2:1-12 – Jesus Heals a Paralytic 

And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6 Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”

Hope for healing

The story of the healing of the Paralytic is really interesting. Obviously by this time the word had gotten out that Jesus was a great healer, and those with chronic conditions like being paralyzed now had hope of a different sort of life. The Paralytic’s family and friends were likely his caregivers, and they too had the new hope that they would no longer have to care for their friend or family member. Yes they likely loved the man they brought to Jesus, but there was something in it for them too. They had a hope that their life was going to change for the better when Jesus healed the paralytic.

“Son, your sins are forgiven.”

Great – thanks a lot Jesus! Do you think the paralytic was going to be satisfied with being forgiven? What he wanted (and his friends) was that he would walk out of that place on his own. Little did they know that Jesus was less concerned with the paralytic’s physical condition than with the condition of his soul. Jesus knew that this man’s body was temporary, but with faith and forgiveness from the Lord, this mans life would continue for eternity. That’s what mattered to Jesus.

But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins

Jesus didn’t heal the man for the man’s sake. He healed him so that the scribes sitting there calling Jesus a blasphemer would be able to see that Jesus had the authority to forgive sins. Jesus was showing them that He had the full authority of God the Father behind Him and that He could rule over sins, health and anything else.

Jesus, a Man with all this authority chooses to forgive first

What a blessing! Our sins are often more debilitating than our diseases. Often the worry and stress we gain by our sins are contributing to our bad health. God is less concerned about our comfort than the condition of our heart. He wants us to be forgiven so that we might be drawn closer to Him. Often when we feel we’ve battled and won against one sin, we fall for another sin. Sins get our focus off our Lord and puts it back on ourselves.

Healing or Forgiveness?

Often people ask for prayers of healing for our friends and family members, but how often do we, like Jesus, focus on what’s more important, their forgiveness. Have you ever asked for prayers of forgiveness? Have you ever prayed that someone would repent of their ways and seek God’s forgiveness? Not often, I bet. As modern Americans we don’t really like people sticking their noses in our business and we don’t want to stick our noses in theirs. We don’t want to judge, lest we be judged. But I think we may want to take a page out of Jesus book and focus on what’s really hurting that person. Not that we need to judge them per-say, but that we can pray for forgiveness for those who are struggling. That they might find the freedom to live for God that only comes after we’ve been healed from our sins. After we’ve been freed from the paralyzing nature of sin. Sin that keeps us from moving forward, closer to God and our families. Sin gets in the way.

At least you have your health

I find this to be an annoying phrase. A lot of people don’t have their health. I don’t. I know I have a disease that could eventually rob me of my mobility and make me very dependent on the people around me. That burden that is created on those around you is saddening and frustrating. I’m sure I’ll be ever pleasant and easy to work with if I ever need that kind of care (I’m never cranky or bossy now – so nothing will change). But one of the things I felt I learned by finding out I had Multiple Sclerosis is what do you do when you can’t say “at least I have my health”. I can say – “At least I have Eternal Life”. My hope doesn’t rest in the years my body works, but in the work Jesus did for me on the cross. His death that worked the forgiveness of sins is more important to me than whether or not my legs work right, if I have pain in my feet, back or head. I have a hope that surpasses human understanding that would have us focus on the physical realities of this world. God is good, even when my legs don’t work. He’s more concerned about the condition of my heart than the condition of my body.

Forgiveness or Healing – which is more important to you?

 

 

 
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Posted by on August 24, 2012 in My God is Forgiving

 

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My God is My Restorer Psalm 51:11-13

16 Aug

Psalm 51:11-13 

American Restoration - Rocket Slide

American Restoration – Rocket Slide – Copyright History.com

Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
 Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.

Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will return to you.

Restore: to bring back to or put back into a former or original state

House is sold as-is.

During my day job, I am an internet marketer for my Realtor Stacy Owens. During my work, I was listing a home that was being sold as-is. That’s code for needs some work. In the description it also says “lots of potential”. I think this home probably needs some restoration.

American Restoration

My husband and I love those restoration shows on History.com. One of our favorites is American Restoration. In this show people bring in old rusted out objects for Rick to restore. He tells them everything he has to do to make it right again. Inevitably the estimated price is stated. Last night, one of the gentleman who brought his item to be restored, upon hearing the price asked, “Why so much?”.

God’s Restoration

Like the items that are brought to Rick’s Restoration, we come to God worn out and sinful. It’s like our perfect exterior has been worn away by life. Our insides aren’t in much better shape. They’re decayed by sin. We’re falling apart. But when God looks at us He sees our potential. He knows what we are in our soul. He still remembers our original state of perfection.

Like New

When people bring their items to Rick, they usually ask for items to be like new and in working order. Isn’t that what we want from God too? Don’t we want all those hurts, pains and sins to be taken away and replaced with someone who is like new and ready to work for the Lord? Sometimes when we come to Him, we’re not only worn down and broken, but we’re in pieces too. We feel like it will be impossible to ever be right with God or ourselves again.

Cast me not away from your presence

In the verse above we hear the author crying out to God not to throw him away. We don’t want to be separated from God and His love. We want to remain close to Him. We want to be renewed with the Holy Spirit inside of us. We want to remain in his presence.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.

Who doesn’t love a makeover? But what God does for us through Jesus Christ is He restores us; Makes us new again. God restores us through the hope that comes in Jesus Christ. Knowing that we will go to heaven to live with Him one day, allows us to live our lives for Him. It isn’t because of anything we do, it’s because God restores us that we’re able to have joy and be useful.

Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you.

What are we supposed to do once we’re restored? We are to go and tell others of what Jesus has done for us, so that they too might be restored. We can be restored here on earth, but the true restoration comes when we enter His heavenly kingdom.

Why so much?

Remember that question the guy asked Rick when he was getting a quote for restoring his project? Why so much? Rick’s answer was, “It’s very important to me to get it exactly right.” He also tells that man it’s going to take a lot of time for it to get done. That’s how God is. He’s willing to put the work in you so that you are constantly being restored towards righteousness. It’s not something that happens over night, but takes time, a lifetime. So what’s the cost? The cost of being restored is Jesus’ life. Why so much? It had to be done exactly right.

 

Are you like new and in working order?

 

 
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Posted by on August 16, 2012 in My God is My Restorer, Psalm

 

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My God is Strong Psalm 105:4

14 Aug

Psalm 105:4 Seek the Lord and his strength;
seek his presence continually!

I’m feeling pretty weak

I want to be just like everyone else. I want to have the energy other people have. But I get worn down, and then I  get cranky, or worse yet, mean. This weekend, my family and I went to family camp at Camp Lutherwood in Cheshire Oregon. We did this last year as well, and it’s likely to become a tradition. I’m not much of a camper, but they cook for you and you don’t have to sleep on the ground, so it’s not so bad.

Worn out

We go pretty much nonstop at camp, moving from one activity to another. It’s a lot of fun playing games, having adult education time and worship around the camp fire. On Saturday my husband and I went on a hike up a steep hill and then later I did archery. I don’t know if I had over done it on Saturday or what, but Sunday was rough. During brunch, I went to pour my water, and my mind didn’t seem to work correctly. Instead of getting water only in my glass, I also poured it all over the table. I don’t know what went wrong, It’s like my brain shut off. Age or MS? I don’t know which, but either way, I’m not excited about it.

I was so tired. When we got home, I fell into bed and had to wake up a half hour later for a picnic with some of my husband’s cohorts. I wasn’t in a good mood. The people and the food revived me a bit. Yesterday I didn’t do too much that was taxing, but this morning I went on a 6 mile walk, and I’m exhausted again. I was exhausted when we started the walk, and I’m still exhausted after my walk.

Seek the Lord and His strength

My body doesn’t always cooperate with me. I want to be healthy and not have to think about being so tired, but sometimes the exhaustion will not be ignored. Today as I was doing my internet marketing work, I wondered how I would be able to keep my eyes open. I realized, today I wasn’t going to be able to without the help of the Lord. I needed the Lord’s strength, because I don’t have any left of my own. I need to trust that God can get me through whatever is coming my way and cling to His promises as I face each day.

Praise the Lord that I work from home. I have finished my work for the day and as soon as I’m finished here, I can take a nap. Thank you Lord for the rejuvenation that comes with sleep. When I am weak, Dear Lord, may your strength fill in the gaps.

 

 
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Posted by on August 14, 2012 in God is My Strength, Psalm

 

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My God is…Sovereign Romans 8:28

02 Jul

Romans 8:28 – And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been

called according to his purpose.

Sovereign – adjective

* belonging to or characteristic of a sovereign or sovereignty; royal.
* having supreme rank, power, or authority.
* supreme; preeminent; indisputable: a sovereign right.
* greatest in degree; utmost or extreme.
* being above all others in character, importance, excellence,etc.
* efficacious; potent: a sovereign remedy.

What does it mean to be Sovereign? 
To be honest, I don’t know if I could have given you a very good definition of the word sovereign before looking it up on dictionary.com. I looked at the adjective definitions, as we’re using describing words (you can see what great English class information I remember) in relation to our Lord. Once again I’m amazed at how rich a word can be when you look at all its definitions.

Belonging to or characteristic of a sovereign or sovereignty; royal.
So what are the characteristics of a Sovereign (a royal person)? I like to watch a lot of English period pieces, and though many of them are not about royals (though quite a few are) they are often about the relationship between the upper-crust of society and the servants. The upper crust people (we’ll say are royals) are compelled to do what is right. There are expectations on them that aren’t on the servants. There is an expectation of perfection. That fits our God. No matter what the circumstance – He is perfect.

Having supreme rank, power, or authority.
This definition of the adjective Sovereign also fits our Lord well. Whether you think of our God at creation, Jesus calming the seas, or the Holy Spirit working faith in our lives, God shows himself as Sovereign throughout the Bible and in our lives.

Supreme; preeminent; indisputable
There is no higher authority than God. Everything in all creation must submit to His authority. He has the final word and His decisions are indisputable.

Greatest in degree; utmost or extreme
When you describe God, he is never sort of this or sort of that. He’s not wishy-washy. He’s all or nothing. He is or He isn’t. There isn’t a lot of wiggle room when describing God. He is the utmost of anything He is or isn’t. He is Powerful, but He isn’t sinful.

Being above all others in character, importance, excellence,etc
This definition of Sovereign really resonates with me when thinking about My God. He is above all others in importance in my life. Some moms might be shocked to know that my boys are not the most important thing to me (I feel like I’m almost breaking a sacred code of motherhood). And while my Husband is the most important thing to me here on earth, he is not the most important thing in my life. God is the most important. I try daily to put His will above my own. I love Him more than anything else in my life. I would be sad without my husband or boys, but I would be hopeless without my God.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
This verse is made so much more important for me, when I think about it in relationship to God’s Sovereignty. He knows what he’s doing. He is perfect, has the power and authority, and above all others in character. He is in charge, and as we can see from this verse, we should be glad He is. He’s working for the Good of those who love Him. What a comfort! What a hope!

What is most important to you?
 
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Posted by on July 2, 2012 in My God is Sovereign

 

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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 One who lifts my head high Psalm 3

04 May

Psalm 3 

Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me!
Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him. ”

But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.

I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain.

I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.
I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.

Arise, Lord! Deliver me, my God!
Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.

From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.

Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me!

I have an unusual laugh. Some say it sounds like a machine gun. I’m guessing some find it very annoying. In fact I’m sure of it. I remember coming into a new job. I climbed the stairs looking to find the woman who was going to train me. She was one of the people who had interviewed me. As I approached the office, I heard her say something like, “Wait till you hear her laugh, it’s crazy”. What to do! Should I turn around and walk out? How will I stop myself from crying? Should I walk in as if nothing has happened, when I feel so hurt?

But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.

I chose the last option. Said a little prayer, put a smile on my face and walked in and introduced myself. The words she had said were still lingering in the air. You could see they all realized that I would likely have heard what was said. I prayed again, and the Lord lifted my head. He helped me to get through that first day. Of course I went home and cried, telling my wonderful husband between hyperventilating type breaths how much the people at my new job hated me.

Eventually I became a real part of the office. The people in the room that day came to accept me for who I was. The problem that first day? They didn’t know who I was. To them, I was loud with a funny laugh. I even became friends with the woman who said those things.

The Lord lifts my head high

Embarrassing moments happen all the time (at least to me). Sometimes they don’t even have to happen for me to drop my head in shame. I just think about what might happen and I start to feel down, letting satan get a foothold in my life. I begin to doubt my gifts, abilities and sadly even my Lord.

Avoiding eye contact

When my boys do something wrong, they walk into the room, avoiding eye contact with me looking at the ground. Sometimes they’re even shedding a tear or two. “Look at me”, I’ll say, as I lift their head so our eyes can meet. We talk about what went wrong and how to fix it. Then I look in their eyes, pronounce forgiveness for their sins, and tell them that I love them.

When we do things that are stupid, selfish or sinful, I think we avoid eye contact with the Lord. We start shifting our gaze from Him, because looking at His perfection reminds us how we’ve fallen short. But God doesn’t leave us shifting our eyes from side to side. He lifts our head high so we might look in His eyes and see His love. The love He showed by sending His son to die for us that we might be forgiven of our short comings and sins, and instead of death, spend eternal life with Him.

Keep your eyes on Him

Yes when you look at Him, you may be reminded of your sin, but keep looking, don’t turn away. God wants to tell you how much he loves you.

Are you avoiding eye contact with God?

 

 

 
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Posted by on May 4, 2012 in My God is the One who lifts my head high, Psalm

 

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My God is…My Victor Proverbs 21: 30-31

01 May

Proverbs 21: 30-31 

© Maridav File #: 16017479

Are you doing a Victory Dance?

There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan
that can succeed against the Lord.

The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
but victory rests with the Lord.

We know the outcome

Imagine going to a baseball game, bowling match, or any sporting event, knowing that your favorite was going to win. Others will battle against your favorite, trying to get him down off his throne of victory. But your favorite is victorious once again.

No plan can succeed against the Lord

The devil is continually coming up with ways to tempt us, control us and manipulate us. He wants to pull us away from our Lord. Satan wants to separate us from the Lord in the same way he’s separated from God. Satan knows victory is Gods, but keeps attempting to take over. But satan is the underdog that will never overcome the favorite. In John 10:27-29, Jesus says no one can snatch us out of His hand, and that no one can snatch us out of the Father’s hand.

Victory Rests with the Lord

Jesus holds the trophy. He’s the victor. He went to the cross to conquer death. Because He sacrificed His life, we know that our coach, our MVP has a perfect record. He’s going to keep having a perfect record, and nothing can stand against Him. Because we are His children, we too are victorious. It’s like we’re members of His team, the winning team. Because victory rests with the Lord, and we are with the Lord, victory rests with us too.

Victory Dance

I don’t know about you, but I needed these verses right now. Money is tight, and it seems like there’s always something popping up to make things tougher. We’ve been stretching the usefulness of the boys glasses, and my husband said our insurance will pay for their next eye exam in July. Kid you not, this was the conversation we had this morning. While I was writing this post, my son calls to tell me his glasses broke in half. We’re going to have to figure out how to get glasses without the insurance. We’ve already been taping the glasses, re-gluing them and basically anything else that makes my boys look like total geeks. I can’t tape them in the middle. That’s just cruel. So I’m going to stand in the Victory. Hold on to the promises of the Lord and know that nothing can stand against me when I’m on God’s team. I’m about to do my Victory dance. So – soon my son will be sporting new glasses, and may even get contacts. How? I don’t know, but God does, and that’s going to have to be enough for me right now. Victory rests with the Lord.

Are you doing a Victory Dance?

 
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Posted by on May 1, 2012 in My God is My Victor, Proverbs

 

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My God is…my Light Psalm 119:105

27 Apr

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.Christian Family at the Cross Istock File #: 1673165 © Mike Kiev

The only thing I know about the dark is you can’t see in it.  ~ Roy Hobbs, The Natural

In one of my favorite movies, The Natural, there is a great discussion about the dark, between Roy Hobbs (Robert Redford), and the owner of the baseball team, after Hobbs enters the owners office to find it very dimly lit. The transcript below shows the conversation between the Owner and Hobbs. (If you prefer you can watch it here).
Owner: Please pardon the absence of light. You see, as a youngster I was  frightened of the dark…and I used to wake up sobbing in it as if it was  water…and I was drowning in it. As you will observe, I have…disciplined myself against that fear…that now I much prefer…a dark room.

Hobbs: The only thing I know about the dark is, you can’t see in it.
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

Roy Hobbs said it best. It’s true you can’t see in the dark, whether it’s literal darkness or spiritual darkness. Spiritual darkness is the absence of the light, the word, Jesus Christ. The devil wants to keep us in spiritual darkness. He wants to keep us from turning to God. He wants to make it hard to find our way. I dare say he would like us to be like the owner of the New York Knights in the Natural.

The devil knows we fear the dark, but he hopes if he can keep us in the dark long enough, sobbing and drowning, that eventually we would prefer the dark. It is a slippery slope. As we push out the light of Jesus Christ, sadly our eyes adjust, and we get used to the darkness. But in that darkness we cannot see properly. We can’t see the truth.

I’m not afraid of the dark

I’m not afraid of the dark, because my Lord Jesus has claimed me from the dark through my baptism and dying on the cross to rescue me from the punishment of my sins. He made it possible for me to see the light through His Holy Spirit. It is important to keep your focus on the light. You need to make sure your life is full of light through God’s word, Jesus Christ. Spending some time with Jesus each day helps to squelch out the darkness and draw us closer to the light.

Are you going to the Dark Side?

Yes that’s a reference to another great film – Star Wars. The Dark Side is always pulling at us trying to pull us away from good, to pull us away from God. We have to protect ourselves with the full armor of God.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6: 13-17

Are you in the dark?

 
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Posted by on April 27, 2012 in My God is My Light, Psalm

 

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