INTO THE DEEP
INSPIRATION
12/20/07 . . . For Jesus' Birthday
What will you give the King of kings this year for His birthday? If you're still undecided, I have a few suggestions:
Clothe, feed or give clean water to the poor. Many Christian organizations will take your money and stretch it for the maximum benefit to needy families in countries around the world.
And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.' -
Matthew 25:40.
Believe Jesus' words to you. Draw near to the Lord by reading His word and believing His incredible promises. Trust that Jesus loves you. Believe that He has a purpose for your future, no matter what is in your past. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him - Hebrews 11:6, NIV.
Obey Him. Jesus is always pleased with obedience. Even feeble attempts will warm His heart.
Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked - 1 John 2:3-6.
12/13/07 . . . Redeeming The Time
December is the busiest month of the year for most of us. The demands on our time and energy increase because of how we celebrate Christmas. We're easily pulled into the social and commercial vortex of this world if we don't exercise our power of choice.
If you're like me, you vow every year to do things differently next time. The truth is, we can make a difference in our Christmas celebration. If we "choose correctly" every day throughout the year, then our resolve will be strengthened when tackling December 25th. Spending more time with the Lord each day will increase our desire to please Him on His birthday.
Our time should be spent "as unto the Lord" (Colossians 3:23). We must learn His will for us during the Christmas season and focus on those things.Time is a precious commodity, especially in the hands of a Christian. By spending it wisely we will increase God's influence in this world. By choosing fellowship with the Lord instead of following worldly tradition, we will open wide some spiritual doors. More of God's blessing and power will flow into our lives and thereby into the world.
Therefore He says: "Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light." See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is - Ephesians 5:14-17.
11/19/07 . . . The Way
Years ago, God gave me a vision of my future. This preview serves as a guide to keep me moving in the right direction. When God first gave me a glimpse of the road ahead, I was very excited. I began work on my assigned tasks with much enthusiasm. I felt honored and special. I would do a great job, and God would be proud of me. And then the learning began.
As time has passed, I've discovered that beyond a doubt I am weak, inept and pitiful. I can do nothing great—without God, that is. Though painful to learn, this lesson is critical for success in the kingdom of God. The further I travel on the path before me, the more I understand that I cannot heavily depend on any person, any system or any thing. God has not allowed it.
My path has narrowed over time. But that's okay. Every step I take brings me to a deeper understanding that Jesus truly is "the Way." He leads me through the tangles and trials of each new day—all the while teaching, protecting and providing for me. I am always inspired and strengthened by His presence.
Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you by the way you should go -
Isaiah 48:17.
The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? - Psalm 27:1.
11/7/07 . . . Let's Praise Him Today
Then it came to pass the seventh time, that he said, "There is a cloud, as small as a man's hand, rising out of the sea!" So he (Elijah) said, "Go up, say to Ahab, 'Prepare your chariot, and go down before the rain stops you.' " - 1 Kings 18:44.
Just as Elijah's servant saw a small cloud that preceded torrential rain, many of us are seeing a hint of new provision and change on the horizon. We see a glimpse of what God has been promising us for years—personal breakthrough and national restoration. A bright and exciting new era is very close at hand.
It's important to God that we believe Him. Elijah certainly believed. He sent his servant seven times to look for rain because he knew it was coming. Some of us know that healing is on the way. Others know that provision for ministry is coming. We're sure God will save certain people we pray for. We have heard His voice and felt His touch. We know He will keep His word.
Let's celebrate today what we know is coming tomorrow! Let's begin now with our thanks and praise! Let's keep our eyes on the horizon as we live in joyful anticipation!
10/19/07 . . . It's Time to Choose
Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, that you and your descendants might live! -
Deuteronomy 30:19 NLT.
The time has come for Christians to get serious. No matter how we rationalize, there is no such thing as a "little" sin. Refusing to obey God, even in a small matter, is rebellion against Him. God is extremely patient and long-suffering, but we lose His blessing and protection by continuing in defiance.
What sin are you clinging to? What has become more important to you than obedience to God? Whatever you struggle with should be taken to the Lord in prayer. Confess your sin. Admit your weakness. Then cling to God who is ready to be strong on your behalf. He will help you make the transition from operating foolishly in the flesh to dwelling victoriously in His Spirit. These steps of submission are ones you must choose to take.
10/10/07 . . . Distractions
Have you noticed that every time you get on track with God, drawing near and spending quality time with Him, that things will happen to distract you? These diversions may appear at first to be good. Maybe a bright idea makes perfect sense but ends up stealing the hours you planned to spend in worship, prayer or Bible study. Or a problem could arise that requires huge amounts of mental and emotional energy.
Our time with God will always be a prime target of the enemy. Our desire to please the Lord with obedience and worship will be met with fierce resistance. Every serious Christian is on satan's "most wanted" list, and distractions are an effective weapon against us. So what do we do?
We can win the fight for intimacy with God by leaning wholly on Him for help. We can pray that He will fan the flame of our desire for Him until it burns more brightly. Psalm 100 tells us to "enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise." How much clearer could the map to God's presence be? We must open our mouths and worship Him. Ignoring those distracting thoughts that buzz around like flies, we must proclaim what flows from deep within our hearts.
For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry. But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all Your works - Psalm 73:27,28.
9/29/07 . . . We Are Never Alone
The Lord is with us at all times, whether we're aware of it or not. Awake or asleep, in the Spirit or in the flesh, Christians are never alone. I am most conscious of the Lord’s presence when I first wake up in the morning. When I focus on His nearness, I soon feel His comforting love.
If the enemy dares to launch a pre-dawn attack, I quickly convert every anxious thought to a prayer for help—not to a far-away God, but to the One who is right beside me. On mornings that start out peacefully, I praise the Lord, soak up His love and ask for direction with matters that lie ahead. I often hear His answers while I'm preparing for work and driving into the city.
Acknowledging God's presence is a wonderful way to begin the day. Including Him often in our thoughts will guarantee good results. Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies -
Psalm 57:8-10 NIV.
9/1/07 . . . El Shaddai
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him -
Romans 11:6.
"Shad," from God's name of El Shaddai, means "breast." For His hungry, growing children, this Breast supplies only what is good. God never dispenses soda or chocolate milk, but only the purest provision that perfectly meets our needs and prepares us for future. Because of this, we should always run to the Lord instead of turning directly to a friend or pulling out a credit card. Our provider who owns "the cattle on a thousand hills" (Psalm 50:10) longs to care for us.
Yes, it's okay to seek God's hand—the provision of El Shaddai. In fact it's a privilege we should not neglect. We humans have requirements that only our God can meet. Seeking Him as our source of supply reveals our faith, and He is always pleased by that.
When we go to God for help, we come in contact with who He is. We see glimpses of His character that only a needy person can appreciate. And now we have a choice. We can continue to seek God's hand alone, or we can seek His hand and His amazing heart.
When we boldly approach the throne of grace, our desires are purified. Our hunger to serve God and meet His needs will steadily increase.David, the shepherd who would be king, was a man with desperate needs. He sought God's protection from those who wanted him dead. For years, he lived in caves with his ragged army of men, seeking God's hand for food, water, clothing and guidance. God met David's need and used it to draw him close. As a result, David became "a man after God's own heart" (Acts 13:22), unashamed of his outspoken love for the Lord.
8/24/07 . . . A Paradigm Shift
Faith is the only path to our destiny, and sooner or later, every Christian comes to a frightening crossroads. We find ourselves with a great and pressing need that squarely meets with our glaring inabilities. At this place, we know we must have God’s rescuing, helping hand. Without His favor and grace we will suffer significant loss.
In the past, we trusted God to give us a good parking spot or to help us find a suit on sale. It cost us nothing to trust Him because the stakes weren’t very high. But now we are faced with life-changing failure if God doesn't intervene.
We are sovereignly brought to this crossroads only because we are ready to be there. At this point, if we choose to embrace God even more tightly, He will give greater depths of vision and hope. A paradigm begins to shift—never the truth, but our level of understanding. New life springs forth as we faithfully wait upon God.
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen – Ephesians 3:20,21.
8/14/07 . . . Reaching Deep
. . . blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they go right on producing delicious fruit - Jeremiah 17:7,8 NLT.
Only faith will cause our roots to reach for something we cannot see, and only faith will keep us reaching until we tap into the deepest Reservoir—the Living Water thatquenches our terrible thirst.Lengthy spiritual trials stir up and strengthen our faith. They give us prolonged need for water and urge our roots to grow increasingly deep. Then when drought is in the land, we'll have access to hidden water. And when strong winds blow, we'll stand up tall instead of toppling over.
To cooperate with the Lord in our own "deepening" process, we must consistently read His word and listen for His voice. Let's not tarry or be distracted in our search for Living Water. To be victorious in the future, we must tap into our Source today.
And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb - Revelation 22:1.
8/2/07 . . . Who Will You Believe?
While going through a long-term test of my faith, the Holy Spirit asked me a direct question: Will you believe what I have promised, or will you believe the lies of satan? These words went straight to the heart of my problem.
Some spiritual tests are designed to last for years. Great patience and perseverance must be combined with the basic requirement of faith. Along the way, as we combat the barrage of lies from our adversary, we may find ourselves falling for parts of the deception. But God will always expose the trickery if we are listening for His voice.
One sure sign that we have swallowed an enemy lie is the onset of depression. This negative emotion can be a valuable warning system, identifying the presence of doubt in the character of the Lord. We must deal quickly with this poison that counteracts our faith. By drawing near to God through prayer and His Word, all evil deception will be washed away.
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit - Romans 15:13.
7/10/07 . . . He is Clearly Seen
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse . . . - Romans 1:20.
When reading this scripture in the past, my focus has been on the message that "they are without excuse." But recently, while I was working on a nature photography project, the Holy Spirit said to me: I will be known by the work of My hands.
I soon realized that the Spirit had given me His modern paraphrase of Romans 1:20. And with the change of wording came a change of focus. "I will be known" resounded within me. God is taking my love for the beauty of nature to a higher level by telling me to look for revelation of Him in all that He has made.
I often see "lessons from God" in nature, and I've always been aware that creation reveals His traits and His personality. But now I'm being encouraged to pursue this path of awareness—to delve deeper into the heart of the Lord through the sound of rustling leaves, the touch of cool water and the lofty flight of birds. I'm feeling extremely blessed by this invitation.
Let me encourage all of you to do the same. Look for reflections of our Lord in the work of His hands. Spend some time outdoors each day to browse through His color portfolio.
7/2/07 . . . Old Things Have Passed Away
Both positive and negative emotions are valuable gifts from God, but satan will exploit them if we are not on guard. One of the nastiest tricks of the enemy is to make us feel like something is wrong when everything is fine. Maybe we're stepping out in a new level of faith and are pleasing the Lord by trusting Him. At this critical time the enemy tries to sabotage our efforts by dredging up old fears or memories of personal failure. The plan is to cause our thoughts and actions to align with these outdated feelings.
If we accept every thought or emotion as being valid, then we're in for quite a rough ride.
Recently, while vacationing alone, the enemy attacked me with thoughts of "Oh, poor me." Recognizing that I was under attack, I responded to every assault with corresponding truth. The enemy thought I would be vulnerable because I was by myself. But I had chosen to spend the week with God, and I was certainly not alone. The Holy Spirit gave me one encouraging word after another to extinguish the fiery darts. Because God's truth always prevails over evil, I was strengthened instead of wounded.
On the long drive home, God had more encouragement for me. He supported my belief that abiding in Him keeps our failure in the past—never in the present or future. He applauded me for fighting properly during the week, and He blessed me with His love.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new" - 2 Corinthians 5:17.
When negative feelings or thoughts invade our minds, we can quickly cast them aside. "That may have been true in the past," we'll say, "but today all things are new."
6/12/07 . . . His Mercy Endures Forever
How many times have you remembered a foolish episode from your past, only to be overcome with gratitude for the Father's mercy? These unpleasant memories are stirred up by the enemy, but they serve to remind us of God's love and protection. His great mercy touched us even before we were born, and it surrounds us in the present. According to His word, it is with us forever.
Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever - Psalm 106:1.
When my battle with sin isn't going too well, then I find myself asking, "Please don't give up on me, Lord." If I'm sincere with my request, I can be confident that I'll receive the mercy I need.
God's compassion is a large part of the Christian foundation. It was mercy in the Father's heart that sent Jesus to the cross. So at those times when we think we've used up every bit of God's patience, then we should call for His mercy.
Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I hope in Him!" The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord - Lamentations 3:22-26
6/7/07 . . . Thirst
White-tailed deer are plentiful in rural Georgia. I often see hoof prints to remind me of their presence, but recently they've become more visible. A two-month drought is causing the deer to move around in search of water and edible foliage. I awoke one morning last week to find a doe and two young bucks in my yard. I even saw one in mid-afternoon, walking toward the tub of fresh water that I keep near the edge of the woods. The deer's need for refreshment outweighs the heightened risk they take.
Our lives, both physical and spiritual, depend upon drinking the fresh, clean water of God's presence. If He no longer abides at our usual watering place, we must get up and go after Him, both night and day, until we find Him.
Purity is vital. We all know that water is healthier to drink than carbonated beverages with their questionable ingredients. Likewise, the purity of the Lord is better than the artificial substitutes of this world. Let's not get hooked on something that will slowly poison us. Instead, let's drink living water from the holy river of God.
Jesus answered and said to her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water" - John 4:10.
5/28/07 . . . Resting in God
Learning to rest in the care of our loving God sounds like an easy task. Nevertheless, it can be hard for Christians to learn if we've ever had confidence in our own abilities. We don't intentionally elevate ourselves to a position of not needing God, but the enemy will trick us into doing just that. We're given one "good idea" after another, and we quickly get to work.
Meanwhile, God is working to show us our great need for Him, no matter how long it takes. Those talents that helped us in the past will now begin to fail us. Some people we considered friends will start to back away. Everything we trusted in before we met the Lord will be exposed as fragile and weak. At this point, we're wary of any "good ideas," and we're ready for help from God. However, to rest in the Lord and receive His help, we must know Him.
A relationship grows one step at a time. Our trust in God's love and His care for us increases every time we are tested. Each victory is celebrated with joy, but then we move on to another faith-building trial. Day by day, year after year, we fall more in love with God. And now we discover that we've been resting in Him for quite some time.
I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope - Psalm 16:8-9.
5/5/07 . . . The Simplest Prayer
A few days ago I was thanking God for revealing a truth to me. I was excited because this truth will bring needed change to my life. In fact, God has been on a roll, giving me a series of beautiful revelations. As with a jigsaw puzzle, the more pieces of truth I have in the proper place, the clearer perspective I gain. While pondering the value of these new disclosures, I found myself praising God for expanding my vision. Then the Holy Spirit whispered, "You've been given these truths in response to all of your cries for help."
Yes, God will answer the simplest prayer. Sometimes we don't understand what is wrong, so we don't know how to pray specifically. All we're certain of is our need for the Lord's intervention, and our cry of "Help!" is a sincere expression. I'm convinced that God is thrilled when we utter this one-word prayer. It proves that we comprehend, at least for a moment, that we're totally helpless without Him.
I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm—He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore - Psalm 121, NIV.
4/30/07 . . . Take A Step
As the Scriptures say, "God sets himself against the proud, but He shows favor to the humble." So humble yourselves before God. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, you hypocrites - James 4:6-8 NLT.
I dare you to take a step toward God! Move toward the One who loves you unconditionally. He's the answer to all of your problems, and His presence will change you forever.
Take a step of faith. Admit to God that a circumstance is beyond your ability to fix or endure, then patiently trust Him to move in power on your behalf.
Take a step of obedience. There is something that God wants you to let go of. Some habit? Some attitude? No matter how you feel, just do what He is asking. And if you can't let go, then fervently pray for deliverance.
Take a step of purity. Instead of responding critically to annoyances, choose to lift up the offenders in prayer. Thank God for allowing you this privilege.
Take a step of worship. Words of thankfulness and praise will lead you very close. Meditate on the Lord's attributes, then worship Him through song and dance.
Take a step into His rest. Every time you're tempted to be anxious, just remember God, and choose to lean on Him. He's waiting to refresh you with His love.
The Lord's heart surely beats faster every time you step in His direction, and He will respond in ways that make your heartbeat increase too.
4/22/07 . . . Attention To Detail
Safe and enjoyable vacations begin with careful planning. Most of us don't leave home for a week without some time of preparation. We understand that tending to every aspect of the trip will ensure its success. The Christian journey is not a vacation, but we certainly are travelers headed to an exciting destination. Attention to detail is needed for smooth operation, and meticulous care leads to excellence along the way.
Receiving direction from the Lord and following His instructions faithfully is a requirement for success. If He directs us through His Word, a vision or a quickening in our spirit, we should write down all the specifics so His message won't be forgotten.
God doesn't want His beloved children stumbling through life. He's given us the Bible as our road map to success. His voice is our personal guide, offering custom-tailored wisdom for our mission. He even gives us supernatural vision for the winding roads ahead.
Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, and the years of your life will be many. I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, and when you run, you will not stumble. Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; Keep her, for she is your life - Proverbs 4:10-13.
4/12/07 . . . Obedience Brings Confidence
God yearns for our affections, and He wants to have first place in our lives. But every time we disobey one of His principles or commands, we put Him in second place. We may try to rationalize our sin, but this defensive ploy is born of the flesh and won't protect us from reaping negative consequences.
Self-exalting pride puts distance between us and the Lord. Evil spirits will whisper that "God is not pleased with you" and "Now He won't answer your prayers." This distortion of truth is always used to condemn us—to isolate and destroy us. (God never stops loving us, and He will answer our prayers when we repent of the sin.)
On the positive side of this coin, obedience brings confidence. It delivers the intrinsicreward of the principle followed, and it strengthens our relationship with the Lord.God's mercy endures forever (Psalm 118:29), and He is also longsuffering (Psalm 86:15). He sees the condition of our hearts, and He interracts with us accordingly. God truly is on our side and goes to great lengths to help us eventually succeed. We should not take advantage of His love or test it too far. That would surely be asking for trouble.
Of course, obedience should never be confused with legalism. Christians are given plenty of grace and freedom, but when we know that God has given a command, obedience is always the perfect choice.
Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation - Exodus 19:5,6.
4/5/07 . . . Discomfort Pushes Us Higher
When tiny birds become too large for the captivity of their shell, they peck their way out to the comfort of a spacious nest. A few weeks later, the new living quarters are crowded, so at the mother's urging, they fly to a nearby branch. The birds' territory gradually increases until they claim their own domain, several miles away. Christian growth is about the same. God doesn't save us and transform us, only to keep us hidden away in a small dark space. Certainly not! He is training us to fly.
Just as with the birds, discomfort bids us to break free and advance to a place that fits our maturing desires and capabilities. Uneasiness keeps us focused on the task of moving forward instead of becoming stagnant. And since we're spiritual creatures, we must use spiritual strength to claim the fullness of our destinies.
A friend of mine has some physical handicaps. God recently gave her a vivid dream in which she was running on a beach with no bodily limitations. At first my friend thought God was showing her a preview of heaven. But when the identical dream was repeated, she decided that God was offering her something new here on Earth. Lest my friend accept her current situation, God gave her a taste of something better. He increased her desire to be free of her confinement, and now she prays for the healing she has seen.
Like a mother bird, God lures us from our tiny nests to increasingly higher branches. These changes can be difficult and frightening, but the joy of flying high is worth the effort.
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord - 2 Corinthians 3:18.
3/18/07 . . . Pray for God to Reveal Himself
I was thinking about hell a few days ago. While considering the torments of the place, I began thinking about the people who don't know God. Then the Holy Spirit reminded me of the following verse from Romans that speaks of personal accountability:
For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see His invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God - Romans 1:20 NLT.
I explained to God that I was mostly concerned for the people who are deceived—the ones who would turn to Him if they weren't blinded and confused by the evil influences around them.
Then the revelation came: Christians must pray for God to reveal Himself to such a
degree that spiritually blind eyes will open wide. We must pray for displays of God's truth and power that will expose every ounce of deception. This is God's will, and He wants us to usher it in with prayer.To save His people in the past, God has parted the sea, stopped a river and even made the sun stand still for twenty-four hours. I believe He is ready to reveal Himself again, in supernatural ways to a larger population. Let us pray that God will exhibit His power and love so vividly that all darkness and confusion will disappear. When this occurs, people will be more accountable than ever before, but their decisions about God will be based on truth.
3/9/07 . . . Comfort
All of us want to feel safe and comfortable most of the time. Depending on our personalities and backgrounds, we have unique needs and varying desires for personal solace. Some common "comforters" are food, television, shopping, talking to friends and even work. This short list has only scratched the surface because we are quite creative when it comes to soothing ourselves.
The problem with our self-comforting is that overindulgence has side-effects and repercussions. Yet we continue to indulge because of our genuine need for relief from the pressures of this world. So what's the solution? Once again, God Himself is the Answer.
You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore - Psalm 16:11.
"Fullness of joy" and "pleasures forevermore" sound delightful. Now why would we want a chocolate bar or a new gadget when we can partake of the pleasures of God? He has proven Himself to be faithful, time and time again, so why don't we give Him a chance to lift us up and away from our destructive habits? The next time we're tempted by the remote, the phone or an unhealthy snack, let's instead retreat to a quiet place and trust that God is right there with us. We can praise Him and thank Him, then quietly wait for His comforting presence.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God - 2 Corinthians 1:3,4.
2/9/07 . . . Seeking the Presence of God
Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God his Savior - Psalm 24:3-5 NIV.
Whoever wants to "ascend the hill of the Lord," please raise your hand. Now, whoever will submit to all of God's requirements, keep your hand in the air. Hmmm. I wonder if any hands are still raised. Submitting to God can be difficult. It means giving up our own control and trusting completely in His care for us.
What is the Holy Spirit requiring of you? What do you need to let go of? Whatever stands between you and God for very long must be considered an idol to which you are "lifting up your soul." You might as well set a large golden calf on your dining room table.
You know that God is good and wants you moving higher; climbing the hill to His presence. The enemy, however, is turning up the volume of every seduction. Satan is terrified of what will happen if we ever climb that hill—of what will transpire when we come face to face with God.
When You said, "Seek My face," my heart said to You, "Your face, Lord, I will seek" - Psalms 27:8.
2/3/07 . . . Fighting Words
Then David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you" -
1 Samuel 17:45-46.
David made his public debut on the platform of "trusting in God's prevailing power." He quickly proved that a bullying giant is not a problem for the Lord. David continued to rock his world with astounding victories—because of his steadfast love for God.
The life of David offers a pattern for Christians to follow today. When we love and trust God as David did, we'll have the same results. The battles of this high-profile leader foreshadow our present-day spiritual warfare. The Lord has set a destiny before each of us, and we are expected to fight for it.
If you're a disciple of Christ, then you are on satan's "hit list" just like David was. When you gave your life to the Lord, you became a serious threat to the kingdom of darkness. Assignments were made to silence your voice and cripple your steps. Being aware that you're a target of the enemy is important. You should never be surprised by this but always ready to fight in the power and might of the Lord.
Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity; For the Lord has heard the voice of my weeping. The Lord has heard my supplication; The Lord will receive my prayer. Let all my enemies be ashamed and greatly troubled; Let them turn back and be ashamed suddenly - Psalm 6:8-10.
1/23/07 . . . Dare to Dream
I want my life to count for something of eternal value. I want to be a positive influence on those around me. Do you have these thoughts? Let me assure you, they’re coming from God. He’s leading you in a quest for significance—a desire that grows while abiding in Him. As Christians, we have the power to walk away from mediocrity. We're called to make a phenomenal impact in this world.
Have you come to a place where you’re discovering new hope at nearly every turn? Is the Lord renewing your mind and strengthening your spirit with His truth and love? Then go forth, Christian, and be strong in your new vision! Let faith lift you up and show you the glory of the Lord. You’ll do the work that Jesus did, and even more!
Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father - John 14:12.
Do you want to please God? Then believe Him! Dreams that result from faith in a living word from God are no longer dreams, but reality. Continue spending time with the Lord, allowing Him to teach and transform you. Embrace His hope and purpose for every day. Dare to dream those dreams inspired by the Most High God.
By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him;” for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him – Hebrews 11:5,6.
1/14/07 . . . Disciples of the Lord
By definition, disciples are being disciplined. Christian disciples are taken through levels of training that others would never submit to. Committed to our leader, the Lord Jesus Christ, we are "soldiers of the cross"—always preparing for victory.
A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher - Luke 6:40.
Jesus faced adversity, and so must we. Hardship is a refining tool in the hand of God. A life of ease will never produce His desired results. When things get rough, we're taught to respond with power and love and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). We learn to pray for those who mistreat us (Matthew 5:44) and count it all joy when we fall into various trials (James 1:2). We're commanded to be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:9), never reacting with fear because no weapon formed against us will prosper (Isaiah 54:17). Obviously, these mature responses can only be learned in times of difficulty.
Of course we are works in progress. Sometimes we stumble and fall, and too often we whine or cry. But if we cooperate with our Leader and submit to His discipline, then one day soon we'll be spiritual forces who cannot be stopped!
Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you. Observe the commands of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and revering him - Deuteronomy 8:5,6.
