Devotional Fuel to Reboot Your Mind

2 Peter 1:5-8: “For this very reason make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

2 Peter 1:5-8, is the passage that I have chosen to be preached on at my memorial service when that day comes. I want this passage to be my salutation.

Peter wrote this letter while he was in prison, awaiting his death. These three verses are part of Peter’s farewell speech to the churches in Asia Minor. He knows his life will be coming to an end. In Peter’s final message he is warning the believers that they need to work hard on developing these qualities to be of benefit, effective, and fruitful in the Christian life. They take work. It takes diligence.

Needed building block qualities, supplements required, of a godly life (2 Peter 1:5-8):

1. Faith: Faith is the foundation of the essential qualities that Peter says are needed in order to be effective and useful. It is the belief and acceptance of all God can do. Involves believing without having to see it. We are tested in our trials in life regarding the reality and depth of our experience of our faith in God. The next seven qualities are what are needed to be added to this foundation of our faith.
2. Virtue: That quality of life that makes someone stand out in excellence; having good character. It is our diligent devotion to personal righteousness. Requires integrity.
3. Knowledge: Understanding the truth of God’s Word and applying it correctly. When I have to depend entirely on God and not myself, I grow in the knowledge of God. A personal knowledge of God that grows deeper and more perfect out of an obedient heart. Involves diligently studying God’s Word and not just relying on someone else’s opinion. Has to do with having an intimate relationship with God. Letting God’s truth develop deeply in your heart.
4. Self-control: Is the opposite of self-indulgence. Maintaining a balanced life. Using self-restraint. Nothing should control us such as food, drink, emotions, or even overspending. Moderation is the key.
5. Steadfastness: Requires maintaining a stable, clearheaded mindset, in the midst of distress or disaster. Having a clear focus on the pursuit of hope and maintaining “passionate patience (2 Peter 1:5-6 MSG).” How can we have “passionate patience?” It involves perseverance in not quitting until God reveals what He has in mind. Prayer is the key.
6. Godliness: Godliness is an attitude. Making the right decisions that are good and noble, while showing proper reverence to God. Living above the petty things in life – seeking to do the will of God in everything. Godliness inspires all of these supplements required, to be successful in one’s Christian life.
7. Brotherly affection: Treating others as if they were part of your family. Rejoicing with those who deserve accolades and crying with those shedding tears. John 5:1-2 states the fact that loving our sisters and brothers in Christ is the evidence that we are born of God.
8. Love: This love seeks the highest good in putting others needs above your own. Loving others yet in spite of our differences.

I love how the Message summed this all up in 2 Peter 1:7: “. . . With these qualities active and growing in your lives, no grass will grow under your feet, no day will pass without its reward as you mature in your experience of our Master Jesus. Without these qualities you can’t see what is right before you, oblivious that your old sinful life has been wiped off the books.”

“You get one pass at life. That is all. Only one. And that lasting measure of that life is Jesus Christ.” John Piper.

None of us get an email or text from God, notifying us ahead of time when our time on earth will be done. Our common phrases such as: Good-bye, adios, farewell, have a good day, take care, ta-ta, may be the last words our dear family and friends may hear from us, as we leave the house for work some morning.

Question: What does your life say about your faith?

Question: In which of these essential traits are you stronger? Which ones do you need to work on, strengthen, and develop?

Want to have spiritual success in your life? Develop and increase each of these essential qualities as a building block upon the next one. It takes work. It takes diligence. But the outcome will produce effectiveness and fruitfulness in your Christian walk.

Question: What legacy do you want to leave behind?

Don’t let the grass grow under your feet! Be diligent in faithful obedience and in your growth in adding to your faith, virtue, and to virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. “. . . For if you practice these qualities you will never fall.” 2 Peter 1:10b

Listen to the Newsboys song, “What I Want Them to Say.”

 

 

1 Corinthians 4:3-5 NIV: “I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court, indeed. I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.”

Last week I wrote about being complete in Jesus Christ and realizing the fullness of God resides within our hearts due to His grace. I want to try to take this one step further.

A good friend made the statement recently that our daughters have a much higher level of pressure regarding feeling approved in society than we did at that age. He sees it in TV commercials promoting just the right clothes, jewelry, body size, cars, vacation destinies, etc. The promotional train of thought is subtle. It gives the notion that if you have this, or go to these places, you will be fulfilled and have full acceptance in society. You will then be good enough. You will then be popular. That is not what the Bible tells us.

Paul didn’t have that problem. He didn’t care how people judged him. How did he do that? Not care about people’s criticisms? He lived life with the fact that God was his only judge. God’s evaluation of Paul, was all that mattered to him. Probably some of the Corinthians spoke disparagingly about Paul’s speaking effectiveness (1 Cor. 1:17 “. . . not with words of eloquent wisdom”). Paul admitted he perhaps was not the best speaker. He wasn’t trained at Toastmasters in being an active, eloquent, and entertaining speaker. Paul just wanted these people to know how Christ had forgiven (1 Tim. 1:15) his past sins, saved him, and transformed his sense of self-worth and identity. He was not controlled by people’s opinions of him. How do I get there too?

Darts of shame, failure, guilt, and frustration are frequently the names of arrows I have to pull out on the target on my back one by one. I often am afraid I am not good enough, smart enough, or just plain “enough” at times. As I have said before, “will I ever grow up?” Can you relate?

1 Corinthians 2:3-5 NIV, gives us insight into Paul’s humanness and humility: “I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.” Paul was one of the most well-educated of all of the apostles. He grew up in Tarsus, where he learned to speak Koine Greek, the common language of the Roman Empire. He also learned Hebrew or Aramaic. Paul had studied philosophy and the arts. Gamaliel, a Jewish law teacher, tutored Paul in Jerusalem. As a Pharisee, he excelled in his skills of communication with both Jews and Gentiles.

God used Paul because he relied solely on the Holy Spirit’s power and not his own. In spite of Paul’s self-admitted weaknesses, he became one of the greatest missionaries of all time. God blessed Paul because he was faithful, obedient, and had a humble heart. His ego was not over inflated. That is how Paul maintained a level head. That is how he kept from being discouraged by people’s cutting words. Paul did not live to please people. His conscience was clear. People will judge no matter what. Paul knew there was nothing he could necessarily do to stop that. It was their problem and not his. I don’t think I am there yet. Are you?

Timothy Keller wrote a very short book: “The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness.” There are only 46 pages to this book which is based on 1 Corinthians 3:21-4:7. He talks about our ego: “It is always making us think about how we look and how we are treated. People sometimes say their feelings are hurt. But our feelings can’t be hurt! It is the ego that hurts – my sense of self, my identity. Our feelings are fine! It is my ego that hurts.”

Paul’s ego was not puffed up. It was properly balanced. His faith solely rested in the power of God. Criticism would not keep Paul up late at night. It would not bother him. He did not put too much value in other people’s opinions of himself. OK, you are thinking, but wait, he was a male and not a female. That is easy for a man. The truth of Paul’s words is still true for us women as well.

Words are vital to me. I am a people pleaser. I am like a recovering alcoholic in my journey of not being devastated by my mistakes and failures, and then from my perceptions of others evaluations. I so often take two steps forward, and one step back and have a relapse. I don’t want to let anyone down. I still have this high need of needing full acceptance from people. But as my mother told me growing up, “Linda, get your eyes off of yourself, and onto others.”

Romans 3:23 ESV, states: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Yes, all have sinned. But Romans 5:8 tells us we are preapproved: “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Jesus said in John 15:4-5 NKJV: “I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” That is it. I can do nothing. I must simply abide in Christ each and every day. I must meditate on growing in the knowledge of Christ’s love for me, through His Word, and holding onto the fullness of His power from the grace He freely gives. I must simply be obedient, take a breath and ask myself, “OK, now what would God do and will this matter for eternity?”

When falling into the trap of comparing yourself to someone else and feeling less than, remember these truths:

• “A superiority complex and an inferiority complex are basically the same. They are both results of being overinflated.” Timothy Keller, “The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness.”
• God judges motives and intentions by what is in the heart.
• Do not be inflated with pride. Are you exalting yourself or God?
• You have the fullness of God inside of you.
• The Bible says you are already full! You are already rich! 1 Cor. 4:8, Ephe. 3:14-19.
• If you make a mistake, it is just that. It is not the end.
• Do everything for God’s glory and leave it there. 1 Cor. 10:31.
• Be able to end each day with 2 Timothy. 4:8 on your lips: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
• God rewards those that seek him. Hebrews 11:6b.

We must bring our focus back to glorifying God, not behavior, self, or others perhaps misconceived and possible misunderstood perceptions. At times there is nothing you can do in response. We are not responsible for others actions. Pleasing God should be our top priority and nothing else.

Satan wants to cause disruptions in relationships and taunt our feelings of self-worth. Be on guard. Have the promises of God at your fingertips to fight back insecurities and get back your reassurance and hope in the Lord. People will hurt us. We will be treated wrongly in life. Bottom line – there is nothing you can do to change others reactions. Christ paid for it all on the cross.

Quote: “People are either going into a trial or coming out of one.” Pastor Todd Smith, Crossroads  Community Church. No one is exempt.

Question: Who do you envy? Why?

Question: Who needs your prayers for them today that has greater needs than your own current burden? Let them know you are praying for them.

My prayer for today: “Oh God, I blow it so often. I say stupid stuff and then wish I could grab it back and do a replay. How I cringe when I make mistakes. But You love me anyway. I love that Your forgiveness is everlasting. You do not hold grudges. Help me to remember next time, that there are instances where I need to simply do nothing. I can’t fix it. Help me to have a balanced ego – not too much and not too little. Tell me who I need to encourage today. Amen.”

Listen to Matthew West’s song “Mended.”

Paul states in Ephesians 3:19: “And to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”

This verse was part of a prayer Paul prayed, while he was in prison, for the people in the church he founded in Ephesus. Paul prays for the Holy Spirit’s power to strengthen the hearts of these believers and for them to comprehend the immense love of Christ. Paul’s burden was for these individuals to use the resources available to them which are grace, mercy, power, and love, laid up in Jesus Christ. The same is true for us today. Through God’s empowering Spirit, we are complete. The Holy Spirit is the immediate worker of grace in the souls of God’s people. We have all the fullness of God obtainable and accessible to us at all times.

Remember the Greek word Epignosis, which means precise and correct knowledge of God? It is having divine wisdom, intimate, personal, and experiential knowledge of God and Christ. Paul so wanted these believers to have this type of awareness of the love of Christ for everyone – Jew or Gentile. It involves realizing if you are a Christian, a Christ follower, then you have an overflowing and abundant ownership of Christ’s love. God wants us to experience His fullness. He gives us gifts and graces which He sees that we need.

The AMP text of Ephesians 3:19 says it best: “And (that you may come) to know (practically, through personal experience) the love of Christ which far surpasses (mere) knowledge (without experience), that you may be filled up (throughout your being) to all the fullness of God (so that you may have the richest experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself).”

Picture in your mind a glass measuring cup. The Holy Spirit fills us up (looking at a glass measuring cup in your mind) with comfort and knowledge of God due to His immense love for us. That is the source of real joy and peace.

If you are a Christian, you are already full and complete in Christ due to His grace.

Verses on Grace:

• 2 Corinthians 12:9: “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
• Ephesians 2:8: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
• James 4:6: “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but give grace to the humble.”
• 2 Peter 1:2-3: “May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.”

Colossians 2:9-10 further declares: “And you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.” Think of yourself as a measuring cup, and that measuring cup is already full. It is complete. Nothing more needs to go into it, because the Holy Spirit is the means of our fullness in God.

James 1:4 also states: “And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

Christ grants us grace – giving us what we do not deserve. It is a gift. It never depends on our own efforts or works. It is all from God. Do I get it? God has granted to me all things that pertain to life and godliness. God’s grace is given to me to set me on the right path. I just have to be aware that God is divinely orchestrating His plan for my life because He loves me. I simply must be obedient in my faith, hope, and trust, in my Heavenly Father.

Paul prayed, in Ephesians 3, for the believers to know Christ’s love abundantly so they would be filled spiritually with the fullness of Him. He was not talking about some ecstatic or emotional experience. He was talking about God’s holiness and glory. The Holy Spirit is given to us, at the time of our accepting Christ as our Savior. The Holy Spirit is God in us transforming our lives.

God’s power has been demonstrated by:

• Raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Mark 16:5-7.
• Seated Christ at the right hand of God. Ephesians 1:20
• By grace has given salvation to those who accept and believe in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:5-6.
• Our eternal life is with Christ, sitting “in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 1:3.

We have this same power living within our soul. The Holy Spirit dwells within our hearts.

May we realize the fullness of God’s love in our lives and not let insecurities squelch our potential for living an abundant life in Christ. I am not talking about “name it and claim it” or earthly prosperity false teachings. We are complete in Him through His grace. May we meditate on growing in the knowledge of Christ’s love for us and the fullness of His power from the grace He freely gives to us.

Warren Wiersbe: “We are so rich in Christ that our riches cannot be calculated even with the most sophisticated computer. . . No Christian ever has to worry about having inadequate spiritual resources to meet the demands of life.”

Question: Whose evaluation of you is more important? God or the opinion of others?

Question: What truth has God taught you this week about His faithfulness, grace, or mercy?

Question: What verse reminds you that complete joy is found only in Christ?

My prayer today: “God fill every aspect of my life to the fullest possible way as only You can do by Your Holy Spirit. My faith is small. Give me more faith. Thank you so much for the grace You have given to me. May I be more aware of that grace working in my life abundantly. What do you want to teach me today? Help my life to reflect your infinite grace.”

Listen To Danny Gokey’s song, “More Than You Think I Am.”

 

 

 

Psalm 119:18 declares: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.” This verse has gripped me this past week. It became my prayer: “Yes God, “open my eyes.” I want to understand and know everything you expect me to learn, know, and understand from Your word. Teach me.”

There are 30 verses in the ESV, where those two words, “teach me” are found. Here are 11 examples of them:

1. Job 6:24: “Teach me and I will be silent; make me understand how I have gone astray.
2. Job 34:32: “Teach me what I do not see; if I have done iniquity, I will do it no more?
3. Psalm 25:4: “Make me to know your paths O LORD; teach me your paths.”
4. Psalm 25:5: “Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.”
5. Psalm 27:11: “Teach me your way O LORD, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.”
6. Psalm 51:6: “Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.”
7. Psalm 86:11: “Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.”
8. Psalm 119:26: “When I told of my ways, you answered me; teach me your statutes!”
9. Psalm 119:29: “Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me your law.”
10. Psalm 119:66: “Teach me good judgment and knowledge for I believe in your commandments.”
11. Psalm 143:10: “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!”

I just pulled out an old letter; I had received when I was 24 years of age. It was from a dear woman that had been my mentor. God instrumentally used her in having an impact on my life at a critical time. She was God’s person that He chose to teach me to draw close and love the Lord with all my heart, and to learn everything I could from His Word. Margaret passed away years ago from cancer, but Margaret Hanson, and I stayed in touch through letter writing after I became married and started a home of my own. She was a great women’s Bible study teacher and led many women to Christ, to accept Him into their life. In the one letter that I still have, she said: “At times giving out and giving out can be discouraging . . . Isaiah 55:11: “My word that goes out of my mouth shall not return unto me without effect; it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the things whereto I sent it.” All the Lord requires of us is obedience and faithfulness, and after all, He’s the one to get the glory.” How I miss Margaret.

I have so much more that I want to learn and know from God’s word. There is always something new and fresh to ponder when reading the Bible.

Job, and the writers of the Psalms, both asked God to open their minds, to give them insight beyond their abilities of understanding.

Paul, in Ephesians 1:16-17, and in Colossians 1:9, asked God to give the saints wisdom into God’s Word and the saving knowledge of Him.

When we know how to apply full scriptural knowledge, epignosis, then we will know God’s will for our life.

Don’t we all get so caught up with work, family, friends, and just living real life? Life throws us a curve ball and we don’t know what to do. Recently I was not sure what I should do about a particular situation. I thought hard. I asked a close friend for advice. I went to God and asked Him. Then I saw how Job, the authors of Psalms, and Paul, all asked God to “teach them.” Here is the list I came away with that I want God to teach me as I pause, reflect, and have Him teach the following to me. Then the natural outcome will be: Growing in discernment, knowledge, wisdom, and make wise choices:

1. Understand when I have gone astray. I want to arm myself with the mind of Christ, in true righteousness and holiness. May my heart be continually transformed.
2. Teach me what I need to see and know from Your Word. Don’t let me miss anything.
3. Assist and bless all my endeavors. Make them multiply.
4. Help me to “get it -” wisdom from God. May my brain process it all correctly so I may have it hidden in my heart, so I will have total obedience from knowing what is true. Understanding will follow later.
5. May I have good judgment and discernment from the knowledge learned from your Word (epignosis knowledge).
6. May I be sensitive and aware of the Holy Spirit’s nudges and may I not neglect and be fully aware of your leading in the way I should go.

You may be thinking, but wait! I don’t have time in my day right now to sit still and pour over chapters in my Bible to gain more knowledge in God’s Word. It sounds wonderful, but I am exhausted. I would like to, but I can’t seem to fit it in!

It doesn’t require hours of study. Carry verses in your purse to pull out while waiting in line. Or turn on a Bible ap, such as YouVersion, while doing dishes or putting on your make-up, and have it read the Bible to you out loud. Subscribe to a verse for the day. Write out a verse on a post-it note and stick it on the mirror for you to read while you brush your teeth. It doesn’t have to be anything huge. Just one verse at a time will work. Feeding your mind truths of scripture is what counts.

Question: Are you in full realization of opportunities God is giving you to grow in your relationship with Him?

Question: What does God want to teach you this coming week? Be on the lookout as you become His masterpiece.

Question: How has God opened your eyes recently? What verse has He used to do that? Ask Him for one.

When we have an increase of knowledge about the truths found in God’s Word, we then have an increase of our faith in Him.

My prayer for today: God thank you that when Jesus died on the cross for my sins, He did not hold any grudges. He dropped it. I want to be continually sensitive to your guidance and leading in the tasks I am responsible for today. Thank you for your unconditional love and patience. You are my teacher, my rock, fortress, refuge, stronghold, and deliverer. Thank you for your  sustaining grace and mercy in my life. “Open my eyes so that I may behold wondrous things out of your law (Psalm 119:18).” I bless Your name, and lift you high, as my God and King.

Listen to “Masterpiece” by Danney Gokey.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJMQdJeqXrs

 

Do you ever wish to just have some stability in your life? Personally, I hate change. I prefer the status quo. I tend to be more methodical in life because then I tend to feel more secure. There are no unexpected surprises that way. I feel insecure when I do not know how to do something that is new to me. But as Francis Chan states, if life were stable, we would never need God’s help.

David in the Old Testament did not have stability in his life, when he had enemies pursuing him and trying to kill him. His opponents hated him. David had his life threatened more than once.

Saul was an anointed King of Israel, but ended up being rejected by God due to his disobedience in God’s instructions. Saul became self-centered, self-willed, and self-justified his actions rather than repenting to God for his disobedience. Saul became proud and infatuated with himself. Then his jealousy, insanity, anger and fear towards David grew in intensity due to David being anointed king by Samuel, replacing Saul as the king as stated in 1 Samuel 15:23: “For rebellion is as the sin of divination and presumption is in iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has also rejected you from being king.”

But God rescued David each time Saul and others tried to kill David, and protected his life. Psalm 18:1-15 and Psalm 144:1-8, both state about how God saved David from all of his enemies and Saul. Both of these Psalms are almost a duplicate of 2 Samuel 22, and are a song of praise to God for the safety He always provided David when he was in danger from various adversaries. David cried out to God for help, and God responded.

Psalm 18:1-2: “I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, and stronghold.”

Psalm 144:1: “Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle.”

The word for love, used in Psalm 18:1, signifies tender intimacy. David’s choice of the word love in this instance expressed commitment, unswerving devotion, close fellowship, and supreme love for God.  The Lord was not merely a genie in a bottle to just pull out and demand a wish when times were bad for David and he was no coward. David’s complete trust in God wiped out fear.

Don’t we all dislike the bumps in the road and want everyone to like us? We try so hard to please everyone and be everything to all people. When David was confronted by his enemies he used the descriptive word “calamity” (Psalm 18:18 ESV), which means a catastrophe, tragedy, affliction, and misfortune. The HCSB uses the word “distress.” The MSG uses the word “chaos.” But David says the LORD was his support.

God orchestrated events in order to keep David’s life safe and protected. David knew God would take Saul’s life at His appointed time. David had the opportunity to take his own revenge and take matters into his own hands, but didn’t out of obedience to God.

We find in 2 Samuel 22, Psalm 18, and Psalm 144, David proclaiming praise back to God for being his:

• Shield
• Strong refuge
• Deliverer
• Rock
• Stronghold
• Saving David from violence

David wasn’t always innocent, but in this instance, he was.

In 2 Samuel 22:41, David states: “You made my enemies turn their backs to me, those who hated me, and I destroyed them.”

How did David learn to be such a skilled soldier?

David said in Psalm 18:34: “He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.” Psalm 144:1b stated: “. . . who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle.”

God did the following for David to enable him to win in combat:

• God heard David’s cry for help – Psalm 18:3; 6-“. . . He heard my voice . . .”
• God caused an earthquake and storm to take place at just the exact and right moment. Psalm 18:7-15
• God rescued David. Psalm 18:3b; 17-19.
• God rewarded David for his righteousness, integrity, and faithfulness. Psalm 18:20-24.
• God trained David for war. Psalm 18:34
• God gave David the shield of salvation. Psalm 18:35

Priscilla Shirer has said: “Sometimes the greatest miracles God does are not in our circumstances, it is in our minds.”

I must own for myself David’s words in Psalm 18:30: “This God – his way is perfect, the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.”

I don’t always view stressful situations as another training ground God is sharpening my skills to learn. God’s school of endurance has come in many forms throughout my years of life. God’s purpose is always to make us draw deeper into His Word and to grow in tender intimacy with the Lord that gives testimony to His grace and mercy working in our life.

Question: Do you fully understand the stability you have in Christ?

Question: What song of praise can you sing back to God today, as David did in 2 Samuel 22, Psalm 18, and Psalm 144, for being your rock, fortress, deliver, shield, and stronghold?

Listen to Benton Brown’s “God My Rock” Lyric’s Video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0b2GFdxuVk

 

Psalm 84:1-2: “How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts! My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.”

Psalm 91:1-2. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

Where would be your place of sanctuary? Think of the most peaceful retreat, shelter, hideaway, oasis, refuge, and safe place you can go. What picture comes to your mind? Is it laying on the sand at the beach? Or sitting in your favorite chair reading a great book? Maybe rocking in a hammock, or sitting on your patio with a cup of tea or coffee? Or taking a leisurely hot bath with a candle burning?

Mine is taking a walk or being in my office. I enjoy getting to take a stroll or hike and look at the beauty of the clouds in the sky and think to myself that God is up there above those puffy clouds and is looking down right at me. Right now the red fuzzy Bottle Bush trees are in full bloom along our paseo paved walking paths in our city, which are an amazing display of God’s creation.

My office is the room where God and I have serious conversations together. I still keep a sign on my red leather office chair that says: Reserved. God’s chair. This is the room in our house, where I go to be alone or just want some privacy in order to talk things out with God.

In Psalm 84: 1-2 the writer longed to get away from the chaos of the world to meet God inside God’s dwelling place, his holy temple. We can now meet God anywhere and at any time. But there is something special about receiving the joy of worship and fellowship within the church’s building (another description of a sanctuary), in getting to partake in the music, prayers, sermons, and fellowship.

When feeling intensely intimidated or threatened in those “sticky” times, be reminded of Psalm 91:1-2. God is a shelter and our refuge. Recognize the fact that Satan knows how to work at putting in place division and strife with the people that are the most important to us. Trade all of your fears for faith in being in the presence of our Almighty God, who is the ultimate confidant.

So have you felt you have done something stupid and wished you could undo it? I have. Or maybe you just wish you could undo a situation and start over again and do it differently instead? We all do stupid stuff. No one is perfect. It says in Romans 3:23 that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.

Satan’s arrows aimed at the target on our back, are feelings of guilt, shame, frustration, and failure. Yes, he uses all of them to make me want to give up and just hide and not talk to anyone for a while. How about you? Do you realize you have just fallen into his trap of defeat and discouragement while living through those circumstances? Stop. Pray through it. It takes some time. Then rest in God’s shelter. Relax in His peace. Rejoice in the fact that nothing can overpower God. He can provide and do so abundantly all that we could ever ask.

Need a few minutes of tranquility and peace? Read the Psalms. Isaiah is another favorite Old Testament book of mine that gives me reassurance of God’s power and protection.

Has your exasperation button been pushed recently?

What about your most recent trouble? Was your pride effected?

Give God the opportunity to demonstrate His power in your life for such a time as this.

What verse brings back God’s peace and eternal perspective to your heart and mind?

Remember, feeling less than, is Satan’s lie. Take hold of who God has called you to be and look for someone who needs encouraging words just from you today.

My prayer: Oh God, how I hate making mistakes. I beat myself up so often with my feelings of being a failure, and then guilt, shame, and frustration take hold. You are my resting place and a shelter for every storm. I, like Asaph, in Psalm 73, get a fresh and eternal perspective on life from spending time alone with You, and Your word. Then I get it. Great is your faithfulness!

Listen to Graham Kendrick’s, “To You Oh Lord I Lift Up My Soul.”

 

 

 

Psalm 62:1-2 (NLT): “I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken.”

Back during the week of April 2015, I was in a period in our life of yet again, being in a waiting situation for an outcome. My husband, Steve, woke me up at 4 AM and alerted me that he saw double on our radio alarm clock. Other physical problems were also present. I quickly maneuvered us to the emergency room at our hospital, which is only three blocks away.

How I remember, when I returned home that first night, from Steve’s hospital room, the quietness in our house was so comforting. The emergency room setting is very noisy. Monitors are running, various doctors and nurses coming in to ask questions over and over and over again. Various medical situations going on with so many people.

The double vision was the hardest to have to wait for going away for Steve above anything else. Coordination came back within a few weeks and his physical therapist was so kind and helpful. Eventually Steve had complete recovery. But I remember it was the quietness of our home that was the peaceful and safe setting that was so needed at that precise time. The lack of noise was comforting and produced tranquility. So was Psalm 62:1-2.

Did I ask God why? No, because the why was not important. It was just another season of learning from God what he wanted to teach us through another seminar on endurance, faith, hope and trust in God’s apparent plan He had for our life at that particular time. Life stood still for a few days.

But I did ask, “What is the reward in this trial Lord?” Hebrews 10:36 states: “For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.” I did ask God to tell me what that was.

I put my faith in Proverbs 1:33: “But whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.” I told God I was listening. In the quietness, in the stillness, I knew He was there.

In reading Psalm 62:1-2, I pictured David, sitting at the feet of Jesus and not saying anything. He was waiting for God to speak and no one else. God was his help and his shield of protection. David trusted in God and believed that He would surely protect him because a “fortress” (“. . . my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken”) is any place of exceptional security or a stable place. God was David’s fortress in protecting him from any harm. Once again the lesson to learn is our sufficiency is found in our heavenly father. God holds it all.

Psalm 37:7 (NASB) states: “Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for him . . .”

Something is soothing about total quietness without any chaotic noise. How every sunset proclaims the beauty of creation! What sound comes to mind from a sunset? Nothing. There is none. Silence. What about when you look up at the stars at night? Silence. God created the sunrise, sunsets, and each and every star in the dark sky majestically shining for us to see, and yet we often worry about how we are going to pay an outstanding bill.

Often times we just need to shut out all the noise around us. Get alone with God’s word, and ask: “God, what do you want to say to me? What do you want me to learn?”

Inhale a cleansing breath of God’s salvation. Exhale a breath of God’s hope and peace.

God often works in quiet ways to bring about his long-range purposes, while we are watching and waiting for a miracle. Elijah recognized the sound of a gentle whisper was God’s voice in 1 Kings 19:11-13. It takes a humble heart to be able to hear God’s guidance quietly.

Psalm 46:10 (NIV) states: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Take time to be quiet before God. Wait patiently at his feet.

Ecclesiastes 9:17 (ESV) declares: “The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools.”

Have a need on your heart?

• Wait quietly, patiently, but expectantly, before God.
• Ask God to speak to you through His word.
• Listen as He sustains you.
• God does not need any fanfare to work everything all out for your good in the end.
• Now echo back your praises to God and give Him praise for His loving kindness and compassion that is new every morning (Lamentations 3:23).
• Morning by morning God dispenses His justice and every new day He does not fail (Zephaniah 3:5)!

Listen to Hillsong United’s song “Still”

 

 

 

 

 

Ambitions and desires all compose our dreams for our life. Are you accomplishing your goals for your life? Or are they changing through various seasons of life?

My earlier aspirations have changed. I used to think I would live in a large house with extensive square footage to spread out lovely furniture with all the right color schemes. How I remember what fun we had as kids, when we would go to my Uncle Pete and Aunt Alice’s house for Thanksgiving. They had a very large home that overlooked the golf course, located in a small town in northwest Iowa. This house had a clothes shoot that we kids used in playing hide and seek. We would climb into the clothes shoot in the upstairs level, and ride all the way down to the main floor laundry room, where the ride ended. It was amazing. My uncle Pete built this house to have their church’s youth group meet there. The basement had a large full kitchen, a player piano with various rolls of music to play,  a regular piano, and an old pump organ that provided hours of fun. Pete and Alice used their home for a place for the youth group to have somewhere to go for fellowship on the weekends.

Gone are the days of popularity of the newest decorating ideas from Better Homes and Garden magazines. Now it is Pinterest, where we can find all of those perfectly decorated rooms with all the just right pops of color, décor, and knickknacks to save and pine over.

But accumulated stuff does not have lasting value. It doesn’t comfort a hurting friend. It doesn’t give solutions to life’s hard knocks. Material possessions are fun and do give pleasure. They are not wrong in themselves. But decorating color schemes come and go. That “popping red” color is not the continuing popular accent color of today or next year. Wallpaper used to be very popular. Now it is out, but I hear it may be coming back somewhat. Decorating color trends are just that – trends that come and go.

Bayless Conley wrote in a recent devotional of his: “Life does not consist in the abundance of things we possess, but in the riches of the relationships we have.”

Matthew 6:19-21,33 states: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also . . . But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

My greatest treasures are my relationships with friends, my husband, my children and grandchildren, and family. Spending quality time together is a strong communicator of love, where you get to sit and converse and have eye to eye contact.

Genesis 13:2 states Abraham was a very rich man. He had livestock, silver, and gold that made up his wealth. But he was rich in faith (Hebrews 11:8-12). How I want to be rich in faith.

The Proverbs 31 woman wore clothes made of fine linen and purple. Purple was a sign of royalty. She held godliness, holiness, time management, and spending money wisely, in high regard. Her husband praised her for all of her talents and strengths. She was rich in dignity. That is now my dream.

One’s reputation cannot be bought. Proverbs 22:1-2 says: “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. The rich and the poor meet together; the LORD is the maker of them all.” How I want to be known for my integrity and find favor with my Lord.

When my parents had their estate auction, the reality of what items were of high value to them, but not to others was a vivid life lesson. I gave continuous hugs to my mother, during the estate sale, and kept saying: “It is only stuff, Mom. Only stuff,” as the receiving auction prices were so much lower than the worth of my parent’s belongings.

My early dreams from my twenty’s and thirty’s are long gone. Today, my thoughts center more about Christ coming back to this earth, and when I will be spending eternity in Heaven. My heart’s desire is  that my children will truly develop a close relationship with Christ, and grow in the knowledge of God. That is where my lasting desires are now centered, rather than on material stuff.

Paul wanted to pass on his knowledge of God, to younger believers in the faith, and his statement in 2 Timothy 4:7, expresses his last words: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.”

What are your dreams based on? Have they changed over the years?

“We live in a culture that celebrates fifteen minutes of fame, but God honors a lifetime of faithfulness.” Mark Batterson.

What verses can you nail your life’s goals on?

What scripture verse would you call your signature verse?

What verse has impacted your life in how you should live?

Do you feel like you are in a holding pattern in life and some of your dreams have been shattered? Each season of life presents challenges. I have been there. But try to view each as an opportunity to grow in letting God sustain and teach you something deeper in your relationship with Him. Rest in Him. Relax in Him. Rejoice in Him. God will work it all out in the end.

“It is true that God may have called you to be exactly where you are. But, it is absolutely vital to grasp that he didn’t call you there so you could settle in and live your life in comfort and superficial peace.”  ― Francis Chan, Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit

‎”Do you know that nothing you do in this life will ever matter, unless it is about loving God and loving the people he has made?”  ― Francis Chan, Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God

My prayer for today: God I want to live my life without regrets. Help me to keep a clear head above everything. You know what my dreams are as I have given them to You. Great are You Lord and greatly to be praised! My hope and satisfaction are in You alone. Fulfill my desires in Your appointed time. Amen.

Listen to MercyMe’s song “Even If.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6fA35Ved-Y

 

I recently found a note I had written in my journal that I had written way in the middle of my book. I left blank pages in-between from where I had left off writing down verses and thoughts for some reason. This is what I found I had written down: There are three thought questions to ask oneself about how God has spoken to you from God’s word.  The three questions to ask yourself are:

• What verse sustains you?
• What verse echoes your praise of thanksgiving to God?
• What verse reminds you God will work it all out?

These are three great questions to ask oneself when reading a section or passage in the Bible when studying God’s word on your own. Or when reviewing verses that you want to remember.

I gathered up my stack of Bible verses that I have written down on four by six cards. These are verses that God has used to speak to me in some specific way throughout the last several years of my life. I want to remember each one, so I have written them down on a card, so that I can remind myself and carry them with me to refresh my heart and mind with the promises from God.

I have now worked at labeling three separate buckets to store my cards with verses written on them, with those three labelled headings.

I challenge you to make your organized list from these three titles that speak of God sustaining – comforting, strengthening, supporting, encouraging, and uplifting you. Then which verses reflect and echoes your thankfulness and praise back to God? We know God will work all things out for our good, but what verses tell you that? Here are a few of mine to share:

What verse sustains you?

Psalm 54:4: “Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life.”

Philippians 4:7: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 10:35-36: “Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.”

What verse echoes your praise of thanksgiving to God?

Ephesians 3:20: “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.”

Psalm 145:1-3: “I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.”

Ephesians 5:20: “Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

What verse reminds you God will work it all out?

Proverbs 29:25: “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.”

Psalm 41:1 (NIV): “God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble.”

Romans 8:27-28: “And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Priscilla Shirer, in one of her books, gave me the idea of writing down the date, next to a verse that God has used to speak to me, besides underlining or highlighting it with a yellow highlighter marker. Putting a date next to the verse helps to be a future reminder of God’s power in His word. Seeing a date will bring back a visual memory, when our eyes came across a verse that God has spoken peace to us, or comfort, or has delivered a challenge at a time when we needed to hear His voice. As Psalm 33:4 declares: “For the word of the LORD is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness.”

Now it is your turn. Start your own organized list with these headings. Do you have more verses under one category more than the other two? I just realized my bucket that now holds –  God sustains is pretty even with what verses remind you –  God will work it out. But, the bucket labelled –  Echoes my praise of thanksgiving to God is less in number of cards, than the other two. I need to fix that. It shows me that I need to spend more time expressing gratitude to my Heavenly Father for all that He has done for me. I need to remember to speak words of praise and thanksgiving to God, when I get up in the morning, go about my day, and then review again when I go to bed at night. I need to verbalize my gratefulness for God’s protection, power, majesty, justice, holiness, mercy, goodness, and steadfast love.

Yes, God will sustain you.

Yes, God will work it all out.

Yes, echo your praises from scripture, to God.

My prayer for today: God, you are so faithful, merciful, and gracious. Your words lift me up when I fall. You are always right there walking beside me. Only lasting peace, joy, and true satisfaction comes from you. I love that You keep astounding me! God, You are mighty. You will fulfill my desires in your perfect plan that you have for me. I praise you for your kindness, compassion, grace, mercy, patience, and unconditional love. Fill me with your presence throughout my day. I will extol you, my God and king, and bless your name forever and ever. There are no boundaries to your greatness. I am calming my mind right now in order to meditate on the glorious splendor of your majesty and wondrous works. My heart sings aloud of your righteousness. I give you praise! Amen.

Listen to the Newsboys song: “I Am Committed.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0Tn_r-XYWw

 

Psalm 55:22: “Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you, he will never permit the righteous to be moved.”

I love how David was so honest and lived real life in his prayers to the Lord, throughout the book of Psalms. David spoke about his distress, grief, sorrow, joys, gratefulness, and benefits of life lived in his relationship with God, throughout the Psalms.

There were times David was calm due to his confidence for  protection and peace, as he said in Psalm 3:

• Psalm 3:3:“But you O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory and the lifter of my head.”

David had struggles. He had strong feelings and emotions. If he was angry, he admitted it and told God about it. If he was afraid, he told God he had fear and asked God to bring resolution. David felt trapped and alone many times. But he found his strength in God as his shield, sustainer, provider, and protector.

• Psalm 3:5: “I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the LORD sustained me.”

David had implicit trust and faith that God would support, uphold, and be his sustainer.

In Psalm 6 David pleads with the Lord to not punish him as he expresses sorrow over some sin. He admitted that he was physically sick. He said he was upset and disturbed and worn out with pain. David was completely honest with God and turned his attention towards God’s mercy.

• Psalm 6:6: “I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with my weeping.”

David cried and had grief. But David had confidence that God would rescue him, as he said in:

Psalm 6:10: “All my enemies shall be ashamed and greatly troubled; they shall turn back and be put to shame in a moment.”

Psalm 40 is David’s testimony of what God was able to do in his life under difficult circumstances.

• Psalm 40:2-3: “He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD.”

David is saying that he had to wait patiently, but God lifted him up so others would look at what God had done in his life in difficult circumstances.

Then in Psalm 55, David says to cast your burden on the LORD.

• Psalm 55:22: “Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.”

So do you pray harder and more frequently when you are sick and in pain, have an impossible situation, or have someone that has hurt you, as David did? I would have to say I pray more often when experiencing any type of turmoil. Don’t we all do that? We pray more when we are going through a trial and have burdens, versus when life is good. But we need to be in a continual state of praising God in the good times and the bad, and keep our mind filled with the knowledge of  God by recalling precious promises found in His word.

David poured out his heart passionately to the Lord. He didn’t beat around the bush. David said it the way it was. He prayed hard. Then David waited patiently for God’s answers. He said when he was afraid he put his trust in God.

It all comes down to ultimately casting our anxieties on the Lord (1 Peter 5:7), again and again. We have to let them go. Then give thanksgiving and honor to God that He is sovereign, He is omnipotent, and He is omnipresent. He is God!

Psalm 64:10 declares: “Let the righteous one rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in him! Let all the upright in heart exult!”

What similarities do you see between Psalm 55:22 and 1 Peter 5:7?

What is Jesus saying we should do in Matthew 11:28-29?

What does David say in Psalm 63:3 is better than life?

Have your emotions been out there lately? Or are you going through a tranquil time right now? We all have different personalities given to us by our creator. Trials will come. Spend time in the Psalms.

Come before the throne of grace in complete confidence that Christ understands. He is in charge of the how! He cares for you.

Christina Fox said in her book “A Heart Set Free. A Journey To Hope Through The Psalms Of Lament: “And this is the place in our journey where we have to work hard at trusting God, we have to exercise our faith, weed out sin, go beneath the layers of our emotions to find the truth, and respond to God in praise and worship for who He is and what He has done.”

Make a list of ten things you are thankful for. Praise God for each one of them. Review them throughout the day. Pray the words of Psalm 145. It is a song of praise of David, and a great Psalm to memorize.

Listen to Casting Crowns song, “Oh My Soul.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tn5aq54yu8A