I can be in a whole crowd of people and the sea of voices will be a din around me when suddenly my ears focus on one familiar voice calling out, "Mom!" or "Cindy!" The din continues, yet I have heard the voice of one that has importance to me, one that my attention is drawn to. All the rest remain unimportant as I tune in.
This is what I think Jesus is refering to when He says, "My sheep listen to my voice..." and "they do not recognize a stranger's voice." The evil one and the world around us make up a sea of voices beckoning us this way and that, to this idea and that, to this love and that, to this pursuit and that, etc. Yet, as sheep of The Good Shepherd, we are to hear only one voice. The voice of our Shepherd who calls us and gives us eternal life (Jn. 10:28).
Who's voice is catching my attention?
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Walking Down Abraham's Road
- Face the facts.
- Do not waver in doubt regarding God's promise.
- Be strengthed in your faith.
- Give glory to God.
- Be fully persuaded that God is able to do all He has promised.
- Result: God sees us as righteous.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
" I see grace grows best in winter." - Samuel Rutherford
I find this so true in my walk with Jesus. I pray so much more diligently during the hard, dark days of my life. Yet when the light of spring and warmth of summer days arrive, when the trials fade into distant memories, I so often loose my driven pursuit of a close relationship with my Lord.
After King David's reign, under the reign of King Solomon, his son, God graciously granted the land of Israel peace and quiet on every side. David orders the leader's of Israel to help his son Solomon in the building of the Temple for the LORD with these words, "Is not the LORD you God with you? And has he not granted you rest on every side?...Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the LORD you God..." (1 Chronicles 22: 18,19)
Oh that I might consistently devote my heart and soul to seeking the LORD my God during the times of peace and quite just as I do during the times of trial. God give me that determination.
I find this so true in my walk with Jesus. I pray so much more diligently during the hard, dark days of my life. Yet when the light of spring and warmth of summer days arrive, when the trials fade into distant memories, I so often loose my driven pursuit of a close relationship with my Lord.
After King David's reign, under the reign of King Solomon, his son, God graciously granted the land of Israel peace and quiet on every side. David orders the leader's of Israel to help his son Solomon in the building of the Temple for the LORD with these words, "Is not the LORD you God with you? And has he not granted you rest on every side?...Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the LORD you God..." (1 Chronicles 22: 18,19)
Oh that I might consistently devote my heart and soul to seeking the LORD my God during the times of peace and quite just as I do during the times of trial. God give me that determination.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Steadfast
Steadfast: not changing or moving; firm in purpose; true.
Psalm 112 says that the man is blessed whose heart is steadfast.
Psalm 57 and 108 say that the steadfast heart will sing and make music.
When the storms of life are rocking my boat, often times it feels like they're "tossing" my boat to and fro, my heart is easily rocked or tossed right along with it. There has been a lot of that lately. I am challenged to keep my heart steadfast. I am anchored to the solid rock. "My God is my rock." Psalm 18:2.
Can I sing and make music to my God, my redeemer and friend? Yes, even in pain and troublesome unknowns, when my heart is steadfastly trusting, waiting and hoping, I can make exalt the Lord, sing and make melody from the depths of my soul.
Strike up the band!
Psalm 112 says that the man is blessed whose heart is steadfast.
Psalm 57 and 108 say that the steadfast heart will sing and make music.
When the storms of life are rocking my boat, often times it feels like they're "tossing" my boat to and fro, my heart is easily rocked or tossed right along with it. There has been a lot of that lately. I am challenged to keep my heart steadfast. I am anchored to the solid rock. "My God is my rock." Psalm 18:2.
Can I sing and make music to my God, my redeemer and friend? Yes, even in pain and troublesome unknowns, when my heart is steadfastly trusting, waiting and hoping, I can make exalt the Lord, sing and make melody from the depths of my soul.
Strike up the band!
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Relentless Love, Relented Anger
I found three amazing progressive Psalms this week. Psalm 104 talks about God and creation. Psalm 105 talks about God and Israel formed. Psalm 106 talks about God and Israel's rebellion.
It near the end of this last Psalm where I find encouragement in God's merciful dealings with us, His people.
It near the end of this last Psalm where I find encouragement in God's merciful dealings with us, His people.
"Many times he delivered them, but the were bent on rebellion
and they wasted away in their sin.
But he took note of their distress when he heard their cry;
for their sake he remembered his covenant
and out of his relentless love he relented his anger."
Oh that we would treasure this relentless love of his, live with thankfullness in this unmerited favor and overflow such character to others whether we feel that it is deserved or not. For that is only when love it truly relentless.
Monday, May 17, 2010
A Scary Place
In reading Psalm 95 this morning my heart was chilled by the time I got to the last verse...
I felt comfortable when I read, "we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care."
Then the stakes rise a little..."Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts..."
This is followed by a quick review of how the children of Israel ignored God and did harden their hearts.
By the last verse God declares, "They shall never enter my rest!" What a scary place to be.
Oh Lord, have mercy on me. Don't let me ignore your voice...as a people of your pasture, I will listen, I will obey. Keep my heart soft so that I will enter your rest.
I felt comfortable when I read, "we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care."
Then the stakes rise a little..."Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts..."
This is followed by a quick review of how the children of Israel ignored God and did harden their hearts.
By the last verse God declares, "They shall never enter my rest!" What a scary place to be.
Oh Lord, have mercy on me. Don't let me ignore your voice...as a people of your pasture, I will listen, I will obey. Keep my heart soft so that I will enter your rest.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
A Moment of Doubt
Sometimes the road is rough. In Psalm 94 David calls them days of trouble. In a moment of doubt, this morning, I wondered if my prayers weren't getting beyond the ceiling. Then I read:
"Does He who implanted the ear not hear?
Does He who formed the eye not see?"
Cut to the heart of doubt!
I will "tell of His love in the morning and His faithfulness at night." Psalm 92:2
"Does He who implanted the ear not hear?
Does He who formed the eye not see?"
Cut to the heart of doubt!
I will "tell of His love in the morning and His faithfulness at night." Psalm 92:2
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
A Restored Friendship
This is beautiful...Webster's definition of the word reconcile is "to restore a friendship after an estrangement."
We are estranged from our God because of our drive for independence. We walked away...He walked towards.
For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Christ, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross...to present us holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation. (Colossians 1: 19, 20, 22)
Winnie the Pooh captures it poignantly when he tells Christopher Robin, "You're just in time for the best part of the day, the part when you and me become we."
Oh the joy of being "we" with my God.
We are estranged from our God because of our drive for independence. We walked away...He walked towards.
For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Christ, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross...to present us holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation. (Colossians 1: 19, 20, 22)
Winnie the Pooh captures it poignantly when he tells Christopher Robin, "You're just in time for the best part of the day, the part when you and me become we."
Oh the joy of being "we" with my God.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Controlled By or Set Free From Fear
Yesterday a certified letter arrived in the mail. With it was brought fear. It was vague yet contained enough..."This letter is to advise you that because of pending investigation of licensing complaints...it has been determined...until licensing and safety issues are resolved..." No details or explanation were given. This was in regards to our home as a fosterhome. All kinds of things began to swirl around in my head. This happened once before and it was many tense weeks of us proving that the accusations that had been filed against us were completely false. I was not prepared to face that battle again. This letter came on the heels of other attacks from the evil one and I have felt particularly vulnerable. I felt spiritually and emotionally weak. I wanted to escape somewhere far away.
This morning God mercifully encouraged me through His eternal Word:
Psalm 55:16-19,22,23
I will call to God, and the LORD who saves me.
Evening and morning I cry out in my distress and He hears my voice.
He ransoms me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me.
God, who is enthroned forever will hear them and afflict them - men who never change their ways and have no fear of God.
Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you;
He will never let the righteous fall
As for me, I trust in You
Psalm 56: 3,4,9-11
When I am afraid, I will trust in You
In God whose word I praise
In God I trust, I will not be afraid.
What can mortal man do to me?
My enemies will turn back when I call for help,
By this I know that God is for me.
In God whose word I praise, In God whose word I praise-
In God I trust, I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?
Nothing can separate me from the love of God.
The rest of the story...
I left a message on the investigator's phone last night asking for a phone call first thing this morning. She called by 8:30am (a long time since I'd been up at 5:15am...too much brain time!!). The problem was a paperwork problem. They were lacking a background clearance form in their files and had been trying to contact our licensor for 4 months with no response. Their "only" option was to put a hold on any more fostercare activity in our home which came in the same letter form as for any other problem worth investigating. I wonder why it isn't in the processes to call the home? Hummmm! Anyway, the problem was quickly resolved.
And, now, to this I still hold on:
In God alone is my strength. He is my rock.
This morning God mercifully encouraged me through His eternal Word:
Psalm 55:16-19,22,23
I will call to God, and the LORD who saves me.
Evening and morning I cry out in my distress and He hears my voice.
He ransoms me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me.
God, who is enthroned forever will hear them and afflict them - men who never change their ways and have no fear of God.
Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you;
He will never let the righteous fall
As for me, I trust in You
Psalm 56: 3,4,9-11
When I am afraid, I will trust in You
In God whose word I praise
In God I trust, I will not be afraid.
What can mortal man do to me?
My enemies will turn back when I call for help,
By this I know that God is for me.
In God whose word I praise, In God whose word I praise-
In God I trust, I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?
Nothing can separate me from the love of God.
The rest of the story...
I left a message on the investigator's phone last night asking for a phone call first thing this morning. She called by 8:30am (a long time since I'd been up at 5:15am...too much brain time!!). The problem was a paperwork problem. They were lacking a background clearance form in their files and had been trying to contact our licensor for 4 months with no response. Their "only" option was to put a hold on any more fostercare activity in our home which came in the same letter form as for any other problem worth investigating. I wonder why it isn't in the processes to call the home? Hummmm! Anyway, the problem was quickly resolved.
And, now, to this I still hold on:
In God alone is my strength. He is my rock.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Character
David, in 1Samuel, amazingly models character above reproach. His bold acting in faith and trust as he takes out Goliath...He "so successfully" does what ever Saul asks him to do that he finds favor with Saul, the officers and all the people"... In everything he did he had great success, because the Lord was with him"... Time and again when Saul tries to kill David out of jealously, God grants David success so that Saul begins to realize that the LORD is with David... Finally Saul takes up an all out hunt with his army to kill David, instead, David finds himself in a position to kill Saul and finally be freed from his life as a hunted man, his response is "forbid that I should do such a thing to the LORD's annointed"... David wants to be above reproach so that no one can say that he is guilty of wrongdoing or rebellion... "May the LORD judge between you and me. And may the LORD avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you."
Oh to be in such a place of rest and confidence in God's vindication. Yes, the victory is ours when the battle is the Lords.
Oh to be in such a place of rest and confidence in God's vindication. Yes, the victory is ours when the battle is the Lords.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
'Tis So Sweet
We had an amazing time of worship in singing as a body of Christ tonight. I can't go to bed without sharing this timeless gem:
’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”
Refrain:Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
And in simple faith to plunge me
’Neath the healing, cleansing flood!
Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.
I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.
After singing, Daniel shared that this hymn was written by a poverty stricken woman who came to know Jesus hearing Dwight Moody. At a time when she had no food, God blessed her with bags from an unknown source. After that she penned these words.
Yes, trusting is so sweet and brings such life, rest, joy and peace.
’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”
Refrain:Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
And in simple faith to plunge me
’Neath the healing, cleansing flood!
Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.
I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.
After singing, Daniel shared that this hymn was written by a poverty stricken woman who came to know Jesus hearing Dwight Moody. At a time when she had no food, God blessed her with bags from an unknown source. After that she penned these words.
Yes, trusting is so sweet and brings such life, rest, joy and peace.
Who's the fight against?
Goliath comes out every day for 40 days and declares ,"Why do you come out and line up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not the servants of Saul? Choose a man and have him come down to me...this day I defy the ranks of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other." Each time the Israelites saw the man, they ran in great fear.
When David appeared on the battlefield to visit his brothers, he saw the situation with eyes that came from a heart that was in touch with God. The Psalms declare his heart: The Lord is my shepherd; I trust in You; O my Strength, I praise you; My soul finds rest in God alone and so on. His immediate question is "Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?"
Do I see the daily "attacks" in my life as just person against person or do I see it through spiritual eyes and in reality it is the evil one defying the living God in my life?
I must recognize the latter. Then I will respond as David did, "I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will hand you over...All those gathered will know that it is not by sword and spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord's and He will give all of you into our hands."
Oh, Lord, the victory is mine when the battle is Yours.
"With God we will gain the victory, and He will trample down our enemies." Psalm 60:12
When David appeared on the battlefield to visit his brothers, he saw the situation with eyes that came from a heart that was in touch with God. The Psalms declare his heart: The Lord is my shepherd; I trust in You; O my Strength, I praise you; My soul finds rest in God alone and so on. His immediate question is "Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?"
Do I see the daily "attacks" in my life as just person against person or do I see it through spiritual eyes and in reality it is the evil one defying the living God in my life?
I must recognize the latter. Then I will respond as David did, "I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will hand you over...All those gathered will know that it is not by sword and spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord's and He will give all of you into our hands."
Oh, Lord, the victory is mine when the battle is Yours.
"With God we will gain the victory, and He will trample down our enemies." Psalm 60:12
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
The verse in my pocket...
I will bless My people and the places surrounding My hill. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing...then you will know that I, the Lord your God, am with you...you are my sheep, the sheep of my pasture...I am your God declares the sovereign Lord. Ezekiel 34:26,30,31
Friday, March 12, 2010
Ever Wondering?
As John the Baptist was sitting in jail for proclaiming who he believed Jesus to be, he began wondering... was Jesus really who he, John, thought He was? (Matthew 11:2-4) Who would have thougth that this would have ever entered John's mind.
Ever had doubt along the journey with Jesus?
Jesus' reply was simply this, "Report to John what you hear and see." Powerful! Jesus words and evidence of what He does is testimony enough. The evidence stands strong.
Next, Jesus further promises, "Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me." Standing firm in the midst of the tribulation on acoount of Him will bring blessing.
James 1:12 says, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
Ever had doubt along the journey with Jesus?
Jesus' reply was simply this, "Report to John what you hear and see." Powerful! Jesus words and evidence of what He does is testimony enough. The evidence stands strong.
Next, Jesus further promises, "Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me." Standing firm in the midst of the tribulation on acoount of Him will bring blessing.
James 1:12 says, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
Monday, February 15, 2010
By Faith...
Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
By faith...we understand
By faith...Abel offered to God
By faith...he was commended
By faith...he still speaks
By faith...Enoch was taken
By faith...Noah, when warned, built
By faith...he condemned the world
By faith...Abraham when called, went
By faith...Abraham was enabled to conceive
By faith...when tested, obeyed
By faith...Isaac blessed
By faith...Jacob blessed
By faith...Joseph spoke about the exodus
By faith...Moses' parents hid him
By faith...Moses refused to be known as son of Pharaoh's daughter
By faith...he left Egypt
By faith...he kept the Passover
By faith...the people passed through the Red Sea
By faith...the walls of Jericho fell
By faith...Rahab welcomed the spies
By faith...conquored kingdoms
administered justice and gained what was promised
shut the mouths of lions
quenched the fury of the flames
escaped the edge of the sword
weakness turned to strength
became powerful in battle and routed enemies
dead raised to life again
tortured refused to be released in hope of resurrection
faced jeers and flogging
chained and in prison
stoned
sawed in two
put to death by the sword
destitute, persecuted and mistreated
Without faith it is impossible to please God.
Hebrews 11
By faith...we understand
By faith...Abel offered to God
By faith...he was commended
By faith...he still speaks
By faith...Enoch was taken
By faith...Noah, when warned, built
By faith...he condemned the world
By faith...Abraham when called, went
By faith...Abraham was enabled to conceive
By faith...when tested, obeyed
By faith...Isaac blessed
By faith...Jacob blessed
By faith...Joseph spoke about the exodus
By faith...Moses' parents hid him
By faith...Moses refused to be known as son of Pharaoh's daughter
By faith...he left Egypt
By faith...he kept the Passover
By faith...the people passed through the Red Sea
By faith...the walls of Jericho fell
By faith...Rahab welcomed the spies
By faith...conquored kingdoms
administered justice and gained what was promised
shut the mouths of lions
quenched the fury of the flames
escaped the edge of the sword
weakness turned to strength
became powerful in battle and routed enemies
dead raised to life again
tortured refused to be released in hope of resurrection
faced jeers and flogging
chained and in prison
stoned
sawed in two
put to death by the sword
destitute, persecuted and mistreated
Without faith it is impossible to please God.
Hebrews 11
Monday, January 4, 2010
Oh To See His Face
Yesterday morning Dave shared two verses back to back that brought to me a new anticipation for that glorious day when we are with Christ.
In Exodus 33 Moses boldly asks God to show him His glory. God responds by telling Moses, "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. But, you can not see my face, for no one can see my face and live."
In contrast, in Revelation 22 it says that the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and His servants will serve Him. They will see His face, and His name will be on their forheads.
"O that will be glory for me, glory for me, glory for me.
When by His grace I shall look on His face,
That will be glory, be glory for me."
In Exodus 33 Moses boldly asks God to show him His glory. God responds by telling Moses, "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. But, you can not see my face, for no one can see my face and live."
In contrast, in Revelation 22 it says that the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and His servants will serve Him. They will see His face, and His name will be on their forheads.
"O that will be glory for me, glory for me, glory for me.
When by His grace I shall look on His face,
That will be glory, be glory for me."
Saturday, January 2, 2010
2010
1. Psalm 27:13-14
I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord,
be strong and take heart,
Yes, wait for the Lord.
2. James 1:19
...be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger
3. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
...pray always...
I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord,
be strong and take heart,
Yes, wait for the Lord.
2. James 1:19
...be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger
3. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
...pray always...
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