The Lone Ranger Wasn't So Alone

I'm a big Lone Ranger fan. I think I've seen every episode at least twice.

You've probably heard the saying, "There are no Lone Ranger Christians." Well, any true fan will tell you that the Lone Ranger really wasn't alone.

He was called the "Lone" Ranger, because he was the only Texas Ranger who survived a cruel attack by outlaws. But he knew better than to try to fight injustice on his own.

He had a partner - Tonto.
He had helpers - his nephew for one.
He had support - a banker who exchanged his silver for cash, and sheriffs and governors who gave him letters of recommendation to others.
Not to mention, he had a trusty steed - Silver, without whom he never could have crisscrossed the frontier or raced to the aid of the needy.

Ok, maybe that's more Lone Ranger trivia than you wanted. =) But the principle we see in his story is important, and it's something God has emphasized in His Word.

Jesus sent His disciples out two by two.
Paul always took a partner (and often helpers) with him on his missionary journeys.
Christians are called Christ's "body," each part is necessary to the others.

Contrary to the world's opinion, we need partnership. We need helpers. We need support.
I cannot be a one-woman show. You cannot be a one-person show (or a one-married couple show).

Even though I've heard this truth for years, it's finally starting to sink in.

Though it goes against our pride, I believe that whatever work/ministry God wants to do through us will be better, and we will be better, when we do it in partnership with others. That's God's plan.

So I think it's fine to be a Lone Ranger-like Christian. Because now you know that the Lone Ranger never rode alone. =)

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." -Hebrews 10:24

Not To Us...

Do you ever desperately want to accomplish something all by yourself, just so you can stand up and shout "I did it!"

I feel like that sometimes. I want to feel good about myself. I want to receive recognition from others.

But I've realized that this is actually a form of idolatry. I want to take credit for something. I want people to praise me.

But only God is truly worthy of praise! If I try to take credit for something, I'm denying Him the glory He is due - that's idolatry.

Not only do I not deserve any glory, I cannot do anything worthwhile on my own. Jesus said, "apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5b)

When I try to do things on my own, I dishonor God's glory and I rob myself of the joy of letting Christ act through me.

As much as I love watching Jesus live through my life, sometimes I'm still drawn to this temptation of acting on my own. Maybe that's why God so often gives me assignments that I can't possibly do in my own strength!

When I'm frustrated and feel like pounding my head against the wall, I'm learning instead to fall on my knees and pray, "I can't do it Lord. Will you please do it through me? And I will give YOU all the credit, praise, and glory!"

"Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory...

It is we who extol the LORD, both now and forevermore.

   Praise the LORD." -Psalm 115:1,18
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The Presence

"Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob."
-Psalm 114:7

How quickly I can forget that the Presence who created the universe, parted the Red Sea, and causes the earth to tremble, is right here, WITH ME.

"The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The LORD is with me; He is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies."
-Psalm 118:6-7

Words fail me....

Lord, help me live in light of your Presence.

"Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD."
-Psalm 89:15

Amen.

Epiphany

I've been thinking...trying to reconcile complicated life situations with God's unchanging truth. Not having much success...until suddenly the Holy Spirit turned on the light and it made sense!


If the Lord is my Shepherd and I will not lack for anything...
(Psalm 23:1)

If the Lord withholds no good thing from the upright...
(Psalm 84:11)

If my God will meet ALL my needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus...
(Phil. 4:19)

If I shouldn't be surprised by painful trials...
(1 Peter 4:12)

If God works ALL things for good in my life...
(Rom. 8:28)

If ALL things are from God, and through Him and to Him...
(Rom. 11:36)


THEN - God will always give me exactly what I need in my life in order for Him to accomplish HIS eternal purposes!


...I will have the Health (or lack of it) that I need for God to accomplish His purposes.

...I will have the Finances (or lack of them) to accomplish God's purposes.

...I will have the Relationships (or lack of them) to accomplish God's purposes.

...I will have the Trouble (or lack of it) to accomplish God's purposes.

...I will have the Understanding/Kwowledge (or lack of it) to accomplish God's purposes.

on and on...


The purposes God desires to accomplish for us and through us are much bigger and broader than we usually expect. Thus, the tools He uses to accomplish His purposes are often not what we expect either.


This is so clearly illustrated in the life of Paul.

-He was beaten and put in prison - he was definitely lacking in some things, like freedom, water, food, sleep, etc. BUT he had exactly what He needed for God to accomplish His purpose of saving the jailer and his family. (Acts 16)

-He had an illness - definitely lacking in health in that moment. BUT he had the (lack of) health he needed in order to preach to the Galatians. (Gal. 4:13-14)

-He experienced a trial that made him despair of life - definitely lacking in hope and confidence. BUT he had the trouble he needed to learn dependence on God. (2 Cor. 1:8-10)

on and on...


This truth has been at work in my life all along. It just finally clicked with me. I may lack in things that are necessary and important, but I will never lack in what I need to see God's purposes accomplished.

The sovereignty of God rules over all.
He always gives us what we need, or He allows need to give us what is best.

I don't always understand God's purposes.
I don't always like the tools He uses to accomplish those purposes.

But I can rejoice in knowing that today, right now, I have all I need to see God's plan for me fulfilled.


"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." -2 Corinthians 9:8

Me-Attitudes

Me-attitudes are different from beattitudes. But I think they are also important. =)

Me-attitudes are the attitudes I have toward myself, what I think about myself, how I see myself.

I noticed this week that many times I have a
- poor-me attitude
- sad-me attitude
- wimpy-me attitude

What I really should have is a
- I'm so thankful me-attitude
- I'm fully loved me-attitude
- I'm confident in God me-attitude

We all know attitude makes a big difference. I'm trying to pay better attention to the attitudes about myself that I'm carrying around. Because the wrong attitudes sure do weigh a ton.

Lord, help us to see ourselves as YOU see us. Give us me-attitudes that reflect your truth and bring you glory.
Amen.


What me-attitudes would you like to have this week?

Many Kindnesses

"I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, the deeds for which He is to be praised, according to all the LORD has done for [me]— yes, the many good things He has done for [me], according to His compassion and many kindnesses." -Isaiah 63:7

I don't think I speak often enough of the many kindnesses of the Lord toward me. I keep praying He will teach me how to live as the Psalmist did, who said, "My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long." (Ps. 71:8)

Today I want to remember and share with you some of the wonderful things God has done for me in the last few years.

- Three years ago God worked a miracle and I was approved for disability! With it, I was able to pay all my medical bills from the previous years, I finally had health insurance, and I receive a small monthly income.
This has been a huge blessing for me! And the Lord continues to faithfully provide for my needs.

- Almost two years ago, after "wandering" for more than a year, I was finally able to move back home! During my travels, some days I thought I'd never stop being allergic to our house. But the Lord kindly made a way, and I am SO thankful I can live at home again! =)

- A little more than one year ago, God worked a miracle in my heart and set me free from a lie that had caused bondage in my heart for almost 16 years! Without my health trial, I might never have recognized that deception. God kindly used suffering to bring freedom! Hallelujah! =)

- Seven months ago, God finally delivered my body from needing the Cortef medication that I'd been taking for over 7 years! I can tell you there were many months when I despaired of ever getting off that medicine. But the Lord worked a miracle, and I am Cortef-free! =)

These are only a few of the "many kindnesses" of the Lord toward me. Some days it's easy to forget how much He has done for me. Thank you for letting me "declare His splendor" and for rejoicing with me! =)

Blessings,
-Joanna