Saturday, August 20, 2011
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.
Friday, August 5, 2011
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
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
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
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?
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?
Friday, July 8, 2011
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
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
Thursday, June 30, 2011
My Happy Place
No, I'm not talking about the playground at MacDonalds. =)
For me the "happy place" is what some people call the "sweet spot of grace."
The place where David said "I sing in the shadow of your wings" (Ps. 63:7).
What Paul meant when he wrote "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation" (Phil. 4:12).
My "happy place" is where I find myself when God performs His miracle of grace in my spirit - so that my heart is truly happy in Him and I am "well content" with my circumstances, whatever they may be.
I wish I could say that I live here always. Unfortunately, sometimes my focus wanders and I become unahppy with my circumstances, wishing I was elsewhere, wishing I could change things that are beyond my control. It only takes a moment of wayward thinking to dislodge me from the "happy place." But thankfully, it only takes a moment of turning my eyes to Almighty God to bring me back "home."
I wish I could describe more eloquently what a precious gift it is to have this Refuge, this place of joy and gladness in my spirit, regardless of the storms that blow around me. But if you've ever been to your own "happy place" with God, then you know exactly what I mean. =)
Lord, thank you for the supernatural happiness you give us in You, completely apart from our circumstances. Please keep us in our "happy places" of trust and contentment, so that others might see how completely fulfilling you are!
Amen.
For me the "happy place" is what some people call the "sweet spot of grace."
The place where David said "I sing in the shadow of your wings" (Ps. 63:7).
What Paul meant when he wrote "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation" (Phil. 4:12).
My "happy place" is where I find myself when God performs His miracle of grace in my spirit - so that my heart is truly happy in Him and I am "well content" with my circumstances, whatever they may be.
I wish I could say that I live here always. Unfortunately, sometimes my focus wanders and I become unahppy with my circumstances, wishing I was elsewhere, wishing I could change things that are beyond my control. It only takes a moment of wayward thinking to dislodge me from the "happy place." But thankfully, it only takes a moment of turning my eyes to Almighty God to bring me back "home."
I wish I could describe more eloquently what a precious gift it is to have this Refuge, this place of joy and gladness in my spirit, regardless of the storms that blow around me. But if you've ever been to your own "happy place" with God, then you know exactly what I mean. =)
Lord, thank you for the supernatural happiness you give us in You, completely apart from our circumstances. Please keep us in our "happy places" of trust and contentment, so that others might see how completely fulfilling you are!
Amen.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Gideon
Have you read the story of Gideon lately? (Judges 6-7)
I think it's a story full of irony.
-God called Gideon a "mighty warrior" - even though Gideon was hiding in a winepress from enemy raiding parties.
-God told Gideon to tear down his father's altar to Baal - Gideon obeyed, but he did it at night because he was afraid of the townspeople.
-God told Gideon to lead Israel's troops - then God said, you have too many soldiers, send all but 300 of them home.
-Gideon overheard the enemies saying how afraid they were of him - when Gideon was the one who was afraid of everyone!
See what I mean? Ironic.
At the same time, this is a story full of grace.
-God appeared to Gideon and called him - though Gideon was the least important person in his family and the least likely leader.
-God told Gideon to go, but Gideon was afraid and kept asking for signs - God graciously gave him two specific signs.
-Even when Gideon was ready to fight, he still was unsure - God sent him to overhear a conversation of the enemy saying how afraid of him they were.
-When Gideon obeyed at last - God routed the enemy with ease.
Can you see the grace all over?
It's easy for me to judge Gideon's fear and need of constant reassurance. When I read this story, I think, "What a wimp!" But really, I'm just like Gideon. Ironic. Thankfully, God is still the same today in His approach to "wimps" as He was then. Grace.
Do you ever feel like a spiritual wimp instead of a "mighty warrior"? It's ok. God likes to choose us wimpy, unlikely people to be His "soldiers," so that He can display His grace - and so all of us will know that HE is the one who routes the enemy!
Hallelujah!
I think it's a story full of irony.
-God called Gideon a "mighty warrior" - even though Gideon was hiding in a winepress from enemy raiding parties.
-God told Gideon to tear down his father's altar to Baal - Gideon obeyed, but he did it at night because he was afraid of the townspeople.
-God told Gideon to lead Israel's troops - then God said, you have too many soldiers, send all but 300 of them home.
-Gideon overheard the enemies saying how afraid they were of him - when Gideon was the one who was afraid of everyone!
See what I mean? Ironic.
At the same time, this is a story full of grace.
-God appeared to Gideon and called him - though Gideon was the least important person in his family and the least likely leader.
-God told Gideon to go, but Gideon was afraid and kept asking for signs - God graciously gave him two specific signs.
-Even when Gideon was ready to fight, he still was unsure - God sent him to overhear a conversation of the enemy saying how afraid of him they were.
-When Gideon obeyed at last - God routed the enemy with ease.
Can you see the grace all over?
It's easy for me to judge Gideon's fear and need of constant reassurance. When I read this story, I think, "What a wimp!" But really, I'm just like Gideon. Ironic. Thankfully, God is still the same today in His approach to "wimps" as He was then. Grace.
Do you ever feel like a spiritual wimp instead of a "mighty warrior"? It's ok. God likes to choose us wimpy, unlikely people to be His "soldiers," so that He can display His grace - and so all of us will know that HE is the one who routes the enemy!
Hallelujah!
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