Lord, last night I lay awake between midnight and 3 am, and many thoughts wiggled around in my tired head. I thought about You.
We call You an "awesome God." Well, yes...You are awesome, but what does that mean to us? (Not what does that mean for us.) The word 'awesome' has been watered down as it has become a part of our daily useage, and though it does define You in a very real way, I'm not sure that the word has the impact that it ought to when describing You.
If we were truly in awe when we think on You, or pray to You, or lift our praises to You, how could we possibly stand in an upright position. Should we not be thrown to the ground with an over-whelming realization that we are in the very presence of the only true and living GOD?!
Shouldn't we feel, as in the Old Testament, that we were not worthy of uttering the very name of God with our lips?
What amazes me, puts me in awe, is that You want anything to do with us, whom You have purposely created to be Your children, when we have wandered so far from what You desired us to be. We have disappointed You, and still, You adopted us into Your kingdom, made us 'blood relatives' , cared for us, and called us Your children. Even then, as we disappoint You, ignore You, choose our own willful ways, when we are ready to repent, You receive us, forgiving us again, as if nothing ever happened. That puts me in awe!
You do inspire awe within my heart and mind, Lord. It is no longer what You have made. It is not even what You do. It is WHO YOU ARE that causes me to know deep within my soul, that there is no other like You! I want to physically lie down on my face and rest in the thought that You are my own! And You are awesome!
Friday, March 12, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
Healing
For the last week, I have beens suffering the pain of a pulled muscle in my back. If I get into position, I'm as comfortable as is possible. I can sit, I can stand, but the getting to either position is so painful that moans escape from me without warning.
The other day it occured to me that I should call for help. Oh, yes...I have been praying for myself and my condition, but the Word of God tells us that we should pray for one another and our needs. James 5:14 tells us that if any are sick among us, we should call the elders to annoint us with oil in the name of the Lord and to pray over us, and the Lord will restore us.
I have not seen this practiced in our church in the year that we have been there, although I have heard it mentioned that the men were going to do this for a shut-in. I approached the Pastor and asked if the elders would please annoint me and pray, that this back would be healed. Yesterday, after our alter call, the elders and the congregation gathered around me, laying hands upon me as the Pastor placed oil on my forehead and prayed. There were many speaking out in agreement as the Pastor prayed for the Lord's blessing of healing on my body. I believe God will do what His Word says. I am already healed, although my back still feels the twinges of pain.
When the prayers ended, one man took my hand and he said, "Rise up and walk." With difficulty, but with a smile, I said..." I will walk...and I'm praising the Lord....but I'll have to wait for the 'leaping' part of that verse."
Do we believe in what we cannot see, or only in what we do see and experience? I don't. I beleive God's Word which tells me that "Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen." (Heb 11:1) I believed when I asked for prayer that God would answer. I believed after the prayers that I have been healed. But, having said that, the pain goes on. I choose to believe, still, that what was requested has been accomplished. Even though the enemy would taunt me and tempt me to listen to his lies that if there is pain, there is no healing, I believe the Truth over the lies.
I am healed... I will faithfully wait upon the Lord for the evidence.
The other day it occured to me that I should call for help. Oh, yes...I have been praying for myself and my condition, but the Word of God tells us that we should pray for one another and our needs. James 5:14 tells us that if any are sick among us, we should call the elders to annoint us with oil in the name of the Lord and to pray over us, and the Lord will restore us.
I have not seen this practiced in our church in the year that we have been there, although I have heard it mentioned that the men were going to do this for a shut-in. I approached the Pastor and asked if the elders would please annoint me and pray, that this back would be healed. Yesterday, after our alter call, the elders and the congregation gathered around me, laying hands upon me as the Pastor placed oil on my forehead and prayed. There were many speaking out in agreement as the Pastor prayed for the Lord's blessing of healing on my body. I believe God will do what His Word says. I am already healed, although my back still feels the twinges of pain.
When the prayers ended, one man took my hand and he said, "Rise up and walk." With difficulty, but with a smile, I said..." I will walk...and I'm praising the Lord....but I'll have to wait for the 'leaping' part of that verse."
Do we believe in what we cannot see, or only in what we do see and experience? I don't. I beleive God's Word which tells me that "Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen." (Heb 11:1) I believed when I asked for prayer that God would answer. I believed after the prayers that I have been healed. But, having said that, the pain goes on. I choose to believe, still, that what was requested has been accomplished. Even though the enemy would taunt me and tempt me to listen to his lies that if there is pain, there is no healing, I believe the Truth over the lies.
I am healed... I will faithfully wait upon the Lord for the evidence.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Sometimes...
Sometimes it's hard to be all that You want us to be, Lord. Thankfully You know us well enough to know that, even if, even when, we fail at our attempts, we really do try to obey You.
When I look in the mirror, I realize that I'm so imperfect, according to what Your Word tells us. When I look deep into my heart, I recognize that my love isn't quite strong enough, and when I glance into my head, I see thoughts that are so displeasing to me...and definitely to You!
I long to be as perfect a human being as I can possibly be...without any negative thinking or judgements or sin anywhere within me. In my spirit, I wish I could go back in time, and erase everything I've ever done that caused Your death or Your disappointment. But I cannot do that, so You did it for me. What a wonderous love You have brought to me! When I was a wayward soul, walking far from You,
did You give up on my return? No...instead, You whispered again and again, calling me back to You. You tugged on those cords that held me to You, an anchor in my self inflicted storms. I took a beating in those days, but the Anchor held strong, and I wasn't left to drift alone in the life-threatening waves. You held on, even while I didn't.... and eventually, when I was ready to hear Your whispers above the storm, You told the storms to "Be still"... and I returned home to You, like the prodigal.
Lord, You are so good to me! How can I help but love You? I have grown enough to know that, and to desire nothing more than walking closely with You. Stay near, O Lord! And guide me as I go, that my feet would never again wander from the path You've set me on.
When I look in the mirror, I realize that I'm so imperfect, according to what Your Word tells us. When I look deep into my heart, I recognize that my love isn't quite strong enough, and when I glance into my head, I see thoughts that are so displeasing to me...and definitely to You!
I long to be as perfect a human being as I can possibly be...without any negative thinking or judgements or sin anywhere within me. In my spirit, I wish I could go back in time, and erase everything I've ever done that caused Your death or Your disappointment. But I cannot do that, so You did it for me. What a wonderous love You have brought to me! When I was a wayward soul, walking far from You,
did You give up on my return? No...instead, You whispered again and again, calling me back to You. You tugged on those cords that held me to You, an anchor in my self inflicted storms. I took a beating in those days, but the Anchor held strong, and I wasn't left to drift alone in the life-threatening waves. You held on, even while I didn't.... and eventually, when I was ready to hear Your whispers above the storm, You told the storms to "Be still"... and I returned home to You, like the prodigal.
Lord, You are so good to me! How can I help but love You? I have grown enough to know that, and to desire nothing more than walking closely with You. Stay near, O Lord! And guide me as I go, that my feet would never again wander from the path You've set me on.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
The Snow on Me...
This winter I've heard many weather reports of snow and much grumbling from those back home who've had enough of it this year. They are ready for Spring.
When I think of the beauty of the snow I'm missing here in the south, other thoughts come...spiritual ones. I think of how the snow falls, covering the earth in a silent, gentle, yet effective, way. Isn't it just like the way You come to us? In a gentle, silent, yet very effective manner, You cover our cold hearts with a blanket of pure love. We are cleansed and our hearts lie under the covering You provide.
In time, the light brightens, the sun warms the ground, and the snow melts away. The pliable soil jumps forth in the blossoming of Springtime. Much like that, our lives are warmed by the true Light of the Son, and we awaken to a newness of living. The dead in us has been tossed away and the earth of our hearts has become softer, ready to bloom in all glory!
Thank you Lord...for the way You teach me simple lessons. Warm me, work with me, Lord, until I am fertile for the seeds You've planted. Then, Father, let me grow and blossom that the world around may see that I belong to You.
When I think of the beauty of the snow I'm missing here in the south, other thoughts come...spiritual ones. I think of how the snow falls, covering the earth in a silent, gentle, yet effective, way. Isn't it just like the way You come to us? In a gentle, silent, yet very effective manner, You cover our cold hearts with a blanket of pure love. We are cleansed and our hearts lie under the covering You provide.
In time, the light brightens, the sun warms the ground, and the snow melts away. The pliable soil jumps forth in the blossoming of Springtime. Much like that, our lives are warmed by the true Light of the Son, and we awaken to a newness of living. The dead in us has been tossed away and the earth of our hearts has become softer, ready to bloom in all glory!
Thank you Lord...for the way You teach me simple lessons. Warm me, work with me, Lord, until I am fertile for the seeds You've planted. Then, Father, let me grow and blossom that the world around may see that I belong to You.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Messages in Song
What is it that encourages us in our lives? For me it is singing old-time hymns. From the time I was about three years old, I've been singing hymns and Christian songs. There are messages in these hymns that reach deep down into the heart of us, if we listen. There are words of comfort for a broken heart or a hurting soul. There are words that uplift and encourage us to keep going when we're weary. There are songs to be sung of praise and thanksgiving to a God who knows it all and holds us closely in His keeping.
I know of nothing else, other than the Bible, that speaks so loudly to my spirit. Whatever the emotion within me, there is a message that comes to me in song. In the wee hours of the darkness, when sleep doesn't come, a song will play through me, soothing me as a lullabye, giving me rest. When there's joy unspeakable, a song will rise from within and float across the air to my ears, bringing even more joy to my life.
I am so grateful to those who have put their words on paper, with melodies, that hundreds of years later, I might sing those very words to myself and to others. What a wonderful blessing and a marvelous tool the Lord has bestowed to us in His gift of music to us!
May I sing to His glory every moment, whether audibly or silently within the confines of my heart. Thank you, Lord!
I know of nothing else, other than the Bible, that speaks so loudly to my spirit. Whatever the emotion within me, there is a message that comes to me in song. In the wee hours of the darkness, when sleep doesn't come, a song will play through me, soothing me as a lullabye, giving me rest. When there's joy unspeakable, a song will rise from within and float across the air to my ears, bringing even more joy to my life.
I am so grateful to those who have put their words on paper, with melodies, that hundreds of years later, I might sing those very words to myself and to others. What a wonderful blessing and a marvelous tool the Lord has bestowed to us in His gift of music to us!
May I sing to His glory every moment, whether audibly or silently within the confines of my heart. Thank you, Lord!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Hurting Souls
Lord, after this week with the 7.0 earthquake in Haiti, there are so many hurting souls. There are those who still await a miracle in the finding of friends and family members. Others grieve the loss of their loved ones. Some have been rescued, but their bodies have suffered irrepairable damages and their minds will relive these days for many years. There are those who may be seriously injured and frightened, as they lie beneath the rubble of toppled buildings.
We, as a country, watch the televised reports, and ache for the devastation and massive death. We send aid and join those from far-reaching corners of the earth who have gone to help in any way they can.
Father, so many are hurting for other reasons. There is so much difficulty in lives, whether it comes from illness, injury, bereavement, loss of work or some other reason. When I first met You, someone told me "if you've got a problem, God is the answer." You have proven that to be true so many times in my life.
Now, I lift the hurting souls to You. Whatever their problem, be their answer, Lord. Be strength to the weary and the weak, be love and companionship to the the lonely, be guide to the wandering and seeking, be guardian to those who are fearful.
When my children were small, I would hold them and kiss their wounded flesh. It comforted them. But there are so many hurts which cannot be healed or comforted by a kiss. Father, touch those. Wrap them in your loving arms. Hold them on your lap, like a loving Daddy. Kiss their hurts and comfort their hearts,as only You can. Be their answer, Father...be what we cannot be, no matter how much we hurt for them.
Whatever the problem, You are the answer.
We, as a country, watch the televised reports, and ache for the devastation and massive death. We send aid and join those from far-reaching corners of the earth who have gone to help in any way they can.
Father, so many are hurting for other reasons. There is so much difficulty in lives, whether it comes from illness, injury, bereavement, loss of work or some other reason. When I first met You, someone told me "if you've got a problem, God is the answer." You have proven that to be true so many times in my life.
Now, I lift the hurting souls to You. Whatever their problem, be their answer, Lord. Be strength to the weary and the weak, be love and companionship to the the lonely, be guide to the wandering and seeking, be guardian to those who are fearful.
When my children were small, I would hold them and kiss their wounded flesh. It comforted them. But there are so many hurts which cannot be healed or comforted by a kiss. Father, touch those. Wrap them in your loving arms. Hold them on your lap, like a loving Daddy. Kiss their hurts and comfort their hearts,as only You can. Be their answer, Father...be what we cannot be, no matter how much we hurt for them.
Whatever the problem, You are the answer.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Renewing...
We've been in the process of renewal of the first floor of our home, following a major flood caused by an appliance disconnecting itself. Our carpets and flooring had to be torn out and discarded because they were saturated. The insulation beneath the house was ripped out for the same reason. Having this 'empty space' to fill with my new vision for the place was invigorating to me. Floors needed to be replaced. Walls needed to be repainted, and in the process, the rooms have been redecorated. I'm pleased to say that we are ready to entertain our friends in a new environment.
All of this re-do has put me in mind of the way God "redoes" us. We were created to bring glory to the Lord, but because of sin in our lives, we could not honor Him with what was due Him. Until a 'disconnection' was made between ourselves and the sin we lived in, God had no opportunity to change us. It was up to us to empty ourselves before God, and let Him create His vision in us. It was our job to present the project to the Creator, and give Him our lives to redo. Once that opportunity was given to Him, He began to clean us up, to renew us, from the inside out! No only were we 'flooded' with His love, we were saturated in His righteousness, and renewed by His salvation! God did not just 'redecorate' by painting over our sin with His blood, He filled us with newness, cleanliness and design that is perfect for us.
Now we are ready to bring Him glory as the Guest of Honor in our lives!
All of this re-do has put me in mind of the way God "redoes" us. We were created to bring glory to the Lord, but because of sin in our lives, we could not honor Him with what was due Him. Until a 'disconnection' was made between ourselves and the sin we lived in, God had no opportunity to change us. It was up to us to empty ourselves before God, and let Him create His vision in us. It was our job to present the project to the Creator, and give Him our lives to redo. Once that opportunity was given to Him, He began to clean us up, to renew us, from the inside out! No only were we 'flooded' with His love, we were saturated in His righteousness, and renewed by His salvation! God did not just 'redecorate' by painting over our sin with His blood, He filled us with newness, cleanliness and design that is perfect for us.
Now we are ready to bring Him glory as the Guest of Honor in our lives!
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