God’s Glory

 2 Cor. 3:16    I have always been under the assumption that I would see God’s Glory in heaven when I would “see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2).  We see Him before that if we take the time to look.  When we come to know Jesus He lifts the veil over God’s Glory and allows us to see it…In the one who has lost a loved one  and is able to “show” God through the pain…In the one who has survived a life threatening illness and is able to tell others that God kept the fear away and allowed her to rejoice in His Power and Provision…In the parent whose child has made poor choices and as in Luke 15:11-31 waits with open arms to welcome them home…The Glory of our Lord is all around us. We need only look and listen to the stories of the People.

Not Again

What does work when we’ve managed, once again, to jump into the ‘sin-pit’?  We can be the most disciplined believer on the face of the earth, we can have had enough life experiences that we should have seen it coming, we can know our Bible so well that good choices are second nature to us, BUT when the perfect personal sin is dangled in front of us and looks like the best apple on the tree…So what is our protection?  Knowing His Word so well that we can use it as a guide in all situations (2 Timothy 3:16).  Developing  a life habit of prayer in all situations (1 Thessalonians 5:17)  Understanding that we are totally, completely, covered in His blanket of loving forgiveness (Song of Songs 2:4). Taking refuge in the shadow of His loving and merciful wings (Psalms 17:8).  Yes, we will sin.  Unfortunately, that’s a guaranteed result of life in this fallen world.  Paying attention to the Spirit within can help with that.  When we are about to say or do something we shouldn’t, there is more than likely a prodding or consciousness that we should not follow through with it.  I believe that this is the Paraclete, the Counselor, the Spirit of Christ, living in us, wanting what is best for us, trying to warn us that what we’re about to do is not in line with what is expected of us as part of the Kingdom.  We need to learn to listen to this voice.  A dear friend once told me to keep this in mind…When in doubt, don’t.  That small command has worked for me…when I let it.

Heavenly Father, speak to me.  When I am about to sin, speak to me.  When You know I need to hear You,  speak to me.  Open my ears, mind, and heart to hear the sound of Your voice.  Oh, Lord, speak to me.  

Make it so!

Psalm 86

 
Psalm 86 is sub-titled ‘A Prayer of David’ in my Bible. Through prayer and focusing on God’s love David could put those who were tormenting him in the right perspective. Praying this psalm in my own words was very enlightening. Enjoy!
 
 
Oh, LORD, bend your ear down to earth so I can speak my needs directly into it.I trust you to keep me safe because You are my God.I send prayers to You 24/7. Hear and grant them.Help me find gladness in serving You.Many call upon You and depend on Your goodness, forgiveness and constant love.Hear my prayer and plea for mercy.When I am in trouble I come to You for the answer.Your works stand out, You are unique.Your creation worships You.You are the One and Only.Instruct me in Your ways. I am in awe of You.Thank You for being my God. I give You all the glory.Your great love sustains me. You are my Deliverer.Those who do not follow You have risen against me.Show Your mercy and grace, Your ‘always there’ love and faithfulness.

Give me strength and keep me safe.

Let those who hate You be shamed because You are my Helper and Comforter.

Heavenly Father, make it so!

What’s Missing

“Food can fill our stomachs but never our souls.
Posessions can fill our houses but never our hearts.
Sex can fill our nights but never our hunger for love.
Children can fill our days but never our identities.
Jesus wants us to know only He can fill us and truly satisfy us.”
~ Lysa TerKeurst

While at a baseball game I watch the game and talk to the people around. At the grocery store or mall I shop.    During lunch with a friend I interact with her.  At worship I focus on my Lord.  At the movies I watch the show.  At work I focus on my job.  It seems that everyone around me has their cell phone or iPad with them constantly and their focus is on that and not on the present. 

What are they all looking for?  Is there something missing?  Is there such loneliness in the lives of those around us that there must be constant contact with someone or something? 

I use my cel phone only when traveling long distances for safety issues.  (I have Sync so I don’t have to take my hands of the steering wheel.)  I do not text unless I am texted and often don’t check my messages until I’m annoyed by the beep.  I use my lap top only for business and writing.  If I’m feeling lonely my go to person is God. 

In this lonely, rushing world the one verse that stands out to me is Psalm 46:10

                     BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD

Heavenly Father, Creator of all, Master of the Universe, You alone are worthy of my total attention.  In the hustle, bustle, and rush of this world you are my Quite Place.  You create the stillness that can be felt in the noise of life.  Grant me the privilege of knowing the ‘Peace that passes all understanding in Christ Jesus.’    Make it so

Grab On

“Is my Master satisfied with me?” Does everything I think, do, and say reflect my El Elyon (Most High God) to the world around me?

How I wish I could say yes. Unfortunately we fall into the ‘sin pit’ to easily. However, by reading and studying His Word (to know Him), praying (keeping open the lines of communication with Him), and worshipping (putting our focus on Him) we are able to focus on Him and not on whatever we let put us in the pit in the first place. 

Psalm 60:2 tells us, “Save us and help us with Your right hand, that those You love may be delivered.”David knew God so well that he could depend Him and know without question that God would come to his rescue. We, too, can reach up and grab the hand that is always there to pull us out. Grab on!!!

My El Elyon,  Creator of all that is, was, and is to come give us the courage to grab on…not just when we should but because we can.  Open our hearts to Your Word, our souls to worship, and our thoughts to constant communication,  with You.  I lift this request in the Precious Name of Jesus      Make it so!