Promised Land

"When Moses finished reciting all these words to all Israel,

he said to them,

'Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared

to you this day,

so that you may command your children to obey carefully,

all the words of this law.

They are not just idle words for you--

they are your life.

By them you will live long in the land

you are crossing the Jordan to possess.'"

Deuteronomy 32:45-47

It had been 40 long years of wandering in the wilderness.  Soon, the entire generation who first received the promise of a land of their own would pass away; all but two who were faithful and never doubted God's ability to deliver on His word.

There was no uncertainty that the entire nation of people were God's own; chosen by His hand, but their adulterous way-of-thinking set them on a path that kept them in the desert, away from the Promised Land.

It's not so different with me.  There is no doubt that I belong to God, chosen by His own hand to be saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, but my adulterous way-of-thinking has set me on a path that keeps me out of the way of life. (Romans 8:28-30, John 6:44)

I am drawn toward pleasing my self and following my own desires and the ways of this world.  I am easily led down the path of worldly success, reassuring comfort and a steady diet of entertainment that looks so promising but leads to death   If I would only choose life, otherwise known as God's way, then I would truly live in the Promised Land. (Deuteronomy 30:19-20)

Abundant Life

She was an outcast, forced to go to the communal well to draw water in the heat of the day when the gossiping women would be resting in the cool of their homes.  Her life was not what she had expected it would be when she was a young girl dreaming of the future.  In those days she was sure of her worth and knew that a man waited for her, desiring nothing more than to spend his time making her happy.  Children's laughter was always a big part of those dreams and friends would often cross the threshold of her imaginary home.  And fantasy it did turn out to be, for reality was harsh and cruel.

Husband after husband had treated her cruelly until she gave up all feelings of self-worth, devoting herself instead to the oldest and most reliable vocation women through the ages turned to in order to try to support themselves.  She didn't care anymore.  What did it matter how she was treated?  Her life was a shambles; there was no way to improve her situation.  It was just her lot in life.

Then she met a Savior who offered her living water that would lead to an abundant life.  This was something she wanted more than anything: not just existing, but flourishing!  She accepted the gift Jesus offered and her life was never the same.  (John 4, John 10:10)

As a follower of Jesus, I too have been offered a full and meaningful life overflowing with joy and peace.  This, however, is not the life I always experience.  Many times its more of an existence filled with regrets, discouragement and sadness.  Either that or I'm trying desperately to keep my head above water, struggling to keep from drowning in commitments, activities and obligations.  Other times it doesn't seem to make sense, as if there were no rhyme or reason for all the heartache I go through.  Whichever way my life seems to be going right now, I would usually not describe it as being rich and abundant.

Choosing life means reminding myself of the Gospel on a daily basis, remembering that, "there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1)  I am free from the burden that comes with carrying my sins and I no longer need to fear God's wrath.  The blood of Jesus releases me from guilt.  

Walking the path toward the Promised land means following Jesus step by step, making my relationship with Him the most important thing in my life.  I no longer need to prove myself as His disciple.  Instead, I am free to live my life in direct obedience to Him, answering only to Him and not all the dissenting voices that tell me another story.

Picking His way means I must constantly remember that God has a plan for my life.  Everything that happens is a part of that plan, not some kind of punishment or even payback for past sins.  I am free from senseless suffering and have entered into the realm of significance.

As a follower of Jesus Christ, I am offered the abundant life found in the Promised Land if only I would choose it.

Profound Peace

Beauty pageant contestants are usually asked what they want most in life and some famously say they want, "World Peace."  No one likes war or conflict; we would all love to live in a place where true peace existed.  Unfortunately, with the state of the human heart as it is, there is just not a chance.  Sin rules every persons' flesh.  We are innately selfish, each wanting our own way.  How can we hope to get along when no one naturally has compassion or empathy?

There is another kind of peace that is impossible to obtain in and of ourselves.  This is the harmony with God that can only be found through faith in Jesus Christ.  My sin makes a relationship with a holy God impossible.  Not only that, but I am actually considered to be His enemy because of my rebellious nature.  (Romans 5:10)  To have any hope of reconciliation with God, I need a Savior. Thankfully, Jesus is the perfect lamb of God who gave His life as a ransom for mine.  He took the punishment meant for me, thus making a way for me to have peace with God.

In order for me to live in this promised peaceful state, though, I need to turn over all that causes turmoil in my heart.  Instead, I like to mull over all the possible scenarios for every potential situation, coming up with several promising solutions that could be put into action if need be. (Philippians 4:4-7)

If I'm going to experience this land of peace, I need to live authentically in relationship with God.  Many times I try to put up a front that everything is okay and that I'm not struggling with a thing.  Soon I find myself curled up in a ball on the ground as the facade crumbles all around me.  I can't fake peace: it only comes with trusting Him enough to share my true feelings, hurts and pain.

A peaceful state will come as I stop trying to impress God and others and start living in relationship with Him.  Just as a parent doesn't want their children to jump through hoops to try to earn their love, so God wants me to just accept His love freely.  I am loved because God is love, and this is why I can have peace with Him.  (Matthew 11:28-30)

As a follower of Jesus Christ, I am offered the peace that passes understanding if only I would choose it.

Astounding Joy

One of my husband's favorite songs early on in our marriage was the old Bob Marley song, "Don't Worry Be Happy" performed by Bobby McFerrin.  Although it has a catchy tune and feel-good lyrics, the message doesn't ring true.  I can't be happy just by trying to not worry.

Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit that comes with trusting Him as the Lord of my life.  It doesn't mean I have to walk around with a smile on my face at all times, but it does mean it is possible to carry a carefree attitude as I go through my days.

Joy is not dependent upon my circumstances.  The prophet Habakkuk seemed to understand this as he recorded a prayer regarding hard times.  He said even if all his crops failed, he had no source of income or anything to eat, still he would rejoice in the Lord and be joyful in God his Savior!  (Habakkuk 3:17-19)

Joy is not happiness, but a sense of delight in Who God is and in who I am in Christ.  I am free from the burden of sin.  No matter how bad things look, I am set free from the punishment my sins deserve.  I don't have eternal damnation hanging over me as I live my life but instead have the hope of heaven to spur me on.

God is a good God who will never let me down.  Because of this truth, I can always say, no matter my circumstance, that the joy of the Lord is my strength.  (Nehemiah 8:10)  As I trust in Him, His joy becomes mine.

As a follower of Jesus Christ, I am offered bountiful joy if only I would choose it.

The Promised land has been offered to me.  Many times, however, I choose to stay on the wilderness-side of the Jordan River instead of crossing over to the abundant life, peaceful existence and astounding joy that has been guaranteed to me as His child.  If I begin this day to choose life, the promise will be mine now and forevermore!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can live the life God has created me to live.

When do I live a dismal life because I'm weighed down by my own sin?

How am I afraid to give control of my life to Jesus so that peace and joy can be mine?  

No Neutral Ground

"He who is not with me is against me,

and he who does not gather with me, scatters.

When an evil spirit comes out of a man,

it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it.

Then it says, 'I will return to the house I left.'

When it arrives,

 it finds the house swept clean and put in order.

Then it goes and takes seven other spirits

more wicked than itself,

and they go in and live there.

And the final condition of that man

is worse than the first."

Luke 11:23-26

Sweden has long been known as a neutral country, refusing to take one side or the other but simply staying out of any conflicts or wars.  Today this philosophy is spilling over into the social realm as many Swedes are pushing for a gender-neutral government and society.  This year they have added a new pronoun into their official online version of the National Encyclopedia to be used as a gender-neutral replacement for "he" or "she."  "Hen" is now the preferred pronoun to be used to refer to a person without specifying their gender.  

While these progressive Swedes have deceived themselves into thinking gender does not matter, their foolishness does not change the Truth. God created man in His own image and made a distinction between males and females.  To God, gender does matter.  (Genesis 1:27)

This is how God operates.  There is truth and then there is falsehood.  There is right and there is wrong.  There is male and there is female.  While the world likes to try to convince us that there is a neutral ground or a gray area, God says otherwise.  Either I am working with Jesus, or I am working against Him.  I'm on His side, or I'm on the Enemy's.  I'm furthering the Kingdom of God, or I'm hampering His work.

I don't like to think of myself as working against God, but there are several ways in which I do just that.

Clean it Up

A friend of mine is trying to quit smoking.  She is finding out that there are a lot of different programs, treatments and methods available to help her stop this destructive and unhealthy habit.  While she wants to quit, she knows from past experience that it is virtually impossible to expect success from anything that resembles cutting out the nicotine cold-turkey:  It is beyond her own strength and ability to withstand the resulting side-effects.

It's like this with any bad habit or routine.  I may have the desire to stop cursing and resolve to never again utter a four-letter word, but the moment I'm weak and temptation strikes, I'm prone to going back to my old ways.

My attempts to try to clean up my act and behave more "Christian-like" work against what God wants to do in my heart.  He wants to transform my thinking and soften my heart, making it more sensitive to sin.  If, instead of surrendering to God, I try to sweep myself clean of everything evil and sinful in my own effort, my "house" will be empty and vulnerable to attack from the Enemy of my soul.

I am not saved by works, nor can I ever think to rescue my own self from the influence that sin has over me.  Instead, I must rely on the power that comes through my faith in the blood of Jesus which fills me with His Spirit.  (Romans 7:24-25)

Nineteenth-Century missionary Andrew Murray recognized his own helplessness against sin.  He said, "Remember the great need you have of the grace and assistance of God.  You should never lose sight of him--not for a moment."

I am made right with God through faith in Jesus. (Romans 1:16-17)  And this gift of grace is what opens up a relationship with a holy God who finishes what He started when He first called me.  He doesn't leave me as I was when I first began to call Him "Father."  No!  He begins His work in me from the moment I accept Jesus as my Savior and submit myself to Him as my Lord, and He doesn't quit until He's finished.  (Philippians 1:6)  As my friend likes to say, "Be patient with me, I'm under construction."

I am called to live a holy, pure life.  This process of sanctification, however, is not a job I can take on myself.  Instead, it is the result of God's hand in my life as I surrender myself to Him and exchange my will for His.  (1 Thessalonians 4:7-8)

When I try to clean up my own act in my own effort, I work against God and what He wants to do in His power, for His glory.

Fake it

I have heard it said that we should, "fake it 'til we make it, " meaning that with a positive attitude I can make anything happen.  Do I want to have the confidence of a rock start?  Pretend like I do until it comes naturally.  Have I always visualized myself as a novelist?  Tell myself I am and soon I'll be writing like the pros.  Am I up against a devastating bout with cancer?  All I need is optimism and everything will turn out alright.

Unfortunately, there is only so far a positive attitude will take me if there's nothing to back it up.  It reminds me of a movie set where it looks like I'm seeing a real city landscape, but when I walk around to the backside of the storefronts, I find out it was all a facade: there are no real businesses to back up the claim of a town.

Does this translate to my walk with Christ?  Can I fake a humble heart until it actually exists?  I don't think so.  A sense of humility comes from recognizing my weakness and inability to do anything good in and of myself.  It also acknowledges that God is big enough to use me even if I can't see myself able to do anything for Him.  In other words, humility is the ability to take myself out of the equation and focus completely on God and His glory.  

Jesus is the picture of humility.  He is God.  He has every right to be treated with respect, honor and glory.  He should be exalted.  Even though He knew all of these things, He chose to lower himself to the position of a mere man out of obedience to His Father.  He didn't demand to be treated as He deserved, but instead took the treatment He was unjustifiably given.  Jesus was all about His Father's will, not His own position or rights.

This kind of attitude cannot be faked.  It comes through a process God takes me through as I admit my weakness and need for Him.  He guides me through struggles, presents difficulties into my life and serves us a generous portion of suffering, using these as tools to humble me.

When I try to fake it till I make it, I work against a God who knows how to humble a man or woman.  (Daniel 4:37)

Work

My husband has always been a hard worker and admires anyone who holds a high work ethic.  If you want to impress him, put your nose to the grindstone and get the job done!

It's easy to transfer this attitude that hard work pays off into my walk with Christ.  I like to think that I can impress God with all the labor I'm putting in for him.  I gladly volunteer in any capacity within the church when help is needed.  I cheerfully take on projects that no one else will do.  I pitch in whenever a call for assistance is placed.  

When I work for God, I'm the one in control of what I do, when I do it and who I work with.  I'm not following His lead, but running ahead, desperately trying to get His attention.  If I want Him to notice me, all I need to do is sit down and acknowledge His presence. (Psalm 46:10 , Jeremiah 29:13)  When I focus on my relationship with Him, it gives Him the opportunity to show me what He wants me to do. He changes the way I think as I spend time with Him, allowing me to see things more from His perspective.  (Romans 12:1-2)

Waiting is hard.  Pausing and letting God take the lead means that I'm admitting I'm not in control.  Trusting God does not come naturally.  When I'm unsure how I'll pay the bills, faith is resting in His provision despite what my checking account tells me.  When I'm living a nightmare that seems to never end, faith is leaning on His protection regardless of how vulnerable I feel.  When I'm tired of fighting the good fight, faith carries on in the face of fatigue.

Letting God work for me is not without it's rewards.  Isaiah so eloquently penned these words so long ago, but they still ring true today: ". . .they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31 KJV)

When I try to work for God I'm working against Him and soon run out of steam; but if I wait for Him and follow His lead, I'll never grow weary.

In God's kingdom there is no neutral ground:  Either I'm working with Jesus or against Him.  I don't intend to oppose Him, but I do just that when I attempt to clean myself up, fake the fruit of the Spirit, and work for God in my own strength.  It is my desire to instead work alongside Jesus to gather the harvest to which He has called me.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can firmly plant my feet on Jesus' side.

How do I try to clean my outside up while inside I'm still as dirty as can be?

When do I try to fake humility and which people in my life know the "real me?"

Let Him Choose

"For everyone who asks receives;

he who seeks fins;

and to him who knocks,

the door will be opened.

Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish,

will give him a snake instead?

Or if he asks for an egg, 

will give him a scorpion?

If you then, though you are evil,

know how to give good gifts to your children,

how much more will your Father in heaven

give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

Luke 11:10-13

I didn't want to move. Period.  I had finally settled into contentment in the on-post housing at Ft Lewis, Washington.  After many adjustments of my attitude and lessons in learning to accept, I felt at ease where God had placed us.  That is, until He decided to up and move us again!

Our new destination was South Carolina; back to the heat and ways peculiar to that region of the country.  I wasn't sure if I was up to the challenge, but my husband and I decided to take a weekend trip to try to find a house.  Instead of living in government housing, we were ready to purchase our own home.  

After spending a day looking at all the houses our Realtor had lined up for us to see, we couldn't decide.  I should rephrase that; I couldn't decide.  My husband knew exactly where God wanted us: in a brand new development on the north side of town.  I hated that house.  The lots were small, there seemed to be very little privacy and worst of all was the fact that there were no trees!  Sure, each finished lot boasted their own baby tree proudly standing at attention in the front yard, but how long would that take to grow to maturity?

I love trees, especially in the South where the sun and heat can be unrelenting in the summer time.  Without trees, our lot looked like a barren moonscape and I could not bear to live there!

Well, I did finally submit to God's choice for our home, and I couldn't be more pleased.  The expanse of the entire backside of our pie-shaped lot is covered in trees and large bushes. Birds flit around in the park-like landscaping, making our yard feel like a sanctuary.  Not only are the surrounding to my liking, but God is using our entire family in ministry throughout our neighborhood where many are hurting and in need of the Savior.  God certainly knew what He was doing when He chose that location for us.

It's hard to let someone else choose for me.  I worry that they might pick something crazy or unpleasant.  When it comes to God, however, there is no need to fear.  If I let Him, He'll give me something better than I could have chosen for myself.  As I wait in peace for Him to work, I can ponder the many reasons why I can trust Him. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Good God

I had good intentions when I vowed to give the best Christmas presents ever that fateful year.  As the time ticked away with the day approaching ever more quickly, I struggled with paying the bills and squirreling away some money for gifts.  In addition to suffering a lack of funds, I also experienced a deficit of another kind: ideas.  I'm not good at giving gifts in the first place, so now that the pressure was on, it seemed even worse than normal.

When Christmas day finally rolled around, the results were less than spectacular.  I did not overwhelm anyone with my generosity as they graciously and dutifully thanked me for their presents.  I meant to give in a way that really reflected how I felt about my family and friends, but it ended up looking more like a token gift given out of necessity.

This never happens to God.  He is generous, compassionate and able to fulfill all He sets out to do. (Matthew 20:1-16) His gifts are always good because He is a good God.  (James 1:17)  He doesn't change His mind, lose His motivation or come up short on resources.  He is willing and able to give good things to those who ask.  In fact, I would even go so far as to say God is unable to give a bad gift.  Whatever He bestows upon me is good, even if it doesn't seem so at the time.  

Since God is a good God, I can trust that His gifts will be good gifts.

Master Planner

One thing I enjoy doing around the holiday time is putting together jigsaw puzzles.  I find it difficult, however, to work on a puzzle when I can't see the finished picture that is usually printed on the box.  It is helpful for me to see the final product in order to be able to put the other pieces in their proper places.

Just like that jigsaw puzzle, there is a master plan for my life.  David said,  "All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."  (Psalm 139:16) But my activities are not just pre-known, but pre-planned. (Ephesians 2:10)  The only variable is whether or not I'll decide to follow the design for my life, even if only God can see the final product.

In order for me to follow the good plan for my life, I must know the One who created those plans.    God is the one who holds the blueprints so that I will seek Him, and I am told that when I look for Him with all of my heart, I will find Him.  He's not inaccessible or unreachable like a celebrity or a busy therapist.  I don't need to go through an agent or make an appointment to reach God.  All I need to do is desire Him more than anything.  When my heart yearns for Him, He'll make Himself known in ways only He can.

I'll experience a peace that doesn't make sense as I follow His plan for my life.  My days will begin to take on great meaning and purpose as I discover the path He has for me.  Situations that used to cause confusion and struggle now seem simple and straightforward.  He is holding me, directing me and guiding me.

Since God is the one with the plan, only He knows what fits into that plan.  The condition of my relationship with Him is critical to my success in walking the path He has laid out for me.

Since God is the Master Planner, I can trust Him to lead me down the path of righteousness.

All Knowing

"I'm an open book to you;

even from a distance, you know what I'm thinking.

You know when I leave and when I get back;

I'm never out of your sight.

You know everything I'm going to say

before I start the first sentence. . .

You know me inside and out,

you know every bone in my body;

You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,

how I was sculpted from nothing into something.

Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;

all the stages of my life were spread out before you,

The days of my life all prepared

before I'd even lived one day."

Psalm 139:2-4, 15-16 MSG

God knows me better than I know myself.  As much as I know my children, He is more familiar with my daughters than I am.  Even though I think I can predict my husband's ways, God is much better acquainted with him than I am.  God is omniscient.

Unlike the ordinary man who was pretending to be a great and powerful deity in The Wizard of Oz, God truly is all-knowing, all-powerful and ever-loving.  He always keeps His promises and never lets His sheep down.   All at once He can know me intimately yet love me fully.

When Dorothy killed the Wicked Witch of the West, just as the Wizard requested, this fake claimed to need some time to think about it before he made good on his promise to send her back home.  Obviously, the guy was trying to by himself some time, never thinking that Dorothy would be able to do as he bid.

God, however, never plays games with me.  He knows what is best for me and places situations and challenges in my life that will grow me closer to Him and serve to purify me, making me more Christ-like.  Nothing is wasted, and He never needs to buy more time to figure out what to do.  

Since God is all-knowing, I can trust Him to choose what's best for me.

Even though I have a hard time being out of control, I can trust God to be in control of every detail of my life.  I can trust Him because He is the Giver of good things, the One who holds the blueprints for my life, and the Omniscient God who loves me.  These are more than enough reasons to trust Him to be the Manager of my life.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God in every way.

How do I pay more attention to my plans than in seeking out God and His plan?

When am I afraid that God would not love me if He knew the real me?

The Power of Prayer

"One day Jesus was praying in a certain place.

When he finished, 

one of his disciples said to him,

'Lord, teach us to pray,

just as John taught his disciples.'

He said to them, 'When you pray, say:

Father,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come.

Give us each day our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins,

for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.

And lead us not into temptation.'"

Luke 11:1-4

I have gone through phases in my prayer life throughout my walk with Christ.  I started off in the beginning boldly telling God what I thought should happen.  As He began the humbling process, I felt uncomfortable telling Him what to do and began praying for His will to be done.  That too felt wrong.  I wondered, What's the point of me praying if I just tell God to go ahead and do what He's going to do?  Then I went through a phase where I struggled with praying, trying to balance the two extremes.  Now I am at a place where I share my inner struggles, my praise for Him, my dreams and hopes and pray that His name would be glorified as He brings me and others around to where He wants us to be.

Prayer is powerful.  I read in James 5:16 just how powerful and effective the prayers are of those who follow Jesus.  The purpose of prayer, however, is not only to bring about change.  The reason I pray is to bring God into every part of my life, to share my heart with Him and to submit my will to His, allowing Him to work a miracle in my heart.  Just as honestly opening up to my husband will strengthen the bond we have together, so does keeping lines of communication open with my heavenly Father.  

What is the purpose of prayer?  After all, I can't change the course of God's plan, nor should I want to.  Instead, prayer has a way of aligning me with Him, and opening up the pipeline between me and God that will deliver His flow of grace, love and mercy into my life.

Submission

If you spend any time around toddlers, you find out that the human will is strong.  There is nothing more satisfying to a 2-year-old than for them to do something all by themselves.  This independence builds a strong sense of self-worth as the tot realizes he has some ability to care for himself, even if it just means pulling on a pair of pants, or going potty by himself.  Humans want to feel useful and self-sufficient.

Prayer has a way of putting me in my place and reminding me of the proper order of things.  God is above all, and He is the source of all good things in my life.  (James 1:17)  It's easy for me to forget that and believe that my hard worked earned me my position, that my smarts and good planning resulted in a nice place to live or that my children's success is because I'm a natural-born mother.

When I talk to God, He has a way of reminding me that not only is He the source of everything, but I am completely at His mercy.  If He takes His hand off of me, I will fall.

Oswald Chambers challenges me to stay in close relationship with Jesus in order to keep properly submitted to Him as my Lord.  As I bow before Him, I am admitting that I need Him to perform a supernatural work through me.  Without Him, His commands are impossible.  "The Sermon on the Mount is not an ideal, it is a statement of what will happen in me when Jesus Christ has altered by disposition and put in a disposition like His own.  Jesus Christ is the only One who can fulfill the Sermon on the Mount."

Prayer reminds me of the source of my provision and from where the power comes to do as He asks.  God uses our conversations together to remind me that He is my all in all, and that without Him, I am nothing. (1 Corinthians 15:28, John 15:5)

One of the purposes of prayer is for God to remind me of my proper place in perspective to Him.

Humility

I am not naturally humble.  I am self-conscious, self-aware, self-absorbed and self-centered.  Everything I see, hear, read and feel is filtered through my brain which somehow colors it with my own point-of-view.  I am not objective because I tend to only see the world as it relates to me.  My opinions are formed based on my past, my experiences and my world-view.  Even though I have been known to have a low-view of myself, I have a pride problem.  I can't seem to see God for who He is and what He can do, apart from me.

As I talk to God, though, He has a way of humbling me; opening my eyes to see how my actions have affected people I claim to love.  He widens my vision to include others instead of only me.  He shows me where I owe forgiveness to someone who hurt me, and where I need to ask for forgiveness from one I hurt. Prayer humbles me.

My life is often filled with activities that seem to be good things to do.  There are ministries to run, people to encourage, new believers to disciple and the list goes on.  I often feel pressure to do for God, but take very little time to be with God.  As I spend time with Him, He shows me what He wants me to do and what needs to be cut out.  He usually surprises me with how little it is He wants me to do and how much He covets my time alone with Him.  When He was here on earth, Jesus spent much time in communion with His Father. (Mark 1:35, Luke 6:12, Mark 14;32-34) 

Martin Luther, sixteenth-century leader of the Reformation, said, "I have often learned more in one prayer than I have been able to glean from much reading and reflection."  As I spend time with my Creator, He uses those interludes to humble me and shape me into the young woman He has created me to be.

Another of the purposes of prayer is to give God a chance to chisel away my pride and fleshly ways to make more room for Him.

Defenseless

His fingers flashed across the keyboard as he searched for the information he needed to complete his homework assignment.  Suddenly, a vulgar and disgusting image flashed before him, catching him off-guard.  Curious, he took a closer look, trying to decipher the picture before him.  He'd never seen such a thing.  What is this all about? he wondered.  Should I ask my mom?  

There's no doubt about it: our children are vulnerable in the fast-moving, merciless world of cyberspace.  Stories surface on a daily basis of children who were lured by pedophiles, perverts or psychopaths bent on using the innocent for their own evil purposes.  Unsuspecting as they are, the uninformed child makes the best victims.  Consequently, a wise parent teaches his child what he needs to know to stand firm against the darkness that is lurking.  It's not so different with me and God.

As a child of God, I, too, am left defenseless against the insidious temptations that constantly plague me.  My flesh easily succumbs to the tiniest bit of pressure to do what comes naturally.  All I need is the smallest amount of doubt and I'll do things my way instead of God's.  

Thankfully, God is my source of protection against temptation, standing ready to help in times of trouble.  He is my, "refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1)  The thing about a sanctuary is that I need to take shelter within it in order for it to do any good.  Just knowing that a storm shelter exists, for example, doesn't do anything to protect me from a tornado if I don't hide myself within it's strong walls when the warning comes.

In the same way I must seek out God as soon as temptation strikes.  When I feel the need to lash out at someone in my own defense, it is important that I open up the lines of communication with my Refuge.    When doubts begin to rise up, God will strike them down with the truth if I take shelter in the shadow of His wings.  When I'm ready to give up because the struggle has seemingly become insurmountable, going to my source of protection will give Him a chance to remind me of the greater purpose for my difficulties.  Then, I can use His strength to stand firm upon His promises.

One of the important purposes of prayer is that it gives me a weapon against temptation.

Prayer is not just about me telling God what to do or letting Him have His way.  It is so much more powerful than that.  Prayer reminds me of my proper place in submission to God, that I have much forgiveness to offer and receive and that without God I have no defense against temptation.  Prayer is not about me manipulating God, but about God transforming me as I grow closer to Him.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can remember that prayer has the power to bring me closer to God.

When do I treat prayer like a chore instead of as the lifeline that it is?

How do I try to stand up to temptations by myself instead of using God as my refuge against them?

Delight of the Lord

"His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse,

nor his delight in the legs of a man;

the LORD delights in those who fear him,

who put their hope in his unfailing love."

Psalm 147:10-11

"The Lord helps those who help themselves."

"I'd rather die my way than live yours."

"Freedom (n); to ask nothing. To expect nothing.  To depend on nothing."

"Pull yourself up by your bootstraps."

These are common, independent thoughts considered as gospel by modern man.  Americans especially carry that autonomous, self-sufficient mind-set; the more sovereign one is, the more admirable one is thought to be.

It is impossible, however, to carry this same set of beliefs over into God's kingdom.  As Oswald Chambers said, "Whenever God touches sin it is independence that is touched, and that awakens resentment in the human heart.  Independence must be blasted clean out, there must be no such thing left, only freedom, which is very different.  Freedom is the ability not to insist on my rights, but to see that God gets his."  

God is not pleased with my independence.  Instead, He delights in things that seem negative to my natural mind.

Weakness

Lines of soldiers marched steadily on as far as the eyes of the messengers could see from their vantage point hidden among a clump of trees.  The multitude of troops sent up clouds of dust as they marched toward Jerusalem, putting fear in the hearts of those who watched.  "We've got to get back and tell King Jehoshaphat.  We're dead meat!"

The people of Judah were in trouble.  Thousands of Moabites, Ammonites along with some Meunites were determined to make war on them.  Wisely, the people of Judah turned to the LORD for help, depending upon Him to guide them.  Through one of the Levites, the Lord reassured them saying, "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army.  For the battle is not yours, but God's."  (2 Chronicles 20:15)  He went on to say that they wouldn't have to fight this battle but simply stand firm and watch the deliverance of God's Hand.

As the children of God bowed low in thanks, then lifted their voices high in praise, God took matters into his own hands, setting up an ambush.  As the Israelites marched in faith toward their enemies, singing songs of praise, their adversaries were turning on each other, annihilating one another's armies until none was left.  All that remained for the Israelites to do was gather the plunder.  God had indeed fought the battle for them.

In the same way, I need not fight my own battles.  God, in His power and sovereignty, has many more resources at His disposal to solve any problem I might come up against.  If I'm overwhelmed with life, wondering how I can accomplish all that is looming ahead of me for the week, I can lay it all before my Father and depend on Him to lead me through it.  

When I'm facing overwhelming odds as I fight against the disease that ravages my own body, I can throw myself before the One who "knit me together in my mother's womb" and is the Master Healer who is willing to heal me according to His will, if I'd only ask.  (Psalm 139:13-15  Luke 5:12-13  Matthew 7:7-11)

Perhaps I am plagued with a particular ailment, affliction or burden that holds me back from fully serving God.  If I accept my life as God has given it to me, I can learn that God's, "grace is sufficient for (me), for (His) power is made perfect in weakness."  (2 Corinthians 12:9)  It is only when I get out of the way that God's power can flow through my life, amazing everyone who sees.

God delights when I acknowledge my weakened, human state and depend on Him for my strength.

Fear

When I was an elementary student, I feared all my teachers but especially the principle.  I knew if I got in trouble in the classroom, I'd have to answer to him.  Even though I was a pretty shy and compliant girl, I held a certain respect for his position of authority.

In the same way, I am to honor God as sovereign over all creation and able to have mercy on me, or not.  (Romans 9:15)   When I acknowledge that He is in control and that the world is His to do with as He pleases; my perspective changes.

No longer do I find myself trying to get ahead and impress the boss so I can get a raise.  Instead, I do my best for the Lord and let Him take care of the blessings.

Gone are the days when I kept a tight reign on every segment of my life, determining to live a good and successful life to the best of my ability.  In it's place I have surrendered all my aspirations to God and let Him lead me where He wants me to go.

I'm done with working hard to prove my worthiness but instead accept the grace He freely gives me to live as a broken, sinner redeemed for His purposes.

When I stop thinking only of how my character is being built, how I'm gaining strength or how many accolades I am racking up, then I'll be able to say as the psalmist said,  "I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign LORD; I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone."  (Psalm 71:16)

God delights when I honor Him and Him alone as the One worthy of all my attention and praise.

Hope

Frank Sinatra sang a song about hope that I remember learning in 5th grade.  "Next time your found, with your chin on the ground, there's a lot to be learned, so look around.  Just what makes that little old ant, think he'll move that rubber tree plant.  Anyone knows an ant, can't, move a rubber tree plant.  But he's got high hopes, he's got high hopes.  He's got high apple pie, in the sky hopes."  The idea being that when you're feeling down, remembering that ant will help you to soon be feeling better again.

As catchy as that song is, it seems silly to hope in hope.  If I'm going to anticipate a certain outcome, don't I need to place that expectation in a higher power?  I don't have the power within me to pull myself out of the doldrums, to transform my heart from fearful to peaceful, or to face my greatest nightmare.  As nice as the idea seems to simply have high hopes, there must be something more.

Thankfully, there is.  The prophet Isaiah said, "Do you not know?  Have you not heard?  The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He will not grow tired or weary." (Isaiah 40:28)  That little ant is able to move objects so much larger than him not because of his own attitude or optimism.  He is able because God created him that way.  He's only behaving as God made him to act.  

I, however, am created in God's image to be in relationship with Him, but I have also been given a choice.  Unlike the ant, I am formed to live in harmony with Him if I so choose, depending upon Him to give me the will to go on.  As an image bearer, my life is tied up intimately with God's.  As the prophet continued, "those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (v 31)

When I decide to live in relationship with God through faith in Jesus, choosing life each day, I will not simply hope in the goodness of mankind or that somehow everything will work out.  Instead, I'll put my trust in His unfailing love, knowing that God will always take care of me.

God delights when I turn my back on everything from which I could find optimism and instead place my hope in Him.

The world places much emphasis on being strong, capable and possessing a positive attitude, but these things don't impress God.  Instead, He loves it when I'm weak so I can depend upon His strength, when I acknowledge His sovereignty over all things, and when I place my hope in Him as the giver of all good things.  This is from where God draws His delight.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can stop trying to be an independent woman and instead live as a dependent daughter.

When do I try to do for myself instead of giving it all to God?

How do I fail to wait on Him, impatiently taking matters into my own hands?