"I Will"

Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you, I will
uphold you with My righteous
right hand.
For I, the Lord your God, will
hold your right hand, saying to you,
“fear not, I will help you.
Isaiah 41:10,13

It's been 46 years now since the Lord so sweetly gave me the verses above. I had been told that I probably had breast cancer and surgery needed to be done. There were only two people I told about the surgery...one was my boss at work and the other was Brian. Brian and I had only known each other for a month and hadn't started dating yet. With his being a new friend I still felt a strange connection to him, but told him about it trusting he would pray for me.

I recall when being wheeled into surgery that a nurse wanted to hook up an IV in my right arm. I asked her if she would please put it in the left arm. She asked me why I wanted the switch and I told her that, “Someone very special is holding my right hand.” She gave me a knowing smile and said it would be better on the left side anyway and that's what she did. I took those verses very seriously that the Lord gave me with the promise of Him holding my right hand. In that very cold surgical suite, I can't explain the warmth I felt in those moments.
He promised to help me and to uphold me with His capable hand.

Depending on how the questions are asked, we can hear the “I will” response at weddings
and sometimes in a court room. All of us have heard someone's “I will” when promising
something we needed done. The disappointing thing in our day is that for many folks, promises don't mean very much. I, like you, have had some folks who broke promises and
their “I will” quickly turned into “I won't often when I really need their help.

As is my usual practice when reading or studying Scripture, I try to notice word usage and word patterns, especially when I see the repitition of words or phrases. In Isaiah 4:10, there is consistently used the two-word phrase, “I will.” Notice with me:

The blessing in the beginning of verse 10 are the two words, “I am.” Here God gives two precious reminders:

“I am with you”
“I am your God” (so don't be dismayed)

Do you and I really believe those two statements, for if we do, how do those words affect our everyday living? Is our behavior different because God is Who He is in our lives and that He
is always with us? He can never be less than who He says He is.

We come to the “I will” promises in these verses:

“I will strengthen you.”
“I will help you.”
“I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
“I will hold your right hand.” (and I know He did and does)
“I will help you.” (so fear not...He's the Lord our God)

Why should you and I ever allow the world to take our minds captive through unfortunate circumstances no matter what they may be. We have the very God of the universe who gives us a list of “I wills” that should cause us to walk in His strength through any circumstance. He's not just with us during the difficult times, but we are assured He is walking with us 24/7, no matter what's going on. Sometime, if you want an interesting study, look at the “I wills” of God in Scripture.

I can't tell you the peace the Lord gave me as I claimed those verses during that time of surgery. If I recall correctly, it was my first serious surgery. I had worked at that hospital on the volunteer staff so had seen a lot of illness and physical difficulties folks faced. Now it was my turn on the operating table. No one was there as I was wheeled out of my room because no one knew what was going on...that had been my choice. I had a peace that no matter what the doctors found, I would be okay and that He would walk me through it. I can honestly say that I didn't have a nervous bone in my body. Went for a check up with the surgeon a few days later. He told me that the lump had been malignant but that it was nestled as if in a cocoon and he was able to just lift the whole thing out. Cancer treatment has come a long way in these many years and grateful I didn't have to have any treatments that back then were pretty archaic.

I love walking on mountain trails, often holding hands with Brian. I love that feeling of love and security, but it's nothing like walking through my days, knowing that God my Father is by my side every moment of every day. The sweetest thing is that He's always holding my hand, no matter where the trails of my life take me.

Dear Father, I praise You today for Your presence in my life that sees to my well-being. Thank You for Your love and goodness. In Jesus precious name...Amen.

Fear Is No Fun

The Lord is my light and my
salvation; whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of
my life; of whom shall I
be afraid.
Psalm 27:1,2

One of our daughters had a dreaded fear of animals. She had a bad experience with a dog when she was between two and three years of age. If a gentle dog or cat even came near her, the fear registered with her immediately. She would register fear in the face, would often shake and then the tears would come. Her fear, although often unfounded most of the time, was very real to her. When there were opportunities to go inside a pen at a petting zoo, she chose to stay outside the fence. Sometimes if a sheep stuck it's nose through the fence where she was, she would at times touch the sheep with a finger, but then she was done with it. Someone once told me that my daughter's reaction to animals was all in her mind. Maybe, but no matter where the fear was, it was very real to her to the point of sheer panic. She's old enough to be beyond that. I smiled this summer as she and her family went horseback riding. There was a day we couldn't get her on a pony ride.

Fear is an emotion born out of dread, threat, impending danger, evil or pain. One's fear obviously can be a response to physical or emotional danger. Real or imagined, the body will usually react in one or more ways. A person stricken with fear may shake, cry, break into a sweat, develop a headache, or even throw up. Some folks stricken with fear have been known to faint.

No matter the age, gender, or nationality of a person, fear usually strikes at one time or another. It's almost a secret of sorts, but there are times when the best of Christians face times of fear. I have heard preachers say for more years than I can count that there are 365 “Fear nots” in Scripture. I would like just one of those preachers to furnish me with a list of them, but most, I think just copy what other preachers have said. I have been blessed by those “fear not's” that I have read and know God intends them for m encouragement.

Our fears as grown ups are perhaps different from those faced by our children or grand children, but fear is very real. Our fears, when they come, may not be of dogs, cats or even of thunder. One of the things we read about in these days is the bullying problem children go through in school or elsewhere. May I hasten to say that even adults face bullies. Adults may be able to handle the problem better, but such people can still cause adults to become very uncomfortable. Many adult fears stem from finances, family concerns, health issues, aging issues, and yes, death (loss of others or personal demise). But fear is fear that must be faced. As Christians, we are so blessed to have Someone who comes along side of us during fearful times.

I have dearly loved Psalm 27 for many years. It is such an uplifting and encouraging portion of Scripture. In the first two verses I have printed above, I see that the Lord is my light, my salvation and the strength of my life. Why do I need all of this special attention from my Lord? Verses 1 and 2 speak of fear and being afraid, thus my need for the Lord's looking out for me when no one else can.
The rest of Psalm 27 is also encouraging. For instance, verse 5 is such a blessing:

For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His
pavilion; in the secret place of His
tabernacle He shall hide me;
He shall set me high upon a rock.

Verse 3 also speaks with encouragement:

Though an army may encamp against
me, my heart shall not fear; though war
may rise against me, in this I will
be confident.

This Psalm closes with verse 14:

Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage, and He
shall strengthen your heart: Wait, I say,
on the Lord!

No matter what we face, be it the fearful knowns or unknowns of our lives, our Father is as near as the breath we breathe. We must remember that nothing or no one can enter the arena of our lives unless those things or people first filter through His capable and loving fingers. He will strengthen us as we face our greatest bully...Satan himself. Our Father will grant us wisdom for the moment through His light and blessed presence.

Dear Father, I am sometimes filled with fear and ask Your forgiveness for not placing my faith fully in You. Thank You for Your every provision I need in facing whatever fears present themselves. I love you. In Jesus' precious name...Amen!

In Everything?...Are You Kidding?

 

In everything give thanks:
for this is the will of God
in Christ Jesus for you.
I Thessalonians 5:18

It was our Beverly's senior year, and she needed a physical check up because of being a cheerleader. We were new to the area in Virginia where Brian's job had transferred him so I had no idea how to find the right doctor. A very kind doctor in our church gave me a suggestion of a doctor he felt would be thorough.

Although Beverly needed a physical check up because of her cheer-leading, I thought it would be the usual once over that a lot of doctors do for athletic checks. Our new doctor surprised us. Beverly was asked to get into a hospital gown. Generally an athletic check up of any kind is the doctor listening to the heart, taking a pulse and blood pressure along with weighing the young person. I got the feeling that this was going to be an adventure.

This young doctor in his being so thorough, after checking Beverly noticed some things that concerned him. We were sent from doctor to doctor and finally were given a diagnosis and it was not a good one. Beverly had a serious condition. As a mom, I hadn't had to deal with one of my children being seriously ill.

We went to various places for physical tests. Beverly and I were weary with all of the appointments and questions. On one particular day as we were returning home from one of our appointments, Beverly looked over at me as I was driving and she noticed my sad face. I'll never forget how she reached over, pinched me on my right lower cheek and said, “Mom, in everything give thanks...” I'll never forget that moment as long as I live.

Since that time, there have been lots of “everythings” in my life. Our first thought tends to be with the negatives that can come into our lives but the verse doesn't say just that. We are sometimes remiss in being thankful for the good things of life. Overall, we are commanded to give thanks in everything because we trust in God's purposes for our lives. We are to trust in all of our situations that God is in control and knows what He is doing in our lives with every breath we breathe.

What are our everythings? I'm not saying that every thing in our lives is good. Many events are hurtful and negative in nature but everything in this verse means just that...every thing.

A few months after diagnosis when we had moved back to Texas, Beverly had critical surgery done. I remember walking along side of her as she was rolled into surgery not knowing how it would turn out. As I walked back down the hall to the surgical waiting room, I remember praying, “Is this one of those everythings where I get a pass?” I knew I didn't have a pass, that thanksgiving applied to this the same as to anything else. I quickly remembered back to that day when that daughter of mine had taught me a valuable lesson.

It's important, I think, to look at the verse before and the one after our verse because they too are very important to the whole scheme of things. Before our “everything” verse, we read:

Pray without ceasing.
5:17

After our “everything” verse, it says:

Do not quench the Spirit.
5:19

Either way, we are to wrap our “everythings” in prayer and reliance upon the Holy Spirit of God. To quench is to extinguish or smother. It's almost easy to feel we don't have to pray about our circumstances because God sees what is going on. We don't seek Holy Spirit guidance because He too knows what is going on and can act on our behalf even though we choose to ignore Him.

The good “everythings” we could list are easier for which to give thanks, but we don't tend to be a grateful people and need to be thankful all the time. On cloudy days, we can thank God for His presence and direction. On our sunny days, we can still thank Him for His presence and direction. He's good to us no matter the events of life that have come our way.

What's the expected:

1. We don't have to be thankful FOR personal disasters. We would wonder about the person who dances around cheering, “Yea, I have cancer with 2 months to live.” That isn't the reaction one would expect under those circumstances.
2. We are commanded to be thankful IN our every circumstance knowing that God is as near as the breath we breathe. That person with cancer can rejoice in the healing and hope God provides in when health issues arise.
3. Always, we should be prayerful asking the Lord what He wants us to learn in our times of “everything.”
4. Be in a state of consistent prayer including the Holy Spirit in our “everythings.”
   

It is amazing to me, and I will never get over the fact, that the God of the universe is concerned about me. He is concerned about my every concern, and is also such a wonderful part of my days of sunshine. He is truly my strength in all of my “everythings” of life.

Dear Father, I yield to your being the King of my “everythings.” I thank You for what you are going to teach me in these days. I love you. In Jesus precious name....Amen

Been Wounded Lately?

 

He healeth the broken in heart,
and bindeth up their wounds.
Psalm 147:3

(I must be honest and tell you that this is a repeat blog. It was written back in December of 2011. I have gone through one of those weeks we all would love to avoid but face them anyway every now and then. I needed this blog today so please forgive me for the repeat.)

The first time I can remember hearing the word “wound” was when I was a little girl in the 1940's. World War II was raging and I would hear my parents talk about a soldier from our town who had been wounded. My mother explained to me that a wound was a really bad hurt that enemy soldiers had caused our soldiers, like when a neighbor kid might push me down and I skin my knee or elbow but much worse. Mother wasn't very graphic, but I knew what a physical hurt of some kind was and I knew it hurt. My skinned knees and elbows usually healed with a kiss from Mother, that “red stuff in the small bottle that didn't burn” and a band-aid. 

I recall visiting a foster home in my casemanager days. The family dog knew my voice and would get excited when I arrived for a home visit. He was one of those big dogs that has all the overlapping folds of skin...loveable as can be but didn't know his own strength. Upon my entering the home on one particular day, that dog jumped up with his front paws landing on my shoulders. The foster mom called to the dog to get down and he did. But in the process, his left paw caught the back of my right hand. I had two deep scratches that immediately began to bleed something terrible. The foster mom was mortified. I just asked for the kitchen sink and lots of paper towels. She gave me ointment and a bandage, and we went on with the visit.  

I have to tell you that for weeks, the back of my hand was a sight. It probably took a month or two for my hand to heal and now I'm left with scars. Let me say, that during the healing process, my hand was very sore to the touch and was not pretty to look at. Right now, I can touch those scars, but they don't hurt anymore. I can look at the criss-cross scar on the back of my right hand now and remember a loveable dog and sweet foster family. That took time though. I know we don't want to hear it, but healthy healing really does take time.

Our wounds of the heart can turn out the same if we let them. However, I know people who have held onto bitterness for years that in some cases has poisoned their testimony and even affected their health. We're not meant to hold on for dear life to those hurts that probably in most cases, we couldn't have done anything about anyway. Wouldn't it be better if we let our hurts and wounds grow us spiritually. There are good things that can come from wounds.

Examples:

Wheat that is thrashed...for what....that you and I may have bread
Peeled orange................for what.....healthy food, juice and refreshment
Pressed fresh flowers....for what.....perfumes and resulting products
Beaten olives.................for what.....oil for the golden candlestick in the tabernacle
(These olives couldn't just be pressed in order to render what oil could be rendered. Scripture says that the oil that came from beaten olives caused the light from the golden candlestick to burn clearer and brighter.

I don't minimize the wounds you and I are sometimes called upon to endure, but I have learned that our wounds can be turned into blessing for God's glory. He wants to use every single thing in our lives to somehow touch the lives of others. We are living in a world weary day with people who are looking for Christians who live out their faith in such a way that a relationship with Jesus Christ looks inviting. Even other Christians are watching us to see how we get through some of the wounds that are often inflicted upon us. When people know we have been through a terrible time of wounding, they often don't understand the sweet aroma that can come from our lives during those times. When we go through our own thrashings, others hopefully will be lead to the Bread of Life. Our scars for a time may be very red and noticeable. As we keep functioning we later will look at a scar or two and even smile.

Some things we can remember:

1. God knows every hurt of any kind inflicted by anyone that touches us. He wants to comfort us like a mother would tend to a child's physical boo-boo. There are some folks, however, who refuse the comfort of God and want to live a life of self-pity, always seeking the sympathy of others. Others can do only so much...God comforts as no one else can.
2. Every wound in our lives is to be basted in praise.

In EVERYTHING give thanks
for this isi the will of God
in Christ Jesus concerning you.
I Thessalonians 5:18

3. Along with the above, we need to be careful how much energy we give to our hurts and wounds. That loss of energy can affect us mentally, spiritually and maybe physically. When wounded, we still need our sleep and intake of food and fluids. We need to be able to think with a clear mind. Attention still needs to be given to our prayer life that isn't always complaining to God, but that offers times of praise. Bible reading is a must but when sorely wounded, Revelation might not be the best book to choose to read. Select those Scriptures that are a balm for the soul. Select some of these ahead of time when not hurting and keep a list handy to refer to in times of difficulty.
4. Remember that there are wounds that are contageous. Physically there are infections that can spread because of exposure to someone else. There are vulnerable people who will take on the hurts of others and we don't want to be responsible for that. We should limit sharing information about our wounds only with a very few trusted, spiritually mature persons. Sometimes speaking openly about a specific difficulty can minister to people. I'm talking about the habit of just venting our hurts with anyone who will listen. That isn't beneficial for anyone...speaker or hearers.
5. I have to say somewhere in all of this that you and I must avoid self-inflicted wounds. Too often we take on the problems of others and our minds can be marked, scarred and in constant turmoil. I have decided that I am at an age where I just can't do that anymore. I will have a concern for those around me but only God can take care of some things no matter how much I take on. I will do what God wants me to do and leave the rest with Him. We often wound our own minds with worry and fretting that should just be turned over to the Lord.
6. Pray for those who have wounded you and forgive them. This is about as tough as it gets, but we are commanded to forgive even when people hurt us deeply and don't deserve an ounce of kindness from us. We forgive because God forgives us and He commands us to forgive. Jesus in His model prayer said, “Forgive us our trespasses AS we forgive those who trespass against us.” That's a lot of forgivin'.
7. Take everything to the Lord. He doesn't mind tears and doesn't need fancy long prayers. There have been times I've just said through tears, “Lord, help!” because that was all I could utter with the broken heart that was throbbing inside of me. We tend to go to everyone else with our hurts, but that's not where we are supposed to go.

Cast thy burden upon the Lord,
and He shall sustain thee;
He shall never suffer the righteous
to be moved.
Psalms 55:22

Let's never forget though the wounding of Jesus that He endured for us. He suffered pain...the worst of pain...undeserved pain...and it was for you and me. 
 

But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities:
the chastisement of our peace was
upon Him and with His stripeswe are healed.
Isaiah 53:5

Wounded...bruised...chastisement...stripes...all four of those things were deliberate physical acts. He endured hateful, aggressive torture not counting the malicious taunting involved. This occurred all for you and me. Through all of that, you and I have spiritual wholeness and healing. In light of His suffering, the wounds we sustain on this earth for a time seem to pale in light of His glory.

Thank you, my Savior, for bearing all You did on the cross for me. The hurts I endure on this earth are nothing compared to what you bore for me, not just on the cross, but all of the torture you endured in every way for everyone. May I never forget Your willingness to be wounded for me. Thank you dear Jesus for Who You are in my life everyday. Forgive my being forgetful of all you did. As You forgive me, may I be willing to forgive others. I love You.  In Jesus' precious name.  Amen.

"Nussin, I Said"

For You formed my inward parts;

You covered me in my mother's womb.

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and

wonderfully made.

Psalm 139:13,14

There were little banterings between my husband and our children when they were very little even when we could barely make sense of their speech. Brian had certain questions he would jokingly ask each one when they were quite young. Our son, Johnny, usually had unique answers to most things. Often Brian would ask him, “What are you good for?”...Johnny would reply, “Nussin.” Brian would try again asking, “What are you good for?” The second time, Johnny would reply, “Nussin, I said” and that was usually the end of that conversation.

It always tickled me hearing Johnny's response to his dad's question. Johnny was always very serious in his reply even though he didn't really know the meaning of what he was saying. The sad thing to me is that I have known people who have felt that they aren't really worth much in the whole scope of life, let alone in God's plans. When growing up, it wasn't unusual to hear someone say of another, “He's good for nothing.” Bottom line is that no one walking the face of this earth whether past, present or future can be labeled “good for nothing.” Every human being born has purpose in God's plans.

We live in a day when folks are often judged unfairly. People are sometimes judged by the clothes they wear, the car they drive, the expensive watches, the cell phone they talk on or the latest toys and trinkets. They may go to bed at night laying on an expensive mattress between the finest satin sheets but who lay in the dark in the depths of despair. Unfortunately, it's often folks with all of those things who find the least satisfaction in life.

For years I have loved Psalm 139. There is no way Christians can read and take in that Psalm and walk away feeling their lives are an absolute waste. We are of the greatest value to God. We as individuals are precious to Him. I am going to take that word “we” out of the equation and firmly state that I am of the utmost value in His sight. I will recognize that you may feel the same on an individual basis but for now I choose to concentrate on the individual uniqueness I am to God. For many years, I guess because of some past issues, I couldn't be so bold in declaring how special I was to God. I didn't see how I could be. I'm so grateful for His consistency in ministering to me personally to the point of almost feeling that I am even a favorite of His. I realize that you can say the same of yourself even though we know that God has no pets.

For example, I have a dear friend in our former church, the present music minister. His name is Fred. I have known him for years even in a prior church. He has ministered to my children in time past but am grateful for the few years he could also minister in my own life. Fred is outgoing, super positive unless he has to crack down on the choir to get things done and is one of the godliest Christian gentlemen I have known. Fred dearly loves those who work under him whether on his staff or in the various music programs of the church. Fred always greets a person with a warm smile, some kidding words and sometimes an appropriate hug. Fred has helped me to understand something special about God and how special we are to Him. Fred has a way of making everyone feel like he is their best friend. In all reality, we friends of Fred know we all can't be Fred's best friend. However, through Fred I've come to understand more about my relationship with God and that's the fact that God is my best friend. God loves me, deals with me, teaches me and fathers me as if I am the only child He has. That's just how special I am to Him and you can say the same.

There's just no way to describe how important you and I are to God. Psalm 139 states clearly God's care and love for us. If we ever feel lost, forsaken, spiritually down or whatever negative things we feel in the course of daily living, a thorough reading of this Psalm will lift us to the very heights of joy and will give us such a sense of purpose, for instance:

You have hedged me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
Psalm 139:5

I will praise You, for I am fearfully
and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14

How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How great is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they would be more
in number than the sand;
When I awake, I am still with You.
Psalm 139:17,18

Read that Psalm sometime and you will see just how much God loves you. You and I are more precious to God than we can imagine. We aren't going to know the depth of that love unless we stay in God's Word where we will find the full assurance of His love and care for us. I believe at every turn, Satan wants to cause us to question our worth to God.

Thank You Father for loving me and for being my all in all. It is such an honor being Your child. There is just no one else who can mean to me what You do. Thank You for being You. I love You with all my heart....Amen