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

Respond or React

 

If we live in the Spirit, let us also

walk in the Spirit.

Let us not become conceited,

provoking one another, envying

one another.

Galatians 5:24,25

When I feel the Lord's conviction in my life regarding any changes I need to make in my spiritual walk, it never fails but what God allows testing in those areas almost immediately. When folks come to me with new, good or bad questions, remarks, gripes or complaints, it is then I know I have a choice and that choice has to be made in very quick fashion. The easier thing to do if I'm uncomfortable for some reason is to react and not respond to the individual who has approached me because there is a huge difference between reacting or responding to others. So what are the differences in the two emotions?

Reacting:This can be the easier of the two if one has an I-don't-care-attitude. When one reacts, an answer can be blurted out, often with a louder voice than usual and perhaps with a bit of a frown to the face. When we react, we tend to act in strong opposition with a bit of a raised voice. Negative body language can be another indication of one who is reacting to a stimulus of some kind. Reacting often causes hurt feelings in the innocent party.

Responding:When responding, we often just give a calm answer to a question or remark made for our consideration even if we don't like what has been said to us. We tend to speak a little slower as if trying to think ahead of the next word so as to maintain emotional control. What is said still may be disturbing to us, but we can respond calmly and even have some things in our arsenal to respond with, such as: “Is that right?” or “Let me think about that a minute.” You may need more info about what has been said and unless more info would not be harmful, we can respond with “Do I need more information on this?” Just a few words to break the tension can be a help. If not, taking a nice deep breath before responding can be of even greater help.

The main differences in the two emotions are: volume of voice, temper or lack thereof, body language, speed of speech and perhaps other things depending on the make up of an individual.

Recently, a very kind man and good friend with him and his family came to me with an idea. It was one of those panic button things and my behavior was far from godly. I hurriedly replied and a little louder than needed with a negative reply. I knew on my way home that I had to correct that incident and not on the phone but in person. He was very kind when I talked to him with more kindness than I deserved and kinder than I had been in previous days.

When the Lord charges us with change, it will involve humility that is one of the hardest parts but it is a part of the Lord's teaching in our lives. It isn't easy admitting to people when we've wronged them. We all have opinions about things and issues. There will always be differences because we are all different. But in it all, we are admonished in Scripture to be kind to one another as well as forgiving one another.

Let me give a caution...there will be times when I catch you on an off day when you don't feel like hearing anything from anyone. I'm going to have days like that as well and neither of us are going to know the difference. This is where sometimes we have to give the other person the benefit of a doubt before jumping on the person like a member of a football defensive line. At a time like that, maybe an “uh-huh” or a simple “hmmmm” with a smile would be enough said.

Let the words of my mouth, and
the meditation of my heart,
be acceptable in Thy sight,
O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.
Psalm 19:14

But I say to you that for every
idle word men may speak, they will
give account of it in the day of judgment.
For by your words you will be justified,
and by your words you will be condemned.
Matthew 12:36,37

Lord Jesus, help me to know when to simply shut up. Help me to be sensitive to the feelings of others no matter what they ask of me. You treated common, ordinary people with such love and patience. I really want to be more like You. I love you...Amen.

Take Time To Be Holy

Having therefore these promises,
dearly beloved, let us cleanse
ourselves from all filthiness of
the flesh and spirit, perfecting
holiness in the fear of God.
II Corinthians 7:1

When we think of holiness, there are all sorts of pictures that come into our minds. For instance, when I was 9 years old, I was playing with my dolls on our front porch when Jesus walked by in front of our house and on up the block. Yep, it was Jesus alright. I got a real good look at him. He had the longer brown hair with matching beard. He wore a long robe with long sleeves and it wasn't a bathrobe either. At his waist was a rope that served as a belt. He also wore sandals. I remember thinking about the scene for a few minutes before telling my Mother about it. I didn't know what she would say if and when I told her about seeing Jesus in front of our house. I finally decided to tell Mother and she was rather casual about my information. She already knew it to be a young man whose parents she knew pretty well. He had left home to join a special group of men who were living in a commune in a northern state where all dressed like that all the time. She said it was some kind of holy group. When we think of holiness, we might have any number of pictures of people in our minds, but the outer trappings don't necessarily define the true holiness of any kind of believer. In our day, I do think we need to drop the emphasis on the trappings of what we or others think holiness to be and get real about what is meant by holiness in God's eyes.

In Scripture, we are admonished to “Be ye holy, for I am holy.” (I Peter 1:16) But what is meant by our being holy? If we are holy in our being and living, we are dedicated to God or set apart for godly living.

But as he which hath called you is holy,
so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; (life style)
I Peter 1:15

There is a hymn in most hymn books that we don't even sing much anymore. The title is “Take Time To Be Holy.” What is interesting is that the words of this song were penned by Wm. Longstaff in the mid 1800's. What is also interesting to me is that even in the 1800's, a time of strong principles, morality and spiritual values, this man felt an urgency to call fellow Christians to a life of holiness. What would he think of we Christians today in light of the subject of holiness? His words are like a check-list for spiritual living and doesn't in any way encourage us to judge holiness by the outer trappings of one's life. He writes:

Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word:
Make friends of God's children, help those who are weak;
Forgetting in nothing, His blessing to seek.

Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret with Jesus alone:
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct, His likeness shall see.

Take time to be holy, let Him be thy guide,
And run not before Him whatever betide;
In joy or in sorrow, still follow thy Lord,
And looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.

Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul;
Each thought and each motive beneath His control;
Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,
Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.

May I give an abbreviated list of some worthy goals as seen in the verses of this beloved hymn, goals that can only be met as we cooperate with and rely upon the empowering of the Holy Spirit of God. Every one of the following things are as Scriptural as John 3:16:

Take time to be a holy person....yes, it takes that time we are often not willing to spend.
Be a person of prayer.
Abide in Jesus ..as the branches in the vine spoken of in John 15.
Be a person of the Word, trust and follow it.
Maintain a good, friendly relationship with fellow Christians.
Help those less fortunate.
Crave God's favor in our lives.
Have those alone moments with Jesus and have them often.
Be like Jesus and let others see Jesus in us.
Trust God's guidance and don't try to go ahead of Him.
Be calm in spirit, maintaining a disciplined mind.
Be a person of love and service for the Lord.

Hopefully we are working in God's strength to attain to those things listed. Small children know very little of deep holy living. They are still at the ME stage for the most part. How sad if we at our ages remain in the ME stage of our spiritual lives. All of the things on that list require dying to self and focusing on God and others. Holy living for us will not be the outer trappings although the outer trappings can be affected by our holy living. We can dress like Jesus, Mary or the apostle John and it won't make us holy. Holiness is going to begin inside of us. I can't begin to tell you the things on that list I feel a personal conviction about in my own life that need my immediate attention. No, I have not arrived...I am a seeker and often a struggler just like other Christians.

We must be alert to the Holy Spirit leading in our lives. He desires we be holy and clean before Him. There are many things we take time for in our busy lives. Can we determine to strive for holiness in our lives, not for outward show but for our good and God's glory. It is well worth our taking time to be holy.

Father, I haven't been walking in holiness as You desire. Forgive me for many times still wanting that ME life. I want to please You but need Your help and yes, Your forgiveness. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

3:16

For God so loved the world,
that he gave his only begotten
Son, that whosoever believeth
in him should not perish, but
have everlasting life.
John 3:16

Several years ago, something unique began in our country at some sporting events, especially during pro-football telecasts. It wasn't unusual seeing a fan(s) located among fans holding up huge poster boards with “JOHN 3:16” written on them in very large black letters. They would try to sit, especially in the end zone sections where they knew TV cameras would focus at various times during the game. We don't see that very much anymore but noticed one recently at the Hall of Fame game. Because of political correctness, I think there have been attempts to stifle this practice.

I do remember the first time I saw one of those signs, because it stirred a curiosity in me. I went to the Scriptures to seek out all of the 3:16's in the various books of the Bible. There are obviously some books that hardly have three chapters and there are some books with three chapters but not with a verse sixteen. However, what I found was very interesting and many of those verses were more than interesting. Some may not be as dramatic or informative as others which may challenge us to look at the verse before and after the 3:16 verse. Join me as we look at some of these verses.

Genesis 3:16 – Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.

Proverbs 3:16 – Length of days is in her (wisdom's) right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.

Joel 3:16 – The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the Lord will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.

Malachi 3:16 – Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.

Matthew 3:16 – And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lightening upon him;

Luke 3:16 – John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire.

I Corinthians 3:16 – Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

Galatians 3:16 – Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; But as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

Ephesians 3:16 – That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man.

Philippians 3:16 – Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

Colossians 3:16 – Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

II Thessalonians 3:16 – Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.

I Timothy 3:16 – And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

II Timothy 3:16 – All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

James 3:16 – For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

I Peter 3:16 – Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

I John 3:16 – Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

Revelation 3:16 – So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew
thee out of my mouth.

Lest someone question this procedure, I understand that in the original writings of Scripture there were no chapter or verse numbers. I have just found it amazing with what we have that so many of these 3:16 verses have special meaning and are more than interesting but are at the same time inspirational. The Word of God is not dull, nor is it boring. However, it isn't just ink on paper. It speaks...it lives...it convicts and changes us, but only as the Holy Spirit teaches us and inspires us to be all for God He wants us to be.

Dear Jesus, I'm so very grateful for Your Word and for You, dear Holy Spirit and how You teach and inspire me from it's pages. May I absorb it not only in my brain, but more-so in my heart. In Jesus' precious name...Amen

Be Careful For Nothing

I don't know of a parent alive who hasn't at one time or another said to a child of theirs, “Be careful!” I can recall vividly times my Mother said those two words to me. I knew what they meant, but wasn't sure exactly why she was saying them. I was told those two words when I first went to church camp, then to my first swimming lesson. Before several activities in high school, those same two words were thrown my way. I understood those words when I left for college because it was my first time away from home for a lengthy amount of time.

Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, penned one of my favorite New Testament books...the book of Philippians. It's a book of joy and rejoicing as well as instruction and encouragement. In chapter four verse four, we are admonished to rejoice:

Rejoice in the Lord always: and
again I say, Rejoice.

I have stressed that word “always” because we have times in our lives with cares and problems that rejoicing doesn't come easy for us. If we are commanded to rejoice, God will bless us in that step of obedience.

The sixth and seventh verses have come to be more than precious to me. Maybe you don't tend to worry about things but all too often, I'm afraid that's where I find my thinking. Look with me at those two verses in chapter four:

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing
by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be
made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth
all understanding, shall keep your
hearts and minds through
Christ Jesus.

In verse six, the phrase “Be careful for nothing” isn't the same meaning as when my Mother admonished me to be careful. Paul is saying here that we aren't to worry about anything. That's a huge order. So what are we to do? We are to pray and do it with thanksgiving as we lay our concerns before the Lord. Notice in that verse that we are to bring everything to Jesus...every care, problem and difficulty. We need not fear because Jesus can handle anything that comes our way.

I dearly love the precious end result that will be ours when we follow verse six...you and I will know the peace of God like never before. No one will ever understand the peace we have despite what seems to be insurmountable difficulties that have come into our lives. Along with that promise is the fact that we will be kept by Jesus, guarding our hearts and minds.

Verse eight must be addressed in all of this because we are admonished to train our minds as to how to think. In this way, we arm ourselves so as to fight against Satan's thinking and learning to think as God would have us think:

Finally, brethren,
whatsoever things are true,
whatsoever things are honest,
whatsoever things are just,
whatsoever things are pure,
whatsoever things are lovely,
whatsoever things are of good report;
if there be any virtue, and if there be any
praise, think on these things.

I realize that these Scriptures are a lot to take in but we are given so many guarantees from God in them if we will onlylisten and heed God's expectations. God has such a deep love for each of us. He hates to watch us struggle when He is so near to help. As parents, there were times when we watched our children struggle. It was hard being a parent, standing by, watching the process, especially when we were in a position to be of help.

So, to live that spiritually careful life, what are we called on to do:

Rejoice on a continual basis (4)
Be careful for nothing....don't worry (6)
Take everything to God in prayer (6)
Pray with thanksgiving (6)
Make known every request to God (6)
Accept that peace from God that no one will be able to comprehend (7)
Trust God that He will keep our hearts and minds in His awesome care (7)
Get control of our thought life (8)

As you and I with God's help strive to do God's will in these areas, we have to be aware that our enemy, Satan, will be ready to pounce...that's a sure thing. This will be such a strengthening process for each of us. The things on the list will have to be things we put into consistent practice. However, God walks with us, strengthening us every step of the way.In it all, we will know a peace with God, an inner peace that can come to be a genuine part of us.

Just an added word from Philippians as I think of my blog friends:

I thank my God upon
every remembrance
of you.
Philippians 1:3

Dear Jesus, You died that I might know not only the salvation you offer, but that You and I might live in a close and loving relationship. I am trusting You and thankful for your love and strengthening. I love you. Amen

Grow Up!

 

When a teenager, I can recall my Mother saying to me, “Oh Glendarae, grow up.” I usually had behaved in a way not becoming to someone who was the ripe old age of seventeen. In our school years, we all probably came across the class jokers, pranksters or playful sorts. Sometimes their behavior wore thin on teachers and even with peers. I'm sure some teachers would have liked to tell some of those students to grow up. Situations like that go along with everyday living as we meet up with folks of all ages and personalities.

Sadly,there can be a spiritual immaturity in God's children. No matter the age people accept Jesus as Savior, it is expected that like a new-born baby, those Christians will begin to mature and grow. Human babies require nutritious milk and soon special baby foods. However, unless there is a very special circumstance, babies do grow and at the age of ten are no longer drinking milk from a bottle or eating pureed food. As they grow, heartier foods are ingested and their human bodies grow and expand.

The writer of the book of Hebrews addresses the problem of spiritual immaturity. We read the following:

Concerning him we have much to say, and
it is hard to explain, since you have become dull
of hearing.
For though by this time you ought to be teachers,
you have need again for someone to teach you
the elementary principles of the oracles
of God, and you have come to need milk
and not solid food.
For everyone who partakes only of milk
is not accustomed to the word of righteousness,
for he is an infant.
Hebrews 5:11-13

So how are immature Christians described in these verses?

They are dull of hearing
They are out of sync with God's timing...should be teachers
They must be taught the basics over and over
They must have milk of the Word, and not solids
They are unskilled in the Word
They exhibit childlike spiritual characteristics.

All hope is not lost though. The writer of Hebrews has brief but important things to say about the mature Christian.

But solid food is for the mature,
who because of practice have their senses
trained to discern good and evil.
Therefore leaving the elementary
teaching about the Christ, let us
press on to maturity....
Hebrews 5:14, 6:1a

Some ways mature Christians are described are:

They have a strong desire for the solids of the Word
They have the power of discernment
They live what they learn
They have a strong ability to see the difference between good and evil

So I have to ask myself how old I am maturity-wise in my walk with the Lord. I accepted Jesus as my Savior at the age of ten. There have been a lot of years that have passed since that time. As Jesus would view my spirituality at this point, how old would He find me to be in my walk of faith. To grow in the Lord requires a close relationship with Him, consistent reading and study of His Word and putting into practice those things I read in my Bible. I can know the Bible from cover to cover but are those childlike, immaturity problems still very evident in my life....selfishness, unforgiveness, undisciplined behavior, anger...the list could go on and on even after a review of Colossians 3. (Read that chapter sometime.)

In Hebrews 6:1, there is an important statement....”let us press on to maturity.” May it be so for you and me no matter where we find ourselves spiritually at this time. I wouldn't want to hear Jesus say to me, “Glendarae, grow up.”

Father, I want to know You like never before. It will take concentrated time in Your Word as well as putting into practice those things You lay on my heart. May I grow in areas You show to me as I study Your word, listening for Your promptings. In Jesus precious name, Amen

The World of Habits

For I know that in me (that is, in
my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing:
for to will is present with me;
but how to perform that which is
good I find not.
Romans 7:18

I had two things going for me when I was at the ripe old age of three. I'm sure it had been going on prior to that but age three is the first I recall one of my first habits...my blanket. Today they are known as “blankies.” Have you seen those things you can buy in any baby department? They look like miniature satin trimmed blankets with a stuffed animal's head in the middle. They come in different colors with different animals. My blanket (my mother would never have used the word “blankie”) was soft with a satin trim. I hated when my mother washed it cause that took out some of the “aging process” I had put into it. I wasn't allowed to carry it around...could only have it when in my bed.

The second thing I had going for me was my right thumb. I don't know how long I had sucked my thumb but I do know that by the age of four, I had a huge callous on it. My mother did everything she could to keep me from sucking my thumb. She put all sorts of liquid stuff on my thumb that stunk and tasted bad. I would gradually lick it off, little by little to where my thumb was finally ready for proper use. Mother even bought a thumb cage...a metal bird cage looking contraption that got tied to my hand. That's when I learned how agile my joints were and always managed to escape the cage.

We probably started life with habits. Some habits were necessary such as eating, having a diaper changed with some spoiling along the way. There were things we had to have...a favorite stuffed animal for instance. Those things were harmless and a part of building a certain amount of security in us.

Habits aren't necessarily bad but we usually think of them being negative. A habit is something that is done on a regular basis but that is very hard to give up. In this area, we usually think of drug addictions, eating disorder, alcoholism.

Although we think of bad habits, there are habits people have established that are good ones. We are encouraged to have good eating habits, choosing to eat and drink those things that are good for our bodies. We taught our children the wash hands before a meal. There's nothing wrong with that habit. Other good habits might include: physical check ups, being prompt, doing laundry on Monday (private joke), paying one's bills, etc.

We can feel with Paul when he expressed how desperately he wanted to do the right thing, but his inner self spoke louder and so he felt he was always at war with the flesh and spirit in his life. In the rest of Romans 7, we can read about Paul's struggle that is our struggle as well and how it is Jesus Christ who gives the victory.

What do we do about negative habits that might be a part of our lives?

• Recognize a bad habit, name it and confess it.
  Folks will say you have to have lots of counseling etc. Remember my sucking my thumb? It has been a lesson in my own life I have never forgotten. When I was around the age of four, I remember the day I was sitting on our big stuffed couch, sucking my thumb. I remember like it was yesterday, that I suddenly looked at my thumb and said to myself in so many kid words, “Enough of this” and I never put that thumb (or the other one) in my mouth again. Talk about cold turkey. I still remember to this day as I think of that moment on the couch, that even today, there's no habit that can have a death grip on my life unless I allow it.
  
  Recognize God's interest and available help in our overcoming...involve Him in the process. Don't just recognize God's interest but call on Him to help you.
  
  Don't set yourself up for failure.If I have the habit of eating a package of Oreo cookies every day, it would be wise when I go to the grocery story to avoid the cookie section.
  
  Get a realistic view of sin and how some bad habits can foster it.Most of us can remember days when right and wrong had very clear boundaries. Things were black and white with not having to think about things being gray. Satan has blurred the boundaries so we have extra discerning
  .When we kick the bad habits away, we need to replace them with good ones.
  
  Make friends with others who we know strive to do the right things.
  
  Every bad habit will somehow develop in the brain.We need to nurture our minds with thoughts that are beneficial and godly.
  Philippians 4:8 tells the things we are to think on. God will empower us to think His thoughts.

There isn't a habit we can “lick” on our own. Anything we seek to do that is going to help us to be more godly, will have to be done in the power of the Holy Spirit. Any other way will only lead us to a lot of frustration. Whatever the habit we feel doesn't honor God, we need to give it to Him and rely on His strength (and not our own) to be an overcomer for His honor and glory.

Dear Father, I'm so grateful that You are interested in every facet of my life. Your Word says that You stand ready to be my everything. Your desire is that I always do the right things. Help that to be so in my life. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

Shooting For Success

This book of the law shall not depart
out of thy mouth; but thou shalt
meditate therein day and night,
that thou mayest observe to do
according to all that is written
therein: for then thou shalt make
thy way prosperous, and then
thou shalt have good success.
Joshua 1:8

There is no doubt but what we live in a success-driven society. However, there doesn't seem to be a consistency as to what is meant by success. For some, success is reaching the Board of Directors in a large company. A teenage girl may view success as making the cheerleader squad. Others may feel success when that perfect mate is found and a huge, beautiful wedding results. There are children who just want to be picked near the top at recess when the class the splitting up for a game of kick ball.

The problem is that for most adults, success means the attainment of great riches with all of the advantages that go with being a very prosperous person. In talking with a person of wealth in another church, I heard an interesting comment. She, being a person of some wealth, made the statement that one can have all the money in the world but without Jesus, the wealth isn't really worth all that much. She had a very sensible perspective when it came to a practical view of wealth vs success.

I have loved Joshua 1:8 for a very long time. That one verse makes a tremendous amount of sense to me on a very personal level because it speaks very clearly to my own heart. I can't imagine how Joshua felt when he was told that he would take the leadership position vacated by the death of Moses. Joshua, being Moses' right arm, saw all the ups and downs of leadership. He had witnessed that it is truly lonely at the top. However, some very precious promises came his way in the first part of chapter 1 in the book of Joshua. In this verse, God gave Joshua a real perspective regarding prosperity and success and how it was to be attained. God's instructions are so very elementary for those of us who have known Jesus for an extended period of time, but let's review those principles:

• The Word of God as Joshua knew it was to be a part of his conversation.
  How often do we speak with others, things from God's Word that will bless or encourage.
• Meditation 24/7 was to be a part of Joshua's life.
  Let's not be difficult here. We certainly have things to do, responsibilities to fulfill. We don't necessarily have time to sit and meditate 24 hours a day nor would we do it if we could. No matter what's going on in our lives, however, there's always time to think on a Scripture that has had meaning, to repeat it to ourselves and to mull over in our minds the wonderful promises of God. There is no one too busy for moments like that throughout one's day.
• Joshua was told to observe the Law.Simply, this means walking a life of obedience to every word of Scripture. We will be held accountable for any disobedience practiced by us.
  

With those three things in place: THEN...You will find yourself a prosperous person.

This does not mean we will automatically fall into great monetary riches. Prosperity is
much more than worldly riches. Some of the most prosperous people I have known
have been some who are “poor as a church mice” when it comes to a check book. Those people I have found to be rich in love, friendships, close family ties, servant- spirited, and filled with tremendous richness in their relationship with the Lord.

Joshua would then find that in keeping God's commands, he would have good success.What is success for any Christian?....it's not found in the who, what or how's of life. It is found in the where....being in the very center of God's will for one's life. That is the only place for a Christian to find true and complete success. Out of God's will, it makes no difference how popular, rich or successful one may be as the world views it....true success for the Christian can only be found where Jesus is.

Joshua was taking on leadership and he would be popular. It would look like he had “arrived.” It wasn't the fame that would make Joshua successful. He had a job to do that God had called him to. His success rested in being where God wanted him to be. Joshua experienced God's true purpose for his life by walking as close to God as closely as possible.

What am I doing here on this earth? Are my goals and desires in sync with God's will for my life? Am I serving where I'm supposed to be serving. Bottom line is, we are all called, no matter our status in life to be servants. I will never get over the fact that Jesus, my Savior came to this earth to minister...to serve others:

Even as the Son of man came not
to be ministered unto, but to
minister, and to give His life
a ransom for many.
Matthew 20:28

We read of Jesus serving others....healing, feeding a multitude, washing feet, touching the sick and unlovely, and yes, even dying for all. Jesus, the richest of all beings came and demonstrated by His life what purpose was all about....serving others....even at times the most unlovely of others. That's wealth and prosperity in the truest sense for those of us who want to please our Heavenly Father. God's “Well done” will mean more to us if we have walked in humble service and in His will, more than money or fame could ever mean in our temporary stay on this earth.

Thank You Father, for Your words to Joshua that now trickles down into my life. Help me through Your Holy Spirit to keep my focus on Your will for my life and not on all of the trinkets the world has to offer. I love you and want to please You. In Jesus precious name...Amen

Some Things to Consider When Hated

Let brotherly love continue.
Hebrews 13:1

Ask the question, “What is the opposite of love?” A big majority of time, you will receive a common answer... “Hate.” The answer can be right according to some and wrong according to others. However, two positive emotions cannot be opposites. Here's a test: “I love you” or “I hate you.” Both are perfectly sound grammatically speaking and both make positive statements with no awkwardness, therefore, love and hate cannot be opposites at least in word usage. In our day, however, many people view love and hate as being opposites and those views are sound in most folks minds. I won't even argue with the concept as that's what we have been taught through our growing up years.

What is the true opposite of love...it is apathy. For one thing, a very bad sentence using that word as we did above would be, “I apathy you.” There you have opposites. Now there is an opposite meaning of love but what does it mean. Any number of dictionaries say similar things about the emotions of apathy as well as that of hate. In a nutshell, they are as follows:

APATHY:

Lack of feeling, emotion, interest or concern. It can be a natural response to disappointment, dejection or stress. Apathy helps an individual justify behavior toward another person or situation. This emotion can often be hidden or misunderstood by an outsider. One with apathy may be viewed as having a bad day, be ill, etc. It's not as verbal as our next emotion.

HATE:

Feeling intense or passionate dislike for someone. Hate is feeling hostility toward a person or situation. It is to detest, loathe, despise or abhor. This emotion is hard to hide. It may not express violence as can happen, but it will eventually be revealed in attitude and verbally as well. The person of hate will be forthcoming with friends about their hate for another even though they might not use that four letter word.

Apathy and hate have some things in common:
Both are human emotions...not good ones
They both have targets...aimed at another person or even situation
They have their roots running deeply in evil and not in the spiritual things of God
For a Christian to feel either emotion toward another, is not in God's will, no matter the hurt.
Hate and apathy are both things that grow through time...they never shrink until dealt with.
Mental illness can result from both emotions.
Both behaviors are sin/evil.
God is the only answer to any negative, non-spiritual emotions that have taken over ones life.

So if neither emotion is acceptable, and the Bible does speak of hate, do we ever have God's permission to hate. The answer is “YES.” I recall one of our children coming to me crying over something that had happened with a friend saying, “I just hate______.” My answer was instant and I probably said it more than one time in our lives. I said, “The only person we hate is Satan.” Yes, we are to hate him, his angels, the situations he authors that are anti-God, the sin he fosters in human beings and our world, etc. The list could go on and on.

There are things in Proverbs 6:16-19 that God is very clear about:

These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven
are an abomination unto him:
A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that
shed innocent blood,
An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations,
feet that be swift in running to mischief,
A false witness that speaketh lies, and
he that soweth discord among brethren.

Note that of the seven things God hates, “a proud look” leads the list. The rest of the list has roots in that pride. One can't have a proud look without the sin of pride being present in a life
That's a list all we Christians could take a good look at and examine our own hearts.
However, we must note that over and over in the Gospels as we saw Jesus deal with His enemies. He always expressed love but hated the sin that seemed to rule in their lives.

Our God is a God of love. His will for us is that we love. When I love an enemy, it means spending a lot of time in prayer for that person. When I am praying much for that individual, I'm talking more to God and less to others. It means I'm not setting out to spread verbal venom. There are folks I love but things about them I don't like. That's going to be true of most of us as we deal with differences in personality and lifestyles. But God can even help us overcome those things as well if I'm willing for Him to do that work in my heart.

Despite all of the hate and apathy in the world and in many hearts, God's love can overcome any situation and help us conquer those negative feelings we feel toward others. It will have to be His work though. What is His heart's desire for us and what do when we are on the receiving end of another's hate? We find the answer in Matthew 5:43,44 when Jesus said:

Ye have heard that it hath been said,
Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and
hate thine enemy.
But I say unto you,
Love your enemies,
bless them that curse you,
do good to them that hate you,
and pray for them which despitefully
use you, and persecute you.

So if you are a hater...get rid of it through God's power in you. If you don't have that power, ask Jesus to come into your life and save you from this and other sin. If you are the hated,

don't let that person(s) take over your inner life, which is easy to happen. Jesus made the job of the hated very clear...love, bless, do good and pray for that hater that may be lurking in your life. I understand the hate from a non-Christian as they know nothing of the love of Christ. Jesus told us to expect that from the world. I find it most difficult having to go through the hatred or apathy brought about by another Christian. God's family should never have to bear the modern title, DISFUNCTIONAL.

God won't hold us responsible for the hateful actions of another but will hold us responsible for our response to them. May we in Holy Spirit power be able to move beyond the pain another inflicts and stay on the high road where God wants us to be.

Father, give me victory that I may have a part in loving those who bear a hatred or apathy toward me. Help me to have a deep, sincere love for those members of Your family that I'm a part of. In Jesus precious name...Amen