Imagine with me for a moment a young man-
Far from his place of birth.
Exiled from his family.
Tending his flock of sheep in the wilderness.
Suddenly- a great flame appeared and the angel of the Lord spoke to him.
Through a bush.
Ah, Moses.
I have always loved spending time in Exodus.
The call of Moses to go.
The way that the Lord used this man to free the children of Israel and plunder the Egyptians.
However this week- in my current heart state- I read this particular portion of scripture with sensitivity to the great call the Lord had placed on Moses.
(Have you ever felt that the Lord was calling you to do something unbelievable? inconceivable? )
Let us work our way through this together...
God is speaking to Moses and the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed.
The Lord makes clear to Moses that he is near and is standing on Holy ground.
He has the attention of brother Moses-
Then comes the call...
Exodus 3:10-12
"Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.
But Moses said to God, 'Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?'
He said 'But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain."
Would you have asked the same question that Moses did?
...Who am I that I should go?
We see then that the Lord does not answer Moses' question in the way that he asks but says... "I will be with you"
The Lord has shown Moses that His presence is essential to the call.
It will be God himself and His nearness to enable Moses to carry out this calling.
The Lord then goes on to share with Moses what to say to the elders, the people of Israel and to the Pharaoh.
I cannot imagine what Moses must have been thinking.
...really, Lord? You want me to go and plunder the Pharaoh...
But the Lord tells Moses in verse 18 something unbelievable
"And they will listen to your voice...
and then in verse 22(b) the Lord tells Moses
"..so you shall plunder the Egyptians."
To Moses- this must have been impossible in His mind.
No, Lord- you have the wrong man.
I am exiled.
I am weak.
I am unworthy.
In Exodus chapter 4 verse 10 Moses says
"Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and tongue.
Then the Lord said these words to Moses.
(I imagine these words must be read with authority. The Lord is commanding Moses to go. Guiding with his rod- telling Moses to obey.)
"Who has made man's mouth?
Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing or blind?
Is it not I, the Lord?
Now therefore go, and
I will be your mouth and I will teach you what you shall speak."
I am in tears reading and reflecting on this portion of scripture.
How many times, Oh Lord, have I doubted your ability to work through me?
The Lord does not call the equipped.
He equips the called.
What area of your life right now are you ignoring the Lord's call?
Is He calling you to go?
Is He calling you to give?
Is He calling you to speak?
You see- Moses tried all that he could to get out of this call-
and I would have done the same thing.
I do the same thing.
But see the truth that the Lord speaks over him--
I will be with you.
I have sent you.
I will be your mouth.
I will teach you what you should speak.
I think of the many things that the Lord has placed on my heart to accomplish-
tasks or calls that I avoid or bury deep because they are too daunting, too overwhelming and I do not feel equipped.
But the Lord is not calling me to go alone.
He is calling me to GO with him.
And be a vessel for Him.
A vessel equipped by Him to fulfill His purposes.
WHO ARE WE THAT WE SHOULD GO?
We are sinners who have been offered redemption through the sacrifice of God's only son. We are sons and daughters of the Most High whose purpose is to bring glory to Christ- and this purpose comes with a cost.
There will be cost in the call.
For Moses this cost was great- but obedience to Christ was His call.
What is the Lord calling you to do?
He will equip you to go to the Pharaohs gates.
He will equip you to speak with authority and might.
He will send you with the promise that you do not go alone.
Let us hold fast to our faith in King Jesus-
who reveals Himself, His promises and His purposes to use in our lives through the tasks that He calls us to accomplish- all for His name's sake.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Sunday, October 21, 2012
In All That I Have Found
Autumn in my favorite time of year.
Brilliant Weather.
Flannel.
Family gatherings.
Festive Foods.
Something about this season is cozy and perfectly familiar.
This week I celebrated Thanksgiving early.
There was no turkey.
No cornucopia of plastic fruits.
But many thanks.
What?
YES.
I had my own week of thanksgiving with the Lord.
To say that I felt wrapped in the warmth of my Jesus is a start.
I felt His goodness in the chilly mornings.
His beauty was a gift with changing leaves.
His joy in the laughter of people around me.
His nearness to my heart was intoxicating.
Christ in Me- Teaching and loving me.
Unbelievable.
I found myself incredibly excited about things that I often overlook and hardly recognize.
At one point I stopped and said to myself...
This is too good to be true.
It was uncomfortable.
God is, in a way, too close.
He is in my business.
He presence effecting me personally. consistently.
And I LOVE it.
I have been praying for a heart that savors Jesus.
A heart that is stilled at the foot of the cross and focused on Christ.
(How often do we sit down and say "Thank you")
All of my life-I grew up in church singing..
"Thank you for loving and setting me free. Thank you for giving your life just for me. Yes, I thank you. Jesus, I thank you"
But did I sing these words as a redeemed Child of God?
Do I live with this heart of Thanksgiving?
This week I could not help thanking Christ for loving me.
For setting me free.
For giving up His life so that I may live.
He died so that I may live.
....Let's get personal.....
How often do we cry watching movies or reading books and sobbing over a character who has given their life for the sake of another?
All the time.
Sobbing. Heart Broken. Genuinely sad.
YET- we go days- weeks- years
without giving praise and expressing thanksgiving to Christ-
who made Himself nothing so that we may have life.
That is a hard fact to admit.
My pride tries to convince me otherwise.
But the truth is that I do not say thank you enough.
I know this sounds simple-
and perhaps it is just that.
But there is no doubt that many of us, especially myself,
could benefit from adding an intentional time of thanksgiving in our daily routine.
The Lord is doing a number on my heart-
and last week I found myself sobbing in my bed from all of the horrors that are in this world- and the Lord has chosen to spare me from suffering them.
Why not me?
Why them?
I do not know.
But-thanks be to God.
He deserves my affection.
He deserves my adoration.
He deserves "Thank you"
In all that I have found- God is faithful, good and worthy to be praised.
Will you join me in celebrating Thanksgiving early?
And all the time?
Our hearts shall be overjoyed with thanks-
to the point where this thanks becomes a part of our lives-
our lifestyle of worship.
"You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
you have loosed my sackcloth
and clothed me with gladness,
that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!"
Psalm 30:11-12
He is worthy.
-Many Blessings
Some ideas to make it real....
Ways to express Thanksgiving personally:
*Journal of Thanks
There is nothing sweeter than flipping page after page of documented answers to prayer and testimonies of God's faithfulness. I cherish my journals. My heart is on the lines of the pages.
*Verbal Praise
My favorite time to talk with the Lord is in my car.
There are few moments that are sweeter than my verbally communicating to the Lord
"Thank you, Jesus for reconciliation. Thank you, Jesus for forgiveness"
Ways to express Thanksgiving together:
*Thanks Board
I know many families who have a board of "prayers" and "lessons" in their homes.
How about a public board of thanks?
*Writing Thanks
Personally- The Lord has used so many people to reveal Himself to me. What a joy it would be to let these people know that they were a part of God's work in my heart
Brilliant Weather.
Flannel.
Family gatherings.
Festive Foods.
Something about this season is cozy and perfectly familiar.
This week I celebrated Thanksgiving early.
There was no turkey.
No cornucopia of plastic fruits.
But many thanks.
What?
YES.
I had my own week of thanksgiving with the Lord.
To say that I felt wrapped in the warmth of my Jesus is a start.
I felt His goodness in the chilly mornings.
His beauty was a gift with changing leaves.
His joy in the laughter of people around me.
His nearness to my heart was intoxicating.
Christ in Me- Teaching and loving me.
Unbelievable.
I found myself incredibly excited about things that I often overlook and hardly recognize.
At one point I stopped and said to myself...
This is too good to be true.
It was uncomfortable.
God is, in a way, too close.
He is in my business.
He presence effecting me personally. consistently.
And I LOVE it.
I have been praying for a heart that savors Jesus.
A heart that is stilled at the foot of the cross and focused on Christ.
(How often do we sit down and say "Thank you")
All of my life-I grew up in church singing..
"Thank you for loving and setting me free. Thank you for giving your life just for me. Yes, I thank you. Jesus, I thank you"
But did I sing these words as a redeemed Child of God?
Do I live with this heart of Thanksgiving?
This week I could not help thanking Christ for loving me.
For setting me free.
For giving up His life so that I may live.
He died so that I may live.
....Let's get personal.....
How often do we cry watching movies or reading books and sobbing over a character who has given their life for the sake of another?
All the time.
Sobbing. Heart Broken. Genuinely sad.
YET- we go days- weeks- years
without giving praise and expressing thanksgiving to Christ-
who made Himself nothing so that we may have life.
That is a hard fact to admit.
My pride tries to convince me otherwise.
But the truth is that I do not say thank you enough.
I know this sounds simple-
and perhaps it is just that.
But there is no doubt that many of us, especially myself,
could benefit from adding an intentional time of thanksgiving in our daily routine.
The Lord is doing a number on my heart-
and last week I found myself sobbing in my bed from all of the horrors that are in this world- and the Lord has chosen to spare me from suffering them.
Why not me?
Why them?
I do not know.
But-thanks be to God.
He deserves my affection.
He deserves my adoration.
He deserves "Thank you"
In all that I have found- God is faithful, good and worthy to be praised.
Will you join me in celebrating Thanksgiving early?
And all the time?
Our hearts shall be overjoyed with thanks-
to the point where this thanks becomes a part of our lives-
our lifestyle of worship.
"You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
you have loosed my sackcloth
and clothed me with gladness,
that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!"
Psalm 30:11-12
He is worthy.
-Many Blessings
Some ideas to make it real....
Ways to express Thanksgiving personally:
*Journal of Thanks
There is nothing sweeter than flipping page after page of documented answers to prayer and testimonies of God's faithfulness. I cherish my journals. My heart is on the lines of the pages.
*Verbal Praise
My favorite time to talk with the Lord is in my car.
There are few moments that are sweeter than my verbally communicating to the Lord
"Thank you, Jesus for reconciliation. Thank you, Jesus for forgiveness"
Ways to express Thanksgiving together:
*Thanks Board
I know many families who have a board of "prayers" and "lessons" in their homes.
How about a public board of thanks?
*Writing Thanks
Personally- The Lord has used so many people to reveal Himself to me. What a joy it would be to let these people know that they were a part of God's work in my heart
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Letting Go Of The List
I am stubborn.
I like to have a plan.
I try to do it all on my own.
Why?
Because on many days I believe in my heart of hearts that I can handle it.
I think that I can collaborate with myself- and sometimes the Lord- and get it all worked out without having to go outside of me.
I do not always do this out of pride-
often I try to handle things on my own so that I can lift a burden from family members or try and withhold heart ache from people that I love.
I can be the strong kid who does not cry in front of a crowd when tribulation comes.
I can hold it in until I am on my own or crying with my best friends on the phone.
I enjoy and find comfort in control.
In this same "control" mindset-
I am a list maker.
A note taker.
I find comfort in starting my day knowing what needs to be done before I lay my head down in the evenings.
Those who spend lots of time around me know this to be the case.
During some event seasons it seems that I am in possesion of a clip board with a sharpie pen more than I am likely to be found wearing shoes.
I rely heavily on being organized and having my schedule.
This is not always a bad thing-
but lately I have been convicted of my reliance on these lists and independence of spirit.
The Lord has revealed to me the danger in this independence and need for my plans to be seen to completion- and done all in my own power.
I am in the midst of a wonderful study-
PLUG: you should all read "Instruments in the Redeemers Hands" by Paul David Tripp and even further should do the "Instruments in the Redeemers Hands: How to help others change Study Guide" by P.D. Tripp.
Solid. Quality. Worth your time.
PLUG OVER.
This study intrigued me because more than I love to help myself-
I LOVE to help people.
It is my joy.
The first couple of weeks have focused on how to prepare our hearts to be "people of change".
I was quickly convicted.
I am not truly a person of change unless I am willing to be changed-
from the inside out.
Being changed from the inside out requires the giving up of command.
The passing of the baton.
SURRENDER of SELF.
If I am not constantly surrendering myself to the Lord and examining where I am struggling I will be a vision of
Hebrews 3:12-13
"Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today", that none of you may be hardened by deceitfulness of sin."
Taking control of my life into my own hands is progressively dangerous.
How may I be used in the lives of others when I am spiritually blind?
Stay with me- prayerfully this will come full circle.
Relying on self results in relying on my own strength and ability.
In my own strength-
I am exhausted.
I cannot do it.
I am not enough.
And y'all...I am not always trying to rely on myself to do selfish things.
I try to serve the Lord without the Lords strength-
every. day.
I often find myself in the situation where I am doing things for people- serving them- and wearing myself out.
I do not know how to say no or let myself ask for help.
I toss and turn at night trying to work out wisdom for a friend in my head without asking the Lord for guidance and wisdom- excruciating!
Are you with me?
This need for control has got to go.
My TOTAL reliance on my list must let up.
In the loudest way the Lord showed up in worship this past Sunday-
our pastor was teaching on Colossians 1:24-29.
One of the verses that we meditated and focused on was verse 29.
"For this I toil, struggle with all his energy that he powerfully works within me"
Notice that toiling and struggling was not removed-
but look once more at from whom the energy to survive this toiling and struggling is being received.
From me?
Nope.
It is HIS energy IN ME.
Earlier in the passage in verse 27 it says that Christ IN us is the hope of glory.
Not Christ with me.
Not me plus Christ.
BUT
CHRIST IN ME
The only HOPE OF GLORY.
Yes- I will toil- be exhausted-
worn out and emptied-
but with all of HIS energy he will powerfully work WITHIN ME.
My desire is to proclaim Christ with my life and to daily be an instrument of change in the lives of others- but this will not happen until I surrender my control and admit my need for Jesus.
THEN- and only then-
will I see my tasks as a joy from the Lord and know that I can tackle them with confidence for Christ is in me and will do a mighty work within me.
Equipping me to fulfill His purposes for His glory.
There is nothing wrong with a list-
and I will continue to make them...
but with a different heart.
I cannot do it on my own or in my own strength.
I can have a plan but always have a heart willing for my road ahead to be shifted and changed.
I can be exhausted but not because I am trying to conquer the world on my own.
I will never be a light until I turn myself to Jesus.
There is simply no other way to be a person of change and vessel of the Gospel.
My prayers this week are:
1. That I am intentional in daily VERBALLY submitting my ways to Christ
*I use time in my car to talk with the Lord. It is a built in time of quiet every day to be at His feet.
2. That I make time to spend time with the Lord for the sake of knowing Him more- not just to check my daily reading off the list or to prepare to teach a study
*I study best at night. I enjoy a hot cup of decaf coffee, empty journal pages and sweet time with the Lord in His word.
3. That I am intentional and prayerful about my life communicating Christ to those around me
*All of our lives are communicating something. What does your life communicate?
Brothers and Sisters- may we hold each other accountable in reminding those close to our hearts to rely on Christ- and not ourselves. We will fail us- our God is infallible.
Let's humble ourselves before the Almighty- that is where we will find true rest and true control.
"For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake" 2 Corinthians 4:5
-
I like to have a plan.
I try to do it all on my own.
Why?
Because on many days I believe in my heart of hearts that I can handle it.
I think that I can collaborate with myself- and sometimes the Lord- and get it all worked out without having to go outside of me.
I do not always do this out of pride-
often I try to handle things on my own so that I can lift a burden from family members or try and withhold heart ache from people that I love.
I can be the strong kid who does not cry in front of a crowd when tribulation comes.
I can hold it in until I am on my own or crying with my best friends on the phone.
I enjoy and find comfort in control.
In this same "control" mindset-
I am a list maker.
A note taker.
I find comfort in starting my day knowing what needs to be done before I lay my head down in the evenings.
Those who spend lots of time around me know this to be the case.
During some event seasons it seems that I am in possesion of a clip board with a sharpie pen more than I am likely to be found wearing shoes.
I rely heavily on being organized and having my schedule.
This is not always a bad thing-
but lately I have been convicted of my reliance on these lists and independence of spirit.
The Lord has revealed to me the danger in this independence and need for my plans to be seen to completion- and done all in my own power.
I am in the midst of a wonderful study-
PLUG: you should all read "Instruments in the Redeemers Hands" by Paul David Tripp and even further should do the "Instruments in the Redeemers Hands: How to help others change Study Guide" by P.D. Tripp.
Solid. Quality. Worth your time.
PLUG OVER.
This study intrigued me because more than I love to help myself-
I LOVE to help people.
It is my joy.
The first couple of weeks have focused on how to prepare our hearts to be "people of change".
I was quickly convicted.
I am not truly a person of change unless I am willing to be changed-
from the inside out.
Being changed from the inside out requires the giving up of command.
The passing of the baton.
SURRENDER of SELF.
If I am not constantly surrendering myself to the Lord and examining where I am struggling I will be a vision of
Hebrews 3:12-13
"Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today", that none of you may be hardened by deceitfulness of sin."
Taking control of my life into my own hands is progressively dangerous.
How may I be used in the lives of others when I am spiritually blind?
Stay with me- prayerfully this will come full circle.
Relying on self results in relying on my own strength and ability.
In my own strength-
I am exhausted.
I cannot do it.
I am not enough.
And y'all...I am not always trying to rely on myself to do selfish things.
I try to serve the Lord without the Lords strength-
every. day.
I often find myself in the situation where I am doing things for people- serving them- and wearing myself out.
I do not know how to say no or let myself ask for help.
I toss and turn at night trying to work out wisdom for a friend in my head without asking the Lord for guidance and wisdom- excruciating!
Are you with me?
This need for control has got to go.
My TOTAL reliance on my list must let up.
In the loudest way the Lord showed up in worship this past Sunday-
our pastor was teaching on Colossians 1:24-29.
One of the verses that we meditated and focused on was verse 29.
"For this I toil, struggle with all his energy that he powerfully works within me"
Notice that toiling and struggling was not removed-
but look once more at from whom the energy to survive this toiling and struggling is being received.
From me?
Nope.
It is HIS energy IN ME.
Earlier in the passage in verse 27 it says that Christ IN us is the hope of glory.
Not Christ with me.
Not me plus Christ.
BUT
CHRIST IN ME
The only HOPE OF GLORY.
Yes- I will toil- be exhausted-
worn out and emptied-
but with all of HIS energy he will powerfully work WITHIN ME.
My desire is to proclaim Christ with my life and to daily be an instrument of change in the lives of others- but this will not happen until I surrender my control and admit my need for Jesus.
THEN- and only then-
will I see my tasks as a joy from the Lord and know that I can tackle them with confidence for Christ is in me and will do a mighty work within me.
Equipping me to fulfill His purposes for His glory.
There is nothing wrong with a list-
and I will continue to make them...
but with a different heart.
I cannot do it on my own or in my own strength.
I can have a plan but always have a heart willing for my road ahead to be shifted and changed.
I can be exhausted but not because I am trying to conquer the world on my own.
I will never be a light until I turn myself to Jesus.
There is simply no other way to be a person of change and vessel of the Gospel.
My prayers this week are:
1. That I am intentional in daily VERBALLY submitting my ways to Christ
*I use time in my car to talk with the Lord. It is a built in time of quiet every day to be at His feet.
2. That I make time to spend time with the Lord for the sake of knowing Him more- not just to check my daily reading off the list or to prepare to teach a study
*I study best at night. I enjoy a hot cup of decaf coffee, empty journal pages and sweet time with the Lord in His word.
3. That I am intentional and prayerful about my life communicating Christ to those around me
*All of our lives are communicating something. What does your life communicate?
Brothers and Sisters- may we hold each other accountable in reminding those close to our hearts to rely on Christ- and not ourselves. We will fail us- our God is infallible.
Let's humble ourselves before the Almighty- that is where we will find true rest and true control.
"For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake" 2 Corinthians 4:5
-
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Within the veil
I walked in from work on Tuesday and came straight onto the back porch with my journal.
Finally- all of my thoughts & prayers were on the tip of my tongue!
These words are bursting at the seams.
I promise you- if they are not put to paper my eyes may just pop out.
___________________________________________________
A haze.
If I were to describe my spirit over the season of the last few weeks that is all I can come up with.
The Byrd house has been busy.
Family. Friends. Work. Serve. Events. Parties. Football. And repeat.
There have been moments when I feel motivated and refreshed.
Yet- after the passing of a day I feel a sort shadow.
Not because I am tired (even though I am!) but more my spirit is in an unsettled place.
What is this?
I still have not figured it out.
Ido not like...despise the dark.
When I was in elementary school I had a recurring dream.
I was walking down the road at our family farm- bright stars and full moon-
And then a point in the road came where there was a thick fog.
I could not see the steps in front of me.
What was ahead was a mystery and if I moved forward it would be in complete blindness.
I always woke up without taking the step.
(If the dream had gone further I am sure I would have turned around and run back to “safety”)
This is the same sort of uncertainty that I am feeling now.
The days ahead are a haze.
A thick cloud of uncertainty and unseen territory.
I was reminded earlier in the week as I was thinking through this scenario that
the haze is not necessarily a bad, dangerous or frightening thing.
It is the idea of the fog, or what may be within it, that pushes us to fear.
It is the uneasiness of seemingly unsteady ground that makes us stop in our path and want to run to comfort.
But..
“..we are always of good courage…for we walk by faith, not by sight” ( from 2 Corinthians 5:6-7)
I am so addicted to and dependent on MY sight.
However- the Lord is showing me, in an uncomfortable way, what being blind will let me see.
Are you with me?
This passed Monday during a time of worship a chorus of a familiar hymn struck me
with great might:
“When darkness seems to hide His face
I rest on His unchanging grace
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil “
With tears in my eyes I was tenderly reminded by our sweet Abba Father of His unchanging grace in the midst of uncertainty.
Even within the veil, my anchor holds.
I can REST in Him
I will not be moved.
Here I sit on the porch with the most precious and perfect breeze crossing my face and I am overwhelmed with the presence of my anchor.
What lies ahead of me, no matter seen or unseen, will not consume me or take me under.
The darkness does not have to bring me to fear if I remember with whom I am walking with and towards.
Yes, Lord.
Our anchor holds within the veil.
My challenge to you this day is to pray for the boldness and obedience to Christ to follow him into the fog.
He will certainly lead us into unfamiliar territory- and we are called to follow.
The Lord will ask of us things that are without worldly assurance- but He will equip us with all that we need to fulfill His purposes.
As I mentioned earlier- I think that the little girl in my dream would have turned around and run for comfort if the dream had continued.
However- this little girl that sits here and types these words is praying for the Lord to give her the boldness to step into the fog and walk boldly- knowing that my anchor holds and His grace is sufficient for this sheep.
Trust the Lord in the haze.
Do not let it stop you from taking steps forward or following where the Lord is leading.
Allow it to be used to draw you closer to our Heavenly Father.
“I pray for you, that all your misgivings will be melted to thanksgivings. Remember that the shadow a thing casts often far exceeds the size of the thing itself (especially if the light be low on the horizon) and though some future fear may strut brave darkness as you approach, the thing itself will be but a speck when seen from beyond. Oh that He would restore us often with that 'aspect from beyond,' to see a thing as He sees it, to remember that He dealeth with us as with sons.”
― Jim Elliot
Finally- all of my thoughts & prayers were on the tip of my tongue!
These words are bursting at the seams.
I promise you- if they are not put to paper my eyes may just pop out.
___________________________________________________
A haze.
If I were to describe my spirit over the season of the last few weeks that is all I can come up with.
The Byrd house has been busy.
Family. Friends. Work. Serve. Events. Parties. Football. And repeat.
There have been moments when I feel motivated and refreshed.
Yet- after the passing of a day I feel a sort shadow.
Not because I am tired (even though I am!) but more my spirit is in an unsettled place.
What is this?
I still have not figured it out.
I
When I was in elementary school I had a recurring dream.
I was walking down the road at our family farm- bright stars and full moon-
And then a point in the road came where there was a thick fog.
I could not see the steps in front of me.
What was ahead was a mystery and if I moved forward it would be in complete blindness.
I always woke up without taking the step.
(If the dream had gone further I am sure I would have turned around and run back to “safety”)
This is the same sort of uncertainty that I am feeling now.
The days ahead are a haze.
A thick cloud of uncertainty and unseen territory.
I was reminded earlier in the week as I was thinking through this scenario that
the haze is not necessarily a bad, dangerous or frightening thing.
It is the idea of the fog, or what may be within it, that pushes us to fear.
It is the uneasiness of seemingly unsteady ground that makes us stop in our path and want to run to comfort.
But..
“..we are always of good courage…for we walk by faith, not by sight” ( from 2 Corinthians 5:6-7)
I am so addicted to and dependent on MY sight.
However- the Lord is showing me, in an uncomfortable way, what being blind will let me see.
Are you with me?
This passed Monday during a time of worship a chorus of a familiar hymn struck me
with great might:
“When darkness seems to hide His face
I rest on His unchanging grace
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil “
With tears in my eyes I was tenderly reminded by our sweet Abba Father of His unchanging grace in the midst of uncertainty.
Even within the veil, my anchor holds.
I can REST in Him
I will not be moved.
Here I sit on the porch with the most precious and perfect breeze crossing my face and I am overwhelmed with the presence of my anchor.
What lies ahead of me, no matter seen or unseen, will not consume me or take me under.
The darkness does not have to bring me to fear if I remember with whom I am walking with and towards.
Yes, Lord.
Our anchor holds within the veil.
My challenge to you this day is to pray for the boldness and obedience to Christ to follow him into the fog.
He will certainly lead us into unfamiliar territory- and we are called to follow.
The Lord will ask of us things that are without worldly assurance- but He will equip us with all that we need to fulfill His purposes.
As I mentioned earlier- I think that the little girl in my dream would have turned around and run for comfort if the dream had continued.
However- this little girl that sits here and types these words is praying for the Lord to give her the boldness to step into the fog and walk boldly- knowing that my anchor holds and His grace is sufficient for this sheep.
Trust the Lord in the haze.
Do not let it stop you from taking steps forward or following where the Lord is leading.
Allow it to be used to draw you closer to our Heavenly Father.
“I pray for you, that all your misgivings will be melted to thanksgivings. Remember that the shadow a thing casts often far exceeds the size of the thing itself (especially if the light be low on the horizon) and though some future fear may strut brave darkness as you approach, the thing itself will be but a speck when seen from beyond. Oh that He would restore us often with that 'aspect from beyond,' to see a thing as He sees it, to remember that He dealeth with us as with sons.”
― Jim Elliot
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
It's Personal
We live in a world of convenience.
People will do anything to speed up a process in order for it not to disrupt or off rail their schedules or comfort.
Unfortunately- this is often the mind set that many believers have in serving others.
I am so burdened for the church.
I do not speak of all- but I speak of many who are not willing to let ministry mingle with their schedules, banks accounts or bucket lists.
I have seen these tendencies in my own life.
The Lord is reminding me- over and over again- that serving Him fully will fully effect my life in all areas.
O- that I would let the Lord use me.
To disrupt my schedule to do His will.
To rip me out of my comfort zone and heave me into the mess.
I can only think of Jesus.
Son of God. King of Kings.
Came to earth to live and die so that we may have life.
Speaking of coming into a mess.
I have been spending a lot of time reading & studying Tim Keller's book called "Ministries of Mercy". It often refers to the parable of the good samaritan.
Have we not all read this parable a few dozen times?
Colored pictures of the man on the road in Sunday School for ages?
Told this story ourselves in vacation bible school to children?
Well- Let me refresh your memory like I have had mine refreshed.
It struck me and I have not gotten over it.
Luke 10:30-37 says
30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead.
31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side.
32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.
33 But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion.
34 He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him.
35 And the next day he took out two denarii[a] and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’
36 Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?”
37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”
Ring a bell? Yes, the story we have heard our whole lives.
But Tim Keller puts in in perspective when he says in "Ministries of Mercy" (page 11)
"Our paradigm is the Samaritan who:
Risked His safety
Destroyed His Schedule and
Became Bloody an Dirty through personal involvement with a needy person..."
Wow.
Are we ready?
Are we willing?
Are we obeying the command to love our neighbor as we love ourselves?
Are we ready to meet the needs of others as eagerly as we are to meet our own?
Jesus is clear in His command-
See the Samaritan and the mercy he showed?
GO- and do likewise.
My prayer today is that we strive for a heart like the man on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho. That we allow the Lord to disrupt our schedules and break our comfort so that we may act as Christ in the lives of others.
Ministry is not convenient. Ministry is not safe or clean or pretty.
Ministry is personal. costly. involved.
Brothers and Sisters- Let us let the Lord use us for His good.
Many Blessings-
“Trying to do the Lord's work in your own strength is the most confusing, exhausting, and tedious of all work. But when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, then the ministry of Jesus just flows out of you.”
― Corrie Ten Boom
People will do anything to speed up a process in order for it not to disrupt or off rail their schedules or comfort.
Unfortunately- this is often the mind set that many believers have in serving others.
I am so burdened for the church.
I do not speak of all- but I speak of many who are not willing to let ministry mingle with their schedules, banks accounts or bucket lists.
I have seen these tendencies in my own life.
The Lord is reminding me- over and over again- that serving Him fully will fully effect my life in all areas.
O- that I would let the Lord use me.
To disrupt my schedule to do His will.
To rip me out of my comfort zone and heave me into the mess.
I can only think of Jesus.
Son of God. King of Kings.
Came to earth to live and die so that we may have life.
Speaking of coming into a mess.
I have been spending a lot of time reading & studying Tim Keller's book called "Ministries of Mercy". It often refers to the parable of the good samaritan.
Have we not all read this parable a few dozen times?
Colored pictures of the man on the road in Sunday School for ages?
Told this story ourselves in vacation bible school to children?
Well- Let me refresh your memory like I have had mine refreshed.
It struck me and I have not gotten over it.
Luke 10:30-37 says
30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead.
31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side.
32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.
33 But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion.
34 He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him.
35 And the next day he took out two denarii[a] and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’
36 Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?”
37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”
Ring a bell? Yes, the story we have heard our whole lives.
But Tim Keller puts in in perspective when he says in "Ministries of Mercy" (page 11)
"Our paradigm is the Samaritan who:
Risked His safety
Destroyed His Schedule and
Became Bloody an Dirty through personal involvement with a needy person..."
Wow.
Are we ready?
Are we willing?
Are we obeying the command to love our neighbor as we love ourselves?
Are we ready to meet the needs of others as eagerly as we are to meet our own?
Jesus is clear in His command-
See the Samaritan and the mercy he showed?
GO- and do likewise.
My prayer today is that we strive for a heart like the man on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho. That we allow the Lord to disrupt our schedules and break our comfort so that we may act as Christ in the lives of others.
Ministry is not convenient. Ministry is not safe or clean or pretty.
Ministry is personal. costly. involved.
Brothers and Sisters- Let us let the Lord use us for His good.
Many Blessings-
“Trying to do the Lord's work in your own strength is the most confusing, exhausting, and tedious of all work. But when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, then the ministry of Jesus just flows out of you.”
― Corrie Ten Boom
Sunday, July 29, 2012
In the Image
One of my favorite things to do is cook.
I simply love it.
This last week I found myself cooking in my favorite place-
My grandmama's kitchen.
My sweet Grandmama passed away two years ago this June.
Losing her was super difficult for me.
Before she got very ill we would cook together.
She would sit on a stool and I would stand next to her in the kitchen and learn to make all kinds of delicious concoctions and dishes.
When she got really sick she would sit in the chair in the living room and I would try to remember the recipes myself- and holler when I needed help. She was always very patient in recalling the recipes out loud to me- helping me along the way.
Even now- I still find myself with questions about recipes and, out of habit, look at her chair.
Some of my happiest memories were in that tiny kitchen with her.
It took me about a year to want to get back into her kitchen and cook.
So- this Tuesday I was there. Whipping up some strawberry fig preserves waiting for the rest of my family to arrive for supper.
Cutting and chopping- trying to do it just right.
My sweet Grandaddy walked by and without hesitation said
"Woo Girl- Just like your grandmama used to make it!"
With tears in my eyes "Thank you" came quietly out of this girls mouth.
What a compliment!
To think that, in her kitchen, I was replicating the skills that she had first taught me- nothing but a gift from the Lord.
Overwhelmed and filled with joy I continued to cook-
and a wave came over me.
This is exactly how I long for people to see Jesus in my life.
To see the way that I love.
The way that I give.
The way that I serve.
The way that I treat others...
And say "Woo girl- That is exactly how Jesus loved, gave, served and treated others"
Is this not my purpose?
To be made in God's very image and strive daily to look more like Christ.
I started to examine my own life.
Is Christ seen in and through me?
Do others look at my life and see Jesus?
My words here are few because I am still processing what this looks like in my heart.
I do know- though- for a fact that in the same way it takes practice, time and skill to cook like my Grandmama did- it takes the same amount of time, commitment and practice to live a life for Christ.
To look like Christ we must spend time with Him.
I must seek His face in His word.
I must spend time talking with Him in prayer.
I must spend time listening to Him and meditating on His word.
I must sit at His feet and be still.
I have spoiled a batch of creamed potatoes more times that I would like to admit.
In the same way- and bearing much more weight- I have lived too many days looking like this world and not like Christ.
I pray that I become more intentional in mirroring the life of Christ in my own.
Dying to myself and my ways and living a life that brings honor and glory to Christ- for His names sake alone.
What does your life say about your relationship with Christ?
Does your life mirror the life of Jesus?
I pray today that we examine ourselves and our hearts with raw eyes- and allow the Lord to work in us and shape us to look more like Jesus.
I am truly overwhelmed at the nearness of our Abba Father and the way that He loves and leads my life.
But for me it is good to be near God;
I have made the Lord God my refuge,
that I may tell of all your works.
Psalm 73:28
Many Blessings.
I simply love it.
This last week I found myself cooking in my favorite place-
My grandmama's kitchen.
My sweet Grandmama passed away two years ago this June.
Losing her was super difficult for me.
Before she got very ill we would cook together.
She would sit on a stool and I would stand next to her in the kitchen and learn to make all kinds of delicious concoctions and dishes.
When she got really sick she would sit in the chair in the living room and I would try to remember the recipes myself- and holler when I needed help. She was always very patient in recalling the recipes out loud to me- helping me along the way.
Even now- I still find myself with questions about recipes and, out of habit, look at her chair.
Some of my happiest memories were in that tiny kitchen with her.
It took me about a year to want to get back into her kitchen and cook.
So- this Tuesday I was there. Whipping up some strawberry fig preserves waiting for the rest of my family to arrive for supper.
Cutting and chopping- trying to do it just right.
My sweet Grandaddy walked by and without hesitation said
"Woo Girl- Just like your grandmama used to make it!"
With tears in my eyes "Thank you" came quietly out of this girls mouth.
What a compliment!
To think that, in her kitchen, I was replicating the skills that she had first taught me- nothing but a gift from the Lord.
Overwhelmed and filled with joy I continued to cook-
and a wave came over me.
This is exactly how I long for people to see Jesus in my life.
To see the way that I love.
The way that I give.
The way that I serve.
The way that I treat others...
And say "Woo girl- That is exactly how Jesus loved, gave, served and treated others"
Is this not my purpose?
To be made in God's very image and strive daily to look more like Christ.
I started to examine my own life.
Is Christ seen in and through me?
Do others look at my life and see Jesus?
My words here are few because I am still processing what this looks like in my heart.
I do know- though- for a fact that in the same way it takes practice, time and skill to cook like my Grandmama did- it takes the same amount of time, commitment and practice to live a life for Christ.
To look like Christ we must spend time with Him.
I must seek His face in His word.
I must spend time talking with Him in prayer.
I must spend time listening to Him and meditating on His word.
I must sit at His feet and be still.
I have spoiled a batch of creamed potatoes more times that I would like to admit.
In the same way- and bearing much more weight- I have lived too many days looking like this world and not like Christ.
I pray that I become more intentional in mirroring the life of Christ in my own.
Dying to myself and my ways and living a life that brings honor and glory to Christ- for His names sake alone.
What does your life say about your relationship with Christ?
Does your life mirror the life of Jesus?
I pray today that we examine ourselves and our hearts with raw eyes- and allow the Lord to work in us and shape us to look more like Jesus.
I am truly overwhelmed at the nearness of our Abba Father and the way that He loves and leads my life.
But for me it is good to be near God;
I have made the Lord God my refuge,
that I may tell of all your works.
Psalm 73:28
Many Blessings.
Monday, July 2, 2012
The Pruning Process
I have, over the past several weeks, been in a rut in my ability to express in words or on paper what the Lord is teaching me.
For a time I examined my prayer.
What my motivations were and how I accepted the outcomes of my cries to the Lord.
I found that often my prayers were selfish and I craved to be pleased by the Lord but not pruned by the Lord in His answers and timing.
The following week I examined how deeply and intimately I spent time in scripture.
Were the passages I chose to dwell in ones that would challenge me and point me to the cross or were they chosen to soothe me and make me feel at peace.
Hear me say-No passage of scripture can be deemed as unhealthy or of no worth- however spending time in passages that reminded us to GO and GIVE and SUFFER for the sake of the cross are ones that are tough to read. Hard to swallow. Tempting to AVOID.
You see- I feel that the Lord is trying to trim off my unfruitful and “dead weight” branches so that the new branches may bear fruit.
Pruning- however- is a painful, tedious and loss-filled process.
Pieces of us are cut off. Intentionally removed. Taken away.
But why?
Would I prune a beautiful fruit tree for its harm or demise?
In no way.
Pruning a fruit tree is purposed so that growth can occur, fruit may be brought forth and life may return in full.
Stay with me...
The passed few weeks have been filled with traveling and events with our students.
We have gone to New Orleans with our XA students and just last week went to CentriFuge Camp with our Middle School students.
On the Sunday we returned from XA tour our pastor taught on Contentment.
I hate to admit it- but this was a Sunday that I was exhausted and felt very distracted during our time of worship.
I was trying to keep an eye on our students, love on my daddy since it was Father's day and keep a nap OFF my mind.
The bottom line is that I was not prepared for the message that the Lord was about to speak to my heart.
It took me off guard.
One of those times of teaching when I feel my ears turn red because this message is for MY heart. Convicting MY spirit. From MY God.
Philippians 4:10-13 says:
God's Provision
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
Allow me to share with you our teaching points for this time:
1. Contentment is grounded in God's providence.
2. Contentment is learned over time.
3. Contentment is found in our relationship with Jesus Christ.
Several of my notes that I bolded and wrote quickly and ferociously on the sides of my bulletin were:
*Rest in the God who knows the future and ordained it
*Contentment: Knowing that I have all that I need right now
*"Secret" of contentment is to learn to completely rely on Jesus Christ
Like a pin prick to a full balloon my spirit burst.
The anxiety and discomfort that I have been feeling in my spirit came to the front of my heart.
Bluntly and boldly the gospel had pierced my very soul.
Rest in the God who KNOWS the future and ORDAINED it.
Shouldn't I trust this God to prune where needed?
Shouldn't I pray boldly and seek Him in His word relentlessly without fear?
You see- this message of contentment was not currently teaching me a lesson about being satisfied with my tiny apartment or my "last season" clothes---
This message of contentment was to TRUST THE LORD WITH MY FUTURE and HIS TIMING.
To day by day submit myself to the Lord and trust Him.
To trust the Lord in plenty.
To trust the Lord in hunger.
To trust the Lord on the mountaintop.
To trust the Lord in the valley.
To pray boldly without holding back to be smack dab in the will of a Mighty God who has ordered my every step and knows my heart front to back.
The pruning is scary because in the midst of the process we are losing little branches and limbs that are full of US.
But isn't it better to take great joy in the pruning because in the place of the lifeless buds will be put fruit?
I say yes.
I pray today that the Lord will fill me with the boldness to pray without fear and seek His word without hesitation. That I will not be anxious about what He may ask me to do but with great joy tell my Heavenly Father that "I have learned in every situation to be content" and that "I can do all things" through Him who equips me to fill the call that He has placed on my life.
I challenge you to take a look at the motivations of your prayer and the intentions of your time in God's word. We may find that we are limiting ourselves in knowing the Lord fully.
I challenge you to take heart and find joy in the pruning process.
Our Abba Father knows better and best- He takes away to GIVE.
He rips tears to heal.
He is good. All the time He is good.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 73: 25-26
Here is the link to Buddy's sermon on Contentment as a part of the "Joy" series.
I challenge you to watch it!
http://www.hunterstreet.org/media/sermons/joy/video-joy-06-17-12.php
Many Blessings.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
