Righteous, Beautiful, Joyful, Praising Newness by You

"...to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy  instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor."

-Isaiah 61:3 (NIV)-

Let's draw a comparison. Put on your creative cap and pull out your imagination notepad. Split a page down the middle. What does beauty, joy and praise look like to you? Think about it. When I think about beauty, I think about a certain radiance shining from someone, glowing from the light of God's Holy Spirit. When I think of joy, I think of laugher, a big smile, that magnetic presence in someone and not being shaken by small things. When I think of praise, I think of hands lifted high and praise streaming forth from the core of us. I think of praise bringing joy and showing through beauty. It does not come from the world, this joyful praise and beauty. It comes from the LORD alone.

Now, on the right side of our notepad, let's draw the opposite of this: ashes, mourning and despair. What does that look like to you? Can you think of someone that you've seen going through that? Have you seen it in the hopeless? The lost? The broken? When I think of someone in mourning, I think of taunt lines in their faces and a grief one can only know through loss. With despair, I think of someone who truly believes there is no way out; no solution, no promise, no hope. What a sad, sad picture and reality for most people. And when ashes comes to mind, I think of someone who allowed the world to grind them down to nothing instead of allowing God to build them up to something.

Listen to this song: Gungor's "Beautiful Things"

The lyrics are astounding:

All this pain

I wonder if I'll ever find my way?

I wonder if my life could really change at all?

All this earth Could all that is lost ever be found?

Could a garden come up from this ground at all?

How many of us go through this? Take hope and remember, "He only is my Rock and my salvation; he is my defense; I shall not be moved." (Psalm 62:6, KJV).

Through your pain, God will show you the way.

Yes, your life can and will change if you surrender to God and allow Jesus to work some amazing healing within you. Don't be afraid. The pain you go through is so incredibly worth it. Think about the notepad. Do you really want to remain in ashes, in despair and in mourning? Of course not. There is something better for you and God is waiting for you. Don't delay. Start this moment!

Yes, a garden can come up from your "ground." And you know what, it's going to be gorgeous and radiant and full of new hopes and desires you didn't know existed within you.

You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust (instead of ashes!)

You make beautiful things

You make beautiful things out of us (giving us a crown of beauty)

All around Hope is springing up from this old ground

Out of chaos life is being found in You

You are making me new. (We will be oaks of righteousness, displaying the LORD's splendor forever.)

Friends, if I can encourage you in any way today, it's to take that leap. Surrender to God, admit your absolute dependence on Him and ask Him to deliver you from whatever pain or suffering you're going through or have gone through. Jesus is so gentle and so loving, and He will be with you each step of the way.

Heavenly Father, I am so excited to pray over all those you read this post. I come to you humbly but joyfully, knowing what it's like to come out of the ashes and to be given these great gifts by you. We praise you and thank you from our core, from the very place You reside for calling us to something better, something brighter - a new hope that can only be found by knowing You. Jesus, thank you for being our absolute best friend, healer, teacher and guide. Thank you for sacrificing for us so that we may know Your love for us. In your name we pray, Amen!

Wisdom for the Weary

 

 ^"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do."

-James 1:5-8 (NIV)-

     Much of life's decisions seems to rest right in that little nook of this wave. When we are contemplating an outcome or a potential solution, we often feel the ocean of doubts, fears, anxieties, questions well up underneath us. As all of the potentials crash over our heads, we look for a way out - just like this picture.

     Interesting to note that as we look for the horizon or some land, it is covered in light and gives us a better thing to focus upon rather than the darkness the wave is bringing over us.

     Friends, this is just what James was explaining. When you need wisdom for any part of life - whether it's your relationships, work, career planning, home, children, friendships, your own growth, whatever - know and claim this truth: God will give generously to you without finding fault when you ask Him for wisdom when you believe.

     It is so tempting and so easy to allow a thread of doubt to creep into our thought-life. How many of us have been in prayer and in the back of our minds, a twinge dares to take away our entire prayer? Have you experienced this? You're not alone. In fact, all of us (to some degree or another) have been skeptical if the thing we're asking wisdom about or just plain asking for wisdom period, is maybe too much or maybe we aren't deserving of receiving it. Nip that in the bud right now. Those kinds of thoughts are toxic.

     Remember when Peter was walking on water? What caused him to fall? Doubt and disbelief. But what happened next? He called out for Jesus, and sure enough, Jesus pulled him up.

     This is just like the double-minded concept. Rather than be tossed around in the ocean of doubts, disbeliefs, anxieties, the unknown - call out to Jesus. He will place you on firm footing. Know that you are loved and God is happy you're coming to Him rather than the world for wisdom. He is so eager to give it to us, but we must believe. What if Peter hadn't believed that Jesus had the ability to pull him out of the water? First, he didn't believe it really was Jesus walking on the water, so he tested it (an incredibly relatable and natural human reaction). But when Peter himself began walking on the water, he believed. So it's no wonder that when he fell through, he knew Jesus could and would pull him up.

      I love Peter for the fact that he is so like us. The next time you're up against doubt, ask Jesus to call you out of the boat. Ask him to call you out from underneath the wave. Admit you're being tossed back and forth and you desire to not be double-minded, but trusting abd believing with all your heart. Then, as you grow more and more in your belief, ask God for wisdom.

      "Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.
       Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.
          Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge."
      -Psalm 31:2-4 (NIV)-

Heavenly Father, thank you that we may come to your Son about our unbelief. We believe Father, help us to overcome our unbelief. We need your wisdom, we thirst for you alone. We desire to be completely and wholly committed to you in mind, body and spirit. It is only with your Son that we will overcome double-mindedness. Jesus, we thank you that You are our Shepherd and we will hear you when you call us. Thank you for calling us out of our Boats of Doubt and Waves of Fears or Anxieties. What a mighty God we have to save us from such a negative thought-life! Renew our thoughts so we may believe more deeply in your promises to us. We love you with all of our hearts. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Focusing on Joy

Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.

-Psalm 30:4-5 (NKJV)-

Challenge for the day: take an ordinary day and re-order it. Re-order your thoughts, your focus and your actions. For example, if you typically get up, eat breakfast, get ready for work or school or whatever it is you do, give thought to what you are doing. And before you begin all of that, pray. Prayer is never wasted. So, before you travel to your next activity, thoughtfully praise God for one thing, in Jesus' name.

Think about all the time you spend on the internet surfing, checking e-mail, Facebook, or perhaps staring out the window. No judging here. Been there, done that, still do that if I don't catch myself and re-order my thoughts and focus.

See, if we focus on the right things, our thought-life comes in line with God's will. And when that happens, we are stayed in perfect peace, filled with joy and reassured that everything is okay.

How do we re-order our thoughts and focus?

1) Sing praises in your spirit or out-loud!

2) Give thanks to God for something. Make a list. Try adding to that list each day for at least one thing for which you are truly thankful.

3) Remember, His favor is for life. Though you may be enduring some discipline right now, it's only because he loves you, tremendously.

4) Weeping may endure for a night, or a week, or a month, or several months, or a year. Weeping is not a bad thing. When we grieve, we go through a process that ends in release. Release from whatever you need it from or have gone through. If you are praising and thanking during this time of weeping, how much more will God remember his favor for you?

Have you ever met someone who is going through an especially difficult time, but continues to thank God and praise God during it? Aren't you marveled at their humility and surrender? Our hearts immediately become softer at such a person. Think how much more tender and gentle God will view us if we re-order our brains to think and believe in this way.

5) Remember, joy comes in the morning. And oh, happy day! That kind of joy bubbles and erupts from within. It is nothing this world can give you. And it is also nothing this world can sustain. This joy radiates straight from God. It truly is like a spring that never stops flowing right through your spirit, and mind, and emotions and will. When you feel this joy begin in your heart, it will feel like a long-lost friend who seemingly has been out in the cold. But really, friends, joy has been there all along. Joy was waiting for you to weep, thank and praise.

That, in itself, may be perhaps one of the most miraculous gifts the Holy Spirit offers us: unending joy.

So, today, at some point - take 3 minutes out. Praise God, Thank God, Allow yourself to surrender and weep if you need to, and receive joy in its abundance. Remember, if you have to wait for the joy, it is well worth it! Don't give up!

Heavenly Father, thank you that we may rest in the promise of receiving your joy. Thank you that we may have it in full. We praise you and thank you for who you are, and whose we are. Thank you that though we may be weeping for a time, or even just for the night, a new day is waiting for us, along with the joy you so generously and gladly give to us. In Jesus' name, Amen.



Crooked for a Cause

 

"Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?"

-Ecclesiastes 7:13 (KJV)-

 

 

     Okay, the perfectionist in me is becoming unnerved looking at this yarn - completely tangled, everywhere, appearing totally desheveled. Have you ever felt like that? Where when things are out of order in life, you actually take comfort in organizing real, attainable things? I know I used to struggle from this greatly. But I learned that letting go of those perfectionist tendancies allowed me to see an even greater beauty: God's work.

 

     When we listen to other's journeys throughout their life, isn't it amazing what some of their lessons reveal? Even when we hear them, or witness them, we are learning from their seemingly chaotic times or "crooked" way of doing things. What an incredible gift!

 

     It's good to accept that God's way of doing things or leading us is usually totally radical and "upside-down" to our logic and rationality. But Jesus doesn't call us to a life of ordinary. In fact, when we open up our minds, hearts and will to Jesus, the complete opposite happens: adventure. If you're tired of the ordinary, I encourage you to seek Him out. Adventures in life with Jesus means two things: acting on faith and following in surrender. Often, HIs ways make absolutely no sense to us but we have to say, "I asked for an adventure with you and I have no idea how this will possibly work out, but I'm going to act on my faith and surrender to your way of doing things." Watch out! Your life is about to be turned upside down in such an amazing way.

 

     Remember, that person who seems totally "crooked" is actually a work-in-process with God. If you wonder how you find the start of the string - don't. Let the string be string. If it is messy and bundled, let it be that way. If it is turned inside out with lots of knots, let it be knotted. There's a reason for those knots, and probably a story. Whether you find out or not, doesn't matter. What matters is the appreciation that this person, or event, or circumstance is this way for a reason and is a work-in-process. Only God can be at work with that person, that event or that circumstance.

 

     So what can you do? Especially if you find it difficult to let the string be string? Pray. Surrender your thoughts toward this crookedness to God. Tell Jesus, help me understand how I am crooked. How have you made me? Where would you have me go, and what would you have me do? What should my focus be?

 

     Just like a dancer who learns how to continue spinning in circles because they have found a "spot" or place on the wall to focus, ask God for that same thing. Make God your ultimate focus, and ask Him for a "spot." I can guarantee you that it will not be that person, event or cirumstance. In fact, He might even surprise you with where He would have you place your attention. And remember, when you are tempted to straighten out what God has purposely made crooked, ask yourself, "Am I allowing the string to be string?"

 

      Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word which is life-giving and precious. Thank you that this verse especially teaches us to let go of perfect and accept Your ways of doing things. Thank you that each of us are crooked and tangled in our own ways and this is good, because You are at work within us. Thank you that we can ask you what our attention should be focused upon so that we might serve you and the Body of Christ better. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Be Still

"Be still and know that I am God."

-Psalm 46:10 (NIV)-

     Stillness seems to be the elusive action that so many of us falter within. I read a fantastic passage the other day that said, "God told us to be still. Not do, achieve or perform still. Be still and know."

     Even when we think we're "being still," we're probably not. For example, how many of us play worship music and then read? We're not being still. We're reading. What about journaling? Yes, it's a form of creating relationship with God, but we're still not being still. Then, there's the just sitting with some soft music playing in the background and your thoughts wander. You begin thinking about what you need to do, should have done, questions you have, and then your prayers turn into a series of pondering thoughts.

      Try this: just for three minutes this evening, play some soft worship music. Some of my favorites for preparing my heart and mind to "be" with God are "Come Thou Fount," by Jadon Lavik, "How Great Thou Art," (I love Vince Gill and Carrie Underwood's version), "10,000 Reasons" by Matt Redman and "Breathe" by Michael W. Smith. Tell Jesus that you welcome His Presence with you and that you are thankful for your day. Tell Him you desire to just "be" with him. Ask him to help you know that He is God. An incredible peace may come about you. Even if it's just for a few minutes, that's better than doing, achieving, performing and gaining nothing!

    Another good exercise is to start a notebook entitled "God's Character." Once a day, go through the Bible and find verses that tell you who God was, is, and will always be. Write one or two verses down each day. At the end of the week, pray a prayer of thankfulness that when you are being still, you are able to know God - who He is, what He is able to achieve and how he thinks of us.

     Once you begin cultivating the habit of being still during your quiet time with God, try begin to cultivate it when you are driving or riding the bus or walking. Be with God actively every day. Begin to grow in the knowledge of God by being still with him as often as you can. Ask Christ to renew your thought life so that your thoughts are fixed upon Him. Watch your pace in life suddenly become more peaceful and less chaotic. Watch your choices in scheduling your days become more organized and less overwhelming. Watch your attitude in life become more gracious, kind, and wise. Watch your actions become servant-based rather than achieve-based. Watch your entire world get rocked by the love that is found in Christ Jesus.

     Have you ever been with someone who is so at peace with themselves? Do you know why? Because they have learned how to be still with God no matter what they're doing, thinking, or saying. This is a person to learn from. Ask them what their journey was about and how they came to learn how to just "be" no matter what their "do" might entail. Peacefulness is a result of stillness. Remember, God's divine nature is shared with us. We just have to learn from Him and allow Him to slowly transform us into His nature, not ours.

      Today, I pray that as you take a moment to read this post, you follow it up with a deep breath, asking God to help you "be" still. I pray that you receive His peace in all its fullness and that your spirit would bubble over with joy. I pray that as you go about doing whatever you're doing today, that you remind yourself to "be" still as much as possible. Thank you God that we are able to know you personally and create friendship with you. We are so blessed by your Son's love for us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

      If you have a suggestion of how you've learned to cultivate "stillness" in your every day, please leave a comment!

Secrecy Conquered

"For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open."

-Luke 8:17 (NIV)-

     Every single one of us has had or currently has a secret. Each of us has had or still has a habit, a thought, an action, a perspective, an attitude, a belief, a something that only we know about. This is because we either haven't shared with others out of shame and guilt or because we only have or do these things when we are by ourselves!

      Remember, "There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1, NIV). For those of you struggling with something embarassing or something that makes you feel guilty, seek out a Christian brother or sister. Talk to an elder in the church. Talk to your Pastor. No matter how embarassing it might be to admit or reveal, nobody who belongs to Jesus and who truly has Him living within them will ever think less of you. In fact, you might even receive the response of, "Thank you." It takes a lot of courage to admit a secret to someone because you need accountability to overcome it.

       Unfortunately, society has a bad habit of thinking that addictions only come in the form of alcohol or drugs. What about the addiction to self-importance or inflated self-worth? There's even an addiction to over-commitment because then the mentality becomes, 'What will possibly happen if I stop working in so many capacities?' The world will go on. That's what will happen. However, addiction comes in many forms. And it can even creep on you with a habit or mentality you're not expecting. The worst kind of lie is, "It's not that bad." That is a peculiar word as it allows for comparison. But to what teachings are we to compare our life doctrine, beliefs, values and walk to? Jesus's teachings. Do not be discouraged, however because we are being trained to, "renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age" (Titus 2:12, ESV).

       How do we develop self-control? Hebrews 12:11 (ESV) reminds us to be thankful for discipline: "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."

       How do we become upright and godly? By choosing God's way of doing things, not ours. If you have a question about what you should be thinking about or doing, check the Bible. Pray. If you're confused, remember, God is not the author of confusion. Ask a trusted friend or someone in a leadership position at the church. Go to a Bible study. Join a small group. Start a small group for discussion on tough questions like you have. Don't have the time? Pray. Pray unceasingly for God to reveal His wisdom and knowledge to you. Remember, James 1:5-6, "If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask him, and he will gladly tell you … But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to tell you."

     If you have a secret you've been hanging on to that only you know, open up. Pray about it. Ask God to forgive you for this secretive behavior, action, attitude, whatever it is! Then, find someone with whom will keep you accountable. Whenever you have that urge to commit it or when you do slip, tell them. Ask them to pray for you and expect encouragement. You're on the right road.

     Some verses for you to jot down to keep with you for this particular challenge:

Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

-2 Corinthians 12:8-9

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

-Hebrews 4:16

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

-1 Peter 5:10

 

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

-1 Corinthians 10:13

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.

-2 Peter 1:5-7

      Don't give up. Whatever secret habit, attitude or action you're hiding, don't be afraid and don't be discouraged. You are loved beyond measure and understood. Accountability is important and grace will always abound for you. The Holy Spirit will gladly nudge you and keep you in check if you ask Jesus for his help with awareness of your tendancy toward this challenge. And remember, he will not let it become so overpowering that there is no way out. You can do it!

Courageously Stirred

"David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied."

-1 Samuel 17:45 (NIV)-

          Looking at this picture, how many of you think this man is going to lose his grip and fall? What do you think David felt? What about the people gathered around to watch David? Did they think he was going to lose his grip and fall against the great Goliath? Probably.

          But David had a secret weapon: confidence and trust in the Lord. Today, this reminds me of Casting Crowns' song "Courageous." Check out the lyrics:

We were made to be courageous

We were warriors on the front lines,
standing unafraid.

but now we're watchers on the side lines,
while our families slip away.

Where are you men of courage?
you were made for so much more.

let the pounding of our hearts cry,
we will serve the Lord.

(David!)

We were made to be courageous,
and we're taking back the fight.
we were made to be courageous,
and it starts with us tonight.

The only way we'll ever stand,is on our knees with lifted hands.

This goes for everyone. Submission and surrender to God's strength is the only way to truly be strong. David knew this when he challenged Goliath. "...but I come to you in the name of the LORD...". Can you imagine what Goliath felt like? He was probably laughing. Or maybe a wise, small fear crept its way up his spine. Either way, David knew surrender to God's strength was the only way to truly conquer a giant. What is your giant? What do you need help with conquering? Ask God to make you courageous.

make us courageous, Lord make us courageous.

may the watchers become warriors,let the men of God arise.

Again, what would have happened that day if the men on the sidelines watching this "poor" boy responded to the call of courage? What if those men became warriors and joined in with David? Well, we wouldn't have the lesson of David and Goliath today, but we would have what this song is trying to encourage and inspire. Where are the men of God today? Guys - this is written for you: you are desparately needed. The Body of Christ needs men just like you. We need you to truly stand by surrendering and praising and relying solely on God. We need you to answer that passion in your heart and lead like Jesus. We need you to know Jesus personally. We need you in our churches, in our homes, in our families, in our workplaces, in our every day walking around life. We need examples for the younger generations and for young "David's" to not let any "Goliath" get in their way. We need you.

In the war of the mind I will make my stand,
in the battle of the heart, in the battle of the hands.

Ladies, if you know a guy who needs some encouragement - spur him on! Guys, if you're reading this post and you have a doubtful spirit or a negative mindset, stop. It's false. You have it in you to be great, to do great, to show off God's glory through his strength in you. We don't need watchers. We need warriors. We need women who are willing to battle in prayer and by example for their children and their men. We need men who are willing to reach down deep and battle for their children and their women, no matter how tough the circumstances are. We need you to remember that you were made for a glorious, specific purpose, none of which means backing down to the giants in your life.

Whatever any of us does, we must look our own "Goliath" squarely in the eye and say, "I or We come to you in the name of the LORD whom you have defied..." Don't forget the unseen battles! Often, we are battling behaviors, attitudes, pride, envy, jealousy, lust, etc. We even battle for the Lord's attention in our mindset. Don't be surprised if it becomes tougher to battle in your mind, your heart and your hands. Your thoughts, attitudes, values and actions are all what the "Goliath's" desire. But the victory does not belong to Goliath.

"The victory belongs to the LORD."
-Proverbs 21:31 (NIV)-

Today, I pray that you ask God what He needs you to be courageous toward. Maybe it's a false belief, or an old wound. Perhaps it's an unknown future or an undecided course of action. What about your family or your marriage? Your children? Your friends? Who or what do you need to dig down deep and take your stand against? With who or what do you need to trust God and go boldly before? I pray that He reveals these things to you, and that you earnestly seek after His heart with all the courage you have left. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Soulful Singing

"Sing like never before, Oh! my soul, worship His holy name..."

-Matt Redman, "10,000 Reasons"

     I love this picture. These birds look like they are singing their hearts out and flashing out their wings to help lift the tune. They appear as if they are singing just for their Creator and everyone in the forest is going to hear how amazing God is to them. Phenomenal! What would it look like if we stood our ground, with our wings out, singing our individual songs with such pride and joy?

    The Bible tells us in Psalm 150:4-6 that back in those days and even today, there were several ways to go about doing this in the literal sense:

"Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals!"

The image that comes immediately to mind, for me, are young toddlers banging on pots and pans. Have you ever seen children go to town on instruments and seen the absolute, sheer joy that they are "making music" from their hearts? What about worship bands? Of all the musicians, drummers always look like they're having the best time. I'm sure all of them enjoy worshiping the Lord with their instrument of choice; however, I have a sneaking suspicion that the drummer never lost his or her child-like innocence of banging on those pots and pans from earlier in life.

      The question becomes, how do we sing our own individual song? It begins with celebrating our uniqueness. Each of us is completely unique and completely given an original song to sing. Think about this:

"Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised..."
-Psalm 96

First, we are to sing to the Lord, blessing his name. Take a moment and think about how you are thankful to the Lord right now. List at least three things that come to mind immediately. Do you feel a little stirring in your spirit? Next, it says "tell of his salvation from day to day" - what did God save you from? What are your worst nightmares, fears, failures, mistakes; what do you have trouble controlling? Everyone has their own story of how Jesus showed up at just the right time in their life.

For example, the Lord has saved and is continually saving me from doubting myself. One of my biggest challenges is feeling overwhelmed with all that I could do instead of just tackling one thing I can do right now. As one of my best friends reminds me with one of her favorite quotes: "God does not call the equipped; He equips the called."

      So, talk about it! Write about it. Think about it. Share it. Share with someone today how once you were lost in ___ and now you're found by Jesus. You're on the road of discovery of understanding your own personal song.

      "Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples...". This is such a gorgeous picture. Listen to Chris Tomlin's "White Flag" from Passion 2012 here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lk8ue3qN0hg.  To declare means to say something in an empathetic manner. We are to not trample over "all the peoples" - we are to remember what God has done for us, share it, and then declare it with passion and empathy; with a deep understanding resonating within us of where these people are, and where they could be with a personal realtionship with Jesus Christ. We are to be his ambassadors. Remember, 2 Corinthians 5:20, "So we are Christ's ambassadors, God is making his appeal through us."

        Do you know what the best part about this is? When you begin your own mission work, wherever you are in whatever country throughout the world, your words will flow easily. Why? Because Psalm 40:3 tells us how:

"He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord."

It won't be difficult to talk about the Lord. He will put a new song in your mouth to sing (share and declare). And when you are sharing, teaching, introducing new or developing deeper relationships, God will be working through you. It will be natural to lift each other up. As Paul reminds us to address "one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart..." (Ephesians 5:19).

Have you ever been in the company of a truly devoted Christian sister or brother? Have you noticed the fire that ignites within them when a topic comes up that glorifies the Lord? It is as if the spark in the conversation becomes vibrant, the room fills with a soft peace, and both of you are covered for love and encouragement for the other. That is what it's like to be in community with each other. And what better way to lift each other up than by encouraging each other with our own personal songs? Perhaps your music is for justice. Trust me, God will place you among people who need your thirst for this topic. And you will sing your heart out when you learn of the oppressed. My music is for children and I sing my heart out for orphaned or oppressed children. I cannot wait to see what the Lord has in store for me in life in this area. I am also excited to see what other music has been building within me that I do not even know about yet! You should be too.

We may not all have been the ones happily banging on pots and pans, and we may not all have literal musical talent. But we all do have a place for the Lord in our hearts. Discover your song with Jesus, and allow him to help you test out those vocal chords and actions by taking a small step of faith of to wherever or to whatever he calls you. Discover, Share, Declare, Sing!

"Shout for joy in the Lord, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright. Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre; make melody to him with the harp of ten strings! Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts. For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord."
Psalm 33:1-22

Battle Like Behemoth

"See its powerful loins and the muscles of its belly. Its tail is as strong as a cedar. The sinews of its thighs are knit tightly together. Its bones are tubes of bronze. Its limbs are bars of iron...It lies under the lotus plants, hidden by the reeds in the marsh. The lotus plants give it shade among the willows beside the stream. It is not disturbed by the raging river,
    not concerned when the swelling Jordan rushes around it. No one can catch it off guard or put a ring in its nose and lead it away."

-Job 40:16-24 (NLT)-

While it has been long disputed about what Behemoth actually was, some more recent teachings allude to the possibility of an alligator-like creature. So, for the purpose of the teaching of this post, I am going with this image. Here's why:

Gators and crocodiles are fierce. They sit silently with just their eyes above the water. They are remarkably patient and wait for their prey to come near them. "Crocodile tears" are described as such because a crocodile can literally tear up to lure its victim toward it by faking tear drops. This reminds us of a "false teacher" or as a symbol of deceit. But be careful about this because again, like the Eagle, the creature that God uses in all of creation to tell Job about unmatchable strength is Behemoth, or, a scaled-down modern day version of an alligator.

Why should we pay attention?

The build is astonishing. Think of these images in your mind, create your own "gator" out of them: cedar, bronze, and iron. The temprament is totally trusting in its abilities: not disturbed by the raging river and not concerned when the swelling of the Jordan rushes around it. The Self-Identity shows confidence in who it is: completely aware at all times and cannot be lead away to follow something false.

How can we learn from this great animal? There's a reason that God compared Behemoth to Job's strength. There is most definitely a reason why, in any version of the Bible that you read, God calls attention proudly to this creature.

Let's look at our build, temprament and self-identity: human, and easily destructable. Yes, we have a phenomenal set of systems put in place and some of us have unbelievable healing ability. But, for the most part, if Behemoth wanted to crush us, he could. Why is he able to do this? Because of his temprament. He rests underneath the lotus beneath the willow trees in the shade. Does this remind you of a little piece of Scripture called Psalm 23? He leads me beside peaceful streams...

Behemoth got it right. He's not even a human with our brain ability and he knew that he needed to rest in order to maintain absolute strength.

Our temprament: how are you today? Are you not disturbed by the raging river in your life? Are you able to be not concerned while worries, responsibilities, and priorities swell around you? Let us learn from this creature that God so proudly speaks about. There are probably very few of us who could say, "Why, yes, I am totally fine with all of these things swelling and raging around me. I am perfectly calm and completely aware of all that is happening." Come on, be honest!

What did Behemoth do first? He rested.

Then, he was able to be undisturbed and unconcerned.

Why? Because he trusted in who he is and what he is able to do.

How do we become undisturbed and unconcerned? We rest, and in doing so, we renew our strength by waiting on the Lord and remembering that his grace is sufficient because as His strength is made perfect in our weaknesses.

The most important lesson of all? He is aware and he is not lead away by false or fleeting things. Okay, another honesty check! How easy is it for us to be consumed by the world around us? How often are we lead away? Let me gut-check you here: every day. Each time we hear or see something not Kingdom-worthy, our thoughts are being lead away. Each time we justify an action, we are lead away. Each time we don't speak truth in love to a friend, family or co-worker, we are lead away by fear. It happens. How do we remain firm and stand unshaken and completely aware like Behemoth?

We remember this:

"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge."

-Psalm 62:5-8

Friends, are you seeing a pattern here? Way back in Job, God, like the proud Father that he is, tells Job, "Look at my creature Behemoth. He knows the secret to strength. His build is likened to cedar, iron and bronze. He knows to rest in order to be prepared. Then, when the river rages and the Jordan swells, he is able to trust in who he is and whose he is because he is my creation."

Know the best part about this news? Read on:

We are God's creation too, and we are able to share in his divine nature and our weaknesses are made perfect in his strength and we have a loving Savior who is our Advocate.

Can you imagine how proud Jesus would be to tell our Father something like, "Look! There she is! See, she chose to rise early and rest with me before her long day. Because she has told me about her weariness, I will give her soul rest throughout the day and Your strength, Father, will carry her today."

Or what about, "Aha! He has acknowledged me in all his ways and has chosen to rest in me by reading my Word, and getting to know me so he can increase in his leadership. He desires to lead like Me. His strength will be great because he admits his weaknesses and relies solely on Me."

And...the best part? Imagine God beaming right at you just like he beamed about Behemoth, a creature, to Job. He takes delight in who you are. Let's bring Him even more joy by resting, trusting, and growing in Him.

I pray for you today all who read this:

Father, we praise you for your glorious creation which speaks to us throughout Scripture. Not only do we have an example to follow through Jesus, but we can even learn incredible lessons in other books of the Bible. Thank you for giving us such examples. For each person who wonders how to go about being a human version of Behemoth, Father I ask in Jesus' name that you call that person into rest, that you strengthen him or her and that you would reveal to them their own special and unique abilities you have given them. Reveal to them who You are in them and what you are able to accomplish together for your glory. In Jesus' name, Amen!

The Coziest Comfort

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

-Matthew 11:28 (NIV)-

     Isn't it amazing what a little comfort can do? A warm fire, some warm socks, a hot cup of tea, a favorite book...everyone has a different comfort area. My personal favorites are baking playing worship music or a hot cup of tea on the couch with a big blanket and my Bible. I love to soak in a quiet rainy or wintry afternoon soothing my soul either through soaking in his Word or whipping up a batch of something delicious to share with my family and friends.

    But where is our true comfort found? In Jesus. With all my singing softly "10,000 reasons" or "Amazing Grace" while I am baking and with all my quiet tea time while reading, I still need the absolute Source. The crumbs are satisfying as a tasty treat, but real rejuvenation comes from Jesus alone.

     The best part is that he tells us how to do this. First, come to him.

     If you are uncomfortable or ashamed or simply don't know how to, just sit a minute. Pray, "Lord, I don't really know how to go about coming to you, but here I am. I need you. I open my heart and thoughts and self to you." He's there, even if you can't feel him.

      He also specifically tells us when we are to come to him - when we are weary and burdened. Think about this: when do we become weary? Usually, it's when we've exhausted all of our possibilities and given our very best effort for a long time with no results. When do we become burdened? When we carry things that are not meant for us. If you're at one of these places, I encourage you to admit this to Jesus. Just last week, I was cleaning the bathroom and the simple action of wiping a sink clean made me burst into tears because I thought about how nice it would be to rest in Jesus' arms. And then, I realized, I can! And you can too. We just have to be willing to humble ourselves so he can give us rest.

     Psalm 23 (NKJV) exhibits this beautifully:

     The LORD is my Shepard, I shall not want.

     He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
     He leads me beside the still waters.
      He restores my soul;
     He leads me in the paths of righteousness
     For His name’s sake.

      Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
     I will fear no evil;    
     For You are with me;    
     Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

      You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;    
     You anoint my head with oil;    
     My cup runs over.
      Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me   
     All the days of my life;   
     And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
     Forever.

    When you take some time today, read this out loud and then again silently in your heart. Remember to find your comfort and rest in Jesus alone. Ask God how you need to trust him more with your rest and where in your life you need to slow down a little. Expect an answer, and He will gladly tell you! Peace be to you this day.

    

   

Storm Amnesia

"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord."

-Romans 8:38-29 (NIV)-

     Storms are scary. Storms in life are worrisome. But I want you to take a look at this picture - do you see the first rainbow? Lit up and strong. While the second is behind it and fades a bit, it is still there - just like God's promises to us.

     What is the lightning in your life right now? Are you in the midst of a storm and there are actions or worries that are striking your ground right now? Are they in the not-so-distant future trying to scare you off? Let the first rainbow remind you of God's promises and the second, his assurance.

Remember 2 Peter 1:4 (NIV):

"And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires."

Let's break this down so we can build each other up.

First, let's remember that Peter is the one who denied knowing Jesus three times. He was rebuked by Jesus to not be in competition with John (Jesus said to Peter, "...what is that to you? You must follow me" John 21:22 (NIV)). However, for all of Peter's doubting, he is the one who walked on water when Jesus called him. So, when Peter reminds us that because of "his glory and excellence," we can take his word for it because he was a guy who sounds very much like us, even today.

What are these great and precious promises? Here are a few:

"It is God that girds me with strength, and makes my way perfect."

-Psalm 18:32

I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.

-Psalm 34:4

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

-Jeremiah 29:13

"For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."

-Matthew 7:8

"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."

-James 1:5

     This list could go on and on! I encourage you to find your own verses that remind you of God's promises of which you need to be reminded. Write them down somewhere that you will see them. Stick them on the fridge, tape it to a mirror, etc. Thank Him right then and there each time you read a promise for enabling you to share in his divine nature. What does this mean? Why is this so important for us?

How is God described? Again, here are a few examples to get you started:

"And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him."

-1 John 4:16

"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him."

-1 John 4:9

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."

-1 Corinthians 13:4-8

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

-Matthew 11:28

     So, let's get this straight. We have a God who not only is the definition of Love itself, but He will straighten our paths, he is humble in heart, he will give us rest when we are weary, he delivers us from our fears, he strengthens us, and he gives us wisdom among other provisions? And... we're afraid of some lightning bolts because...?

     Because that's apart of the world's corruption. To corrupt or erode means to take promises given to us and turn them against us. To make us think that we're not worthy enough or undeserving. To change our thinking and attitude into cynicism, fear and self-loathing.

     Friends, pray it with me:

     "My God, I thank you and praise you for who you are, for your character which is everlasting and enduring. I thank you that I have been adopted into your family and know your Son. While the world's corruption says that I should give way to fear and allow it to erode my heart, I know better. Sometimes, I am just afraid that maybe some of that isn't true for me. But Your Word says better. I plead the blood of Jesus over myself, my house, my family, and all that I have been given to be a steward over. I thank you that I can rebuke this corruption by relying on You alone. Forgive me for allowing those lightning bolts to shake me. While I am human, I share in your divine nature and corruption is not among it. I seek you with all of my heart. In Jesus' name. Amen."

     Love never fails.