By Rachel Clothier
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love”(1 John 4.18, KJV.)
Several years ago, a man broke into our home during the night while we were in bed sleeping. I happened to wake up as he entered our bedroom. Thinking it was my son, I sat up and spoke to him. The man then turned and ran off, taking my husband’s wallet with him. I screamed and my husband took off after him, but he got away. Then the nightmare began....
After the police left, we went back to bed, but I was unable to sleep. In fact, I did not sleep for three days, because every time I closed my eyes, I saw the intruder’s face. Every noise sent me into a panic. I wired the doors shut, nailed the windows shut and looked under every bed. I did not want to stay in the house by myself, even during the day. The man may have gotten away with very little money, but the most important thing he took was my sense of security and peace of mind.
I was tormented day and night and thought I was going to lose my mind. In desperation I called on Jesus to help me. The only way I could feel any peace was to put the face of Jesus in the place of the man’s face every time I closed my eyes. The Word of God comforted and strengthened me when I thought I could not go one step further living in fear.
Now I know that, “God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1.7, KJV). May God grant you this knowledge as well!
An Invitation to Intimacy
By Dr. Angela Reid
A determined young woman slowly saunters down a backwoods country road. She is alone … by choice. No dusty trails today: she breathes in the fresh, damp air newly cleaned by the summer rain. The gravel softly grinds under her walking shoes in cadence with each step she takes. The evening sun now peeks over the whitened clouds and pierces through the shadows of the trees. The whistling birds light atop their perches, attentively watching for dinner to emerge from the wet earth. As she continues down the narrow lane, a glistening array of wild flowers dances about her in the gentle wind, their vivid colors and fragrant aroma a welcome reminder of the ingenuity and creativity of their Maker. She notices it all.
She remembers the phrase, “sometimes being is more important than doing,” and she is glad she has taken a moment to just be. This is her alone time. This is time with God and with herself; time to step back, take a breath and renew her spirit. She guards it carefully, for she knows that there are 101 projects that lie in wait to steal this moment with their seeming urgency. Phone calls to make, bills to pay, e-mails to answer, family projects to attend to, meals to plan, appointment dates to schedule, chores to complete -- but none of that is for now. The noisy burdens of reality fade into the background and are replaced by the serenade of nature as she orients her heart and mind toward the things of God, one step at a time, down that gravel road. She knows that God is in the details of life, but she also knows that big picture thinking with a big picture God will help to keep life’s priorities in the line of vision and will keep the details from becoming a noose around her neck. She is ready for renewal.
Each evening as she begins her walk, she starts by softly singing or humming an old, familiar chorus to herself:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you,” (Philippians 4:6-9, NKJV).
Sometimes in the middle of her walk, during her time of purposeful reflection, there blooms an emerging competition for what will be the focus of her heart on this would-be rejuvenating journey. Some of the background noise she has worked to leave behind seems to be following her, playing its tune louder than she would like. It weighs her down just a bit before she fully recognizes it. Then, acknowledging what has happened, she turns the unwanted noise down once more. She remembers Luke’s story of Mary and Martha, and how Martha was busy working and trying to take care of the needs of the day. From Martha’s point of view, Mary was slack in attending to her responsibilities, but Jesus was pleased that Mary had stopped her busyness to spend time with Him. Putting it all in perspective, the Lord said,
“And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her,” (Luke 10:41,42, NKJV).
Mary had chosen to sit and listen at the Lord’s feet rather than be distracted by the seeming immediate needs of the day. According to the Lord, this was the most important thing of all and it represented both a connection in relationship (being with) and a connection to redemption - the manner through which life itself is restored -- by relating to the Redeemer and Giver of life.
With that gentle rebuke, she is prompted to stop her own mental busyness and as she continues to walk, she accepts the Lord’s invitation to “just be with me” while letting the worries and cares again pass by. She trusts God to direct her heart and mind as she purposefully communes with Him. With each encounter, she grows in strength, character, resolve, trust and relationship. She grows in intimacy as she lets herself just be with God.
Given the intentionality of her time with God, it is no surprise that her discipline drifts over into other areas of her life. She records some of her conversations with God, some of her thoughts and experiences, some of her longings and prayers, and particularly relevant insights from the study of God’s Word. Having kept a journal of her spiritual journey for some time, she is able to see a progression of God’s direction in her life, concrete examples of answers to prayer, and timely Divine provision. Several themes have repeated themselves, and she is grateful for God’s hand in her life. Among these themes, she has realized several aspects of spiritual contentment and personal growth.
First, she is able to capture a glimpse of who God is. God is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. By Him all things were made. He is Creator, Provider, Redeemer, and Friend. Knowing this, she is able to understand better who she is and how she is to relate to those around her. She is a child of God, a servant of God and a friend of God. She is a co-laborer in the Kingdom, along with fellow believers. She is both a giver and receiver of nurture and care. She is a giver and receiver of instruction. She is to both give love and receive love. Created in the image of God, she is lovable and she has worth. She is redeemed. With her focus on God, she has joy in her heart because she can see past the sometimes burdensome details into the realities of the truly important things in life and in the Kingdom of God. In her journal, she lists a few of those important things:
It is nearing the end of her jaunt; she is almost home. The sun is setting quickly, and the frogs and fireflies have become late walking companions. She is tired and refreshed at the same time, and is sure to remember those things the Lord speaks to her heart in the quiet moments of life. Relying fully on foundations from God, she finds confidence to complete the tasks He has set before her. She finds personal strength and validation from knowing and accepting His unconditional love and His desire to just be with her each day. After a long walk with the Lord, she appreciates the rest and rejuvenation. Indeed she finds herself by becoming lost in His presence, and she realizes that the invitation to intimacy spans more than just a moment in time.
© Angela Reid, PsyD, July 2009
A determined young woman slowly saunters down a backwoods country road. She is alone … by choice. No dusty trails today: she breathes in the fresh, damp air newly cleaned by the summer rain. The gravel softly grinds under her walking shoes in cadence with each step she takes. The evening sun now peeks over the whitened clouds and pierces through the shadows of the trees. The whistling birds light atop their perches, attentively watching for dinner to emerge from the wet earth. As she continues down the narrow lane, a glistening array of wild flowers dances about her in the gentle wind, their vivid colors and fragrant aroma a welcome reminder of the ingenuity and creativity of their Maker. She notices it all.
She remembers the phrase, “sometimes being is more important than doing,” and she is glad she has taken a moment to just be. This is her alone time. This is time with God and with herself; time to step back, take a breath and renew her spirit. She guards it carefully, for she knows that there are 101 projects that lie in wait to steal this moment with their seeming urgency. Phone calls to make, bills to pay, e-mails to answer, family projects to attend to, meals to plan, appointment dates to schedule, chores to complete -- but none of that is for now. The noisy burdens of reality fade into the background and are replaced by the serenade of nature as she orients her heart and mind toward the things of God, one step at a time, down that gravel road. She knows that God is in the details of life, but she also knows that big picture thinking with a big picture God will help to keep life’s priorities in the line of vision and will keep the details from becoming a noose around her neck. She is ready for renewal.
Each evening as she begins her walk, she starts by softly singing or humming an old, familiar chorus to herself:
Turn your eyes upon JesusThis is her cue to take her mind off the day’s work and focus on what is truly important. After the short song, she follows with a period of silence. Still walking and simply taking in her surroundings, she allows herself to be reminded of the splendor and majesty of the Lord God as she marvels at the beauty and complexity of His creation that surrounds her. This is a quiet time, but it is powerfully full of meaning. She practices the principles of Psalm 46:10-11:
Look full in his wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations,She honors God during this time of silence. She allows the still small voice to direct her heart. She will soon begin to intentionally reflect on life itself, especially its purpose and her place within it. She wants to find meaning, she wants to make sure that what she does counts for something, and she wants to please God in the thoughts of her mind, the intents of her heart and the actions of her life. Inspired by Paul’s writings, she knows that contentedness and joy must be purposefully pursued and persistently practiced.
I will be exalted in the earth! The LORD of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah ” (NKJV).
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you,” (Philippians 4:6-9, NKJV).
Sometimes in the middle of her walk, during her time of purposeful reflection, there blooms an emerging competition for what will be the focus of her heart on this would-be rejuvenating journey. Some of the background noise she has worked to leave behind seems to be following her, playing its tune louder than she would like. It weighs her down just a bit before she fully recognizes it. Then, acknowledging what has happened, she turns the unwanted noise down once more. She remembers Luke’s story of Mary and Martha, and how Martha was busy working and trying to take care of the needs of the day. From Martha’s point of view, Mary was slack in attending to her responsibilities, but Jesus was pleased that Mary had stopped her busyness to spend time with Him. Putting it all in perspective, the Lord said,
“And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her,” (Luke 10:41,42, NKJV).
Mary had chosen to sit and listen at the Lord’s feet rather than be distracted by the seeming immediate needs of the day. According to the Lord, this was the most important thing of all and it represented both a connection in relationship (being with) and a connection to redemption - the manner through which life itself is restored -- by relating to the Redeemer and Giver of life.
With that gentle rebuke, she is prompted to stop her own mental busyness and as she continues to walk, she accepts the Lord’s invitation to “just be with me” while letting the worries and cares again pass by. She trusts God to direct her heart and mind as she purposefully communes with Him. With each encounter, she grows in strength, character, resolve, trust and relationship. She grows in intimacy as she lets herself just be with God.
Given the intentionality of her time with God, it is no surprise that her discipline drifts over into other areas of her life. She records some of her conversations with God, some of her thoughts and experiences, some of her longings and prayers, and particularly relevant insights from the study of God’s Word. Having kept a journal of her spiritual journey for some time, she is able to see a progression of God’s direction in her life, concrete examples of answers to prayer, and timely Divine provision. Several themes have repeated themselves, and she is grateful for God’s hand in her life. Among these themes, she has realized several aspects of spiritual contentment and personal growth.
First, she is able to capture a glimpse of who God is. God is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. By Him all things were made. He is Creator, Provider, Redeemer, and Friend. Knowing this, she is able to understand better who she is and how she is to relate to those around her. She is a child of God, a servant of God and a friend of God. She is a co-laborer in the Kingdom, along with fellow believers. She is both a giver and receiver of nurture and care. She is a giver and receiver of instruction. She is to both give love and receive love. Created in the image of God, she is lovable and she has worth. She is redeemed. With her focus on God, she has joy in her heart because she can see past the sometimes burdensome details into the realities of the truly important things in life and in the Kingdom of God. In her journal, she lists a few of those important things:
- Loving God.
- Loving people.
- Loving and accepting myself.
- Seeing myself and others as God sees us.
- Fulfilling what God has called me to do.
- Maintaining a thankful heart and a joyful spirit.
- Appreciating the small moments of life as gifts from God.
- Renewing and aligning my spirit daily in His Word.
- Accepting an invitation to intimacy with my Creator.
- Just being with Him.
It is nearing the end of her jaunt; she is almost home. The sun is setting quickly, and the frogs and fireflies have become late walking companions. She is tired and refreshed at the same time, and is sure to remember those things the Lord speaks to her heart in the quiet moments of life. Relying fully on foundations from God, she finds confidence to complete the tasks He has set before her. She finds personal strength and validation from knowing and accepting His unconditional love and His desire to just be with her each day. After a long walk with the Lord, she appreciates the rest and rejuvenation. Indeed she finds herself by becoming lost in His presence, and she realizes that the invitation to intimacy spans more than just a moment in time.
© Angela Reid, PsyD, July 2009
Bitter Water
By Donna Morton
Exodus 15:23-27:
No one enjoys something bitter to the taste. I have a pill I take for high blood pressure and it is a bitter pill to swallow. I try to have something to put in my mouth right away or a Coke to drink or something to remove that bitter taste from my mouth.
We might expect medicine to be bitter; some cough medicines taste awful! You have your mind all set for something pretty awful and are ready for it, but when you put a piece of candy or a soft drink in your mouth, you expect a pleasant taste.
That’s what the children of Israel felt like on that hot, dry day in the desert. They had been in the wilderness for three days now following the crossing of the Red Sea and had found no water. They were thirsty and complaining.
Imagine that day with me as they came over a hill and saw that water at a distance. It looked so blue and pretty and it was just what they wanted. How pleasant it was to see and look forward to in their condition. No doubt they began to run toward what they thought would bring satisfaction in the desert, but when they drank it, it tasted bitter.
Isn’t that just the way things seem so often to be? Things are not what you thought they would be; they are BITTER! (In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for bitter is marah, meaning a great and heavy discontentment.) The children of Israel were unhappy because that water was not all they thought it would and should be. They thought that all their problems would have been solved if only that water would have been sweet and met with their expectations.
Moses immediately went to prayer and asked God what to do... there’s nothing like prayer! Listen, when bitter trials come our way and we may feel like there is no way out, prayer IS the answer, because God always has a way!
God showed Moses a tree that when he threw it into the water, the water became sweet and the people were then made satisfied and content because of the water. Right there—at that bitter place—God proclaimed that if they would do things His way and right in His sight, He would heal them.
Sometimes in life bitter trials come our way. It is in those times that God wants to prove Himself to us and show us who He really is!
There is a spirit of discontentment over the land today and it is great and heavy.
People are running everywhere trying to find something to satisfy themselves.
Instead, they find much bitterness.
The world looks good; it has shiny clubs and sandboxes to play in, tasty things to drink and fancy clothes to try on. People are running to get to what they think will satisfy them, but when they try it, it’s bitter! Others feel like if they could just be wealthy and have everything they want, they would be content. They run for that water, but even when they drink all they want, there is an emptiness inside that becomes bitter. Inside each man and woman is a place that nothing but the Living Water will fill.
Only when the tree was put in the water did the water become sweet! This world is full of bitterness and everyone is searching for the cure. There is only one tree that can fill up that emptiness and wash away the discontentment; IT IS THE TREE OF MOUNT CALVARY!
There is no rest when discontentment is strong. The soul is constantly searching for the living water. The first thoughts of the day are, “What can I do today to find what I am looking for?
Who can I hang out with that will help me find that satisfaction?
What can I do to get that water? What can I buy that will quench this thrist?”
Exodus 15.27 says the children of Israel moved on and were able to camp in Elim and find happiness because the bitter water was gone. At Elim, they could drink from 12 wells and enjoy the shade of 70 palm trees.
The soul that is resisting the Lord has no contentment or rest. The goal of those in the world is to find someone or something that will make them happy, but ONLY JESUS CAN SATISFY THEIR SOULS!
It’s a supernatural act of God to take a tree and make bitter water sweet.
How can something I can’t stand to be around become sweet to me? How can the laws of God that seem to tie me down become so sweet to me that I love them? How can the preaching of the Word that aggravates me and makes me feel bad become sweet life to me? How can a life not worth living because everything has gone wrong become a life so sweet that I actually enjoy it?
IT’S THE TREE! When you throw the tree into the bitter discontentment of this life, everything changes supernaturally and life becomes sweet. Nothing in this world can make a soul content but the cross of Christ. Only Jesus can make it right again!
When you surrender your life to him, the bitter, dissatisfied feeling will leave and His quiet contentment will move in. Today I offer you Jesus Christ, the sweetest name I know.
Exodus 15:23-27:
And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah. And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink? And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them, And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee. And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.
No one enjoys something bitter to the taste. I have a pill I take for high blood pressure and it is a bitter pill to swallow. I try to have something to put in my mouth right away or a Coke to drink or something to remove that bitter taste from my mouth.
We might expect medicine to be bitter; some cough medicines taste awful! You have your mind all set for something pretty awful and are ready for it, but when you put a piece of candy or a soft drink in your mouth, you expect a pleasant taste.
That’s what the children of Israel felt like on that hot, dry day in the desert. They had been in the wilderness for three days now following the crossing of the Red Sea and had found no water. They were thirsty and complaining.
Imagine that day with me as they came over a hill and saw that water at a distance. It looked so blue and pretty and it was just what they wanted. How pleasant it was to see and look forward to in their condition. No doubt they began to run toward what they thought would bring satisfaction in the desert, but when they drank it, it tasted bitter.
Isn’t that just the way things seem so often to be? Things are not what you thought they would be; they are BITTER! (In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for bitter is marah, meaning a great and heavy discontentment.) The children of Israel were unhappy because that water was not all they thought it would and should be. They thought that all their problems would have been solved if only that water would have been sweet and met with their expectations.
Moses immediately went to prayer and asked God what to do... there’s nothing like prayer! Listen, when bitter trials come our way and we may feel like there is no way out, prayer IS the answer, because God always has a way!
God showed Moses a tree that when he threw it into the water, the water became sweet and the people were then made satisfied and content because of the water. Right there—at that bitter place—God proclaimed that if they would do things His way and right in His sight, He would heal them.
Sometimes in life bitter trials come our way. It is in those times that God wants to prove Himself to us and show us who He really is!
There is a spirit of discontentment over the land today and it is great and heavy.
People are running everywhere trying to find something to satisfy themselves.
Instead, they find much bitterness.
The world looks good; it has shiny clubs and sandboxes to play in, tasty things to drink and fancy clothes to try on. People are running to get to what they think will satisfy them, but when they try it, it’s bitter! Others feel like if they could just be wealthy and have everything they want, they would be content. They run for that water, but even when they drink all they want, there is an emptiness inside that becomes bitter. Inside each man and woman is a place that nothing but the Living Water will fill.
Only when the tree was put in the water did the water become sweet! This world is full of bitterness and everyone is searching for the cure. There is only one tree that can fill up that emptiness and wash away the discontentment; IT IS THE TREE OF MOUNT CALVARY!
There is no rest when discontentment is strong. The soul is constantly searching for the living water. The first thoughts of the day are, “What can I do today to find what I am looking for?
Who can I hang out with that will help me find that satisfaction?
What can I do to get that water? What can I buy that will quench this thrist?”
Exodus 15.27 says the children of Israel moved on and were able to camp in Elim and find happiness because the bitter water was gone. At Elim, they could drink from 12 wells and enjoy the shade of 70 palm trees.
The soul that is resisting the Lord has no contentment or rest. The goal of those in the world is to find someone or something that will make them happy, but ONLY JESUS CAN SATISFY THEIR SOULS!
It’s a supernatural act of God to take a tree and make bitter water sweet.
How can something I can’t stand to be around become sweet to me? How can the laws of God that seem to tie me down become so sweet to me that I love them? How can the preaching of the Word that aggravates me and makes me feel bad become sweet life to me? How can a life not worth living because everything has gone wrong become a life so sweet that I actually enjoy it?
IT’S THE TREE! When you throw the tree into the bitter discontentment of this life, everything changes supernaturally and life becomes sweet. Nothing in this world can make a soul content but the cross of Christ. Only Jesus can make it right again!
When you surrender your life to him, the bitter, dissatisfied feeling will leave and His quiet contentment will move in. Today I offer you Jesus Christ, the sweetest name I know.
The Testimony of Our Lips
By Victoria Smith
“For there is not a word in my tongue [still unuttered], but, behold, O Lord, You know it altogether,” (Psalm 139:5, The Amplified Bible).
It is essential to guard our words and thoughts to live effectively and fully for Christ!
You and I sometimes fail to comprehend that God’s presence is with us at all times. Imagine for a moment that the Lord Jesus was visible to you. If during the course of life, you had Him visibly walking by your side, sitting at your dinner table and riding in your car, how careful you would be about your words! Reflect on this past week and ask yourself if you said anything that would grieve His heart. Maybe it was a harsh word spoken, words contrary to His Word or words that were not as tender, nor as full of faith as they ought to be. If you and I will constantly focus on being filled with His Spirit and glory, we would be less likely to fall into such temptation. Often you and I fail to realize He is listening to our every word and thought. The Lord Jesus desires us to be meek and to walk humbly towards others, just as He did on earth. You and I must imagine standing in the constant presence of Jesus as we go about our daily lives.
“There are those who speak rashly, like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” (Proverbs 12:18, The Amplified Bible).
You and I are capable of speaking words that are like the piercing of a sword. God’s Word tells us that if we offend those little ones that believe in Him, it would be better for us to have a millstone tied around our neck and to be drowned in the sea. The opposite side of this truth is that the tongue of the wise can be used by God to bring life and health. When we are filled with His Word, wisdom and revelation knowledge in our hearts, we abound with His character, thoughts and purposes. Bringing life-giving words to others are a direct result of Christ being formed in us; certainly, out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. If we are filled with His divine love, those that are lost in the sins of the world will be drawn to Christ’s love in you. On the other hand, if our words are piercing as a sword, others will not see Christ in us and may consequently never surrender their hearts to the Lord.
“He who guards his mouth keeps his life, but he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin,” (Proverbs 13:3, The Amplified Bible).
If you or I become sick, we should watch our words. We should be speaking God’s Word and acting in faith, rather than putting our confidence in the symptoms or in bad reports. We should ask God’s light to stream through us and reveal anything that has come from our lips that has hurt others or ourselves. We should also ask the Lord to cleanse and forgive us for sinning against those whom we have injured through saying things contrary to the redemptive, healing work of Jesus.
“But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?” (James 3:8-11, NKJV).
Our tongues can be unruly and full of poison. This Scripture is speaking to God’s own people, the saints. We must bridle our tongues. James 1:26 says, “If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless,” (NKJV). If we have a bottle of poison in the house, there will be a symbol of a skull and crossbones on the container warning us to avoid its contents. Imagine what it would be like that when we speak words contrary to our Lord’s will, that we were labeled with a skull and crossbones for all to see! If we decide to be full of God’s wisdom and knowledge every day, then our conversation will be good and profitable to the hearers.
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life],” (Proverbs 18:21, The Amplified Bible).
Our lips are the gatekeepers of our words. God’s Word in our hearts determines what proceeds out of our mouths. What does God want us doing with our lips? Jude 1: 20 says, “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost. . .” (KJV). If God’s Spirit is being stirred in us and we pray in the Spirit, His glory will dwell in us. Where His glory dwells, our faith is ignited and expands to dynamic proportions. Imagine what can happen as God’s miracle-working power dwells in your temple, your body! Can anything contrary to God’s word prevail where His glory abounds?
The Word of God formed creation; our words will impact eternity!
“For there is not a word in my tongue [still unuttered], but, behold, O Lord, You know it altogether,” (Psalm 139:5, The Amplified Bible).
It is essential to guard our words and thoughts to live effectively and fully for Christ!
You and I sometimes fail to comprehend that God’s presence is with us at all times. Imagine for a moment that the Lord Jesus was visible to you. If during the course of life, you had Him visibly walking by your side, sitting at your dinner table and riding in your car, how careful you would be about your words! Reflect on this past week and ask yourself if you said anything that would grieve His heart. Maybe it was a harsh word spoken, words contrary to His Word or words that were not as tender, nor as full of faith as they ought to be. If you and I will constantly focus on being filled with His Spirit and glory, we would be less likely to fall into such temptation. Often you and I fail to realize He is listening to our every word and thought. The Lord Jesus desires us to be meek and to walk humbly towards others, just as He did on earth. You and I must imagine standing in the constant presence of Jesus as we go about our daily lives.
“There are those who speak rashly, like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” (Proverbs 12:18, The Amplified Bible).
You and I are capable of speaking words that are like the piercing of a sword. God’s Word tells us that if we offend those little ones that believe in Him, it would be better for us to have a millstone tied around our neck and to be drowned in the sea. The opposite side of this truth is that the tongue of the wise can be used by God to bring life and health. When we are filled with His Word, wisdom and revelation knowledge in our hearts, we abound with His character, thoughts and purposes. Bringing life-giving words to others are a direct result of Christ being formed in us; certainly, out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. If we are filled with His divine love, those that are lost in the sins of the world will be drawn to Christ’s love in you. On the other hand, if our words are piercing as a sword, others will not see Christ in us and may consequently never surrender their hearts to the Lord.
“He who guards his mouth keeps his life, but he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin,” (Proverbs 13:3, The Amplified Bible).
If you or I become sick, we should watch our words. We should be speaking God’s Word and acting in faith, rather than putting our confidence in the symptoms or in bad reports. We should ask God’s light to stream through us and reveal anything that has come from our lips that has hurt others or ourselves. We should also ask the Lord to cleanse and forgive us for sinning against those whom we have injured through saying things contrary to the redemptive, healing work of Jesus.
“But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?” (James 3:8-11, NKJV).
Our tongues can be unruly and full of poison. This Scripture is speaking to God’s own people, the saints. We must bridle our tongues. James 1:26 says, “If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless,” (NKJV). If we have a bottle of poison in the house, there will be a symbol of a skull and crossbones on the container warning us to avoid its contents. Imagine what it would be like that when we speak words contrary to our Lord’s will, that we were labeled with a skull and crossbones for all to see! If we decide to be full of God’s wisdom and knowledge every day, then our conversation will be good and profitable to the hearers.
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life],” (Proverbs 18:21, The Amplified Bible).
Our lips are the gatekeepers of our words. God’s Word in our hearts determines what proceeds out of our mouths. What does God want us doing with our lips? Jude 1: 20 says, “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost. . .” (KJV). If God’s Spirit is being stirred in us and we pray in the Spirit, His glory will dwell in us. Where His glory dwells, our faith is ignited and expands to dynamic proportions. Imagine what can happen as God’s miracle-working power dwells in your temple, your body! Can anything contrary to God’s word prevail where His glory abounds?
The Word of God formed creation; our words will impact eternity!
God's Messenger Boy
By Victoria Smith
“We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose” (Romans 8:28, The Amplified Bible.
My mom and dad separated before I was born. According to my mom, my dad was not interested in being a part of my life. I had very few memories of seeing him. When I was 16, I sought out my father. The encounter was awkward and difficult for both of us. The time together did not fill the void of my father’s love in my heart.
The attempted relationship went nowhere. Then a few years later, at the birth of my first child, I called to tell him he was a grandfather, but he did not call nor visit. I was crushed emotionally, and I decided I did not need to open that wound any more. I did not know the Lord at that time in my life. A few years passed and I came to know the Lord as Savior and decided to try once again to have a relationship with my dad. I went to his auto glass shop and walked in the office; he leaned out the window and said, “May I help you?” Here was my father and he did not even recognize me and my young daughter who was coming to meet her grandpa. I was crushed again with the pain of feeling unknown, unwanted, and unloved. After this meeting, I decided I had done my part to bring about healing and to build a relationship and therefore, I did not need to be hurt again. I decided I needed to guard my heart to keep from feeling such intense pain and rejection.
Years later, I had relocated to another area of the country and my second daughter was born. My husband urged me repeatedly to contact my dad as he had a right to know he had another granddaughter. It was my impression that I did nothing but complicate my father’s life and felt it was best to continue to guard my heart. Time went on and we moved back to the area in which he had previously lived. Out of curiosity, I drove by his last business address and it was no longer there. I also looked in the phone book to see if he was listed in the area. There was no listing. So I had done my part again and he was not there. Deep down inside I was concerned as to where he was and what was going on.
One cold winter night, just two days after Christmas, my husband called to say he was stranded because “Ol’ George,” his truck, had broken down. He asked me to come help him. When I got there, we could not get the vehicle started, so we went to a nearby auto parts store to buy a tow chain. We hooked the cars up and my husband gave me some tips on how to get the truck moved to a location where we could leave it overnight. We managed to get just a block away and mysteriously the tow chain came loose and shattered the back window of our only working vehicle. It was below zero, freezing rain was falling and we had very little money since Christmas had just been a few days before.
Here comes the part where the devil was God’s messenger boy! What the devil meant for bad, God planned to use for my good. I did not get that message at that point. All I could think was, “What are we going to do now?” We left “Ol’ George,” taped up the back window of my car and drove home feeling very defeated.
When we arrived home, I mentioned to my husband that my dad used to own an auto glass shop to which he replied, “This is probably not the best time to contact him.” I told my husband that I had tried to find my dad months before and was not able to do so, but I just wondered if he still was doing that type of business. I called several auto glass dealers and asked them “Who owns the shop?” Each caller replied with an unknown name. One thing that was determined was the back window that was broken was extremely expensive, due to the high tech electronics embedded in it and some suppliers did not have one in stock. It was a Thursday evening, and if I was going to get it replaced, I needed to make an appointment for the next day. I closed the phone book and said a prayer. “Lord, we don’t have the money, this is the only working vehicle we have and I need to know what to do. If this incident is to bring my father and I together, then it is in Your hands.” I was prompted to open the phone book one more time, close my eyes, point to an ad and call the store to which I had pointed. I called and asked, “Who’s the owner of the shop?” and the person on the other end of the line stated my father’s name and asked if she could help me. At that point, I nearly fell out of my chair. I asked if he was available, and she said no, that he had gone home early that day. The young woman insisted on helping me, and I began to tell her of our broken window and that I was his daughter and was wondering if he could help. I was told that my dad had been trying to find me for the past couple of years and the glass could be replaced the next day for a fraction of the cost of other suppliers.
I went to the shop the next morning. I entered and asked for my dad, and was told he did not come in that day, but they were going to get my car fixed up. I thought to myself, “Here it goes again, the pain I remembered from before.” I was then introduced to my step mom and step sister and was told my dad was very ill and had stayed home. When I went to pick up the car, I was told there was no charge and was invited to come to their home in a few days for dinner. I accepted.
When my family and I arrived, the house was decorated with many Christmas decorations, and as I entered the living room I saw a beautifully decorated tree. Under the tree were many presents. We exchanged hugs and caught up on the past few years. After a little while, we were all handed presents under the tree to open. Here I was, 40 years old, and these were the only presents I ever recalled receiving from my father. The moment was more special than words can express.
I learned that Dad had Hepatitis C and was in need of a liver transplant. The doctors had given him about ten years to live without a transplant. We spent time together throughout the next couple of months. In fact, he came to our Easter drama presentation at church, in which I was one of the actresses. I felt like a little girl when her daddy comes to her first dance recital. I later learned that my dad had not been to church for many years and had bought a special suit just for that day.
About a month later, Dad got sick and went to the hospital. I spent as much time with him as I could. I was asked while at the hospital if I would consider donating a portion of my liver to be transplanted into his body. This could potentially give him new life and hope. I would only be a candidate for this procedure if I was a match; however, I was also told that the risk could be death for me. I began to understand how Christ felt when he made the decision to give his life for people that may not have loved him in the way He wanted them to love Him.
After a couple of days, the doctor said Dad was improving and that he would likely go home the next day. I left that evening and went home to update my husband. My husband said, “I’m going to the hospital to see your dad.” He left and I went to bed.
The next morning, my husband told me that the Lord had impressed him to go visit with my dad and talk to him about the Lord. During my husband’s visit that night, he was able to confirm Dad’s salvation, which was the purpose of his visit. Then I received a call. “Your dad is in a coma and they have moved him to Intensive Care.” I went to the hospital to see Dad right away. Just a few days later, he died.
Finally, I had developed a relationship with my dad and he was gone within five months. What I then realized is that I was his last “unfinished business.” When our paths crossed, the Lord was able to take 40 years of pain and sorrow and exchange it for love, joy and forgiveness. Yes, forgiveness! Guarding my heart was a form of unforgiveness. I did not realize it until I got alone with the Lord. When my unforgiving attitude was dealt with, then God could mend all the pain and sorrow.
Do you have unfinished business that the Lord is longing to finish? Will you surrender to His will today?
“We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose” (Romans 8:28, The Amplified Bible.
My mom and dad separated before I was born. According to my mom, my dad was not interested in being a part of my life. I had very few memories of seeing him. When I was 16, I sought out my father. The encounter was awkward and difficult for both of us. The time together did not fill the void of my father’s love in my heart.
The attempted relationship went nowhere. Then a few years later, at the birth of my first child, I called to tell him he was a grandfather, but he did not call nor visit. I was crushed emotionally, and I decided I did not need to open that wound any more. I did not know the Lord at that time in my life. A few years passed and I came to know the Lord as Savior and decided to try once again to have a relationship with my dad. I went to his auto glass shop and walked in the office; he leaned out the window and said, “May I help you?” Here was my father and he did not even recognize me and my young daughter who was coming to meet her grandpa. I was crushed again with the pain of feeling unknown, unwanted, and unloved. After this meeting, I decided I had done my part to bring about healing and to build a relationship and therefore, I did not need to be hurt again. I decided I needed to guard my heart to keep from feeling such intense pain and rejection.
Years later, I had relocated to another area of the country and my second daughter was born. My husband urged me repeatedly to contact my dad as he had a right to know he had another granddaughter. It was my impression that I did nothing but complicate my father’s life and felt it was best to continue to guard my heart. Time went on and we moved back to the area in which he had previously lived. Out of curiosity, I drove by his last business address and it was no longer there. I also looked in the phone book to see if he was listed in the area. There was no listing. So I had done my part again and he was not there. Deep down inside I was concerned as to where he was and what was going on.
One cold winter night, just two days after Christmas, my husband called to say he was stranded because “Ol’ George,” his truck, had broken down. He asked me to come help him. When I got there, we could not get the vehicle started, so we went to a nearby auto parts store to buy a tow chain. We hooked the cars up and my husband gave me some tips on how to get the truck moved to a location where we could leave it overnight. We managed to get just a block away and mysteriously the tow chain came loose and shattered the back window of our only working vehicle. It was below zero, freezing rain was falling and we had very little money since Christmas had just been a few days before.
Here comes the part where the devil was God’s messenger boy! What the devil meant for bad, God planned to use for my good. I did not get that message at that point. All I could think was, “What are we going to do now?” We left “Ol’ George,” taped up the back window of my car and drove home feeling very defeated.
When we arrived home, I mentioned to my husband that my dad used to own an auto glass shop to which he replied, “This is probably not the best time to contact him.” I told my husband that I had tried to find my dad months before and was not able to do so, but I just wondered if he still was doing that type of business. I called several auto glass dealers and asked them “Who owns the shop?” Each caller replied with an unknown name. One thing that was determined was the back window that was broken was extremely expensive, due to the high tech electronics embedded in it and some suppliers did not have one in stock. It was a Thursday evening, and if I was going to get it replaced, I needed to make an appointment for the next day. I closed the phone book and said a prayer. “Lord, we don’t have the money, this is the only working vehicle we have and I need to know what to do. If this incident is to bring my father and I together, then it is in Your hands.” I was prompted to open the phone book one more time, close my eyes, point to an ad and call the store to which I had pointed. I called and asked, “Who’s the owner of the shop?” and the person on the other end of the line stated my father’s name and asked if she could help me. At that point, I nearly fell out of my chair. I asked if he was available, and she said no, that he had gone home early that day. The young woman insisted on helping me, and I began to tell her of our broken window and that I was his daughter and was wondering if he could help. I was told that my dad had been trying to find me for the past couple of years and the glass could be replaced the next day for a fraction of the cost of other suppliers.
I went to the shop the next morning. I entered and asked for my dad, and was told he did not come in that day, but they were going to get my car fixed up. I thought to myself, “Here it goes again, the pain I remembered from before.” I was then introduced to my step mom and step sister and was told my dad was very ill and had stayed home. When I went to pick up the car, I was told there was no charge and was invited to come to their home in a few days for dinner. I accepted.
When my family and I arrived, the house was decorated with many Christmas decorations, and as I entered the living room I saw a beautifully decorated tree. Under the tree were many presents. We exchanged hugs and caught up on the past few years. After a little while, we were all handed presents under the tree to open. Here I was, 40 years old, and these were the only presents I ever recalled receiving from my father. The moment was more special than words can express.
I learned that Dad had Hepatitis C and was in need of a liver transplant. The doctors had given him about ten years to live without a transplant. We spent time together throughout the next couple of months. In fact, he came to our Easter drama presentation at church, in which I was one of the actresses. I felt like a little girl when her daddy comes to her first dance recital. I later learned that my dad had not been to church for many years and had bought a special suit just for that day.
About a month later, Dad got sick and went to the hospital. I spent as much time with him as I could. I was asked while at the hospital if I would consider donating a portion of my liver to be transplanted into his body. This could potentially give him new life and hope. I would only be a candidate for this procedure if I was a match; however, I was also told that the risk could be death for me. I began to understand how Christ felt when he made the decision to give his life for people that may not have loved him in the way He wanted them to love Him.
After a couple of days, the doctor said Dad was improving and that he would likely go home the next day. I left that evening and went home to update my husband. My husband said, “I’m going to the hospital to see your dad.” He left and I went to bed.
The next morning, my husband told me that the Lord had impressed him to go visit with my dad and talk to him about the Lord. During my husband’s visit that night, he was able to confirm Dad’s salvation, which was the purpose of his visit. Then I received a call. “Your dad is in a coma and they have moved him to Intensive Care.” I went to the hospital to see Dad right away. Just a few days later, he died.
Finally, I had developed a relationship with my dad and he was gone within five months. What I then realized is that I was his last “unfinished business.” When our paths crossed, the Lord was able to take 40 years of pain and sorrow and exchange it for love, joy and forgiveness. Yes, forgiveness! Guarding my heart was a form of unforgiveness. I did not realize it until I got alone with the Lord. When my unforgiving attitude was dealt with, then God could mend all the pain and sorrow.
Do you have unfinished business that the Lord is longing to finish? Will you surrender to His will today?
After You Have Suffered a While
By Karren Farley
“But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you,” 1 Peter 5:10 (NKJV).
To suffer means to feel pain or great discomfort in body or mind. It also means you endure or put up with something painful or unpleasant.
We can look around our world and see the suffering that is taking place. Sometimes life is not fair. It is painful and sometimes it is scary. People have lost their jobs, homes, even their life-savings. In some cases, individuals are better off. They took a detour, not of their choosing, and found a job that they love. Others have learned the dangers of living outside of their budget.
Many are learning to trust God as never before. I believe God has allowed this to happen to get our eyes off of prosperity and back on Him. Suffering is not pleasant, whether it’s a lack of material things or suffering that takes place because of your stand for Jehovah God. In today’s society we are told we must be “politically correct,” so there will certainly be times that we must take a stand for God’s standard rather than man’s.
The rest of the verse says the God of all grace will “...perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you.” Wow, what a prayer Peter is praying over us! He doesn’t pray that we will be excused from suffering, but that suffering will be for a limited amount of time.
We celebrated Father’s day last month. It gave us a chance to let our dads know how we feel about them. For some, picking out that right card for Dad was easy; for others, it was hard. Why? Because there are issues that need to be faced. You may have been abused by him, never encouraged by him or always belittled by him. God is saying, “I see your suffering, your sadness, your hurts.” He is saying, “Give it all to me now.” You are an adult now, so let God strengthen you, establish you and settle you into the path He has for you.
Let’s pray!
“But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you,” 1 Peter 5:10 (NKJV).
To suffer means to feel pain or great discomfort in body or mind. It also means you endure or put up with something painful or unpleasant.
We can look around our world and see the suffering that is taking place. Sometimes life is not fair. It is painful and sometimes it is scary. People have lost their jobs, homes, even their life-savings. In some cases, individuals are better off. They took a detour, not of their choosing, and found a job that they love. Others have learned the dangers of living outside of their budget.
Many are learning to trust God as never before. I believe God has allowed this to happen to get our eyes off of prosperity and back on Him. Suffering is not pleasant, whether it’s a lack of material things or suffering that takes place because of your stand for Jehovah God. In today’s society we are told we must be “politically correct,” so there will certainly be times that we must take a stand for God’s standard rather than man’s.
The rest of the verse says the God of all grace will “...perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you.” Wow, what a prayer Peter is praying over us! He doesn’t pray that we will be excused from suffering, but that suffering will be for a limited amount of time.
We celebrated Father’s day last month. It gave us a chance to let our dads know how we feel about them. For some, picking out that right card for Dad was easy; for others, it was hard. Why? Because there are issues that need to be faced. You may have been abused by him, never encouraged by him or always belittled by him. God is saying, “I see your suffering, your sadness, your hurts.” He is saying, “Give it all to me now.” You are an adult now, so let God strengthen you, establish you and settle you into the path He has for you.
Let’s pray!
God, you see the issues that I am dealing with;
Please forgive me for holding on to them.
You see how it has affected my whole life.
I now forgive everyone that has caused me undue hardship, suffering and pain.
I have been walking through life burdened by these things, so now please give me the strength to live a meaningful life with You fully in charge.
In Jesus Name, AMEN!
Be Steadfast in Faith
By Karren Farley
“Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world” (I Peter 5.9, NKJV).
I discussed resisting Satan in the last devotion. Now I want to talk about being steadfast in the faith. Steadfast means “to be firm and unwavering in purpose, loyalty or resolve.” Wow, if we were all steadfast in our faith what a difference we would make in our families, in our local churches, in the workplace and in the world!
Peter was concerned about Christians’ faith.
Matthew Henry’s Commentary says;
We need strong, steadfast women of God in our society. I don’t mean loudmouthed, strong-willed, domineering women. I mean that we need to become women who are strong in faith. We must have strong prayer lives and consistent relationships with God even in the rough times. I’ve been told many times that people have been encouraged by the example I have set with all the “ups and downs” I’ve had in my life.
People are watching us! Yes, they are watching you. Are they seeing someone who is steadfast? Let’s work on it this week.
Prayer:
“Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world” (I Peter 5.9, NKJV).
I discussed resisting Satan in the last devotion. Now I want to talk about being steadfast in the faith. Steadfast means “to be firm and unwavering in purpose, loyalty or resolve.” Wow, if we were all steadfast in our faith what a difference we would make in our families, in our local churches, in the workplace and in the world!
Peter was concerned about Christians’ faith.
Matthew Henry’s Commentary says;
It was the faith of these people that Satan aimed at; if he could overturn their faith, and draw them into apostasy, then he knew he should gain his point, and ruin their souls; therefore, to destroy their faith, he raises bitter persecutions, and sets the grand potentates of the world against them. This strong trial and temptation they must resist, by being well-grounded, resolute, and steadfast in the faith: to encourage them to this.Times have not changed; it is the same today. We have a real enemy who is out to destroy us. I was talking with someone this week that is always angry with God. He is having trouble trusting in Him and I‘m sure it goes back to something that happened in his past. He blames God for everything, looks at circumstances and then curses God. It is easy to slide into this negative cycle once we let the guard down in our hearts and minds. We cannot hold on to bitterness, nor resentment. If we are unforgiving of the offences committed against us, we open the door for demonic thoughts to control us. We must be steadfast in our faith!
We need strong, steadfast women of God in our society. I don’t mean loudmouthed, strong-willed, domineering women. I mean that we need to become women who are strong in faith. We must have strong prayer lives and consistent relationships with God even in the rough times. I’ve been told many times that people have been encouraged by the example I have set with all the “ups and downs” I’ve had in my life.
People are watching us! Yes, they are watching you. Are they seeing someone who is steadfast? Let’s work on it this week.
Prayer:
God, I ask that you help me to become
a consistent, steadfast woman of God.
Forgive me where I have failed.
In Jesus Christ’s Name, Amen.
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