Is there anybody out there...?

Have you ever asked that question? 

Sitting by the bedside of a sick child...lying in bed awake, when sleep won't come...when you've done everything you can trying to work on a marriage...when you're down to the last dollar and you don't know how to pay the bills...when you're lonely and frustrated and feel like things will never change... Have you ever looked up into the night sky and asked, "God are you there, and if you are... do you hear me?"

I think we've all been there at one time or another. Even those of us that "know" God. Those of us that walked down the aisle of the sanctuary and made that "public profession of faith". I'm Protestant, so that's how we do it. If you grow up in the Church, then usually it's when you're young; grade school, or junior high. Oh there are a few holdouts...sometimes high school, but most of us make some kind of public decision when we're young. But then comes marriage and a family and then all the life problems and situations that come with adulthood. You've been away from "church" for awhile...being a grown up...on your own...things to do...places to go...people to meet. Life.

And then one day you find you cannot do it alone. You can't see where it's all going and you've hit rock bottom. you're alone, by yourself, and there's no one...not one person you can count on to fix the mess that you're in. 

Ben Canales via Google Images

Are you that person?

I had a strange request from the Lord today. He said to me, "Go write a post". 

Lot's of things have happened since the last post I wrote. My husband has had inner ear surgery for the Meniere's Disease, and is doing well. He's had a long hard road to walk with this, but we knew surgery would be necessary. He's improving every day. I haven't posted much because the truth of the matter is that I've been "waiting". I just needed to be quiet and let God lead in this health situation with my husband. It's been consuming to say the least. I felt that each post would be geared around this health problem and I didn't want to be a broken record. We've had faith for healing, and God has been doing that. Thank you, Lord!

But today I heard the Lord speak to me several times about writing a post, and all I knew was that someone was asking that question...

"Is there anybody out there?" 

And the answer...?

Yes, He's there and He hears you.
He hears you and loves you and wants you to know you're not alone.

Matthew 6:8 "...your Father knows what you need before you ask Him."

Jeremiah 33:3  "Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know..."

and if you need someone, I'm here too.

in Jesus' Name,

What's Your "Response"?

If you remember the title of my last post it was "Can We Talk?" If you haven't read that post then please take a minute to scroll down to the next post. This is a continuance of that previous post. 


As a wife and mother it's mind boggling to think of how many times I've asked a question directed at one of my girls or my husband.

"What sounds good for dinner?...
When do I need to pick you up from practice?...
Do you have your homework finished?...
Have you taken time to make the dinner reservations?"...


OK, these are just a few minor examples from everyday life. A conversation with another person almost always includes a few questions being asked. Unless we are control freaks or dictators we all know that questions are important and then the value of a "response".

The Oxford Dictionary gives the definition as " a reply or answer...reaction or comeback..feeling, movement or change... accountability, liability...effect, result, consequence."


I want to take a closer look at this word "response". There are a lot of words that are derived from this one word... respond, responsible, irresponsible, responsibly...you get my drift. When we ask a question we are always looking for a timely "response". Yes, we want an answer from the one to whom we a asking the question. If we don't get the answer, we may feel compelled to ask again...and again... But what if the question goes unanswered...do we continue upon deaf ears or do we walk away?

I told you last post that God had been seriously asking me to make some changes in my life. He would bring up the subject and ask...politely. He continued asking...proding...reminding...but my "response"? I had been giving Him excuses.

Sometimes God gives me a date; a day in the future to put on my calender. Like a date that you circle, put a star next to, or outline in red. There have been lots of them, and for almost every "date" I have been given, something always takes place of importance. Well, He gave me a date in March, and I was excited. What would happen on that day? I was of course thinking along lines other than what was coming. I'd been praying about getting in better physical health, (that's always on my mind) but I was hoping some kind of miraculous thing would happen to me to all the sudden start this change. Yep, I wanted some kind of miracle, because I didn't think I could do it myself. It was easier to hope for a miracle than to take the "responsibility" to do something myself. I didn't want to make a change...be accountable..or face any consequences.

We all probably have favorite scripture that has really spoken to us over the years. "Life Verses" I've called them. Ones that can speak to you over and over, and often result in those amazing "Aha" moments. Romans 12:1-2 are those verses for me.

Living Sacrifices
Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- His good, pleasing and perfect will.


Did you read the scripture? think of "spiritual act of worship" as our response that God is looking for. 


Just so happened that my daily Bible study time has been in Romans. I don't read to read. I know there are lots of good program schedules that tell you how to read the entire Bible in one year. Those have a purpose I'm sure...like maybe just getting you acquainted with what actually the Bible is all about. But if that's how you "read" and study the Bible then let me tell you that you may be missing what God is trying to share with you. "Volume of scripture" should never be our reason for opening the Bible. Let God lead you on where to focus. That is one of the ways He speaks to us.


So that date?...it came and went...swoosh...nothing...nada...sound of crickets chirping.

The next day I asked God what had happened to my "red letter day". That's when I heard Him tell me about the decision that I was going to have to make. a big one. a life changing one. one that my future depended upon. And I knew that this time I would have to give a "response"...not an excuse...to God.


to be continued...
love in Jesus,

I always love to hear from you in the comment section...so does everyone else. Has God been asking you something? What was YOUR response?

Can we talk?...

I'm still here, just in case you thought I was "backslidden" or some other dreadful thing. I have to laugh, cause, wow, I really hate that word. I've heard it my whole life bandied about by regular churchgoers who describe some poor unfortunate that maybe isn't living up to everyone else's standards. Nope, not backslidden, I've just felt like keeping my mouth shut for awhile while I try to sort out my life. Of course I'm not sure that's very easy for any of us. Cause just when you think things are figured out you can have something hit you from out of the blue and there you are again facing those big ?s.

Actually what I really want to talk about is taking God seriously in the matters of our daily life and then the issue of God's timing. That can be a sore spot for a lot of us, because sometimes His timing feels really OFF. (can I get an AMEN to that?) I just want to share a "case-in-point" in my own life.

So, most of you know I have some heart and cardiovascular problems that are hereditary, but still MY problem no matter where they came from or how I got stuck with them. AND for the last three years I've had to take some (sometimes more, sometimes less) medications that yes, can save your life, but at the same time cause all kinds of other side effects.

I'll be honest here, I'm talking about weight gain and generally having low energy and yada yada yada. Throw in post menopause and I'm not a happy camper in the "look at yourself in the mirror" department. Plus the fact that I'm short so that just compounds the problem. Now, I want to make myself perfectly clear, this isn't just about appearance, but about my overall general health. I'm all for the idea of being happy with ourselves, but I have the added concern (and responsibility) of health. Actually we ALL have that issue. Taking care of our bodies by what we eat goes WAAAAAAY beyond how we view ourselves outwardly, but how we should be answering to God's plan to be and stay healthy.

I've whined to God for the last few years about getting in better shape, but exercise for me is tricky. I have to be careful to not overdo it. A day of physical activity can put me in bed for a day. I have to keep in mind that I need to "strenghen" myself slowly, not wind up in the hospital because my heart has been overtaxed.

And then the next idea is e.a.t.i.n.g. Good grief, I wish it could be more simple. OK, maybe it IS simple and I just hadn't grasped the concept. So, I'm praying and whining and praying and whining, the whole time I know that I need to get some pounds off cause my blood pressure is too high and I have some joints that scream at me any time I try to shop the mall. Not to mention the fact that I've had plenty of conviction to eat more healthily. The only thing I can say is that I was full of excuses. I won't even go there, because there are just too many.

A few weeks ago God woke me up in the morning and said very clearly to me. "Soon you are going to have to make a decision and this time it better be the right one. Your future depends on it." GULP... Can I tell you that that statement put the proverbial "fear of God" into me? My mind started racing as to what the decision actually was and of course my thoughts were not about my eating habits...but more earth shattering possibilities.

I'm going to finish this post in a few days, because I think that God can use just this much to speak to some of you today too. Anybody out there in the same boat with me? It doesn't have to be about "eating". Chances are God has been gently nudging some of us to do His will and we've casually been either ignoring Him or just not taking Him too seriously. Are you feeling it?

If so, you can take this opportunity to be open to what God's about to say...get ready...He might say something you're really needing to hear.


p.s. just want to let you know that you can sign up to receive this blog's current posts in your email. (on the right sidebar) I'm pretty sporadic so it might be an easier way to keep track. 

love in Jesus,

Why are you crying?

I've said this before, and I will say it again today, I'm not a Bible Scholar. I don't have any degrees in theology or Biblical Studies. I have a poor memory and cannot quote scripture. And the truth be told, I'm not even good at remembering where verses are located. But I DO love the Bible and God's Word to us. I'm basically a blank slate. 


The Lord says to me frequently, "Be available", and that's what I try to do; to
be available in my life, time, and finances, but mostly be available so that He 
might speak. This morning as I sat here at the computer, knowing He had
something to say, He spoke a verse to me. John 20:14. 
No, He didn't quote it to me. He just gave me chapter and verse. When I 
opened my NIV Bible this is what I saw.

"At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus."

google images

Here it is in context of the surrounding verses:

John 20:10-18

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

¹⁰ So the disciples went away again to their own homes.

 ¹¹ But Mary was standing outside the tomb weeping; and so, as she wept,

 she stooped and looked into the tomb; ¹² and she *saw two angels in white

 sitting, one at the head and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had 

 been  lying. ¹³ And they *said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?”

 She *said to  them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not 

 know where they  have laid Him.” ¹⁴ When she had said this, she turned

 around and *saw Jesus  standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus.

 ¹⁵ Jesus *said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?”

 Supposing Him to be  the gardener, she *said to Him, “Sir, if you have carried

 Him away, tell me  where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” ¹⁶ 

 Jesus *said to her,  “Mary!” She turned and *said to Him in ^[a]Hebrew,

 “Rabboni!” (which means,  Teacher). ¹⁷ Jesus *said to her, “Stop clinging to

  Me, for I have not yet  ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and 

 say to them, ‘I ascend to  My Father and your Father, and My God and your

 God.’” ¹⁸ Mary Magdalene *came, announcing to the disciples, “I have seen 

 the Lord,” and that He had said these things to her.

My first question was why this particular scripture, and He said it

was because someone was crying and needed to know that He was 

there with them.

I've read this so many times and the thing that I realize is that sometimes we are

so distressed  in the circumstances that we do not realize or feel that God is with us. 

Mary Magdalene had  just seen Jesus crucified and put in the tomb. Yes, the

circumstances looked the worst; Jesus was gone from them, brutally murdered, and

the plan that they had all hoped for seemed destroyed. Her future and that of all the

others in Jesus' circle was in dire jeopardy. The future  seemed hopeless and bleak.

How did they move forward when their leader, their king and friend was gone...?

Have we all not felt like this at times. We are in the middle of horrible circumstances

that cause us to lose sight of the fact that even though we do not see how things can 

work out Jesus is there with us, He is in control, and He has a plan. And His plans are 

always "good". Lately God has been reminding me to not let what is happening in the

"circumstances" blind me from the fact that He is there with me. 

I know Mary was distraught, overwhelmed with grief and sadness, and fearful and 

uncertain as how to proceed. But a voice from behind her called her name and when 

she heard that voice her attention turned from "herself" to realizing that Jesus was 

right there with her.

No matter what you are going through at this moment, Jesus is there with you. He

will listen to you and comfort you, and give you direction and peace. Sometimes He 

is speaking to us but we don't know that it is God. Get quiet and let Him speak to you. 

He is there with you, and loves you...and He does have the answers.

love in Jesus,

Verse for the New Year

This post may be a little late for the "contemplating the New Year" kind, but I haven't had the opportunity to sit down and put these thoughts into writing until now, so today it is.


I've read and enjoyed so many of your New Year's posts sharing your intentions and resolutions, plans and goals, and just plain old hopes and dreams. Especially you younger gals with big things happening in your lives. Blogging has given many of you some amazing opportunities this year;  from recognition in magazines, photography, television, and the book world, to actually "living your dreams". Honestly, I couldn't be happier for you...really...truly! 


I have to warn you though, as you get older the concept of making resolutions fades a bit and the turning of the calender page takes on a little less significance. Life experience and circumstances have a bad habit of wearing a person down a little. I know what it's like to have "resolutions" wind up in the ditch by the end of January, or to have something thrown in my path unexpectedly like a family crisis or health setback. "Life" has a way of derailing the best of intentions.  I guess the blessings of youth are optimism and the promise of the future. I'm not on a "downer" here, just contemplating life a little, I guess. And how we view what is ahead of us. 


Many of you have talked about how you have a "word" for the New Year. A word that some of you will use as a roadmap for the journey into 2012. To other's it's a definition of what you desire the atmosphere around you to be; a goal, an attitude, and a viewpoint. Hopefully our words are God given and spoken. I know that God likes using dates, times, and seasons to express Himself in our hearts. When we're prayerfully contemplating our lives and the prospect for change, He's is more than happy to speak to our open hearts and minds. He's an "encourager", and He desires to bring us into a place of possibilities and optimism. He's been working on me in that area...


OK, back to the "word" idea for the New Year. So I asked God if there was a specific word for me to contemplate and keep in my spirit for this year. It didn't come immediately, but as I was doing a short post for New Year's Day, a scripture verse came to mind. It had nothing whatsoever to do with the adorable vintage postcard with kittens, but it had to be included. 


Proverbs 16:9 "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps."

It seemed a little out of place and incongruous with that postcard post, but I've learned to go with it, if it's something from the Lord.  This verse has been rattling around in my head for a few days and the more I've thought about it the more I've realized God has been speaking to me concerning this thought for quite a while now.

Let me share just a little of what I think He may be trying to say. 


First of all for this verse to be truly accurate we need to be a child of God. Believers can have a firm faith that if we really love the Lord and seek Him that He will ultimately be in charge of our lives and destinations. If we never seek Him for help and guidance then it's easy to get off track in our thinking and plans. This in turn can send us down the wrong path. Staying in touch with the Father on a daily basis and letting the Holy Spirit lead us may not mean that our lives will be easy or perfect, but they will be "determined". The Oxford dictionary says this about the word "determine, -ed" fixed, precise, distinct, settled, persistent, unwavering.


Another word that stands out for me in this verse is "course". Here is the definition: onward movement or progression, path, way, route, or track, a lesson, a part of a meal, a series of hurdles, a horizontal layer of bricks" a length of water.


And then this word, which really means a lot to me at this time. "Step". a unit of movement, a manner of walking, a degree in the scale of promotion or advancement, making progress, pace, stride, taking action, being in agreement.

At this stage in my life I'm more "contemplative" about the future. I've learned the hard way not to run off on my own and in my own thinking to do a certain thing. I don't want to get into something that's just not part of God's plan for me. There have been a few things that I've been "measuring" in my mind and considering so I've turned them over to God for timing and specifics. He's determining them for me and I'm allowing Him to plot the course, not only of this New Year, but of my future. He can do all that for me, but if I don't lift up my foot one day at a time and exert some effort to take the "step" nothing will happen. 


I had a sprained ankle last week, and now that I think of it, it may have been a little teaching tool that the Lord allowed. The thought of not being able to walk for a few days had me reeling. The concept of taking a "step" has a little more significance than it did before.


I'd love to hear in the comments if God has spoken a "word" or verse to you for the year. 


Love you all, thanks for listening, and sharing my life. You're a huge blessing to me!


In Jesus,

Set Apart?

Last night my younger daughter and I had a "Girl's Night Out". The hubbs and son-in-law were out in the woods deer hunting so that means she and I get to have a night out just the two of us. When we're alone we always end up talking about spiritual things. She is a young woman who has such a close relationship with the Lord. She's had a lot to walk through in her 31 years, and it's brought great insight and love for her Heavenly Father. We covered many subjects but one thing that we discussed was the fact that none of us are currently attending church on a regular basis. OK, I said it. It's just a period of time that is "in between" and not one that I like to advertise because it can bring a lot of "heat". 


I'm all for belonging to a church or fellowship, wherever God leads, and that's the key. "Where God leads..." I'm going to get honest right now so buckle your seat belts as they say, it may be a bumpy ride. Please don't email me any sermons on the importance of church attendance. I know them all and I totally agree. So hopefully you'll just listen to what I'm saying without feeling the need to lecture me, fair enough?

I've been to a lot of churches in my time for one reason or another. I'm not here to discuss them all, I could write a book about all my experiences...good and bad. My point today is to be doing what God is calling you to at this time. I want to be about God's "business", and my prayer is to do what He asks; where and when. Right now, even though I'm totally open and agreeable to be in a church fellowship, we just have not been led to be there. Many reasons why. I'm not fooling myself on this subject. 


Having said all that, these passages in Luke 4 hold a lot of insight and "mystery" for me concerning this subject. 


Luke 4:1 "Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan (after being baptized) and was led by the Spirit in(to) the desert... and Luke 4:14 "Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit..."


Sometimes the Holy Spirit leads us in a time of separation. That may mean many things, but it's different with different people. Maybe God is calling us apart for preparation, for emotional healing, for physical reasons, or just to rest and be with Him. The thing I've learned over the years is not to say "Well, God just doesn't DO that". (in my best "Church Lady" voice) Judging how God works in our lives and the lives of others is a no no. God works with people in various ways, many times it's contrary to "popular opinion". So I've learned to "zip it". If I have a question about someone's experience I try to take it to the Lord for clarification instead.


I don't want to lose sight of the point of this post and that is the scripture from Luke. Jesus was "filled with the Spirit" after his baptism, and was led out for a time of separation, but when He returned He came back in the POWER of the Holy Spirit. Time apart, listening to God alone, can result in being empowered by the Holy Spirit.


So if God has you in a time of "separation" or you feel like you're in the wilderness, don't let the devil have a field day making you feel guilty. Isn't that funny, the devil doesn't want us in church, but if God is doing something "different" with us, then the enemy will use "guilt" instead. Just be with God every day. Ask for His leading and guidance. Ask for His plan to become clear and savor every moment you have with Him. Because we never know when things will change in life. Who knows... things might change tomorrow.


love in Jesus,
Debra

Am I willing...?

It seems as if I've been somewhat deliquent, in that I haven't had a new post since before Easter. Maybe deliquent isn't the right word, but in reality, God has been leading me back to something that I haven't done for a while,  and that is reading. "Reading" you may ask...? Since I started blogging I let slide something that I really enjoyed and it was a place where the Holy Spirit would really speak to me and that was in reading spiritual books.

I've taken a lot of heat for this next statement, but it's one I stand on. Not only because God asked me to do this, but I also know that it's best; at least best for me. And that is not reading secular books or fiction. I told God about 16 years ago that I knew I was spending more time reading books than I was with Him. Not only the time factor, but that whatever I was reading would literally "take me over". The characters became friends, and the subject matter and frame of reference of the author permeated my mind. It was addictive, plain and simple. Today, I'm not talking about choice of reading matierial, but about listening to what God is saying for your everyday life.

So...I've been reading "God Books" again. (My older daughter used to refer to my mom's religious book collection in that way) Funny, it was my husband who purchased this current book. He had heard this pastor speak on the radio, and was curious about the book. You'd have to know my husband to understand the rarity of this. He works 6 days a week most weeks. Usually 11 hour days. Reading isn't really on his agenda, so when this book arrived I realized it was going to be up to me to read it then share it with my hubbs.

Today I just want to share a thought that made me realize I needed to get back to this, and that was in the book of Ephesians, chapter 5, verse17:

"Don't be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is."

 Pretty simple and straightforward, huh?

Do you ever feel the nudging of the Holy Spirit, many times over and over, yet you resist doing what He is asking? Maybe you don't even know what He might be asking, but you just resist the thought of finding out what it might be. Been there, done that.

You know, God isn't going to beg you to do anything. He comes to us and asks if we would be willing. He leaves it open for us to respond. You've heard the saying that The Holy Spirit is a "gentleman", and it's so true. He doesn't slap us upside the head, well, not usually, but sometimes He does goes "out of His way" to get our attention. He takes His time as a rule and waits for us. Something that has settled in to my spirit is just to ask the Father, "What is your will?" Today, tomorrow, long term... It doesn't have to be a huge deal, earth changing, or even life changing. Sometimes He just has a plan for us that we might not be seeking. I don't want to miss what God has for me because I'm "too busy" doing other things. I don't want to miss a word from Him, or a blessing, or even a task He has for me.

How about asking, "What's your will, Father?" 
Are you willing?

love in Jesus,
Debra

Waiting for Isaac

Reading scripture has a tendency to get personal. What happened to certain individuals over a thousand years ago can work it's way into our present day hearts and minds. People in the Bible aren't just "stories" or legends. They led lives similar to our own. Hopefully, the lessons they learned the hard way can help us from making those same mistakes. Most probably though, we have to make our own, to really grasp the concept. 

Over the last few weeks I've been "marinating". I am still in Galatians, even though I haven't done a post from that book in a little while. I don't want to leave Galatians until I share a few more things. Important things. The whole book of Galatians really speaks to us about our freedom. Freedom that is found in our relationship with Christ, versus the bondage that the Jewish people had lived in for thousands of years.

Galatians 4:21-23
21. Tell me, you who want to be under law, do you not listen to the law? 22. For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the bondwoman and one by the free woman. 23. But the son by the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and the son by the free woman through the promise. 
 
 

(photo from a book cover by Andrew Murray entitled Waiting On God)

Genesis Chapters 18-21
(Background Scripture)
 
Let me give you the abbreviated version:
 
God called Abram out of a country that was full of idol worshippers, He asked him to take his family to a place as yet undisclosed. Abram and his wife, Sarai, had no children and they were advancing in age. Sarai was beyond childbearing years and because of that they didn't have much hope even though God had promised them an heir and son.
 
After years of waiting, with no child, Sarah and Abraham (as they were renamed by God), decided to take matters into their own hands and use a handmaid to be a surrogate. The child would be Abraham's, but not Sarah's. So this was done without the consent of God. They had been told to believe and wait for their own child, but they did not. Let me state, this isn't a discussion on surrogacy in modern times, or adoption, but about listening for God's specific plan for your life. This goes beyond birthing children, and entails any subject that we have been praying and waiting for God to move in.
 
So Ishmael was born and the trouble started. There was bickering, jealousy, manipulation, disruption...you get the picture. Sarah who thought she was doing herself and her husband a favor created a situation that God did not ordain nor desire. Then "in the fullness of time" as they like to say, i.e. God's timing; Sarah herself miraculously conceived a son and delivered him.
 
Happy ever after...?
ah, ...no.
 
If you think there was trouble before Isaac's birth, it only got worse as time went on.
 
Can we see the "moral of the story"? If God tells you something, believe and wait. Don't get anxious and go try to make things happen yourself. Don't put together Plan B since it looks like Plan A is a washout.
 
How many times have we been guilty of this? Don't think I can count the times...
 
And then the result becomes such a huge mess.We are hurting and we hurt other people. Why didn't I wait? Why didn't I have the faith and stamina to believe what God has said, and stick it out.
 
The good news?
 
God forgives our sin, and has the power to bring change, even when we are at fault. He can take ANY situation and make it better. He's good like that. It doesn't mean that there might not be consequences, but even then, He still knows how to bring good out of a bad situation.
 
So do you have areas of your life that you've taken control of yourself? Areas and situations where you've prayed but seen nothing happen. Situations where you decided it was time to do it yourself because you were tired of waiting for God's promise?
 
Just get before God and ask Him to take over. Admit that you've not followed His direction, and that you are handing it back over to Him. He'll take it. And the pressure will be off you. This is God's Grace. He is totally able. We don't need to "work" to make things happen, not even our salvation.
 
Thank You Father, that you are the One who knows our hearts and minds; who sees our faults and comes to our rescue.
 
Amen.

No time like the present...

I want to share a little "thing" going on in my life that happened last week. It's about relationships, friendships, seasons, hearing God's voice...and change.

For the last several months I've been talking about knowing in my spirit; my gut, that things are changing. I'm walking into a new season even if I don't know exactly where that will be. I think we all can feel it when change is around the corner. God starts giving us nuances. They can be feelings, "intuition", emotions, changes in circumstances, etc. Many times it happens in others first, and we're the last to know. You know what I'm talking about. A situation that was good becomes overwhelming, boring, tiresome, too time consuming...as we say in "Christianspeak" the anointing comes off. Any number of emotions and feelings can accompany it. I've had this happen with many situations; God inspired situations, that unbeknownst to me, become out of God's plan or timing. Sort of reminds me of High School dating. One month you're infatuated with the guy sitting next to you in chemistry, the next month you can't get away from him fast enough. Nothing changed on the outside. He's still a great guy, but God leads you in another direction.

So, now to the case in point. First let me tell you that no one did anything "wrong"; it involves a friendship with a "business partner". We're not extremely close, but still good friends. We don't pick up the phone and call each other in the middle of the night to chit chat over a problem, but we enjoy the same design style and "get each other" in that area. We've known each other several years, can have a great laugh, share how God is working, and enjoy each other's company.

People come with all kinds of approaches to life. I'm one that likes to be forthright and upfront. I like to talk things through and know where everyone "is coming from". Pretty transparent. That's just me. I like that in friendships, and business relationships...any kind of "ship". I don't like surprises. I want all the cards on the table, so to speak. I like to know what others are thinking, especially when it has to do with a mutual situation or circumstance. I understand that not everyone is like me. (Actually this trait really annoys some people) Some people like to really get something totally thought out and concrete before it's made "public"...nothing wrong with that...it's just not who I am.

Now back to how God works in people and situations to accomplish His will.

I've known for a while that with having several blogs that my time is pretty much consumed with keeping them current. God led me into them. He set them up and put them together. But at the same time I didn't have time to do the same amount of Bible Study that I had done previously. I've been in a season of making connections through the web, and blogging; meeting wonderful people and having a forum for creativity and expression. Writing, photography (wow, I love this part; who knew???), visiting new places, making friendships etc. But at the same time my "God time" has diminished slightly. I've been in a season.

God doesn't always make things easy for us. Change can be uncomfortable. (Hey, didn't I just say that on my last post or two?) Sometimes He allows things that cause us to have to make decisions; difficult decisions, that require us to rethink priorities, be open to a new outlook, let go of some things. He shuts doors sometimes, and sometimes in those doors shutting our toes get stubbed and our noses get out of joint.

I won't go into detail here, because this situation involves a friend, like I said. We've talked through the outcome of this particular change and are still good friends. We still have a "business relationship", but God has some different things for each of us to do. The key here is that even though it had the potential to end our friendship, God gave us each grace to talk things out and realize that He indeed was calling each of us to do something different. Like I said, change can be devastating if you don't allow God to be in control of all aspects of it. Being led by the Spirit involves listening to Him, allowing Him to give us correct words, attitudes, and the freedom to lead us even when we are like stubborn little mules; angry, mouthy, stubborn little mules. I can be that at times.

So the result is even though I was pushed kicking and screaming through the door of God's plan, I did end up on the other side. He has reminded me that I'm not always right, other people have a say in a relationship, and that I can't always "fix" things. Sometimes things just need to change.

Getting to where God is leading us is not a destination, it's a process. Everyday being available to God. Doing what He asks, and realizing there's a bigger picture out there than what we might be able to see from our current vantage point. Ultimately it took following my own advice from last week. I had to ask God point blank, "is this a goal you want for me, or is this just something I want?" And guess what...He told me.

So, it wasn't the easiest weekend. But now I'm moving forward, one more step in the process to what's coming next.

love, in Jesus,
Debra

Setting Godly Goals

As the new year changed a lot of us were talking about, of course...New Year's Resolutions. And a resolution really is just a desire to attain a goal. Every January it gives me a reason to contemplate, not only my goals, but maybe ask God, "What kind of goals do YOU have for me?"

We all have desires in life, which can sometimes become goals, but every time I have a desire that persists, I have to be ready to submit that to God and ask "Is this really something you want for me, or is this something that I just want?" There isn't anything wrong with wanting and desiring things and situations, but before we jump on board the "Goal Train" I think it's best to view it in light of scripture and God's Word.

Without trying to be uber-spiritual here, I think we honestly have to know that God's desire foremost is for us to know Him as Our Heavenly Father and Savior. Then after that, He desires we "become like Jesus". OK, OK, I know that's impossible for us as human beings, but that should be our desire...to become as much like Jesus as possible. Prayer, Bible Study, just plain contemplating God and His Word gets us in that place of being "transformed".

Romans 12:1-2
1. Therefore, I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
2. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what God's will is...His good, pleasing, and perfect will.

And then allowing the Holy Spirit to change and transforms us results in a more Christ-like life.

Galatians 5:22
And the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Please don't let anyone tell you that God doesn't care about where you live, where you work, who you hang out with, or who you marry. That's a way to walk in our own desires. These are all decisions that effect our daily walk, and ultimately our destiny. Just know God has good plans for your life and that He cares about all the details.

I want to share a link with you to a great blog, written and lived by a great, godly gal named Julie Gillies. Some of you may read her (she's on my sidebar). Julie always has timely and great wisdom she shares. I'm going to capsulize a little of what she said, and then I'm going to ask you to go visit her for a more in depth look at making Godly Goals.

How to Pray When You're Setting Goals

1. Allow time for prayerful reflection.
2. Ask for clarity and direction.
3. Ask Him to shape your thoughts
4. Ask for pure motives
5. Ask God to show you the gifts He wants you to use.
6. Ask God to help you prioritize
7. Give yourself a break.


http://www.juliegillies.com/2011/01/how-to-pray-when-youre-setting-goals.html

I'm inviting you to go visit Julie and read this post, it's so on target for giving God the opportunity to instill His desires into our hearts.

I'd love to hear about the goals that you feel God is speaking to you about, and how those are translating into new decision making for 2011!

love, in Jesus,
Debra

New Year, New Word

I guess I'm a few days late to be having a "New Year's" post. I've read about many blog individual's "word" for this new year,(joy, balance, freedom, etc.) and I can say that I've been feeling the word more than I've been thinking about one particular word. I don't think it's coincidence that as human beings we feel the need to start fresh in the new year. God has seasons and times, and even though His "nature" doesn't change, He does change things up for all of us that know Him.

Last week a blogging friend of mine seemingly called out of the blue. She said she was heading down my direction and would I be available to get together to meet over lunch and maybe do some shopping, aka junking, antiquing, digging, etc. I was thrilled to hear from her and immediately knew that there was more to this plan than either of us might know at the time. No hotels for her. She would stay here at my house.

We sat and talked for hours, first; About our lives, our past, our children, our marriages, and our relationship with God. The more we talked the more we found we had in common, and then God really started moving and we realized that there had been a reason for us to meet. God was giving each of us a word that our lives will be changing. New direction, new opportunities, new partnerships. Through prayer and listening for God's voice we received a mutual direction for our year, and that was that God was taking a calling that had been on our lives; to "take up the mantle", and "reactivate" it.

He has a separate path for us, (hmmm...I'm beginning to think twice about this statement. God may have some surprises up His sleeve!), but one very similar. We are close in age, have married children, are fiercely independent, and each in a place in our spiritual life that we trust God's heart and direction for our lives.

God brought us together to confirm a work He is about to set into place for each of us. If you've been reading this blog for awhile you know that God placed a"call" in me about ten or eleven years ago. I had embarked on His path when suddenly and without warning, I had three major heart attacks and surgery that have literally sidelined me. For years God has asked me to do other things, but that tug has never gone away. Back in October I wrote a post totally directed by God that acknowledged and identified that.

So, now to the nitty gritty. I feel like things are changing with this little Bible Study Blog. I'm not sure how exactly. I've felt a need to re-read and re-study some of the posts that I did last year. As I've read them they have seemed completely new to me. I've come away refreshed and with a new outlook and understanding. That's the great thing about God's Word; it's always new and enlightening. It's living water that refreshes our spirit.

So what I think I'm doing is reposting more of the lessons that God gave me last year. A year ago, God had me writing and posting every day...long in-depth posts. So I'm going to take some of that material and look at it again. I'll be adding some real time comments at the end. If you've been with me for awhile you might have missed some of these. But many of you are new, so join in and we'll take a fresh look. Be sure and comment as the Holy Spirit directs you. I'm still here. Just in a time of prayerful review; listening to what God says will be coming.

I heard a phrase in my spirit a few mornings ago.
 "the united state of prayer".
till next time...

love, in Jesus,
Debra

Don't Go Back

We are still visiting with Paul as he writes to the Galatian believers. They are confused about their salvation and knowledge of the Gospel. They are letting others sway them into coming into the Jewish laws and rituals, in order to secure their salvation and relationship with God.


Galatians 4:8-20

8. However at that time, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those which by nature are no gods. 9. But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental things, to which you desire to be enslaved all over again? 10. You observe days and months and seasons and years. 11. I fear for you, that perhaps I have labored over you in vain. 12. I beg of you, brethren, become as I [am], for I also [have become] as you [are]. You have done me no wrong; 13. but you know that it was because of a bodily illness that I preached the gospel to you the first time; 14. and that which was a trial to you in my bodily condition you did not despise or loathe, but you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus [Himself]. 15. Where then is that sense of blessing you had? For I bear you witness, that if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me. 16. Have I therefore become your enemy by telling you the truth? 17. They eagerly seek you, not commendably, but they wish to shut you out, in order that you may seek them. 18. But it is good always to be eagerly sought in a commendable manner, and not only when I am present with you. 19. My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you-- 20. but I could wish to be present with you now and to change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.
 

I'm hoping that you'll not skip over the scripture in these posts. I sometimes get in a hurry and think "Oh, I know that, so I won't bother reading it", but I can assure you that any time WE take the time to read God's Word there will be a blessing; a new thought or revelation, comfort and peace, a desire to seek God, and an energized spirit.
 
In verse 8 we are reminded that before we knew God that we were slaves; slaves to the world's way of doing things. Lost, confused, missing out on what life is really about. Sometimes, sadly, we don't even KNOW we are slaves. We are locked in a prison of doubt and unbelief and misinformation, because "the world" offers us no truth or life. Coming to know God through Jesus Christ is freeing and liberating; a lifting of burden and darkness that is replaced with joy and blessing and peace.
 
Verses 9 - 11 Paul is asking a question of the Galatians that goes for all of us Christians, today: Once we have received the freedom that Christ brings, why would we want to turn around and walk back freely into bondage and slavery again? I think guilt and persuasion that we sometimes hear either from the pulpit or from our own thoughts, can make us doubt that we are living a life that is acceptable to God. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that we have the right to lead a "sloppy" Christian life. By "sloppy" I mean, lax and worldly, and not a life that glorifies God. I know I've been there before, so it's easy to fall back into old ways of doing things. Mostly I'm talking about the feeling that we aren't "good enough" to please God. God always wants us to be moving forward and growing in our Christian faith. But God is not a hard task master. H e doesn't heap unrealistic burdens on us or pressure. He's a leader, and we are the followers.

Matthew 11:28-30

28. "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29. "Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. 30. "For My yoke is easy, and My load is light."

Not only did the Jews at that time celebrate the feasts and Holidays, and follow the Ten Commandments, but they had tons of little rules and regulations that crippled the Israelite people. You know the phrase, "You can't see the forest for the trees"? Well Jesus was being ignored, because these Judaizers were concentrating on all the minutia of everyday rules and regulations, none of which were God ordained.

I truly enjoy studying and hearing about the "Feasts" that God set forth in the Old Testament. They are a "picture" and prophecy about Jesus and our relationship with Him. They were taught and celebrated so that the Old Covenant Jews could understand and have revelation about what was coming. It's important that we are familiar with these concepts of Old Testament life and worship, yet we don't want to fall into the trap of feeling that we have to follow these "to the letter". That's what the Judiazers were saying to the new Christians. "You're not "good enough" to just believe in Jesus, and have had a salvation experience. You must now "follow" all that the Jews have done". This put an unrealistic "burden" on these new Christians, and in doing so confused their knowledge of God's great love and sacrifice for them. Remember that the Old Testament is still relevant for study today. But also remember that it is "the Old Covenant" and that Jesus came to bring us into the "New Covenant".

In verses 12-18 Paul reminds them of the love and relationship that they had had together when he first came and set up the Church in their area. How they cared for him with great compassion in a time of illness. The new converts and Paul had been close and loving, yet the Judaizers were wanting them to alienate themselves from Paul's teachings. They wanted them to disassociate themselves from Paul and follow them.

Pray for discernment if any pastor, teaching, or denomination tells you that your belonging to this specific church is the only way for you to be saved. So many people have been hurt and abused by "churches" that are finger pointers. So praying for discernment can help us not only stay away from groups that are "fringe" and dangerous, but it can also lead and guide us where we should be. The Holy Spirit is there to lead and guide us into all Truth.

John 16:13

"But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.

And in verse 19 Paul gives the analogy of "giving birth". Anyone that has had a baby knows the pain of labor. Work and pain, but well worth the outcome. Salvation is immediate, but our being transformed into the image of Jesus can sometimes be a long process. It's not always easy, but so worth the journey.

I've mentioned before that this "expository" type of teaching has been so beneficial to my knowledge and understanding of the book of Galatians. It makes me pray and dig for the meaning of these scriptures. I don't want this to be boring for you, but right now this is just what God has asked me to teach. I have a feeling there are more of you out there than just me this can be enlightening for.  Concentrating on one passage or book can give us so much understanding and revelation. Let God lead you to where He wants you to read and study. When you do I can guarantee He has something to say of great value for you.

love in Jesus,
Debra

God Can Change Our Plan

Paul is giving his personal history to the Galatians once more. He's reminding them of what had happened to him on the road to Damascus, and what took place after that. Let's look at not only the details of that experience, but what happened shortly after to see how it positioned him to be used by God.

Galatians 1:16-24

16. to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood, 17. nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went away to Arabia, and returned once more to Damascus. 18. Then three years later I went up to Jerusalem to become acquainted with Cephas, (Peter) and stayed with him fifteen days. 19. But I did not see any other of the apostles except James, the Lord's brother. 20. (Now in what I am writing to you, I assure you before God that I am not lying.) 21. Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22. And I was [still] unknown by sight to the churches of Judea which were in Christ; 23. but only, they kept hearing, "He who once persecuted us is now preaching the faith which he once tried to destroy." 24. And they were glorifying God because of me.

Let's take a good look at these words in bold print. After Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus he was "sent by God" into the city and waited there for God's instruction. To understand Galatians, we need to also look at the Book of Acts for the "backstory" of Paul. Let's read the following to get a clear view of what happened to "Saul" as he was nearing Damascus, intent on persecuting Christians there.


Acts 9: 3-9


3. And it came about that as he journeyed, he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; 4. and he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" 5. And he said, "Who art Thou, Lord?" And He [said], "I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, 6. but rise, and enter the city, and it shall be told you what you must do." 7. And the men who traveled with him stood speechless, hearing the voice, but seeing no one. 8. And Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; and leading him by the hand, they brought him into Damascus. 9. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

 My first thought here is that it was not only "Paul" who experienced this flash of light and hearing of the voice of God. It says that those traveling with him also experienced it and that they also heard God's voice. I imagine that it was necessary for the others in the entourage to hear God so that they would be able to assist him in getting to where God wanted him to go. A big change of plans and Paul would need the help and support of those with him. I wonder if the others experienced the same kind of radical salvation as Paul, or were they just terrified? How could you experience this sort of thing and not be changed?

Let's see what God has to say to Paul. He asks him a question. Paul, why are you persecuting me? So often God has a way of getting our attention, that comes in the form of a question. Is God asking something of you right now? Has your life been "interrupted" by God, with something you didn't foresee? Has He asked you to change your plans? Trading our agenda for God's is not always easy. We may not be "persecuting" the Gospel, but are we doing something for God that is part of His plan, and not our own?

Mighty Paul the persecutor of the church was reduced to a blind man, completely helpless and in need of assistance. God told him what to do and even though I'm sure it was difficult in the fact that he was out to get the Christians there, he obeyed the Lord's voice and did as he was told. Being vulnerable and without our own agenda is often times where God will call us to be. That's a place where He has our attention.


Don't you imagine that Paul was fearful of both sides? Jews because he had turned traitor, and Christians because he was now vulnerable? What would happen when the news got out? And out it would be. I'm sure many were wondering what had happened to this persecutor of the Church, was it for real or a hoax; a plot to lure them in by disclosing themselves to this murderer? I'm sure Paul himself had a million questions to ask God.

As Paul was waiting in Damascus blind and helpless, God was also speaking to a Christian in the same city. God was laying out a plan for him to follow also. Both parties were willing and available to hear God, and to be obedient. And isn't that what God asks of all of us? Availability and willingness, to not only hear God speak, but to then follow through even though it might make us feel vulnerable and require a change in our thinking.


Paul stayed in Damascus and in Syria for three years. It was a time of isolation and complete dependence on God. Three years that Paul listened to the voice of God, alone. No other outside influences, no apostles, no other agenda. By himself...alone with God. Sometimes that's where God calls us to be; alone with just Him. Paul had to be prepared for ministry, and even though it might have been the logical thing for him to go back to Jerusalem and be in the midst of the apostles, comforted and protected; he trusted God, listened to Him, studied under the Holy Spirit, and did things God's way.


This isolation is important to understand because Paul's ministry would come under fire from every direction. Who taught him? Who did he study under? Did the apostles approve and endorse him? Important questions that would be asked once Paul came on the scene. It was critical and of most value for Paul to remain in isolation so that it would be clear that he received his "revelation" not from any man, but from Jesus Himself. Paul was an apostle. The disciples had been with Jesus for three years, and so now Paul would be with Jesus for three years. Interesting.


Is God preparing you for something? Let Him be the leader and director. He may ask you to be with Him more often, you may feel a calling and desire for more prayer and/or Bible Study. Follow the lead of the Lord, don't be afraid to be vulnerable. Trust Him, he will protect you. He may have a big plan in store.


love in Jesus,
Debra