The Joy Of The Lord Is My Strength

“Sing for joy to God our strength;” Psalm 81:1a NIV

Today in the garden I am not feeling so great. I’ve been a bit stressed lately. Sometimes the problems of others can also get me down. I often wonder why some of my wonderful Christian friends and family are going through such difficult times. Yet I know the answer. The Bible assures us that in this life we will have trouble. Sin has definitely left its mark and we see the results as we watch others struggle mentally, financially, and relationally. Many people are suffering with great illness, and others are dealing with death and dying.

As for myself, even if things are going well, sometimes I become on edge and loose my focus. When that happens my mouth goes wild and my spirit becomes dull. My response to my very patient husband is short and that is usually a sign I have put a little too much on my plate and I am taking it out on him.

God has such a sense of humor! Today as I walk the garden path in search of joy the first flowers to nod their bubbly heads at me are the “snapdragons”… “How appropriate!” I snap. Pressing on down the path I spy a beautiful patch of multi colored daisies and resting on one petal is a delicate butterfly. This unsuspecting butterfly is basking in the glorious sun and taking time to simply enjoy the moment. Then it hits me. I need to sit down and enjoy the moment. I need to be still and know that God is in control. I need focus on the joy of the Lord and listen.

“Listen to what? Listen to who?” God says, “You need to look up and take a lesson from the birds.” So I look upward at the beautiful blue sky and tune my ears to hear the song of the birds. They are free to sing and in their own way dance! I open my eyes and ears so I might learn God’s lesson for today by watching and listening.

My garden is filled with birds. Every day they come, the finches, cardinals, robins, wrens, chickadees, and the sparrows. Some days I get a glimpse of a delightful hummingbird. It is always fun to enjoy our onsite woodpecker and if I am up very early I hear a turtledove in the distance. Others winged friends visit from time to time but these are the faithful. I love that they choose my backyard and my garden. These beautiful birds fly to and fro across the clouds, yet they know my green acre is their territory. It is here that I watch them fly, perch, eat, drink, and splash. They wake up singing and they sing all day long! Such simple pure joy utterly amazes me. They are clueless. They don’t even know that life is hard. No wonder they sing! They sing as they feather their nests. They sing as they lay their eggs and patiently wait for their peeps to hatch. Soon they will be required to feed their peeps. Then they will teach their new offsprings to fly. These birds are ever so busy and yet they continue to sweetly sing.

At times I especially love listening for the distant hoot of the owl. He is always asking so many questions. Oh whoooo who whoooo made this day? Oh whoooo who whoooo can I trust? I know that he knows the answer to his own questions. It is God, his creator. Now I listen to the rhythmic hammer of the woodpecker. Even in his labor for food there is no complaint. The joyous praise that surrounds me is almost deafening. Oh that I would learn this unabashed joy from these busy yet joyful birds.

I have a plaque that hangs in my kitchen that reads, “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” Today I want to embrace that truth. The Master Gardener reads my thoughts and then he speaks. “You see Paula; you are blessed in many ways. Even in suffering there are always things you can be thankful for. When you or someone you love is struggling or grieving, I do not expect you to give thanks for that pain, but I do want you to learn to give thanks that I am there in the struggle as well. Because I am full of compassion, I weep with those who weep. When you trust me I will do an amazing thing with your pain. I will give you joy in the morning. When my people suffer I use that suffering to make something beautiful out of their lives. I do not expect you to give thanks for all things but rather give thanks in all things. Be joyful because my grace is sufficient. Be joyful because, for believers, this life is not the end but just the beginning of a pain free life that will never end. Do not take hard times, pain and suffering so personal. I know you feel like it is all about you but it really isn’t. It is about me and my purposes. Purposes that will give you and those you influence a joyous hope and a future and in this I will be glorified!”

So now I wonder, could it be that gratitude and thanksgiving is the place I must start to experience joy? Will my strength be renewed when I embrace the joy that is only found in Jesus? Is it possible that if I look up I can learn from yet another fowl of God’s creation? “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31 NIV

As a result of today’s lessons learned in the garden I am experiencing God’s amazing joy! It is true; the joy of the Lord is my strength. Today I give thanks to all my feathered friends for the lessons they have taught me this day and to their Creator and mine! Gratitude equals joy and that is my strength.

Questions:

1. When was the last time you experienced dark clouds and a heavy heart?

2. When you start slipping into unhappiness what steps do you take to change direction?

3. What do you think about practicing gratitude as a means of restoring joy to your spirit?

4. What will be the byproduct of joy?

Prayer:

Dear Jesus,

Your Word says that even in difficult situations you will keep me in perfect peace if I keep my eyes on you. Help me to learn to practice thanksgiving in all of life, especially the small details of daily living like rainbows, butterflies, grandchildren, flowers, hugs and kisses, beautiful birds, bunnies, cool breezes, a full stomach, hot showers, and rest. Jesus you are my utmost joy! Help me to soar like an eagle even when life is hard. Even through my tears I pray that I will continue to trust you to help me fly. God I want to thank you for the strength that comes to me as you restore the joy of my salvation.

In Your name I pray. Amen.

Lavish Love

“How great is the love

the Father has lavished on us,

that we should be called children of God!

And that is what we are!

1 John 3:1a NIV

 

I never cease to be amazed at the word pictures that are provided for us in the Word of God. This Father’s Day I am thinking about the love of the Father. The Bible says in 1 John 3:1 that God lavished his love on his children.

My children have occasionally disappointed me but the bottom line is there is absolutely nothing in this world they could ever do or say that would keep me from loving them unconditionally. As a mother I love them beyond words. I believe this confession of love is true for my husband as well. We love our children more than life.

Lavishing love on our children IS NOT our ability to give them great gifts and opportunities. As great as those things are, there are still things that are greater. A Christian heritage that models our faithfulness to God is the greatest gift we can give our children. It is a gift that is not purchased. It is a gift that is lived by example. We love our children lavishly when we teach them to respect God and teach them that each person is personally accountable to God. As we teach our children about the love of God we also teach them the necessity of having a personal relationship with God. We are to teach them the importance of developing a dependency on God for every need in their life. We teach our children that God can be trusted and that he is faithful. When we invest in our children’s lives in this way we love them lavishly!

My husband and I are Christians and we have for the most part had a healthy family life. This principle was modeled to us by our parents and we in turn are in the process of passing it on to our children. I wish I could say we have always done this perfectly, but we have not. There have been times when we let life get in the way. There were times when we thought that gifts, activities and opportunities came before example. I’m sure our children always knew we loved God but sometimes our example of living it out was lacking. Now our children have both left home and are currently living out their own faith. God has been faithful to them and they are faithful to God. Still, my husband and I are not free of the responsibility of example. Only spending time with God in the garden of our hearts enables us to continue to lavish God’s love on our children by example. We must remain faithful and become overcomers when we experience trouble that is always a part of life.

God is so good to give us the model of “family” so that in our humanity we can better understand his love for us. God had a son that he adored. Yet he sacrificed his one and only son, Jesus, so he could lavish his love on humanity. When we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior he lavishes his love on us personally in the form of forgiveness. Yet the Father did not forget the Son. His son, Jesus Christ sits at his right hand in heaven; this is a position of honor. Some day soon Jesus will return to earth and this time he will not be a suffering servant giving his life as a sacrifice for sin, but he will be the King above all Kings and the Lord above all Lords! On that day we who have accepted Jesus as our personal savior will rule and reign with him forever. This IS lavish love for the Son and for all of God’s children. “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”

I am amazed that not only do we have the opportunity to teach our children, but our children sometimes out trump us and teach us more about God’s love and faithfulness than we could ever hope to teach them. Once again, truth is taught by example and many times our children are the perfect example to us. There are times when our hearts ache for our children when they are hurting and experiencing hard times. Other times are hearts sing for joy when we see our children choosing Jesus during difficult circumstances or during a time of loneliness or loss. Our love for our children is a beautiful picture of how much our Heavenly Father loves us. Our Heavenly Father’s heart breaks for us when we are in need and he rejoices when we choose him. Everyday is Father’s Day when it comes to our Father in heaven cherishing and loving all of his children lavishly!

Questions:

1. How do you feel knowing that God’s love for you is lavish, plentiful, generous, and abundant?

2. Have your children ever taught you anything about the love of the Father?

3. What did they teach you?

4. Have you asked God to help you as you strive to be a godly example to your family?

5. Is there anything in your life that is sending the wrong message to your children?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

It is an awesome responsibility to be a parent. Sometimes I do it well and other times not so much. Father, forgive my short comings and challenge me to do a better job. Thank you for the gift of my family and help me to love them lavishly just as you love me. How blessed I am to be called your child. I pray God that I would regularly take stock of my priorities so that I can make sure you remain first, number one, and at the top of my list. Bless all fathers everywhere this day. If there are hurting men who are childless I pray that they would realize that there are always children to be loved and ministered to by example. Give each of them opportunities to touch the lives of children. I pray that every man on this Father’s Day would know the lavish love of the Father. Give every dad the wisdom to lavish on his children God’s love through his leadership, teaching, his faithfulness to the Father, and his loving example.

In you Son’s name I pray. Amen.

Where Does Serving God Begin?

“I praise you because

I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.

When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.

All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

Psalm 139:14-16 NIV

This week I am still in the garden reflecting on how I might best serve God and what he would have me do. I love my garden. I think that one of my favorite flowers is bright blue salvia that spikes in so many different places in the garden giving a delightful happy punch of color in so many ordinary places.

The spike of the blue salvia  reminds me of my service to God. Sometimes my service spikes in the most needed places that are void of joy and happiness. Other times it adds that needed punch of color to my daily work routine and never ending responsibilities. The garden of life has many opportunities for service and yet I continue to miss some of the most obvious points of service. I pass some opportunities off as routine, small, unimportant. I miss some opportunities for service because I am too busy to see the opportunity. When I consider using my gifts and talents I often think they must not count as service because I enjoy using them so much. I am reminded that David played the harp to the glory of God and he also played for his own personal enjoyment as well as for others.

I am saddened when I think of many believers who do not think that they have anything to offer God. They forget that they are fearfully and wonderfully made. They see others as talented and gifted but feel that they have no gifts or talents. Many people think that service belongs to the outgoing type “A” people of the world. Sometimes their negative attitude regarding themselves makes me wonder why God even bothered creating them in the first place.

Paul was an outgoing leader in the early church. Abraham was a more peaceful and laid back patriarch. It was not their temperament or accomplishments that were credited to them as righteousness. It was their faith. God made Abraham the Father of an entire nation. Moses could not speak well but still he pointed the Israelites to God. God wrote the commandments in stone and Moses simply carried them down the mountain. In the Bible, it appears there are many believers who were introverted type “B” people who simply majored in faith and obedience. Some might consider their service minor but God didn’t. Do you remember the widow who gave her “mite”, yet the Bible said she gave her all. What about Anna who worshiped and prayed night and day never leaving the temple? Never mind that during this same time, John the Baptist was screaming his lungs out in the desert, “Prepare the way for the Lord”. Now there is a type “A” person if ever there was one! Paul was traveling, encouraging believers and speaking out about divisions in the church and sinful behavior. God used Paul leadership abilities to establish the early church among the gentiles. But he used ordinary simple folk to show Paul hospitality and give him financial support.

So my question today that begs an answer is: Where does serving God begin? I must first serve God through my service to my family. I am to love, care for, spend time with, and enjoy my family. I must never underestimate the work of training, teaching, and influencing my family to find and follow Jesus. This is never a small calling. It may very well be the highest calling we will ever be given. What I teach my family about God is of eternal significance. I am to teach my family by word and example that God is to be first in all of our lives. This is Christian service 24/7! The small circle of family that God has given us is our responsibility. We will be held accountable for how well we do this job. Our success will not be based on their response to God, but rather on our obedience in leading and teaching our family God’s truth and modeling faithfulness.

Jesus set the perfect example of teaching, caring, loving, providing, encouraging, and praying for the twelve men that God had entrusted to his care. John 17:6-18 Jesus prayed for those that God had given him; we should never feel guilty that we spend too much time selfishly praying for the ones closest to us. It is a high calling from the Father and certainly kingdom service. In fact, I challenge you to raise the bar and pray for them more! Call God to the task and remind him that he loves them more than you do. Beg him to show up in their lives and never let them go. Pray that they will fall madly in love with Jesus Christ. Remind God that he has promised to bless your children and grandchildren for a thousand generations because you are faithful to him. Thank him everyday that God is actively at work in the life of your family. God’s power is released when we pray. The work of prayer is no small assignment! We are called to be mighty prayer warriors on their behalf of our family. Others may pray for our family but none will pray for them as we who love them pray.

We are to serve God with our gifts and talents. Believers and non-believers have many talents. But God has given every believer at least one spiritual gift. Our gifts and talents are to be used for God’s glory and to give us personal joy and refreshment as well. Even simple talents can be used for God’s glory. If you bake well, share some homemade goodies with a friend or neighbor. Include a note or a scripture. If God has gifted you with laughter then laugh with others. If you are a positive person then share that gift by sending notes and cards of encouragement. Some gifts and talents are more obvious and easier to recognize, especially when those gifts and talents belong to others. But even a word of thanks to a bathroom attendant who is keeping a public bathroom clean can make their day and make them curious as to why you even took time to notice. Flash them a Jesus smile and make them wonder why you are so happy. You are happy aren’t you?

Nature is the perfect place to serve God. Take time to enjoy nature. Nature is one of the most awesome blessings that God has given to humanity. Nature is a source of refreshment and joy as we experience God’s glory through his creation. Nature offers all kinds of opportunity to serve God. Through its beauty you can offer praise and worship to the creator for his amazing workmanship! A simple comment about God’s creation may open up an entire dialogue for sharing Jesus Christ with another person. This is the vehicle that can carry the work of being a witness to another person. Nature sometimes leaves paths of devastation. Showing up in a disaster area is another way to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Giving of your own resources to help others in need is also a work of obedience and faithfulness. You may not be the one who organizes the relief effort but you can pour a hot cup of coffee and pass out a sandwich or bottled water in the name of Jesus, the one who loves them.

There are so many places to serve. The question is not where I can serve but rather, “Lord where do you want me to serve?” Do not fall into the trap of comparing what you consider to be “big” service vs. your opinion of what you perceive as “little” service. It is God who knows his servant’s heart and sees the pure act of simple obedience. The smallest act of kindness can bring about life change in another’s heart. So if you are a closet servant, keep up the good work!

When Jesus walked this earth he touched the lives of the people in the market place and on the hillside. Yes, he taught in the temple and healed and forgave sin, but he also prayed for those he loved and he washed their feet. He even cooked breakfast for his disciples, (John 21:12) but ultimately, in the end Jesus Christ gave his all. The cross was a very big assignment straight from his Father. Jesus was an example of a selfless obedient servant. I am challenged to listen for his voice and simply be obedient to the smallest of assignments. We work for Jesus not because we have to but rather because we love him. Our service is not about us or our abilities. It is, about our love for God and our desire to please Jesus. God is amazing. Pure service is God energized. He takes the smallest act of obedience and blows it up into Gigantic God Glory!

Questions:

1. Do you consider your service to your family a high calling from God?

2. How can you serve God with your gifts and talents?

3. How can you serve God through nature?

4. How is God asking you to be his hands and feet, his eyes, his ears, and his mouth?

5. Is God asking you to raise the bar in your life through the work of prayer?

Prayer:

Dear Jesus,

Thank you that you did not shirk your assignment from your Father. Thank you for your obedience that led to your death on the cross. Because I love you Lord, I must learn to listen for your voice and then obey. Where would you have me go? What would you have me do? Where would you ask me to stay? How would you have me serve you? From the smallest to the greatest assignments help me to be obedient. Lord, help me not to question the size of the task at hand by thinking it is too small or too large. Remind me Lord that out of so very many people, there are only a very few who are called to great visible assignments. I imagine that those busy people may not have the time or recourses to do what you asking of me. Remind me Lord that you made me just as you wanted me to be, you have known all my days even before one began, and that you have a purpose for my life. God, I am reminded that you accomplish all of your work through imperfect people. Forgive me when I question my abilities, my giftedness, my talents and my qualifications. Help me to keep my eyes on you and the work you have for me to do. Forgive me for the sin of comparing myself to others. Today Lord I want to practice listening for your assignments. Help me to experience the pure joy that comes from serving you – be it great or small.

In Your Name I Pray. Amen.

Wearing "Son-Glasses"

“O LORD, you have searched me and you know me.

You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.

You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.

See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Psalm 139:1-3, 24 NIV

Today in the garden I am energized and ready to get started on some major gardening projects! I have grabbed my floppy pink garden hat, put on my  matching pink rubber garden shoes, adjusted my sunglasses, and slipped on my garden gloves. Sometimes when I get all of my garden paraphernalia on I look so comical I amuse myself!

This morning my projects are many. I will pull weeds; dead-head spent blooms; relocate some Black-eyed Susans, water the wilted, and plant some additional annuals for color! I am a woman with a plan!!! With my shovel in hand I am just about to reach my destination and do some serious digging when the Master Gardener slips up behind me and stops me dead in my tracks and says, “Did you forget something?” I am on a mission so I don’t even give him a glance but rather shout over my shoulder, “I don’t think so!” The Master Gardener now taps me on the shoulder and says, “Oh, but you did.” Now I am a bit agitated because progress is my goal and the perennial garden is my destination. This time I don’t voice the words but I think to myself, “Why does he always do this?” Duh! I forgot. He knows my thoughts, so now I am totally embarrassed as he says, “Because I love you!” Now I MUST stop. I turn to my Lord and give him my full attention. He simply hands me his “Son-Glasses” and with open hands waits to confiscate my “sunglasses”. Now I’m really upset, because number one, my sunglasses are so cute! I really don’t want to trade them in for his ugly, drab glasses! Number two, I am fully aware that this transaction means major change is on the docket. I don’t think I will ever get over the fact that even though my plans are good and important, somehow God either thinks the job I am currently involved in is not for me or that  once again, I have aspirations that exceed my ability or energy to accomplish. I also know that most of the time God wants to send me on a new journey that benefits the gardens of others. I so desperately want to work in my own garden! I do however; remember that amazingly, I always end up being the one that gains the most from God's new assignment.

When God stops me dead in my tracks I know I am in for more of that life changing, character building, and spiritual growth stuff! I also know that this is not going to end well unless I obey the Master Gardner. I choose to bow in humility before my Lord and ask, “What is it Lord that you would have me do? I will slow down and toss my plans aside for today so that I can do the work you have for me to do.” I now put on my new “Son-Glasses” and look about the garden.

During this "time out" experience, I am reminded that the Psalmist David also asked God to direct his paths. I am learning that when God directs my path I sometimes have to set aside “My To Do List” and write “God’s To Do List”. As I experience different seasons in my life my work often changes. I usually want to continue in the comfortable sameness of my current Christian work but God often wants to stretch me by giving me a new assignment. Other times God has pointed out that I needed to change the way I was currently doing his work. After all, I must remember that what I do  is for his glory not mine.

Over the years, David had many assignments. He was a shepherd, a musician, a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a friend, a warrior, and a king. Each of his positions in life stretched him and prepared him for the next phase of his life. I am finding that most of the time my past life assignments have  prepared me for what I am currently doing and that what I am now engaged in now is  preparing me for a  future work   assignment.

The challenge I face is learning to develop a keen spiritual awareness of God. I must tune in to the Holy Spirit and listen to his voice as he speaks the words of my Father. Looking at my life and my service through “Son-Glasses” is extremely revealing. I must learn to tune my ears to the whispers and be alert to the nudges from the Holy Spirit. I must pay attention to new desires and interests that may be God inspired. I must respond when I feel a continuous tug on my heart strings as the Holy Spirit pulls me in a new direction. I must open my eyes to see the needs of others that I may not have seen before.

I am finding that spiritual renewal and refreshment is often a place to start. I must set aside a block of time to focus on God’s will and plan for my life. I must get alone to receive fresh direction and then adjust my priorities. During this time God often confirms that the things I am already doing are right and tells me I must continue the work he has already given me. However, I always want to be sensitive and open to any new assignments that God may have for  my life. I must make sure that I am not running ahead of God and doing it my way instead of his way.

Satan would love to keep me busy doing so much good, attending  meetings, and running from one church project to another, that I never hit the mark of spending time alone with God. Satan can also keep me so busy with selfish and insignificant activities. Therefore, my mind becomes clouded regarding God’s purpose for my life. Stress that comes from overload is also one of Satan’s clever detours. The enemy is also famous for giving guilt trips. Sometimes I feel guilty if I don’t sign on for every need placed before me. Satan loves overload! Once again, I can find myself serving to the hilt but totally missing out on a loving relationship with Jesus. Abundant life is found by abiding and obeying Jesus. It is the spiritual discipline of solitude that clearly allows us to see God’s plan for our life. The discipline of simplicity gives us the rest and energy to do God’s work and do it well.

God’s assignments usually are not easy nor do they come at convenient times. They take time, effort, and discipline and at the end of the day we are exhausted. That is why knowing God’s assignments for our life and doing his work must not be crowded with oodles of other good things that hinder our focus. For me it is important to allow God to search my heart and see what I need to eliminate, what I need to add, and what work must remain.

So today, here in the garden I am trying to tune in to God’s assignments for my life. I am learning that sometimes God’s assignments call for immediate action. When a thought comes to mind it often requires me to act in the moment with an immediate prayer, speak a word of encouragement, give my testimony, or choose to respond  to another as Jesus would do. Other times God’s assignment requires me to act later. My assignment may be to send a note, make a phone call, send an e-mail, write a check, go help a friend in need, or make and deliver a casserole. God’s assignment may also be a hard but temporary undertaking of service. Helping someone you love, helping someone you don’t love so much, raising children, or being a caregiver to an aging parent for a season.

As you know, God’s assignment for me today is taking me away from MY perennial garden where I was originally headed. It seems the Master Gardner feels I am in need of a "time out" in the garden of my heart. He insists that I stop, step back, sit down, and be personally restored.  Experience has taught me that it is during times of refreshment God has made his will known to me. Without a doubt, serving God is a blessing and a privilege. I know that each day I need to take time to focus on what God would have me do that day. I need God’s wisdom and strength in order to serve him and others well and do so in a timely loving manner.

Questions:

1. Have you ever taken time to put on his “Son-Glasses”?

2. In what capacity are you currently serving God?

3. What are the things that God would have you turn loose?

4. What new assignment is God asking you to try?

5. Is God calling you to a "time out" for rest, restoration, and refreshment?

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven,

I confess that today I have more to do than I can possibly accomplish. I confess that I am so busy I don’t even have time to change my “sunglasses” to your “Son-Glasses”. Forgive me for not bringing my service before you on a regular basis for your evaluation. Father, I don’t want to run ahead of you. I desire that what I do for you would be done well. I desire that my service would be pure and selfless work that you can use for your glory. Search me Lord and know my confused heart. I need to see things as you see them. Show me your vision for my life and my service as I look through your holy “Son-glasses”. I pray that all I do will bring glory to you. I thank you Father that you have also gifted all of your children with abilities to personally enjoy. Even David enjoyed time alone in your world singing and playing the harp, he loved on his sheep, he enjoyed friendships, family, good food and laughter. God you have provided for your children avenues for rest and relaxation.  Help me to use my time wisely as I make time to enjoy the garden of my heart. Thank you Lord for your refreshment and rest  so that I might also enjoy life outside of the garden as well.

In Your Son’s name I pray. Amen.

God's Holy Flashlight

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Psalm 139:23-24 NIV

Entering the garden today is a bit intimidating. You see, today I come with a purpose. I need to spend time with the Master Gardner and allow him to search my heart. Sometimes this process can be painful. It may require confession or it may require surrender. So before I sit with the Gardner I will spend a little time walking in the garden. When I drink in the wonders of his creation it always gives me the courage to know the Master Gardner has a grand design for my life and his design will never be anything less than perfect.

Walking among the fragrant day lilies, admiring the ruby red Rhododendrons, feeling the cool breeze of the morning kiss my cheeks, and walking the winding pathways brings comfort and assurance to my spirit because I know the Master Gardner will graciously deal with me in love, as he shines his examining flashlight into the deepest crevices of my heart.

The fact is, just like the Psalmist, David; I know God already knows everything there is to know about my life. This truth stirs feelings within me reminding me of Adam and Eve in Eden. Like Adam and Eve, fear of God’s exposure can have me running to hide the bushes. However, there is another option. I can choose to be like David, who found the thought that God knew everything about him, to be a real comfort. David found this knowledge worthy of praise!

David tells us, “O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD. You hem me in – behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.” Psalm 139:1-6 NIV

In Psalm 139 David quickly looks to God, who is the one he trusts and asks him to search his heart and show him how to keep his life on track. He asks God to show him the way that lasts forever.

So today I will willingly choose to sit and allow the Gardner to shine his holy flashlight deep into my heart and reveal to me my anxieties and my wicked ways. I will be still and listen as he reveals the damaging sin in my life. During this time I may have to answer some tough questions. Paula, what are you anxious about? What are you afraid of? Why is there anger in your heart? How are you spending your time and energy? Paula, are you creating your own “Christian” assignments? Have you asked me if what you are spending your time and energy on is my assignment for you or your assignment? Are you serving me with gladness or out of duty? Why do you take on so many activities that have no eternal significance? Do you have something against another child of mine? Are you being honest with your answers or are you denying that many of your activities, thoughts, emotions and feelings may be sin? Has your busy work crowded me out? Are your responsibilities stuffing me to the bottom of your life? Are you making good use of your time? Are you being a good steward of the finances that I have entrusted you with? Are you sweet coating your bad choices as mistakes or do you admit that it is sin to put other gods before me? Do you see your disobedience and lack of trust as failure or do to recognize that those things are sin?

In my life I have learned there is always a need for personal renewal. David struggled with his sinful thoughts and attitudes just like I do. David had Saul chasing him; he had battles to win and men to supervise. It must have been really easy for David to let life distract him, causing him to loose his focus. David knew his own heart. He knew he was capable of lust, jealousy, pride, anger, fear, and trying to control his own life. David admitted that he had nothing but hatred for his enemies. (vs. 22) David learned there was forgiveness, renewal and hope. You see, David, on his own was a major screw-up, yet God made him a King!

Questions:

1. Have you ever sat before God and allowed him to shine his holy flashlight into your heart for examination?

2. What was the result?

3. How frequently does your heart need to be examined?

4. What are the benefits to daily examinations?

5. Do you relate to running ahead of God and choosing how you spend your time?

6. Would you agree that sometimes even good things have to go so you will have time to seek God and his wisdom?

7. Are you allowing God to change you from the inside out for his holy purposes?

Prayer:

Dear God,

Today I confess that one of my greatest sins is trying to orchestrate my own life. At times I see that I am still trying to gain your favor and approval by the amount of work I do for you. So today I want to bring my works before you. What would you have me do? What jobs and activities would you have me set aside? God, how would you have me spend my days? Search me and know my heart. What are the things in my life that are making me anxious? What is offensive to you? What thoughts and attitudes have me in bondage? God, I pray that you would lead and direct me in your ways that are everlasting. I desire to do the work you have for me to do. I desire to live free of emotional, and mental bondage that physically cripples me and mentally defeats me. Help me Lord to know that sometimes I even have to say “no” to good things so I can better serve you. I must learn to surrender my fears to you and know that even if the worst case scenario happens, I am still loved and will be cared for by you. You are and always will be more than enough! Search me O Lord and know my heart today.

In your Son’s name I pray. Amen.

"Knock Out" Roses!!!

“O Sovereign LORD, you are God!

Your words are trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant.”

2 Samuel 7:28 NIV

Today the garden is beautiful. I am at peace. God speaks to me in so many ways as I walk the garden paths and enjoy every species of flowers. In the garden of my heart the flowers know no season. You see tulips blooming in spring, summer, fall and winter. I imagine that the gardens in heaven will be that way as well. Everything blooming beautifully every day all for our pleasure! There will be no weeds to pull and no flowers to dead-head. Pruning for continued bloom will not be necessary. There will be nothing but beautiful gardens every day for all eternity. Enjoying my heart’s garden is all about the joy that Jesus has planted in my heart. Inward peace and joy are two of the many “good things” that God has promised to his children.

On this beautiful trip to the garden I am totally stopped in my tracks. Before me stand several bushes of gorgeous, bright red “Knock Out” Roses! Today I want to rename them, “Knock Your Socks Off” Roses! Or “Take Your Breath Away” Roses!  All of my flowers are lovely, but these, are beyond lovely!

My thoughts begin to wander toward Jesus, who is altogether lovely. “His mouth is sweetness itself; he is altogether lovely. This is my lover, this my friend,” Song of Songs 5:16 NIV The words of the Father are sweet. Especially sweet are his promises. Like the “Knock Out” Roses, God’s promises take my breath away because over and over again he has proven himself faithful to me. “…for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23b NIV

The Bible is our source of Truth. When reading the Bible we find comfort, wisdom, guidance, and strength. The promises of God are words full of love and hope! These are words we can trust forever and ever. These wonderful words bring comfort and preserve our very life. “My comfort in my suffering is this; your promise preserves my life.” Psalm 119: 50 NIV 

We can trust the words of God because he does not and cannot lie! God is Truth and there are no lies found in truth.

 

“He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a man, that he should change his mind.” 1 Samuel 15: 29 NIV

“…a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time,” Titus 1:2 NIV

“Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged.” Hebrews 6:17-18 NIV

“You have kept your promise because you are righteous.” Nehemiah 9:8b NIV

Oh Yes, today these gorgeous “Knock Out” Roses remind me of all the faithful promises of God that are found in his Word. There are promises for salvation, God’s grace, and our acceptance before him. There are promises for deliverance and guidance. God has given us promises for our spiritual growth, promises regarding his love for us and for those we love. We find promises in the Bible for peace, spiritual maturity, and promises for receiving God’s power. God’s Word gives us promises regarding holiness and fellowship. Promises for discerning God’s will, victory over sin, and eternal security. There are promises regarding hearing and answering our prayers. There are promises regarding our dedication, our stewardship, our work, and our obedience. In God’s Word we find promises regarding our witness and promises to protect us from Satan. If we search we will find promises of God’s faithfulness to us and promises of hope and eternal life. All of these promises are for everyone who puts their trust in Jesus Christ.

I have been told that there are over 3,000 promises in the Bible. I am absolutely sure that I do not know them all! That number makes me wonder what I am missing. Today I am faced with the truth that I cannot trust a promise of God that I do not know! That is why I am making my way to the garden bench. But before I go I take another moment to once again enjoy those incredible “Knock Out” roses! As I smell their sweet fragrance, I pull out of my pocket a little book that contains a collection of many of God’s promises. I want to read each promise and soak in the truth of all that God has for me today and every day. I want to learn what God has promised me and then store that promise in my heart so that I can claim each of his promises in my time of need. I want to learn to lean on every promise that God has for me. I want to rejoice and hope as I find strength and comfort in all of the faithful promises of God. Today, I remind myself, Paula, never forget, God can be trusted because he cannot lie. God is a promise keeper!

Questions:

1. How many of God’s 3,000 promises do you think you are familiar with?
2. What promises do you know?
3. Do you wonder what promise you may be missing out on?
4. Have you ever purchased a “Promise Book” from a Christian Book Store?
5. Do you feel challenged to learn more of God’s amazing promises?

Prayer:

Dear God,

We live in a world where promises are no longer sacred. Men used to signify their word by a simple handshake. Today people sign documents only to have them nullified. Men and women promise to love and cherish each other forever only to desecrate their holy vows. People think nothing of lying in the name of self-protection. God, living in this world of broken promises has taught me not to trust others. Forgive me for not trusting you. Heavenly Father, I want to embrace your Holy Words! Renew in me a trusting heart that believes all you say is true and is mine. God, I am reminded that many of your promises are contingent upon my love for you and my obedience to you. I pray that I will not be found guilty of expecting you to deliver your part of the promise when I have failed to do my part. Your promises are precious. Thank you for so many promises, promises that will stand forever because you can be trusted. Without a doubt God, I praise you because you are a promise keeper!

In your Son’s name I pray. Amen.