Tweaking

“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies?

Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.

Indeed, the very hairs on your head are all numbered.

Don’t be afraid;

you are worth more than many sparrows.”

Luke 12:6-7 NIV

Fact one: I am worth more than many sparrows!

Fact two: Even though God is taking care of me, (which is a full time job) he still remembers and finds time for the common sparrows. His Word says that not one of them is ever forgotten.

Fact three: Amazingly, all the hairs on my head are numbered! Even when a few hairs fall out, God changes his calculation! Now that is a pretty insignificant detail. Really, who cares? Guess what, God does!

All I have to do is walk among the flowers in my garden and see that our God is a God of details. Don’t tell me that God doesn’t notice the microscopic details of His creation. He has taken great care in his creativity to make sure that no two snowflakes are alike. Every sunrise and every sunset are distinctively different. No two waves on the ocean are the same, no two people alike; every floral creation is amazingly unique to its stem. I am learning that God moves the insignificant details of my life right up to the top of his significant list. No matter how insignificant the details of my life are they still matter to God. Because of this enormous truth I can trust God with of all of the seemingly insignificant trivia that is a part of my daily routine and the really big stuff as well.

I confess that I am a ‘tweaker”. As I go about my day I close open drawers and doors. I straighten crooked pictures; I twist back into position chairs that are not straight. I balance lampshades that are tilted, and I level crooked blinds. I can tell you in a second if someone has picked up something on a table and set it down at an angle that is not to my specifications. My eyes beg for order. When I am having company for dinner I can tweak until the door bell rings as I adjust the lighting, straighten the silverware, align the glass with the plate, and pinch off any stray leaves that fall the wrong way in my floral arrangement. Some people call this obsessive compulsive, I call it tweaking! In my opinion this is a good thing, still other may not agree! My grandson also inherited this gene. If he gets out of the car that my daughter has parked crooked, he is tearfully upset because it is “too crook-ed-er”! What can I say, we are sick people.

But then today I realized that our God is also a “Tweaker”. Yes, he loves us unconditionally and takes us as we are, yet all of our days he will spend trying to shape us into his image. He does this by paying attention to the details of our life. God looks to see where are life is a little off center, a little crooked, and then he lovingly tweaks us back in place. Life is full of stressful bumps and problems that have the potential to knock us off-line. God stands ready to help us soar above the daily intermittent storms and experience his peace. God is also there to help us stay focused and to correct us when we become “too crook-ed-er”.

Some days I am a walking, talking poster child for stress. I long for order, simplicity, relaxation, rest, peace and perfection. On those days my life seems to be in need of major tweaking. Today, God has reminded me that even in the most gorgeous garden there is a need for constant care and tweaking. I am aware that a gorgeous garden can become a shameful disgrace when there are weeds that need pulling and flowers that need to be deadheaded. There are always bushes that need to be pruned, vines to be trimmed, dead tree limbs to be cut and discarded, fallen sticks to be picked up, grass that needs to be mowed, and lawns that needs to be edged and manicured.

Today it is occurring to me that my life is very much like a garden that needs constant attention. I am in desperate need of the Master Gardner to tweak the insignificant of my life so that my life will not become out of control but rather become more beautiful for his glory. “And we …are being transformed into his likeness with ever increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV When I give God the insignificant and the significant issues in my life I am allowing him to change me from some glory into more glory. This glorification process will not be complete until I arrive in heaven. It is this sanctification process that is preparing me for heaven. “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 NIV I want to allow God to carry the good work  he began in me on to completion. I believe that one way this can be done is by giving God all of my concerns, both large and small, and allowing him to tweak my life as he sees best. I have found that my prayer life is so important because it is during prayer that God changes me. He gives me understanding and wisdom that changes my attitudes, takes away my fears, extinguishes my anger, and calms my emotions. During prayer I learn lessons of compassion, mercy, love and forgiveness. Prayer time is essential for tweaking!

Questions:

1. Do you believe that God cares about the insignificant details of your life?

2. Do you trust God with the insignificant details of your life?

3. Do you recognize that your life may be in need of tweaking?

4. What are the benefits of God tweaking your life?

5. Are you ready to spend some time in prayer and give God an opportunity to do some necessary tweaking as he adjusts your attitudes, changes your heart, gives you compassion and grace, and heals your raw emotions?

Prayer:

Dear God,

This day I want to embrace the fact that you love me with an everlasting love. Your compassion and mercy are new and fresh every morning. God, I want to hold close the knowledge that you care for every insignificant and significant detail of my life. Today God, I come to you for tweaking. God I give you my fear of _________, my control of __________, my unbelief regarding _________, and my desire for ______________. I hand you my need for __________, and I ask for your peace regarding _____________. God I thank you for caring about my life and all the details of my day. Create in me a pure heart and a right spirit. Tweak the selfish attitudes that are clinging to the walls of my heart. Take away any damaging fear or anger that lives in me. Restore a right spirit within me by adjusting my damaging attitudes, change my thinking to your thoughts, restore your compassion and grace within me. and heal my raw emotions. Fill me with your love as you tweak all that is unpleasing to you. Please change me from some glory, to more of your glory, for your glory!

In your Son’s name I pray, Amen.

God Loves the Impossible

“I am the LORD, the God of all mankind.

Is anything too hard for me?”

Jeremiah 32:26 NIV

It is a beautiful summer morning in North Carolina. I’m pretty sure that today it will be a hot one! But today, in the garden of my heart, the season is spring! In my mind I anticipate a comfortable spring day as I head for the garden in search of new green plant shoots pushing their way through the winter soil. As I walk I just can’t help singing! “Oh what a beautiful morning, Oh what a beautiful day, oh what a beautiful morning, everything’s going my way!” In the distance I spy some beautiful yellow tulips raising their heads to the sky as they welcome the morning sunlight.  It  occurs to me that this is a wonderful way to anticipate answers to my prayers. God, it is a beautiful morning, I lift my head in praise because I believe with all my heart that everything that I pray for is going to come my way!

If I really believe this then why do I allow Satan's lies to influence my thinking and make me falsely believe that some of my prayers are impossible and will never be answered? God’s Word teaches exactly the opposite. “…How gracious he will be when you cry for help. As soon as he hears, he will answer you.” Isaiah 30:19  It is possible I might feel uncertain because I fear the results. I want the outcome of my prayers to be according to my will not God’s will and I fear he will not agree with me. On the other hand, I often view God's delays as a "no" instead of a delay of love. I must be willing to wait for God's perfect timing. Most of the time I want the answer and I want it now! I must confess there have also been times when I wondered if God even heard my prayer.

I also think that many times I don't believe that my God is big enough to get the job done. All of these scenarios really do seem like big problems but actually, they should be of no concern to me at all! To live more positively regarding answers to prayer I must investigate what God says about prayer. I must simply believe that God loves “the impossible” and that he is up to the task of answering all of my prayers in one way or another. I must believe that all of his answers will work for my eternal good.

I have pondered why I would want something I think is good if God has something better? God’s word says: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

I have also contemplated this question. Why  would I want an answer immediately when God knows that “now” is not in my best interest? “In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 NIV God determines our steps because he alone knows the future. God’s delays are often delays of love designed for my protection, my spiritual refinement, and his glory.

God’s Word is very clear on two points. One is that God does hear our prayers. Point two is that the answer is released in heaven even before we finish praying. “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.” Isaiah 65:24 and “Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder.” Genesis 24:15a NIV (Emphasis mine.) Additional reading Genesis 24:1-27.

Another point of consideration is why would I even bother to ask God if I don’t believe he is great enough to get the job accomplished? “But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.” James 1:6-8 NIV (Emphasis mine.)

You see, the message here is that God hears me and releases the answer for every prayer I pray while I am still praying. However, God says nothing of when he will deliver the answer. It is good to know that the moment we pray and even before we finish praying the answer is released in heaven, but not necessarily delivered. We can take comfort in knowing that our request does not lie around in God’s “in box” forgotten because other requests keep piling up on top of our request. No, before we even stop praying God takes our request and stamps on it “done deal!” and places our request in his “out box”. It is also good to remember that God doesn’t even own a box marked “impossible”. “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 NIV (Emphasis mine.)

Satan also likes to try to convince me that it is my fault  my prayers are not answered. He suggests that my personal prayer performance is lacking because I do not pray hard enough or as frequently as I should about the situation. He also suggests that maybe I need to drum up a lot more faith! As a result, I chide myself because my imperfect prayer life is so lacking. I scold myself because my faith must not be strong enough to get God to answer my prayer or I would already have the answer. If that truly is the case, I wonder how big of a truck I need to haul my faith up to God’s throne room. Do I need a five ton dump truck or do I need a semi? What if I’m just one faith point shy of an answer?

But thankfully God’s Word simply says surrender your concerns and your prayers into my capable hands. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 NIV Casting our cares and our prayers straight into the lap of God is  the only work we need to do. “… I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed…Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20a - 21b NIV (Emphasis mine.)

The small seed of faith simply believes that God is able to answer our prayer. We must also believe that the answer will be God’s best possible answer for our life or the life of the one we are praying for. The answer may be completely different than what we had hoped for because God sees the whole picture. But we can be at peace as a result of trusting that God will answer our prayer according to his perfect will. God promises us that he will work for our eternal good and for the eternal good of all concerned. Jesus’ prayer in the garden was not answered according to what he desired here on this earth, but rather the answer came as the perfect answer for the good of humanity. Most importantly, God answers prayer in a way that is designed to bring him glory. It is hard for me to remember that answers to prayer are always more about God and his glory then it is about me. I seem to get that truth backwards most of the time.

Sometimes God answers our prayer in a way that pleases us to pieces! Just picture God walking toward you with a great big grin on his face because once again he has done the impossible! God is getting ready to bless you and his  glory is shinning all around his answer. The answer is such a “God thing” that you can not doubt that the “impossible answer” came straight from God’s hand and not yours. Never in your wildest dreams would you have thought of this answer! Now you are smiling, laughing, you are beside yourself with joy because this answer is amazing! The Bible is full of God doing the impossible! When God shows up with the answer he will come because the time is perfect. He will come when all things are in place and ready and not a moment before. His answer will be wrapped in love and blessing.

Praying for those we love to come to know Christ can be discouraging. It is important for us to remember God does not force himself on people, the choice is totally theirs. All we really can do is pray that God will call that individual. We can also pray that he would put people in their path to show them the way to Jesus. We can pray that God will speak to them through someone or something that they love. I have seen this happen over and over again. God is faithful to work in the life of unbelievers because believers pray. The Holy Spirit convicts them and shows them their need because people are praying. Remember, even though you may see no evidence that God is at work in that person’s life, he is! God goes to work on your prayer even before you stop praying. Sad to say, we may never witness the complete answer to many of our prayers during our lifetime. I am so thankful that God's delivery of the answer to my prayer is not contingent upon me breathing. Many answers to prayers are accomplished after the one who has prayed has gone on to heaven ahead of the answer. We can always be sure God was on the job doing his part yesterday, he is on the job today, and he will be on the job tomorrow. We pray and God is faithful to draw, yet accepting Christ is always up to the individual.

And so we pray. We present our request to God. We ask the Holy Spirit to cleanse and purify our prayer according to God’s perfect will. We immediately visualize that before we even stop praying God has begun to answer that prayer. We wait day after day. During this time of waiting our prayer begins to change. We no longer focus on the asking. Now in faith believing we began to focus every day on thanking God for the answer that has already been released in heaven and  is on the way. We thank him because he has heard our prayer. We thank him because he is working in our behalf and on behalf of all those we love. We claim God’s answers not for the result we desire, the delivery date or the place of the answer, but rather we live in trusting knowledge that our prayer will be answered when all things are ready. We surrender and commit the final answer to God’s will and we wait in wild anticipation for the perfect surprise that he will choose to answer our prayer! We simply relinquish our control of the outcome into his hands.

I tell you that there has been no greater boost to my personal prayer life than praying this way. Praying with patient expectation always cements my trust. Praying in quietness and trust takes the burden off me and places it with God, where it belongs. In the past I have become exhausted trying to drum up faith and begging God for answers. Then one gloomy day God said to me, “Paula I have a better way. I simply want you to ask and then believe that I am more than able to accomplish what you have committed into my hands. You see, Paula that is trust!”

Believe it or not, when dealing with the impossible, God does not need any of our good ideas as to how to accomplish the answers to our prayers. However, he does need our prayers. God needs our prayers because prayer changes us and because God releases his power when believers pray. Remember, nothing is impossible for God! His mighty answers to our prayers are on the way. Lean into his everlasting arms and be amazed!

Questions:

1. What are the top three things you pray about the most?

2. What prayer do you consider to be your most impossible prayer?

3. Have you ever considered thanking God for his answer that has already been released in heaven and is on the way?

4. Do you believe that prayer changes things?

5. How does prayer change you?

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

I know that you are totally capable of answering all my prayers. Forgive me when I doubt your power and label my prayers as impossible. Forgive me when I try so hard to control the way you answer my prayers. Forgive me when I grow weary in praying the same prayers over and over again. Forgive me when I demand immediate answers to my prayers. Search my heart God and show me how I can surrender my prayers into your competent hands. Help me to begin to pray prayers of thanksgiving for the work you are doing on my behalf and in the lives of all the others that I am praying for. God, I pray that you would replace my doubts with trust. Give me your peace in my prayer life. I thank you God that you are not a deaf, uncaring, unloving god, but rather you are a God who loves me and dares to answer the impossible. Help me to remember that the way you answer prayer is more about you and less about me. Father,  I know you are more than able to answer all of my requests according to your perfect will, even when I don’t understand your timing or your purpose I will choose to trust you.

It is in your Son’s name I pray, as I wait in great anticipation for your perfect answers. Amen.

Asking God For The Insignificant and The Impossible

“Call to me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”

Jeremiah 33:3 AKJV

This morning I have already spent a good bit of time in the garden. The air is fresh and clean, the flowers are bright and beautiful, and the quietness is serene. As usual, the Master Gardener has been sitting beside me quietly listening to all my requests. I have my usual requests that are on what I call the “BIG LIST”. These are the things in life that I believe are worthy of God’s time and attention. These are the things that I believe God would think to be important. Most of the time, these requests involve my personal “spiritual” growth. I also give God a shot at all the major disasters in the world, the wars, the government, and the missionaries around the world. Often these prayers are pretty generic and all inclusive.

Another list is the list that contains the requests for the things I have managed to relinquish the results to God. I call this the “STILL TRUSTING GOD FOR THIS” list. These are the prayers that I am certain God has heard and when all things are ready he will send the answer. I know full well his answer will always be according to his will not mine and that when the answer arrives he will be glorified! So as I wait I remind God that I trust him as I wait for his perfect timing, and I will continue to thank him everyday for his answer that I am confident is on the way.

Then I reluctantly bring out the next list. This list is the “IMPOSSIBLE” list. On this list are things I have prayed for years with seemingly no answers from God. These are things that I hope will happen but I’m pretty sure won’t! These are the prayers that are shrouded in doubt. Many of these prayers are for the salvation of people that I don’t believe will ever change because they don’t want anything to do with God.  There are prayers for healing of those who are terminally ill. I also pray that God will change the hearts of people who make decisions for our country. My doubt is not in God's ability to answer. Without a doubt I know he is able. Although God is able it may not be his perfect will to answer according to my will. In the prayer for another's salvation I must continue to pray that God will stir their heart and plant a desire in their heart to know him. I must continue to pray and trust God for what I believe to be impossible.

I excuse myself from the Master and begin wandering around the garden looking at his magnificent handiwork that is found in the details of each flower and leaf. I gradually start to realize that God does care about the smallest of details in nature and in my life. Suddenly, I have the courage to go back and pull out the fourth list that I have shoved deep down in my pocket. This list is the “DON’T BOTHER GOD WITH THIS” list. Most of the time I feel God is so busy with the “BIG” list that he would never want me to bother him with the insignificant things in my life. On this list there are things like praying to find something that has been lost, or getting something I really want but can clearly get along without having. Often I am afraid to ask God for his help in planning a vacation or a major family event. Sometimes I neglect to ask God to help me free up my schedule, or neglect asking him to help me let go of stress. What about my attitude regarding a project that needs to be started? Is it possible that I could dare to ask God for motivation to get off the couch and do the project that I have absolutely no interest in doing? How could I ever be so bold to ask God for good weather, a parking place, or extra money for a home improvement? Can I really go before God and confess my frustration in not being able to find time to do something I enjoy? Can I really ask God to take away my headache? Shouldn’t I just endure it because I know tomorrow it will most likely be gone? Can I ask God to protect my grandson from a bully, or to give my granddaughter a special new friend? Do I dare to ask God to help me eat healthy and exercise?

At this point I find myself running back to the Master Gardener. I now begin a new line of questioning. “Jesus, isn’t it the insignificant stuff in life that gets my underwear in a knot and my mouth blurting out things I later regret. Jesus, I confess that the stuff in life that I consider to be insignificant and seemingly impossible is the very stuff that takes my attitude down the tubes and leads my mind to discontentment and depression. It is this stuff that sets my pity-party in motion. Lord, are these daily insignificant happenings in my life the very things that I can bring to you in prayer? Jesus replies. “You bet! That’s the stuff! Truth be told, you especially need to bring those things to me in prayer because it is those things which affect your emotions and crush your spirit.” I now remember that God’s Word tells me to bring all my frustrations, needs, concerns, desires, and hope directly to his throne so that I may find mercy and grace in my time of need. I know it is true, If I really trust God I will handover to him all of my lists.

The Master Gardner similes and reaches out to take all four of my lists. I am able to surrender two of the lists to his capable hands. He then said, “Paula, I think that one indication of how much you trust me is when you are able to get to the point that you can hand me the most insignificant things in your life and trust me for what you consider to be impossible.

I listen but tears of doubt stream down my cheeks as I reluctantly shove the lists of “the insignificant” and “the impossible” back into my pocket. I tell Jesus that I know he is right but that I just want to go home and rewrite my list and see if I have the courage to release anything on the remaining two lists into his care. I tell him I wish I could give him the entire list but that it is going to take me a little more time. He assures me that he will be here waiting to care for all that I will willingly trust him with. He whispers one last thought of love, “Paula, remember, I am not the enemy. I love you! My child, you have not because you ask not.”

As I walk away I find my self drawn to a bench. I sit and I weep because I am unable to trust. Satan grabs this opportunity to torture my mind with the “what ifs”. What if God chooses something or someone for me that I don’t want? What if God asks me to do something I don’t want to do? What if God chooses not to heal the one I love? What if God allows us to lose our home? What if I am not vindicated? What if something bad happens to the person I am praying for because I am praying for God to do whatever is necessary in their life to bring them to salvation? What if they die? The Holy Spirit reminds me of the truth. I become conscious that my previous thoughts are an attack from Satan, so in the name of Jesus Christ, I send Satan packing.

Still two lists remain in my care. I so desire to be able to surrender these lists to God’s competent hands. I want to believe beyond a shadow of doubt that God cares about all of the things that concern me. I want to know and trust all of God’s promises for me. I want to learn to let go and let God work according to his perfect will, not my will. I want to trade stress for peace. I begin to reflect and remember what God’s Word says. I remember that God has promised to be more than enough in every situation. I remind myself that God is Sovereign. I remember that God has a plan for my life. I remember that God loves those I love more than I do. I remember that Jesus said that in this life I should expect trouble. I am certain that on any given day I can experience both good and bad circumstances. I remember that death is natural and inevitable and that none of us will escape death unless Jesus comes back for his church before we die. I remember that God uses the hardships and brokenness in our life as a tool to change us for the better. I remember that God is love and that he can be trusted. I remember that Satan is the enemy not God! I leave the garden with determination to call upon the Holy Spirit for his help in purging my mind of the “what ifs” and to ask him to empower me so that I can willingly open my hands in humble surrender and release all of my lists to God.

Questions:

1. Have you learned to give God the insignificant things in your life?

2. What are you holding on to?

3. Do you have a major prayer request that you consider impossible?

4. Would you consider giving that request to God today?

5. Can you look back in your life and see God’s faithfulness to you?

6. Do you believe that God is able to give you the courage to trust him with more of your concerns?

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

How I long to be able to entrust you with every single thing in my life. I know that often this is a struggle between my fear, the devils “what ifs” and my own personal need for control. Search my heart today God and show me what I need to surrender to your capable hands. You, Father, are the one who has created the world. You are the one who knows my innermost parts. You are the one holds the world together. How can I help but trust you? Father, help my unbelief. Heal me from the sins of control, doubt and fear. Help me to trust you with what I believe to be “insignificant” and “impossible”. Teach me to release all things to your care and then give daily thanks that your perfect answers are on the way. Father, even when I don’t understand your will, your timing, or the outcome you choose, I pray you will help me to be strong and at peace as I choose to trust you completely. I know that sometimes I want what I consider to be “good” but you God, want what is “better and best” for my life. Father, you see the road ahead, I do not. Lord I don’t want to forget that if I call on you, you will answer and you will show me great and mighty things, which I do not know. All of your answers are perfect in every way.

In your Son’s name I pray. Amen.

Beware of the Cave

“The angel of the LORD

encamps all around those who fear him,

 and delivers them.”

Psalm 34:7 NIV

“But the Lord is faithful,

and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.”

2 Thessalonians 3:3 NIV

Most of the time my heart’s garden is a beautiful place. However, there are times when pruning is required and rubbish needs to be hauled off and burned. Most of the time I experience extreme joy and comfort in the garden of my heart but sometimes there is deep sorrow and sadness. I have my favorite garden paths that I walk over and over again. In the garden there are benches to sit on to rest. I love to visit the cool streams and beautiful waterfalls because they always seem to  refresh my spirit. The back fence of the garden allows me to look out onto a lush meadow and far away in the distance there stands a high mountain range reminding me of God's majesty. Sometimes I can even put on my “God Glasses” and see the ocean from afar! There are also orchards and trees of every variety and size.  Most of the time, magnificent color abounds under the canopy of blue skies and fluffy white clouds. Occasionally, dark clouds hang over my spirit when I am in the middle of a dark personal storm that has invaded my life. Yet, when I look closely I see the storm is surrounded by God’s showers of blessings and his banner over me is his rainbow of promise. Even in the midst of the frightening storm I can feel God's love.

When I am in the garden I am always on the lookout for something new, different or interesting that I have not noticed in the garden before. Today was one of those days. I found myself following the sweet scent of a confederate jasmine vine entwined with some sweet tasting honeysuckle. I began pushing aside some of the invasive hanging vines and then, much to my surprise, I see an opening to a dark cave.

Curiosity began to get the better of me as I contemplated entering the dark cold cave. From behind me I heard the Gardner’s voice yell stop! I don’t know why but I continued on even though I knew this might not be a safe place. The darkness made me shudder yet I chose to move on into the cave.

Oddly enough, my eyes began to adjust to the darkness. It has been a hot day in the garden and the coolness of the cave offered relief. I consider leaving the cave but decide to stay longer. It didn’t take me very long to become comfortable and accustomed to the darkness.

For me, life has been a bit trying lately and the isolation of the cave seemed freeing, yet I knew down deep inside that the cave was not a place of freedom. I entertain the thought that no one can see me here. Maybe I can hide in here and avoid the problems of my life that are becoming more than I want to accept. Maybe here in the cave I can even hide from God. Maybe it is within this cave of darkness that I can hide my sinful thoughts and actions. Maybe in this dark cave I can stop being accountable for my actions. Down deep in my heart I know that this is not true because my God is an all knowing, all present, and all powerful God. The truth is my God is right here with me in this cave and I clearly hear his voice speak, “Run quickly – back to the light!”

I know deep within my spirit that I must run back into the light of the garden! If I choose not to run I will be positioning myself to become a target for Satan’s destruction. He will begin his work in my mind and if I am not careful I will succumb to his lies. I will push to the side of my mind the mind of my Master and allow self-centered thoughts to dominate my mind instead of listening to the Master. If I disregard the Way of my Master I will brush aside conviction and excuse my sin so I can justify my behavior. If I remain in the darkness of the cave my spirit will become as cold as the cave. If I linger in the cave Satan will whisper his damaging lies and I will become discouraged and depressed. I know that I am seeking relief from the troubles of life but I also recognize that the cool pleasure I feel in the cave is only deception that is shrouded in darkness. If I give in to my selfish desires and put my faith in the false comfort of the cave, I will eventually find myself sitting isolated on the floor of the cave alone, afraid, and wallowing in self pity!

Yes, the cave in the garden of my heart is a curious place. I dare not remain in this abyss of darkness! I look back at the entrance of the cave and I see the “Son is shinning”. This “Son” is the true light. He is the light that gives me life. I run to the light. Upon exiting the cave I notice that the “Son” is especially bright near the top of the tallest oak tree in the garden. Way on the top of this stately old tree I detect the “Son”, Jesus Christ, the Master Gardner. He calls to me and extends to me in love his nail scared hand of grace.

Jesus speaks, “Paula, you do not need to try to escape life and run into the despair of the cave. Come higher my daughter. Do not be depressed, discouraged, lonely, or overwhelmed. Paula, my child, come higher. Climb up here with me in this tall oak tree.” I begin to climb but I notice that Jesus is sitting way out on a very weak and fragile limb. I cry, “Lord, I cannot come, I am afraid.” Still he says, “Come higher, simply trust me.” Come up here for a little while and experience relief from the cares of your life. I want you to rest in my love and care. Come to me for peace and comfort. Come to me for strength and courage. Come to me for understanding. Come to me for rest and refreshment. Bring me your fear and feel the strong arms of my protection. Even out here on this extremely fragile limb I will be with you. Do not be afraid.

Questions:

1. What are you currently experiencing in your life that is hard?

2. Are you tempted at times to run to the cool darkness of the cave as a means of escape from the reality of your situation?

3. Do you understand that the cave is a place where Satan will pull you deeper into discontentment, depression and despair?

4. Is Jesus calling you to climb out on a limb to sit with him and to trust him with your fear?

Prayer:

Dear Jesus,

Restore in me the joy of my salvation! Protect me from the darkness that is found in the caves of sin. Protect me from Satan and his lies that promise me nothing of any value. Father, I praise you for the relationship that we have in the garden. I thank you for your faithfulness to meet me in the garden everyday because this is where I find my peace and comfort. Your joy is my strength. Our relationship is my treasure. Jesus my hope in every situation of life is found in you alone. Help me not to fear going out on a limb with you. Father, I know that even if the limb should break and I should fall, still you will be standing on the ground ready to catch me in your everlasting arms of love.

Jesus, in your name I pray. Amen.

Is It Give Or Is It Take?

“We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God,

that we may understand what God has freely given us.”

1 Corinthians 2:12 NIV

On any given day I can choose not to go to the garden. If I choose not to enter the sanctuary of refreshment, power, and knowledge, it always becomes my loss. Yesterday I skipped the garden because I was running late. I had too much to do and I was already feeling pretty positive in my spirit. The moment I stepped out of the door, got into my car, and drove off, immediately the soft, squishy rubber of my spirit met the hard road of life. One fine man nearly took my life by cutting me off in traffic. The clerk at the market appeared to be a robot without personality or emotion, and my cell phone kept ringing with more and more possibilities for me to become anxious, angry, irritated, and depressed! How could my wonderful day fly out the window in just a few short hours? I knew exactly what would fix the problem so I grabbed a chocolate candy bar and a bag of chips as I was nearing the end of the check out lane. After all, who has time for lunch! I’ll eat in the car because I was certain that my day would continue to go south.

 

As a result of yesterday's craziness,  I will approach this day with caution. The thought of spending time in the garden sounds fantastic! So off I go. My coffee is in hand and my Bible tucked securely under my arm. Opening the gate I head for my favorite bench. The red bee balm is tall and joyfully praises God as it gently sways in the morning breeze. The sunny yellow yarrow lifts its face upward for God to kiss with his grace. All of God's creation is free for my enjoyment, As I take in these beautiful flowers I whisper, “thank you God for all of your magnificent gifts that are found in nature. It is good to be in the garden with you."

Now it is time to get down to business. My Bible falls open to, “But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23 NIV Immediately, memories of yesterday begin to flood into my mind. In this moment it seemed to me that yesterday I had failed miserably. I wasn’t sure if I had used any of those godly responses. I also realized that in the stressful moments of yesterday I hadn't felt much joy or peace.  I found myself not only lacking in just one specific spiritual  fruit, but it seemed I was holding an enormous bowl that was empty; there was not a single spoonful of fruit salad to be shared!

I began to talk to Jesus. Lord, give me love, joy and peace. Father, give me patience, kindness, and goodness. Jesus, give me faithfulness, gentleness and self-control! I began to plead and beg for God to give to me the fruits of his Spirit. God I am willing to have these gifts, why don’t you pour out these gifts on me in such a way that I will never again fail you as miserably as I did yesterday? The silence was deafening. I continued to sit in the garden for what seemed like hours in a trance of self-pity, I was a pathetic package of failure tied up with a bow of misery.

Then Jesus spoke. “Paula, when I left this earth didn’t I say that I would send my Holy Spirit to live in the hearts of all believers? God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are three in One. I am with you always, even until the end of this life.” Jesus then reminded me that when I became a believer the Holy Spirit came into my life and he brought with him all the fruit of his spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Jesus said, “Paula, I cannot give you what you already have. Deep within you resides all of my fruits. Your job is to choose to pick up the appropriate fruit you need in your time of need. Paula, you must choose to pick up the specific fruit needed in each and every situation you encounter. Some days you may need to pick up multiple fruits many times! You will use these same fruits over and over again. But one thing for sure, you will never run out. The pantry is full, but you must choose to take the fruit, and share that fruit with others.” Wow! Talk about a light coming on in the closet! A brand new thought, it is useless to pray for what I already have!

I began to wonder why I had not seen this before. One thing for sure, I never forget to pick up my coffee! Maybe I should be this diligent about picking up my fruit and taking stock of my fruit before I stray too far from home or get to busy at home. As I left the garden I became aware of the noise around me and realized that the noise in my life is usually so loud that I am distracted and I do not hear the voice of the Holy Spirit saying to me, “Now would be a good time to go shopping for fruit. Choose my fruit, taste and see my fruit is good!” It was now becoming clear that it was not about God giving to me, but it was about me taking from his pantry of provision what had already been given to me.

Jesus reminded me that it is as simple as paying attention and forming the habit of choosing to pick up the fruit. I was starting to realize that I needed to become more aware of the fact that often I do not choose to set aside my selfish attitudes. I began to understand that I need to form the habit of quickly looking to Jesus and then purposing in my mind and heart to choose to pick up the needed fruit in my heart and ask God to give me the power to use that fruit in my time of need. God’s children need to simply reach out and take the fruit that they need to eat, one simple meal at a time. The pantry is full of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. The fruit in my spirit's pantry may be unused but it will never be empty!

I need to taste and see that the Lord is good. His goodness in me is mine for the taking. Others will be influenced for Jesus when I choose to share my fruit salad! All that is His is already mine! If I never use the Spirit’s fruit it is like having fine china, crystal, and silver and never using it. Why am I at times content to eat off of paper plates, use plastic forks, and drink out of a disposable cup? The truth is, not one of my self-centered responses is lasting but the fruit of the Spirit is of eternal value.

When we look to Jesus, our perfect example, we see what the fruit of the Spirit should look like.  Jesus modeled for us how to respond to others, how to live a selfless life, and how to love unconditionally. So today and every day…

When I am feeling unloved or passed over I need to choose the fruit of love.

When I am depressed or fearful I need to choose the fruit of joy.

When I am angry I need to choose the fruit of peace.

When I am irritated I need to choose the fruit of patience.

When I am judgmental I need the fruit of kindness.

When I am selfish and feeling mean I need to choose the fruit of goodness.

When I am tempted to abandon my faith I need to choose the fruit of faithfulness.

When I am hard on others I need to choose the fruit of gentleness.

When I am out of control I need to choose the fruit of self-control.

You see, we need not ask God for these things over and over again as if they were completely out of our reach and unattainable. The fact is, as Christians, God has already given us all the fruit of the Holy Spirit for our own personal use. When we choose to reach out, pick up, and consume each fruit we will taste and see that the Lord is good. Each fruit is packed with powerful nutrition that will allow the Holy Spirit to empower us to do amazing things that would otherwise be impossible if we relied only on  our own strength. We must stop asking God to give us a specific fruit of the Spirit because that fruit has already been given! What I repeatedly need to do is to hit and the pause button that triggers my behavior. I need to take a moment of time to think, to consider what Jesus would do, and to remember what is already available to me. Then I must pray for the courage to pick up the needed fruit and use it for God’s glory.

Questions:

1. Do you find yourself praying for a specific fruit of the spirit over and over again?

2. What do you think about the simple truth that God cannot give to believers what they already have?

3. Do you think that keeping God’s fruit buried deep in your spirit gives Satan a stronghold in your life?

4. Do you think that Satan can deceive a believer by making them think that God is withholding his fruit from their life because they are weak and inconsistent?

5. Where does a Christian’s power come from?

Prayer:

Dear God,

Please forgive me when I plow through my day without considering your power that is available to me for my use. I thank you and praise you that I no longer have to ask you for the delicious fruit of your Spirit that is already mine. Forgive me God when I selfishly and stubbornly choose to ignore your fruit and pursue my own selfish behavior. Forgive me when I try to respond to difficult situations in my own strength. Forgive me when I am impetuous. I know that this behavior must grieve the Holy Spirit. Your Word specifically warns us, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” Ephesians 4:30 NIV Holy Spirit, I ask for your help this day and everyday. Help me to slow down and then choose your fruit. Holy Spirit, help me to rely on your power because it is your power that will give me the strength and courage to pick up your fruit and use it to show God’s love to others. I pray that I will not grow weary in harvesting your fruit one circumstance at a time. God I want to know the joy of using your fruit daily to influence others to find and follow your Son, Jesus Christ.

In His name I pray. Amen

The Ocean is God's Pulpit

“The men were amazed and asked,

“What kind of man is this

even the winds and the waves obey him!”

Matthew 8:27 NIV

Every so often God blesses me by allowing me to take a trip to the ocean. Outside of my garden there is no other setting that I would rather be near. I find the ocean extremely relaxing and there are always so many lessons I can learn as I tune into this marvelous piece of God’s creation.

When I am at the beach, alone with my thoughts, God teaches me from this massive body of water and all of the other complimenting works of nature that make this place so beautiful. The ocean has so much to say, it is indeed one of God’s holy pulpits. The sky, the water, the sand, the sun, the breeze and the birds all become messengers of God’s incredible love for me. Every day the ocean looks different and there are always new lessons to learn. It is true, even the wind and the waves obey him!

If I am not too lazy I can get up and see the sunrise. What a message of bright hope for today and tomorrow. The exquisite colors can be anything from pinks and blues to the brightest oranges and yellows. Each day has a unique surprise of its own. The early morning sunlight glistens on the water like a sea of glass. The sparking waters remind me that heaven also holds the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God. Revelation 21:1

As the tide comes in and the waves rush upon the sand, it seems that God is calling “follow me” as the waves wash back into the ocean. My heart pounds and I whisper, “Yes Lord, I will follow you all the days of my life.”

I am mesmerized on the days when the canopy over the beach is a cloudless sky. As I look to the heavens I see a million shades of blue stretching as far as my eyes can see. The Old World Master begins his masterpiece with the lightest hint of baby blue paint ending his final brush strokes in deep hues of cobalt. When my eyes feast on this miracle of color my soul always bubbles up with pleasure knowing that this gift of color is from the palette of the God of the universe.

The sandy beach with uncountable grains of sand strikes a chord of love within me. I remember that God’s Word tells me he thinks precious thoughts of me that outnumber the grains of sand and I feel lavishly loved. Sea Gulls soar peacefully and effortlessly in the sky reminding me that God’s peace is available to me in a heartbeat, if only I will trust him.

Just breathing in the salty air is a reminder that believers are “the salt of the earth”. I think about this and repurpose in my heart to try to be a better  witness for Jesus Christ. I also think of the many friendships that I enjoy with fellow believers. Yes, these salty people are the people who bring savor to my life. I thank you Lord for all of my many Christian friends.

The sandpipers run frantically on the beach always living close to the edge as they barely escape the waves of foam that tries to wash over them. These fast moving birds are looking for food to wash ashore. I smile when I realize that God does provide all that they need. I focus on the knowledge that if God cares for the birds of the air he will also take care of me.

Gentle warm breezes kiss my cheeks and I feel God’s hand as it brushes over my face. I search the horizon in hopes of finding its end but that endeavor proves to be impossible. So my eyes move closer to shore and God blesses me as I spot dolphins traveling in pairs. They shamelessly jump in joyful praise to their creator. Pelicans fly in perfect formation and I know that my God is a God of order and purpose.

Walking on the beach into the sunset is beautiful. The sunset is a perfect reminder of God’s faithfulness to me as I approach the end of my day. I enjoy walking on the beach at this time of day. I love sinking my feet into the cool sand and then letting the waves wash over them. The waves washing over my feet remind me that often in life the waves of adversity come but then Jesus shows up with his waves of sustaining grace washing over me. It is a precious thought when I realize that Jesus is still in the foot washing business as I enjoy His cool waves spilling over my tired sandy feet. As I end a day at the beach I am full of joy as I reflect on all of the simple messages my Savior has sent to me this day. I am at peace because of the order that God has established not only in the universe but in my life as well. Before I leave the beach I allow Him to wash my feet one more time. What a joy to know that Jesus carries me from day to day, step by step as I journey toward my heavenly home. Oh how I love the beach! What’s not to love? You see, the same God, who calmed the wind and the waves so many years ago is also here with me this day teaching me his life lessons from the pulpit of the ocean’s waves and all that surrounds this place of praise!

Questions:

1. Do you have a favorite place where God seems to speak volumes to you?

2. What have you experienced in that place?

3. Have you ever used nature to tell others about God?

Prayer:

Dear God,

How awesome are your marvelous works! Thank you that even though mankind was forced to leave your perfect garden, you still have been loving and merciful in providing the beautiful works of your hand for our daily enjoyment. God your creation amazes me! I confess that sometimes I wonder how heaven could be more beautiful. It must be that the gorgeous displays of creation on this earth have been designed to give us, your children, a tiny taste of what you have prepared in heaven for those who love you. It is clear that the ocean, the mountains, the woodlands, the desert, the rainforest, and your waterfalls are just a few of your many pulpits. God open my eyes to see and my ears to hear as you speak your message of love to mankind. Since the creation of the world, God your invisible qualities and your eternal power and divine nature have clearly been seen and understood from what you have made, leaving men and women without excuse. I thank you God for blessing mankind with your marvelous creation.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.