If It's Not One Thing, It's Another!

“Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith,

love, endurance and gentleness.

Fight the good fight of the faith.”

1Timothy 6:11-12 NIV

 My wise daddy used to say, “It’s a fight from the cradle to the grave!” Without a doubt, I have observed that he spoke the truth. Fight? How can this be right? As Christians aren’t we suppose to be a peaceful bunch? Why is it that the peace we long to have surround us always seems to be an illusive butterfly?

 

One thing for sure, in this life, if it’s not one thing, it’s another. The air conditioner goes out and the same week someone hits your car in the mall parking lot. Perhaps you have a child who is struggling or a spouse who is on overload and is a bit grouchy. The very next week you discover that the kitchen sink is clogged, the washing machine stops working, and a friend misunderstands you. On top of all this, the phone rings and your dad, who is on the line informs you that your mother is sick and needs your help. To add insult to injury as you rush past a mirror on your way out the door, again it is revealed to you that your beautician has given you the worse haircut of the century! The list seems to be unending. Peace? You’ve got to be kidding!

 

In my life I am learning that I can only have real peace within my spirit. This peace is not found on this earth but it is a heavenly peace that comes from our Father in heaven. Satan and all of his forces surround us everyday.  Satan knows when we have moved away from God and our mind has become focused on the “negative stuff” of life and Satan knows when we are focused on our Savior. One sure way we know we are on the right track is when Satan begins throwing adversity into our lives. We must never underestimate the lengths Satan will go to in order to discourage us by disrupting our lives. He does this by putting lots and lots of “negative stuff” in our life.

 

Paul tells Timothy, “fight the good fight of faith”. Paul also tells us how to do it. “Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 1 Timothy 6:11-12  As believers we are to fight for our faith. Paul says this is a “good fight”, a fight worth fighting for. We fight Satan and his crew by pursuing righteousness. We do this by reading God’s Word. God’s Word teaches us what God says is right and what is wrong. In our attitudes and actions we must pursue and choose right responses and actions. We must learn to recognize Godly behavior and then choose to apply that same behavior to our life. The “good fight” of faith is none other than our faithfulness and loyalty to our Father. When Satan begins to pile on the “negative stuff” we must not cave in to his tactics. Remember your first thought does not have to be your final response.

 

When I choose faithfulness over unfaithfulness Satan is trampled! When I find it difficult to love, I must start with compassion. I must try to understand where the other person is coming from. When my thought pattern begins to change, Jesus opens my heart to experience his compassion. When I choose to be more understanding and compassionate I am now free to choose to be merciful. I have found that compassion must precede mercy and mercy invokes love. When we look to Jesus we see without a doubt that it was out of his great compassion and mercy that he lovingly chose to take our punishment.

 

We must not try to do this alone. We must choose to call upon the Holy Spirit in our time of need. He enables us to endure adversity and to take two steps back when necessary. The Holy Spirit prompts us to re-evaluate the situation and then respond in gentleness. Why should we do this? We do this because Satan is defeated when we do. This is how we fight the “good fight” of our faith. A faith that is worth fighting for!

 

We have been issued the equipment to fight in this battle. We must not try to fight Satan alone, nor should we expect God to rescue us while we continue to run around in confusion as we endeavor to find our own way out of the chaos. This is a battle to be fought by both you and God. The fight is between our sinful  nature verses the Spirit. When we call upon the Holy Spirit he empowers us to side with God instead of Satan.

 

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrow of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:10-18 NIV

 

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith,” 1 Peter 5:8-9a NIV Make no mistake Satan prowls around in our homes, our relationships, our responsibilities, our cars, our jobs, our finances, and he uses all that we hold dear to upset our apple cart. He does not fight fair. He is a sneaky liar. He is subtle and he attacks us at our weakest point. He causes disruption, stress, and confusion. We must train ourselves to be self-controlled and alert. We must be intentional about recognizing life for what it is; a struggle of the flesh vs. the spirit. The everyday struggles of life are not just struggles; they are without doubt spiritual struggles. We must not brush them off with the idea that this is “just life”. It is NOT “just life”, it is Satan at his finest hour doing what he does best! Discouragement, disappointment, depression, distractions, delays, division, and discontentment are all in his bag of devastating tricks designed for one purpose alone. That purpose is to cause us to take our eyes off Jesus. Oh how I need this lesson today and every day. I must tune in to the whisper of the Holy Spirit as he reveals to me the mind of Christ. I must seek to know the mind of Christ! One thing for sure, the mind of Christ is always the exact opposite of the way the world thinks. It is Satan who is the prince of this world and he is busy pushing his lies into the minds of all who walk this planet. He does this by attacking us where we live, work, and play.  Remember, if it is not one thing, it is another. Be alert and stand firm!

Questions:

1. How do the distractions of life affect you?
2. Have you considered the very real possibility that Satan is the instigator?
3. Will you consider the possibility that your faith is worth fighting for?
4. What can you do to remember Paul’s advise to Timothy?
5. Will you partner with God and fight the “good fight”?

Prayer:

 

Dear Father in Heaven,

 

Oh how I need this lesson today and everyday! I confess that I allow the circumstances of my life to often get the best of me. Father, I pray that I would choose to fight the “good fight” of my faith. I pray that I will recognize that it is Satan who is orchestrating havoc in my life. Lord, I pray that I will stand up tall and firm against him. I pray that, just like you Lord, I would use scripture to rebuke and bind Satan and demand by the power of your name, that he leave my mind. Even though problems remain, I know that your Holy Spirit will enable me to respond in compassion, mercy, love, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. I pray that I will see the pursuit of righteousness is both a privilege and a blessing. I pray I will see that choosing faithfulness produces nothing short of pure joy and inner peace. I thank you Father for peace, this amazing peace that passes all earthly knowledge and understanding, but is none the less real. Lord I give you my frustrations, burdens, challenges, and trials. Help me this day to fight the “good fight".

 

It is in your name I pray. Amen.

We Do Know That All Things Work For Our Good - Right?

“And we know that in all things

God works for the good of those who love him,

who have been called according to his purpose.”

Romans 8:28 NIV

 It is an amazing day in the garden! I am feeling confident. The arrows of sin cannot touch me because I know that all things will work for my good. The flowers have never been more beautiful. I am prepared today to cut a basket full of these gorgeous blooms and place them in a treasured antique vase on my kitchen table. Life is good!

 

In my happy mood I call out to the Master Gardner and ask him to walk with me along the pathways of my heart’s garden. I begin the conversation by saying, “Thank you Lord for your promise to me that in life all I set my hand to will work for my good. I’m so glad you are on my side. Being a Christian sure does have special privileges!”

 

Then HE speaks. Jesus begins to teach me, and for a moment I feel like we are sitting on a hillside near the Mount of Olives. His words are clear, gentle, loving, and kind. “Paula, I believe you have a bit of a misunderstanding here. I did not say all things in your life will work out good.  However, I did say in all things, good or bad, I will work in your behalf so that something will happen for your good. It is more about changing who you are, into who you will become as a result of the circumstance in your life. Make no mistake my dear child; there will be plenty of trials. Bad things will happen to all mankind. This is a direct result of living in this sinful world. Remember, I have called you and you have responded to my call. It is because you belong to me that I will work in your behalf. But you must not forget that this will be done according to my purpose for you and not your purpose for yourself. This will require that you simply trust me with all that concerns you.”

 

Then Jesus takes a pocket knife out of his robe pocket and begins to cut flowers, one stem at a time. He places each freshly cut flower in my basket. Each flower is uniquely different. With the cut of each variety Jesus teaches me his amazing truth.

Without sin –

you will never know the fragrance of the French lilac of my forgiveness.

Without failure –

you will never understand the hot pink mandevilla of my mercy.

Without crisis –

you will never experience the white lily of my peace.       

Without sickness –

you will never experience the fragrant herbs of my healing.

Without unfaithfulness –

you will never experience the foxglove of my faithfulness.

 

Without imperfection –

you will never know the gardenia of my grace.

Without despair –

you will never know the hellebore of hope.

Without unhappiness –

you will never know the jasmine of my joy.

Without fear –

you will never know the tulip of trust.

Without need –

you will never know the vibrant poppy of my provision.

Without blindness –

 you will never know the freesia of faith.

Without stress –

you will never know the velvet rose of my rest.

Without disaster –

you will never know my restoration of order.

Without pain and suffering –

you will never know the salvia of my sufficiency.

Without sorrow –

you will never know the purple clematis of my comfort.

Without rejection –

you will never know the lavender of my everlasting love.

Without bondage –

you will never know the fabulous green ferns of my freedom.

Without brokenness –

you will never know the wisteria of my wholeness.

Without death –

you would never experience eternal joy.

 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,

who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 NIV

 

Here in the garden today I see in a fresh and new way that living in this fallen world is disastrous if I do not look beyond my circumstance and into the face and heart of Jesus Christ. Without him none of us will ever find meaning in life, no matter what we do, what we achieve, who we know, what we have, what we have experienced, or what we have learned. Without Jesus we will come up short. Our life basket will remain empty, void of anything that is beautiful. Void of the gifts that only Jesus can give. BUT GOD…If we have put our faith in him alone, he has promised to help those who love him. Those he has called to live according to his purposes, not ours. When we live in his love we can learn how to give thanks in all things. Not for all things, but in the midst of all things. No matter how hard our circumstance may be we can always give thanks for the fact that he is using our trial to make us into someone beautiful. He is shaping us into his image and as a result we become more like him. Playing our trials forward is scary, but in the midst of every trial God is always there to provide the strength we need to trust him without experiencing fear. Our strength comes  the very moment we need it and never before.

 

I love the words “but God”, because those two words are full of love and hope. Those words are based on the sovereignty of God. Those words are full of his compassion and mercy for mankind. Those words are bathed in the blood and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who wants to be our Lord and Savior. Life without Jesus Christ is both meaningless and void of hope. “But God” made a way where there was no way.

 

Yes, life is hard and we often long to be free of this world and its problems. We who know him long for his return and we often wonder why it is that he is staying away so long. The answer is clear. Because of his great love for his children he waits. He desires to gather more sons and daughters into his heavenly home. It is not his will that any should perish. So he is compassionate so – he calls. He is merciful so – he waits. Never do we see his mercy more evident than in the knowledge that he is waiting to gather more of his children into his courts. Even though we long for his return, He waits and we wait with him.

 

As Jesus pointed out to me this morning, I am NOT forgotten. As I wait, God pours out his goodness in my life every day. This side of heaven he is watching over all that concerns me. His good gifts are free and are designed to make me a better person. In all things he desires to work for the higher good in my life. Yes, I do know that all things work together for my good.

 

Today the Master Gardener and I gathered a basket full of gorgeous flowers that remind me of his precious gifts. As I leave the garden, I have plans to arrange this extra special assortment of flowers in a beautiful arrangement to be displayed in full view on my kitchen table. I anticipate that this arrangement will be breathtaking! Each and every time I pass by my beautiful flowers I will remember, my Lord is in all things, always looking for ways to bring about the highest good that will accomplish his eternal purposes in my life. This knowledge will make all my challenges bearable as I wait this side of heaven for Jesus to gather more of his children into his family. There is much rejoicing in heaven every time a child comes home. There is also joy in my heart this day as I reflect on the love my Lord has for me and for all those who know him. I also rejoice with those in heaven when a new soul is redeemed!

 

Questions:

1. Have you ever misunderstood today’s verse of scripture?
2. Do you trust God to take all of the awful circumstances in your life and work through those circumstances to bring about his good in your life?
3. Have you learned the joy found in the message of “but God”…?
4. Do you love the fact that as a result of every sinful circumstance God has an amazing antidote that is wrapped in his love?  

Prayer:

 

My Father, in heaven, holy is your name,

 

Father, I pray that your kingdom will come, and that your will is being done on earth as it is in heaven. Give me today my daily bread. Forgive me my debts, and help me to forgive my debtors. Lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from the evil one. Help me to know that his tactics are deceit, discouragement, depression, and despair, just to name a few. Forgive me when I doubt your goodness. Thank you for your amazing antidotes for all my trials. I praise you for your great love. Thank you that you are always at work in my life providing all that I need physically, mentally, and spiritually. I want to trust you completely because I know you love me. I also trust you because yours is the kingdom and glory forever.

 

Amen.

His Love Song

“The LORD you God is with you, he is mighty to save.

He will take great delight in you,

he will quiet you with his love,

he will rejoice over you with singing.”

Zephaniah 3:17 NIV

The garden path today is one of colorful delight! Shades of deep foliage surround delicate white and pink chrysanthemum. A bright red-orange Bromeliad holds its head up proud and the cheerful deep pink Kalanchoe offers a visual of delicate ambiance along the pathway. I hear the song of many birds singing back in forth in a harmony understood only by them and their Creator. My heart too is full of joy! Then in an unsuspecting moment fear begins to cloud my mood. I am not worried about anything in particular just the unknown of the future in general. In quick response I shoot up a quick arrow prayer to God’s throne of grace. My words are simple, “Father, help me!” and he does.

 

Jesus reminds me that I must never forget that he is always good. There will never be a circumstance in my life that will be void of his goodness. In all that comes my way I must seek to recognize his goodness. I stop and lean against the trunk of a beautiful red maple. I humbly bow my head, breathe in the presence of my Creator and begin to soak up his love just as the flowers soak up rain after a time of drought. As I begin to listen I hear in the distance a song. It is a love song. It is now right above my head. I look up into the tree and there sits the Master Gardener, perched on a limb. To my amazement he is singing over me a beautiful song about his amazing love for me. I know in this moment he is also rejoicing over me because of the twinkle in his eyes and the smile on his face.

 

I close my eyes and I begin to listen. Every note is clear, mellow, and beautiful! The lover of my soul has perfect pitch and impeccable timing. I feel my shoulders begin to relax and I find that I am totally immersed as I listen to the poetic lyrics as they flow like the sweetest of honey, as he sings of his great love for me.

 

As I listen to his joyful, quick moving allegro and I am amazed at the sure precision with which he sings. My sweet Savior never misses a note or a beat. As he continues to sing his words of love he escalates into the loudest crescendo of love that I have ever heard and then gradually decrescendos into the softest melody of care and concern for me and all that concerns me.

 

My Lord sings above the heights of an Irish tenor and below the depths of the deepest bass in a gospel quartet. I am reminded of how high and deep the Father’s love is for me. This endless song goes on and on. The refrain is always the same, “I have loved you with an everlasting love”. Yes, today I hear it loud and clear. Oh, that I would hear his song everyday!

 

My time in the garden today has been extraordinary! When I reflect on what the Holy Spirit has taught me today I am feel deeply loved.  Trusting God is an awesome way to live. I know that his word is true because my God cannot lie. “The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 NIV Because I belong to him, he takes great delight in me and rejoices over me today and everyday with singing. Even on days with my needs are great, my faith is weak, and my thoughts, deeds, and words are sinful, he is the same. My faithful God is always above me singing of his love for me. He is my hope for today and all my tomorrows.

 

Questions:

1. How does it make you feel to know that God rejoices over you with singing?
2. Are you willing to listen to his love song?
3. Will you take time today to sing back to him a happy song of praise and worship that is full of your words of love and gratitude for all he has done, is doing this day, and will ever do for you?

Prayer:

Dear Lord,

 

Today my prayer is simple. Thank you for the amazing gift of your beautiful, encouraging love song. Forgive me when I become so self-absorbed that I forget to listen for your song of love. Lord, you are marvelous and greatly to be praised because of your everlasting love. How wonderful it is to realize that every day you rejoice over all your children with singing.

 

In your name I pray. Amen.

When Exactly Does God Show Up?

 

“God is our refuge and strength,

an ever-present help in trouble.”

Psalm 46:1 NIV

This morning the garden is still and the only sounds are those from water trickling over the rocks in the stream and chirping insects in the distance. This pre-dawn morning will give me some much needed time in the garden to process my fears and examine my reluctance to be obedient. I have been waiting for God to show up on a couple of major issues in my life. This morning my heart cries out, “Lord, when will you show up?” The light of dawn is silently cutting through the darkness. Breaking the silence of the night a titmouse begins to chirp, and now another bird joins in the musical conversation. Soon an entire chorus of cardinals, chickadees, sparrows, and finches will be singing. This daily concert is both predictable and beautiful. I am a witness as the world wakes up and soon all of the birds will be calling and responding back and forth to each other. I wonder if they recognize the voices of their mates and other feathered friends. What are they saying? Could they simply be joyfully praising and worshiping their Maker? Or are they just like me, anxiously waiting for their Creator to show up and meet their needs.

 

In the twinkling of my eye and much to my surprise, Jesus slips up beside me. I am so happy to see that he is finally here! Sheepishly I ask, “Where have you been Lord?” I go on to explain that I am in need of answers and I have been waiting quite a while for him to show up. Jesus now walks a short distance away from me. As he leans against the trunk of a strong and stately oak, Jesus simply says, “What do you mean my dear? Truth be told Paula, I’ve been waiting for you to show up. You see, I never slumber or sleep, I have always been in your life in the past, I am here with you today, and I will always be with you, even until the end of this earth. I am your refuge and your strength. I am ever-present in your life. I never leave you nor do I forsake you.”

 

This is a huge ah-ha moment for me as I begin to realize that I am the one who perceives that God is not with me. I am the one who has been absent. God has been waiting for me to show up and believe that he is with me. I am beginning to remember that God will never reveal himself to me unless I am seeking to know him. I am the one who must ask for his help and then I must trust that he will provide exactly what he knows I need. I must also remember that God is my partner and he will never send me somewhere that he has not already been. If my response to his request is one of obedience, then when I arrive at any new destination I will find that God not only walks by my side as I travel into the unknown future but he has already laid the framework and prepared the situation at hand well in advance of my arrival. This morning it is becoming increasingly clear to me that God is already on the job, but I am the one who has not been actively present! I am the one hanging back in the clouds of doubt.

 

One perfect example of our ever present God is found in the Bible when Jesus and the disciples are in a boat, peacefully sailing on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus is taking a much needed nap in the back of the boat while the disciples may have been doing a little fishing. Then, out of nowhere a life threatening storm came up and tossed the boat and the helpless disciples back and forth like ping-pong balls as the waves spilled into the boat and the wind blew and hurled the sinking vessel. Neither the disciples nor I know how Jesus was able to sleep through this storm. In between bailing water and tying down gear, I’m sure they cast anxious glances in his direction as they wondered if their sleeping Lord would ever wake up and help them. In fact, they finally had to shake him awake and frantically ask him why he didn’t care that they were about to perish. But the simple truth was revealed in three short words spoken by the Master. “Peace, be still.” You see, it was GOD who was in the boat with them. The Prince of Peace spoke peace, be still. He did not need to show up, he was already there. The disciples simply had to ASK and then TRUST God to take care of them.

 

On another occasion, after Jesus had returned to heaven, a man named Saul was persecuting the Christian church. The Bible tells us that Saul was breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. Saul was on his way to Damascus with letters from the high priest to be read in the synagogues in Damascus so that he could take those who believed in Jesus prisoners. On the way to Damascus, a light from heaven flashed all around Saul. As a result he fell to the ground and became blind. A voice from heaven spoke and said, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” Saul asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The voice from heaven replied, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” Acts 9:4-5 The Bible records that the men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. When they realized that Saul was blind they helped him up off the ground and led him by the hand to Damascus. For three days Saul remained blind.

 

The story does not end there. Here is the amazing part. The Lord also called a man named Ananias. Poor old Ananias! I would not have wanted to be in his shoes. In a vision the Lord told Ananias to go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. Ananias’ response was Lord…surly you jest! This guy has a bad reputation. He persecutes Christians and I am a Christian. God, you have the wrong guy for this job. But as always is the case, God was not asleep, he was on the job, he did not have the wrong man, he had the right man and he had already prepared the way for Ananias. All Ananias had to do was to TRUST God and OBEY God. It was Ananias that had to show up. The Lord told Ananias, do not be afraid, I have already prepared the heart of Saul. He is there praying and I have also given him a vision. He has seen in his vision a man named Ananias coming to him and laying hands on him so that his sight would be restored. Even though Ananias was afraid and questioned his assignment, God said go. God told Ananias that Saul was his chosen instrument to carry his name to the gentiles. The bottom line, Ananias obeyed and Saul’s eyesight was restored and he got up and was baptized. Ananias was afraid but still he obeyed and God’s work was accomplished. Saul’s name was changed to Paul and he carried the name of Jesus to the gentiles. Remember, God had already shown up. He had prepared Saul to receive Ananias. God was on the job long before Ananias ever arrived on the scene.

 

As I reflect on these two stories I am filled with awe. God IS a very present God. He knows exactly where I live and what is going on in my life. He calls me by name and he goes before me. He will be with me in good times and also in days of adversity. My Jesus is always in the garden of my heart waiting for me to show up and he will be with you too. Jesus will be with us in the doctor’s office, the hospital room, and he will be with us in times of grief and loss. Jesus is with our children and grandchildren. He travels the same roads they travel and sits in their midst be it good or bad circumstances. He is available to hear their first and last cry for help. Jesus is in the middle of all of our earthly challenges. God is never surprised by the events in our life. Nothing gets past him and because of this truth he is already with us and he has already shown up! He stands ready to walk with us on our journey when we cry out for his help. Our God is in our financial challenges, our sickness, our loneliness, our marriage, our job, and in our schools. God is in the hospital room, on the battlefield, in our government, in the courtrooms and in the prisons of our world. Our unstoppable God cannot and will not be shut out. I must never forget for a moment that my God has already shown up and I must continue to pray that others will look up and see his face as he stands lovingly ready to help us all in our time of need.

 

Man attempts to push and shut God out but still he remains! His love is forever faithful to those who love him and also to those who ignore him. He is a God who pursues all of mankind in so many ways. He also uses hard times and tragedy to call us to himself. Most of his efforts go unnoticed and unheeded in this sinful world. It is true that God does not force himself on any of us. The truth is that when we pray God honors our prayers. God is also faithful to stand by those we love and he continues to call each and every one no matter how far away they may have strayed. He is able to send an obedient Ananias to minister to those we love.

 

On a more personal note, I have always found that in my times of need God does not provide for me until the very second when I need him the most. God is after my trust and when God hears me call and sees that my trust is in place he then begins the process of revealing his will for my life. His provision is like manna, given fresh each day and not to be hoarded or stored up. All of my prayers are answered according to his will and in his perfect timing. Provision and grace never arrive before my need, but the moment I need it, it is there. My God is never early nor is he late.

 

When God asks us to go or do we must trust that he has already paved the way ahead of us and we must choose to go where he already is. Often the answer to our need is at the end of our obedience. Today it is so very clear, God has already shown up, the stage is set and he is positioning people in our life and in the lives of those we love to help us all. When we show up and call upon His name he will monitor the situation, send out for reinforcement, provide what is needed, and sometimes he will perform a miracle, but in all cases he will calm the storm of fear that is raging within us while we wait for his perfect will to be accomplished. He is Immanuel, God with us! His faithfulness endures forever.

 

Questions:

1. Have you ever felt like God was far away? Missing in action? Asleep in the boat?
2. Has God ever given you an assignment that made you fear that he was not being responsible on your behalf because it seemed to you that he was placing you in danger?
3. What was your response?
4. Do you ever wonder if you have strayed so far away from God that he no longer cares?
5. Are you the one who is missing in action because you are waiting for God to show up?
6. What can you do to solidify your trust as you endeavor to believe that God has already shown up and is preparing for your future?

Prayer:

 

Dear Jesus,

 

Forgive me when I feel that you have forgotten me. Forgive me when I feel like you are far away and unconcerned regarding what concerns me. Lord, forgive me for not including you in my life. Lord, remind me that you indeed have always been by my side. You have given your Word to encourage me and to solidify my faith. Lord, I know more time with you is required if I am going to live a victorious life of peace in the midst of the personal storms in my life. I am reminded that your Word is full of promises, but I cannot trust a promise that I do not know exists. I need to frequently read the stories of unshakable faith and bask in the promises that are found in your Word because they teach me that you are a very present God who always goes before me and that you also work in the lives of all those I love. I thank you Jesus that you have already shown up in my life. You are more than ready and willing to help me in my time of need.  Help me Lord, to join you because I know that you have promised that if I knock you will open the door and if I call out to you, you will hear. Thank you God that you my refuge and strength, and my ever-present help in trouble. Today Lord, I come to you.

 

In your name I pray. Amen.

Buttons

“…be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

Put on the full armor of God,

so that you can take your stand against

the devil’s schemes.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,

but against the rulers, against the authorities,

against the powers of this dark world

and against the spiritual forces of evil

in the heavenly realms.

Therefore put on the full armor of God,

so that when the day of evil comes,

you may be able to stand your ground,

and after you have done everything,

to stand. Stand firm…”

Ephesians 6:10-14a NIV

 The air is crisp. Autumn seems to have slipped up on me. This morning it only took one step outside my door for me to realize that I must wear a jacket to the garden. I rummage through the back closet looking for my favorite jacket. This jacket is old but it is soft and comfortable. This finger length jacket has seven buttons! Zippers always seem to be faster but this cozy jacket is definitely worth the effort it takes to button up.

 

On the way to the garden I began to think about buttons. I almost start giggling as I remember growing up. I am the youngest of six children. My three brothers all seemed to delight in teasing me. I have been told that I talked more than anyone in the family ever wanted to listen. I think I may still have that problem! My brothers would often tell me to “button my lip”. How rude! And my two sisters would tell me to sew a button on my lip as they made sewing gestures by pressing their lips together and sewing with a pretend needle and thread. Again, how incredibly rude!

 

My son collected buttons to pin on clothing. Each button posted its own unique message. Some supported his favorite sports teams; other had catchy phrases or a simple word of exclamation. Many of these buttons carry unique messages for others to read. Buttons with messages may make you laugh. Some buttons have symbols or pictures that deliver a visual message. Other buttons may invite you jump on a bandwagon or join in supporting a specific cause or candidate. Other buttons may serve as a reminder of a favorite vacation spot or hobby.

 

My Mother was a seamstress.  I still have a jar of buttons that belonged to her. The button jar contains buttons in different sizes, shapes, and colors. Some of the buttons are simple, while others are quite unique and elaborate. It is funny how sometimes things from our past can provide us with an amazing lesson of God’s truth in the present.

 

On this beautiful fall day I have found a comfortable bench in the garden. I am surrounded by yellow, gold, and bronze mums. The warm colors of autumn are delightful! What a perfect place to sit and talk to God as I begin to contemplate another type of button. These are the buttons in my life that others seem to always be pushing! These are the buttons labeled: interruption, expectation, and aggravation. There are also the buttons of lack of appreciation, false accusations, and exasperation!  These are the buttons that in the heat of the moment catch me off guard and I immediately respond with quick ungodly words. I hate when I respond in this curt manner! I totally relate to the Apostle Paul when he says, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” Romans 7:15 NIV As a follower of Jesus Christ, I know full well that responding to the button pushing of others is dangerous. When I respond to the button pushing of others I open up my mind and my heart to the devil’s schemes. So this morning in prayer I am asking God, “Who will rescue me from this body of death?” Romans 7:24 NIV It is amazing when we ask God the right question how quick he is to give us his truthful answer. “Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord!” Romans 7:25a NIV 

 

Then the Spirit prompts me to open my Bible and read “…be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm…” Ephesians 6:10-14a NIV

 

After reading that scripture the Spirit continued to teach me during my time of prayer. His message was simple. Your strength will come from the mighty power of the Lord. He will equip you to stand firm. Put on the FULL armor of God and don’t omit a single thing. I ask, “Why Lord do I need to do this?”  He answers again, in simple truth. “You need to do this so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” The Holy Spirit whispers, “Paula, your struggle is not with the button pushers in your life. It IS with Satan and the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. This struggle is NOT from heaven but from the space outside of heaven! This world has been given over to Satan for only a time. You are living in that time so you must fight him and all of his agents. Therefore, protect yourself and allow me to dress you in my spiritual armor.”

 

Praying in the garden always seems to help me re-examine my priorities. I have found that for me I must spend time alone with God early in the day because Satan is out there lurking, waiting for situations, circumstances, and button pushers to set me off! If I fail to put on my protection, or at some point take off my protection I am at risk. Jesus understood this principle well. That is exactly why he went to the garden before he went to the cross. The cross was still ahead of him but now he was equipped to extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one and do the will of his Father.

 

Prayer time is also important because it is where we get dressed for battle. Prayer time is where the Holy Spirit securely "buttons" my spiritual armor! He does this by fastening the belt of God’s truth around my waist. He then attaches the breastplate of God’s righteousness firmly in place. He holds out the shoes of readiness and preparedness that come from the gospel of God’s peace. After I am dressed and look’en good, the Spirit hands me a shield of faith so that I may extinguish the flaming arrows of Satan. Last but not least, he hands me a sword. He says, “This Sword represents my Word. Remember and rely on my words, they are the sharpest of all swords. My words are sharper than any two edged sword that Satan may have in his arsenal. It is my words that will send him packing every time. Hide my words in your heart because you never know when you will need them! My words are your strongest weapon. My words will keep you from sinning.”

 

After this encounter, I know full well that when I leave the garden today I will be open to all manner of interruption, expectation, and aggravation. I will experience lack of appreciation, false accusations, and exasperation!  I now understand that being the object of button pushing is normal when you live in a sinful world.  For that reason, I humbly unbutton my coat and drop it to the ground. Satan sends an unsuspected shiver up my spine and I am acutely conscious that my spirit is vulnerable without God’s armor. I quickly invite the Spirit to dress me in complete readiness for battle.

 

To my surprise the armor is not a burden, it is a protection. It does not clink and creak but rather it moves like a well oiled machine of grace. The armor is not heavy because Jesus is helping me shoulder its weight and making this burden amazingly light. The armor is not cold and chilling but instead it is lined with fleecy wool. It is the wool from the Lamb of God. Though my sins were as scarlet they became as wool, his perfect covering for my sin. I am now completely equipped to do life outside the garden. God never has nor will he ever expect me to fight the lions of sin in my own strength. Our God provides above and beyond all that any Believer will ever need.

 

Questions:

1. Do you ever have your buttons pushed?
2. How do you respond?
3. Do you become frustrated when you realize that you have once again succumbed to the button pushers of life?
4. Do you realize that Satan is an opportunist and will use your sinful response as an opportunity to get inside your mind?
5. Do you delight in the provision of God’s armor?
6. Do you realize how perfectly the armor of God is designed to help you overlook and overcome button pushers and protect you from Satan’s flaming arrows?
7. Are you currently wearing God’s armor or are you on your way to the garden for a much needed fitting?

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven,

 

Forgive me when I cave in to the frustration of button pushing. I need a double portion of forgiveness when I realize that I too am a button pusher! Indeed, I am a wretched woman. Father, I know that I will not do this life perfectly, but Father I ask you to help me to do better that I did yesterday. Forgive me when I fail to spend time alone with you in the garden. Give me an understanding that when I move away from you I lay down my sword and my shield. When my life becomes too busy I allow Satan to snip the belt of truth right off my waist and remove the breastplate of right responses off of my chest. Forgive me when I slip out of your shoes of readiness and find that I am unprepared to walk the narrow road of obedience and grace. Father, I am so thankful that no one can remove my helmet of salvation! No one can snatch me from your hands or hide me from your eyes. Father, I pray that I will stay focused because you are my source of strength and my shield of protection. At times Lord, my response to button pushing may seem like a very trivial thing. It may seem that my sin is too small to bring to your attention. But Lord, today I see that button pushing is the very thing that has often made my entire day go south! I pray that I will purpose in my heart to choose to put on, and not remove, your armor of love and protection. I thank you God for such a marvelous gift. Last but not least, I pray that I will not be found guilty of being a button pusher in the lives of others,

 

It is in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

Singing In the Rain and Dancing In The Storm

“I have loved you with an everlasting love;

I have drawn you with loving-kindness.

I will build you up again and you will be rebuilt,”

Jeremiah 31:3-4 NIV

Whatever has always been is not always what may be. This has been my experience this year. I have always been blessed with good health but this year God has reminded me that I am indeed made of dust and someday I will return to dust. My sister, Lou, often reminds me that growing old is NOT for sissies. I am beginning to agree with her. However, she has modeled for me an inner strength in the storms of her life that far surpasses any weakness that she could possibly ever experience. She may be my sister but she is in no way a sissy! Gratitude and grace define her outlook on life. Her trust in God is simple and sure. I am blessed that God placed her in my life as a very real example of how our health can crumble but God provides all that we need and is always more than enough.

 

Health issues seem to test people’s faith in amazing ways. I believe this is true because we are forced to face our own mortality. I am pretty sure that when a positive diagnosis is given to any of us from our doctor it is never well received. Even if we are a “triple-ripple” Christian with the highest marks possible from those in our circle of Christian friends, we are still vulnerable and open game for Satan and his demons as we begin the process of digesting our news and choosing to trust God.

 

On a scale of one to ten, with ten being the worst news possible, the condition of our health is still our own personal news, it is our road to travel, and it is our thoughts that have to be reconciled. I’m pretty sure there will always be others who have it worse than us and many we know will seemingly have it better. No matter where we are in our health journey, gratitude is always a good place to start. We can be thankful for our current blessings, our blessing of the past, our spiritual blessings, and our hope for the future.

 

This year my news was not so good. Yes, it could have been so much worse, but the simple fact remained, God allowed me to experience a bump in my otherwise smooth road and I found that I had choices to make. Fear was a possibility, but not a healthy option. Anger was also something to briefly consider, but was not in my best interest. Throwing a pity-party for myself and inviting all those around me to attend was also something to be considered. But the time and energy necessary for that would use up all my time and I would miss sitting with Jesus and hearing his words of comfort and feeling his love. I chose to sing in the rain and dance in the storm! My dancing partner is none other than Jesus and what a wonderful partner he has been over the past weeks.

 

The beautiful thing about Jesus is when we regularly spend time with him we are already comfortable in his presence. We are accustomed to him leading, so now having him lead in and through the storm is not unfamiliar to a follower of Jesus Christ. We have already learned to sing with him in the rain and now the storm is the perfect place for dancing.

 

I love this imagery of dancing because I find that I am never alone. It is in the storm of life that he may seem closer than ever before. This is a dance to savor. I am reminded that my partner is to be trusted because he leads joyfully in love with heavenly rhythm, precision, and accuracy. Draw near to him in the dance and he will whisper sweet promises in your ear that will assure you of his sovereignty, and his unchanging and everlasting love.

 

I for one want to sing the praises of my partner. It was in the weeks prior to my diagnosis that it seemed to me that God was preparing me for an opportunity to trust him. After my diagnosis he surrounded me with my wonderful husband, my children, other family members, and friends who became his messengers of love. It seemed that God really prepared the way as I discovered wonderful doctors and others who touched me in unexpected ways. I must admit I do not take help from others very well. I have always been on the giving end not the receiving end. But oh the joy I would have missed if God had not allowed me to experience this bump in my road. Prayers, cards, flowers, gifts, meals, encouragement, phone calls, e-mails, and tender touches that all said I love you and I care. Please know that if you are in a new place of loss, Jesus loves you too.

 

At the onset of my breast cancer walk God gave me a verse of encouragement to carry me through this time when life has slowed me down a bit. “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. I will build you up again and you will be rebuilt,” Jeremiah 31:3-4 NIV Even though those words were written for Israel, I believe God spoke those same words to me as well.  It turns out that my prognosis is extremely good, but there were times early on when I was not sure and decisions had to be made. It was a scary time and it was not convenient, BUT God was with me. He continues to be with me, and he will be with me always. I know that in this situation God walked before me. He prepared the way even before I knew what was ahead. He continues to stand with me and surrounds me with his people.

 

At this time it seems that things will be ending well, but I know that there will come a time when my earthly life will be over. That is why when things are going well I need to take heed and stock up on God’s Word. I need to meet with Jesus daily in a quiet place. I need to trust God with my life everyday. I need to remember how wonderful it is to sing with Jesus in the sunshine and in the rain. I need to store up all his promises. I need to do all these things so when the next test comes I will choose to cling to his promises and dance with Jesus in the storm.

 

I hope I will always remember to never underestimate the severity of whatever it is I am going through because it is my crisis and there are hard choices to be made. I also want to remember to never overestimate how difficult I think my circumstance is because I don’t have to look very far to see others who are suffering more. When I am vulnerable I must simply lean into the arms of Jesus and yes, try to find joy in the dance and always practice gratitude even in my moments of greatest need. I know that Satan preys on the weak and the strong. His mind games are the greatest battle I will ever face. I must remember to rebuke him out loud in the name of Jesus Christ and he will flee.

 

Life is always going to be far from perfect. I want to praise the One who holds my future and allows me to sing with him in the rain and dance with him in the storm!

 

Questions:

1. Are you going through a time of testing?
2. Is the storm in your life about to get you down?
3. Are you afraid?
4. Do you see that you always have a choice to either dance in the storm or let the waves of fear and anger destroy you?
5. Do you receive strength and joy knowing that Jesus is your dancing partner in the midst of your storm?
6. Can you remember a time in the past when Jesus sang with you in the sunshine and in the rain?
7. Does that give you courage for dancing in the storm now?

Prayer:

Dear Jesus,

 

Today I just want to praise you because of your greatness. You are high and lifted up above all others. You are acquainted with pain, sorrow, loss, and grief. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made and you know every cell in my body. I praise you because you provide amazing promises for me to cling to every day and in my darkest night. I praise you because underneath me are your everlasting, loving arms. I praise you because you love me enough to trust me with an opportunity to trust you. I praise you because you send your heavenly and earthly angels to do your work in my behalf. I praise you because down the road things may not go so well, but because of my current experience I will know of your amazing love that will carry me even when things turn out to be less than what I had hoped for. I praise you because this world in not my final home. I praise you because my hope for my future is firmly rooted in heaven. Yes, Jesus, I praise you!

 

It is in your name I pray. Amen.