Sadly, it's the last thing we truly surrender to the Lord is our heart - completely and fully - nothing held back or a portion reserved for self.
Many believers like myself experience sharp spiritual highs and lows. Moments we ebb and flow in power and grace then just as quickly we feel disconnected and spiritually low.
It seems a balanced and tempered life of staying close to the Savior is illusive. Our emotions keep betraying us. The Satanic lies that God has left us on our own can be too much (and may even feel real). As a result, many believers are in survivor mode - just trying to get through one day at a time.
So we lack vision and as such the power to see beyond our moments and days for an everlasting kingdom that would inspire hope and passion.
And it all starts with giving Him our heart (again and again) even though we have unexplained pain and find ourselves falling into old sinful habits.
For some giving their heart to God is difficult. They gave it to others only to experience diminishing returns of love leaving them bitter and disappointed. Promises broken. Relationships were shattered and hearts crushed, rejected.
But God steps in with a rich promise that it only requires us to say yes and He will do all the work of taking and replacing our hearts. Ezekiel 11:19 says I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. (NIV).
Our response to God's work of changing our hearts should be David's cry: "Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name." (Psalms 86:11 NIV).
Start today.
Tell Him your heart is faint even cold toward Him. Ask for His power to bring it to life again. And as I had to do so often I raise my hands in surrender and say, "Here I am. Take me and this heart of mine. It's all yours."
I lift my hands to believe again
You are my refuge, You are my strength
As I pour out my heart, these things I remember
You are faithful, God, forever (I Lift My Hands, Chris Tomlin)
Saturday, April 29, 2017
Saturday, April 22, 2017
When You Feel Low
The stigma of depression only deepens the problem when Christians are expected to experience the joy of the Lord.
The source of depression be it organic or chemical or some other reason is not just feeling low but it's a spiritual problem too.
Since childhood I experienced bouts of depression. Over the years I've learned that diet, cutting out sugary foods (effects of highs and lows), and exercise made a difference to alleviate those dark moments. I've also learned that certain sin issues in my life that I long neglected to address only strengthened depression.
When I tried to cope and manage on my own it seemed that I sank even deeper in a watery pit. At one time I used medication but the side effects made things difficult.
For me the key to overcoming depression was when God challenged me to connect with people - to have genuine care and fellowship with those in the body of Christ. Faithfully and patiently God worked in my heart to reach out to others knowing full well the risks of rejection or dismissal was possible. I was surprised by the warm and kind reception I was given. I learned that others also suffered from depression and had painful experiences as a result.
As my understanding grew my somewhat narrow world expanded and the power of depression lifted. Healing can be found in the body of Christ if only we are willing to take a small step of faith.
Beloved, if you suffer depression even temporarily as a result of loss, health or financial issues, know that God truly cares. If anything a person who experiences depression wants to feel is safe and protected. God promises us in Psalms 116:6-7 that says, "The LORD protects those of childlike faith; I was facing death, and he saved me. Let my soul be at rest again, for the LORD has been good to me." (NLT)
There is a place of rest for the feverish mind and troubled heart. God promises to protect and defend us. He will raise us up back on our feet and lead us out of our low state.
Pay attention to my cry, for I have been brought very low. Deliver me from my tormentors, for they are far too strong for me. (Psalms 142:6 ISV).
The source of depression be it organic or chemical or some other reason is not just feeling low but it's a spiritual problem too.
Since childhood I experienced bouts of depression. Over the years I've learned that diet, cutting out sugary foods (effects of highs and lows), and exercise made a difference to alleviate those dark moments. I've also learned that certain sin issues in my life that I long neglected to address only strengthened depression.
When I tried to cope and manage on my own it seemed that I sank even deeper in a watery pit. At one time I used medication but the side effects made things difficult.
For me the key to overcoming depression was when God challenged me to connect with people - to have genuine care and fellowship with those in the body of Christ. Faithfully and patiently God worked in my heart to reach out to others knowing full well the risks of rejection or dismissal was possible. I was surprised by the warm and kind reception I was given. I learned that others also suffered from depression and had painful experiences as a result.
As my understanding grew my somewhat narrow world expanded and the power of depression lifted. Healing can be found in the body of Christ if only we are willing to take a small step of faith.
Beloved, if you suffer depression even temporarily as a result of loss, health or financial issues, know that God truly cares. If anything a person who experiences depression wants to feel is safe and protected. God promises us in Psalms 116:6-7 that says, "The LORD protects those of childlike faith; I was facing death, and he saved me. Let my soul be at rest again, for the LORD has been good to me." (NLT)
There is a place of rest for the feverish mind and troubled heart. God promises to protect and defend us. He will raise us up back on our feet and lead us out of our low state.
Pay attention to my cry, for I have been brought very low. Deliver me from my tormentors, for they are far too strong for me. (Psalms 142:6 ISV).
Saturday, April 15, 2017
Be My Help!
In response to arrogant religious practices, Jesus said, “But that Tax Collector was standing from a distance and he would not even lift his eyes up to Heaven, but he was smiting on his chest and he said, 'God, have pity on me, a sinner.' “I say to you that this one went down to his house justified rather than that Pharisee, for every man who exalts himself shall be humbled, and everyone who humbles himself shall be exalted.” (Luke 18:13-14, Aramaic Bible in Plain English).
I've heard many testimonies of how God saved an individual in their broken and desperate state. Nearly every time the moment of deliverance started with the fewest of words like help me or God, show yourself to me!
Many or few words does not equate to the measure of help received but what the heart is speaking to the Savior. He alone knows the depths of the human heart and when words fail to express He fully understands the cry for help.
I can recall a time that I spent hours weeping in His presence asking for help after I was diagnosed with a severe illness. At first my cries were pitiful and loathsome. I didn't really want help but a way out so I can continue living just as before.
Then one day I read in Psalms 30:9 that says "What is gained if I am silenced, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness?" (NIV).
The cry for help pivoted to a deeper cry for God's help that a different story be told. In humility I asked for help to live again that through my life His story is expressed otherwise going down to the pit will silence His greatest opportunity. Some ten years later I continue to live but the cry for help continues - that need to lean and depend on Him - only grows deeper.
There may be someone reading this that you are in a horrible pit. Darkness and fear are choking the life out of you. You feel hounded by memories and the consequences for bad choices that never seem to end. But He is just a whisper away. Say His name Jesus. Jesus! The place where you are will flood with light and so will your heart. Soon the cry for help will flow as easy as the tears that will wash away any pride and self reliance to survive on your own.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.Hear, LORD, and be merciful to me; LORD, be my help." Psalms 40:1-2 NIV)
I've heard many testimonies of how God saved an individual in their broken and desperate state. Nearly every time the moment of deliverance started with the fewest of words like help me or God, show yourself to me!
Many or few words does not equate to the measure of help received but what the heart is speaking to the Savior. He alone knows the depths of the human heart and when words fail to express He fully understands the cry for help.
I can recall a time that I spent hours weeping in His presence asking for help after I was diagnosed with a severe illness. At first my cries were pitiful and loathsome. I didn't really want help but a way out so I can continue living just as before.
Then one day I read in Psalms 30:9 that says "What is gained if I am silenced, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness?" (NIV).
The cry for help pivoted to a deeper cry for God's help that a different story be told. In humility I asked for help to live again that through my life His story is expressed otherwise going down to the pit will silence His greatest opportunity. Some ten years later I continue to live but the cry for help continues - that need to lean and depend on Him - only grows deeper.
There may be someone reading this that you are in a horrible pit. Darkness and fear are choking the life out of you. You feel hounded by memories and the consequences for bad choices that never seem to end. But He is just a whisper away. Say His name Jesus. Jesus! The place where you are will flood with light and so will your heart. Soon the cry for help will flow as easy as the tears that will wash away any pride and self reliance to survive on your own.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.Hear, LORD, and be merciful to me; LORD, be my help." Psalms 40:1-2 NIV)
Saturday, April 8, 2017
Leaning On The EverLasting Arms
For the anxious and troubled mind no better remedy is found than leaning on Jesus.
What a delight for the beloved disciple to lean into Christ during the passover supper (John 13:23). Such a posture infers intimacy. A confidence to bridge any space between and his Lord by resting his head flat against Christ's chest. And the beauty of it all was Jesus didn't refuse his touch or the weight pressed against Him.
For those who are prone to anxiety attacks with a mind racing feverishly with dreadful thoughts, only leaning on His everlasting arms is true relief found. I'm reminded of the lyrics from an old hymn entitled "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" by Anthony J. Showalter (1887).
What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Most often the anxious heart will go into over drive to control and manage a circumstance or problem. But anxiety will drain human strength and leave a person fatigued and frustrated. And in some cases, anxiety lends itself to addictive behaviors that only deepen the problem.
My friends trust is the keystone to faith that gives us the assurance that God cares and is concerned about our welfare.
The more we take Him at His word the more our hearts are at rest because God is bigger than our heavy hearts (1 John 3:20).
What a delight for the beloved disciple to lean into Christ during the passover supper (John 13:23). Such a posture infers intimacy. A confidence to bridge any space between and his Lord by resting his head flat against Christ's chest. And the beauty of it all was Jesus didn't refuse his touch or the weight pressed against Him.
For those who are prone to anxiety attacks with a mind racing feverishly with dreadful thoughts, only leaning on His everlasting arms is true relief found. I'm reminded of the lyrics from an old hymn entitled "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" by Anthony J. Showalter (1887).
What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Most often the anxious heart will go into over drive to control and manage a circumstance or problem. But anxiety will drain human strength and leave a person fatigued and frustrated. And in some cases, anxiety lends itself to addictive behaviors that only deepen the problem.
My friends trust is the keystone to faith that gives us the assurance that God cares and is concerned about our welfare.
The more we take Him at His word the more our hearts are at rest because God is bigger than our heavy hearts (1 John 3:20).
Saturday, April 1, 2017
Renewed Patience
Slowly I'm learning that patience is the truest source of strength because it takes His strength to wait.
We must wait for God to speak and act as He determines in every aspect of our lives. True to His promise those that wait on the Lord will renew their strength (Isaiah 40:31).
The word renew in this verse means to pass on or away similar to the Scripture that tells us we go from strength to strength (Psalms 84:7).
Each day we need a renewed dose of strength to meet whatever we'll face. As we wait on Him, our strength increases because we are at rest that God is in control. We don't need to run about in weary circles trying to coral everything or everyone under our control.
Waiting on God gives a fresh perspective of what battles are important while others are just a skirmish to serve as a distraction to erode our strength.
Perhaps it's the sense as you grow older you become more winded and tired. At fifty you don't have the energy of a seventeen or thirty year old. Your steps slow a bit. You gain wisdom and understanding in life. The sense of preservation increases as you savor a simple sunny morning and the activities of life stirring around you. You take the time to appreciate the ability to breath and to get up in the morning.
Patience takes a mindful and deliberate choice to put a pause on making hasty decisions or rushing to judgment. Simply ask God, "What do you want me to do?"
Wait.
And He will answer.
We must wait for God to speak and act as He determines in every aspect of our lives. True to His promise those that wait on the Lord will renew their strength (Isaiah 40:31).
The word renew in this verse means to pass on or away similar to the Scripture that tells us we go from strength to strength (Psalms 84:7).
Each day we need a renewed dose of strength to meet whatever we'll face. As we wait on Him, our strength increases because we are at rest that God is in control. We don't need to run about in weary circles trying to coral everything or everyone under our control.
Waiting on God gives a fresh perspective of what battles are important while others are just a skirmish to serve as a distraction to erode our strength.
Perhaps it's the sense as you grow older you become more winded and tired. At fifty you don't have the energy of a seventeen or thirty year old. Your steps slow a bit. You gain wisdom and understanding in life. The sense of preservation increases as you savor a simple sunny morning and the activities of life stirring around you. You take the time to appreciate the ability to breath and to get up in the morning.
Patience takes a mindful and deliberate choice to put a pause on making hasty decisions or rushing to judgment. Simply ask God, "What do you want me to do?"
Wait.
And He will answer.
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