God promises to "...refresh the weary and satisfy the faint." (Jeremiah 31:25, NIV).
The Lord's invitation is for us today. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28).
Are you weary today?
Has life worn you down to a bare thread?
You may feel you don't have the strength to even think about tomorrow. A deep weariness can give way to resignation, even depression. The lack of rest and energy is defeating. You are not able to just pick up and go. You drag your feet and your head is sunk low. Your spirit is crushed and diminished.
But God is patient and gentle. He will not crush a bruised reed or snuff out a flickering candle (Isaiah 42:3 NLT). He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap (I Samuel 2:8a NIV).
These are the promises we need to cling to when our minds, hearts and bodies are in desperate need for rest.
The Israelites were traveling through a sun scorched wilderness. They came to a place called Marah where the waters were bitter but God healed them. Later, they traveled to a place called Elim "...where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees, and they camped there near the water." (Exodus 15:27 NIV). There was a well for each tribe and plenty of shade from the heat of day!
God will make an Elim for us in our weariness. He will be our shade from life's intense times.
Ask Him to take you to Elim.
It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain. (Isaiah 46:6, NIV).
Saturday, July 29, 2017
Saturday, July 22, 2017
Redeemable Moments
After a haircut, I stopped next door for lunch with my wife. The local South American comfort food hit the spot. During the meal, my eyes shifted to the window and my thoughts recalled when we had once lived in the area. But after one year we decided to leave the town for the convenience of being closer to work.
That year marked a difficult season for both of us.
On the day of the move my wife discovered we had bed bugs. A reason to the reddish bite marks on her upper arms that kept getting worse. Oddly enough, I had no symptoms. As we were new to the area we didn't know that such infestations were common. We learned that special dogs were used to detect them, especially in the city where these bugs traveled on people's clothing - imagine in a subway!
The movers noticed our shocked expressions and whispered conversations. They cashed in on it by doubling up the charges. Our landlord was furious that we waited a day to notify them. However, we were caught up in a move between two places that consumed our time and energy. We had worked from early morning to after midnight. When it was over, we held hands and wept asking God to help us.
Later that same year, I foolishly got into a car accident costing us over three thousand dollars. While our car was in the shop for two weeks we joined a regular crowd taking the bus which consumed nearly two hours a day to get to work and home.
But today the Lord spoke to my heart when I started to rehearse all the bad moments.
These are redeemable moments.
I got great haircut for less the price where we live now. Excellent food at a fraction of the cost compared to some other well known restaurant. And down the street we had our oil changed with staff that was familiar with us and our car - a sort of welcome back committee. None of this would have been possible unless we had lived on that same street.
Most importantly, God used this season to chasten my heart when I went into survival mode rather than trust Him.
Beloved, no matter how difficult the moment of testing and trials - God knows how to redeem not just us - but those dark and low moments when all seems lost - He indeed makes all things beautiful in His time (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
When we mediate on the redeemable moments our faith increases. Any influence of resentment and bitterness (or questioning God's sovereignty) loses it's power to grip the mind and heart.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8, KJV).
That year marked a difficult season for both of us.
On the day of the move my wife discovered we had bed bugs. A reason to the reddish bite marks on her upper arms that kept getting worse. Oddly enough, I had no symptoms. As we were new to the area we didn't know that such infestations were common. We learned that special dogs were used to detect them, especially in the city where these bugs traveled on people's clothing - imagine in a subway!
The movers noticed our shocked expressions and whispered conversations. They cashed in on it by doubling up the charges. Our landlord was furious that we waited a day to notify them. However, we were caught up in a move between two places that consumed our time and energy. We had worked from early morning to after midnight. When it was over, we held hands and wept asking God to help us.
Later that same year, I foolishly got into a car accident costing us over three thousand dollars. While our car was in the shop for two weeks we joined a regular crowd taking the bus which consumed nearly two hours a day to get to work and home.
But today the Lord spoke to my heart when I started to rehearse all the bad moments.
These are redeemable moments.
I got great haircut for less the price where we live now. Excellent food at a fraction of the cost compared to some other well known restaurant. And down the street we had our oil changed with staff that was familiar with us and our car - a sort of welcome back committee. None of this would have been possible unless we had lived on that same street.
Most importantly, God used this season to chasten my heart when I went into survival mode rather than trust Him.
Beloved, no matter how difficult the moment of testing and trials - God knows how to redeem not just us - but those dark and low moments when all seems lost - He indeed makes all things beautiful in His time (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
When we mediate on the redeemable moments our faith increases. Any influence of resentment and bitterness (or questioning God's sovereignty) loses it's power to grip the mind and heart.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8, KJV).
Saturday, July 15, 2017
Entanglements
We are encouraged in Hebrews 12:1 to cast aside very sin that weighs us down.
"Let us also therefore, having so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, laying aside every weight, and sin which so easily entangles us, run with endurance the race that lies before us," (Darby Bible Translation).
The word entanglement in the original means easily surrounding, encircling and easily distracted (Strong's Concordance).
We can think of many things that trip us up. A word we didn't mean to say or some temptation we found ourselves giving into with out much resistance.
Then there's another entanglement - those subtle ropes like Samson who being bound as he slept on Delilah's lap - each time he was able to break free until he gave away the secret of his strength.
So too are the seductive entanglements that slowly wrap around our spiritual life. True to the definition of entanglement, it circles us until we are so constricted that we no longer able to run the race set before us. Our feet are slowed and we stumble badly. Sadly, for some they are so bound they are unable to get back up unless someone frees them.
Consider your friends and associates. Are you leading them by example of what a Christian is or are you captured by their words and envious of the way they live outside of Christ? Do you compromise or relax the hold of living in the fear of God to being afraid that you might lose your friends, upset your co-workers or disrupt your marriage when speaking the truth in love?
It's not always the visible cords or ropes that we can see but the impulses of our heart to attach itself to the things that are sensual and earthly. When we agree to the earthly we soon discover it's more than an organic experience but a demonic one as well. But we have this promise in Psalms 91:3 that God will deliver us from the snare of fowler (type of a satanic bird catcher).
This one truth in 1 John 3:19-20 will keep us free from any entanglements - since condemnation (the sense of not getting it right) - is the most common rope that constricts us. Scripture says, "This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything."
It is a sacrificial choice. Bind your self to Him and you can only soar to heights unknown.
God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar. (Psalms 118:27, KJV).
"Let us also therefore, having so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, laying aside every weight, and sin which so easily entangles us, run with endurance the race that lies before us," (Darby Bible Translation).
The word entanglement in the original means easily surrounding, encircling and easily distracted (Strong's Concordance).
We can think of many things that trip us up. A word we didn't mean to say or some temptation we found ourselves giving into with out much resistance.
Then there's another entanglement - those subtle ropes like Samson who being bound as he slept on Delilah's lap - each time he was able to break free until he gave away the secret of his strength.
So too are the seductive entanglements that slowly wrap around our spiritual life. True to the definition of entanglement, it circles us until we are so constricted that we no longer able to run the race set before us. Our feet are slowed and we stumble badly. Sadly, for some they are so bound they are unable to get back up unless someone frees them.
Consider your friends and associates. Are you leading them by example of what a Christian is or are you captured by their words and envious of the way they live outside of Christ? Do you compromise or relax the hold of living in the fear of God to being afraid that you might lose your friends, upset your co-workers or disrupt your marriage when speaking the truth in love?
It's not always the visible cords or ropes that we can see but the impulses of our heart to attach itself to the things that are sensual and earthly. When we agree to the earthly we soon discover it's more than an organic experience but a demonic one as well. But we have this promise in Psalms 91:3 that God will deliver us from the snare of fowler (type of a satanic bird catcher).
This one truth in 1 John 3:19-20 will keep us free from any entanglements - since condemnation (the sense of not getting it right) - is the most common rope that constricts us. Scripture says, "This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything."
It is a sacrificial choice. Bind your self to Him and you can only soar to heights unknown.
God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar. (Psalms 118:27, KJV).
Saturday, July 8, 2017
Count It All Joy
James 1:2 says, "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;" (KJV). During my high school years I found this scripture comforting and puzzling. Temptation lures were pleasurable and the consequences were anything but joyful (verse 15).
I now understand the original word means "trials" which can include being tested, probation (the process or period of testing or observing the character) and calamity.
The early church faced persecution from all sides: their communities, government and even within the walls of the church. America has not known this intense persecution or what is currently happening in some parts of the world today.
Perhaps, the greatest temptation the early church faced was to forsake Christ even for a little relief from hate, anger and constant pressure brought on by fear. Their very lives were at stake for making a choice to live for Him.
They understood abandoning Christ was not option because they were saved (eternally) but not from the sufferings of life.
And perhaps this is a trial we face in our country. Temptation for us in America has once been called "soft" persecution. We spend mindless hours in front of the television or cell phone scrolling through endless pages. We fill our day doing what and how we want because we have so many options and distractions. Little time is spent in prayer and reading His word. Many come to church to perform a function, exhausted and worn out from running everywhere but to the throne.
And our soul is afflicted by an emptiness that leaves very little joy to experience the nearness of His presence. We have indeed fallen into temptation of the worse sort - forsaking Christ - and not even aware His presence has long left our gatherings.
We need including myself a holy desire to resist what is presented before us even if it comes in the guise of religious light. Satan's deceptive ability is to present something shiny and bright, attractive and sensual but its just a thin veneer. What lies beneath is something ugly and destructive. The devil's desire is to destroy the fellowship we have in Christ. A separated life from Christ is a hellish experience. There is no peace or joy but dryness and a terrible feeling of being disconnected.
Let's encounter every trial and temptation understanding God give us greater grace. Value the time in His presence so when tempted you will find the way out of a Satanic snare (I Corinthians 10:13).
When we see temptation differently we will learn that God truly satisfies the hungry soul and nothing in this world can fill our lives. Our faith in Him to supply our every need will be much stronger to weather any trial and temptation.
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (James 1:14 KJV).
I now understand the original word means "trials" which can include being tested, probation (the process or period of testing or observing the character) and calamity.
The early church faced persecution from all sides: their communities, government and even within the walls of the church. America has not known this intense persecution or what is currently happening in some parts of the world today.
Perhaps, the greatest temptation the early church faced was to forsake Christ even for a little relief from hate, anger and constant pressure brought on by fear. Their very lives were at stake for making a choice to live for Him.
They understood abandoning Christ was not option because they were saved (eternally) but not from the sufferings of life.
And perhaps this is a trial we face in our country. Temptation for us in America has once been called "soft" persecution. We spend mindless hours in front of the television or cell phone scrolling through endless pages. We fill our day doing what and how we want because we have so many options and distractions. Little time is spent in prayer and reading His word. Many come to church to perform a function, exhausted and worn out from running everywhere but to the throne.
And our soul is afflicted by an emptiness that leaves very little joy to experience the nearness of His presence. We have indeed fallen into temptation of the worse sort - forsaking Christ - and not even aware His presence has long left our gatherings.
We need including myself a holy desire to resist what is presented before us even if it comes in the guise of religious light. Satan's deceptive ability is to present something shiny and bright, attractive and sensual but its just a thin veneer. What lies beneath is something ugly and destructive. The devil's desire is to destroy the fellowship we have in Christ. A separated life from Christ is a hellish experience. There is no peace or joy but dryness and a terrible feeling of being disconnected.
Let's encounter every trial and temptation understanding God give us greater grace. Value the time in His presence so when tempted you will find the way out of a Satanic snare (I Corinthians 10:13).
When we see temptation differently we will learn that God truly satisfies the hungry soul and nothing in this world can fill our lives. Our faith in Him to supply our every need will be much stronger to weather any trial and temptation.
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (James 1:14 KJV).
Saturday, July 1, 2017
Here Comes That Dreamer
As Joseph approached his brothers, they said among themselves, ""Here comes that dreamer!" (Genesis 37:19, NIV). Earlier Joseph told them a dream that one day they and his father would bow before him. And it did not help that he was his father's favorite son who proudly wore a coat of many colors his father had made (Genesis 37:3).
I believe there's a life uniquely marked by God.
There's something that makes an individual different even special (not odd or strange). It doesn't necessarily mean they have some big talent to sing, dance or entertain.
No, it's a deep, rich spiritual life that God has formed for Himself that sets the person apart from all others. Again, it's not in the time they read and pray or attend church or work in ministry. All of that is an extension of the inner work of God in that life, but it's not their identity or role.
What I'm speaking about is the call of God on life that He separates for Himself for a particular purpose. Joseph was sold into slavery. He went from a pit to a palace in Egypt then cast into prison. After God's season of testing was completed (Psalms 105:19); he was raised up second in command to Pharaoh. He helped save the country and surrounding nations from a famine.
From a dream some fifteen years earlier to when he became ruler over Egypt; God's word proved faithful. God fulfills His dreams.
My brothers and sisters, God has each given us a dream of sorts. It may be an actual dream or some impression that keeps returning year after year. Never say it's too late to dream. Believe God can fulfill His desire in your life. For some people, youth as passed and all its energy and passion much sadly spent in folly and vanity.
Still, God's sovereign hand remains on a life that is willing to say yes.
Caleb was eighty years old when he took Hebron and the giants that possessed it (Joshua 14:12). He was one of the spies who was commissioned to spy out the Promised Land. However, ten spies gave an evil report and the entire nation was forced back into the desert for 40 years. I believe God kept Caleb from being bitter and held to his faith that one day he would have that mountain he first saw some 40 years ago. Later, when he did take the mountain he was able to bless his daughter by giving her the upper springs (Joshua 15:19). Faith nourished his God inspired dream that would in turn nourish his daughter life giving waters!
Let's be found standing at the throne one day when God will take our hand only to say, "You are my dream come true."
I believe there's a life uniquely marked by God.
There's something that makes an individual different even special (not odd or strange). It doesn't necessarily mean they have some big talent to sing, dance or entertain.
No, it's a deep, rich spiritual life that God has formed for Himself that sets the person apart from all others. Again, it's not in the time they read and pray or attend church or work in ministry. All of that is an extension of the inner work of God in that life, but it's not their identity or role.
What I'm speaking about is the call of God on life that He separates for Himself for a particular purpose. Joseph was sold into slavery. He went from a pit to a palace in Egypt then cast into prison. After God's season of testing was completed (Psalms 105:19); he was raised up second in command to Pharaoh. He helped save the country and surrounding nations from a famine.
From a dream some fifteen years earlier to when he became ruler over Egypt; God's word proved faithful. God fulfills His dreams.
My brothers and sisters, God has each given us a dream of sorts. It may be an actual dream or some impression that keeps returning year after year. Never say it's too late to dream. Believe God can fulfill His desire in your life. For some people, youth as passed and all its energy and passion much sadly spent in folly and vanity.
Still, God's sovereign hand remains on a life that is willing to say yes.
Caleb was eighty years old when he took Hebron and the giants that possessed it (Joshua 14:12). He was one of the spies who was commissioned to spy out the Promised Land. However, ten spies gave an evil report and the entire nation was forced back into the desert for 40 years. I believe God kept Caleb from being bitter and held to his faith that one day he would have that mountain he first saw some 40 years ago. Later, when he did take the mountain he was able to bless his daughter by giving her the upper springs (Joshua 15:19). Faith nourished his God inspired dream that would in turn nourish his daughter life giving waters!
Let's be found standing at the throne one day when God will take our hand only to say, "You are my dream come true."