For The Display Of His Splendor

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, 

because the Lord has anointed me 

to proclaim good news to the poor.

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim freedom for the captives

and release from darkness for the prisoners,

to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor

and the day of vengeance of our God,

to comfort all who mourn, 

and provide for those who grieve in Zion-

to bestow on them a crown of beauty

instead of ashes, 

the oil of joy 

instead of mourning,

and a garment of praise 

instead of despair.

They will be called oaks of righteousness,

a planting of the Lord

for the display of his splendor.

Isaiah 61:1-3

I love the vision that the oak tree presents in my mind.  A tall, strong, lush tree.......it's big green leaves rustling while it's branches sway with the blowing wind.  It produces a hard wood that stands the test of time and storm.  With an equally strong root system,  it isn't a surprise why God chose the oak to represent our lives and wonderful things He can do for those who love and trust Him.  

God plants us in places and positions and He allows us to go through difficulties just like a newly planted oak would undergo weather conditions.  Our trust is in Him as we pray for answers and miracles.  As life moves forward we have good times and bad, but nothing enters our life without His approval.  God plants everything in our path.  He waits for the moments when we need Him most and at just the right time He comes through for us.  He gives us answers, sometimes not always what we ask for but it is always what is needed and best.  He makes us grow tall and matures us into a great oak of righteousness as we trust in Him.  His planting, us, our answers.............His splendor.  He displays His ability and goodness through the good things that come from our trusting in Him.  As we grow througth our trials and storms we can point people to Him through our successes and even through those failures that, by the grace of God, taught us way more than sucess could have.  He is made known in us and through us!  God chose to plant that oak tree, you and me.  He chose to make us righteous in order to reach more people for His Kingdom.  His splendor and majesty are seen in the great things He does in our lives.  His planting was for a purpose.  

God brings blessings to the poor and weary.  He frees the captives, and comforts those who mourn.  He brings redemption to the sinners and delivers praises to the desperate.  God is good!  All of these miracles He performs, all the saving He does.......they are all because of His amazing love for us and can be used to display His power and love for all His people.   Whatever bad thing you are experiencing, God has chosen to use that for not only growin you but for growing His Kingdom.

As you feel your leaves rustle and our body bend and bow from the pressures of everyday, and the trials that come your way, remember that you aren't alone.  God is in control of your outcome and the blessings you will receive in the end.  Stick your feet firmly on the ground and let God be seen through your answered prayer and the strength and peace He provides along the way.  Never forget that the hardships you endure have been planted by God to show you and others His great power.  He chose you because He knows you will trust Him and that you will be a great witness.  You will be a tall righteous oak displaying His glory and splendor!

   

God's Words are Flawless

And the words of the Lord are flawless, 

     like silver purified in the crucible,

     like gold refined seven times.

Psalm 12:6

Do you ever have an easy time telling others God's truths but applying them to yourself is so much harder? Do you struggle with doubt or fear? I do, but God is showing me that these feelings have no foundation!

"Lord, remove my doubt. Make my mind and heart steadfast against the lies of the enemy." This has been my earnest prayer as of late. Doubt, my greatest stronghold must be overcome. As I read Psalm 12, this verse captured my heart and caused me to do a little research. Here's what I've found...

Metals like gold and silver are put through a refining process in which they are placed in a fire of extreme heat. The dross, or unwanted material within the metal, is burned up as ashes and blown from the shiny, purified metal. Thus leaving a perfectly pure metal that is much better than the original material. The remaining metal is pure, or true.

This passage leads me to 2 conclusions about God's word. His word has been put through the test of fires and trials time and again. Through the trials of the Holocaust, God's word stood strong. Throughout the trials of Paul, David, and Moses, the Word of the Lord was proven flawless and pure.  Over the course of history God's word has been proven true, no matter how hot the heat of evil is turned up, God's word leaves no dross behind in the fire!

Also, my doubt has no substance to it; it is dross. If God has said it, it is true and pure. I need not doubt! It is a lie from the enemy, and when I feel it coming on, I have to envision the fire burning up the ugly lies. When God says I'm forgiven then I'm forgiven. The little voice telling me "You've gone too far this time. You've been given enough chances" is a lie that can't stand against the fire of God's word that says, "If we confess our sin, he is faithful and just to forgive our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)  The enemies words are left as dross from the heat of God's word as I read His promises. 

The more we read and apply God's truths the more we are refined in the process as well. When we face doubt we need to place ourselves in the fire of his word, reading scripture and exposing the lies of the enemy. God's word is a consuming fire, as we are being refined to be more holy and reflect more of his image, his truths leave the dross of the enemy to be blown away like ashes! 

Lord,

Help me to use your word to expose the lies of the enemy. Help me overcome the "things" that have me bound by reading your word. Allow my heart to receive your pure and true word. Prove yourself time and again in the trials of my life!

Amen

Sunday Scripture

For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.

And who can win this battle against the world?  Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.

1 John 5:4-5

Sing-a-long Saturday

There are just some things that I can't wait to do! Some are this side of heaven, but have you ever longed for life in your eternal home? I do! I can't wait to sit in Jesus' lap, live and in person! To feel his strength and hear his tender voice of safety and comfort! I can't wait to sit at his feet for years on end just learning about him and relishing his glory. To see the scars for real. The scars that bought my salvation!
One other thing I get excited about is meeting Moses, Paul, and David! I can't wait to sit with Queen Esther and hear her story retold time and again. I want all the details! I want to hear the stories of missionaries who lived their lives fearlessly and boldly. I want to hear the stories of those who found Jesus on their death beds and offered him their lives in exchange for the sins of the past. I want to hear the stories!
This song reminds me that I can also spend my days on the earth seated at the table of the Lord. When I sit in quiet time, read his word, and listen for his voice I find peace, healing, and restoration! Why wait for eternity to enjoy the gifts he so generously offers now!
Chris Tomlin sings  The Table on his newest album Love Ran Red. It calls our mind to think about sitting  at the banquet table with all the saints who have gone before us. He reminds us that at the table we won't worry, we won't hurt, and we will live in perfect peace as we abide in our God!

You can listen to The Table by clicking here Click here to Listen

Dear Lord,
I long for your peace and healing. I relish the moments when you speak directly to my heart. Open my heart to what you offer at your banquet table. Thank you for creating me with a void in my heart that can only be filled by your love. Continue drawing me into your loving presence. Stir my spirit to delight in the thought of eternity at The Table!
Amen and amen

                                                               "The Table"

I will feast at the table of the Lord
I will feast at the table of the Lord
I won’t hunger anymore
At His table [x2]

Come all you weary; come and find
His yoke is easy; His burden light
He is able; He will restore
At the table of the Lord

There is peace at the table of the Lord
There is peace at the table of the Lord
I won’t worry anymore
At His table

There is healing at the table of the Lord
There is healing at the table of the Lord
I won’t suffer anymore
At His table

Come all you weary; come and find
His yoke is easy; His burden light
He is able; He will restore
At the table of the Lord

I know He has a place for me
Oh, what joy will fill my heart
With the saints around the mercy seat of God

Come all you weary; come and find
His yoke is easy; his burden light
He is able; He will restore
At the table of the Lord
At the table of the Lord

I’m invited to the table of the Lord
I’m invited to the table of the Lord
He says, “Come just as you are”
To His table

A Happy Heart Heals

A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, 

but a broken spirit dries up the bones.

Proverbs 17:22

Are you feeling a little down today?  Have you been sick or are you fighting off some negative emotions?  Maybe you are feeling fine but you have a friend who isn't.  God says the medicine we need when fighting sadness and or physical illness is often times laughter.  A happy heart and a cheerful mind works healing in our own lives and in the lives of those we love.  A while back my friend text me a note of encouragement and I hold it dear to my heart, still today.  I only remember the very important words that are changing the way I look at life, light hearted.    

Light hearted is to be cheerful and carefree.  Carefree is to be free of anxiety or responsibility.  While we can't always get rid of our responsibilities throughout the day, we can hand over our anxiety.  We have a big God just waiting with his hands outstretched for us to place in them our worry and anxieties.  As for the responsibilities, I look at my own life and realize that I can't just throw them down but I can look at them differently.  I can give myself more grace when I don't finish something on time or allow myself room for mistakes and failures.  Life isn't all picture perfect!  In fact, there is so much we can learn from messing up but if we don't keep light hearted we will often times let our mess ups bring us down or frustrate us. 

God says that a broken spirit will make us ill!  When we take life seriously and we are hard on ourselves or others it rips away at our happy hearts, our bones will dry up and we will be lifeless and sad.  So let's laugh more!  Let's smile more!  Let's be light hearted and take everything day by day, moment by moment.  Don't let things get us down but turn to God and hand over our worries, without missing a beat.  And for those of us who have friends who need to smile, let's take the extra time to laugh with them!  Watch a funny movie, send a funny text, do activities that don't take thinking, but allow you both to enjoy a light hearted moment together.  God wants us to be happy and enjoy where we are every day!  So let's get to it!!

Dear God, thank you for wanting what's best for me and for giving me your Word to encourage and redirect.  Help me to keep a happy heart and give me wisdom to encourage a friend's smile.  Heal the hurts and the illness around me through laughter. Bring smiles to the faces of those who need healing and lighten my path as I hand over my worry. 

In Jesus' Name  amen        

Live in Community

“not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10:25‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Why does Paul direct us not to give up meeting together? What is to be gained from it? There are multiple reasons to meet with fellow believers with the first being encouragement. I am always encouraged when I meet with my friends. I gain strength for the next leg of my journey. 

    It encourages me when I can share what I'm learning and the wisdom God gives me to share encourages my friends.

     I am encouraged when I hear that I'm not the only one struggling with "stuff".  When life gets hard it's important to hear the reality of life- everyone experiences trials! And God is faithful to his children. 

     Meeting in community also helps us expel the lies that the enemy has told us. True friends aren't afraid to speak the truth in love. They help us see clearly when the fog of the lies rolls in. 

     And best of all, we can share good, clean moments of laughter! Laughter that comes from deep within or hearts. Laughter that makes our hearts burst with delight! 

     So now I challenge you... Have you given up meeting regularly with fellow believers? Do you call upon friends in your time of need or do you struggle through on your own? Perhaps it's time to step out and reconnect with your church or start a small group. Call some fellow believers and meet for a Coke or a coffee. Pray about it, asking God to bring you friends who will build you up and value your friendship. Make a commitment and stick with it! 

Dear Lord, 

In your wisdom you gave Paul the words from today's scripture. You know the benefits of Christian fellowship and the joy that comes from meeting together. You value the strength we gain from one another. Give us the courage to step out and meet with others... For our sake and theirs! 

In your holy and precious name, 

Amen and amen

Without Borders

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders

Let me walk upon the waters

Wherever you would call me

Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander

And my faith will be made stronger

In the presence of my savior

These words are found in the song Oceans (Where My Feet Fall) by Hillsong.  When I hear them I am forced to think of my own faith and whether or not I am willing to be led anywhere God wants to take me.  I think of the things and people I hold dear and I try to imagine being led to a place where I have no control over what happens regarding them.  I like to think my trust is without borders but there is no way to really test that unless I give God control.  Would I shut down the borders of my faith when it comes to my child's health, or my marriage.  If my own health was threatened could I surrender all of my faith and trust in the outcome or would I sound the alarm and close the gate?  Would I take back all my faith when I was tested, or could I keep a loose grip on the doors to my border?  Could I keep walking into a place that alone I could never wander, trusting that God was working on my behalf?  Am I willing to go deeper to a place that is dark, lonely, scary and even painful..........believing that God would make me stronger through it all?  

Trusting God through the little things is a good representation of how we would trust Him in the big things (Luke 16:10).  In the small things, if we shut our borders and don't allow Jesus to lead us and protect us then we will never be willing to trust God with the big things, and our faith can only grow when it is tested.  We have to be willing to walk out deeper than we could take ourselves because naturally who would go farther than they could handle on their own?  No, we must let go of our inhibitions and fears and let God take us where He wants.  We have to strip away the borders of our faith and allow God to take us anywhere that will grow us and result in good for our lives and the Kingdom of believers.  Jesus won't leave us.  He will walk with us the whole journey and He won't let us down.  But so often we decide to walk alone.  We stop trusting God and we start working in our own strength, trusting in the things we can accomplish and in the promises of the world instead of the promises of God.  We worry like crazy, put our mind through anguish and destroy our bodies because we are unwilling to open up the borders to our faith.  

Dear God, help me to be strong in You.  I don't want to fear and I don't want to put limits on what You can do in my life.  I open up my borders to You and give you free reign to lead me to a place of growth, trust and amazing works.  Show up for me as I approach the edge of my borders and take me deeper than I have ever gone before.  Make my faith stronger and help me to share it with others.  

In Jesus' Name   amen