Help...I'm Stuck!

I went outside to take my picture for my morning devotional post and thought the cactus shot was perfect. But truly, one small detail was even better...a single tree fruit had fallen from above. It landed directly onto a cactus prong poking right through while other fruit made it safely to the ground below.

Somedays I can feel like this...landing in the wrong place at the wrong time. But here's what I've learned. Every seemingly "wrong" place in my life has a purpose. Whether it's a lesson/learning experience/growth opportunity, a chance to ask/receive forgiveness, a detour because there's people I need to meet down this path, or just a difficult road teaching me perseverance, faith and trust...I'm never alone in the midst of it. The Lord is right there with me when I *choose* to stop feeling sorry for myself and say, "Okay, I don't understand what You're doing here right now Lord, but Thank You for what YOU ARE doing. Help me to seek You in the midst of this. 

That one small thankful prayer re-adjusts everything. I'm flooded with a feeling of love and peace...EVERY SINGLE TIME! Now the trick is to pray before I complain!

I'm a work in progress but I'm thankful the key word is *progress*! Today I'm thankful for difficulties that produce growth! Thank You JESUS!

4 "Show me Your ways, O Lord;
Teach me Your paths.
5 Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
On You I wait all the day."~Psalm 25:4-5

"Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate."~Hebrews 13:12

"Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name."~Hebrews 13:15

WHEN FOLLOW THROUGH & LACK OF DEDICATION COLLIDE!

Today in class they prompted people to go into "Crow Pose." I balanced my knees on my arms, but was only able to accomplish a quick little push off the ground with my feet. A few little mini-hops. No balancing. My arm strength just isn't there yet. I looked over to see my son balanced and holding his "Crow Pose" perfectly. His arm strength, obviously working to his advantage. He puts in daily time, preparing for his upcoming football season; lifting, running and now weekly yoga classes for flexibility, balance and to avoid injuries. The work is paying off. Dedication.

I on the other hand am hit or miss with my workouts/gym time. The result of my lack of dedication very apparent in my strength and body image. Oh believe me...I want that summer body. I'd love to feel strong and healthy, but somewhere in-between my want and follow through there's a lack of dedication.

How often does a lack of dedication to a relationship with Jesus Christ get in the way of your desire to grow stronger in your faith and trust?

How can you trust when you're not putting in the time to truly get to know your Savior?

How can you grasp the depth of His love, forgiveness, and healing power in your life if you never seek Him?

Would you trust an acquaintance whom you may barely say hello to with very personal and/or intimate details of your life...even if other people told you how amazing and trustworthy they are?

No.

Why?

Because you have not personally formed a deep relationship with this person. Our human nature keeps us at a safe distance from people we are not familiar with. The enemy will use trials, struggles, pain, loss and heartache to keep you from seeking The Lord. Jesus wants you to truly seek Him. To ask Him into your life and heart. He wants to reveal who HE IS and how much HE LOVES AND CARES for you.

Today, make a commitment or re-commit your life...get to know your Savior on a personal and intimate level. Don't just know "about" Him...seek Him throughout your day. Put in the time to talk to Him. Read His love letters to you (The Bible). This dedication to a true, deep and meaningful "relationship" with Jesus will reveal the things you've been longing for in your life. A peace that surpasses all understanding. A love that abounds in the midst of your every day, ordinary life. His Light, Wisdom, Guidance, Truth and Direction...overflowing. 

  

Let the words of this old Hymn fill those empty places with truth today:

WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS-(Joseph M. Scriven-1855)

What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer

Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."~ Philippians 4:4-7

WHEN ALL LOOKS IMPOSSIBLE

“PRAY-I Am making a way in the desert, My Way, YAHWEH. Pray through impossible in worldly eyes but possible in and through Me. Pray. Bold. Blind Faith. Moving. Right here. Right now. MY WAY opening before you. 

You are loved. Be bold. Speak My words. Share My words. Captives are being set free. Blind eyes will be opened. MY Truth, Spirit, Glory, revealed. Walk in the ways I’m leading you. A place where impossible gives way to possible. I Am your Savior, Jesus Christ. I have given all for you because I love you. Share Me with the lost…the people roaming the lands without a Shepherd.” 

“This battle is not yours but Mine,” says the Lord. “Is anything too hard for Me? My Hand is outstretched. Grab Hold. Do not let go. I Am Mighty to Save. You are mine and I Am yours. Go Forth. Proclaim My Name. I will provide.”

"Behold, I will do a new thing,
Now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert."~ Isaiah 43:19 
"You shall speak My words to them, whether they hear or whether they refuse, for they are rebellious."~Ezekiel 2:7

"But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd."~Matthew 9:36  

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven."~Matthew 16:15-17

And he said, “Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat! Thus says the Lord to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s."~2 Chronicles 20:15

"The Lord your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.”~Zephaniah 3:17

My Fear and Doubt

I often doubt myself, question whether I'm capable, good enough, and strong enough to do all that the Lord is prompting me to do. I question my abilities. In the areas I'm lacking, I feel the enemy constantly attacking me. One moment I feel confident and capable, knowing that if God is for me, who can be against me. "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31 (NIV) His strength and power is able to overcome my weaknesses. And then on other days, the enemy seems to be working overtime in the areas God is trying to free me up in.

I know that doubt, worry, anxiety and fear are not of the Lord. I know that when these feelings are overtaking me, I need to run to the Lord, open up His Word and fill up with truth to overcome the emotional manipulation of my human nature and the enemy. The Lord has a plan for each one of us. He does not expect us to feel 100% confident when He calls us, He just asks us to be available; available to allow Him to work in us and through us. We need to remember, even Moses felt inadequate when the Lord called him, "Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue. The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”  But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.” Exodus 4:10-13 (NIV). He didn't speak well and yet the Lord was asking him to speak not only to the Pharaoh but the entire people of Israel. The Lord knew his worry, fear and doubt in his inadequacies and short comings. He still required Moses to lead, trust and rely on God because in his own abilities, he fell short in every way.

God often uses weak and unqualified people because of their humbleness. God knows that when His Glory shines through, people will get a glimpse of HIS great power, faithfulness and love. He works in and through open and willing vessels (people). If you're going through a season in life where change can feel overwhelming, remember that God is bigger than anything you face. He is attempting to do a work in your life. Do not shrink back. Move forward in HIM. He is wanting to show and shine His love and greatness in you. Trust in His ability to move the mountains, to calm the sea, to give you His words and wisdom. Stand in faith and watch Him work, letting go of fear and doubt. Let God work!

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong." 1 Corinthians 16:13

Hungry? Eat This Life Giving Bread

While reading John 6:35-51, I thought about how the people of Jesus' time were listening to Him talk about how He is the bread of life, sent down by the Father. He goes on to tell them that anyone who eats of this bread will live forever. "This bread is my flesh which I will give for the life of this world."

At that time, Jesus knew that He would be giving His life for all of us to be saved and raised again on the third day, however, no one else knew this. I can't imagine what they were thinking? I'm sure many thought He was crazy. As they argued, "How can this man give us His flesh to eat." They were looking at the literal meaning of His words.

Jesus goes further saying, "Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood you have no life in you." (Read John 6:53-59) Even the disciples, His faithful, trusting followers had a hard time with this, saying, "This is hard teaching, who can accept it?" (John 6:60)

Jesus was aware of His disciples grumbling and said, "Does this offend you? What if you see the Son of Man ascend to where He was before! The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and they are life. Yet there are some of you who do not believe." (John 6:61-64)

Jesus knew which of His disciples did not believe and who would betray Him. Hearing this particular message would be difficult for anyone to truly understand. Many of His disciples turned from Him at that time, but the twelve did not.

Jesus went on to say, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father enables Him."

This new year, let's re-commit our lives to getting to know the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Pray daily and read the word so that the Father will enable you to see the truth on a deeper level. There is so much waiting for you. So much more the Lord has for you this coming year. He wants you to seek Him on a more intimate level. He wants to speak life into you. Feed your hurting, broken soul with the life giving, 'flesh and blood' of Jesus Christ. Eat of His bread this coming year and let the Lord fill you up so that you will no longer be hungry.

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up: do you not perceive it?" Isaiah 43:18-19

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:11-13

Facing Your Goliath

This morning, while reading the scriptures, I thought about David. He had to face so many obstacles in his life.

From a very young age he learned the value of praying and then believing in the Lord to protect and guide him.

David faced Goliath, not with fear, doubt, trembling or a negative self defeating attitude, but with complete faith. Knowing that God is bigger than anything he would come up against.

What Goliath's are in front of you?

Are you attempting to battle them alone?

Pray that the Lord will give you the strength and faith to come to Him daily. Let Him stand in the gap and move your Goliath...just as He did for David.

Saul replied, "You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a boy, and he has been a fighting man from his youth."

But David said to Saul, "Your servant has been keeping his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."

Saul said to David, "Go, and the Lord be with you."

1 Samuel 17:33-37
Read the story of David - 1 Samuel chapters 17-31

Eagle in a Storm

Author Unknown

Did you know that an eagle knows when a storm is approaching long before it breaks?

The eagle will fly to some high spot and wait for the winds to come. When the storm hits, it sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm. While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring above it.

The eagle does not escape the storm. It simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It rises on the winds that bring the storm.

When the storms of life come upon us - and all of us will experience them - we can rise above them by setting our minds and trust in the Lord. The storms do not have to overcome us. We can allow God's power to lift us above them.

He enables us to ride the winds of the storm that bring sickness, tragedy, failure and disappointment in our lives. We can soar above the storms of our life. He sent his only begotten son, Jesus Christ to show us the way.

Remember, it is not the burdens in life that weigh us down, it is how we handle them. Turn them over to the Lord, let Him be your wings. Do not doubt, have faith, and complete trust...He "will never leave you or forsake you"! Pray & then know that He has heard your cries and is faithful.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all-how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns: Christ Jesus, who died-more than that, who was raised to life-is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?

No in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future nor any powers,, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:31-35 & 37-39