The Holy Spirit: Our Teacher

Greg Laurie Daily Devotion - May 31, 2007


Thursday, May 31, 2007

Our Teacher

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”
—John 14:26

We may not even realize it, but the Spirit of God teaches us all the time. The Holy Spirit can unfold passages from the Bible in an incredible way through our reading and study of Scripture. Needless to say, that is why we should spend regular time in Bible study and memorization. In doing so, we are opening the door for the Spirit to illuminate God’s Word for us.

When I read the Bible, I don’t have an incredible experience each time. But I read it because I know I need to, in obedience to God. It might be that very day or the next day when a situation will arise, and suddenly the passage I committed to memory is activated by the Holy Spirit. All of a sudden, the Holy Spirit takes that Scripture and uses it to minister to someone. It’s the Holy Spirit speaking through me, and that’s a wonderful experience.

When I step up to the pulpit, I depend on the Holy Spirit to speak through me. Yes, I have prepared. I have done my homework. But at the same time, I want God to speak to the people who are listening.

Sometimes, we will hear speakers and think they are the greatest preachers who have ever lived. But in reality, it is the Holy Spirit speaking through those people to us. So let’s give the glory to God and not to them.

The Holy Spirit will give us the power to live the way God wants us to live. And He will continue to teach us.

Faithfulness to Convict

I read this, and the thing that I have been convicted of over and over and over this past year is to "Keep the Lord my focus". I've been stripped of so many things that take my focus off God. But He is faithful to bring me to that point over and over again where I will let go on my own of anything that attempts to take the place of God.

Where are you being convicted?

Marketplace Meditations 5/30

May 30Faithfulness to Convict

John 16:8 When He comes, He will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment.

I had recently come back from a mountaintop experience. As I attempted to get back into my routine, I found a great cloud of oppression come over me. Each day I attempted to press through it, but with no success. Fear, anxiety, doubt, and unbelief were setting in. I knew I was fretting over my future. I had been in a long period of transition in my business life and was tired of the place of waiting. Yet I didn't understand the oppression. It was definitely spiritual warfare.

That night I was reading a book regarding our calling from God. The author made mention that we can become envious of others when we get into a place where we are dissatisfied. Suddenly, I realized I was guilty of envying where other businesspeople were in their lives. I was "subconsciously" angry that the calling God had placed on my life had such adversity. I had to repent.

As if this were not enough, the next day the Holy Spirit confirmed my assessment in the most unusual way. That morning I turned on my computer to read my own Marketplace Meditation that is sent to my computer. The message was on "Envying Others" and included the same Scripture reference as the author's in the book. Imagine God using my own words to convict me of sin! The nerve of Him! To make matters worse, at lunchtime I tuned into the local Christian radio station to hear an interview with the same author as he cited the very passage I had read the day before. I was shocked to realize how the Holy Spirit could be so precise in His ability to convict and give proof of His activity in my life.

Do you question if the Holy Spirit is active in your life? The Lord has promised that the Holy Spirit will convict us of sin when we move away from Him. It is His responsibility as our guide.

My Portion and my Lot

"O Lord, Your are the portion of my inheritance and my cup.
You maintain my lot.
The lines have fallen to me in the pleasant places.
Yes, I have a good inheritance".

I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel;
My heart also instructs me in the night seasons.
I have set the Lord always before me;
Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices;
My flesh also will rest in hope." Psalm 16:5-8

Yesterday Tony called me up to his room and said, "Hey mom---I've been thinking---I don't want to move to California. I want to stay up here and go to college up here."

And I must confess-----all I thought when he said that was, "No! I've been looking forward to a new life of freedom---a life of not daily worrying about him---a life of being able to go do what I want and not needing to consider him in everything I do."

Now don't get me wrong---I love Tony and I"m glad he will be close---but I'm disappointed that what I was looking forward to isn't going to be quite the same. And that makes it hard to be happy for him. I feel so conflicted inside!

So I don't really know how to proceed---I have too many thoughts swirling in my head----and they are noisy!

So----this morning while I was in the Word, I was asking God to open my eyes and my heart in this. I read the above scripture and it spoke clearly to me. This is where God has me, and I will seek Him. Period.

Encouragement

I TOTALLY challenge you to find your Aldonza (or ladies---find your Alfonso!)---Don't you know how you respond when someone believes in you and treats you "up"? Go for it!

HomeWord - May 28, 2007

Making People Brand-New

This devotional was written by Jim Burns

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. — Hebrews 10:24-25

One of my favorite musicals is Man of La Mancha. In this story you meet a loony Spanish gentleman, Don Quixote, who thinks he is an honored knight, when in fact he is nothing of the sort. In this musical Don Quixote meets a lowly prostitute, Aldonza. He doesn't know she is a prostitute; he thinks she is an elegant Spanish lady, a queen. Yet Don Quixote slowly changes the entire self-concept of this prostitute by constantly, unconditionally affirming her. What is amazing about the story is, when she begins to see herself differently, she begins to act differently. He even gives her a new name, Dulcinea, so that she will ever be reminded of her new identity and her potential. She became a brand-new person.

Who is the Aldonza in your life? Who can you offer positive encouragement to? Who can you offer a belief in even when they don't believe in themselves? In order to affirm a person's potential, you may have to look at them with the eye of faith and treat them in terms of their potential, not their behavior.

Goethe, a famous philosopher once put this way:

"Treat a man as he is, and he will remain as he is, treat a man as he can and should be and he will become as he can and should be."

Again I ask, who is the Aldonza in your life who can become a Dulcinea? Today is the day to believe in them—and give them the gift of affirmation.

Trusting Your Child

I read this a few days ago when I was struggling with how to respond to Tony's request to stay out all night for Prom. I didn't want to let him stay out---I couldn't shake the fear that he'd get into trouble---I didn't trust his friends---I wanted to protect him.

But after reading this----(and the "thought conditioner" that warns against habitually fearing things)----I relented and told Tony that I trusted him to make the right choices and told him that the Lord ALWAYS provides a way out when we're tempted.

I want him to live a life of confidence built upon the Lord---and I will use this devotional and God's word as a reminder of where our confidence (and trust) comes from!

Daily in Christ 5/25
Today’s Neil Anderson Devotional

May 25
TRUSTING YOUR CHILD

2 Corinthians 7:16
I rejoice that in everything I have confidence in you

When I was 14 years old my family moved off the farm in Minnesota where I was born. But I never adjusted to our new home in Arizona. When I was only 15 my parents let me take a bus back to Minnesota to work on the farm for the summer. The following summer I drove an old car back to Minnesota by myself. The family I stayed with asked if I would like to live with them and finish high school in Minnesota. To my great joy my parents said it was okay.

What impact did my parents' trust have on me? I never wanted to do anything to lose their trust. Their trust in me was a great driving force in my life and the greatest gift they ever gave me. Next to the Holy Spirit in me, that trust has been the greatest deterrent to immorality. Even years later when I was in the military and thousands of miles from home, I didn't want to lose their trust.

When you effectively communicate your love, trust and respect to your children, they will learn to value these qualities so much that they will never intentionally do anything to lose them. Then when they are introduced to Christ, they will also value His love, trust and respect. "But my child isn't trustworthy," you say. Neither are you completely trustworthy. Yet God has entrusted you with the gospel. That gives you something to live up to. What can you possibly gain by communicating anything less than your trust in your child?

Paul wrote to the church at Corinth: "I rejoice that in everything I have confidence in you" (2 Corinthians 7:16). But Corinth was a messed up place. Is Paul's statement a bunch of psychological hype? No, I don't think so. Paul's confidence was in the Lord, and he knew that the work God had begun in the Corinthian believers would be completed. Under the inspiration of God, he also knew that expressing belief and confidence in them was foundational for building them up.

Prayer:
Thank You, Lord, for the love and trust You have expressed to me which frees me to love and obey You. Help me encourage my children by communicating my love, trust and respect to them.

Obedience: Just Do It

March 13, 2007
– A Lesson in Obedience
- Matthew 16:24-26

Jesus spoke frequently about obedience. But today’s followers sometimes misunderstand His lesson for the disciples in Matthew 16. Maybe this is because people naturally tend to avoid self-sacrifice and suffering—the frequent companions of obedience.

Self-service is the greatest enemy of obedience. Submitting to the Lord’s will requires a person to deny himself of anything that doesn’t fit God’s plan. That means refusing those things which are evil. And, on occasion, we may also have to give up a desire that isn’t in God’s will for us but is okay for someone else. Just because something isn’t sinful, that doesn’t make it right for everyone.

Self-denial that is carried out in service to the Lord can also be described as death to self. We need to be willing to forfeit our desires and ambitions so we can submit to God’s will. Then, we can surrender our selfishness and find a new existence as the Lord’s servant. This new life should be marked by obedience and the Christ-like attitude we see in Luke 22:42, “Father… not My will but Yours be done.”

A believer committed to an obedient lifestyle is determined to do God’s will, even when it causes pain or loss. Sometimes, that means we may tearfully obey. And, other times, we’ll beg Him for the strength to submit. But godly obedience causes our tears to dry and our hearts to know the peace that comes only from being a good and faithful servant to a loving Master.

Hope for our Jungles

Yay! It's Friday! Here's to finishing the week strong---and to an awesome next 3 days of a long weekend! :)

UpWords - Week of May 25-31

Week of May 25, 2007

It’s a Jungle Out There
by Max Lucado

The story is told of a man on an African safari deep in the jungle. The guide before him had a machete and was whacking away the tall weeds and thick underbrush. The traveler, wearied and hot, asked in frustration, “Where are we? Do you know where you are taking me? Where is the path?!” The seasoned guide stopped and looked back at the man and replied, “I am the path.”

We ask the same questions, don’t we? We ask God, “Where are you taking me? Where is the path?” And he, like the guide, doesn’t tell us. Oh, he may give us a hint or two, but that’s all. If he did, would we understand? Would we comprehend our location? No, like the traveler, we are unacquainted with this jungle. So rather than give us an answer, Jesus gives us a far greater gift. He gives us himself.

Does he remove the jungle? No, the vegetation is still thick.

Does he purge the predators? No, danger still lurks.

Jesus doesn’t give hope by changing the jungle; he restores our hope by giving us himself. And he has promised to stay until the very end. “I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt. 28:20 NIV).

We need that reminder. We all need that reminder. For all of us need hope.

Some of you don’t need it right now. Your jungle has become a meadow and your journey a delight. If such is the case, congratulations. But remember—we do not know what tomorrow holds. We do not know where this road will lead. You may be one turn from a cemetery, from a hospital bed, from an empty house. You may be a bend in the road from a jungle.

And though you don’t need your hope restored today, you may tomorrow. And you need to know to whom to turn.

Or perhaps you do need hope today. You know you were not made for this place. You know you are not equipped. You want someone to lead you out.

If so, call out for your Shepherd. He knows your voice. And he’s just waiting for your request.

The Art of Confrontation

Wow---this one's good! I grew up in a family that when things got tough, they bailed---and then would come back and act as though nothing happened. Or, spoke the "you" language mentioned below. I've spent most of my adult life learning to "speak truth in love," stick around to work through things---and this "I" language is a great new tool! Ciao for now!---LL

Moments Together for Couples 5/24
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey
May 24

The Gentle Art of Confrontation

Ephesians 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ.

No family is without conflicts, and when we let conflicts simmer without confrontation, they have a habit of boiling over and affecting our spiritual lives.

William Wordsworth said: "He who has a good friend needs no mirror." Family members can learn to be each other's best friend by learning the gentle art of confrontation. Blessed is the marriage where both spouses feel the other is a good friend-one who will listen, reflect back, understand and work through whatever needs to be dealt with. Occasionally all this requires loving confrontation.

Of course, we must face the fact that some of us don't want to be confronted. Some people would rather be comfortable than Christlike. Many of Barbara's best statements to me are the ones that hurt a bit, but I need to hear them because they keep me on the right track.

Learning loving confrontation starts with love. As 1 Corinthians 13 points out, love expects the best of others. There's no way to confront someone else productively if you expect the worst or have a chip on your shoulder.

Loving confrontation is not nagging. It states its position without dragging it out for days. Being nagged at is no fun. Someone has said it's like being nibbled to death by a duck.

Christian confrontation doesn't accuse; it focuses on "I" language, with my saying plainly how I feel. It avoids "You" language, which inevitably sounds condemning. There's a world of difference between saying, "I really don't like arriving at church late-can I do something to help?" and "You always make us late!"

Also, keep in mind that the people you love, but need to confront, are not your enemies. Your mate is never your enemy. Christian confrontation requires that you speak the truth-but always in love.

Prayer:
For the courage to confront-lovingly-and also for the wisdom to know how to speak the truth in love.

Discuss: Areas of agitation you try to suppress in order to keep a smooth relationship. Are you being honest with yourself or those you love? When should you bring up a problem issue?

Faith that Conquers

We are MORE than conquerers through Christ!-------It's already Wednesday,-can you believe it! Love---LL

(p.s. If you haven't already---rent the movie "Facing the Giants"---GREAT story!)

In Touch - May 23, 2007

In Touch Daily Devotional
by Dr. Charles Stanley
May 23, 2007 –

The Faith that Conquers
– First Samuel 17:1-30

Welcome to the In Touch Devotional.

The well-known story of David and Goliath teaches modern believers about faith that conquers. At some point, everyone faces a Goliath in his or her life. Whether the “giant” is human or some overwhelming situation, victorious people, like David, trust God to see them through any challenge.

For David, past experience proved God was faithful. In 1 Samuel 17:36, the young shepherd recalled God giving him victory over a lion and a bear that threatened his flock. In a similar way, we strengthen our faith by reading how the Lord protected men and women in the Bible. We also learn to trust God by remembering His provision in our lives. For this reason, Dr. Stanley urges people to keep a journal. When facing a challenge, believers can look back and be strengthened by the knowledge of God’s prior trustworthiness.

Trusting the Lord gives us the courage to face our “giants.” We can then respond to difficulty on the basis of three important truths. The first is our identity in Christ. We’re adopted children who are eternally secure with the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. Second, it’s important to know who Christ is in us—our Savior and Provider. The third important truth we should know is, in Christ, we have the promise of access to almighty God.

The victorious believer knows that the Lord is making him adequate for any difficult situation. That’s why God gives us the Holy Spirit. When we depend upon God, we’ll conquer our “Goliaths.”

Forgiving Hurts We don't Deserve

How humbling. ---I love the last part of verse 14, "But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.".

Have a "perfect day" of putting on love! :) LL


In Touch - May 22, 2007

In Touch Daily Devotional
by Dr. Charles Stanley

May 22, 2007 –
Forgiving Hurts We Don’t Deserve – Colossians 3:12-14

Welcome to the In Touch Devotional.

It’s truly amazing how some people attempt to justify an angry, unforgiving heart. They may believe the Lord understands why they feel a certain way. He may understand, but He doesn’t approve.

Jesus faced appalling betrayal and abandonment. He knows human emotions inside and out. But He doesn’t agree with an unforgiving attitude. The Savior had a God-centered view of forgiveness that withstood horrifying torture. We should thank God for this every morning. Why? Because we’re the ones who betray the Lord each and every day.


We’ve wronged Jesus in ways no one has ever wronged us. We’ve denied His rightful place in our lives. We’ve doubted His Word. We’ve ignored His instruction. We’ve abandoned Him and kicked Him out of our daily lives. We’ve sinned against Him and shamed Him by sinning against other people.

What is Jesus’ response to this abuse? In Matthew 11:28, He says, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” Do you really believe He’ll justify your unforgiveness under any circumstances? No, He won’t.

When you look toward God to excuse your unforgiving heart, He’ll answer back, “Look at the Cross.” There, you’ll discover the price He paid to forgive you. Then, you’ll understand the solemn responsibility of Colossians 3:13, which says, “Just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.” Just as we have been forgiven, we must now become forgivers.

A Contentious Woman

"Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop,
Than in a house shared with
a contentious woman." Proverbs 21:9

"Better to dwell in the wilderness,
Than with a contentious and angry woman." Proverbs 21:20

So, I decided to get back to reading a Chapter of Proverbs every morning. (You know there are 31 chapters, right? One for every day of the month!)------Anyways, I'm bopping along reading and pondering each verse---some I am more familiar with than others. Some don't seem to apply to me where I"m at, and others just don't speak to me at all.

I get done reading the chapter, re-read it, and then re-read it again. It dawns on me that I don't know what "contentious" means, so I grab my webster's and look it up. It means quarrelsome or looking for arguments.

Verses 9 and 20 say it's better to hang in a corner of a housetop or the wilderness than with a woman who is quarrelsome or looking for arguments. (And verse 20 adds "angry" to the mix).

Now, I'm not a contentious woman in any way,shape or form, but this is a reminder to me to have thick skin and a soft heart. Things most definitely will come my way that will be attempts to provoke me----so will I be prepared to deflect them with God's word so that my heart will be free to love?

Hmmmmmmm---I want my heart to be tender and able to give and receive the love that comes from God. Better to dwell with THAT!--- :)

Relationships and reliability

A friend recently sent this to me and it cut me to the core. I'm passing this on in the hopes it continues to speak to others.----LL


Fine friendship requires duration rather than fitful intensity.--Aristotle

Once we have embarked upon this program, we find spiritual recovery through relationships more than any other single factor. We find it through relationships with other people, with ourselves, and with our Higher Power. But most of us in recovery need to learn how to be in a relationship. We have to give up ideas that a friendship is an intense connection or a conflict-free blending of like minds.

A meaningful friendship is a long-term dialogue. If there is conflict or if we make a mistake or fail to do what our friend wants of us, we don't end the friendship. We simply have the next exchange to resolve the differences. Our dialogue continues over time, and time - along with many amends - builds the bond. With it develops a deepening sense of reliability and trusting one another. When we have lived with our friend through many experiences - or with our Higher Power - we gain a feeling that we really know him or her in a way we could never have in a brief intense connection.

Today, I will do what I need to do to be reliable in my friendships.

Faith = Action

I came across this when I was doing a search on faith. I've been thinking alot about what my life will be like when Tony leaves for college in a few weeks. I've spent the last 18 years of my life focused on him. Depending on God. Taking one day at a time. Now, everything will be different-----I will have a lot more time on my hands. What am I going to do? Will I serve more? Will I go back to school? Will I start dating? Will I move? I just don't know. I figure I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

What I do know is that I still will depend on the Lord. I still will live one day at a time, making the most of each day. And after reading the message below, I'll live out my faith through my action. (And like the parable in that movie "Facing the Giants"---I'll be the farmer who prepares his fields, having the faith that God will guide and provide!).

Agape----your LL

Begin to Weave and God Will Give the Thread

Dr. Ray Pritchard
Author, Speaker, President of Keep Believing Ministries

Years ago I ran across a German proverb that says, “Begin to weave and God will give the thread.” I always thought that was an extremely good way to look at life. Hebrews 11:1 reminds us that faith is the “evidence of things not seen.” Faith sees what others can’t and acts accordingly. Faith thus is not a feeling but an action. You can see that clearly if you read through the rest of Hebrews 11. The heroes mentioned were men and women who did something. By faith . . .

Abel offered a better sacrifice,
Noah built the Ark
Abraham left Ur of the Chaldees
Sarah received power to conceive Isaac
Abraham offered Isaac
Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau
Jacob blessed the sons of Joseph
Joseph gave instructions regarding his bones
Moses’ parents hid him
Moses left Egypt
Moses kept the passover
Joshua and his people marched around Jericho,
andRahab hid the spies.

There are many other examples in the chapter. Gideon defeated the Midianites, Samson defeated the Philistines, David defeated Goliath. The stories go on and on. Why did God honor these valiant men and women?

Because they did something.

They didn’t just sit around moping and complaining and dreaming. Consider this fact. Dreaming is good if your dreams lead you to action, but dreams can be a substitute for doing the hard work that needs to be done today. A few months ago I watched Mel Gibson being interviewed about what he learned from his recent stint in rehab. After saying the usual things about living one day at a time, he added a profound insight. “You can’t live in the future. The future’s a terrible place to live.”

He’s right. Dreaming too much about the future can stop you from picking up your hammer and building the ark. Dreaming too much about leaving Egypt can actually make you unready to leave when the time comes to cross the Red Sea. You can’t defeat Goliath while you’re tending sheep in Bethlehem. At some point you’ve got to go down into the valley, pick up five smooth stones, and face the giant alone.

Don’t get me wrong. Dreaming is good, but it can be debilitating. Sooner or later (usually sooner) you’ve got to act. The ark won’t build itself, the walls won’t fall if you don’t march around Jericho, and the bad guys will keep on coming until you, like Jehoshaphat, put the male singers at the head of the army and march out to meet them. It’s only when you get there that you can “stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.”

What is faith? It is belief plus unbelief and acting on the belief part. Until you act, your faith is purely theoretical. Once you take a tiny step in the right direction, amazing things begin to happen.
I
f you wait until you have the future figured out, you’ll wait forever, and you won’t accomplish anything with your life.

Faith sees the unseen.Faith takes action.Faith does something.

Passive faith is a contradiction in terms. Begin to weave and God will give the thread.

You can reach the author at ray@keepbelieving.com. Click here to sign up for the free weekly email sermon.

Trusting the Master

What a sweet image of our relationship with the Lord!--LL


UpWords - Week of May 18-24


May 18, 2007

Learning to Trust the Master
by Max Lucado

A man and his dog are in the same car. The dog howls bright-moon-in-the-middle-of-the-night caterwauling howls. The man pleads, promising a daily delivery of dog biscuit bouquets if only the hound will hush. After all, it’s only a car wash.

Never occurred to him—ahem, to me—that the car wash would scare my dog. But it did. Placing myself in her paws, I can see why. A huge, noisy machine presses toward us, pounding our window with water, banging against the door with brushes. Duck! We’re under attack.

“Don’t panic. The car wash was my idea.” “I’ve done this before.” “It’s for our own good.” Ever tried to explain a car wash to a canine? Dog dictionaries are minus the words brush and detail job. My words fell on fallen flaps. Nothing helped. She just did what dogs do; she wailed.

Actually, she did what we do. Don’t we howl? Not at car washes perhaps but at hospital stays and job transfers. Let the economy go south or the kids move north, and we have a wail of a time. And when our Master explains what’s happening, we react as if he’s speaking Yalunka. We don’t understand a word he says.

Is your world wet and wild? God’s greatest blessings often come costumed as disasters. Some of you doubt it. How can God use cancer or death or divorce? Simple.

He’s smarter than we are. He is to you what I was to four-year-old Amy. I met her at a bookstore. She asked me if I would sign her children’s book. When I asked her name, she watched as I began to write, “To Amy …”She stopped me right there. With wide eyes and open mouth, she asked, “How did you know how to spell my name?”

She was awed. You aren’t. You know the difference between the knowledge of a child and an adult. Can you imagine the difference between the wisdom of a human and the wisdom of God? What is impossible to us is like spelling “Amy” to him. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts” (Isa. 55:9).
I keep taking Molly to the car wash. She’s howling less. I don’t think she understands the machinery. She’s just learning to trust her master.

Maybe we’ll learn the same.

From Next Door SaviorCopyright (W Publishing Group, 2003) Max Lucado

Feelings vs. the Truth

I used to live my life totally based on my feelings, emotions, and urges. It was a life of extreme highs and extreme lows. Always searching for that 'good' feeling.

Ever since I received Christ, I live with the feeling (or am in a place) of peace. However----here's the kicker------my feelings are where Satan attacks me. If I"m feeling good, He whispers "You know something bad is around the corner." If I'm feeling pleased with things going good, He whispers,"Aren't you full of pride?". And on the flipside---when I'm feeling needy and need nurturing, He doesn't lift me up, He kicks me when I"m down. He's in the business of separation.

That's why it's sooooooo important to know the truth and cling like mad to it! Jesus is the truth-----and when you know God's word, you know Him! (and therefore know the truth).

Arm yourself with this truth-------then you can still live a life with feeling and heart and soul, but it will be grounded and rooted in the peace that comes from the Lord! TGIF!!!!!

Living Free - May 18, 2007

Today's Scripture
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:32 NIV

Thoughts for Today

Feelings are powerful. Our actions are often controlled by them. And yet, many times feelings don't match up with the truth as revealed in the Bible.Our feelings may tell us that no one cares about us. The Bible says that God does. The truth is that God intends good for us (Genesis 50:20). He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7) and surrounds us with favor (Psalm 5:12). He listens to our cry for help (Psalm 22:24). He loves us unconditionally (Romans 5:8).

Our feelings may tell us that no one can help us. The Bible says that God is our deliverer (Colossians 1:13). He rides on the heavens to help us (Deuteronomy 33:26). He rescues us (Psalm 18:17). He listens to our cry for help (Psalm 22:24). He is our refuge (Psalm 91:2).

Our feelings may tell us to give up, that there is no hope. The Bible says that God is our hope (Psalm 39:7). That he is our shelter and strength (Psalm 46:1). He will hear our cry and save us (Psalm 34:17). With him all things are possible (Mark 10:27). We are more than conquerors through Jesus (Romans 8:37).

Consider this ...Are you being plagued by feelings of despair, or inferiority or loneliness? Search the Bible for truth. The truth of God's love for you. The truth of his plans for you. The truth of his promises to you. And then ask him to help you believe the truth more than your feelings. The truth will set you free.

Prayer ...Father, help me understand and believe the truth of your Word. I thank you that the truth will set me free of doubt, free of fear, free of condemnation. And it will set me free to become all that you have designed me to be. In Jesus' name ...

Quills and All

Moments Together for Couples 5/17
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey
May 17

The Parable of the Porcupines

Matthew 16:25 For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it.

Perhaps you've heard the story of the two porcupines freezing in the winter cold. Shivering in the frigid air, the two porcupines move closer together to share body heat and warmth. But then their sharp spines and quills prick each other painfully and they move apart, victims once more of the bitter cold around them. Soon they feel they must come together once more, or freeze to death. But their quills cause too much pain and they part again.

Family members suffer from the cold of isolation, too-and they learn of the pain of being close to someone with quills. We desperately need to learn how to live with the barbs that are part of coming together in oneness.

C. S. Lewis describes the urgency of learning this lesson:

Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung, possibly be broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully around with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket-safe, dark, motionless, airless-it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable.

Intimacy extracts a price. The closer I get to Barbara, the more she becomes aware of who I really am. The more transparent we become, the greater the possibility that she will reject me. But if both of us are committed to each other despite our quills-if we are willing, as Jesus said, to lose our lives instead of saving them-intimacy awaits us.

Prayer:
Ask God for openness and intimacy in your family that connects one another's hearts and creates a deep sense of belonging.

Part II & III on Insecurities

January 6, 2005
The Landmine of Insecurity
Psalm 40:1-5

Insecurity may not sound as explosive as the landmines of pride or jealousy, but it, too, is very dangerous. A great deal of damage can result in the life a person who habitually feels insecure. Such feelings can develop from many different situations. We may experience tragedy like the loss of parent in our early life, or grow up in an environment that throws us off balance. Sometimes we are insecure because of major failures we experience.

Whatever the root causes for insecurity, the effects are often similar. We may be indecisive because our fear of making the wrong choice leads us to avoid decisions altogether. Often we have a difficult time establishing lasting relationships because we believe we will not be a good friend. Or we might keep our distance due to a fear of rejection - people will frequently perceive this as pride or snobbery.

Over time, we may become critical of others. When we are hurting, we often want other people to feel bad too. At the same time, we unfortunately often fall into the trap of believing that success is based on approval and acceptance by others. The truth is that God has a special path for your life, where success cannot be measured by human praise.

Insecurity is not something we can confess and thereby gain freedom. Rather, it is a condition that must be confronted over a long period of time. Ultimately, we must make the decision to trust what God says about us and not what Satan whispers. Tomorrow we will learn how God can restore our security.

January 7, 2005
Overcoming Insecurity
Romans 8:33-39

No quick solution exists for overcoming insecurity. First, we have to acknowledge that we feel insecure. Then we should try to identify which circumstances generate those feelings. Finally, we must decide to overcome that state of mind. "Drifting" into security is impossible; we must instead work toward it.

Having a sense of security is more than simply building self-esteem. Jesus Christ is our genuine source of strength and confidence - if we try to overcome insecurity without Him, we will simply be masking it with our own efforts.

The way we see ourselves is not necessarily the way we truly are. Instead, we have to ask how God sees us. To shift our focus off ourselves and our mistakes, we must get into the Word of God. Therefore, to overcome insecurity, we must first deal with any doubts we may have about the Bible. Scripture is so powerful that when we read what God says about us, our thinking will start to change and we will be able to step out of insecurity's destructive mindset.

To continue the process, focus on the positive qualities in your life. Take a blank sheet of paper, and ask the Lord to guide you to an honest assessment of your advantageous traits. You will be surprised at what God shows you. But it is important not to look at others' talents to see how you measure up. No one is like you, so it is pointless to make comparisons. Our mission is to follow Jesus in the way that He calls us individually, looking to Him for our security

Oh the insecurities!

It seems that lately (but it's probably been awhile), that I feel constantly in a battle for where my security comes from.

A year ago I went through something that totally pointed out that even though I loved the Lord, and lived for him---a HUGE PART OF ME got my sense of security in what others thought of me.

Daily (and it's more like minute-by-minute) I have to remind myself to "stand upon the rock"---that my security comes from the Lord---my Rock, my strong tower, my hope.

Here's a link to a cool article on insecurities. Enjoy----agape~ LL

http://www.crosswalk.com/510922/

Encouraging Others

Encouraging Others

This devotional was written by Jim Burns

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. — Romans 12:9-16

If you are a teenager, you may not even remember Cary Grant. Cary Grant was an actor and superstar in every sense of the word. In his later years he made occasional appearances in theaters around the United States billed simply as "A Conversation with Cary Grant." He didn't need much advertising; one small ad would appear in the local newspaper and the theater would be immediately sold out. Everywhere he appeared, he received a standing ovation simply for walking out on stage.

At the end of his performances he always read a piece he called A Meditation, saying he didn't know who wrote it but that this meditation also expressed his own feelings of life. I like it very much and offer it to you today:

"Now Lord, you've known me a long time. You know me better than I know myself. You know that each day I am growing older and someday may even be very old, so meanwhile please keep me from the habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion.

Release me from trying to straighten out everyone's affairs. Make me thoughtful, but not moody, helpful but not overbearing. I've a certain amount of knowledge to share, still it would be very nice to have a few friends who, at the end, recognized and forgave the knowledge I lacked.

Please give me the ability to see good in unlikely places and talents in unexpected people. And give me the grace to tell them so, dear Lord."

Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled

Over and Over the bible tells us not to worry:

"Let not your heart be troubled".

Do not fear"

Let not your heart be anxious

Do not worry.

SO STOP WORRYING AND TURN TO THE ONE TELLING YOU TO NOT WORRY!

When you even start to worry, doubt, be anxious----RUN RUN RUN to your Lord! Sit at His feet, get into His Word, and pray! Cast your cares upon Him, and He will sustain you.

Happy Mothers Day-----from this little mama

Remember the Truth

Moments Together for Couples 5/12
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey

May 12
Seeing Is Believing (Part Two)

2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.

As a young man I realized that struggling over questions that can't be answered on this side of heaven's gate was a waste of time. Why spend life questioning every minute detail of the Christian life when there are so many obvious truths that cannot be ignored?

I knew the Resurrection was true. If Christ is still in the tomb then Christianity has little more to offer me than other world religions. But it is an irrefutable fact of history-Christ is risen.

I knew the Bible to be true. We have more evidence that today's Bible is what was originally written than any other historical document of its age.

Science and archaeology continue to prove (rather than disprove) the Bible's historical accuracy. And its central theme remains clear: God loves mankind and wants to redeem men and women to Himself.

It tells us how to live. It gives us hope in the face of death. And it contains the best set of blueprints for building a home (a marriage and family) that I've ever seen.

One additional truth helped erase my doubts: I knew that the risen Lord Jesus Christ lived in me. He came to change my life. As I focused on the facts of Christianity I began to see the scales of faith tip toward belief. I began to base my life on what I knew to be true.

What have been the results?

A life that is an adventure. Walking with God is electrifying.

• A lasting sense of destiny and significance that isn't man-made or fake.
• The privilege of being used by God for eternal purposes.
• His Holy Spirit empowers me to deny my selfishness and enables me to love people.
• A sense of peace, well-being and contentment that can only come when I obey Him.

The phrase "Seeing Is Believing" may work for a Christian optometrist, but if you wait to believe until you answer all your doubts and questions, you'll be waiting until it's too late!

Prayer:
If you've never done so, give God 100 percent control of your life right now. And if you've already done that, but have taken back ownership, you may need to reestablish who is going to be Lord of your life.

Discuss: What are the truths that you cannot escape? What impact should these truths have on your life and your marriage?

Peace for Anxious Days

Such a great reminder to look up! Have the bestest Friday ever!---LL


UpWords - Week of May 11-17

Week of May 11, 2007

Peace for Anxious Days
by Max Lucado

When my daughters were single-digit ages—two, five, and seven—I wowed them with a miracle. I told them the story of Moses and the manna and invited them to follow me on a wilderness trek through the house.

“Who knows,” I suggested, “manna may fall from the sky again.”

We dressed in sheets and sandals and did our best Bedouin hike through the bedrooms. The girls, on my instruction, complained to me, Moses, of hunger and demanded I take them back to Egypt, or at least to the kitchen. When we entered the den, I urged them to play up their parts: groan, moan, and beg for food.

“Look up,” I urged. “Manna might fall any minute.”

Two-year-old Sara obliged with no questions, but Jenna and Andrea had their doubts. How can manna fall from a ceiling?

Just like the Hebrews. “How can God feed us in the wilderness?”

Just like you? You look at tomorrow’s demands, next week’s bills, next month’s silent calendar. Your future looks as barren as the Sinai Desert. “How can I face my future?” God tells you what I told my daughters: “Look up.”

When my daughters did, manna fell! Well, not manna, but vanilla wafers dropped from the ceiling and landed on the carpet. Sara squealed with delight and started munching. Jenna and Andrea were old enough to request an explanation.

My answer was simple. I knew the itinerary. I knew we would enter this room. Vanilla wafers fit safely on the topside of the ceiling-fan blades. I had placed them there in advance. When they groaned and moaned, I turned on the switch.

God’s answer to the Hebrews was similar. Did he know their itinerary? Did he know they would grow hungry? Yes and yes. And at the right time, he tilted the manna basket toward earth.
And what about you? God know what you need and where you’ll be. Any chance he has some vanilla wafers on tomorrow’s ceiling fans?

Trust him. “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes” (Matthew 6:33-34).

A Common Complaint

(I've highlited a quote at the end of this that I love!)---Have a great day!----LL

HomeWord - May 10, 2007


A Common Complaint
This devotional was written by Leslie Snyder

“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God, without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life…” Philippians 2: 14 – 16a

In June of 1880, one of the most remarkable women in history was born healthy into a loving and devoted family. Tragedy struck eighteen months later when scarlet fever left the little girl blind and deaf. Helen Keller spent the next seven years in darkness, frustration, and loneliness. Helen’s world was dark, silent, and lonely until a remarkable woman entered her life. Anne Sullivan answered the call to teach Helen how to communicate and reenter the world of her family and friends. Anne stayed by Helen’s side and Helen was able to learn to read, write, and speak. She eventually completed her college education, wrote numerous articles and books, spoke internationally, and met many presidents.

If anyone had the right to complain about her circumstances, it was Helen Keller. Her story provides us with an opportunity to address the subject of complaining. For the average person, complaining comes as easily as breathing. Every day people complain about traffic, weather, schedules, children, churches, appearance, aches, and pains… You name it, we complain about it. In fact, for some, complaining is their primary means of communication. Unfortunately, when it comes to complaining, Christians don’t seem to be any different than the rest of the world. Somewhere along the line, even Christians have bought into the idea that it is our “right” to be happy, fulfilled, satisfied, healthy, and catered to every moment of every day. But, I don’t remember finding that anywhere in the Bible! By contrast to our culture today, it’s almost unbelievable that Helen Keller was quoted as saying, “So much has been given me, I have no time to ponder over that which has been denied.”

Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, urges believers to “do everything without complaining or arguing” not only for the sake of peace, but “so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God”. He goes on to describe the ones who do not complain as ones who “shine like stars in the universe.”

A life marked by complaining mars our character. A life marked by thankfulness builds it. The choice between the two is most important. Which one will you choose?

Grumbling vs. Thankfulness

HomeWord - May 9, 2007

How Quickly we Forget
This devotional was written by Jim Liebelt

Some troublemakers among them wanted better food, and soon all the Israelites began complaining. They said, "We want meat! We remember the fish we ate for free in Egypt. We also had cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!" Numbers 11:4-6 (NCV)

God used Moses to help free the Israelites from some 400 years of bondage and hard slavery in the land of Egypt. God had supernaturally provided for the Israelites along the way, providing them with manna – a special food – and water. No one went hungry. But, a year into the journey towards the Promised Land, the complaining began about the food. The Israelites wanted meat. They remembered the good old days of the free fish and veggies from the land of Egypt and longed for them. But, in reality, those days were anything but good. They were difficult days of slavery. They were days the Israelites cried out to God for deliverance. The Israelites had quickly forgotten the generations of misery in slavery to the Egyptians.

We might be tempted to wonder how the Israelites could be so ungrateful. God was providing for them. Still, I don’t think we’re much different from them. (If you think we’re different, just imagine eating oatmeal – at every meal – for a year!) It’s easy for us to forget how God has taken care of us in the past. It’s easy to make the past look better than it was, and to blame God for what we think we need today – but aren’t getting. There’s an old saying that’s so often true, “Be careful of what you desire, because you just might get it.”

The Israelites, grumbled and complained, “We want meat.” So, God gave them meat. It wasn’t in the way they expected or had hoped for. But they got what they asked for. God sent quail into their camp for a whole month. He sent the quail, not as a blessing, but as judgment because they had rejected Him and complained about leaving Egypt. There were quail three-feet deep on the ground all around the camp. A plague broke out in the camp and many people died.

What about you? Have you forgotten the many blessings and provisions God has given you in the past? Do you find yourself grumbling, “What has God done for me lately?” Let’s learn from the example of the Israelites of old. God calls us to be thankful people, people who remember his goodness and trust in Him to provide for our needs.

Waiting on God

Please see my "A.D.D." blog for some further thoughts on this.


Marketplace Meditations 5/8

May 8

Waiting on God

Isaiah 30:18 Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him!

Have you ever noticed that God is not in a hurry? It took 40 years for Moses to receive his commission to lead the people out of Egypt. It took 17 years of preparation before Joseph was delivered from slavery and imprisonment. It took 20 years before Jacob was released from Laban's control. Abraham and Sarah were in their old age when they finally received the son of promise, Isaac. So why isn't God in a hurry?

God called each of these servants to accomplish a certain task in His Kingdom, yet He was in no hurry to bring their mission into fulfillment. First, He accomplished what He wanted in them. We are often more focused on outcome than the process that He is accomplishing in our lives each day. When we experience His presence daily, one day we wake up and realize that God has done something special in and through our lives. However, the accomplishment is no longer what excites us. Instead, what excites us is knowing Him. Through those times, we become more acquainted with His love, grace, and power in our lives. When this happens, we are no longer focused on the outcome because the outcome is a result of our walk with Him. It is not the goal of our walk, but the by-product. Hence, when Joseph came to power in Egypt, he probably couldn't have cared less. He had come to a place of complete surrender so that he was not anxious about tomorrow or his circumstances.

This is the lesson for us. We must wait for God's timing and embrace wherever we are in the process. When we find contentment in that place, we begin to experience God in ways we never thought possible.

Defenses Against the Serpent

Moments Together for Couples 5/7
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey

May 7
Defenses Against the Lion

Peter 5:8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

I've found a widespread misconception about Satan's efforts to devour us by presenting us with temptations. Many people think that it's a sin just to be tempted. The fact is, being tempted is normal for a Christian-especially one who is growing.

Even Christ, we recall, was tempted in that classic confrontation with the devil at the beginning of His ministry. Giving in to temptation is the problem.

So how can we resist the roaring lion? First, know your weaknesses. If temptation occurs when you are alone, build in some safeguards. Ask your spouse to keep you honest and accountable by asking the hard questions that you don't want anyone to ask you. (Example: Did you watch any provocative movies in your hotel room on your recent business trip?) Keep your mind at work; prepare for times when you are alone by setting some objectives. Or the next time you are tempted, call your mate and ask him or her to pray with you and for you.

Second, draw upon His power to stand firm. As Paul says, "God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can withstand, if we rely on His strength to deliver us" (see 1 Cor. 10:13).

Third, if you are toying with a temptation realize that you might as well be handling a serpent. Some people stand as close to the edge of sin as they can, thinking they are above it, when they may actually be toying with the death of their marriages, their family relationships and their ministries. In the same passage, Paul counsels, "If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!" (see v. 12).

As I was writing this, I received a phone call from a man who was about to lose his marriage and job because he crossed the line in his job. I wish you could have listened to the agony that was in his life because of his compromise. Let me encourage and exhort you to live a holy life and resist the temptations that are set before you.

Prayer:
Ask God to teach you how to stand firm in the spiritual battle. Call on the Holy Spirit and His indwelling power to give you the strength to stand firm.

Discuss: Are you crossing the line or standing anywhere near a danger point right now? If so, confess your sins so that you may be free.

Embracing the Mess

Marketplace Meditations 5/7

Embracing the Mess

Proverbs 14:4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest.

My wife and I run together through a new home subdivision. Often we see the street filled with red clay from the land as bulldozers clear it to lay a foundation. The job site is littered with lumber, all sorts of trash from workers, and is generally a mess. The house looks ugly; it has all its insides exposed as it is being pieced together, yet this process is necessary to get to the finished product. When completed, the home is beautiful. The landscaping looks like it came out of a home-design magazine. Everything is clean and perfect in order for the new homeowner to move in.

Our walk with God is much the same process. Often we must go through a messy period of our lives in which all aspects of it are in disarray. It is in these times that God builds a new structure. He might remove some structural timbers in our lives and replace them with new ones. He might even add on another room. And unless this process takes place, we will never see the end product. The goal is more Christlikeness. In order to achieve this in us, He requires a period of removing all that is not of Him. It can be a painful process.

It would be impossible to keep oxen in a barn without having to clean up the mess from time to time. It just comes with the territory, but the result of the oxen is an abundant harvest. God may be allowing a mess in order to ensure a fruitful harvest in your life. Learn from Him so that you might experience the fulfillment of His purposes for you in these times

Thankfulness

Heartlight Daily Verse 5/5

May 5
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Thoughts on today's verse

God wants to hear our prayers, but to keep them from becoming too self-focused, God wants us always to remember to give thanks. It is so easy for us to turn prayer into a request line. We are the ones who are left bereft when thanksgiving and praise are robbed from our prayers.

Prayer:
Gracious God, I have so many reasons to praise you. In the face of trial and hardship I have your promises to reawaken my hope. In the moment of victory I have you to thank for my abilities. In the boredom of the routine, I have great joys in your surprises. Thank you, God, for being so great and yet so loving. In Jesus name. Amen.

Honest with our Hurts

From His Heart - Week of May 4

GETTING HONEST
As I a young kid, I was taught the old adage, “Honesty is always the best policy.” It sounded good… but whenever I got in a jam with a teacher or my parents, I doubted the wisdom of that statement. A lie seemed like the best way out… and a very present help in trouble. But I eventually accepted the fact that the adage is really true. “Honesty is always the best policy” because if you and I are not honest, who can trust us?

HONEST TO GOD?
While you and I may believe “honesty is always the best policy,” when it comes to our relationship with God, we often are not really honest with Him. So much of the time, we tell God what we think He wants to hear… and not what really is.

Many people have experienced deep hurts in life… but instead of sharing those with the Lord, they bottle them up inside and pretend those experiences didn’t hurt… and don’t still hurt. Trust me, that is never the best policy… in fact, it is the formula for distance and disconnection in your relationship with Jesus.

A BIG HURT IN MY LIFE
When I was in college, I was selected to be the “Announcement Guy” for the college department at our church. I had to speak in front of 100 to 200 people each Sunday. I was an odd choice to do this since I HATED to speak in front of people. I would get so nervous my tie would start bouncing up and down as my heart would nearly beat out of my chest.

Well, one of my first big Sundays came at the start of the new spring semester. The former “Announcement Guy” (someone I really admired and looked up to) was in attendance that day. The crowd was huge… and I was even more nervous than normal. In the middle of my announcements, the former “Announcement Guy” interrupted me, asked me why I was so nervous, made everyone laugh at my expense, and told me to sit down while he finished the opening assembly.

His interruption was intended to be funny, not hurtful… but it brought all of my greatest speaking fears to fruition. I was so embarrassed. It was all I could do to hold back the tears of humiliation.

Later that night, the head of our college department asked me how I was doing. I told him, “Not so good.” I did not think it was right that I should hurt. I mean a Spirit-filled Christian should not hurt when he gets embarrassed, should he? Maybe my walk with God was just not what it should have been. Not only was I hurt, I was also discouraged at the revelation that my relationship with Jesus was poor at best.

My friend gave me great insight. He said, “Jeff, if I punch you in the arm, would it hurt?” Although he was smaller than I, I acknowledged that it would hurt. He said, “Does that mean you are not a strong Christian… because you hurt when I punch you in the arm?” “No,” I said, “that does not have anything to do with being a strong Christian.” “That is right,” he answered. “Today, you got punched in your emotions… and it is okay to hurt.” And the tears began to flow down my cheeks. I was hurt so badly.

LESSON LEARNED
I learned a great lesson that day… God knows, and God cares, and it is okay to hurt. And when I hurt, I need to share that hurt with the Lord. I do not need to pretend, I need to get real.
David was a man after God’s own heart. He was so close and intimate with the Lord. You know one reason why? He shared all his hurts with the Lord. He trusted God and poured out his heart to Him (Ps. 62:8). He did not stuff hurts… but he opened them up to the one whose name is Jehovah Rapha, THE LORD MY HEALER.

How about you? Are you stuffing hurts today? Are you erroneously thinking, like I did in college, that a strong Christian should not hurt? Think again, my friend. David hurt. Jeremiah hurt. Joseph hurt. Paul hurt. Are you stronger than they?

Listen: Life hurts… people hurt (intentionally or unintentionally)… situations hurt. It is okay to hurt. And when you hurt, bring all your tears and your troubles to the Lord. Share it ALL with Him. As the Scripture says, “Cast all your cares upon Him because He cares for you” (1 Pet. 5:7). He WILL sustain you as you cast your burdens on Him (Ps. 55:22). Do it today!
Love,

Jeff SchrevePastor
www.fromhisheart.orgjeff@fromhisheart.org
Telephone: 903.838.8329

Enoying the Future Today

Make sure you read the scripture! It made me think of Gavin. Agape--Elle Elle

In Touch - May 3, 2007

In Touch Daily Devotional by Dr. Charles Stanley

May 3, 2007 – Enjoying the Future—Today – 1 Corinthians 9:24

Welcome to the In Touch Devotional.

Many believers are in the midst of a crisis of faith. They desperately desire to move forward in their Christian walk. But, instead, they continually feel as if they’re losing ground because of trials and setbacks. How can we move beyond the obstacles and genuinely embrace an active, moving faith?

First, we must understand the importance of assurance. This godly confidence gives us strength to look into the future and see how the Lord’s plans will be beneficial. Assurance calms our fears. It reminds us God is in charge and His purposes will be accomplished; no matter what challenges we face.

Second, we must live a life of anticipation. In other words, if we truly believe the heavenly Father will answer our Spirit-led prayers, then we should act as if we believe it! We need to wait expectantly for His answer and plan accordingly.

For example, let’s say you’re leaving for a wonderful vacation next week. You would no doubt be making preparations for the trip. You’d start to pack, finalize your travel plans, secure time off from work, and check travel magazines or the Internet for interesting tourist attractions. In your mind, you’re already enjoying your vacation, even though you haven’t left yet!

The same thing should be true in your walk of faith. When you trust that God will faithfully and graciously respond to your petitions, you can rejoice. You’ll know He’ll make a way, even before you see the results. This is the power of assurance and anticipation. And it can revolutionize your walk with Him.

What Every Mother Needs

This is a sweet message of how to treat women---so listen/read up you men! Have a great day!---Elle L

In Touch - May 2, 2007

In Touch Daily Devotional by Dr. Charles Stanley

May 2, 2007 – What Every Mother Needs – Exodus 20:1-12

Welcome to the In Touch Devotional.

God tells us to honor our mother. And He does not set any limits to His command. Because she’s our mom, we are to treat her with respect and love.

Mothers don’t always live up to our expectations. Sometimes, they experience hardships and challenges that affect their ability to offer what we need or want. Or, they might have a personal weakness that negatively impacts us or our families. But we’re to follow the example of our heavenly Father, who loved us even though we didn’t have any qualities that deserved His favor. Romans 5:10 says He chose us to belong to Him through His Son Jesus, even while we were still His enemies.

God loved us when we were unlovable. We can express our gratitude to Him by giving unconditional love to our mother. With the Holy Spirit’s help, we can choose to do so genuinely and consistently.

To love the significant women in our lives without any strings attached is an important part of showing them honor. No mother or wife should have to wonder if she’s living up to what loved ones hope and expect from her. After a while, she’ll feel trapped by the burden of unmet expectations, rather than accepted by those closest to her.

Mothers have the same needs as all women: to be loved, listened to, and cared about. Take time to show the important women in your life how much you care for them. Be a willing, attentive listener, and demonstrate your love to them in meaningful ways.

Rejection

"Search me, O God, and know my heart.
Try me, and know my anxieties;" Psalm 139:23

This morning I woke up with the overwhelming feeling of being rejected. I woke up feeling as though I was 16 years old again, and just longing to be loved and taken care of, and having no one to do so.

I remember being 16----(and it was probably every year up until then, but for now I'll just say 16)---and needing to know that I was ok--that I was loved, and couldn't find it. My dad was involved in his affair, my mom was consumed with her grief, my friends weren't the kind of kids who pick up on the fact that their friend is hurting, and I just overall felt that there was no one who cared about me.

So I "self-nurtured". I put up the big front that everything was ok---and found love the only way I knew how--through achievement, acceptance by others, and denial. I excelled in school, partied hard, and told myself over and that "I'm fine".

But I wasn't. It made it hard to be "real" and "reach out" to others, because of the fear they'd find out how messed up and lonely and insecure I really was. That they'd see how much I needed nurturing--attention, affection, a sense of security, protection, belonging.

I gave my life to Christ that year, and immediately found the peace and love I longed for, but I still used the same "tools" that I had been using. I still relied on my old self nurturing tools to make it through my feelings of loneliness and insecurity.

I've since learned to turn to the Lord to meet my needs for love, acceptance, hope, security---and He has brought people into my life to be Him physically here on earth. But I tell you, so many times the fear of rejection rears its ugly head. I still fear needing anyone---of being vulnerable, of reaching out to someone and being rejected. I need to give that fear over to the Lord and let Him help me deal with those fears. I need to remember His truths and rest in them.