Life Journal, September 18, 2009
Today's readings: Ezekiel 45, 46; Luke 1

Do I Really Believe It?

Scripture

[Gabriel, the angel, speaking to Mary (the mother of Jesus)] "For nothing is impossible with God."

[Elizabeth, Mary's (mother of Jesus) aunt, speaking] "You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said."

Luke 1. 37, 45

Observation

All things are possible with God and we are blessed when we believe God will do what He says.

Application (How will I be different because of what I just read?)

So, do I really believe these two verses?? Or maybe the better question would be . . . Do I live as if I believe these two verses?

It is one thing to say that I believe that nothing is impossible with God--but it is a whole other thing to live like I really believe it. That means I have to trust God completely, even when I don't feel like it or don't like what He is doing, or can't see Him at work. It means that I have to be willing to proclaim that with God nothing is impossible--knowing that it may not appear that way in the end.

Do I believe that God will do what He says? The catch here is--it doesn't say God will do what I say. Big difference. I think we re-word it to mean what we want it to mean. We want it to say that we believe God will do what WE say. And so, we are then blessed.

Two difficult verses. . .I know that they should be easy to go along with, to agree with . . . but they are not that easy for me. Difficult times in life make me wrestle with them. Do I believe them?

This is when I have to believe them no matter what things "look like." I have to go back to the truths that "I know." I know that the Bible doesn't lie. I know that God doesn't lie. I know that God is faithful, trustworthy. I know that He loves me. I know that He sent Jesus for me so I can have eternal life with Him. . . . I know that nothing is impossible with God. . . . I know that I am blessed when I believe the Lord will do what He says. I do know . . . I need to live it. But . . . .

Prayer

Father God, sometimes I wrestle with these verses . . . . I know that they are true . . . . yet it doesn't always "feel" like they are. I know that is when I am looking at things through my eyes and not Yours. Help me to look through Your eyes. Help me to put my full trust in you. Help me to grow in my faith. Thank You that You are patient with me . . . .loving me and guiding me and helping me to find and see Your truth.

Life Journal, September 15, 2009
Today's readings: Ezekiel 38, 39; Psalm 145; Revelation 20

What Really Matters

Scripture

And I saw a great white throne and the One sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from his presence, but they found no place to hide. I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God's throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books. The sea gave up its dead, and death and the grave gave up their dead. And all were judged according to their deeds. Then death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire is the second death. And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.

Revelation 20.11-15

Observation

Someday it will matter if our name is in the Book of Life and what we have done here on earth with our lives.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

So many people worry about the "end times." They spend lots of time trying to figure out when it is going to happen. I think there are more important things to worry about--because we don't know when Jesus will return (Jesus tells us that ONLY the Father knows when it is going to happen).

Our first concern is that our name is in the Book of Life. Have I given my life to Jesus--really given my life to Him?? If I have it will show!!!

Next--what am I doing with my life. If I am going to stand before God someday and answer for what I have done, then I think I should be thinking about what that might look like. What took first place in my life? Who/what did I serve? Who did I love? Who did I share the love of God with? Did I love the unloveable? Did I reach out to the poor and homeless and hungry? Did I make a difference in the name of Jesus? Did I live for myself or for Jesus??

Rather than worry about when all of it is going to happen, I need to focus on the here and now--who is in charge of my life and how I am living my life. I have some work to do!

Prayer

Father God, help me to focus on living my life for You today. May I be found loving You, loving others in Your name, and impacting the world for You! May I never settle for anything less--because in the end, nothing else will matter!

Life Journal, July 31, 2009
Today's readings: Isaiah 63,64; Psalm 107; John 2

A Reminder

Scripture

"It is I, the Lord, announcing your salvation!

It is I, the Lord, who has the power to save!"

Isaiah 63.1b

Observation

ONLY God has the power to save.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

I have no power to save anyone--let alone myself. An important reminder. It's amazing at how hard I work to save those I care about (and myself) from problems, pain, natural consequences. I don't want them (or me) to have to suffer . . . so I try to save us all. And I can't. I fail miserably.

I am not promised a life free from suffering, pain, trials, problems--actually quite the opposite. Afterall, Jesus told us, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me." [Mark 8.34] When I want a life free from problems, pain and suffering--I am being selfish. To be a follower of Christ, I must be willing to lay down my life--my wants, my desires--pick up the cross and follow Christ, wherever it leads. And that doesn't necessarily mean a rose covered path.

Again, that brings me back to "Do I trust God enough to do this?" Which leads me back to something else that I have been wrestling with--if I don't trust God then I don't really believe that He loves me. If I truly trust God--and really believe that He loves me--then I am willing to let go of my life and allow Him complete control--knowing that no matter how things may appear or what happens--He loves me and He will take care of me and He will never leave me alone. It means trusting Him to save me--no matter what that might look like (and it probably won't look anything like I would like for it to).

God alone has the power to save me. I can trust Him and His love for me.

"Can anything ever separate me from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves me if I have trouble or calamity, or am persecuted, or hungry or destitute, or in danger, or threated with death? No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is mine through Christ, who loves me.

"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate me from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither my fears for today nor my worries about tomorrow--not even the power of hell can separate me from God's love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below--indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate me from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." [Romans 8.35,37-39--personalized]

Prayer

Thank You Lord God, for Your love and Your gift of salvation. Thank You that I can trust You--and thank You for being patient when I struggle with trusting You and believing that You could really love me. Help me to look only to You and depend only on You for my salvation. You alone have the power to save me . . . from myself.

Life Journal, July 29, 2009
Today's readings: Isaiah 57-59; Psalms 103; 2 Peter 3

Fasting?

Scripture

"Is this what you call fasting? Do you really think this will please the Lord?

"No, this is the kind of fasting I want:

Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you.

Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people.

Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless.

Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.

"Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal.

Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind.

Then when you call, the Lord will answer.

'Yes, I am here.' He will quickly reply.

"Remove the heavy yoke of oppression.

Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors!

Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble.

Then your light will shine out from the darkness,

and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.

The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength.

You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring."

Isaiah 58.5-11

Observation

Helping the oppressed and poor pleases God and we receive His blessings.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

I like to think that I am active when it comes to social justice issues. But, it is just a drop in the bucket. We are called to do so much more. I do enough to "feel good" about myself--I give here, help there. There are so many needs . . .

If I am doing only what I am comfortable with doing, then I am not doing enough. If I am to "fast" in this manner, then I need to be uncomfortable--just as when we fast from food we get hungry, which makes us uncomfortable. I need to do more. I need to "give up" some things in my life so that others can have freedom, food, housing, clothing.

Today, I will see what opportunities or doors God is putting in front of me to make a difference in the lives of others. Today I will fast from my wants so others might have what they need.

Prayer

Thank You, Lord, for Your word today. Open my eyes and my heart to the struggles of those around me. Help me to see others with Your eyes and give me wisdom in how to best help. Lord, I want to make a difference in someone's life today--lead me, show me, give me wisdom. Thank You Lord. May my "fasting" today be pleasing and acceptable to You.

Life Journal, July 28, 2009
Today's readings: Isaiah 53-56; 2 Peter 2

Slave To What Controls Me

Scripture

For you are a slave to whatever controls you. 2 Peter 2.19b

Observation

I am a slave to those things that I allow to control me.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

What do I allow to control me? People. I give others too much power/control in my life. And, in doing so, I am not true to God or myself.

Jesus said, ". . . He [God] has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, . . ." [Luke 4.18] I do not need to be held captive by those I serve. . . .or anyone else.

So, why do I allow it? Because my trust is misplaced. Because I am fearful of what others will think. Because I am tired of the battles over the unimportant. Because I have lost my focus/my calling.

The reason(s) really don't matter--what matters is that I become a slave to Christ--not to people. I only allow God/Christ/Holy Spirit to control my life.

When did I allow it to happen? I think when I decided that sometimes it's easier not to "fight" those who want to be in control--because sometimes the fight gets old, I get tired, I see no progress, and I give up and give in. But, that's not what I am called to do. I am called to stand firmly planted in God and to be bold and to fight the good fight.

So how will I be different today? I will allow God to have control in my life rather than others. I will listen to God's voice rather than the "shouts" of those who want to control. I will remember Who is truly in control and intentionally place my trust and hope in Him. I will allow God to fight my battles.

Prayer

Father God, thank You for Your word today and the reflection of my self that I saw in it. Lord, You are my Master--I only want to serve You. Help me to stand firm in You. Help me to trust in You and You alone. Thank You for freeing me. Thank You for loving me. Thank You for shining Your Light on this area of my life today and not leaving me the same.

Life Journal, July 27, 2009
Today's readings: Isaiah 50-52; Psalm 92; 2 Peter 1

No Fear?

Scripture

Because the Sovereign Lord helps me,

I will not be disgraced.

Therefore, I have set my face like a stone,

determined to do his will

And I know that I will not be put to shame. . . .

If you are walking in darkness,

without a ray of light,

trust in the Lord,

and rely on your God.

Isaiah 50.7, 10

Observation

God's got my back.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

It is so easy to allow others to have power over different areas of our lives--all because we want to please others or because we don't want the hassle that will come if we do something different. How often do I give in to the will of others rather than follow the will of God--all because I do not want to cause waves?

But that's not what I am called to do. The only One I need to concern with pleasing is God. . .not man. It is His will that I need to follow.

I have felt that I have been walking in darkness, without a ray of light. There seemed to be no life-giving hope--it felt like it had been stolen. But, that is because I was not trusting God, I was not relying on my God. I was allowing others to have too much power in my life.

What has pulled me away? It doesn't really matter--what is important is that I have recognized that I have gotten off of the path and that I make the effort to get back on it (with God's help).

So, today, I will "set my face like a stone, determined to do His will" . . . not worrying about the cost. . . . knowing that I can trust Him completely . . . no matter what . . . all because of His amazing extravagant love for me.

Prayer

Today, Lord God, I ask for You to show me Your will--what it is that You want me to do. Today, I put my trust in You. Today, I will rely only on You. Thank You for Your love for me. Thank You for the Light You bring into my life. Thank You for reminding me that I do not need to walk in darkness. Today, may I walk boldly into all that You have called me to. Today, may my life honor You and You alone.

Life Journal, July 23, 2009
Today's readings: 2 Kings 20; Isaiah 38, 39; Psalm 75; 1 Peter 2

A Chosen People

Scripture

For you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into the wonderful light.

1 Peter 2.9

Observation

Because of God's goodness [not our own] we are His . . . chosen by Him to be His very own possession . . . and we are to share what God has done in our lives with others.

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

I belong to God--not because of my own goodness--but because of His. And I am to share what He has done for me with others. I cannot just take it for granted. . .I am to show others God's goodness.

But that means that I have to believe that God is good.

There is a responsive saying that is often used in churches--someone says, "God is good" and the response is "All the time"--then in response to that they say, "All the time"--to which the response is "God is good."

Do I really believe God is good? Many people use the excuse that the don't believe in God because of all the pain and suffering in the world. They go on to say that if there was a God and if He was loving and good--there would be no pain or suffering, no sickness or violence . . . nothing bad. They need "someone" to blame, so they blame God.

A pat answer won't work--something I just say because it is the right thing to say. I must believe that God is good if I am going to show His goodness to others. That means that no matter what happens in my life . . . the bad along with the good . . . I must trust that God is with me and that He can and will bring something good out of it.

And to trust God I must believe that He really does love me. . .no matter what I feel. Feelings can be deceptive--but God isn't--His word tells me He is faithful, trustworthy, and loves me with an unfailing love.

So, today, I will cling to the truths that I know and I will share my experiences of God's goodness, my journey from darkness into His marvelous light.

Prayer

Father God, thank You for Your patience with me, once again, as I wrestle with Your Word. Lord, today may I live a life that reflects Your goodness. Today may I help to light the path and lead someone out of darkness and into Your marvelous light. Thank You that I am one of Your chosen people. May I live a life of boldness and power, of love and grace and mercy, a life that clearly reflects You.