Thursday, October 30, 2008

Psalm 90:14
“Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.”

I love this Scripture! One of my favorites! What a beautiful way to begin a day by asking God to satisfy us with his steadfast love. The result of being satisfied with God’s steadfast love is rejoicing and being glad all our days! Amazing!

There are so many things that we attempt to be satisfied in. We try to be satisfied in our ministry, our families, our homes, our hobbies etc etc.. we attempt to be satisfied in striving for the “no hassle” life.. no trials, no suffering etc… none of those things bring true or real satisfaction, rejoicing or gladness. But knowing, reveling, understanding and receiving the steadfast love of the Lord and being satisfied (content, convinced of) in it, now THAT brings true joy!

So, a good thing to remember today is : if our circumstances were different, if our homes were in perfect condition, if our families were perfect examples of obedience.. even though all these things are blessings and gifts, but the one thing that will bring true contentment, true gladness is being satisfied with God’s steadfast love.

“Lord, I often am satisfied with far lesser things than your steadfast love. I settle for a hassle free life, or a new book, or a perfectly kept home.. I fiddle around with far less than what you are willing to give! Help me to be satisfied in your steadfast love this morning and I ask that you would help me to rejoice in this and be glad all my days in you and you alone. Amen”

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Psalm 62:8
“Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him, God is a REFUGE for us.”

Psalm 59:16-17
“But I will sing of Your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a FORTRESS and a REFUGE in the day of my distress. O my Strength, I will sing praises to You, for You O God are my FORTRESS, the God who shows me steadfast love.”

I love to look up definitions of words when I am reading Scripture. Even though I know the meanings of these words it is helpful to me to hone in on the exact meaning… so here are definitions (www.dictionary.com) of the two words that are used multiple times: Refuge and Fortress

Fortress = any place of exceptional security; stronghold

Refuge = shelter or protection from danger, trouble, etc. ; to take refuge from a storm
A place of shelter, protection or safety
Anything to which one has recourse for aid, relief or escape.


These definitions help me to absorb the meaning of these scriptures for my life… according to these definitions God is our shelter or protection from danger. God is a place of safety. God is the one in which we have recourse for aid, for relief and escape. God is a place of EXCEPTIONAL security, a stronghold!

No wonder we can call on God and say, “O my STRENGTH!” God shows us his steadfast love by being that refuge and fortress and strength in times of distress. Whether the distresses are trials and adverse circumstances, or our own sin… because of the precious blood of Jesus poured out for our sins we can run to God and find that security and shelter. Surely our own strength is limited at best and sure to fail, but GOD’S strength is sure and reliable.

May you see God today as the one who protects you, gives you shelter and safety. May you run to Him for aid and relief from the trials of the day and from the guilt of sin. May you see God today as the one whose love for you is steadfast and never ending. May you find your rest in God and experience His nearness as you take time in His Word today. May HE be your strength today.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

I read a post on the Thinklings blog this morning :
http://thinklings.org/posts/jesus-asked-do-you-love-me-more-than-these

After reading that and watching the music video my heart and mind wandered to the books of Romans and Lamentations this morning…
I couldn’t decide which scripture to share with you so I shall share both! You get a “two-fer” this morning… Two “fer” the price of one!

I heard a song this morning that drew me to God in repentance… I’d like to share the lyrics with you and what I wrote in my journal…

Enough by Chris Tomlin

All of You is more than enough for ALL of me
For every thirst and every need
You satisfy me with Your love
And all I have in You
Is more than enough.

Dear Lord,

I confess to you that although I sing these words it isn’t always true. When I choose to sin it proves that I do not see You as enough for me! I show that sin brings me more pleasure than You do. It shows that I treasure what I want and what I want to do as more important than You. I show that in that moment I feel that You are not more than enough for me. I seek to satisfy my thirst and needs elsewhere, instead of You.

Oh Lord, I am so sorry. It is good that You understand my weakness more than I do. You ARE all I need! Help me to live this way! You ARE enough! Help me to live this way! I thank you that the blood of Jesus covers this sin, covers ALL my sins. Thank you that in Christ there is no condemnation for the believer(Romans 8:1), even though condemnation is exactly what I deserve! Oh Lord Your mercies are new EVERY morning! Your steadfast love NEVER ceases! Great is YOUR faithfulness! (Lamentations 3:22-23) It is a good thing, Lord, that it is not MY faith that saves. It is a good thing that it is not MY works that save! It IS a good thing that it is not MY adherence to the law that saves! IT IS A GOOD THING THAT JESUS SAVES! Thank you for saving me! Thank you for showing me my sin. You so love me. Change me Lord. Make me more like you. I want you to ALWAYS be more than enough for me and may my life reflect this. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Monday, October 27, 2008

This morning I find myself thinking about the cross. If it were not for the cross I wouldn't even be having this thought process! I am in awe yet again of the kindness, mercy, grace and love of our God. Thinking about the cross and what was accomplished there makes me desire to serve the Lord with all I have... Lord, please help me walk through this day with the desire to die to self and live for you.

When I Survey The Wondrous Cross


When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died
My richest gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride

Forbid it Lord, that I should boast
Save in the death of Christ my God
All the vain things that charm me most
I sacrifice them to His blood

See, from His head, His hands, His feet
Sorrow and love flow mingled down
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine
That were a present far too small
Love so amazing, so divine
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

Words and Music by Isaac Watts

Sunday, October 26, 2008

2 Thessalonians 1:7b-10

"...when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His might, when He comes on that day to be glorified in his saints and to be marveled at among all those who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed."

I read this scripture today and was overcome with the incredible kindness and mercy of God. If God had not loved me first, I would not have loved Him. If God had not given me faith to repent and believe the gospel, all I would have to look forward to would be the punishment of eternal destruction away from the presence of Lord Jesus!!! I do not even want to imagine the horror of that !!! To be away from the presence of JESUS??? For the believer this will never be so because of the love, kindness and mercy of our God. As believers we look forward to forever being in the presence of Jesus and we will MARVEL at him! THAT day will be beautiful for the believer and pure terror for the unbeliever.

Thank you Lord God for your kindness and mercy towards me. I deserve to be among those who will face eternal destruction away from the presence of Jesus, BUT, you have saved me! Lord, help me to walk in a manner worthy of this calling. Help me to do good works in response to this great salvation. You are my only hope! Apart from you I would go my own way and end up facing your just wrath. Thank you Jesus for dying for my sins. Thank you Jesus for bearing the wrath of God for my sins. Your mercy overwhelms me. I love you, Jesus.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Romans 12:16
“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.”


I find myself having many a “heated” political discussions lately. But it’s not what you think. I’m not arguing party platform or policy.. I’m getting frustrated with my fellow Christian brother and sisters, as many not all, seem to have a need to demonize the “other” party and their candidates.

My question is, “can’t we just disagree with the “other” party? Do we have to demonize them and drag them through the mud? Do we have to dig up dirt on them and then revel in what we found? Shouldn’t we as Christians demonstrate kindness and compassion for those who belong to the “other” party? Regardless of who gets elected, Mr. Obama or Mr. McCain as president does not bring salvation, only the gospel does. I’m not saying we shouldn’t vote or we shouldn’t be interested in politics. I love politics but I am weary with the nastiness I am seeing.. and then I am weary of my own pride as I get frustrated with my brothers and sisters.

So, my prayer must be, “oh Lord keep me humble.” From Valley of Vision, pp 88 :

“When I am tempted to think highly of myself, grant me to see the wily power of my spiritual enemy; Help me stand with wary eye on the watch-tower of faith, and to cling with determined grasp to my humble Lord; If I fall let me hide myself in my redeemer’s righteousness, and when I escape, may I ascribe all deliverance to thy grace. Keep me humble, meek, lowly.”

Oh.. notice I never said “who” the “other” party is? God has his elect in both parties. I pray that we Christians can approach the remaining 13 days and the next 4 years with humility and compassion and prayer no matter WHO is elected, remembering the sovereignty of our God in all things!

Monday, October 20, 2008

My soul was affected by the sermon my pastor delivered yesterday. We are in the midst of a series on Penal Substitution. I am so grateful that our pastoral team is doing this. It has been so good for my soul to ponder and meditate on the fact that "in MY place, condemned HE stood."

My pastor used a quote from The Gospel Primer (Milton Vincent, p 33) :

"A gruesome death like the one that Christ endured for me would only be required for one who is exceedingly sinful and unable to appease a holy God. Consequently, whenever I consider the necessity and manner of His death, along with the love and selflessness behind it, I am laid bare and utterly exposed for the sinner I am."

and Scripture:

Is 53:4-5

"Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrow; yet we esteemed him stricken, wmitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chatisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed."

to bring together the facts of my exceeding sinfullness and guilt, Christ's great sacrifice and death and God's great love and mercy. Realizing the extent of my sin, guilt and helplessness before a holy God; realizing the extent Jesus had to go through to atone for my sin , the crushing of himself by GOD!!!, and realizing that THIS is how much I am loved by God brings sorrow, repentance AND great joy! This is absolutely amazing!

I don't think I will ever understand how amazing the love, mercy and grace of God really is!

Lord, the words of "thank you" are so inadequate to express how thankful I am. Help me Lord to live a life worthy of what you did to save me. I am in awe that not only do you crush your Son for my sins but then you help me, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to live a life that is pleasing to you. You provide for EVERYTHING that I need to live for you. Make me humble, Lord and keep me surrendered to you in all things. I love you Lord, help me to love you more! Amen.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Colossians 4:12
“Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Jesus Christ, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.”

SEVERAL THINGS COME TO MY MIND AS I READ THIS SCRIPTURE THIS MORNING.

1. DO I ACTUALLY “STRUGGLE” IN PRAYER ON BEHALF OF MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST OR DO I ZIP THROUGH PRAYERS QUICKLY IF AT ALL FOR THEM?
OH LORD! GIVE ME SUCH A HEART OF COMPASSION FOR MY FAMILY IN CHRIST THAT I WILL SPEND TIME STRUGGLING FOR THEM IN PRAYER! HELP ME TO TAKE THE TIME TO ACTUALLY BE BEFORE YOU OFTEN AND INTENSELY FOR THEM. SHOW ME WHAT IT MEANS TO STRUGGLE IN PRAYER FOR THEM.

2. WHAT A GREAT WAY TO PRAY FOR THOSE IN OUR LIVES! THAT THEY WOULD BE “MATURE AND FULLY ASSURED IN THE WILL OF GOD.” SIMPLE AND TO THE POINT. I WOULD LOVE FOR MY FAMILY IN CHRIST TO PRAY FOR ME IN THIS WAY!!!

LORD, HELP ME TO PERSEVERE IN PRAYER. DRAW ME TO YOURSELF IN CONSTANT AND CONSISTANT PRAYER BEFORE YOUR THRONE. HELP ME LORD TO BE WITH YOU IN PRAYER MORE OFTEN THAN I AM. HELP ME TO PRAY FOR OTHERS WITH VIGOR. THANK YOU THAT I CAN TRUST YOU TO HELP ME PRAY IN A WAY THAT DRAWS ME CLOSER AND CLOSER TO YOU. I LOVE YOU LORD. AMEN.

AS I WRITE THIS I AM LISTENING TO THIS SONG:

WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS by Joseph M. Scriven, 1820-1886


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.

2. 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.

3. 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 thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he'll take and shield thee;
thou wilt find a solace there.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Psalm 103: 8
"The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love."

Why, why, why do I feel justified in my anger when someone cuts me off on the highway? or when someone is a little rude to me? or when I don't get my own way? or when someone doesn't "get" a spiritual truth as quickly as I'd like them to? UGH! I am quick to anger in all the above cases!

I, then, come across a scripture like Psalm 103:8 and my arrogant balloon deflates. The only one that has a right to be angry, the only ONE who is capable of pure and righteous anger is SLOW to anger, merciful and gracious.

I have no right to be angry or frustrated with ANYONE!

LORD, how I long to be more like JESUS! Thank you that I am not a slave to my sin of unrighteous anger and frustration any longer! I have been set free through Jesus Christ and by the help and power of the Holy Spirit i can change! I count on the promise that you are sanctifying me and will complete in me what you have begun! I am sorry for my bursts of quick anger. Change me Lord!

I am leaving for Georgia this afternoon to visit my son and his beautiful bride! I'll be writing from Ft. Benning tomorrow!!!

Sunday, October 12, 2008

In Christ:

"we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." ( Colossians 1:14)

"Grant that I may always weep to the praise of mercy found, and to tell other as long as I live, that Thou art a sin-pardoning God, taking up the blasphemer and the ungodly, and washing them from their deepest stains." (Valley of Vision pp ed. page 62)

I want to always have a deep awe and gratitude of the magnificence of this! I want to always see how merciful and gracious God has been, is , and will be to me! It is absolutely AMAZING that God would do this for us!

Saturday, October 11, 2008

I love how God will remind us of Himself even when we are doing or reading something that is not “spiritual”.

I am re-reading (for the 10th time, maybe?) perhaps my most favorite book besides the Bible, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. In the very first chapter I read this sentence:

“Why my dear you must know, Mrs. Long says that Netherfield is taken by a young man of great fortune… and was so delighted with it (the estate) that he is to take possession before Michaelemas, and some of his servants are to be in the house by the end of next week.”

The footnote corresponding to this sentence said that, “it was common for servants to precede their masters in order to prepare a house for the latter’s arrival.” (annotated by David Shapard)

God IMMEDIATELY brought to my mind the following Scripture:
John 14:1-3
“Let not you’re your hearts be troubled, Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you, And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am, you may be also.”

I was struck by the humility of our Lord, Savior and Master Jesus Christ all over again! Here, HE is God and He is serving us! Customarily the servants go and prepare a place for the Master but instead, our Master and Lord prepares a place for us! Jesus serves us! While we were yet sinners He died for our sins. HE goes now to prepare a place for those who believe. HE will return and will take us to Himself! HE suffered so we will never suffer the wrath of God and just punishment for our sin and THEN HE goes and prepares a place for us performing the job of a servant.

Oh Lord, make me more like you. I grouse and complain about meals I have to cook . I complain about laundry and the messes in the house that never seem to end. Forgive me for my selfishness. Make me more like You, Jesus. Help me to serve others and not myself. Amen.

Thursday, October 09, 2008

2 Timothy 4:10
“For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica.”

This has become one of my more frequent prayers that I and my family, my children would NOT fall in love with this present world! I pray that we would fall more and more in love with GOD. I pray that we would seek Him, thirst for Him, pant for him as a deer pants for water. I pray that we would seek to live out the Gospel daily, remembering that Jesus died for our sins. I pray for a more disciplined time in God’s Word, in living a sacrificial life. I think it would be relatively easy to fall in love with this present world if I am not fully devoted to pursuing holiness and Christ-likeness.
Yes, this has become a fervent prayer.

I gleaned this from a new book edited by John Piper and Justin Taylor. This information comes from the 1st chapter written by Jerry Bridges. The new book is STAND. I encourage you to read it!

Oh Lord, help me not to fall in love with this present world.

Wednesday, October 08, 2008

Ephesians 3:6
“This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.”

I am so grateful that I am a member of God's family, a partaker of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel!

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Ephesians 2:12-13

"remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who were once far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ."

Oh my! This scripture is encouraging my soul today! I was without hope and without God! I remember those days! I remember feeling hopeless as a young woman, always despairing that life was senseless and worthless. I remember thinking about my sin and knowing there was no way I would get to heaven based on my good works or lack thereof! But now I see that even that despair was a gift from God! He was opening my eyes to see the extent of my sin and let me see and feel the hoplessness apart from God! BUT NOW! Through Christ Jesus, I was brought near through HIS blood! I am so grateful to my God and my Savior.

This scripture reminds me of a song I love sung by Devlin Kauflin on the CD Looked Upon,
My Lord, I did not Choose You. (you can listen to it through the link). Following are the lyrics:


My Lord, I did not choose You
For that could never be
My heart would still refuse You
Had You not chosen me
You took the sin that stained me
You cleansed me, made me new
Of old You have ordained me
That I should live in You

Chorus :

Jesus, You have saved me
And taken all my sin, all my sins away
Jesus, You have called me
Before the world began, to glorify Your name
I was without hope and dead inside
But You chose to save my life


Verse 2

Unless Your grace had called me
And taught my darkened mind
The world would have enthralled me
To Your glories I’d be blind
My heart knows none above You
For Your rich grace I thirst
I know that if I love You
You must have loved me first.

Oh Lord, I am in grateful and joyful awe this morning that while I was far off you drew me near to you by Your blood. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Amen.

Monday, October 06, 2008

Psalm 66:16
“Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what He has done for my soul.”

Just a few minutes ago, a dear sister in the Lord, texted me and asked me how my soul was today. I share with her that my soul was well for Jesus bore God’s wrath for my sin. She then responded that God’s mercies endure forever and that He has arrested her by grace. She said she had a heart of gratitude today!

By this little interchange we did what the Psalm 66:16 says to do. We told one another what God has done for our souls! The people of God, those who fear God, encourage one another when we share what God has done and is doing. What a great way to keep the gospel before us and keep our eyes on Jesus!

Be sure to share what God has done for YOUR soul with those around you!!!

Thank you to my friend who asked about the condition of my soul today!

Sunday, October 05, 2008

Galatians 6:1

"Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgerssion, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted."

I confess that I have often confronted my dear sisters in Christ NOT in a spirit of gentleness. I would say that I have had more of a "bull in a china shop" approach in talking to someone about their sin. WHY? Pride and self righteousness. When i go to someone in frustration, anger, or exasperation what does this say about me? It says, "YOU are sinning (in this area of life) and I NEVER have and NEVER will, and if by chance I have then I, myself, got myself out of it." Now, who really thinks like that? I would venture to say many if not most of us do. We may not actually say or think those words, but our attitude would indicate that we indeed feel justified in our anger and frustration at someone else's sin. Why else would I be frustrated and exasperated?

However, if i have a true understanding of my own sinfullness, if I have a true understanding that I am capable of each and every sin , then I will not be angry or frustrated with my sister or brother in Christ. I would be gentle, compassionate, caring for their soul, fully aware that I could be tempted and fall into the very same sin. It does our soul good to remember that if not for the fact that God opened our eyes to see our own sinfulness we would still be dead in our sin, we would still be slaves to sin. BUT GOD, opens our eyes to see our depravity and our need of Jesus to save us from the just wrath of God for our sins.

I find that preaching the gospel to myself daily, and often during the day, humbly reminds me that God has been kind and gentle with me and that by His grace I, in turn, can be kind and gentle to my brother or sister caught in sin and GENTLY help them to see.

Lord, thank you for your kindness that has led me to repentance. Thank you Father that it is only through Jesus Christ that I have been reconciled to You. Thank you for your patience, steadfast love, and gentleness in how you have dealt with me. Thank you Jesus for bearing the full wrath of God for my sins and because you have done so I will never ever see the wrath of God for my sins. Oh Lord, how can this not humble me? Please forgive me for my pride. Help me to be compassionate, kind and gentle if there is a time when I need to confront a sister in sin. You have been so good to me.

Wednesday, October 01, 2008

VICTORY

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=8cf08faca5dd9ea45513

Watch this and think of the believer’s relationship with God the Father… and then ponder on this scripture:

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Cor 15:57
It is God’s victory given to us.

And oh by the way… get a box of Kleenex before you watch the video. AND… may it cause us to bow down and worship the Lord Jesus Christ.

This is the article behind the video: http://ironman.com/columns/ironmanlife/kevin-mackinnon-reports-on-rick-and-dick-hoyt