Balance - with it you have two sides and you find the balance in the middle. Balance in my time means appropriately scheduling and making priorities. All work is not good....all play is not good...finding the time to relax, to be productive, be alone, be with others, the listing could go on and on. But one point the devotion made is the balance in the events of our lives...the joy and the heart ache...the smooth sailings and stormy seas....the sun and the rain. Having the heart to thank the Lord in all seasons and experiences and looking for what he can teach me. Knowing that without the sorrow the joy wouldn't be as sweet.
Honestly, when everything is smooth sailing I become complacent. I hate to say it but I take it for granted. I forget how much I really need the Lord's tenderness, wisdom, comfort. I just plod through my days. When stormy times come I run back to him and again sense his hand in my life. Why is it I am that way? Am I so lazy that God has to use turmoil to get my attention? Could be.
Back to the Bible
Job said to his wife in Job 2:10, "You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?" In all this Job did not sin with his lips.
Revealed
...Mary sat at the Lord's feet, listening to what he taught. Luke 10:39
Lord,
Thank you for walking with me in the adversity your will allows to come into my life. May I learn from the adversity and draw near to your heart. Help me to balance my time and choose in the moment how to honor you. Life does seem to spin out of control and circumstances seem unbearable. Through all this may I praise you and grow closer to you. May my lips not sin, but be an instrument of praise.
Be with our family... appointments, safe travel , practice and school...camp preparation, job seeking, major exams.
Thank you for the rain...without it the sweet aroma of life would never be.
Children caring for children
Abba... Heavenly Father to the fatherless
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Day 10: Martha, Martha
A few years ago I read a wonderful book, "Having a Mary heart in a Martha World." It was a perfect read for people like me...a doing type person, task oriented, a pleaser by way of doing.
Today's Revealed scripture took me back to that,
"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41-42 (NIV)
Oh, how I can hear my Lord saying that to me...."Debbie, Debbie, you are so worried and consumed about so many things...things you even have no control over. Choose what is better! Sit with me and depend on me, rest with me." You see, I know this all in my mind, and in my heart...but here we go again with these women emotions and left over yuck from childhood...the "What ifs" step in...I hate it when I place myself on this Roller Coaster Ride.
I am so glad I have been spending time at my Master's feet for the last 10 days consistently. So glad to have read his love letter to me and be able to share scripture with Lonnie. So blessed to see God tangibly answer my prayer from yesterday to see him at work and experience his peace...thank you Jesus for being alive and real...for the peace that came yesterday.
Back to the Bible
Job 2:9 (ESV)
9 Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die.”
Wow! Don't give up the devotion says...even when those you love and are close to you...they don't understand and say...just stop...quit...it's not worth it! I must seek the Lord and know he has a plan. If I give up I loose the opportunity to Draw Near to His Heart in the situation. I loose the the opportunity on the other side of the struggle to look back and see how my God walked with me, encouraged me. But I have to admit, God, it is so HARD! to take that next step in the hurt, pain, discomfort. To WAIT for you when you are timeless; for me time moves at a snails pace through the challenge, the hurt, the uncertainty.
Hold fast to my integrity? That seems odd for her to say. What integrity. The man is covered with disgusting boils and has lost everything! I can't imagine the pain of losing all my children. But I can imagine if I lost all my children, or even one, the pain would be so intense I might think life is over...or it would be better if it were. I guess the integrity is not giving up. Job never gave up and he never lost sight of His God.
The author from Back to the Bible writes:
"People are always ready to encourage you to give up. "Life is too difficult," they say. "Life is not fair. It hurts too much." But such advice fails to take into account the omnipotent hand of God. Even though we may not understand why painful and discouraging events happen in our lives, we have the assurance that God has His reasons--good reasons.
Don't allow anyone to talk you into quitting. Even though your trials may throw you for a loss time after time, you can have the confidence that God is still in control. Don't quit. Trust Him and keep on going. A day is coming when you'll be glad you did.
When you give up on yourself, you give up on God."
Lord,
I don't want to give up on you, or my ability to walk through this with you. I don't want others to see me as failing because I didn't stay close to you. I don't know the blessings on the other side of this tough time...perhaps it is just your soft whisper, "Well, done my good and faithful servant. Well, done Debbie. You chose what was best...time with me."
Lord, I sense the ask is going to be big, seemingly unable to accomplish from our perspective. Something we won't understand nor comprehend why you have asked us to do it. But I know you will not let us go it alone. You have been oh so faithful in the past...so many times ... me being an at home mom, seminary, the children's issues - Learning disabilities, relationships, Christian school, Regent, fellowship, possibility of Liberty teaching, side jobs for Lonnie, renting a home, building a home, loss of a parent. The list could go on and on. How could I ever curse you?
I don't understand at times what life brings our way, but I chose to worship you and trust you.
Help me to be a Mary... a Jobette
Amen
Today's Revealed scripture took me back to that,
"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41-42 (NIV)
Oh, how I can hear my Lord saying that to me...."Debbie, Debbie, you are so worried and consumed about so many things...things you even have no control over. Choose what is better! Sit with me and depend on me, rest with me." You see, I know this all in my mind, and in my heart...but here we go again with these women emotions and left over yuck from childhood...the "What ifs" step in...I hate it when I place myself on this Roller Coaster Ride.
I am so glad I have been spending time at my Master's feet for the last 10 days consistently. So glad to have read his love letter to me and be able to share scripture with Lonnie. So blessed to see God tangibly answer my prayer from yesterday to see him at work and experience his peace...thank you Jesus for being alive and real...for the peace that came yesterday.
Back to the Bible
Job 2:9 (ESV)
9 Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die.”
Wow! Don't give up the devotion says...even when those you love and are close to you...they don't understand and say...just stop...quit...it's not worth it! I must seek the Lord and know he has a plan. If I give up I loose the opportunity to Draw Near to His Heart in the situation. I loose the the opportunity on the other side of the struggle to look back and see how my God walked with me, encouraged me. But I have to admit, God, it is so HARD! to take that next step in the hurt, pain, discomfort. To WAIT for you when you are timeless; for me time moves at a snails pace through the challenge, the hurt, the uncertainty.
Hold fast to my integrity? That seems odd for her to say. What integrity. The man is covered with disgusting boils and has lost everything! I can't imagine the pain of losing all my children. But I can imagine if I lost all my children, or even one, the pain would be so intense I might think life is over...or it would be better if it were. I guess the integrity is not giving up. Job never gave up and he never lost sight of His God.
The author from Back to the Bible writes:
"People are always ready to encourage you to give up. "Life is too difficult," they say. "Life is not fair. It hurts too much." But such advice fails to take into account the omnipotent hand of God. Even though we may not understand why painful and discouraging events happen in our lives, we have the assurance that God has His reasons--good reasons.
Don't allow anyone to talk you into quitting. Even though your trials may throw you for a loss time after time, you can have the confidence that God is still in control. Don't quit. Trust Him and keep on going. A day is coming when you'll be glad you did.
When you give up on yourself, you give up on God."
Lord,
I don't want to give up on you, or my ability to walk through this with you. I don't want others to see me as failing because I didn't stay close to you. I don't know the blessings on the other side of this tough time...perhaps it is just your soft whisper, "Well, done my good and faithful servant. Well, done Debbie. You chose what was best...time with me."
Lord, I sense the ask is going to be big, seemingly unable to accomplish from our perspective. Something we won't understand nor comprehend why you have asked us to do it. But I know you will not let us go it alone. You have been oh so faithful in the past...so many times ... me being an at home mom, seminary, the children's issues - Learning disabilities, relationships, Christian school, Regent, fellowship, possibility of Liberty teaching, side jobs for Lonnie, renting a home, building a home, loss of a parent. The list could go on and on. How could I ever curse you?
I don't understand at times what life brings our way, but I chose to worship you and trust you.
Help me to be a Mary... a Jobette
Amen
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Day 9: I am the vine
I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 (NIV)
A long night...restless...kept hashing the events of last night...knew that God is in control...watching after us...the verse, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and he will make straight your paths" over and over again I recited this verse. I looked past the present into the future. The emotions though are what get me. I wish I could just let things fall right off my heart...I am such a pleaser, and a worrier, and I don't like not meeting the needs of others...somehow I think I'm going to get in trouble.
And then there's Lonnie struggling with his job and waiting, waiting for the outcome. As a man and head of the family this is a frightening place for him. He is miserable.
Where would we be without the vine! As difficult as this season is for us the only thing keeping us sane is knowing that we have the vine to give us life and substance. But often the Lord prunes the branch to bear much fruit. Lord is that what we are experiencing now? Pruning? If this season in our lives is so challenging how difficult will it be when there is no immediate family there?
So much running through my mind that I am rambling.
Job.
Not by chance we are in this part of the Bible for our journey!
21 And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job 1:21
God is the owner of all we have...we are the stewards. It is his home...his well...his bathroom, his career. The Earth is the Lord's and all that is in it. (Psalm) He will help us take care of it.
Psalm 27 http://bible.logos.com/passage/ESV/Ps%2027#q=&ref=Ps%2027%2Chi%3DJob%201%3A21&ver=ESV- This psalm the Lord continues to place before me the entire psalm is conforting but today especially..."The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear?" "When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.....my heart will not fear"
Lord,
I am praying specifically for our family needs, Lonnie's career needs, and the the needs of North Landing to be met. Intercede please, Father. Let us hear your voice so we can follow you. As Lonnie said this morning, the 23rd Psalm says, "Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil. For you are with me." We will walk through dark, frightening valleys, but we can do so without fear because you our Father are with us. I pray that we can tangibly sense that and experience the miracle of your peace today.
Amen
A long night...restless...kept hashing the events of last night...knew that God is in control...watching after us...the verse, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and he will make straight your paths" over and over again I recited this verse. I looked past the present into the future. The emotions though are what get me. I wish I could just let things fall right off my heart...I am such a pleaser, and a worrier, and I don't like not meeting the needs of others...somehow I think I'm going to get in trouble.
And then there's Lonnie struggling with his job and waiting, waiting for the outcome. As a man and head of the family this is a frightening place for him. He is miserable.
Where would we be without the vine! As difficult as this season is for us the only thing keeping us sane is knowing that we have the vine to give us life and substance. But often the Lord prunes the branch to bear much fruit. Lord is that what we are experiencing now? Pruning? If this season in our lives is so challenging how difficult will it be when there is no immediate family there?
So much running through my mind that I am rambling.
Job.
Not by chance we are in this part of the Bible for our journey!
21 And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job 1:21
God is the owner of all we have...we are the stewards. It is his home...his well...his bathroom, his career. The Earth is the Lord's and all that is in it. (Psalm) He will help us take care of it.
Psalm 27 http://bible.logos.com/passage/ESV/Ps%2027#q=&ref=Ps%2027%2Chi%3DJob%201%3A21&ver=ESV- This psalm the Lord continues to place before me the entire psalm is conforting but today especially..."The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear?" "When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.....my heart will not fear"
Lord,
I am praying specifically for our family needs, Lonnie's career needs, and the the needs of North Landing to be met. Intercede please, Father. Let us hear your voice so we can follow you. As Lonnie said this morning, the 23rd Psalm says, "Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil. For you are with me." We will walk through dark, frightening valleys, but we can do so without fear because you our Father are with us. I pray that we can tangibly sense that and experience the miracle of your peace today.
Amen
Monday, January 4, 2010
Day 8: "Rubble Reaction": Part I & Part II
Back to the Bible devotion
Job 1:20 (ESV)
20 Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped.
Job was a man that lost everything...everything! And what was his reaction? He fell before the Lord and worshipped. How incredible is that. To loose your children, your home, everything and then worship God. There was a time in our lives when I feared losing our homes...yes homes. In the middle of the real estate dive we were in the middle of moving from one home to another. We still have two homes. There was fear and trust all at the same time. I wondered how could I survive this and was I "spiritual" enough if I still grieved and feared...but the bottom line was...My God is in control. That is what oozed out.
Today we are facing the unknown yet again. This time with Lonnie and his job of almost 30 years. What will happen? Will the city transition him to another position? Will he be forced into retiring 10 months earlier than even possible and a few years before desired. Will we loose all we have worked for? How will we pay tuition? School debt? And if we are faced with a job change what will our reaction be? What if God takes us to another country sooner than we anticipated...sell our homes...leave our children...I can hardly type as I hold back the tears of my mother's breaking heart. What will it look like? feel like? And then when we come back...where will we live? work? when I am old how will I be able to live on social security? My mind clamors with the "what ifs" and "how's".
Job found out his answer. He worshipped. Lord, help me to have a heart of worship and trust that you are with me in the midst of the pain and uncertainty. How do I have that heart of worship? Time with the Lord. Scripture in my life. To know You and trust You because I have drawn near to your heart. Perhaps this is why I am on this journey.
Revealed Devotion:
Getting Control of your time
So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life---your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life --- and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Romans 12:1 (MSG)
Ok, the bottom line today...God is in control of my life...spend time with Him...meditate on his word....enjoy life...the spontaneous moments. Don't over organize and miss Him. He is here at this moment. I can't control tomorrow...that's his job. Enjoy the blessings of day. Fill myself with a heart of worship so I am prepared for the challenges.
Lord,
Be with Greg and Annie as Greg leaves this morning to return to the mission field in South Africa. Help me to be aware of panic over things I can't control. Help me to focus on you and your purpose, your strength, your love. Whatever happens may I have a heart of worship.
Bless Lonnie each moment. Keep the children focused on you. Show yourself in a real way to Michael and draw him in close to you. Be with James and Kelsey as they make decisions. Provide for them. Guard Becca's heart and help her to guard the hearts of others. May she continue to lean into you and trust you for your best.
Bless Coastal. Help each of us to serve your Bride with love.
Amen
Part II - End of the day
I was waiting for it in a sense...I knew the time would come that I would write how hard it is to stay God focused and really know he is in control...to let the knowing spill over to my emotions and not allow Satan to rob, steal, devour the joy of this moment. To be ridiculed and challenged...to be in a place where the pit in my stomach won't go away. Conflict...how I dislike conflict and dealing with difficult people. But what can I learn from this situation and time? Remembering that God came to seek and find the lost...that no matter what I am experiencing I am to be his hands and feet with my attitude...asking for his divine intervention in my spirit...to keep me focused on him.
Why? Why are we having to endure this? A better question is "Lord, what can I gain from this? How is this preparing us for the future calling on our life? I am sure we will be challenged with people. I pray I learn what I need to learn in order to serve you.
Right now I pray you will help us to see your priorities and path...Holy Spirit calm me ... give me scripture to calm me...my Father's word to be my comforter.
This day, Lord I choose to honor and serve you with all that I have. Job worshipped you among the rubble and hurt...I want to be worshipping you among the turmoil of this time.
Thank you for the wisdom of my best friend that helped me to think past the anguish of the moment and situation. To see this through your lens.
I will trust you.
Amen
Job 1:20 (ESV)
20 Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped.
Job was a man that lost everything...everything! And what was his reaction? He fell before the Lord and worshipped. How incredible is that. To loose your children, your home, everything and then worship God. There was a time in our lives when I feared losing our homes...yes homes. In the middle of the real estate dive we were in the middle of moving from one home to another. We still have two homes. There was fear and trust all at the same time. I wondered how could I survive this and was I "spiritual" enough if I still grieved and feared...but the bottom line was...My God is in control. That is what oozed out.
Today we are facing the unknown yet again. This time with Lonnie and his job of almost 30 years. What will happen? Will the city transition him to another position? Will he be forced into retiring 10 months earlier than even possible and a few years before desired. Will we loose all we have worked for? How will we pay tuition? School debt? And if we are faced with a job change what will our reaction be? What if God takes us to another country sooner than we anticipated...sell our homes...leave our children...I can hardly type as I hold back the tears of my mother's breaking heart. What will it look like? feel like? And then when we come back...where will we live? work? when I am old how will I be able to live on social security? My mind clamors with the "what ifs" and "how's".
Job found out his answer. He worshipped. Lord, help me to have a heart of worship and trust that you are with me in the midst of the pain and uncertainty. How do I have that heart of worship? Time with the Lord. Scripture in my life. To know You and trust You because I have drawn near to your heart. Perhaps this is why I am on this journey.
Revealed Devotion:
Getting Control of your time
So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life---your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life --- and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Romans 12:1 (MSG)
Ok, the bottom line today...God is in control of my life...spend time with Him...meditate on his word....enjoy life...the spontaneous moments. Don't over organize and miss Him. He is here at this moment. I can't control tomorrow...that's his job. Enjoy the blessings of day. Fill myself with a heart of worship so I am prepared for the challenges.
Lord,
Be with Greg and Annie as Greg leaves this morning to return to the mission field in South Africa. Help me to be aware of panic over things I can't control. Help me to focus on you and your purpose, your strength, your love. Whatever happens may I have a heart of worship.
Bless Lonnie each moment. Keep the children focused on you. Show yourself in a real way to Michael and draw him in close to you. Be with James and Kelsey as they make decisions. Provide for them. Guard Becca's heart and help her to guard the hearts of others. May she continue to lean into you and trust you for your best.
Bless Coastal. Help each of us to serve your Bride with love.
Amen
Part II - End of the day
I was waiting for it in a sense...I knew the time would come that I would write how hard it is to stay God focused and really know he is in control...to let the knowing spill over to my emotions and not allow Satan to rob, steal, devour the joy of this moment. To be ridiculed and challenged...to be in a place where the pit in my stomach won't go away. Conflict...how I dislike conflict and dealing with difficult people. But what can I learn from this situation and time? Remembering that God came to seek and find the lost...that no matter what I am experiencing I am to be his hands and feet with my attitude...asking for his divine intervention in my spirit...to keep me focused on him.
Why? Why are we having to endure this? A better question is "Lord, what can I gain from this? How is this preparing us for the future calling on our life? I am sure we will be challenged with people. I pray I learn what I need to learn in order to serve you.
Right now I pray you will help us to see your priorities and path...Holy Spirit calm me ... give me scripture to calm me...my Father's word to be my comforter.
This day, Lord I choose to honor and serve you with all that I have. Job worshipped you among the rubble and hurt...I want to be worshipping you among the turmoil of this time.
Thank you for the wisdom of my best friend that helped me to think past the anguish of the moment and situation. To see this through your lens.
I will trust you.
Amen
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Day 7: Dreams and a Leash
Odd combination for a title, right? A quick note about today's devotion as I am on my way to church...it is Sunday and the day begins early.
Revealed scripture:
I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. John 10:10b (MSG).
My dreams pale in comparison to what God has for me. When I think about the future I often focus on the material blessings or challenges. I need to focus only on what God does...relationships and eternal life with him. Lord help me to rest in peace and comfort that you are in control and my dreams can align with yours. It really is not the material that will bring joy.
Back to the Bible scripture:
"But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!" So the Lord said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person."
The Lord has Satan on a leash! In God's permissive will there is only so much Satan can do to me. So I must, MUST, trust that my God will walk with us through the difficulties as we seek his dreams for us and walk towards them.
Lord,
I trust you and desire the dreams you have for our family. Help me to understand those dreams aren't focused on things, material wealth, but on your eternal purpose for our lives. When difficulty arises, and it will, recall to my mind that you are walking with me. May I focus on you and not the difficulty.
Help us to meet tuition payments this month. Be good stewards of what you have blessed us with.
Move in peoples hearts today at church. Draw us all closer to your heart.
Thanks for Mike being home safely! Thank you for family.
Amen
Revealed scripture:
I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. John 10:10b (MSG).
My dreams pale in comparison to what God has for me. When I think about the future I often focus on the material blessings or challenges. I need to focus only on what God does...relationships and eternal life with him. Lord help me to rest in peace and comfort that you are in control and my dreams can align with yours. It really is not the material that will bring joy.
Back to the Bible scripture:
"But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!" So the Lord said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person."
The Lord has Satan on a leash! In God's permissive will there is only so much Satan can do to me. So I must, MUST, trust that my God will walk with us through the difficulties as we seek his dreams for us and walk towards them.
Lord,
I trust you and desire the dreams you have for our family. Help me to understand those dreams aren't focused on things, material wealth, but on your eternal purpose for our lives. When difficulty arises, and it will, recall to my mind that you are walking with me. May I focus on you and not the difficulty.
Help us to meet tuition payments this month. Be good stewards of what you have blessed us with.
Move in peoples hearts today at church. Draw us all closer to your heart.
Thanks for Mike being home safely! Thank you for family.
Amen
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Day 6: Sacrifice--A frightening word
Yesterday I experienced that chest tightening, tummy woozy feeling. I experience this when the issue with the rental house comes up...when we talk about selling it. When I realize where we were and how hard it was five years ago. I play it over and over in my mind. I recall how hard it was to trust God and our ability to understand His voice and move. A season when nothing made since. A season when only the life of Job brought any understanding. And even then the understanding was frightening...sacrifice...loss...grief...spiritual attack...trust that we wouldn't loose everything but if we did we would still have our God...God would walk with us. They were tear filled days....days I had hoped would never return.
But here I am again. This is a fleece before the Lord as I don't see how we can move in his direction with this huge mountain in front of us. It seems overwhelming. We need to sell that home but absolutely have to invest financially in it a way we aren't able to do. I know in my head and my heart that all we have is the Lord's. It is his house to sell or keep. I guess I really don't trust our ability to be his caretaker. How do I overcome the emotional doubt! Lord, I don't see how it is all suppose to work. It seems impossible and a miracle opportunity. What are we to do? Sell the one we are living in...move into the rental to repair....sell it and then move to our next phase. I can trust you to provide a home for us where ever we are.
How do I know what God wants us to do? How do I balance trusting, hearing, responding, sacrificing? Discern his timing?
Revealed devotional title today is "The violence of sacrificial love"
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
John 13:34-35 (NIV)
Sacrifice is a frightening word. The author, Doug Turner, pg. 18, writes "Sacrifice always has some kind of association with death. Something must die for real sacrifice to happen--an act, an emotion, an attitude, a habit, even a life." Oh, that is so true. The sacrifice of life for our freedom. So what is my sacrifice for missions? Am I willing to emotionally sacrifice the distance from children? Even with Mike leaving this morning I cried and I'll see him in the next three weeks! The thought of selling this home and not having a home when we return from missions makes me nervous. It may not happen for two years but it makes me nervous already. The sacrifice of not knowing the future. Lord I am willing and I am trying...but I am not doing so well at this!
Job! Do you believe it...Job is the text for Back to the Bible devotion today.
Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Job 1:9
The Lord has not placed an impermeable hedge of protection around us. The economy is horrible and homes are not selling. So why would be any different? The assurance for us, however, is that our God is there with us....
Deuteronomy 33:27 (ESV)
27 The eternal God is your dwelling place,
and underneath are the everlasting arms.
And he thrust out the enemy before you
and said, Destroy.
Psalm 139:5 (ESV)
5 You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
His love is all we have to rest in. His permissive will allows us to walk through this yuck...and his unconditional love is underneath us, beside us, and before us. His word assures of his compassion and love towards us. His sacrifice was his Son. There is no sacrifice that stands beyond that. Your word is true, Lord! You do care. You will bring comfort if I will just trust you and give it to you.
Father,
I honestly dread the emotional impact of this upcoming season in our lives. The change and the sacrifice will not be comfortable...nor enjoyable. But, Lord, knowing you are with us, knowing your word is true and never changing, knowing you care, knowing the sacrifice will bring joy on the other side, knowing all that and loving you beyond all the pain, this is obedience and a sacrifice I desire ~ no I don't desire to make ~ I am willing to make. Prepare our hearts, prepare our family, prepare our finances. Please don't allow finances to be the door closer. Help me to see the panic for what it is...a spiritual attack. Help me to rest in you in all things! Provide for us my Abba, Provider God, Protector God. I sense the urgency in our hearts to prepare. And Lord, please, this day give grace and protection to Michael as he travels to school.
Amen
But here I am again. This is a fleece before the Lord as I don't see how we can move in his direction with this huge mountain in front of us. It seems overwhelming. We need to sell that home but absolutely have to invest financially in it a way we aren't able to do. I know in my head and my heart that all we have is the Lord's. It is his house to sell or keep. I guess I really don't trust our ability to be his caretaker. How do I overcome the emotional doubt! Lord, I don't see how it is all suppose to work. It seems impossible and a miracle opportunity. What are we to do? Sell the one we are living in...move into the rental to repair....sell it and then move to our next phase. I can trust you to provide a home for us where ever we are.
How do I know what God wants us to do? How do I balance trusting, hearing, responding, sacrificing? Discern his timing?
Revealed devotional title today is "The violence of sacrificial love"
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
John 13:34-35 (NIV)
Sacrifice is a frightening word. The author, Doug Turner, pg. 18, writes "Sacrifice always has some kind of association with death. Something must die for real sacrifice to happen--an act, an emotion, an attitude, a habit, even a life." Oh, that is so true. The sacrifice of life for our freedom. So what is my sacrifice for missions? Am I willing to emotionally sacrifice the distance from children? Even with Mike leaving this morning I cried and I'll see him in the next three weeks! The thought of selling this home and not having a home when we return from missions makes me nervous. It may not happen for two years but it makes me nervous already. The sacrifice of not knowing the future. Lord I am willing and I am trying...but I am not doing so well at this!
Job! Do you believe it...Job is the text for Back to the Bible devotion today.
Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Job 1:9
The Lord has not placed an impermeable hedge of protection around us. The economy is horrible and homes are not selling. So why would be any different? The assurance for us, however, is that our God is there with us....
Deuteronomy 33:27 (ESV)
27 The eternal God is your dwelling place,
and underneath are the everlasting arms.
And he thrust out the enemy before you
and said, Destroy.
Psalm 139:5 (ESV)
5 You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
His love is all we have to rest in. His permissive will allows us to walk through this yuck...and his unconditional love is underneath us, beside us, and before us. His word assures of his compassion and love towards us. His sacrifice was his Son. There is no sacrifice that stands beyond that. Your word is true, Lord! You do care. You will bring comfort if I will just trust you and give it to you.
Father,
I honestly dread the emotional impact of this upcoming season in our lives. The change and the sacrifice will not be comfortable...nor enjoyable. But, Lord, knowing you are with us, knowing your word is true and never changing, knowing you care, knowing the sacrifice will bring joy on the other side, knowing all that and loving you beyond all the pain, this is obedience and a sacrifice I desire ~ no I don't desire to make ~ I am willing to make. Prepare our hearts, prepare our family, prepare our finances. Please don't allow finances to be the door closer. Help me to see the panic for what it is...a spiritual attack. Help me to rest in you in all things! Provide for us my Abba, Provider God, Protector God. I sense the urgency in our hearts to prepare. And Lord, please, this day give grace and protection to Michael as he travels to school.
Amen
Friday, January 1, 2010
Day 5: New Year
Two devotional verses for this morning....
Revealed:
May you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is. Ephesians 3:18 (NLT)
Back to the Bible
So it was, when the days of feasting had run their course, that Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, "It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts." Thus Job did regularly. Job 1:5
Yesterday was a bit testy...I found times I was frustrated and short with those around me. We had invited, at the last minute, a few friends over for New Year's Eve. I started cooking and straightening up...frustrated at the pace of family members around me. I had to actually stop and correct my attitude in mid gate and ask for forgiveness. The front of the house (the rest is still in chaos!) was set...the snacks and beverages were out. Whew...all ready!
Many chose to stay home with family and not venture out for the evening. I recall saying to myself....that's what I'm doing next year...just our family. Not because I didn't want to see my friends, but because our children will soon be returning to their lives at school and I'm just grieving that a bit. Mike leaves in less than 24 hours. Bec still has a 2 weeks. I thought, "Next year it is just about us." But wait...the rest of the "us" were out and didn't want to be home with this part of "us." And, we had a wonderful evening. We had a couple here we have never really just shared one on one time with. That was wonderful to check in with them and hear what is going on in their lives. I was so glad they came by. And then a long time friend that has had a straining past two years to say the least. I often think we are his "safe place," his place to go for spiritual encouragement. He hasn't stopped by in a very long time. The first couple were leaving and he arrived. God timing I would say.
What's the point?
It's hard being a mom of young adult children. I want them close and to be intimately involved in their lives. As they should, they want to be independent and moving away. In September I set my phone alarm for 4:00 p.m. Why? It's my prompt in the middle of the day to pray for my children and other young adults I am close to. Job 1:5 talks about the purpose of this. To intercede on behalf of my adult children. Honestly, there are times I hit the dismiss...mumble a quick bless them...and then move on with my day. Then there are times I earnestly pray for them. Knowing specific challenges they are facing...but also not knowing and pleading with the Holy Spirit to intercede on their behalf. I desire for them to know God's deep love as described in Ephesians 3:18 and need to be praying they will discover that for themselves.
The whole New Year's Eve thing... Looking for God's purpose and not mine. To be able to sacrificially give my time...back to the beginning of this journey....my ability to have people in our home, hospitality. The Ephesians verse..."The power to understand..." so that I can be available to show people the depth of God's love.
Lord,
In this new year help me to continually bring my children before you in prayer. Work in their lives according to your will and what you need to do to develop their relationship with you.
In this new year I bring you my heart's desire to understand how wide, long, high and deep your love really is for my family, myself, and those I have the privilege to see everyday. Teach me about your heart, Father, for your purpose as I draw nearer to your heart in 2010.
Amen
Revealed:
May you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is. Ephesians 3:18 (NLT)
Back to the Bible
So it was, when the days of feasting had run their course, that Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, "It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts." Thus Job did regularly. Job 1:5
Yesterday was a bit testy...I found times I was frustrated and short with those around me. We had invited, at the last minute, a few friends over for New Year's Eve. I started cooking and straightening up...frustrated at the pace of family members around me. I had to actually stop and correct my attitude in mid gate and ask for forgiveness. The front of the house (the rest is still in chaos!) was set...the snacks and beverages were out. Whew...all ready!
Many chose to stay home with family and not venture out for the evening. I recall saying to myself....that's what I'm doing next year...just our family. Not because I didn't want to see my friends, but because our children will soon be returning to their lives at school and I'm just grieving that a bit. Mike leaves in less than 24 hours. Bec still has a 2 weeks. I thought, "Next year it is just about us." But wait...the rest of the "us" were out and didn't want to be home with this part of "us." And, we had a wonderful evening. We had a couple here we have never really just shared one on one time with. That was wonderful to check in with them and hear what is going on in their lives. I was so glad they came by. And then a long time friend that has had a straining past two years to say the least. I often think we are his "safe place," his place to go for spiritual encouragement. He hasn't stopped by in a very long time. The first couple were leaving and he arrived. God timing I would say.
What's the point?
It's hard being a mom of young adult children. I want them close and to be intimately involved in their lives. As they should, they want to be independent and moving away. In September I set my phone alarm for 4:00 p.m. Why? It's my prompt in the middle of the day to pray for my children and other young adults I am close to. Job 1:5 talks about the purpose of this. To intercede on behalf of my adult children. Honestly, there are times I hit the dismiss...mumble a quick bless them...and then move on with my day. Then there are times I earnestly pray for them. Knowing specific challenges they are facing...but also not knowing and pleading with the Holy Spirit to intercede on their behalf. I desire for them to know God's deep love as described in Ephesians 3:18 and need to be praying they will discover that for themselves.
The whole New Year's Eve thing... Looking for God's purpose and not mine. To be able to sacrificially give my time...back to the beginning of this journey....my ability to have people in our home, hospitality. The Ephesians verse..."The power to understand..." so that I can be available to show people the depth of God's love.
Lord,
In this new year help me to continually bring my children before you in prayer. Work in their lives according to your will and what you need to do to develop their relationship with you.
In this new year I bring you my heart's desire to understand how wide, long, high and deep your love really is for my family, myself, and those I have the privilege to see everyday. Teach me about your heart, Father, for your purpose as I draw nearer to your heart in 2010.
Amen
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