Signs and Wonders PAGE 124

“It is through my union with Jesus Christ
that I enjoy an enthusiasm and confidence
in my ministry for God.
And I will not be presumptuous to speak of anything
except what Christ has accomplished through me.

For many non-Jewish people are coming into faith’s obedience

by the power of the Spirit of God,

which is displayed through mighty signs and amazing wonders,

both in word and deed.”

Romans 15:17-18

The scripture above, tells us that the Power of the Spirit of God is displayed through signs and wonders, by word and deed. With earth spinning in its current state, we wonder if God actually shows up in such bold ways.  To find out, we can choose to look at life from the perspective of watching for God’s signs and wonders. The more we do this the more we will see what God can do.

The Holy Spirit shows up in our lives in many ways.  When I receive a confirmation regarding big or small things in life, my first instinct is to notice it quickly and then thank the Lord for it. Confirmations are a gift from the Holy Spirit. He is saying, “I am with you.”  When I bump into things that seem ironic, I instantly understand that it was not irony but alignment created by the Living God showing up in specific ways to guide me.  I receive it for what it is; the presence of the Holy Spirit once again saying, “I am with you”.  

Signs are indicators.  There lead us.  Wonders can be things that give us pause or things that ask us to stand in awe.  God can be found inside these types of scenarios.  It is an amazing time in life when we begin to see God Almighty draw close to us in this way.  It can be a small blessing, an encouragement, an answered prayer, a moment of peace, a piece of clarity, a joyful ah-ha moment, a huge display of favor, or a small but new understanding.  Within these types of things, God’s friendship begins to grow within us and we know that we are cared for in a profound way.  

Here is my recent example: the other day I had listened to an interview regarding end- times prophesy and the speaker spoke of the ‘falling away’ that is referenced in scripture, regarding people leaving their faith behind during end-times.  This concerned me.  I was trying to understand how or why this would happen. Within just a few minutes a good friend texted me a scripture that said,

 “Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away

and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence

without a single fault.”
Jude 1:23 NLT 

To tell you the truth, I was shocked. This was a sign and wonder. This one scripture instantly told me that God, Himself, was going to attend to me and that I would be found without one single fault.  For a girl who struggles with fears, I was so surprised how quickly my query was answered through the deed of my sweet friend, who just happened upon that scripture and decided to send it to me. She didn’t have a sign that her text would usher an ah-ha moment into my day and clear up a huge doubt, but it certainly did.  It was a spiritual moment, a God thing; a sign and a wonder. 

It is such a gift to be close to God in Spirit and in truth.  When we make it a point to seek spiritual things we cannot help but find them.  May this encourage you to open your heart and mind to God’s signs and wonders.  In doing so you will be assured and comforted, blessed and loved in a way that you’ve never experienced before.  

Song Recommendation:
So Will I
By: Hillsong United

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfVd5x9W1Xc

Prayer is Relational: PAGE 123

I heard somewhere that “Truths never experienced are just theory.” This is an incredible way to weigh our faith in God.  It begs the question, Have you ever seen the truth of God’s Word work within your prayer life? What do you believe about God’s ways?  Do you actually believe you can experience the reality of God or do you just live inside the theory of God and only attribute a token reverence to His sovereign abilities.  

Here are a few truths that seem obvious, but aren’t; ‘You will never see if you are not looking’ and ‘You will not look if you’re not interested’.  Also, ‘You won’t hear if you’re not listening’ and ‘You won’t listen if you’re not engaged’. Curiosity inspires. I receive answers to my prayers because I am looking for the answers to my prayers by engaging with God.  I do this in many ways; by remembering what I prayed, by trusting that God shows up and wants to give me answers. By believing God specifically and especially cares for me. By recalling scripture that states that God is a good Father who wants to give me good things.  These are promises found in the Bible and are not just theories. 

If wanted, how do we put this to the test?  By praying over something specific...then confessing our trust in God by affirming our belief that God cares. Then, with conviction, stand on the promises found in the Bible-meaning count them as Truth. Purposely lean in and count on our heavenly Father to attend to us as an earthly father would care for his child.  It’s familiar and familial; the same steps we take when we are counting on a family member to be there for us, supporting our hopes, needs and requests. It is relational. 

Understanding how to receive answers to prayer includes activating profound truths that are faith-based.  Perhaps, like me, you have been uttering prayers since childhood...or maybe you’re new to prayer life. Either way, now is the time to begin having two-way conversations with the Lord. He wants us to pray to Him and He wants to answer. To hear Him we must be bold enough to ask and receptive to the peace that comes from being heard. Knowing we've been heard changes everything. Answers flow from there! Activate your faith; engage! Remember, it's relational!

“Let us therefore come boldly
Unto the throne of grace,
That we may obtain mercy,
And find grace to help in time of need.”
Hebrews 4;16 KJV

“Do not be anxious about anything,
but in every situation,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God
and the peace of God,
which transcends all understanding
will guard your hearts and your minds
In Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4: 6-7

“Call to me and I will answer you
And tell you great and unsearchable things
You do not know.”
Jeremiah 33:3

SONG RECOMMENDATION:

Breakthrough

By:  Red Rocks Worship

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhyVW6sbZeA

I AM: PAGE 122

“God said to Moses,
“I AM WHO I AM. 
This is what you are to say 
To the Israelites:
‘I AM has sent me to you.’”

The above scripture is flooring.  When God responded to Moses’ question regarding the authority by which Moses was to go before the Children of Israel, and prepare them for freedom from captivity, Moses was told to tell them he was sent by the authority of I AM. What an interesting name! It’s as if THIS name stands, without saying; and needs no other quantifiers.  Within those two words we understand that there is an infinite quality (or unique qualifier) about God that shall not be questioned.  

Let’s learn more about I AM. With amazement, the following scriptures were written over 600 years apart by two different men. In them we get a description of God: 

“I kept looking 

Until the thrones were set up,
And the Ancient of Days took His seat;
His vesture was like white snow
And the hair of His head like pure wool.
His throne was ablaze with flames,
Its wheels were a burning fire.”
Daniel 7:9

Written approximately 536 BC

“His head and His hair were white 
like white wool, like snow; 
and His eyes were like a flame of fire.
His feet were like burnished bronze,
when it has been made to glow in a furnace,
And His voice was like the sound of many waters.”
Revelation 1:14-15
Written approximately AD 95

Within these scriptures we find another name for God; “Ancient of Days”.  If you think about it, this name is also descriptive. I find that eternally fascinating. Also, we’re told that God’s voice sounds like the natural movement of many waters.  Think about the powerful images of a breath-taking waterfall or a fast-moving mountainous stream ..... or the roar of the ocean as the waves crash in.  Envision it if you must..... THEN make sure you think of God.  Lean in, with spiritual eyes and ears, and imagine the voice of God speaking to you within those sounds. For those looking and listening, God uses scripture and nature and says, "I AM relatable; here I AM." His voice beckons us all and says, “I AM ancient. I AM Powerful. I AM ever-flowing. I AM eternally strong. I AM part of nature, I AM WHO I AM; listen up.”

Let’s recognize that God is speaking to us through all of creation and His voice is as silent as a full moon rising and as alluring as rushing water.  Listen with the intent of hearing and you will not be disappointed.  

“The heavens declare the glory of God;
The skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech;
Night after night they display knowledge.
There is no speech or language
Where their voice is not heard.
Their voice goes out into all the earth,
Their words to the ends of the world.” 
Psalm 19: 1-4

Song Recommendation:
Sovereign Hands
BY:  Hillsong United

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k18uM6ArspI

The Space of the In-between: PAGE 121

 

My family and I have moved through a lot over the last few years-including an actual move. I've come to notice that I’ve mentally chosen to not settle in; curiously, it just seems unwise. Instead, I’ve chosen to keep a steady eye out for more unwanted changes. Because of this I’ve remained inside the uncertainty of uncertainty. Imagine that! For the most part, daily life has returned to normal, but I’ve found it hard to relax into a new normal when things just don’t feel as if they are. Instinctively, I've remained on high-alert.  

However, recently, in my daily devotional, the question was asked, “What has been harassing your mind?” The writer then instructed the reader to replace the harassing thought with a promise from God’s Word.  You know, a foundational truth that gives assurance.  From the top of my head I chose:

“You are my rock and my redeemer;

my God in whom I trust.”

Finding that scripture was easy and the assignment did its job. I quickly recognized why I am still feeling unsettled. I am not trusting the outcome. Though time has passed,  I still sense the aftermath of a devastating storm.  Certain foundational provisions, that provided protection and stability were blown away and I feel scattered. It is hard to put into words, but for anyone who has gone through any form of devastation, you know what I mean. There is always a great amount of work to be done after big events and it can be overwhelming. I don't trust that the clean-up is complete.  It seems there are still some things to be worked out, and worked on. In my mind's eye, we haven’t gotten to the bottom of it. 

This reminds me of being a little girl and taking outings to this very large, local pool; I believe it was 12 feet deep.  My friends and I would take turns swimming to the bottom.  I’d dive with all the courage I could muster and then take a huge push off the floor and begin to make way back to the surface.  I’d look up and see the sunlight flickering off the top of the water and feel the breath trapped in my lungs.  I’d start to kick faster, feeling the desperate need to inhale. It felt like an eternity and I’d feel great joy and huge relief as my head burst through that gap between total silence and fresh air. 

I’m only now recognizing that this is the state of my current being: I feel as if I’m still underwater. Like that little girl, I fear I haven’t touched bottom and I know I’m gonna need a huge push off when I get there. I’m holding my breath and feel a little panicked right now. How much harder do I need to swim to get there?  Should I turn around now?  When is that push-off gonna happen?  Wait, is it going to?  

You see, I’ve been wondering if things are going to return to “normal” and with lack of breath and capacity, I’m inwardly screaming, ‘The sooner the better’. Every aspect of our family life is different now.  Mentally and emotionally, I’m still swimming through water, living inside that gap, where I can literally see life as it was and also sense that my life isn’t quite where it should be. I’m treading within some sort of flux where panic and confidence both want to be part of the story.  

Living in the space of the “in-between” isn’t for the faint of heart.  It is times like this when life tests one’s faith. It all comes down to an issue of trust.   It is amazing how the lack of trust can play havoc on one’s life, if we allow it. The question now becomes, “Do I trust the One I call my Rock?”  You see, trust is a choice and the human mind uses all sorts of analytics to determine if it could and should be extended. This is what I’ve been doing with the God of the Universe. 

I must humbly accept that I cannot stay in this state of fluidity, treading between panic and trust.  Feeling this personal pressure, as if stuck under water, will inevitably bring with it a desperate need for air. While gasping with clarity, I must confess that some life-events are beyond my mind’s width and breath. Remaining in this place of uncertainty will drown out my very life force. My immediate choice has become this:  To choose to trust God or stay stuck in the in-between. It’s actually easy to see which one is the better choice. It’s time for me to push up, using the faith I profess and trust that God is in control.  I must decide, this very moment, to trust the One I intuitively call “my Rock and my Redeemer”. 

Actually, this is the choice for all of us. Our human heart has the capacity to believe and trust in God even when we're treading in the depths of uncertainty; however, the question is, will we? The power of the mind 'to choose' brings with it the issues of life and death. Scripturally, we are called to choose life and live. In doing so we usher in the power of God to make His move on our behalf.  Let’s courageously take a big gulp of air and choose well. 

Song Recommendation:

It Is Well

BY:  Kristene DiMarco

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0dIWJ4t4Jg

“This day I call the heavens and the earth 

as witnesses against you

That I have set before you

life and death, blessings and curses.

Now chose life,

So that you and your children may live.”

Deuteronomy 30:19

"The Lord is my rock, and my fortress

and my deliverer; My God, my strength,

in whom I trust;"

Psalm 18:2 KJV