Bothering the Judge! Page 18

Read Luke 18: 1-8

As we move further down the path of these pages it is my purpose to continue to share what God  has done in my life and in doing so….show you how to look for God’s presence in your own.  With these writings it is my goal to move us both out beyond the fog that clouds our vision and impedes the panoramic view of God’s blessings-those gifts of answered prayer, His protection…His best.  I have consistently found that God blesses us in quite unexpected ways; with that said…we should wake up each day expecting the unexpected.  That feeling of “expectation” sharpens our minds and creates an inner excitement that makes each day worth getting up for!

In previous pages I’ve written how God can reach down and save us from deep waters of circumstance.  The following excerpt from my life is an example of that.  I’ve previously written about the fact that my husband and I faced the challenge of closing a business.  There are years-worth of pages I plan to write- with high hopes of revealing God’s majesty and power and, in contrast, His humanity and compassion with which He takes care of those He loves.  I’ve written, out of context, about some of my encounters with God and His word; but the one below is the most profound.

These actual events are a pure, black-and-white lesson from God Himself as He visibly worked within the circumstances of one the most trying times of my life.  This is a literal example of how God speaks to us through Scripture.   May your spiritual eyes see it…may your growing faith perceive it….and may your faithful heart believe it…. as you read and gain a glimpse of God’s mighty hand at work!

Bothering the Judge: 

The Waters of Circumstance:

 About a year ago, my husband and I went through a major life-change when we closed our business.  To be honest, opening that business was as well…but that is another story!  Anyway…to add to this unfortunate circumstance, the attorney we selected was unwilling to fully understand our case due to his business philosophy and, in my opinion, lack of due-diligence.  The line of communication was blatantly closed very early in our business relationship and due to that our best interest was not on the radar.  Because we paid-in-advance we continued to try to work with him to reach a resolution and win financial protection from the Courts.  Obviously, we are between a rock and a hard place!  Even more than when closing our business, we walked, completely blind, through great turmoil because of the weak attorney-client relationship.  Hindsight, it is clearly evident, that through these precise circumstances, God taught us a mighty spiritual lesson which required that we navigate through deep, dark waters of circumstance, where faith was our only light. 

The Courts:

 Without getting too in-depth, we filed a case seeking legal protection from the courts after closing our business…AND, in turn, the Court filed a Motion-to-Dismiss our case-which would leave us with no legal protection against financial ruin.  With this motion pending, our attorney advised, many times, that we allow the courts to dismiss our case; but this would leave us unprotected financially and the legal ramifications would still be sitting before us.  We had a court date of Feb  7^th, where we could present our case and hope for the best.  We felt our odds in court were 50/50 and presenting our case was better than just allowing it to be dismissed.   We had been praying fervently…and were simply not on the same page with our attorney.  We wanted to go to court…but he firmly advised us not to and was adamant that if we did, we would not win. 

The waters of circumstance were overwhelming; we were battling waves of uncertainty.  We needed a second opinion! So, on Thursday Jan 13^th, we went and met with another attorney in a different county and sought his advice.  We were desperately looking for Plan B regarding legal and financial protection.  This  attorney looked over our documents in-depth,  was confident that there was room for revision and a positive outcome  and advised us  to go back to our attorney, insist that  he revise our filing and that we should be able to “go to court” and win our case.  This was a double-edged sword.  It was good news on one hand…we had a chance.  It was bad news on the other because we would have to face our attorney and ask him to revise our filing.  This is a bold move for anyone but that very day we summoned the courage and did just this. 

God’s voice through scripture:  Later that day, my mom called and asked how our meeting went.  She told me that she was “bothering the judge” on our behalf.  I was unfamiliar with this scripture, which is in Luke 18: 1-8.  She explained that “bothering the judge” referenced a parable in the bible where a widow kept persistently bothering the judge asking for justice from her adversaries.  The judge, as to not be bothered by her again, granted her appeal.  I smiled, knowing my mother as I do, and told her that I appreciated her persistent (and precise) prayers and moved on with my day.  I sat down to do a bible study and was looking up a scripture and incidentally came upon Isaiah 41:21 which says

“Present your case” says the Lord.  “Set forth your arguments” says Jacob’s King.

Wow!  Biblical legal advice twice in one day (about petitioning a judge no less)!  Usually when God reveals something so specific I am amazed…but I had begun to question how to hear from the Lord!   To be honest, I was weary and my faith was floundering.  Instead of finding this profound…I took it in—very cautiously.

God’s Voice of Persistence:  On Sunday, Jan 16^th, three days later, we attended church and, lo and behold, the pastor used the parable in Luke 18: 1-8 as a reference on prayer.  Of course, it was about the widow bothering the judge.  My mouth fell open.  Again I was reminded that “the Judge granted the widow’s plea because of her persistence”!   Ok, so God had my attention…I knew He was telling me something very specific.

Again….God’s Voice of Consistence:  On Jan 19^th- 3 days later, I sat to do my bible study and, as usual, read the daily devotional in my favorite book Streams in the Desert.   That exact scripture was the reference point of the devotional:  Luke 18:1 “Jesus told his disciples…that they should always pray and not give up”.   To be redundant…the “bothering the judge” parable follows in verses 2-8.   I was actually shocked on this day… and became acutely aware that “ GOD IS SPEAKING TO ME”.   I was willing to admit that God was all over this issue!  I perked up….I was ready to battle my adversaries again!!  

Know what you pray:  Mind you, that with each passing hour I knew that the day of reckoning was coming and that I would be required to stand before God and the judge and ask for relief from our adversaries.  My mind was never free from this intimidating fact….so my only recourse was to pray!   On Jan 26^th, I did just that and asked that God would draw close to me and that I would be empowered with the ability to hear clearly, see clearly and discern clearly the Voice of God. 

God’s Hand at Work:  On Jan 27^th, a day later, we received a call from our attorney and he stated he had good news…we were making head-way with the Trustee of the Court.  They had changed our court date to March 7^th…and needed more information regarding our business and the lease.   This call was clear alright!  Our attorney had changed his tune; he was optimistic!  He is now working on our behalf....AND was the Court’s Trustee for that matter.  I was fully aware that Persistent prayer had changed our course and black and white Scripture had given us direction.  We stepped out in faith.  We stayed the course.  We listened to God’s voice instead of our attorney’s advice (quite frankly).  As we stood neck-deep in the murky waters of circumstance, God began to work on our behalf.  His work was obvious….and if you read the quote from Isaiah 41:21 out-loud…God’s voice is actually audible for it IS a quote after all!

“Present your case” says the Lord.
 “Set forth your arguments” says Jacob’s King.

With enthusiasm….I emailed these details to my Bible Study Class because we were studying Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer and this was the exact lesson that was being taught.  The timing was amazing! I wanted to share how I was hearing God’s voice through scripture and how my current experience was proving the lesson to be precise; succinct.  Here is part of that email: 

Just as Discerning the Voice of God, teaches:   God is Persistent and works for us in a very personal way.   God gave me a literal directive:  “BOTHER THE JUDGE”.    He was extremely persistent with His message….and clearly personal with His directive.  This battle is still raging for us…but we are not battling alone!!  I would be blessed if you’d be a prayer warrior along-side me…as my husband and I move forward to Bother the Judge on March 7^th, 2011.  Please know that we’ve confessed that no matter what the outcome that day…we know we’re in God’s will…and He will provide everything we need.    I hope that this encourages you…and stands as an example to the truth of what we are studying….and to the fact that God speaks to us through scripture!  He knows our needs and answers our prayers. He is a God of mercy.  May God receive the Glory!!!  My heart is open…and my eyes are on the horizon….Rain Down Victory!!!!  Rain down!”

The day after I sent this email to my classmates….the earth shifted (metaphorically…..)!  Here is that email to my classmates sharing the amazing news…..again, one day later no less!

“I have AMAZING, AMAZING, GOD-FEARING, ON-THE-WATCHTOWER NEWS!!! I received a phone call from our attorney this morning around 8:15 AM.  He told me that he had talked to our Trustee and the Trustee said that he didn't want any more documents...he was tired of our case...and that he was lifting the Motion to Dismiss!!!!  Those are the exact words!!!!!  (just like the parable).” 

To the blog reader:

There is a biblical tie-in to the fact that it took 3 times for me to recognize that God was speaking to me.  If you read I Samuel Chapter 3 you will see that God also called Samuel's name three times before he knew to say "Speak Lord, for your servant is listening". 

God walked with me through these trying circumstances, spoke to me, three times no less,  through black & white scripture, gave me specific direction and it all played out…..Just like the Parable!  We were planning to go to court….BUT, instead, God granted us relief from our adversaries!  Is that not fascinating?  Is that not profound?  Is that not beyond ironic?  THAT, my friend, IS THE VOICE AND HAND OF GOD!

 He is persistent! He is specific and clearly personal.

Want to have God’s power, love and protection in your life?  Get to know Him!  Draw close this His word, depend on Him at all times….and trust that He will work it out for your good. Believe in scripture.  Trust the truth of it!  Wait on the Lord….and He will renew your strength!  He will indeed reach down and draw you out of deep waters.  Why is that, you may ask?  The most simplistic reason of all….because He cares for you! 

I Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you”.

Song Recommendation:
Even If
BY: MercyMe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6fA35Ved-Y

Holy Silence Page17

 “God was speaking and moving.  
He always is-even in His Silence”.1

Journal entry January 2011:    Lord, as I look back through my journal …. it is amazing to see you at work in my life.  I repeat often that you “are working in the unseen realm on my behalf”.  That is me clinging to my faith; however, looking back through these writings, your Hand-at-work is INCREDIBLY VISIBLE.

They say that hindsight is 20/20...and my journaling proves this to be true.  I face each day using my faith as a map to travel forward…but looking back I literally see a spiritual map from you.  I see your wisdom at work as you encourage my faith.  I see profound truths and your mercy just over-flowing.  It’s interesting that for a long while now I’ve felt as if I wasn’t growing spiritually and that my heart was held at bay—unable to feel your presence.  I pondered the quiet distance from you that has persisted in my life of late.  I am confident that this has been a time in which you were requiring me to stand on that faith I claimed I had. …yet…it was concerning, this quietness.

As I look back over the pages of my journal… I see you!!!  Over these particular months I thought there was a spiritual distance between us…but have discovered that it was actually a Holy Silence.  With Great purpose the silence has persisted…and with great lessons you’ve filled my journal.  I’ve been slowed down by the silence so that you could re-generate my faith.  This silence presented itself so that I would quiet my fierce heart enough to admit you must take care of my concerns…because I can’t. 

Holy Silence gives us a phenomenal opportunity to draw close to You, Lord…that is if we see the silence as holy.  I mistakenly thought I had lost my faith…my grip on you…but as the saying goes…I'm not holding on to you…you are holding on to me (like a father holds on to his precious child).  What grace!  What mercy!  What love! 

The Lesson for the reader: 

 You may be pondering the phrase Holy Silence! 
Scripture says in Habakkuk 2:20:

“The Lord is in His Holy Tabernacle;
 let the earth be silent before him!” 
 Ponder the literal meaning of that scripture and THAT is Holy silence.

   Revelation 8:1 says…
“…there was silence in heaven for about half an hour”.
 THAT  is Holy Silence. 

 There are times when we experience a silence in our Christian life and attribute it as spiritual distance.  In reality, this silence, full of inaudible power,  can be a personal gift from God-- full of great opportunity to dig deeper into His word and stand on steadfast faith.  It may even encourage us to approach the Throne of Grace and surrender EVERYTHING.   They say that silence is Golden…I say it is Holy. 

There is nothing as honorable and noble than to sit silently with a loved one while they grieve or weep.  Words are of no avail.  The same is true of God.  At times He sits quietly beside us while our hearts just over-flow.  No words are necessary at this time.  His presense is all that's needed.  Silence is the gift of love.

Song Recommendation:
Oh Holy Place
By:  Cece Winans

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJ8_LM2Osx8



1- Discerning the Voice of God By Priscilla Shirer    

A Shimmer of Hope! Page 16

As we studied on Page 15, and in Isaiah 55: 9-11, God’s word will fulfill the meaning for which is was sent.  With this said it's important to remember that timing is everything.  In this world, where we are use to instant gratification it is pertinent that we spiritually practice the art of waiting.  There are many scriptures that suggest that we “wait on the Lord”.  There are blessings attached to these scriptures.  Good things come to those who wait.  Did you know that this common adage is based on scripture?  Here are a few examples:

Isaiah 30:18
“Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you,
He rises to show you compassion.
For the Lord is a God of Justice,
Blessed are all who wait on Him!”

Psalm 40:1
“I waited patiently for the Lord;
He turned to me and heard my cry…”

Lamentations 3:22-24
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
Great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.”

Isaiah 40:31
“…those who wait on the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.”

About waiting....

About a month before my husband and I closed our business I found myself in the mode of waiting.  You would think that with a shop to close one would be in the mind-set that there is a ton to do...and there was.  There were employees to tell, customers to tell, sensitive matters to attend to, financial and otherwise.  Once the chiming on the front doors stopped on that final day you would assume that it was all said and done….but truthfully,  my heart knew that God was not done….and that all the scriptures and guidance He had provided as we moved out in faith to open the store had great purpose and that there was more on the horizon.  I knew there was more to it than just this!!!

 During this time we were called to walk through painful financial decisions and down difficult roads to navigate.  We stepped into the unknown and uncertain.  Graciously, the one thing I did know was that God was there with us.   I was certain of this!  As I’ve discussed on previous pages, God is with us….even when we don’t feel it.  Sometimes emotions are absent…and at times worldly circumstances will seem to contradict God’s word….and THAT is when we must wait in faithful expectation as God works things out.

One particular day my emotions were indeed absent.  About three years worth of business investing, goal setting, house selling, family moving, community leaving,  church and friend good-byeing, economy collapsing, miracle loan attaining, store-front building, Grand-Opening effort…had come to a close.   I needed to get out into the sunshine so I drove to a pond near my house to sit for a while and do my Bible Study.  As I parked my car I noticed that there were large weeds growing everywhere that looked like sunflowers.  It was a beautiful sight.   I wondered why something so pretty would be deemed a weed.  The sun was rising and a wind was blowing slightly creating shimmers of light that reflected off the water.  These shimmers looked like brilliants stars.  It was mesmerizing and I watched for awhile…my heart full of earthly concerns.  I thought “God is giving me a shimmer of hope”.  I looked down to read my Bible Study and looked back up and they were gone!  I was disappointed because I needed that encouraging shimmer that day.  But I realized that this was exactly what my Bible Study was teaching.  The date was July 21^st.

For a full understanding of that lesson that day read the devotional on July 21st in
 Streams in the Desert By: Cowman
A sentence from this devotional says this:

  “…for it is faith that believes God and His word when circumstances, emotions, appearances, people, and human reason all seem to urge something to the contrary”.

That sentence is phenomenal!  It literally covers ALL human reason.  The key words are “for it is faith that believes God…”.   If you'll notice, within Christianity, faith seems to be the point on which everything turns.   On this particular day I am sitting in my car with despair so prevelant my emotions have gone quiet.  I’m looking for any form of solace and so I’m seeking refuge at the local pond.  Though it is a sunny day, dark valleys are in front of me that I must walk through.  Dangerous places I’ve never been, I’m now being forced to go.  This is the metaphor but the truth of it is this:    I’ve always been confident that God led us to this business venture.  Even before our business opened and then closed I knew that God was taking me on a spiritual journey and I was willing to go!  Faith cleared the way!  

 I’ve shared with many friends and my family that this was not about the business venture …but a spiritual journey.  God  planned to lead me to a deeper faith, a deeper understanding and a deeper trust in Him…and He did!  My best laid plans did not come to pass… but God’s did.  The end result was not as I expected….but it’s exactly what God meant.  He was not interested in my business succeeding per se….He was interested in my soul prospering.  He wanted me to seek Him out, draw close to Him, get to know Him, depend on Him, cry to Him, wait on Him…and ultimately learn to totally trust Him….and I do! 

We  all must choose to trust God when earthly circumstances say contrary, when our emotions are dormant due to disappointment… and even when the shimmer of light is gone.  God is good and His compassion is new everyday!  Nature and creation shouts that God is quite bold...but God can also be found in a small shimmer of hope!  Faith provides that shimmer!  God is in the slight wind that moves the waters of circumstance.    On this particular morning he blessed me with weeds that looked like sunflowers …and momentary shimmers of light that danced with hope on the dawn of a new day. 

As of now....the elements are still against us due to our business closing… but early on, just as I started down the path of this spiritual journey, God said to me:

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
for I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel,
your Savior…!”
Isaiah 43: 1-3

Because of His love we have not been consumed!  We trust in the Most High God.  "Great is His faithfulness."  We are waiting in Faithful expectation for the Lord, our God to fulfill the words which He gave us and fulfill the meaning for which they were sent. 
Amen and Amen.

Song Recommendation
Praise You In This Storm
By:  Casting Crowns

A Supernatural Sculptor Page 15

When seeking the will of God we must look deep-into our heart’s most sacred prayers and deep within the ageless pages of scripture.  While doing this we must expect to gain a glimpse into the mind of Christ.  The following scripture tells us that this is indeed possible:   

“For who has known the mind of the Lord that He may instruct him?”
 But we have the mind of Christ.”
I Corinthians 2:16

 This scripture asks a rhetorical question and then purposely answers it.  The incredible answer tells us that we have access to the mind of Christ.  How you may ask!   Historic pages of scripture prophesy, document, quote, whisper with insight and eternally echo knowledge of Jesus Christ.  The Bible insightfully links prophecy and knowledge of Christ over the course of thousands of years and with unspoken honor we must simply open the book and read.  We have graciously been given the opportunity to hold the Living Word in our own hands and within it, find the mind of Christ and therefore the will of God.  The Bible can and will speak to us directly if our hearts and minds are close to its pages and its Divine author.  To gain passage to the mind of Christ we must be intentional and studious - willing to acknowledge the truth of God’s word, patiently watch as seemingly ironic things occur in our lives and with the intuitive weavings of The Word of Truth and circumstance- see things as God means them instead of how the world would process them. 

The story of Joseph, found in Genesis chapters 37-50 is a breath-taking example of this.   The ultimate purpose for Joseph’s life is revealed with his profound words…. “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done…”  Genesis 50:20.  This is a prime example of looking deep into circumstance, even those heart-breaking ones, and finding God’s purpose. 

God is a supernatural Sculptor of circumstance and in times when we see no good in where we find ourselves in life….it is then that we must look beyond our current situation and ask the question “What good can come of this?”  Truly we should ask:   “What is the hand of God blessing me with through this challenging circumstance?”  Our human hearts struggle through these tough times…but great spiritual maturity takes place when we have the strength to ask these questions and, with trust in God, wait as He reveals the answer-just as Joseph did!

The Spiritual Lesson: 

 This world's path is one of good versus evil. In this sinful world there will be times when evil appears to be winning....however, those who are spiritually discerning understand that God's lessons and His blessings can be found in all circumstances.  At times, our hearts will be will be bruised and barely beating inside our physical body and it will be then that we choose to kneel …..or not!  With wounded hearts and weary minds we must come to the Throne of our Creator, God and bow to the fact that we are not in control-He is;  We must acknowledge that there is a purpose to everything-and that it may not be our purposes that prevail;  and finally:  we must accept that we may not always understand God's purposes- Scripture says: 

“As the heavens are higher than the earth
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater
so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
it will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it”
Isaiah 55: 9-11

In our circumstances we must trust God as He sculpts our lives and sets new paths for us to travel down.  We, of course, plan out our days and our lives one way… but inevitably our best-laid plans twist before us and our hearts burn with frustration as to why!  Sometimes our goals become thwarted, our plans become detoured, our health becomes a battle, our friendships become uncomfortable, death knocks at our door, love seems absent;  our marriage become our greatest challenge.  Soon our zest for life falters and causes us to sit in stillness as we finally have come to the end ourselves, our options; our abilities.  This is good….for it is then that must acknowledge the truth of scripture and trust God’s plan....and will for our lives.

Look for it:

This is exactly what is meant when we say “look with spiritual eyes into the realm of the unseen”.  We only know and understand the here-and-now….but God see’s what we don’t see and He knows what we don’t know.  Can you see why trust in God’s will is so crucial?  We cannot trust this sinful world and it's elements but we can surrender to God's will and trust that He cares for us in ways that we do not understand. 

 Isaiah 30:18 says
"The Lord longs to be gracious to you.
He rises to show you compassion.
The Lord is a god of justice. 
Blessed are those who wait on Him."
(This is the God I want carving out my future.)

When our lives feel out of control we best admit that God is in control and submit to His plan…His will.  Surrender is the term us Christian’s use, but a quick and easily-understood directive is “let go and let God”.  During these times we need to draw close to the Living God through prayer.  Scripture says “Draw close to God and He will draw close to you” (James 4:8).  It’s verbal, it’s mental, it’s spiritual……it is a simple and honest prayer “Lord, I need you”.  Pour out your feelings.  Pour out your needs.  At the same time thank God for where you find yourself -this is part of surrendering to His will.  Our God is a gracious god…slow to anger and abounding in love (Psalm 103:8).   Never will He leave us….never will he forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6).  He is a supernatural sculptor and when all is said and done—surely we will be a spiritual work of art!     

Song Recommendation
Bring the Rain
By:  MercyMe

Click link below to listen to Bring the Rain

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8HgAVenbUU

"Do This or Something Better!" Page 14

“Do this or something better!”1  This phrase just washed over me as I prayed about my current concerns.   My mind is never far from the consequences we are walking through since closing our business.  Many dominoes were aligned in our life...each toppled and knocked down the next.  So be it!  I’m hoping that the last detrimental domino is in motion and slow motion at that.  We are working to hear God’s voice, be in His will and attend to those things that are within our power.  As the last few game pieces tilt toward us, tapping in staccato,  we watch in faithful uncertainty.  We know our prayers and our needs...but the game simply is not over just yet! 

During this time the subject of my many prayers has been:  “Lord, hear our prayers, (Psalm 27:7);  Reverse our losses (Matthew 6: 27-34); Put us back on the path written about (Psalm 139:16).  Bless us (Matthew 5: 3-10);  Protect us (Isaiah 43:1-3); Be with us (Psalm 46:1);  Help our unbelief, (Isaiah 41: 10);  Go before us (Exodus 14: 21-22); Lead us back to the path written about (again Psalm 139: 16); Don’t let us go if you’re not going with us (Exodus 33: 15-16) , etc, etc, etc.  If you read carefully you’ll see that, though based on scripture, some of these prayers are contrary to the others. Ok, so I was covering every base!  Thankfully within my current bible study….I’ve come across a prayer that is so pivotally profound it is poetically simple:

“LORD, DO THIS OR SOMETHING BETTER!”

This amazing request leads me to the realization that my prayers need to be very detailed.  Do this or something better!  Do what?   What IS this request?  We had better be very specific!  

When we’re in a tumultuous situation our thoughts and emotions tend to roll from here to there….and so did my prayers.  I know that we have specific needs and I’ve tried to focus on those….but as you see I have been, let’s say, in a back and forth match as to what to pray for. Surely I want God's protection and His best...but reality is so distracting!  Distraction and uncertainty are not good for our prayer life.  However now…armed with power of one simple sentence…..I know how to petition God with reverence…..”Do this or something better”. 

So... the game plan is to attend to what is within my power and then add the following prayer:  “Lord, here is what I think……….I am working toward this end….. this is my plan….but Lord, do this….or do something better. "  God's answer may be something totally different than what I am expecting....and that's just fine...for scripture says:

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,
plans to prosper you and not harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.
Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.
  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
Jeremiah 29: 11-13

With the knowledge that God, himself, knows the plans for me, I pray and then stand watch.   What an amazing prayer!  What an amazing game plan!   What an amazing God!  This prayer sets us up for God's best (not mine).   It strengthens our stance because of a sure faith.  It allows us to stand on the might of God, His word, His power and His plan as we carefully align another set of dominos (those things within our power).  This strategy allows God to take care of the end result.  We can breathe a sigh of relief- knowing  exactly what our prayer is....and what God  is capable of....and therefore how to anticipate things... as He works it out! 

Truly the words something better  flood over me with relief.  I have found some peace again.  I know that God can do better than my best.  I’ve seen Him answer my prayers before…and armed with this visual….I can utter this amazing prayer and sit back with tremendous trust in Jehovah Elohim-the God that can make something out of nothing!   My faith has room …not just to grow but expand  in every direction into something it wasn't..and in doing so completely cover my life with God’s blessings….His best. 

 When we pray like that…..with a true belief and an honest heart…confessing that God can take what we deem best and make it better ...heaven rejoices as we laugh.   Our specific prayers are not too hard for God.  He could touch that 1^st domino, setting  my plan into motion….or He can change the course of my future with a simple angle change of one game piece.  It really doesn’t matter  when we’re standing on faith….for that very faith changes everything in this game called life.

Proverbs 16:13
“We toss the coin but it is the Lord who controls its decision.”Proverbs 21: 30

“There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.”

Amen and Amen!

Song recommendation
Voice of Truth
by:  Casting Crowns

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwsvqVmFV6Y

1-Priscilla Shirer Bible Study, One in a Million.

A Major Discomfort Page 13

The writing below is, word for word, a devotional put out by Mr. Charles Swindoll, a renowned Christian preacher and author.  It is precisely linked, in lesson, to page 12 of this blog.  Please read page 12 first and then read this page so that you can see how God works in our lives.

 How does this reflect God's Hand, you might ask.  Well, first it ties directly to the entry made yesterday by myself which reflects the lesson I am studying in my current Bible Study and the exact experience through which I am walking.  The subject matters are the same...regarding a time in the desert, our personal needs, and God's plan for the enrichment of our souls.  God teaches us just like this, if we're keen enough to see it, by presenting the same lesson to us in seemingly ironic ways... taking us deeper into an understanding of what He knows our hearts are yearning to hear and understand... and what our character and integrity still have to learn.  Additonal devotionals and other resources by Charles Swindoll can be found at http://www.insight.org/

May 6, 2011



A Major in Discomfort
by Charles R. Swindoll

Read Exodus 3:1; Acts 7:29–30

Notice carefully how the process took place through those years of desert learning, because it is the same with you and me. God must break through several hard, exterior barriers in our lives before He can renovate our souls. His persistent goal is to break through to the inner person. As David acknowledged, "Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, and in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom" (Psalm 51:6).

What are those resistant layers in our hearts, and how does He break through to that hidden part?

 First, He finds pride. And He uses the sandpaper of obscurity to remove it ever so gradually. Then He finds us gripped by fear—dread of our past, anxiety over our present, and terror over what may lie ahead—and He uses the passing of time to remove that fear. We learn that things aren't out of hand at all; they're in His hand.  He next encounters the barrier of resentment—the tyranny of bitterness. He breaks down that layer with solitude. In the silence of His presence, we gain a fresh perspective, gradually release our cherished rights, and let go of the expectations that held us hostage.  Finally, He gets down to the basic habits of living, he penetrates our inner person, and there He brings discomfort and hardship to buff away that last layer of resistance. Why? So that He might renovate us at the very core of our being.

Reach for the hand of your Guide! He is Lord of the desert. Make that your desert. The most precious object of God's love is His child in the desert. If it were possible, you mean more to Him during this time than at any other time. You are as the pupil of His eye. You are His beloved student taking his toughest courses. While testing you, He loves you with an infinite amount of love.  Jesus walked through the desert first. He felt its heat. He endured its loneliness. He accepted its obscurity. He faced down Satan himself while the desert winds howled. And you can be sure He will never, ever forget or forsake the one who follows Him across the sand.

Excerpted from Charles R. Swindoll, Great Days with the Great Lives (Nashville: W Publishing Group, 2005). Copyright © 2005 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

I am following Him across the sand!  May you take out your sunblock and sunshades and do the same!

Many blessings.

Speak Tenderly To Me. Page 12

I share the following….not so that I may gain your compassion…but so that you can see God Almighty's!

Not long ago I struggled with fatigue which led to me acquiring a plague I’ll call Doubt.  Shadows were lurking.  Something ungodly had taken hold of my brain.  During this time I was so overwhelmed that tears fell to wash over my soul…for I was burdened with feelings of inadequacy.

I was depleted.  Busyness will do this to us.  I had worked a two day trip with the airlines which included 11 hours in the air, landed late in the evening and the next morning went straight into last minute pack-mode for 4 people…for a last-minute trip to Louisiana; traveled 8 hours in the car.  Spent 2 short days visiting for Easter then drove the 8 hours back home and within 3 hours I was overcome with the stomach flu.  After suffering for 3 days, during which I actually thanked God that I am usually healthy, I had to hop up and fly another 6 hour work trip with AA and then head into a busy weekend.   When I touched down, mentally and physically, I realized I had landed in the Land of Lost Toys.  I felt like a mis-fit; broken and unwanted.  Weary in the wake of my life and its travels.   This schedule may sound manageable to some…and is usually manageable for me….but not this time. 

I could embellish and add the normal nuances that make our days truly complete.  On this particular trip there was the 16 hour round-trip car ride with 5 head-strong people I call my family…and all the give and take that goes with that.  Within life in general there is the juggle we all go through to manage our time, our family, our home, our job and ….oh yeah….ourselves!   There’s the chronic dishes, chronic laundry, chronic meal planning, chronic errand running; the chronic floor cleaning, bed-making, task-mastering, and car-pooling to here, there and yonder.  There’s the balancing of job vs. family, health vs. convenience, flexibility vs. structure ….on and on and on.  Somewhere in there we invite God along on our trips and into our daily lives.  During my latest challenge between Super Mom and super tired…. I reached out to God and He spoke to me in a way that opened my eyes to His compassion and mercy.  I heard God’s voice for He heard mine!

 Many years ago I memorized the scripture, Psalm 27:7, that says “Hear me O Lord when I cry with my voice; have mercy on me and answer me”.    During my latest struggle, with tears and all, I literally cried out to God “I need nurturing”.  To be honest, it is hard for some of us to use the words “I need”.  But, I humbled myself and spoke these words to my husband and to God through various prayers.  I moved through a couple of days….hoping to “see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living” per  Psalm 27:13 (But my confidence wasn’t quite on par!)

 I was struggling, vulnerable.  As I exited this time of busyness and sickness I felt out of sorts; off course.  Of course, there are other underlining issues in my life, as in yours, that burden my heart and weigh on my mind and these only added to the noise in my head screaming “inadequate”.  However, my voice reached God’s ears.  Instantly He knew that neither my heart nor my senses were centered True North and He arranged to attend to my needs.  Through my Bible Study a day or two later I read the scripture in Hosea 2: 14-15.   God said:

“Therefore I am now going to allure her;
I will lead her into the desert
and speak tenderly to her.
There I will give her back her vineyards,
and will make the Valley of Trouble a Door of Hope.
There she will sing as in the days of her youth,
as in the day she came up out of Egypt.”

This still makes my heart tighten with thankfulness.   It’s full of compassion from a compassionate God.  I needed a song in my heart so badly.  I needed someone to speak tenderly to me….to offer tender care.  This scripture is saying that God entices us to a quiet place (the desert) were we can steal away from the busyness that weakens us.  He allures us lovingly toward something we need for He knows, during our low times, we require the security that comes from being alone with a loved one.  Once there, He will encourage us kindly, as our earthly parent would; reminding us we are loved and provided for.  In this place, meant for healing…. we hear His tender voice and we are calmed; nurtured.   During this intimate talk He reminds us that our troubles will fade….and soon we’ll  be standing before a Door of Hope.  “This too shall pass” is the implication.  During this respite in the desert, we recuperate.  We’re given back our vineyards; the things we’ve worked hard to harvest; those vines we had planted deep with great hope for our future.  In the warm desert sun we are revitalized... and re-discover those strong feelings we had back when we first gained Christ’s enduring friendship through salvation.  We’re recovering!   He’ll make us strong and healthy again, for He is the “Wonderful Counselor”....a Mighty God!  He’ll give us back the song we used to sing.  That tune we used to hum quietly under our breath when life was good and all was well in our soul.  He does this for He knows that to travel down this earthly path is to face sickness and strife. 

God can and will give us back that peace and joy that we once sang about.  He can lead us to a peaceful locale free of distractions and in this beautiful place we can hear His  voice as He speaks tenderly to us…nurturing us; restoring those things that busyness and distractions took from us; restoring our confidence and competence; restoring our hearts with His goodness and our spirits with His power and love (II Timothy 1:7).   He will lead us through the Door of Hope that was temporarily locked by doubt.

  As of now…. my plague of Doubt has vanished.  I’ve walked through that door of Hope and into the direction of the very things God planned for me all along.  It's "a journey not a destination" as they say...but I'm on my way!   During your troubles…may you find this door as well!

“Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of Lights
 who does not change like shifting shadows.”
James 1:17

     “…and He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9: 6

Song Recommendation:
The More I seek You
BY:  Kari Jobe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4crRPpqoW4