Freedom from Bondage

We cannot avoid pain, defeat and grief in this sin-curse world. Attempting to resist hurt and loss is futile and ruins our health and all of our relationships, even our relationship with our self. We live in bondage, uselessly carrying around heavy weights.

Satan's lies cloud the eyes of our understanding, our expectations, our deepest needs, and our health and energy in our body, spirit and soul - our thoughts, emotions and choices. These lies add chaos to an already chaotic world.

Much of our frustration, resentment, anger, etc. are fueled by these satanic lies. The negative emotions attached to the lies are gone once we experience God's Truth about who we are in Him, with Christ abiding within us by His Spirit (Galatians 2:20).

People that we refuse to forgive are not affected by our unforgiveness, but we certainly are. We carry around a heavy suitcase full of negative emotions that claw away at us in body, soul and spirit. This also prevents God from forgiving us (Matthew 6:14).

Forgiveness does not free the other person from their guilt, nor does it obligate us to be chummy with that person or to like them. It simply puts that person into God's hands, so He can deal with them for us; He also gives us His agape love for them.

The benefits of letting go of our animosity toward those who hurt us are enormous. We gift our self with tranquility and peace of mind. For the first time, since we picked up the burden of unforgiveness, joy and harmony flood into our soul and we feel serene and relaxed.

Trusting in God's truth frees us from the bondage of our past. We soon learn to maintain our focus on the joy of the Lord, regardless of our circumstances (James 1:2-18), and we flourish in every area of our life.

God is with us in both good times and bad - in the valleys, mountain tops and level paths (Psalm 27:11). He heals us from the devil's lies, planted in past abusive situations, and He multiplies our joys regardless of our circumstances. We are never alone.

Prayer:

Father God, thank You for revealing to us that much of our lack of energy, our illnesses, as well as our inner turmoil are caused by unresolved conflicts in our soul. You designed negative emotions to reveal an area of our body, soul or spirit that are not aligned with Your perfect plans for our life; so remind us to take frequent inventories to discover the root cause of them.

These negative emotions release negative ions into our body and the atmosphere around us, which make us sick in body, soul and spirit; so give us Your perspective and wisdom, which help us to resolve our conflicts, and to keep our focus on You and Your will for each moment of our day. We want to flourish in Your Spirit, rather than to barely endure this world's trauma.

Thought for the Day:

We are not forced to simply survive in this world, but to overcome … and to go one step farther, because we can sing, and even dance through the storms of life in the joy of the Lord.

Gifts and Callings of God

As the wife of a Pastor, I often get invited to join ministries to which I do not feel called by God to participate. For instance, the choir is one place churches often want their Pastor's wife to take part; however, I do not feel called by God to sing.

Over the decades of my walk with the Lord, people tell me, "You have to step outside of your comfort zone and serve anyway, and God will bless you." This may be true in cases where God is calling, and people are hindered by the fear of failure.

However, if God does not give us His grace to serve Him in a particular ministry, we will have no peace or joy in it. How do we know the will of God for our life?

When we first start our journey with Him, our walk is full of trial and error. It is hard for us to distinguish His voice. We gradually learn to hear the voice of our Shepherd, and we know His ways (John 10:27-30).

The gifts and callings of God do not depend on our spirituality, but only on our obedience (Romans 11:29; 2 Timothy 1:9; 1 Corinthians 1:26; 2 Timothy 1:9). He calls some in His Church to serve as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers (Ephesians 4:8-12).

God also calls some to work miracles, to pray for healing for people, to live with deep faith in His faithfulness, to discern good or evil spirits, to speak messages to His church in His heavenly language, and others to interpret these messages (1 Corinthians 12:8-11).

He calls all of us to reconcile others to Himself by sharing with them what God did for us (2 Corinthians 5:18). He gives us courage to approach friends, family, acquaintances and even strangers to ask them if they know that God loves them and has a perfect plan for their life.

Prayer:

Father God, thank You for enlightening the eyes of our heart so that we will know the hope of Your calling on our life, and receive the glorious inheritance that You provide for all of Your Saints (Ephesians 1:18). Help us to walk in obedience to our calling that we receive from You (Ephesians 4:1), so that You can fulfill our lives in the work of faith to which You anoint us to serve You (2 Thessalonians 1:11).

As we focus on Jesus, our Apostle and High Priest, we share in Your heavenly calling (Hebrews 3:1). As we walk in the gifts and callings You give to each one of us, we feel Your pleasure in us (1 Corinthians 12:27; 2 Peter 1:10). You call us to serve You through Your wisdom, understanding, counsel, perseverance, knowledge and holiness. We desire nothing more than to live each moment of our life in Your service.

Thought for the Day:

As Jesus reminds us, His sheep learn to hear His voice (John 10:27-30), and as the prophet discovered God does not speak through blaring signs and events, but in a peaceful, unobtrusive voice (1 Kings 19:11-13); therefore, as we consult Him during each moment of our day, His calm, quiet guidance from within our spirit directs our paths (Proverbs 4:5-6).

Giving All for the Glory of the Lord

The glory of the Lord endures forever, and the Lord rejoices in all of His works (Psalm 104:3). Regardless of the opinion mankind holds of the Lord, every knee - in heaven, on the earth, and in hell - will bow at the Lordship of Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:10).

As we consider the glory of the Lord, we are transformed into His exact image through one stage of His glory to the next (2 Corinthians 3:18). What a privilege we experience when, through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we share in God's glory (2 Thessalonians 2:14).

In the Old Testament, we see the glory of the Lord represented as a cloud filling the Temple (Ezekiel 10:4), and as a thunderous voice over the oceans, rivers, and seas (Psalm 29:3; Habakkuk 2:14). His glory is described as "standing there" on the plains and settling like a cloud on the mountains for days at a time (Ezekiel 3:23; Exodus 24:16.

Sometimes, the priests could not even enter the Temple, because the glory of the Lord filled it (2 Chronicles 7:2; 1 Kings 8:11). In the New Testament, the shepherds saw angels as God's glory shone as a light all around them (Luke 2:9).

The Lord gives us certain things to do so that His glory may appear to us (Leviticus 9:6) and to all people who will see it together (Isaiah 40:5). At times, God's glory brings judgment to us when our ways displease Him (Exodus 16:7).

When we consider the ways of the Lord, and the greatness of His glory, we cannot help but break forth into songs, hymns and spiritual songs - making melody in our heart to the Lord (Psalm 138:5; Ephesians 5:19).

Humanity's splendor is diminishing as our society sickens into decay, but God's glory will never fade in any sense of the world. It will simply get brighter as the reign of Christ over the nations becomes a reality.

                                                          

Prayer:

Father God, we delight in Your creation, gazing in wonder at the works of Your hands. We know that this world as we now experience it will pass away, but Your Word and Your Kingdom and glory will never pass away, because they are alive and enduring (Psalm 104:31; Isaiah 40:8; 1 Peter 1:25). We look forward to living with You in Your new heaven and earth.

Your glory is never more evident to us than in Your salvation. Even creation in all of its magnificence fades when compared to the regeneration You give to anyone willing to avail themselves of Your free gift (Romans 3:23, 6:23). We find our hope, confidence, esteem, peace and joy in Your presence forevermore. We praise you now and throughout eternity.

Thought for the Day:

Our greatest passion is to pursue everything in this life for the glory of God; therefore, we will eliminate anything in our life that may obscure our vision of this goal, distract us from this purpose, or tempt us away from this desire.

God's Love is Everlasting

When circumstances in our life overwhelm us, God rescues us from drowning in them and calls us from the darkness into His glorious light (1 John 1:5-7). He is always there for us, never abandoning us or ignoring us. His love is everlasting (Hebrews 13:5; Romans 8:31-39).

We cannot trust in people or aspects of this world to save us or to deliver us from our trauma and trials. However, God is always watching over those who trust in His unfailing love. As we wait on the Lord, He always comes to our rescue (Psalm 33:16-20).

Our heart trusts in Him, and He causes us to rejoice. We hope in the name of the Lord, our God (Psalm 20:7); and His unconditional love is always available to us (Psalm 33:21-22). We are of all people very miserable, if we do not have Jesus Christ in our life.

Every aspect of this life is merely temporary. Yet, God's love and His Kingdom are eternal and everlasting. Authentic Believers learn that trusting in aspects of this world is useless, and we come to trust only in Him. There is power in the name of Jesus (Mark 16:17-18).

God's incomprehensible love never fails us, and we realize this as we grow in our intimate union with Him (Galatians 2:20). We can walk to the edge of all the light we have, and take one more step, because we know that in the center of His will, we are safe and secure.

Although people mock, disparage and criticize Christians for our faith in an unseen God, when we look to Him, our heart and countenance glow with joy that is full of His glory. We are never ashamed (Psalm 34:5).

As we read God's Word and hide it in our heart, we have all the resources we need in order to have His wisdom and skill for living. Scripture is alive and powerful and cuts away our carnality from our spirit (Hebrews 4:12).

Each time that God delivers us through His miraculous provision, we can journal about it, memorize a Bible verse as a memorial, or purchase an item that reminds us of the incident when He proved to us His everlasting love.

Prayer:

Father God, there is no cause for us to worry about anything that we need (Philippians 4:6). Your love is multi-dimensional and surrounds us throughout our lifetime (Romans 8:35-39). We trust in Your strength, and we abide in Your presence continually (Psalm 105:4).

Christianity is not what we do, but who we are in You. We do not attain our self-worth or value through our accomplishments; but like Paul, we count it all as loss (Philippians 3:8), in order to attain our position in Your family and Kingdom. We love You more than our life itself.

Thought for the Day:

We look to God each moment of our day, follow His directives, live according to His principles, and follow His predestined plan for our life. 
- Ephesians 2:10

Grateful for the Bumps in the Road

Our friend Bernadette should have died before reaching the age of 8, because of a debilitating disease. When I met her, she just celebrated her 43rd birthday. She uses an electric wheel chair to get around, but lives a very full life with her husband as missionaries.

She had another miracle happen too. While crossing a street a few years ago, her wheel chair hit a bump in the road. This delayed her a few seconds, which ended up sparing her from serious injury or possibly even death. A car ran a red light and she came within inches of being hit.

In the past, I used to grumble when things did not go as I planned. I had not yet learned to consult God or to consider the bumps in my road as joyous occasions (Philippians 4:4-8). I soon learned, however, that God really does work out all things for my good (Romans 8:28).

I started writing a list every single night of five aspects of my life for which I am grateful - even the negative issues. I meditated on my list the next day as I praised God for His constant provision and protection over me and my family (Philippians 4:8).

This habit saved me from the negative spiral that Satan previously caused in my soul, by prompting my melancholy personality to focus on the negative. Now, prayer and praise of our Creator and Lord is a perpetual habit in which I partake every moment of the day.

When I read Psalm 91, I am assured that God will care for me through every trial. He keeps us through all harm, and watches over our life (Psalm 121:7). Hiding under the shadow of His wings is my favorite place to abide.

Bernadette’s experience gave me a refresher course. Now, I always view those pesky bumps in the road as blessings from God, instead of impediments; with seeds for a miracle hidden in every issue I experience - good and bad.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, help me to see with the eyes of Your Spirit and to grow in gratitude for all You do for me, in me and through me. Our intimacy with You is unmatched by any human relationship we can ever experience. Thank you for Your presence in our life. I may never know how You used the bumps in my road to save me from utter destruction, but I will praise You for them anyway.

Apart from You, we can do nothing (John 15:5). We abide in You and bear much fruit for Your glory (John 15:8). Your Holy Spirit directs us and confirms Your truth to us through our knowledge of Your Word, which fills our heart and directs our mind. We want to live in the center of Your will for each moment of our days.

Thought for the Day:

Having Christ in our life tilts the scales in our favor; regardless of the negative aspects we experience in a day, there is always something God provides, protects us from, and plans for us, for which we can praise Him.

Light and Momentary Affliction

Some of us have multiple degrees, rise to administrative positions in our career, own our own company, make partner, turn our meager savings into a substantial nest egg, etc.; and we feel that we achieved the status we coveted and have now arrived at success.

The Apostle Paul achieved success in his life as well; but once he experienced God on the road to Damascus, he realized that all of his accomplishments were inconsequential when compared to the glory of Christ living within him, even through all of Paul's sufferings.

He endured so much persecution in his Christian life, but he considered it irrelevant when compare to his intimate relationship with Christ, the power of His resurrection working in him, and the transformation of his spirit, soul, and eventually his body (Philippians 3:7-10).

He gained, and shared with us, so much wisdom through what he suffered. His greatest advice was that we can be joyful in persecution (Philippians 3:2). He realized what the Prophet Jeremiah proclaimed (29:11): that God's plans for us are to bless us.

Even when life seems to win by overwhelming us with circumstances that crush us under their blow, we are to rejoice. The first effect of joy is to change our mindset. We stop focusing on the trials, and give the issues to the Lord to change them.

Joy also strengthens our soul, and builds up our hope and faith in God's faithfulness. It gets our mind off the issues causing our distress and puts it squarely on God, which is where it belongs (Isaiah 26:3). Praising and reading God's Word also bring us joy.

Trials produce patience in us, and patience perfects us (James 1:4-8). Patience teaches us to see the big picture of God's love and abundance, rather than our finite circumstances. Patience reminds us that, if we need something, God will provide for us in His way and time.

Prayer:

Father God, You shroud us with Your mercy and bless us with Your immense grace (2 Corinthians 12:8-10) to traverse any trial we could ever experience on this earth. As we learn to walk in Your Spirit, we stop experiencing trials produced by our own choices, so that the issues that do come our way are designed by You to make us more like Jesus.

You promise the crown of life to those who patiently endure the trials of this life with faith in You (James 1:12-15). You also help us to see that rarely do we ever suffer the extreme issues that Jesus faced in His lifetime, and during His crucifixion. Remind us that Christ abides within us by Your Holy Spirit, and there is nothing too difficult for You, or for us with Christ in us (Luke 18:27; Philippians 4:13-16; Colossians 1:27).

Thought for the Day:

When we traverse a steep mountain of trials, carrying a heavy burden, we change our focus to the deep, intense joy from within that God provides for us, in spite of our circumstances; this helps us to have His strength as we attain a goal, overcome an obstacle, or hope for a more secure future, even though we have not received it yet. - Nehemiah 8:10

A Good Marriage - Enjoying the Simple Pleasures

Marriage is not a cure-all, a panacea for all of our ills in life. We are servants of one another, and together of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, marriage is about give and take, not a vehicle to fulfill all of our needs and expectations.

There are basic characteristics of a good marriage: unconditional love, companionship, fun times, shared memories, complimentary ministries, help to traverse trials, etc. Choosing a mate wisely is highly recommended.

There are several TV shows, movies and media sites out today that picture the truth about many marriages: "Desperate Housewives", "Lonely, but Married", etc.

We enjoy our mate, accept his/her personality as it is, support their vision and goals for their life, and realize that we are all human with faults and foibles of our own. However, some of our mate's decisions or dreams may dishearten us.

At times, we feel left-out, neglected, over-looked and disappointed. Marriage is not supposed to make us happy. Instead, we find our joy in our relationship and service to our Lord. He has a perfect plan for our life (Ephesians 2:10; Galatians 2:20; Proverbs 3:5-6).

If we look for fulfillment in one person, rather than in our union with Christ in us, this sets us up for continual disillusionment and frustration. The real enemy of marriage is to take one another for granted, and to make everything and everyone - even our children - more important than our marriage.

We are partners in life with our mate, and we serve King Jesus together.  This viewpoint allows us to support, admire, respect and love each other as we enjoy one another's company. We make plans to play and pray together often and frequently.

Prayer:

Father God, help us with our unrealistic expectations for our marriage. Teach us that looking outside of our marriage for fulfillment from someone else is always a mistake. No matter how great the other person is, second marriages are never as good as our only marriage could be with the history and memories of our original family ties and experiences.

Help us to make time to enjoy each other, even if it is simply a shared jaunt to the grocery store, thrift store or doctor's office. We enjoy the simple pleasure of one another's company in the simple times of life. Remind us that as we find our fulfillment in our relationship with You, we are two completed individuals becoming one flesh through our relationship with You.

Thought for the Day:

In a Good Marriage, we choose to love even when we disappoint each other, to forge a friendship from our joint interests, and to enjoy one another' company through both the trials and the joys of life; and our commitment to one another helps us to strengthen our commitment to God as well.