The kids are arguing. It's time to pay the bills. You woke up feeling physically horrible. A workload was dumped on you at your job. Everyone around you is complaining and miserable. You got a flat tire. Dinner burned in the oven. A loved one is in the hospital. Your roof is leaking.
So, everyday joy: is it possible? You betcha! Joy... YOUR joy... is a choice... it's YOUR choice. We are provided with the joy of the Lord, but it's up to us to open our hearts to it, accept it and apply it! There is so much negativity in this world, and it's so often dwelt upon when the choice to do so is avoidable!!
The joy of the LORD is your strength.
(Nehemiah 8:10)
Joy... genuine, whole-hearted, soul satisfying joy... isn't just missing within the world, it's missing in the body of Christ! In everyday conversations with people, messages I receive, even my Facebook news feed, is overwhelmed with complaints, heartache, disgust, and negativity. Where is the joy of the Lord in that?!
It shouldn't just be saved for Sunday mornings when attending church or during a get together with a fellow Christian! Joy is to dwell within you always, whether you're alone at home, with your family, at a gathering, in the workplace, or just out grocery shopping... the joy of the Lord should be reflected, causing a prism effect everywhere around you!
How is this joy possible? It's supplied to us in God's word! Only the joy of the Lord can provide strength through any and every moment in our everyday life!
The bottom line is, if you're not allowing the Holy Spirit to continuously stir up joy within your heart, causing a craving for more of the Lord in your life, then you my friend are choosing to let your joy sit on the shelf rather than being used for God's glory! Your fire, your Holy Ghost fire, is being extinguished.
A true love for the Lord creates a hunger for more of Him through His word! Follow through with what you are taught through your readings with a humble repenting heart! Those renewing and life changing choices should then separate you and your life from the influences of the world... automatically providing a joy that no circumstance will be able to steal away from you! That's displaying true faith in your Creator and Savior.
You will develop a new set of eyes that find good in ALL things that come your way! What a witness to those that surround you, lost without Jesus... someone full of joy that has good news to share despite a circumstance that could be dwelt upon, but was chosen not to be!!
Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.
(Psalm 32:11)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
(Galatians 5:22-23)
Rejoice evermore.
(1 Thessalonians 5:16)
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
(Psalm 16:11)
Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
(Philippians 4:4)
I have a stack of CD's in my car. Every now and then I alternate the one playing, but for quite some time now the disc inserted has been Casting Crowns, their first CD released in 2003.
Thankfully I backed up the CD onto my laptop, because this poor thing is wore out! The first couple songs play fine, but more and more lately it gets so far into the CD and starts skipping. I play it anyway, jumping past the parts that skip as I sing along to it, letting the words sink in.
Each song speaks to me, the message of each song rings clear through their words. I found a YouTube video of each one and thought I'd share them if you have time to watch them...
What If His People Prayed - This is a powerful song about the power of prayer. Sometimes we're so blind as to why God isn't moving, and why our circumstances are stuck at a stand still. How many miracles of God could take place if the church as a whole, starting with us each one by one, began to hit their knees and seek God's face over each and every circumstance... not just when they think they need something. It's so easy to get comfortable in our everyday habits that we forget that HE should be our purpose, adviser, deliverer and support system!
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
(2 Chronicles 7:14)
If We Are The Body - Certainly a song of conviction! How easy is it so figure someone else will greet the new person, someone else will minister to the bum on the corner, someone else will invite the neighbor to church, someone else will stand up for what is right to save us the humiliation. Isn't it enough that you pray for others, are nice to people, and set a general example by going to church, participating in events, and share bible verses online in your Facebook feed or blog? YOU are a part of the body of Christ... if someone is put in our path, it's an ordained moment by God to be a witness of the sacrifice of His son... that blood shed not just for us, but for ALL. We need to rely less on others and pointing fingers that declare it's someone else's responsibility, and work more together as the body of Christ moving in one direction with unison!
For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked. That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
(I Corinthians 12:24-27)
For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
(James 2:10)
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
(James 2:26)
Voice Of Truth - We all have our days of feeling insignificant because of our trials and failures. The enemy loves to remind of us these moments so we'll give up or remain frustrated with our circumstances and lose sight of the ONE who gets us through those times and uses them as a source of His glory and a testimony that will uplift others who may be going through the very same situation. This is such a song of an encouraging remind that HIS voice will ring out above Satan's whispering taunts... if we're willing to listen. God isn't intimidated by what circumstances we are in, and that strength is what we need to depend on.
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
(Ephesians 1:13-14)
Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.
(Psalm 25:5)
Who Am I - It's all about giving God glory for what He has done and the sacrifice Jesus provided on the cross of Calvary. Did you get a promotion? Pay off your car? Give extra in the offering plate? Help someone change a tire? Have a worry free day at work? Sleep peacefully through the night? Guess what... it has nothing to do with self or coincidence... it's all God's goodness! He provides and inspires all things good in our lives, and to Him goes all glory, honor, and praise!!
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
(James 1:17)
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
(Romans 8:28)
American Dream - This song is a wake up call. We get so focused on stuff. Working to pay off a car, house, credit card bills, loans, and all the extras. Perhaps if switched the roles of our priorities... putting that much effort into serving the Lord, and gave the time we currently put toward the Lord, towards the "stuff"... my oh my how much more the Lord could move within us! God doesn't want our focus on the things of this world... all He wants is US! He wants our time, love, praise, attention, and obedience. It's not about getting and having, it's about Him! The stuff stays behind when our time on earth is done. It's all worthless materialistic man-made objects that will not withstand... but what we do for the Lord will determine our place for eternity. Put your sights on the Rock... the rest just washes away, leaving us drained and stressed.
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
(Proverbs 3:5-6)
Here I Go Again - This is one that reminds us of the importance of ministering to those around us. The video I found for this song puts a powerful image with the words of the song (watch it full screen if you're able). It's a reminder that our next moments are not promised, and neither are those of the lost friends and loved ones in our lives. Be a witness, declare the Lord's love, and don't give up on sharing the Truth with those in your life! It may bring criticism and mockery, but Jesus suffered the ultimate form of that so we could be redeemed... how are we better than He? It just might save your loved one from an eternity of damnation.
Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
(Mark 8:38)
Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
(Philippians 1:27-28)
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
(Mark 16:15)
Praise You With The Dance - This is an terrific song of praise. The Lord brings us through so much more than we give Him credit for. He's an awesome God that deserves every ounce of glory, praise, and thanks that we have within us. Regardless of our past we were all sinners unworthy of His mercy, and yet He thought enough of us to send His son as a redeeming sacrifice. How is that not worth of endless praise!?
Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.
(Psalm 150:1-6)
Glory - Another worship song, glorifying God, declaring to Him worthiness, holiness, and dedication to serving Him. I love to play this one on repeat in my car, singing along as loud and whole-heartedly as I can. It pulls your heart and mind into the frame of worship and celebrating everything we have to be thankful for. Psalm 22:3 tells us He inhabits the praises of His people... WE are His people! And He embraces the worship we give to our King of Kings!
Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.
(Isaiah 12:5)
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
(Hebrews 13:15)
Life Of Praise - Another terrific praise song that I like to crank up and absorb myself in. Often we think that our blessings are the things He provides us with. My blessings include the depths He had to reach down into in order to rescue me. It includes the forgiveness I receive daily when I humbly ask Him of it. Not forgetting the strength and protection He covers me with each and every day. He's awesome, and this song glorifies that, calling out His name in so many forms of recognition. It's about more than just raising our hands to praise Him, it's about praising Him with our life.
My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.
(Psalm 71:23)
I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.
(Psalm 34:1-3)
Your Love Is Extravagant - For me, this song goes beyond praise and worship. When I play this, I imagine myself standing before the Lord, speaking to Him, expressing my personal thoughts and feeling to Him. It's like a love letter in song format to our Savior. It's gentle, soft, and a heart tugging reminder of the Love that surpasses all. It's easy for us to say "I love my husband to death" or "I'd die for my kids"... those are words... Christ put it into action with the most majestic form of love possible, and carries us in that love.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
(John 3:16)
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
(Romans 5:8)
Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds. Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast. How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.
(Psalm 36:5-7)
Pictured next to that massive elephant is my cousin, Charlotte aka "Char-Lee". Growing up, she was the only one I really had to talk to.
Times seemed consistently hard for me through childhood, and many times it was unknown who my "real" friends were. Char-Lee always made time for me despite the nine year age difference between us. She would put off plans with her own friends to kidnap me for a day out at the movies, time at the park to fly kites or toss a frisbee around, ride bikes anywhere and everywhere, play time on her Atari, or even to just sit and talk about anything my heart desired. She was beautiful, inside and out. I loved her dearly.
Char-Lee worked for Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, Florida. She had a passion for animals, and was working hard at her degree in Zoology. When I was 14 years old, I received a phone call from my Aunt while my parents were out, to learn that I would never see Char-Lee again.
Just before a public elephant show at the zoo, an elephant turned on her, and did damage that took her life, and her last concerns expressed to the care flight paramedics were for them to make sure the elephant wasn't destroyed for what it did to her.
At the time of her death I was distraught... especially being at an age that our talks, along with her friendship and love, were so needed and important in my life. I wanted that elephant destroyed for taking something so precious from me.
Looking at what happened now, I gain a valuable lesson from Char-Lee's last moments.
Look at how huge that elephant is compared to Char-Lee in the photo. It was a massive, strong, and obviously a potentially dangerous creature... yet Char-Lee stands beside it, a smile on her face, looking as though she were outside playing with a puppy-sized pet.
How many times do our problems, circumstances and trials seem to stack up so tall against us? When we view them they look gigantic and overwhelming, seemingly desiring to stir fear up inside of us. At times we even have people come against us. They appear to bring on a force so strong that we feel as though we will buckle under their pressure at any given moment. Rumors, lies, condemnation, hate, strife, jealousy, judgement, evil, mockery... people are out there that strive on such things.
So do we tremble in fear, avoiding them as often as possible? Or do we stand tall next to the problems or people in question, a smile on our face, knowing that greater is HE that is in you, than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4)!
Despite the life taking injuries Char-Lee endured, she wanted no retaliation taken.
When our feelings are hurt, our families attacked, our possessions are stolen, or we are taken advantage of... what is our response? Do we attack back? Do we get even? Do we make it known of every little thing we think on the situation? Do we contact everyone we know to "set things straight"?
Or... do we pray the Lord blesses the person in return?
Here's what God's word instructs us to do:
But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.
(Luke 6:27-30)
Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
(Romans 12:14)
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
(Romans 12:19)
Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
(Romans 12:21)
Revenge is not the answer. Our answer is found in love. So many times it is difficult to respond to situations with the charity of the Lord, but what result do we receive from getting back, getting even, and returning hate for hate... besides more to repent for and a hardened heart?
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-8)
I'm thankful for the life lesson I receive from this picture of Char-Lee and the remembrance of her heart of love. The moral is so very significant. There is still to this day a memorial for her at the Lowry Park Zoo, and according to her wishes, the elephant was not destroyed.
The people in your life that tend to bring you the most tears can also be the ones that make you smile the most. My kiddos are those very people.
Children bring tears to the eyes of their parents as they progress through life, explore the world around them, and make decisions that make them (tears of joy) or break them (tears of sorrow).
Five children in one household wasn't always pie. Those make or break moments were very real and very emotional.
I had make or break moments in my own life growing up. On so many paths I seemed to chose the "break me" moments more often than the "make me" moments.
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
(Proverbs 22:6)
I was "raised" in church, but rather than embrace what the men and women of God taught me about the Lord, I focused on how I was done wrong, what I didn't get, ways I was let down, compared the lives of others with what I didn't experience, and how I was hurt. I chose to look at and dwell on the negativity surrounding me over the moments of glory God did make present in one way or another. I ran from the answer rather than to it. I continued to run from God right through into my twenties.
His word stood strong and faithful though. Although I don't consider myself "old" quite yet, I'm certainly older... and strive daily to keep myself rooted into the lifeline that the blood of Jesus provided for me the day He shed His blood on Calvary. His sacrifice wiped away every poor path I chose, casting it into the sea of forgetfulness (Micah 7:19).
I still fail. I still fall short of the glory of God. I stumble and no doubt cause the Lord shame. But then comes Jesus. He sees my heart. He sees my tears of sorrow. He is there to comfort us when we go running to Him with our faults and pleas for mercy.
The moments of torment in my life became moments of victory. The moments of sadness turned to joy. Trials are now testimonies. The more we go through the bigger the chance we have to grow closer to God. If our eyes stay on Him despite the circumstance, our troubles in the valley become triumph on the mountaintop... He WILL use it for HIS glory!
Knowing where I came from, and the acceptance the Lord gave me with wide open arms after all the sorrow I surely caused Him... I must simply trust that this momma's prayers will urge the Lord to continue His whispers into the hearts of my children.
Plant seeds into the hearts of your loved ones, then hand them over to God, and let Him see to the watering, making sure His increase is made known (1 Corinthians 3:6). Be encouraged if you have children that keep you on your knees in prayer... after all, He saved a wretch like me, and God is by no means partial to us depending on who we are or what our mistakes and past may be (Romans 2:11)! In the meantime, seek Him to guide you for your soul's sake and knowledge, that you may be a shining light and example for those lost loved ones in your life.
I have no hesitation deciding the first and foremost thing I fear:
The Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the Great I Am, Jehovah-Jireh, Abba Father, my Creator, the Almighty God!
Mind you, this is not to be confused as the same fear some may have when a spider runs across the floor or when a bad storm strikes outside. The fear I am referring to is one of astonishment and awe. It is a way of being afraid, but more in a form of trembling reverence, honor and respect.
Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.
(Psalm 33:8)
But the LORD your God ye shall fear; and he shall deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies.
(II Kings 17:39)
Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy.
(Psalm 33:18)
O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.
(Psalm 34:9)
Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
(Psalm 103:13)
You see, when we have a fear of the Lord, we have no need to fear anything else. No battle, no enemy, no circumstance, no person or thing should be feared knowing we have favor with God because of our fear of Him.
Let me tell you, I despise cockroaches. I jump and run if I see one. If you're in the way of my escape route... you. will. be. run. down. There isn't an armed and ready approach, or a fight or flight decision... I take flight. Right now.
Although the fear of the Lord has so much more significance than my reaction to cockroaches, did you know that we are automatically armed and ready when we fear God? He is our armor! He is our strength! Proverbs chapter nine tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and additionally in Proverbs chapter fourteen that strong confidence comes from the fear of the Lord, giving us a place of refuge!
So not only is it our duty to fear God (Ecclesiastes 12:13), but we are rewarded with safety, protection, strength, and blessings when we do! This fear should have us constantly searching our hearts, minds, and lives for things we do and/or surround ourselves with, that would not be pleasing to God (Proverbs 3:7; Job 28:28; Proverbs 16:6). Allowing these things in our life, or making excuses for certain areas our flesh is not quite ready to give up, displays a lack of a fear of God.
Fear is not a good thing, unless it is the Lord, and the Lord alone, that you fear. Do I fail at this at times? Absolutely. I won't meet up with perfection until the day I join the Lord in heaven... the willingness to strive however, is what should set us apart from the rest of the world.
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
(2 Timothy 1:7)
If we have fears over our circumstances, fears of our enemies, or fears of tomorrow, it's time to seek God's face and acknowledge that power, love, and sound mind He makes available to us when we fear Him, and Him alone.
As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
(I Timothy 4:10)
For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
(Romans 11:29)
Are you aware of your talents? They come in many forms, from expertise and abilities to personality traits. Living out God's word includes more than just being a good person to those around you... it means using everything we were created to be to bring glory to God. Most times, one's calling is based around the talents they are given, and my friends, not using these is unforgivable (Romans 11:29). It is why we were created in the time and position we were placed. Someone put in our path was destined by God to be touched by what God gave us to share... and just think, by them not obtaining what God put in plan for them to receive from us, could mean one more soul not won for the Lord.
Standing before God's throne of judgement, it is my desire to hear Him say, well done, thou good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:21), for using the few things He gave me, setting me apart from each and everyone else. I have a purpose you cannot replace. You have a purpose I cannot replace.
We should never have the attitude 'God will use someone else to reach them' when fear and self gets in the way. What if God doesn't? What if ministering through your gift(s), talent, and/or calling was that person's chance to be touched by the Lord, changing their life forever?
The enemy WILL come at you when your time to reveal God's gifts are at hand. It is his position to make you feel inferior, embarrassed, unwelcome, out of place, and unqualified. But who the Lord calls, He qualifies... so remind the devil boldly that he's a liar!
Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
(1 Thessalonians 5:24)
If you're unaware of what gifts you have been given that can be used to glorify God, seek Him about it, He will make them known to you! Artistic ability in singing, playing instruments, and art are incredible ways to bring about glory, ways that bless my heart... but they are not the only gifts! Granted, they are the most obvious as songs of praise are being played and sung, but that doesn't mean the rest of us have to be pew warmers and hermits throughout our journey! Don't let the fear of being used by a very mighty God or a closed mind to possibilities hinder you! Sometimes our calling may be what we very least expect, but there IS one for EACH of us!
Many miss the meaning of the parable that Jesus gave when He said "For many are called, but few are chosen" (Matthew 22:14). It's assumed that God picks and chooses through us, giving some of us callings and others are just there to live out this life being "good people" through our walk, keeping a select few to bring about His glory.
If that were the case then Jesus wasted His breath through the entire mid-section of the parable told in Matthew 22:1-14. We know His words are not void, so we should understand that this parable explains to us how the called are chosen! We're taught that God calls everyone... and gives them the ability to respond to His calling... but to be one of His chosen, we must respond to His calling, using the talents and gifts He has given us!
Be bold and brave in what God has blessed you with!
♫
Be bold, be strong, for the Lord thy God is with thee.
Be bold, be strong, for the Lord thy God is with thee.
Do not be afraid. Do not be dismayed.
Walking in faith and victory.
Walking in faith and victory.
For the Lord, thy God, is with thee.
♫
My favorite book is my tattered, falling apart Bible. It's a book that can be read over and over and over again and always find something new to spark interest. It's full of wisdom, encouragement, esteem building, history and prophesy. It has stories that anyone at any stage of their life can relate to and learn from. There's moments of love, hate, revenge, support, family, friends, hopes, dreams, sadness, and sacrifice.
It amazes me how easy it is for so many to watch a drama filled movie or get entranced in the latest best selling novel jam packed with suspense... yet the Bible remains dust covered on a shelf. The most interesting plots ever written are included in the 66 books of the Bible! The story lines are not only captivating and outweigh any Hollywood movie ever produced or novel written, but they are all true stories.
Movie quotes are recognized immediately upon being spoken, even down to the name of what actor said it, but a one line bible verse that can change our lives and how we live them has to be looked up to be remembered. Book reviews are posted on blogs internationally... yet the Lord is put second in line even with the Christian book titles as the author is raved over for their fabulous writing and efforts.
Can you imagine if the world put as much enthusiasm into the stories of the Bible as it does on new releases of films and worldly authors? Billions of dollars are spent seeing the newest releases in theaters and some will stand in line for hours to have a book autographed by an author, but prayer time and reading the Bible gets put on the back burner because of busy schedules.
Next time you're scanning the bookshelves for a good read, dust off the Good Book, and enjoy a story that could change your life.
Jesus loves me, this I know... for my Bible tells me so.
Many times the shower is the only place I'll sing... that and when I'm alone in the car and can belt the songs out as loud as I'd like without someone wishing I had a mute button attached to my mouth. I'm not a croaking frog I suppose, but some of the songs I hear I would love to be able to sing as beautifully as they sound coming from the radio or cd I'm listening to.
Mind you, this isn't a "wish" that I lose sleep over by any means... I know singing is not my calling, and I'm completely okay with that. But isn't it wonderful that scripture doesn't say "make a beautiful noise unto the Lord"? Quite the contrary it says, "Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise" (Psalm 98:4).
I CAN DO THAT!!
Our rejoicing, praises, and singing are pleasing to the Lord... regardless of how WE think they sound! You see, our praise is the real music. If His thoughts are not our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8), then it's very likely what He hears is not what our ears hear. And frankly... I think that's absolutely awesome. He hears it the way my heart is delivering it to Him, not my vocal chords.
We've each been blessed with a talent/calling/purpose all our own that we are to use for God's glory. For some it's singing... that's not my talent, but it's still something I can do to praise Him through the storm, thank Him for my moment, and rejoice over His goodness.
So if you're like me, and you weren't blessed with wind pipes that the world wants to attach a record label to... don't let that hold you back from your joyful noise unto the Lord! Turn up the volume and be encouraged, knowing that to Him, it's music to His ears!
When you look back on your life, do you find yourself remembering things that you wish you could forget?
Mistakes and poor choices I've made. Priorities I got off track. Wrong paths I went down. Friendships that went sour. Moments that made me cry. Hurtful things said that broke my heart. Decisions I made with my children.
It's amazing all the hurt, sadness, difficulties, pain, and troubles the enemy can so quickly bring to your remembrance within mere seconds. What's more amazing is how every single one of those moments are not only covered by the blood of redemption, but each is also a defining moment in my life.
As I shuffle through those thoughts and memories, it's realized that I don't want to forget any of them. I don't want to be rid of so many moments that have taken a part in molding me, teaching me, forming me into the exact person in this very place God has me in and ultimately guiding me to this very moment in time.
Yes, many of the moments were awful and brought alligator tears. There were many gut wrenching cries that hurt so bad I literally felt as though my heart was breaking in two. There was anger and hatred that boiled up inside of me. There were decisions that lead me down the "coulda woulda shoulda" path, wondering if I had made the right decisions way back when would my children be in a better moment now. There were moments of ignorance, stubbornness, fear, stupidity, and foolishness.
But! Without all of those moments, decisions, trials, tears, frustration, fear, anger, and hurt there wouldn't be the learned lessons of humility, boldness, self control, forgiveness, love, friendship, faithfulness, honesty, compassion, wisdom, thankfulness and kindness.
Where in the world would I be without all those?? I would be right back at the beginning of it all, going through every bit of it again and again until those teachable moments finally sunk in, leading me to wiser ways of dealing with circumstances in my life, understanding of emotions, and ultimately trusting more in God and less in myself. There isn't one moment that I want to forget or have a chance to do over. That would void out that step of the refining process the Lord has brought me to and brought me through!
In order to get closer to God, not only do we have to seek Him, but we have to go through moments.... we have to go through the heat, if you will, so His image is reflected more and more through us as we are taught and guided through each and every situation we are in. My moments of learning aren't over... it's not over for any of us until the day we are called home, so I have to choose to learn from them and move on, not allow them to cause me additional grief or try to forget them.
Yes, I'm ever so thankful the Lord forgets... so much so that He tells us in His word as far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us (Psalm 103:12). But notice He hasn't provided a way for us to forget.
Sometimes the past can be haunting, causing us to be over guarded with walls built up, watching over our shoulders, and worried about stumbling, being hurt or misguided again. We need to allow our past and everything it contains to teach us in a way that would be glorifying to God! If we seek Him, and trust Him to guide us through our moments, decisions, and trials... the walls can come down and worry can be chased away from our lives.
Cherish yourself and every moment that has made you who you are... allow it to be another moment of your own refining process.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
(I Thessalonians 5:18)
When do we give thanks?
Perhaps when we receive a wanted answer to our prayers? When we sit down to eat? When something good crosses our path? When our finances are blessed?
When SHOULD we give thanks?
According to the Monday Measure for this week, we should be giving thanks over EVERYTHING. What?? So that means I should be giving thanks when a false rumor gets back to me? Or when we have a hard time making financial ends meet? When my children seem to be testing every button at the same time? How about when I get a flat tire unexpectedly? Well my friends, all of those things are covered in the words God used here: EVERY THING.
Our thoughts are not God's thoughts. He sees a magnificent purpose in ALL things, all of which have a splendid purpose of bringing Him glory in some way or another. The things we react to with negativity is simply our selfish flesh with an "I want" attitude.
First of all, Philippians 4:19 tells us that God will supply all our NEEDS. I don't recall reading a verse in His word that flashes the bling, bells and whistles before us promising to be a genie in a bottle flopping every want that comes to mind into our laps. Besides, if our hearts were in the right place, shouldn't our needs and wants all be the same wrapped into one? HIM.
Yes, I have been argued with here, being told that He gives us the desires of our heart, and if those desires are wants, well, why shouldn't our hands be ready to contain those blessings?
Let's look at that scripture in context: Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
(Psalm 37:1-5)
So if we're not looking at the things of the world, or being envious of the stuff the world has to offer, trusting in the Lord, and committing our ways to Him, the want list changes doesn't it? At that point why then should our home, vehicles, jewelry, hairdo's, collections, and credit card charges be such an important focus for us? Yes, if we have it, we need to take care of it. If we have made choices that put us in a position of responsibility to pay for such things, then those debts are there for us to work for and debts to clear ourselves of... but the focus... the focus should be purely on Him.
Our thanks should be given over everything that comes along besides the good fortune. Will that flat tire give us a chance to witness to the tow truck driver or pedestrian that stops to help us change the tire? Are the problems with our children giving us a learning moment for ourselves as we turn them over to God praying for guidance? Those false rumors, aren't they simply a way for us to demonstrate love for our enemies? Could the financial needs piling up be His way of slowing us down and showing us our choices and how to better prioritize them... or even an open door to a testimony when He makes the ends meet when they seem so impossible at the moment?
Yes! The answer to all of those is yes! They are ALL moments that should bring praises of thankfulness to our lips. ALL things will ultimately bring God glory, whether we see it at the moment or not. How much less stress and worry will we have in our lives if we submit to that? Instead of the grumblings and complaints, stopping to think about how the Lord is using the moment for His glorification!
This weekend we picked up an exchange student from the airport, that will be staying with us throughout the school year. She's only been here for two days, and I believe she has said thank you more times in the last two days than I have said in months. That humbles me. It makes me realize how much more I should be rejoicing in thankfulness for EVERY THING that crosses my path... regardless of how badly the flesh wants to gripe about the circumstance.
I hope you'll join me this week, learning and submitting to giving thanks for everything that crosses our path... after all, it's in His will and crossing our path for a purpose!
I am taking one day at a time, opening my heart to life lessons from my Creator... using them the best I can to bring God glory and strengthen my walk with the Lord. Where I am weak, He makes me strong.
The kids are arguing. It's time to pay the bills. You woke up feeling physically horrible. A workload was dumped on you at your job. Everyone around you is complaining and miserable. You got a flat tire. Dinner burned in the oven. A loved one is in the hospital. Your roof is leaking.
