Come to Me, God says: Intervention no. 14

 A Soul-Changing Intervention

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, 
and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28 

God calls to us, but it is up to us to come. Coming to Him is the best thing we will ever do.

LET’S BEGIN—

COME: Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden.  

This is a direct request in response to our human need.

GOD ASKS US TO COME. The first thing to note in this scripture is that Come unto me denotes a requiring of action from us. Action is common to change if we truly want help. It takes effort on our part, from our self, to begin a seeking of Him. Personal initiative is the beginning, the crucial first step.

God wants this from every one of us. This is well documented in story after story in the biblical narrative of Jesus as he helped people. He would ask the person to take a step of faith before He responded to their need. The Old Testament also has stories where God required an act of faith by the person before the response of God would take place.

God is the object. Come unto Me, which is God. This is key, to find God in it all, in every circumstance of life. Come to Him even in the hurts and disappointments.

The question is, how do we come?

The coming is dependent on openness, surrender, and willingness to say what we mean and mean what we say in total and complete awareness and honesty. We come with no pretending or hiding behind superficial, spiritual, do-gooder masks. It is like looking in a mirror without your face make-up on or clothing on for that matter.

We are naked before Jesus as we remove our self-protected ways of doing things, to become ready and willing to receive the real truth as it is revealed to us. Do we dictate to God? How much do we let self, even hurt, dictate its agenda? Come requires trust—not reasons, explanations, excuses, justifications or self-vindication.

It says, here I am. I’m ready. Okay, God, let’s get to work. Show me my hurt, my selfishness, my past.

Dear Father in Heaven, we all need You, desperately need You. I pray that we will quit being stubborn to be willing and open to Your spirit. Amen

*More tomorrow

To God be the Glory

† † †

A Message of Life

Inspiration 52 

God Helps His Children: Intervention 13

Application of the Christ Life

Finding God in the Daily

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart

 and you will find rest for your souls. 

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:28-30  

 Refreshing of the soul comes in increments as God facilitates the process.

THROUGH GOD'S WORD in Matthew 11:28-30 comes an illustration on how God brings refreshing to His children through the Christ-life in them. There are many other scriptures that develop the concept of closeness with God. Old Testament prophets and New Testament apostles demonstrate how meaningful spiritual relationship helps draw His followers closer to Himself.

This scripture passage validates that part of the human experience is being weary and heavy laden. God comes along side to help those in need to become fully whole. This transformation is accessible for all followers of Christ. Believers experience peace and rest as God helps them handle their problems.

God does this for His children

   -that He may meet us where we are at 

        -to show how He comes along side us and

             -offers to assist and guide, and how 

                      -God proceeds to set us free.

This one is personal. The remainder of the Intervention Series is personal commentary. I apply Matthew 11:28-30 as a means to share truth, and as a way to unfold how God ministers to personal, spiritual, and emotional needs in Christians.

I use no other reference materials. This is not a word study or an analysis of Scriptural content. The content is written as a guide and practical application for personal growth. It should help to set believers on the right path, and to show that they can become free in their inner life.

In upcoming posts, I highlight scripture phrases and then comment on their meaning and application. Please jot down any ideas that come as you read through these posts. Please share your thoughts in the Comments section as you see fit. I am the facilitator of the process.
Blessings!

Father, You will help us brave the adversity as it comes and soften our reactions in the quietness. You are a wonderful Father. Amen

To God be the Glory

A Message of Life
Inspiration 51

What Christ Promises Us: Intervention no. 12

How God is the Answer to Our Whatever

Finding God in the Daily

I'm in the top row, far left.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, 
and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; 
for I am meek and lowly in heart: 

and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:28-30  KJV

  
 God gives rest to our whole self whenever we need it and beyond.

The solution for dealing with the angst in life is found in God.

For two years I was part of a collegiate group of ten young women called Triple Trio (nine singers and a pianist). We traveled on weekends to minister in local churches and as representatives for our Christian college. 

During each performance, I recited the words to Matthew 11:28-30 before we sang “Come Unto Me.” The song was pure loveliness: its harmonies, lyrics, tune, artistic rendition. I can still replay the words and harmony in my memory with its alto notes resonating in deep tones. 

For a one year I quoted this passage in every performance, and I grew to love its words. The scripture soon became like a treasure to me. Many years have passed since then and now, yet its words of comfort quickly revisit me whenever I am in pain, anxious, or grieving a loss. I share it when others are in the midst of struggle or in need of encouragement.

Matthew 11:28-30 is rich with applicable content that refreshes the spirit whenever it is accessed. "I will give you rest," is for every moment. We need the rest that God gives. He facilitates rest in our whole being. Anxious? Pray these words as a promise from God. Christ's words provide appropriate content for showing how God activates this answer as a solution to the angst in daily living. God speaks life to us. Christ is life in us. The Spirit comforts, leads, and enables life with us. 

Dear Father God, You provide what we need and give hope to our days. Thank you for being Life to us. Amen

 

To God be the Glory

A Message of Life
Daily Inspiration 50

My Story, My Why: Intervention no. 10

My Story of a Personal Intervention

Finding God in the Daily

The purpose of this intervention series is to wake us up to the problem of pain, distance, lifelessness, and separation in a Christian’s life.

No matter the person, they must realize there is a problem to solve before they can take action to resolve it. The next section of this series presents troubles on the home front. These problems are quite real. They should not to be ignored as just problems of willful rebellion, although for some this could be true. 

My hope is to create an awareness of the deeper need that has gone mainly unnoticed in the church. After identifying the need, comes a solution in answer to the lack. This series offers ways for finding God as the Helper and Healer, the remedy and solution, to pain, suffering, depletion, deadness, and disillusionment. 

Most of what I write comes by way of personal experiences borne out of my heart's longing for God. My instruction came after I asked God to heal and change me. He did both. Through the lessons learned over the course of my spiritual journey, I  wakened to the deeper understanding of what it is to sit at the table and learn of Him. I discovered God to be real and caring and as a close friend for all seasons. My story is not included but you may listen to my story of transformation on my nlbrumbaugh log here.

I start at the backend from the viewpoint of a believer who thinks they’re doing just fine, believes they’ve dealt with their issues, is obedient spiritually, and is more or less content with their life. This satisfied Christian believer is stuck. Stuck means inmoveable. In this case, their get-along needs to get going.  Spiritual depth won't drop in their lap willy-nilly. It doesn't work that way.

This writing’s argument first exposes a limited Christian belief. This view says all is good and you are right where you should be as an upstanding Christian. You do the Christian thing well. You are obedient, faithful, and forgive those who hurt you. You go also go to church, read a devotional, pray, and treat people right.

If this is you, read on.

Most likely you are living your Christian life with some self-enacted limitations. You have erected a shield to hide any hidden issues in the interior self that have caused some kind of dysfunction, pain, emotional damage, anger,  trauma, or conflict. You've covered up those things that keep you traumatized or in bondage. You try and try and try but you never seem to measure up.

This is no way to live. There is a better way.

More tomorrow.

Dear Father, We are so thankful that you care about us and want us to be well in our spirit. Amen

To God be the Glory 

A Message of Life

Inspiration 48  

† † †

Relationship with God: Intervention no. 8

Christian Life is about Relationship

Finding God in the Daily

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; 

and all these things shall be added unto you.

Matthew 6:33  KJV

Christians have something special that no one can take away from them. They have a living relationship with God.

THE MORE WE LOVE GOD, the more we are able and free to share His love. Spiritual truth enlivens and equips the Christian for what life throws at them as the focus moves from rules, regulations, and scripted spirituality to a life of faith, trust, and fullness in God. Healing of damaged emotions from past painful experiences dovetail with a life embedded in a living relationship tempered and held fast by God.

Spiritual life like this is not established without challenge and hard work but at the same time it is anchored with meaning and strength. In this way, a true seeker of God comes to the knowledge of God in the context of a living relationship with Him. The result is to know and experience an ever-deepening awareness and inner awakening that stirs the soul to radiant life.

A relationship with God is one of strength and enjoyment, hope and help, love and goodness. This is a reciprocal friendship. The believer goes from duty-bound to love-bound as the relationship becomes genuine, closer, and intimate. Obedience and service spring forth from this relationship, out of the believer's love for God and also as an outworking of His love in them. The Christian's spiritual life continues to grow as they desire and receive pleasure in pleasing their Father God. 

Before this turned toward the better good, there was spiritual purpose without spiritual process, like an end without the means. What was missing in their spirituality was an emphasis on developing a spiritual-personal relationship with God as in a life totally integrated with the touch of God. 

What does this kind of relationship look like? 
    - It is about relationship with Father God, Christ Jesus, 
            and the Holy Spirit. 
         - It is about embracing Christ and staying there until He 
                begins to change you. 
              - It is a process of adding love to love to love to love.
                   - It is about changing what needs changing
                       and being fine with it.

Once God becomes real to the individual, then life as a Christ-follower is established on a foundation that does not crumble when life gets hard or disappointing.

Relationship is relationship. Like in a healthy relationship, when we love someone and they love us, we will want to please them. We draw upon this friend during the hard times. They are honest with us, speak the truth with us. We can depend on this friend when we are not at our best. 

This is this way is is with God. God is our all in all, our Deliverer, our Sustainer, our Lover, and our Redeemer. God makes all things new in His time.

Dear Father in Heaven, Thank you for Your love, faithfulness, and kindness. Amen

To God be the Glory

A Message of Life
Inspiration 46

The 'Quick Fix' Problem: Intervention no. 6

 The Quick-Fix Doesn't Always Take

Finding God in the Daily

 Commit your way to the Lord;
    trust in him, and he will act.

 Psalm 37:5  ESV

You can't do better unless you have a vision for what 'better' looks like. I discovered that we in the church are confused about our 'why.' That's what this intervention series is about.

SOME THINGS IN THE CHURCH seemed strange to me once I started paying attention without rose-colored glasses on. Sisters and brothers were falling away from faith. Why couldn’t they sustain their belief? The church thought they were rebellious. But were they? Looking back now, I realize some of these individuals, especially the ones that questioned, were not understood very well. There was more to it than was obvious at first blush.

People were seen as either in the camp or outside the camp. There was little gray area or room to debate areas of struggle. The many issues of questionable or wrong behaviors were lumped together and labeled as sinful behavior. Some were, but some were not. The common solution offered in most cases was to repent and get right with God. 

Somewhat like after the prodigal’s return, when a person did get right with God, there would be a return to the church, God, and God’s ways, as set forth by the church and based on biblical principles. It was assumed the prodigal would experience spiritual victory with a return to righteous, spiritual living. Such, was the logical conclusion. 

Though logical, it didn't always work out that way. People still struggled. Although the pattern for the faithful life was formulated with good intentions and valued for addressing truth as it relates to scripture, it had one major flaw. Better said, it had one glaring, missing component, a major lack within its parameters for living a victorious Christian life. The teaching didn't go far enough.

Some have stumbled upon the missing element, like I did. Others have found it as they drew closer and closer to the all knowing Source. Some continue on as they have have been taught, equating salvation, prayer, bible reading, bible study, and obedience as the express parts that make up the whole of Christian living. Yet, there still is that glaring defect. One only has to look around to notice a serious conundrum. The problem is, the formula doesn't work for everyone.

Too many stop short of going further still, because
     a) they aren't interested,
          b) they don't know it's possible, and
               c) they don't know how to get there.

That's the case I'm building here, day after day, post after post.

You will learn
      1. What the problem looks like in the Christian community.
          2. How to deal with it by using an evergreen solution.
               3. The joy and healing the solution produces in individuals,
                    communities, and globally.

That is what this is about. An intervention is curative. It uncovers why past practices don't work for everyone and it helps change it up. Your better spiritual life is not about doing things right or being a good person. It is about developing a personal relationship with God that is life-giving, healing, health building, gracious, intimate, and real.

More tomorrow.

Dearest Father. Thank you for giving us this message of hope. Amen

To God be the Glory

A Message of life.
Daily Inspiration 44

From Here to There: Intervention, no. 3 -- Inspiration 42

From Here to There: Spiritual Transformation

Finding God in the Daily

It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. 

The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.

John 6:63

Pain, disappointments, and wounds get buried. To allow them in the conversation might seem at odds with spiritual belief. The truth is, coverups don't work in spiritual life. Issues need to be addressed with God to live freely in the spirit. 

Active engagement with God affects spiritual perceptions. Reorganization in the interior self initiates an altering of viewpoint. Impact in the hidden place, which long functioned as a repository for hurts, wounds, and struggle, is inevitable. Hiding the wounded self is natural in believing Christians for many reasons. This is problematic. Hiding behind belief creates a false front. Internalized pain erects a barrier that disrupts the flow between experience and belief.

For spiritual life to thrive, the barriers need to come down. After the shake-up happens, when the spiritual awakens and enlivens the soul, those formerly empty clichés no longer ring a false note. Experience and belief blend into one solid, health-building unit. Gone are pretense and disillusionment. The means to get there takes a process and some doing.

Once the deeper understanding is apprehended and becomes part of daily experience, spiritual life is anchored in such a way that the person becomes secure, content, confident and able to function well while in the best and worst of times. Because spiritual life is centered and secure, the personal flows hand-in-hand with the spiritual. No longer does a breach separate belief from experience. The two operate on the same page and act in tandem with each other.

The effects of this are wonderful. Newness in outlook and refreshment in the spirit have internal liveliness and quiet authority. Others can't help but notice the change. What is this? they ponder. A thing of beauty, transformational and real, is happening right before their eyes. From the inside to out, the Christ-life is transformational, and it shows. This amazes onlookers.

In the context of a soul-changing intervention, what transpires throughout the process is utterly life-changing and is evident once the intervention has culminated. It is like how you know you are free once you experience freedom. God heals, engages the heart, mind, and soul, sets free, and opens a new path.

A soul-changing intervention enacts several steps that enable a living relationship with God. God, plus the individual, are in this for the long haul. They cannot act independent of each other for this is a joint venture. To be frank, a soul-changing intervention is an active time of serious soul searching combined with intentional seeking of God for answers and truth.

Dear Father, Thank you. You meet us where we're at and it doesn't phase You. Amen

To God be the Glory

 

 *More in my next post.

The Stuff of Real Life: Intervention, no. 1 -- Inspiration 40

  Interventions are the Stuff of Real Life

Finding God in the Daily

Commit your way to the Lord; 
trust in him, and he will act.
Psalm 37:5

  
Who needs a spiritual intervention? Most of us do. You may immerse yourself in your own personally motivated intervention. It may well be the best thing you ever do to get on the bright side of spirituality.

INTERVENTIONS have a purpose. In essence, they put their loved one on notice, to face it, change it, and improve it. Basically, a group stages an intervention to confront the issue and create awareness that something needs to change. Drug addictions and alcoholism are common causes for interventions. Interventions acknowledge the person’s struggle and demonstrate how it affects them and others.

An intervention is an effective 'Come to Jesus' moment with a come-along-side you-need-to-do-this approach.

A soul-changing intervention is for spiritual growth and any area that inhibits healthy spirituality. It provides a process to get to the heart of harmful issues and unhealthy bonds. Christians can be blind to their own stuff and unaware of areas that keep them in bondage. Friends, relatives, or God, may help them face their deal. God is good at this. He awakens people from their slumber.

God may initiate the intervention to address a problem and to show the hiding is over. As the result of a spiritual intervention, the individual takes steps to overcome it, take ownership of it, and institute a plan that aims to alter harmful behavior. The goal is to live free of its control and to become healthy and whole.

An intervention involves a plan of action and loving support. Those who intervene risk discomfort when they participate in an intervention to help their loved one. Their concern supersedes their own personal comfort. Participants encourage necessary changes and offer moral support. 

God is the same way with us.

God initiates an intervention by showing us where we are stuck. He works toward the goal and offers a path to freedom. By the way, this is quite doable. I've experienced it. God showed me what needed to change. Next I went about the business of changing it -- all the time asking Him to guide and help me.

To do this, you see the situation for what it is, and then become an active participant in your own transforming. Healing is accessed by a spiritual transforming in your interior life. This facilitates the ability to live life with spiritual acuity. A side benefit is you grow closer to God.

Dear Father, Help us. We need You to show us our lacks and our abilities. Give us courage to carry on and strength to meet our needs. Amen

To God be the Glory

The Spirit Life Rocks -- Inspiration 39

Make Your Life Count for the Good

  

So every good tree bears good fruit, 

but the bad tree bears bad fruit.

Matthew 7:17

People with a purpose live differently than those who meander along without one. Christians have a common purpose, to glorify God. How they do this involves living in the Spirit and developing a sensitivity to God's ways. This leads to fruitful living.

EVERY LIFE has potential. What an individual chooses to do with their life is up to them, barring outside manipulation, control, misfortune, or unwanted circumstances. Life can be lived for the better good. That happens when the person desires and determines to live in such a way. It is not as easy as it sounds. We can be our own worst enemy.

 Humans are born with a self-centered bent that requires managing. Scripture calls this the flesh. The flesh seeks its own and has lusts it wants to feed. Christians also have the spirit in them. The things of the flesh and the things of the spirit are oppositional in nature. Only one of these controls the person at any given time. The flesh is the default position. Even though the Spirit lives within the Christian, it is not given free access until the person aligns with it. This requires intentionality.

The Spirit dwells in the Christian. Their lives, with both flesh and spirit influences, means there is going to be spiritual conflict. Whichever one receives the focus will influence their thoughts and actions. Of course, anyone can do good and make their life count without being a Christian, that's a given. The person focused on Christ and open to the Spirit lives in a way that is becoming to their Lord. Their life becomes a reflection of Christ both inwardly and outwardly. 

The Spirit leads and guides in a multiplicity of ways. Christians can't help but bear good fruit when they're attached to things of God. You can know them by their deeds, conversation, and also, consequently, by their fruit. Often their fruit is produced behind the scenes and is not overtly visible unless you look for it, for they do their alms for God, not for human praise. So we could say, they are also known for their humbleness of spirit. 

Dear Father, Thank you for giving us the tools to live the life You've called us to. We couldn't do it without Your enabling. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Amen

To God be the Glory

A 'Let's Get Real' Conversation -- Inspiration 38

Finding God in the Daily

It's Not Too Late

And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.

Mark 16:15  NASV

We think the time has passed, but thinking like that is in error. Christians have a mission to speak life to others. It is up to them to get past shut doors to enter the public arena.

PEOPLE BELIEVE what they want to believe even if it isn't true. For them, validity comes when others agree with them or they agree with others. The more they hear a set view the more they believe it is true until someone upsets the apple cart. Beliefs are that way. Some current spiritual beliefs are out of sync with culture at large. Christianity, for instance, has lost favor these days.

Many are conditioned to hold Christian belief in contempt. Recent church scandals shore up this thinking to some degree. I believe some of this suspicion is the fault of Christians for not being salt and light in the world, and some of it thrives in a cultural system that denigrates Christian belief as contemptible nonsense. A lack of Christian love towards others makes the gospel unreadable for persons without faith. (How we need people who walk the walk like Keith Green did.)

Instead of going into hiding, I sincerely believe the bearers of the message of Christianity need to find a better way to communicate its truth to the masses. Let's look at Christ's actions. Jesus stood up to the bullies, called a spade, a spade, helped the poor, loved the unlovely, ministered to the spiritually hungry, and was true to His Father in Heaven. He was a man on a mission and wouldn't take any guff. Jesus was gentle in spirit and welcomed the children. His compassion and truth-talk defined Him.

Maybe more people would be challenged in their fixed beliefs about Christianity if  they could actually see the God-person of Christ in His followers. Maybe the skeptics would be impressed by the warmth of the gospel and in the Christ-followers. Maybe, just maybe, Christians can learn how to articulate the message of life in a way that people can hear, to a world that desperately needs it--that's on life support--that needs a hope and a promise for a better tomorrow. Christ promises living water for those who are thirsty. Are you thirsty? Quench your thirst in Christ. Come alive. Be blessed.

Dear Father God, Your message is life. We pray for those who can't hear Your message. May we articulate it to others in a way they can receive. May we be love to all. Amen

To God be the Glory

A Silence that Empowers - Inspiration 36

 Experience Quiet in a World of Unrest

 Finding God in the Daily

 Blessed is the man
    who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, 

nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;

 but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree planted by streams of water 

that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither.

Psalm 1:1-3  ESV

Spiritual life is not that easy. It faces fear just like the rest of the world does. However, time spent in the stillness accesses the quietness of peace found in God's presence. Being alone with God is a spiritual discipline that develops intimacy with God. Peace is its reward.

HOW TO BE QUIET in a world of unrest is in a state of being. Those who know Christ as their Savior and maintain close fellowship with Him are able to center themselves in Him. This is cultivated as one matures in their spiritual relationship. Quietness is facilitated through times alone with God without the demands of outside influences. The Holy Spirit ministers with wisdom, grace, and understanding. In the quiet place it is easier to be still enough to enter the peacefulness of presence with God. The person slows down everything else to listen and commune in a close intimate way. Elijah heard God's still, small voice when he needed it most. He drew strength from God and the courage to go on. We can too. God doesn't act like a magician, He doesn't remove the fear or unrest. Instead, God gives the wherewithal to help minimize the effects of stress caused by the unrest around you. His presence buoys your spirit up. He ministers in the internal place in the person where the fear would rage if it was left to do so. Seek God in the stillness. Rest in His Presence. Like the tree by the river, be filled with what God gives. Angst and fear lessens in the context of presence and strength found in the peace of God.

Dear Father God, Blessed we are to sit at Your table, partake of Your bounty, and center ourselves in Your peace. You promise us peace, "Peace I leave with you, not of the world give I unto you." Praises. Amen

To God be the Glory

Secular v Christian Worldviews -- Inspiration 35

Discover Your World View

Finding God in the Daily

As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.

Proverbs 23:7. KJV

 Your worldview matters. For the Christian it is helpful to know if you have a secular or spiritual worldview. This will impact your decisions going forward. Is God an ongoing conversation in your life?

AN ADULT'S WORLDVIEW encompasses what he or she believes about life; their philosophy of life and conception of the world. It is not possible to have two worldviews competing and tangling. This would project in two different realms and function on separate planes. There is some confusion going on. Religious people can be secular oriented and perform spiritually. Is this a competing worldview? Quite possibly. To figure it out whether a world view is secular or spiritual takes a bird's-eye view. Follow a person's habits, desires, and conversations and it soon becomes apparent. A spiritual worldview is where the things of God flow as a natural process throughout the person's life. On the other hand, some Christians compartmentalize their spiritual activities as an add-on to their normal routines. They are more of a secular view with spiritual overtures. It helps to be mindful of this. Where God is active in a person's life will show. When God 's presence is not all that meaningful then the spiritual gives way to the secular. A worldview where Christ comes first is defined by Him being given preeminence. A spiritual worldview will look for God in everything, which includes God in the daily. In this case, daily functionality is mixed with a Jesus dynamic and a living spiritual dimension.

Dear Father God, our world needs You and Your loving touch. May we awaken to the meaning You impart to in our own lives. Amen

To God be the Glory

God is Greater than the Enemy -- Inspiration 34

Greater is He that is in You

Finding God in the Daily

Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, 

for he who is in you is greater than 

he who is in the world. 

1 John 4:4  ESV

Christians can be easily defeated until they claim the scriptural promises that speak truth in the situation. God is greater than he that is in the world.

GOD IS GREATER than he that is in the world. During times of what is called 'spiritual warfare,' it is a comfort and encouragement to know God is on the winning side against evil and injustice. Christians can claim this while in the middle of a battle where the enemy is using his tricks to trip us up. There is power in the name of Jesus. In the name of Jesus you can confront the wicked and dismantle the traps put in your path. You can orally say Jesus' name. Name it and claim it. You can pray for protection. You can focus your mind on Jesus. Speak to Him and picture yourself kneeling humbly before Him, asking for help. Saying, "Jesus" gives strength and banishes fear. Claim this promise and believe. Receive His blessedness.

Dear Father in Heaven, praise to Father, Son, and Spirit. We are thankful for Your protection, love, and kindness. You are greater than he that is in the world. This comforts us. Wonderful You are to us. Amen

To God be the Glory

In Pursuit of God -- Inspiration 33

The Joy of Knowing God

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart 

and with all your soul and with all your mind.

Matthew 22:37

God can be known. Astounding as that may sound, it is true. God seeks relationship with His children. They can seek relationship with Him. This involves getting closer to God.

KNOWING GOD is a pursuit of the richest kind. Apprehending knowledge about God is one thing, but actual knowing God is another. The two are not the same. To know someone implies intimacy. You don't know someone or something unless you are familiar with them. The same is true for knowing God. One has to immerse themselves totally in seeking God to know Him. God desires for His children to know Him. He delights in this endeavor. We know this through Scripture's encouragement to love God with heart, mind, and soul. To know God is to love Him. Allow God access by engaging in activities of spiritual pursuit

1. Read the Bible: Learn about God: Know about God.
2. Pray: Confess: Give thanks: Ask: Seek: Knock at the door.
3. Meditate: Contemplate: Praise Him: Open up with God.
4. Absorb God's promises: Appreciate His ways: Be thankful.
5.  Desire God in relationship: Surrender: Let God lead you.

There is no one right way to pursue God to know Him. Individuals are individual, right? They will find God as they seek His favor. Asking God to reveal Himself is good place to start. Scripture can be studied. The Holy Spirit can be accessed to make this personal and revealing. An open heart and mind turned toward God is essential to the process. The spiritual journey becomes a blessed time of love, joy, and goodness. God becomes a faithful friend. He can be counted on. Knowing God and Him knowing you is the stuff of a beautiful relationship.

Dear God, thank you for being life to us. You are everything. Amen

To God be the Glory

Be Not Afraid -- Inspiration 27

Fear will Overtake but for God

Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid

Matthew 14:27 KJV 

The disciples were scared. What was it? No, it couldn't be. Jesus was walking on the water! And then Peter tested it for himself. He stepped on the water.

WIND WAS BLOWING, the boat was rocking, and then they saw it. Something on the waves was moving towards them. Fear clutched their hearts. Was it a ghost walking on the water? The men were beside themselves with fear. Then the thing spoke to them. "Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid." It was the Lord. Peter in his excitement gets out of the boat and starts to walk on the water to Jesus. Then he sees the water and begins to sink. He panics. "Lord, save me!" Jesus rescues Peter. The other men are astonished. Although usually not so dramatic, there is much to be afraid about in everyday life. Like the disciples in Jesus day, we are not alone. Frightened by circumstances and scary situations, we have the Lord Jesus. We cry out, and He responds. Flat tire on the expressway, and we pray. Someone we don't know stops and helps us. "Thank you, Father." The Lord heard our plea and intervened. Internal or external, real or imagined, fear is a very real thing that can rob us of sleep, keep our stomach in turmoil, and cause panic attacks. Heightened nerves make life difficult. Fear alarms and defeats, and makes us feel sick. God is near. He is only a prayer away. Lean on His everlasting arms. Trust Him to get you through the difficulty. Seek out people who can help you. Pray, listen, and trust. Know you will get through this. You will. God is your shield and high tower.

Dear Father God, You calmed Your disciples with Your words. You saved Peter when he was sinking. You save us and give us strength to bear up. Our fears find their rest in You. Thank you for saving us. Amen

To God be the Glory

When in Doubt -- Inspiration 25

The Problem with Doubt

Doubt is hard to figure out. Some doubt is of the natural flesh, other doubt is from an outside influence like Satan in the Garden, and some doubt is like a caution from God. It can be confusing to discern the origin of the doubtful thought.

 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.

1 Corintians 14:33  NASB

DOUBT DISTRESSES and may cause disruption and discouragement. Yet doubt is part of life. A message is pondered and considered. Then the doubt comes in. Some doubts get people off-track. They shed light on some entity that should not be pursued. Doubts should be considered in prayer. God gives wisdom and understanding. God can be asked for confirmation of His will. Doubts that originate from selfishly or sinfully motivated actions cannot be from God. God never contradicts His nature, Himself, or His will. The best way to address doubt is to stay close to God so there is nothing between the person and Him. God delivers. If the doubt is against God and God's ways, then Satan may be influencing an outcome. Beware of his tactics. In contrast, God's influences are centered, peaceful and life-giving. Doubts come to all. Use them as a stepping stone in the right direction. Seek wisdom and pray for discernment. Pay attention and listen. Allow time. God will come along side, help you move in the right direction, and He will strengthen you in the process.  

Heavenly Father, we know not because we ask not. During times of doubts, we can be confused and unsettled. Please help us know what is of You and what is not of You. Thank you, dear Father. Amen.

To God be the Glory

In Failure's Wake -- Inspiration 23

When You Fail

How we hate to fail. Failures are like calamities that come unexpectedly and consequentially. But all is not lost. God is present and able to help when we fail.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified 
because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; 
he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Deuteronomy 31:6  NIV

FAILURE CAN DEVASTATE. No one plans or wants to fail. People work toward a predetermined outcome though it may not turn out quite the way they planned. Christians are known to walk by faith. The way of faith is to first discern the will of the Father before making concrete plans. But failures still happen. A failure's devastating effects requires the person become active in their own recovery. This means there will be a mix of some or all of the following processes: Grieve the loss, deal with the aftermath; acknowledge the person's part in the failure, also the parts they could not control; look to the future; take steps forward; access recovery in part and in whole; and pray for help and wisdom. God is a helping partner in life's negative, troubling, experiences. These are set-backs but not defeats. God is able to teach to strengths and encourage to weaknesses. Trust placed in God matures the person in their spiritual life. Another benefit is the humbling of self. This gentles the spirit. Credit is given to God when He has helped them in their situation. Others notice their hope is placed and then actualized. Never give up. Most victories are hard won. God is with you all the time even when He seems absent and it may not seem like He cares. He does care and promises to never leave you. You can take that to the bank. Trust Him.

Father God, You know the reason for everything even those things that hurt us. You heal broken people and fix shattered lives. You carry us through the difficulty and strengthen our lives. Blessed be the Name of the Lord. Amen

To God be the Glory