Psalm 119:9-16
9 How can a young person stay pure?
By obeying your word.
10 I have tried hard to find you—
don’t let me wander from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
12 I praise you, O Lord;
teach me your decrees.
13 I have recited aloud
all the regulations you have given us.
14 I have rejoiced in your laws
as much as in riches.
15 I will study your commandments
and reflect on your ways.
16 I will delight in your decrees
and not forget your word.
Psalm 119:9-16 may not seem like verses that challenge and encourage us to be a Psalm 119 wife and then again maybe it does. I love the Psalmist’s immediate address to a young person. We can never under estimate the power of choices no matter the age. As a counselor, I see many women that are reaping the consequences of poor and unwise choices made many years ago when they thought those choices would not matter. Our former pastor, Bill Park, would often say, “Life is full of choices. Choices have consequences. Make the right choices”. So much wisdom packed into three small sentences. The Psalmist gives the key to staying pure – obedience to God’s Word. One can never under estimate the power of the inspired Word of God. Every poor and unwise choice I have made I can directly trace back to my walking in disobedience to God’s Word.
In verse ten, the psalmist gives hope! I have never met a perfect Christian. Therefore, I know no one that does have some regrets in life due to a poor choice. When you and I are reconciled to God, we should live with such intentional faith that we never want to wander from the protection of His Word. When we pursue to live a life walking in obedience to God’s commands; there is a protection over and around our heart and soul. This does not mean that we are exempt for difficult time and tragedy. Just as an umbrella protects from rain and the bright light of the sun, so it is with God’s Word. Ladies, I believe that many times, we experience the difficulties within our spirit and soul because we have forgotten our umbrella over our soul.
Our umbrella is made up of key parts that make it function perfectly.
vs 11 – Hiding God’s Word in our Hearts: Bible memory is important. Satan desires to dominate your mind. He knows that if he can wreak havoc on your thought life he has won half the battle. Our greatest defense is the Sword that is sharper than any two-edged sword. (Heb. 4:12)
Vs 12 – Praise and a Teachable spirit will keep you focused and humble. When I am praising the Mighty God; I have to acknowledge that it is not all about me. When I choose to remain teachable I am continuously humbled by the speck in my own eye. (Mt. 7:1-5)
Vs 13-14 – Reciting and Rejoicing will keep you mostly dry when life’s storms pour down. Talking about, believing and applying God’ promises and principles steady the soul. He is your anchor! (Heb. 6:19) Rejoicing in who He is and what He is doing is the constant reminder that God is bigger than the storm. Why did I say that Reciting and Rejoicing will keep you mostly dry? I think it is important to understand that no one can stay completely dry in a storm. Life Happens. God anchors. Life is unpredictable. God is the same, yesterday, today and forever. Don’t ever think that because you are reciting and rejoicing that you are magically exempt from life’s troubles. As a child of God, you are never exempt from life’s troubles but you are safe from Satan’s destruction. (Rom. 8:37-39)
Vs 15-16 – Study and not forgetting His Word is the part that holds your umbrella together. Hold to this with a grip that is firm.
The Psalm 119 wife has her umbrella ready. A storm could come at any time. The sun could be glaring and blinding her way. The Psalm 119 wife is always spiritually prepared. Her husband finds comfort in this. He knows that He can trust her to stay under the protection of God’ Word. Do you have your umbrella? Are you protected?
Psalm 119:3-8 (NLT)
They do not compromise with evil,
and they walk only in his paths.
4 You have charged us
to keep your commandments carefully.
5 Oh, that my actions would consistently
reflect your decrees!
6 Then I will not be ashamed
when I compare my life with your commands.
7 As I learn your righteous regulations,
I will thank you by living as I should!
8 I will obey your decrees.
Please don’t give up on me!
If you and I chose to become a “Psalm 119 Wife” our life would be made of the following characteristics:
She will not compromise evil
She walks only in His paths
She lives a life of consistency
She walks in obedience
She is confident that He will complete what He began
That is challenging! When I read verse three, my eyes continued to be drawn to the word, “compromise”. Oh! How often am I tempted to compromise? Other words that mean the same as compromise are negotiate, concede, and give in. The opposite of compromise is, “confront”. Think for a moment what it would mean to our marriages if we chose to confront our wrong attitudes, our disrespect, our laziness, our selfishness, our conflicts and agree with God’s Word in those areas of our lives and take the steps to be set free. Yet, how often do we compromise and make excuses for why our husbands “deserve” our wrong attitude, the laziness, the disrespect and we talk ourselves into all the reasons why we should be selfish. After all, you and I cannot continue to be overlooked, un-appreciated, un-cared for, and ______________ (you fill in the blank). Our compromise with wrong attitudes and thoughts lead to a heart that becomes heavily entangled with confusion, selfishness, bitterness, resentment and anger.
Confronting” the compromise” begins and continues as the “Psalm 119 Wife” walks ONLY in God’s path. Being in God’s Word, knowing God’s Word and applying God’s Word confronts “the compromise”. This also gives direction and discernment. Having a relationship with Jesus Christ that is growing will lead to a life of consistency. When we become the steady, reliable, and constant wife; our husbands can rest knowing we are trustworthy. The wife that walks in obedience becomes extremely effective in her relationship with her husband and her children. Who knows how many generational strongholds can be broken because obedience is the action that is applied daily. It is only through obedience that we can be truly effective in our marriage and the lives of our children. If you and I choose disobedience we become efficient and nothing more. Understanding that the Lord will complete what He began in our lives brings peace that passes all understanding. Having that knowledge and filtering all of life’s happenings through the promise of Philippians 1:6 will give perspective during the easy times, the difficult times, the joys, the struggles, tragedy and heartache.
Psalm 119:1-8 (NLT)
Joyful are people of integrity,
who follow the instructions of the Lord.
2 Joyful are those who obey his laws
and search for him with all their hearts.
I have a dear friend (http://shapedtoserve.blogspot.com) who has great enthusiasm for Psalm 119. Her enthusiasm has motivated me. When I read the above eight verses, I saw many great truths and life principles. Psalm 119 is power packed! As I unpack these verses; I am going to focus on how Psalm 119 can change our marriages. (If you are reading this and you are unmarried, don’t dismiss this. The principles we will discover can impact your closest relationships)
We live in a culture that craves happiness like I crave a cool swimming pool on a hot, southern day. Happiness is about what I get whereas joyful is about who I am and what I do. The joyful person is a person of integrity; entirely in accord with truth and fact. (www.studylight.org) The joyful person is also a person who obeys and searches for God. Another way to explain “search” in verse 2 is “to consult”. (www.studylight.org) I love that! You may be wondering, what this has to do with my marriage.
What would your marriage and my marriage be like if we put these two verses into action? Happy marriages are good marriages but joyful marriages are the real thing. I desire the real thing! I desire to be a joyful wife. If I am to put that into practice then I choose to be a woman of integrity and follow the instructions of the Lord. What instructions? God has clearly instructed me to unconditionally respect my husband and be his helper. I am to submit to his leadership. I am not to make his life miserable or to make it more appealing to him that he live on the corner of the roof. (Proverbs 21:9) My tongue is to speak kindness and truth in love. (Proverbs 31:26)
Psalm 119:2 is where the rubber meets the road. This is the verse that applauds the person who knows how to press the pause button. Verse one is letting me know that the side effect of my choosing to follow God’s instruction (for my role in my marriage) is a joyful heart. On the other hand, verse 2, is stating that knowing how to press the pause button guarantees a joyful heart. You and I cannot seek God in a hurry. I mentioned earlier that another way to explain “search” is “to consult”. When we go for a consultation with a medical doctor, an employer, a contractor, or whoever it may be. Those type conversations are never hurried and all options are explored. When the consultation is over usually you walk away knowing what will work, what won’t work and if you need to come back for a follow-up. Either way, consulting takes time.
As women, we are emotional. The downside of that is we can be emotionally driven. Our words can be sharp. Our attitude can be isolating. Our body language can send hurtful messages. We need to press the pause button in those moments. The guarantee of a joyful marriage is to seek God with all of our hearts. When you and I pause to seek Him, we put aside our personal agenda and choose to listen. We consult the great I AM and we discover, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)
Doctrine: Pressing the pause button and consulting the Lord with all of my heart will show me TRUTH through His Word.
Reproof: Pressing the pause button will prove my motives and convict my heart in those areas that are wrong.
Correction: Pressing the pause button will restore my heart and lead to restoration in the broken areas of our marriage.
Instruction in Righteousness: Pressing the pause button will reveal areas in our marriage that need discipline.
So often, as women, we are tempted to act too quickly and emotionally in our marriage relationships. How do I know? I am a wife and I know my faults. Secondly, as a counselor, I hear this struggle repeated over and over in my office. Women and men desire a joyful marriage. How do we get to that place? We choose a marriage of integrity and we learn to press the pause button. I want to encourage you to begin being the spouse that “consults” the Lord on all issues and in all circumstances before you speak or take actions that will not guarantee a joyful marriage. Once you have pressed pause, dive into His Word seeking God’s truth, humble yourself when TRUTH convicts, open yourself to His restoring your heart and relationship, and choose godly disciplines that lead to abundant fruit. The fruit that God is wanting to grow in your marriage will impact the testimony of God’ grace and power.
This week of the Victor's Cry teaching session is the core of the entire study. I ask you to open your heart and seek Him this week. Allow the Light of His love to expose the areas of your life that are hindering you to be effective in His kingdom.
Follow the link to the video: Effective Obedience
http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=8e42b214edeaf638b92d
Session Two Outline: Deuteronomy 11
1. When we obey, our eyes are opened to see God's __________, ___________, __________,
and ____________ (vs. 1-7)
2. Believing God through obedience will give ______________for the journey and ____________ in life. (vs 8-15)
3. Satan will do everything he can to ___________ us to turn away from the life we can in _________ (Vs 16-17)
4. Efficiency: doing things ____________
Effectiveness: doing the __________ __________
5. A result of ___________ obedience is a faith that is infectious.
6. "God is ready to assume full _____________ for the life wholly ___________ to Him".
I am excited beyond words to finally be able to give the first week's session of The Victor's Cry! This week we will be learning what it means to live out God's promises. Click on the link below and you will be taken directly to the video. Each week I will provide the notes for each session. Copy and Paste the notes and you can print them off for yourself or for your Bible study group. My prayer for you is that you will live in victory as you love God with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength.
http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=a3c240d894ac4ea96d5e
Living Out God's Promises
Romans 4:17-25
1. To experience all that God has for us, we need to live in _____ _____________.
a. In the presence of the Lord there is ____________ (Ps. 23:5)
b. In the presense of the Lord there is ____________ ( Is. 26:3)
2. Living out God's promises will bring _______ in your life
a. Hope gives __________. (Ps. 31:24)
b. Abound in _______. (Rom. 15:13)
c. Hope __________ the soul. (Heb. 6:19)
3. The promise of God's cleansing - I Jn 1:9
4. The promise of God's ___________
___________ to _____________
Desert to __________
from famine to _____________
5. The promise of His ___________ (Jer. 20:11)
6. The promise of God's ___________ (Is. 41:10)
7. The promise of His _____________ (Ps 84:11)
8. The promise of His _____________ (Ps. 119:105)
9. The promise of His wise _________ (Jer. 29:11)
What God promises He will perform
Now the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.”
3 Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple, and were going to the tomb. 4 So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first. 5 And he, stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed. 9 For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went away again to their own homes.
The last time Peter is mentioned in the story of Jesus’ death, he was warming himself by a fire denying he knew Christ. Now, in this chapter, Mary Magdalene is running to Peter and the other disciples in a panic. She is on alert because she has discovered that Jesus’ body is not in the tomb. I can’t help but read between the lines. I find it comforting and encouraging and challenging that Peter was included. Just days before, Peter had committed the unthinkable, he denied Christ! His denial had to have affected his relationship with the other ten men.
I am sure that there were several tough conversations between Peter and these men. Maybe they also confessed that they were tempted to do the same thing that Peter had done because they were also afraid. On the other hand, maybe they could not believe that Peter had gone that far. Maybe they confronted Peter with many questions of “How could he deny the One who was the Son of God” and “How could you turn your back on the One who had been so good to all of us?” I’m sure there were long conversations and many emotions.
Mary’s running to the disciples and including Peter tells me that they all knew Peter had given in to weakness and had been gripped by fear on that dark night. Peter ran into the tomb. Maybe Peter was outrun because he hesitated to go or maybe he was slow. Who knows? What matters is Peter returned to his core character: he charged in. Peter, once again, displayed that part of his personality that we all love.
Something happens that I do not understand… “then the disciples went away again to their own homes.” I do understand they knew they were not safe. They could not go and report Jesus missing. Yet, I don’t understand why they went their separate ways. The death of Jesus had brought about a hopelessness that I will never be able to identify with. There hopelessness pulled them apart. They were living the story as it unfolded and “…they did not know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead.” I only know this story already knowing the facts and the ending. I cannot imagine the overwhelming emotions they felt.
That leads me to wonder what Peter’s thoughts and feelings were as he walked home to tell his family what had been discovered or rather Who had not been discovered. Did he feel the depths of shame and despair knowing that when it counted most, he had not only let Jesus down; he denied Him. Did he find comfort in knowing that the other disciples had forgiven him? Did it make him feel good knowing that Mary Magdalene sought him out?
I am amazed that the details of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ has one main theme. He is hope. He gives hope. Without Him we have no hope. As Peter walked home that night, I wonder did he grasp that Jesus is THE hope! Because on that walk home, I have to think Peter realized that all hope was lost. Little did Peter know - Hope lived.
John 18:10-11, Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.
So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?”
We are 25 days away from celebrating Easter! This is my favorite celebration of all. At this time of year as Easter approaches, I find myself reminiscing. I want to read and re-read the timeline that leads up to the most unexplained and victorious event in History. As I read the Easter story, I am fascinated with Peter. In the above verses, the focus is on Peter and his spontaneous act of defense. I noticed something I had never noticed before. “The Servant’s name was Malchus.” Malchus is there with the others to arrest Jesus, Peter cuts off Malchus’ ear and God finds it necessary for us to know who this man is.
Jesus did heal this man’s ear. Did that change Malchus’ heart and, I wonder if Malchus ever realized that God knew his name? In the beginning of Jesus’ darkest hours, He kept his priority the main priority: people. He rebuked the one that should have known better and reached out to the one that did not know who He was. How often do we coddle the follower of Christ and rebuke the lost person that really does not know any better. I am guilty of expecting the lost person to “act saved” and I defend the actions of a saved person. When in reality, to be a true follower of Christ, I should reach out with compassion to the person that does need Christ. I should make it a point to make sure that person knows I care and that I do see them as person in need.
What Peter did in that moment began to set him up for the rest of the night. He went from defending to becoming less defensive. He went from being aggressive to being passive. He went from honoring his Lord and Savior to hiding from his Lord and Savior.
I just wonder when Christ took His last breath if Malchus touched his own ear and simply wondered, “Could it be possible that this man is the Son of God?” I find it challenging to know that I should reach out to people that do not know Christ and therefore do not know any better. Do I leave them simply wondering why I would care so much? Or am I like Peter, defend my Savior without compassion and truly recognize that those without Christ really do not know any other way.
Jesus knew his name. He recognized Malchus’ need and met it. Jesus did not want Malchus to think that He approved of Peter’s actions. This man who was there to take Jesus to Pilate, at some point, had to have wondered about the experience he had with the Son of God. I wonder if that experience made him curious enough to become a believer. You and I come into contact with people every day. Do we leave them curious about the experience they have had that they want to know more?
Grab a girlfriend and get ready for The Victor’s Cry 1st Ever Online Bible Study hosted by Joy herself. She will meet with us each week via video bringing to light discussion topics and some fun things especially planned for our online community!
Joy has written a women's Bible study designed to lead the reader into a deeper walk with the Lord. The Victor's Cry is a seven-week Bible study centered on loving the Lord with all of one's heart, soul, mind and strength. Each day has a selected bible reading and a target thought and verse. Beginning with the life of Abraham and Sarah, the topics include "Living out God's Promises" "Effective Obedience," and "Heart Repair."
Joy states, "Giving the Lord God all of your mind, heart, and soul gaining strength as God enables you to conquer your battles and experiencing victory in your life will destroy the strongholds Satan depserately wants to keep you in. Allowing all of your heart to be given to the One who created you will free you from your past and you will be overwhelmed by the perfect love that restores your heart through grace, mercy, peace and joy."
This study is designed for women of any age seeking God's heart, desiring to break strongholds, and longing for a victorious life through applying God's Word in practical ways.
I am so excited about what God has planned for you, dear friend! He deeply desires for you to walk in victory, experiencing Banner Moments.
Order books directly from Joy (place your order through email) at www.joymchale.com, or www.pleasantword.com, and www.amazon.com
Please post a comment and share with Joy who you are (first name only), where you live... lets get to know all of the "Victor's Cry Gals"
There are some words in the English language that cause me to wince, because these words create accountability. Words like exercise, budget, never, always, submit, surrender… I’m sure you can add to the list. You get my point. When we talk about exercise, we are either telling someone the “reasons” we don’t or why we do. When we discuss the budget we are explaining why we are not responsible with our money or what we gain from sticking to a budget. When we say words like never and always we usually speak in the context of a promise that must be followed through with action. When we cough out that word submit, we have to take responsibility for our issues with authority. And when we speak of surrender we, at some point, have to admit our selfishness.
Surrender at one point or another is all about Me. I know, we are told in the Christian community that it is not about me. At some point when I or you are considering surrender, Me, Myself and I am the only barrier. To surrender, I have to get over Me. To reap the blessings of surrender I have to let go of Me.
Surrender is not settling for “whatever”. Surrender is not giving up. Surrender is not giving up who I am. Surrender is much more. Surrender is: doing whatever. Surrender is: growing up. Surrender is: discovering who I am. Surrender begins with the attitude. True surrender is birthed in our heart. The process of surrender challenges our core belief system.
Abraham’s life (chronicled in Genesis) is the picture of surrender. Abraham was tested in every area and surrendered every area. He did not live a perfect life. He did not have a perfect marriage. He was not a perfect parent. He was, however, choosing to live a life of surrender. In Genesis 22, Abraham faced his greatest test. Abraham battled himself. His faith, his beliefs about God, his trust with God, his desires, hopes and dreams and his family were tested and either Abraham would not get over himself or He would surrender it all and discover something about God that could only be discovered through compete surrender.
When Abraham was told to sacrifice his only son, the battle of surrender began. He had to surrender his desires. He finally had the son that God had promised. And now, God was asking the ultimate - to let go of the one thing that meant everything. The darkest hour in the battle of surrender that is fought in the depths of our being is when we make the choice to let go of “the one thing” that means everything.
Abraham made the choice - to let go of the one thing that meant everything - believing God. It was that moment that Abraham experienced the presence of Jehovah-jireh. When you and I surrender, it is then and only then that we can experience the presence of the Almighty God. He will show Himself, otherwise unseen, when we surrender.
I have a large extended family. When we are together for the annual family reunion (which I never know everyone there… I just know somehow we are related) or I am with the family I do know at Christmas and Thanksgiving; at some point someone will say, “Let’s say grace so we can eat!” Those words are music to my ears! My grandmother tells the story of my interrupting the meal time prayer because as a two year old, I thought the prayer was too long. Most of us understand and were taught as children to understand to come to the dinner table with a grateful heart and thank the Lord for His goodness.
In Revelation 3:20, we are told of God’s purpose. He wants to have great fellowship with us. How much better to do that than to share a meal! How we approach our time with our Savior is crucial to our spiritual satisfaction. Do we come to our time with Him ready to not only say grace (a deeply felt gratitude) but are we ready to live grace.
In Exodus 33:13 Moses asks, “… if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight…” As you and I seek God’s grace, He shows us His ways. Seeking grace will bring light into our lives and our circumstances. The Psalmist wrote in Psalm 84:11, For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. The Lord wants to give us His good things. He wants us to experience His goodness; to be in tune with His character. John 1:14 reveals to us the benefit of spending time with our Lord. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth”. As we take part in a wonderful dining experience with our Savior, He imparts grace and truth. Spending unhurried time with our Savior brings the realization that “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor. 12:9) There is plenty of His grace! His grace satisfies. This verse in 2 Corinthians is comforting. I have always known that when my grandmother (or as I lovingly call her, “Granny Grunt) cooks a meal; there is plenty! She will say, “Take as much as you want. There is plenty more!” The great “I AM” promises the same. There is always plenty of grace. Dig in and help yourself!
Grace is given at salvation. It is only by grace that we are saved. (Eph. 2:8) We cannot buy grace. We can’t bottle grace. We cannot demand grace. Grace is a gift. We receive grace and experience grace when we enter into and remain in His fellowship. What is amazing about this bountiful grace is that as we partake of His grace; grace transforms our life. Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. Grace is not only a necessary nutrition to spiritual health and wholeness; it is a primary season that flavors our life. A grace-filled life will affect the outflow of our heart. Hebrews. 4:16, Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Grace opens the door to a relationship with the Holy God. Grace transforms our life. Grace motivates us to come boldly before the throne.
He knocks. We open. He comes. He dines with us and gives us plenty of grace. It is satisfying and it is the most amazing meal! Sit down at the table He has prepared for you. Spread your napkin in your lap. Say ‘Grace’ and help yourself. His grace will give a helping of direction, a side dish of His goodness, a main dish of grace and truth, served with a satisfying experience of His strength in my weakness and a wonderful, pleasurable dessert that lingers on my tongue and brings sweetness to the lives of those I am surrounded by. When this meal is over; I can begin to prepare for the next meal spent with my Savior… I can go before His throne and grace will meet me there.
Revelation 3:20, Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
I love the promise given to us, "I will come in". Our Savior desires to have a relationship with me and you. He is waiting for the invitation. Have you ever invited someone into your home and after visiting with them, you felt relaxed. I have friends that are relaxing to me. When my husband and I lived in Pennsylvania and now in Georgia, I had then and am blessed to have now several dear friends, but there are a particular few when I spent time with them I always feel refreshed and relaxed. it could be a wonderful dinner, a lunch date so our children can all play together or a fabulous cup of coffee. Whatever the reason for the visit; I welcome time spent with these dear friends.
Jesus gives the same result of spending time with Him. He tells us in Matthew 11:28, Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. He knocks. We open. He comes in and begins to soothe and give rest to our soul.
Are you weary? Is the busy life that you live everyday exausting to your soul? Are you overwhelmed by all that God is doing in your life and you simply want to linger in His presence? Whatever your reason for answeriing His knock and inviting Him in; His purpose is to give you rest.
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. Revelation 3:20
Have you ever knocked on someone’s door and they said to you, “it’s open! Come in”. Maybe you have said that to someone when they knocked on your door. The invitation to come in or welcoming someone with that invitation reveals the type of relationship with the person that is knocking. I would not say that to the UPS man nor would I say that to an uninvited guest.
Many opportunities will knock on our hearts door. Satan will also try to gain access to areas of our life. Just because there is a knock does not mean we should respond and invite. I am choosy with who comes into my house. I should also be choosy about what I let into my life. This does not mean I am judgmental. It only means that I am discerning and cautious.
When we answer Christ’s knock and invite Him in. We give Him access to every area or do we? Growing up, I spent a lot of time at my grandmother’s house. I was given complete liberty to walk into and play in any room of the house. I was never told, you cannot go in this or that part of the house. Yet, I am afraid, that we do put limits on where Christ can go in our “house”. Do you ever think or have the attitude that I will only give God this much of my life. I will not surrender this area of my heart. Do we open up the door when He knocks and invite Him in and then only allow Him limited access?
Do you fear what Christ will say to us if He opened up “that door” or “that closet”? Are you afraid that He will be disappointed or angry? Are you living in shame because there are secrets you keep hidden? Our relationship with Christ is never about what we can hide while He inspects. If we respond to Christ that way, we will have a superficial relationship with Him. He simply wants to be invited into our life to transform us. (Rom 12:1-2) Christ never shames us to get us to surrender. Christ loves us to transform us to a life of victory.
I want to encourage you to completely open your life to Christ. Allow Him access to every area. When you completely open up every area and invite Him into the messy parts; you will discover the security, comfort and unfailing love of your wonderful Savior. Trust Him to transform you. Trust that He will love you unconditionally.
Stay open to Him. When you hear Him knocking, don’t hang your head or get nervous of what he may discover when he comes in. Rest in knowing that He will restore you, strengthen you, and use you for His glory. Be open to the only relationship that can ultimately transform your life.
Knock! Knock! Who’s There?
We have two children and they love “knock, knock jokes”. As you know these jokes take two people and both have to participate for the joke to work and be enjoyable. (Although, by the time my children are telling me the tenth plus joke, I am not finding them as cute and funny.)
Revelation 3:20, Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. When I was growing up, I only heard this verse in the context of a salvation verse. In fact, this verse is directed to the saved, not the lost. Several words stand out to me in this verse and challenge me.
KNOCK OPENS COME DINE
When I focused on the word, “knock” in this verse. I realized two things; first, “knock” is an action verb. Second, to hear the knocking we have to be aware. Jesus Christ is not passive. He is action and demands action. This verse does not say He stands and waits quietly on my porch and hopes I will open the door and invite him in. He Knocks! He will do whatever He must do to get our attention. He will do whatever it takes to have a relationship with us. His knocking is his initiating a much desired relationship with you and me!
When I go to visit friends at their home, even if they know I am coming, I still knock. I would not just open the door… Jesus will knock, even though I expect His arrival, He still knocks. He doesn’t force Himself into my life… He respects my choice to answer His knock. I know that every day and I expect to have communication with my Savior every day. He still knocks.
Secondly, I need to be constantly aware of the knocking at the door of my heart. Sometimes, the busy-ness of our life can be so noisy that it drowns out the sound of Jesus’ knocking. Someone may be reading this and thinking I don’t hear Him anymore. Trust me, He is there. The challenge to us is why we don’t hear Him knocking. Awareness is important!
As a cancer survivor having been diagnosed with Melanoma over 6 years ago, I have learned the importance of awareness. I pay attention to my skin and I watch for anything that is unusual. This same keen awareness is critical to our relationship with Jesus Christ: pay attention and watch. Since He initiates by knocking, I must be aware of His imminent visit. This does not mean that my house has to be in order. This doesn’t mean that I have to be stressed that something may be out of order or messy. This only means that I am aware. The more time I spend with my Savior, the more comfortable I become, realizing that He loves me just the way I am.
My dearest friends have seen my house untidy. They have seen my house clean. They have seen laundry piled on my couch waiting to be folded. They have seen the dirty dishes and they have seen me dressed in my “yard clothes”, no make-up, and a bad hair day. I am confident in the relationship and I am comfortable in their presence.
Jesus does not knock with the intent to come in to your life and torture you with the “white glove test” He is ok with your mess. He knows we live in the world… He just asks that we are not of this world. In other words, He does not want us to use worldly philosophy and culture as a standard.
Be aware of His knock. Turn down the noise of your busy life so you can hear Him when He knocks. Relax, knowing that He does not want to come in and inspect your life; He wants to really spend time with you. He loves you and He anticipates a wonderful visit.
The lyrics to the song, His Strength is Perfect is one of my favorite songs. Since I have been focusing on “the Biggest Loser” in my last blog postings, I began focusing more and more on the song. When we watch NBC’s Biggest Loser, I notice that the trainers really focus on strength training. Build Muscle and lose fat. That is key to reaching their long-term goals.
Personally, I hate strength training. One, I have to be honest about how weak I am. Secondly, it makes me sore. I am more of a cardio girl. I like to run, I love aerobics and I seem to get quicker results. Strength training, on the other hand, takes time. It also demands that you lift weights properly and effectively to reduce the risk of injury. It also requires balance; you don’t want to overdo and you don’t want to under achieve. Strength training requires one to be intentional.
John the Baptist stated in John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease”. What does that have to do with strength training? Everything! As I choose to be strengthened in Christ, by Christ and through Christ; I will lose myself. As I am strengthened, I begin to desire the things that will continue me to be strong and I will lose the desire to sabotage my growth in Christ. In other words, my appetite begins to change.
Near the end of the Biggest Loser season, it is wonderful to watch the interviews. I notice that in the beginning of the season, the focus was on themselves and at the end they have their focus on their families and friends. They are motivated to motivate others.
We are set up the same way spiritually. When we begin to live out John 3:30 through applying Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”, we are motivated to be an example to the body of Christ and our appetites are different. Through focusing on Christ and His strength we become focused on others and are made available to minister to those around us.
There are three areas that build spiritual strength that guarantees a godly outcome. First, time spent in His Word will strengthen our soul. Living out God’s principles is most affective when we have the right motive and not a judgmental attitude. Last, when God strengthens us; it is done with balance. God desires that we are strong in Him with our heart, soul, mind and strength. He wants strength in all those areas.
As long as we focus on our weakness or we try to make ourselves stronger our way; we are keeping the focus on ourselves and we cannot live our John 3:30. It is not I must decrease so He can increase. Instead, when we let Him increase; we will decrease.
His Strength is Perfect Lyrics
I can do all things
Through Christ who gives me strength,
But sometimes I wonder what He can do through me;
No great success to show, No glory on my own,
Yet in my weakness He is there to let me know . . .
CHORUS
His strength is perfect when our strength is gone;
He’ll carry us when we can’t carry on.
Raised in His power, the weak become strong;
His strength is perfect, His strength is perfect.
We can only know
The power that He holds
When we truly see how deep our weakness goes;
His strength in us begins
Where ours comes to an end.
He hears our humble cry and proves again
I mentioned in the last blog that The Last Chance Workout is brutal. Watching these men and women do “whatever it takes” to shed one more pounds is inspiring. I often think that at this point in the week it becomes mind over matter. They find the strength and motivation to push harder, do more and give it all they have. Why? Stepping on that scale will be the moment of truth. Whatever number of pounds they have lost or gained will tell everything.
Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness (Lam 3:22-23). Everyday is our last chance workout! Not because it could be our last day to live. We should approach everyday for what it really is. I have today to live for the Lord. I have today to grow in my faith. I have today to… For some, a new day still means facing the hurts and problems of yesterday. A new day does not mean the past problems fade. It does mean that I can choose to face each day knowing that whatever is lingering from yesterday or whatever today holds can be faced with hope because His mercies are new today.
This promise in Lamentations encourages me and motivates me. I can give 100% today. I do not have to let yesterday hold me back. I also cannot totally depend that what I accomplished or what occurred in the last 24 hours to carry me through or hold me back. I must live today for what it really is.
His strength is perfect 2 Corinthians 12:9 states that God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. What is your weakness? I relate to the contestants that are living at the Biggest Loser Ranch. They are weak. We are all weak. So many times we try to strengthen ourselves our way and the only outcome is we burden ourselves with un-needed weight. Just as the Biggest Loser participants will only see results when they follow the diet of the trainers and the exercise regiments of those trainers will they see significant results. It is no different for our spiritual health. God has a specific strategy for spiritual health: His burden is light, we must connect to the True Vine, walk in the light, and then experience Phil 1:6, “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ”.
Are you determined to do things your way and carry weights that burden you? Are you willing to follow the strategies for success laid out in God’s Word? Following His principles will mean you will have to lose to win.
My husband and I watch NBC’s The Biggest Loser faithfully! I usually find inspiration as I watch the story of the participants lives unfold. Before the season is over, I have become a fan of one of them. I want that person to succeed. Recently, as we were watching the program, I said to my husband, “I don’t understand how someone could allow themselves to be that overweight… what happens to them?” His response made me think. He said to me that somewhere in their life they more than likely quit caring.
Most people I know, including myself, would never want to be crowned the “Biggest Loser”. Yet, on this program that is their only goal… the only way to win is to lose. Hebrews 12:1 states …“let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…” Basically, we are to take the same approach with a similar discipline in our spiritual life. We should strive to lose so we can win.
The word “weight” in this verse is anything that is a burden/encumbrance in our life. In other words, whatever it is that is useless, or anything that is a hindrance. There are false belief systems and attitudes that will weigh us down spiritually. Bitterness, resentment, anger, stubbornness, or an unhealthy relationship or other strongholds that entangle can keep us from the Truth that will make us free. Weights can be put on and weights can be taken off. It is our choice!
On the television program, I have two favorite segments: the Challenge and Last Chance Workout. For some of us, everyday is a challenge. Whether you have lost a child and the grief is unbearable and you know that getting out of bed to face another day is your challenge, or you are fighting a disease that you are determined to beat, or you are trying to overcome the bitterness and grief of a divorce. Those are life altering challenges. Other daily challenges may not be as difficult yet they present different types of struggles. The Challenge on the TV show will usually challenge at least one person’s fear and maybe another person’s endurance, but it challenges all the contestants in the area of strength.
Last Chance Workout is brutal! It is amazing that after a week of strenuous exercise the participants have the energy and motivation to work off more calories. Why? They fear the scale. They know that they will walk up the stairs and stand before the trainers, other contestants and all of America. The only thing that truly tells what they have done will be the number on the scale. Everything they do is for a number.
I want to encourage you to ponder what you have read. What is weighing you down? What “weight” do you need to lose? What is the challenge you are facing and do you need a last chance workout spiritually? What do you strive for?
My husband and I watch NBC’s The Biggest Loser faithfully! I usually find inspiration as I watch the story of the participants lives unfold. Before the season is over, I have become a fan of one of them. I want that person to succeed. Recently, as we were watching the program, I said to my husband, “I don’t understand how someone could allow themselves to be that overweight… what happens to them?” His response made me think. He said to me that somewhere in their life they more than likely quit caring.
Most people I know, including myself, would never want to be crowned the “Biggest Loser”. Yet, on this program that is their only goal… the only way to win is to lose. Hebrews 12:1 states …“let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…” Basically, we are to take the same approach with a similar discipline in our spiritual life. We should strive to lose so we can win.
The word “weight” in this verse is anything that is a burden/encumbrance in our life. In other words, whatever it is that is useless, or anything that is a hindrance. There are false belief systems and attitudes that will weigh us down spiritually. Bitterness, resentment, anger, stubbornness, or an unhealthy relationship or other strongholds that entangle can keep us from the Truth that will make us free. Weights can be put on and weights can be taken off. It is our choice!
On the television program, I have two favorite segments: the Challenge and Last Chance Workout. For some of us, everyday is a challenge. Whether you have lost a child and the grief is unbearable and you know that getting out of bed to face another day is your challenge, or you are fighting a disease that you are determined to beat, or you are trying to overcome the bitterness and grief of a divorce. Those are life altering challenges. Other daily challenges may not be as difficult yet they present different types of struggles. The Challenge on the TV show will usually challenge at least one person’s fear and maybe another person’s endurance, but it challenges all the contestants in the area of strength.
Last Chance Workout is brutal! It is amazing that after a week of strenuous exercise the participants have the energy and motivation to work off more calories. Why? They fear the scale. They know that they will walk up the stairs and stand before the trainers, other contestants and all of America. The only thing that truly tells what they have done will be the number on the scale. Everything they do is for a number.
I want to encourage you to ponder what you have read. What is weighing you down? What “weight” do you need to lose? What is the challenge you are facing and do you need a last chance workout spiritually? What do you strive for?
We love those moments in life when we know we finally broke “the habit”. There is excitement when we finally lose that ten pounds or the cravings finally stop and we realize we can live without that particular food. There is something exhilarating when we realize we are having banner moments! In Exodus 17:15, Moses built an altar and called it the Lord is my Banner. The Israelites had fought a difficult fight and they won because the Lord had given the victory. Some translations call it “the alter of Jehovahnissi”, which means Jehovah is my banner.
Many of us ring in a new year looking back at the past year. I admit that I enjoy watching the “Year in Review” type television specials. Whether it is the most fascinating people or greatest sports moments, I like to look back and remember. I realized that I haven’t ever faced a new year in preview. This thought crossed my mind the other day when I saw a preview of an upcoming movie. I thought to myself what if I and others went into a new year already knowing the highlights, not the outcome, but some simple highlights of how our year would go. Well, that is impossible or is it?
We can not only have a glimpse of what 2010 will be like, we can have a year in preview! How?
The Lord is my Banner” is the common thread for my life. There will be spiritual battles fought. There will be victory. There will be trial. There will be temptation. There will be weariness. There will be joy. There will be heartache. I could go on, but I think you get the picture. The Israelites had left Egypt where they were slaves and lived in bondage. The journey through the wilderness would lead them to the Promised Land. God revealed himself to them daily through a cloud by day, fire by night and Manna every morning. He was present. Battles were fought and God defeated their enemies. Jesus Christ came to us to make us free. We no longer have to live as slaves. He conquered the grave! We are set free from the stronghold of sin.
Life will be ups and there will be downs. Just as the Israelites did not have an easy journey in the wilderness and God never abandoned them. We too have that promise and more.
Hebrews 13:5, I will never leave you nor forsake you.
2 Corinthians My grace is sufficient for you; My strength is made perfect in weakness…
Psalm 71:14 But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more
Phil. 4:7 And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus
Psalm 94:18 If I say, “My foot slips,” Your mercy, O LORD, will hold me up.
Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
You and I will not know the details and we may not always know the “why’s” of what 2010 will hold for us… but we can have a glimpse of what will sustain the story that God will write in our lives this year. Our year in preview will be filled with hope, grace that is sufficient, peace, mercy and His amazing love. Enjoy the preview and trust Him in the details.
