3 Word Sunday

In keeping with my thoughts this week, 3 words come to mind:

HE FOUND ME!

Have you been found? If so, rejoice in being His chosen child today!

Treasure Island

I've viewed several blogs that post songs on Saturdays - "Then Sings My Soul" Saturday's. I like that idea and think I will follow suit. Songs often speak to my heart deeper and longer than the spoken word. I trust you will take time to listen to this song today and remember that where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Let's set sail together for "Treasure Island".



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"As Is"

"Just as I am, without one plea,

But that Thy blood was shed for me,

And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come."

Have you ever gone looking to buy a used car and read the qualifier, "As is"? In other words, there are probably some repairs that need to be made, but the buyer is recognizing this and if anyone chooses to purchase the vehicle, the seller is freeing themself of any further obligation. Should the purchaser buy the car in it's present condition, there is no liability to the previous owner.

My heart is still grieving for the young girl I wrote about yesterday in my "Chosen" post. As I continue to think about her, the Lord has impressed another truth on my heart. He accepts me "As is". He doesn't ask me to make all the necessary "repairs" and get my life running smoothly before I come to Him. His Word says, "Whosoever will, may come".

My life can be dented. My "engine" can be running rough. My "tires" could be slashed. The "windows" to my soul may have painful memories. Certain fluid levels could be low. I might have a lot of baggage in my trunk. I could be a very ordinary, "four-door sedan"; haven't won any races; not decked out with all the accessories that some of the more attractive models possess, but God isn't deterred at all by my present condition. He accepts me "as is", but sees all that I can become in Christ.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"

2 Corinthians 5:17

To read all the lyrics of the hymn above click here .

Chosen

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.

Ephesians 1:3-8

I sat behind her last night. She sat erect Back straight. Head held high. Hands clasped. With each name called I saw the longing. She sat in hopeful silence. Barely breathing she waited. Yearning written all across her appearance. Her hands sometimes figeted in nervousness and anticipation. Until the last name was called. She stood with poise and refinement and left quickly. She had not received an award.

My heart ached for her. That was my High School story. Being second or third didn't bring the accolation. "Close" or "Almost" didn't receive the medal. She wasn't chosen.

This morning as I prayed for this young girl, feeling her disappointment, rejection, failure, I was reminded of the beautiful passage from Ephesians above. Whatever you are going through today remember that you are special to God. You are blessed, loved, chosen, adopted, favoured, redeemed and forgiven.

Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

2 Timothy 4:8

If you know Christ as your Lord and Savior, one day your name will be called and the reward you will receive will be greater than any earthly trophy. He's applauding and given a standing ovation for you today - Well done, good and faithful servant.

Who's the Boss?

"He will extend his power over many countries; Egypt will not escape.

He will gain control of the treasures...."

Daniel 11:42-43a

What is gaining control of your treasures?

Last night, just before turning off the computer and heading to bed I was visiting a blog of a dear friend who had experienced a hectic few days with unexpected illness in her extended family, along with all the other challenges of being a wife and mother. As she began to inform the reader of her absence from this "bloggy world", she wrote, "These blog posts can begin to feel like such pressure!!"

Her confession immediately hit a sensitve nerve with me. I am all to familiar with the pressure to maintain the expected. I too often allow other's opinions to dictate my agenda. I want to have time for it all - and do it all well, but at what expense?

What has control over your life today? What is causing you to feel pressured? Where are you sensing the heavy hand of oppression? What has become too powerful and important, robbing you from other activities, stealing joy and replacing freedom with guilt? It could be your position, materialism, money, pleasure, consuming thoughts, a goal, a dream, an unfulfilled dream, acceptance, technology, an addiction, _______ (you fill in the blank). Ask yourself, What is taking preeminence over family, church, friends, and my quiet rest with my Lord? What currently is receiving the focus of my time and attention? As the verse above warns, do not allow it to gain control of the treasures in your life...the treasures of relationship, surrender and more of Christ.

Remember, God's yoke is easy and His burden is light.

False Security

"Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders."

Deuteronomy 33:12

Last evening my son was working on a school project which included designing a map. On the map he was creating a Legend to represent different aspects depicted on his diagram. He suddenly asked me, "Mom, what can I draw to portray security?"

Without hesitation I said, "Well, I know what I would draw. I would sketch either an empty tomb or a cross because my security is found in Christ alone."

This morning as I sat with God's Word open before me, the Lord reminded me of this response. He spoke a question to my heart. "Joy, if I am your security, why are you so afraid?"

"Ouch"

I am professing that God is my security, my refuge, my safe place, that I can trust in Him, yet in reality I am clinging to other people and things hoping for protection. Growing up in the church my mouth easily gives the correct response, but my heart reveals the truth.

I'm worshipping God, yet serving my fears.

Who are you truly worshipping today?

Hallelujah Anyway

"Though the fig tree doesn't bud

and there are no grapes on the vines,

though the olive crop fails

and the fields produce no food,

though there are no sheep in the pen

and no cattle in the stalls,

yet I will rejoice in the LORD,

I will be joyful in God my Savior."
Habbakuk 3:17-18

Dear Friends, I don't know what is going on in your life this week, tomorrow, this moment, but this is the Word the Lord has clearly spoken to me over the weekend. Regardless of feelings or circumstances, fears within and trials without, the Lord is calling me to praise Him. The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, blessed be the Name of the Lord. I don't have to wait until everything is peachy-keen to praise Him. I can praise Him in the uncertainties and in the darkness. I'm not to wait...but praise Him "Now" - Psalm 134:1, "Now praise the LORD..." God added no qualifier to that directive. We don't just praise Him for His blessings, we rejoice IN THE LORD. I am joyful IN GOD MY SAVIOR. It's not because of what He's done that I praise Him, but because of who He is!

The Lord gives us treasures in darkness and when we praise Him in the night our praise becomes a battle cry of victory. Our worship defeats the enemy.

Let's go out today with shouts of praise! We can sing Hallelujah Anyway!

"When the oceans rise and thunders roar

I will soar with You above the storm

Father, You are King over the flood

I will be still and know You are God,

I will be still and know You are God"

Still by Reuben Morgan