3 Word Sunday

Well, after a sleep deprived night I was going to write, "I need prayer", but after spending some quiet time with the Lord this morning and laying my fears and anxieties at His feet, looking ahead to Friday and trusting God I write,

CLINGING TO HIM !

For what do you need to hold on to Him today. We can trust Him. Greater is He who is in me, than He who is in the world !!!

Voice of Truth

In keeping with all that has been consuming my thoughts these days, this song calls me to listen and obey the Voice of Truth.

"YES"

"Then you will delight yourself in the Lord, and I will make you ride over the heights of the land."

Isaiah 58:14

The above verse quenched my dry and thirsting soul this morning. For any of you who have been following my journey through my other blog "Ponderings", you are well aware that a week today I face one of my greatest fears. As I woke early this morning, consumed with apprehension and that familar gnawing in the pit of my stomach, the Lord has called me to once again fix my eyes on Him. He has called me to delight in Him and enjoy His presence.

His Word tells me, "If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast."

Do I believe God's promises? Do I trust His Word? Do you?

"For in him every one of God's promises is a 'Yes'."

2 Corinthians 1:20

It's not about me!

"...consider others..."

Philippians 2:3

Yesterday was a day filled with prayer requests. Big requests. Demanding needs. Hurt. Pain. Loss. Confusion. Hope deferred. Heartache. Tears. Questions.

Hearing of circumstances and situations that others are currently facing gave me a fresh dose of perspective. I have recently had my eyes selfishly fixed on me, myself and I. Fear has blocked my view and kept me self-centered instead of ministering to others. I have been so consumed with my own anxieties that I have missed opportunities to show compassion and genuine concern to others. I have now turned the magnifying glass from my heart of fear and I'm looking into the eyes of others. Coming along side their suffering. Shedding a tear with them. Listening. Embracing.

It took a completely selfless prayer request from a special friend to grab my attention. Father forgive me for the many times I've neglected those so dear to me and been more concerned about my own interests. Lord teach me how to reach out with Your love.

Refiner's Fire

I read the following quote this morning:

"God has brought pain in my life. But as I have surrendered to it, He has used the flames of hurt to burn away the parts that need not linger."

Kelly Minter

As soon as I read that the words to the chorus, "Refiner's Fire" began going through my mind. "Refiner's fire. My heart's one desire is to be holy, Set apart for You Lord, I choose to be holy, Set apart for You my Master, Ready to do Your will."

Pain's purpose is to purify, yet we fight the process. No-one willingly welcomes pain. It's hard. It hurts. It often leaves us questioning. We feel like God has abandoned us. Yet, it's often during these times that God is doing some of His best work in our lives.

What painful situation are you facing? Remember, God has not abandoned you regardless of how things might look and feel. He is with you and He is working out His best for your good and His glory. Hold on.

Safely through the Night

Ominous clouds were approaching. The meteorologist had warned of severe weather all day. My heart beat faster. I'm not a storm girl. I have friends who love to watch them, but I'd rather be in a room without windows.

As I lay awake last night claiming every "Don't fear" verse I could remember and desperately trying to place my trust in God, my husband and son slept. To me that is the ultimate victory and demonstration of faith in God. Sleeping through a storm. Having so much confidence and hope in God that although storm clouds threaten the way, peace is your companion.

I remember someone else who slept through a storm as well. Matthew 8:24 says, "Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping." Jesus was sleeping. The disciples woke Jesus as they were certain they were going to drown. Jesus replies, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?"

I'm sure Christ asks that question of me often as I battle my constant enemy of fear. Joy, why are you so afraid?

Lord, I don't want to be. I long to have the trust in You that banishes all fear. Your Word says, "I will make peace flow to her like a river". (Isaiah 66:12) Lord, I want to experience that peace. A peace that isn't boring and dull like a stagnant pond, but like a river. Beth Moore writes that "Few bodies of water are more exciting than rivers! When God used the analogy of a river, He described a peace that can be retained while life twists and turns and rolls over boulders. It means to have security and tranquility while meeting many bumps and unexpected turns on life's journey."

Thank You Father for bringing me safely through the night. Keep calling me to trust You and give me courage to rest under the shadow of Your Wings.

"Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed."

Psalm 57:1

Is there a reason you need to find rest under the shadow of His wings today? Come join me. The Lord's wing span can accommodate us all.

Bow the Knee

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:9-11

Yesterday was a wonderful day of praise, worship and celebration! A musical presentation entitled, "How Amazing Is Your Love" was shared through those in Worship Arts Ministry at my church.

I couldn't contain my tears as the truths of each song rang clear in my heart. I serve a God who does miracles so great! He is God alone! He is worthy of all praise! But the culmination of it all for me was in the last song presented. One day Presidents and Royalty will bow at His feet and acknowledge that He is God!

Why wait for that day? I get down on my face before God every morning before I start my day in humble admiration and recognition of who He is to me. Take a moment to bow your knee today and let your heart sing that He is Lord!