As I wrestled with my son on the floor, he came close to my head with
his hands and I immediately froze, a nervous sweat breaking out across
my forehead.
Another time, I bumped my head and immediately became anxious, concerned that this blow may result in yet another concussion.
The fact of the matter is that bumping our heads is just a part of
life. It happens...to everyone. We bump into things as we walk through
life...and it's not the end of the world.
I know that.
Yet it hasn't stopped the panicked feelings and anxiety that seem to pop
up unexpectedly. You can't predict a panic attack. Anxiety can pop up
unawares. When it happens, it can momentarily cripple you. Reason and
logic seem to vanish.
The reality is that I don't need another head trauma. Living with an
acquired brain injury is a challenge. Yet, I have seen significant
improvement over the last 2+ years as well. There was a point where I
could only read about 5 minutes before the headaches started and I would
lose focus. Now I can read a whole lot longer and the headaches are
gone. My concentration and focus has improved. Yes I have to put
things into manageable chunks and I need deadlines but I can get things
done easier than I could even a year ago. At one point, immediately
after my 6th concussion, I could not even recognize the letters on a
keyboard. Trying to write a blog post...or anything...was a challenge.
Now I can write sermons and blog posts again...though I do write a lot
less than I used to.
I no longer stumble over my words as much as I used to...unless I get
really tired. I do have to nap more than I used to. There was a point
where I struggled to do any public speaking and my sermons had shrunk to
around 5 minutes. Things began to improve but I could not speak without
notes and would lose my place frequently. Now I can talk for an hour
with few notes.
I have found comfort recently in Philippians 4:6, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
I have been praying for a healing and I have found improvement, though
not as quickly as I would like. I have petitioned God. Not just
praying, but praying with the passion and desperation of a broken man. I
have also began to thank God for the vast and significant improvements I
am seeing.
All is not lost, I have a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11) I know
that I truly can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
(Philippians 4:13) It has been a long journey, one I never
envisioned...yet I also see how God has moved in the situation and
changed me for His glory through the process.
For that I thank God.
Showing posts with label Jeremiah. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jeremiah. Show all posts
3/20/14
A Bubble Wrapped Life! - Just A Thought #60
I love bubble wrap. I think most people do. It seems to bring out the child in us. Popping those little bubbles over and over can be relaxing and fun.
Recently, I had many suggestions that I put my head in bubble wrap. After receiving yet another concussion...I stopped counting after 6...my well meaning friends thought it might be the safest option for me.
I thought about it...
Seriously though, bubble wrap is used to protect fragile things in shipping and storage and people trust that if they wrap it, it will be safe. I wish life was like that. It would be nice if we could wrap our life in bubble wrap wouldn't it? Nothing would get through...no sickness, no pain, no hurt. A safe and secure life.
We would be immune from all the cares of this world...sure we might get a few bubbles popped but nothing would truly touch us.
Life isn't that easy.
So we learn to trust!
"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit." (Jeremiah 17:7-8)
I could live in fear of another head injury but that won't stop it from happening. I could try to protect myself in numerous ways but all that will do is cause me untold stress, fear and misery. It wouldn't be much of a life.
No, I prefer to trust in the Lord. Not just when it comes to my noggin, but in all areas of my life.
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? (Luke 12:25)
The answer is no one!
God knows what I need day in and day out. He knows what my life will be like today, tomorrow and until I breathe my last. I choose to trust in the God of the universe, the creator of everything. If I trust in the Lord I will be firmly planted and secure. I will have peace even in the midst of hardship. That is better than bubble wrap.
3/1/14
I Wil Draw Near
My beautiful wife never ceases to amaze me. She wrote this worship song last week for our upcoming Sunday service. Preceding the song will be Scriptures that contributed to her thought process. I include those passages here and encourage you to spend time looking them up.
Here are the words to her song:
I Will Draw Near
Fountain of Life, flow
over me
'till I'm filled with Your
glory
Spirit renew the fire that
once drew
me into the Holy of Holies
And I will draw near, as I
wait here
I will return to my Father
My heart of stone, I lay
at Your throne
That I may know You and be
known
The sound of Your voice,
fills me with joy
You turn sorrow to
gladness
You don't disappoint, You
never leave
and I am changed in Your
presence
So I will draw near, as I
wait here
I will return to my Father
My heart of stone, I lay
at Your throne
That I may know You and be
known
Only in You are justice
and truth
and mercy binds me to You
How high are Your
thoughts, How great are Your ways
Your covenant is my peace
Bridge:
You satisfy my soul with
good
You bought my freedom with
Your blood
Your fire consumes my sin
You captivate my heart
So, I will draw near, as I
wait here
I will return to my Father
My heart of stone, I lay
at Your throne
That I may know you and be
known
© Sarah Apperson, 2014
Psalms 94:14; 107:9; 111:9-11
Isaiah 31:3; 40:31; 54:10; 55:6-8
Jeremiah 2:13; 3:12; 3:19; 31:13
Ezekiel 36:25-27; 43:5
John 4:14
Acts 2:2-4
Ephesians 1:7-8
Titus 3:4-7
Hebrews 12:29
11/2/13
Glimpses of Hope
Wars, floods, hurricanes, famine, tornadoes, poverty, sickness and
pain.
You can't follow the news without seeing a daily does of all of the above.
I have heard for years that in reference to the news: If it bleeds, It leads.
What we don't often hear though are the stories of hope.
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29 :11
It may be hard to have hope in the midst of hardship, yet if you look for it, you will find the stories of those who are looking to a future beyond the suffering of the present.
At times during my teen years, hope was the only thing I had.
By the early 80's we were a middle class family. My Dad had his own business, we owned our own home and though we had other problems, poverty wasn't one of them.
My folks moved to Tennessee when I was 14 and we all gave our lives to Christ within a few months. Within a couple years, the bottom fell out of our middle class life.
My Dad's business wasn't doing well, then we lost our home. We moved and moved again. Then we got behind on the rent, and our electricity, and before long we were in a deep, deep hole.
The church we were attending wondered out loud what "sin" we had committed to go through this suffering.
As for me, I found it a struggle to have joy. I tried to remain upbeat but the continuous blow after blow began to take it's toll on my faith. Where was God? Why did we suffer like this? Was there any way our circumstances could change? Well change they did, as we had to leave our most recent home and were driving around in our van, homeless. We found a one room cabin for a month and then it was on the road again looking for another home...and another.
At the lowest point, all I had left was the little glimpses of hope God provided in the midst of the struggle.
Like the lady who offered to pay for me to go to Bible College. (I didn't at the time.)
Like the fact that we always had a place to lay our head. Even if that place wasn't our home.
Like the time God provided for me to go for a week to California to volunteer at a missions base.
In the midst of all this, I saw God provide, one day at a time, day after day.
Hope.
Now, looking back on my life, I see how God was always there. He never left me, even in the darkest hours.
He is a God of Hope!
You can't follow the news without seeing a daily does of all of the above.
I have heard for years that in reference to the news: If it bleeds, It leads.
What we don't often hear though are the stories of hope.
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29 :11
It may be hard to have hope in the midst of hardship, yet if you look for it, you will find the stories of those who are looking to a future beyond the suffering of the present.
At times during my teen years, hope was the only thing I had.
By the early 80's we were a middle class family. My Dad had his own business, we owned our own home and though we had other problems, poverty wasn't one of them.
My folks moved to Tennessee when I was 14 and we all gave our lives to Christ within a few months. Within a couple years, the bottom fell out of our middle class life.
My Dad's business wasn't doing well, then we lost our home. We moved and moved again. Then we got behind on the rent, and our electricity, and before long we were in a deep, deep hole.
The church we were attending wondered out loud what "sin" we had committed to go through this suffering.
As for me, I found it a struggle to have joy. I tried to remain upbeat but the continuous blow after blow began to take it's toll on my faith. Where was God? Why did we suffer like this? Was there any way our circumstances could change? Well change they did, as we had to leave our most recent home and were driving around in our van, homeless. We found a one room cabin for a month and then it was on the road again looking for another home...and another.
At the lowest point, all I had left was the little glimpses of hope God provided in the midst of the struggle.
Like the lady who offered to pay for me to go to Bible College. (I didn't at the time.)
Like the fact that we always had a place to lay our head. Even if that place wasn't our home.
Like the time God provided for me to go for a week to California to volunteer at a missions base.
In the midst of all this, I saw God provide, one day at a time, day after day.
Hope.
Now, looking back on my life, I see how God was always there. He never left me, even in the darkest hours.
He is a God of Hope!
3/23/13
Up and Down and Inside Out!
Sometimes my emotions get the best of me. I feel like I am on an emotional roller-coaster, going up and down and inside out. I also know, from talking with others, that I am not alone. Mostly I can keep it all in check...but life has a way of sneaking up on you when you least expect it.
I have also found that trying to handle things in my own strength doesn't work.
In fact, it leaves you worse off than you were before.
The only solution I have found is to turn to the Lord.
"When you look for me, you will find me. When you wholeheartedly seek me..." Jeremiah 29:13
I had an unexpected panic attack last week. While having a medical check-up it seemed to come out of nowhere. It left as quickly as it came but it also left me feeling a bit hollow. It wasn't my first panic attack but this one was different. It drove me to Jesus Christ.
I knew there were issues I have needed to deal with for years. Healing that needed to take place. I knew it was time, far past time really, to bring these things to the cross. I always kept a bag of burdens to myself. I asked Jesus to be my savior but I wasn't ready to ask Him to be Lord of everything. I wanted Him to be Lord of MOST things. I didn't want Him poking in my bag of burdens. I didn't want to unpack my past. However, my past has been affecting my future.
So I said a prayer and contacted a Christian counseling friend. I am looking at the Word and letting the Lord sift through my bag of junk. It's not easy. There were many hurts I have experienced that I kept pushed down. It is hard to see it spilling all over the place.
Yet it is also refreshing. I feel more free as I allow this stuff into the light.
I also know it's a journey. I know that I need to cling to the Lord daily and to work with Him and not against Him.
My wife Sarah wrote a song last year that epitomizes my thoughts and feelings right now.
Hide Me
Hide me in Your holiness; shield me in your presence
Fill me with songs of deliverance
Guide me in Your righteousness; hold me in my brokenness
Keep me from harm all the days that I live
Father, You're my hiding place
My fortress and defense
My tower and the shade at my right hand
Jesus, You're my only hope
Lover of my soul
Empty I cry, "Lord, You're the strength of my life."
Lord, You're the strength of my life;
You're the giver of everything good.
I come to You now as a child to receive,
the Love that you poured out for me.
The love that You pour out, the love that You pour out,
the love that You poured out on me.
Dare I say it, but I am glad I had a panic attack last week. That panic attack has driven me back to the foot of the cross. Not a bad place to be.
10/14/12
The Father's Love Letter
My
Child,
You may not know me, but I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1
Psalm 139:1
I
know when you sit down and when you rise up.
Psalm 139:2
Psalm 139:2
I
am familiar with all your ways.
Psalm 139:3
Psalm 139:3
Even
the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Matthew 10:29-31
Matthew 10:29-31
For
you were made in my image.
Genesis 1:27
Genesis 1:27
In
me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28
Acts 17:28
For
you are my offspring.
Acts 17:28
Acts 17:28
I
knew you even before you were conceived.
Jeremiah 1:4-5
Jeremiah 1:4-5
I
chose you when I planned creation.
Ephesians 1:11-12
Ephesians 1:11-12
You
were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book.
Psalm 139:15-16
Psalm 139:15-16
I
determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live.
Acts 17:26
Acts 17:26
You
are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14
Psalm 139:14
I
knit you together in your mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13
Psalm 139:13
And
brought you forth on the day you were born.
Psalm 71:6
Psalm 71:6
I
have been misrepresented by those who don't know me.
John 8:41-44
John 8:41-44
I
am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love.
1 John 4:16
1 John 4:16
And
it is my desire to lavish my love on you.
1 John 3:1
1 John 3:1
Simply
because you are my child and I am your Father.
1 John 3:1
1 John 3:1
I
offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
Matthew 7:11
Matthew 7:11
For
I am the perfect father.
Matthew 5:48
Matthew 5:48
Every
good gift that you receive comes from my hand.
James 1:17
James 1:17
For
I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
Matthew 6:31-33
Matthew 6:31-33
My
plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
Jeremiah 29:11
Because
I love you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3
Jeremiah 31:3
My
thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18
Psalms 139:17-18
And
I rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17
Zephaniah 3:17
I
will never stop doing good to you.
Jeremiah 32:40
Jeremiah 32:40
For
you are my treasured possession.
Exodus 19:5
Exodus 19:5
I
desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul.
Jeremiah 32:41
Jeremiah 32:41
And
I want to show you great and marvelous things.
Jeremiah 33:3
Jeremiah 33:3
If
you seek me with all your heart, you will find me.
Deuteronomy 4:29
Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight
in me and I will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4
Psalm 37:4
For
it is I who gave you those desires.
Philippians 2:13
Philippians 2:13
I
am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine.
Ephesians 3:20
Ephesians 3:20
For
I am your greatest encourager.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I
am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When
you are brokenhearted, I am close to you.
Psalm 34:18
Psalm 34:18
As
a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart.
Isaiah 40:11
Isaiah 40:11
One
day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes.
Revelation 21:3-4
Revelation 21:3-4
And
I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4
Revelation 21:3-4
I
am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus.
John 17:23
John 17:23
For
in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.
John 17:26
John 17:26
He
is the exact representation of my being.
Hebrews 1:3
Hebrews 1:3
He
came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you.
Romans 8:31
Romans 8:31
And
to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19
2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus
died so that you and I could be reconciled.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19
2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His
death was the ultimate expression of my love for you.
1 John 4:10
1 John 4:10
I
gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love.
Romans 8:31-32
Romans 8:31-32
If
you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me.
1 John 2:23
1 John 2:23
And
nothing will ever separate you from my love again.
Romans 8:38-39
Romans 8:38-39
Come
home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7
Luke 15:7
I
have always been Father, and will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15
Ephesians 3:14-15
My
question is…Will you be my child?
John 1:12-13
John 1:12-13
I
am waiting for you.
Luke 15:11-32
Love, Your Dad
Almighty God
Luke 15:11-32
Love, Your Dad
Almighty God
Father's Love Letter used by permission Father Heart Communications
© 1999-2011 www.FathersLoveLetter.com
7/9/11
I Got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy....
Joy...I believe this is one of the most misunderstood words in the Christian faith. When you hear the word joy, may feel they need to paste a sickly, unnatural smile on their face and act like everything in the world is just peachy keen...
Insert a gagging noise here.
Who hasn't experienced the happy, happy, joy, joy Christians who want no one to mention adversity and seem to deny the reality that bad things DO happen? I remember one time someone asked how my wife was, I mentioned she had a cold and then was blasted for "negatively confessing" these things.
What does the Bible say about joy? I like Proverbs 17:22, "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."
What do we have to be joyful about anyways?
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a FUTURE and a HOPE." Jeremiah 29:11
We have a HOPE AND A FUTURE! That is what we have to be joyful about.
Yeah bad things happen. However we should remember this: 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 says, "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."
There is also this passage in Romans: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35-39
Life isn't always peaches and cream...my prayer for you is this: May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:11-14
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13
Insert a gagging noise here.
Who hasn't experienced the happy, happy, joy, joy Christians who want no one to mention adversity and seem to deny the reality that bad things DO happen? I remember one time someone asked how my wife was, I mentioned she had a cold and then was blasted for "negatively confessing" these things.
What does the Bible say about joy? I like Proverbs 17:22, "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."
What do we have to be joyful about anyways?
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a FUTURE and a HOPE." Jeremiah 29:11
We have a HOPE AND A FUTURE! That is what we have to be joyful about.
Yeah bad things happen. However we should remember this: 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 says, "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."
There is also this passage in Romans: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35-39
Life isn't always peaches and cream...my prayer for you is this: May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:11-14
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13
10/22/10
I Drew My Shoe!
Back in the 5th grade, our art teacher decided the students should draw their shoe!
Now, I can't draw. My daughter is quite the artist but I peaked at stick figures and never really progressed beyond that. I knew this project would be a challenge for me.
Each student took off one of their shoes and popped it on the desk. For the next few days we each struggled to make a rendition of our footwear of choice.
I knew the stick figure approach wouldn't work here.
So I drew, I erased, I drew some more. It seemed as if I took 3 lines fw and 2 lines back as I tried to make an accurate copy of my Nike! After finishing my project I presented it with joy to my teacher who rewarded me with an A. (I still have that drawing!)
Now, as I watch my daughter draw...I see the same persistence, the drawing and erasing as she seeks to create a masterpiece.
God is an artist as well. The masterpiece He is creating is our life.
Jeremiah 18:1-6 talks about the Potter and the Clay and how the Lord can shape Israel the same way. I look at those verses and think back over my life. I can see where the Lord also shaped me, molded me, rubbed out the rough spots, carved out some really bad spots, etc. I am not egotistical enough to think He is done.
Yet I know He is creating a masterpiece with my life. The erasing, the rubbing is painful at times. Yet ultimately He will receive the glory!
Now, I can't draw. My daughter is quite the artist but I peaked at stick figures and never really progressed beyond that. I knew this project would be a challenge for me.
Each student took off one of their shoes and popped it on the desk. For the next few days we each struggled to make a rendition of our footwear of choice.
I knew the stick figure approach wouldn't work here.
So I drew, I erased, I drew some more. It seemed as if I took 3 lines fw and 2 lines back as I tried to make an accurate copy of my Nike! After finishing my project I presented it with joy to my teacher who rewarded me with an A. (I still have that drawing!)
Now, as I watch my daughter draw...I see the same persistence, the drawing and erasing as she seeks to create a masterpiece.
God is an artist as well. The masterpiece He is creating is our life.
Jeremiah 18:1-6 talks about the Potter and the Clay and how the Lord can shape Israel the same way. I look at those verses and think back over my life. I can see where the Lord also shaped me, molded me, rubbed out the rough spots, carved out some really bad spots, etc. I am not egotistical enough to think He is done.
Yet I know He is creating a masterpiece with my life. The erasing, the rubbing is painful at times. Yet ultimately He will receive the glory!
6/1/10
The God Who Jumps Through Hoops! - Just A Thought #42
The Bible records a vast number of names for God: Jehovah (Psalm 83:18), Foundation (Isaiah 28:16), Comforter (Jeremiah 8:18), Mighty God (Isaiah 9:6) and Refiner (Malachi 3:2) are just a few.
One name I have never found is "The God Who Jumps Through Hoops." Yet it is this name that many seem to want to call Him by. You'll meet these people when they want a healing, a blessing, a relationship or something they feel they deserve or need. When God does not perform for them in their desired timing, they began to question God or become more demanding. It is not that God will not heal or bless. He does this. However, I have noticed a certain type of attitude when it comes to our wants.
I have heard people say, "If God does NOT heal me, He is a liar." Scriptures get cut down to their barest minimum and are twisted to support their version of what God should do. "Well, it says God healed their sickness but He is not healing mine!" People act as if God is a puppet on a string, here to do our bidding. However, when reading the Word, I can't find this version of God anywhere.
It boils down to a selfish attitude. We want what we want when we want it. In other words, we want to be God! He should do things our way! We want to be in charge and have God fulfill our version of life!
Yet, in the Scriptures, just as often as God healed or moved, He remained silent. He stayed His hand. He let events unfold according to His plan. I am encouraged by Hebrews faith chapter. I have heard many sermons on Hebrews Chapter 11, and they are used as proof of God's blessing and protection as we persevere and seek Him. Often overlooked are the final 5 verses of that chapter, which talk about saints being tortured, imprisoned, stoned, sawn in two, slain, destitute, afflicted and tormented! They are also praised for their faith.
So, the next time you think about demanding God move, remember that if He does, it may not be in the way you expect. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:9). Can you still maintain your faith if your prayers do not get answered in the way you wanted?
One name I have never found is "The God Who Jumps Through Hoops." Yet it is this name that many seem to want to call Him by. You'll meet these people when they want a healing, a blessing, a relationship or something they feel they deserve or need. When God does not perform for them in their desired timing, they began to question God or become more demanding. It is not that God will not heal or bless. He does this. However, I have noticed a certain type of attitude when it comes to our wants.
I have heard people say, "If God does NOT heal me, He is a liar." Scriptures get cut down to their barest minimum and are twisted to support their version of what God should do. "Well, it says God healed their sickness but He is not healing mine!" People act as if God is a puppet on a string, here to do our bidding. However, when reading the Word, I can't find this version of God anywhere.
It boils down to a selfish attitude. We want what we want when we want it. In other words, we want to be God! He should do things our way! We want to be in charge and have God fulfill our version of life!
Yet, in the Scriptures, just as often as God healed or moved, He remained silent. He stayed His hand. He let events unfold according to His plan. I am encouraged by Hebrews faith chapter. I have heard many sermons on Hebrews Chapter 11, and they are used as proof of God's blessing and protection as we persevere and seek Him. Often overlooked are the final 5 verses of that chapter, which talk about saints being tortured, imprisoned, stoned, sawn in two, slain, destitute, afflicted and tormented! They are also praised for their faith.
So, the next time you think about demanding God move, remember that if He does, it may not be in the way you expect. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:9). Can you still maintain your faith if your prayers do not get answered in the way you wanted?
1/26/10
Battleship
My daughter and I love battleship. It's a fun game where you seek and destroy your opponents ships which are hidden at sea. The fun is in the searching. As you seek to find your opponents ships you have to dig in and strategize, think, analyze, plan and implement ideas.
I find more excitement when I seek the Lord and search Him out, endeavoring to know Him more. When I think on Him, dig into His Word, etc.
A casual search of the Scriptures shows me numerous references to seeking the Lord.
Deuteronomy 4:29
But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.
1 Chronicles 16:10
Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.
1 Chronicles 16:11
Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.
Psalm 9:10
Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Psalm 14:2
The LORD looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.
Psalm 27:4
One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
Psalm 27:8
My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek.
Psalm 34:10
The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
Psalm 53:2
God looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.
Psalm 119:2
Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.
Psalm 119:10
I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.
Isaiah 55:6
Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.
Jeremiah 29:13
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Matthew 7:7, Luke 11:9
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
I get excited when I read these. God is awesome. I find that I desire Him more and more. Catch the excitement! If reading these Scriptures don't get your hunger for God stirring than I must ask...are you seeking Him?
I find more excitement when I seek the Lord and search Him out, endeavoring to know Him more. When I think on Him, dig into His Word, etc.
A casual search of the Scriptures shows me numerous references to seeking the Lord.
Deuteronomy 4:29
But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.
1 Chronicles 16:10
Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.
1 Chronicles 16:11
Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.
Psalm 9:10
Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Psalm 14:2
The LORD looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.
Psalm 27:4
One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
Psalm 27:8
My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek.
Psalm 34:10
The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
Psalm 53:2
God looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.
Psalm 119:2
Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.
Psalm 119:10
I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.
Isaiah 55:6
Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.
Jeremiah 29:13
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Matthew 7:7, Luke 11:9
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
I get excited when I read these. God is awesome. I find that I desire Him more and more. Catch the excitement! If reading these Scriptures don't get your hunger for God stirring than I must ask...are you seeking Him?
12/20/09
Another Time, Another Place
Another Time, Another Place
I love science fiction. I grew up with Star Wars, the original trilogy, and have always enjoyed a good sci-fi film. One thing that has always fascinated me is the concept of time travel, going back or forward to a different place or time in history. What would it have been like if I was born in a different era? If I had the chance to make a decision over again would I do things differently? That is the question I hear people ask all the time. What if I had dated someone else? Moved when I had the chance? Taken that job when it was available?
Really, the fascination many have with time travel is that it would give us the chance to correct mistakes. The chance to right a wrong or to take the path that now looks better in hindsight. How many times have you heard someone say, "If I only knew then what I know now"? You might have said it yourself. I know I have. Many of us live a life of regrets because we are always looking backwards.
God the Father was a forward thinker. He had a plan in place even before He created the Heavens and the Earth. Notice how, when the fall happened, as recorded in Genesis 3, He immediately spoke "prophetic" words about Christ coming! (Gen. 3:14)
How about these words spoken in Jeremiah: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations." (Jeremiah 1:5)
Look at this longer passage from Ephesians: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory." (Ephesians 1:3-12)
So, God was a forward thinker. He had a plan. His plan, as set forth in Genesis, was for Christ to come at another time and another place. A perfect time and place I might add. So it was that, a little over 2000 years ago, Christ was born in a manger. He came to fulfill God's plan. He gave up the throne room of God for a season, so that He could bring us into everlasting relationship with the Father. He restored what was lost in the fall.
This holiday season, and throughout the year, don't look back with regrets. Lay down the "what ifs" and think about the "what is". God is directing your life. He has a plan for you. He knows what He is doing. Trust Him.
I love science fiction. I grew up with Star Wars, the original trilogy, and have always enjoyed a good sci-fi film. One thing that has always fascinated me is the concept of time travel, going back or forward to a different place or time in history. What would it have been like if I was born in a different era? If I had the chance to make a decision over again would I do things differently? That is the question I hear people ask all the time. What if I had dated someone else? Moved when I had the chance? Taken that job when it was available?
Really, the fascination many have with time travel is that it would give us the chance to correct mistakes. The chance to right a wrong or to take the path that now looks better in hindsight. How many times have you heard someone say, "If I only knew then what I know now"? You might have said it yourself. I know I have. Many of us live a life of regrets because we are always looking backwards.
God the Father was a forward thinker. He had a plan in place even before He created the Heavens and the Earth. Notice how, when the fall happened, as recorded in Genesis 3, He immediately spoke "prophetic" words about Christ coming! (Gen. 3:14)
How about these words spoken in Jeremiah: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations." (Jeremiah 1:5)
Look at this longer passage from Ephesians: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory." (Ephesians 1:3-12)
So, God was a forward thinker. He had a plan. His plan, as set forth in Genesis, was for Christ to come at another time and another place. A perfect time and place I might add. So it was that, a little over 2000 years ago, Christ was born in a manger. He came to fulfill God's plan. He gave up the throne room of God for a season, so that He could bring us into everlasting relationship with the Father. He restored what was lost in the fall.
This holiday season, and throughout the year, don't look back with regrets. Lay down the "what ifs" and think about the "what is". God is directing your life. He has a plan for you. He knows what He is doing. Trust Him.
9/1/09
He Holds The Future - Just A Thought #36
Where do you see yourself five years from now? What are you doing tomorrow? Do you have any plans next week?
Have you ever heard those questions before? I have heard these, and numerous variations on the theme. For some reason, people seem more focused on what the future holds than on what is happening right now. I like the section in Matthew 6:25-34 where Jesus talks about not being anxious about tomorrow. There is a whole passage on not worrying about our future. In fact the Scripture is loaded with passages that talk about God being in control.
In Psalms it is mentioned how God created us, knit us together, and how each day is recorded in His book before it ever takes place. (Psalms 139:13-18) God tells Jeremiah how He knows the plans He has for Him. (Jeremiah 29:11) In Isaiah 46:10 it says: "From the beginning He revealed the End." Numerous Scriptures say He will never leave us or forsake us and in Romans 8 it says NOTHING can separate us from God's love. (vs 35-39)
No matter what you are going through today, God is in control. He has a plan. You may be going through a hard time physically. Your finances may be in the tank. God is still in control. I have seen the mountaintop and I have seen the valley and God is always there! I was homeless and my marriage was on the rocks but God was always there. He moves mountains. He walks with us in the valley's . He is in control. Let His will be accomplished in your life. His will!
Seek first God's kingdom. Cling to Him, latch on an don't let go. Even now begin to thank God for what you do have. Develop a habit of thankfulness.
Trust me God will not let you down!
Have you ever heard those questions before? I have heard these, and numerous variations on the theme. For some reason, people seem more focused on what the future holds than on what is happening right now. I like the section in Matthew 6:25-34 where Jesus talks about not being anxious about tomorrow. There is a whole passage on not worrying about our future. In fact the Scripture is loaded with passages that talk about God being in control.
In Psalms it is mentioned how God created us, knit us together, and how each day is recorded in His book before it ever takes place. (Psalms 139:13-18) God tells Jeremiah how He knows the plans He has for Him. (Jeremiah 29:11) In Isaiah 46:10 it says: "From the beginning He revealed the End." Numerous Scriptures say He will never leave us or forsake us and in Romans 8 it says NOTHING can separate us from God's love. (vs 35-39)
No matter what you are going through today, God is in control. He has a plan. You may be going through a hard time physically. Your finances may be in the tank. God is still in control. I have seen the mountaintop and I have seen the valley and God is always there! I was homeless and my marriage was on the rocks but God was always there. He moves mountains. He walks with us in the valley's . He is in control. Let His will be accomplished in your life. His will!
Seek first God's kingdom. Cling to Him, latch on an don't let go. Even now begin to thank God for what you do have. Develop a habit of thankfulness.
Trust me God will not let you down!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)