As we have been thinking about the lures which capture our focus or thoughts, I started thinking about sanctimonious behaviors - false humility. Sanctimonious is defined as: Feigning piety or righteousness.
God desires to sanctify us or set us apart for sacred use; He consecrates us. When we are self righteous we are being sanctimonious. He desires us to be righteous in Him, to allow our self to die so that His "self" righteousness may develop us within Him.
Think about this: God is a real God desiring real relationships. If He didn't want relate-able relationships He would have created things differently, but He didn't. We know that the process of sanctification can only be done through the Holy Spirit, therein lies the lure to our soul telling us that no one will be able to tell the difference. Will they be able to discern if we are truly sanctified or simply sanctimonious? Do I really need a saviour or can I pull off saving myself?
So I looked up the definition of Savior in the etymology dictionary and found out that the word savior actually was borrowed from Old French and Latin words meaning saver, preserver, to save.
There is a difference from being set apart FOR God and set apart FROM God. Theology and sanctimonious BEHAVIOR without the spirit of God's liberty exposing the depths of our souls intent to unify the spirit with the soul is the reason for Gods sanctions or commandments. We have to be ABLE to see for ourselves what He sees or we will not believe we CAN be lured away!
Today relax in God's will knowing He loves you and calls you His delight. He knows sanctification has to be done by this so he sent us a "life" preserver - a savior Christ Jesus. Being a creation of God, this life preserver operates higher than a preserver created by the hand and ideals of man. What God sent to save us can't be deflated and though it was punctured it is still able to save. Our preserver raises to tread on mighty waves and hoists us into heights if we trust and give in to His abilities.
So again, today - especially if your flotation devise has your head bobbing in the water - PAUSE - think on these things and choose a REAL life preserver - a Savior. Just think about it.....
We have been talking about the character of Crisis and how we need to not get onto the path with him, especially if we are crossing his path. We know that when crisis enters our lives it takes wisdom to minimize the collateral damage. We also know that wisdom comes from God, that our understanding is paled in comparison. For most of deeply we were looking at wisdom and pondering what where our beliefs align and where we thought differently. Now, in the Honestly Series we will be looking at the opposite of wisdom – the fool.
For our purposes we will call him Mr. Fool. Mr. Fool has many character traits. So, fasten your seat belts and hang on tight. We are taking a whirl on “Mr. Fools Wild Ride”. The bad news is that it has jumped off the track and headed straight toward Crisis. Hopefully, he will listen to Wisdom who is seated next to him…….at least for now.
For two weeks we will be on this roller coaster so take your Dramamine!
One of the first things we notice when jumping on board beside Fool is how contentious he is. Instead of giving you a simple definition of this trait we are going to look at Proverbs 18, please take time to read these passages. I believe a picture is worth a thousand words. This way hopefully we can wisely avoid years of conflicting relationships through this wisdom – Here is his story:
Fool was heartache to his father and bitter grief to his mother. His mouth was his ruin, as it was a ruin to his father. If it had not been for the Lord the bitterness and grief would have worked in his mother to goad her into a quarreling woman. But she was not she was sensible, she still grieved as she delve out knowledge endlessly asking Fool to control his words, consider what she was saying to help him be even-tempered, even to simply close his mouth so others would think he was wise and intelligent, but he always knew better than everyone else so he would cut them off and express his own opinions. He never found joy in understanding so he would move away from them and others who tried to open his eyes, mind and heart to the truth. Always out to get what he wanted for himself above all else, he became a loner.
Any time Fool saw that someone was not on board with him he had to quickly eradicate them. He would open his mouth expressing his own opinion knowing it would start an argument….actually provoking a beating. Every wise person would see how deep the waters of his ruin were and that if they did not leave they would drown in the storm he was calling in. As they would leave him their compassion would call out to him, “Fool your mouth is your ruin, and your lips are a trap to your soul. We pray that you will hear truth, turn from your ways and be saved from the destruction you are headed towards”.
While it is a normal part of growing, maturing and living to be foolish at times, hence Christ prayed for us before His death “Father forgive them for what they do not understand”, it is when this habit becomes your character and the foolish becomes the Fool that leads to the man who is an island. I pray that today you do not harden your heart as the Mr. Fools did in the past, but that you hear, turn from your own opinions and understanding to listen to God and then run to him …..to never again leave him or forsake him.
It is Gods’ will and good pleasure to deliver you eternally, starting in this life. Give Him the gift of your will and good pleasure to allow Him, His will.
Today write about some foolish moments in your life – go ahead, make it personal…you can because I do not think any of you are Mr. or Mrs. Fool, and all things are common among us – so you don’t have to hang your head in shame, okay?
To use any portion of the "Deeply, Honestly, Passionately, Freely" Series contact us. We allow anyone to use the information with with permission and appropriate notations of copy right.
I now understand why it is so difficult for us to love in a true agape love. I also understand a bit more deeply as to why we have such a struggle with living within the Zoe Life available to us. Let me explain what I understand up to this point:
We cannot see clearly because our mind has false images loaded which are used to form our perceptions of reality. If we do not take the time to discern those images – each one of them – then we choose to have miss informed sight. When I asked God to help me understand where I was missing information, or needed correct information to replace false info this was the conversation we had. Bear with me this was many years ago and I had just realized I could hear Him. I am not taking anything out though, you discern for yourselves what is true or false – I pray that God lead you and talk with you in the ways that He knows you will understand.
As always – write about it and we will be talking about it in our next meeting. I am also loading a song to post, if are not able to hear the video I will also post the lyrics.
With love for you all,
Candace
Love is what you are and why you created us
Love needs nothing except, for someone to share itself with
Love is highest, above all else, it covers the widest expanse, until it comes back, it penetrates deeper and deeper never running out of ability to keep going higher, deeper, wider
When it comes across something to embrace, it engulfs it, supports it, nourishes it, helps it, without fail; not for any other reason, but because it is
Love needs nothing it just has to go to something because it is meaningless, if not shared
It is lonely without someone to care about, it needs no doors. It’s embracing, kind, it sees all good and helps to overcome
It protects with such power and strength that nothing stops it, it knows no fear
There are no possessions that mean more, than it’s need to love
No home is more important than the need to supply for others it loves
Time is of no importance, because love never ends-whether in the presence of the loved or not, it exists; it is and always will be
It does not speak against itself, it couldn’t possibly harm, because it is not capable- it only understands and gives all. It wishes to lavish, sooth, comfort, stimulate, to be all it can be......
It lifts, smells beautiful and soft, cool and gentle, yet when needed, it is bold and fierce to protect.
It will always stand before harm, but it does not need to own or hold back; it desires others to fulfill their choice.
Love can feel pain, it can be angry when love is betrayed and others are led away to be harmed
But love never turns its back; it will always listen to truth and embrace truth
Nothing can hold back love; nothing can outlast love, nothing can destroy “true love”
Nothing will exist eternally, except love
Love is the common denominator in all good; without love you have nothing immortal within you and nothing to exist beyond the physical moments
Only love is timeless, weightless, priceless, love simply is, because it is God
God said “tell them —I AM”
To me “I am” is the most powerful statement ever written, have you ever thought about it?
I AM ?
I AM !
We with our limitations try to understand
We, until God has matured us, search our sleepless lives to know the answer to this, to complete it
We are turned around going totally the wrong way when we ask, “ Who am I”?
It is simple math
Who = Am + I
Or
I Am = Who
We are in search of the solution
We are, that is the known, but What are we to equate?
We filll it with all sorts of hypothesis and wrong sums, but the true answer is
I Am = I am
We are not "a what"
We are
We are not objects
We create
WE are not things
We obtain and do
What we are – IS, HAS, WILL ALWAYS BE—
But what we are is not perishable
The objects of life will perish – part, separate from Who we are
Depart or Exist
Objects that are not part of I AM, depart from I AM
Because the object can never achieve what IS
The power source gives power and yet is recharged through contactSimple because it is the opposite of IS – IT IS NOT !!!
Direct opposites oppose that is why IT is pushed down the power of the negative forces repels IT away from the positive
Not by anger or hostility but just by presence
IT is not the desire but because IT is unless IS NOT loses the NOT – IT can not rise, have the forces to over come the energy force that IT repells
Anything of this world is made of this world and it stays with this world.
Dust is but dust, all will decay that is in this repelled arena
But when all returns to dust and the negative energy exists no more the positive will be surged to its completeing links
Now, the forces are here , we are connected but it is just too much material to make the better connection. Energy is week but it is not gone. I think as we remove those power drainers from our environment—self
We even here can get stronger connections
But when we feel the lose we have to find the source
Eradicate IT and stay on top of the repelling forces in our environment
I am because I AM
I will because HE IS ... Always
Today, if you hear
Do nto turn away
Let those who have ears understand
Let those who have eyes see
Do not harden your hearts like those in the past
But listen and follow, do as I say
It has all been laid out
Come to me
My Father sent me
that you might know him
By knowing me
I have gone to my Father now so that the spirit can come and give you heightened understanding
You hear , you see, you understand – so must follow
Speak what I say
Do what he says
Go where you are told
Lo, I am with you always
Even to the ends of the earth
Depart from this world
Pick up your cross and follow me
I Am etched in your heart
I Am the words you speak
I Am the only way
I Am life
I Am strength
I AM confidence
I Am charity
I Am love
I Am all you will ever need and all you were created to be
I Am never far from you
I did complete the task
I did win the war
But you my child were created to finish what I started
I began a new quest, the old past away
It is done, but a new beginning was ignited
That is the purose to finish what was started
That will be the end of the age
That was, IS the plan
All power has been granted
All words spoken
All time closed
All purposes drawn
Time does not exist
Only fulfillment
Listen to me, listen carefully....
Come – I am in the wind like a dance of free movement
Even when still, I still exist
Where does the wind begin
Where does it end
The wind carries all, even the things you can’s see
The wind can destroy or it can lift
The wind can force into the ground or it can rise all above
Object can block the wind but they can not stop it
The wind is not selective of what it carries, it carries the good with bad and chooses the destinations of each
The wind does not worry about an outcome, it just continues
The wind does not stop, day or night, season or year
The wind just exists with all its power and gentleness
The wind controls all, nothing controls the wind
Wind and Love are all that Just are, and all that can not be stopped.
SEE?
I cannot take the heat - this girls goin' home
standing on my own 2 feet - standing alone
I'm just a little weary of - all the talk and all the buzz
and all I ever wanted was - the feeling I had with us
I cannot take the heat - guess I'm letting go
I'm tired of stitching up my dreams - with this thread of hope
A silly believer of - twin hearts and timeless love
and all I ever wanted was the feeling I had with us
the road of life is rugged - any road you choose
when I find the other side - I'll look for you
I cannot take the heat - and so I'll say goodbye
A million things I never said - and didn't even try
cause words are cheap and sometimes cruel
and stuff we hear is seldom true
And all I ever wanted was the feeling I had with you
yeah all I ever wanted was the feeling I had with you
Isn't that what the body of Christ is all about - encouraging each other to truly live? I thank God for those all around us that allow God to be real as we relate to others. My friend Pam sent this note out to her friends today. It didn't take much time, just a moment. She was touched by Beth Moore's devotion that she is doing and shared the wealth.
So I am doing the same - it was that good! =D
I pray that each of you BE a friend today. Don't just look for one to be there for you - not that any of us would do THAT!
God loves each of you as much as He love any of you.
Think "Deeply" about it; then write about it.....
Kisses,
Candace
Do you realize, my dear sister, that if you know the true identity of Jesus Christ, no preacher or teacher revealed it to you? The Father of all creation, the God who sits on the throne of the universe pursued you in the midst of millions and chose to reveal His Son to you. Remember that the next time you feel insignificant. ~By Beth Moore excerpt from Jesus, the One and Only – p.119
This struck me fresh today. Even though we may know this, do we really bask in the glorious treasure we are in Him. Others may try to make you feel insignificant but don’t forget that the God of this universe sought you out and revealed His precious Son to you because he treasures you and claims you as His own. Kind of makes what others think really insignificant – don’t you think?!
My Computer has woken up in a really bad mood today =D. So I am not able to get to my reseach for this mornig devotion. However, "have no fear - Poetry is Here". After reading Tom and Tehwans devotion the day before yesterday, I was reminded of this poem. When I was posting the poem this morning I remembered a lovely little diddy by John Michael Montgomery some years ago. I went back to find the Lyrics to it:
Life's a dance you learn as you go
Sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow
Don't worry about what you don't know
Life's a dance you learn as you go
Life's a dance you learn as you go
Sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow
Don't worry about what you don't know
Life's a dance you learn as you go.
At the time in my life when this was popular, I remember thinking how sweetly encouraging it was. However, today...many years later, I understand more which is why I love the minuet of God heart and invitation to us all. I pray you choose to Dance....and that you Dance with God.
Don’t Dance With Demons
I love you so deeply…..
Speak to my heart…..
Be food for my soul….
Your gentle voice encourages me, washes this world away:
Lifting the weight of debris; softening the earth of my soul.
Now use your hands to mold me; form me into your perfect fit.
Don’t tremble in my presence; my hand is that of love
The pressure is not to break you,
You asked for my will to be done.
Don’t choose to dance with the demons,
Choose to reach out and take hold of my hand
We’ll circle to the music….. your body engulfed by my lead
Your eyes will lock on my presence; now you’ll see only my face
As the music infuses the present, the rhythm will start to soothe
Together we will glide across the dance floor: in harmony, perfectly timed.
Inspiring all on-lookers; silently captivated by our bond.
When learning movements are awkward;
Challenging and difficult to move smooth
Muscles not bending or flexing,
In time, with patience skill will build
Suddenly they all will see her;
The beautiful dancer will be unveiled.
My voice is the sounds which moves her,
My tune as melodious as a bird.
We are the instruments of harmony
And the woodwinds are my words
My hand is the acclaimed conductor;
My children are the notes I direct.
Our audience is now before us,
Prepared and waiting with baited breath
The curtain is split and lifting
Rolling back in the tide of my time
So let us work within this moment,
While they are ready for their ride.
Remember my trusted instruction;
Wait patiently for my prompt
Then all things will come together;
No note will sound off or flat
Each note is a precious drop of water,
Which fills to comprise the sea.
Together they merge to form movement,
A compulsion, a bursting forth as the rise of each wave.
The cause and effect are prompted by my hand.
My skill will arouse emotion touching the anticipant crowd .
We know they have come for a reason, I intend to not let them down.
Incoming waves will stir their passion propelling their hearts to move.
Their souls will then be softened, allowing the influx of my blood to enter and flow;
Carrying the current of our life line, which returns our family held tightly within my hand.
Think of me as a farmer, one seed selected held perfectly in my palm;
My eyes seek the environment suited: perfect soil, sun with all nourishment it needs
I AM always watching to subdue, oversee and protect
I respect the fragile condition; I understand its delicate frame,
I support when gravity could break it, until there is strength to handle its new form.
My hand is more than sufficient, with patience I watches as it grows.
The plant has no need or worry; it rests in the care it receives.
Predestined for life in all ways, for I know just what it will become.
A rose will not ever grow coconuts and grass cannot become a tree.
To me, each is splendid perfection, perfect for the purpose I foresaw.
In Time it too will delight from the pleasure and know of what I now see.
Till then it sways in my majesty, so at peace to simply BE.
When reading this devotional, I was reminded of Paul speaking in 1 Corinthians Chapter 2. He was telling them that he knows nothing but Christ and Him crucified. As we are being sanctified, refined and melded into His body there is this process which Oswald speaks of below. However, there is the point in time when we can say as Paul says, "It is not I but Christ that lives".
I pray that we make it through the "walking away from Christ" and into the "abiding 24/7 in Christ" and He in us. I pray that we allow Him through the Holy spirit to train us up in His ways, increasing our belief that it is so very good - and we can never choose to turn our backs on Him again.
Live this day in His love,
Candace
Our Lord’s Surprise Visits
You also be ready . . . —Luke 12:40
A Christian worker’s greatest need is a readiness to face Jesus Christ at any and every turn. This is not easy, no matter what our experience has been. This battle is not against sin, difficulties, or circumstances, but against being so absorbed in our service to Jesus Christ that we are not ready to face Jesus Himself at every turn. The greatest need is not facing our beliefs or doctrines, or even facing the question of whether or not we are of any use to Him, but the need is to face Him.
Jesus rarely comes where we expect Him; He appears where we least expect Him, and always in the most illogical situations. The only way a servant can remain true to God is to be ready for the Lord’s surprise visits. This readiness will not be brought about by service, but through intense spiritual reality, expecting Jesus Christ at every turn. This sense of expectation will give our life the attitude of childlike wonder He wants it to have. If we are going to be ready for Jesus Christ, we have to stop being religious. In other words, we must stop using religion as if it were some kind of a lofty lifestyle-we must be spiritually real.
If you are avoiding the call of the religious thinking of today’s world, and instead are "looking unto Jesus" ( Hebrews 12:2 ), setting your heart on what He wants, and thinking His thoughts, you will be considered impractical and a daydreamer. But when He suddenly appears in the work of the heat of the day, you will be the only one who is ready. You should trust no one, and even ignore the finest saint on earth if he blocks your sight of Jesus Christ. by Oswald Chambers
I do not want to leave you guys high and dry today, but I am in need of some alone time with God. When we have done all to stand ...that is when the rubber hits the road in testing us. Do we cave in and quit as all the forces of Hell seem to be pummeling us or do we pick up our armor and say "You will not win, Oh heavy spirit of burden; Not Today!
I wrote this a few years ago when I was going through some similar, yet far more strenuous battles. I thought it was a good time to remind myself....and a good time to share.
You will not win, oh heavy spirit of burden "Not Today!" Today, I fight! Today ,I fight the good fight, Today ,I fight the righteous fight. Today, I overcome, Today, I lead in battle, Today, my strongholds are broken, Today, my spirit stands true Today, I hear your voice, and today your victory is true Today, I fight for YOU!
Isaiah 42 This is what the LORD God says: I, the LORD, have called you to do what is right.I will take hold of your hand.I will protect you.I will appoint you as my promise to the people, You will give sight to the blind,bring prisoners out of prisons,and bring those who live in darkness out of dungeons. I am the LORD; that is my name.I will not give my glory to anyone else or the praise I deserve to idols. What I said in the past has come true. I will reveal new things before they happen.
The only way we Can live out our lives as Oswald Chambers is speaking of below is directly related to how great our faith in the fact that Christ was one with His father while He walk about on this earth. Then our faith must develop to embrace the fact that Christ is in us and we are in Him so we too are one. When we believe that, we will allow Him to transform us so that He may continue His task as we continue His task ...so that our Father is continuing His task.
I pray for us all to gain understanding of what it looks like to live like this, if only for "today".
With love in Christ,
Candace
The Determination to Serve
The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve . . . —Matthew 20:28
Jesus also said, "Yet I am among you as the One who serves" (Luke 22:27). Paul’s idea of service was the same as our Lord’s— ". . . ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake" ( 2 Corinthians 4:5 ). We somehow have the idea that a person called to the ministry is called to be different and above other people. But according to Jesus Christ, he is called to be a "doormat" for others— called to be their spiritual leader, but never their superior. Paul said, "I know how to be abased . . ." (Philippians 4:12 ). Paul’s idea of service was to pour his life out to the last drop for others. And whether he received praise or blame made no difference. As long as there was one human being who did not know Jesus, Paul felt a debt of service to that person until he did come to know Him. But the chief motivation behind Paul’s service was not love for others but love for his Lord. If our devotion is to the cause of humanity, we will be quickly defeated and broken-hearted, since we will often be confronted with a great deal of ingratitude from other people. But if we are motivated by our love for God, no amount of ingratitude will be able to hinder us from serving one another.
Paul’s understanding of how Christ had dealt with him is the secret behind his determination to serve others. "I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man . . ." ( 1 Timothy 1:13 ). In other words, no matter how badly others may have treated Paul, they could never have treated him with the same degree of spite and hatred with which he had treated Jesus Christ. Once we realize that Jesus has served us even to the depths of our meagerness, our selfishness, and our sin, nothing we encounter from others will be able to exhaust our determination to serve others for His sake. - Oswald Chambers
Today I wanted to go deeper into some Philippians verses - I was going to use another devotion when some things really started jumping to life from these words. See if you see what I see. (I spy....with my little eye...something straight where it was crooked).
Below I am putting some verses that I was reminded of when reading this. I would love it if you shared with me any thoughts you have. I will make a list of all our thoughts (there are around 20 of us now doing these daily devotions together - isn't that awesome!)
I pray that the eyes of our heart are enlightened, that we see the coming of the Lord. Today his kindgom is at hand!
Amen,
Candace
Philippians 2:12 (God's Word Translation) My dear friends, you have always obeyed, not only when I was with you but even more now that I'm absent In the same way continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. 13 It is God who produces in you the desires and actions that please him. 14 Do everything without complaining or arguing. 15 Then you will be blameless and innocent. You will be God's children without any faults among people who are crooked and corrupt. You will shine like stars among them in the world 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. Then I can brag on the day of Christ that my effort was not wasted and that my work produced results. 17 My life is being poured out as a part of the sacrifice and service [I offer to God] for your faith. Yet, I am filled with joy, and I share that joy with all of you. 18 For this same reason you also should be filled with joy and share that joy with me.
Paul is speaking to the Christians he was leading in the same exact manner Christ spoke to those He was responsible for. Remember in the verses from yesterday, Christ prayed to God that He had watched over all those God gave him and He was glorified because they saw what He was telling them, and believed it was true.
They shine because of the glory of God, that is the light we have to offer; Not of ourselves, but God. When we grumble and complain instead of trust and encourage - speaking the hard to digest truth, but with love, He shines and we transmit His radiance. Verses from John yesterday speak of this.
Lastly, I love Proverbs 4, read it in context to yesterday and today's information. You will see God, Christ and how the Holy Spirit surrounds us as well as the great cloud of witnesses we are covered by and strengthened through to continue bringing God glory! We are children of the Most High God, read about the crown in proverbs 4, remember that the bible speaks of us laying our crowns at the feet of Christ, and that being His glory.
Proverbs 4:1(Gods Word Translation) Sons, listen to [your] father's discipline, and pay attention in order to gain understanding. 2 After all, I have taught you well. Do not abandon my teachings. 3 When I was a boy [learning] from my father, when I was a tender and only child of my mother, 4 they used to teach me and say to me, "Cling to my words wholeheartedly. Obey my commands so that you may live. 5 Acquire wisdom. Acquire understanding. Do not forget. Do not turn away from the words that I have spoken. 6 Do not abandon wisdom, and it will watch over you. Love wisdom, and it will protect you. 7 The beginning of wisdom is to acquire wisdom. Acquire understanding with all that you have. 8 Cherish wisdom. It will raise you up. It will bring you honor when you embrace it. 9 It will give you a graceful garland for your head. It will hand you a beautiful crown." 10 My son, listen and accept my words, and they will multiply the years of your life. 11 I have taught you the way of wisdom. I have guided you along decent paths. 12 When you walk, your stride will not be hampered. Even if you run, you will not stumble. 13 Cling to discipline. Do not relax your grip on it. Keep it because it is your life. 14 Do not stray onto the path of wicked people. Do not walk in the way of evil people. 15 Avoid it. Do not walk near it. Turn away from it, and keep on walking. 16 Wicked people cannot sleep unless they do wrong, and they are robbed of their sleep unless they make someone stumble. 17 They eat food obtained through wrongdoing and drink wine obtained through violence. 18 But the path of righteous people is like the light of dawn that becomes brighter and brighter until it reaches midday. 19 The way of wicked people is like deep darkness. They do not know what makes them stumble. 20 My son, pay attention to my words. Open your ears to what I say. 21 Do not lose sight of these things. Keep them deep within your heart 22 because they are life to those who find them and they heal the whole body. 23 Guard your heart more than anything else, because the source of your life flows from it. 24 Remove dishonesty from your mouth. Put deceptive speech far away from your lips. 25 Let your eyes look straight ahead and your sight be focused in front of you. 26 Carefully walk a straight path, and all your ways will be secure. 27 Do not lean to the right or to the left. Walk away from evil.
Tomorrow we will be looking at our Crowns! (every girl needs a tiara! - and every prince a crown)
The people ransomed by the LORD will return. They will come to Zion singing with joy. Everlasting happiness will be on their heads [as a crown]. They will be glad and joyful. They will have no sorrow or grief.
We have been studying Who God means He is when He said "tell them I AM sent you". Our ongoing search for the next 7 days is to research scripture and find who God says you are - personalize that and ask yourself "who does I AM say that I am?"
If you were not with us when we were studying Fear, go back to the blue notebook and find the segments on "Do not fear, I am with you". God promised that He is with us showing us the way out if we will trust Him. Remember His promise..."I will never leave you nor forsake you".
I pray that we all take our eyes off the pain around us or inflicted upon us by others brokenness and remember, our position is always to do the best we can, release others from the bondage of payment for their mistakes while focusing on how much we ourselves fall short of the glory of God. I thank God for His mercy and grace for this day and the ability we all have to praise Him in all ways at all times no matter what we might be experiencing.
Be at Peace today in Him.
Candace
Do not fear for I am with you.Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Behold, all those who are angered at you will be shamed and dishonored; those who contend with you will be as nothing and will perish. You will seek those who quarrel with you but you will not find them. Those who war with you will be as nothing or non-existent. For I Am the Lord your God who upholds your right hand, Who says to you do not fear, I AM with you. Isaiah 41:10-13
THE LORD UPHOLDS YOU, by T. D. Jakes
from Strength for Every Moment
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterfly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand (Psalm 37:23-24)
Has something so painful and overwhelming happened to you that it has affected every area of your life? Every time you kneel to pray, does your mind go back to the fact that someone broke your heart and wounded your spirit?
Have you experienced something so personally devastating that you can't discuss it with anyone? You find it difficult to trust people, and you don't know where to turn. You may feel as if everyone is grading you and evaluating your progress, when, when actually you are your own hardest judge.
You know you should be further along in life. but someone or some circumstance crippled your faith. Your hopes and dreams were never fulfilled.
You know you should have finished school; you know you should have been a teacher or a musician by now. By society's standards, you should already be married and have children.
Maybe you think your ministry should be further along or that you should have a successful career at this point in your life. Your dreams and goals should have been fulfilled years ago. but you've been crippled. Don't give up. There is hope for you and healing for past hurts.
God has a way of bringing us out of bondage and then making us remember where we came from. When we, like Joseph, begin to experience success and victory, God will remind us that He opened the door of the prison. He set us free.
Things to consider:
1. Has something so painful and overwhelming happened to you that it has affected every area of your life? Write about it.
2. Every time you kneel to pray, does your mind go back to the fact that someone broke your heart and wounded your spirit? Write about it.
3. Have you experienced something so personally devestating that you cannot discuss it with anyone? Write about it.
4. God will bring you out of bondage and will soften the memories so that you can live with them in peace. Write why you believe this truth and then trust God to make it so.
5. When you experience success and victory, God will remind you that He opened the door of the prison and set you free. Thank Him.
Meditation:
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterfly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand (Psalm 37:23-24)
Many have fallen because of drugs, lust, greed, false religion, and other worldly temptations; when they ask God for help, He gently lifts them up with His hand.
Please forgive us of our many sins.. daily. Strengthen us, Father, so that we might not....will not stumble. Keep our eyes so tightly locked on you that all else fades from view. Show us our shortcomings so that we allow you to be even more present in this place. Allow our life to be totally consumed by your will, so that your will is increased to the point that it radiates your kingdom here on earth as it is in Heaven.
Thank you for our provision, our abundance in the overflow of health, finances, relationships and peace. Let us, above all else to exhibit your joy, so that others see your face in a very real way - no matter what we are facing.
In Jesus Name, I pray this for myself and for everyone else lifting their voice in harmony as a blanket to cover all your creation Father; Amen.
Candace
ABLE To Love
" Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." Matthew 26:41
There is something we need to understand - it took me a very long time to realize this, and even though I now understand, it is sometime a struggle to exhibit true patience when living this out. With that being said; We must truly understand that being able to love another person does not mean that the other person is "able" to love us. Not that they do not desire to, or even believe that they do and possibly even think they are doing it well.
In one of my journals I was talking to God about this trying desperately to understand my pain, this is what I wrote:
I just don't know how to protect my heart Lord.......show me.
I only seem to desire to reach out and allow myself to be available...to get hurt.
Help me Father, to reach out to you instead, but help me understand all this.
I remembered when God was showing me back through a time when I was crying out to Him over a situation. He related to me that in actuality ...I was hurting myself because the person was not desiring to reach toward me....yet I kept reaching toward the person. Metaphorically the person kept slapping my hands away, to keep away from me . As I continued journaling these memories to God, I realized " This person wants to stand in my presence and fight me off watching me get frustrated and hurt, not because they wanted me to leave - it was only about power. But they were not capable of caring about me, because it was all about them; they took up too much of their own field of vision."
God reminded me, " That is what Satan does he comes to destroy, just remember that is not of you....you did not cause that to happen."
My reply was this " So, help me God, because his words are deceptive." "You told us to guard ourselves against Satan's schemes....so lead me, instruct me, grow me in your wisdom and peace. I know you overcame more than what I am dealing with. Give me your full armor and show me how to be a mighty warrior through all that YOU are. I am not one that will shrink back to the destruction of my soul. I am a child of the Most High God!
Our Father created us and all is His. He needs us to take our place in His lineage to show others what all this means. He needs us to show others why it is so important to choose Life, to obey and follow. They need to know how to rest in His peace; allowing Him to bring all to pass and His completion to be brought in."
After journaling I prayed: " I adore you Father and I will obey, I will follow. You have said it is so and I claim your precious words. Let it be as you have said "I AM".
Gods still, peaceful voice resounded in me casting all confusion away, " Fall on your knees, bow before Me". " and when you have done all to stand.....Then STAND in my strength"
From all this what I realized was that Satan was utilizing my and the other persons thoughts / actions to stand in our presence and cause chaos. What God desires is for us to allow Him to utilize our mind and actions enabling Him to stand in our presence ushering in peace. He promises that His truth brings light into darkness and that all opposing forces must flee when He is in power.
Let us bring this to remembrance whenever the spiritual battle lines are drawn. God is not the defeated foe.....it is Satan. We are children of the Most High God and He said ALL victory is HIS...that means we win all battles. Don't look for your personal win, Look for God's win. They look very different. Allow God to train you up so that you will always recognize the enemy in your midst.
Tomorrow we will go deeper into what the foe looks like, acts like and how to utilize your God given power to defend yourself.
It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.Galatians 5:1
This devotional is vital for us to understand. The reason we must face our behavior head on and not act as a victim is for our character, reputation and ultimately for the witness we are exemplifying. When we are responsible for our actions , physical or verbal toward another person; be sure to simply own up to your personal behavior. Don't be so quick to blame it on the person you are relating to. We feel this lets the other person off the hook. There is time to address how their behavior affected you, first do the right thing yourself. In a separate conversation address your concerns about their behavior. Be sure you have resolved any heated feeling that might push you to act impulsively before you enter into that conversation, otherwise you will be enlisting their ear to apologize yet again.
Philipians 2:14-16 (NAS)says this the best : Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.
With Love,
Candace
Credibility
READ: 1 Peter 2:11-21 [Have] your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that . . . they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God. —1 Peter 2:12
The recent global financial crisis caused people to pay closer attention to their credit report. When credit was easy to get, some people became careless about how they used it. They didn’t bother to save for what they wanted; they just borrowed. Being in debt was no big deal. But in a crisis, that is no longer the case. Having good credit is suddenly very important.
After an advertisement for a credit repair service, a local newscaster said, “Credit repair isn’t something you can buy; it’s something you have to work for.”
The same principle applies to the credibility of our lives. We can’t buy it; it’s something we have to work for. We may be able to “borrow” credibility for a while by associating ourselves with credible people, but sooner or later we will need our own.
Credibility has to do with the ability to elicit belief. The reason it’s essential for Christians is that our lives affect God’s reputation (1 Peter 2:12). When we call ourselves by Christ’s name, His reputation is tied to ours. If people have reason not to believe us, they may not believe God.
The way to earn credibility is to live honorably. Then others will believe and glorify God. — By Julie Ackerman Link
If we take care of our character, our reputation will take care of itself.
For Further Study-Look at these Scriptures about Christ’s life: Matthew 9:10-13; 20:28; Luke 6:12. How can you live the way He did?
I hope you all enjoy this devotion by Oswald Chambers; it started me thinking about how God created everything with his powerful words. We are created in His image, both male and female. We were created to utilize our words for good: for relationship, for understanding, for helping, for warning, for asking, for thanking, for blessing. We were created first for a relationship with God himself and then to show that relationship to others as we interact within a relationship - no matter how superficial or deep it may be.
I pray that we widen the scope of our view in our environments, that we see everyone around us and pray about how God might want us to reflect the things we know whether it be in word or deed.
My love to you all, in Christ
Candace
Clouds and Darkness
Clouds and darkness surround Him . . . —Psalm 97:2
A person who has not been born again by the Spirit of God will tell you that the teachings of Jesus are simple. But when he is baptized by the Holy Spirit, he finds that "clouds and darkness surround Him . . . ." When we come into close contact with the teachings of Jesus Christ we have our first realization of this. The only possible way to have full understanding of the teachings of Jesus is through the light of the Spirit of God shining inside us. If we have never had the experience of taking our casual, religious shoes off our casual, religious feet— getting rid of all the excessive informality with which we approach God— it is questionable whether we have ever stood in His presence. The people who are flippant and disrespectful in their approach to God are those who have never been introduced to Jesus Christ. Only after the amazing delight and liberty of realizing what Jesus Christ does, comes the impenetrable "darkness" of realizing who He is.
Jesus said, "The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life" (John 6:63). Once, the Bible was just so many words to us — "clouds and darkness"— then, suddenly, the words become spirit and life because Jesus re-speaks them to us when our circumstances make the words new. That is the way God speaks to us; not by visions and dreams, but by words. When a man gets to God, it is by the most simple way— words.
By Oswald Chambers
When I was reading this I was thinking about why we would want to go it on our own. Yesterday we were reflecting on the verse from Jeremiah. God wants us to depend on Him. He wants to strengthen us, complete us, make us victorious in all things for His name sake. We however think it is an inconvenience to God. He does not see it that way. He is honored when we depend on him. Part of the problem is that we try to create God in our own image. That is one of the most common aspects of idolatry that we unknowingly commit. We preempt God's response to our neediness as if he were a mere mortal that is overwhelmed by our needs due to insufficiency of patients, kindness, maturity.... whatever the case may be.
God is omnipresent, he is able and he is willing. We just have to remember he is God and ask so that we may receive. I pray that we are conscious of how we relate to our God and that we mature into our head which is Christ, His beloved son. May His spirit search the depths of us and teach us where we lack wisdom.
Happy New Year to you all.
Candace
Always With You
Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go. —Genesis 28:15
The highway that winds around the southern shore of Lake Michigan can be treacherous in the winter. One weekend as we were driving back to Grand Rapids from Chicago, a buildup of snow and ice slowed traffic, caused numerous accidents, and almost doubled our drive time. We were relieved as we eased off the expressway onto our final road. It was then that my husband said out loud, “Thanks, Lord. I think I can take it from here.”
Just as he finished saying the words, our car spun around 180 degrees. As we came to a stop, hearts pounding, we could just imagine God saying: “Are you sure?”
Why do we sometimes try to go it alone in life when at every moment we have access to God? He said: “I am with you and will keep you wherever you go” (Gen. 28:15). And He assures us: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Heb. 13:5).
Scottish mathematician, theologian, and preacher Thomas Chalmers (1780–1847) wrote: “When I walk by the wayside, He is along with me. When I enter into company, amid all my forgetfulness of Him, He never forgets me. . . . Go where I will, He tends me, and watches me, and cares for me.”
What a comfort to know that God is always with us—we don’t need to go through life alone! — by Cindy Hess Kasper
Before someone dies, they try to have a "living will" made up. This shows what their intent is for what remains behind from their lives. An executor of this will is appointed to be sure it is fully carried out.
Think about God's will. He says if we know what He has written, the bible, we will know His will. Are we like greedy families taking our battles before the judge to dispute what has been written? We are to be like the appointed executors of His "living word".
Think about our will. We go about daily living out our will, speaking words that form our tomorrows. Do we choose our words as if they are being recorded in a contract? God says we are accountable for all our idle words. He also says that a persons yes, should mean yes; and our no, should mean no. Our words are as good as signing a signature on a contract. That is also the reason for the wise proverbs such as Proverbs 1:31-33 They refused my advice. They despised my every warning. They will eat the fruit of their lifestyle. They will be stuffed with their own schemes. "Gullible people kill themselves because of their turning away. Fools destroy themselves because of their indifference. But whoever listens to me will live without worry and will be free from the dread of disaster." This is from God's living testimony - He has executors taking charge of these words - His angels.
I pray we think about His word, His death, His life and the power that He has. May we have a righteous fear of our Lord and truly appreciate what He left us all in His will as heirs.
With love,
Candace
The Drawing of the Father
No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him . . . —John 6:44
When God begins to draw me to Himself, the problem of my will comes in immediately. Will I react positively to the truth that God has revealed? Will I come to Him? To discuss or deliberate over spiritual matters when God calls is inappropriate and disrespectful to Him. When God speaks, never discuss it with anyone as if to decide what your response may be (see Galatians 1:15-16 ). Belief is not the result of an intellectual act, but the result of an act of my will whereby I deliberately commit myself. But will I commit, placing myself completely and absolutely on God, and be willing to act solely on what He says? If I will, I will find that I am grounded on reality as certain as God’s throne.
In preaching the gospel, always focus on the matter of the will. Belief must come from the will to believe. There must be a surrender of the will, not a surrender to a persuasive or powerful argument. I must deliberately step out, placing my faith in God and in His truth. And I must place no confidence in my own works, but only in God. Trusting in my own mental understanding becomes a hindrance to complete trust in God. I must be willing to ignore and leave my feelings behind. I must will to believe. But this can never be accomplished without my forceful, determined effort to separate myself from my old ways of looking at things. I must surrender myself completely to God.
Everyone has been created with the ability to reach out beyond his own grasp. But it is God who draws me, and my relationship to Him in the first place is an inner, personal one, not an intellectual one. I come into the relationship through the miracle of God and through my own will to believe. Then I begin to get an intelligent appreciation and understanding of the wonder of the transformation in my life. - Oswald Chambers
We all play tricks with ourselves as well as others in order to "help out" a situation. For me, I set my car clock 10 minutes fast. In my mind when I start to panic due to the inevitable traffic jams, I will be able to relax a bit with my buffer zone. Wouldn't you think that just knowing I am planning ahead and doing my best would sooth my anxiety on the front end? However I feel I need to warp reality. We do this with many things in life. God's word says we are to focus on the truth....I think I will try harder to stop playing with my own mind. Really seems odd when I think of it in His light. =D
I pray that we all spend time with God to see life through His truth and grace. Ever grateful for our mercy and grace which He promises is new each and every day.
With Love,
Candace
Grace and Truth
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14
It’s a grandfather’s prerogative to tease his grandkids a little bit, right? So when one of my young grandkids is first learning math, I quiz him about his newfound knowledge. “Do you know about math yet?” I ask.
“Sure, Papa, I know math.”
“Well then, what’s two plus two?”
Beaming up at me, he quickly and proudly replies, “It’s four!”
“Oh, that’s where you’re wrong. Two plus two is 22. You take one two, put it next to the other two, and you have 22. And,” I continued, “one plus one equals eleven. Three plus three is 33. Don’t you know that? Who’s teaching you math?”
Invariably, eyes roll, and I hear, “Oh, Papa, you’re wrong—2+2 is four!”
“Are you sure?” I say.
“Yes, I’m sure!” is the confident reply.
Thankfully, my grandkids are getting a good handle on the fact that truth can’t be played with. Even though I’m older, an authority figure, and a loved one, they are ready to challenge me if I don’t have the facts straight. The truth stands, and they can quickly spot (and point out) the error of my “logic.”
As Christ’s followers, we need to get a better handle on that reality. You don’t play around with truth. In fact, as John is telling us about Jesus, he assures us that we know that Jesus is full of grace and truth (John 1:14).
People don’t have much trouble with the grace part. Of course God’s grace is amazing, unlimited, lavish, and actively demonstrated in the death of Jesus on the cross. He forgives sins, restores lives, and pours out countless blessings that are neither deserved nor expected. No arguments about His grace.
But when we hit the “truth” part, the world walks out in protest. Truth, in so many minds, is a pliable commodity, so flexible that you can have “your truth” and I can have “my truth,” even if they are completely contradictory. Illogically, in the world’s eyes, every claim can be equally valid and, in fact, we are quickly written off as intolerant if we point out the wrongheadedness and false thinking of a worldview that does not line up with God’s Word.
John reminds us that Jesus came not only to demonstrate God’s unlimited grace but also His absolute truth. Jesus claimed to be the Way, the Truth, and the Life—the only way, in fact, to the Father. He told the crowd gathered at the temple that He and the Father were one. His truth claims can be rejected or received, with eternal consequences, but they cannot be altered or spun to a more politically correct alternative. They do not sync with false worldviews and are not simply one option among many.
So, the question for you and for me is: “Are we playing around with truth?” We wouldn’t be among the first to bend the words of Jesus to fit our own dreams and misplaced desires. And, I should ask, are we able to spot false truth claims and erroneous thinking as quickly as my grandkids spotted my flawed mathematical theorems? And, just as importantly, are we willing to speak out for the truth, graciously yet firmly exposing error for what it is? We can and should be agents of the grace of Christ. But let’s remember the rest of the verse and be agents of His truth as well.
It would be really great if 2+2 could be 22 when I am balancing my checkbook, but it is still and always will be four. The truth is the truth and that never changes. Thank God that He has given us truth to keep the balance of the checkbook of our lives in good order. - by Joe Stowell, Daily Strength devotional for more from Joe visit rbc.org
Isn't it strange the things we stated as facts when we were kids? Remember the Precious Moments brand? I had posters, dolls, plates etc. One of them made a statement "Love is never having to say you are sorry". Some people actually believe that!
So, what is love? Love is doing what is best for someone no matter how uncomfortable it may feel. It is not doing what we think will make another person happy. Are we willing to put our feelings aside to be sure someone else is not heading into trouble? Would we stand by and allow someone to run off a cliff without trying to warn them. Well, maybe a cliff is extreme...what about just hitting a tree? Would we rationalize it by saying, "Well who am I to say it is wrong to drive off a cliff" Then just go on about our day as if it did not happen and we were not responsible in any way? Our society has the keen ability to turn a blind eye and harden our hearts to what our true mission in life is.
We are called to Love...above all else. God says it is our highest calling. Do you know anyone who is running toward a metaphorical cliff. Warn them, don't just think someone else will. If God has made you aware, He wants you to step up like He stepped up for you.
I pray we all pick up our cross and follow after our Christ.
Candace
The Right Kind of Help
And I, if I am lifted up . . . will draw all peoples to Myself —John 12:32
Very few of us have any understanding of the reason why Jesus Christ died. If sympathy is all that human beings need, then the Cross of Christ is an absurdity and there is absolutely no need for it. What the world needs is not "a little bit of love," but major surgery.
When you find yourself face to face with a person who is spiritually lost, remind yourself of Jesus Christ on the cross. If that person can get to God in any other way, then the Cross of Christ is unnecessary. If you think you are helping lost people with your sympathy and understanding, you are a traitor to Jesus Christ. You must have a right-standing relationship with Him yourself, and pour your life out in helping others in His way— not in a human way that ignores God. The theme of the world’s religion today is to serve in a pleasant, non-confrontational manner.
But our only priority must be to present Jesus Christ crucified— to lift Him up all the time (see 1 Corinthians 2:2 ). Every belief that is not firmly rooted in the Cross of Christ will lead people astray. If the worker himself believes in Jesus Christ and is trusting in the reality of redemption, his words will be compelling to others. What is extremely important is for the worker’s simple relationship with Jesus Christ to be strong and growing. His usefulness to God depends on that, and that alone.
The calling of a New Testament worker is to expose sin and to reveal Jesus Christ as Savior. Consequently, he cannot always be charming and friendly, but must be willing to be stern to accomplish major surgery. We are sent by God to lift up Jesus Christ, not to give wonderfully beautiful speeches. We must be willing to examine others as deeply as God has examined us. We must also be sharply intent on sensing those Scripture passages that will drive the truth home, and then not be afraid to apply them. - Oswald Chambers
My prayer for us today is that we all listen with our heart, choose our words with care and through it all remember the good in each other - which is the very essence of God, our father.
One of the poems I wrote is about this very issue. It is my hope that the poems will help us reflect on what God is telling us, personalize them through our past experiences and remember the lessons learned for future situations. The devotional is from Daily Bread today.
With love,
Candace
No Cause For Alarm
READ: Ephesians 4:25-32
“Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath. —Ephesians 4:26The sound of the alarm blaring from inside the church struck panic in my heart. I had arrived at church early one Sunday morning, planning to spend a little time in peace and quiet before the congregation arrived. But I forgot to disarm the burglar alarm. As I turned the key, the disruptive and annoying blasting of the alarm filled the building—and no doubt the bedrooms of sleeping neighbors.
Anger is a lot like that. In the midst of our peaceful lives, something turns a key in our spirit and triggers the alarm. And our internal peace—not to mention the tranquillity of those around us—is interrupted by the disruptive force of our exploding emotions.
Sometimes anger appropriately calls our attention to an injustice that needs to be addressed, and we are spurred to righteous action. Most of the time, however, our anger is selfishly ignited by the violation of our expectations, rights, and privileges. In any case, it’s important to know why the alarm is sounding and to respond in a godly way. But one thing is sure, anger was never intended to continue unchecked.
It’s no wonder that Paul reminds us of the psalmist’s warning: “‘Be angry, and do not sin’; do not let the sun go down on your wrath” (Eph. 4:26; Ps. 4:4). — Joe Stowell
Spirit of God, please change my heart
And give me a new desire;
Help me to be a man of peace
Who’s not controlled by anger’s fire. —K. De Haan
Anger left unchecked is cause for alarm.
Obedience Walks True
Words form as my mouth is ignited into motion,
Muscles strain, face contorts, sounds of the deep are hurled forth,
Tremendous pain and agony is the kindle,
Sparks burst into existence singeing all within reach,
The burn turns to a blaze from the oxygen expelled,
The torrents of tears come too late to extinguish the flames.
Death of so many from the combustible forces,
Tender twigs reaching for life crackle and smolder from the impulsive havoc,
New seasons, new life, through years of dormancy reigned,
Each planting… reaching fingers, through rich soil from debris,
Encouraging waters penetrate that which is buried deep,
Slow saturation, life drank it in,
Overcoming the demons that snuffed years from the scene,
God understood the pain and the cause,
He never gave up or quickened the time,
His patience and love are more than enough…
Like creation and then destruction to regain true birth.
Let us always remember the loss from the fires,
Always go rushing, so seeds will throw down.
Time is the magic when obedience walks true,
His steps are leading though only one path is seen,
Forward forever, the future has no end.
Behind are the lessons to teach others to grow,
Remember your yesterday, put away all strife,
It’s in this we grow mercy, so all may have life.
By Candace Huffmaster
They do not truly love who do not show their love. —Shakespeare
This is what God says about Love
1 Corinthian 13:1-3
I may speak in the languages of humans and of angels. But if I don’t
have love, I am a loud gong or a clashing cymbal. I may have the gift
to speak what God has revealed, and I may understand all mysteries
and have all knowledge. I may even have enough faith to move mountains.
But if I don’t have love, I am nothing. I may even give away all that I have and give up my body to be burned. But if I don’t have love, none of these things will help me.
This is what Love acts like.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient. Love is kind. Love isn’t jealous. It doesn’t sing its own
praises. It isn’t arrogant. It isn’t rude. It doesn’t think about itself. It isn’t irritable. It doesn’t keep track of wrongs. It isn’t happy when injustice is done,but it is happy with the truth. Love never stops being patient, never stops believing, never stops hoping, never gives up.
Can Love Go away?
1 Corinthians 13:11-13
Love never comes to an end. There is the gift of speaking what God has
revealed, but it will no longer be used. There is the gift of speaking in other languages, but it will stop by itself. There is the gift of knowledge, but it will no longer be used. Our knowledge is incomplete and our ability to speak what God has revealed is incomplete. But when what is complete comes, then what is incomplete will no longer be used. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, thought like a child, and reasoned like a child. When I became an adult, I no longer used childish ways. Now we see a blurred image in a mirror. Then we will see very clearly. Now my knowledge is incomplete. Then I will have complete knowledge as God has complete knowledge of me. So these three things remain: faith, hope, and love. But the best one of these is love.
What is your real love angle?
(Refer to Love Angle)
So, brothers and sisters, I love you and miss you. You are my joy and my crown. Therefore, dear friends, keep your relationship with the Lord firm! I encourage both Euodia and Syntyche to have the attitude the Lord wants them to have. Yes, I also ask you, Syzugus, my true partner, to help these women. They fought beside me to spread the Good News along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
Always be joyful in the Lord! I’ll say it again: Be joyful! Let everyone know how considerate you are. The Lord is near. Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks. Then God’s peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, keep your thoughts on whatever is right or deserves praise: things that are true, honorable, fair, pure, acceptable, or commendable. Practice what you’ve learned and received from me, what you heard and saw me do. Then the God who gives this peace will be with you.
I love the way Paul speaks the truth in love. He is encouraging his fellow believers and those he has been sent to lead and cover. He opens with how much he loves them all….right where they are, as they are. He speaks of a desire for them, to be with them and how he wears that relationship with pride / honor.
Look at what he says next, keep your focus on God first. He does not say focus on what “I” am saying, how much “I” love you and you own “me” something (usually respect due to how we have mentored or cared for someone) He keeps all eyes focused on Christ. He encourages them to seek this relationship first.
Paul goes on to speak highly of the work of others as He is making these requests. He is not touting what he alone has done; he is expressing how they are one body.
It is my opinion that a large factor of how conflict either gets resolved or propelled into a drama is within the next few scriptures. We take our focus off Christ and get into the problem and short comings of people in our midst. We start to desire to “fix” the other person, “Tinker” with how and why they do not see things as we do. We get anxious, irritated, defensive, justified, self righteous…..angry.
Fear is what we have been talking about along with Trust over the past few months. Counseling programs have a diagram that shows “anger” being the tip of an iceberg with all those emotions felt being unresolved beneath the surface of the water. I would like to propose a thought. What if anger is the surface of the water and “Fear” is the cap of the iceberg.
What if we would visualize Christ walking on that fluid surface of anger coming toward us….wearing our cap of fear? We are to grow up into our head which is Christ. He does not wear a hat labeled fear. In fact God promised that there is no fear in love. He also said that pure love casts out all fear.
We cannot wear 2 hats on one head. I think in the south we state it another way…2 horses one backside. Paul closed these encouraging words “then the God who gives this peace will be with you”. Will you receive it? Paul showed us how in these scriptures.
I pray for us all that others will see how considerate we are. I pray that the peace and joy of the Lord is our today and that we rejoice. I pray that we grow in relationship with Christ today all the while giving thanks that we are one body upheld by His righteousness. I pray that those who have hurt us or threatened us in anyway be forgiven because I do not believe they knew what they were doing. I pray that Christ meet them right where they are and bring them understanding so that restoration may take place. I pray that God’s peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard our thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus. I thank God that He is showing us thoughts that are Holy, Lovely and Pure so that we can be holy….because He is holy.
If Christ is our foundation - that means He is literally the road way, because the ground we walk on uphold us. Stay with me here - Christ himself said he is "the way" "the truth" and "the life". So write and think about the surface you are walking on. Look beneath that surface even if for a moment and take a quick peak. See if your way has truth under it. Now look up and see if the destination seems to be heading you toward life
I trust that all this is done, because of Christ our Lord, the abilities of our God and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit working within us this day. Amen
