You know, as moms, we don't TRY to embarrass our children - especially our teenagers - however, on occasion, embarrassment happens. Inadvertently, we as parents do something that mortifies our children, so much so that they walk away from us in horror.
I have a teenage daughter now, and I really do try NOT to embarrass her. There's a list of things that I know she hates for me to do when we are in public, so I try not to do those things. HOWEVER, sometimes I fail miserably - not intentionally - just miserably!
One of her least favorite things in the world for me to do is to sing in a public arena. She doesn't mind me singing, if I'm supposed to be singing. It's the singing as I walk down the grocery store isle or in the parking lot - anywhere someone might hear me and realize that SHE'S WITH ME!
The problem is, it's a hard thing for me not to sing. Stores make us do it on purpose, I think. They know that music makes the heart lighter, which will make us more apt to buy things, so they play music. Oh, and I'm afraid Christmas-time is the worst temptation for me. My heart opens up and spills out of my mouth right in the middle of the store! When that happens, my daughter's eyes get larger than life, and her hand moves faster than the speed of light toward her face to cover it. Next, comes the emotionally charged, yet whispered word every parent hears during such an embarrassing moment, "Moooom."
Did you know Jesus sang? I guess I've thought about it before, but not really to the extent that I thought about it this morning. I was reading the Word this morning and came across the Truth of the Last Supper. I say, "Truth," because I hate to use the word "story." It's NOT one!
Anyway, the song Jesus sang at the end of the Last Supper was an intensely deep, joyful hymn. That's cool don't you think? I like to picture Him in my mind - singing to the top of His lungs. He probably had the best voice there. I'm sure, however, Peter sang the loudest!
WHERE He was and WHAT He sang wasn't what got my attention, though. It was WHEN He sang.
Do you remember what happened immediately following the Last Supper? You got it - Christ's betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion. Christ sang a song of joy and victory, not long before He suffered as the Victor. In my mind, that had to be hard - to sing a song of joy right before the most sorrowful and painful time of His entire life. Then again, maybe it wasn't as difficult as I think. He knew the end. He knew He would be victorious over death. He knew that this was the only way for the ones He loved to be able to be with Him. He knew it had to be done, despite the agony of the cross. So, He sang.
Shouldn't we, too? Despite "life" - the sorrow, the aching, the bitterness, the betrayals - shouldn't we sing,? After all, just like Christ, we know the how everything ultimately ends. We know that God causes all things to work together for our good and according to His purpose, so the battles that we are enduring even now, are only for our betterment and His glory. We know that things remind us on a daily, sometimes minute by minute, basis that we need Him and that His deep, passionate love for us will not fail to do what needs to be done in order for us to become more like Him. We also know that momentary light affliction here on this earth is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.
So, let's sing. No, I'm not giving you permission to intentionally horrify your teenagers in public! You don't always have to do it loudly or in a public arena. You can sing a song that simply spills over in your heart, without ever opening your mouth. So, sing I say, and make music to the Lord, O sing to the LORD a new song, For He has done wonderful things! Ps. 85:1
We praise You, Lord, even in the midst of our circumstances and even in the midst of the uncertainty of our future here on this earth. We will sing and make melody to You in our hearts, for You have done wonderful things...too numerous to count. We are blessed, Jesus...all because of You! Praise You, Jesus. Praise You.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Sometimes, life is hard, and no matter how desperately you try to change things for the better, they only seem to get worse. Where is God in the midst of those times? Beloved, He's right there. He hasn't left you or forsaken you. He can't. It's not in His nature. No matter how alone you feel on the inside, you're not, and He's begging you to test Him and see that He is enough.
I guess I'm thinking along these lines today, because I've had a song stuck in my head for the last couple of weeks. Every time I turn around, "Blessings" by Laura Story is playing in my mind as if it were prerecorded. I want to share the lyrics with you (even better...go on YouTube and search it out so you can hear the song, itself), but I want you to see where they came from (that's also an incredible story you can find on YouTube).
A few months into their marriage, Laura Story noticed her new husband was forgetting things...unusually, forgetting things. His memory over time only got worse, not better. Long story short, he had a brain tumor. This man she'd hoped to spend the rest of her life with...this man she'd just began to really know...was desperately ill. The operation for the removal of the tumor was successful (YEAH), but to this day, he still deals with forgetfulness. Laura Story speaks of her struggle in knowing that God is good on one hand and completely capable and able to heal on the other. She said that in her mind, the two things should go together, and her husband should be healed. BUT he's not, completely. She wrote this song in response.
"Blessings" by Laura Story
We pray for blessings. We pray for peace.
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep.
We pray for healing, for prosperity.
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering.
All the while, You hear each spoken need,
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things.
'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops?
What if Your healing comes through tears?
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near?
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?
We pray for wisdom, Your voice to hear.
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near.
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love,
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough.
All the while, You hear each desperate plea,
And long that we'd have faith to believe.
'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops?
'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops?
What if Your healing comes through tears?
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near?
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?
When friends betray us,
When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home.
It's not our home.
'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops?
'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops?
What if Your healing comes through tears?
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near?
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life,
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy.
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise?
Amazing, isn't it...that such an incredibly deep, theologically sound song was not birthed by blue skies or sunny days. This song - that has touched millions and comforted millions (including myself) - was birthed from pain, from sorrow, from seeking the Lord in the darkest of nights. Yes, God is able. Yes, God is good, but we have to trust that what He KNOWS is better than what we KNOW. He sees our suffering, but He also sees what our suffering will bring about and is too good and too kind to give us "lesser things." He sees it for what it will ultimately be...a blessing.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. II Cor. 1:3-4
Blessings be to you, and may you be truly thankful in all things...even the tough stuff...during this Thanksgiving season.
Thank You Jesus, for the things in my life right now that aren't any fun at all...REALLY. Thank You that You are using those things to shape something in me that will be useful to comfort others in my path for days, even months or years to come. You truly are the God of all comfort, and I praise You today. Thank You, Jesus. Thank You.
I guess I'm thinking along these lines today, because I've had a song stuck in my head for the last couple of weeks. Every time I turn around, "Blessings" by Laura Story is playing in my mind as if it were prerecorded. I want to share the lyrics with you (even better...go on YouTube and search it out so you can hear the song, itself), but I want you to see where they came from (that's also an incredible story you can find on YouTube).
A few months into their marriage, Laura Story noticed her new husband was forgetting things...unusually, forgetting things. His memory over time only got worse, not better. Long story short, he had a brain tumor. This man she'd hoped to spend the rest of her life with...this man she'd just began to really know...was desperately ill. The operation for the removal of the tumor was successful (YEAH), but to this day, he still deals with forgetfulness. Laura Story speaks of her struggle in knowing that God is good on one hand and completely capable and able to heal on the other. She said that in her mind, the two things should go together, and her husband should be healed. BUT he's not, completely. She wrote this song in response.
"Blessings" by Laura Story
We pray for blessings. We pray for peace.
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep.
We pray for healing, for prosperity.
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering.
All the while, You hear each spoken need,
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things.
'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops?
What if Your healing comes through tears?
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near?
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?
We pray for wisdom, Your voice to hear.
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near.
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love,
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough.
All the while, You hear each desperate plea,
And long that we'd have faith to believe.
'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops?
'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops?
What if Your healing comes through tears?
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near?
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?
When friends betray us,
When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home.
It's not our home.
'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops?
'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops?
What if Your healing comes through tears?
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near?
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life,
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy.
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise?
Amazing, isn't it...that such an incredibly deep, theologically sound song was not birthed by blue skies or sunny days. This song - that has touched millions and comforted millions (including myself) - was birthed from pain, from sorrow, from seeking the Lord in the darkest of nights. Yes, God is able. Yes, God is good, but we have to trust that what He KNOWS is better than what we KNOW. He sees our suffering, but He also sees what our suffering will bring about and is too good and too kind to give us "lesser things." He sees it for what it will ultimately be...a blessing.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. II Cor. 1:3-4
Blessings be to you, and may you be truly thankful in all things...even the tough stuff...during this Thanksgiving season.
Thank You Jesus, for the things in my life right now that aren't any fun at all...REALLY. Thank You that You are using those things to shape something in me that will be useful to comfort others in my path for days, even months or years to come. You truly are the God of all comfort, and I praise You today. Thank You, Jesus. Thank You.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
The Battle Belongs to the Lord
One of my favorite scenes in the movie Prince Caspian involves Lucy - the youngest of the Kings and Queens of Narnia. Young "Queen Lucy" and her family, along with all of Narnia, were engaged in fighting a group of evil men who were trying to take over their country. The battle raged on and on, but when all seemed lost for the Narnians, Lucy was sent to find Aslan - a lion, symbolic of Christ. When she finds Him, the two carry on a brief conversation about courage in the midst of battle, and abruptly that scene ends.
The next scene opens on a different note - this time, with the enemies of Narnia fleeing the "walking trees." (Sorry, you'll just have to see the movie!) At this point, the only thing between the evil men and safety is a river, and fortunately they had just built a bridge a little earlier in the movie.
As they begin to cross, the galloping horses jerk to a halt. To the men's dismay and astonishment, at the other end of the bridge appears a little girl - Queen Lucy. She stops, stands still, pulls out a dagger, and smiles an unusually confident, hopeful smile.
The camera suddenly flashes back to the men. The leader looks at her, bewildered for a minute, and then grins. Evil laughter erupts from his throat, as he begins the charge across the bridge again - as if a little girl could stop him.
Queen Lucy never moves, but continues to hold her composure, standing in the same place. All of the sudden, out of the background, you see Aslan sauntering forward, bigger than life. He takes his place right next to Lucy, as if to say, "She might not can stop you, but I can." Queen Lucy glances over her shoulder at Aslan and smiles again, confident that the big lion will aright everything. And of course, he did. The evil men were conquered and there were happy endings for everyone - well, almost everyone. Now, there's no reason to get upset. I can't tell you the WHOLE movie!
Anyway, that particular scene gets me every time - the intensity, the thrill, the fact that Queen Lucy (the little girl) stands and faces her foe, even though his horse could easily trample her underfoot at a moment's notice. Oh, and did I mention there were HUNDREDS of other evil men on HUNDREDS of other horses also waiting to trample her!
Her courage in the face of imminent danger was a testimony to me. Yes, I know it was just a movie, but the intent of the movie makers came through loud and clear. Queen Lucy knew she wasn't strong enough, or big enough, or brave enough to fight. But she knew who was strong enough and big enough and brave enough - and he was right beside her, shadowing her weakness with His strength. Her ability to stand on that bridge, strong and confident while facing death itself, had nothing to do with her. Instead, it had everything to do with the one who stood beside her.
King Jehoshaphat went through a similar thing back in 2 Chronicles 20. When the king was told that a vast army was coming against him to destroy the nation, he humbled himself before the people and the Lord by calling the people together to pray: "12...For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you. Scripture goes on...13 All the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the LORD. 14 Then the Spirit of the LORD came on Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite and descendant of Asaph, as he stood in the assembly. He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16 Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. 17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.’” '
I'll bet there were some grateful people all through the assembly. That was great news! The battle wasn't their own. It wasn't their responsibility. It was God's. They wouldn't even have to fight. All they had to do was stand firm and see the deliverance of the Lord.
Our enemy is big. He's ferocious. He's strong. He's after our very lives. He's after our marriages and our children and our spouses. He's after everything he can get, so that he can not only destroy us, but the fame of the name of the One who loves us. He comes at us hard and fast, with a evil smirk of conquest resting on his lips. And there's nothing we can do about it. We're not big enough. We're not strong enough. We're not even good enough to defend ourselves from his power. Yet, thankfully, God comes along side as we cry out to Him and says, Do not be afraid or discouraged. Take heart - for the battle is not yours, but Mine. All you need to do is stand firm for Me...be courageous...and then just watch what I will do on your behalf. Oh, and by the way, just in case you're wondering...I've got this one in the bag. It's already won.
Lord Jesus, Help me to know that I am weak, but You are strong...to know that when I can't, You can...to recognize that the battle doesn't weigh on my shoulders, but Yours. Thank You that through You all things are possible. I praise You, Jesus. Praise You.
The next scene opens on a different note - this time, with the enemies of Narnia fleeing the "walking trees." (Sorry, you'll just have to see the movie!) At this point, the only thing between the evil men and safety is a river, and fortunately they had just built a bridge a little earlier in the movie.
As they begin to cross, the galloping horses jerk to a halt. To the men's dismay and astonishment, at the other end of the bridge appears a little girl - Queen Lucy. She stops, stands still, pulls out a dagger, and smiles an unusually confident, hopeful smile.
The camera suddenly flashes back to the men. The leader looks at her, bewildered for a minute, and then grins. Evil laughter erupts from his throat, as he begins the charge across the bridge again - as if a little girl could stop him.
Queen Lucy never moves, but continues to hold her composure, standing in the same place. All of the sudden, out of the background, you see Aslan sauntering forward, bigger than life. He takes his place right next to Lucy, as if to say, "She might not can stop you, but I can." Queen Lucy glances over her shoulder at Aslan and smiles again, confident that the big lion will aright everything. And of course, he did. The evil men were conquered and there were happy endings for everyone - well, almost everyone. Now, there's no reason to get upset. I can't tell you the WHOLE movie!
Anyway, that particular scene gets me every time - the intensity, the thrill, the fact that Queen Lucy (the little girl) stands and faces her foe, even though his horse could easily trample her underfoot at a moment's notice. Oh, and did I mention there were HUNDREDS of other evil men on HUNDREDS of other horses also waiting to trample her!
Her courage in the face of imminent danger was a testimony to me. Yes, I know it was just a movie, but the intent of the movie makers came through loud and clear. Queen Lucy knew she wasn't strong enough, or big enough, or brave enough to fight. But she knew who was strong enough and big enough and brave enough - and he was right beside her, shadowing her weakness with His strength. Her ability to stand on that bridge, strong and confident while facing death itself, had nothing to do with her. Instead, it had everything to do with the one who stood beside her.
King Jehoshaphat went through a similar thing back in 2 Chronicles 20. When the king was told that a vast army was coming against him to destroy the nation, he humbled himself before the people and the Lord by calling the people together to pray: "12...For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you. Scripture goes on...13 All the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the LORD. 14 Then the Spirit of the LORD came on Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite and descendant of Asaph, as he stood in the assembly. He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16 Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. 17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.’” '
I'll bet there were some grateful people all through the assembly. That was great news! The battle wasn't their own. It wasn't their responsibility. It was God's. They wouldn't even have to fight. All they had to do was stand firm and see the deliverance of the Lord.
Our enemy is big. He's ferocious. He's strong. He's after our very lives. He's after our marriages and our children and our spouses. He's after everything he can get, so that he can not only destroy us, but the fame of the name of the One who loves us. He comes at us hard and fast, with a evil smirk of conquest resting on his lips. And there's nothing we can do about it. We're not big enough. We're not strong enough. We're not even good enough to defend ourselves from his power. Yet, thankfully, God comes along side as we cry out to Him and says, Do not be afraid or discouraged. Take heart - for the battle is not yours, but Mine. All you need to do is stand firm for Me...be courageous...and then just watch what I will do on your behalf. Oh, and by the way, just in case you're wondering...I've got this one in the bag. It's already won.
Lord Jesus, Help me to know that I am weak, but You are strong...to know that when I can't, You can...to recognize that the battle doesn't weigh on my shoulders, but Yours. Thank You that through You all things are possible. I praise You, Jesus. Praise You.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
God's Always Right on Time
Do you ever think of God as being "late?" Well, we know of at least two of Jesus' friends who did. Martha was the first to confess it: "Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died" (John 11:21). A few verses later, her sister Mary says the same thing: "When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:32).
Now, before we judge Martha and Mary for their lack of faith, let's think about their situation for a moment. It had been several days since the sisters had sent for Jesus, telling Him the "one he loved" - Lazarus, their brother - was sick and needed Him...really needed Him. I'm sure they thought Jesus would come as quickly as He heard the news, but He didn't. Instead, He waited - not just an hour or so, but days.
In my mind's eye, I can see the sisters' heads turn in expectation every time someone knocked at the door, only to be disappointed that it wasn't Jesus. I can see them pacing back and forth, wringing their hands with anxiety, sharing the burden of wiping the fevered brow of their brother, knowing that when Jesus came, all would be made right. I see them shaking their head in denial as Lazarus takes his last breath, wondering where their Savior could be. "If He'd only been here. Where could He be? He was only a couple of miles away when we sent for Him. A good brisk walk would have gotten Him here in plenty of time. Why was He so late in coming!?"
Fortunately, we have an advantage over Mary and Martha, don't we? We know how it all ends. We know that Jesus finally arrives four days after Lazarus passes away and then miraculously, calls him forth out of the grave. We know the reason Christ delayed His coming to Bethany was not because of a camel accident along the way or because someone stole His passport. Scripture specifically tells us He waited so that the glory of God could be revealed in the Son. Oh, and by the way, in case you're wondering, It was!
Yep, we definitely have an advantage over Mary and Martha in their case of faithlessness, but I wonder...
I wonder if the same thoughts don't run through our minds on occasion. I wonder if we ever question God about His "lateness" upon answering our requests.
I don't know about you, but that statement nails me right between the eyes. As a matter of fact, I've been quite guilty of questioning God's "lateness" recently. I've been in prayer over an issue and have been waiting expectantly for God to "show up," but so far, there's been no resurrection! My thoughts progressed from asking God to help us, to eventually complaining that the whole process was taking far too long. "This was supposed to be over by now." Ever said that before?
Well, what I didn't realize was the accusatory nature of my statements. I was actually accusing the Father of being late...of not working in my situation...of not coming to my rescue when I needed Him...of not being on time. I had forgotten that my life wasn't supposed to be all about me. Instead, it was and is supposed to be all about Him.
Again, in the sisters' defense, accusing God of being late isn't that hard to do. We do it all the time without really ever recognizing the sinful nature of our thoughts and words. Sometimes all it takes is the failing health of a loved one to do the trick. We pray and pray for healing, yet when we see none, our hearts become heavy, and hopelessness begins to grow. It doesn't even have to be that serious for accusations to arise. It can be as simple as giving in to a bad attitude and complaining about where we are in life. These complaints aren't just words. They are accusations which hold themselves up against the timeliness of the Father.
I think - no, I know - we've got to make ourselves remember these things -these trials, these heartaches, these difficult situations, these things we want to complain about - are all for the glory of God. What God is doing in the midst of His supposed tardiness is actually building something that will not only benefit us, but everyone else around. If He hasn't chosen to "show up" yet, it doesn't mean that He doesn't care or that He's taking His own sweet time. There's a reason...and that reason will bring unmistakable glory to His name...and unbelieveable wealth to your soul.
God's never late, my friend. Nope, He's always right on time. Let's make a decision to remember that today, okay?
Lord Jesus, sometimes we just don't understand what You are doing, but that doesn't mean that it's not good. Your ways are higher than ours, so I confess that to You in faith, believing that the things that we are going through are for our good and Your glory. Show up, Lord, if You choose and remove this burden. But if not now, Lord, we will wait in anxious expectation to see Your glory revealed through this trial. Thank You for trusting us with it, Jesus. Thank You!
Now, before we judge Martha and Mary for their lack of faith, let's think about their situation for a moment. It had been several days since the sisters had sent for Jesus, telling Him the "one he loved" - Lazarus, their brother - was sick and needed Him...really needed Him. I'm sure they thought Jesus would come as quickly as He heard the news, but He didn't. Instead, He waited - not just an hour or so, but days.
In my mind's eye, I can see the sisters' heads turn in expectation every time someone knocked at the door, only to be disappointed that it wasn't Jesus. I can see them pacing back and forth, wringing their hands with anxiety, sharing the burden of wiping the fevered brow of their brother, knowing that when Jesus came, all would be made right. I see them shaking their head in denial as Lazarus takes his last breath, wondering where their Savior could be. "If He'd only been here. Where could He be? He was only a couple of miles away when we sent for Him. A good brisk walk would have gotten Him here in plenty of time. Why was He so late in coming!?"
Fortunately, we have an advantage over Mary and Martha, don't we? We know how it all ends. We know that Jesus finally arrives four days after Lazarus passes away and then miraculously, calls him forth out of the grave. We know the reason Christ delayed His coming to Bethany was not because of a camel accident along the way or because someone stole His passport. Scripture specifically tells us He waited so that the glory of God could be revealed in the Son. Oh, and by the way, in case you're wondering, It was!
Yep, we definitely have an advantage over Mary and Martha in their case of faithlessness, but I wonder...
I wonder if the same thoughts don't run through our minds on occasion. I wonder if we ever question God about His "lateness" upon answering our requests.
I don't know about you, but that statement nails me right between the eyes. As a matter of fact, I've been quite guilty of questioning God's "lateness" recently. I've been in prayer over an issue and have been waiting expectantly for God to "show up," but so far, there's been no resurrection! My thoughts progressed from asking God to help us, to eventually complaining that the whole process was taking far too long. "This was supposed to be over by now." Ever said that before?
Well, what I didn't realize was the accusatory nature of my statements. I was actually accusing the Father of being late...of not working in my situation...of not coming to my rescue when I needed Him...of not being on time. I had forgotten that my life wasn't supposed to be all about me. Instead, it was and is supposed to be all about Him.
Again, in the sisters' defense, accusing God of being late isn't that hard to do. We do it all the time without really ever recognizing the sinful nature of our thoughts and words. Sometimes all it takes is the failing health of a loved one to do the trick. We pray and pray for healing, yet when we see none, our hearts become heavy, and hopelessness begins to grow. It doesn't even have to be that serious for accusations to arise. It can be as simple as giving in to a bad attitude and complaining about where we are in life. These complaints aren't just words. They are accusations which hold themselves up against the timeliness of the Father.
I think - no, I know - we've got to make ourselves remember these things -these trials, these heartaches, these difficult situations, these things we want to complain about - are all for the glory of God. What God is doing in the midst of His supposed tardiness is actually building something that will not only benefit us, but everyone else around. If He hasn't chosen to "show up" yet, it doesn't mean that He doesn't care or that He's taking His own sweet time. There's a reason...and that reason will bring unmistakable glory to His name...and unbelieveable wealth to your soul.
God's never late, my friend. Nope, He's always right on time. Let's make a decision to remember that today, okay?
Lord Jesus, sometimes we just don't understand what You are doing, but that doesn't mean that it's not good. Your ways are higher than ours, so I confess that to You in faith, believing that the things that we are going through are for our good and Your glory. Show up, Lord, if You choose and remove this burden. But if not now, Lord, we will wait in anxious expectation to see Your glory revealed through this trial. Thank You for trusting us with it, Jesus. Thank You!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
It's All About Trusting the Quarterback
Football has become a huge part of the Kirk family recently. With practice 3 times a week and games on Saturday, it seems our family's at the field, almost as much as we're at home.
I'm not complaining though. I LOVE the game. I always have, ever since Roger Staubach played for the Cowboys and Franco Harris played for the Steelers. I'm dating myself, aren't I?!?
Now that our son plays for the Selma Yellow Jackets, I love it even more - maybe a little too much at times. I totally embarrass my daughter (and whoever else is with us) at the games by screaming, "Get 'em guys!" over and over. Oh, and the cowbell - we won't even go there!
Even from the early days of watching, I've known that football held some spiritual lessons. But recently, more of those appications have come to light. For example, the other night at practice, Alex was running a Tight End Slant, off to the left. He started running hard at first, until he turned to look at the quarterback. His attention then shifted from the quarterback, to catching the ball - slowing his pace. That's a problem because not only did it make it harder for the quarterback to judge where to throw the ball, but in a game setting, it makes it easier for the defense to catch up. What started out being a touchdown, ends up being a tackle - all because the receiver didn't trust the ability of the quarterback.
How do I know that? I'll tell you how I know. After the play ended, Alex's coach said three words in that loud commanding voice of his - "Alex, trust him." I understood that to mean Alex needed to do his job - to run hard - and let the quarterback do his - put the ball into Alex's hands. It was that simple. Alex had to learn to trust the quarterback. Period.
The spiritual application? I'll give you a few:
Psalm 28:7(NAS) says, "The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him."
Ps. 37:5(NAS) says, "Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it."
Ps. 62:8(NAS) says, "Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah."
Daniel 6:23(NAS) says, "Then the king was very pleased and gave orders for Daniel to be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den and no injury whatever was found on him, because he had trusted in his God."
See what I mean? Trust the Quarterback, my friend. Simply, trust Him.
Dearest Jesus, please help us to trust You. You are in control. You are all-powerful, all-knowing, and exist everywhere. Those reasons alone should make us trust You with every minute of every day. Thank You for Your patience with us as we learn how to do this "trust thing." We love You, Jesus. Amen.
I'm not complaining though. I LOVE the game. I always have, ever since Roger Staubach played for the Cowboys and Franco Harris played for the Steelers. I'm dating myself, aren't I?!?
Now that our son plays for the Selma Yellow Jackets, I love it even more - maybe a little too much at times. I totally embarrass my daughter (and whoever else is with us) at the games by screaming, "Get 'em guys!" over and over. Oh, and the cowbell - we won't even go there!
Even from the early days of watching, I've known that football held some spiritual lessons. But recently, more of those appications have come to light. For example, the other night at practice, Alex was running a Tight End Slant, off to the left. He started running hard at first, until he turned to look at the quarterback. His attention then shifted from the quarterback, to catching the ball - slowing his pace. That's a problem because not only did it make it harder for the quarterback to judge where to throw the ball, but in a game setting, it makes it easier for the defense to catch up. What started out being a touchdown, ends up being a tackle - all because the receiver didn't trust the ability of the quarterback.
How do I know that? I'll tell you how I know. After the play ended, Alex's coach said three words in that loud commanding voice of his - "Alex, trust him." I understood that to mean Alex needed to do his job - to run hard - and let the quarterback do his - put the ball into Alex's hands. It was that simple. Alex had to learn to trust the quarterback. Period.
The spiritual application? I'll give you a few:
Psalm 28:7(NAS) says, "The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him."
Ps. 37:5(NAS) says, "Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it."
Ps. 62:8(NAS) says, "Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah."
Daniel 6:23(NAS) says, "Then the king was very pleased and gave orders for Daniel to be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den and no injury whatever was found on him, because he had trusted in his God."
See what I mean? Trust the Quarterback, my friend. Simply, trust Him.
Dearest Jesus, please help us to trust You. You are in control. You are all-powerful, all-knowing, and exist everywhere. Those reasons alone should make us trust You with every minute of every day. Thank You for Your patience with us as we learn how to do this "trust thing." We love You, Jesus. Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)