Hints of Hope

The Delight of my Heart

2012-02-11T08:32:00.000-05:00

"Thy words were found and I ate them,

And Thy words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart;

For I have been called by Thy Name, O Lord God of hosts."

(Jeremiah 15:16, NASB)

God called Jeremiah to deliver a hard message to His people. Jeremiah - like many of us when God calls us to do something - felt completely insufficient and ill-equipped. He was called to a task that was much bigger than himself. A task that was far beyond his ability.

When I think of people being called by God to accomplish a specific task, I think of surrendered humility. I think of someone like Jeremiah who said:

“Alas, Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young” (Jeremiah 1:6).

I think of someone who, like Jeremiah, was able to hide his insufficiency behind the ALL-Sufficiency of the God Most High:

But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD.

Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, "I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant" (Jeremiah 1:7-10).

What I love about certain biblical figures is their ability to utterly forsake their own agendas and pride and completely rely on the power given to them by Almighty God.

Our pride, arrogance, and boasting (in ourselves) grosses Him out.

I memorized the above Scripture verse yesterday (Jeremiah 15:16). I recited it so many times that I believe my little 6-month-old thought I had lost my mind. I paced his room over and over speaking this Word aloud. And this is why:

Because I do not ever want to forget that there is power in the Word of God. When I found the Word - when I truly made the effort to know God through His Word - He gave me an intense appetite for His Truth. As my appetite for His Word increased, it became for me ... the delight of my heart.

God's Word did not magically become the delight of Jeremiah's heart. He had to listen to It ... he had to reflect on It ... he had to allow It to transform His mission. Too often we operate under the assumption that God's Word only transforms some people's lives. That God only gifts some people with the ability to understand His precepts. This is the lie that the enemy wants us to believe in order to keep us totally ineffective to a lost world.

Have you gone to His Word for guidance and instruction? Do you believe there is power in the Word of God? Are you seeing this power demonstrated in your life as a believer?

God desires His Word to become the delight of our heart.

Spared

2012-01-20T22:27:00.001-05:00

"O LORD my God, I called to You for help and You healed me.

O LORD, You brought me up from the grave;

You spared me from going down into the pit."

(Psalm 30:2-3)

It is the beginning of a new year and I have found myself a little more reflective than usual. More than a few times it has crossed my mind that I would be totally in the pit without my God's sovereign rescue. More than a few times I have thanked Him this week for rapturing my heart and not leaving me to my own destruction. More than a few times I have bowed down in gratitude before Him and praised Him ... for I have indeed been spared.

"In Your love You kept me from the pit of destruction;

You have put all my sins behind Your back."

(Isaiah 38:17)

Once in a while I think we need to be reminded of the magnitude of our sin in light of the cross of Christ. In His perfection, He died for us. For each one of us who call on the Name of Jesus. I am not suggesting dwelling on previous sins and struggles, as we know that as the Scripture above states - our sins have been put behind the back of Jesus. I am however suggesting that we not ever (ever, ever!) forget what we have been saved from. That we have moments where we are just blown away at the redemptive power of the blood of the Lamb.

"I waited patiently for the LORD; He turned to me and heard my cry.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire;

He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.

He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD."

(Psalm 40:1-3)

How has He changed your life? Have you taken time lately to recall where you were without Him? And have you humbly thanked Him for loving you enough to come to your rescue?

I am overwhelmed by the reality of His salvation and and His redemption. That in His great love He has endured the Cross in order to lift me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire.

And because of that truth ...

Here I remain:

Spared.

Alive and Active

2012-01-17T11:58:00.008-05:00

I opened my devotional this morning to read the same verses in Scripture that I have been led to various times throughout the past several days. I was reminded this morning of the power of Hebrews 4:12 ...

"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any two-edged sword,

it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow;

it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."

It penetrates. God is able to use His Word to enter our hearts - to teach us and to convict us, to lead us and guide us, to encourage us and to transform us. Sometimes there is resistance to the Word of God in our lives - sometimes due to sin and other times due to distractions and other times due to lack of desire - but the point is, God can use His Word to overcome all of that! He desires to use His Word to transform us and change us, which is absolutely remarkable.

Have you been in the Word of God this week? If so, is there a common theme through the Scripture you are reading? Can you feel it penetrating your heart - changing you from the inside out? How is the Spirit of God using the Bible to speak to you in your specific circumstances this very day?

I have been challenged this week to open the Word of God more frequently. And each time I do so, I am begging God for a fresh word that penetrates my heart ... leaving me more awed at the intentionality of our God.

“As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him." (2 Samuel 22:31)

He longs to meet us exactly where we are so that He can use His Word to speak to our exact circumstances.

Praising Him for His Word today ...

For it is indeed Alive and Active.

In your depravity

2012-01-16T06:00:00.013-05:00

"The poor and needy search for water, but there is none;

their tongues are parched with thirst.

But I the LORD will answer them;

I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.

I will make rivers flow on barren heights,

and springs within the valleys.

I will turn the desert into pools of water,

and the parched ground into springs.

I will put in the desert the cedar and the acadia,

the myrtle and the olive.

I will set junipers in the wasteland,

the fir and the cypress together,

so that people may see and know,

may consider and understand,

that the hand of the LORD has done this,

that the Holy One of Israel has created this."

(Isaiah 41:17-20)

There are many times throughout Scripture when the Lord speaks of creating something out of nothing. Take a look at Genesis chapter 1, for example! Our God is the God of the absolute impossible. I love this quality about Him. His ability to take even the bleakest of circumstances and transform them completely.

The above Scripture has been on my mind for the past several days. We all have circumstances in our lives that seem hopeless. Some of us may currently find ourselves in the middle of a dry desert. Others in the thick of a giant wasteland. And still others of us may just feel plain parched. In need of an immediate and supernatural change in our particular situation.

Can anyone relate today?

I believe that God often chooses to use the places of total depravity to reveal Himself in the most profound way.

There have been times in my life where I have walked through a dry desert - when I have been spiritually dead. There have been other times when I have been in the thick of a giant wasteland - so thick in sin that I have wasted precious time. And then there are times like the recent when my soul has just felt parched - I have found myself longing for more of Jesus but lacking the focus it takes to be determined and intentional in my prayer and study life. And to be honest, I'm tired of it and am in deep need of a revival from my God. From the Only One who is capable of true transformation in my life.

What are you feeling deprived of today?

Whatever it is, God can fill that void in your life. I do believe that God desires our lives to be filled to the brim with Jesus. Sometimes we just need to believe Him that He really can restore our lives, that He really does desire to use the dry circumstances in our lives as an opportunity for His grace, for His supernatural power.

I feel like I'm a little all over the place today in my thoughts. I believe this is the basis of what is on my heart ... Our God is very interested in seeing our lives transformed, as it brings Him immense glory.

Are you perhaps feeling as though you're in the middle of a dry desert? What about in the midst of a giant wasteland? Maybe you're just plain parched and in need of restoration and revival? Re-read Isaiah 41:17-20 again. Jesus desires for you to run to Him in your depravity, desperate for a supernatural touch from Him alone. Did you hear that? Run to God in your depravity. He longs to restore and revive.

So the next time you are parched with thirst, or feel like you are wandering through the dry desert, or like your life is wasting away ... Run to your God. In your depravity, run to the God of Israel who longs to satisfy your thirsty soul and transform your even most difficult circumstance ...

With none other than ...

Himself.

Totally Unashamed

2012-01-03T15:32:00.001-05:00

"I said to the Lord, 'You are my Lord;

Apart from you I have no good thing.' "

(Psalm 16:2)

My husband's sweet 83-year old "Granny" went on to be with Jesus late last week. As we sat in the church pews yesterday morning and heard reflections of her life, filled with sweet memories for the family, I was overcome with emotion as the Pastor over and over again stressed the importance of knowing Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior. Just as Granny did. The importance of knowing Jesus and following Him ...

The importance of being totally unashamed of the Gospel.

I do not think I am reminded nearly enough - in this over-stimulated world we live within - that this is not the end. That this world is not home. That we will one day be in complete glory, praising our God for the rest of eternity. And that this world will completely pale in comparison to the Greatness of our God.

All of this caused a pause in my soul.

Am I living for Christ - every single day? Am I clinging to this world or longing for the next? Am I committed to living out the Gospel of Jesus Christ - regardless of the criticism, fear of failure, or mocking I may face?

Just a short post today, but my heart is heavy over my own self-absorbed life. May we be encouraged to live for His glory and His alone. Totally unashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile." (Romans 1:16)

Apart from You, Lord ... I have no good thing.

Help me to live my life totally unashamed.

Longing

2011-12-29T12:57:00.001-05:00

"Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them.

The unfolding of Your words gives light;

it gives understanding to the simple.

I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands.

Turn to me and have mercy on me,

as You always do to those who love Your Name.

Direct my footsteps according to Your Word;

let no sin rule over me.

Redeem me from the oppression of men,

that I may obey Your precepts.

Make Your face shine upon Your servant

and teach me Your decrees.

Streams of tears flow from my eyes,

for Your law is not obeyed."

(Psalm 119:129-136)

This Scripture spoke to my heart this morning in such a powerful way. Have you heard Christians speak about how we grow the most in our faith when we have to rely on Him through difficult seasons and circumstances? It's interesting to me that when we find ourselves in a deep season of difficulty, we long for God to answer our prayers and come to our rescue ... Then, once that particular difficulty is over and we have moved out of that season, we are often left with a deeper sense of longing than ever.

We are longing after the God to whom we clung so tightly during the difficulties. We desire that same closeness with Him perhaps without having to walk through the fire of hardship.

Is that possible?

The author in Psalm 119 makes a remarkable discovery about this particular topic. In verse 131, He says:

"I open my mouth and pant, longing for Your commands."

In 2005, God began revealing Himself to me through the Bible. He and I began communicating with each other through the written, God-inspired, Word. I personally did not begin truly growing in my knowledge of Truth until I became disciplined in my study of Scripture. I am not talking about becoming a biblical scholar (Lord knows!), but just taking one verse or passage at a time and asking God to begin speaking to me through that text. Through that disciplined time, my desire increased for Him.

Because of specific seasons of life when I have had more time than others to devote to my study of Scripture, God has developed in me a very big appetite for His Word. When I do not have the time to devote to this study, I crave it so intensely. Psalm 34:8 says:

"Taste and see that the Lord is good."

Here's the thing: No one else can taste for you. Does that make sense? We will only learn of the Lord's goodness by personal experience. It is ours for the taking - We just have to commit to make the effort. If we are honest, we will all admit we are longing after something. Something that far surpasses this world. For me, that longing was fulfilled when I began to learn who Jesus is through His Word. And interestingly enough, that longing has never completely been satisfied ... It just continues to intensify. I will admit to you that I looked for satisfaction in some wrong places before I tried investing in studying Scripture! In seasons where I am overcome with life and busyness and my priorities are skewed, I am like a woman wandering in the desert. The drought in my soul cannot be quenched with anything other than Him. But why does it take me so long to realize this at times? Oh, He is so patient with us as His children, isn't He?

I hope you are blessed as you meditate today on the wonderful Scripture passage above. His Word contains absolutely precious promises for us to heed. I am so thankful for His wisdom. And I am so thankful that His well never runs dry.

"The unfolding of Your words gives light;

it gives understanding to the simple."

(Psalm 119:130)

Thank You Jesus ...

for giving understanding to the simple.

And that simple, being none other than me.

The bread of Idleness

2011-12-27T22:03:00.001-05:00

"She watches over the affairs of her household

and does not eat the bread of idleness."

(Proverbs 31:27)

I was on the phone with a friend this morning and we were discussing how we would like to commit to being more intentional in our planning during this new year. We are holding each other accountable of being less last-minute and more prepared for special moments throughout the year. It was her idea. I kind of just jumped on the band wagon. {One that I desperately need to jump on!} As I hung up the phone and came upstairs to my desk for a few short minutes with the Lord, I opened my Bible to Proverbs 31 and my eyes hit verse 27, listed above.

Idleness: lacking worth or basis.

This reminded me of the conversation I had just had a few short minutes prior with my sweet friend. How would our lives be different if we earnestly prayed for deliberate focus?

I don't know about you, but my personality tends to be a go-go-go one. I don't sit down and relax well. Many would think this is a positive attribute as they assume I am super productive in my days. Unfortunately, many days I lay down in bed and feel as though I have gotten nothing accomplished at all. This is because I am not always {ahem} organized. My husband would be shaking his head in agreement if he were looking over my shoulder right now. In fact, he would begin telling you all about how before I met him I never emptied a purse after purchasing a new one -- just dumped the old one (contents and all) into my closet and started fresh. This made him a very happy man when he was the one who decided to clean out all those old purses. Needless to say, he found all sorts of treasures and goodies. He was most excited about the monetary surprises, not the thousands of lip glosses.

Alright, back on track!

When I think of idleness, I think of time wasted on worthless things. I think about worthless conversations, which we are warned about in Scripture ...

"But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness." (2 Timothy 2:16, NASB)

Don't even get me started on how many opportunities we have on a daily ... ok, hourly basis to partake in worldly and empty chatter. Instead, we are encouraged through Scripture to commit to a higher calling:

"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." (Philippians 1:27)

When you and I eat the bread of idleness, we invite something else other than God to take the seat on the throne of our hearts. The Bible warns us time and again that we are not to give our hearts to worthless idols.

"Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to Your Word." (Psalm 119:37)

Proverbs 31:27 can be applied to our lives both practically and spiritually. The role model that is set for us in this particular Scripture is one of great discipline. She is precise in her daily activities - whether it is serving her husband, taking care of her family, running her business, or spending time with her God. Her life is not meant to be an unfathomable standard.

So today, I made it a point to be intentional. I do not say this to boast in myself, because the Lord alone knows I would be absolutely nothing without His guidance and grace. I would be lost in a sea of old purses, completely a mess. It went so well that I think I'll try it again tomorrow ... God-willing!

This is the point: Life is short. We have an unbelievable opportunity to bring our God praise through how we decide to spend our time. I am guilty so much of the time of dropping the ball in this area. I want so desperately to be better. Instead of succumbing to eating the bread of idleness, let's commit to intentional living. I think we will be amazed at how different life can be when we are focused on bringing Him glory with our time and attention.

Our lives are worth something.

Let's live like it!

Amen!?

Through His Word

2011-12-15T10:10:00.000-05:00

"But know this first of all,

that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation,

for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will,

but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God."

(2 Peter 1:20-21)

I wrote last week about a Scripture that I felt inclined in my heart to pass along to a family member of mine.

Do you know that the next day he called to tell me that same exact Scripture was the Scripture verse in His devotion that morning?

Hebrews 4:12 tells us that the Word of God is living and active. All Scripture is inspired by God, according to 2 Timothy 3:16-17. It is useful for guiding us through life, for warning us, for reminding us of God's promises, for rebuking the enemy, for equipping us to serve in the areas God has called us to ...

God uses His Word to speak to us, ladies. That's the bottom line. You and I have an unbelievable opportunity to hear from God in our daily lives. We know that as believers God works through the circumstances of our lives, but if we just rely on seeing Him through the circumstances, we will miss out on so much of what He has for us.

I am praising God today that He used His Holy Spirit to speak into the lives of mere men and because of that, you and I today have the privilege of knowing God deeper ...

... through His Word.

Given Much

2011-12-09T14:42:00.001-05:00

"His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life

through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness."

(2 Peter 1:3)

Earlier today I felt a nudging on my heart to share this verse and a message of hope with a particular family member of mine. I called him and let him know that the Lord had impressed this particular promise on my heart for him.

Once in a while I think we all need to reminded that we are worth something. That God has not forgotten us. That we have been given much through His Son Jesus. And for us who have inherited salvation through the blood of the Lamb ... that means absolutely everything.

His divine power is enough for us. Are you operating that way? Completely confident in who you are through the blood of the Lamb? I struggle with this daily. Believing that the promises of God are actually for me. If they are not for us as children of the Most High, then who are they for?

Let us adopt them into our every day lives. After all ... We have been given much. It is up to us to realize the Truths of God and decide to walk in them.

Blessings!

Ambassadors

2011-11-09T22:05:00.002-05:00

"We are therefore Christ's ambassadors,

as though God were making His appeal through us.

We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God."

(2 Corinthians 5:20)

I feel like God is beginning to stir a new thing in my heart - one of those monumental life altering God-ordained things that is going to be far deeper and more complex than one simple blog post can possibly convey. That being said, because it is being so deeply impressed upon my heart right now, I cannot help but write some of my most recent thoughts out. Perhaps someone else will be on a similar page and can relate, or at the very least be encouraged and blessed by some God-breathed Scripture ...

So the question most posed upon my heart lately is the following: In what ways do I look different than the world? I mean, do we even grasp what it truly means to be labeled as Christ's ambassadors - His representatives? Are we fully comprehending that we have been charged with the holy calling to be reconciled to God, that others would know Him through our lives?

I am so extremely convicted lately by the apathetic attitude I have had toward the high calling that has been placed upon my life as a believer in Jesus. You and I have been given specific instruction throughout the Word of God on how to be the hands and feet of Jesus ... We have been given specific instruction on how to be the church, the hope of the world. Half of us are walking around searching for hope for our own lives - as depressed and as despaired as those who do not know Jesus - when we are the ones who are supposed to be the example of hope to the entire world!

So what does it mean to be reconciled to God? To reconcile implies mutual change. You and I are called to reconcile completely, changing from one condition to another. This means in a nutshell that as children of the light, we are to look completely opposite from darkness. How's that going?

Ephesians 5:1-2 calls us to become imitators of Christ: "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma."

We are supposed to look different. What is it with believers lately that we think we have to look like unbelievers in order to win them over for Christ? Paul himself tells us in Ephesians 5 that we are to look totally different than those who do not know Christ: "Therefore do not be partakers with them, for you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of the light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. And do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light; for everything that becomes visible is light" (Ephesians 5:7-13).

Are you and I okay with not looking like everyone else? I mean, really ... Are we? This type of lifestyle - one that is pleasing to God and worthy of being labeled as an ambassador of Christ - takes intention. It takes intention and it takes effort. Ephesians 5:15-17 says: "Therefore, be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of God is." And how will we become wise?

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,

but fools despise wisdom and instruction."

(Proverbs 1:7)

So basically any one of us who know what the Word of God says and do not do it - we are fools. [Ouch.] You and I have been redeemed by the will and the power of God. This is a huge deal. It should completely and utterly alter our lives - so much so, that we absolutely despise darkness just as much as we hunger for righteousness.

Hmm ... A lot to ponder, wouldn't you say?

Do you look different than the world?

Are you partaker ... Or an ambassador?

Never Once

2011-11-02T22:13:00.000-04:00

"I will not fail you or forsake you."

(Joshua 1:5)

I am currently reading through the book of Joshua. What a wonderful example of what happens when people take God at His word.

In the very first chapter of the book, God gives a charge to Joshua. The Lord has called Joshua, following Moses' death, to lead the Israelites across the Jordan to claim the land that was promised to them. In verse 5 of chapter 1, God commands Joshua to walk confidently on the mission He has called him to:

"No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you."

And He held true to His promise: He did not fail or forsake him.

There is a song that has been impressed upon my heart. We have sung it in church several times lately and it just reminds me that my confidence must rest in the Lord. Here are the lyrics by Matt Redman ...

Standing on this mountaintop

Looking just how far we’ve come

Knowing that for every step

You were with us

Kneeling on this battle ground

Seeing just how much You’ve done

Knowing every victory

Was Your power in us

Scars and struggles on the way

But with joy our hearts can say

Yes, our hearts can say

Never once did we ever walk alone

Never once did You leave us on our own

You are faithful, God, You are faithful

Kneeling on this battle ground

Seeing just how much You’ve done

Knowing every victory

Was Your power in us

Scars and struggles on the way

But with joy our hearts can say

Yes, our hearts can say

Never once did we ever walk alone

Never once did You leave us on our own

You are faithful, God, You are faithful

Scars and struggles on the way

But with joy our hearts can say

Never once did we ever walk alone

Carried by Your constant grace

Held within Your perfect peace

Never once, no, we never walk alone

Never once did we ever walk alone

Never once did You leave us on our own

You are faithful, God, You are faithful

Every step we are breathing in Your grace

Evermore we’ll be breathing out Your praise

You are faithful, God, You are faithful

The truth is - there have been hardships I have faced along the way. I have experienced heart break, betrayal, insecurity, loneliness, sickness, and so on. Scars and struggles on the way. But here's the other truth - My God has been present amidst it all. He has never failed me and He has never forsaken me. But with joy our hearts can say never once did we ever walk alone.

Joshua was assured of the presence of his God. He was able to walk confidently in the direction God was sending him because he took God at His word. Whatever you are facing today, perhaps you just need to be reminded that the Lord your God is on your side. I will ask you the same question I have been prompted to ask myself: Are you taking God at His word?

Because no matter what we are up against ...

He will never let us walk it alone.

Never once.

A Thankful Heart

2011-11-01T22:06:00.000-04:00

"Praise the LORD!

I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart."

(Psalm 111:1)

I am starting this November with a thankful heart. The past few months have been awesome - I will have to recount the many joys throughout the next several posts because it would take me hours to share all of the wonderful experiences.

Jumping to the present tense, I opened up my Bible this morning to Psalm 111 - fitting as it is the 1st of November. Can you believe that by the way?? The holidays are upon us already!

Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart,

In the company of the upright and in the assembly.

Great are the works of the LORD; They are studied by all who delight in them.

Splendid and majestic is His work; And His righteousness endures forever.

He has made His wonders to be remembered; The LORD is gracious and compassionate.

He has given food to those who fear Him; He will remember His covenant forever.

He has made known to His people the power of his works,

In giving them the heritage of the nations.

The works of His hands are truth and justice; All His precepts are sure.

They are upheld forever and ever; They are performed in truth and uprightness.

He has sent redemption to His people; He has ordained His covenant forever;

Holy and awesome is His name.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;

A good understanding have all those who do His commandments;

His praise endures forever.

~ Psalm 111, NASB ~

A few things particularly stood out to me in the above passage of Scripture. First, I am convicted of my lack of outward praise to my God. I get too busy and too distracted and before I know it, I have done a terrible job of outwardly expressing my praise to God.

Verse 1 of Psalm 111 says, "Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart ... " Spurgeon comments the following on this Scripture:

"Do it now, do it always: do it heartily, do it unanimously, do it eternally. Even if others refuse, take care that you have always a song for your God. put away all doubt, question, grumbling and rebellion, and give yourselves up to the praising of Jehovah, both with your lips and in your lives" (Psalms, Volume II).

I love his commentary on this Scripture because it encourages me to put a high priority on praise. To be intentional about praising my God. To make sure that I always have a song for my God.

The second thing I noted is found in verse 2: "Great are the works of the LORD; They are studied by all who delight in them." And to that verse Spurgeon says:

"Those who love their Maker delight in his handiworks; they perceive that there is more in them than appears upon the surface, and therefore they bend their minds to study and understand them ... The man of God digs unto the mines of Scripture, and unearths each grain of its golden truth. God's works are worth of our researches, they yield us instruction and pleasure wonderfully blended, and they grow upon reflection, appearing to be far greater after investigation than before. Men's woks are noble from a distance; God's works are great when sought out" (Psalms, Volume II).

I am thankful for the Word of God. Am I delighting in His works the way I should be compelled to do? Am I digging into the mines of Scripture, unearthing each grain of its golden truth?

Oh, how I love the LORD. To think about where ... and who ... I would be without Him, forces a dose of humility upon me. Thank you Jesus, for redeeming my life. Thank You for unmerited grace, compassion and forgiveness.

I am nothing without You.

And for that ... I am left with a thankful heart.

Attributes of God: Zealous

2011-06-17T10:00:00.000-04:00

"Of the greatness of His government and peace there will be no end.

He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom,

establishing and upholding it with with justice and righteousness

from that time on and forever.

The zeal of the LORD Almighthy will accomplish this."

(Isaiah 9:7)

Zealous: Marked with fervent partisanship for a person, a cause, or an ideal: filled with or characterized by zeal. 

Zeal: Eagerness and ardent interest in pursuit of something: fervor.

What are you zealous over? Our Lord Almighty is zealous over us, my friends. His purpose is marked with fervent pursuit after His children. He is eager after our hearts. Isn't that captivating?

I desire more zeal, don't you? And I must be clear here that I am desiring to become more zealous after good things, as we too can become zealous over things that will not build us up or esteem us in the Name of Jesus. We all know people who have become zealous over things that will only lead to emptiness. Perhaps we have even been those very people. I deeply long to be more zealous after the things of God. I want to be characterized by fervor -- to be overtaken with an eager and ardent pursuit of Him and Him alone. I am praising You today, Lord, for being zealous after Your church, after Your children. Thank You for pursuing us, for captivating our hearts. Thank You that Your zeal is uncategorically focused. Make me zealous after You, Lord Jesus.

What about you?

Are you praising Him today for being the zest of life? Are you taking hold and ushering in the idea of zeal in your own life?

"Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord."

(Proverbs 23:17)

"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord."

(Romans 12:11)

"It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good ... "

(Galatians 4:18)

Attributes of God: Yahweh

2011-06-15T09:31:00.000-04:00

And God, furthermore, said to Moses,

"Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel,

'The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham,

the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.'

This is My name forever, and this is My memorial-name to all generations."

(Exodus 3:15)

The title "LORD" is known as the personal name of God. When seen in Scripture in all capital letters, it is again used in reference to the personal name of God. The Hebrew word for this name is Yahweh, which means "I AM who I AM." This name specifically tells us that God is always with His people. If you recall back a few weeks ago, we touched on this particular idea on the letter "I" when we looked at Moses' encounter with God Almighty in Exodus chapter 3.

"God says to Moses, 'I AM who I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites:

'I AM has sent me to you.'" (Exodus 3:14)

Thank You for being our Yahweh. You are LORD. You are the Great I AM. You are the God who is, and was and is to come. We praise You LORD, for Your constance. Thank You for being all we need. I am so humbled that we are able to call You by Your personal name ... Yahweh.

What about you?

Are you too praising Him for being Yahweh ... for being LORD of your life and of eternity?

"The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want."

(Psalm 23:1)

"Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength;

They will mount up with wings like eagles,

They will run and not get tired,

They will walk and not become weary."

(Isaiah 40:31)

Attributes of God: Exceedingly Abundantly More

2011-06-07T07:00:00.000-04:00

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly
above all we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,
to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations,
forever and ever, Amen."
(Ephesians 3:20-21, NKJV)

This has to be one of my most favorite verses in the New Testament. I love the mere power in it - the power of our God ... the power of the Cross ... the power in us as believers in Jesus. Oh, if I could grab a hold of that power in my life everyday, all day, how would life be different? To have the confident assurance that my God is able ... All the time, in every circumstance.

I am praising God today for being Exceedingly Abundantly More than I can ask or think. And not only is He Exceedingly Abundantly More than all I can ask or think, He desires far greater for my life than I can imagine in my human mind. His plans are totally inconceivable. I want to know the power of this Exceedingly Abundantly More God in my life every single day. I desire to know seek Your purposes, Lord. I know that if I operate in my own strength, this life of mine will be lived in vain. You, Jesus, have proved to be far more than what I could have ever asked for or even thought of. You have become my substance, my satisfaction, the One I desire to seek ... over and over again. I am grateful for Your promises today. I am in awe that I serve a God who is Exceedingly Abundantly MORE ... than anything else in this world.

What about you?

Are you praising Him for His Excellence? Are you thanking Him for being the Exalted One? Are you Excited about His amazing ability to work in and through you?

"God can do anything, you know - far more than you could ever imagine

or guess or request in your wildest dreams!

He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us,

His Spirit deeply and gently within us.

Glory to God in the church!

Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus!

Glory down all the generations!

Glory through all millennia!"

(Ephesians 3:20-21, The Message)

Attributes of God: Wisdom

2011-06-02T11:00:00.000-04:00

" 'Now, LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David.

But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties.

Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people,

too numerous to count or number.

So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people

and to distinguish between right and wrong.

For who is able to govern this great people of yours?'

The LORD was pleased that Solomon asked for this.

'I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart,

so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.' "

(1 Kings 3:7-10, 12)

How often do we truly long after a heart of wisdom? A wise and discerning heart was the one thing young Solomon asked the Lord for. He could have asked Him for all the riches in the world, for power, for fame, for popularity ... And instead Solomon knew that God's wisdom was the one supreme thing that would guarantee a successful reign as king. How would our lives be different if our hearts cry truly was to know the wisdom of God on a daily basis? I desperately desire to follow Solomon's example in this area ...

I am praising God today for being our Wisdom. Thank You, Lord, for giving us Your Word that instructs us. Thank You also for giving us Your Spirit which leads us and speaks Your Truth into our lives. There is none more wise than you. Your wisdom surpasses all the wisdom this world has to offer, and it can be ours through Jesus.

What about you?

Are you praising God today for His Word? Are you thanking Him for the Work He has started in your life, and will carry on until the day of completion? Are you standing in awe of Him, for He is Worthy? Is He Wonderful to you?

"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,

who gives generously to all without finding fault,

and it will be given to you."

(James 1:5)

"For the LORD gives wisdom;

From His mouth come knowledge and understanding."

(Proverbs 2:6)

"All this also comes from the LORD Almighty,

whose plan is wonderful, whose wisdom is magnificent."

(Isaiah 28:29)

Attributes of God: My Victory

2011-06-01T07:00:00.001-04:00

"O Death, where is your victory? O Death, where is your sting?

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law;

but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory

through our Lord Jesus Christ."

(1 Corinthians 15:55-57)

The Lord has won great victories for me. For us. I am praising God today for being victorious over my sin, my shame, and my shortcomings. I am praising God today for having victory over my failures, my flaws, and all of my frailties. I am praising God today for having victory over my insecurity, my insufficiency, and all of my inferiority. Nothing in this life will ever bring me the victory that my Jesus can bring. Everything - absolutely everything else - falls short. With Him we will win the victory. Thank You, Lord, for the victory I have in You. Thank You for having victory over the grave, over sin, and over our enemy. Death is swallowed up in Your Victory!

What about you?

Are you praising Him today for His Voice? Are you thanking Him for being Victorious? For being your Vindicator?

"For whatever is born of God overcomes the world;

and this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith."

(1 John 5:4)

Victory for the Lamb:

"These will wage war against the Lamb,

and the Lamb will overcome them,

because He is Lord of lords and King of kings,

and those who are with Him are called the chosen and faithful."

(Revelation 17:14)

"With God we will gain the victory,

and He will trample down our enemies."

(Psalm 60:12)

Attributes of God: Unfailing

2011-05-31T07:00:00.000-04:00

"But I trust in Your unfailing love;

my heart rejoices in Your salvation."

(Psalm 13:5)

His love for us is constant, everlasting, inexhaustible. It is sure, infallible, unerring. I am praising Him today for being completely unfailing. He is always dependable, forever faithful, and never changing. Lord, thank You for being unfailing. You are always here for me and for that I am grateful and humbled.

What about you?

Are you praising God today for being Understanding? For being the Utmost? Are you thanking Him for His Universal presence?

"How priceless is Your unfailing love, O God!

People take refuge in the shadow of Your wings."

(Psalm 36:7)

"May Your unfailing love be with us, Lord,

even as we put our hope in You."

(Psalm 33:22)

"The LORD loves righteousness and justice;

the earth is full of His unfailing love."

(Psalm 33:5)

Attributes of God: Teacher

2011-05-19T07:00:00.001-04:00

"God is exalted in His power.

Who is a teacher like Him?"

(Job 36:22)

I am praising Him today for being our greatest Teacher. So much of the time I long for instruction in my life. You, Lord, are where I will find the ultimate answers. Thank You for giving us Your Word -- May we continue to glean wisdom from You through it. Just as Job states, Who is a teacher like You? There are many in this world who will try to steer our paths, but it is You who we can rely on to lead and guide us. Thank You for the wisdom and knowledge You bless us with as we surrender to Your leadership. Continue to teach me, Lord. Don't ever give up on me ...

What about you?

Are you praising Him today for the way He has Transformed your life? Are you thanking Him for the Treasure you have in Christ? What battle has He Triumphed for you? Do you simply Tremble at His Word? Are you thankful that He alone is Truth? Are you praising Him that He is Trustworthy - all the time, every day?

"Show me Your ways, LORD, teach me Your paths.

Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior,

and my hope is in You all day long."

(Psalm 25:4-5)

"He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way."

(Psalm 25:9)

"Teach me Your way, Lord ... "

(Psalm 27:11)

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;

I will counsel you with my loving eye on you."

(Psalm 32:8)

"Accept, LORD, the willing praise of my mouth,

and teach me Your laws."

(Psalm 119:108)

"When Jesus had finished saying these things,

the crowds were amazed at his teaching,

because he taught as one who had authority,

and not as their teachers of the law."

(Matthew 7:28-29)

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking,

correcting and training in righteousness."

(2 Timothy 3:16)

Attributes of God: The One who Satisfies

2011-05-18T07:00:00.002-04:00

"You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing."

(Psalm 145:16)

If there is one thing I am more passionate about than most, it is this very thing. He is the One who Satisfies. Time and time again the Lord has taught me this truth, and most of the time I have had to learn it the hard way. We can search high and low for fulfillment upon this earth, but hear me out -- We will never know true satisfaction until we experience it through our Savior. He longs to do more than save us -- He longs to satisfy our souls through a deep and intimate relationship with Himself.

I am so blessed by You, Lord. Thank You for taking me on a journey to satisfaction. You started the journey several years ago and though it will not be complete until I am on the other side of heaven, I have begun to taste the fulfillment of being satisfied by You. And I never, ever, ever want to turn back. You truly are the One who Satisfies.

What about you?

Are you thankful today for His Sacrifice? For His Salvation? Are you grateful for His Sanctification process? Are you praising Him today for being your Savior? Your Source of Strength? Your Steadfast God? Perhaps you are thankful today for His Strength ... His Spirit ... His Splendor?

"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,

that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days."

(Psalm 90:14)

"Why spend money on what is not bread,

and your labor on what does not satisfy?

Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,

and you will delight in the richest of fare."

(Isaiah 55:2)

"The LORD will guide you always;

He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land

and will strengthen your frame.

You will be like a well-watered garden,

like a spring whose waters never fail."

(Isaiah 58:11)

"I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint."

(Jeremiah 31:25)

Attributes of God: My Rock

2011-05-17T11:00:00.000-04:00

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart

be acceptable in Thy sight,

O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer."

(Psalm 19:14)

I am praising Him today for being my Rock. He is the one guaranteed consistent and stabilizing force in my life. How I praise Him that He is always strong, forever faithful, and eternally trustworthy. When I am at the end of my rope, it is He who I can lean on. I praise You Lord, my Rock. Thank You for being the One I can count upon.

What about you?

Has He been your Redemption? Has He brought Revival into your life? Are you praising Him that He has Remembered you? That He has Restored you? Are you thankful today for His Righteousness? For His Resurrection? For the promise of His Return?

Such precious attributes of our God to ponder ...

"The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;

My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge."

(2 Samuel 22:2,3)

"The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,

My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge;

My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."

(Psalm 18:2)

"He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay;

And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm."

(Psalm 40:2)

"Trust in the LORD forever, For in God the LORD,

we have an everlasting Rock."

(Isaiah 26:4)

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine,

and acts upon them, may be compared to a wise man,

who built his house upon the rock."

(Matthew 7:24)

Blogger Issues

2011-05-13T13:24:00.000-04:00

Hi there!

Blogger is having some issues and for some reason it's sending out old blog posts via email. Also due to the issues yesterday's post was deleted. I will re-post as soon as I can, but you may receive a second posting via email and I apologize for that. Hopefully it will all be straightened out soon!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Attributes of God: Quieter of my soul

2011-05-13T11:00:00.000-04:00

"The LORD your God is with you,

He is mighty to save.

He will take great delight in you,

He will quiet you with His love,

He will rejoice over you with singing."

(Zephaniah 3:17)

Today I am praising God for being the Quieter of my soul. Do you ever find yourself in complete chaos? Maybe it's not even outward chaos, but that of the soul. Negative thoughts running rampant, doubts settling it, anxiety getting the best of you ...

"I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil." (Job 3:26)

Scripture tells us that our God has the ability to quiet us. He has the ability to calm our anxious souls, to bring us to a place of security. How I praise Him for proving Himself over and over again to be the Quieter of my soul.

What about you?

Are you praising Him for being a God who comes Quickly when you call? Are you thankful that His love for you cannot be Quenched? Amazed that at the sound of His Name the enemy Quivers?

"But I have stilled and quieted my soul;

like a weaned child with its mother,

like a weaned child is my soul within me."

(Psalm 131:2)

"The fruit of that righteousness will be peace;

its effect will be quietness and confidence forever."

(Isaiah 32:17)

"He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul."

(Psalm 23:2,3)

Attributes of God: The Potter

2011-05-11T10:38:00.000-04:00

"Yet, O LORD, You are our Father.

We are the clay, You are the potter;

we are all the work of Your hand."

(Isaiah 64:8)

I am praising God today for being the Potter. How deliberate He is as He leads us in and through life. Thank you, Jesus, for reminding me through Your Word that I am not to question your leadership and guidance - I am simply to submit out of reverence to You as my Almighty God. Because if there's one thing I'm sure of, Lord, it is that You have it all mapped out. You are the Potter .... And I am the clay. Mold my life in the way You desire. Shape it in a way that will bring You much glory. May I be pliable, Lord - Yielding readily unto Your will. Leave me not the way I am ...

What about you?

Are you praising Him today for Purpose? Are you thanking Him for His Provision, Protection, Patience? Is He your Prince of Peace? The Promise keeper? Are you overwhelmed by His Presence? Is He Precious to you?

"You turn things upside down,

as if the potter were thought to be like the clay!

Shall what is formed say to him who formed it,

'He did not make me'?

Can the pot say of the potter,

'He knows nothing'?"

(Isaiah 29:16)

Attributes of God: The Overcomer

2011-05-10T07:00:00.002-04:00

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

(John 16:33)

I am praising Him today for being the Overcomer. Thank You, Lord, for your great triumph over this world. You do not warn us that we may have trouble - You tell us that we will have trouble. But what reassurance it is to know that when trouble arises, we can turn to You for all of our help, as You are the Overcomer. Thank You, Lord ... for Your overcoming power.

What about you?

Are you praising Him today for being your Overseer? For being your One and Only? Are you thankful for His Omnipresence? For His Obedience even unto death on a cross? Are you Overwhelmed by His goodness?

"They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them

because he is Lord of lords and King of kings - and with him will be his

called, chosen and faithful followers."

(Revelation 17:14)