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Monday, August 30, 2010

A Call for Strength

Today as I write, my heart is thinking of someone else.  Someone who needs strength to do something that is very hard.  I know that we were meant to walk together with others, but the journey with a friend can only be taken if invited, and so far, I am not in that spot in this particular circumstance.

My only option then, is to pray.  Pray in the morning, pray at noon time, pray in the evening and all of the minutes in between.

LORD, You say in Your word that strength and power is in Your hands to exalt and give strength to all.  Please lift up the one I am praying for right now.  Give strength for this journey and an appropriate confidant for support.  Please break down walls and restore honor and life.  Thank You for the power of Christ.  In Jesus' name, Amen.


Thursday, August 19, 2010

A Wrestling Match

It has been one of those years, and I'm not talking about since January.  For some reason in my mind, the end of this August is the significant end of a year's time - my first in New Zealand.  As eager as I was to get here, I sure did wrestle with being here once I landed, and God has certainly had me on the mat more than a few times in the past 12 months!

Amazing to think that if I had only surrendered at the beginning I might be further along, but as they say, "hind sight is 20/20" and there is no use pining over what could have been.  I am looking forward to seeing what the active side of surrender looks like as I once again lay my life at God's feet and ask Him to empty me of myself and fill me with Jesus.

One thing that I have come to realize is that I cannot expect big things of God if I am not willing to get serious about my end of things and do the daily things I am responsible for.  No more slacking off.

Dear Lord, I need help!  On my own, I'm no good...lazy...selfish...grumpy...disorganized.  Please show me what can happen when I lean on You and do what is right.  May the next 12 months be a continued testimony of God's faithfulness in my life.  Thank You for slow and repeated starts.  Please keep me moving forward.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Manna

"What is it?"  This is the definition of the word "manna".  You know, that stuff that God sent the Israelites when they were complaining in the desert.  How cool is that?  For forty years God provides these disobedient malcontents with food each morning.

I would like to think that I am not like the Israelites, that I always obey and have a good attitude about things in my life.  However, I would be quite the liar if I dared to come close to that statement.  So many times I catch myself thinking a negative thought or going my own rebellious way.  How easy it is to ask "why me, why now?" as I pound my fist or wipe a tear.

Oh, may my focus be on God's goodness.  He is More-Than-Faithful and I am so undeserving.  But God, in His mercy saved me!  Because of His great love for me, I am a child of the King.  I have the right to stand before His throne.  Nothing will take me from His hand.  I'm covered in the righteousness of Christ my LORD. 

I have no reason for complaining, no reason for discontent.  Oh, that I will walk humbly in obedience and be thankful for His timely provision.  May I tenaciously run the race and pass the test, to see the benefit of God's goodness in the life of my dear family.

Deuteronomy 8:16 "In the wilderness he fed you manna which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do good for you in the end."