Hurts

This morning as I was spending time in the word, I read Psalm 16:8-9 and felt it was a really important one to soak deep into my heart and mind. It says, "I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore, my heart is glad and my glory rejoices. My flesh also will rest in hope."  

As I began to memorize and meditate on that, I began speaking out loud to God about His goodness and praising Him for who He is. I began praising Him and saying, "You have unlimited power, love, grace, mercy ..." Then I began making statements about the fact that He never abandons me, never condemns me, never forsakes me, etc. When it came to my mind to state that He never hurts me, I found that I did not have the steadfast assurance to say it right away. So I began asking Him why that was such a hard thing for me to proclain.

He showed me that all my life, I have heard how God disciplines us to sharpen us and strengthen us. I have heard how He tests us and that he is a stern God who punishes us just like He punished Israel. He showed me that I have always related those things with emotion. For instance, when a parent spanks their child or slaps their hand to protect them from putting something in the light socket, etc, there is always an emotional reaction involved besides pure love. The parent is usually reacting out of anger or frustration or fear.  Because of my human nature, I cannot perceive true unlimited and unconditional love, where discipline and trials are part of the big picture that I cannot see. But He can. He truly will not "hurt" me, even though I may perceive it as such, because of my limited knowlege and understanding.

I then spoke and forgave my parents for punishing me and disciplining me with reactive negative emotion, I forgave those who have spoken those words that made that impression of God for me. I forgave myself for the times that I have beat up my own self. I asked Him to forgive me for perceiving Him as someone who would hurt me, when I know that is not true.

Though I still cannot completely fathom the depths of this, I do know that I am not the only one who struggles with this notion. I know that He wants me to know Him for the good God that He is - that He wants me to fear Him with a fear that drives me TO Him, not away from Him. And I know that this particular issue is HUGE when it comes to the ability to completely and absolutely trust Him for everything, in every circumstance.

That fear of hurt holds many of us back from "always setting the Lord before us" (as it says in the scripture above), or always thinking of Him as we go about our daily life. Sometimes we hope that He is going to spare us from painful situations if we just can slip by under His radar and not make waves. Sometimes we get so consumed by the pain that we can only look up and say "why, God - why does this have to be?" And deep in our heart we grasp at anything to resolve - or at least - cover up the pain.

But that scripture says that when I set God always before me - keep my eyes on Him and walk in His Kingdom every minute:

• I am glad, filled with His joy;
• My glory rejoices  - the bible dictionary defines glory in this context as the external things upon which the people depend, and the possession of which is the ground of their confidence.
• My flesh will rest in hope - stress and anxiety will not affect my body.

By understanding that the thought that He will hurt me is a lie, I replace it with the truth of His word - that I have been redeemed and forgiven (Col 1:14), I am free forever from condemnation (Romans 8:1-2), I cannot be separated from the love of God (Romans 8:35-39), I can find grace and mercy in time of need (Heb 4:16), I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realm (Eph 2:6), and that I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph 3:12).

All this does not mean we won't go through times of pain and trial - we know that we will (God's word says that too) but that those situations are the times we can go to God for His peace and help - and He will extend His amazing grace to us for the things we suffer because of this fallen world. He does discipline us too - but Jesus came to show us that this discipline is imparted out of love instead of fear, anger or frustration. He weeps with us and rejoices with us - and the angels do too!

More than ever, I am determined to take worldly thoughts captive and turn my thoughts back to Him in every part of my day. I thank God that He is showing me more of who He is minute by minute. As Paul said in Philippians 3:12-14  ^"I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back. (The message bible)

Love and blessings to all who read this post!

Patti

The Word of God

As I was meditating on the things of God the other day, He so lovingly gave me some great truths that were for me, but that I think will ring true for you as well.

This is what poured out on the page, as I asked for wisdom from Him:

"I, too, want for you to hear me better, dear Daughter. Bathe yourself in my written Word and I will unlock secrets to hearing that are beyond imagination. As you read my Word, I will open it up with understanding. Lean on My interpretations - not man's interpretations. As you read other books, do not believe that they are all filled with truth for you. Ask me about those parts that do not resonate in your spirit well. Keep seeking me earnestly and the breakthrough you desire will come."

At times, we all go through a period where it seems that our time in the word is lifeless. But did you hear what He said? He wants to give it life for us! Sometimes we are led to read the Word or do our Bible study because it is what we are "supposed to do", and it is all an exercise. Yet God wants us to read it with an attitude of love for Him and our desire to know Him more.

I don't know what the formula you use when you get stuck in a rut when trying to focus on the Bible, but for me, He always breaks through the fog when I sit back, take a deep breath and ask Him to show me what to read or how He wants me to receive what I just read. I ask Him to give me clarity and for the Holy spirit to push aside any fleshly thoughts or interference by the enemy. And when the heavens open and His truth begins to soak into me, it is like a breath of fresh air or a healing rain!

He is so faithful and true. We can know this because He said in His word: "Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, ... Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:22-23) And what better way to draw near to Him than to dig into His Word and ask Him to show you stuff!!

He also gives us a warning in James 1:22 "Do not merely listen to the Word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." Then He goes on to promise in verse 25 that "the person who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it - he will be blessed in what he does." So when we sincerely ask Him to enlighten His word in us and through us with the motive of knowing Him more, He will bless us with more of His promises, mercy and grace. And He will give us the power to go out and do what he has called us to do.

I pray mighty blessings from God for you who are reading this post. May he plant a desire in your heart for more and more of Him as you go on this journey with Him.

Patti

The Shack

Hope you can view this video on "The Shack".
 Patti


The Shack: Interview with Paul Young from cornwallchurch on Vimeo.

Prayer for today

Here is the prayer I am meditating on today as I seek God.  I am letting it seep and soak as I read it and say it aloud to the Lord. It is the very cry of my heart!!

O Holy God, write Your Word on the tablet of my life. May it flood my heart and shine its light of truth into every dark corner of my conscience. May it enlighten my eyes and be the filter through which I see all things. May it fill my mind so that all of my thoughts will be captive to obedience to Christ. May it direct my steps into Your good, pleasing and perfect will. May it guide my hands into the work of the ministry. May it guard the doorway of my life so that all of my comings and goings may pass under the scrutiny of Your divine wisdom. May Your Word, O God be the constant employer of my spirit, soul and body. Amen.

          (From The Way of A Worshiper, by Buddy Owens)

Enjoy God's presence, worship Him and cry ot to Him for your heart's desire. He wants to draw you closer and reveal more of Himself and His word to you.

Valentine's Day

Here it is - Valentine's Day. What better day could I have to speak about God's amazing love for me and for you!!

This morning, I was so deeply moved by I John 3:1, even though I have read it so many tines - "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"

As I read on, it says in verse 3 - "Everyone who has this hope [that we will be like Him] in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure." And the following verses speak about what that means and how we purify ourselves.
It is hard to read the verses where we are told that if we are in Him we will not continue to sin. I don't know about you, but I sin way more often that I would like to admit. So does that mean I am not in Christ? No - John also goes on to explain that we know we are His by the Spirit He gave us. Even though we still sin, and even though we may have a habitual sin we are trying to overcome, God's love and His Holy Spirit are at work in us to help us become mighty overcomers! When we focus on Christ and seek Him for help in our deepest needs, fears and sins, He opens his arms wide and surrounds us with His amazing love and grace.

We can only overcome sin by the strength He gives us and by receiving the grace and love that is unconditional. When we continue to sin and try to find ways to justify that sin - that is when we enter the danger zone where we harden our hearts toward God and slip further away from Him. But if we come to Him with true repentance, He surrounds us with forgiveness and healing for the damage caused by the sin.

When we understand that He truly is a LOVING Father, we can begin to see that he does not command us to keep from sinning because he is mean and does not want us to have fun. He commands us to repent and keep ourselves pure, because when we sin, the chasm that is created separates us just a bit more from the closeness we could have with Him. True repentance closes that chasm, because He is there waiting for us to let him wipe it away with His love and grace.

Christ loves to have us abide in Him and He loves to abide in us. Oh, sisters and brothers how he longs to draw you close and speak loving words of forgiveness when you have been separated from Him by sin. His love has made the way for us to repent and truly receive His grace. If you are struggling with guilt, hurt, shame, fear, or anything that has blocked the Holy Spirit's work in your life, look at the Father of Light. Look at the beautiful hands and feet of Jesus, where the nail scars prove to us that we are everything to Him.

Lately, when I have been striving to do the right thing, feeling guilty and beating myself up for not reading His word enough or not witnessing enough, He has told me to just rest in His arms and let Him give me what I need to persevere and overcome. He is saying to His children, "Come and sit at my feet." When I do that, I pour out words of praise and worship to Him, or just quietly soak in His presence. That is what He wants most from me. I think it is what He wants most from all of His children. As you continue to practice that, I think you will be amazed at what He completes in your heart.

The only way to be His warriors is for us to be as close in spirit as possible to our King. He has battles for us to fight in His name and work to be done. Our flesh cannot prepare for what is coming. Our minds and our intestinal fortitude cannot prepare us. Only His amazing, abundant love, lavished on us, can make us ready for whatever comes our way!! Against this love there is no law!

Have a beautiful Valentine’s Day with your Savior - today and every day!!
Patti

Psalm 91

What more can I say - Psalm 91 says all that I want to convey and what I am feeling today. Read it below and if you have some beautiful instrumental praise music to turn on in the background while you read it aloud, I think you will be truly blessed (I cannot yet figure out how to add music to play on my blog while you read).

Remember that Christ is always there for you and that His love for you is far beyond anything you could ever dream! Soak in His word and His love while you read!!

Psalm 91
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the Shadow of the Almighty.


I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
My God, in whom I trust.”


Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.


He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.


You will not fear the terror of night,nor the arrow that flies by day,
Nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.


A thousand may fall at your side,ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.


You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.


If you make the Most High your dwelling-even the LORD, who is my refuge-
then no harm will befall you,no disaster will come near your tent.


For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;


They will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.


You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.


“Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.


He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,


I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life will I satisfy himand show him my salvation.”

May your times with the Lord be truly blessed! - Patti

Overcomer

Wow – where has the time gone? The holidays have come and gone since my last blog and it is a brand new year. Though I have not blogged for a while, I have been journaling and here are a few of the highlights from the last half of 2010.

Last time I wrote on this blog, I was in the midst of acting as campaign manager for my friend and colleague, Kathy. I am pleased to say she won the campaign and was sworn into office this week! My husband and I went to Orlando in August – mixing a little business with a vacation. It was a wonderful time for us to connect and get away from everything for a few days. Then for Thanksgiving, we drove to central California to spend time with my youngest son, daughter-in-law and granddaughters Natalie and Kendra. For Christmas they came here to Northwest Washington, as did my other son, daughter-in law and grandchildren Jayden and Jenessa. It was so great to have all 4 of my grandchildren here at the same time for a few days. They had so much fun together! (We also went on a camping trip in July at the Oregon coast with all the family and what fun we all had!!)

And now as life is settling back in and work is in full force again, I have been asking the Lord for divine direction for 2010. I am praying that the business of life will not overshadow the business of drawing closer to my heavenly Father.
This morning I was reading the word and this is the passage that resonated with me: “Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guards the lives of His faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart. Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous and praise His holy name.” Psalm 97: 10-12

For some reason, I have been struggling a bit the past couple of weeks with a spirit of defeat. I have had trouble sleeping and have not been very motivated. The good thing is that it has drawn me to the Lord in prayer and into His word many times a day (and in the middle of the night!). I really want to know what He is trying to teach me through this. I don’t want to miss that “AHA!” moment that He wants to give me. One thing He has been telling me to repent of is my lack of trust and my tendency to try to take control. It is amazing that so often we think we need to handle things because God is too busy or because we think we have screwed up so badly that we have to deal with the consequences alone. The enemy wants us to believe that.

But do you see what the author of this Psalm is telling us? God sheds light on the righteous and on the upright in heart. He also delivers us from the hand of the wicked. We may make huge mistakes, we sin, we falter – but where does our righteousness come from? It comes from the beautiful act of love that Jesus committed for us. He alone is our righteousness and it is only because of our relationship with Jesus and through the Holy Spirit abiding in us that we can we walk ‘upright in heart’.

So, because we are righteous through our heavenly adoption, we can do what the last line in this passage says – we can rejoice in the Lord and praise His holy name. In the midst of this battle with the spirit of defeat, I have been so blessed when I followed this advice. It is so amazing that when we praise and rejoice, when we declare our love for the Lord, the enemy is crushed beneath our feet and we can walk victorious. When I do that, I am then more able to see the light He sheds upon the situation and realize the truth that He wants the very best for me – in spite of my human frailties.

He has shown me that even though I have felt like a failure, He continues to pick me up, help me stand and give me the power to overcome! I am His bride, friend and daughter. He truly has made me to be a beautiful warrior princess. As long as I continue to focus on Him, He will deliver me and show me new truths throughout my whole life. “He (she) who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his (her) God and he (she) will be my child.” Revelation 21:7

Oh Lord, thank you for giving me the power to overcome. Help me to focus always on you and continually praise you – no matter what trials and suffering come my way here on earth. Show me any chinks in my armor that need to be restored. Show me any lies I believe and help me to overcome by the blood of Jesus. Let me know what, when and how to repent, that I may walk more fully in your ways. In the blessed name of Jesus Christ, Amen!