God is Patient (my journal entry)

My flesh has been crying out, "why don't I seek you Lord like I used to . . . I know you better than years past and I continually try to please you through obedience, but the feeling of love seems so still and lifeless to me at this time and in this place?"

Help me! I regularly plea.

Okay reader, please don't worry. . . My soul knows that God patiently waits but I can't ever save myself from running to attend to other important needs (family, friends, church, etc.)

However, last night was different. I could not refuse his calling and "wooing" me unto love. It came through seeing the silhouette of a woman praying by the water on my iphone.

"That's it," I discerned his call as one of tender love. And I thought, "I'm definately headed out the door to sit by the pool and seek him (just like I do with my human husband in a quiet moment of the day)." So I programmed my alarm to wake me early in the morning and became determined to start the day right.

To be clear: He met me there just as he promised he would. Now that's love of the pure kind!

• Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13: 4 - 7

So "what did he say?," you might ask.

Well, it was mostly about his patient character.

This iUnderstand (and I know something more NOW): He waits to reveal truth until the right time when I'm ready to hear.

Apart from prayer I'm like a teenager who needs wisdom but am unable to receive anything wise which he desires to say. It's as if I close my ears. I will not receive The Truth spoken in love because I choose not to listen. I remain in a frantic state, too upset to really listen, and instead focus on myself while succumbing to imagined "trauma" while exaggerating problems from a youthful perspective. What I need is God's perspective in every situation.

• Ah Lord God! It is you who made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you. Jeremiah 32: 17
  

God knows my human frailty and he patiently waits to impart His Wisdom when I'm listening! His strength is sure. Nothing is too difficult for him to handle. And nothing will ever snatch me out of his hand; not even the waiting. That is awesome.

So God really is patient in an active sort of way. The LOVE of God seeks the lost when they stray. The LOVE of God is never late (even when you have a full hour drive to pick-up your hurting child from school). His perfect LOVE is always prepared for every emergency ahead of time. His perfect LOVE is not selfish or demanding that anyone listen at this very instant (as seen in my parenting style). His perfect LOVE is not resentful or angered by any inconvenience and the thought of having to wait another day to be heard (characteristic of my parenting response). God, unlike me, chooses the path of love to patiently wait for others without malice, unkind words, or any small measure of impatience.

Do you see? He always has a good gift to offer his child, but he is also patiently waiting for the right time. . . the time when we are willing to listen to his voice, receive direction, and act on it. This is love.

• Let my cry come before you, O Lord; give me understanding according to your word. Psalm 119: 169
  

All God's children

Church going isn't enough!

All God's children should know they are redeemed.

• bought with a price
• bought for a purpose
  

They should also know God's deliverance from evil.

• understanding more and more what God has done in their lives
• fully knowing the extent of his handiwork in transforming a sinful heart

Years ago the LORD awoke me from slumber and spoke with a loud booming voice, "You think you're lucky but it brings death."

I knew what I had to do. I had to give up this notion of luck (good luck, bad luck, etc). I had to destroy childhood leprechauns.

The truth is Jesus saves. I can't ever save myself.

He delivers me from evil. He delivers me over and over again (from before the crib to after the grave).

My God is GREAT!

I would be hard pressed to name all the wonders he has done in my life because the list is so long.

WOW! Isaiah 43 He makes a way for his people.

Sacred Echo

What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light;
and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops.
Matthew 10: 27

• Are you listening for God's voice?

• Are you speaking ALOUD His Spoken Word to you?

This is why I chirp from the housetop: to proclaim the glory of the King; to make known his commandments. I rejoice at the sound of his voice.

God Never Fails

Whenever Moses spent significant "quiet" time with God he began to reflect the glory of the LORD. And through every desert place of adversity, wherever he walked, Moses learned more fully the undenying fact that God is FAITHFUL!

Do you regularly spend face-to-face time looking into the eyes of your maker?

If not, please take time to examine each benefit . . . for as you spend real quality time gazing-up at Christ you will begin to shine like the stars, become more fully formed into his image, and reflect God's faithfulness?

Therefore, since He is FAITHFUL in everything (whether good, bad, or ugly), I too want to be faithful in all that I can. Good intentions are no longer enough for me. I want to do great feats for kingdom - - in and through every opportunity that God allows to cross my path - - and at the end of the day I want to look in the mirror and rejoice.

My cheer: I'm beginning to resemble him because he's always on my mind.

What happens at His Feet

At the feet of Jesus Christ there is wholeness. . . and at the feet of Jesus Christ there is healing. These are bold and trustworthy statements. Do you believe them?

Read the stories of healing found in Luke 8: 40 -56 and Matthew 15: 21 – 28. Take note that the first two individuals mentioned fell at Jesus’ feet and the third, a Caananite woman, came and knelt before him.

Why did these individuals humble themselves at his feet? Clearly at this point in time they recognized Jesus for who he is, the Son of God. With this revelation they placed their full trust in him. Moreover, it is through their actions that they acknowledge his Divine authority and show him the honor and respect due.

What did they find at Jesus’ feet? The answer is simple, yet multi-faceted. They received spiritual blessing and wholeness (i.e. the strengthening of their faith); physical healing; and they heard the words of Christ. Do you see, or has it been hidden from you, that when we fall at the feet of Jesus we are renewed by the very word of God? This is not new! (Hebrews 13:8). When Moses came into His Presence (e.g. into the tent of meeting) he spoke with God. . . this same intimate relationship with God is available to us today. In fact, the curtain has been torn for this purpose (Luke 23: 45). Christ’s life, death, and resurrection is our invitation. Through Christ we are invited to come before our King.

So the question is: Will you come into his presence, acknowledge him as King, and listen for his voice? It is there at his feet that we receive his spoken word to us which leads to the life abundant Jesus promised his followers.

What a wonderful promise we have in Isaiah 55: 11 that God’s word is totally trustworthy and true at all times.

"So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it."

What is his word to us today? Do you long to hear the words “Samuel, Samuel” spoken by Christ himself. God does have a plan.

The Invitation is forever printed in black and white:

"If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

Are you intimately familiar with His Feet?

Picture in your mind the birth of a newborn child. Have tears of joy ever sprung to your eyes at the birth of a child? Do you see God’s mighty work? Did you take time to gaze upon the infant’s feet? What beauty! What love! Simeon and Anna too, like John the Baptist, knew what it meant to behold the Lamb of God as they held the Christ Child. They believed God’s revelation. They gazed upon the beauty of the Lord and caressed Him in their arms. Drawing near to his perfect feet (those that bring Good News) they knew of the Father’s great love.

Go quickly now. There's a clear picture of what Simeon and Anna intimately knew. It is found right there in Luke 2: 25 - 38.

An Ebeneezer Dayspring

Here's what I am thinking:
To set the mind on flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace Romans 8.6

• It is the Holy Spirit who raises one from the dead (my JESUS CHRIST)
  
• It is the Life-Giving Spirit of God who brings me LIFE (give me JESU CHRISTO; this is my plea!).
• It is the Holy Ghost who guards my heart and mind in Christ Jesus (ushering into my life the one who is Prince of Peace JESUS CHRIST).

So I choose to worship my King . . .
and I look forward to see what he's about to bring.

You may ask a good question like this: What does she expect? New mercies everyday! iExclaim.

. . . so I press on.

Are you perhaps wondering even more: How can she say this with such bold confidence? God is Faithful! iProclaim.

Now Look and see! I built an ebeneezer for all to see.

iDoTestify2U. The desert path I took was filled with death, lies, and disappointments one right after another. But the One Who is Truth has proven himself true. The way home is the cross.

Moreover, iSay, God is Faithful to all generations sharing his steadfast love to the thousandth generation (see Exodus 20:6). He loves the Son, he loves Abraham and Rebekah, he loves you, and he loves me.

Dear One I pray that you come to the place where you are willing to stake your life upon the true claims of Gospel alone. Ask God to give you his Spirit. The Holy Comforter is the one who will open the scriptures for you as you open his Book. . . and you'll be given eyes of faith to see God's Faithfulness in times past and in your very real and present situation.

Reflection on Reflections

We are made in his image

So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 1: 27

Therefore, each one of us has the capacity to become like Christ.

For freedom Christ has set us free
-------
By his death on a cross the veil has been torn

And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3: 18

Do I want to look more like Jesus?

Then I must look to Him.

No more dwelling on the things of this world.

He is my maker. I am the clay.

He is my Father. I am his child.

To set the mind on the flesh is death,

but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.

Romans 8: 6

Do I want peace? Then I must look to Him.

Do I want to know joy? Then I must look to Him.

Do I want to be self-controlled? Then I must look to him.

Etc. Etc.

We are made in his image. We are his children. Therefore, let us reflect our Heavenly Father.

Even common thoughts on human development can help point the way. A child reflects the one holding them in their hands. It is true. In looking at a parent who smiles, a son or daughter will respond with a smile.

iCommit to Begin Anew: I will turn my head towards him, look up, and boldly gaze into the eyes of God; the one who holds me (& you) in his hands.

It’s a very intimate place to be. Full of love and grace . . . and mercy!

“Hear” are some words from a great song I like to sing. Please follow the link to Jami Smith.com for more.

Wash Over Me

Jami Smith and Janet Hubbell

© 2002 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music/ASCAP

Only You - The Lord who is God - can take this heart

Only You can take this mind

Only You can take this life

And make it look like Jesus

Crucify the Flesh

Romans 6: 6

We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be destroyed, and we might no longer be

enslaved to sin.

• Crucified with Him!
• Made to be an example.
• Our flesh 'hung out to dry'.

When others shouted, “Crucify, crucify him!” Jesus did not save himself. Nor did he defend himself. Instead Jesus chose to write the gospel story of redemption through His blood shed for the remission of sin.

That is Love defined; and not retribution through violent acts of lashing-out, human bloodshed, or even slashing.

Jesus, while on the cross, did not curse them. He was simultaneously blameless (innocent of charge) and blame-less (no pointing of the finger and yes, forgiving). He blessed them. He prayed for them. “Forgive them for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23: 34).

And like a lamb going to slaughter, he willingly laid down his life for you and me.

It may seem upside down in the mind’s eye, but in his dying Jesus Christ showed us how to live. Examine these scriptures: Luke 6: 27 – 38. We are called to avoid sin and we are called to sacrificial living; that is, to Love actively by the laying down of our lives.

Therefore, let us choose to crucify the flesh and live redeemed.

On a personal note:

I smile. One Resurrection Sunday a parishioner angrily said that the white draping on the cross looked like the pastor family’s dirty laundry. At the time these words stabbed. However, knowing more of the love of Jesus and his FORGIVENESS this day, I am better able to forgive . . . and now rejoice.

There is a peace that comes with full understanding that it is my dirty laundry hanging there on the tree!

It’s right where it needs to be . . . and I’m right where God wants me to be.

How Beautiful it is to see

Christ’s Blood Shed for Thee!

To Walk in Freedom

Lord, I thank you forever. You love me, save me, and forgive me of all my sin. You set me free!

THANK YOU FOR FREEDOM.

Thank you for another reminder this week of all that you have done. In the past I chose death; but by your gracious hand and unfailing love I receive life.

I never want to live apart from you, for my freedom is in you and you alone.

THANK YOU JESUS.

Thank you for Psalm 119

44 I will keep your law continually, forever and ever. 45 I shall walk at liberty, for I have sought your precepts.

Commentary: Self-help is a vanity; fleeting and worthless.

Entrust

1 Peter 4: 12 - 19

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ's sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, a criminal, or even as a mischief maker. 16 Yet if any of you suffers as a Christian, do not consider it a disgrace, but glorify God because you bear this name. 17 For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God; if it begins with us, what will be the end for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And

"If it is hard for the righteous
to be saved,
what will become of the
ungodly and the sinners?"

19 Therefore, let those suffering in accordance with God's will entrust themselves to a faithful Creator, while continuing to do good (emphasis mine).

To entrust implies a deliberate and continuous form of trusting. For example, to entrust implies that one is actively committed to trust. To entrust means that an individual has chosen to place his (or her) full confidence in the one deemed trustworthy.

Go ahead. Confide in Him. God himself is Faithful and True.

Numbers 23: 19
God is not a human being, that he should lie,
or a mortal, that he should change his mind.
Has he promised, and will he not do it?
Has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?

At His Feet & Waiting

Mary knew to sit at the feet of Jesus. She set aside the busyness of the day (e.g., waiting on the guests) and listened to the truth. She waited on God.

Mary also knelt at Jesus’ feet and wept. She knew the truth. Her only hope was in Jesus Christ – the way, the truth and the light.

How do you wait on God?

• Are you sitting on a rush seat sitting at your kitchen table with dirty dishes and the newspaper nearby?
• Or do you linger and weep for him, placing your whole trust in him?

You too have touched His feet you seek to lavish Him with your love in spite of the cost.

Remember this about Mary: although she was scorned by one who was in the fold but of the world (i.e., Judas), she was undeterred in her pursuit of intimacy with the Lord . . . and the Lord approved!

Luke 10: 38 - 42

38 Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he was saying. 40 But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me." 41 But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; 42 there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her" (emphasis mine).

John 11: 32

32 When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."

John 12: 1 - 8

1 Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 2 There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served , and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. 3 Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, 5 "Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?" 6 (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) 7 Jesus said, "Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keept it for the day of my burial. 8 You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me."

A Man of Sorrows : iSorrow

My soul cries out for more of you.

It's as simple as this I choose Christ. And no matter what happens my prayer will remain, I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death (Philippians 3:10).

O let my life be a reflection of your Love. . .

In the morning
I now can see
A rarely tasted fruit
Indeed!

There is no price
He paid the debt
Lay down your life
In truth submit

For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well (Philippians 1: 29)

How beautiful A Man of Sorrow is. . . A cross just for me. His blood shed for me. His love poured out for me.

Heart Full of Devotion

Spoken Song to My Beloved

Reminder of His Unfailing Love

Woe is me, for I am a person of unclean lips.
You O' God are high and lifted up.

Without you I am nothing;
I have spent my days living in the dust,
falling into the pit of emptiness.

At first I chose to secure my life in this world,
but found death instead;
Yet when I humbled myself before you,
I found Christ according to your unfailing LOVE!