Last chapter of the book. :C Kind a sad. I always hate to see a book end. Well actually, I usually hate seeing fiction books end. I want the sequel to the book, even if it is the last book in series. I don't usually feel the same way at the end of a nonfiction book, but this one is different. Maybe it's the fact that I blogged about it, my first book to blog about. Maybe it's because I learned so much from this book. Maybe it's because it ended with me wanting to be more like Joshua and not so much like Moses.
Lysa writes about the differences between how Moses and Joshua handled the promises of the Promised Land. Like Lysa, I have always admired Joshua. I love the book of Joshua. I love that he just heard from God and did it. He did it! That is what I want. I want to just do it! I want to walk up those giants in my life and defeat them. I want to take possession of the promises God has made to me. To live in the inheritance God has for me. To hear from God and obey. I hear from Him clearly because I live in Him.
Okay, the differences between Moses and Joshua. Moses told God why he wasn't the one to do the work. Joshua just did it. Moses looked at his faults. Joshua looked at the faithfulness of God. Moses cried out to God at the Red Sea and God told him to cross over on dry land. Joshua was instructed by God to have the priests step into the Jordan and it dried up. Moses needed to see the dry land. Joshua wasn't afraid to step into the impossibleness of a running river becoming dry land. Moses heard about the giants in the land from the spies and focused on the reaction of the people and Joshua, who saw the giants, said "let's go! We can take them!". And of course, Moses didn't get to go into the land and Joshua not only went in, kicked the giants around, and possessed the land.
Oh, I see too much of Moses in me. Even right now as I think about going in like Joshua and taking the land of the promise of God my mind is racing with why nots.
Lysa mentions that word possess means (1) to have as belonging to one, to own; (2) to have as an attribute, quality; (3) to gain control over. (From Webster's New World Dictionary). Then she wrote how we go through these as steps. First we must learn to take hold of the promises of God. Then we must let God shape us, our character, too be redefined. Last we give God control over our lives. I hope that as I move through the steps of faith I get to the point where I give God complete control of my life.
So, I am thinking that I need to quiet myself and listen to God, like Joshua clearly did, and then move and take possession of my Promised Land!
Now to decided what to read an blog about next. Any ideas?
Showing posts with label What Happens When Women Walk in Faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label What Happens When Women Walk in Faith. Show all posts
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Saturday, March 12, 2011
God Brings Dreams to Life
I have kind of put off reading the last two chapters of this. I have enjoyed it and don't want it to be done. I also wonder what I will read next and if it'll be as good as this book has been. I am sure that book will be as good, but I wonder if what I have to say about it will be anything worth writing. Another reason is because once it is done I have no excuse not to put it into action. That makes me weak in the knees. Anyway on to the chapter.
This was a short chapter and the same thing ran through it. It's not about the journey, the phases, or even reaching the promise land. It's about experiencing and growing in Go along the way. When I finished reading this chapter I had to pray and thank God that I have experienced Him. I thanked Him that I have grown because of Him. I think of things that caused such fear in me just a few years ago and now I can do them.
I am an introvert. Going some place on my own is scary, especially if I won't know anyone when I get there. Now I have not become and extrovert but I can go on my own. I don't necessarily like it, but I can do it. That is all God!
I used to be scared of having emotions. I didn't like feeling, especially the sad and angry feelings, but now I can at least have them without feeling like they are bad. I also am learning to not rely on them. There is nothing wrong with having emotions, God made them, but they can't control me. I think that is part of the reason why I didn't like feeling them, because I didn't want to be controlled by them.
Lysa also mentions that she has run ahead of God, made suggestions to Him, manipulated situations, and got upset when the shortcuts didn't work. How often have I done that? I am sure more times than I have even realized. The best thing about realizing that I've tried a shortcut around God is that I can come to Him and ask for His forgiveness and He gives it! Also, I hope that I've learned from when I did try shortcuts and I can see them for what they are before I let them take over. I wish that happened every time, but I have learned from some of the times that I have.
Lysa also reminds us that the Hebrews 11 people of faith are not listed there because they lead perfect lives, but because they believed God and who He said He is. They trusted in Him. I know I may never be listed in any great people of faith list, but I hope that I will be a woman who believes God and who He says He is and trust in Him.
This was a short chapter and the same thing ran through it. It's not about the journey, the phases, or even reaching the promise land. It's about experiencing and growing in Go along the way. When I finished reading this chapter I had to pray and thank God that I have experienced Him. I thanked Him that I have grown because of Him. I think of things that caused such fear in me just a few years ago and now I can do them.
I am an introvert. Going some place on my own is scary, especially if I won't know anyone when I get there. Now I have not become and extrovert but I can go on my own. I don't necessarily like it, but I can do it. That is all God!
I used to be scared of having emotions. I didn't like feeling, especially the sad and angry feelings, but now I can at least have them without feeling like they are bad. I also am learning to not rely on them. There is nothing wrong with having emotions, God made them, but they can't control me. I think that is part of the reason why I didn't like feeling them, because I didn't want to be controlled by them.
Lysa also mentions that she has run ahead of God, made suggestions to Him, manipulated situations, and got upset when the shortcuts didn't work. How often have I done that? I am sure more times than I have even realized. The best thing about realizing that I've tried a shortcut around God is that I can come to Him and ask for His forgiveness and He gives it! Also, I hope that I've learned from when I did try shortcuts and I can see them for what they are before I let them take over. I wish that happened every time, but I have learned from some of the times that I have.
Lysa also reminds us that the Hebrews 11 people of faith are not listed there because they lead perfect lives, but because they believed God and who He said He is. They trusted in Him. I know I may never be listed in any great people of faith list, but I hope that I will be a woman who believes God and who He says He is and trust in Him.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
A Promise Made is a Promise Kept
The title of this chapter made me smile. God keeps His promises.
I didn't highlight much this chapter, only because Lysa wrote a lot about another child that she tried to adopted. Actual at the time of the book they were still in the process. They had adopted their two boys from Liberia and were trying to adopt one from Belarus as well. The book was published 6 years ago and I do not believe they adopted Sergei since.
She wrote about how when she started praying for this boy she had "a resurrection of meaning and purpose and desire". I read that and said to myself that was what I wanted. Regardless of what dream I may have along my journey I want to have a meaning, a purpose, and desire in my life. I know that all that comes from God. When I focus on Him and strive to spend more time with Him I think those things come with the package.
I teach! It is a worthy and important purpose. I love being a teacher. I have always believed that my classroom is my mission field. I have 10 months to be Jesus to my children. I hope that I have succeeded at that more than I have failed. I know I failed. But lately I long for more, more of a purpose, more of a meaning, and for more desire.
Lysa writes, "He is looking for the souls who are willing to press close to His heart and hear the cries of the forgotten. He wants us to do great things with Him to reach "the least of these". I want that! I want Him more. I pray for that almost each night. I ask God to stir the desire within my for more of Him. I want to know that purpose, my meaning, is found in Him. I want to do the great things He has planned for me to do with Him. I am not outspoken. I am not an extrovert. I am okay with the behind the scenes. I just want Him!
Like I said, I don't think Lysa ever adopted Sergei but she writes about what if God answer is no concerning him. She also writes about how living a faith journey doesn't mean "happily ever after". I think about Abraham and how God promised him he'd be the father of many nations. I think about how he never saw that fulfilled. Even though Abraham didn't see it God's promise was fulfilled. I don't know when the promises God made to me will be fulfilled, or even if it would be the way I think it will be, but I do know He keeps His promises.
Numbers 23:19 "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change his mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill? I have received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot change it."
He will resurrect a closer relationship with him, a deeper trust of him, if I let Him rule over all of my life.
I didn't highlight much this chapter, only because Lysa wrote a lot about another child that she tried to adopted. Actual at the time of the book they were still in the process. They had adopted their two boys from Liberia and were trying to adopt one from Belarus as well. The book was published 6 years ago and I do not believe they adopted Sergei since.
She wrote about how when she started praying for this boy she had "a resurrection of meaning and purpose and desire". I read that and said to myself that was what I wanted. Regardless of what dream I may have along my journey I want to have a meaning, a purpose, and desire in my life. I know that all that comes from God. When I focus on Him and strive to spend more time with Him I think those things come with the package.
I teach! It is a worthy and important purpose. I love being a teacher. I have always believed that my classroom is my mission field. I have 10 months to be Jesus to my children. I hope that I have succeeded at that more than I have failed. I know I failed. But lately I long for more, more of a purpose, more of a meaning, and for more desire.
Lysa writes, "He is looking for the souls who are willing to press close to His heart and hear the cries of the forgotten. He wants us to do great things with Him to reach "the least of these". I want that! I want Him more. I pray for that almost each night. I ask God to stir the desire within my for more of Him. I want to know that purpose, my meaning, is found in Him. I want to do the great things He has planned for me to do with Him. I am not outspoken. I am not an extrovert. I am okay with the behind the scenes. I just want Him!
Like I said, I don't think Lysa ever adopted Sergei but she writes about what if God answer is no concerning him. She also writes about how living a faith journey doesn't mean "happily ever after". I think about Abraham and how God promised him he'd be the father of many nations. I think about how he never saw that fulfilled. Even though Abraham didn't see it God's promise was fulfilled. I don't know when the promises God made to me will be fulfilled, or even if it would be the way I think it will be, but I do know He keeps His promises.
Numbers 23:19 "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change his mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill? I have received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot change it."
He will resurrect a closer relationship with him, a deeper trust of him, if I let Him rule over all of my life.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
God's Dream, God's Way
I practically wore out my highlighter in this chapter! This is the first chapter in the resurrection phase. I have been so excited to reach this phase. I mean in the book, but of course in my journey as well.
Lysa writes that we must go through the death first in order to find rejoicing in the resurrection. When I think about all the tears cried and all the prayers prayed and all the waiting resulted in some of the other rresurrections in my life this makes perfect sense. It makes all the stuff from before seem worth it. In those times I learned to recognize God and I drew closer to Him. The dreams, wants, came too, and they were good, but the increase desire for God was the true gift.
Here's one thing I love that she wrote, "remembering the death phase keeps us humble and keenly aware that the resurrection has nothing to do with us. Our talents, our creativity, our manipulating, our arranging, our being in the right place at the right time - none of it brought about the good that is dawning. God's dream planted in us is brought about by His hand alone."
I love that because I can't make it happen! Yes, there are steps that God asks me to take, things that He wants me to be obedient to, but it is still Him even when I am obedient. I also love the thought that I can't mess it up either. Sure, I make mistakes. I try to make things happen; I whine and complain, but He brings it all to pass.
But I do need to be ready. God wouldn't bring about the resurrection until I am ready. He is waiting for me to be ready. Along the way I have thought I was ready, only to realize that I wasn't. I want to be! I want to walk out of the death phase into the resurrection. I want to have the faith to be in that place. I want to hear that it is time to pack up the camp, head for the Jordan, and see the miracle that brings me into the Promised Land.
I need to learn to be content where He has me right now, even if it's the famine phase or the death phase. I need to remember that He is my portion for each and every day. The Israelites didn't trust Him to be their portion. They were so close to the Promised Land, their resurrection, and they ended up missing it. I do not want to repeat their experience. I want to wait on the Lord and trust in His faithfulness.
"Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him!" Isaiah 30:18
Lysa writes that we must go through the death first in order to find rejoicing in the resurrection. When I think about all the tears cried and all the prayers prayed and all the waiting resulted in some of the other rresurrections in my life this makes perfect sense. It makes all the stuff from before seem worth it. In those times I learned to recognize God and I drew closer to Him. The dreams, wants, came too, and they were good, but the increase desire for God was the true gift.
Here's one thing I love that she wrote, "remembering the death phase keeps us humble and keenly aware that the resurrection has nothing to do with us. Our talents, our creativity, our manipulating, our arranging, our being in the right place at the right time - none of it brought about the good that is dawning. God's dream planted in us is brought about by His hand alone."
I love that because I can't make it happen! Yes, there are steps that God asks me to take, things that He wants me to be obedient to, but it is still Him even when I am obedient. I also love the thought that I can't mess it up either. Sure, I make mistakes. I try to make things happen; I whine and complain, but He brings it all to pass.
But I do need to be ready. God wouldn't bring about the resurrection until I am ready. He is waiting for me to be ready. Along the way I have thought I was ready, only to realize that I wasn't. I want to be! I want to walk out of the death phase into the resurrection. I want to have the faith to be in that place. I want to hear that it is time to pack up the camp, head for the Jordan, and see the miracle that brings me into the Promised Land.
I need to learn to be content where He has me right now, even if it's the famine phase or the death phase. I need to remember that He is my portion for each and every day. The Israelites didn't trust Him to be their portion. They were so close to the Promised Land, their resurrection, and they ended up missing it. I do not want to repeat their experience. I want to wait on the Lord and trust in His faithfulness.
"Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him!" Isaiah 30:18
Monday, February 28, 2011
God's Portion, Position, and Promise
It was storming, and I had such a headache and felt so tired! I figured I could just go to bed early, read a little, I try to always read before bed. I thought "what do I read?" I picked up What Happens When Women Walk in Faith and decided to read a chapter in that and then a little from my favorite author, Jane Kirkpatrick. So I did just that.
This is the final chapter in the death phase, and somehow as I've read through this book I have felt as if I have gone through the phases with each section. That is pretty exciting since "Resurrection" is next! I don't know if the resurrection of my God dream will happen by the time I finish this book, but I do believe God will have done more work in me. I want to be one of His shining masterpieces. It makes me tear up just thinking about becoming more like that, His masterpiece.
In this final chapter of death, sounds ominous, Lysa reminds me of who this is all for anyway. God birthed a dream in me as a little girl. I am not sure exactly when, but as early as ten years-old I knew this was a God dream for my life. Twenty-five plus years later, and that dream has felt crushed at times, but I know it is just as much His gift to me then ever. Funny, the dream is a gift from Him. I know that the fulfillment of the dream will be one of the most glorious, remarkable things to ever happen to me, but thinking about the dream is also a gift to me.
But there will be times when I will grumble and fear and focus on the path with it's twist and turns, valleys and pitfalls. In those times I need to remember that He is more portion. Some of Lysa's words literally flew up and hit me and made me say "amen!" right out loud. Chester, the cat, was annoyed by that since he was busy sleeping at my feet, but I smiled at him and told him, "that Jesus was talking to me." She wrote about the big lie of satan. The lie that I have to do everything right to make God notice, to make God work.
Sure there are important things I need to do in order to grow closer to God. I have to read His Word, which I have fallen in love with doing. I have to pray. I have always prayed to God like a conversation. It isn't flowery, but it is real. I have found I talk to Him more and more. But I do those things not to get Him to see me. Satan wants me to think I have to do them. I have to be good. I have to grip on tight and try not to make any mistakes in my day. He tries to make me believe I have "be" before God will do.
That is so wrong! I know that in my head, but sometimes my heart and emotions see the situation and I think, "I just need to be better." But God! God is my portion! God knows I will not be able to do that. He knows I will fall down. I will get angry at rude students, a dog that has to go out for the millionth time, and friend who says something insensitive. He knows my weaknesses and failures and yet He is my portion. "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in your weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9a
He fills up all the empty spaces in me, all the weakness with His strength. And He notices me. He sees everything about me. I don't have to do anything to get His attention. He knows me and is at work all the time.
Sometimes when I am driving and stop at a red light I look over at the car next to me. I will probably never see that person again. I have no idea what he or she is going through. I have no idea of that person's beliefs, struggles, pains, or joys. But I sit there and am amazed that God does! I am in awe!
God's position in my life is important too. God must be first! So often, if I'm being honest, He isn't. I could get stuck in that and feel shame and guilt, but that wouldn't be putting Him in first place. That would still be me in first place! My focus wouldn't be on Him, but on my lack of Him.
It is also easy to get caught up on focusing on the dream He birthed in me. I mean twenty-five plus years is a long time and plenty of opportunity to spend thinking about it more than Him. But He is the promise maker! It is His dream for my life. I have to focus on Him and allowing Him to work the dream through to completion.
It is God's promise. He leads me through he necessary to get to the Promised Land. The troubles, the desert places, all of those are making me more like Him, more ready to receive the promise. I have to develop into the person who can receive the promise. I have to mature, experience, and be formed in order to be ready for all that the promise brings. At ten, I wasn't ready. At thirty I wasn't ready. Today I'm not ready, but He promised His dream for me. So I know He will make me ready, each trial and triumph at a time, because God always keeps His promises.
This phase is a gift from Him. It breaks away, kills, some of me that isn't right for the dream. It has grown me closer to Him. It has let me see His love and learn to trust in Him. It sounds weird to say I am joyful, giddy almost with joy, in this phase, but I am.
I said before that I read and planned to got to bed early. I did that. I read and then prayed. I didn't get far in my prayers. I remember talking to Him about how powerful He is. I woke up about an hour later, only a few minutes after 9. My toes were tingling. I know that sounds weird, but God was rushing through me so much my feet couldn't be still. I was loving it and being driven by it to. It drove me right out and bed and onto the blog to post. I can't explain Him, but He is moving. He is working. He is what I repeatedly think is impossible. He is opening me up and spilling out through me. Right now the clock just struck 10 and I may regret this at 4:30 when the alarm goes off, but right now I am overwhelmed by His love!
This is the final chapter in the death phase, and somehow as I've read through this book I have felt as if I have gone through the phases with each section. That is pretty exciting since "Resurrection" is next! I don't know if the resurrection of my God dream will happen by the time I finish this book, but I do believe God will have done more work in me. I want to be one of His shining masterpieces. It makes me tear up just thinking about becoming more like that, His masterpiece.
In this final chapter of death, sounds ominous, Lysa reminds me of who this is all for anyway. God birthed a dream in me as a little girl. I am not sure exactly when, but as early as ten years-old I knew this was a God dream for my life. Twenty-five plus years later, and that dream has felt crushed at times, but I know it is just as much His gift to me then ever. Funny, the dream is a gift from Him. I know that the fulfillment of the dream will be one of the most glorious, remarkable things to ever happen to me, but thinking about the dream is also a gift to me.
But there will be times when I will grumble and fear and focus on the path with it's twist and turns, valleys and pitfalls. In those times I need to remember that He is more portion. Some of Lysa's words literally flew up and hit me and made me say "amen!" right out loud. Chester, the cat, was annoyed by that since he was busy sleeping at my feet, but I smiled at him and told him, "that Jesus was talking to me." She wrote about the big lie of satan. The lie that I have to do everything right to make God notice, to make God work.
Sure there are important things I need to do in order to grow closer to God. I have to read His Word, which I have fallen in love with doing. I have to pray. I have always prayed to God like a conversation. It isn't flowery, but it is real. I have found I talk to Him more and more. But I do those things not to get Him to see me. Satan wants me to think I have to do them. I have to be good. I have to grip on tight and try not to make any mistakes in my day. He tries to make me believe I have "be" before God will do.
That is so wrong! I know that in my head, but sometimes my heart and emotions see the situation and I think, "I just need to be better." But God! God is my portion! God knows I will not be able to do that. He knows I will fall down. I will get angry at rude students, a dog that has to go out for the millionth time, and friend who says something insensitive. He knows my weaknesses and failures and yet He is my portion. "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in your weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9a
He fills up all the empty spaces in me, all the weakness with His strength. And He notices me. He sees everything about me. I don't have to do anything to get His attention. He knows me and is at work all the time.
Sometimes when I am driving and stop at a red light I look over at the car next to me. I will probably never see that person again. I have no idea what he or she is going through. I have no idea of that person's beliefs, struggles, pains, or joys. But I sit there and am amazed that God does! I am in awe!
God's position in my life is important too. God must be first! So often, if I'm being honest, He isn't. I could get stuck in that and feel shame and guilt, but that wouldn't be putting Him in first place. That would still be me in first place! My focus wouldn't be on Him, but on my lack of Him.
It is also easy to get caught up on focusing on the dream He birthed in me. I mean twenty-five plus years is a long time and plenty of opportunity to spend thinking about it more than Him. But He is the promise maker! It is His dream for my life. I have to focus on Him and allowing Him to work the dream through to completion.
It is God's promise. He leads me through he necessary to get to the Promised Land. The troubles, the desert places, all of those are making me more like Him, more ready to receive the promise. I have to develop into the person who can receive the promise. I have to mature, experience, and be formed in order to be ready for all that the promise brings. At ten, I wasn't ready. At thirty I wasn't ready. Today I'm not ready, but He promised His dream for me. So I know He will make me ready, each trial and triumph at a time, because God always keeps His promises.
This phase is a gift from Him. It breaks away, kills, some of me that isn't right for the dream. It has grown me closer to Him. It has let me see His love and learn to trust in Him. It sounds weird to say I am joyful, giddy almost with joy, in this phase, but I am.
I said before that I read and planned to got to bed early. I did that. I read and then prayed. I didn't get far in my prayers. I remember talking to Him about how powerful He is. I woke up about an hour later, only a few minutes after 9. My toes were tingling. I know that sounds weird, but God was rushing through me so much my feet couldn't be still. I was loving it and being driven by it to. It drove me right out and bed and onto the blog to post. I can't explain Him, but He is moving. He is working. He is what I repeatedly think is impossible. He is opening me up and spilling out through me. Right now the clock just struck 10 and I may regret this at 4:30 when the alarm goes off, but right now I am overwhelmed by His love!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
God Isn't Surprised by Death
Deep in the death phase of What Happens When Women Walk in Faith and feeling like I'm dying for real! No one ever said that this life would be easy or that it would even make sense. Not even really sure what is going on, but I'm a bit of an emotional basket case right now. I believe it is something breaking, dying, something that needs to be dealt with by God so I can move deeper in Him. Enough of that on to the chapter!
I love Spring! I love looking at the buds on trees each day and watch them unfold and grow. I love the smell of dirt when things are being planted. Every Spring I think about seeds and the growth that comes from them. Lysa takes about seeds in this unit. Seeds get planted into the earth. They need water and then they will break open, die, and start to grow into something new. I feel like the seed, cracking open, dying from the seed stage and becoming a, hopefully, beautiful plant, maybe even a flower. I love the way Lysa puts it, "who would have thought that a glorious plant could come from a tiny seed in a dark place?" Life can grow even in a dark place, a death place.
If I truly want more of God, if I truly want Him to heal the broken parts, to tear down the walls, to bring forth life in me, then I have to realize He is going to crack some things, changing them from seeds, to something alive and able to bloom. I will not say I enjoy it, but I don't want temporary happiness I want true joy that comes from Him.
This next section of the chapter is good for me, I will probably need to reread it often. It's called "Being Broken is Not Being Sidelined". I know I confuse this all the time. Lysa writes some of the questions I ask myself all the time, like "why would God plant a vision in my heart and then let it turns out like this?" Um, wait I think I asked that today, last night, and even the day before that. Why did I ask it? Because it seems to be dead and my emotions are on high right now. But I cannot rely on my feelings. My feelings start telling me negative things, bad things, ugly things, and those cannot be from God. He doesn't blame me, not that I don't deserve it. He doesn't say I'm worthless, because He gave His son for me to make me worthy. He doesn't say I will never change, because He is the one who changes me.
Instead of focusing on my emotions, I need to remember He is in control. He is breaking me from the seed to grow. Did you know that even if the seed cracks open away from the surface of the dirt, it will twist around and start growing up towards the light? I want to press towards the Light no matter how twisted I need to be to grow in His direction.
Lysa goes on to state that more people don't live the extraordinary life of faith because they see death as being sidelined. Think about the seed. If it stopped after cracking open and just stayed like that it would not grow. It would be worse than sidelined. I am sure many people, myself included, have gotten to the death phase, felt sidelined, and put themselves out of the life of faith. God isn't sidelining me. He is using the brokenness of the seed wall to grow me, to shine through me.
Lysa took the beatitudes and put them together in an interesting way. I will end this post with that and let you think on it.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit...the broken people.
Blessed are those who mourn...broken to the point of great weeping.
Blessed are the meek...weeping to the point of being humbled past worldly things.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness...humbled and desiring to be filled with God alone. Blessed are the merciful...filled with God and able to overflow mercy to others.
Blessed are the pure in heart...freely extending mercy and living with a "yes" heart for God.
Blessed are the peacemakers...saying yes to God and bringing His peace everywhere they go.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness...so certain in His peace that even when they face hardships, they trust and confidently walk with God no matter what."
I love Spring! I love looking at the buds on trees each day and watch them unfold and grow. I love the smell of dirt when things are being planted. Every Spring I think about seeds and the growth that comes from them. Lysa takes about seeds in this unit. Seeds get planted into the earth. They need water and then they will break open, die, and start to grow into something new. I feel like the seed, cracking open, dying from the seed stage and becoming a, hopefully, beautiful plant, maybe even a flower. I love the way Lysa puts it, "who would have thought that a glorious plant could come from a tiny seed in a dark place?" Life can grow even in a dark place, a death place.
If I truly want more of God, if I truly want Him to heal the broken parts, to tear down the walls, to bring forth life in me, then I have to realize He is going to crack some things, changing them from seeds, to something alive and able to bloom. I will not say I enjoy it, but I don't want temporary happiness I want true joy that comes from Him.
This next section of the chapter is good for me, I will probably need to reread it often. It's called "Being Broken is Not Being Sidelined". I know I confuse this all the time. Lysa writes some of the questions I ask myself all the time, like "why would God plant a vision in my heart and then let it turns out like this?" Um, wait I think I asked that today, last night, and even the day before that. Why did I ask it? Because it seems to be dead and my emotions are on high right now. But I cannot rely on my feelings. My feelings start telling me negative things, bad things, ugly things, and those cannot be from God. He doesn't blame me, not that I don't deserve it. He doesn't say I'm worthless, because He gave His son for me to make me worthy. He doesn't say I will never change, because He is the one who changes me.
Instead of focusing on my emotions, I need to remember He is in control. He is breaking me from the seed to grow. Did you know that even if the seed cracks open away from the surface of the dirt, it will twist around and start growing up towards the light? I want to press towards the Light no matter how twisted I need to be to grow in His direction.
Lysa goes on to state that more people don't live the extraordinary life of faith because they see death as being sidelined. Think about the seed. If it stopped after cracking open and just stayed like that it would not grow. It would be worse than sidelined. I am sure many people, myself included, have gotten to the death phase, felt sidelined, and put themselves out of the life of faith. God isn't sidelining me. He is using the brokenness of the seed wall to grow me, to shine through me.
Lysa took the beatitudes and put them together in an interesting way. I will end this post with that and let you think on it.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit...the broken people.
Blessed are those who mourn...broken to the point of great weeping.
Blessed are the meek...weeping to the point of being humbled past worldly things.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness...humbled and desiring to be filled with God alone. Blessed are the merciful...filled with God and able to overflow mercy to others.
Blessed are the pure in heart...freely extending mercy and living with a "yes" heart for God.
Blessed are the peacemakers...saying yes to God and bringing His peace everywhere they go.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness...so certain in His peace that even when they face hardships, they trust and confidently walk with God no matter what."
Monday, February 21, 2011
Pressing Through the Pain
Well, this is the death phase so pain comes with the territory. I could sum up the whole chapter with this, "that's the secret of pressing through the pain. Really, it's the secret of pressing through all of this life. Learning to depend on God, asking for His provision, and then remembering to look for His ready answers." Lysa.
Going through the pain of a death of anything is hard, it's overwhelming. Thinking about focusing on God when the pain is so raw seems impossible. I know when I am in pain it is easy focus on the pain and the thing that caused me pain. Last week I was in pain. I felt like my heart had stopped and I was overwhelmed by feelings that I didn't think I would have. Honestly, I had no thoughts. I felt blank, numb, and in pain.
I could have stayed there. I could have blamed the pain on someone else or my own lack, but I didn't want to. I wanted to find God. I wanted to pour out the pain to Him and try to see what the purpose of the pain was. If nothing else the pain drove me to God. I know He has a plan. I know He is at work.
Lysa writes, " God is near. He's drawing me close, teaching me lessons I can't learn any other way, revealing more of His character, allowing me to experience Him in even more amazing ways." That is what I want! I want to be confident that even through the pain He is near. I want to learn the lessons He has for me, but most importantly I want Him. I want to know Him! I guess that is the point of it all, Him!
Going through the pain of a death of anything is hard, it's overwhelming. Thinking about focusing on God when the pain is so raw seems impossible. I know when I am in pain it is easy focus on the pain and the thing that caused me pain. Last week I was in pain. I felt like my heart had stopped and I was overwhelmed by feelings that I didn't think I would have. Honestly, I had no thoughts. I felt blank, numb, and in pain.
I could have stayed there. I could have blamed the pain on someone else or my own lack, but I didn't want to. I wanted to find God. I wanted to pour out the pain to Him and try to see what the purpose of the pain was. If nothing else the pain drove me to God. I know He has a plan. I know He is at work.
Lysa writes, " God is near. He's drawing me close, teaching me lessons I can't learn any other way, revealing more of His character, allowing me to experience Him in even more amazing ways." That is what I want! I want to be confident that even through the pain He is near. I want to learn the lessons He has for me, but most importantly I want Him. I want to know Him! I guess that is the point of it all, Him!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Death Does Not Mean Defeat
This is the 1st chapter in the death phase of the book. I didn't highlight much in this chapter. Not because there was not much worthy of remembering, but because it's point is simple. It's not easy, not simplistic, but simple: "death brings about a new life that can't be found any other way."
I am sure that I have experienced a lot of deaths in my life, some more difficult to understand than others. Every death brings about a new place, a new dream, a new phase of life. I recently had a friendship death. Actually it has been over a year, almost two now, but it still hurts. I haven't figured out what the purpose of it is, but I have to rest in God, be still, and know that He has a reason.
The friendship died because the other person decided to kill it. She stopped talking to me and even after she decided to talk to me again it was too late. I never knew why she stopped talking to me, she blamed it on busyness, but that is unlikely. Since she was unwilling to tell me the real reason, and we both knew there was a real one, there was always an elephant in the room. It became painful even trying to talk to her. We had become instant friends, and I truly cared for her. If we could have gotten passed whatever it was I would have been thrilled, but it wasn't meant to be.
Then God literally moved me from the situation. I tried to stay in contact, but it felt so one sided. She'd say the right things but when it came time to put into action she didn't. So almost two years later I still feel sad, but know it has a purpose.
It does feel like a defeat. It feels like I lost a friend; I failed to keep the friendship together; I couldn't just look past the hurt and move forward. But I tried. I really tried. I swallowed my pride and keep reaching out. I finally had to realize that death had come long ago and I need to let it go.
The good news is that God knows I desire for good friends, real friends. I've never been the popular girl, the one with tons and tons of friends. I've always been the one who wants a few good, real friends. I believe that from this death He must have a real friend, a true friendship planned for me. I do have a friend or two who are good friends, but I seek that "kindred spirit" Anne of Green Gables sought. I want to grow closer to God and I believe He knows my desire for such a friendship and He already has that friend for me. So this is not a defeat, but rather a death of the old and time of preparing for the new.
On another note, Garren wiggled his toes yesterday! I cry with joy when I read of the small steps in his father's blog. I also cry out to God to the Lord for healing and for the family. I have seen my prayer life soar to new heights since this all happened. Not only for Garren and the Janes family, but for so many areas. The other night I was praying about a situation that seems impossible and I was crying. I grew quiet and heard "be still". Now that is something people say all the time, and of course God said it on more than one occasion. I continued to think about the situation and felt the thoughts running into each other and yet I still heard "be still." I can't deny that was God. I pray that I will continue to draw close to Him and listen and obey His voice.
I am sure that I have experienced a lot of deaths in my life, some more difficult to understand than others. Every death brings about a new place, a new dream, a new phase of life. I recently had a friendship death. Actually it has been over a year, almost two now, but it still hurts. I haven't figured out what the purpose of it is, but I have to rest in God, be still, and know that He has a reason.
The friendship died because the other person decided to kill it. She stopped talking to me and even after she decided to talk to me again it was too late. I never knew why she stopped talking to me, she blamed it on busyness, but that is unlikely. Since she was unwilling to tell me the real reason, and we both knew there was a real one, there was always an elephant in the room. It became painful even trying to talk to her. We had become instant friends, and I truly cared for her. If we could have gotten passed whatever it was I would have been thrilled, but it wasn't meant to be.
Then God literally moved me from the situation. I tried to stay in contact, but it felt so one sided. She'd say the right things but when it came time to put into action she didn't. So almost two years later I still feel sad, but know it has a purpose.
It does feel like a defeat. It feels like I lost a friend; I failed to keep the friendship together; I couldn't just look past the hurt and move forward. But I tried. I really tried. I swallowed my pride and keep reaching out. I finally had to realize that death had come long ago and I need to let it go.
The good news is that God knows I desire for good friends, real friends. I've never been the popular girl, the one with tons and tons of friends. I've always been the one who wants a few good, real friends. I believe that from this death He must have a real friend, a true friendship planned for me. I do have a friend or two who are good friends, but I seek that "kindred spirit" Anne of Green Gables sought. I want to grow closer to God and I believe He knows my desire for such a friendship and He already has that friend for me. So this is not a defeat, but rather a death of the old and time of preparing for the new.
On another note, Garren wiggled his toes yesterday! I cry with joy when I read of the small steps in his father's blog. I also cry out to God to the Lord for healing and for the family. I have seen my prayer life soar to new heights since this all happened. Not only for Garren and the Janes family, but for so many areas. The other night I was praying about a situation that seems impossible and I was crying. I grew quiet and heard "be still". Now that is something people say all the time, and of course God said it on more than one occasion. I continued to think about the situation and felt the thoughts running into each other and yet I still heard "be still." I can't deny that was God. I pray that I will continue to draw close to Him and listen and obey His voice.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Learning to Lead
First off, I added Geoffrey Janes blog to my blog list below. Please check it out and see how much God is working through this man, his family, and Garren. I am amazed at their faith and trust and God's amazing work!
This is the last chapter of the believing phase. Not so sure I'm looking forward to the next phase, death, sounds like fun! Honestly, this chapter was a surprise to me. I don't see myself as a leader. Now I'm a bit of a rebel so I'm not usually a follower either. I'm a teacher so I guess being a leader comes with the job, but other than that I'm not so sure. Then I read this chapter and it certainly made me think.
Lysa wrote about Moses and how God turned him into a leader. Although his position as Pharaoh's daughter would have given him a place of power, maybe even leadership it wasn't in that position that he lead. I'm not sure he ever wanted to even then. We certainly know that he didn't want to do it when God told him he was going back to Egypt to lead His people out.
Moses gave God all the reasons why he wasn't qualified. I know I do that. I am not a speaker. I mean I have no trouble talk in front of children, but adults, that's a whole other story. I'm not saying He's calling me to do that, but I even have trouble talking in front of a small group, even just one person. Which lately I have found kind a sad. When I was a kid, and it was okay to write stuff like this, my teachers said all these nice things about me and would end it with "but talks too much." I wonder now if satan knew God had something for me to say and even as a child he tried to shut me up. Well, if God does have something for me to say I better get more in tune with Him. I digress.
I like how Lysa wrote it, "Moses learned to be a good leader by walking in obedience to God. Moses developed into a great leader by being consistent enough with his habits of obedience that they became the natural reactions of his heart. The way to be a good leader is for your actions to be reflective of God reigning inside you. But to be a great leader is for your reactions to be reflective of God reigning inside you."
I am not sure I want to lead, I mean Moses had a lot of headaches leading the Israelites, but if I am to be a leader I want to be a great one. I want to react in a way that shows God reigning in me. But the point of the believing phase is to getting me to a spot where I can deny how real God is.
Now, on to the death phase, yippee!
This is the last chapter of the believing phase. Not so sure I'm looking forward to the next phase, death, sounds like fun! Honestly, this chapter was a surprise to me. I don't see myself as a leader. Now I'm a bit of a rebel so I'm not usually a follower either. I'm a teacher so I guess being a leader comes with the job, but other than that I'm not so sure. Then I read this chapter and it certainly made me think.
Lysa wrote about Moses and how God turned him into a leader. Although his position as Pharaoh's daughter would have given him a place of power, maybe even leadership it wasn't in that position that he lead. I'm not sure he ever wanted to even then. We certainly know that he didn't want to do it when God told him he was going back to Egypt to lead His people out.
Moses gave God all the reasons why he wasn't qualified. I know I do that. I am not a speaker. I mean I have no trouble talk in front of children, but adults, that's a whole other story. I'm not saying He's calling me to do that, but I even have trouble talking in front of a small group, even just one person. Which lately I have found kind a sad. When I was a kid, and it was okay to write stuff like this, my teachers said all these nice things about me and would end it with "but talks too much." I wonder now if satan knew God had something for me to say and even as a child he tried to shut me up. Well, if God does have something for me to say I better get more in tune with Him. I digress.
I like how Lysa wrote it, "Moses learned to be a good leader by walking in obedience to God. Moses developed into a great leader by being consistent enough with his habits of obedience that they became the natural reactions of his heart. The way to be a good leader is for your actions to be reflective of God reigning inside you. But to be a great leader is for your reactions to be reflective of God reigning inside you."
I am not sure I want to lead, I mean Moses had a lot of headaches leading the Israelites, but if I am to be a leader I want to be a great one. I want to react in a way that shows God reigning in me. But the point of the believing phase is to getting me to a spot where I can deny how real God is.
Now, on to the death phase, yippee!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
God Will Make a Way
The latest blog about Garren. http://geoffreyjanes.blogspot.com/2011/02/tuesday-february-15-700pm.html
Chapter 11 of What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst.
"Suddenly, my absolute belief that God was in control started to waver. I wanted to believe. I willed myself to stay strong in my belief," Lysa.
This believing phase isn't easy, it has it's share of complications, frustrations, and and doubts. That seems to go against the whole idea of believing. But if you read the Psalms it seems that David went from believing one moment and despair the next. So if David, a man after God's own heart, had trouble believing then I shouldn't be surprised when I do.
Last week was one of the most emotional ones of my life, and yet I could see the hand of God all over the place. Then one day I was on a high with the good news I heard about Garren and the works of God I was seeing. Then one of my "ittes" walked right up to me, literally, and the despair flooded over me. I was stunned! I remember thinking, "this isn't funny God!" I cried, I cried hard and the next day I felt on the verge of tears all day. But I worked my way out of the darkness of that despair by looking toward the Light.
Lysa wrote it as,"our feelings do not have to dictate our choices." I did let me emotions dictate at first but I sought God in the depths of those emotions and He pulled me out. I could have chosen to stay there. To wallow in them. But I want to live the life of victory God has for each of us and I decided letting satan have any hold in my life was not what I wanted.
God is right there with me, growing me, comforting me, speaking to me, showing me and making a way. The best thing about His way is it is so much better than I can ever dream up. It is beyond the beyond!
Please continue to pray for Garren and the Janes family.
Chapter 11 of What Happens When Women Walk in Faith by Lysa TerKeurst.
"Suddenly, my absolute belief that God was in control started to waver. I wanted to believe. I willed myself to stay strong in my belief," Lysa.
This believing phase isn't easy, it has it's share of complications, frustrations, and and doubts. That seems to go against the whole idea of believing. But if you read the Psalms it seems that David went from believing one moment and despair the next. So if David, a man after God's own heart, had trouble believing then I shouldn't be surprised when I do.
Last week was one of the most emotional ones of my life, and yet I could see the hand of God all over the place. Then one day I was on a high with the good news I heard about Garren and the works of God I was seeing. Then one of my "ittes" walked right up to me, literally, and the despair flooded over me. I was stunned! I remember thinking, "this isn't funny God!" I cried, I cried hard and the next day I felt on the verge of tears all day. But I worked my way out of the darkness of that despair by looking toward the Light.
Lysa wrote it as,"our feelings do not have to dictate our choices." I did let me emotions dictate at first but I sought God in the depths of those emotions and He pulled me out. I could have chosen to stay there. To wallow in them. But I want to live the life of victory God has for each of us and I decided letting satan have any hold in my life was not what I wanted.
God is right there with me, growing me, comforting me, speaking to me, showing me and making a way. The best thing about His way is it is so much better than I can ever dream up. It is beyond the beyond!
Please continue to pray for Garren and the Janes family.
Roadblocks and Reassurances
Please take a moment to pray for Garren Janes and his family. His dad's most recent post from his blog will be linked here as long as Garren needs our prayers. http://geoffreyjanes.blogspot.com/2011/02/monday-february-14-2011-900pm.html
I think it would be nice if the bbelieving phase would just be easy, with no troubles. I mean there's a famine phase and a death phase so it seems only right to have the believing phase be a piece of cake. But it's not. There are roadblocks!
Lysa wrote about something near and dear to my prayers at times, change the circumstances! I have prayed for God to change the circumstances so many times, to just move that mountain. But time and time again I have come to realize the circumstance didn't need to change. I did!
Lysa asked the question, "so why doesn't He?" Why doesn't He just move that annoying person to a new job, a new house, a new planet! How about that nagging pain He just takes it away. Why doesn't He just instantly heal the heart break of a relationship ending? Why, why, why! Lysa answers it like this, "the answer is that He loves us too much to leave us the way we are."
We tend to not see us as the one who needs changing, but we do. Until I become like Christ I will always need to be the one changing. Does that other person or situation? Yes, but it reminds me of how the lion Aslan responds to questions about others. He says that is their story. I do not have to worry about anyone else's story. That's God's job and He does it the best!
So in the believing phase there are roadblocks, there are frustrations and distractions. "You are not being sidetracked," Lysa. She reminds me that it is God's way, His plan. Now are there roadblocks, walls, mountains in other phases? Yes, but somehow in the believing phase it seems a bit easier to know that it isn't a big NO! from God. I guess it is easier in phase to know it's a growth opportunity. That doesn't make it easy, heart work is never easy, but there is a peace in believing God is using it for His glory and to grow me.
Lysa quotes Hosea 10:12 and then adds her thoughts to it. "Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until He comes and showers righteousness on you."
Here's it again with Lysa's additions, "Sow for yourselves righteousness {right choices that honor God even when you don't feel like it}, reap the fruit of unfailing love {love for the lovely and unlovely alike}, and break up your unplowed ground {whether that be the blockades in your driveway or blockades in your heart}; for it is time to seek the Lord, until He comes {and He most certainly will} and showers {more than you could ever hope for or imagine} righteousness on you." (She tells a blockaded driveway story in this chapter.)
So continue to know, to believe, in this phase that God is in control and He has given you a promise and He is faithful to accomplish it and prepare you along the way to receive it.
I think it would be nice if the bbelieving phase would just be easy, with no troubles. I mean there's a famine phase and a death phase so it seems only right to have the believing phase be a piece of cake. But it's not. There are roadblocks!
Lysa wrote about something near and dear to my prayers at times, change the circumstances! I have prayed for God to change the circumstances so many times, to just move that mountain. But time and time again I have come to realize the circumstance didn't need to change. I did!
Lysa asked the question, "so why doesn't He?" Why doesn't He just move that annoying person to a new job, a new house, a new planet! How about that nagging pain He just takes it away. Why doesn't He just instantly heal the heart break of a relationship ending? Why, why, why! Lysa answers it like this, "the answer is that He loves us too much to leave us the way we are."
We tend to not see us as the one who needs changing, but we do. Until I become like Christ I will always need to be the one changing. Does that other person or situation? Yes, but it reminds me of how the lion Aslan responds to questions about others. He says that is their story. I do not have to worry about anyone else's story. That's God's job and He does it the best!
So in the believing phase there are roadblocks, there are frustrations and distractions. "You are not being sidetracked," Lysa. She reminds me that it is God's way, His plan. Now are there roadblocks, walls, mountains in other phases? Yes, but somehow in the believing phase it seems a bit easier to know that it isn't a big NO! from God. I guess it is easier in phase to know it's a growth opportunity. That doesn't make it easy, heart work is never easy, but there is a peace in believing God is using it for His glory and to grow me.
Lysa quotes Hosea 10:12 and then adds her thoughts to it. "Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until He comes and showers righteousness on you."
Here's it again with Lysa's additions, "Sow for yourselves righteousness {right choices that honor God even when you don't feel like it}, reap the fruit of unfailing love {love for the lovely and unlovely alike}, and break up your unplowed ground {whether that be the blockades in your driveway or blockades in your heart}; for it is time to seek the Lord, until He comes {and He most certainly will} and showers {more than you could ever hope for or imagine} righteousness on you." (She tells a blockaded driveway story in this chapter.)
So continue to know, to believe, in this phase that God is in control and He has given you a promise and He is faithful to accomplish it and prepare you along the way to receive it.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
A Most Unlikely Path
"A Most Unlikely Path" is the first chapter in the bbelieving phase.
"God knows the best routes for us. He sees dangers and temptations that we don't see along the way. Sometimes we get frustrated with God when He takes us through places we hadn't planned on going. His route sometimes appears to be out of the way, inconvenient, tiresome, and confusing. But we must recognize His voice, listen carefully, and do exactly as He instructs." This is moving from the famine phase to the believing phase.
In this phase we believe God in ways that we always wanted to. We walk more with Him, because we want more of Him. As we walk with Him we hear His voice more clearly and we see Him at work more. He becomes so real to us!
In this phase I trust Him and believe Him so much I should just go ahead and confirm out loud that I trust Him and I am willing to travel those paths even if they are confusing and out of the way. As Lysa puts it, "Lord, whatever Your will for my life is, that is what I want?"
I recently watched a teaching with Priscilla Shirer and she was talking about how God has beyond the beyond in mind for us. She explained that to mean that God does not only beyond what we can even think of, but even beyond that! So I guess it is good to dream big and know that what He will do is even bigger than that!
I love this phase! I find myself saying over and over again, "You are so good!"
"God knows the best routes for us. He sees dangers and temptations that we don't see along the way. Sometimes we get frustrated with God when He takes us through places we hadn't planned on going. His route sometimes appears to be out of the way, inconvenient, tiresome, and confusing. But we must recognize His voice, listen carefully, and do exactly as He instructs." This is moving from the famine phase to the believing phase.
In this phase we believe God in ways that we always wanted to. We walk more with Him, because we want more of Him. As we walk with Him we hear His voice more clearly and we see Him at work more. He becomes so real to us!
In this phase I trust Him and believe Him so much I should just go ahead and confirm out loud that I trust Him and I am willing to travel those paths even if they are confusing and out of the way. As Lysa puts it, "Lord, whatever Your will for my life is, that is what I want?"
I recently watched a teaching with Priscilla Shirer and she was talking about how God has beyond the beyond in mind for us. She explained that to mean that God does not only beyond what we can even think of, but even beyond that! So I guess it is good to dream big and know that what He will do is even bigger than that!
I love this phase! I find myself saying over and over again, "You are so good!"
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Joseph
The remainder of chapter 8 focuses on Joseph and his life. I have heard many teachings about Joseph and how he didn't become bitter with all that he went through. Actually the DailyAudioBible.com reading last week was about Joseph.
With all that happened to Joseph there is no record of him ever getting bitter. There is no record of him getting angry. I know he wasn't perfect, he did brag a bit and spy on his brothers for his father, but to go through all he did and not become bitter! That amazes me!
Interestingly his brothers were envious of him and bitter of how much their father loved him. This bitterness lead them to throw Joseph in a pit, plot to kill him, and actually sell him into slavery. I mean take a minute and think about that for a minute. I have 2 brothers and I can honestly say I have plotted against them, when we were kids of course, but I never plotted to kill them or sell them. I can't even wrap my brain around that. How much bitterness must have been entrenched in their hearts to do this. Then they returned home and lied to their father and lived with the secret for years. I am sure that they were torn apart on the inside by all they had done, but it doesn't seem as if they ever tried to make it right either.
"He could have let bitterness wrap his heart in a web of anger, anxiety, and revenge, but he didn't. He chose not to. He made a conscious choice to honor God with his actions and his attitudes, and God honored him." Lysa.
He chose not to! Since he wasn't perfect and it didn't come natural to not be bitter, he had to chose to not be bitter. There are a lot of hard choices in my life but for me, this is a hard one to make. I have felt the ugliness and ache of bitterness creep over me. It actually makes me ache. I don't want that, I mean who would!
Lysa also writes about how God didn't immediately remove Joseph from his situations and place him as second to only Pharaoh. Even though he made the choice to not be bitter, to not sleep with Potiphar's wife, and to not scream at the bars of the prison to the cupbearer about how he didn't keep his promise to him, God kept him in the situation. Ummm, not sure about anyone else, but that would have, actually has, made me be bitter. He did what he should do, some may even say beyond what he should do, and God still kept him there. Of course, God had a plan, a reason, a salvation of nations, and a reunion and healing of a family.
I have no idea what God has planned. I know, like Joseph, He has given me a dream. Years after Joseph's dreams God brought them to pass, and although it may be years, well it has been years, maybe more years before God brings my dream to pass. But I know that He will, because it was the dream He gave me!
Next, I enter the phase of Believing Phase!
With all that happened to Joseph there is no record of him ever getting bitter. There is no record of him getting angry. I know he wasn't perfect, he did brag a bit and spy on his brothers for his father, but to go through all he did and not become bitter! That amazes me!
Interestingly his brothers were envious of him and bitter of how much their father loved him. This bitterness lead them to throw Joseph in a pit, plot to kill him, and actually sell him into slavery. I mean take a minute and think about that for a minute. I have 2 brothers and I can honestly say I have plotted against them, when we were kids of course, but I never plotted to kill them or sell them. I can't even wrap my brain around that. How much bitterness must have been entrenched in their hearts to do this. Then they returned home and lied to their father and lived with the secret for years. I am sure that they were torn apart on the inside by all they had done, but it doesn't seem as if they ever tried to make it right either.
"He could have let bitterness wrap his heart in a web of anger, anxiety, and revenge, but he didn't. He chose not to. He made a conscious choice to honor God with his actions and his attitudes, and God honored him." Lysa.
He chose not to! Since he wasn't perfect and it didn't come natural to not be bitter, he had to chose to not be bitter. There are a lot of hard choices in my life but for me, this is a hard one to make. I have felt the ugliness and ache of bitterness creep over me. It actually makes me ache. I don't want that, I mean who would!
Lysa also writes about how God didn't immediately remove Joseph from his situations and place him as second to only Pharaoh. Even though he made the choice to not be bitter, to not sleep with Potiphar's wife, and to not scream at the bars of the prison to the cupbearer about how he didn't keep his promise to him, God kept him in the situation. Ummm, not sure about anyone else, but that would have, actually has, made me be bitter. He did what he should do, some may even say beyond what he should do, and God still kept him there. Of course, God had a plan, a reason, a salvation of nations, and a reunion and healing of a family.
I have no idea what God has planned. I know, like Joseph, He has given me a dream. Years after Joseph's dreams God brought them to pass, and although it may be years, well it has been years, maybe more years before God brings my dream to pass. But I know that He will, because it was the dream He gave me!
Next, I enter the phase of Believing Phase!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Refusing to Get Bogged Down in Bitterness
"I must caution you not to get bogged down in bitterness during this famine phase. This is a season of learning to depend on God. As a result, things will be stripped from you that hinder the relationship He wants to have with you." Lysa
This chapter 8 of What Happens When Women Walk in Faith. It is the final chapter in the famine phase.
When I think about the above quote I think of the times when God took away the old things, some good and some not so good. I can remember a time when I cried out to God that I didn't think I could stand having one for things stripped from me. It was right after my Fluffy had to be put to sleep. I had my not-so-sweet kitty for 16 years and without her I was living all alone in a state far from any family or friends. I was lonely and couldn't imagine why God was taking things from me.
I'd like that every time He strips away I handled it well. I can say that recently I noticed some small, really small, things being taken away. I actually smiled with the thought of "out with the old and in with the new". I so much desire what God has to do with me, through me, for me. I realize that means letting go of the things that can't go into a new phases with me. It's easy to let go of the little things, the stuff, not so sure I'll feel say easy about giving away the big, important, special things.
When it isn't as easy to give something or even someone up bitterness is waiting for the opening. The opening in my mind so it can take over my thoughts. The opening in my heart so it can taint everything with it's ugliness and just take hold. I can remember my Mom telling me not to get bitter years ago. Funny, I have no idea what the situation was but I do remember her telling me. At the time it bugged me, but I soon realized I was letting bitterness take hold.
God does everything for our good, even if it's years before we see the good. If I am trusting in Him then there is no room for the bitterness. It will still look for the opening but I want the door to shut, tight, on it. The next section of the book discusses Joseph and how he could have been bitter with all the happened to him, all that was stripped from him. I'll write about that next time, but he is the one I think about when bitterness tries to invade. I think if he could suffer all he did and not become bitter then I should be able to with the not nearly so bad things that happen to me.
I want to finish this post with this from the book, "This time of loss will lead to a time of great celebration one day." Oh, how I look forward to that great celebration!
This chapter 8 of What Happens When Women Walk in Faith. It is the final chapter in the famine phase.
When I think about the above quote I think of the times when God took away the old things, some good and some not so good. I can remember a time when I cried out to God that I didn't think I could stand having one for things stripped from me. It was right after my Fluffy had to be put to sleep. I had my not-so-sweet kitty for 16 years and without her I was living all alone in a state far from any family or friends. I was lonely and couldn't imagine why God was taking things from me.
I'd like that every time He strips away I handled it well. I can say that recently I noticed some small, really small, things being taken away. I actually smiled with the thought of "out with the old and in with the new". I so much desire what God has to do with me, through me, for me. I realize that means letting go of the things that can't go into a new phases with me. It's easy to let go of the little things, the stuff, not so sure I'll feel say easy about giving away the big, important, special things.
When it isn't as easy to give something or even someone up bitterness is waiting for the opening. The opening in my mind so it can take over my thoughts. The opening in my heart so it can taint everything with it's ugliness and just take hold. I can remember my Mom telling me not to get bitter years ago. Funny, I have no idea what the situation was but I do remember her telling me. At the time it bugged me, but I soon realized I was letting bitterness take hold.
God does everything for our good, even if it's years before we see the good. If I am trusting in Him then there is no room for the bitterness. It will still look for the opening but I want the door to shut, tight, on it. The next section of the book discusses Joseph and how he could have been bitter with all the happened to him, all that was stripped from him. I'll write about that next time, but he is the one I think about when bitterness tries to invade. I think if he could suffer all he did and not become bitter then I should be able to with the not nearly so bad things that happen to me.
I want to finish this post with this from the book, "This time of loss will lead to a time of great celebration one day." Oh, how I look forward to that great celebration!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
New Wineskins and Moving Mountains
"We must expand our vision." Lysa
My vision is limited only to what I know or what I think I know. I only see what is right in front of me, which sometimes is a huge mountain with no apparent path around it. Interestingly at these times I also seem to fail to have hindsight. I seem to forget about the Lord has already brought me around mountains before, out of pits, and around stumbling blocks. But He has! And He will! I need to continue to stop seeing with my limited sight and trust in the Lord. I need to give myself to Him and let Him lead.
But regardless of how He has brought me through before or what I thought worked. I can't rely on the old. God wants to do something new. Lysa writes about the difference between old and new wineskins. Old wineskins become hard and set and if you pour new wine into them they would break. I can't hold on to the old. I mean it's hard and will crumble. Why would I want that? Yet, I hold on because it is what I am used to. But I don't want same old same old. I want more of God! I want the new He has in store for me. I need to change my old ways of thinking. I want to continue on the adventure with God!
As for those mountains, the Word tells us that if we have faith the size of a mustard seed we can tell a mountain to move and it will. Lysa writes that sometimes the mountain doesn't move all at once. She writes that sometimes it takes greater faith to move it bit by bit. Sometimes God's miracles seem instant and sometimes they are part of a process. Either way is still a miracle, but it takes increasing faith to wait as the mountain moves a piece at a time.
I know that the times when the mountain is moved piece by piece the doubt can be strong. It may take a long time to even see a dent in that mountain. We are too close to it, we spend too much time just looking at it. God wants our eyes on Him. We can pick up a rock and turn our eyes on Jesus as He helps us move it out of the way. Lysa says to ask God, daily, "what is my assignment today?" I need to trust Him and know that He is taking me through the famine stage and deeper in Him. I know that each rock moved, each step taken, brings me closer to God and all His promises, even the dream that He birthed in me.
My vision is limited only to what I know or what I think I know. I only see what is right in front of me, which sometimes is a huge mountain with no apparent path around it. Interestingly at these times I also seem to fail to have hindsight. I seem to forget about the Lord has already brought me around mountains before, out of pits, and around stumbling blocks. But He has! And He will! I need to continue to stop seeing with my limited sight and trust in the Lord. I need to give myself to Him and let Him lead.
But regardless of how He has brought me through before or what I thought worked. I can't rely on the old. God wants to do something new. Lysa writes about the difference between old and new wineskins. Old wineskins become hard and set and if you pour new wine into them they would break. I can't hold on to the old. I mean it's hard and will crumble. Why would I want that? Yet, I hold on because it is what I am used to. But I don't want same old same old. I want more of God! I want the new He has in store for me. I need to change my old ways of thinking. I want to continue on the adventure with God!
As for those mountains, the Word tells us that if we have faith the size of a mustard seed we can tell a mountain to move and it will. Lysa writes that sometimes the mountain doesn't move all at once. She writes that sometimes it takes greater faith to move it bit by bit. Sometimes God's miracles seem instant and sometimes they are part of a process. Either way is still a miracle, but it takes increasing faith to wait as the mountain moves a piece at a time.
I know that the times when the mountain is moved piece by piece the doubt can be strong. It may take a long time to even see a dent in that mountain. We are too close to it, we spend too much time just looking at it. God wants our eyes on Him. We can pick up a rock and turn our eyes on Jesus as He helps us move it out of the way. Lysa says to ask God, daily, "what is my assignment today?" I need to trust Him and know that He is taking me through the famine stage and deeper in Him. I know that each rock moved, each step taken, brings me closer to God and all His promises, even the dream that He birthed in me.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
God Is With You!
Chapter 7 of What Happens When Women Walk in Faith. There is no exclamation point in the title, but I needed to put it there.
I am glad to be blogging about chapter 7 because I decided to stop reading until I caught the blog up. With school as busy as it has been this last week it hasn't been easy. I am currently stopped at chapter 9 so I'll be able to start reading again soon.
"I was smack-dab in the middle of a famine, and though I knew the purpose was to learn to depend on God like never before, it was hard. The more I prayed about and pondered trying to make everything fit, the more I kept saying, 'There's no way..there's just no way'." Lysa
Ever been there? Yes! Just last week actually, I was telling God for the millionth time. Of course, I know that with Him all things are possible. Knowing something doesn't always mean that I don't doubt. When I look at the situation that is all I can say,"there's no way!" I felt myself getting agitated and knew that it was either going to overwhelm me or I had to do what I should have done all along, give it to God. I chose the later. I've chosen the former enough times to know how that would turn out. Me in a puddle of tears and thinking that God doesn't care about me or His promises. Turning it to Him was so sweet. I felt His peace the moment I did and the "there's no way" moment turned into an opportunity to focus on His faithfulness.
Lysa mentioned that when she was thinking "there's no way" that she had to continue to pray and watch for God's answers. She stopped trying to figure it out and simply waited on God. Exactly! Not only am I watching for His answer, I am anticipating His working in the time before it comes. Each day is a chance to see Him move in my life. I know that He is working on the inside of me and it's can be painful, but it is so amazing to experience the change. Everyday is a chance to see Him at work in ways that I never expected. Everyday is a chance to see His work in the situation.
Maybe "see" isn't the right word, because sometimes I don't see anything changing in the situation, or what I see seems to that the situation is worse. Yet, I know that He is at work, and maybe the lack of seeing it is actually the proof that He is. I believe that satan wants to destroy all the is good. John 10:10 tells us that he does. He comes to kill and destroy. If he didn't see it as something good, as a promise of God, would he bother to spend the time to make it look as if nothing is happening, or to make it look worse? I don't think so. I think the more he tries to destroy it the more likely it is the God is working. I visualize satan straining as he is trying to tear down and destroy but there's God doing His work and satan is making no progress. Satan thought what he tore down destroyed the promise, but then he has to stand there and see how God use the tore down to carry out his plan.
I want to finish this blog with a word from Lysa that I know I need to remember everyday, "He was reminding me that there is always a way with Him."
I am glad to be blogging about chapter 7 because I decided to stop reading until I caught the blog up. With school as busy as it has been this last week it hasn't been easy. I am currently stopped at chapter 9 so I'll be able to start reading again soon.
"I was smack-dab in the middle of a famine, and though I knew the purpose was to learn to depend on God like never before, it was hard. The more I prayed about and pondered trying to make everything fit, the more I kept saying, 'There's no way..there's just no way'." Lysa
Ever been there? Yes! Just last week actually, I was telling God for the millionth time. Of course, I know that with Him all things are possible. Knowing something doesn't always mean that I don't doubt. When I look at the situation that is all I can say,"there's no way!" I felt myself getting agitated and knew that it was either going to overwhelm me or I had to do what I should have done all along, give it to God. I chose the later. I've chosen the former enough times to know how that would turn out. Me in a puddle of tears and thinking that God doesn't care about me or His promises. Turning it to Him was so sweet. I felt His peace the moment I did and the "there's no way" moment turned into an opportunity to focus on His faithfulness.
Lysa mentioned that when she was thinking "there's no way" that she had to continue to pray and watch for God's answers. She stopped trying to figure it out and simply waited on God. Exactly! Not only am I watching for His answer, I am anticipating His working in the time before it comes. Each day is a chance to see Him move in my life. I know that He is working on the inside of me and it's can be painful, but it is so amazing to experience the change. Everyday is a chance to see Him at work in ways that I never expected. Everyday is a chance to see His work in the situation.
Maybe "see" isn't the right word, because sometimes I don't see anything changing in the situation, or what I see seems to that the situation is worse. Yet, I know that He is at work, and maybe the lack of seeing it is actually the proof that He is. I believe that satan wants to destroy all the is good. John 10:10 tells us that he does. He comes to kill and destroy. If he didn't see it as something good, as a promise of God, would he bother to spend the time to make it look as if nothing is happening, or to make it look worse? I don't think so. I think the more he tries to destroy it the more likely it is the God is working. I visualize satan straining as he is trying to tear down and destroy but there's God doing His work and satan is making no progress. Satan thought what he tore down destroyed the promise, but then he has to stand there and see how God use the tore down to carry out his plan.
I want to finish this blog with a word from Lysa that I know I need to remember everyday, "He was reminding me that there is always a way with Him."
Sunday, January 16, 2011
God's Extraordinary Invitation
This is chapter 6 of What Happens When Women Walk in Faith. Throughout the chapter Lysa tells the story of how God brought her adopted sons from Liberia. She writes, "...just going about my ordinary life when God's extraordinary invitation burst forth."
I try to figure things out. I'm a thinker. I will think a thing to death, but my thoughts aren't God's thoughts. His ways are not anything that I can figure out. So why do I keep trying. I need to just stop all the thinking, the trying to figure things out, the trying to control. I need to embrace His ways and just go about my ordinary day.
That doesn't mean it will be easy. It doesn't mean I would try to think about it, figure it out. It doesn't mean that the unknown won't bring out the fear. But the fear can be given over to God and I can seek the joy. There is joy in every situation, but sometimes it takes looking to see it. When I stop and pray at the end of the day, even on a horrible, heart wrenching day, I can find joy. It might be a small one or it may be a big one that causes what feels like a permanent smile to spread across my face. Lysa writes that depending on God brings the joy. That is why we are able to find it.
Lysa also writes that she believes that breakthrough comes during the famine. She says we have to stop striving, and honor God in each moment, each step, each day by what we do, and how we think. I really do not want to be an over thinker and I truly want the joy of trusting in Jesus...especially in the famine!
Lysa ends this chapter with, "May your ordinary be invaded with His extraordinary invitation to press through the famine phase and to live life His way!" May it be so!
I try to figure things out. I'm a thinker. I will think a thing to death, but my thoughts aren't God's thoughts. His ways are not anything that I can figure out. So why do I keep trying. I need to just stop all the thinking, the trying to figure things out, the trying to control. I need to embrace His ways and just go about my ordinary day.
That doesn't mean it will be easy. It doesn't mean I would try to think about it, figure it out. It doesn't mean that the unknown won't bring out the fear. But the fear can be given over to God and I can seek the joy. There is joy in every situation, but sometimes it takes looking to see it. When I stop and pray at the end of the day, even on a horrible, heart wrenching day, I can find joy. It might be a small one or it may be a big one that causes what feels like a permanent smile to spread across my face. Lysa writes that depending on God brings the joy. That is why we are able to find it.
Lysa also writes that she believes that breakthrough comes during the famine. She says we have to stop striving, and honor God in each moment, each step, each day by what we do, and how we think. I really do not want to be an over thinker and I truly want the joy of trusting in Jesus...especially in the famine!
Lysa ends this chapter with, "May your ordinary be invaded with His extraordinary invitation to press through the famine phase and to live life His way!" May it be so!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
A Life that Requires Faith
"A life that requires very little faith is not a life that God will use." Lysa
Well, I want God and I want Him to use me so I guess I want a life that requires faith. But I can honestly say it isn't easy! It seems that a life that requires faith is one that has twists and turns and a lot of unknowns. I guess if it was a straight path with complete clarity it wouldn't require any faith at all!
"Through the messy and unpredictable everyday events that often stumble us, we become aware of our desperate need for God." Lysa
I am so glad that God is there in the mess. I am so glad He is in the everyday events whether predictable or not. Honestly it doesn't always feel like He is. Some of those messes that I make for myself, I can't believe that He is there with me. Doesn't He shake His head and say, "she's never going to get it. Why am I wasting my time on her?" I am so glad that isn't God at all. But it is satan. He has no problem telling me that God wants nothing to do with me. That I brought this upon myself and I have to suffer because of it. But of course, God is there and satan is a liar.
I think that satan loves the famine stage. I think he thinks that maybe I will give up in the famine. That I will not be able to have the faith to focus on what is ahead, the promises of God. I am sure that many a person has done that. They have stopped in the famine and satan rejoices. I do not want to stop in the famine. I want to move closer to God, to become more like Him, to live the abundant life He promises. I want to see my God-given dream fulfilled. And I do not want satan to have any sense of victory from my life.
I can't get through the famine just because I want to. I can't get through because of willpower or strength of my own. The only way through is to surrender my heart to God, pray for His plans to be revealed, and continue to walk in the path He has set before me.
Well, I want God and I want Him to use me so I guess I want a life that requires faith. But I can honestly say it isn't easy! It seems that a life that requires faith is one that has twists and turns and a lot of unknowns. I guess if it was a straight path with complete clarity it wouldn't require any faith at all!
"Through the messy and unpredictable everyday events that often stumble us, we become aware of our desperate need for God." Lysa
I am so glad that God is there in the mess. I am so glad He is in the everyday events whether predictable or not. Honestly it doesn't always feel like He is. Some of those messes that I make for myself, I can't believe that He is there with me. Doesn't He shake His head and say, "she's never going to get it. Why am I wasting my time on her?" I am so glad that isn't God at all. But it is satan. He has no problem telling me that God wants nothing to do with me. That I brought this upon myself and I have to suffer because of it. But of course, God is there and satan is a liar.
I think that satan loves the famine stage. I think he thinks that maybe I will give up in the famine. That I will not be able to have the faith to focus on what is ahead, the promises of God. I am sure that many a person has done that. They have stopped in the famine and satan rejoices. I do not want to stop in the famine. I want to move closer to God, to become more like Him, to live the abundant life He promises. I want to see my God-given dream fulfilled. And I do not want satan to have any sense of victory from my life.
I can't get through the famine just because I want to. I can't get through because of willpower or strength of my own. The only way through is to surrender my heart to God, pray for His plans to be revealed, and continue to walk in the path He has set before me.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Faith in the Famine
Last night I went to bed to tears, had a bad dream, and woke up drained and teary. Did anything happen? No! Nothing, but sometimes the waiting, wondering, and other people good news can wear on me. I want to be genuinely happy when I hear those good news, but they just seem to be reminders that I am still waiting! I thought maybe I could blog about a section of the book and it would help. So I'm going to try.
"An Adventure Our Souls Were Made For" is the first chapter in the famine section. Lysa writes that the more we believe in the truths God calls us to believe....okay stopping right there and admitting that right now I am having trouble believing those truths. She continues with we will take chances and press through the pain of the famine. That I totally get! The pain! I am trying to keep God in mind and find comfort in Him. "Yet most of us sit in the dust of famine and cry out for comfort and security." That I really get!
But the next thing she writes I definitely do not want to do. She write that sometimes we go back to the mud puddles we left behind rather than move forward to the sweet water ahead. I so do not want to do that. I know it's okay to have feelings and to cry out to God. I think of the Psalms when I start to think otherwise. But I do NOT want to turn back to mud puddles! I want to push through. I want to experience God and all He has promised. I might have to go through the famine times, but I want the deep desire for God that dwells in me to continue to call and to keep moving towards Him.
Lysa ends this section with, "Sadly, I think about the multitude of Christians who have decided they'd rather be comfortable and play games than get on with the adventure our souls were made for- living a life that requires faith." I want to be the Christian who gets on with that faith adventure!
"An Adventure Our Souls Were Made For" is the first chapter in the famine section. Lysa writes that the more we believe in the truths God calls us to believe....okay stopping right there and admitting that right now I am having trouble believing those truths. She continues with we will take chances and press through the pain of the famine. That I totally get! The pain! I am trying to keep God in mind and find comfort in Him. "Yet most of us sit in the dust of famine and cry out for comfort and security." That I really get!
But the next thing she writes I definitely do not want to do. She write that sometimes we go back to the mud puddles we left behind rather than move forward to the sweet water ahead. I so do not want to do that. I know it's okay to have feelings and to cry out to God. I think of the Psalms when I start to think otherwise. But I do NOT want to turn back to mud puddles! I want to push through. I want to experience God and all He has promised. I might have to go through the famine times, but I want the deep desire for God that dwells in me to continue to call and to keep moving towards Him.
Lysa ends this section with, "Sadly, I think about the multitude of Christians who have decided they'd rather be comfortable and play games than get on with the adventure our souls were made for- living a life that requires faith." I want to be the Christian who gets on with that faith adventure!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Believing ~ Death ~ Resurrection
The last three sections of What Happens When Women Walk in Faith are Believing, Death, and Resurrection. Lysa briefly previews each of these in chapter 4.
Believing involves watching for His confirmation and divine appointments. She says that we need to make sure not to get so distracted by the famine that we miss them. Believing will assure us, comfort us and motivate us to trust God in every circumstances.
Death is difficult to think about. Who wants death? But death is necessary. Lysa mentions the story of Abraham taking Issac to be sacrificed. (Interestingly that was part of the Scripture I listened to yesterday on DailyAudioBible.com.) God had finally after 20 some years, to give Abraham and Sarah their son, and now He was asking Abraham to give him back to God. As we know, God stopped him, and provided a ram to be the sacrifice. Ultimately God gave us His Son as the sacrifice. Christ's death, although unthinkable (at least for me) was necessary for His resurrection so we can have a new life in Him.
In the death phase we want so badly to hold on tight to that dream, that promise of God, but we need to continually go to Him and hand back that dream. I am confident God will provide the ram for us, even if it doesn't look anything like we thought it would.
Resurrection is simply the fulfillment of what God promised and bringing us closer to Him. It will be amazing and I am looking forward to the fulfillment of the dream, but much more importantly I am excited about becoming more like Him.
I am very excited to start the second section of this book: the famine!
Believing involves watching for His confirmation and divine appointments. She says that we need to make sure not to get so distracted by the famine that we miss them. Believing will assure us, comfort us and motivate us to trust God in every circumstances.
Death is difficult to think about. Who wants death? But death is necessary. Lysa mentions the story of Abraham taking Issac to be sacrificed. (Interestingly that was part of the Scripture I listened to yesterday on DailyAudioBible.com.) God had finally after 20 some years, to give Abraham and Sarah their son, and now He was asking Abraham to give him back to God. As we know, God stopped him, and provided a ram to be the sacrifice. Ultimately God gave us His Son as the sacrifice. Christ's death, although unthinkable (at least for me) was necessary for His resurrection so we can have a new life in Him.
In the death phase we want so badly to hold on tight to that dream, that promise of God, but we need to continually go to Him and hand back that dream. I am confident God will provide the ram for us, even if it doesn't look anything like we thought it would.
Resurrection is simply the fulfillment of what God promised and bringing us closer to Him. It will be amazing and I am looking forward to the fulfillment of the dream, but much more importantly I am excited about becoming more like Him.
I am very excited to start the second section of this book: the famine!
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