Baggage

Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ~ Matthew 11:28

"The woman flops down on the bench and drops her trash bag between her feet...Everything aches. Back. Legs. Neck. Her shoulder is stiff and her hands are raw. All because of the sack. Oh to be rid of this garbage," (3). In his book, Give it all to Him, Max Lucado describes our burdens, our cares, our worries as bags of trash that we haul everywhere on our back. And, until we've learned to turn it all over to Jesus, we will continue to carry it, even though it kills us.

Far too often we carry unnecessary loads, but the Bible tells us, "God...will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear," (1 Corinthians 10:13). So if we're talking about burdens, where does temptation come in? When a situation arises we have to make a choice: will we try to take it on and fix the situation ourselves--temptation of the sin of pride--or will we trust God and turn the situation over to Him? When we choose to take it on and carry it ourselves, we take on unnecessary burdens and carry very heavy loads. But God sent His Son to free us from that! In his book, Max Lucado says that Jesus is the trash man. He wants us to give Him all of our garbage bags; the ones we've been carrying all our lives and the ones we only recently picked up. It's not necessary for us to carry them and it's not at all what God wants for our lives.

What trash have you been carrying? What burdens? What lies? Maybe you've been carrying the burden of having to be strong for the whole family, but it's not your job--you're not supposed to support them; you're not supposed to fulfill them. Maybe you've been carrying the burden of making ends meet, when the money simply isn't there. Maybe you've been carrying the shame and guilt of an abortion, or worse, of abuse. You don't have to let those things drag you down anymore. Jesus wants to set you free. He came that you could be entirely, completely free! Give the Trash man your trash bags. He wants to carry them and carry you! And don't worry, He's got broad enough shoulders to handle it--all of it. Will you give it to Him?

Now I will take the load from your shoulders; I will free your hands from their heavy tasks. ~ Psalm 81:6

No Committees

See, the Lord your God has given you the land. Go up and take possession of it ~ Deuteronomy 1:21

Our current journey--mine and my husband's--began much the same way as the journey for Moses and the Israelites. They'd been going along and then God said, "It's time to move into the next phase. Go to this place that I'm telling you and move in and take over the place like you own it." So, the next step should have been easy, right? But it wasn't. Not for the Israelites and not for us. The Israelites made one move and we, another. The Israelites went to Moses and said, "'Let us send men ahead to spy out the land for us and bring back a report...' The idea seemed good to me," (Deuteronomy 1:22-23). That statement right there, "seemed good to me" is where a lot of people get themselves into problems. God gives us a command, but we're not sure. Now, our uncertainty may be because we're new at trusting God, we're new at hearing His voice, whatever the case, we determine to get others' opinions. That's always a mistake. If I want to know what Sally thinks, the shortest and least painful route is to ask Sally. But so often, we ask Sally's best friend and Sally's boss, and her mom, and her neighbor, but we never ask Sally. It's the same with God; we ask our friends, our parents, our co-workers, etc., but we never ask God. When God gives us a command and we're uncertain, we need to go back to Him and ask for clarity.

Unfortunately for the Israelites, Moses listened to their idea of sending out a committee and they reported back that the way was not good or easy. As punishment for their disobedience, God made them travel in the desert for 40 years and not one of the complainers was allowed to go into the Promise Land.

When Brad & I were asked if we wanted to go to a new area and claim it for Jesus, we said no, but we agreed to spend a week praying about it. We agreed that we wouldn't talk to anybody about it--not even each other--because we didn't want to be talked into or out of something, because we wanted only to hear from God. I didn't really need to pray, because I already knew. But, because I said I would, I prayed and asked God what He wanted us to do. He didn't have to say much to me. He simply said, "What did you see?" When I saw where we were going, I thought to myself, "That's my city and those are my people."

When you take possession of something, you own it and it becomes an important part of you. When God gives you something and says, "Go in and take possession," don't take a poll, don't send out a committee, just listen and obey.

And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there...However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord has given me ~ Acts 20:22, 24

More than a Conqueror

Who is it that overcomes the world? ~ 1 John 5:5

Survivor: a person who continues to function...in spite of opposition or hardship, (dictionary.com).

Overcomer: to conquer; to prevail [to prove superior, in strength, power, or influence] over (opposition, a debility, temptations, etc), (dictionary.com).

In this world there is lots of pain. People are dealing with pain in various forms everyday. Sometimes they survive the pain. Sometimes they only cover it up. But my God didn't send His one and only Son that I would simply survive. Jesus came that I would have life to the fullest, (John 10:10). Romans 8:37 tells me that I am more than a conqueror! A conqueror is someone who lives victoriously. But Jesus said that I am more!

When Jesus was here on earth, He said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, for I have overcome the world," (John 16:33). That was when Jesus was still on the earth. But He also told us that when He went away He would send us His Spirit who would live inside of us and then we would do even greater things than Jesus. That is why 1 John 5 says, "everyone born of God overcomes the world...Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God," (vv 4-5). That means that since I believe that Jesus is the Son of God and His Spirit lives in me, that I can overcome the world. I no longer have to fall to temptation. I no longer have to worry. I no longer have to be bound up. Because the One who is in me is greater than the one who is in the world and if I will do even greater things than He, watch out devil!

Pull Up a Chair!

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. ~ Psalm 23:5

In life, it’s important to know at whose table you are sitting. If you are at your parents’ table, perhaps you are more relaxed, because this is “Mom & Dad” which gives you a high level of comfort because you’ve grown up in their house and you know that they love you and want to take care of you. You act a certain way and expect certain things at your parents’ table. But, if you go to someone’s house—especially someone new—you may act differently, as you do not have the same level of comfort at this table as you have at your parents’ table.

God’s table is the ultimate parents’ table. He wants you to know that you are His highly honored guest and it fills Him with great joy when you share your meals and time with Him! He is so excited that you are with Him that He brings out the best of the best for you; everything from the fine china to the best, most exquisite meal. He wants you to know that you are loved, you are special, and you are honored. At His table, you’ll never have to endure a laundry list of I-told-you-so’s or could-a, should-a, would-a’s for your life. He is delighted to see you and takes great care in how the meal is prepared, how the conversation flows, and how well you are treated.

When you need to find some comfort and a shelter from the world, pull up a chair! You are always the honored guest at the Father’s table.

Looking Past the Pain

Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering...But rejoice ~ 1 Peter 4:12-13

Most people read that and think, "I don't want to rejoice, pain is...painful." The Bible also says, "Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with a blessing," (1 Peter 3:9) and the two scriptures make you step back and say, "But they hurt me. To think about or be near them is painful, but I'm supposed to be joyful and bless them? How does that work?" A wise woman once said, "It's not about you. It's about spiritual warfare." We are in the business of fighting for souls--our own and others'. Jesus said, "If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also," (Matthew 5:39). That statement is not about being a victim or a doormat, but about looking past the pain, past what you see, and looking into their hearts and seeing their pain. It's about loving them and about praying for them, on-your-knees fighting for them.

Everything that happens in the spiritual realm manifests itself in the physical realm. We, as believers, need to look past the lashing out that we see and fight the battle that we don't see. Ask God to give you a spirit of discernment and for Holy Spirit eyes, that you might be able to see past the physical and into the spiritual, that you would know how to pray for those in pain.

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation ~ Ephesians 1:17

Soldiers

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. ~ Psalm 62:5-7

There are two kinds of warriors in this world: those fighting in wars--our men and women in the armed forces--fighting against human enemies, fighting to protect our freedom; and those fighting spiritual warfare, fighting against an enemy we can't see with human eyes. As I was reading Psalm 62, I realized that David had a concept of both. He, himself, had fought in many battles, but as he was speaking to God, he was looking for rest for his weary soul and seeking that firm foundation in God.

Far too often, we think of war as something that is fought in a distant land by distant hands and unless we have family or friends who are currently fighting in any branch of the military, the concept of God being our fortress and our refuge can get lost on us. Let me assure you that the battle is very real, and whether you choose to be an active participant for your own soul, the enemy will still continue to hunt you, as he desires to conquer you and make you fall.

As I thought about this psalm, I thought about those in my own family who fought physically for our freedom, as well as spiritually. Thank you, Dad, for fighting in Vietnam and in the first Gulf war. Thanks, Uncle Jim, for your time in the service. Thank you, Grandpa Hayes, for your sacrifice, honor, and courage during World War II. These men in my family all fought honorably and they say that my thanks is sufficient. I thought also about those who fought to not let one more generation be lost to the enemy and fought bravely so that their families would know that they were children of the Living God. Thank you to my Great Grandpa Flora, who was the first to make a decision for Christ on my mom's side of the family. And thanks to my Grandpa Erkilla who was both the first for his family but who also has been such a strong example of a godly man in our family. Thanks to my mom for praying for your children to grow up loving Jesus.

For four generations, now, we have lived on purpose as a part of Christ's family and while that doesn't make me any less a target for the devil's schemes, it gives me strength to know that I'm not alone in this battle and that those who have gone before me understood that God is our Rock, our Might Fortress, and a place of refuge from the storms of this world.

If you are the first generation, I applaud you and encourage you to stand firm against the devil. If you are one of many in your family to be part of Christ's family, I applaud you and encourage you to continue to stand firm against the attacks of the enemy. The devil is no respecter of persons and he wants us all to fall. But stand firm, because you are not alone and our God goes before us to fight for us. Be encouraged and rest in God.

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. ~ 1 Corinthians 15:58

Be Confident

Anyone who comes to [God] must believe...that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. ~ Hebrews 11:6

What's the purpose of seeking God but not believing that He will reward us? It seems illogical, but we do it all the time. Because we don't trust God to fulfill our requests, we pray and hope for a miracle, but don't actually believe it will happen. If faith is being sure of what we hope for, but we're afraid to get our hopes up, then we aren't attaching faith to our seeking, which is often the reason why we don't see results (see Hebrews 11:1).

It reminds me of The Never Ending Story, when Atreyu had to pass through the Sphinx gate. Anyone who did not realize (or would doubt) his own self-worth would be killed. As you watch the movie, you can see the moment that Atreyu begins to doubt. But it's at that same moment that both the gnome and the boy reading the story begin to shout, "Be confident!"

God cheers us on in much the same way. He wants us to be confident that He'll hear and answer our prayers when we seek Him. He wants us to "approach the throne of grace with confidence," (Hebrews 4:16). He cheers us on and encourages us to ask Him. Don't listen to the lies and whispers of doubt; don't let them creep in. Instead, "Be confident!"

In His Palms

He walks with me and He talks with me and He tells me I am His own. And the joy we share as we tarry we there, none other has ever known. ~ He Walks with Me

Living down the road from the Methodist church playing its bells is so nice, as they often play hymns that I grew up signing. This morning was especially precious to me because they were playing my grandma's favorite hymn, "He Walks with Me."

Tomorrow is Mother's Day and my grandma is in heaven and my mom is 1500 miles away. And when I might otherwise feel lonesome, my God says to me, "I am with you." In his sermon last week, Pastor Alex said that I am God's happy thought; I am God's daughter and He is my very proud Daddy. Scripture tells me that, "the Lord will hold me close," (Psalm 27:10), and that He says, "See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hand," (Isaiah 49:16). This scripture describes where and how He holds me. In the palms of our hands is where we nurture. It's where we hold newborns and where we rock them to sleep. When our loved ones need comfort, it's where we hold them close.

God loves us so much that He always has us close and He always surrounds us with His love. If you have your mother or grandmother with you this Mother's Day, be sure to hold her close. And whether you do or don't have her close to you, know that God is always with you and He is doting on you and He is always holding you close.

You have enclosed me behind and before, and you laid your hand upon me. ~ Psalm 139:5

Strengthen

An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly. ~ Luke 22:43-44

I've heard it said that God will never lead you to it if He won't walk you through it. When we go through trials and tests come, our immediate fleshly response is to drop everything and run, to back away from the thing that is causing us pain. But we can't do that, especially if we are in situations that God has called us to. Being married, having kids, being in relationships with friends and family can be some of the most challenging but most rewarding experiences. It's challenging because we're dealing with real people, real emotions, and real lives. But rewarding when we've had courage enough to see it through the hard, difficult, and agonizing times.

Jesus is our example. When He was facing crucifixion, He prayed and asked God if someone else could do it because the pain seemed too much to bear. But because God had called Him to it and promised to see Him through it, Jesus said, "yet not my will, but yours be done," (Luke 22:42). When Jesus declared that He would see it through, God sent His angels to strengthen Him. God does that with us, too. He does it through scripture, through a song, through a devotional, through a sermon, and through a friend. God speaks to us, He comforts us, and He loves on us.

Whatever you are facing today, ask God to send His angels and strengthen you so that you can walk through what He's called you to.

No If's About It

If: in the event that, whether, either, [or] whichever~Merriam-Webster Dictionary

I was listening to a sermon by Pastor Justin Dailey, on the book, Sun Stand Still. In his sermon, Pastor Justin spoke about praying boldly and he said that praying the prayer, "if it be Your will" is an opt-out clause for our faith. He said that if we are in God's Word, then we know His will. I started thinking about when Jesus was in Gethsemane and He said, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me," (Luke 22:42). But Jesus didn't stop there, because He knew God's will, so He said, "yet not my will but yours be done." In fact, even from a small child Jesus said, "I must be about my Father's business," (Luke 2:49).

God reveals His Word and His promises to us because He wants us to pray bold prayers and see His promises become reality. He wants us to take a stand upon faith and declare, "I know the promises You made for me and I'm believing for them and I will have nothing less." That's what Joshua did. God told Joshua, "Do not be afraid of [the Amorites]; I have given them into your hands. Not one of them will be able to withstand you," (Joshua 10:8). On the day of battle, when it seemed as though the sun would set before God's promise was fulfilled, Joshua, in front of all the Israelites, boldly prayed to God, "O sun, stand still," (v 12).

If we are to see the promises of God fulfilled in our lives, then we need to begin to declare the promises of God over our lives. Don't let the world wash over you by choosing "whatever" to happen. Walk by faith, not by sight, and live in amazing victory.

So the sun stood still...till the nation avenged itself on its enemies. ~ Joshua 10:13