God’s Equation

Devotion:  Romans 8:13

This week has been so freeing to me and all the glory goes to my Savior and my God.  He is restoring the year the locusts tried to eat.  One of my favorite Christian authors is Lisa Whittle.  I’ve shared much with you from her book The Hard Good.

Lisa states; ” The goal is to heal from the wounds people cause, no matter what they choose to do. We must determine to be set free regardless of what the other person does.”

When you carry such deep grief and pain that you are exhibiting physical pain; it’s time to release it into the hands of your Father who loves you and cherishes you.  There comes a time in our lives where “we decide we no longer want to be bound by anyone but God.”

I can’t write all she says on this subject but she said; “You can still live at peace with a person who does not acknowledge your forgiveness or you graciousness in apologizing. It can’t kill you because pride being killed often hurts on the way down, but it results in double the strength to your life.”

“Death to flesh results in abundance of life.  That’s God’s equation.”

With the help of God, I am dying to my filthy flesh right now.  Dear reader, I pray you can find this amazing freedom, operating by the power of the blood of Jesus and His Holy Spirit.  You are covered with His wings.  He is near you and never far. He loves you and He will help you in the hard until it becomes the good.

Prayer in Motion:

Lord Jesus, today I die to myself so I might live for you totally and completely.  I want You more than anyone else.  I need You more than anyone or anything.  My allegiance is to You, my Lord and my God.  In Jesus Name.  Amen.

Going First

Devotion:  Habakkuk 3:18

Remember when you were in school and wanted to always go first.  Pick me!  Pick me!  Well, for almost everything, at least the fun things.  Lunch time line leader.  Being put in charge to take names while the teacher went out of the room.

When it comes to the hard things in life; believers aren’t very excited to be first in line for the trials and tribulations.  Who wants any of that?

I’m embarrassed to admit this; however, for the first time in my life as a believer, I thanked God today for the trials I’ve been walking through.  Why would I do that?  They seem far from over.  Because I see the value of truly turning people and things over to God without any expectation, letting them off the hook.

What if you are right and they are wrong?  There’s been a few times (and I do mean few) I’ve gone to ask forgiveness from people when I wasn’t even certain for what I was apologizing.  Lisa Whittle says in her book The Hard Good; “The humility that requires apology and contrition shapes us into people who resemble Him.”

Just obey God. Go first, even if you weren’t the one to blame. Do what He asks you to do; otherwise you will forfeit your own peace and contentment, which can lead you down a path to spiritual and physical unhealthiness.  Most of all; do it for the honor and glory of the One whom you serve, Jesus Christ.

I am not saying apologize for things which you don’t need to apologize; just to bring peace or gain someone’s approval.  (As a former people pleaser; I know this one all too well.). It’s also not meant for those who have been victimized. Lisa states; “A victim who has been violated does not owe the perpetrator an apology.”

I’ve always been a person about rights!  What is right is totally right and what is not is completely not.  Over all; this concept of being first to apologize, is a hard one for the human population.  Is God presenting an opportunity for you right now? (to go and apologize?)   He stands ready to offer you freedom from any stronghold that has been strangling you.

Prayer in Motion:

Lord, may I go first in every situation that demands an apology?  I want to bring you honor and glory as long as I live.  Thank You for every trial and tribulation that leads me to know You better.  In Jesus Name.  Amen.

 

The Lost is Found

Devotion:  Luke 15:8-10

I had just finished praying to my Lord,  I said; “Lord, I want to please You. How am I doing?” Here’s the back story.

A couple of week-ends ago; I was invited to go to Pawley’s Island for a long week-end by my friend Cynde Freely.  Till that time; we honestly had only ever been  together twice in our whole lives.  We had talked on the phone since the death of our mutual friend, Kay Boccabello.

I was blessed to experience Cynde’s amazing gift of hospitality. She is not only beautiful on the outside but all together lovely on the inside.  We prayed together, talked about our Savior; enjoyed fellowship around the scrumptious food she so lovingly prepared.  We both gained refreshment by the  sound of crashing waves, walks on the peaceful seashore, and brought to remembrance our mutual friend Kay Boccabello, who is now in heaven.  Honestly, It was a week-end of restoration.

Right before leaving on Sunday to go visit my long time friend Marcella Smith; who lives only a few miles from Cynde; I could not find one of my diamond earrings.  I don’t wear them very often; however, the pair was in the box of jewelry I had packed and placed a rubber band around.  I thought maybe it had somehow slipped out of the box. It was nowhere to be found. Cynde had searched her home entirely and could not find it,

Two weeks later was when I prayed the prayer; “Lord, I want to please You.  How am I doing?”  I stood up out of my bed and my foot felt something right under the dust ruffle.  You guessed it.  It was my diamond ring. The lost had been found.  I broke out into praise and worship to my Lord.  I don’t know why He loves me so; to grant me eternal life with Him and to hear and answer my prayers.  Had I dropped it or had He just put it right there?  It seems like such a small thing but was HUGE to me.

Prayer in Motion:

Lord in heaven and earth; I worship You.  I thank You for caring for me.  You care about every little thing.  You are my everything!  I love You LORD.  In Jesus Name.  Amen.

 

 

 

 

Honest or Dishonoring?

Devotion:  1 Samuel 2:29-30

Many of us have been keeping secrets.  Years ago there was a game show called, “I’ve got a Secret.”  The contestants were to figure out the person’s secret as they were given all sorts of clues.

Secret keeping can honestly be dishonoring to the one whose secret we know.  Left unaddressed it can cause years of brokenness and deep hurt.  This happens countless times, especially when we don’t know what to do with the truth.

It is human tendency to play the blame game when trying to make ourselves feel better. We’ve all chosen to play the game more times than we would like to admit.  Believers need to learn how to lean on the Holy Spirit abiding inside of us; instead of choosing our own rationalization.  He will lead you in the right direction.

Many times when we keep destructive secrets; we dishonor ourselves, the person involved and dishonor God.  I’m not at all suggesting you go out and share all that you know.  It’s just that holding stuff inside is not healthy when you need to talk something over with someone.

You can discuss matters of the heart in a way that honors the LORD; even if the person you are addressing doesn’t respond in the way you had hoped.  There are times when people do not have ears to hear when you have a heart to obey.  Timing is everything, so listen for the voice of God’s Holy Spirit.  Go into the conversation with no expectations.  God’s got you and He’s got your situation.  Walk in obedience.  Honor God over man.

Prayer in Motion:

Lord, I want to honor You above all others.  Help me be honest and forthright in the things I need to address.  I come to Your throne room in holy boldness beseeching You by Your mercies to help me be honest as I honor You and the people I need to address.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

 

Is It Possible to Love Your Enemies?

Devotion:  Matthew 5:44-45

Have you ever been really upset over something you weren’t expecting in your life?  I am trying to practice laying those things/people at the feet of Jesus.  It is not easy however; I  am learning to lay them on the altar daily.  I woke up one morning hearing God say; “Bless those who curse you and say all manner of evil against you falsely. ”  Really, God?  That’s what I said; He said back.  God tends to say what He means and means what He says.

Our flesh doesn’t want to love those who treat us unkindly or tell lies about us.  Romans 12:20 says: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink;  For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”  Never say God does’t have a sense of humor.  Here we discover God wants us to feed the person who has been our enemy?

If we begin to think about how unconditionally God loves us in spite of ourselves; we might be able to love those who have hurt us deeply.  It’s no telling how many times we have disappointed and hurt the heart of our Father in heaven.

If we ask Him to search us and know our hearts to see if there be any wicked way in us; we might be surprised at what sin He will remind us.  We need to confess and repent as quickly as possible.  We must remember that our enemies are human just like us and give them grace like we’ve been given by God.  Love them with the love of God.

Prayer in Motion:

Lord Jesus, thank You for teaching me to love my enemies and bless those who curse me and say all manner of evil against me falsely.  Thank You Lord.  in Jesus Name.  Amen.

Redemption Requires Sacrifice

Devotion:  Ruth 4:1-12

Boaz is one of my Bible heroes.  The book of Ruth is such a story of redemption.  God’s Word reveals things every time we read it.  I never noticed how Boaz waited patiently for the family redeemer to walk by.  There was no other person in line to redeem this portion of land.  This family redeemer indeed wanted to redeem the property.He w  What he did not know was there was a stipulation attached to the redemption process.

Not only would this man acquire the field but along with the wife of the deceased man; a Moabite woman named Ruth.  All of a sudden there was a cog in this deal.  The redeemer was not willing to sacrifice his own inheritance to gain this land.

The former redeemer used his first right of refusal to inform Boaz he could buy it himself.  This was a huge blessing for Boaz when he got the land but more than that he got a young wife who became totally devoted to him.  Family Redeemer rejected what could have been his life’s greatest blessing.  His loss was gain for Boaz.

In like manner; many have rejected the world’s Blessed Redeemer, Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.  It’s so sweet to know He never rejected us.  Because He is God, He knew He had to suffer great pain and shame in order that we might get to spend eternity in heaven with Him.

Through our Savior, we are afforded abundant life, even in the midst of our sorrow and suffering.  He supplies peace and contentment even while we walk through trials and tribulations.  He paid the price long ago so that we can lift our heads and look full into the face of our Redeemer.  Oh what a sacrifice!

Prayer in Motion:

Lord Jesus; thank You for redeeming me.  I don’t deserve this kind of love however I thank You and praise You for making the ultimate sacrifice.  Thank You for paying the price required for my redemption.  I love You so much Lord.  In Jesus Name.  Amen.

 

 

 

Justify or Reconcile

Devotion: 2 Corinthians 5:20

Do you always try to justify your actions no matter what?  Our pride wants to hide anything we think may bring shame or reproach to our own character especially when we know we are truly right.   Even when we deep down know we are right; we need to walk in humility.

God may want us to humble ourselves and reconcile with the person with whom we initially wanted to justify ourselves.  Lest you think I’m just throwing around rhetoric; think back to the last time you found yourself in a situation where you needed to speak the truth but put aside justifying yourself.  By doing so; you actually reconciled with the person you had formerly been at odds.

Justify means “to show or prove to be right or reasonable.”

Reconcile means “to restore friendly relations between.“to cause to coexist in harmony; make or show to be compatible.

Sometimes we have to choose not to justify ourselves in order to be reconciled with another person.  It’s hard to walk in humility and choose to do the right thing over being right.  Truly ask yourself; what would Jesus do?  How would He handle this situation?  I want to know and I bet you do as well.

I am such a black and white person.  Although I don’t need to be right all of the time; I hold what is right in high regards; however,  sometimes to my own hurt and demise.  God help me!  I desperately want to hold to the standard God has set for me in His Word and always be reconciled to Christ while being reconciled to those God has brought into my life.

Prayer in Motion:

Lord Jesus, help me stay reconciled to Christ and to all the others God has given me.  Forgive me for all the times I felt the need for justification.   In Jesus amen.  Amen.

 

Uncomfortable Confrontation

Devotion: Ephesians 4:13

I’ve never enjoyed confrontation of any kind, unless it goes directly against my Lord’s Word.  Then I’m black and white and I’ll go for the gold.  I just speak the truth of God’s Word unashamedly.  Honestly, I don’t raise my voice; I just say the truth of God’s Word in love.  Some still do not receive it.  It’s ok. When you stand before the Lord, you will be clean before Him.

Lisa Whittle says “Facing uncomfortable truths feels like we are trapped in a conflict we have been trying our whole lives to avoid.”  She also states that “Avoidance breeds resentment and secrecy.”

Lisa wrote that; “Un-confronted conversations that are long overdue build up hurt and resentment.”  What if we tried to have better more Spirit-led conversations?

Remember the old hymn, “For I know whom I have believed in and am persuaded that He is able, to keep that which I’ve committed unto Him against that day.”  When we can face the tough conversations and have them in a Holy Spirit led atmosphere; it can become a cycle of wellness.

“If we are secure in what we believe; we are willing to hear people out without cutting them off.”   Wait till they are finished before you speak.  I’ve been guilty of interrupting my husband before he finishes his comment.  Forgive me, honey.

When you push on anyone’s comfort zone; they are most likely going to push back.  That’s ok; however, you can only control your tone of speaking and your words.  You are not responsible for their tone or chosen words.

Ask God to grant you courage to confront in the power of His Holy Spirit.

Prayer in Motion:

Lord Jesus, grant me by the power of your Holy Spirit the courage to address any uncomfortable confrontation to which I need to address.  In Jesus Name.  Amen.

 

 

 

Making Peace With My Circumstances

Devotion:  Philippians 4:7

As the Lord trains us in righteousness; we are learning to make peace with our difficult circumstances.  We watch our spirit filled brothers and sisters walk in victory and we desire to do likewise.

Dear Lisa Whittle wrote these words in her book, The Hard Good:  “The prophets learned that making peace with their circumstances gave them better lives. The Old Testament prophets didn’t wait until their lives were good to preach God’s message of hope.  Their lack and ours is what sends us into the arms of God.”

Yesterday’s devotion was on loss.  Lisa declares loss to be real and that grief permeates this world.  I am learning to lean more and more on the One whose arms are around me.  I am praying that you and I will stay there; experiencing peace that surpasses all understanding.

Lisa also says that “Your grief and disappointment will bring newfound belief that what remains must matter.”  Ask the Lord, “What is it that remains in me?  He said in John 15:16 “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.

As believers in Christ; we have at our disposal all nine attributes of God’s Holy Spirit.  As we remain in Him; ask yourself if you are displaying love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control  to those who are watching?  It’s the only way to make peace with our circumstances.

If we choose to make peace with our circumstances; we will glorify God even in our brokenness.

Prayer in Motion:

Lord Jesus, You are my peace in the midst of my circumstances.  I count everything loss in comparison to the weight of Your eternal glory.  Thank You Jesus!  Amen.

 

Losses

Devotion:  Philippians 3:8

Lisa Whittle describes “the loss of a parent as a loss of the past.  The loss of a spouse she describes as a loss of the present and a loss of a child is a loss of the future.”  Wouldn’t you agree that all of those times describe loss accurately and appropriately? .

God is a God of love but He is also a just God.  He will absolutely bring people to justice.  That includes you and the people you love.  Losses are hard whether it’s a death or loss of a relationship.

God longs to take what Satan meant for evil and turn those things around for our good and His glory.  He wants us to share with all those He has given us; our testimony of the hard turning out for our good and His glory.  We love Him and want to glorify Him even in the midst of our pain and suffering.

There are physical losses, and spiritual losses.  Physical losses can be replaced.  Spiritual losses have to be confessed and repented of because they involve some godly attribute you have forsaken or given over.

At one time or another we have all intentionally released our peace.  You say, “Libby, I would not intentionally forfeit my peace.”  When you try to operate in the Spirit through the power of the flesh, that’s exactly what happens.  You forfeit your peace.

Prayer in Motion:.

Lord Jesus, please forgive me for every time I forfeited my peace.  The losses I’ve experienced were never worth it.  I long for Your peace beyond all comprehension to guard my heart and mind in Christ Jess. I love You and thank You for immeasurable peace.  In Jesus Name.  Amen.