I don't know why, but I am just not a water drinker. I have to make myself drink water and lately I have been neglecting it. Little did I know that the constant spasm and kink in my neck was affected by my lack of water!
My friend gave me a gift certificate for a massage! Oh yeah! But the therapist stated that I was a "mess"! They wanted to know when my last massage was, how long were my muscles like this, and that it was going to take several treatments to even break through the hardness of my muscles. I, of course, attributed it to stress!
Then he asked me...How much water do you drink? Well, I know the correct answer, and I have to be honest...I didn't want to look ridiculous, so I lied! I know, I had to confess later...I never lie...but today, to save face I fudged and said "1 or 2" glasses of water! I couldn't openly admit that I don't drink water at all!
He continued to explain that the lack of water dehydrates the muscles and all the toxins get locked up inside until they are so hard they are no longer pliable. Yikes...I am now a convert!
I will begin my 8 glass of water a day regiment.
In Psalm 63:1-5, the psalmist cries out that he seeks for God like one seeking for water in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. Do I drink of God? How long has it been since I have sought Him out, earnestly? Have I become filled with the toxins of the world and my flesh and have forgotten to be pliable in His hands?
Oh Lord,
May I never tire of drinking of your presence. May my heart always desire you and drink of you eagerly, consistently, and longingly. I thank you Lord that you are my cleansing stream, my sustenance, and my satisfaction is in You. Lord, protect me from ever neglecting to come to you.
I praise you for your love and grace.
In Jesus Name,
Amen.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Eat Carpet
2Chronicles 7:14
This verse is quoted often and it encourages us as a people to pray. Unfortunately prayer alone will not bring about the healing of the land that is promised in this passage. I love the progression that is expressed in this verse. "If" denotes the fact that it is possible for God's people not to do what is in this verse...we have a choice.
It goes on to speak of those that "are called by My name". Are we willing to be identified openly with Christ. Are we recognized as being one of God's children wherever we go, or only at church?
"Will humble themselves and pray" is the first response to our choice to do what God is calling us to as a people readily identified as His. We can pray...say words that sound amazing, but the heart reveals the posture in which those words are expressed. As the words come out of our mouths in prayer, are we surrendered inside, repentant, remorseful over our sin...or is there a part that is still prepared to go back and sin again? Humility in prayer is essential. Without our understanding that we must lower ourselves and stop trying to run our lives our way, there will never be true repentance. I refer to this as "eating carpet"! When I am boastful and proud, inside my heart I am standing tall on my tippy toes trying to get up in God's face and tell Him how I think things should go. When I am humble, in my heart I am surrendered, on my face in a contrite position of worship and rest at His feet...eating carpet!
Repentance is turning...walking on another path, the path of righteousness. We can't get there in rebellion or pride. That path is only open to those that are humble before their God willing to surrender all. And the promise of this verse is why we quote it so often... God will, "hear from heaven, forgive our sins, and heal our land." Oh what a promise!
Eating carpet doesn't sound appetizing, but for the soul it is a feast!
Father,
I come to you acknowledging that I am yours, called by your name, identified with Christ Jesus my Lord. I confess that I have sinned against you with pride, self reliance, and independence apart from your will and your ways. Lord, I want to turn, to walk on your path of righteousness at all times. I praise you for the righteousness that is mine in Christ, and I pray that you will direct my path that I live a life that chooses and reflects that righteousness at all times. I bow at your feet, acknowledging that you are God and I am not. I rest in your shadow, trusting in your will. Thank you for hearing my prayer, thank you for forgiving my sins, and Lord I praise you that you will heal our land. Stir us as a people, Lord, that we will respond to this verse in true humility.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
This verse is quoted often and it encourages us as a people to pray. Unfortunately prayer alone will not bring about the healing of the land that is promised in this passage. I love the progression that is expressed in this verse. "If" denotes the fact that it is possible for God's people not to do what is in this verse...we have a choice.
It goes on to speak of those that "are called by My name". Are we willing to be identified openly with Christ. Are we recognized as being one of God's children wherever we go, or only at church?
"Will humble themselves and pray" is the first response to our choice to do what God is calling us to as a people readily identified as His. We can pray...say words that sound amazing, but the heart reveals the posture in which those words are expressed. As the words come out of our mouths in prayer, are we surrendered inside, repentant, remorseful over our sin...or is there a part that is still prepared to go back and sin again? Humility in prayer is essential. Without our understanding that we must lower ourselves and stop trying to run our lives our way, there will never be true repentance. I refer to this as "eating carpet"! When I am boastful and proud, inside my heart I am standing tall on my tippy toes trying to get up in God's face and tell Him how I think things should go. When I am humble, in my heart I am surrendered, on my face in a contrite position of worship and rest at His feet...eating carpet!
Repentance is turning...walking on another path, the path of righteousness. We can't get there in rebellion or pride. That path is only open to those that are humble before their God willing to surrender all. And the promise of this verse is why we quote it so often... God will, "hear from heaven, forgive our sins, and heal our land." Oh what a promise!
Eating carpet doesn't sound appetizing, but for the soul it is a feast!
Father,
I come to you acknowledging that I am yours, called by your name, identified with Christ Jesus my Lord. I confess that I have sinned against you with pride, self reliance, and independence apart from your will and your ways. Lord, I want to turn, to walk on your path of righteousness at all times. I praise you for the righteousness that is mine in Christ, and I pray that you will direct my path that I live a life that chooses and reflects that righteousness at all times. I bow at your feet, acknowledging that you are God and I am not. I rest in your shadow, trusting in your will. Thank you for hearing my prayer, thank you for forgiving my sins, and Lord I praise you that you will heal our land. Stir us as a people, Lord, that we will respond to this verse in true humility.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Friday, March 5, 2010
Please and Thank-you
1Chronicles 16:8-11
One of the first things we teach children is to say "please"...it is natural for children to ask and even demand! Teaching to say "please" teaches them to ask nicely, with humility, and respect. Once they have that mastered, the next phrase we teach is, of course, "thank-you".
We also naturally begin our prayer experience by asking. Many times we reduce prayer to just the "asking". If we practice the "thank-you" in prayer, we will broaden our prayer experience and our intimacy with God.
The passage today emphasis the "thank-you". It encourages us to remember all that God has done...to proclaim His deeds. As we remember, we meditate on the answers to our prayers. We reflect on how we have seen God's fingerprints in our lives and how He has interacted with us on a daily basis. As we remember and we express our thanks, it isn't only polite...but 1Chronicles expresses the joy that is experienced by one who remembers, thanks, and proclaims the Lord.
As we are thankful, we experience joy. Joy that is from the depth of our being, joy that gives us hope, and renews our confidence in God. As you seek His face and say "please", don't forget the "thank-you".
Lord,
Words cannot express my gratitude for seeing your amazing hand at work all around me. I am so thankful for your touch in my life and the lives of those around me. Thank you for your faithfulness, your provision, and your added blessings...You always overwhelm me with your graciousness and favor. I love you so.
thank you Father.
Amen
One of the first things we teach children is to say "please"...it is natural for children to ask and even demand! Teaching to say "please" teaches them to ask nicely, with humility, and respect. Once they have that mastered, the next phrase we teach is, of course, "thank-you".
We also naturally begin our prayer experience by asking. Many times we reduce prayer to just the "asking". If we practice the "thank-you" in prayer, we will broaden our prayer experience and our intimacy with God.
The passage today emphasis the "thank-you". It encourages us to remember all that God has done...to proclaim His deeds. As we remember, we meditate on the answers to our prayers. We reflect on how we have seen God's fingerprints in our lives and how He has interacted with us on a daily basis. As we remember and we express our thanks, it isn't only polite...but 1Chronicles expresses the joy that is experienced by one who remembers, thanks, and proclaims the Lord.
As we are thankful, we experience joy. Joy that is from the depth of our being, joy that gives us hope, and renews our confidence in God. As you seek His face and say "please", don't forget the "thank-you".
Lord,
Words cannot express my gratitude for seeing your amazing hand at work all around me. I am so thankful for your touch in my life and the lives of those around me. Thank you for your faithfulness, your provision, and your added blessings...You always overwhelm me with your graciousness and favor. I love you so.
thank you Father.
Amen
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Conformed or Transformed
Romans 12:1,2
The transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly is transformation at it's best. The caterpillar wraps itself in a cocoon and in the process of transformation literally becomes goo! It completely breaks down and its cell structure even completely changes. In this goo are "imaginal discs" which determine the wings, the antennae, etc. They are what begins to form the new creature. Once the transformation is complete we know that the butterfly emerges, no longer a caterpillar but completely new in all ways.
I could get the bright idea to make a caterpillar into a butterfly. I could make paper wings and attach them to the caterpillar body with a rubberband. Perhaps use pipe cleaners for antennae, and little toothpicks for legs. This would be a caterpillar being conformed into looking like a butterfly, but it would not be a butterfly. It could pretend and even believe it is a butterfly, but the true transformation has not happened...it isn't a butterfly.
The passage in Romans speaks to us about true transformation of the mind. We need our mind to truly become the mind of Christ. A mind that knows the truth, believes the truth, and speaks the truth. As our minds our transformed, our actions follow and our lives reflect the Holy thoughts and attitudes that now exist. Our lives become living worship! We actually become Christ-like rather than sticking on the wings the world promises will make us fly...we now soar with Christ and His Spirit within us radiates life through us....and this is worship to God!
Lord,
May my mind be transformed by your Word of truth. Teach me your ways, Lord, that I might know your heart and not sin against you. Lead me in your ways and guide my path that I may honor you in all things. I desire that you reveal to me any ways that I am trying to conform to the world. Set me free from all wrong thinking. Give me the mind of Christ, that my thoughts and attitudes will truly reflect your glory. And Lord, may my life today be a living act of worship unto you.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
The transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly is transformation at it's best. The caterpillar wraps itself in a cocoon and in the process of transformation literally becomes goo! It completely breaks down and its cell structure even completely changes. In this goo are "imaginal discs" which determine the wings, the antennae, etc. They are what begins to form the new creature. Once the transformation is complete we know that the butterfly emerges, no longer a caterpillar but completely new in all ways.
I could get the bright idea to make a caterpillar into a butterfly. I could make paper wings and attach them to the caterpillar body with a rubberband. Perhaps use pipe cleaners for antennae, and little toothpicks for legs. This would be a caterpillar being conformed into looking like a butterfly, but it would not be a butterfly. It could pretend and even believe it is a butterfly, but the true transformation has not happened...it isn't a butterfly.
The passage in Romans speaks to us about true transformation of the mind. We need our mind to truly become the mind of Christ. A mind that knows the truth, believes the truth, and speaks the truth. As our minds our transformed, our actions follow and our lives reflect the Holy thoughts and attitudes that now exist. Our lives become living worship! We actually become Christ-like rather than sticking on the wings the world promises will make us fly...we now soar with Christ and His Spirit within us radiates life through us....and this is worship to God!
Lord,
May my mind be transformed by your Word of truth. Teach me your ways, Lord, that I might know your heart and not sin against you. Lead me in your ways and guide my path that I may honor you in all things. I desire that you reveal to me any ways that I am trying to conform to the world. Set me free from all wrong thinking. Give me the mind of Christ, that my thoughts and attitudes will truly reflect your glory. And Lord, may my life today be a living act of worship unto you.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
The Rock of All Rocks!
Psalm 18:1-3
I was recently in Palm Springs at Agua Caliente Indian Reservation. I was hiking with a friend along a stream enjoying the beauty that surrounded us. There was a huge rock that the trail wrapped around. I could barely see the top and never found the end of it! It was beautiful with facets of texture and color. As I was craning my neck to observe it's immense strength and beauty, I turned to my friend and said, "This is the kind of Rock we are talking about when we talk about Jesus! Not one of those piddly rocks from the stream!"
It was impenetrable, immovable, beautiful, and strong. It served as a shelter, a haven, and a fortress. The rock would provide a solid foundation and a point of perspective that would transcend our earthly view. Is this not Jesus?!
In Psalm 18, it refers to God as our Rock, our Fortress, and our Refuge. May you find shelter in Him, strength in Him, and stability in Him.
Lord,
Our confident we are in your ability to stand strong when we are weak, to remain immovable when we are shaken, and to cover us when we feel exposed. You are the Rock of ages, our strong tower, our solid foundation. Thank you for your protection and covering for those who love you. Remind us, O God, to run to you for shelter and nowhere else. Lead us to you, the Rock, that is Higher than ourselves, when we struggle with this life. We so appreciate that you are our safe place.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
I was recently in Palm Springs at Agua Caliente Indian Reservation. I was hiking with a friend along a stream enjoying the beauty that surrounded us. There was a huge rock that the trail wrapped around. I could barely see the top and never found the end of it! It was beautiful with facets of texture and color. As I was craning my neck to observe it's immense strength and beauty, I turned to my friend and said, "This is the kind of Rock we are talking about when we talk about Jesus! Not one of those piddly rocks from the stream!"
It was impenetrable, immovable, beautiful, and strong. It served as a shelter, a haven, and a fortress. The rock would provide a solid foundation and a point of perspective that would transcend our earthly view. Is this not Jesus?!
In Psalm 18, it refers to God as our Rock, our Fortress, and our Refuge. May you find shelter in Him, strength in Him, and stability in Him.
Lord,
Our confident we are in your ability to stand strong when we are weak, to remain immovable when we are shaken, and to cover us when we feel exposed. You are the Rock of ages, our strong tower, our solid foundation. Thank you for your protection and covering for those who love you. Remind us, O God, to run to you for shelter and nowhere else. Lead us to you, the Rock, that is Higher than ourselves, when we struggle with this life. We so appreciate that you are our safe place.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Holy Searchlight
Psalm 139:23-24
When watching the news I am always amazed at how a helicopter searchlight can zero in on someone and illuminate the area in such a way that the darkness, the bushes, the running cannot keep them hidden. It is an above ground view. The vantage point is different than those on ground level and the spotlight permeates the darkest of nights.
God knows us intimately and has the vantage point to see things we cannot. There are times that things begin to hide in our hearts, our attitudes, and our thinking. I love this Psalm as David teaches us by example to ask God to search, to shed His holy spotlight, from His heavenly above earth perspective, into the darkened places and recesses of our minds and souls.
We can run and hide within our own reasoning. We can divert facing truth by hiding under the brush of our busy-ness, or pride...but to ask God to search our hearts is bold! It is confident boldness in His love, in His grace, and in His holiness. I so love when God's searchlight exposes the hidden things in me so they can be arrested by His majesty and brought into His arms of forgiveness.
When watching the news I am always amazed at how a helicopter searchlight can zero in on someone and illuminate the area in such a way that the darkness, the bushes, the running cannot keep them hidden. It is an above ground view. The vantage point is different than those on ground level and the spotlight permeates the darkest of nights.
God knows us intimately and has the vantage point to see things we cannot. There are times that things begin to hide in our hearts, our attitudes, and our thinking. I love this Psalm as David teaches us by example to ask God to search, to shed His holy spotlight, from His heavenly above earth perspective, into the darkened places and recesses of our minds and souls.
We can run and hide within our own reasoning. We can divert facing truth by hiding under the brush of our busy-ness, or pride...but to ask God to search our hearts is bold! It is confident boldness in His love, in His grace, and in His holiness. I so love when God's searchlight exposes the hidden things in me so they can be arrested by His majesty and brought into His arms of forgiveness.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Good Plans!
Jeremiah 29:11-13
I still remember when we would receive immunizations as a child. There was one in particular, not sure which, that would leave a really sore muscle in your arm. It would ache for days! As babies, I would take my girls for immunizations and they would run fevers, become crabby, and sleepless...not fun! From a child's perspective these were not good plans!
I wonder how often I look at what is happening in my life and question God's plans? Do I blame Him for things that are actually consequences of my own choices? Do I blame Him for things in the world that are ultimately evil? Do I praise Him when there is blessing and good in my life, or do I forget God when things are going well? Do I trust that He has a good plan for my life and will see it through to completion?
One key I have learned in prayer is to consider God's character when I am praying. God is good, so the good in my life comes from God, as reflected in James 1:17. God is pure, without darkness or evil, longsuffering, patient, kind, merciful and abounding in steadfast love. Keeping these things in mind when I pray, I can come with assuredness, boldness, and yieldedness to His will for I know it is for good, not to harm me. He is just and holy, so I know that evil will not go unnoticed by God. Do I trust in His eternal plan?
The last part of our passage today is my favorite...You will seek Me and find Me and come and pray to Me and you will find Me when you search for Me with all of your heart! To me, that is my greatest motivation to pray...I will find God! He will be revealed to me! That is something to pray about, and His best plan revealed...God in intimate prayer with Us!
I still remember when we would receive immunizations as a child. There was one in particular, not sure which, that would leave a really sore muscle in your arm. It would ache for days! As babies, I would take my girls for immunizations and they would run fevers, become crabby, and sleepless...not fun! From a child's perspective these were not good plans!
I wonder how often I look at what is happening in my life and question God's plans? Do I blame Him for things that are actually consequences of my own choices? Do I blame Him for things in the world that are ultimately evil? Do I praise Him when there is blessing and good in my life, or do I forget God when things are going well? Do I trust that He has a good plan for my life and will see it through to completion?
One key I have learned in prayer is to consider God's character when I am praying. God is good, so the good in my life comes from God, as reflected in James 1:17. God is pure, without darkness or evil, longsuffering, patient, kind, merciful and abounding in steadfast love. Keeping these things in mind when I pray, I can come with assuredness, boldness, and yieldedness to His will for I know it is for good, not to harm me. He is just and holy, so I know that evil will not go unnoticed by God. Do I trust in His eternal plan?
The last part of our passage today is my favorite...You will seek Me and find Me and come and pray to Me and you will find Me when you search for Me with all of your heart! To me, that is my greatest motivation to pray...I will find God! He will be revealed to me! That is something to pray about, and His best plan revealed...God in intimate prayer with Us!
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