Crossing Raging Waters

“...The Lord hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry...The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and he knoweth those who trust in him.”

Nahum 1:3-4,7 (KJV)

It seems no matter how enlightened we are, how in tune we are, or how righteous we think we are, there will be times when we find ourselves knee deep in troubled water. When the raging waters draw near we frantically search for something to hold on to. We look for a lifeline.

Some of us look to other people to rescue us. We worry our friends and family with our problems hoping to make our burdens their own. Others find temporary solace with drugs or alcohol. Maybe it’s cocaine or Prozac or Jack Daniels, anything as long as it temporarily numbs the pain. Still others are in denial - they pretend they don’t see the water rising around them. But many just fall on their knees and throw up their hands and say, “Lord help me.”

And He will. Maybe not when we want it, or the way we want it, but scripture tells us in Psalms 9:10 (NIV):

“Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.”

We trust that God will lead us to calm waters. We pray to Our Father:

“Peace Be Still.”

It makes no difference if you are turning to the Lord for the first time or if you are a constant caller - He will hear your cry. Sometimes we don’t know what to say or how to say it, but, rest assured - He will hear your cry. Or maybe we’ve rejected Him for most of our lives and hate to admit that we need Him now, but don’t worry - He will hear your cry.

Challenges, disappointments, grief, problems, frustrations, we all have them. Don’t even think about navigating through them without the Lord. Let Him be your rock, your armor, and your anchor.

From This Far by Faith by Linnie Frank and Andria Hall (Doubleday,2000)

Take Out the Garbage

It really is pretty simple, isn't it? Either we are going to trust GOD or we won't...either we will follow GOD or we will go another way -- our own way, or the world's way.

When times are hard....when life is uncertain....when we suffer emotionally, financially, or spiritually....we can start taking on 'garbage' if we are not careful. What kind of garbage?

1. Blaming others for our 'misfortune(s)'
2. Envying those who 'seem' to have it better;
3. Shutting out people who care for us;
4. Ignoring what is really going on -- the truth;
5. Doubting our abilities and God-given talents;
   
6. Obsessing over 'mistakes' and 'failures'
7. Worrying about what the future holds for us;
8. Hoarding possessions--and people--"just in case"
9. Denying the good that surrounds us;
10. Refusing to surrender our will to the Lord;
11. Rejecting daily blessings;
12. Living a self-centered life;
13. Looking to others to 'save' us;
14. Cluttering our surroundings (and our minds) with junk;

GET RID OF THIS GARBAGE...IT WILL ONLY KEEP YOU DOWN! Instead focus on the fruits of the Spirit:

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Against such things there is no law.
Those who belong to Christ Jesus
have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other."

Galatians 5:22-26

Rewrite Your Script!

You can rewrite your script....change your outlook, no matter what!

Maybe you are facing a lot these days...many people are. Maybe you have lost your job and don't know how you will pay your bills....maybe you are having health challenges or relationship issues. Perhaps you have stacks of unpaid bills and creditors calling constantly....or maybe you are worried about the future....what will happen ? How will you survive?

This is a time when we must take stock of what we can change and what we can't change. What we can change -- in EVERY circumstance is our attitude. If you want to stay stuck in despair for a few more weeks, months, or years--then go ahead and you probably should stop reading now. However, if you want some ideas on how to get past the 'funk' read on:

1. First of all -- the only one you really have to please is God. (Romans 12:2) Wrap your mind around this and act accordingly....and remember:
2. God offers compassion, forgiveness and HELP! (Matthew 11:28-30)
   

Are you still with me? Okay, let's talk about rewriting your script....think about what you CAN change in your life:

1. Just because you feel bad, you don't have to look bad. Accept yourself as you are now, even if you want to change a few things in the future. This means if you are 150 pounds or 250 pounds, get comfortable with where you are now and dress yourself up. Do your own makeover if need be....even if you don't have the funds. Here is a link to some Today Show 'Ambush' Makeovers...check it out! Even if you don't have the funds, or can't hang around NBC in New York hoping to get ambushed for a makeover, you can still get ideas on hair, makeup, and wardrobe changes you can do at very low cost. Ex. color your hair, curl it, roll it up, get a cheap cut...update your look. Get some new grooming products....try a dollar store or discount shop. Isn't it time for a new brush or clips or curlers....or maybe you could just clean and organize what you already have. Try new lotions or soaps....you'd be surprised what can make you feel and look better.
2. Clean up. During hard times, we let our surroundings go. Start in your kitchen and get rid of clutter. The goal is to have a nice place to sit and enjoy a meal or a cup of tea. Keep going around your home. Can you sit on your couch? Are your rooms relaxing? What about your closet? Get rid of clothes you don't wear, even if your closet will be nearly empty. Look at current styles and put together a cute outfit or two. If you need a decent jacket or pair of jeans and can't afford it, check out thrift stores....or ask friends and family for a loan or gift. You may need clothes to interview in. Again, whether you are 150 pounds or 200 pounds...put together flattering outfits (preferably out of clothes you already have).
3. Give yourself a manicure and pedicure. Find a pot if you have to and soak your feet and lather in some oils. Paint your toenails!
4. Give yourself some flowers....if you don't want the expense...plant your own or find somewhere you can pull some wild flowers...or maybe a friend or neighbor has flowers you can enjoy. Do it!
5. Get out of the house, car, or office! Go outside...it will improve your skin and your mood. Go for a walk or find a bench to sit and reflect. And, while you're at it...open up your windows and drapes and let the fresh air blow all the sadness away!
   

These are just some ideas ...but, the point is...sure you may be tired, depressed, frustrated, angry, dejected, lonely, broke, unhappy...you name it....but you DO NOT have to go around looking like something the cat brought in!

Change your attitude. Look better. Feel better. Start NOW!

Look for the Open Doors

There are times when our options seem limited. Perhaps we have tried over and over to make something work --a relationship or a career, and it's not happening. Everything we try seems to fail.

These are the times when we have to surrender to God and look for open doors.

For instance: suppose you are working at a job where you just can't get ahead...or, you hate your job and want to leave...or, you like what you are doing, but there is constant stress and tension.

Maybe it's a relationship that is causing you remorse...a marriage or dating issue, or a problem with a family member or friend. There is darkness and constant discourse in the relationship.

When you keep running into walls, you have to look for the open doors!

I am not saying abandon all effort to make the situation right...however, stop a minute and consider what God might have in store for you.

Think about what we learn of God's actions in the Bible, in Ephesians 1:11 we are told:

"In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will."

Think about the physical world that God created and how everything flows in harmony...the sun rises and sets...the waves ebb and flow....the planets spin. Likewise, God has a harmony for us!

How do we find it? We look for open doors and go through them.

What are the open doors?

We find the answer to this also in the Bible:

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. "

Philippians 4:8-9

Where are the open doors in your life right now?

Do a Little Dance.....

"Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid.
The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation."
Isaiah 12:2


Do you ever do the faith dance?

It could be a twist...or a little jig....or a full-out, go crazy, 'throw your hands in the air cause you just don't care!'

Sure....there's a lot going on.....jobs lost...bankruptcies...tight credit....housing woes.....AND NOW...Swine Flu!

So why am I telling you to dance?

I'm telling you to put your faith in the one who holds the whole world in his hands! If you are reading this right now...you have much to be thankful for!!

Go ahead...do a little dance!

The Faith Formula

“Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks. Then God’s peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7 (God’s Word)

When we move ourselves and our expectations of how things are supposed to be out of the way, we lay the foundation for God’s blessings. Spiritual surrender is paramount if we are to experience the limitless blessings He has in store for us. God will lead us toward our good if we just let Him, but too often we get in the way of our own good. Be careful. Self imposed will can take us just where we intend it to. But, God’s will always leads us to where He wants us to be.

Here’s the deal - we can either let life unfold on its own - for it will- or decide to actively participate through prayer and faith in God’s plan for us. Here is the blueprint for Divinely Inspired Living. It is the Faith Formula:

Surrender (let go and let God) + Belief (know that God will lead you to your good) + Patience (wait on the Lord) = Faith

Don’t forget: The Lord helps those who help themselves, or as you've heard time and time again, if you take one step, He'll take two. That means waking up each day with the intent to let Him order your steps. If you stay open to the faith concept of Divinely Inspired Living, that, in and of itself is spiritual progress. Then watch what happens. And, if the path He has chosen for you at the time seems tough, thank Him anyway, right then and there. For even through the tough times, Divine order prevails, and we persevere and we grow.*

*from This Far by Faith: How to Put God First in Everyday Living by Linnie Frank and Andria Hall

"Do Overs!"

An acquaintance of mine recently stated she wishes she had a ‘do over’ in life…a chance to go back to her twenties and make decisions that would make her 50-year-old life better. Specifically, she said she would change her past choices in relationships, jobs, and finances.

Without getting into time-travel theories (which give me a head-ache anyway) we can only guess that removing obstacles might have changed blessings. Scripture tells us to consider our trials and tribulations pure joy…. “because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4)

The point is, it is only through Christ that we get a ‘Do Over’ in life. We find newness in knowing of his sacrifice for us and his forgiveness of our sins.

“Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:3

If we spend our time constantly reviewing all of our “mistakes” we will never move forward. Learn from the past, but don’t dwell on it. The life you have right now…today…is the one you must build on. Put your hope in the Lord and RENEW!

Linnie

Even If You Don't Believe in Yourself.....

Even if you don't believe in yourself...BELIEVE IN GOD!

As humans we are limited in what we can do...however through God....ALL things are possible.

It is only natural that we give in to doubt sometimes. We tell ourselves:

• "I'll never find work"
• "I'll never be debt-free"
• "I'll never be able to save"
• "I'll never lose weight"
• "I'll never find love"
• "I'll never get a degree"
• "I'll never get well"
• "I'll never travel"
• "I'll never have a nice house"
• "I'll never be a good parent"

We may have a laundry list of "I'll nevers" and perhaps there are things we are not meant to have, however believe that God will bless you and NEVER leave you alone. Count on it!

"You can't always get what you want...but if you try sometimes, you just might find....you get what you need! Rolling Stones lyrics

Believe and do not DOUBT! Read the following passage:

Mark 9:15-29

15As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.
16"What are you arguing with them about?" he asked.
17A man in the crowd answered, "Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech.
18Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not."
19"O unbelieving generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me."
20So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.
21Jesus asked the boy's father, "How long has he been like this?"
"From childhood," he answered.
22"It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us."
23" `If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes."
24Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"
25When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the evil spirit. "You deaf and mute spirit," he said, "I command you, come out of him and never enter him again."
26The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, "He's dead."
27But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.
28After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we drive it out?"
29He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer."

My Soul Looks Back and Wonders....

"Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.

Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.
Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.
Look to the LORD and his strength;

seek his face always.

Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,"

Psalms 105:1-5

When we think about where we are, versus where we could have been, or where we should have been, it sometimes sends a shiver up our spine. And when we wonder exactly what it was that set us straight and put us on the right path, we come to only one conclusion -- it wasn't us or anything we did! It was God's grace and mercy.

Left to our own devices we would still be holding on to our less that perfect past. Our fear of what lies ahead keeps us holding on to broken promises and shattered dreams. Some of us spend our whole lives afraid to move ahead because we don’t know what awaits us. This is where faith comes in! Faith that God will lead us to where it is that He wants us to be. Once we understand that God only wants what’s best for us, then we realize that regardless of the circumstances, He is leading us to our good. We can leave fear behind and pursue life with vigor and confidence.

When we look back on past situations in our lives, we are reminded of how God blessed us -- whether we were aware of it at the time or not. We remember moments when we didn’t have a dime and yet, we always had a place to eat and sleep. We recall situations that we thought we would never get out of and yet, we did. We think of all the daggers that were thrown our way -- some we saw, some we didn’t -- and, although some were able to pierce us, none were able to stop us. We are reminded that He took care of the big things as well as the small.


(*excerpt from This Far by Faith: How to Put God First in Everyday Living by Linnie Frank and Andria Hall)

The Voice of the Lord

"The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders,
the LORD thunders over the mighty waters.

The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic.
The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars....

The voice of the LORD strikes with flashes of lightning.

The voice of the LORD shakes the desert....

The voice of the LORD twists the oaks and strips the forests bare.

And in his temple all cry,

"Glory!""

Psalms 29:3-9

Many people wonder what God sounds like when He speaks to us. Does He speak with a whisper or a shout? Does He speak while we are awake or while we are sleeping? Is His voice the sound of rolling thunder or of a falling leaf. And, how do we know if it's really Him we are hearing, or just our own ego?

Some people say we don’t hear God, but feel him - as a warm summer breeze when we are doing something good, or as a sudden cold chill when we are doing wrong. Others say they converse with God on a regular basis - He dictates to them what they need to know and what they need to do. They simply follow His command.

Maybe the voice you hear depends on your definition of God. Perhaps if you view God as an omnipotent power, external to yourself, you expect to hear His booming voice at every turn. You wait for the earth to move or for bricks to fall on your head to know that He is indeed talking to you.

Or, if you look for God within yourself, you may seek peaceful, meditative moments to feel His presence and guidance. You seek sunrises, sunsets and solitude to commune with your God.

....God does speak! He speaks in all the ways mentioned above and many more. He speaks through others and He speaks directly. If you are not hearing God, it is not because He isn’t speaking, it is because you are not listening. Know that God is speaking to you continuously and constantly - you’ve just got to learn how to LISTEN!*

(*excerpt from This Far by Faith: How to Put God First in Everyday Living by Linnie Frank and Andria Hall)

Don't Give Up

It may seem hard to keep going these days...doom and gloom are everywhere we turn! People are either "broke" or going "broke" or acting as if they are "broke." Unemployment, debt, foreclosures.... are common words in our communities. We wonder: "WHAT IS GOING ON?"

What is going on is -- GOD IS STILL IN CHARGE! There are no "broke" people in HIS kingdom. Even though our road may be rocky we have to hold on and be thankful for daily blessings.

Don't give up... remember:

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. " James 1:2-4

Being Thankful for Difficult People

"If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:46-48


It is easy to appreciate those who make us joyful. The child who is never in trouble and gets good grades, the friend who is always positive and supporting, the loving parent....

But what about those who irk us or rub us the wrong way? The gossipy neighbor, the demanding boss, or the jealous in-law? How can we be thankful for people that bring us distress?

God loves us ALL and tells us to "love our enemies." Easier said than done...however, something to strive for!

Are there difficult people you are thankful for?

Hallelujah Anyway

Lesson One: “Hallelujah Anyway”

"....for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. "

Philippians 4:11-13

Paul tells us we can find joy regardless of the circumstances. We learn thankfulness by holding on to Christ.

Whatever challenges or concerns we may have, if we examine our circumstance we will find related blessings. Use the Hallelujah Anyway chart (pdf) below to document your blessings.

For example....perhaps you are having problems on the job. Of course, given today's economic turmoil, a related blessing is that you HAVE a job.

Hallelujah Anyway Chart

Feeling Peaceful in Troubling Times

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4: 6-7

The Peace of God -- a serenity that comes from knowing God is with us always -- through good times and bad. Years ago, when I lived in Northern Virginia, I would awaken to a song played daily at 6:30am on the station I listened to. The lyrics were "Baby don't worry about a thing, 'cause every little thing gonna be alright." I believe it was by Reggae singer Bob Marley. For me it was the perfect song to wake to.

There is much to worry about these days...however, Paul reminds us to take our problems to the Lord. He doesn't say how God will solve our problems...and we cannot know this either...but, we CAN feel the peace of turning our concerns over to the Lord and leaving them there!

Return to Faith

"Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

In these uncertain times we have no choice but to return to faith in God. For too long we've put our faith in other areas, such as:

• our savings or stock portfolio;
• the equity in our home, or the house itself;
• our job or the company we work for;
• our political or community leaders;
• our education and earning potential;
• the government;
• pundits and the media;
  
• our friends and family;

The truth of the matter is: ALL we have is God. Others may love us and care for us, but in tough times they may not be able to help us. The Lord gives us the assurance that whatever we are going through...He is there with us.

Grab hold to God and the Word as you struggle through difficult times....and have faith that "this too shall pass."

What Do You Believe?

The Book of Colossians is a letter Paul writes to his friends at the church in Colosse. Instead of attacking their ‘deceptive philosophy’ point by point, Paul declares the supremacy of Christ in ALL matters. He demystifies their ‘New Age’ spirituality by declaring Christ as the center of all things. He is God, He is the Creator, and He is the Savior of man. No need to look elsewhere.

In today’s world, there are still those who are ‘shopping for God,’ or, elevating man to a godly state. The Index of Leading Spiritual Indicators reports recent surveys of US adults indicate that many Americans hold at least some new age beliefs:

8% believe in astrology as a method of foretelling the future

7% believe that crystals are a source of healing or energizing power

9% believe that Tarot Cards are a reliable base for life decisions

25% believe in a non-traditional concept of the nature of God

11% believe that God is ‘a state of higher consciousness that a person may reach’

8% define God as ‘the total realization of personal, human potential’

3% believe that each person is God.

Futurist John Naisbitt stated: “With no membership lists or even a coherent philosophy or dogma, it is difficult to define or measure the unorganized New Age movement. But in every major U.S. and European city, thousands who seek insight and personal growth, cluster around a metaphysical bookstore, a spiritual teacher, or an education center.”

What do you believe? Do you look to your horoscope, a good luck charm, or a psychic... instead of Christ? Do you think there is some kind of 'secret' to daily living and you can attract everything you want with your own power? We will discuss these topics the next few weeks.

Paul’s warnings to the Church in Colosse are relevant today: “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy…” (2:8) Christ is all we need. Keep Him the center of your life! No need to look elsewhere.