Let’s look at Exodus 2:23-25. The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out, and their cry for help because of their slavery went up to God. God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them.
Now, God never forgot about the covenant. But when His Word says that “He remembered” it means that He chose to act.
The Lord called Moses (read Ex. 3 for more details) and He said to him, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey.” Ex. 3:7-8
We’ve already read twice now that the Israelites “cried out!” They must have been desperate! Have you ever cried out to God? If the enemy is oppressing you – it is time to cry out! Have you been praying for God to reveal any strongholds, any areas of captivity in your life? Has he revealed them to you? I hope so. If not, keep praying. He is faithful.
Has anyone recognized any strongholds they would desperately like to be freed from?
I have been there too many times to count. The last time I remember was a few months ago. Pride, depression, bitterness, and anger eventually drove me to my knees. I wished I would have seen it coming. I wish I would have been alerted to the enemy’s attack. I dropped my guard. Satan snuck in. He got me. I felt defeated. Lying on the floor of my closet I cried out to the Only One who could save me. He answered me. And He set me free.
Now, I don’t want this to be about Becky. But I want to give you a real life, flesh and blood, example! I want you to know that this is not a hypothetical situation, it is not a “what if” It is the truth! And it can happen for you! God does what He says He is going to do! He sets the prisoners free! (Psalm 146:7)
It is time to cry out. It is time to pray.
“I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. And I will bring you to the land I swore with uplifted hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob. I will give it to you as a possession. I am the LORD. Ex. 6:6-8
When we see “the LORD” in our Bible it translates into the Hebrew word Yahweh. God is reminding us who He is! He is Yahweh! He is the One who will redeem His people!
The yoke He is referring to is the Israelites bonds of slavery. In John 8:34, Jesus says, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.” If the enemy has us trapped in a sin that we just keep repeating over and over again – we are slaves to that sin!
Matthew 6:24 says, No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. This verse is applicable to whatever has us bound, not just money!
We can not serve God and be bound by sin. We must break free from whatever is holding us captive so we can live out the life God has called us too!
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matt. 11:28-30
Jesus says, His yoke is easy and His burden is light! Let’s cry out to God! Let’s break these heavy chains that have us bound and seek Him!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Into Egypt
Ok, so Jacob now has the inheritance of his father Isaac and his father Abraham. God also appears to Jacob in a dream and speaks to him. “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. . . I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” Gen. 28:13 & 15
I don’t know about you, but that gets me excited! As we journey to our promised land – He will not leave us until He has done what He promised! And trust me, He is never far from us! But I just think that is an awesome example of how God longs for us to inherit our promised land and experience all that He has planned for us!
In Gen. 35, God repeats His promise to Jacob and his descendants. He also changes Jacob’s name to Israel. Yep, his descendants are the Israelites! Jacob had 12 sons. His favorite was Joseph. You might be familiar with Joseph’s story. If not, check out Gen. 37-50. Long story short: Joseph’s brother’s sell him for 20 shekels of silver to a band of Midianites, they go to Egypt and sell him to Potiphar (captain of the guard to Pharaoh), he winds up in prison for a while (you gotta read it!), gets out of prison because the LORD gave him the ability to interpret a dream for Pharaoh. Pharaoh makes him second in command in all of Egypt (the only one higher than Joseph is Pharaoh himself)! Joseph is in charge of all the food during the famine and . . . wouldn’t you know it – Jacob heard that there is food in Egypt and he sends the brothers there. They eventually find out that this guy in charge is Joseph, the Pharaoh tells Joseph to invite all of his family (70 people at the time) to live in Egypt. Of course Jacob is ecstatic when he finds out that Joseph is still alive! The LORD speaks to Jacob and tells him to go to Egypt but He will surely bring him back again (Gen. 46:4). Joseph and Jacob reunite. They live happily ever after – for awhile. Jacob dies in Egypt but his sons return to Canaan to bury him. Joseph lives to be 110 and also dies in Egypt. His last words are this. “I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” And he made them promise that they would carry his bones up out of Egypt (Gen 50: 24-26).
So here we are, in Exodus where the first chapter tells us that the Israelites were fruitful and multiplied. The new king, who did not know about Joseph, decided that the Egyptians must enslave the Israelites or else they will overpower them. Exodus 1:14 says, They made their lives bitter with hard labor in brick and mortar and with all kinds of work in the fields; in all their hard labor the Egyptians used them ruthlessly. The king also gave a decree to all of the midwives to kill any boys that were born to the Israelites. The midwives feared God and disobeyed the Pharaoh. And then Pharaoh said, “Every boy that is born you must throw into the Nile, but let every girl live.” Ex. 1:22
And here we have the story of Moses! I encourage you to read the first two chapters of Exodus – what an awesome testimony of a sovereign God! And what faith Moses’ mother displayed when she placed her baby in a basket and sent him floating down a river! The Bible doesn’t say – but I can’t help but think that God spoke to her and she believed Him with all of her heart that Moses was set apart and that He would protect him. What courage and faith she displayed – and she didn’t even get her name mentioned! This passage humbles me – so often I want recognition for what “I” have done. Yet it is only by God’s grace that I am able to do anything. And who am I to take credit for God? This passage is a reminder to serve and obey the Lord regardless of whether or not we get a pat on the back. The Lord will lift up the humble in due time. He mentions Moses’ mother’s name, Jochebed, in Ex. 6:20. I think she was richly rewarded for her faith, whether or not she saw those rewards here on earth we do not know. Remember that we will spend eternity in heaven! God also has blessings waiting for us there! I do not think the reward was her motivation though – she loved the Lord her God with all of her heart, mind and soul. And the Lord used her to play a small but crucial part in His enormous plan!
The Lord wants to use you and I in our day to bring Him glory and to accomplish His plan!
I don’t know about you, but that gets me excited! As we journey to our promised land – He will not leave us until He has done what He promised! And trust me, He is never far from us! But I just think that is an awesome example of how God longs for us to inherit our promised land and experience all that He has planned for us!
In Gen. 35, God repeats His promise to Jacob and his descendants. He also changes Jacob’s name to Israel. Yep, his descendants are the Israelites! Jacob had 12 sons. His favorite was Joseph. You might be familiar with Joseph’s story. If not, check out Gen. 37-50. Long story short: Joseph’s brother’s sell him for 20 shekels of silver to a band of Midianites, they go to Egypt and sell him to Potiphar (captain of the guard to Pharaoh), he winds up in prison for a while (you gotta read it!), gets out of prison because the LORD gave him the ability to interpret a dream for Pharaoh. Pharaoh makes him second in command in all of Egypt (the only one higher than Joseph is Pharaoh himself)! Joseph is in charge of all the food during the famine and . . . wouldn’t you know it – Jacob heard that there is food in Egypt and he sends the brothers there. They eventually find out that this guy in charge is Joseph, the Pharaoh tells Joseph to invite all of his family (70 people at the time) to live in Egypt. Of course Jacob is ecstatic when he finds out that Joseph is still alive! The LORD speaks to Jacob and tells him to go to Egypt but He will surely bring him back again (Gen. 46:4). Joseph and Jacob reunite. They live happily ever after – for awhile. Jacob dies in Egypt but his sons return to Canaan to bury him. Joseph lives to be 110 and also dies in Egypt. His last words are this. “I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” And he made them promise that they would carry his bones up out of Egypt (Gen 50: 24-26).
So here we are, in Exodus where the first chapter tells us that the Israelites were fruitful and multiplied. The new king, who did not know about Joseph, decided that the Egyptians must enslave the Israelites or else they will overpower them. Exodus 1:14 says, They made their lives bitter with hard labor in brick and mortar and with all kinds of work in the fields; in all their hard labor the Egyptians used them ruthlessly. The king also gave a decree to all of the midwives to kill any boys that were born to the Israelites. The midwives feared God and disobeyed the Pharaoh. And then Pharaoh said, “Every boy that is born you must throw into the Nile, but let every girl live.” Ex. 1:22
And here we have the story of Moses! I encourage you to read the first two chapters of Exodus – what an awesome testimony of a sovereign God! And what faith Moses’ mother displayed when she placed her baby in a basket and sent him floating down a river! The Bible doesn’t say – but I can’t help but think that God spoke to her and she believed Him with all of her heart that Moses was set apart and that He would protect him. What courage and faith she displayed – and she didn’t even get her name mentioned! This passage humbles me – so often I want recognition for what “I” have done. Yet it is only by God’s grace that I am able to do anything. And who am I to take credit for God? This passage is a reminder to serve and obey the Lord regardless of whether or not we get a pat on the back. The Lord will lift up the humble in due time. He mentions Moses’ mother’s name, Jochebed, in Ex. 6:20. I think she was richly rewarded for her faith, whether or not she saw those rewards here on earth we do not know. Remember that we will spend eternity in heaven! God also has blessings waiting for us there! I do not think the reward was her motivation though – she loved the Lord her God with all of her heart, mind and soul. And the Lord used her to play a small but crucial part in His enormous plan!
The Lord wants to use you and I in our day to bring Him glory and to accomplish His plan!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Your Birthright
Since we left Abram in Genesis 15 – God gave him a son in his old age, told him that his descendants would be as many as the stars in the sky, and changed his name to Abraham. God keeps His promise to Abraham and reminds him several times.
The whole land of Canaan, where you are now an alien, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you; and I will be their God. Gen. 17:8
He reminds Abram again in Gen. 18:19 and Gen. 22:17-18. He also made this promise to Abraham’s son, Isaac in Genesis 16:2:5.
I don’t mean to be repetitive – but when God keeps repeating Himself – we better listen!
Now, Isaac had two sons, Esau and Jacob. Esau was the oldest and therefore entitled to the “birthright”. (You will have to read Gen. 25:19-24 and chapters 27 & 28 for yourself – it is very scandalous!) Gen. 25:34 says that Esau despised his birthright. Esau did not want what was rightfully his. He did not fight for his inheritance. He gave it away for a pot of stew.
There are three things we can learn from this story. The first is that God is sovereign. God had already chosen Jacob to inherit the promise He had made to Abraham and Isaac. The LORD spoke to Rebekah when she was pregnant and said, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” Gen. 25:23
The second is that Rebekah and Jacob should not have taken matters into their own hands. When the LORD makes a promise to us – He will carry it out in due time!
The third is that God has a plan for our life and He has spiritual blessings that He wants to pour out on us! But, we can not fulfill His plan and experience the blessings if we refuse our birthright! You may be asking why it mattered if Esau gave up his birthright – after all, God was going to give it to Isaac to begin with, right? God knew in advance that Esau would sell his birthright.
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalms 13-16
I absolutely love that verse. He knew us before we were born. And all of our days were written in His book before one of them came to be! Oh how He must love us! We are not here by accident or mistake. He has a beautiful plan for each one of us. We must take up our inheritance! We must possess our Promised Land!
The whole land of Canaan, where you are now an alien, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you; and I will be their God. Gen. 17:8
He reminds Abram again in Gen. 18:19 and Gen. 22:17-18. He also made this promise to Abraham’s son, Isaac in Genesis 16:2:5.
I don’t mean to be repetitive – but when God keeps repeating Himself – we better listen!
Now, Isaac had two sons, Esau and Jacob. Esau was the oldest and therefore entitled to the “birthright”. (You will have to read Gen. 25:19-24 and chapters 27 & 28 for yourself – it is very scandalous!) Gen. 25:34 says that Esau despised his birthright. Esau did not want what was rightfully his. He did not fight for his inheritance. He gave it away for a pot of stew.
There are three things we can learn from this story. The first is that God is sovereign. God had already chosen Jacob to inherit the promise He had made to Abraham and Isaac. The LORD spoke to Rebekah when she was pregnant and said, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” Gen. 25:23
The second is that Rebekah and Jacob should not have taken matters into their own hands. When the LORD makes a promise to us – He will carry it out in due time!
The third is that God has a plan for our life and He has spiritual blessings that He wants to pour out on us! But, we can not fulfill His plan and experience the blessings if we refuse our birthright! You may be asking why it mattered if Esau gave up his birthright – after all, God was going to give it to Isaac to begin with, right? God knew in advance that Esau would sell his birthright.
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalms 13-16
I absolutely love that verse. He knew us before we were born. And all of our days were written in His book before one of them came to be! Oh how He must love us! We are not here by accident or mistake. He has a beautiful plan for each one of us. We must take up our inheritance! We must possess our Promised Land!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Taken Captive
Abram lived in the land of Canaan, while Lot lived among the cities of the plain and pitched his tents near Sodom. Genesis 13:12
Lot was Abram’s nephew. They had decided to part company for several reasons (see Genesis 13). Now, if you are not familiar with the city of Sodom; it stands for sin. Lot chose to pitch his tents there. Many of us, mostly unaware, have pitched our tents near sin. We have given the enemy a foothold in certain areas of our life.
They also carried off Abram’s nephew Lot and his possessions, since he was living in Sodom. Genesis 14:12
Lot was taken captive because of his sin! Sodom is known for its sexual perversion but there are many sins that can take root in our life and lead us into captivity. For me, it happened slowly. I began to walk with Christ when I was a teenager, but by the time I was in my mid 20’s I was in a great deal of bondage. I didn’t even realize it. The enemy fools us into wearing more and more chains until one day we wake up and we can’t even move! Chains of depression, anger, pride, adultery, addiction, bitterness, unforgiveness, unbelief, idolatry, gossip, envy, slothfulness and debt had me captive. I will tell you that not only sin can hold us captive but things like anger and depression can as well. These things are not sin in themselves, but for me, they lead me to sin. And they had a firm grip on me. Hebrews 12:1 says that we must throw off the sin that entangles and the things that hinder if we want to run the race that God has called us to run. Sometimes, even "good" things can hinder us. Any thing that is keeping us from being who God has called us to be is a hinderance!
Pray right now. Ask God to reveal any areas of your live where the enemy is holding you captive. Be patient. Psalm 37:7 says, Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him. Sometimes we may not hear Him right away. Give Him time to speak. If you still don’t hear His voice, tell Him that you are listening and ask Him to give you ears to hear. He may speak to you as you go about your day. Keep listening and don’t give up praying!
When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he called out the 318 trained men born in his household and went in pursuit as far as Dan. During the night Abram divided his men to attack them. . . He recovered all the goods and brought back his relative lot and his possessions, together with the women and the other people. Genesis 14: 14-16
Abram went to battle for Lot! There is One who wants to go to battle for you! As I was reading this I couldn’t help but think how much Abram must have loved his nephew to go to battle for him! How much greater does our God love us!
Lot was Abram’s nephew. They had decided to part company for several reasons (see Genesis 13). Now, if you are not familiar with the city of Sodom; it stands for sin. Lot chose to pitch his tents there. Many of us, mostly unaware, have pitched our tents near sin. We have given the enemy a foothold in certain areas of our life.
They also carried off Abram’s nephew Lot and his possessions, since he was living in Sodom. Genesis 14:12
Lot was taken captive because of his sin! Sodom is known for its sexual perversion but there are many sins that can take root in our life and lead us into captivity. For me, it happened slowly. I began to walk with Christ when I was a teenager, but by the time I was in my mid 20’s I was in a great deal of bondage. I didn’t even realize it. The enemy fools us into wearing more and more chains until one day we wake up and we can’t even move! Chains of depression, anger, pride, adultery, addiction, bitterness, unforgiveness, unbelief, idolatry, gossip, envy, slothfulness and debt had me captive. I will tell you that not only sin can hold us captive but things like anger and depression can as well. These things are not sin in themselves, but for me, they lead me to sin. And they had a firm grip on me. Hebrews 12:1 says that we must throw off the sin that entangles and the things that hinder if we want to run the race that God has called us to run. Sometimes, even "good" things can hinder us. Any thing that is keeping us from being who God has called us to be is a hinderance!
Pray right now. Ask God to reveal any areas of your live where the enemy is holding you captive. Be patient. Psalm 37:7 says, Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him. Sometimes we may not hear Him right away. Give Him time to speak. If you still don’t hear His voice, tell Him that you are listening and ask Him to give you ears to hear. He may speak to you as you go about your day. Keep listening and don’t give up praying!
When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he called out the 318 trained men born in his household and went in pursuit as far as Dan. During the night Abram divided his men to attack them. . . He recovered all the goods and brought back his relative lot and his possessions, together with the women and the other people. Genesis 14: 14-16
Abram went to battle for Lot! There is One who wants to go to battle for you! As I was reading this I couldn’t help but think how much Abram must have loved his nephew to go to battle for him! How much greater does our God love us!
Friday, March 13, 2009
The Promised Land
How would you like to go on a journey through the Old Testament with God’s chosen people? Would you like to see the Israelites set free from captivity and enter into their Promised Land? I hope so. God has many lessons for us in the Old Testament. Of all the things the Lord has done for me – setting me free from captivity has got to be the greatest! This isn’t about me though – it is about what God has done, what He is doing, and what He is going to do!
Let’s look back to Genesis chapter 12 where God first promises Abram the land of Canaan. I will paraphrase; but I welcome you to read chapter 12.
(v. 1) The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. . . . (v. 4) So Abram left, as the LORD had told him. . . . (v. 7) The LORD appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.”
The Lord spoke to Abram. Abram didn’t question Him – he just obeyed! God also made a promise to Abram – his offspring would inherit the land. This is why it is called the “Promised Land.”
The Israelites Promised Land was a physical place. We will be using the term Promised Land in this series to refer to a spiritual place that God has for each of us. When we read God’s Word we must ask Him to open our eyes to see spiritual things. So many times what was written as literal is meant for us as spiritual. We can not hold spiritual things in our hands, but trust me – you can take possession of them! You can inhabit your Promised Land!
Beth Moore talks about our Promised Land in the first chapter of her book, Believing God. It is an excellent book if you ever have time to read it. I will quote her as she makes four parallels between our promised land and the Israelites Promised Land.
1. God promised us a place of blessing. When you and I find our places in Christ where God can freely fulfill His promises to us, we will also experience immeasurable blessing.
2. God promised us a place we could live. He did not promise the children of Israel a place they could visit. Our personalized lands of earthly promise are places we’re invited by God to dwell in Christ. It’s high time we stopped dropping in and started taking up residency.
3. God promised us a place where He brings forth a great harvest. John 15:8 says, “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” Not some fruit. Much fruit. . . your heavenly Father wants to show His glory through using your life to bear tremendous fruit. Your personalized Promised Land is the abiding place where you get to see God keep the promise of a great harvest through your life.
4. God promised us an abiding place of great victory over our enemy. Like the Israelites, you and I have been promised spiritual ground for great and abiding victory on a turf where our enemy stands in defiance. If you’re not presently occupying your Promised Land, rest assured the devil is. (Beth Moore, Believing God, pgs. 5-10)
I don’t know about you – but if the devil has taken something from me – I want it back! He is ruthless! Remember, he comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). But – here’s the Good News – I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full (John 10:10)! Praise God! He has come to set the captive free! Come with me. . . .
Becky
Let’s look back to Genesis chapter 12 where God first promises Abram the land of Canaan. I will paraphrase; but I welcome you to read chapter 12.
(v. 1) The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. . . . (v. 4) So Abram left, as the LORD had told him. . . . (v. 7) The LORD appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.”
The Lord spoke to Abram. Abram didn’t question Him – he just obeyed! God also made a promise to Abram – his offspring would inherit the land. This is why it is called the “Promised Land.”
The Israelites Promised Land was a physical place. We will be using the term Promised Land in this series to refer to a spiritual place that God has for each of us. When we read God’s Word we must ask Him to open our eyes to see spiritual things. So many times what was written as literal is meant for us as spiritual. We can not hold spiritual things in our hands, but trust me – you can take possession of them! You can inhabit your Promised Land!
Beth Moore talks about our Promised Land in the first chapter of her book, Believing God. It is an excellent book if you ever have time to read it. I will quote her as she makes four parallels between our promised land and the Israelites Promised Land.
1. God promised us a place of blessing. When you and I find our places in Christ where God can freely fulfill His promises to us, we will also experience immeasurable blessing.
2. God promised us a place we could live. He did not promise the children of Israel a place they could visit. Our personalized lands of earthly promise are places we’re invited by God to dwell in Christ. It’s high time we stopped dropping in and started taking up residency.
3. God promised us a place where He brings forth a great harvest. John 15:8 says, “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” Not some fruit. Much fruit. . . your heavenly Father wants to show His glory through using your life to bear tremendous fruit. Your personalized Promised Land is the abiding place where you get to see God keep the promise of a great harvest through your life.
4. God promised us an abiding place of great victory over our enemy. Like the Israelites, you and I have been promised spiritual ground for great and abiding victory on a turf where our enemy stands in defiance. If you’re not presently occupying your Promised Land, rest assured the devil is. (Beth Moore, Believing God, pgs. 5-10)
I don’t know about you – but if the devil has taken something from me – I want it back! He is ruthless! Remember, he comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). But – here’s the Good News – I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full (John 10:10)! Praise God! He has come to set the captive free! Come with me. . . .
Becky
Thursday, January 22, 2009
My God's Enough
Tonight we had our weekly women's Bible study at Becky's house. We are going through Beth Moore's study on Daniel. We are also watching the dvd's that go along with the study each week. Tonight was phenomenal! I can honestly say that God spoke to me tonight stronger than I have felt Him speak in a long time. It was powerful!
Then, I got in the car to come home and immediately this song started playing. I can't describe to you how appropriate the words of this song are to what the "message" was tonight at Bible study. I don't think it is a coincidence at all and I believe that God is moving in a powerful way to communicate this truth. The song is entitled "My God's Enough" by Barlow Girl and is based on Psalm 73:
Then, I got in the car to come home and immediately this song started playing. I can't describe to you how appropriate the words of this song are to what the "message" was tonight at Bible study. I don't think it is a coincidence at all and I believe that God is moving in a powerful way to communicate this truth. The song is entitled "My God's Enough" by Barlow Girl and is based on Psalm 73:
I've had enough of living life for only me
And reaching just for the things that keep destroying me
So sick of envying the lives of so many I see
Somehow believing that they have what I need
My God's enough for me
This world has nothing I need
In this whole life I've seen
My God's enough, enough for me
I can't explain why I suffer though I live for You
Those who deny You they have it better than I do
Cover my eyes now so that my heart can finally see
That in the end only You mean anything
Who have I in heaven but You
Nothing I desire but You
My heart may fail but not You
You are mine forever
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Less is More
So, Thursday afternoon I was making myself a hot ham and cheese sandwich. I usually make Jason lunch too but he was gone to do something for work. Anyway, back to me, I thought to myself, "I am so good to me." I mean, how many others were making themselves a hot ham and cheese sandwich for lunch? I know! About the time I smiled at me for being so good to me, I realized that probably wasn't the best motto. Especially for someone who calls herself a Christian.
I've also been struggling with my prayer times lately. A discussion on prayer at Bible Study Wednesday night had me completely convicted and absolutely humbled. I'm not praying like I should be. So, I asked God about it. What is my deal God? Me.
I was afraid He was gonna say that. He said, "Becky, how are you going to lift up My Name when you are always lifting up yours?" He was right. What do you do when the idol you put before God is yourself? I have exalted myself in my heart and I must "tear down" the high places or idols in my heart.
Drive out all the inhabitants of the land before you. Destroy all their carved images and their cast idols, and demolish all their high places. Numbers 33:52
This is God's first instruction to the Isrealites when they enter the Promised Land. We can view our "Promised Land" as the glorious inheritance God has for us. God has wonderful things for us in this life and the next. But I can't live in my Promised Land and experience all that God has planned for me if I can't tear down the high places. I can not worship anyone else - not even myself.
He must become greater; I must become less. John 3:30
He must become greater; I must become less. This is my prayer. I am going to have to take action though. Less "me" time and more time with God. More prayer. More reading His Word. More praising Him. More of me on my face before Him. Me humbled. Him lifted up.
Here is a beautiful picture of The Most High God from Daniel:
[Daniel 7:9-10]
As I looked, the thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him [Daniel is speaking about the angels]; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.
[v.11-12 speaks about the fate of Satan and his demons]
Then I continued to watch because of the boastful words the horn was speaking. I kept looking until the beast was slain and its body destroyed and thrown into the blazing fire. (The other beasts had been stripped of their authority; but were allowed to live for a period of time.)
[v. 13-14 speaks about Christ]
In my vision at night I looked and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
I love this image! I am in awe of God's power and authority. He is just awesome! I am so thankful that we have this image to give us a glimpse of His awesomeness. And to remind me how unawesome I am! Less of me. More of Him. He is worthy!!
I've also been struggling with my prayer times lately. A discussion on prayer at Bible Study Wednesday night had me completely convicted and absolutely humbled. I'm not praying like I should be. So, I asked God about it. What is my deal God? Me.
I was afraid He was gonna say that. He said, "Becky, how are you going to lift up My Name when you are always lifting up yours?" He was right. What do you do when the idol you put before God is yourself? I have exalted myself in my heart and I must "tear down" the high places or idols in my heart.
Drive out all the inhabitants of the land before you. Destroy all their carved images and their cast idols, and demolish all their high places. Numbers 33:52
This is God's first instruction to the Isrealites when they enter the Promised Land. We can view our "Promised Land" as the glorious inheritance God has for us. God has wonderful things for us in this life and the next. But I can't live in my Promised Land and experience all that God has planned for me if I can't tear down the high places. I can not worship anyone else - not even myself.
He must become greater; I must become less. John 3:30
He must become greater; I must become less. This is my prayer. I am going to have to take action though. Less "me" time and more time with God. More prayer. More reading His Word. More praising Him. More of me on my face before Him. Me humbled. Him lifted up.
Here is a beautiful picture of The Most High God from Daniel:
[Daniel 7:9-10]
As I looked, the thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him [Daniel is speaking about the angels]; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.
[v.11-12 speaks about the fate of Satan and his demons]
Then I continued to watch because of the boastful words the horn was speaking. I kept looking until the beast was slain and its body destroyed and thrown into the blazing fire. (The other beasts had been stripped of their authority; but were allowed to live for a period of time.)
[v. 13-14 speaks about Christ]
In my vision at night I looked and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
I love this image! I am in awe of God's power and authority. He is just awesome! I am so thankful that we have this image to give us a glimpse of His awesomeness. And to remind me how unawesome I am! Less of me. More of Him. He is worthy!!
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