Sunday, August 23, 2009

Never satisfied!

July 25, 2007
I just finished reading Isaiah from The Message – it took me three months, to the day. There is so much to absorb! I know I didn’t get everything You wanted me to, but I do praise You for Your Word. It is always alive and powerful to meet our needs and to accomplish Your purposes.

Keep me in Your Word. Teach me always. Forgive my pride. Keep me humble before You. Cleanse me from all sin. Open my eyes to see truth and know it when I see it. Enable me to apply it to myself and to know when and what to share with others.

Here I am – wanting even more. Am I never satisfied? You are here. Always. I just can’t see You with my physical eyes. You actually live in this body of mine. Is that a miracle or not? It is! Thank you for abiding in me. Keep me mindful of this amazing truth as I live this day.

Bless me Lord, and accept my love and worship as my gift to You.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Keep guard over your lips and your pen

July 20, 2007

Matthew 12:34 – “for out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” (NIV)
“It’s your heart, not the dictionary, that gives meaning to your words.” (Message)

This verse from The Message was written in one of my birthday cards. It is so true. The heart reveals its true self when we speak or write our words. I pray that You keep guard over my lips and my pen. That my words honor You and speak truth with love. Thank You for using my friend to point out this verse.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Praise Park

July 18, 2007
Isaiah 60
God, You are calling Your people. The Jews back to your city, Jerusalem. “Get out of bed, Jerusalem! Wake up! Put your face in the sunlight. God’s bright glory has risen for you. His sunrise. Glory breaks over you.”

Then You go on to describe the return of Your people to the land you gave them. And all other nations coming too, to honor them with gifts and riches. V 16 You want the very best for Your people. No more leftovers and hand-me-downs.

You will install Peace and Righteousness. No more crime running rampant in the streets. V. 18 “You’ll name your main street “Salvation Way” and install “Praise Park.” (I like that). V. 22 The runt will become the great trive. The weakling becomes the strong nation because You are God and at the right time all this will happen.

I think of how despised, hated, and looked down on Israel is today and has been for centuries. This will all change. They will see the Savior and recognize Him as Your Anointed One, and all will be changed.

In the meantime, Jesus, have mercy on Your people. Protect this tiny nation set in the center of all their enemies. Keep America and England as allies and supporters of Israel. May we never desert them.

The power of Your promises are not diminished, not one bit. Praise You. The Lord who is Forever Faithful – even to Your unfaithful people.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Obedience or disobedience?

July 9, 2007

Jonah – God gave a message to Jonah. He was ordered to go to Ninevah and preach to them. He chose Jonah specifically. On purpose! He called him by name.

Jonah got up and went the opposite way – ignoring God’s orders. He did as he pleased. When the storm raged and the boat was in great distress the sailors had called to their gods and threw everything overboard to no avail. The captain told Jonah to pray to his god for their rescue. When Jonah drew the short straw, they questioned him. “Why this disaster? What is your work? Where do you come from? What country? What family? What have you done, Jonah?

Jonah told them to throw him overboard. They tried to row. They didn’t want to toss him out. But eventually, after they prayed to God, they did. They prayed, pleading not to be held accountable for Jonah’s sin, and then said to God, “Do as You think best.”

Immediately after throwing Jonah overboard the seas quieted. The sailors were impressed and in awe of God. They worshiped God, sacrificed and made promises.

Then Jonah prayed from the belly of the whale, confessing, “I was as far as a body can go, held tight, tangled in seaweed” and God pulled him up from the grave alive. He worshiped God calling out in thanksgiving and promising, “I’ll do what I promised.”

After the whale vomited Jonah onto the seashore, Jonah went to Ninevah and preached, and the whole city repented and believed. This made Jonah mad too, complaining that he knew God would be merciful and change His mind. It was okay for Jonah to change his mind, but not God.

We are strange creatures, so inconsistent. We want to be in charge. But oh, the messes we make. I am so grateful for Your mercy and patience with us – with me. Thank you, God. Give me a heart that is obedient the first time. Someone said that delayed obedience is disobedience – sin.

What faces me today that I need to be obedient in? “I love you Lord, and I lift my voice. To worship You, oh my soul rejoice. Take joy my King in what you hear. May it be a sweet, sweet song in your ear.”