Great Message

Something to Chew On

“But there is another truth at work here as well, something else that you must face up to: it is not an accident that you are right here, right now. God has chosen and arranged for you to live precisely where and when you are living. It can be hard to grasp, but the God who is the ultimate source of wisdom, power, and love has exercised  all three of these limitless attributes to place you where you are today. In Acts 17 Paul says of God that “he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else ... and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live” (vv. 25–26). God chose for me to be alive in this period of history. He alone determines the day of my death. And he decided exactly where I would live!”


“It is admittedly difficult to greet hardships as a testimony to God’s wisdom, power, and love, but that is exactly what they are. The only reason we find it hard is because the “good” we seek and hope for is different from the good that God is accomplishing through the difficulties that come our way.”


Excerpt From: Paul David Tripp. “Broken-Down House.” iBooks.
This material may be protected by copyright.

Check out this book on the iBookstore: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/broken-down-house/id449938677?mt=11

Praise Him!

What an awesome thing to be reminded each and every day! I love the truth that I am forgiven and washed clean! Wonderful...no words to express!

Forgiven and Forgiving

How wonderful to hear that from Jesus Himself. This is what the Lord himself said to the paralytic. This was a man who could not go to Jesus himself. His friends carried him on a stretcher to the Lord. When no entrance was found, they cut a hole in the roof and lowered him down in front of the Lord. These are the first words the Lord spoke to him, "Friend, your sins are forgiven."

I love the reminder of how much I am forgiven by the Lord. It is something I hope I never get sick of hearing. It fills my heart with joy and gratitude to my wonderful Savior. I want everyone to experience the forgiveness He alone can offer. It is pure, holy, and without defect. There is nothing the Lord hangs onto. He does not bring things up from the past and rub my face in them. Once forgiven...then forgotten. I love this. 

What is hard for me to comprehend is that His forgiveness is what mine should be. He has called me to have this same kind of forgiveness towards others. That is much more difficult to say than it is to put into practice. However, He so wonderfully provides the way for it to become a reality. Just read what He says in the scriptures about it...

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a 

heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one

 another and forgiving one another, if someone happens to have a complaint 

against anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others. 

Colossians 3:12-13

Instead, be kind to one another, compassionate,forgiving one another, 

just as God in Christ also forgave you.

Ephesians 4:32

If I can constantly remember His forgiveness for me, then there is no way I can keep it from anyone else. I have been forgiven so much. I am reflecting His love when I am able to forgive what seems to the world as unforgivable. I am even called to forgive those who repeatedly wrong me.

Watch yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him. If he repents, forgive him. 

Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times returns to 

you saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” 

Luke 17:3-4

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be 

condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you: 

A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be poured into 

your lap. For the measure you use will be the measure you receive.”

Luke 6:37-38

This is not something I can brush aside and pretend like it is not for me. This is important to my God. He cares about this! In fact the way that I approach forgiveness is going to affect my own walk with Him.

For if you forgive others their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 

But if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive you your sins. 

Matthew 6:14-15

“For this reason, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted 

to settle accounts 

with his slaves. As he began settling his accounts, a man who owed ten thousand talents 

was brought to him. Because he was not able to repay it, the lord ordered him to be 

sold, along with his wife, children, and whatever he possessed, and repayment to be made.Then the slave threw himself to the ground before him, saying, ‘Be patient with me, 

and I will repay you everything.’ The lord had compassion on that slave and released him, 

and forgave him the debt. After he went out, that same slave found one of his fellow 

slaves who owed him one hundred silver coins. So he grabbed him by the throat and 

started to choke him, saying, ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ Then his fellow slave threw 

himself down and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will repay you.’ But he 

refused. Instead, he went out and threw him in prison until he repaid the debt. When 

his fellow  slaves saw what had happened, they were very upset and went and told their 

lord everything that had taken place. Then his lord called the first slave and said to him

‘Evil slave! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me! Should you not have 

shown mercy to your fellow slave, just as I showed it to you?’ And in anger his lord turned 

him over to the prison guards to torture him until he repaid all he owed. So also my 

heavenly Father will do to you, if each of you does not forgive your brother from your heart.”

Matthew 18: 23-35

This is a huge call. A call to not hold grudges, not be angry with those who wrong us, not keep accounts, and to constantly have an attitude of forgiveness. 

Whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, 

so that your Father in heaven will also forgive you your sins.” 

Mark 11:25

I have to be honest with myself, there are times when I have not been right with a brother or sister. There have been situation where I have been hurt by another and my flesh rears up in anger. I have been bitter and without any sense of forgiveness. God used this verse in one of those moments to convict me of those things in my heart. I was humbled and thankful for His guidance. That day I was able to have restoration in a relationship very dear to me. I listened to His voice and obeyed. I tell you, His way is so much better than ours! It was a wonderful testimony of His will being so much better than my own.

If you forgive anyone for anything, I also forgive him – for indeed what I have 

forgiven (if I have forgiven anything) I did so for you in the presence of Christ, 

so that we may not be exploited by Satan (for we are not ignorant of his schemes). 

2 Corinthians 2:10-11

Let this speak for itself and sink in...

Music to My Heart

Here are some more songs I have found. I am such a music lover and often worship songs speak deeply to my heart.

What I am Reading Now

“So grace is a story and grace is a gift. It is God’s character and it is your hope. Grace is a transforming tool and a state of relationship. Grace is a theology and an invitation. Grace is an experience and a calling. Grace will turn your life upside down while giving you a rest you have never known. Grace will convince you of your unworthiness without ever making you feel unloved.
Grace will make you acknowledge that you cannot earn God’s favor, and it will remove your fear of not measuring up to his standards. Grace will confront you with the fact that you are much less than you thought you were, even as it assures you that you can be far more than you had ever imagined. Grace will put you in your place without ever putting you down.

Grace will enable you to face truths about yourself that you have hesitated to consider, while freeing you from being self-consciously introspective. Grace will confront you with profound weaknesses, and at the same time introduce you to new-found strength. Grace will tell you what you aren’t, while welcoming you to what you can now be. Grace will make you as uncomfortable as you have ever been, while offering you more comfort than you have ever known. Grace will drive you to the end of yourself, while it invites you to fresh starts and new beginnings. Grace will dash your hopes, but never leave you hopeless. Grace will decimate your kingdom as it introduces you to a better King. Grace will expose your blindness as it gives you eyes to see. Grace will make you sadder than you have ever been, while it gives you greater cause for celebration than you have ever known.

Grace enters your life in a moment and will occupy you for eternity. You simply cannot live a productive life in this broken-down world unless you have a practical grasp of the grace you have been given.”

Listen to the online sermon by the author, Paul Tripp: Uncomfortable Grace

Excerpt From: Paul David Tripp. “Broken-Down House.” iBooks.
This material may be protected by copyright.

Check out this book on the iBookstore: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/broken-down-house/id449938677?mt=11

Follow the Good Shepherd

I was asked today what animal would most represent me. I answered: a deer. Why? It is flighty, easily spooked, and a bit skid-dish. I thought it described me well, that is until I began to look at some passages about the Good Shepherd and the sheep. I have corrected my thinking a bit. I am most like a sheep!

Sheep are spooked easily. They are runners. They flee from danger. When they sense fear, they run off in all directions. They are by nature a flock animal. They become stressed if they cannot see other sheep nearby or are isolated. Sheep are followers. They are "hard-wired" from birth to follow. Sheep will follow the herd to their own demise without thinking about it. Sheep have little ability to defend themselves. They can die from panic itself. They are prone to disease and parasites. Both internal and external parasites are common in sheep. Many are fatal to the sheep itself or the reproduction of the flock.

Sheep and people don't seem so much alike at first glance. So why do I see myself as a sheep in need of a shepherd. Simply because the Bible says so.

All of us had wandered off like sheep;

each of us had strayed off on his own path,

but the Lord caused the sin of all of us to attack him. 

Isaiah 53:6

Then we, your people, the sheep of your pasture,

will continually thank you. 

We will tell coming generations of your praiseworthy acts. 

Psalm 79:13

The Bible is filled with the imagery of sheep and their shepherd. We are called His sheep many times. Why? In those days in the Middle East, sheep herding was a very common vocation. Sheep were very important to the economy and there were many of them. The patriarchs were all shepherds. I did not know this until today! Why wouldn't God use an illustration that would directly apply to their lives? I love how He uses things we recognize and are familiar with to teach us about Himself. Unfortunately in the passage of time, and in a culture distanced from this lifestyle, some of the meaning can be lost. If we are like sheep, and God is like a shepherd, then there is reason to look into this whole herding thing a little deeper. 

The Lord is my shepherd,

I lack nothing. 

He takes me to lush pastures, 

he leads me to refreshing water. 

He restores my strength. 

He leads me down the right paths 

for the sake of his reputation. 

Even when I must walk through the darkest valley, 

I fear no danger, 

for you are with me; 

your rod and your staff reassure me. 

You prepare a feast before me 

in plain sight of my enemies. 

You refresh my head with oil; 

my cup is completely full. 

Surely your goodness and faithfulness will pursue me all my days,

and I will live in the Lord’s house for the rest of my life. 

Psalm 23:1-6 

Shepherds are important to the flock. They would provide everything that the sheep would need. Sheep must be lead to food, so the shepherd finds lush pastures. Sheep get startled by moving water, so a shepherd would lead them to pools of still water. Often the path to a pasture would be between farm lands where sheep were forbidden to eat. The shepherd had to lead them carefully from one place to another. Often the shepherd would lead and a heifer would take up the rear to lead them through the narrow paths.

Yet do not depart quickly

or leave in a panic.

For the Lord goes before you;

the God of Israel is your rear guard. 

Isaiah 52:12

I  love this image of the Lord being not only the shepherd that leads us, but God is also the one who takes up the rear. He goes before and behind us! What protection! What security! I should not to panic like a sheep who finds himself alone, instead I should listen and look for my shepherd who is undoubtedly seeking me.

A shepherd would also carry the weak and young lambs as the flock moves from one place to another. Those who weren't able to keep up with the rest because they were too weak, sick, or small would have the privileged of riding in the shepherds arms close to his chest.

Like a shepherd he tends his flock;
he gathers up the lambs with his arm;
he carries them close to his heart;
he leads the ewes along. 

Isaiah 40:11

Sheep are prone to get different diseases, but their most common threat is parasites both external and internal. Sheep do not show signs of illness outwardly and  have to be tended to with great care and attention in order to keep the flock healthy. Shepherds care for the wounded, sickly, and weak among the flock. The most commonly used medicine in Bible times would have been olive oil. In fact there is a parasite that lives within their sinus cavities that is only treatable with oil!  I love the phrase in Psalm 23: "You refresh my head with oil." God tends to our wounds. He heals us from the inside out. Think of all the internal and external "parasites" that we are faced with. It is such a comfort to know that the Good Shepherd is working on keeping me healthy by getting rid of those thing. He is protecting me and applying medicine to my wounds. Wonderful.....

He heals the brokenhearted,

and bandages their wounds.

Psalms 147:3

Shepherds provide protection against predators and robbers. A good shepherd would risk his life to protect the sheep.They provide shelter and safety. They watch out for the flock and keep track of each sheep. The sheep would find rest and protection in the fold where the shepherd lay guard and at watch during the night.

“I tell you the solemn truth, the one who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs in some other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. The doorkeeper opens the door for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought all his own sheep out, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they recognize his voice. They will never follow a stranger, but will run away from him, because they do not recognize the stranger’s voice.” Jesus told them this parable, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. So Jesus said to them again, “I tell you the solemn truth, I am the door for the sheep. All who came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters through me, he will be saved, and will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come so that they may have life, and may have it abundantly. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not a shepherd and does not own sheep, sees the wolf coming and abandons the sheep and runs away. So the wolf attacks the sheep and scatters them. Because he is a hired hand and is not concerned about the sheep, he runs away. “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me – just as the Father knows me and I know the Father – and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not come from this sheepfold. I must bring them too, and they will listen to my voice, so that there will be one flock and one shepherd. This is why the Father loves me– because I lay down my life, so that I may take it back again. No one takes it away from me, but I lay it down of my own free will. I have the authority to lay it down, and I have the authority to take it back again. This commandment I received from my Father.” 

                                                                             John 10:1-18

My sheep listen to my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them 

eternal life, and they will never perish; no one will snatch them from my hand. 

My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can snatch 

them from my Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” 

John 10:27-30

A good shepherd did not only care for the physical needs of the sheep. He had a tender affection for each one. To this day, shepherds still give each sheep a name.They each have a special call that their sheep know. The sheep know their shepherd's voice and face. Shepherds know their flocks well. They can identify their sheep with ease and know without counting that one is missing.  They pursue the missing one to restore it to the flock. What a wonderful picture of my Lord! 

I have wandered off like a lost sheep. 

Come looking for your servant,

for I do not forget your commands. 

Psalm 119:176

Sadly, there are times when this is a description of me. I am so thankful to have a better understanding of what a shepherd does. I love reading stories about shepherds and learning their history because it helps me to understand my own Good Shepherd better. I so long to be in His fold. I am more thankful than ever for His hand of protection and guidance. The visual image of the shepherd carrying the weak is so precious to me. 

For you were going astray like sheep but now you have turned back to 

the shepherd and guardian of your souls. 

1 Peter 2:25

The Word of God uses rod and staff many times to depict God's guidance and discipline. A shepherd would carry a staff with him as he tended the sheep. The staff was made of wood and usually had a crook in one end that could be used to hook the sheep around a leg or the neck. He could use this to rescue them from peril or to guide them back onto the path. The rod was the long part of the staff which was used to protect the sheep. There was often nails embedded into the end which would be used as a weapon against predators. As the sheep entered the fold, they would pass under the staff. 

Even when I must walk through the darkest valley,

I fear no danger,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff reassure me. 

Psalm 23:4

I find it interesting that Moses was to carry a staff as he led the people out of Israel. What a neat picture of our Savior. He led them through the wilderness and gave them food, water, and protection. He guided them with the pillar of fire and smoke. He led them through the narrow paths and dark valleys. The whole time leading them with a man who carried a staff. So neat. 

Yet he brought out his people like sheep;

he led them through the wilderness like a flock. 

Psalm 78:52

For this is what the sovereign Lord says: "Look, I myself will search for my sheep and seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his scattered sheep, so I will seek out my flock. I will rescue them from all the places where they have been scattered on a cloudy, dark day. I will bring them out from among the peoples and gather them from foreign countries; I will bring them to their own land. I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the streams and all the inhabited places of the land. In a good pasture I will feed them; the mountain heights of Israel will be their pasture. There they will lie down in a lush pasture, and they will feed on rich grass on the mountains of Israel. I myself will feed my sheep and I myself will make them lie down, declares the sovereign Lord. I will seek the lost and bring back the strays; I will bandage the injured and strengthen the sick..."

 Ezekiel 34:11-16

I am aware that this passage has nothing to do with me. I am not part of Israel, but I do have the same God. He is the same today as He was then. Seeing His compassion and care for the nation of Israel is so precious. This is my God. I love to read about how much He loves His people. I know He loves me this way too. Scripture is clear...

So Jesus told them this parable: “Which one of you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, would not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go look for the one that is lost until he finds it? Then when he has found it, he places it on his shoulders,rejoicing. Returning home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, telling them,‘Rejoice with me, because I have found my sheep that was lost.’ tell you, in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need to repent.

 Luke 15:3-7

Oh how much He loves each and every one of us. Look at the joy that He had the day I was saved. Look at the joy He has when I realize I am wandering and repenting I turn to my Shepherd! 

Now may the God of peace who by the blood of the eternal covenant brought 

back from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep, our Lord Jesus Christ, equip

 you with every good thing to do his will, working in us what is pleasing before

 him through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever. Amen. 

Hebrews 13:20-21

They will never go hungry or be thirsty again, and the sun will not beat down on them, nor any burning heat, because the Lamb in the middle of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

 Revelations 7:16-17

Sources:
www.Wikepedia.com
www.Sheep101.info
www.bible-history.com
www.netbible.org

Word of Encouragement

The Lord is working and is faithful. I am struggling through a few different things in the works. At the moment I have no words to share, but would like to encourage you to be in the Word. Seek the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind. He will do great things! I know this to be true because He promises it! Please share how the Lord is working in your life. I would love to hear it. We all need a little encouragement from time to time...ok, I need a lot! May your day be blessed with something wonderful from the Lord.

Here is a song to encourage dependence on the Lord. I have become so aware of my need for Him, not just every hour, but each and every moment!

Don't Forget to Give Thanks

Thankfulness is the theme of the day. I am so blessed by my Lord. He is good. Again, the Lord brought to mind something to think on for the day. As I went to sleep last night I began to realize how much I need to be thankful to the Lord. Thankfulness does not come naturally. I kid you not, I began this post last night with one simple word...thankfulness. Today I open up a daily devotion I read now and again. What is the title? Gratitude!

Here is the passage:

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the 

Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 5:20

Love that He is so gently guiding me through these things. I love that He reaffirms them through little nudges here and there. I feel embraced by my Father in such an incredible way. My heart is overflowing with joy and thankfulness in this moment! Thankful He isn't satisfied to leave me where I am. Thankful He loves me enough to draw me even closer. Thankful for His grace and mercy. Thankful I am His...

Always rejoice, constantly pray, in everything give thanks.
For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Let the peace of Christ be in control in your heart
(for you were in fact called as one body to this peace), and be thankful.
Colossians 3:15

So since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us give thanks,
and through this let us offer worship pleasing to God in devotion and awe.
Hebrews 12:28

Therefore, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live
your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and firm in your faith just
as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Colossians 2:6-7

Lord, please teach me to be thankful. Let your love develop in me a spirit of gratitude for all things in my life. Let me be thankful for everything, good and bad. 

Beautifully Broken

I desire beauty in the truest sense. In the way God says it. This is a new concept for me. The Lord brought it to my attention with one momentary thought. It could have been so harmless, but because I have sought His heart, it broke mine! In one thought I realized that there was a part of me that had not been conformed to the mind of Christ. So I searched the Word to renew my mind... 

Who can find a wife of noble character?
For her value is far more than rubies.
The heart of her husband has confidence in her,
and he has no lack of gain.
She brings him good and not evil
all the days of her life.
Proverbs 31:10-11

In the same way, wives, be subject to your own husbands. Then even if some are disobedient to the word, they will be won over without a word by the way you live, when they see your pure and reverent conduct. Let your beauty not be external – the braiding of hair and wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes – but the inner person of the heart, the lasting beauty of a gentle and tranquil spirit, which is precious in God’s sight. For in the same way the holy women who hoped in God long ago adorned themselves by being subject to their husbands, like Sarah who obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. You become her children when you do what is good and have no fear in doing so. 

                                                                 1 Peter 3:1-6

“Woe to you, experts in the law and you Pharisees, hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs that look beautiful on the outside but inside are full of the bones of the dead and of everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you look righteous to people, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. 

                                                                    Matthew 23:27-28

Likewise  the women are to dress in suitable apparel, with modesty and self-control. Their adornment must not be  with braided hair and gold or pearls or expensive clothing, but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess reverence for God. A woman must learn quietly with all submissiveness.

                                                                              1 Timothy 2:9-11

These verses cut to the core of who I "think" I am. In all honesty, according to what is said in scripture, I would not be so beautiful in God's eyes. It digs deep into the dark recesses of my soul, revealing the ugliness of my own thoughts. Pride masquerades in so many different forms.

I have been forced to deal with reality. I had a moment of sheer ugliness. A thought that seemed so unlike me...a judgement out of a critical, self-righteous spirit. It was so clear. In that moment God gently whispered...Honey, these are all external things. Don't you remember that I care about what is in the heart?

In that moment I had clarity. It was sickening to see it so clearly.

I am superficial. I do judge based on outward appearance. I put far too much weight on my own outward appearance.

Seeing my true self as God does...ouch! It hurts. It is ugly. It is messy. I asked for this. I am thankful for His gentle guidance and gracious truth. I am thankful He is too jealous of me to leave me this way. I want to see the world around me as He does. My whole being wants to change to be more like my Savior. I desire God's view of beauty in the way I see others and myself. Truth is so much better.

Broken...a bit. Crushed...nearly. Hope...absolutely. The Lord is good. He knows our hearts and what we need to come to that place of dependence on Him. I know that in my brokenness there is hope for His beauty to shine through.


Lord, give me your eyes. Let me see things like you see them. Let me find beauty in the things you make beautiful. Help me to be adorned with inner beauty. Help me to fear you, love you, and obey you. I desire that inner beauty that only you can give. Let me see beauty as you do despite the culture I find myself in. Burn away everything that breaks your heart in my thoughts, heart, and life, then replace those things with You. Make me more like you because you are beautiful!

Totally Forgiven

Working out those things in our lives that are in opposition to God can be very difficult. It is painful to realize that there have been thought process, bad habits, or habitual sins that have negatively affected my relationship with the Lord. It can be overwhelming and consuming. Through this process of self examination I was gently reminded by the Lord to remember His forgiveness. It is one thing to realize an area of weakness, but it is altogether different to be broken before the Lord, cry out for forgiveness, and allow Him to heal the wound. How easy it is to try to do all these things in my own strength and energy. We can be crushed by the things that are brought out in us, or we can acknowledge them and cast them on the Lord.

Today was a day focused on the blessings I have in the Lord. I am thankful for all He has given me. I am thankful that He is willing to bring me through these tough things. It is good to face reality and be humbled by truth. It is altogether wonderful to know that even though I might fail, He has and will always forgive me. I am no longer condemned. He is my loving Father. I am His child. That is wonderful news. This truth needs to be in my mind every day. It will keep the guilt and shame from creeping in and stealing the joy that is mine in the Lord. The very first thing I read today was found in a devotional app. It was on forgiveness and was just what I needed to hear. Not to mention that I had planned before I went to bed to spend much time on this subject today. I cannot speak the words any better than scripture itself...

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:1

He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Colossians 1:13-14

“This is the covenant that I will establish with them after those days, says the Lord. I will put my laws on their hearts and I will inscribe them on their minds,” then he says, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no longer.” Now where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.
Hebrews 10:16-18

But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us in all wisdom and insight. He did this when he revealed to us the secret of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, toward the administration of the fullness of the times, to head up all things in Christ – the things in heaven and the things on earth.
Ephesians 1:7-10

And all these things are from God who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and who has given us the ministry of reconciliation. In other words, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting people’s trespasses against them, and he has given us the message of reconciliation. Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His plea through us. We plead with you on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God!” God made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we would become the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 5:18-21
“I tell you the solemn truth, the one who hears my message and believes the one who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned, but has crossed over from death to life.
John 5:24

He is the one who forgives all your sins,
who heals all your diseases,
who delivers your life from the Pit,
who crowns you with his loyal love and compassion,
who satisfies your life with good things,
so your youth is renewed like an eagle’s.
The Lord does what is fair,
and executes justice for all the oppressed.
The Lord revealed his faithful act to Moses,
his deeds to the Israelites.
The Lord is compassionate and merciful
he is patient and demonstrates great loyal love.
He does not always accuse,
and does not stay angry.
He does not deal with us as our sins deserve;
he does not repay us as our misdeeds deserve.
For as the skies are high above the earth,
so his loyal love towers over his faithful followers.
As far as the eastern horizon is from the west,
so he removes the guilt of our rebellious actions from us.
Psalm 103:3-12

Strongholds: Fear

As I begin to desire the Lord's working in my life, it is evident that there needs to be some serious self-examination. There are things that the Lord is drawing to my attention that I have not seen before. Word of warning: if you want to be changed and pray for it...get ready!

Fear...

For God did not give us a Spirit of fear
but of power and love and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:7

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery leading again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself bears witness to our spirit that we are God’s children. And if children, then heirs (namely, heirs of God and also fellow heirs with Christ) – if indeed we suffer with him so we may also be glorified with him.
Romans 8:14-17

By this love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment, because just as Jesus is, so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears punishment has not been perfected in love. We love because he loved us first.
1 John 4:17-19

 

Clearly the fears of this world are not of the Lord. I fear and worry about far too many things. This is not the spirit of God. His desire is that we would be free from the fears of the world. Do I trust the Lord? Do I really believe what He says? Who do I think is in control? In all honesty I believe I have been the one who I trusted. I believed I was in control. Wrong! What a slap in the face for my Savior! I have an arrogant heart masked by fear and worry. Reality check...

Let us carefully examine our ways,
and let us return to the Lord.
Let us lift up our hearts and our hands
to God in heaven:
Lamentations 3:40-41

Okay so I have admitted that fear is an issue. Now what?

I sought the Lord’s help and he answered me;

  he delivered me from all my fears.
Psalm 34:4

I have called on your name, O Lord,
from the deepest pit.You heard my plea:
“Do not close your ears to my cry for relief!”
You came near on the day I called to you;
you said, “Do not fear!”
Lamentations 3:56-57

Cry out to the Lord. Seek His help. Plea with the Lord for His relief. 

The Lord is good to those who trust in him,
to the one who seeks him. It is good to wait patiently
for deliverance from the Lord.
Lamentations 3:25-26

Even when I must walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no danger,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff reassure me.
Psalms 24:3

The Lord’s angel camps around the Lord’s loyal followers and delivers them.
Psalms 34:7

The Lord answers...Do not be afraid. Seek shelter in me.

The Lord is good. He is a protector. He is powerful. He is GOD! He is with me always. He wants to deliver me! Why should fear have any place in my life? The only one I should be fearing is the Lord Himself!

The Lord is good –
indeed, he is a fortress in time of distress,
and he protects those who seek refuge in him.
Nahum 1:7
 

The Lord’s loyal kindness never ceases; his compassions never end.
They are fresh every morning; your faithfulness is abundant!
“My portion is the Lord,” I have said to myself, so I will put my hope in him.
Lamentations 3:22-24

As for you, the one who lives in the shelter of the sovereign One,
and resides in the protective shadow of the mighty king –
I say this about the Lord, my shelter and my stronghold,
my God in whom I trust –
he will certainly rescue you from the snare of the hunter
and from the destructive plague.
He will shelter you with his wings;
you will find safety under his wings.
His faithfulness is like a shield or a protective wall.
You need not fear the terrors of the night,
the arrow that flies by day,
the plague that comes in the darkness
or the disease that comes at noon.
Though a thousand may fall beside you,
and a multitude on your right side,
it will not reach you.
Certainly you will see it with your very own eyes –
you will see the wicked paid back.
For you have taken refuge in the Lord,
my shelter, the sovereign One.
No harm will overtake you;
no illness will come near your home.
For he will order his angels
to protect you in all you do.
They will lift you up in their hands,
so you will not slip and fall on a stone.
You will subdue a lion and a snake;
you will trample underfoot a young lion and a serpent.
The Lord says,
“Because he is devoted to me, I will deliver him;
I will protect him because he is loyal to me.
When he calls out to me, I will answer him.
I will be with him when he is in trouble;
I will rescue him and bring him honor.
I will satisfy him with long life,
and will let him see my salvation.
Psalm 91

The Monster of Pride

Outward beauty hiding an internal stench
Service to others with a selfish bent
Praising God for my success
Changing externals to impress
Obedience with a grumbling heart
Doing my best to look the part
Seeking fulfillment in people and things
Forgetting to seek the Lord and the peace He brings
Seeking peace through a judgmental spirit
Speaking the truth while unwilling to hear it
Gaining my patience impatiently
Externally loving hiding internal animosity
Boasting in God while praising myself
Hoping in strength, people, and health
Always denying the enemy inside
Deceived by and blinded by pride

~C.S

Let me tell you how hard it is to post such a truthful thing about myself. It is hard to admit my faults before others, but I know it is what the Lord is calling me to. In order to get real with God, I first needed to get real with myself. My whole life as a christian has been marred by pride. It is my ever constant companion. It is harmful to every good thing in life. It sabotages relationships, seeks to be the center of attention, creates disunity, allows for self-righteous thinking, justifies wrong actions, and most of all it takes my eyes and trust off the Lord. In our culture of self reliance and focus on our successes and strengths, I think we learn to trust in ourselves. I know this is all to true for my own life. 

Pride questions God. 

It exalts itself above God and others.

It lies and deceives. 

It traps and ensnares us.  

It makes us wise in our own eyes. 

It is disgraceful.

It is evil, wicked, and destructive.

It opposes God.

It is sin.

God says it is an abomination.

Is there any question that pride is a huge problem? I think not. The Lord has been revealing the ugliness of the pride in my own life. My flesh will find a way to be prideful in every situation. It is pathetic, but I have hope that God is working. I am changing. It is exciting.

There are too many scripture passages to post on pride, so I will keep it to a limited number. For a more exhaustive study, simply search for words like pride, proud, humble, humility, and lowly in the Bible. It is clear that God knows the issues of man. 

God sees pride as a big deal. 

Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; Assuredly, he will not be unpunished.
Proverbs 16:5 (NASB)

He said, “What comes out of a person defiles him. For from within, out of the human heart, come evil ideas,sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, evil, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander,pride, and folly. All these evils come from within and defile a person.”
Mark 7:20-23 (NET)

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him, because all that is in the world (the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the arrogance produced by material possessions) is not from the Father, but is from the world. And the world is passing away with all its desires, but the person who does the will of God remains forever.
1 John 2:16-17 (NET)

Pride goes before destruction,and a haughty spirit before a fall.
Proverbs 16:18 (NET)

A person’s pride will bring him low, but one who has a lowly spirit will gain honor.
Proverbs 29:23 (NET)

I don't feel the need to say much on the subject of pride, probably because it is such a large issue of my own. I feel that the Word of God is sufficient. Here is some encouragement and exhortation from the word of God on the issue.

In the same way, you who are younger,be subject to the elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. And God will exalt you in due time, if you humble yourselves under his mighty hand by casting all your cares on him because he cares for you. Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour. Resist him, strong in your faith, because you know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are enduring the same kinds of suffering. And, after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory in Christ will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 

 1 Peter 5:5-10 (NET)

But he gives greater grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but he gives grace to the humble.” So submit to God. But resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and make your hearts pure, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn, and weep. Turn your laughter into mourning and your joy into despair. Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will exalt you. 

James 4:6-10 (NET)

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” 

                                                                                                Luke 14:11 (NET)

The Lord lifts up the oppressed,but knocks the wicked to the ground. 

                                Proverbs 147:6 (NET)

I understand the difficulty of admitting pride in your life. Believe me, the Lord brought me to my knees on this one. It was a painful process and still is. I have not gained mastery over this in my life. I am not so sure I ever will, but I know He is there beside me. I know the Lord forgives me each time I acknowledge that pride. He knew this would be a struggle of mine. Here are a few last words of encouragement from the Word.

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:12-17

Listen to this sermon on Humble Pride.
v§Humble Pride