33 33 Teach me your decrees, O Lord;
I will keep them to the end.
34 Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions;
I will put them into practice with all my heart.
35 Make me walk along the path of your commands,
for that is where my happiness is found.
36 Give me an eagerness for your laws
rather than a love for money!
37 Turn my eyes from worthless things,
and give me life through your word.[b]
38 Reassure me of your promise,
made to those who fear you.
39 Help me abandon my shameful ways;
for your regulations are good.
40 I long to obey your commandments!
Renew my life with your goodness.
Psalm 119:33-40
Commentary of Psalm 119:33-40 by Matthew Henry:
Teach me thy statutes, not the mere words, but the way of applying them to myself. God, by his Spirit, gives a right understanding. But the Spirit of revelation in the word will not suffice, unless we have the Spirit of wisdom in the heart. God puts his Spirit within us, causing us to walk in his statutes. The sin here prayed against is covetousness. Those that would have the love of God rooted in them, must get the love of the world rooted out; for the friendship of the world is enmity with God. Quicken me in thy way; to redeem time, and to do every duty with liveliness of spirit. Beholding vanity deadens us, and slackens our pace; a traveller must not stand gazing upon every object that presents itself to his view. The promises of God's word greatly relate to the preservation of the true believer. When Satan has drawn a child of God into worldly compliances, he will reproach him with the falls into which he led him. Victory must come from the cross of Christ. When we enjoy the sweetness of God's precepts, it will make us long for more acquaintance with them. And where God has wrought to will, he will work to do.
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet
and a light for my path.
Psalm 119:105
Real-talk. Where I'm at.
I am a traveller.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
To the God who Fulfills
Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me,
for in you my soul takes refuge;
in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge,
till the storms of destruction pass by.
2 I cry out to God Most High,
to God who fulfills his purpose for me.
Psalm 57: 1-2
This is my prayer today as I have been in a struggle that seems to have taken most of my energy (attention, focus, determination). To be honest, I feel I am in the biggest battle of my life thus far..for hope, faith, love. Each of these are majorly important (1 Cor 13:13). I have been tried in each of these areas lately. I suppose everyone experiences this to some degree. Sometimes I win, but most of the time I lose...at least in my heart. I may "Do" the right thing, but my inner thoughts only I know.
I am in a place now where I feel I need God the most, but am having a hard time reading His Word and getting in His Presence. How odd is that. I know the solution to my every problem was stated in the previous sentence, but I cannot make myself want Him or do what I need to.
There is a disconnect between my heart and mind. One that knows God sees me and is with me, and the other that feels forgotten..mainly because of my circumstances. Circumstances that I never planned for my life. Expectations not being met in my time. I know the plan God has is bigger than where I am now, but not seeing past today - and honestly not knowing if I will fulfill.
I am a prisoner of routine. Bound by the mundane. Work, eat, sleep, work. My eyes are dim. I am pressed hard to see the light at the end of this season. Why is my soul tied to my circumstances? Is purpose on board in my life? I am on a boat surrounded by fog and I can't see if I am moving forward or anchored. I am laying down in the boat, trying to see, but wanting to sleep all the time.
I have questions. And I don't want to ask them because that would make me admit I really feel this way. Am I of no consequence to you Lord? Do I have anything of value to give? I know I do. But why am I stuck working a secular job? Why this job? Can you see me fading away here everyday as I sit? There is more than this. I know it. What is your purpose for my life? Am I supposed to be happy where I am? Does my voice matter? Do I matter?
It seems like I have answered these questions before in my life. I've already 'gotten through' these things. But now, why do I have the same questions? And, how can I come through this? I am so far away from you in my heart.
On the outside I look fine. Still standing and serving. At times, I feel my worries lift and I am free to be myself. But in my everyday life, I feel alone and find anger and heartache as my companions.
No one can help me but you God. I feel like I can't even stand anymore. Have mercy on me O God and rescue me. I cry out with all the strength in my heart, to the God who fulfills His purpose for me. I would like to be in Your Presence again. And just stay there. What a wonderful thing to be in the very Presence of God. I've been there. I've felt it. All burdens lifted. All fear gone. Loved greatly. Purpose on board.
But I don't want to go on like this. Only You can navigate the deep waters of my heart. Please bring peace to my storm. Without you I am nothing. This is a 'Me and You' thing. No one else can fix me. I know you see me, even now. What am I to do? Help me to find purpose in this short life of mine. My days are numbered. Bring me into truth. Guide me into the light. You are My God.
Speak to my heart. What is going on? I am sea sick. Have I done wrong in your eyes? Did I make a mistake that side-railed me from what you have for me and now here I am left to die? I know you wouldn't leave me to die, but why do I feel this way? I need to be close now, more than ever. I can't fulfill the purpose You have for me. Only You can. Please help me.
Lead me into green pastures again. By the still water. To commune with you. I know of no other answer than You. Rescue me. Bring me out of this. Not my will but Yours be done O God who fulfills.
for in you my soul takes refuge;
in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge,
till the storms of destruction pass by.
2 I cry out to God Most High,
to God who fulfills his purpose for me.
Psalm 57: 1-2
This is my prayer today as I have been in a struggle that seems to have taken most of my energy (attention, focus, determination). To be honest, I feel I am in the biggest battle of my life thus far..for hope, faith, love. Each of these are majorly important (1 Cor 13:13). I have been tried in each of these areas lately. I suppose everyone experiences this to some degree. Sometimes I win, but most of the time I lose...at least in my heart. I may "Do" the right thing, but my inner thoughts only I know.
I am in a place now where I feel I need God the most, but am having a hard time reading His Word and getting in His Presence. How odd is that. I know the solution to my every problem was stated in the previous sentence, but I cannot make myself want Him or do what I need to.
There is a disconnect between my heart and mind. One that knows God sees me and is with me, and the other that feels forgotten..mainly because of my circumstances. Circumstances that I never planned for my life. Expectations not being met in my time. I know the plan God has is bigger than where I am now, but not seeing past today - and honestly not knowing if I will fulfill.
I am a prisoner of routine. Bound by the mundane. Work, eat, sleep, work. My eyes are dim. I am pressed hard to see the light at the end of this season. Why is my soul tied to my circumstances? Is purpose on board in my life? I am on a boat surrounded by fog and I can't see if I am moving forward or anchored. I am laying down in the boat, trying to see, but wanting to sleep all the time.
I have questions. And I don't want to ask them because that would make me admit I really feel this way. Am I of no consequence to you Lord? Do I have anything of value to give? I know I do. But why am I stuck working a secular job? Why this job? Can you see me fading away here everyday as I sit? There is more than this. I know it. What is your purpose for my life? Am I supposed to be happy where I am? Does my voice matter? Do I matter?
It seems like I have answered these questions before in my life. I've already 'gotten through' these things. But now, why do I have the same questions? And, how can I come through this? I am so far away from you in my heart.
On the outside I look fine. Still standing and serving. At times, I feel my worries lift and I am free to be myself. But in my everyday life, I feel alone and find anger and heartache as my companions.
No one can help me but you God. I feel like I can't even stand anymore. Have mercy on me O God and rescue me. I cry out with all the strength in my heart, to the God who fulfills His purpose for me. I would like to be in Your Presence again. And just stay there. What a wonderful thing to be in the very Presence of God. I've been there. I've felt it. All burdens lifted. All fear gone. Loved greatly. Purpose on board.
But I don't want to go on like this. Only You can navigate the deep waters of my heart. Please bring peace to my storm. Without you I am nothing. This is a 'Me and You' thing. No one else can fix me. I know you see me, even now. What am I to do? Help me to find purpose in this short life of mine. My days are numbered. Bring me into truth. Guide me into the light. You are My God.
Speak to my heart. What is going on? I am sea sick. Have I done wrong in your eyes? Did I make a mistake that side-railed me from what you have for me and now here I am left to die? I know you wouldn't leave me to die, but why do I feel this way? I need to be close now, more than ever. I can't fulfill the purpose You have for me. Only You can. Please help me.
Lead me into green pastures again. By the still water. To commune with you. I know of no other answer than You. Rescue me. Bring me out of this. Not my will but Yours be done O God who fulfills.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
In Advance
Joseph
I am inspired to write about Joseph and God's provision. Many times I have heard this story, but what I am about to write has never stuck out to me. God provided the grain for the 7 years of famine, in advance. God prepared Joseph for his role as second hand to the King, in advance. God will provide what we need in advance and prepare us in advance for what He has called us to do before we were even born. Stop and think about that. In your life it may be that God is having you store up grain, in advance, so you will be prepared for the calling He has for you in the end.
Genesis 37 starts the beginning of Joseph's future. God gives him a dream that he doesn't yet understand. After a series of unfortunate events, Joseph ultimately sees this dream fulfilled starting in chapter 41 when he is made a ruler of Egypt, second to only the Pharaoh.
It was through a dream God gave to Pharaoh that Joseph stepped into place. Joseph, trusting God to give wisdom to him, interpreted the King's dream. Not only did Pharaoh's dream, given by God, reveal what was to come of the next 14 years, but the dream promoted Joseph. From prison to palace.
It all started with a God-given dream. It was God who gave the dreams in His own time. Neither Pharaoh or Joseph asked for the dreams. God gave them. And each time, the dream spoke of the future. A future God had already made arrangements for. Though we can't understand why things happen or don't happen in our lives, we must see this as an encouragement to know that God has already taken the necessary steps to ensure our God-given dream and future will be provided for when it is time for it come to fruition.
I am amazed at God's mercy. He didn't have to give Pharaoh a dream telling what would happen in the next 14 years. But God is rich in mercy. I am still trying to wrap my brain around the fact that God gave Joseph a dream, gave him the interpretation of Pharaoh's dream, and then provided for an abundance of grain for the 7 years of famine. And somehow He was behind it all, working it for His purposes designed for Joseph before he was even born. Not only that but God redeemed what was lost in Joseph's family. He fulfilled the dream He gave to Joseph and then brings Joseph's family back together through the dream He gave to Pharaoh. Very interesting and circular. I still don't think I fully understand what is on my heart when I think about this story. For God's children, He is behind things, and is in the background at times, providing and preparing us for our future. Try and wrap your mind around that one.
I can't help but think that God is preparing you now for your future. Don't despise where He has you, but instead trust that He is working things, in advance, for you. And that when the times comes, you will be ready because you have a storehouse full of grain to offer those in need.
I am inspired to write about Joseph and God's provision. Many times I have heard this story, but what I am about to write has never stuck out to me. God provided the grain for the 7 years of famine, in advance. God prepared Joseph for his role as second hand to the King, in advance. God will provide what we need in advance and prepare us in advance for what He has called us to do before we were even born. Stop and think about that. In your life it may be that God is having you store up grain, in advance, so you will be prepared for the calling He has for you in the end.
Genesis 37 starts the beginning of Joseph's future. God gives him a dream that he doesn't yet understand. After a series of unfortunate events, Joseph ultimately sees this dream fulfilled starting in chapter 41 when he is made a ruler of Egypt, second to only the Pharaoh.
It was through a dream God gave to Pharaoh that Joseph stepped into place. Joseph, trusting God to give wisdom to him, interpreted the King's dream. Not only did Pharaoh's dream, given by God, reveal what was to come of the next 14 years, but the dream promoted Joseph. From prison to palace.
It all started with a God-given dream. It was God who gave the dreams in His own time. Neither Pharaoh or Joseph asked for the dreams. God gave them. And each time, the dream spoke of the future. A future God had already made arrangements for. Though we can't understand why things happen or don't happen in our lives, we must see this as an encouragement to know that God has already taken the necessary steps to ensure our God-given dream and future will be provided for when it is time for it come to fruition.
I am amazed at God's mercy. He didn't have to give Pharaoh a dream telling what would happen in the next 14 years. But God is rich in mercy. I am still trying to wrap my brain around the fact that God gave Joseph a dream, gave him the interpretation of Pharaoh's dream, and then provided for an abundance of grain for the 7 years of famine. And somehow He was behind it all, working it for His purposes designed for Joseph before he was even born. Not only that but God redeemed what was lost in Joseph's family. He fulfilled the dream He gave to Joseph and then brings Joseph's family back together through the dream He gave to Pharaoh. Very interesting and circular. I still don't think I fully understand what is on my heart when I think about this story. For God's children, He is behind things, and is in the background at times, providing and preparing us for our future. Try and wrap your mind around that one.
I can't help but think that God is preparing you now for your future. Don't despise where He has you, but instead trust that He is working things, in advance, for you. And that when the times comes, you will be ready because you have a storehouse full of grain to offer those in need.
Sri Lankan Encounter
One weekend while in Sri Lanka, I was able to attend an Encounter. It was such a powerful thing to be a part of and I will never forget it.
I have never seen people run up to the Cross like this. They were screaming at the top of their lungs for Jesus to forgive them and cleanse them of their past ways. Clinging to the cross.
They were under the realization that God loves them and wants to give them freedom from their past.
They have come out of Buddhism and know Jesus is alive. They are not living as if what they believe isn't real. They know its real. They have seen the other side and know it's real as well.
[P.S. For those of you who aren't familiar with what an Encounter is, I have taken the definition from my church to explain: "An Encounter Retreat is a weekend short course in freedom - freedom from habits, bondage's, bitterness, wrong thoughts, and past mistakes. At the Encounter, the Lord sets you free through the power of the Cross."]
Praise God for the POWER of the Cross!!! It is still alive and working miracles today!
Jason Upton Song: 'The Cross Is Always Ready'
Verse
There's A Pure And Undefiled Religion
Walking With You Jesus
You Are The Blessed Hope
You Are The Risen Son
And There Are witnesses Of Ressurection
Calling Everyone
To Walk The Royal Way
To Sing The Kingdoms Song
Chorus
The Cross, The Cross Is always Ready
Everyday It Waits For Me
Christ Own Narrow Road Our Vision
Christ, The Everlasting Seed
Praise God for the POWER of the Cross!!! It is still alive and working miracles today!
Jason Upton Song: 'The Cross Is Always Ready'
Verse
There's A Pure And Undefiled Religion
Walking With You Jesus
You Are The Blessed Hope
You Are The Risen Son
And There Are witnesses Of Ressurection
Calling Everyone
To Walk The Royal Way
To Sing The Kingdoms Song
Chorus
The Cross, The Cross Is always Ready
Everyday It Waits For Me
Christ Own Narrow Road Our Vision
Christ, The Everlasting Seed
Jesus- The One, The Only
What has our focus? Our attention? Is it food? Is it our future? Is it how we are going to make enough money? Is it a report from the doctor?
Some people worship Jesus; others Buddha. Some people worship money; others relationships. Regardless of who are what we worship, I do know this...that everyone wants to be blessed by what they worship. The lady in the picture above is kneeling before a priest for a blessing. She is seeking for a blessing. She makes it a point to go out of her way once, maybe twice a day, to the temple to see a priest and for prayer.
Today I want to tell you about a people who worship foreign gods. These people have so many gods that they cant remember all their names...over 33 million. They are of the Hindu religion. According to Wikipedia: "Hinduism is often stated to be the "oldest religious tradition" among the world's major religious groups. It is formed of diverse traditions and types and has no single founder. The types, sub-traditions and denominations taken together add up to Hinduism qualifying as the world's third largest religion following Christianity and Islam, with approximately a billion adherents, of whom about 905 million live in India and Nepal."
They are bound to mindless tradition and walk in confusion. They pray to a god who can not hear them. They ask to be seen by a god who can not see them. Their God cannot create. Their God only destroys. They ask to be 'blessed' by their god, without knowing that they are actually bringing curses upon themselves. Their gods 'blessing' is sickness and insanity. Death to the body and mind.
When I was in Nepal I had a conversation with a friend there about this very subject. She told me a story that opened my eyes of how her sister was sick. The sister's husband invited a Hindu priest to pray for her - and instead of the sister being cured, she was cursed...almost losing her mind in a rage of fury and anger that only got worse as the priest tried more 'holy' things to help her. Needless to say, this is what brought my dear friends family to Jesus. He alone is what delivered the sisters mind, body and soul. And now she is a living testimony that our God is alive and well. He is ready to work miracles and set prisoners free. All they need to know is His Name.
I worship a God who created the Heavens. Jesus Christ. He hears me, takes notice of me, and cares for me. I serve a God who loves and supports me. His consolation brings joy to my soul. He blesses me with life and joy, not death. My God says that in His sanctuary are strength and glory. Where He is, there is strength.
Sing to the Lord, all the earth
Proclaim His salvation day after day
Declare His glory among the nations,
His marvelous deeds among all peoples.
For GREAT is the Lord and most worthy of praise
For GREAT is the Lord and most worthy of praise
He is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the nations are idols,
but the Lord made the Heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before Him
STRENGTH and GLORY are IN HIS SANCTUARY.
- Psalm 96
From Generation to Generation
Bettye Jo Wolfkiel, my grandmother, has been faithful to teach me about the Bible, as well as the necessity to study it, and the importance of putting Jesus first- all of my life.
Today I want to honor her for the influence she has made in my life and to thank God for what a blessing she has been to me.
One thing I know is that she gets so excited when she talks about the Bible. She loves to study God's Word early in the morning- and write down what she's learned. She's even excited to share it with others! You can see it in her eyes the joy she receives from sharing.
Grandma has always shared with me the stories of old concerning God's faithfulness. She often speaks of stories regarding her parents and God's hand on them.
"Even when I am old and grey, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare Your power to the next generation, Your might to all who are to come" Psalm 71:18
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