The Hem of His Garment

The hem of His garment...the slightest touch of faith has the power to heal and restore all that is broken in us.  But how do we
approach Him?  We see Him working on behalf of others.  Their
needs seem greater than our own; should we even bother Him?
Do we come to Him with a hand stretched out in faith, trembling,
anticipating that His grace toward us will be all we need?  Or do
we hesitate and look for some guarantee that we will receive what
we want, never venturing or risking anything, carefully measuring, weighing, and counting to be sure it doesn't cost us to trust Him?

Let us be willing to receive what He knows we need with gratitude, thereby releasing the power and fragrance of Christ in our circumstance.  Healing, deliverance, or restoration can look very different in different situations.  Will we trust Christ to give to us, to be to us, exactly what we need the most?

From our perspective the physical healing seems to be the miracle, but in reading the Gospels we find that Jesus would very often forgive the sins of the sick person first and then heal to demonstrate that He had the authority to forgive.  In His view it would seem that the state of our soul takes priority over the state of our health.  We should ask for healing, but we must also be willing to repent of any sin the Lord would point out and receive His forgiveness and cleansing.

Even with my aches and pains (which are minor compared with many); I stand in far greater need of forgiveness and cleansing than I do of healing.  Father, are You using the physical maladies to point out the spiritual ones?  I tend to think the answer to my health lies in my physical state and would be remedied by physical healing.  I think I may have had it all wrong.

It now seems so clear that there is sin that I have excused to my own harm.  Self-indulgence and self-consciousness are simply parts of the self-life and are actually dead in Christ when I will reckon them so.  Focusing on me is a sin, a spiritual sickness that must be repented of, rooted out, and kicked to the curb.  I have no power whatsoever to do that, but the all-powerful blood of Jesus has overcome sin's legal hold on me.  He has purchased me back from the marketplace of sin, and His Spirit lives in me with the same power that resurrected Jesus from the dead.  The transaction has been completed; I must learn to live according to this truth.  I am fully His and need never again bow my knee to the master(s) I used to serve.

Free me, Holy Spirit, from the attachments and habits that were born in slavery that I may serve You in true freedom.  Open my eyes to see that You have accomplished all things and will keep perfecting me as I learn more and more how to yield to You in every area.

Will physical healing follow?  That I leave in Your hands.  I will continue to ask, knowing You will answer with the very best for me and for Your glory.  My desire is to serve You fully and abide in You, demonstrating Your love, bearing fruit, and praying effectively in Your name and for Your will.

I believe that my needs are important to You as I reach now for the hem of Your garment, fully assured that what You have for me will meet the need of my moment and the needs of my life.  I reach...and You are there.

Luke 9:40-48; 2 Corinthians 2:14-16; Matthew 9:1-8; James 5:14-16; Romans 6

Ephesians 1:18-21; Philippians 1:6; Ephesians 2:4-10; Galatians 5:1; John 15

A Familiar State of Affairs

The Gospels quote Jesus as saying, "If any of you wants to be My follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow Me."  Selfish is such a familiar word.  It has been around since Adam and Eve first tasted the fruit.  We've known about selfish for as long as we can remember.  From the time we and our peers discovered the concept of "mine", we have found ourselves often on both sides of that tug of war.

As we got older and our circle of acquaintances grew, we found out that some people had a particular tendency for selfishness.  They were the bullies on the playground, the kids who had to make everything about them, and the ones who needed and got all the attention.

Now that we've grown up, selfishness may be a bit more refined, but is often even more deeply ingrained in "those" people.  We can identify it in the lives of others, but we're pretty sure that we are better than that now.

What does it look like if we break down the word a little differently?  Instead of selfish, let's say self-ish.  It is something that reeks of me, anything that serves me, makes me look good, earns me respect, gets me attention, promotes my agenda, or benefits my interests.  The list would be very long.  It is impossible for us to completely purify every motive and disentangle ourselves from our self-stuff.

We can, however, turn our self-ness over to the Lord.  Matthew 11:28-30 says we should bring our burden to the Lord (turn from our selfish ways), take His yoke (take up your cross) which is custom made for Him and each of us to wear together.  We let Him lead and pull the weight (follow Him) finding rest for our souls.  He will be faithful to show us when we fall into serving  ourselves if we have surrendered our wills completely to His.  We give up our lives for His sake and we gain a life saved to something far higher and bigger than we could have ever imagined.  Let's help each other serve His ways over our own.

Mark 8:34-36; Luke 9:23-25; Matthew 11:28-30

When the North Wind Blows

Here in Iowa we know about wind.  Almost every day the wind is a substantial component of our weather, at least during the daylight hours.  Overnight it may settle down, but during the day you better plan on holding onto whatever is in your hands.  We don't get too excited about how hard it blows until it begins approaching 30-35 miles per hour.  Those are the days we call windy.  If you have a flag or a kite there's a very good chance you will be able to watch it fly on most days.

The kind of wind that really gets our attention is a cold north wind.  On any given winter day with a cold north wind blowing, the countryside is spotted with cattle and horses living in the open.  They stand facing south, their backs to the biting wind.  Their response is a reflex to protect themselves.

It's the same reflex we employ when we are threatened.  It may be a cold north wind, a driving rain, a possibility of danger or injury, a painful relationship, even a hurtful word, or an unexpected betrayal. When we face these things our first reflex is to turn our backs, literally or relationally.  We shield our faces and our vulnerable feelings from the attack and harshness that we encounter by turning away, covering up, putting up walls, withdrawing, avoiding, and even ending relationships.

We've all been there.  Your friend suddenly cut ties with no explanation.  The person you trusted betrayed your confidence and blamed you.  Someone embarrassed you with your past and seemed to think it was entertaining.  Tragedy hit, sickness entered, financial plans fell through, your integrity was questioned, the storms of life have hit, and you want to defend yourself.

There is a better way.  Living in Christ, the truth is that we are covered front and rear from every assault of every kind.  We have been given the belt of truth to hold us steady and the breastplate of righteousness to protect us where we're vulnerable.  Our shield of faith and helmet of salvation defend our hearts and minds from being misled and deceived about who we are and how much God loves us.  The word of God and prayer help us hear from God and give us truth to measure all other things by.  The Lord Himself both goes before us and is our rear guard defending us from what we cannot see, from the attacks that try to sneak up on us or invade full force from our blind side.  These attacks must come though Him before they can touch us, and if He allows them He causes them to work for our good even when we can't see it right away.

If we insist on defending and protecting ourselves, we are the only defense we have.  We have stepped out from under His shelter and protection and we are limited to our own wits and devices.  We can rest, instead, in the knowledge that our Lord is in control of even the things that make no sense to us.  He treasures our willingness to walk where we cannot see with only the touch of His hand and the light we need for the next step.  We need to help and support one another when these challenges come by praying that we walk in God's truth and trust in His love.  We must encourage each other to trust that He loves us in the face of all evidence to the contrary, and pray.  Pray for all.  Pray hard.  Pray long.

Isaiah 52:12; Isaiah 58:8; Ephesians 6:14-18; Romans 8:26-28; Luke 21:14-15;

2 Corinthians 10:17-18; Psalm 28:6-9

FRESH WIND

There's a song by Keith Staten titled "Such Joy", and there's a line in the song that goes like this:  "There's a joy no bounds can hold when the Spirit blows a fresh wind through my soul."  I love that.

Lord, blow a fresh wind through my soul.  

Open the windows, all the entry points to my soul:

the senses--the sight, smell, taste, hearing, and touch, and the thoughts.

Lord, open and clear them by Your Spirit of all the debris.

Clear the dust of compromise, the secret corners that are dark,

the webs of self-interest and self-obsession,

the entanglements that steal my time,

the stale air of my own perspective.

I give Your Spirit free reign over mine, today, right now.

It is a choice I must make every moment.

My Spirit answers like a rushing wind, unleashing prayer with power according to My will.  Pray.  Love.  Pray.  Each moment that you choose My Spirit's rule over yours will have the potential to change you and the world around you.  Pray My word over this world and be a participant in My sovereign kingdom.  Today, right now, moment by moment.

WIND OF THE SPIRIT

We've had rain; now we have wind,

an amazing and powerful force.

We hear it.

We feel it.

We see its effects.

The wind blows, but we cannot know

where it blows from or where it blows to...

...So is everyone who is born of Me, the Holy Spirit.  My presence in the life of My child is a mystery.  How did I come?  Where do I go?  How do I lead?  When do I speak?  Yet when I move in power it is like the wind which, though itself unseen, is unmistakable in its effects.  Do not hide yourself from My work by trying to remain sheltered in your religion and your safe ideas about who I am and how I do things.

It is My desire to not simply take up residence in your life and give you holy little nudges and warm fuzzy feelings.  I am the HOLY Spirit, and I would make you holy, as well.  It is My desire to burn away the chaff and useless trappings that collect in your heart and life.  I would have you full of My word and dressed in My armor to be a warrior in prayer, unafraid to ask, seeking for My will, and knocking until I answer.

I am your only source of love and compassion for the world around you.  I see every need, know every thought, and catch every tear in the lives you encounter day by day.  Do not jump to your own conclusions, but look to Me and know My heart for that person.  What you discern from Me is shown to you so that you may pray, never so that you may judge.  If you fall into a spirit of judging, you will no longer hear from Me with regard to that situation, and you will be deceived, having given Satan a foothold.  He is a clever and scheming enemy, and your only place of refuge is Me.  Let your heart constantly behold My face, and you will be able to test every thought and know whether it comes from Me, from yourself, from the world, or from the very pit of hell.  Any thought that does not come from Me is to be tossed aside and replaced with the truth of My word.

As your Comforter and Teacher, I will guide you in every area of your life, whether big or small.  There will be those holy little nudges, and you must never ignore them.  They are the key to your future usefulness in My kingdom, for if you are faithful in little I will entrust you with much.  Do not turn away from a path I lay before your feet because you are afraid you are unable to make the journey.  You are never intended to do anything in your own strength, and I will be faithful to do through your life all that My will intends.  It will be My work, My strength, My resurrection power working through a broken, but surrendered, vessel.

Let us go now into the unknown together.  Each day is an adventure and full of opportunities to see My hand at work.  Live with a present awareness of Me and be filled with thanksgiving.

John 3:6-8; 1 Peter 1:14-16; Ephesians 6:10-18; Matthew 7:7-8; Ephesians 4:20-32;

2 Corinthians 2:6-11; 2 Corinthians 10:3-6; Matthew 25:21; John 15:5;

2 Corinthians 4:7-18; Colossians 2:6-7

It's Done!

Our kitchen remodel project is done!  This is our kitchen "before".

We started tearing out the cabinets on February 4.

And a few days later it looked like this:

Next came the new ceiling.

Then things changed quickly!

New lights and face frames were installed.

Staining was done and under-cabinet lighting made the room start to feel beautiful!

We painted the walls a gray-brown color and added a lit china cupboard.

Doors and drawer fronts were next.  What a huge difference!

Countertop and then tile...we're getting close!

Sometimes it's the little things...something old....

Something new.

And finally the floor!

A few more after shots!

We can't say enough good things about our contractor, Mike Martin!  He was awesome!  Thanks to Brad (again)...what would our house be like without his help??  I want to especially thank Jon for all his hard work and careful attention to make sure everything worked out the way we wanted!  Love you so much!  Of course our biggest thanks to God for His many blessings...especially the ones we can't see...His presence, His love, His provision of Himself to meet every need and face every challenge!  To Him be all the glory!

ARE WE THERE YET?

What a relief, Lord, to come to the realization that I'm already dead.

There is nothing that can hurt me,

move me,

or shake me loose from my destiny

which is eternity with You.

I'm already there...mostly.

I know...

I'm still breathing;

I'm still enjoying good health;

I could have many years left here in this life.

I'm planning on that.

But in the deepest part of my existence

there is a reality that I'm learning to depend on.

I already died.

I'm covered with Your blood, Lord,

and as I stay close to You and remain under Your covering,

nothing that the world and Satan throw at me

can penetrate or do any real harm.

I'm free!

Yes, My child, you are free!  Life holds no real threat of disaster for you, for there is nothing you will face that is greater than death.  As My child you were in Me when I was crucified and, therefore, you died with Me.  You were also in Me when I rose from the dead, and you stand now in a place of new life as a new creation.

  Your feet are still tethered here to the earth, and as your earthly body ages, you feel the weight of decline approaching.  The real you, however, the inner you, is renewed and growing lighter.  You can look forward to a life that far surpasses anything you can hope or imagine.

You are already in possession of that life and can walk in it day by day, moment by moment, as you abide in Me.  Do not look at the things which are temporary and visible only to the earthly eye.  I give you eyes of faith to see the things that are eternal and beyond the limits of human sight.  You may walk with courage and strength even as your walk slows over time, for I am preparing you to take your place in eternity with Me.  At that time, all that is weak and mortal will be put aside, and everything will be LIFE!

Walk now in freedom, standing firm, living no longer for yourself or as a captive of sin and fear.  Live joyously as you use this freedom to love and serve Me and all those around you.  Let My death do its work in your heart and depend on the accomplished work of My cross.  Then lift your eyes to My empty tomb and see your present place seated with Me in My resurrected life and filled with My Spirit.  Rejoice and live well.  I have created you for nothing less.

Galatians 2:20; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:9; Ephesians 3:20-21;

Galatians 5:1,13; Romans 6:1-14; Romans 7:6

WAITING

I'm waiting, Lord, for so many things.

I'm waiting to see the answers to some prayers.

I'm waiting to feel better.

I'm waiting for the seasons to change.

                                                   

I'm waiting for a door to open.

I'm waiting for a kitchen remodel.

I'm waiting for a break in the routine.

I'm waiting for the next big event.

I'm waiting to see my grandkids again.

I'm waiting until there's more money.

                                                     

I'm waiting until I have more time. 

I'm waiting until I'm a different size.

I'm waiting for a phone call.

I'm waiting for an apology.

I'm waiting for someone to change.

I'm waiting for me to change.

I'm waiting for my gifting to become clear.

I'm waiting to feel like I am significant.

I'm waiting to be delivered.

I'm waiting until I'm stronger.

I'm waiting until I feel Your presence.

I'm waiting until the present trial ends.

I'm waiting to reach the end of the desert.

I'm waiting for the morning.

I'm waiting for the night.

All the while, days rush past......

Child of Mine, rest.  I hold all of time in My hands.  You are covered and protected as you abide under My wing.  All of these things that you wait for are completed in My sight.  The real truth is that I am the One waiting for you.  I wait for you to come to Me so I can show you My love and compassion.  I am faithful and true.  When you come to Me and ask for My help, I respond to your cries.

I am with you to teach and guide you.  As you hear and follow My voice, you will throw out all the false idols that you thought were precious.  The tyrants of men's approval, external circumstances, time, money, appearance, rights, health, reputation, and comfort will be cast aside like garbage at the curb.

You need not wait for anything to change before you come to Me and are accepted, loved, treasured, kept, surrounded, and protected.  You never have to reach a certain point or have circumstances change before you present your heart to Me.  Do not hesitate to pour out your feelings, disappointments, and tears.  Nothing is hidden from Me, but you need to invite Me into your pain before I can begin to heal your wounds and make you whole.  Tell Me every detail.  This is not the time to be brave and strong; you must not feel guilty about feelings that may be ugly and selfish.  As I said, I already know them.  First come close and be assured that I hold you in My arms and keep each of your tears.  I protect and cover you in the midst of the circumstance that is causing you pain.  I am faithful to your heart even when you do not understand what is happening.  Draw near, pour it all out, and count on Me to hold you close when you have no strength left.  Your life depends on My faithfulness, not yours, so come and find rest for your heart.

Only in returning to Me and resting in Me will you be saved.  In quietness and confidence is your strength.  Joy will come.  It will.  With it will come compassion, mercy, and understanding for those who are being held in chains by their circumstances.  You will be able to show them that I am available to them right where they are, and your life will proclaim My faithfulness.

Isaiah 30

OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW

Lord, I need a fresh start, a new year...I'm ready.

May Your Spirit blow a fresh wind through my soul and

clear out all that is old, stale, and reeking of the world.

The course of my reading on this last day of 2014

is about how Hezekiah began reforms in Judah

that led to a great revival.

It just so happens that they began the process on

the first day of the new year.

Me too.

How do You want me to start?

My child, we will begin where Hezekiah began---cleansing the Temple of all the defiled things that have collected there.  Over time your mind and heart absorb the influences of the world.  Bring your heart to Me just as it is and let My Spirit and My word cleanse away all that is false in your perceptions, attitudes, and opinions.  I will purify your eyes to see what I see and to hear as I hear.  Every thought needs to come before Me and be tested before you accept it as truth.  The thoughts that cannot stand the testing of My word must be rejected as false.

A will and heart cleansed by My blood and submitted to My Spirit is a treasure we will rejoice in together just as Judah celebrated the restoration of worship in the Temple.  Living in that joy, we will tear down the pagan shrines and sacred pillars that used to dominate the landscape of your daily life.  Time will become servant of the Most High instead of remaining the tyrant of your day.  You will draw your value from Me and never from the fickle dictates of people's expectations.  Your heart will rejoice to give mercy instead of finding ways to render judgment.  You will set aside noise and distraction in favor of quiet and restoration.  You will achieve wholeness by sowing to the Spirit rather than resorting to the methods of the world and the flesh, falling prey to their false ideals.

All this and more is waiting for us to share.  My lovingkindness and compassion are new every morning, and I rejoice to begin a new day, each day, with you.

2 Chronicles 29-31; 2 Corinthians 10:5; James 2:13; Isaiah 30:15;

Galatians 6:8; Romans 8:11-12; Lamentations 3:22-23

PAGAN SHRINES

There is a pattern in the reigns of Judah's kings

beginning with Solomon and continuing

through nearly every king that followed.

Solomon fell away from worshiping You,

the one true God,

and erected pagan shrines throughout the land

where people offered sacrifices to and worshiped false gods.

Even many kings who were commended for following

You with a whole heart allowed these

shrines to remain in the land.

They were a snare to the entire nation,

leading them away from God.

What is it, Lord, in my life that is a pagan shrine?

What is it that I allow to exist in my heart and life

that pulls me away from You even when

I believe that I am giving You my whole heart?

You have seen the crux of the issue that eventually led Judah into captivity.  Even though a king was devoted to Me, he would fail to purge the land completely because the idols had become so much a part of the daily life of the nation that he would not recognize the danger they presented.  The people came to the Temple, offered their regular sacrifices, and celebrated the festivals in all sincerity.  They would worship Me, follow My laws, and fulfill their duties with devotion, but near to their homes were the comforts and convenience of the familiar shrines.

The pagan gods were easy to get along with.  They didn't demand holiness or strike any fear in their hearts because they were gods of their own invention.  They pandered to the appetites and desires of the people, justifying and excusing their selfishness, their pride, and the darkness in their hearts they were unwilling to part with.  The people could satisfy God's expectations at the Temple and then conveniently pursue their own lusts, calling it a religion, and feeling like they were covering all the bases.

My people today are much the same.  They come to Me with their religious lives full of church, Bible study, praise music, small groups, service projects, and mission trips; these are well and good.  However, it is the other hours of the day that show where their hearts lie.  The snares of this life are not the ones that Judah face, but the result is the same.  It is the familiar day-to-day indulgences that present the greatest danger.  My people spend their time and money entertaining themselves rather than caring for others.  Their lives are filled with movies, television, social media, noise, books, media, politics, sports, hobbies, fitness, finance, business, home, and every other distraction the world has to offer.  They know more about pop culture than they know about My word.  They know status updates, but forget to pray.  They can recount the record of their favorite team, but fail to learn of the One who created them and longs to be known by them.  Their lives revolve around having bigger and better, calling it stewardship, but they know little of sacrifice and service.  They thank Me for the blessings they hold securely in their hands, but blame the poor for their plight.  They believe that they are fully devoted, but are blind to the things that are hindering and blocking the flow of My life through theirs.

These are not sinful things in themselves, but when you allow something to control your attention, your time, and your perspective it has become a false god, and you have erected a pagan shrine.  The shrine is a very comfortable place to hang out and gives a sense of connection to the world around you.  That is part of its danger; it tethers you to the world and has the power to pull your heart from full devotion to Me without you realizing it.  

Let me search your heart and I will show you the things that ensnare you and hold you captive.  You will need to be ready to hear the truth and make whatever changes I show you.  Be assured that what I have for you is infinitely better than the comfort of your pagan shrine.  Your heart will be filled and satisfied by My very life, and you will find your most common days filled with purpose, prayer, and power as you live as My representative in your world.  That outflow may be quiet and peaceful or full of signs and wonders; let Me direct each day as I see fit.  Bring your heart to Me day by day, moment by moment to let Me clear away the debris and distractions so your focus remains on Me.  As the pagan shrines fall, the glory of My Temple will shine and go forth in healing and love for all.

Isaiah 58; Revelation 3:17; Isaiah 61:1-4; Isaiah 66:2; Psalm 139:23-24; Colossians 3:1-4;

Psalm 145:17-19

Clean

Fall and spring house-cleanings are regular events I grew up with.  The drapes come down and are washed or run through the dryer; the windows are taken apart and cleaned; ceiling fans (all of them this time) are dusted and shined; beds are completely stripped down and deep cleaned; furniture that can't be moved is climbed over and under to vacuum around.  It's general chaos that finally results in almost everything back in its place and a comforting sense of accomplishment.

Every once in a while there is a special project that gradually presents itself.  I had one this year.  I had a surface that has been my nemesis for some time.  I had tried every cleaning product and strategy in my arsenal to overcome it, but it had become clear to me that it was just worn out and would need to be replaced.  Still, every day I had to deal with it, and, while trying to be patient, I couldn't wait for the replacement day to come!  Then I stumbled upon something I had not tried before, and, since it was to be replaced anyway, I knew I had nothing to lose.

So I set to work, one little piece at a time.  I could hardly believe what I was seeing!  It was hard work, but there was progress!  I stayed at it over and over, and the surface kept improving.  While there was indeed some wear and tear, the biggest problem was actually a fine layer of grime.  I couldn't decide if I was more elated or embarrassed!  I still don't know how an area with that much traffic and getting cleaned up all the time could accumulate immovable grime!

And then, it hit me.  My heart is just like that.  It's been made new by Christ, and the Holy Spirit lives there.  Yet sin can find a way to put a film over my heart that I don't even see.  The heart gets worn down by the constant assault of the world and by the tiniest little harmless sins that I may allow.  I keep on loving God; I continue to read the Word; I keep doing my best to live righteously and confess my sins.  It seems to me that everything is going just fine, and I'm pretty sure that the things that are wrong are just the effect of living in a fallen world; it will all be set right when all is made new, right?

Christ has called me to something better.  I can choose to live in such a vital union with Him that He can press His values into my heart and life.  He will usually do this by His Word, so I need to read it with a quiet, tender, listening heart.  When He reveals sin, I must call it sin as well, and forsake it.  Excusing it is never an option.  Little compromises, personality weaknesses, and harmless vices all create wear patterns in my life, and the grime settles and deepens into my heart.  It becomes so much a part of me that I don't see it at all.

Thankfully, the Holy Spirit is not deceived.  He will be faithful to point out sin in my life and bring me under conviction.  I hope to be just as faithful in repenting and forsaking the sin He reveals.  It may require some sacrifice or pain, but in His kindness and patience He will see me through.  It can be embarrassing to admit my sin, but it is so much more elating to give glory to His mercy and forgiveness.  When I begin to truly see what He has done in dying for me and offering forgiveness, the joy can't be matched!  He will create us together to be His bride, perfect, without spot or wrinkle, sanctified, cleansed by the washing of the water with the Word.

LEARNING CONTENTMENT

Paul said in Philippians that he had learned

to be content in any circumstances.

We all seek many different things,

believing that they will bring us contentment.

What does it mean to learn to be content?

Most of the people you meet every day run to and fro, endlessly seeking contentment from their achievements, attainments, and possessions.  They believe that doing better, being successful, and having more will fill the void they feel.  They turn careers, homes, health, and even relationships into idols by drawing their satisfaction and self-worth from them.  Sadly, when a dream is fully realized, they find that the void remains.

My people can fall into the same trap.  They can idolize the same things that the unsaved do and add to those by worshiping a religious system with their own spiritual maturity at the forefront.

This was never My design.  I offer you something better as My child.  You are My very own, and it is My plan that you learn contentment.  That may not sound like the plan you would choose.  It would be much simpler if your circumstances fell into place according to your preferences and prayers, and you would, therefore, be content.  I have chosen, instead, that you learn because that is a process that requires your attention, your time, and your will to choose My ways.  You will need to humble yourself under My instruction and sovereignty in order to progress in the class of contentment.

We start with your circumstances.  They may be favorable or not.  They may seem to be the result of My grace, your bad decisions, someone else's sin, or even Satan's plot against you.  It matters not.  If you are My child no circumstance can touch you that I have not in some way allowed, so the place to start is to accept it from My hand.  Next, you must understand that the circumstances you find yourself in are something completely separate from your ability to find contentment.

Paul also said, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."  He had learned that his satisfaction was anchored in Me.  Because I am rock-solid and unchangeable, the shifting of your circumstances does not have to dictate your ability to be content.  What greater "all things' could you hope to accomplish than to be content in any circumstance?  That is a prize worth striving for.

As you walk closely with Me, trust Me with the details of your life.  You will find your heart is satisfied in ways neither the world nor Christian activity can match.  You will develop repose deep within where I dwell that no changing circumstance can stir for very long.

You will learn that when your appetites scream for more, and when your needs exceed the supply, you can enter into the fellowship of My suffering and find satisfaction in Me.  On the other hand, when your path is full of delight and there is abundance at every turn, you can humbly lay it all at My feet and find your chief joy and contentment in knowing Me.

All this and more awaits, if you will come and learn from Me.  Are you tired of trying to fill your own void?  "Come to Me, all who are weary an heavy-laden, 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."

Philippians 3-4; Matthew 11:28-30

Trees

I love trees.  I love the infinite variety.  I love how God made different kinds for different purposes.  Some grow fruit; others yield syrup; many provide material for homes and shelter of all kinds, and others, are perfect for treehouses and tire swings.  Some are best in the fall for their rich colors and crunchy leaves, while others are full of beautiful blossoms in the spring.  All give their own kind of shade, protection, and habitat for a host of God's creatures.  Some are so delicate they weep over the ground they cover, while others are massive, towering strong and proud, commanding the awe and wonder of all.

I love that most of them go through seasons, and some stay the same year round.  I love how they grow according to their particular environments.  They lean according to the prevailing winds; they tip away from a neighboring tree to make room for their own growth; they seek the sun; they put down roots as deep as they need for adequate water and strength.  Trees are sensitive to the gentle stirrings of a slight breeze and yet withstand tremendous strain when assaulted by fierce storms.

When a tree is harvested to fulfill a new purpose, the cross-section reveals many things about its life.  The rings tell its age.  If the tree has been injured, a mark is left behind which is grown around and later can add to the beauty of the wood.  A healthy tree can withstand these injuries and grow strong, but a diseased tree may weaken and rot over time.  The weakness may not be evident until the force of a mighty storm comes which breaks it at its vulnerable spot.  It is when the tree comes down, whether by harvest or storm, that the truth of its life, health, and strength is known.

We are like them is so many ways.  We are each uniquely created for a particular purpose.  Even in a group called together to a common purpose, we are each different as to how we approach that purpose.  Some of our lives yield very tangible results that can be measured, weighed, stored, hammered, nailed, and put to good use.  Some of our lives offer a refuge, a safe place, a compassionate ear, and a shelter to the smallest and weakest of God's people, weeping and rejoicing with others.  Some of us are best when providing that treehouse or tire swing.

Most of us go through seasons.  We have times of new growth in a new truth or service.  We move through periods of maturing and come to a point of seeing results.  Often we have down times of rest and recuperation before the cycle starts again.  There are some who are steady and green and full their entire lives.  They provide wonderful protection from the howling winds that would overtake the souls of those they stand watch over.

We each come through life with a different set of circumstances which have molded the direction of our growth.  Prevailing winds may have bent one's soul a certain direction while another grew in an environment that forced it to reach tall and straight to find the sun.  Each of us has experienced hurt, injury, and pain of one kind or another.  If we allow bitterness and don't let God keep our hearts open to His love, the result will be rot and decay that leaves us vulnerable when the storms come.  He provides Himself as our refuge and healer to restore all that would try to break us.  Our responses to the winds that blow through our times are all affected by our differing purposes and history.  God makes it that way for a reason.  He uses all of us in individual ways to meet individual needs in individual lives.


We many times never see the true beauty of a life until it is over, and even then we don't see it fully.  We will see some lives that were touched, the stability and strength of a family and home, the love that was faithfully shown in difficult circumstances, or the benefits provided by generosity to others.  But later the time will come when all things are revealed and the Lord places His value on our lives.  We may see an injury that the Lord healed and touched to become something beautiful and useful.  We will see how the things we thought were weaknesses were really the instruments God used to make Himself known to others who were struggling.  Our hurts became the pathway of blessing and strength in maybe just one life which was watching from a distance.


We will not know these things fully now, but we can live with hearts full of hope.  We will trust that He has planted us right where He wants us, and that He is forming us to be exactly the kind of person He desires for the purpose that only He may see.  Let us live in joy and peace, accepting and loving each other for the beauty He has created in us.  We are the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified!