Believe Me Now

Mark 9:17-24 (NIV)

17 A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” 19 “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” 20 So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” 23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” 24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

How do you believe when you can’t find a reason to? How do you find the strength to believe when everything in your soul hurts and wants to give up? You don’t really want to believe anymore because believing seems senseless. Believing can seem cruel, like you’re doing yourself some type of injustice. Especially when you look around at the ones who don’t believe and appear to be fine, at least on the outside anyway. Or how about those who you thought believed but at times have conveniently set their beliefs aside to enjoy the pleasures of the world?  If you’re honest with yourself, there have probably been many times when you found yourself flirting with the flip side of believing, known as not believing. Your mind drifted off and begin to examine the pros and cons of not believing. It looked as if not believing might be the way to go, you’d feel free and life would become simple because you’re no longer tied down by believing. Instead you just get to do whatever feels good, whatever feels right.  But then you’re faced with more questions. How long will the freedom last? Will it be painful to live not believing or will it be a breeze? If you stop believing, what are you going to do when you find yourself in a situation where you need something to believe in?

Uncertain of the outcome that not believing will bring, you decide to keep on believing a little while longer, but life happens and the road of believing gets hard again. Those nagging feelings consume you again, discouragement, frustration, or even feeling forgotten by God. Where is He? Why must I wait so long? All of a sudden your heart is heavy, you have no peace and you just want to give up. You feel believing has failed you and that there has to be another way. You find yourself haunted by an unrelenting question, “Why Do I Believe?”

Some time ago, I was sitting in church, the pastor was preaching, I was surrounded by other brothers and sisters in Christ in a beautiful sanctuary. On the outside everything seemed perfect, but on the inside my heart was wondering, “Why Do I Believe?”

Man looks on the outward appearance but God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). God heard the question in my heart that Sunday morning, and for several seconds everything went silent except the sound of His voice speaking these three words to me, “Believe Me Now”. The Holy Spirit captured my heart when He spoke those words. Doubt came to an immediate halt. My soul was comforted. Heaven had reached down into the seat where I sat and told me to believe. Not just to believe, but to believe Now. Why was God’s message so urgent that he told me to “Believe Him Now?” I’m guessing that He was determined to quickly pull me away from the unsettling thoughts in my mind that could lead me away from his will and down the road of disbelief.

I must be honest, I have been down that road of disbelief before. There have been times in my life where I was one of the ones who chose to set her beliefs aside to enjoy the pleasures of the world. It may have felt good temporarily but it always would end in emptiness and hurt.  With every empty, hurtful experience came more resolution to persevere in faith and keep believing God. There is a scripture that keeps me aware of sins deception, James 1:14-15, which says, “14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”

Sin when full grown always leads to some type of death. It could be physical, emotional, or relational, just to name a few, but the possibilities of sin’s devastation are endless. Whenever you are tempted by your own evil desires, open your ears to hear God’s voice saying, “Believe Me Now”. Then use your voice to speak out, like the father in Mark 9 and say, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Not believing what God says is sin, but we can stay safe in his loving arms by choosing to believe what He says over the world and even over ourselves when our thinking is contrary to His.

The Lord is passionate about us, even when we are less than passionate about Him. He still remains steadfast. He still loves. He still protects. He even understands our questions and our weaknesses, but he also knows the dangers that we invite into our lives when we linger too long in disbelief. Stay close to the Master. Don’t just believe in Him, but believe in what He says. Sin doesn’t set us free, the Son does. Sin leads us into bondage. Bondage to ourselves, bondage to the Enemy. Freedom comes from knowing Jesus Christ and “Believing Him Now.”  When we are free in Jesus Christ, God’s son, we are free indeed (John 8:36).

Father,

We believe please help us overcome any unbelief we have! You search our hearts and know even our deepest secrets (Jeremiah 17:10, Psalm 44:21). Please help us to remain steadfast and not to be dragged away by our own evil desires. Thank you for helping us to believe You every day without hesitation.

In the name of Jesus. Amen.

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Cultivating Godliness with Contentment

1 Timothy 6:6 says, “But Godliness with contentment is great gain.”

We have goals to pursue, we have dreams to fulfill, and at times a never ending list of tasks to complete. With so much to focus on, it can be easy for the pursuit of our future endeavors to overshadow the enjoyment of our present reality, making it seem impossible to find peace with where we are today. Of course we can believe and have great faith for our tomorrows, but at the same time we must have balance, and be willing to accept where we are today and make the most of it.  We can always bloom right where we are planted.

The scripture says godliness with contentment in our lives is great gain. Finding contentment requires some intentional moves on our part, because contentment is not something the world willingly dishes out to us in generous portions. We must make a conscious effort to keep our lives simple and drama free. It is wise to ask God to reveal areas of our lives that could use more order, because there maybe things that need to be changed to better suit his plans for us. He can guide us by showing us the most efficient way to get things done. I’ve always been a firm believer in quality over quantity because more doesn’t necessarily mean better. We must be careful to make sure the things we are pursuing are God’s will for us.

Putting forth effort to experience contentment can be just as simple as having a talk with the Lord while you walk in the park (one of my personal favorites), or adding things to your calendar so you don’t forget to do them and get stressed out.  It may also mean cutting back on some of your activities so you can be more at peace, and have some time to yourself. Never forget to place Bible verses all around you where you can see them often (another one of my favorites), this way you can be reminded of who God is, this will also help to keep your soul content and cause you to grow in godliness.

I trust God daily to give me contentment with where I am in life, while at the same time giving me wisdom and motivation to take the necessary steps to accomplish my goals for the future. It’s always astonishing to see how he works to bring things together, even in the little ways, every day is a piece of the puzzle. Therefore, we must learn to rest in him and enjoy the journey.

Father,

Please help us to grow in godliness and experience the contentment Jesus died to give us. Every day is an important part of Your dream for us. When we are fully committed to you, we can be confident that the ambitions we have in our heart, originated in Yours. So please help us to trust You with our desires.

In the name of Jesus Amen.

The Last Will Be First

Matthew 19:30 reads, “But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.”

Years ago I was traveling with my mom and daughter along the Pennsylvania Turnpike. We were on our way to our family reunion which was being held in Philadelphia. At some point, we came to a stretch of road on the turnpike that was lined with dead trees. The strange thing about it, was that although the trees on the front row were all dead, immediately behind them, as far as the eye could see, were beautiful, vibrant, healthy green trees. However, these lifeless trees on the front row, stood very tall and erect almost as if they possessed an inner confidence. Because of the green background behind them created by the other trees, they appeared to stand out even more. Odd as it may seem, even though these trees were dead, they were still very much alive. They had a mysterious beauty radiating from them that drew attention to their presence.

As I continued to observe this peculiar scene, God brought to my mind these words, “The first will be last and the last will be first.” I have no idea what natural events may have occurred that caused those trees to end up like they were. But to me they represent many people who may not measure up to the world’s idea of beauty. But because they follow God’s ways He has elevated them to a certain level. Like those trees, you may never know what someone has endured to get to where they are, but because they did endure, God has shown them favor. Never underestimate what God is doing in someone’s life just because things appear a certain way on the outside. As Christians, we should have an inner beauty that radiates from our hearts and changes the world around us. People should be able to sense a distinct difference and want to know more about us and our lifestyles. Ultimately who we are should lead people to want to know more about the God we serve.

Those of us who call Jesus Savior, need to take a stand and be all that God has called us to be for the sake of the cross and the glory of the One who died there.  2 Corinthians 6:17 says, “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord, then I will receive you.”

If those trees could speak, I know the stories about life on the “Penna” Turnpike would be unforgettable. The good news is that you and I can speak. We can speak life to those around us. Not only with our words, but through our actions. We must let the life we live speak for us. Ask God to show you how you can “come out from among them and be separate.” When you are serving God, even if you think you are last, in God’s eyes you are first. We need to make sure that wherever we are standing, is the place God really wants us to be. When we are where we should be, we can then be effective and make a true difference.

Father,

Please let the beauty we have in you through your Holy Spirit shine brightly so that those around us may be inspired and changed. Help us not to get caught up in things that do not matter but instead to focus on what matters most to you.

In the name of Jesus. Amen.

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They that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength…

Isaiah 40:31

31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

When a mother and father are expecting a little baby boy or girl they wait with excitement and anticipation. From day one when they find out a new life is on the way, they begin to prepare, even if it’s only mentally. They know in about 9 months their lives will be changed forever by their new tiny bundle of love. Sometimes those months as the baby grows inside of a woman can be easy, but other times it can be difficult. Some mothers go through so much sickness that they end up on bed rest or in the hospital. When I was expecting my daughter, I’m thankful my pregnancy never put me out of commission, and I never even had morning sickness. However, I did occasionally get migraine headaches. My doctors only solution to this issue was, “sometimes when you’re pregnant,  your body is going through so many changes and often times there is no explanation for the things that happen.” So at that point I figured, oh well, I’ll just have to endure these headaches until the baby gets here. Now to me,  it would have been much better if I didn’t have to wait and if there had been some type of instant fix but the doctor was basically saying I would just have to wait it out.

Pregnancy, like life is unpredictable. We try to make plans, but many times things can occur that alter those plans and we must wait to see what will happen. There is not always a course of action we can take, we must simply wait. As a mother waits, the baby continues to grow and her body continues to change. Her body is a safe place for the baby to develop by helping to create an environment suitable for growth. She can’t do anything to make the baby grow faster, but there are things she can do to help the baby grow healthier. Even so, at times things may still go wrong with the baby that are beyond her control.

As we wait for God to work in our circumstances there is also growth and change going on in our hearts. We are growing stronger as we learn to wait on God and to trust in God. We may not always perceive what he is doing in our situation at the time, but there will come a time, maybe even sooner than we think, that God’s resolution and his truth will be revealed. We will be able to look back and see the difference he has made. In the meantime, we must believe that he is stretching us by creating an environment in our lives that will promote our maturity in him.

So what do we do as we wait? We pray, we keep trusting God, we meditate on his word. And as he leads us, we can take any necessary actions that will help our journey. We should be like that expectant mother and father who wait each day with joy. Regardless of any pain they may experience during the wait, they know in the end it will be so worth it to see and hold their new baby.

I’ve heard it said that anything good is worth waiting for. Well we know that God is good, and everything good comes from him. So as we wait,  we can rest knowing that he is worth waiting for. It may not be a new baby you are waiting to give birth to, but whatever it is you are waiting for God to birth into your life,  wait with joy. He has your best interest at heart,  his intentions are good, and he has promised to renew your strength as you wait.  So do not worry about anything. Be strong and courageous. Everything will work out well for you.

Father,

Thank you for renewing our strength as we wait on you.  All that we experience, rather good or bad, is part of the environment that you are creating in our lives to help us to become all you want us to be. Help us to wait with joy, expectancy, and trust.

In the name of Jesus. Amen.

In the morning, O Lord, hear my voice

Psalm 5:3 In the morning, O LORD, hear my voice. In the morning I lay my needs in front of you, and I wait.

Psalm 119:147 I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word.

There is something special about the stillness and the quietness of early Morning Prayer. Because everything is so still and so quiet it seems I am able to sense the presence of the Lord more easily and hear his voice more clearly. I’ve also noticed that since the tasks and concerns of the day haven’t had the chance to clutter my mind yet, I feel more free to just place all my focus on the One who so loving delights in being with me during this time. Once I finish praying there is a peace and assurance that comes because I know I have laid my needs in front of the Lord and asked him to help me, as the Psalmist mentioned. I also love the way he ended by saying, “and I wait”. I believe that there was something that happened inside of his heart during his time in prayer, which gave him the assurance that he could now wait in expectation for the Lord’s answer, because he was confident that the Lord had heard his voice. That’s one of the great things about prayer, as we do it we become more confident in our relationship with Jesus.

In Mark 1:35, it tells us that even Jesus rose early to pray. It says, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”

Of course prayer is something that we can and should do throughout our whole day; we can pray at any time. However making it first place in our day, brings order to the rest of our day and puts our focus in the right place. Even if difficulties arise during the day, which they sometimes do, being covered in prayer helps us to deal with them in a godlier manner. I’ve prayed often and asked God to help me to spend time with him in the morning before I start my day and he has done it. If it’s a struggle for you to do this, don’t hesitate to pray and ask God to help you to do it, because it does make a difference not only in your day but in your relationship with him. Although you can always learn from others, your relationship with the Lord is personal so in asking him to direct your prayer life you can find the specific plan he has for you. Enjoy your time talking with the Master, he is always delighted to hear from you!

Father,

Thank you for the gift of prayer. Please help us to develop and enjoy the prayer life that Jesus died for us to have. It’s an awesome privilege to be able to talk to you anywhere at any time about anything.

In the name of Jesus. Amen

 

 

One Touch of His Garment

Matthew 14:35-36

And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased; And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.

Just one touch of Jesus will make us perfectly whole. In him we lack nothing. Have you ever thought about the power in that truth? It’s easy to feel inadequate or incomplete, but his touch brings healing to our soul.

The word broken comes to my mind as I think about this. Sometimes being broken may not be a bad thing because it causes us to see our need for Jesus. In these verses 35-36 they were broken in their bodies and they besought Jesus, which means they urgently went after him. Throughout the course of our lives we may experience brokenness is many different areas. It could be relationships, finances, health issues, or even our self-worth, the list is endless. However, when we run to Jesus by faith like they did, just one touch of him will make us whole. Sometimes the wholeness you are looking for may come through God’s peace. Even though you may still be navigating your way through a difficult problem, when you have touched the hem of His garment the peace he gives you sets you free.  In Philippians 4:7, it says “his peace surpasses all understanding.”

Every day we should be seeking the Lord and reaching out to touch him because it is his touch that gives us strength to live. The best way we can reach out to him is by first accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior. Then to develop our relationship with him we need to talk to him constantly about everything. One of my favorite verses is 1 Thessalonians 5:17 that says, “Pray without ceasing”. As we reach out and touch the hem of his garment everyday by faith, we will be made perfectly whole.

Dear Father,

Thank you for the wholeness we have in you. Every good and perfect gift comes from you (James 1:17). Please help us to reach out to you by faith each day and receive the gifts you have for us.

In the name of Jesus. Amen.

 

Trust, Lean Not, Acknowledge & Believe

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your paths.

Recently while meditating on this verse I decided to look at it closer to make sure I was getting all God wanted me to. Countless times over the years I’ve read, quoted, and heard Proverbs 3:5-6. It’s a very well-known passage of scripture from the Bible. For those of us who are familiar with it, it probably comes to our minds quickly and often especially during stressful times. While some of God’s promises are unconditional there are those that are conditional and this is one of them. There are actions we must take in order to experience the privilege of having God direct our paths.

Trusting God with all of our heart is a decision that we must make. Even after making a decision to trust God, we cannot accomplish this in our own strength.  We must pray and ask Him to help us. Whatever it is we may be going through we must learn to immediately turn it over to Him. That’s the great thing about prayer, we can do it wherever we are. Even if we are at work, we can say a quick, simple prayer and ask God to help us to trust Him to get through our day. There have been many days I didn’t even feel like going to work, but I thank God I have a job and ask Him to energize me and give me grace and a right attitude. Usually after a short time, I can look back and see a change in how I feel and I thank God for helping me.

God then tells us to lean not on our own understanding. A lot of the times we want to know exactly what is going on. We want to know how things will work out, but in scripture we are told God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours.

Isaiah 55:8-9 (NKJV)

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.

God is working things out in ways we simply cannot understand. Sometimes He will choose to reveal to us what He is doing, but others times we must trust Him for the results and try not to figure everything out on our own.

Lastly, we must acknowledge him in all of our ways. We can do this by making God a priority in everything that we do, which means we must include him in every part of my lives. We must pray often, and ask Him to show us areas of our lives where we are not trusting Him and He will. Fear can hold us back from trusting in God with all of our heart,  so praying and asking Him to take away fears would also be a big help.

All that is left for us is to believe that once we have done our part, he will then direct our paths. When God is directing our paths, we can rest assured that everything will work out for our good (Romans 8:28).

Dear Father,

Please help us to trust in you with all of our hearts, lean not on our own understanding, and acknowledge you in all of our ways. Thank you for directing our paths as You promised You would. Please remove any fears that are holding us back from trusting in You.

In the name of Jesus. Amen