A Great Door

This morning I was once again reading excerpts from John Wesley's journal.  As he was talking about his work with passengers aboard a ship in which he was traveling, he quoted a verse I did not remember seeing before.  As is my custom, when something grabs my attention, I try to take notice, figuring it is God's spirit speaking to me about something.  This was the verse that caught my eye:

 "For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries." 1 Corinthians 16:9  KJV

I decided to see how the International Standard Version put it, and backed up enough to understand the context.  Paul was writing about his plans and said, "I’ll stay on in Ephesus until Pentecost, because a door has opened wide for me to do effective work, although many people are opposing me." 1 Corinthians 16:8-9  ISV  For some reason, this felt like God speaking to me about a project on which I have been working.  

For some time I have known He had led me to this project, but have not understood "why".  Knowing I don't have to know why, but simply need to be obedient, I set aside such questions and simply continued with the work that had been set before me.  This past weekend, I was given a glimpse of the "why" in a conversation I had with someone. I felt such joy as I heard this person speak appreciation of the deep spiritual foundation they recognized in my activities, despite the fact that this project is quite mundane and it is generally inappropriate to speak of spiritual things in the course of working on this project.  It was so encouraging to hear!  I've known a "great door" had been opened for me but had wondered about the "effectual" part. Clearly both in that conversation, and in this passage, I'm being reassured about the effectiveness of my efforts.  As I write that, it seems so foolish that I should need it.  I've known that God opened the doors and has daily given me the wisdom and strength I need to do his will.  Why would I even consider that it wouldn't be effective?  And yet, even Jesus ministry was not effective for everyone, and I have indeed felt some results from people who "are opposing me".  I am grateful this morning for the encouragement I have received.

I have wondered, however, how long things will continue as they have been.  Financial needs have been met so far, but the project is NOT paying for itself, and unless that changes, we cannot continue indefinitely.  I have been thinking that we might not be able to continue past this coming spring.  Once again, these are questions I haven't spent a lot of time thinking about because I know that God is in charge.  I know that "He that hath begun a good work" in me will see it to completion (Phil 1:6), and I also know the "laborer is worthy of his hire" (Luke 10:7), and sometimes it is time to move on.

It was in this context that I read this verse from I Corinthians.  After recognizing and appreciating the affirmation of the "effectiveness" of the open door that was set before me, one of my first thoughts was "when is Pentecost"?  A search shows that it is June 8 of this coming year. That is certainly later than I had thought things might need to fold.  Glancing through the dates for Pentecost, I see that in the last 20 years or so, the earliest it fell was May 15, and the latest was June 12, so the 8th is clearly on the later side this coming year. I then did a quick check of the Eastern calendar, knowing that the timing of these religious holidays don't always coincide on the Eastern and the Western calendars.  This year, the two were over a month apart, but I find it interesting to note that in 2014 they fall on the same day! Only God knows the future and His plans for me.  I don't feel this as clear guidance that this is the way we are to plan or the way things for sure will go, but I do feel it as a possibility.  So, I will follow Mary's example and simply "ponder these things" in my heart (Luke 2:19), knowing God will give me clarity about these things when the time is right.

Father, thank you for once again giving me my daily bread!  I continue to be amazed at the way you feed me when I am willing to take time to eat!  Father, I recognize that taking time to eat is not something I'm always ready to do - in the spiritual or in the physical realms.  Once again I ask that your will be done in my life this day.  I am grateful for the spiritual food you have provided, and I now go to partake also of the physical food I need.  Thank you for your gentle reminders, Father!  Please continue to guide my path.  I love you, Father!

Companions

This morning, I decided to browse some of the many books that came with my Bible software.  One of these is a book of excerpts from John Wesley's diary.  The introduction to this book gives background on Wesley's life.  As I was reading this intro, something jumped out at me.  The author was describing an influential encounter Wesley had had with a "serious man" who said something that profoundly affected the course of  Wesley's life.  This is what the man said, "Sir, you wish to serve God and go to heaven. Remember you cannot serve Him alone. You must therefore find companions or make them. The Bible knows nothing of solitary religion."

This quote stirs a multitude of thoughts.  One thought train is about the passages I've read in the Bible that speak to the importance of meeting the needs of those around us.  I've discussed some of this in some earlier blog posts: Why This Blog, The Least of These, More on The Least of These.  Another thought train is the commission Jesus gave his disciples, "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15 KJV  This, indeed, is NOT a call to the life of a hermit, but a call to get out among people.  My natural inclination is to spend much of my time alone, but that is certainly NOT the example that Jesus lived for us.

This is not something I have ever really thought about before.  It brings one more facet of my new job into view.  This job requires me to spend time with others.  I do not always find this easy to do, and it's often tempting to retreat into my own little world where I don't have to deal with the hurt feelings I can get from the way some people treat me or others. But perhaps learning to interact more graciously and lovingly through situations such as these and develop a thicker skin is an important part of my own character building.  And, perhaps, I might also be a positive influence in some way in my interactions with others. 

"You must therefore find companions or make them. The Bible knows nothing of solitary religion."

As I ponder these things, I realize something else.  In the past, my tendency has been to get busy with "work", whatever that might be at any given time, and put off enjoying time with friends and family.  I was raised that it was important to get your work done first - and THEN you could play.  But of course, as I've become an adult, I've discovered that I can NEVER get my work completely done! There is always something more to do.  In recent months, I've found myself chanting a mantra when facing decisions of how to spend my time - "People are more important".  I don't remember where that idea first came from, but it was something that had been clearly impressed on me in recent months, and an idea I am working to more fully incorporate into my life.  For someone like myself, with tendencies toward both plenty of time alone and workaholism, putting these ideas into practice has not always been easy.  Today's message, however, repeats the theme and reminds me that people are indeed important.

Father, thank you once again for your guidance.  You know how easy it is for me to find myself "out of sorts" when I have spent a lot of time around people and not had much time by myself.  And yet, in recent weeks, I've had very little time to myself and been kept very busy meeting the needs of others in this new job.  Once again I ask you to fill me with your joy, that I may do the work you've called me to in a way which glorifies you.  May my interactions be joy-filled and may those with whom I come in contact be blessed as I strive to be an open channel for your love to flow through.  Thank you, Father!  And Father, thank you for the companions you have sent me as I make this journey through life - those kindred spirits that are a part of bring your joy into my life.  I am so grateful, Father for these friends and loved ones.  Thank you, Father! Thank you!

O Give Thanks!

This morning this verse has been on my mind:

"O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works. Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord. Seek the Lord, and his strength: seek his face evermore. Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;" Psalms 105:1-5 KJV

I discovered it is almost identical to this one:

"Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.  Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works. Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord. Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually. Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;" 1 Chronicles 16:8-12  KJV

When I find repeating passages in the Bible, I figure the subject matter is something I'm being told to pay extra attention to, so this morning I want to praise Him and thank Him for miracles performed on my behalf.  I have recently had two different times where I felt so overwhelmed with all I had to do, and experienced a miracle of strength and joy.  Yesterday was a case in point.  I was feeling so overwhelmed that I was in tears.  Remembering His promise that His "yoke is easy" and His "burden is light" (Matthew 11:30) and that the joy of the Lord is my strength (Nehemiah 8:10), I prayed for guidance to keep me pulling with Him in the yoke, and for His joy to give me strength.  And He once again came through for me, giving me joy and strength to carry on.  I am so grateful! Thank you, Father!  Thank you!  What an amazing thing the way You can turn my tears into joy!  I am so grateful!

Looking up the previous passages also brought me to another set of nearly identical passages - this time I found SIX of them!  Undoubtedly this speaks to something to which I need to pay attention!  Here are the passages:

1. "O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever." 1 Chronicles 16:34 KJV
2. "O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." Psalms 106:1 KJV
3. "O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." Psalms 107:1 KJV
4. "O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever." Psalms 118:1 KJV
5. "O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." Psalms 118:29 KJV
6. "O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." Psalms 136:1 KJV

I hate how easy it is for me to forget to give thanks.  Yesterday I experienced such a miracle as the overwhelming burdens were lifted from my shoulders as I yoked with my God.  My tears were turned to joy and I was given plenty of strength with which to complete my tasks.  And yet, this morning my first thoughts were of my to-do list, instead of praise!  

Father, thank you for this reminder!  I realize that these admonitions are NOT because you have such a big ego that you need continual praise, but because you know how much I NEED to live in a spirit of gratitude!  This is where the "joy of the Lord" comes from that is my strength, and I am so grateful.  Father, you are an amazing God and I am so thankful for the joy and strength you give me.  Once again, Father, I ask for guidance and strength for this day, and I am so grateful to know that you will indeed continue to work in me both to WILL and to DO of your good pleasure (Phil 2:13).  Thank you, Father!

Release

"And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering."  Romans 8:23 - Holy Bible, New Living Translation ®, copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers. All rights reserved.

Boy, I sure can relate to this verse.  I am SO grateful for God's work within me - for that still small voice of the Holy Spirit guiding me.  But I STILL long to be totally released from sin and suffering in my body! As Jesus told His disciples "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33 NKJV

Father, I am SO glad that you are greater than "he that is in the world" and that the victory has been won.  You have performed so many miracles in my life, and I am so grateful.  I DO still long for total healing in my body - both in terms of freedom from pain, and freedom from cravings for foods that do not serve me.  I believe you can heal me now, and I seek that healing, Father.  You have said that we "have not" because we "ask not", so I am asking this morning, Father.  I also ask for my "daily bread" - both physically and spiritually, Father, and I thank you for providing for me.  Father, you are so generous and loving and I am so grateful!  Thank you, Father!

Who Also Will Do It

"Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it." 1 Thessalonians 5:24  KJV

Today this verse jumped out at me as a reminder.  It is so easy to fall into the trap of thinking I have to do everything myself and to feel overwhelmed with all I feel called to do!  But Jesus promised "my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matt 11:30)  If I'm feeling heavily burdened, there's a strong chance I'm not submitting to that yoke very well.

So, in this busy season, I see how important it is for me to continue to seek God's will in my life and to be sure that what I'm doing is indeed within His will.  Then I need to relax and work WITH Him to accomplish that which has been given me to do.   

Father, thank you for your many promises to me. Please forgive me for those times when I have not submitted well to your guidance.  Once again I ask you to fulfill your promise of working in me both to WILL and to DO of your good pleasure (Phil 2:13). May I experience more fully this day the way the burdens are eased as I yoke with you!  Thank you for life and health and strength.  Thank you for your guidance - those gentle nudges when I start to move out of your will, as well as the unexpected insights.  Thank you for your protection, Father - physical, emotional and spiritual.  As I think of my family and friends today, I am so grateful for them, Father.  I ask your protection for them as well.  May they know the joy of living in your will, Father.  Thank you for your work in their behalf, just as you do for me.

Plans

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11-12 Holy Bible, New Living Translation ®, copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers. All rights reserved.)

I am a "planner".  I like to know what I am doing in advance.  This often serves me very well.  For example, often when we travel, we see a lot more and don't waste our vacation time trying to figure out what to do, but can just do it!  There are other times, however when my planning doesn't work out so well.  Today is a case in point.

Early in the week I worked out plans with the teacher I am filling in for - plans for what we'd be teaching today.  Then yesterday afternoon she contacted me and changed those plans!  I had thought we were ready to teach today - suddenly we're not at all!  I understand her reasons and agree with them, but it's hard for me to have plans changed at the last minute like that - especially when it has to do with something where advanced preparation is needed and there's little time to do so! 

I actually found myself in tears last evening, as I just felt so overwhelmed with it all (and actually concerned that things might be a disaster because of my lack of time to prepare). But this morning I have to chuckle as God reminds me, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning"! (Psalm 30:5)  It is true, and I am so grateful.   I still don't know exactly what we're teaching yet, but I KNOW who is in charge, and I can relax and experience the exhilaration of letting go and enjoying the ride.  Thank you, Father!

Situations like this can be SO hard for me, but it takes me right back where I belong - to the arms of my Savior.  Only he can see me through things like this!  This morning I am grateful for the promise I quoted above.  I know this change in plans is for my good (and the good of those around me), and I am grateful.  I am also reminded that the "joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10).

Father, thank you for the joy that you put in me.  The words of a song come to mind, "He keeps me singing a happy song, he keeps me singing it all day long . . . " Thank you for this promise, too, Father!  I know that in you I live and move and have my being and that your way is the path of joy.  You remind me of another verse, Father, "You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." (Psalms 16:11 NKJV)  Thank you, Father!  And you remind me of yet another verse, "For you shall go out with joy, And be led out with peace; The mountains and the hills Shall break forth into singing before you, And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands."  Isaiah 55:12 NKJV  Thank you, Father!!!! Thank you!  You bring me promise after promise this morning, and I am SO grateful.  Father, I DO trust you!  "Lord I believe, help thou mine unbelief"!  I know that you are working in me both to WILL and to DO of your good pleasure.  I am SO grateful, Father!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!  I know you are guiding my thoughts as I go out from here to sort out what we will be teaching today.  I know you will be guiding our words and actions as we teach today.  And I thank you for it!  You are an amazing God, and I can never praise you enough.  Thank you is so adequate to express the fullness of my feelings, but Father, you know my heart, and you know what you have put within it.  Thank you for your miracles on my behalf, Father!  I love you!

New Mercies

This morning I found myself singing the song "Great is Thy Faithfulness" - particularly the part that says "morning by morning new mercies I see".  I am so grateful!  Yesterday was a really challenging day and I just didn't know how I would be able to do what I needed to do.  I kept thinking of the verse that says, "The joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10) and knew that was what I needed to bring to my tasks and my interactions with others - but I was feeling so sad!  I don't get to see my daughter very often and I MISS HER - especially when the holidays come around.  I knew I needed to give that burden to God and let Him fill me with joy to complete my tasks - but I didn't know how I could possibly do that!

Well, as I was promised in the verses I looked at yesterday, all I had to do was ask.  As we were getting ready to head to class, my husband and I prayed about it.  By the time I got to class, my melancholy was lifted and I was indeed filled with joy!  I was able to teach and interact with others from an enthusiastic joy-filled space that was totally genuine!  How did He do that?  I have no idea, but I'm so glad He did!  He gave me joy and strength so the evening was a delight instead of a challenge!  

Father, I can't praise you enough!  Thank you so much!  As I go about my tasks today, I once again ask for your will to be done in my life and that you continue to work in me both to WILL and to DO of your good pleasure (Phil 2:13).  I thank you for answered prayers and promises fulfilled.  I love you, Father!

Keep On

“Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened for you. Because everyone who keeps asking will receive, and the person who keeps searching will find, and the person who keeps knocking will have the door opened." Matthew 7:7-8 ISV

It's been hard for me to accept the facts about myself sometimes, and this particular realization is no different.  Like it or not, I am not always as persistent as I could be - especially when it comes to "knocking on heaven's door".  But this verse this morning speaks to me the same way some other verses were speaking the other day (see post "Bless me, Father") and I recognize a repeated theme my Heavenly Father is bringing to my attention. 

It's important for me to be persistent about time spent with my Father.  If, when I come to Him in the morning, I do not immediately sense His presence or feel spiritually fed, I need to be persistent.  This is one case where acceptance is NOT the answer.  I need to increase my asking, searching, and knocking .  The promises are clear.  EVERYONE who keeps doing so will be rewarded.

Father, I thank you for your blessings to me each and every day.  Thank you for your love and guidance.  Father, as I go about my duties today, I ask once again for your guidance.  Please give me the energy I need to accomplish that which must be accomplished, and please give me the discernment to know what needs to be done, and to prioritise things.  Father, you know the challenges I've been having with my computer and the added time that it takes to do things like post a blog post because of it.  I ask that you make my next steps clear regarding this.  Father, thank you for the miracle I've just seen regarding this!  Truly, before we call, you DO answer!  I am grateful for this, another opportunity to see how you indeed give to us when we ask.  Father, you know the challenges I face today.  And you know my tendency toward willfulness about such things.  Father, I ask that you continue to work in me both to will and to do of your good pleasure.  Father, I don't know when the feelings of urgency I feel are from you and when they are my own willfulness, so I ask that all but your guidance be removed so I can clearly see my path for this day.  Thank you, Father!  Father, I know in the grand scheme of things it may seem a small matter to have the computer issues clear up so I can post this, but it feels big to me and I am grateful.  Thank you for this, another example of your love and eagerness to fulfill your promises.  I love you, Father!

More on "the least of these"

A few days ago I commented on this passage from Matthew:

"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Matthew 25:40 KJV 

It's words have been burrowing deep into my consciousness and I'm coming to understand even more about those my Heavenly Father would have me serve.  In particular, I've been thinking more about this part of the story: 

". . . I was in prison, and you visited me.’ Matthew 25:36 ISV

While I don't know many people in prison in the physical sense, I DO know quite a few who live in a prison of one kind or another.  Some don't get out much because of physical limitations, some are shunned because of poor social skills or emotional health issues, some are locked in depression and are missing out on the beauty that surrounds them, and for some it's a matter of poor self-esteem.  Whatever the prison looks like, these too are people my Father would have me serve.  Do I visit with these people, or do I tend to ignore them when I can?  How do I respond to the fact that they're "in prison"? Do I do my best to bring the light of God's love and joy to brighten the corners of their prisons and give them hope?

Father, I know your love is for all of these.  May I be an open channel of that love.  As I think about these things and feel somewhat overwhelmed by the enormity of the call, I find myself being even more grateful to you. You don't let the enormity of the task overwhelm you, but instead are there loving each and every one of us as much as we will let you.  Father, I want to live with the same mindset that Jesus had - as we are admonished to do in Phil 2:5.  Thank you for your guidance and direction.  Thank you for continuing to work in me "both to will and to do" of your good pleasure! (Phil 2:13).  Thank you, Father!

  

What Comes Next?

Through the years I've been grateful for the many Bible verses I've committed to memory.  God brings them to mind so many times at just the right moment to ease my burden and bring peace to my soul.  But I've discovered that sometimes with these memorized verses, I've been missing something!  I haven't always remembered the context of the verses, and I've gained a great deal by looking up the verses brought to mind.  

A case in point is the story of Jesus warning Peter that he would deny his Lord 3 times that night (John 13:38).  It was only in recent months that I really realized what the NEXT verse said.  The next verse is one I've had memorized for a long time and it means so much more to see it in this context.  It says, "Let not your heart be troubled. . . " (John 14:1).  Jesus not only warned Peter of what would happen, He also gave words of comfort!  This is the God I've come to know.  This is the depth of His caring!

This morning, I realized once again that several verses I have memorized individually over the years, all follow one another:

• "This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles." Psalms 34:6  KJV
• "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them." Psalms 34:7 KJV
• "O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him." Psalms 34:8 KJV

Reading it all together, plus some others (this time from the New Living Translation) I read:

"In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing." Psalms 34:6-10

What marvelous promises!  Taste and see!  The Bread of Heaven truly does feed my soul and satisfies the longing in my heart.  I am SO grateful!

Thank you, Father! As I think about this, you remind me of another promise: those that hunger and thirst after righteousness will be filled. (Matthew 5:6).  There's another one of those words again. "Righteousness", what does it mean to hunger and thirst after righteousness, Father?  

I look up the original word and find it means "equity (of character or act)", and is also translated "just" (as in "being a just man"). Is this perhaps related to the idea of caring for others as much as we care for ourselves?  I think of the passages that have once again been brought to me in this last week (The Least of These).  Those, together with the verses that I was brought to at this same time last year from Isaiah chapter 58 speak to this same idea.  Some of the greatest promises are tied to this concept of caring for those less fortunate and sharing what we have with them.

Father, thank you for your promises. May I indeed hunger and thirst for equity!  May I see those opportunities you place before me to live those principles.  May I have clarity about what it is you would have me do, and the willingness to do it.  Thank you for working in me "both to will and to do"(Phil 2:13) of your good pleasure, Father!