The Door Is Open

A few days ago I posted about the OPEN DOOR mentioned in Revelation 3:8.  At that same time, as I delved deeper into the meaning of the words in the original language, I was given a paraphrase of the passage in Revelation 3:7-13 that had a great deal of meaning for me.  It felt like God's voice directly to me speaking about some issues I was facing and questions I had about my work life in particular.  What a blessing to be given such a direct answer to my questions!  

The summary of the message was simple.  Cheryl, the door is OPEN.  Don't hesitate to step through, the prize on the other side is meant for YOU!

Yesterday, as I was preparing to post the page about Jesus stilling the waves on the sea, I was reminded of this paraphrase, and decided the message belong in my Bible, on the back of the picture of the open door.  You can see the result in the picture above.  The private message is printed on a hidden panel attached with washi tape on one side and a velcro closure (hidden behind the heart) on the other, but the summary of the message is on the visible side of that panel.  (NOTE: This only works because it is attached to an insert page.  Please do not try adding a velcro closure to a delicate Bible page!)

It reminds me of the importance of stepping through the open doors God sets before me with gratitude and praise.  And I find myself thinking of my blog readers.  What open doors has God set before YOU?  

Father, today I am so grateful for the open doors you've set before me!  Thank you for the courage you give to step through each one, and the opportunities and blessings you give!  Father, I think in a special way of my blog readers today.  What doors have you opened for them?  May they be filled with your courage to step through those doors you've set before them, and experience the peace that you give that is not dependent on circumstances.  Thank you, Father, for your guidance, for the wisdom and strength that you give to see us through the tasks you give us each day. I love you, Father.

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For more on how I created this page - check here.

A Spirit of Fear?

Yesterday was our first day back from a vacation focused on much needed rest and relaxation.  Since it was Sunday, I continued my rest and relaxation to a large extent, but this morning as I awakened, I had my mind on the many things that needed to get done - things to do to take care of my spiritual health, things to do to take care of my physical health, things to do to take care of my home, things to do to perform the work-related tasks that were before me. . . .  As I contemplated the many things I could do with my time, I recognized a bit of anxiety welling in me.  So many things - so little time.  What was the best use of my time?  Where should I focus my energy?

As I lay awake talking to God about my to-do list, and visualizing the various tasks, I heard that still small voice whispering to me.  "Cheryl, you are worried about many things. (Luke 10:41) I came that you might enjoy life and live abundantly. (John 10:10)  In fact, the JOY of the Lord is your strength! (Nehemiah 8:10) It saddens me to see you so worried about what you should do.  I've told you 'whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might as joyful service to me!' (Eccl 9:10, Col 3:23) And  I've encouraged you to ask for wisdom, spoken of the perils of being double-minded, and explained the importance of living your life with "no wavering." (James 1:5-8)  No matter what you would choose to do in your current mind-set, you would be anxious!  But I want you to live a life of joy! (Phil 4:4)"

I was immediately convicted.  I knew He was right.  I had been allowing the spirit of worry to live through me no matter what decision I made about what I would do.  But that wasn't the spirit I wanted within me!  I want God's spirit of love and trust and joy within me - ALWAYS.  Father, forgive me!  Thank you for showing me what I was doing! Please cast out that spirit of worry and replace it with your perfect love, peace, and trust in you.  Thank you, Father.

The picture that came to mind immediately after that realization and repentance was of the disciples in the boat on the lake - terrified of the waves that were being whipped up by the gale-force winds, while Jesus slept in the back of the boat. (Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, Luke 8:22-25) The picture was more compelling for me because we recently spent time on a lake in a kayak, dealing with waves that were by no means whipped by a gale, but were frightening enough for me since I haven't spent a lot of time in a kayak and hadn't expected to see any waves on the lake at all.

This story of the disciples facing the waves is FOR ME!  And Jesus' words are also for me.  To that anxious voice in my mind, Jesus says, "Peace, be still" and then asks me "Why are you so timid?  How is it that you have no faith?"  As I feel the calm settle over my soul and as I remember the truth that God is in charge and is working ALL THINGS for my good (Rom 8:28), I am SO grateful!  Grateful for the reminder, grateful for the truth, grateful for the peace and joy that comes with remembering the truth.

Thank you, Father!  I am so grateful that you are in charge of my life and that I can trust you.  Father, please banish these pesky anxieties from my life.  Instead, I choose to trust in your gift of faith and to trust you to give me the direction I need.  Thank you that you are the loving God that you are!  I'm so grateful to know that you want me to ENJOY life!  How much better it is to trust you and perform the tasks you set before me with joy and praise instead of with worry!  Indeed you have not given me a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind! (2Tim 1:7) Thank you, Father!!!

Leaping for Joy?

As I was leafing through my Bible this morning, this drawing of a linen ephod jumped out at me and I started to read about it.  It turns out it is a representation of the fact that apparently King David was wearing one when he came rejoicing with the Levites who were bringing the ark to the place David had prepared for it in Jerusalem.  As I was reading the story this morning, the last verse of I Chronicles chapter 15 really jumped out at me.

"And it happened when the ark of the covenant of the Lord came to the city of David, that Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of the window, and saw King David leaping and making merry; and she despised him in her heart."  I Chronicles 15:29

King David, despised because he was "leaping and making merry."  Have you ever been there?  Been despised because of expressing joy?  Told you're making a scene?  Being undignified?  I have. Plenty of times.  One that comes to mind was when I was in college - probably about 18 years old. I went to the city park with a date.  I don't remember the young man's name or much about him, except for his disapproving stance as I chose to start climbing the marvelous trees in that park.  I was expressing joy, but got the message loud and clear that rather than partaking in my joy, the young man was simply seeing me as childish and was rather embarrassed to be seen with me.  Sometimes disapproval of the way I expressed joy was stated clearly, but often, just as Michal despised King David "in her heart", those despising me left it unexpressed except through body language and behavior.  But I certainly recognized it anyway, and I realize now that each time it happened, I became more cautious about expressing joy.  No wonder God has had to keep speaking to me about the importance of joy!  He keeps reminding me that the joy of the Lord is my strength. (Nehemiah 8:10)  But I've learned to become dignified enough that I am cautious about when and how I express joy.  

Perhaps this is why we speak of some older adults as "experiencing a 2nd childhood."  Perhaps they've somehow managed to throw off the restraints of societal disapproval, after decades of conforming, and are once again choosing to express joy!  

Father, I want to be more open in expression of the joy you place within my heart!  Thank you for this joy and the peace that passes all understanding - going beyond circumstances and anything others might understand.  Thank you for the strength your joy brings!  Father, I CHOOSE joy this day!  I recognize the efforts of the enemy who tries to steal my joy, because that is a very real way of stealing my STRENGTH!  Father, I ask that you keep my mind focused on JOY as I go about the tasks you have set before me.  And may I be a joy ENCOURAGER, rather than a joy discourager, Father!

As I recognize the way joy has been stolen from me in the past, I have to ask myself the question - have I done that to others?  And the unfortunate answer is that I'm sure that I have.  Sometimes it's been about dignity, but sometimes it's been because of my focus on what needs to be done.  I've wanted folks to "quit goofing around" and get back to work!  I know the enemy doesn't care WHY the joy is stolen - just that it is (because stealing joy steals a person's strength!).

Father, forgive me for my tendency to judge others with disapproval - whether overtly spoken or not.  I know from my own experiences that one doesn't have to be overt for the message to get across.  Father, I don't want to be a joy stealer!  I want to be a joy GIVER!  Father, please work in and through me to share your joy with all I meet, that you may be glorified, and they may be strengthened.  I love you, Father!

I Rejoice!

The story of Hannah as told in the first few chapters of 1 Samuel is quite moving.  And I find Hannah's prayer as recorded in the first 10 verses of chapter 2 quite thought provoking.  Hannah has been tormented for years, wanting a child desperately and having Peninnah goad her about her barrenness.  She promises God that if He will just give her a son, she will give Him to the Lord.  She is given a son, and when he is weaned, she brings him to the temple to leave him with the high priest to be raised by him in service to God.  The prayer I mentioned in chapter 2 is her prayer when she brings Samuel to stay with Eli.  Can you imagine how she must have been feeling, knowing that when she returned home, it would be without the son she had prayed for so long?  

I know if it had been me, I'd have had a hard time behaving as Hannah did.  I'd probably have been really torn.  Having made a promise to God, I would want to fulfill it, but could have found all sorts of reasons why it might not be a good idea to leave him with Eli.  Just look how his OWN sons turned out!  I'd likely be quite worried about leaving my son, and very sad about it at the very least.  But that is not Hannah's attitude.  She is clearly a "cheerful giver" (2 Cor 9:7), focusing not on her impending loss, but her immense gratitude for God's giving her a son.  In her prayer, she says:

"My heart exults in the Lord. . . I rejoice in thy salvation" (I Sam 2:1, NASV)

and goes on to talk about how wonderful God is.  And lest you think she was just one of those mothers who didn't care about her child, that thought is dispelled by the fact that she carefully made him clothes each year and brought them to him (I Sam 2:19).  Remember this was before a time when one could just go out and purchase cloth and zip something up with an electric sewing machine!

For me, this story speaks to me on so many levels - especially about the power of prayer, and the importance of cheerfulness & joy - especially when giving gifts to God!

Father, once again I am reminded of how you encourage us to rejoice and give thanks in ALL THINGS.  I am so grateful for your love and care for me!  Thank you for this special time of rest and relaxation that you have provided, and thank you for the renewed energy to return to the work you have given me to do.  May I do my work cheerfully as a gift to those I serve, and in gratitude to you for the many gifts you have given me - including these current tasks! (Eccl 3:13)  Father, I love you!

Knocking

Recently I was quite taken by the contrast in messages between Revelation 3:8 and Revelation 3:20.  Revelation 3:8 is the text that talks about how God has set before us an open door:

Revelations 3:20 gives the all-too-often unfortunate contrast of our own closed door, where God stands asking us to let Him in:

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. . ."

It's rare, but I HAVE had a close friend who had an "open door policy" - where I knew I could just announce myself and walk inside without standing at the door - waiting and hoping to be let in.  Even then, I don't think it was a true open door policy, as there would have been times when I would not have been comfortable doing that - for instance late a night after my friend was asleep.   

But as we see in verse 8, God has a very clear open door policy with NO EXCEPTIONS.  How amazing is that?  The King of the Universe does not stand on ceremony, but welcomes us to just come right on in!  What is my own policy?  Is the door to my heart open? closed? or even locked?  Is it wide open for my Heavenly Father to come in at any time? Is it open to those around me? Or do I hide behind a closed door?

As I think about this, I start to think about WHY.  Why might one choose to keep a closed and maybe even locked door?  The clear answer seems to be fear and a lack of trust.  Fear that someone will walk through that door and hurt me; a lack of trust that my Heavenly Father will protect me.

So, here we have two contrasting ways of behaving.  What is my choice today?

Heavenly Father, I want to be more open in all my dealings - with you and with others. This is a scary thing for one as private as I tend to want to be, but I choose to trust you more and ask that your perfect love cast out any vestiges of fear in my life.  Father, once again today I open my heart to you and ask that you come in and fellowship with me this day.  I look forward to a day full of fun and fellowship!  Thank you, Father!

SWEET!!!

Today's journaling is based on Ezekiel 2:8-3:3:

"Now you, son of man, listen to what I am speaking to you; do not be rebellious like that rebellious house.  Open your mouth and eat what I am giving you. Then I looked, behold, a hand was extended to me, and lo, a scroll was in it.  When He spread it out before me, it was written on the front and back and written on it were lamentations, mournings, and woe.  Then He said to me, 'Son of man, eat what you find; eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.'     So I opened my mouth, and He fed me this scroll.   And He said to me, 'Son of man, feed your stomach, and fill your body with this scroll which I am giving you.'  Then I ate it, and it was sweet as honey in my mouth."

As I was reading this passage, I was really struck by the fact that the scroll tasted SWEET, even though it was filled with lamentations, mournings and woe!  As I contemplated this idea, several texts came to mind in rapid succession (emphasis mine):

"TASTE and see that the Lord is GOOD" (Ps 34:8)

 "Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS"(Phil 4:4)

 "In EVERYTHING give thanks" (1 Thes 5:18)

I am still FAR too quick to want to avoid lamentations, mourning, and woe - and far too quick to complain to God when these cross my path.  I KNOW better!  I've seen time and again when He brings great good for me out of situations I thought I didn't want.  

Father, forgive me!  I KNOW that your path is the path of peace and joy!  I KNOW you can be trusted with my life - far better than I can on my own!  Forgive me for those times when I've been one of the rebellious ones that didn't want to eat what you were giving me if I saw they might include lamentations, mournings, and woe - or even if it just wasn't what I thought I wanted at the time!  Father, I want to do your will.  I want to walk the path that you've set for me, regardless of my comfort level.  Thank you for not giving up on me when I have grumbled and complained!  Father, please fill me with your joy and your peace that I may willingly digest whatever you give me and recognize it's sweetness!  I love you, Father!

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To see how the bible journaling page was created, check my papercrafting blog.

An Open Door

I am SO grateful for the way God leads me!  This text from Revelation 3:8 has been a specific promise to me for some time regarding the career path into which God has lead me.  Too often along the way I have seen challenges ahead, or unexpected tasks being presented to me, and been afraid.  It feels like SOOOO much to take on, sometimes, and I can feel so inadequate at times! But God tells me that His strength is made perfect in my weakness! (2 Cor 12:9)  

Today God's promise to me, hidden in these verses about the church in Philadelphia, is that his miraculous power is up to any challenge He sets before me and I only need cling to Him and trust His leading.  God says to me, 

"I know your deeds.  See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.  I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name." Rev 3:8-9, (NIV)

As I turned to some of my Bible study aids to better understand God's promise and direction to me, I heard His voice gently saying, "Cheryl, I see your labor.  Look, I have given you opportunities that you can't pass up; because you are open to a small amount of my miraculous power working through you and you heed my guidance and accept my authority."

Father, thank you for the opportunities you bring my way.  Thank you for your many promises.  I am so grateful that you've promised to complete the work that you've begun in me. (Phil 1:6)  I am so grateful for Your many promises of strength and guidance as I walk the path you've set before me. I see you doing things in and through me that I never before thought possible, or was afraid to wish for!  I am so grateful that I don't have to face these challenges alone, but can trust in your strength and guidance as I move forward. You are an amazing God and Father!  I love you!  Please keep my feet on the path you have set for me and don't let me wander away from it!  Thank you, Father!

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Bible page insert created from a page in the coloring book, "The Word in Color"  by Christian Art Publishers. 

Understanding

Recently I read a very thought-provoking novel called "The Designer Bag at the Garbage Dump".  It really made me stop and think about my interactions with God.  How obedient am I?  Do I still put myself or things or other people ahead of Him, making them my gods?  How well do I listen to His direction in my life?  

As I pondered the story, one of the things I found myself thinking about was the tendency I have sometimes to simply set aside Biblical passages that I find hard to understand.  While this process has sometimes worked for me, allowing me to come back to the same passage later with clearer understanding, it struck me that perhaps I wasn't always being respectful of my Heavenly Father by relating in this way.  

I realize that in my interactions with others, if they don't understand something I've said, I much prefer that they ask me about it rather than either just making an assumption or ignoring what I've said.  As I pursue a relationship with my Heavenly Father, wouldn't He prefer I relate in a similar way?  It's one thing if He tells me that something is not for me to understand at the moment, but do I always ask???

The verses I've been looking at this morning are the first several verses of Proverbs chapter 2:

". . .  if you accept my words and store up my commands within you,  turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding—indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." Proverbs 2:1-6 (NIV)

This whole passage is such a great promise!  Not only does it promise that God will give me wisdom as it comes to understanding Him, but as I read the next few verses I find He promises SUCCESS!

"He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you." verses 7-11 

Then He goes on to address a topic I've too often been concerned about - that of having someone take advantage of me.  I've been able to relax about this more in recent years as I've learned to trust that my Father is in charge and won't allow anything to affect me that is not in His plan for me.  However, the next few verses in this chapter really address this issue!

"Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, who have left the straight paths to walk in dark ways, who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil, whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways." verses 12-15

Wow! How much better is my life as I seek God's wisdom in all that I do?  Do I really understand and appreciate all He does for me?  I know I don't, any more than a child really understands everything their parents do for them.  But I understand enough to know how blessed I am to have such a loving Father!

Father, thank you for the way you take care of me!  Thank you for your love and care!  Thank you for your gentle guidance.  And thank you for your promises.  Father, I seek your wisdom this day as I continue to pursue a closer relationship with you and as I go about the tasks you have set before me.  I thank you that you've promised to meet my needs - including the need for wisdom and understanding.  Thank you, Father!