Monthly Archives: January 2012

The Power of Perspective

27 Friday Jan 2012

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“Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23

Something that I’ve been thinking about for the past few weeks is perspective and the importance of having a positive outlook. One of the things that got my wheels turning on this subject has been the weather we’ve had this winter. About a week into January, we were experiencing sunny, warm temperatures in the mid to high 40’s; and we still didn’t have snow here in Otter Tail County. It has been an unseasonably warm winter. And I, personally, have really been enjoying it.

One of the things that struck me was how much complaining I was hearing about the lack of snow. Now, I enjoy snow as much as anyone else – maybe even a little bit more than some, since I didn’t get to experience it growing up in South Florida. Even so, I didn’t agree with the complaints that I was hearing, namely, that the world outdoors looked “brown and ugly” and that we needed snow in order for it to look beautiful.

Chock this up to perspective, but seriously, how anybody could think that this place is ugly – EVER . . . Well, I don’t understand it, and in my opinion, they need to open their eyes. Minnesota is gorgeous! Snow or no snow, I see beauty everywhere I look. I also find it quite interesting that I didn’t hear any complaints about the good roads, sunshine, and warm weather we were experiencing. It seemed as if these traits were simply taken for granted.

I must admit, I have very little patience when it comes to complaining. I don’t want to hear it. Frankly, I don’t see the point of it. It is a completely unproductive waste of words that only breathes negativity out into the atmosphere. Often times, I feel that people choose to complain simply because they enjoy the sound of their own voice. I think with many, it is merely a habit – a destructive habit – though they mean no harm. As believers, we must remember that there is power in our words – specifically, the power of life and death! (See Proverbs 18:21) We need to think before we speak, and choose our words wisely.

Jesus said, “The things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them.” (Matthew 15:18) Having the right perspective is key to keeping our tongue in check, because it is what’s in our heart that comes out of our mouth and pollutes us. What we think about, our overall outlook, permeates and affects every area of our life either positively or negatively. This is why Romans 12:2 exhorts us to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Where the mind goes, the body will follow. Although this verse in Romans is speaking of the mind, and not specifically the heart, the two are often interconnected in matters of perspective. Also, in scripture, the heart and mind are often mentioned together, because they are so closely related. What is in our heart affects our mind and thought-life; and what we allow to enter our mind, affects our heart.

“Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23

So, how do we do this? How do we guard our heart? One of the keys to guarding the heart is guarding the mind. We need to be purposeful in our thoughts. Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy –  think about such things.” Another key is humble surrender to God. Like David, an ongoing prayer of ours should be, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51.10) We need to live out of a place of dependence on Holy Spirit. As we allow Him to move us, guide us, and change us, we begin to look more and more like our savior, Jesus.

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Adventures in Grace or the Lack Thereof

20 Friday Jan 2012

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I have had a particularly clumsy week. First, I stubbed my toe so hard that it swelled up, changed colors and made it painful to wear shoes. Then I burned a finger and my arm on a searing, hot waffle iron. Next, in the short distance from my car to the front door of my house, I fell down and scraped my knee significantly enough that there was blood and ripped clothing. Finally, after bending over trying to reach something in the back of our bottom cupboard, I banged my head as I straightened up. All of this happened from Sunday to Wednesday within a span of four days. On the bright side, there has been definite improvement as yesterday came and went without me inflicting any injury upon myself. And today? So far, so good.

I’ve had my share of less-than-graceful, often embarrassing moments in life. Like when I was fourteen and broke my foot on a water slide… or the time when dressed in a white dance costume, I fell into a hole, twisting my ankle and covering myself in dirt and grass stains. All of this, of course, BEFORE I was supposed to get on stage and perform. Obviously, that didn’t happen. Then there was the time when I went bike riding downhill without brakes. In my defense, I was told that if I “pumped the brakes” they would work just fine. FALSE. I discovered the complete lack of brakes as I rapidly gained speed on the downhill descent. In an attempt to slow down, and therefore preserve my life, I dragged my foot on the ground resulting in a quick, up-close-and-personal, introduction to the pavement. I still have scars.

I’m usually not this klutzy. Really, I’m not. I’m actually quite adept at walking, talking and chewing gum, all at the same time. But this week was a doozy! As I pondered it all, I thought, “I could use some more grace.” The grace I had in mind, simply put, is ease of movement. Then I thought some more about that statement: “I could use some more grace.” And I thought about the grace of God. Merriam-Webster defines God’s grace as “unmerited divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration (spiritual renewal, revival) or sanctification (setting apart for sacred purpose, holiness, freedom from sin).” I definitely could use some more of this! In fact, I don’t know of anyone who doesn’t have an ongoing need for God’s grace.

An amazing and wonderful thing about the grace of God, is that it’s a free gift available to anybody who will accept it. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:16-17). God’s grace isn’t something that we can earn by doing all of the right things; and we certainly don’t deserve it. Even so, He freely offers it because He loves us so much. “Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved… For it is by grace you have been saved through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:4-5, 8-9)

If we desire to grow in our relationship with God, we need to remain dependent upon Him. We will never outgrow our need for His loving guidance and assistance in our lives. It’s important that we remain in a place of humility, where we recognize our ongoing need for God’s grace. “‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:5b-7) He cares for us! That’s great news! No matter what we’re going through, or what trials we may face, we have a Savior who knows how we feel. Even better than that, He promises to help us when we come to Him in need. “We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15-16)

I’m so thankful for God’s active, saving grace that continues to come to my aid when I call out to Him for help. I’ve personally experienced this repeatedly, time and time again. May I never take it  – or Him – for granted.

 

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There Will Be Freedom

16 Monday Jan 2012

Posted by in Blogs, Identity, Prophecy

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Last night at Firestarters was amazing! I can’t even really articulate what happened except to say that God was moving among us and His presence was powerful. I wrote the following prophetic word in my journal in the middle of worship. Later the mic was opened for people to pray and prophesy. At the time, it didn’t even occur to me to share, because what I wrote had ministered to me personally. So I automatically thought, “this word is for me.” Then this morning as I wrote in my journal and thought about last night, I turned back the pages and read what I wrote. As I read the following words, it seemed pretty obvious that this was not only for me.

So here it is – just as I wrote it in my journal last night. It’s completely unchanged except for some punctuation. I hope the Lord blesses you through these words as much as He blessed me.

(January 15, 2012 – 7:00 pm)
I see a place where the freedom of the Lord reigns! Where the Spirit of the Lord is – and there is freedom! This is a year of new revelation about our identity as children of God. He is going to teach us more about His love. We will come into a deeper revelation of His love for us and His love for all. This revelation is going to bring about great change. I see transformation! It will be a new understanding of God’s character that will change the way we see ourselves and the way we see each other. I see chains breaking off of people! He is going to break off the chains of fear and rejection that have held so many captive – that have held so many of His children in bondage. Insecurity is going to be trampled under His feet as He brings us into the revelation that we are His children and we are eternally loved and accepted by Him. He is going to give us new eyes to see – eyes like His.

 

 

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In the Deep

13 Friday Jan 2012

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I came upon a scripture today that really got me thinking. It was a verse that I didn’t remember, even though I know that this wasn’t my first time reading it. For some reason, today was the first time that it really sunk in and made an impression.

Here’s what I read:

“Blows that hurt cleanse away evil, as do stripes the inner depths of the heart.” – Proverbs 20:30

I read this and my initial thought was, “Ouch. I don’t like that.” I wanted to turn the page of my Bible and read something else, but something (or rather Someone) deep within wouldn’t let me. So, I read the verse again. Then I waited. . . Faithful as always, Revelation showed up to shed some light and give me a new perspective.

It’s no huge surprise that I didn’t like what I read. Nobody wants to get hurt; and nobody enjoys being in pain. In fact, most of us do our best to avoid it, if possible. Even so, we all experience things that result in hurt, and we all deal with our pain in different ways. I think it’s likely that the reason I couldn’t remember ever having read this verse before, is because I didn’t want to think about my pain – so I moved on as quickly as I’d read it. Fortunately, this time was different.

You see, it’s in those moments when we’re experiencing the sting of our deepest wounds that God can cleanse us of our own hidden darkness – of the evil that lurks within the corners of our own hearts. I’m not saying that God causes us to be in pain; but rather, that our pain can become a tool in His hands. Consequently, pain isn’t really the point here. God is the point. He is faithful to never leave us or forsake us. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18. He’s always with us, even in our darkest hour.

It’s important to draw near to God when you experience pain. You may feel like running and hiding. Instead, just lean into Him and allow Him to do a deep work in you. Don’t fight it. Surrender to Him. His hands are the safest place that you could ever be.

When pain becomes a tool in the hands of God, the inevitable end result is transformation. I find this truth to be extremely encouraging. Don’t you? It’s great news!

 

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Another Year, Another Chapter, A New Season

06 Friday Jan 2012

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The past couple of years, have been difficult for me on a personal level. Truthfully, I’ve been glad to see them come to an end. 2010 was marked with turbulence right from the start, and 2011 began with an explosive bang that shook our household to its very foundations. Very much like a natural disaster, relief came mid-year followed by a time of navigating through the aftermath.

At the closing of each year and the beginning of the next, I find myself reflecting upon various events that I’ve been through and the resulting lessons learned. Each year, as I continue to draw close to the Lord, I find that God uses the events of my life to reveal another aspect of who He is. In 2010, it was Emmanuel – “God with Us.” I often felt like He was the only true friend that I had. There was so much going on that I couldn’t speak about, and He was there to walk with me through it all – even carrying me at times. When I needed Him the most, He completely surrounded me. He never left me, and He never failed to give me the direction and guidance that I needed. This enabled me to have supernatural joy in the midst of hard times.

In 2011, God revealed Himself to me as Joshua – “YAHWEH is salvation” or “God rescues.” During the turmoil of the previous year, when I really wanted to take some action and do something about my situation, He spoke to me very clearly. He basically told me to do nothing. He told me to stand and that He was going to fight for me. One seemed contingent upon the other. Meaning, it was necessary for me to just stand, in order for Him to stand up and fight for me. So, in faith, I fought the inclination to take matters into my own hands and simply waited. And waited. Expecting Him to move on my behalf. And just when it seemed like I couldn’t take it anymore – like I was going to go out of my mind with the all the standing and waiting… He kept His word, and He came through for me. His rod and His staff comfort me (See Psalm 23:4). In 2011, I learned what it means to have a God that loves me so much that He would fight for me.

Upon discussing the new year with several friends, it seems to be a common viewpoint that 2011 was particularly rough. Everyone seems to be happy that it is over and that we are moving on into a new year. Entering into 2012 fills me with so much excitement! So much change and breakthrough has happened and I am expecting to cross over into something new. The path before me is opened wide, full of possibilities and I’m moving forward in anticipation of what God will reveal to me throughout this new year.

 

 

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