Tag: Heart

Heart, Soul and Might

One of the greatest gifts we can give to those we love is our personal pursuit of growing in our love for God, seeking to understand Him, and desiring to serve Him through others.

Valentine’s Day.​​ The history behind this day seems a bit mysterious. ​​ Ranging from honoring a saint named Valentine to a medieval knight with the same name, it has become a day that is​​ observed across the Americas and into Canada and beyond. ​​ Traditionally, a small note of affection was written – the first dated in the 1700’s and now settled in a museum. ​​ Love is the modern message of Valentine’s Day. ​​ 

Celebrating love is a good thing! ​​​​ Love between family and friends and spouses is encouraged and valued. ​​ Love, however, in our human limitations is largely based upon feeling and often grows weary and fleeting. ​​ The true source of love is God. ​​ In Him, love is perfected. ​​ The love of God​​ is greater than any human love. ​​ Celebrate the love that caused a crimson stain to flow out for the forgiveness of sin. ​​ True love is beheld in our Savior.

One of the greatest gifts we can give to those we love is our personal pursuit of growing in our love for​​ God, seeking to understand Him, and desiring to serve Him through others. ​​ The individuals in our lives will be affected as we are changed more into His likeness. ​​ Loving God is the key to loving others well.

De 6:3a you should listen and be careful to do [it],

De 6:5 "And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

The phrase in Deuteronomy 6:3 above comes from the word​​ shamar​​ which is translated to ‘observe’ in the​​ KJV.​​ What do you think of when you read the word ‘observe’?​​  ​​​​ This is so much more than just seeing with our eyes. ​​ It is paying close attention to something. ​​ The​​ NAS​​ translation of this verse spells it out for us – you should​​ listen and be careful to​​ do it!

The idea of guarding or protecting is used in the​​ Strong’s Concordance​​ translation​​ for this word. ​​ It is a quest to take heed of information, to attend to the understanding given you, and to regard it carefully. ​​ All this is marked with action. ​​ The relationship we have with God through Jesus is not passive. ​​ It is a union which requires our attention. ​​ Salvation is not something that has just happened​​ to​​ us, it has been secured​​ for​​ us through Jesus’ death and resurrection. ​​ What is our response?​​ ​​ A heart of gratitude will lead us to obedience and service.

And you shall love the LORD your God

What does it mean to love God?

We are to have a tender affection for God. ​​ This is a love that moves us to action because of who He is. ​​ It is a love that is an entire giving of self. ​​ The love we have for God needs to be complete in our loyalty. ​​ He​​ is not amongst the list of many things we enjoy or pursue – God is who we live for, the head, at the top. Before family, friends, careers, pursuits and anything else you may think of.

Mt 10:37 "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.

“For, to own him to be the only God, the author of our being and of all things, doth necessarily include in it a love of him above all things whatsoever, which requires us to love him, who hath made them so lovely. This is another principle or spring of obedience, inseparable from the fear of God before mentioned: which doth not drive us away from him, but draws us to him; being such a reverence towards him as children have to their kind​​ parents, which is ever mixed with love to them.​​ Patrick/Lowth/Whitby/Lowman Commentary

What is the basis of this love? ​​ Think upon who He is and what He has done for you. ​​ His mercy keeps those who believe in Him from an eternal destiny of pain and separation from Truth. ​​ His grace pours lavish blessings, all undeserved, on those who call upon His name. ​​ His patience is unmatched as He desires all to be saved. ​​ Everything that is true and good and beautiful and worthy comes from Him. ​​ We are the recipients​​ of unmerited favor from God.

2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

Ex 34:6 Then the LORD passed by in front of him and proclaimed,​​ "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth;​​ 

Who is ‘the LORD your God’?

The LORD – Jehovah – the self-Existent or Eternal

God – Elohiym – the supreme God, God Almighty

De 10:17 "For the LORD your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality, nor take a bribe.

De 10:20 "You shall fear the LORD your God; you shall serve Him and cling to Him, and you shall swear by His name.

Even a small understanding of who God is must lead us to love and serve Him. ​​ The fear of God is born out of reverence for who He is and what He has done and can do. ​​ He is Lord of lords and God of gods, there is no higher, there is no greater. ​​ 

Consider. ​​ The Supreme God of all creation has, in His mercy, reached down and touched your heart to see Him with unveiled eyes. ​​ Amazing! ​​ 

With all your heart.

Consider. ​​ We are only able to love God with all our heart because He has changed us. ​​ The heart​​ without regeneration is wicked (Genesis 8:21). ​​ This truth should fill our hearts with praise for what He has done! ​​ The magnitude of our salvation is truly the catalyst for loving God with all our ‘new’ heart! ​​ 

Eze 36:26 "Moreover, I will give you a new​​ heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

Ps 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

1Jo 3:18 Little children, let us not love with​​ word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.

Consider. ​​ Either our heart is changed by God or it is hardened by our rejection of Him. ​​ Easton’s Bible Dictionary​​ says this of a hardened heart. ​​ "Hardness of heart evidences itself by light views of sin; partial acknowledgment and confession of it; pride and conceit; ingratitude; unconcern about the word and ordinances of God; inattention to divine providences; stifling convictions of conscience; shunning reproof; presumption, and general ignorance of divine things."

Are you moved toward obedience?​​ ​​ In our heart resides the purpose of all our actions, our will and choices, and our decisions and intentions. ​​ Do we purpose to love God? ​​​​ If so, recognize your changed heart is because of His love and praise God and​​ love Him with all your heart!

1Jo 4:19 We love, because He first loved us.

We make decisions all the time. ​​ Is it our conscious choice and intention to purpose to follow God in all things? ​​​​ The answer to this question comes from our heart.

Loving God with​​ all our heart is being entirely devoted to Him. ​​ Our will is set on loving Him through our obedience to His commands. ​​ This means even when our feelings do not align with what we ought to do, we are able to choose that which is honoring to God above our own fleshly desires. ​​ All our affections are centered on God. ​​ This love of God is a sincere devotion that easily lends itself to obedience in all things. ​​ It is born out of reverence for who He is.

“…the more we love him, the more we shall regard his authority, reverence his majesty, fear to offend or dishonour him, and be careful to render unto him that worship which he requires.—Human laws can only take cognizance of the outward conduct; but the law of the heart-searching God requires LOVE, the seat of which is in the inmost soul. That love comprises a supreme valuation of his infinite excellency and amiableness; an entire desire. of the knowledge and enjoyment of him as our felicity; cordial delight in contemplating his manifested glories, and in worshipping and obeying him; lively gratitude for all his innumerable and invaluable mercies; zeal for his glory, and an ardent desire that all our fellow-creatures, in conjunction with us, may thus know, love, worship, obey, and serve him.” ​​ De 6:5​​ Thomas Scott

1Jo 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.

With all your soul. ​​ Our soul, it is who we are, what makes us, us. ​​ It is my very breath, my desires, my heart, my life. ​​ It’s what makes me an individual, different from anyone else. ​​ We are to love God with our warmest affection. ​​ This affection however is not based on our feelings but rather on His Truth. ​​ We can define our heart. ​​ It is a viable organ with shape and has direct consequence for our​​ functioning body. ​​ We also have a good understanding of our mind or at least the brain that seems to be the center of our intellectual thoughts. ​​ Even our might or strength is tangible to our understanding. ​​ But our soul is different. ​​ It is immaterial but​​ essential. ​​ WordWeb​​ says it is the ‘actuating cause of an individual life. ​​ What does it look like? ​​ Where is it located? ​​ It is that part of us that is God breathed, that gives us life. ​​ Our very soul is a mystery that God alone understands. ​​ To love God​​ with all my soul must come from Him. ​​ The desire comes from Him. ​​ The ability comes from Him. ​​ 

In the book of Mark and Luke, we see the command in Deuteronomy repeated.

Mr 12:30 AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR​​ SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.'

Lu 10:27 And he answered and said, "YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND; AND YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF."

Philip Doddridge New Testament Notes​​ says this: “thou shalt unite all the faculties of thy soul to render him the most intelligent and sincere, the most affectionate and resolute service.”

Our soul is the part of us that lives on, it is immortal. ​​ It will​​ return to the Creator either in glory or condemned. ​​ Even when our physical body finally fails, our soul continues. ​​ 

Ec 12:7 then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.

Mt 10:28 And fear not them which​​ kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

2Co 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.

We are​​ to love God with all our heart – our will, our purpose; we are to love God with all our soul – our very being, the center of our existence; and we are to love God with all our might.

With all your might.

Might. ​​ What a great word! ​​ Read what is included in the definition from​​ Strong’s: properly, vehemently, wholly, speedily; diligently, exceedingly, greatly, louder and louder, mightily,​​ quickly, utterly, very well.

Wow. ​​ Where do we even start! ​​ We are to love God with so much fervor that we are inept to truly explain what this means let alone what it looks like. ​​ Each description above carries its own weight of urgency and entirety. ​​ I think it is fair to say we are to be sold out to God! ​​ Jumping in with two feet, all in or nothing. ​​ Several questions come to mind as I contemplate the enormity of loving God with all my might.

In all our decisions do we seek God entirely, in each aspect of every point?

Are we totally engaged in our desires to please Him alone, irrespective of our own pleasures?

Is our devotion to God growing as each layer of sin is peeled away and we see Him more clearly?

Is our focus on this world and its offerings or on God’s eternal plan?

We are to love God properly. ​​ Consider who He is. ​​ The fear of God goes hand in hand with the idea of​​ loving Him properly. ​​ It is His right to receive our entire love and our reverent love. ​​ We are drawn closer to God when we love Him in the right manner. ​​ None of our approach to the living God is based on outside looks or certain buildings or following man-made rules or rituals. ​​ It is our heart that perceives God as He truly is – a loving God who sacrificed all for the children He loves, and a just God who will punish the guilty. ​​ For the believer, there is a fear in knowing that God is all powerful. ​​ Yet this power is the same that protects those who draw near to Him. ​​ It is wonderful and chilling all at the same time! ​​ This fear of God produces a desire to come under His protection and to share His truths with those who do not believe. ​​ For those who have rejected God, the fear of Him will drive them away. ​​ And rightfully so, for His wrath will be complete towards those who refuse to accept the sacrifice of His Son.

De 10:20 "You shall fear the LORD your God; you shall serve Him and cling to Him, and you​​ shall swear by His name.

Look at the words speedily and quickly used in the definition of might. ​​ The opposite of procrastination, we are to respond to God immediately. ​​ How often do we stop and weigh the ‘cost’ of serving another? ​​ What might we have to​​ give up or change? ​​​​ When there is a need present and we are able to help, we need to jump! ​​ 

Consider the same words when it comes to temptation. ​​ How quickly do we flee? ​​ Or do we hang around just a bit thinking we are strong enough on our own to avoid​​ sin?

Several other applications come to mind. ​​ Do we speedily turn to God in times of trouble, and in times of rejoicing? ​​ 

We are to love God with all the will in our heart, with all the affection in our soul, with all the strength we have to serve. ​​ God​​ will accomplish His work in our lives as we trust in​​ Him. ​​ Love God, love what He has done, love what He is doing and love what the future holds in His presence.

Joh 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.

Cry With Your Whole Heart

Prayer is not an exercise we take part in; prayer is a tangible way of speaking to God with the expectation that He hears us and answers us.

 

What is prayer?

WordWeb​​ defines prayer as “The act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving); reverent petition to a deity; an earnest or urgent request”.​​ 

Prayer is the act of communicating with deity but not just any deity – the One True God. ​​ There is only one God of all creation, of the universe. ​​ Prayer to any other source will avail nothing.

De 4:35 "To you it was shown that you might know that the LORD, He is God; there is no other besides Him.

Isa 44:6 "Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel And his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: 'I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God besides Me.

The​​ nineteenth​​ section in Psalm 119 begins with several verses devoted to David’s prayers to God.​​ 

Ps 119:145 I cried with all my heart; answer me, O LORD! I will observe Thy statutes.​​ 

Ps 119:146 I cried to Thee; save me, and I shall keep Thy testimonies.​​ 

Ps 119:147 I rise before dawn and cry for help; I wait for Thy words.

Ps 119:148 My eyes anticipate the night watches,​​ that​​ I may meditate on Thy word.

 

Psalm 119:145​​ begins​​ with the words, “I cried with all my heart”.

The word for cried means to call out to someone. ​​ Notice how David cried – with all his heart. ​​ This makes me think of the difference between actual crying for a reason and​​ whining. ​​ Whining is making a noise so others notice how unhappy you are. ​​ If you’ve ever experienced a three year old doing this, you get the picture! ​​ 

God doesn’t want just our lip service. ​​ Those prayers memorized that are repeated over and over almost as a mantra may make us feel as if we’re doing something good, but do we even know what we’re saying? ​​ Is this type of prayer coming from a heart or from a mind that has learned to put words together that sound good? ​​​​ Words are only words. ​​ Prayer is not an exercise we take part in; prayer is a tangible way of speaking to God with the expectation that He hears us and answers us.

Consider the different types of conversations you might have with people.​​ Some you’re fully engaged in, others are only informational and sometimes our conversations can be obligatory. ​​ Hopefully, we are fully engaged when praying to God, expecting truths from His word to affect our daily lives. ​​ Going to God with a heart of gratitude and recognized need is so much more than an obligation.

When we talk about the heart, we are speaking of the feelings, the will, the intellect and the center of who we are. ​​ Effective prayer to God needs to be with an understanding of who He is, who we are, and what He has done for​​ us. ​​​​ In order to pray we need to be righteous before Him having accepted the gift of eternal life.

Pr 15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous.

Jas 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

We have the example of praying with understanding. ​​ Often, people will say they are praying for something,​​ or even​​ praying​​ for us. ​​ That’s good! ​​ But, just who are they praying too? ​​ Is it the God who saves them? ​​ Do they know the truth of the Gospel and the power of prayer offered to an Almighty God?

The Psalmist pleads with God to answer him, to hear him. ​​ David knows God hears him and because of God’s work in his life, David will be able to keep God’s commands. ​​​​ David’s​​ whole heart​​ is committed to prayer before God and he goes to God with​​ a heart of obedience​​ – desiring to keep God’s statutes.

It’s much like us praying to God, in a heartfelt petition, to help us continue on even when it’s really difficult. ​​ It’s like saying ‘I​​ come before you God, fully committed to You, please assure me of your work in my life,​​ so that​​ in Your strength,​​ I may keep walking forward’.

Ps 119:10 With all my heart I have sought Thee;​​ do​​ not let me wander from Thy commandments.

Are your affections and heart​​ completely​​ devoted to God? ​​​​ Do we cry to God in earnest? ​​ Does our petition include a desire to obey God’s commands?

Ps 62:8 Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah.

We see another element of David’s prayer in Psalm 119:146.

Ps 119:146 I cried to Thee; save me, and I shall keep Thy testimonies.

The Psalmist understands his need for God’s work in his life, hence the request, ‘save me’.​​ 

Consider.​​ What is the most important part of our relationship with God? ​​​​ What is our relationship with God based on? ​​​​ Because of God’s perfect love for us, He sent​​ Jesus, His only Son, to suffer and die to pay the penalty for our sin. ​​ We need only to accept His gift of​​ grace and desire to live in obedience. ​​​​ God is the only one who can save us.​​ ​​ What does He save us from?

"Save me" from the dangers which surround me, from the enemies that pursue me, from the temptations which beset me, from the sins which accuse me.” ​​​​ Treasury of David

David is once again crying out to God in prayer and this time he requests God to save him, to defend and deliver him, to help him. ​​ And what is the Psalmist’s​​ motivation and end​​ to his request? ​​​​ “I shall keep Thy testimonies”.​​ ​​ 

Even though the Psalmist experienced danger and persecution from all around him, his main object in praying for God to save him was that he might be able to​​ follow God’s commands and live a life worthy of his calling. ​​ There is no thought of ‘save me so I can do whatever I want or like’, only ‘save me so I can honor You’.

When we pray, what is our object – to request God’s supply so that we might serve Him more, or to request His comfort so we can continue serving ourselves?

“Brief as are the petitions, the whole compass of language could not make them more comprehensive.”Hear me." The soul is in earnest, the whole heart is engaged in the "cry." "Save me" -- includes a sinner's whole need -- pardon, acceptance, access, holiness, strength, comfort, heaven, -- all in one word -- Christ. The way of access is not indeed mentioned in these short ejaculations. But it is always implied in every moment's approach and address to the throne of grace. "Hear me" in the name of my all prevailing Advocate. "Save me" through him, whose name is Jesus the Saviour.”​​ --Charles Bridges.

Ps 5:2 Heed the sound of my cry for help, my King and my God, For to Thee do I pray.

“Save me. From my sins, my corruptions, my temptations, all the hindrances that lie in my way, that I may "keep thy testimonies." We must cry for salvation, not that we may have the case and comfort of it, but that we may have an opportunity of serving God the more cheerfully.”​​ --Matthew Henry.

In​​ Psalm 119:145-146, we have the Psalmist continuing in prayer with an earnest cry to God with his whole heart in order that he might be able to keep God’s commands even in the midst of adversity, not to gain his own desires, but to please God​​ by​​ following Him. ​​ The Psalmist understood completely where his help came from, who his strength was, and his need for God’s saving grace. ​​ As we continue on to the next​​ few​​ verses​​ we are​​ given an idea​​ when​​ David prays.

Ps 119:147 I rise before dawn and cry for help; I wait for Thy words. ​​​​ 

Ps 119:148 My eyes anticipate the night watches,​​ that​​ I may meditate on Thy word.

ALL THE TIME!

You​​ may be thinking, ‘I’m not a morning person, though’. ​​ Certainly not as early as the implication in this scripture. ​​ Perhaps we need to look deeper at the intent of our Psalmist. ​​ He anticipated his time in prayer so highly that it caused him to rise early. ​​ So much was his desire to spend time with God that he simply couldn’t wait till morning light! ​​ And his desire continued on into the night so that when you would have expected him to sleep, he was still awake and in prayer with​​ the God he loved. ​​ 

Sometimes​​ when​​ something​​ is on our mind, we have trouble sleeping. ​​ In those moments, where do you turn?​​ What do you do?​​ ​​ Perhaps the answer is the example we see in David – go to prayer. ​​ God hears us at any time.

Prayer was so vital to David’s relationship with God that it encompassed his day and night. ​​ We see the same devotion to prayer in Job’s life. ​​ 

Job 23:12 "I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.​​ 

And there are several accounts recorded for us of​​ Jesus​​ being​​ devoted to prayer.

Lu 6:12 And it was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God.

Mr 1:35 And in the early morning, while it was still dark, He arose and went out and departed to a lonely place, and was praying there.

The​​ Treasury of David​​ says of Psalm​​ 119:147, “His supplications had become so frequent, fervent, and intense, that he might hardly be said to be doing anything else from morning to night but crying unto his God.”

In verse​​ 147, it says “I wait for Thy words”. ​​ Wait can be translated hope, to be patient, to trust. ​​ This hope is a certain hope, not one that may or may not transpire, but a definite trust that God will answer prayer.

Hope is a necessary part of sincere prayer. ​​ Consider. ​​​​ If we​​ did not have​​ certain hope of God answering our prayers, how would our communication with God change?​​ To be​​ sincere​​ in our prayer we must believe that God will hear us and will answer us. This doesn’t mean we will get what we ask for – we don’t even know what we really need – but, it does mean God will answer in​​ His time​​ and​​ His way​​ for​​ His glory​​ and our good. ​​ This we can be certain of. ​​ When we believe the answers are in God’s hands, we have cause for an earnest need of prayer, to come before Him with expectation of His blessings​​ and answers.

When I was young, I​​ prayed​​ to​​ many different statues​​ and saints of old. ​​ I didn’t trust these pieces of stone and marble​​ and non-living people for anything.​​ There was certainly no real expectation of gaining from these prayers but in my understanding​​ at that time,​​ there was a certain amount of​​ blessing​​ bestowed on those who did these things. ​​ My prayers were half-hearted at best and absolutely without a genuine belief and trust that anything would happen. ​​ I did not have the hope our Psalmist speaks of in Psalm 119:147. ​​ David knew he was praying to the Living God.

The account of Daniel and the Lion’s Den, a story most of us are familiar with, in Daniel chapter 6, ends with this decree going out from king Darius:

Da 6:26 "I make a decree that in all the dominion of my kingdom men are to fear and tremble before the God of Daniel; For He is the living God and enduring forever, And His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed, And His dominion [will be] forever.​​ 

Daniel was saved by the Living God, not a god made by men, but the One True God who is able and desiring to answer His children who cry out to Him. ​​ Waiting expectantly for God’s answers to prayer is what compels us to fervent prayer! ​​​​ Do you view prayer as something you are supposed to do or is it a necessary part of your life?

“I wish that when I first open my eyes in the morning, I may then, in soul ejaculatory prayer, open my heart to my God, that at night prayer may make my bed soft, and lay my pillow easy; that in the daytime prayer may perfume my clothes, sweeten my food, oil the wheels of my particular vocation, keep me company upon all occasions, and gild over all my natural, civil, and religious actions. I wish that, after I have poured out my prayer in the name of Christ, according to the will of God, having sowed my seed, I may expect a crop, looking​​ earnestly for the springing of it up, and believing assuredly that I shall reap in time if I faint not.”​​ --George Swinnock.

Psalm 119:148​​ says, “My eyes anticipate the night watches”. ​​ Following is an explanation of what is meant by night watches.

“The Jews divided the night into three watches, which began at what we call six o'clock in the evening, and consisted each of four hours. The Romans taught them afterwards to divide it into four watches of three hours each; and to divide the day and night into twelve hours each; wherein different guards of soldiers were appointed to watch. At the proclaiming of each watch the psalmist appears to have risen and performed some act of devotion.” ​​ Adam Clarke’s Commentary

Whether we are called​​ to be up at a specific time or go to bed at a specific time,​​ doesn’t seem to be the path of this verse. ​​ However, the reminder to be in​​ continuous prayer​​ is clear. ​​ The word​​ meditate​​ is also used in reference to spending time in God’s word. ​​ This conveys the idea of pondering over the word. ​​ Thinking upon the word over and over was what caused David to have hope​​ even when it was difficult. ​​ How do we know this? ​​​​ Because he has continually referenced his cry to God along with his desire to keep God’s commands. ​​ What was the fuel that kept our Psalmist going? ​​​​ Truth. ​​​​ Certain Hope. ​​ Trust.

In the​​ Treasury of David, the Psalmist is described as an “ardent, earnest, and painstaking student”​​ of God’s word. ​​ When we consider​​ meditating​​ on something, it means to think deeply over a period of time, to reflect on information we have. ​​ When applied to the word, this is so much more than checking off a box, completing our reading for the day. ​​ 

Throughout Psalm 119, there are several instances of requesting understanding. ​​ As we cry to God with our hearts, seeking His answers, trusting in His work, and desiring to obey His commands; as we​​ continuously pray and​​ meditate on God’s word, He will give us understanding. ​​ What a privilege it is to know our Savior more and more!

 

 

Love, What’s it all About?

Do you sometimes get tired of loving those who are difficult? Have you ever disappointed someone by not acting in a loving manner towards them? Human hearts can grow weary of trying. But God never grows weary. Imagine God saying to you, ‘Just a minute, I’m busy now’, or ‘I’ve already given you a chance, too late’, and ‘I’m sorry, but I’m just too tired to bother with you right now’.

Love​​ conjures up many different thoughts and memories for people. ​​ Valentine’s Day​​ was​​ last week​​ and its focus,​​ of course,​​ is on love. ​​ Most stores you walked into, had​​ hearts displayed in the form of cards or balloons or bouquets. ​​ Several jewelry stores capitalized on this day. ​​ Couples got engaged and some​​ held their wedding ceremony on Valentine’s Day. The evening of February 14th​​ is popular for restaurants also. ​​ It’s one of those times that reservations are absolutely needed. It’s good to celebrate love! ​​ However, the greatest love we can ever know is that which originates in God. ​​ God’s love for us came in the form of His Son, Jesus Christ. ​​ True and complete and perfect love is synonymous with the Gospel – Jesus’ death for mankind in order that we might have a relationship with the Father.

We like the warm, fuzzy thoughts of​​ love. ​​ We​​ should​​ anticipate the blessings that come from being a child of God. ​​ But, the reality is,​​ sometimes love is hard.​​ If you are​​ God’s child, meaning you have accepted His gift of salvation through the death and resurrection of His Son,​​ then​​ you​​ have been,​​ are being or will be disciplined at some point in your life. ​​ Expect it! ​​ God​​ disciplines those He loves.​​ Our Pastor taught on​​ this​​ passage in Hebrews​​ Chapter​​ 12​​ a few Sundays ago. ​​ His message​​ challenged us​​ to think of discipline in the right way:​​ as training, not always punishment. ​​ The discipline of God is a reminder of His love for us. ​​ You can​​ download a copy of​​ his​​ live​​ sermon here, you will be blessed!:​​ http://www.valleybible.net/Sermons/mov/sermon2018-02-11.mov

While we know God’s love is always for good, even when it’s tough, the love we show to one another​​ can disappoint. ​​ Consider. ​​​​ Do you sometimes get tired of​​ loving​​ those who are difficult? ​​ Have you ever disappointed someone by​​ not​​ acting in a loving manner towards them? ​​​​ Human hearts can grow weary of trying. ​​ But​​ God never grows weary. ​​ Imagine God saying to you, ‘Just a minute, I’m busy now’, or ‘I’ve already given you a chance, too late’, and ‘I’m sorry, but I’m just too tired to bother with you right now’.

Isa 40:28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable.

I can get tired of myself and my inability to see things correctly. To​​ remain patient​​ and act​​ lovingly​​ towards others can be challenging at times. ​​ To forgive myself for blowing it is difficult. ​​ But God doesn’t have limits to His love. ​​ When I’m unlovable, God is​​ still​​ there. ​​ So not only does God not grow weary, He loves in spite of our shortcomings. ​​ This truth should be incredibly encouraging to God’s children. ​​ 

Job 11:7-9 "Can you discover the depths of God? Can you discover the limits of the Almighty? "They are high as the heavens, what can you do? Deeper than Sheol, what can you know? "Its measure is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.

God’s love is unconditional.​​ ​​ It is not dependent on me or my actions. ​​ God’s love is not a reward for good works! ​​ It is not earned because of my merit. I could never do enough and I could certainly never do enough perfectly, which is His standard. ​​ God’s love towards His children is freely given​​ in grace.

1Jo 3:1a See how great a love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and [such] we are.

Consider. ​​ God has given us the blessing of experiencing love in this world among our families, friends, spouses and children. ​​ But this love we know is only a small sample of real love. ​​​​ God​​ is​​ love. ​​​​ Therefore, we must look to Him for what love​​ truly​​ looks like. ​​ 

 

God’s love is UNFAILING: ​​ 

Isa 49:15-16 "Can a woman forget her nursing child, and have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you. "Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My​​ hands; your walls are continually before Me.

God’s love is SECURE:

Ro 8:39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

God’s love GUIDES us:

Ho 11:4 I led them with cords of a man, with bonds of love, and I became to them as one who lifts the yoke from their jaws; and I bent down [and] fed them.

God’s love is FOREVER:

Jer 31:3 The LORD appeared to him from afar, saying, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.

God’s love is​​ UNDESERVED:​​ 

Ps 115:1​​ Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Thy name give glory because of Thy lovingkindness, because of Thy truth.

Ro 4:4-5​​ Now to the one who works, his wage is not reckoned as a favor, but as what is due.​​ 5​​ But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness,

Ro 11:6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace.

Because God has shown His love towards us, we are able to love others. ​​ So celebrate the love you’ve received by reaching out in love to those around you. ​​ Practice true love which is patient and​​ kind, not jealous,​​ not​​ proud, it is decent and it is not selfish, it is not easily angered and​​ it​​ is​​ good through and through. ​​​​ True love is​​ being​​ happy for others, it patiently endures and is full of trust and hope. ​​ The love born from a heart that follows God always blesses others. ​​​​ And, we practice this love all the time, every moment of every day.

1Co 13:4-7 Love is patient, love is kind, [and] is not jealous; love does not brag [and] is not arrogant,​​ 5​​ does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong [suffered,]​​ 6​​ does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;​​ 7​​ bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.​​ 8a​​ Love never fails;

Dear Lord, help us​​ to​​ Love​​ others as you​​ Love​​ us!

Complete Transformation!

He grabbed your heart and remolded it to beat for His glory! He didn’t ask for permission, He chose to do His work in you! Amazing! Transformation. Total metamorphosis.

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I like the word transform. ​​ It means to change or alter in form appearance or nature. ​​ It can be the change of only outward structure or looks,​​ or can be used in describing a total​​ metamorphosis such as a pollywog becoming a frog or a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. ​​ I recently transformed my Mom’s old chest of drawers she got when she was married in the 1940’s. ​​ I love the way it turned out! ​​ A bit of leftover paint found in the garage, some heavy sanding and distressing with a hammer, new drawer pulls and voila – a seemingly new piece of furniture! ​​ 

Transformers. ​​ When they first came out, my oldest son was little and couldn’t get enough of this magical toy. ​​ He’d start with a robot and​​ with a few adjustments it became​​ an airplane! ​​ Innovative in its day and the thought that one toy could be two was attractive. ​​ However, there were only two choices, one or the other, to transform the figure. ​​ It changed in its appearance but​​ was still the same toy.

I think back to who I was before God chose to reveal His truth in my heart. ​​ Talk about a transformation! ​​ It’s difficult if not impossible to see any similarity in the before and after of who I was and who I am now. ​​ My thoughts,​​ my purpose, my entire character is so completely different. ​​ I seriously don’t even care about many of the things that seemed important to me then. ​​ How can this be? ​​​​ I’m certain this is not​​ an alteration that is​​ just​​ ‘skin’ deep. ​​ It comes from within, from my very soul, I have been changed to be a child of God. ​​ How do I know I’m His child? ​​​​ He is teaching me to think like Him, care about the things He cares about, use the words that are acceptable to His character, spend my time in the things that are of​​ value to His concern. ​​ Folks, this is not my doing, not my work, not my goodness! ​​ I didn’t wake up one morning and proclaim that I was going to change. ​​ I didn’t even see the problem or need for something different! ​​ I could never have pulled this off so​​ perfectly, so completely. ​​ Only God can change a heart from within and reshape and repurpose it for His family!

So why am I writing this particular blog? ​​​​ To​​ stimulate​​ us all to remember to be thankful for the miraculous transformation that God has caused in​​ His children’s lives! ​​ It’s truly remarkable, without explanation, but absolutely verifiable. ​​ Look within. ​​ Look at your life! ​​ How has your thinking changed, how is it so completely different from the world? ​​ What used to be important to you? ​​ Who’s been​​ working in your life from the inside out? ​​ Where does this tremendous love for God come from? ​​ How do you even know to approach Him for Truth?​​ ​​ There is only one explanation. ​​ He​​ grabbed your heart and remolded it to beat for His glory! ​​ He didn’t ask for​​ permission, He chose to do His work in you! ​​ Amazing! ​​ Transformation. ​​ Total metamorphosis.

Eph 1:3-6 ​​ Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly [places] in Christ,​​ 4​​ just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love​​ 5​​ He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,​​ 6​​ to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.

Eph 4:21-24 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus,​​ 22​​ that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit,​​ 23​​ and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind,​​ 24​​ and put on the new self, which in [the likeness of] God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.

Eph 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Ps 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Ps 100:3 Know that the LORD Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; [We are] His people and the sheep of His pasture.

Joh 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

1Co 3:9 For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building.

I do not believe there is a qualified rebuttal to these truths. ​​ There is no other plausible explanation for the difference between those who run after selfish ambitions and those who look heavenward to​​ Someone and something​​ greater. ​​​​ Do​​ you​​ know of anyone who is able to perform a complete heart and brain transplant and without any visible incision? ​​​​ Miraculous transformation! ​​​​ Much better and much less expensive than plastic surgery! ​​ Perfect.

 

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Preparation

The earth will be purified, the dross swept away, leaving only absolute holiness to stand before God.

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Many of us have spent hours upon hours of preparation for Christmas. ​​ For me, it started right after Thanksgiving and has continued to this point. ​​ In fact, I began pulling out my Christmas fabrics several months ago with the plan to sew a few things for the holidays. ​​ Well, it never happened, at least not yet! ​​ 

The house has been cleaned, the halls have been decked with boughs of holly – literally – the furniture is polished, the gifts have been purchased. ​​ All in anticipation of one singular event. ​​ Christmas. ​​ Literally, Christ’s Mass. ​​ A special day set aside to celebrate the Messiah or​​ The Anointed One. ​​ Preparation indeed! ​​​​ I can think of no better thing to celebrate than Jesus! ​​​​ 

But what about my heart? ​​ How much time, effort and concentration is placed on preparing my heart to seek out the word of God? ​​ Why​​ do​​ I celebrate Christmas? ​​ My home looks like it’s ready for something special. ​​ Am I? ​​ 

As I ponder this thought I pray that my diligence in preparation for the return of Christ begins within. ​​ In Malachi 3:1, the coming of the Christ was foretold. ​​ The messenger, John the Baptist, was to prepare the way for the Messiah.

Malachi 3:1 Mal 3:1 "Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming," says the LORD of hosts.

It happened just like God said it would! ​​ 

Lu 1:13 But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John.

Lu 1:76 "And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go on​​ BEFORE THE LORD TO PREPARE HIS WAYS;

Joh 1:29 The next day he *saw Jesus coming to him, and *said, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

So why the need for preparation if Jesus has already been born to this earth? ​​ 

He will come again. ​​ It will happen just like God says!

Ac 5:31 "He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

Mt 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

Is the same effort, time and energy put into our preparation for the return of Christ? ​​​​ What a glorious day for those whose hearts have been diligently attended to. ​​ 

Most of us have heard the term, ‘refiner’s fire’. ​​ 

A​​ refiner's​​ fire​​ does not consume completely like the​​ fire​​ of an incinerator. A​​ refiner's​​ fire​​ refines. It purifies. It melts down the bar of silver or gold, separates out the impurities that ruin its value, burns them up, and leaves the silver and gold intact. ​​​​ desiringgod.org

The earth will be purified, the dross swept away, leaving only absolute holiness to stand before God.

Mal 3:3 "And He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the LORD offerings in righteousness.

Pr 17:3 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold,​​ but the LORD tests hearts.

Consider. ​​​​ When all the decorations are taken down, gifts have been opened, parties have been attended, friends and family have left, what remains, what are we left with? ​​ Does my heart continue in preparation for Jesus to come? ​​ Or is the ‘reason for the season’ put away in a box until the same time next year?​​ 

I pray​​ hours and hours of preparation​​ will​​ continue to polish my heart​​ as I yield to God’s refining fire from within. ​​ Let’s celebrate Jesus continually as we ready for His return! ​​ It will happen.

Lu 21:36 "But keep on the alert at all times, praying in order that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."

Christ's return

Re 22:7 "And behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed is he who heeds the words of the prophecy of this book."

The most​​ precious​​ gift you can give to Jesus is your​​ heart; the most valuable gift you can give to those you love is the​​ Truth of the Gospel. ​​​​ 

December 25th​​ will come whether you are fully prepared or not; Jesus was born according to scripture, some were ready to receive Him, some were not; Christ will return again according to the scripture –​​ is your heart​​ prepared? ​​​​ 

Sweet Delight

To look across the room at those you love as they laugh, and sometimes cry, together. To hear the sound of music lifted up in praise to the only One worthy. To witness the prayer offered by a child. Delight!

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Turkish delight​​ is​​ a jellied candy originally flavored with rose water. ​​ It is now found in several fruit flavors, with or without nuts and is typically coated in powdered sugar. ​​ Yum! ​​ It sounds like the beginnings of gummi bears​​ 

WordWeb​​ defines the word delight as​​ “A feeling of extreme pleasure or satisfaction.” ​​ “Give pleasure to or be pleasing to”.  ​​​​ Enjoy. ​​ Enthrall. Please.

To wake up with a smile on your face. ​​ To know that your day has been planned by God! To feel joy at the possibilities before you. ​​ To be overwhelmed by a consuming love for the One who created you. ​​ To take pleasure in His company. ​​ To desire to know His ways. ​​ To be thankful there is one more day to serve Him through those you love. ​​ To understand He works all things for His good. ​​ To share an embrace with a fellow believer. ​​ To have opportunity to worship as a church body. ​​ To look across the room at those you love as they laugh, and sometimes cry, together. ​​ To hear the sound of music lifted up in praise to the only One worthy. ​​ To witness the prayer offered by a child. Delight!

But where does everything stem from? ​​ God. Knowing God. Understanding God. ​​​​ True delight, extreme excitement comes from Him. ​​ A heart changed by God is overwhelmed with delight for His word.​​ His direction.

Ps 1:2 But his​​ delight​​ is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night.

Ps 40:8 I​​ delight​​ to do Thy will, O my God; Thy Law is within my heart."

delight​​ <chephets> pleasure; desire; a valuable thing; acceptable; delight; purpose; willingly

To understand and act upon God’s will is desirable, it is valuable. ​​ It is delightful!

Ps 37:4​​ Delight​​ yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart.

delight​​ <anag> to be soft or pliable; have delight

To have a focus on finding your pleasure in God, having a bent towards His truths will result in a fulfilled heart.

Ps​​ 119:24 Thy​​ testimonies also are my​​ delight; [They are] my counselors.

Ps 119:92​​ If Thy law had not been my​​ delight, then I would​​ have perished in my affliction.

Ps​​ 119:143 Trouble​​ and anguish have come upon me; [Yet] Thy commandments are my​​ delight.

delight​​ <sha’shua’> enjoyment, delight, pleasure

From God comes​​ the ability to enjoy all things good. ​​ From His word comes pleasure. ​​ Unspeakable delight, even in the midst of hardship and concern​​ and uncertainty.

The challenge? ​​​​ Pray to have a heart that is filled with delight in the Lord! ​​ It is entirely possible. It is what He wants for His children. ​​ 

Smile from within. ​​ Because of God. ​​ Be delighted! ​​ It’s a beautiful word.​​ 

 

My God Understands

…coverage was flooded with news and reports on the mass shooting in a small church in Texas. What stuck in my mind is the pastor’s reply to the question of “Why do you think this happened?” He answered, “I don’t understand, but my God does”.

C:\Users\Sharyn\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.Word\praying.jpg“My God Understands”

As I was listening to CNN on the radio in my car yesterday on the way home from the grocery store, the coverage was flooded with news and reports on the mass​​ shooting in a small church in Texas. ​​ What stuck in my mind is the pastor’s reply to the question of “Why do you think this happened?” ​​ He​​ answered, “I don’t understand, but my God does”.

Only God sees clearly a man’s heart and motives. ​​ We can only speculate what may have driven someone to take the lives of so many innocent people. ​​ There are specialists who are looking at the past history of the criminal. ​​ Violence has been reported at earlier times in his life. ​​ Why? ​​ Can we fully comprehend what is in​​ the mind and heart of another? ​​ Perhaps, there are those who can try in order to possibly prevent the reoccurrence of a similar act.

But, what we do know, is​​ God understands. ​​ He knows perfectly what is going on. ​​ He alone has every answer. ​​ So where does​​ this drive us? ​​​​ Hopefully, to Truth. ​​ To the Word. ​​ To what we can know.

1Ch 28:9 "As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts, and understands every intent​​ of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.

Job 28:20-24 "Where then does wisdom come from? And where is the place of understanding? 21 "Thus it is hidden from the eyes of all living, and​​ concealed from the birds of the sky. ​​ 22 "Abaddon and Death say, 'With our ears we have heard a report of it.' 23 "God understands its way; And He knows its place. 24 "For He looks to the ends of the earth, And sees everything under the heavens.

Ps 33:14-15 From His dwelling place He looks out On all the inhabitants of the earth,15 He who fashions the hearts of them all, He who understands all their works.​​ 

We can know that God understands. ​​ We can know that God will deliver perfect and righteous judgement.

1Sa 2:10a "Those who contend with the LORD will be shattered; against them He will thunder in the heavens, The LORD will judge the ends of the earth;​​ 

1Ch 16:33 Then the trees of the forest will sing for joy before the LORD; For He is coming to judge the​​ earth.

Ps 9:8 And He will judge the world in righteousness; He will execute judgment for the peoples with equity.

Ps 50:6 And the heavens declare His righteousness, For God Himself is judge. Selah.

Ps 96:13 Before the LORD, for He is coming; for He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in His faithfulness.

Ps 135:14 For the LORD will judge His people, And will have compassion on His servants.

Ec 3:17 I said to myself, "God will judge both the righteous man and the wicked man," for a time for every matter and for every deed is there.

Isa 11:4 But with righteousness He will judge the poor, And decide with fairness for the afflicted of the earth; And He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, And with the breath of His lips He will slay the wicked.

Eze 18:30 "Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, each according to his conduct," declares the Lord GOD. "Repent and turn away from all your transgressions, so that iniquity may not become a stumbling​​ block to you.

Eze 24:14 "I, the LORD, have spoken; it is coming and I shall act. I shall not relent, and I shall not pity, and I shall not be sorry; according to your ways and according to your deeds I shall judge you," declares the Lord GOD.'"

We can know​​ that we can be saved from the judgement of death for our own sin.

Joh 3:17 "For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him.

Joh 12:44-50 ​​ And Jesus cried out and said, "He who believes in Me​​ does not believe in Me, but in Him who sent Me. ​​ 45​​ "And he who beholds Me beholds the One who sent Me. ​​ 46​​ "I have come [as] light into the world, that everyone who believes in Me may not remain in darkness. ​​ 47​​ "And if anyone hears My sayings, and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.​​ 48​​ "He who rejects Me, and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day.​​ 49​​ "For I did not speak​​ on My own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me commandment, what to say, and what to speak.​​ 50​​ "And I know that His commandment is eternal life; therefore the things I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me."​​ 

Mr 16:16 "He​​ who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.

Peace can be found outwardly in conditions of tranquility with others but true and lasting peace is only through a right relationship with God. ​​ Spiritual​​ peace is possible even in a fallen world filled with violence.

1Co 14:33 for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

Jas 3:16-17 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.​​ 17​​ But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.

What we do know is we have something valuable to share with those who are hurting and injured and frightened by​​ circumstances beyond their control. ​​ What we can do is pray for​​ all those affected by sin in this world that they might know that God does in fact understand. ​​ That He will ultimately right what is wrong and that true peace in this difficult time is found in His mercy​​ available to all those who believe in Him.

 

 

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Grocery Carts and Special Gifts

I can’t explain all of this, but by His grace, I knew, I understood. I wasn’t alone. I never had been. We treasure the gifts that are most precious to us.

We remember the most significant times in our lives. ​​ Sometimes with such clarity that we are able to picture exactly where we were and who was present. ​​ Memories can​​ be so strong that even our senses and emotions of a particular event instantly flood back into our consciousness just as if we were there again. ​​ Perhaps you can recall several of these times in your life over the years.

A few memories come to my mind. ​​ The first time I took my three young children to the grocery store. By myself. It seems like a funny thing to have a strong memory of but I can see it in my mind like it was yesterday. ​​ I know where I parked the van, I remember the market I went to and the nervousness I felt wondering how I was going to get a newborn, a two year old and a six year old to the store and back with groceries. ​​ Another memory I have is of a particular Christmas morning. My family always had what we needed but not much extra. I was​​ only about six years old and I desperately wanted a specific baby doll and also a mini playhouse with little mouse characters one year. ​​ It would be very unusual to receive both gifts so I was set on being happy for whichever one ended up under the tree.​​ ​​ I remember being totally surprised – to the point of tears – upon receiving both of my desires. ​​ 

The gift I received when God unveiled my eyes to His truth is by far the most significant event in my life. ​​ I can remember it like it was yesterday. ​​ I know​​ the room I was in, I can feel the emotions. ​​ An overwhelming sense of relief and peace flooded my mind as I recall giving up my way for God’s direction. ​​ I remember the immediate release of burdens I had unnecessarily placed on my shoulders. ​​ Circumstances that were too heavy for me to carry were given to God. ​​ I can’t explain all of this, but by His grace, I knew, I understood. ​​ I wasn’t alone. ​​ I never had been. ​​ We treasure the gifts that are most precious to us. ​​ 

The gift of salvation is special because of its significance. ​​​​ There is simply no other gift that is able to change your life completely in the present or for eternity!​​ 

What marks its significance?

It is Spectacular in its effects on the heart.​​ 

De 30:6 "Moreover the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, in order that you may live.

Eze 11:19 "And I shall give them one heart, and shall put a new spirit within them. And I shall take the heart of stone out of their flesh and give them a heart of flesh,

Do you know of anything else that has such an outstanding, dramatic and real response as a heart that has been miraculously changed from within? ​​ 

The spectacular effects on a saved soul is undeniable. ​​ No one is able to refute the change that took place in my heart when God opened my eyes to His truth.

It is Striking in its ability to direct attention to God.

2Co 7:10 For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

2Ti 1:9​​ [God]​​ who has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,

Ac 4:12 "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved."

Isa 45:22 "Turn to Me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is​​ no other.

God used circumstances to direct my full attention towards His truth. ​​ One moment I was focused on what I needed to do, then through His grace, I was directed towards what He had already done for me.

It is Sensational in its strength.

1Co 1:18 For the word of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Ro 8:3 For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God [did:] sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh​​ and [as an offering] for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh,

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

1Co 15:54 But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written,​​ "DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP​​ in victory.​​ 55​​ "O DEATH, WHERE​​ IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?"

Ro 5:9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.

Isa 12:2 "Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation."

Following rules and regulations set by man’s wisdom only changes the outside appearance. ​​ We learn to concentrate on what things look like. ​​ I thought I was okay because I looked good to myself and​​ others on the outside. ​​ God’s Truth cuts through to the soul, exposing the need we have for Him. ​​ I know of nothing or no one who is able to read my heart perfectly – except God.

It Shines from its source of Glory.

2Co 4:6 For God, who said, "Light shall shine out of darkness," is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

Heb 1:3 And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high;

Ps 93:1 The LORD reigns, He is clothed with majesty; The LORD has clothed and girded Himself with strength; Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved.

Ps 104:1 Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, Thou art very great; Thou art clothed with splendor and majesty,

God is light. ​​ In Him there is no darkness. ​​ He alone is worthy of praise and honor and glory. ​​ He has chosen to touch His children with the gift of salvation that none other can give. ​​ The Spectacular, Striking, Sensational, Shining gift of Salvation. ​​ Have you unwrapped His gift?

 

 

 

Click for study on Psalm 119:130

Great H O P E

I sincerely desire to be a witness for God of His truth and majesty and love and forgiveness. I make no claim to knowing everything, much less anything, but I do strongly believe that God can work in a willing heart that is yielded to Him and that that is all He needs.

I just read a sign that says “Great hope comes from faith in God”. So true, but exactly what is hope?

We say things like, “I hope it’s warm today”. Or, “I hope I get sleep tonight” and “I hope we’re having spaghetti for dinner”. You could probably fill in a number of other familiar phrases following this same pattern. I remember thinking that I hoped I had passed a test in school. Sometimes, while playing around with a new recipe, I hope it turns out good, or at least eatable! Have you ever hoped that the jeans you love will not be too snug after finding out they were washed and dried on a warm cycle?

Certainly, hope is optimistic. But used in the above examples, the intent has only a possibility of fulfilment. We can have hopeful feelings that some kind of goal would be met. We can be hopeful for the direction our older children are taking, or hopeful that escrow closes on time. We hope medical personnel will be able to decipher our ailments. On and on….

The word hope, when attached to God is different than just having a good feeling that something will turn out well. Hope placed in the Truth is certain, it is to be counted on. It has no question mark at its end. Hope is fulfilled in Jesus’ work on the cross.

I have not attained any degrees in language study. Definitely no formal education in Hebrew or Greek. I have used a Strong’s concordance almost daily for a number of years and a combination of different Bible translations and an English dictionary along with the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and multiple commentaries and Bible dictionaries. My main resource is the Bible with related scriptures interpreting one another and prayer, lots and lots of prayer. And direction, wisdom and advice from my beloved God-fearing husband who is always excited to read my next study. (Kudos to God – thank you for this incredible gift of my husband.) I sincerely desire to be a witness for God of His truth and majesty and love and forgiveness. I make no claim to knowing everything, much less anything, but I do strongly believe that God can work in a willing heart that is yielded to Him and that that is all He needs.

The first retreat I spoke at, I remember being ridiculously scared, nervous and needing to use the restroom several times – sorry for the descriptiveness. But, some of you understand. The scripture I was lead to was in Exodus, go figure! Not necessarily a book we spend the most time in. But somehow, (God’s direction), I landed in Exodus 4:10. It says: Then Moses said to the LORD, “Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, nor since Thou hast spoken to Thy servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” I remember reading this and thinking yep, that’s me. But then I continued to read… Ex 4:11 And the LORD said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes [him] dumb or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Ex 4:12 “Now then go, and I, even I, will be with your mouth, and teach you what you are to say.” Moses questioned God again and God was angered towards him. I was immediately embarrassed that I had put myself in a place where somehow I thought I had to figure out what to say about God. He’s already said it, I’m just following His lead and relaying the info!  And, He doesn’t need me for anything.  But, if I trust Him, He will use me for His purpose.  God will use whomever He chooses in whatever way He chooses. Who am I to question His direction?

So, I write and share my studies and thoughts as His servant. Please read my words as what God has placed on my heart through study and prayer and then sit down with our Lord and Savior and ask Him to reveal His truths to your heart and circumstance.

Click here for more, a study on Great Expectations.

Focus Heavenward

Flash back to the spring of 1998. My first child was accepted into a college he had applied to. This was great news and this was not so great news as felt by a mother’s heart. This university happened to be located almost fifteen hundred miles away from home! Think the late 1990’s, before FaceTime was available to the general public. Keeping in touch was done by phone, email or snail mail. There was no snap chat or instant messaging, and pushing a “purchase” button on an Amazon shopping icon wasn’t familiar, if it even existed. We had cell phones but compared to the devices we have now, they were pretty slim in their options (however, not in their size!! They looked like big black walkie talkies with antennas, and forget fitting a phone into your jeans pocket!). Everyone we knew had land lines as their main phone connection.

I plastered a smile on my face to hide the hole in my heart and helped our son get ready for the grand adventure ahead of him. We decided to make the trip into a vacation for all of us. The traveling provided some good together time before the makeup of our family, as we knew it, changed forever.

We gave our son several prepaid phone cards, and after we helped settle him into his dorm room, we said good-bye. There is something about that first child moving out that brutally reminds parents that this person they had nurtured from birth until now, had always belonged to God. It’s something you know and fully accept and even want for them but the reality hits hard when you begin the long drive home with an extra seat in the van.

Ge 33:5 And he lifted his eyes and saw the women and the children, and said, “Who are these with you?” So he said, “The children whom God has graciously given your servant.”

In accordance with Scripture, everything we have belongs to God. We are stewards of His creation. This includes our children!

Any type of change disrupts our comfort. The birth of a child, the release of a child, marriage, relocation, illness, loss of a friend, and even ministry changes, serving in a different area or assuming different responsibilities. It doesn’t matter whether it’s good, bad, exciting or disturbing, chosen or forced upon. Change is difficult and scary and leaves you feeling vulnerable.

What does one do with the emotions that accompany significant change?

In the world you turn towards the things that seem to offer stability, albeit temporal. You may concentrate on the things you feel you can control. You may decide to ignore changing circumstances until the point in which they must be acknowledged.

In the believing Christian world, the effects of change are still felt but (hopefully) the reaction is different. You turn towards God for peace and assurance. You trust He is in control and will guide your direction. You pray for perspective and a response that proves you are His child. You focus heavenward.

At the time of releasing my first child I began writing via email to him, signing each letter with the reminder to keep his focus heavenward no matter what circumstances were presented. (I always drew an arrow pointing upwards as a visual.)      Focusing on God, keeping him close in heart is the one thing I knew would act as a comfort and guidance to my son. I’m not sure if that reminder did more for me or my child. But, I knew God’s plan was for good and I personally needed that constant message to keep my focus on His truth, His promises, His care and to trust in God’s ownership of my son.

How do you focus heavenward?

I had a website at that time under the name ‘Focus Heavenward’ with the statement that its purpose was to be used as a tool to look to the Bible for growth, purpose and encouragement. The site was a collection of past and present Bible studies and women’s retreats I had written over the years.

In order to focus heavenward, a direction is assumed. That direction is up. Up towards a higher position, up towards God. Up towards something that has greater value. In order to focus heavenward, faith in someone bigger than ourselves needs to have been claimed. In order to focus heavenward, a desire to give attention to someone other than ourselves is necessary. In order to focus heavenward, we need to follow the One whose established throne is in heaven.

Whenever life’s direction is significantly altered or disrupted from what is familiar, we respond in one of two ways. We fight it or we accept it. Fighting change won’t stop change, it will only make change more difficult. Accepting change as a necessary part of life will ease the paths of uncertainty.

God permits and sometimes even instructs circumstances in our lives in order to draw our eyes upward. Hanging onto God’s overwhelming love for His children, and His perfect plan and control of all things will allow us, through His grace, to focus heavenward through joyous times and even through tears.
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