Author A.W. Tozer says, "In every generation, the people who have found
God have been those who have come to the end of themselves. Recognizing
their hopelessness, they have been ready to throw themselves on the
mercy and grace of a forgiving God."
I am not one who seeks out trouble or thrills. I definitely do not look for tough times and trials. I prefer an even keeled life without falling into the pits and the darkness. But from my own experiences, it is in the pit - in the desert - in the darkness - that I experience God more intimately than I do from the safety and security of the easy days.
I have a feeling Jonah may have had second thoughts about urging the
sailors to hurl him into the sea if he had known on the boat that he
would end up in the belly of a fish. But had Jonah remained on the boat, he would have missed out on God's incredible display of mercy and grace! Once inside the fish, Jonah had some time to think and reflect about what he had just experienced - about what the Lord had just done for him - the rebel prophet. And for the first time since this story began, Jonah prayed to God.
What I find so fascinating about Jonah's prayer is that he was not asking for deliverance from the inside of the fish, which, if I'm honest, would probably be the very first thing I would have bellowed out to God! He was not begging for help or even asking why. Instead, Jonah was praising God and thanking Him for rescuing him from certain death - even if his rescue could still result in his death.
Jonah realized this: "Death is not the worst-case scenario; life without God is" (Kaitlin Wernet).
Let that sit for a minute.
Jonah had taken off as soon as he realized that God was asking him to do something he absolutely did not want to do - go to Nineveh and call out their sins against the Lord. And yet, here he sat, in the belly of the fish that the Lord had appointed, gratefully thanking God. Jonah had called out to the Lord, and not only did the Lord hear his prayer, but He answered him (v.2). "Jonah had done nothing to deserve being rescued; his salvation was by grace alone (ESV text note).
Jonah had not confessed or repented of his selfish actions. He was not interceding on behalf of the pagan sailors or the people in Nineveh. He does admit that "Salvation belongs to the Lord" (v.9), but he has yet to extend these thoughts beyond himself. He still did not understand that God's desire was not only to have grace and mercy on Jonah - or those Jonah deemed worthy of God's grace and mercy. God's desire then and now is that all people would turn to Him and away from the sin in their lives. He wants ALL people - to the ends of the earth - to know and confess that He is the One True God - that we would all recognize, even from the depths of despair, that life with Jesus is better than life without Jesus.
God chose to give Jonah mercy - not giving Jonah what he deserved. And
God chose to give Jonah grace - giving him forgiveness that Jonah did
not deserve and could never deserve. He had chosen Jonah to speak in
Nineveh, and He was willing to extend His hand of mercy to Jonah to show
His faithfulness and kindness. And sometimes we end up in the darkness of a figurative fish belly before we can fully see the magnitude of the Lord's graciousness.
I am learning to be thankful for the fact that God does not lay before
me a timeline of crisis for me to study because I know I would attempt
to steer my life around those moments, staying safe, but missing the
blessing of God's grace and His presence in the midst of the moment.
That's the thing about God - He brings us to those places that we
would never choose to go ourselves. He challenges us and stretches us to
see beyond ourselves. He brings us to the places where we have to make
tough choices - where we either lean on our own strength, or finally tap
into His.
Jill Briscoe, an 82 year old British woman looked out at a room full of women in Austin, Texas at IF:Gathering 2017 this past weekend and spoke these words with such conviction and passion that it gave me chill bumps in my basement in Colorado where I watched with tear-filled eyes.
One summer when I was in college I found myself in a cramped van full of middle and high school kids returning from a week away at camp. We were dirty and tired, but our hearts were so full of Jesus. And I prayed that God would reveal to me what to be when I grew up. Very clearly, the response was, "You are to shepherd my children."
Perfect! Just as I thought! I had always wanted to be a public school teacher, so this made sense and confirmed my dream! We weren't jumping ship or changing course - onward we went! And I loved teaching so much. I loved my students (my kids - always my kids). I loved the school community that became instant family. I was in my element - I was living out what God had created me to be. I was on point and my mission field was my classroom!
But then my path changed when I had my daughter. I had agreed that when we had children it made sense for me to stay home and be a mama. Although I made this choice, I felt like I was walking away from my calling - my mission - my purpose. I was supposed to be shepherding "His children". It took years for me to understand that my calling remained, but my mission field had changed. Instead of the classroom, my mission field looked like my kitchen. And instead of other people's children, I was shepherding my own baby girls.
Over the course of the last ten years, my passion has shifted, but I am realizing that the same call remains. I have discovered that my passion and my call have broadened from little people to just people. After all, we are all children of God. We are always children who never stop needing our heavenly Father. We become easily distracted by the world around us. We have trouble admitting our guilt. We try to run. And then we feel relieved when we feel our Father's loving arms wrap around us, full of tender mercy and grace. We are His precious children.
After retiring from a two year experiment in teaching preschool, I really thought I was going to focus on my writing and my family, finally realizing how blessed I was to be able to stay home with my girlies. But, without notice or warning, I have once again said "yes" to God and allowed myself to move into a new mission field - and have lovingly embraced the people within it.
I do not know what my next step will be. None of us do. But we are all called. As Jill Briscoe not so gently reminded me this weekend, "If we are saved, we are called." And we are all commanded by Jesus to do two things:
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them inthe name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." Matthew 28:19-20
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. - John 13:34
And so, I will leave you with this. Wherever you are is where God wants you to be. He has you here for a reason and with a purpose. Recognize that this is your mission field right now. Love the people around you well. Share Jesus with them. And say "yes" to God.
This morning as I was reflecting on His miracles and her life I realized that her birthday falls in the one month every year where we really stop and reflect on those things we are thankful for.
I can honestly say that I am grateful, thankful, and blessed.
I had the opportunity to share her story with our church family this past weekend. After watching I was overwhelmed with emotion. I do not think I will ever hear her story and not be immediately transported back to that night in the hospital. I only wish I had a picture of her hooked up to the machines - wires all over her 6 pound body. Because without those pictures, it feels like it might have been only a dream...
If you want to learn more about Catherine's story, you can read the posts I wrote shortly after she was born.
7 and said to the entire Israelite assembly, “The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good.8 If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us.9 Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them.”
Numbers 14:7-9
Joshua and Caleb spoke to the Israelite community after both Moses and Aaron fell face down - I'm assuming in frustration and prayer.
The Israelites had lost any ounce of faith in God they had once had, and were talking about going back to Egypt to return to the awful life of slavery that God had just brought them out of!
Sarah Ott, from IF:Equip, reminds us that Egypt = Bondage.
They were choosing Bondage and Slavery over God.
Over and over again we read about this great Promise or great Gift that God is trying to give His Chosen People - and over and over again we read about how they reject it - they doubt God - they act in fear - they lose faith.
Joshua and Caleb beg the Israelites to hear their description of the Promised Land of God. They remind the people that God has given them all they need to succeed - Himself! And these two men also pointed out that the inhabitants of the land lacked this protection.
At this point the Israelite's journey out of Egypt had been 40 days - and they had witnessed God's protection, guidance, and provision throughout their journey.
And.
They.
Still.
Doubted.
God still makes promises. And, He only makes promises He intends to keep. He does not lie. He does not cheat. He is good and faithful. I imagine when God gives gifts to us that He is like a little child who is so excited about the gift He is giving and can hardly wait for you to open it and rejoice with Him! But sometimes we just let the gift sit there, unopened...
So, my sweet friends - What Promises and Gifts are we refusing to believe or accept or open? How are we hurting God by minimizing His Power and limiting what He can accomplish? Are we choosing Bondage and Slavery over Freedom in God's Promise?
I encourage you to take some time over the next few days and let these words of worship really sink into your soul and believe them. "Promise Keeper, Promise Maker. You finish what you begin. Our Provision through the desert. You see it through to the end. The Lord our God is ever faithful. Never changing through the ages. From this darkness. You will lead us. And forever we will say, You're the Lord our God." (Kristian Stanfill and Jason Ingram)
IF:Gathering has changed my life forever. Jennie Allen is the dreamer behind IF:. The whole idea behind IF: is this: IF God is real, then what... What does that mean for me? What does that mean for you? What does that look like? What can I do? IF: exists to Gather, Equip, and Unleash women into the world full of faith and ready to move in mighty ways! IT. IS. AMAZING!
To prepare ladies for the upcoming gathering, we are reading through the life of Joshua, and studying what Faith actually looks like. This morning's reading was from Numbers 13.
In this chapter, the Lord told Moses to send out 12 men into the land to explore and report back to the Israelites about the Promised Land. Moses selected 12 strong leaders from each of the ancient tribes and commanded them to explore, ask questions, experience the cities, and bring back the good fruits from the land.
These men went out knowing full well that this was the land God had promised them. This was the reason God brought the Israelites out of Egypt.
The Lord had told Moses, "...I have come down to rescue them...into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey..." (Exodus 3:8)
They came back proclaiming that, "...it does flow with milk and honey..." (Numbers 13:27)
What God had promised was true - they saw it! But 10 of these men allowed their fears to cloud their faith. Instead of trusting that God has only the very best for them, they allowed their fear to paralyze them and in turn, missed out on the promised land completely!
What has God promised you?
In what ways has He shown you this Promised Land, flowing with milk and honey?
How are you allowing your fears to cloud your faith?
God wants us to step out in faith. He gives us a glimpse into the Promised Land, but He doesn't always lay out the plan. Blindly stepping out in faith is never easy, but God wants to move you into the good land. He wants you to experience the Milk and Honey that is waiting for you.
But YOU have to take the first step...into the unknown...and then you have to grab on to God to lead you.
God has plans for you. He has a purpose for you. He has dreams for you. He wants you to do great things for His Kingdom! But you have to follow Him.
It's the week of Thanksgiving, which is always a time to reflect on what we are thankful for, and there are many things that I am thankful for. But, for the rest of my life, I know that I will always reflect on my experience right after my youngest daughter was born. I’m sure many of you have heard this story so many times that you could give an accurate account, but on this particular night I saw God move in ways I had only ever dreamed.
So humor me once again as I share what I am truly thankful for, and bear with me, this is a little long, but written from my heart.
I was sound asleep in my hospital bed, which is almost unheard of.My one day-old baby was safe in the nursery, and would be brought to me shortly.When the door opened, I was not at all surprised, but I was shocked when the nurse who came in was the NICU nurse, and came without my baby.
She began to talk to me about routine blood pressure monitoring and that our baby girl was showing some irregularities that were now being monitored in the NICU.She talked about something being wrong with her heart, the cardiologist would take scans in the morning, and that she might need heart surgery.
I wish I could tell you everything she said, but at that moment all I could do was fight back the tears.My heart was breaking for a little girl who I had only known for a little over a day, but had loved for almost a year.
When the nurse left, I broke down.My husband did his best to hold it together, but even his voice began to shake.We called our parents and some of our friends, and knew that prayers were being prayed for our baby girl.And then my husband prayed while I cried and agreed with him.
Walking to the NICU to see her was surreal.I remembered a comment that I had made a few months ago when we had attended a funeral for a baby girl who died of a heart condition.It was something along the lines of hoping that we would never have to be NICU parents.And here we were, washing our hands and walking over to see our little girl with all kinds of wires and machines all over her.
I held her and rocked her and prayed for her.While we were with her, there were no blood pressure discrepancies.We left her and tried to sleep.But I could not. And all I could focus on were these words that kept repeating in my head:
He is He was He always will be
Even when it feels like there is no one holding me Be still, my soul He is
This is the song “He Is” by Mark Schultz.It was almost as if the Lord was whispering to me, “I am here, I have been here, and I will always be here.”
A few hours later we made our way to the NICU again.But this time we walked with an amazing sense of peace.Once again, her blood pressures were matching up.They had not seen any discrepancies since she had been in the NICU, which was a good sign.
I did fall asleep, and slept peacefully.And then some nurses came in the room.I was groggy and my eyes were swollen from crying so hard, but I could hear one of them saying, “We have someone here, and she’s a hungry girl.”My eyes welled up once again and I thought to myself, “You’re in the wrong room.My baby’s sick and she can’t come to me.”But then I looked over, and there she was.No wires, no machines.Just my wide-eyed baby girl.
The nurse explained that every single time they checked her blood pressures, they matched “too perfectly”.I don’t know about you, but those in the medical profession rarely use the term “perfect”.Chills went down my spine and the tears spilled over.The cardiologist would no longer be consulted, and we were all three going home in a few hours.
I wish I could say that this was the only time God healed this little girl, but I would be lying.He has touched her so many times it’s amazing!
She turned two this past week. I continue to be in awe and so thankful.We knew she would be our Thanksgiving baby, but we had no idea that she would be our miracle.
The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. ~ Psalm 9:9 – 10 (NIV)
Fear.It’s a stronghold that I battle with more than I’d like to admit.My imagination has an ugly way of running away with my thoughts, and before I know it, fear has its foot in my heart.Often times I don’t even realize that I’m afraid of something until I feel its paralyzing effects.
If I’m not careful, I could spend my life in constant fear.All we have to do is turn on the news to see that this world is full of things to dread.Whether its something far away or close to home; fear and worry are real.
But I have hope, peace, and comfort.This Psalm that King David wrote thousands of years ago continues to bring solace to me today.Regardless of what is happening around me, these words of promise and hope can come to my mind and remind me that I am not alone.
The key words that stick out to me are:refuge – protection, security; oppressed – abused, crushed; stronghold – fort, castle; trouble – trial, suffering; trust – believe, hope; forsaken – desert, leave; and seek – look for, try to find.
We can’t change the fact that life can be scary.What we can control, however, is how we respond.We can live in fear and never really live.Or, we can find comfort in the fact that our Lord will never leave us.He will always be our fortress and will protect us.All we have to do is look for Him.
**This post was originally published on January 15, 2010.
**Updated on October 31, 2016.
If you want to read the first part of this story, click here.
Several months before Catherine was due to arrive, the Lord spoke to me during worship. We were singing the song, "Healer" by Hillsong. The chorus of this song says:
I believe you're my healer, I believe you are all I need, I believe you're my portion, I believe you're more than enough for me. Jesus you're all I need.
It goes on to say:
Nothing is impossible for you, Nothing is impossible for you, Nothing is impossible for you, You hold my world in your hands.
God spoke so clearly, saying that I was going to need this kind of faith to make it through a trial that was coming. Immediately I began crying out to God, "Not my children. Anything but my children!"
Miracle Number Three: Shock and Awe!
My birth story is relatively uneventful. I was induced, and it went a lot faster than anyone expected, and my husband almost missed it because he thought he had time to get a bagel, as well as my doctor who came in after the pushing began, but after only two pushes, out she came. A perfectly healthy baby Catherine.
Both my husband and I were excited that our hospital now offers a nursery where the babes can go at night. When our first daughter was born, the hospital did not offer this feature, and we were left with a screamer and got no sleep, going home exhausted and scared. This time, however, would be different.
The first night was great! The nurses brought her in a few times to eat, and then back to the nursery she went, and back to sleep I went. We woke up in the morning, ready for a new day of visitors and baby bonding.
The second night is where the tide turns, and God's faithfulness, grace, and mercy become evident.
Around 12:30 am on November 20th, 2009, the NICU nurse came in, with no baby. She began to explain that during a routine blood pressure check, Catherine's numbers were not matching like they should. Babies have their blood pressure checked on their arms and legs, and the two pressures should be close. Catherine's leg pressures were much lower than her arms, which could indicate a possible heart condition that would require surgery. The nurse explained that although Catherine had been monitored for a heart condition in utero, this condition would not have been caught because this particular valve, that pumps blood from the upper half of the body to the lower half does not close until after birth. If this valve does not close after birth, however, no blood is being pumped to her lower extremities, and can be fatal. A call had already been placed with the Pediatric Cardiologist who would run tests in the morning. Until then, Catherine would remain in the NICU (neo-natal intensive care unit) where she had been moved, for constant monitoring.
My heart stopped. I listened to every word and shook my head, confirming that I heard what the nurse was saying. It was surreal. My husband woke up after she had been talking for awhile, and asked some questions. Both of us were stunned. The nurse told us to come to the NICU in a few minutes to feed our baby.
As soon as she left, I began crying. My husband prayed, as he was struggling to be strong for me. We called our families and some friends that we knew would pray. All we wanted was this little girl to be covered in prayer.
We pulled ourselves together and walked down to the NICU. Walking into that nursery was like having an out of body experience. This is what happens to other people, but not to us. We had a healthy baby. The nurses welcomed us with those "I'm so sorry" smiles and showed us where Catherine was. I gasped, looking at my tiny 6 pound baby hooked up to many monitors. She had wires all over her body, and blood pressure cuffs on her arm and leg. The nurse explained that those were the numbers they would be monitoring every hour.
She pushed the button for the blood pressure cuffs, and my husband and I held our breaths. The arm and leg pressures were nearly the same. The nurse said that is what the numbers should look like, but had not, which is why we were all where we were. My husband asked if this was common. When the nurse paused, we both knew that it was not. She said that this is pretty rare.
As I was nursing my baby girl, I prayed. The Lord placed these lyrics in my heart:
He is, He was, He always will be. Even when it feels like there is no one holding me. Be still, my soul. He is.
I didn't know the rest of the song, but I just kept singing these words over and over.
Leaving my baby in the NICU was really hard to do, but we headed back to our room. My husband fell asleep, but I just lay there, with those words still in my head. I felt God's presence and peace, but I couldn't sleep. I got up to find out how the rest of the song went.
He Is
by Mark Schultz
Father, let the world just fade away
Let me feel your presence in this place
Lord, I’ve never been so weary
How I need to know you’re near me
Father, let the world just fade away
Till I’m on my knees
Till my heart can sing
He is
He was
He always will be
Even when it feels like there is no one holding me
Be still, my soul
He is
Father, let your Holy Spirit sing
Let it calm the storm inside of me
As I stand amazed
Lift my hands and say
He is
He was
He always will be
He lives
He loves
He’s always with me
Even when it feels like there is no one holding me
Be still, my soul
Through every fear
And every doubt
And every tear I shed
Down every road
I’m not alone
No matter where I am
He is
He was
And He always will be
He lives
He loves
He’s always with me
Even when it feels like there is no one holding me
Be still, my soul
Be still, and know
Be still, my soul
He is
I just sat there, taking in every word and bawling. I was crying for my new baby and I was crying in awe of how great my God is (and was). I read the words over and over, spilling tears on the computer, and praising God. My mind wandered to a Beth Moore Bible Study I was doing. In the Daniel study she talks about 3 Scenarios. The first one is the easiest. You are faced with a difficult situation and God saves you from any harm before stepping in the fire. The second one, you have to step in the fire, but He saves you. The third scenario means that you step in the fire, and He saves you, but you are saved through death.
I prayed that we wouldn't suffer through the third scenario. I could handle surgery and recovery, but I did not want to face death. I just got her. How could I let her go already?
At some point I got in bed, but never really slept.
When the phone rang I knew it was the NICU nurse. It was time to feed the baby. On our way down the hall, both my husband and I were struck by the peace that was overwhelming us.
We weren't too surprised when the nurse shared that all of the blood pressure checks had come back with normal numbers that were matching. Praise God!
I nursed her and walked away from her again, back to our room. I slept.
The next thing I remember is a nurse walking in, telling me that someone was hungry. I didn't have my glasses on, but I could see a bassinet being wheeled in. My heart broke. "You're in the wrong room. My baby's sick and is in the NICU."
But the nurse said, "No. This is Catherine. Her results are too perfect to have anything wrong with her. We've canceled the cardiologist, the EKG, and the echocardiogram. This little girl is going home with you today."
Who knows that medical professionals never use the words TOO PERFECT unless God has shown up? AMEN!!!
The tears came - again! But this time I was crying tears of happiness, joy, and thanks. I praised God and thanked Him for healing Catherine's heart. I couldn't bear the thought of leaving that hospital without a baby, and now I wouldn't have to.
It had been a long night, and I couldn't put this little miracle down. My husband's mother came early that morning, and some of my wonderful friends came as well. We all marveled at God's miracle! We all reveled in the peace He had provided all of us with. And we all cried. We were overwhelmed by God's mercy.
Our pediatrician wanted us to go to Children's Hospital to make sure everything was fine. We knew it would be, but for peace of mind, we went. They did an EKG and an echocardiogram. When we met with the cardiologist, she looked at us and said, "Why are you here? Your baby is completely healthy." We knew this already.
We give all of the praise and glory to our Savior. He is so good and so faithful. I thank God everyday for my daughters, and continue to praise Him for this miracle. She is a daily reminder that our God hears our prayers.
**This post was originally published on January 14, 2010.
**Updated on October 31, 2016.
Meet my Baby Catherine. She has been one miracle after another, and I can no longer hold out on you. Her story is too amazing not to share. Watch and see how God's hand has been on this little girl since the very beginning.
This will be long, so I will post over a few days.
Miracle Number One: Getting Pregnant
I have a condition known as Poly-Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). As is obvious in the title of my condition, there are many cysts on my ovaries. Getting pregnant with my first daughter required me taking some drugs, keeping track of my Basil Body Temperature, and prayer. I was all set for the same regiment this time, but God had a much different plan for me.
If you look back between November 2008 and February 2009, you will see posts plagued with me explaining that I'm really sick. I had some kind of stomach condition that caused me to lose about 25 pounds. It was never diagnosed, even after a battery of tests. Needless to say, I was unable to take the pills necessary to ovulate, and I was not, for lack of better words, "in the mood."
But, after missed a period in March, I started to wonder if I might be pregnant. I was feeling almost like myself again, but could I really be "with child?"
After taking the first test, I couldn't tell if it was a positive or not. I could faintly see two lines, but I wasn't sure if I was just seeing what I wanted to see, or if I really saw a plus. So, I bought another test. This time with the words. You can't mistake those results!
Both my husband and I were floored at the results! How did this happen? And when? Between me being sick and him not feeling well when I supposedly could have ovulated, we really weren't sure how this happened, but it did, and we both we so thankful. We knew this was a blessing from the Lord.
Miracle Number Two: A Heart Stopper
My pregnancy progressed well. I was pretty sick from about 6 weeks through 14 weeks, and then I felt great! I really didn't even feel pregnant at all. The baby was healthy and developing right on schedule. We found out at 20 weeks that we were having another girl, and although I thought I wanted a boy, I was fine with a girl (and had known that I was deep down).
This is the way it was until my 32 week appointment. My regular doctor was out of town, so I was seeing one of her colleagues. He and I were talking Explorers (ah, the 5th grade teacher in me lives on and on). All was normal until he placed the doppler heart monitor on my stomach. He found the heart beat right away, but it was skipping beats.
I heard it immediately, and could tell that he was concerned. He started talking really fast, and I was nodding. I remember him saying that he wanted me to see a specialist right away. Of course, I nodded. He didn't think there was any reason to be concerned, but obviously something was not right.
I got in the car and started crying. I was scared. I called my husband and told him what had happened. I prayed all the way home. I called my friends and my mom. We all were praying for this little life. I knew God's hand was on her, but what were we going to find out? We had just attended the funeral of my husband's cousin's little baby girl who died of a heart condition at only 64 days old. Is that what we were in for?
This was Tuesday morning.
The rest of Tuesday we spent praying and researching (my husband) and crying (me) and feeling a peace that I've only experienced a handful of times when others were praying for me. It was amazing. By that night, neither of us were worried. We knew that not only was our little girl in the Lord's hands, and always had been, but she was covered in prayer.
We went to the specialist that Thursday, and much to our relief (but not to our surprise) everything was fine. She had a condition called Fetal Premature Atrial Contractions, which in everyday people terms was described to us like this:
The reason for the “skipped beats” is Premature Arterial Contraction (PAC). The way the doctor described it was that babies in the womb receive less oxygen than we do. And this smaller amount of oxygen sometimes sends weird signals to the pacemaker and causes the chambers to pump at irregular times. This is what causes the “skips”. The doctor said they were not uncommon and extremely benign. It usually takes care of itself once the baby is born when they take their first breaths and get the full amount of oxygen.
So, as you can see, God answered our prayers in a mighty way! Not only did we get to see Catherine's heart beating away, and all four chambers looking super healthy, but we also were fortunate enough to have another ultrasound. This little girl is quite bendy. At one point she had one foot and one hand above her head while the other hand and foot were under her bottom. She then moved both feet and legs under her bottom in a very modest fashion when we were trying to confirm her "girl parts", but, she did move just enough for the confirmation to be determined! The doctor thought that she looked great, from head to toe! Another blessing.
**I'll stop here for today. The next miracle is the best one! Please share in His glory tomorrow!
Alright ladies, today is Day One of the Scripture Reading that my pastor is leading. Because he introduced us to this method last Fall, the congregation was challenged to become part of the "3x30" campaign, in which we read 3 chapters of scripture every day for 30 days. The thought was that we would become disciplined in our scripture study, and would continue on our own. However, it was discovered that was not the case. So, that is why Day One does not begin at the beginning of a book, but rather towards the end. I suppose there were people who had continued on independently, and so we're picking up right where they are.
Remember, when you study scripture, it's important to really get into the passages. Beth Moore always wanted us to pray for "wisdom and understanding" before beginning the homework for her Daniel study (which is phenomenal and life-changing!). I would challenge you to do the same. This way the Spirit is able to move through you and open your heart to the message that the Lord has in his Word for you!
Just a quick recap:
· Read: Use the planned schedule to read three chapters of the Bible. Click here to print the plan. · Underline: As you read underline verses that speak to you. · Isolate: Isolate one part that you underlined and make that your verse for the day. · Journal: Use a notebook and write a paragraph about what that verse speaks to you and what you can do as a result of its reflection. · Share: Join others and post your thoughts about what that verse means to you on http://www.powerofthree.org/. **You can just post a comment here if you feel more comfortable, but you can always check out what others have said on the Power of 3 website.
9But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Isn't it amazing how the Lord can speak right to you with words that are almost 2000 years old! I am always amazed by this!
I have to little chicks at home. One is a little over two, and the other is 7 weeks old today. Needless to say, I am physically, emotionally, and spiritually exhausted! Right when I sat down to read my scriptures for the day my 7 week old began crying, again. She is a very needy little girl, and although I love how snuggly she is, my back isn't loving holding her all day. She doesn't nap unless I'm holding her, and she always wants to be held, which isn't conducive for handling the day to day battles with my two year old. We are in the midst of "testing the waters" and learning that no means no, and that you don't always get what you want when you want it, and that whining will never get you what you want! Plus, both girls are getting up at night. I can understand the baby, she needs to eat, but what's with the toddler???
Anyway, these words were so comforting to me this morning. All promises that I know. In fact, nearly this whole passage was underlined and dated 6/22/03, which, if I remember correctly, was when my husband and I were dating and trying to "figure" a few things out!
However, today I really needed these comforting words. The note in my Bible said this:
The greater our weakness and trials for Christ, the more grace God will give to accomplish his will. What he gives is always sufficient for us to live our daily lives, to work for him, and to endure our suffering and "thorns" in the flesh. As long as we draw near to Christ, Christ will give us his heavenly strength and comfort.
Another day I will share some ways in which I have seen the Lord provide this strength.
Let me encourage you today, God is so faithful, and His grace is enough! Praise Him today and thank the Lord for giving you everything that you require!
36You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
NIV
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32-39Remember those early days after you first saw the light? Those were the hard times! Kicked around in public, targets of every kind of abuse—some days it was you, other days your friends. If some friends went to prison, you stuck by them. If some enemies broke in and seized your goods, you let them go with a smile, knowing they couldn't touch your real treasure. Nothing they did bothered you, nothing set you back. So don't throw it all away now. You were sure of yourselves then. It's still a sure thing! But you need to stick it out, staying with God's plan so you'll be there for the promised completion.
It won't be long now, he's on the way; he'll show up most any minute. But anyone who is right with me thrives on loyal trust; if he cuts and runs, I won't be very happy. But we're not quitters who lose out. Oh, no! We'll stay with it and survive, trusting all the way.
The Message
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God has promised us so much! Keep on moving forward, persevere through the rough times. He wants you to receive what He has promised by keeping with His plan!
25And this is what he promised us—even eternal life.
NIV
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24-25Stay with what you heard from the beginning, the original message. Let it sink into your life. If what you heard from the beginning lives deeply in you, you will live deeply in both Son and Father. This is exactly what Christ promised: eternal life, real life!
The Message
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God has promised eternal life to those who put their faith in Him.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
NIV
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1-13You who sit down in the High God's presence, spend the night in Shaddai's shadow, Say this: "God, you're my refuge. I trust in you and I'm safe!" That's right—he rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards. His huge outstretched arms protect you— under them you're perfectly safe; his arms fend off all harm. Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night, not flying arrows in the day, Not disease that prowls through the darkness, not disaster that erupts at high noon. Even though others succumb all around, drop like flies right and left, no harm will even graze you. You'll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance, watch the wicked turn into corpses. Yes, because God's your refuge, the High God your very own home, Evil can't get close to you, harm can't get through the door. He ordered his angels to guard you wherever you go. If you stumble, they'll catch you; their job is to keep you from falling. You'll walk unharmed among lions and snakes, and kick young lions and serpents from the path.
The Message
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God has given His angels charge over you, to keep you safe.
5 For your Maker is your husband— the LORD Almighty is his name— the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth.
NIV
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1-6 "Sing, barren woman, who has never had a baby. Fill the air with song, you who've never experienced childbirth! You're ending up with far more children than all those childbearing women." God says so! "Clear lots of ground for your tents! Make your tents large. Spread out! Think big! Use plenty of rope, drive the tent pegs deep. You're going to need lots of elbow room for your growing family. You're going to take over whole nations; you're going to resettle abandoned cities. Don't be afraid—you're not going to be embarrassed. Don't hold back—you're not going to come up short. You'll forget all about the humiliations of your youth, and the indignities of being a widow will fade from memory. For your Maker is your bridegroom, his name, God-of-the-Angel-Armies! Your Redeemer is The Holy of Israel, known as God of the whole earth. You were like an abandoned wife, devastated with grief, and God welcomed you back, Like a woman married young and then left," says your God.
The Message
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God is a husband to the woman who has no husband. He will care for us as our husbands should.
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
NIV
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1-9 After the death of Moses the servant of God, God spoke to Joshua, Moses' assistant:
"Moses my servant is dead. Get going. Cross this Jordan River, you and all the people. Cross to the country I'm giving to the People of Israel. I'm giving you every square inch of the land you set your foot on—just as I promised Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon east to the Great River, the Euphrates River—all the Hittite country—and then west to the Great Sea. It's all yours. All your life, no one will be able to hold out against you. In the same way I was with Moses, I'll be with you. I won't give up on you; I won't leave you. Strength! Courage! You are going to lead this people to inherit the land that I promised to give their ancestors. Give it everything you have, heart and soul. Make sure you carry out The Revelation that Moses commanded you, every bit of it. Don't get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you're going. And don't for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you'll get where you're going; then you'll succeed. Haven't I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take."
17 The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."
NIV
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16-17Jerusalem will be told: "Don't be afraid. Dear Zion, don't despair. Your God is present among you, a strong Warrior there to save you. Happy to have you back, he'll calm you with his love and delight you with his songs.
The Message
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The Lord is with you, and He will quiet you with His love.
4and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, 5who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.
NIV
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3-5What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we've been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now! God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you'll have it all—life healed and whole.
The Message
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Our blessings are kept in heaven for us, where they cannot be spoiled. God's power protects us until we are brought to heaven as well.
10 Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you.
NIV
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9-10"This exile is just like the days of Noah for me: I promised then that the waters of Noah would never again flood the earth. I'm promising now no more anger, no more dressing you down. For even if the mountains walk away and the hills fall to pieces, My love won't walk away from you, my covenant commitment of peace won't fall apart." The God who has compassion on you says so.
The Message
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Though the world may be coming to an end, God's love will never disappear. His promise of peace will be fulfilled.
7"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
NIV
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7-11"Don't bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This isn't a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we're in. If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? As bad as you are, you wouldn't think of such a thing. You're at least decent to your own children. So don't you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better?
The Message
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What we ask, we will receive. What we seek, we will find. When we knock, the door will open.
16May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
NIV
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15-17So, friends, take a firm stand, feet on the ground and head high. Keep a tight grip on what you were taught, whether in personal conversation or by our letter. May Jesus himself and God our Father, who reached out in love and surprised you with gifts of unending help and confidence, put a fresh heart in you, invigorate your work, enliven your speech.
The Message
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Jesus will encourage you and strengthen you in everything you do and say. He has given you a hope that is eternal.
