S.U.R.R.E.N.D.E.R.

"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him." 

Psalm 37:7

"God wants us to be expectant before Him. . .

to wait patiently, but with hope,

to work diligently, but with the  understanding

that to HIM belong the final results of all our efforts."

The above song was recorded when the Lord brought me to a major crisis during the summer of 2008--where I had to surrender my will over to His. . .even though what He was asking me to do made no sense to me.  As I was on the floor, face down, praying, and "giving up my grasp on this situation," thunder and lightning crashed and flashed right over our house.   What a battle was raging within and outside too!  After the storm passed, and all was quiet, He led me to record this arrangement.  When I listened to the final recording, it was as if He were telling me, "I am not done with you, My child.  You've released your grasp on life, and given Me 'permission' to begin a new chapter; and this song will be a memorial to the 'death of your desires and dreams,' and the beginning of a new chapter in life."

Dear Father,

When I surrender to Your will, I:

Simply

Understand that I must

Relinquish my

Rights with

Every

New

Day~

Expecting the best

Results:  because You only want what's best for me; and I'll never be satisfied unless I am fulfilling "Your kingdom purpose" while I'm on earth.  I am trusting You with all my heart.  In Jesus' Name. . . Amen.

A.C.T. Now

He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.  I John 2:6

Have you ever prayed about something for so long, seeking an answer from the Lord, and yet for whatever reason He remained quiet?  Day after day, week after week, sometimes month after month, you await an answer...you're simply waiting for God to ACT.   I've been there..in fact, I'm there even now.

For months now I've been seeking His guidance, writing notes as to what it is He may be teaching me through this time of "quiet."  Guess you could say I've been in the wilderness.  It's okay, though, because Nahum 1:3 says "the clouds are the dust of His feet..."  So that can mean one thing:  I may be in a FOG, but at least I know that HE is very nearby---just got to keep looking up.  ;o)

Recently I've felt like a "deer in the headlights" of oncoming traffic.  You know---totally frozen.  So focused on what's coming that I've forgotten to MOVE.  Ever noticed how difficult it is to focus and function on a day-to-day basis when you're facing something scary?   Wonder why?  Well, I think there could be a couple of reasons:  the ole enemy knows just what it takes to stop us "dead in our tracks" once we've started moving forward in our journey with God.  FEAR.  What an obstacle!    Or--it could be our Heavenly Father is trying to purge the dross from our lives in order to reveal to us more and more of our NEED FOR HIM.  Either way, one thing is for sure---God has allowed it, and He wants us to ACT now!

Of course God wants us to wait on Him.  (Psalm 27:14)   But do you think He wants us to just sit still?  Oh ha...I know you're thinking, "Be still and know..."  (Psalm 46:10)   Yes.  But there are a few other things He wants us to do.  He wants us to ACT---Abide in Christ.  (John 15:4)  Continue in our service to others for Him.  "God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them."  Hebrews 6:10 (NIV)  While Abiding and Continuing, we need to be Trusting in Him with all our hearts.  (Prov. 3:5)  (Trusting Him is what brings the "stillness" to our hearts.)

Ahhh...the main key is to keep feasting on His Word (see SUP, Success Under Pressure)---Abiding in Christ on a daily basis will ensure the lines of communication will remain open and "unclogged" by sin. 

Then, instead of freezing in our tracks, staring at the big burden or trial, we need to CONTINUE ON in our service to others for God's glory.  I've noticed a pattern....Look at Job 42:10  "And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before." (KJV)  Take a look at II Kings 4:37...The Shunammite's faithful hospitality to Elisha was rewarded with an answer to a SECRET desire of her heart.  God gave her a son.  It seems to me that when we remain focused on OTHERS in the midst of our trials and storms, and continue to reach out and serve THEM, that God will begin to ACT on our behalf.  

The final letter, "T for Trust," really hit close to home this weekend.  God showed me that I have several "little foxes" that are "getting the grapes" in my life:  lack of motivation, fear of MOVING forward.  But it's the root cause of these little foxes that is the main problem:  LACK OF WHOLE HEARTED TRUST in my Father.  Trust in Him wholeheartedly.  For goodness' sakes, if I can trust Him for my eternal security, then why on earth is it so hard to trust Him with "this stuff?"   Oh, immediately I asked for forgiveness for my lack of complete trust in Him with all of "this," and am letting go.  The end result will be whatever He wills it to be.   Since I  know that He works all things out for my good and His glory if I'm called according to His purpose, I have to know that whenever He does choose to ACT on my behalf, it's "gonna be GOOOOD." 

So, let's A.C.T. while we're waiting for God to act on our behalf.  Abide in Christ, Continue to walk forward in our service for Him, and Trust Him whole heartedly.

Oh Father, You are Sovereign and in control of every tiny detail in my life.  I'm so grateful for Your tender mercies and compassion which never, ever, ever, ever fail!   I'm taking the plunge...letting go.  Trusting You with the outcome.  I'm praying for all my friends and even strangers out there who may be suffering from some sort of captivity in their lives...financial, emotional, spiritual..whatever it is, Father, TURN THEIR CAPTIVITY in Jesus' Name...for we know that You are the God Who sets the captives free!!  AMEN AND AMEN!  And all of Your children are saying...Amen!

In the Hands of an Archer

I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. 
Psalm 32:8

Seems like this week the Lord is wanting me to know that He is watching over me.   The thoughts He gave me for Thursday's post really have helped me, and I hope they have helped you too---to know that He is watching over us...and not to say, "I see you.  I've got My eye on you" (as a threat of "You better behave!") BUT to let us know that He's watching us, even during the night, waiting for us to stir, and longing to have our eyes meet His first thing in the morning. 

The last part of Psalm 32:8, "I will guide thee with mine eye" actually means: "I will counsel you and watch over you."   Oh!  I sigh, because the Lord knows the inner thoughts and concerns of my heart today.  Needing to know the direction I should go....Needing a job, but have no idea which way to look. 

When I read in "My Utmost for His Highest" (Oswald Chambers) this morning, the Lord just began to tie things together for me.  Chambers says that "a saint's life in the hands of God is like a bow and arrow in the hands of an archer....God is aiming at something that the saint cannot see. He stretches and strains, and every now and again the saint says---'I cannot stand any more!'  God does not heed, he goes on stretching til His purpose is IN SIGHT, then He lets FLY!"  

Sometimes the concerns for "tomorrow" (where to find a job, will we survive this economy, where to put our children in school)---can fog our concentration on our daily duties.  John Hamilton Thom says, "small cares daily frets our hearts, and cross the clearness of our faculties...leaving us no free soul able to give itself up, in power, and gladness, to the true work of life."  This is the "severest training and self denial."  OH!  How true this is!   Concerns and anxiety cloud my focus, yet He keeps on stretching, even when I cry, "OUCH!  Stop, please!"  No...He's got some "end in sight!"  He DOES have a purpose for my (and your) life.  (Jer. 29:11) 

He will instruct me and teach me in the way I should go.  For now, the instructions do not include, "This is where you need to find a job."   The instructions on "today's roster" include: "Do your daily duties, small and great....rest, rest rest in the fact that you are in My hands, child.  I am The Archer Who never misses My Mark!  I know where I want you to be...and when I see that purpose in sight, I will let you FLY!"    OH!  That makes me smile!   He will guide me, watch over me...and then, once I RELAX (by trusting Him) He will "LET ME FLY!"

Oh Dear Father!   You are watching me.  It's SOO reassuring to know You have got Your eye on me.   We tease our children sometimes when we remind them, "I've got my eye on you!"  But really, this should bring comfort to any insecure child's heart.   "You may wander off, you may think I don't care enough to watch you, BUT I have got my eye on you."  Thank You that Your eyes not only see me, but they're looking for that unique purpose in sight....You're looking to see when our hearts are in tune with Yours, and totally trusting You.  And when they are, it's as if the "TARGET IS IN SIGHT," and You'll let us fly.  BULLSEYE!  You never miss Your mark!  It's up to us to determine how quickly that "target gets in sight."   Help me relax today, while clearly focusing on my "tasks at hand."  Help me NOT worry or THINK about "tomorrow's changing tide."   Help me relax in the Hands of the Most Wonderful "Archer" to ever hold a bow and arrow.  Thank You for even picking me up in the first place, and finding a purpose in my life, through Your Son, Jesus!  I love You!  In Jesus' name I pray..amen.

Calling and Waiting

And it shall come to pass that before they call I will answer, and while they are yet speaking I will hear.    Isaiah 65:24

It's been a while since I've posted any updates.  Have had a lot on my mind.  Sometimes feel like it's best for me to just seek the Lord, and be a little quiet as I wait on Him.

I've read somewhere "when we're down to nothin' the Lord's up to somethin'."   I think of today's Scripture in Isaiah that says, "Before they call upon Me, I will answer and while they are yet speaking, I will hear."   Have you claimed that promise lately?  I have.  So I know that even before I fall to my knees, seeking His guidance, He has already heard my cry.  And while I am still pouring out my heart to Him, He is already working on the situation, answering it according to His will.  That's very reassuring!   Sometimes answers to our prayers seem to come at a very "slow rate."    That's because we are "living on a 24 hour a day time clock."   At 5:46 EST, on May 2, 2010, I am writing this.... remembering that even though He's here with me now, He's also "in the Tomorrow" as well.  He's the Alpha and the Omega.  The Beginning and The End.   

Oh Father, as we await Your answers, PLEASE help us to be patient, and praise You too.  For we are to enter into Your gates with thanksgiving in our hearts, and enter into Your courts with PRAISE.   Increase our faith..and help us remember that "FAITH COMES BY HEARING and HEARING BY THE WORD OF GOD."  Help us to keep our hearts in tune to Your Word so that You can give us the gift of increased faith.  If we slip, pick us up.   For, Father, our adversary seeks to destroy not only our faith, but also our lives.   Protect us today as we await Your answers for our Tomorrows. 
In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen.

Wait for the Son to Rise

"Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him." 
Mark 8:30 (NIV)

"...Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead."   Mark 9:9b (NIV)

I was reading in My Utmost for His Highest (Oswald Chambers) yesterday about the Transfiguration (recorded in Mark 9).  Jesus leads Peter, James, and John up a high mountain.  Mark 9:2 says that "after six days He led them up..."   I know that the number six represents the human aspect, whereas seven represents the number of perfection.   Thought that was interesting...keep that in mind.

So there they go, following Him UP the high mountain...if only they knew what awaited them!  After the struggle of climbing treacherous, unchartered territory while following Jesus towards the top, they finally reached the mountaintop and caught a glimpse of Jesus in all of His glory...not only Jesus...but He was conversing with two prophets of old...Elijah and Moses.  Peter was "sore afraid."  Yet, even while being scared to death, he realizes something.. "It is GOOD for us to be here."  He knew what they were witnessing was GOOD!   What he said next revealed the desire of his heart.  "Let's pitch three tents (shelters or habitations) for You, Elijah and Moses."   Next thing, a cloud envelopes them, and a Voice calls out, "This is My Son, whom I love.  LISTEN TO HIM."   Then SUDDENLY, as fast as this transpired, everything they witnessed vanished ..."all except Jesus."   They could no longer perceive the glorious wonder and splendor of Jesus!   No longer could they see Him conversing with the prophets. . .all that remained was "just Jesus"....Which makes me wonder, could this explain their immediate descent?   Hmmm.   They are "coming down" from the high ecstasy of having caught a glimpse of the Lord in His glory. When that glory has "been hidden again," they COME DOWN.   Don't we all though?

Faith in Waiting

Truly my soul waiteth upon God:  from Him cometh my salvation.  Psalm 62:1

Waiting.   When I think of waiting, and what that means, typically it brings a sense of impatience, discontent, traffic lights, bumper-to-bumper traffic, going nowhere "fast."  It makes my heart thump faster and beat irregularly just thinking about it right now.  (If you're familiar with Hampton Roads traffic, you know exactly what I'm talking about.)

Anyway,  what are you waiting for?  Anything special?  A dream to come true?  A hope to turn to reality?  Are you waiting for a red light to turn green in your life?  No matter what it is you may be waiting for, be sure you're waiting ON the Lord.  He is the only One Who can bring about the best of the best in your life.  Sometimes He takes us on disappointing detours.  Other times we find ourselves rapidly gliding upon an icy road without any sense of control.  Either way---we're looking towards a definite end.   Since our Lord has already gone ahead, it's safe to say that He knows the way through the turbulent times, and can ensure us a safe arrival to our destination. 

Stooping and Seeing

But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, and seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.  John 20:11, 12

*I was listening to Evangelist Tom Gilliam give a series of messages on Discipleship 101 yesterday, and the Lord gave me the following blog entry to write in regards to what He taught me through one of Brother Tom's messages.  The link to Brother Tom's web site is listed to the right.  Feel free to visit his site where you can listen to more of his messages or find out if he'll be in your area soon.*

I'm familiar with the verse that says, "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.."  (I Peter 5:6)   But did you ever stop and think about how this is reflected in Mary's response at the tomb? (as quoted in John 20: 11, 12.)  

How to "Think Straight" Today

Proverbs 16:3 says, "Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established."  Who doesn't need help "thinking straight" these days?  Could it be that simple?  Wake up to a new day, and say, "Here I am Lord...I've got so much to do today...so much is expected of me, by so many people.   I can not do this without some outside help!  Instead of taking it upon myself to do, I hereby ROLL all of this onto YOUR shoulders!  Now, please honor Your Word--You promised if I roll my works onto You, that You will in turn HELP ME THINK STRAIGHT."   

No matter what you've got "on your plate" for today---rejoice!  The Bible teaches us to "rejoice in everything."    Since He has offered His limitless help, put your HOPE in God.  Then what?  
W A I T patiently for Him.  Be still, and listen.  If you yield to the still small voice of His dear Holy Spirit, He will then orchestrate your thoughts in such a way that by evening's tide, you'll be amazed at the beautiful concerto your day turned out to be!  

Proverbs 16:3~~What a promise!  This is a promise we can take to the "Bank of Faith" and cash it in, immediately ready for withdrawal! Cha-ching!  

So remember:      Rejoicing in Everything 
                         +  Hoping in God = 
                            V I C T O R Y in Jesus!