Do not fear . . .

So he answered, "Do not fear, for those who [are] with us [are] more than those who [are] with them." 2 Kings 6:16

This scripture and the story of Elisha in the confrontation with the King of Syria was shared at the worship concert last night and I found myself sighing a sigh of relief and rejoicing. As I stood in the midst of that huge auditorium, filled with the sounds of worship and praise, with hands and hearts lifted up to the One Whose Name is above all names – I could almost see the heavenly hosts and hear them joining in the sweet sound of abandon to our King. What do I have to fear and who can come against me. I know the One Who goes before and behind me, Who has promised never to leave me, the One Who spoke the world into being, the One Who has called me by name, the One whose Spirit dwells within me. For a moment, it was if I had stepped into eternity. Our God is the one and only Awesome God, may His name be ever praised. Hallelujah and amen!

Some trust in chariots . . .

ABBA, well the people have spoken, but the message is a divided one. I feel such a sense of sadness but know that You are still on Your throne and have this all in Your hands. I believe Your judgment against America has begun, that we have lived to long in prosperity without acknowledging You as Lord. We've taken for granted the blessings You have poured out and rather than offer thanks, have squandered them and grown complacent; filled with pride in our own abilities rather than a reliance upon You as the source of all that we have been given. But I also know, that as Your children, You will continue to provide for those who call upon Your name, who put their trust in You. In the midst of the storm, You are the anchor that holds, we are not alone, You are in the boat with us, and will get us safely to the other side.

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God. 

On being His . . .

Abba, I have been very aware over the last few days of how much my life needs to be a reflection of You, that those who see me might see a difference in me, a difference which comes from my life in You. This world is not my home, but a temporary dwelling and an opportunity to reveal to others that the secret to life, a successful and satisfying life, is found in You; that You have and will continue to provide all that we need to live life fully, without fear or shame, in joyful abandon to You. That You can be trusted completely to cause all things – ALL things – to work together for our good when we simply trust You and allow You to be the Lord of our lives. Therefore, dearest Lord, I seek Your face, Your will, Your purpose for my life; that Your plans and purposes will be accomplished in and through me. . . this day and every day. 

A reflection and a prayer

Abba, Father – Tomorrow is election day. Either way, Lord, we need You and we desperately need revival in this country. Stir up Your people, and cause us to be a witness to the world of just Who You are, of Your great love and how life in You is the greatest joy that can be found, Your peace Your power Your great love can move mountains and restore the brokenhearted.

Be anxious for nothing – I hear You speaking these words to my heart and mind. Through Your word, You spoke the world into being and through Your word You speak peace, a peace which passes all understanding, I want to walk in that peace, to live and abide in Your presence, to be an instrument of Your grace - I choose You Lord, over all the voices, over all the distractions and cares of this life - I choose You because You have chosen me. In You my life is complete. Whatever lies ahead, I know that my security is in You.

A morning muse - basic stuff 101

Thinking this morning: in the old testament we hear of God's chesed, His love and mercy, mercy being NOT getting what we deserve – which is His judgment for our sin against Him. He made a provision, a covering, a temporary fix to our sin problem. In the new testament we find His grace, His charis – getting what we don't deserve, which is His forgiveness – His sufficiency in restoring us to right relationship with Him. They are like two sides of a coin – where love is the common thread and binds them together. God's love has never changed and has always been present.

Come, and let us return to the Lord . . .

For He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up.

I read an article this morning which made a distinction between the Hebraic term teshuvah/returning to the Lord and repentance/regret or sorrow for an action or to change one's mind. I was thinking of Adam and Eve. When they realized their sin, they hid from God, which is what our sin usually does – causes us to hide. We regret our actions and while this may lead to a change, it can also be a trap. The change comes when we return to the Lord and is the only way out of the trap. In His presence there is forgiveness and there is restoration. Change can happen when sin is acknowledged, brought into the light of God's love. His mercy and grace are greater than our sin. Sorrow and regret can be a trap, however, unless they lead to returning. The enemy can use our sorrow and regret to take away hope and creates despair – if we see only the sin and not the way out. Judas' sorrow lead to his destruction, he literally could not live with his sin. Peter's sorrow lead to new life, a changed life. His sorrow lead him back to the One who loved him, forgave him and restored him to fellowship. And I believe - I know - this fellowship was now on a new level of intimacy and trust and adoration that came from the brokenness of sin. 

For thus says the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel: "In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength." 

Morning musings on John 16:16-33

Reading in Ray Stedman this morning – about our need to understand “why” and our belief that if we understand, we will have peace. We want it to make sense. But faith calls us to something deeper than our understanding. There are times when life just doesn't make sense, when we think it's unfair – but it's in those times that we have a choice – to become confused, uncertain and frustrated or we can simply trust You. I know You are able to work in either choice, but our peace comes in trusting You – that You have it all in Your hands and that Your purposes are always for our good.