Romans 6:3-11
"Lord, I have really messed up my life. I wish I could just start over." Have you ever felt this way? Maybe you are even wondering if life is worth living. Well, I have some bad news and some good news. First, you cannot change your past--it is firmly set in history. However, you can start over, no matter where you are right now.
The Holy Spirit specializes in giving new life. All who have believed in Christ and trusted in Him for salvation have His Spirit dwelling within them. New life begins immediately for all who choose to accept His offer of the forgiveness of their sins. There is no more condemnation, and they are set free to begin living for Christ.
How easy life would be if that were the only fresh start we'd ever need. But our old sinful tendencies--which the Bible calls "the flesh"--are not removed at salvation. Throughout life, there will be times when we will need to go back and make things right.
The Spirit is ever present, empowering us to say no to the flesh and yes to Christ. Stop and consider the strength of the One who lives within you. He has all the power of almighty God, who raised Jesus from the dead (Rom. 8:11). Is your situation more difficult than a resurrection?
By setting your mind on the things of the Spirit and living under His authority, you can put to death the sinful actions and habits that have made a mess of your life. The Lord wants to set you free from addicting pleasures and drives that lead only to pain and heartache. Begin today by letting the Holy Spirit lead you into new life.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
A prayer for today
Dear Father, I confess that I have allowed fear and anxiety to fill my mind and heart. I want to trust You above all else. Please give me the faith to believe the promises in Your Word and the strength to take the first step of obedience. Help me remember that I am a sheep, totally dependent upon You, my Shepherd. Thank You for Your perfect provision for my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Secure Hope (Psalm 42)
Secure Hope Psalm 42 God wants us to be people with desires and expectations that are motivating and enriching. But the disappointment of unrealized hopes is inevitable while living in this fallen world. How are we to determine where to place our hope--and how to respond if it is not fulfilled?
Hope is secure when it is aligned with the Lord's desires, which are revealed in Scripture. However, many of our expectations are based on wishes or feelings. We long for job promotions, good health, or quick solutions to our problems. Though these are things we want, we have no absolute promise from the Lord that they're part of His will for us.
Disappointment with God can occur whenever our expectations do not coincide with His plan.
Even when hope is based on a scriptural promise, the Lord may not fulfill it in the way or the time that we expect. Although God appears inactive, He is moving beneath the surface, preparing us for the future.
The key to contentment and joy lies in placing all subjective hopes under the umbrella of our ultimate hope in the Lord. God is sovereign and good. He always wants what is best for us and never makes a mistake. His ways are higher than ours and, in many ways, beyond human understanding.
From a limited and fallen perspective, we may be like a five-year-old who wants candy at every meal. Sometimes God has to dash our hopes in order to give us what He knows is best. Ask Him to clarify and direct your desires to coincide with His way. Then rest in His goodness and keep your hope in Him.
Hope is secure when it is aligned with the Lord's desires, which are revealed in Scripture. However, many of our expectations are based on wishes or feelings. We long for job promotions, good health, or quick solutions to our problems. Though these are things we want, we have no absolute promise from the Lord that they're part of His will for us.
Disappointment with God can occur whenever our expectations do not coincide with His plan.
Even when hope is based on a scriptural promise, the Lord may not fulfill it in the way or the time that we expect. Although God appears inactive, He is moving beneath the surface, preparing us for the future.
The key to contentment and joy lies in placing all subjective hopes under the umbrella of our ultimate hope in the Lord. God is sovereign and good. He always wants what is best for us and never makes a mistake. His ways are higher than ours and, in many ways, beyond human understanding.
From a limited and fallen perspective, we may be like a five-year-old who wants candy at every meal. Sometimes God has to dash our hopes in order to give us what He knows is best. Ask Him to clarify and direct your desires to coincide with His way. Then rest in His goodness and keep your hope in Him.
Make something meaningful...
The results you get don't come from the situation. The results you achieve are determined by what you choose to focus upon and what you choose to do.
From the very same set of circumstances, two different people can achieve two vastly different results. The outcome is not based on what they're given, but on what they do with it. If the results you're getting are not the results you desire, stop looking for someone or something to blame.
Start looking for the possibilities that you have not yet considered. Make your most positive and compelling purpose the filter through which you view everything that happens. That will cause outstanding, powerful possibilities to pop into view. The world around you is constantly changing.
There is always a way to harness the energy of the ever-changing landscape to suit your purpose. Look calmly and confidently at the situation in which you find yourself. Then step gratefully forward, and make something beautiful, valuable and meaningful out of it all.
From the very same set of circumstances, two different people can achieve two vastly different results. The outcome is not based on what they're given, but on what they do with it. If the results you're getting are not the results you desire, stop looking for someone or something to blame.
Start looking for the possibilities that you have not yet considered. Make your most positive and compelling purpose the filter through which you view everything that happens. That will cause outstanding, powerful possibilities to pop into view. The world around you is constantly changing.
There is always a way to harness the energy of the ever-changing landscape to suit your purpose. Look calmly and confidently at the situation in which you find yourself. Then step gratefully forward, and make something beautiful, valuable and meaningful out of it all.
You and God Are a Majority - Joel and Victoria
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
"...If God be for us, who can be against us?"
(Romans 8:31, KJV)
So often when difficulties come, people tend to feel overwhelmed, unequipped, or outnumbered. They shrink back or look for an easy way out or a place to hide. But that’s not God´s best for us. He never intended for us to be consumed by our challenges; He intends for us to overcome our challenges!
If you´re facing a difficulty today, it´s time to dig your heels in, stand strong, and show the enemy what you´re made of! Remember, you aren´t alone in the fight; God is with you. He´s promised to never leave you nor forsake you. Just like the scripture says, if God is for you who can be against you? Friend, you and God are a majority. There´s no weapon, no enemy, no challenge, no disease, no failure, there´s nothing that can overtake you when God is on your side!
I encourage you today; choose an attitude of faith and victory. Keep declaring His promises over your life. Be bold and stand strong because God promises that He has victory in store for the upright. As you keep that attitude of faith, you´ll rise above those difficulties and walk in the freedom He´s prepared for you!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness to me. Thank You for equipping me and filling me with Your joy, strength, and boldness. I choose to trust You, to stand on Your Word and look for the victory You have in store for me. In Jesus´ Name. Amen.
"...If God be for us, who can be against us?"
(Romans 8:31, KJV)
So often when difficulties come, people tend to feel overwhelmed, unequipped, or outnumbered. They shrink back or look for an easy way out or a place to hide. But that’s not God´s best for us. He never intended for us to be consumed by our challenges; He intends for us to overcome our challenges!
If you´re facing a difficulty today, it´s time to dig your heels in, stand strong, and show the enemy what you´re made of! Remember, you aren´t alone in the fight; God is with you. He´s promised to never leave you nor forsake you. Just like the scripture says, if God is for you who can be against you? Friend, you and God are a majority. There´s no weapon, no enemy, no challenge, no disease, no failure, there´s nothing that can overtake you when God is on your side!
I encourage you today; choose an attitude of faith and victory. Keep declaring His promises over your life. Be bold and stand strong because God promises that He has victory in store for the upright. As you keep that attitude of faith, you´ll rise above those difficulties and walk in the freedom He´s prepared for you!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness to me. Thank You for equipping me and filling me with Your joy, strength, and boldness. I choose to trust You, to stand on Your Word and look for the victory You have in store for me. In Jesus´ Name. Amen.
The lessons I've learned...
I learned about the strength you can get from a close family life. I learned to keep going, even in bad times. I learned not to despair, even when my world was falling apart. I learned that there are no free lunches. And I learned the value of hard work.
(Lee Iacocca on Determination)
As I read this quote from Mr. Iacocca, I think wow! He’s been through a few things. Or else, how could he possibly know so much about what I’m feeling? And then, I wonder – Did he have an aneurysm too? Did he wake up from a coma, and have to face all his poor choices head on? Just like me? I am learning all the lessons Lee Iacocca learned this time around, and for this, I’m grateful.
My family
My brother and his wife have made such a sacrifice for me in my time of need. They are the most incredible people for the way they put my needs before their own. The two of them packed my things, put everything they could carry into storage as they tried to salvage what I owned. (I was in jeopardy of losing everything because I hadn’t paid my rent yet and hadn’t called my landlord to explain, since I was in the coma and couldn’t have. By the time my brother and his wife had gotten to my apartment, there was a notice on the door which was the notice of eviction).
I’ve enjoyed being single for many years, and may never have appreciated the value of a close family life had I not witnessed this for myself. Although, I appreciate marriage and children, I always felt I could wait a little longer for my Mr. Right. I am the middle child of eight brothers and sisters, and I’ve always taken pride in being there when members of my family needed me, but I still didn’t get it – maybe its because, I never foresaw me being the one in need. It took me needing them, to learn this lesson.
Its very clear to me, there is no way, I could have progressed the way I have without the support of my family. I’ve been living with them since being discharged from Emory and it hasn’t been easy for any of us and yet, they have stood by me. God has used my family to give me the strength to go on with my life.
Now that I’m so much better, He’s putting other family members in my life to show their support as well. All of my younger brothers have without hesitation offered to drive with me back to NY. This is significant, because I do have a large family, and I understand that people do what they can. While the part of the family that was able to make the sacrifice to take me in, did. I understand not everyone else could. The fact that my other brothers want to take this drive with me is huge, because it’s what they can do. And, it fills my heart with joy.
My sister, who lives in Pennsylvania, wasn’t able to come to Atlanta while I was in the coma – and it broke her heart, but as soon as she was able to come to Virginia to see me, she came.
These are all various components of Gods blessings, and the important part my family is playing in my journey. Who knows, it’s possible, I’m being used as a way to bring my family closer together. (It would be nice, but we’ll just have to see…)
Keep going, even in bad times
Since leaving Emory, I’ve been diligent about getting my life back through everything from therapy, to getting my driving privileges back (and all the other things in between, including school, doctor’s visits, exercise, social-networking online, dealing with my finances, lining up legal counsel in case I need to appeal social security’s decision, and getting my driving privileges back…).
I’ve applied for social security over six months ago, and still waiting for an answer (on average the percentage of people who get denied is as high as 65 –67%… In the meantime, my long term disability continues to threaten to cut me off. I don’t have the best insurance; therefore everything is magnified when dealing with the neurologists. This experience has made me a fighter more than ever before.
Don’t despair, even when my world was falling apart
God has fought for me to wake up from the coma, with my brain in tact - my speech, motor skills, creativity, and my sense of humor, ability to reason, solve problems, and dream…
There are no free lunches
Despite everything that’s happened, I can still go to work, and take care of myself. The job market may be tight, but I believe there’s a job out there for me still. I’m casting a wide net, and leaving no stone unturned… I’ll get back on my feet to pay my own way!
There is value in hard work
My speedy recovery is proof that my efforts have paid off. Although God is managing everything, and He deserves all the glory and praise, He helps those who help themselves. Seven months ago, I couldn’t stand, eat without a feeding tube, or breathe without a tracheotomy… The doctors at Emory, didn’t think I’d be able to care for myself, or live independently (much less, drive a car, strategize about how I’ll make a living going forward, or start a blog to share my testimony and inspire others).
(Lee Iacocca on Determination)
As I read this quote from Mr. Iacocca, I think wow! He’s been through a few things. Or else, how could he possibly know so much about what I’m feeling? And then, I wonder – Did he have an aneurysm too? Did he wake up from a coma, and have to face all his poor choices head on? Just like me? I am learning all the lessons Lee Iacocca learned this time around, and for this, I’m grateful.
My family
My brother and his wife have made such a sacrifice for me in my time of need. They are the most incredible people for the way they put my needs before their own. The two of them packed my things, put everything they could carry into storage as they tried to salvage what I owned. (I was in jeopardy of losing everything because I hadn’t paid my rent yet and hadn’t called my landlord to explain, since I was in the coma and couldn’t have. By the time my brother and his wife had gotten to my apartment, there was a notice on the door which was the notice of eviction).
I’ve enjoyed being single for many years, and may never have appreciated the value of a close family life had I not witnessed this for myself. Although, I appreciate marriage and children, I always felt I could wait a little longer for my Mr. Right. I am the middle child of eight brothers and sisters, and I’ve always taken pride in being there when members of my family needed me, but I still didn’t get it – maybe its because, I never foresaw me being the one in need. It took me needing them, to learn this lesson.
Its very clear to me, there is no way, I could have progressed the way I have without the support of my family. I’ve been living with them since being discharged from Emory and it hasn’t been easy for any of us and yet, they have stood by me. God has used my family to give me the strength to go on with my life.
Now that I’m so much better, He’s putting other family members in my life to show their support as well. All of my younger brothers have without hesitation offered to drive with me back to NY. This is significant, because I do have a large family, and I understand that people do what they can. While the part of the family that was able to make the sacrifice to take me in, did. I understand not everyone else could. The fact that my other brothers want to take this drive with me is huge, because it’s what they can do. And, it fills my heart with joy.
My sister, who lives in Pennsylvania, wasn’t able to come to Atlanta while I was in the coma – and it broke her heart, but as soon as she was able to come to Virginia to see me, she came.
These are all various components of Gods blessings, and the important part my family is playing in my journey. Who knows, it’s possible, I’m being used as a way to bring my family closer together. (It would be nice, but we’ll just have to see…)
Keep going, even in bad times
Since leaving Emory, I’ve been diligent about getting my life back through everything from therapy, to getting my driving privileges back (and all the other things in between, including school, doctor’s visits, exercise, social-networking online, dealing with my finances, lining up legal counsel in case I need to appeal social security’s decision, and getting my driving privileges back…).
I’ve applied for social security over six months ago, and still waiting for an answer (on average the percentage of people who get denied is as high as 65 –67%… In the meantime, my long term disability continues to threaten to cut me off. I don’t have the best insurance; therefore everything is magnified when dealing with the neurologists. This experience has made me a fighter more than ever before.
Don’t despair, even when my world was falling apart
God has fought for me to wake up from the coma, with my brain in tact - my speech, motor skills, creativity, and my sense of humor, ability to reason, solve problems, and dream…
There are no free lunches
Despite everything that’s happened, I can still go to work, and take care of myself. The job market may be tight, but I believe there’s a job out there for me still. I’m casting a wide net, and leaving no stone unturned… I’ll get back on my feet to pay my own way!
There is value in hard work
My speedy recovery is proof that my efforts have paid off. Although God is managing everything, and He deserves all the glory and praise, He helps those who help themselves. Seven months ago, I couldn’t stand, eat without a feeding tube, or breathe without a tracheotomy… The doctors at Emory, didn’t think I’d be able to care for myself, or live independently (much less, drive a car, strategize about how I’ll make a living going forward, or start a blog to share my testimony and inspire others).
Monday, June 1, 2009
Holding Onto Our Hope
1 Samuel 1:1-18
Hannah's situation looked hopeless. She was heartbroken because "the Lord had closed her womb." This alone was a source of great disgrace for a Hebrew woman. But Hannah suffered even more because of the deliberate provocation by her husband's other wife, who was blessed with children.
Holding onto hope can be difficult when circumstances are miserable and show no signs of improving. For believers, this can be even more discouraging, because they know that God could fulfill their hopes and remedy the situation, but He hasn't.
Hannah was a woman of great faith, even in the midst of her disappointment and pain. Year after year she kept going to Shiloh to worship the Lord. Perseverance is a quality that the Father highly values in His people. Endurance in trials leads to godly character and hope that does not disappoint (Rom. 5:3-5).
Great pain often drives us to the Lord. Hannah had faithfully worshiped God with all of Israel, but this time she went by herself to the tabernacle and prayed to the only One who could help her. Weeping bitterly, she poured out her soul before the Lord and offered Him a sacrifice of the very thing she valued most--a child: she laid her hope at His feet and promised that if He fulfilled her desire, she would give Him her son.
That which we strive to hold can be kept only by surrendering it to God. This biblical principle applies to our hopes as well as to our very life (Luke 9:24). Learn from Hannah's example of faith, and pour out your heart to God.
Lay your hopes before Him--the only One who can fulfill your desires or change them to match His will.
Hannah's situation looked hopeless. She was heartbroken because "the Lord had closed her womb." This alone was a source of great disgrace for a Hebrew woman. But Hannah suffered even more because of the deliberate provocation by her husband's other wife, who was blessed with children.
Holding onto hope can be difficult when circumstances are miserable and show no signs of improving. For believers, this can be even more discouraging, because they know that God could fulfill their hopes and remedy the situation, but He hasn't.
Hannah was a woman of great faith, even in the midst of her disappointment and pain. Year after year she kept going to Shiloh to worship the Lord. Perseverance is a quality that the Father highly values in His people. Endurance in trials leads to godly character and hope that does not disappoint (Rom. 5:3-5).
Great pain often drives us to the Lord. Hannah had faithfully worshiped God with all of Israel, but this time she went by herself to the tabernacle and prayed to the only One who could help her. Weeping bitterly, she poured out her soul before the Lord and offered Him a sacrifice of the very thing she valued most--a child: she laid her hope at His feet and promised that if He fulfilled her desire, she would give Him her son.
That which we strive to hold can be kept only by surrendering it to God. This biblical principle applies to our hopes as well as to our very life (Luke 9:24). Learn from Hannah's example of faith, and pour out your heart to God.
Lay your hopes before Him--the only One who can fulfill your desires or change them to match His will.
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