Lift your eyes to the hills!

Psalms 121:1-8

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee
will not slumber.

Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.

The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

The LORD shall preserve thy going out

 and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

*******************************************************************

 

Once we recognize that the psalmist uses "hills" as an image of a problem to a pilgrim, we easily understand the rest of the psalm as an encouragement to those on a spiritual pilgrimage to the Kingdom of God. It certainly does not give the impression that God—at any time—lets His mind wander, unaware of what is happening in His children's lives. Not only is He ever on guard, He is also ready, willing, and able to intervene with strength. He is not a parent distracted by other concerns so that He neglects His children. We can be greatly encouraged that God is always alert to His responsibilities.

Because God is this way, all things work together for our good, even though there are times when we sin and nothing evil appears to have happened to us. Human nature easily deceives itself into thinking it has gotten away with something. This, however, is like saying we can defy the law of gravity, and nothing will happen! God does not let us get away with anything pertaining to His purpose, but He is never overbearing in thoroughly following through.

submitted by AMA

Whom The Son Sets Free is Free Indeed

My husband and I were guests at a Salvation Army dinner the other night. The banquet was held to honor and celebrate the sobriety of those men currently or previously engaged in the Salvation Army's recovery program. Some of the men had been clean and sober from alcohol and or drugs for as long as 30 years. Others were still in their first week of abstinence. Whether just beginning the program or having graduated decades ago all the gentlemen had one thing in common. They were trusting in the Saviour Jesus Christ to set them free or keep them free from the bondages which had entangled them.

I remember that as a baby Christian one of my mentors would always mention that Jesus came to undo the works of the devil. I never really understood the depths of her remark until years later. By that time I had seen how Jesus had radically transformed lives. God had taken what Satan meant for evil and turned it around for good. It is true that "our enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" 1 Peter 5:8. He takes advantage of wounded spirits, broken hearts, human weakness, lack of knowledge, and whatever other inroads he can to disenfranchise lives. However, Psalm 107:20 comforts us with "He sent His Word and healed them and delivered them from their destructions." So whether our destructive behavior is substance abuse or gossip, Jesus promises that "He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6.

Written by CF

FEAR

Fear has a wide range of degrees, from simple caution about a situation to extreme terror or phobia. Our response to fear can range from consciously shaking it off like after someone accidentally startles us, to a subconscious response such as nightmares or flash backs after an extremely distressing incident. Fear can be helpful if it leads us to taking proper precautions, such a not walking alone in an unfamiliar dark alley. However, fear can also be paralyzing or unhealthy such as when someone has agoraphobia, the fear of leaving one's home. There is a whole host of related emotions such as apprehension, worry, alarm or anxiety. Over focusing on a fear can be very disabling.

Fear is an emotional response to some kind of threat. The things we are afraid of are also wide-ranging and can be real or imagined. It can be as simple as an object or thing such as bugs or mice, or a threat to our health such as fear of contracting cancer. Situations can cause fear such as impending danger, possible pain, being in an intimate relationship, taking a risk, or wondering what the future holds. The list is endless.

What are your fears? Are they healthy in that they keep you safe or move you to a beneficial action, or are you so wrapped up in anxiety that you are unable to move forward and be of service to God? If they are unhealthy, you can turn them over to God and ask him to remove them.

Amid disquieting dreams in the night, when deep sleep falls on men, fear and trembling seized me and made all my bones shake. (Job 4:13-14) ...But if it were I, I would appeal to God; I would lay my cause before him. He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted. (Job 5:8-9)

But fear can also mean awe or reverence as when we refer to fear of God. This is certainly a healthy fear and is described in many places in the Bible. It involves thanking, obeying, serving and worshipping him.

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire." Hebrews 12:28-29

Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways. Psalm 128:1

This is not to say we are afraid of God, for he promises strength and protection from our fears:

Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.” Isaiah 35:4

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Our God is an awesome God. May He be with you in all that you do, remove your unhealthy fears, and allow and empower you to be of help to Him and to his kingdom!

Infinite God, thank you for giving me the strength and help that I need every day. I ask you to remove from me these fears.... and help me to grow in my service to you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

 

Written by Jan A.

It Is Finished

Over the years, I have struggled to come to a place of forgetting my past sins, forgiving myself for them and accepting that God truly has wiped them all away. It’s been quite a struggle, and He’s used many different ways to help come to this assurance.



I remember having a conversation with Him one day while pondering the way I discipline my children. My four kids are almost all past the age of spankings now, but for quite some years, I felt like I was constantly marching them into the master bedroom to follow through with the dreaded “switch”.


It was always most difficult for the littlest ones to understand that after such agony, they were still loved and the spanking was over. They would often become so worked up inside, I would find it necessary to convince them.


“All done,” is what I would say to which they would repeat back to me as a question, “All done?”


“All done,” I would say again and again if needed as sometimes I couldn’t be heard over their crying. Though their unbelieving tone would break my heart, I would calmly continue to assure them that their spanking was over. They would catch their breath, gather their emotions, embrace my hug and finally skip off to get back to their day.

“God,” I said, “Why can’t I literally hear those words from you? I seem to be so worked up in my anguish that I just don’t get it.”


“You’ve forgotten,” He responded, “I did literally say it. Remember? I was on the cross. I said…


‘It is finished….’


Amie Spruiell 9-17-2010

He Trains My Hands

"He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

You have also given me the shield of Your salvation;

and Your condescension and gentleness have made me great.”

 II Samuel 22:35 and 36 Amplified Bible

My personal Trainer has these two small rubber “pillows” that are only partially inflated. She places them on the floor and has me stand on them while I am lifting weights. The first few times I tried this (without the weights), I could not keep my balance and had to hold onto something for stability. She explained to me that she was placing me on an “unstable” surface in order to strengthen my “core” in its ability to stabilize me. I found this quite interesting and I could feel all of the strength that it took for me to focus in on the place that was keeping me stable.

After awhile, and true to my Trainer’s purpose in leading me, I was not only able to stand still and stable upon that place of instability, but come to find out, I was also able to maneuver some “added” weight upon this place. Now, isn’t it curious to think that this is exactly what God does with us? He takes those very places of instability in our lives and He teaches us how to “focus” in on His ability to stabilize us, and to keep us from falling head first into whatever it is that we find ourselves in. Whether it is shame, disappointment, addiction, resentment, hopelessness or pain, He gives us the ability to stand stable with our hope fixed on His love, His strength, and His ability to save us.

One of my Trainer’s favorite phrases is “lengthen and strengthen”. As she challenges me to reach further into my abilities to do certain things, she knows that she is helping me to become stronger. She is helping me to gain strength in my physical body, and also in my mind as well. That is the same with God. As He allows us to pass through times of struggle in our lives, He does not allow them to be of no value. His purpose is always to “strengthen” us in our ability to endure. He also causes us to become “lengthened” in our ability to influence those that He has placed around us.

Today I am so thankful for my Trainers, not only my earthly one who walks beside me and helps me to accomplish so much more than I ever thought I could, but also for my “Heavenly” Trainer as well. For it is in Him alone in which I find my strength. He is the only one Who gives me the courage that I need to go on. He is the only one Who gives me that wonderful sense of peace, and with such a strong and gentle whisper, breathes His purpose into my heart and life.

Written by Beverley A Napier

Satisfaction in Life

Repost from September, 2010

Just before her high school graduation I was taking a moment to chat with my daughter about dreams and expectations. We discussed the belief of there being one perfect thing for her to do. Is it true? Is there a calling, a purpose, or a mission that will collectively make use of her gifts and talents for the benefit of others and satisfaction to herself.






0

As I listened to her toy with big dreams, little wishes and high hopes, I did something unusual. I kept all my warnings and opinions about how hard this or that is, or how difficult or rare it is to achieve such n such tmyself. I know! I was surprised too! Not that I’m against practical analysis, some might even say I’m a bit cynical. But this was a dreaming session, and in a beautiful example of God’s grace, He shut the mouth of this momma lion. The result was a privileged peek into my daughter’s heart.

What a delightful experience. I wish I had done this sooner and more often. Why does it take me so long to learn these things? By the time I get the hang of it, I’m almost done! But that’ll be something ‘fun’ to write about at another time. The short answer is rather rough, painful and embarrassing. Truth be known, I was busy with other things and other people. An honest assessment of my fears, priorities, and habits can wait for another day.

Continuing the discussion of embracing life my daughter clarified her perspective regarding “One perfect thing.” She suggested that life satisfaction would come from many areas experienced rather than a success enjoyed. She does hope to achieve her current dreams, but as opportunities come along she is willing to be flexible and consider adjusting them.

That sounded so healthy and balanced I started thinking about my own life and how it might measure up to such a well-rounded perspective. I imagined a yummy holiday pie divided into many slices. If the pie represented my life, what did each slice stand for? I thought about my husband, 2 slices, definitely. Each child, another 2 slices each; then church, friends, extended family, bible study, running a home, keeping a job, health, personal care, alone time, personal time with God. Looking at the list I began to realize that all of these areas added up to a positive life. Yes, there had been struggles, challenges, losses and negatives. But the sweet moments, joy and laughter end up tipping the balance toward a satisfied life.

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? I John 5:3-5 (NASB)

For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. Philippians 4:8 (AMP)

Written by Mary M. Wilkins

God Is Ever So Close

Oh what a comfort to know my God is with me every second, every hour of the day. My God has never left my side. Since the very moment he created my life, He has been with me.

Through all the hardships, through all the good times, my God has continuously been with me. He experienced all the pain that I have walked through and He has experienced all the joy that I have had.

My God is faithful, and He is my Rock! Oh the joy of knowing that my Heavenly Father watches over His people, never taking His eyes off of us. I cling to my Savior for His word says in Hebrew 13:5 " I will never leave you nor forsake you."
Blessings and love,

Written by Sandy