How much longer must this go on...
As I walked yesterday in the fields contemplating my situation in how I fully trust God in every aspect in my life. I am hanging onto my very last threads of money... now I got a problem w/ my bronco that is going to cost a couple of hundred- of which, makes it tough to fathom in spending what money I have on car parts. I am stuck here in Palmer, whence, my wife and I are still considering divorce.
Sooooo, my question is...... what is God trying to do for my future life??? Uncle Don is here by suffering a stroke- does God want me to minister to him? I WAS going to take care of him- but that failed. Grace had her teeth pulled out when I was going seek council for divorce- so that failed. Grace got sick last friday and now I am finally here in Palmer... AND MY BRONCO HAS FAILED!!! Sooooo, I guess I can sit back and see what God is going to do.....
I still gotta look for work, but is God keeping me from it??? I have gotten every job I have applied for except for this time around.
How do I go about fully trusting Him with doubt in my mind... 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Haughty and a prideful heart
Does your tongue condemn or does it love with humbleness?
Haughty eyes and a proud heart,
The lamp of the wicked, is sin. Pvb 21:4
Nobody likes to be struck down by their actions. There is no need to have a harsh tongue in response either.
We are to be blameless.
Sometimes we fall, get up in shame- knowing that we could have withstood our battle. Then it feels that we have become a worthless witness of Christ and feel that you are not worthy of this job and want to quit. But, what is up with that? Get back up and see what just happened and try and be ready the next time it happens.
If we are not Jesus and we are designed to be sinners, then, do we not carry "The lamp of the wicked"? The lamp of the wicked is sin- AND WE ARE ALL SINNERS!!! We sin every day without knowing.
Lets acknowledge our sin before the Lord and ask for forgiveness of our sins.
So, if we are instructed to become more like Jesus, He will prompt us put down that lamp of the wicked. My case in point is... what the heck has happened to my marriage??? We have casted each other down and have built up a defense against one another and have no interest of making a treaty. Instead, we are just waiting for a mistake, being ready to attack.
Haughty eyes and a proud heart...
Am I not proud to have such a wall of defense that I have put up against my wife. Mainly against drinking- I think...
Haughty means to arrogantly superior. Pride kinda means to so enthralled in your stature. Both of these we carry all to often and stand behind them in regards to our own perception of Christianity. The bible speaks of the wicked often and we do not consider ourselves to be of the wicked.
We stand in our own vision of righteousness thinking that we are not the ones that are wrong and fight back. Doesn't God tell us to humble ourselves??? BE HUMBLE. I don't think that God tells us to stand firm and yell back in defense. We are going outside of God's instruction and having haughty eyes and a proud heart. We put ourselves higher than those whom we perceive as the lost and cast judgement on them instead of being humble, mending relationships as God desires.
LETS FIX WHAT IS WRONG!!! LETS NOT LET IT GO ON ITS PATH OF DESTRUCTION!!! IN FACT, LETS ACKNOWLEDGE OUR WAYS BEFORE GOD AND HE WILL MAKE OUR PATHS STRAIGHT. LETS NOT GIVE UP IF WE ARE BEING A FALSE WITNESS, LETS FIX IT AND MOVE ON!!!
Amen
Haughty eyes and a proud heart,
The lamp of the wicked, is sin. Pvb 21:4
Nobody likes to be struck down by their actions. There is no need to have a harsh tongue in response either.
We are to be blameless.
Sometimes we fall, get up in shame- knowing that we could have withstood our battle. Then it feels that we have become a worthless witness of Christ and feel that you are not worthy of this job and want to quit. But, what is up with that? Get back up and see what just happened and try and be ready the next time it happens.
If we are not Jesus and we are designed to be sinners, then, do we not carry "The lamp of the wicked"? The lamp of the wicked is sin- AND WE ARE ALL SINNERS!!! We sin every day without knowing.
Lets acknowledge our sin before the Lord and ask for forgiveness of our sins.
So, if we are instructed to become more like Jesus, He will prompt us put down that lamp of the wicked. My case in point is... what the heck has happened to my marriage??? We have casted each other down and have built up a defense against one another and have no interest of making a treaty. Instead, we are just waiting for a mistake, being ready to attack.
Haughty eyes and a proud heart...
Am I not proud to have such a wall of defense that I have put up against my wife. Mainly against drinking- I think...
Haughty means to arrogantly superior. Pride kinda means to so enthralled in your stature. Both of these we carry all to often and stand behind them in regards to our own perception of Christianity. The bible speaks of the wicked often and we do not consider ourselves to be of the wicked.
We stand in our own vision of righteousness thinking that we are not the ones that are wrong and fight back. Doesn't God tell us to humble ourselves??? BE HUMBLE. I don't think that God tells us to stand firm and yell back in defense. We are going outside of God's instruction and having haughty eyes and a proud heart. We put ourselves higher than those whom we perceive as the lost and cast judgement on them instead of being humble, mending relationships as God desires.
LETS FIX WHAT IS WRONG!!! LETS NOT LET IT GO ON ITS PATH OF DESTRUCTION!!! IN FACT, LETS ACKNOWLEDGE OUR WAYS BEFORE GOD AND HE WILL MAKE OUR PATHS STRAIGHT. LETS NOT GIVE UP IF WE ARE BEING A FALSE WITNESS, LETS FIX IT AND MOVE ON!!!
Amen
Saturday, October 3, 2009
David and Goliath
1 Samuel 17:24-47
I think that I have finally won my first battle; in the matter of defending my trust in God.
How easy is it for me to give into my wretchedness as perceived by the people around me. I say this in the sense that in the eyes of man, I have not provided much value to my life and those around me. In agreement to their words, I had only accepted it in defeat and went with their advice. But, at the same time, telling them that I am a work in progress. Sooooo, how can I accept defeat and proclaim what God is doing in my life.
I am a man with virtually nothing, barely having a roof over my head. I have no income. My finances are a wreck and am nearly out of credit. I cannot even provide a meal for my children. I cannot support monetarily to anyone in any fashion. But, I have my life to Christ, fully, because I had accepted defeat. But, here, I want to acknowledge my allegiance to God's army. And as I search for the evidence, I can see that He is dealing with everything in my life.
Today, I have stood firm in victory- sort of. God tells us not to rely on the knowledge of other men, of which my mother was trying to tell me to just leave my wife so she can move on, and that maybe she can have someone to help her raise my children. So, I told her that I would seek a divorce on Monday- and I even texted Jeanne on the matter. We continued to argue on how I wasn't loving her, in return, I told her that I was being conditioned by the abuse that I perceived by Jeanne. But, as the conversation went on, here I was having senseless debate with another person in an earthly fashion. She also mentioned that I need to go to anger management.
The bottom line is that I told my mother that I was not going to take her advice and told her that she is going before God, interacting in our marriage. I told her that I was going to let God handle it....... or something like that.
David was a young man that was in charge of tending to the sheep. He was given a little responsibility to take care of these FEW sheep. Seems simple, but... there was lions and bears that attacked. He DEFEATED these attacks and achieved victory in the task of caring for the sheep.
Now, all the people was afraid of the great Philistine and did nothing with this confrontation- they ran. David asked "For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”. David in his desires, wants to fight the good fight of faith against someone that is rivaling the army of God. God has given David the responsibility to fight against the goliath. Because David was responsible with what he was in charge with, winning the smaller battles and stood firm against the lions and bears.
I have just defeated my first lion. I hope and pray that I can stand firm the way God wants me to.
I think that I have finally won my first battle; in the matter of defending my trust in God.
How easy is it for me to give into my wretchedness as perceived by the people around me. I say this in the sense that in the eyes of man, I have not provided much value to my life and those around me. In agreement to their words, I had only accepted it in defeat and went with their advice. But, at the same time, telling them that I am a work in progress. Sooooo, how can I accept defeat and proclaim what God is doing in my life.
I am a man with virtually nothing, barely having a roof over my head. I have no income. My finances are a wreck and am nearly out of credit. I cannot even provide a meal for my children. I cannot support monetarily to anyone in any fashion. But, I have my life to Christ, fully, because I had accepted defeat. But, here, I want to acknowledge my allegiance to God's army. And as I search for the evidence, I can see that He is dealing with everything in my life.
Today, I have stood firm in victory- sort of. God tells us not to rely on the knowledge of other men, of which my mother was trying to tell me to just leave my wife so she can move on, and that maybe she can have someone to help her raise my children. So, I told her that I would seek a divorce on Monday- and I even texted Jeanne on the matter. We continued to argue on how I wasn't loving her, in return, I told her that I was being conditioned by the abuse that I perceived by Jeanne. But, as the conversation went on, here I was having senseless debate with another person in an earthly fashion. She also mentioned that I need to go to anger management.
The bottom line is that I told my mother that I was not going to take her advice and told her that she is going before God, interacting in our marriage. I told her that I was going to let God handle it....... or something like that.
David was a young man that was in charge of tending to the sheep. He was given a little responsibility to take care of these FEW sheep. Seems simple, but... there was lions and bears that attacked. He DEFEATED these attacks and achieved victory in the task of caring for the sheep.
Now, all the people was afraid of the great Philistine and did nothing with this confrontation- they ran. David asked "For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”. David in his desires, wants to fight the good fight of faith against someone that is rivaling the army of God. God has given David the responsibility to fight against the goliath. Because David was responsible with what he was in charge with, winning the smaller battles and stood firm against the lions and bears.
I have just defeated my first lion. I hope and pray that I can stand firm the way God wants me to.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Crossing the river Jordan
As I walk away from the battle without trust, I walk away from the fight with my head down. I gave up, put my cross down and quit.
I am enduring life without any answers to prayers. When that happens, it makes it difficult to stand by my Lord and say that I am trusting Him with being my provider.
-I have not worked in more that 16 months. There are jobs that I have applied for, but I still stand unemployed.
-My wife and I are nothing but enemies, conducting warfare based on our own hearts.
-I hold onto resentment of where I stand in this society, a dead beat husband and person with no source of income.
-All I do is lay here to be belittled by those around me, going from house to house- of which I am just a guest, so I must show -respect according to their rule.
But, I guess I still had intent in going to church. I guess I still have a God given interest in what is pertinent to seeking victory in my life. Thus, God has opened my eyes to the book of Esther. I will see the correlation of what I am going through at this very moment and in recent past. He has only shown me a glimmer in church and given me an interest in learning what Esther went through and .... perhaps see what God is doing in my life.
As I hear, that Esther does not acknowledge God in this book. But, rather, the book depicts trials of life that God is working in the background. That is the same thing that is happening in my life. There is no sign of God in my life. No answered prayers, no employment, no reconciliation with my wife, no income.
But, what is God doing in my life right now?
This morning, my mother relayed that we are to pick up our cross. Well, I went back into my room and picked up my cross, that I so distastefully let go, from my dresser. God said, HEY, I NEED YOU TO PICK UP YOUR CROSS AND CARRY ON, so I did.
Now, today, I will go back to Jeanne's house (I also picked up my ring and put it on in faith that God will reconcile our marriage) to care for her uncle for about a month. Sooooooo, out of faith, I will go and see if God is going to bless us. I will go on the path that God is preparing before me, expecting Him to move in our lives. Though I have vowed that I would not go back to her unless she surrendered her life to Jesus.
So, as the Lord has set forth an adventure, I will cross the river Jordan. Trusting His lead and relying on the teachings that I have been given.
I am enduring life without any answers to prayers. When that happens, it makes it difficult to stand by my Lord and say that I am trusting Him with being my provider.
-I have not worked in more that 16 months. There are jobs that I have applied for, but I still stand unemployed.
-My wife and I are nothing but enemies, conducting warfare based on our own hearts.
-I hold onto resentment of where I stand in this society, a dead beat husband and person with no source of income.
-All I do is lay here to be belittled by those around me, going from house to house- of which I am just a guest, so I must show -respect according to their rule.
But, I guess I still had intent in going to church. I guess I still have a God given interest in what is pertinent to seeking victory in my life. Thus, God has opened my eyes to the book of Esther. I will see the correlation of what I am going through at this very moment and in recent past. He has only shown me a glimmer in church and given me an interest in learning what Esther went through and .... perhaps see what God is doing in my life.
As I hear, that Esther does not acknowledge God in this book. But, rather, the book depicts trials of life that God is working in the background. That is the same thing that is happening in my life. There is no sign of God in my life. No answered prayers, no employment, no reconciliation with my wife, no income.
But, what is God doing in my life right now?
This morning, my mother relayed that we are to pick up our cross. Well, I went back into my room and picked up my cross, that I so distastefully let go, from my dresser. God said, HEY, I NEED YOU TO PICK UP YOUR CROSS AND CARRY ON, so I did.
Now, today, I will go back to Jeanne's house (I also picked up my ring and put it on in faith that God will reconcile our marriage) to care for her uncle for about a month. Sooooooo, out of faith, I will go and see if God is going to bless us. I will go on the path that God is preparing before me, expecting Him to move in our lives. Though I have vowed that I would not go back to her unless she surrendered her life to Jesus.
So, as the Lord has set forth an adventure, I will cross the river Jordan. Trusting His lead and relying on the teachings that I have been given.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
I am about to embark on a journey. If I am to go on this path that God is preparing before me, I better be well equip with the right items. No hiker goes out a backpack, but with the proper tools to help him/her to sustain the journey. So too, shall we be prepared with the wisdom of God that will help us to endure the mission.
I can bring correction in the manner of spreading the way the Lord intends for us to do things.
If the Lord does not accept it, then you shouldn't either- in the name of Jesus.
Bring the gospel of the Lord into the house.
God will judge them according to their deeds.
Pray for the lost.
All in all, you are saved. You have to let the wicked go about their ways. But pray and have hope in the Lord that he would convict them and open their eyes.
A farmer reaps what he sows.
I can bring correction in the manner of spreading the way the Lord intends for us to do things.
If the Lord does not accept it, then you shouldn't either- in the name of Jesus.
Bring the gospel of the Lord into the house.
God will judge them according to their deeds.
Pray for the lost.
All in all, you are saved. You have to let the wicked go about their ways. But pray and have hope in the Lord that he would convict them and open their eyes.
A farmer reaps what he sows.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Yield to the conviction of the Holy Spirit and repent of your sins
Yield to the conviction of the Holy Spirit and repent of your sins.
When we do wrong in the eyes of others and know it, it is pretty hard to apologize when we know that we have caused a wrong. This can happen even when we are alone with no one around us, but we are still before the Lord.
There are going to be many times when the Holy Spirit will make us feel convicted of wrong doing. When this happens, we have to act upon this conviction and identify what just happened. Repent of what just happened. Bring it to the Lord in prayer, asking Him to give us His Wisdom to understand this situation and how to comprehend how to handle it the next time it happens- because it is going to!!!
We are to be molded by God in the form of His Son Jesus. By not acknowledging the wrong doing, the action carries on as it was intended to do- to cause pain.
"Acknowledge all your ways before God and He will make your paths straight".
When we do wrong in the eyes of others and know it, it is pretty hard to apologize when we know that we have caused a wrong. This can happen even when we are alone with no one around us, but we are still before the Lord.
There are going to be many times when the Holy Spirit will make us feel convicted of wrong doing. When this happens, we have to act upon this conviction and identify what just happened. Repent of what just happened. Bring it to the Lord in prayer, asking Him to give us His Wisdom to understand this situation and how to comprehend how to handle it the next time it happens- because it is going to!!!
We are to be molded by God in the form of His Son Jesus. By not acknowledging the wrong doing, the action carries on as it was intended to do- to cause pain.
"Acknowledge all your ways before God and He will make your paths straight".
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
The Sin of Complacency
There are many things that happen in life, throughout since the beginning of time. As I live in this generation, I can understand what influences that can sway us away from the Lord.
We are in a time where music has obscenities, we live in a time where the way people dress is provocative- trying to be attractive, but what are they trying to attract? In all this, people are being swayed to a sinful life falling into the hands of the enemy.
There are many troubles that people encounter, financial situations, marital problems, disabilities. Anger, generational consequences. I have in my extended family dyslexia, where people cannot read across the page. What an abomination! Satan jumbles words in the eyes of people and modern man gives it a diagnosis what people can perceive and accept it. WHERE IS THE CALLING OUT TO GOD??? My three year old daughter has a speech problem, she does not speak the entire word and says it in an abbreviated manner. How can I not bring this to the Lord in prayer! My daughter had virtually no speech! But, now she is learning and can pronounce the consonants. How dare we sin in not seeking His Glory for us, our Provider, our Savior. And how often do we not even glorify Him in the miracles that He does do in our lives.
How often do we not take the time upon ourselves to pray for the problems that we have in our lives. Or, how often do we wait for a pastor to pray. Okaaay, he prays for us, but does he teach us how we can pray for ourselves or tell us how we can call out to the Lord. He is our SAVIOR. He can save us! He can carry us!
Who fed 5 thousand people with 5 loaves of bread??? Who healed the sick, who healed a man with leprosy? Who healed a blind man so he could see? Who walked on water? Who parted the Red Sea? Who told us that we could even do GREATER things than He?
I am not complacent in my heart to sit here and accept what happens in the world around us.
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy Kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory. for ever and ever. Amen
When we say this prayer, thy will be done, on earth AS IT IS IN HEAVEN. The enemy conflicts the world and sends a message of discouragement, but he cannot do it in Heaven. God gives us an opportunity to see His glory, HERE ON EARTH, AS IT IS IN HEAVEN.
The Lord rebuked satan. He commanded satan to get behind Him when Peter spoke in objection to the Will of the Lord.
This is a battle, a true daily battle against a formidable enemy. Do I not put on the armor of God and expect no battle? Because there will be! How do we give in and surrender to misery, defeated and imprisoned to the slander and simply accept it.
Why let the enemy do his thing and win victoriously unopposed. Why not fight the good fight of faith. Jesus IS with us. Whom shall I fear, for my God is with me.
As we know, the works of men will not prosper. But the work inspired by the Holy Spirit will be blessed. So, I pray that God would show us His mystery, that His Will be done.
We, set apart from Jesus, cannot do anything. But through Him, we can do all things as He did and we can do greater things.
We are in a time where music has obscenities, we live in a time where the way people dress is provocative- trying to be attractive, but what are they trying to attract? In all this, people are being swayed to a sinful life falling into the hands of the enemy.
There are many troubles that people encounter, financial situations, marital problems, disabilities. Anger, generational consequences. I have in my extended family dyslexia, where people cannot read across the page. What an abomination! Satan jumbles words in the eyes of people and modern man gives it a diagnosis what people can perceive and accept it. WHERE IS THE CALLING OUT TO GOD??? My three year old daughter has a speech problem, she does not speak the entire word and says it in an abbreviated manner. How can I not bring this to the Lord in prayer! My daughter had virtually no speech! But, now she is learning and can pronounce the consonants. How dare we sin in not seeking His Glory for us, our Provider, our Savior. And how often do we not even glorify Him in the miracles that He does do in our lives.
How often do we not take the time upon ourselves to pray for the problems that we have in our lives. Or, how often do we wait for a pastor to pray. Okaaay, he prays for us, but does he teach us how we can pray for ourselves or tell us how we can call out to the Lord. He is our SAVIOR. He can save us! He can carry us!
Who fed 5 thousand people with 5 loaves of bread??? Who healed the sick, who healed a man with leprosy? Who healed a blind man so he could see? Who walked on water? Who parted the Red Sea? Who told us that we could even do GREATER things than He?
I am not complacent in my heart to sit here and accept what happens in the world around us.
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy Kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory. for ever and ever. Amen
When we say this prayer, thy will be done, on earth AS IT IS IN HEAVEN. The enemy conflicts the world and sends a message of discouragement, but he cannot do it in Heaven. God gives us an opportunity to see His glory, HERE ON EARTH, AS IT IS IN HEAVEN.
The Lord rebuked satan. He commanded satan to get behind Him when Peter spoke in objection to the Will of the Lord.
This is a battle, a true daily battle against a formidable enemy. Do I not put on the armor of God and expect no battle? Because there will be! How do we give in and surrender to misery, defeated and imprisoned to the slander and simply accept it.
Why let the enemy do his thing and win victoriously unopposed. Why not fight the good fight of faith. Jesus IS with us. Whom shall I fear, for my God is with me.
As we know, the works of men will not prosper. But the work inspired by the Holy Spirit will be blessed. So, I pray that God would show us His mystery, that His Will be done.
We, set apart from Jesus, cannot do anything. But through Him, we can do all things as He did and we can do greater things.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Thanks for the interest in my personal testimony. I have been thinking of what I could share with you, but given my current circumstances in the past year and a half, it is tough to really decipher what I could share. So I chose to share with you my re-gained TRUST that I have in my Savior in providing a collage of all that has happened.
I went through a severe depression, which started in March of 2008 until June 2009, when my wife of 4 years chose to be with another man. After about 2 weeks, a pastor in the village confronted her and told her about her wrong doing. She reluctantly reconciled and I trusted her. But she dedicated herself to entertaining other men in her life and being in contact with them until about May 2009 (we moved back to Palmer, Alaska at the end of May '08).
What transpired during the tough times (we were together in Palmer), was a track record of conflict and turmoil between my wife and I. I adopted medication that I was very dependent on. I moved out a couple of times to my parents house (where I am at now), which provided great support to me. I was too depressed to work, I was unable to even clean the garage because I was unable to process the steps to do so. So I lived on my credit card on my own for the past year, collecting unemployment (of which has run out).
Around this past month of May, nothing was working out and I had asked God to take my life as I laid in bed, my mother provided me Psalm 118. Hmmm, what did that do for me? The entire chapter of Ps 118 applied directly with every battle I was facing. As I asked for death for my life, perhaps that is exactly what God did for me, putting my situational life to death and providing me how we can live in His promise. What He wanted in my life was the trust that I once had such reverence for. For me to trust Him in all my ways. He tells me to acknowledge Him in all my ways and He will make my ways straight.
I was down to EXACTLY nothingness. He broke me down until I learned to trust Him.
But, my battle goes on as He shows me how to deal with the world that, we, are in for a short time. He HAS set me apart from the world in showing me how to abide in His law, in His promise. I had listened to the enemies provision for my life, telling me of the shame, being depressed, being rejected, being dependent of meds and alcohol instead of my Savior, as well as spending money and time foolishly.
Perhaps, what is more important, is what God has for us in today and tomorrow, as we are not to dwell in the past, but to seek His provision in our lives. Yes, I am separated from my wife. Yes, I endure the pain with my children. Yes, I am unemployed. Yes, I have considered bankruptcy. Yes, I am weathering the storm in other battles. BUT, YES, I SEEK HIM EVERYDAY, knowing that the storm will pass and that life through Him is prosperous.
Its hard not to go on in this letter.
"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day." -John 6:44
"So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." —Isaiah 55:11
In the parable of the talents, "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'.
In despite of all my turmoil, I praise Him and thank Him for putting me though my trials. God has shown those whom cross my path, a glimmer of faith that sparks an interest in what is happening in Peter Pickett's life. I do some correction in ones life as I fight the good fight of faith, coming against the opposition. I have shared that I am off the dependancy of depression meds. But, what has comes out of my mouth, God has used to reach out to those whom it was intended for. It happened so, that I had finally realized that God is actually using me!
So, I have shared with my children and now my extended family. And, for some ~ODD~ reason, I have over 4800 friends on Facebook, that I do occasionally share some testimony with. I share some praise at my church. I do only share that of which is inspired by the Holy Spirit and as well as holding my tongue- “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine," Matthew 7:6.
But, as I wish to share more, I'll keep it somewhat short. I do blog what happens in my life at
I went through a severe depression, which started in March of 2008 until June 2009, when my wife of 4 years chose to be with another man. After about 2 weeks, a pastor in the village confronted her and told her about her wrong doing. She reluctantly reconciled and I trusted her. But she dedicated herself to entertaining other men in her life and being in contact with them until about May 2009 (we moved back to Palmer, Alaska at the end of May '08).
What transpired during the tough times (we were together in Palmer), was a track record of conflict and turmoil between my wife and I. I adopted medication that I was very dependent on. I moved out a couple of times to my parents house (where I am at now), which provided great support to me. I was too depressed to work, I was unable to even clean the garage because I was unable to process the steps to do so. So I lived on my credit card on my own for the past year, collecting unemployment (of which has run out).
Around this past month of May, nothing was working out and I had asked God to take my life as I laid in bed, my mother provided me Psalm 118. Hmmm, what did that do for me? The entire chapter of Ps 118 applied directly with every battle I was facing. As I asked for death for my life, perhaps that is exactly what God did for me, putting my situational life to death and providing me how we can live in His promise. What He wanted in my life was the trust that I once had such reverence for. For me to trust Him in all my ways. He tells me to acknowledge Him in all my ways and He will make my ways straight.
I was down to EXACTLY nothingness. He broke me down until I learned to trust Him.
But, my battle goes on as He shows me how to deal with the world that, we, are in for a short time. He HAS set me apart from the world in showing me how to abide in His law, in His promise. I had listened to the enemies provision for my life, telling me of the shame, being depressed, being rejected, being dependent of meds and alcohol instead of my Savior, as well as spending money and time foolishly.
Perhaps, what is more important, is what God has for us in today and tomorrow, as we are not to dwell in the past, but to seek His provision in our lives. Yes, I am separated from my wife. Yes, I endure the pain with my children. Yes, I am unemployed. Yes, I have considered bankruptcy. Yes, I am weathering the storm in other battles. BUT, YES, I SEEK HIM EVERYDAY, knowing that the storm will pass and that life through Him is prosperous.
Its hard not to go on in this letter.
"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day." -John 6:44
"So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." —Isaiah 55:11
In the parable of the talents, "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'.
In despite of all my turmoil, I praise Him and thank Him for putting me though my trials. God has shown those whom cross my path, a glimmer of faith that sparks an interest in what is happening in Peter Pickett's life. I do some correction in ones life as I fight the good fight of faith, coming against the opposition. I have shared that I am off the dependancy of depression meds. But, what has comes out of my mouth, God has used to reach out to those whom it was intended for. It happened so, that I had finally realized that God is actually using me!
So, I have shared with my children and now my extended family. And, for some ~ODD~ reason, I have over 4800 friends on Facebook, that I do occasionally share some testimony with. I share some praise at my church. I do only share that of which is inspired by the Holy Spirit and as well as holding my tongue- “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine," Matthew 7:6.
But, as I wish to share more, I'll keep it somewhat short. I do blog what happens in my life at
Psalm 37
Psalm 37
A Psalm of David.
1 Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
And wither as the green herb.
3 Trust in the LORD, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself also in the LORD,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.
6 He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your justice as the noonday.
7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;
Do not fret—it only causes harm.
I have been dwelling at my parents house and trying to do my best to co-exist with them. I have done so according to my situation, being separated from my wife, jobless and out of money- of which, I have considered bankruptcy. I deal with the pain of people in my life. Do I consider myself Holy? What about those around me that do not abide in the Law?
I live alone in this world in the manner of fleshly desires to have fellowship. I have no friends to do daily activities, so I usually stay at my place of residence. I live with family, at my parents, where I just don't feel like I get much respect from my father. I am not accepted at my wife's home, rejected because of my loser status of not being able to attain a job.
But, I have been living in a dungeon, held in contempt from those that do not abide by God's Law. Do I suffer for Jesus' sake indirectly??? This is just one of my battles that I contend with, of which I have been on the losing side of. I have had thoughts of going homeless, going camping/fishing for several weeks, just to get away from my dungeon.
"1 Do not fret because of evildoers,"
But todays scripture tells me a Holy sacrament in attaining a victorious existence. Divine instruction of dealing the current situation in my life.
..."Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness."
Instead of feeding on all the negativity that surrounds me, God and given me an "out" of my current standings to "feed on His faithfulness" . "Delight yourself also in the Lord,"
5 Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.
6 He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your justice as the noonday.
7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him;
As I go through this storm, all I can do is WAIT for it to pass. God is telling me to trust in Him, because this storm will pass. In verse six, He IS GOING TO PROSPER ME!!!
A Psalm of David.
1 Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
And wither as the green herb.
3 Trust in the LORD, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself also in the LORD,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.
6 He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your justice as the noonday.
7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;
Do not fret—it only causes harm.
I have been dwelling at my parents house and trying to do my best to co-exist with them. I have done so according to my situation, being separated from my wife, jobless and out of money- of which, I have considered bankruptcy. I deal with the pain of people in my life. Do I consider myself Holy? What about those around me that do not abide in the Law?
I live alone in this world in the manner of fleshly desires to have fellowship. I have no friends to do daily activities, so I usually stay at my place of residence. I live with family, at my parents, where I just don't feel like I get much respect from my father. I am not accepted at my wife's home, rejected because of my loser status of not being able to attain a job.
But, I have been living in a dungeon, held in contempt from those that do not abide by God's Law. Do I suffer for Jesus' sake indirectly??? This is just one of my battles that I contend with, of which I have been on the losing side of. I have had thoughts of going homeless, going camping/fishing for several weeks, just to get away from my dungeon.
"1 Do not fret because of evildoers,"
But todays scripture tells me a Holy sacrament in attaining a victorious existence. Divine instruction of dealing the current situation in my life.
..."Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness."
Instead of feeding on all the negativity that surrounds me, God and given me an "out" of my current standings to "feed on His faithfulness" . "Delight yourself also in the Lord,"
5 Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.
6 He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your justice as the noonday.
7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him;
As I go through this storm, all I can do is WAIT for it to pass. God is telling me to trust in Him, because this storm will pass. In verse six, He IS GOING TO PROSPER ME!!!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Helmet of Salvation
The Helmet of Salvation, is the beginning of what it means to be saved. We put on the helmet in by our salvation and by our faith. We are now saved by giving our lives to our Lord, whom will never leave us or forsake us. He will not hand us over to death. He has given us a NEW life, a new understanding of what 'LAW' actually means. We can store up treasures in Heaven. We are set apart from this world in our values of life. We have an opportunity to confess our sins and give up everything up to the cross. We are saved and can learn correction to the way we have lived here on earth. We no longer walk in darkness, but in light. We no longer live aimlessly, but with direction.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
My life in a nut shell
As a testament of what the Lord is doing in my life, I have learn to trust Him with it. I have gone through the throng of thorny bushes, chastened severely by my Father. As He has brought me to nothingness, I have been guided through the onslaught of trial and tribulation- LEARNING every aspect God has opened my eyes to- in the areas God needs me to learn how I should act or react.
I still am waiting for Him to bring victory in my life- to prosper me in His provision and Will.
Adultery, foolish spending, drinking, pride, dealing with pain.
I cry out to Him in all the midst of my all pain- as orchestrated by God Himself. Revealing every aspect in what I have become, bringing correction to all my sins. Making my paths STRAIGHT upon acknowledging Him in every situation.
But, I am learning how to stand firm and not compromising my trust in what God has in store for my life. I am no longer defeated in depression. I have learned not to become discouraged by disappointment, but to acknowledge it and present it to the foot of the cross. He will only help carry that of which you have surrendered. That of which you will not let go, you will be burdened if you so wish.
I still am waiting for Him to bring victory in my life- to prosper me in His provision and Will.
Adultery, foolish spending, drinking, pride, dealing with pain.
I cry out to Him in all the midst of my all pain- as orchestrated by God Himself. Revealing every aspect in what I have become, bringing correction to all my sins. Making my paths STRAIGHT upon acknowledging Him in every situation.
But, I am learning how to stand firm and not compromising my trust in what God has in store for my life. I am no longer defeated in depression. I have learned not to become discouraged by disappointment, but to acknowledge it and present it to the foot of the cross. He will only help carry that of which you have surrendered. That of which you will not let go, you will be burdened if you so wish.
Shield of faith
The Shield of Faith. Trust.
How do I go about my day w/out my shield- of faith. I try and do my devotional every day, so that I can look to Him in His provision for my life. I do it because I trust Him in every aspect of my life. I am set apart from this world to exist in His will, to be a witness of Jesus Christ, to influence those around us- and not to be influence by the understanding of men.
"the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one."
You got to understand how to use this shield. The verb of "extinguish", is an action that we are to utilize.
It is a defense mechanism. Once we are attacked, we defend and then counter attack. The Lord held the enemy in contempt, He did not accept anything that the enemy put on the table. He dealt with it accordingly and rebuked him.
We can use the shield to defend against lies, slander, deceit. Anything to discourage our faith in being a friend of Jesus. It is used to put a stop to anything that the enemy is using to discourage you.
If you have a strong faith, you will have a stronger shield. God will build you up to strengthen your shield, so don't worry about failing. The enemy will persist in attacking your weak shield, until you are able to defend him. The stronger soldier will attain victory. God will allow testing of your faith, over and over, until you are victorious in that trial.
How are we to counter attack??? With the same vengeance as the enemy? Or, to humble ourselves before God. Do not return evil for evil. It can be hard to understand how to react in our fleshly lives. We have all heard "WWJD", right. What Would Jesus Do- is what we need to ask ourselves how to react in that situation. The Holy Spirit can also prompt us. Jesus said that "do not worry what you need to say, for I will put words in your mouth at that time.
I have been put down. I was defeated. I was being pummelled into depression. I looked and surrendered to the word of God, I grabbed that sword, stood up with my shield and defeated the attacks of the enemy.
Arrows of the enemy:
1. Shame
2. Guilt
3. Pride
All of which can discourage us from trusting in God. But, if we use our shield properly in faith, we can then, stand firm and defeat the enemy with the wisdom of which we ask for.
How do I go about my day w/out my shield- of faith. I try and do my devotional every day, so that I can look to Him in His provision for my life. I do it because I trust Him in every aspect of my life. I am set apart from this world to exist in His will, to be a witness of Jesus Christ, to influence those around us- and not to be influence by the understanding of men.
"the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one."
You got to understand how to use this shield. The verb of "extinguish", is an action that we are to utilize.
It is a defense mechanism. Once we are attacked, we defend and then counter attack. The Lord held the enemy in contempt, He did not accept anything that the enemy put on the table. He dealt with it accordingly and rebuked him.
We can use the shield to defend against lies, slander, deceit. Anything to discourage our faith in being a friend of Jesus. It is used to put a stop to anything that the enemy is using to discourage you.
If you have a strong faith, you will have a stronger shield. God will build you up to strengthen your shield, so don't worry about failing. The enemy will persist in attacking your weak shield, until you are able to defend him. The stronger soldier will attain victory. God will allow testing of your faith, over and over, until you are victorious in that trial.
How are we to counter attack??? With the same vengeance as the enemy? Or, to humble ourselves before God. Do not return evil for evil. It can be hard to understand how to react in our fleshly lives. We have all heard "WWJD", right. What Would Jesus Do- is what we need to ask ourselves how to react in that situation. The Holy Spirit can also prompt us. Jesus said that "do not worry what you need to say, for I will put words in your mouth at that time.
I have been put down. I was defeated. I was being pummelled into depression. I looked and surrendered to the word of God, I grabbed that sword, stood up with my shield and defeated the attacks of the enemy.
Arrows of the enemy:
1. Shame
2. Guilt
3. Pride
All of which can discourage us from trusting in God. But, if we use our shield properly in faith, we can then, stand firm and defeat the enemy with the wisdom of which we ask for.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
The Gospel of Peace (Gospel Boots)
"and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace" EPH 6-10:17
"and with your feet fitted with the READINESS.
Ready for what???
Being ready is a GIFT, it comes from the gospel of peace.
Here is a piece of armor that we put on, when we do that, we are ready to accomplish that of which God is doing through us in His will.
"I have give you a little and you have been responsible with it, now I will give you more".
Here I stand with a pleasing heart to do the work of God. But, I have been idle in doing so. Procrastinating. I have not acted. I have been ready to listen, but failing to follow through with those of which God has brought across my path.
44"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:44
God has given me authority to be a witness to those whom has an ear. But I have not followed through with my assignments.
Be ready and alert in doing an assigned task the God want YOU TO DO FOR HIM!!!
"and with your feet fitted with the READINESS.
Ready for what???
Being ready is a GIFT, it comes from the gospel of peace.
Here is a piece of armor that we put on, when we do that, we are ready to accomplish that of which God is doing through us in His will.
"I have give you a little and you have been responsible with it, now I will give you more".
Here I stand with a pleasing heart to do the work of God. But, I have been idle in doing so. Procrastinating. I have not acted. I have been ready to listen, but failing to follow through with those of which God has brought across my path.
44"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:44
God has given me authority to be a witness to those whom has an ear. But I have not followed through with my assignments.
Be ready and alert in doing an assigned task the God want YOU TO DO FOR HIM!!!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Belt of Truth
How is it we fall in our angry response to criticism or disappointment every time? Time after time, we get offended by someone, by means of poor communication, and get upset- FOR NOTHING.
I fell, because I did not utilize the Belt of Truth- one of the pieces of the Armor of God. "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist."
Of what "TRUTH" is there?
1. Humble yourself before God, regardless of what is happening before you. "Be still and know that I am God."
2. Do not accept what is bothering you, but reject it in the name of Jesus.
3. I have been told not to return evil with evil. Do not let the world influence you, but to influence the world.
4. God will judge them according to their deeds.
5. The Truth will put them to shame. :) I love this one. You are a child of God. He created you before the beginning of the earth. Do not panic, but present all your needs to the Father, and He will make your ways straight (with truth).
6. Be happy with what you have now. I cannot expend what I do not have. The Truth says that I cannot spend (whether it be money or time or whatever) foolishly.
7. The Truth is God's law, the Truth is the way He intends for us to live.
8. The Truth will always beat The Lie. Whom is telling you lies, and whom is telling you the Truth- whom do you listen to???
God is very complex, very intricate in the intensity of what He can provide to us. Setting us further apart from this world of mischievous glamour that attracts our eyes in deceit. The full Armor of God is a clad of wisdom, of which we are to don every day, to fight the good fight of faith. Trust the Truth, be a witness of it. God will make you unrecognizable, even to yourself, if you abide by His Truth!
I fell, because I did not utilize the Belt of Truth- one of the pieces of the Armor of God. "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist."
Of what "TRUTH" is there?
1. Humble yourself before God, regardless of what is happening before you. "Be still and know that I am God."
2. Do not accept what is bothering you, but reject it in the name of Jesus.
3. I have been told not to return evil with evil. Do not let the world influence you, but to influence the world.
4. God will judge them according to their deeds.
5. The Truth will put them to shame. :) I love this one. You are a child of God. He created you before the beginning of the earth. Do not panic, but present all your needs to the Father, and He will make your ways straight (with truth).
6. Be happy with what you have now. I cannot expend what I do not have. The Truth says that I cannot spend (whether it be money or time or whatever) foolishly.
7. The Truth is God's law, the Truth is the way He intends for us to live.
8. The Truth will always beat The Lie. Whom is telling you lies, and whom is telling you the Truth- whom do you listen to???
God is very complex, very intricate in the intensity of what He can provide to us. Setting us further apart from this world of mischievous glamour that attracts our eyes in deceit. The full Armor of God is a clad of wisdom, of which we are to don every day, to fight the good fight of faith. Trust the Truth, be a witness of it. God will make you unrecognizable, even to yourself, if you abide by His Truth!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
Proverbs 3:5-6 (New King James Version)
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct[a] your paths.
He wants us to trust Him. To love Him. To acknowledge Him. To call out to Him.
My own understanding is like pellets coming out of a shot gun. The pellets are scattered everywhere. Out thoughts can be this way as well.
"In all you ways..."- I am a lowly man. I have not accomplished much. I am lazy. I have been a failure- in most aspects in my life. I am not very quick to think. I have no career. I have no friends. I do not have much money. BUT, in all this, I acknowledge Him, looking to Him to bless me with accomplishment.
"... direct your paths"- He wants to prosper you. He wants to bless you. He wants to provide for you. He wants to help you and direct your paths.
Albeit, you may have heard the saying that "He works in mysterious ways" (not sure if there is scripture there or not).
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct[a] your paths.
He wants us to trust Him. To love Him. To acknowledge Him. To call out to Him.
My own understanding is like pellets coming out of a shot gun. The pellets are scattered everywhere. Out thoughts can be this way as well.
"In all you ways..."- I am a lowly man. I have not accomplished much. I am lazy. I have been a failure- in most aspects in my life. I am not very quick to think. I have no career. I have no friends. I do not have much money. BUT, in all this, I acknowledge Him, looking to Him to bless me with accomplishment.
"... direct your paths"- He wants to prosper you. He wants to bless you. He wants to provide for you. He wants to help you and direct your paths.
Albeit, you may have heard the saying that "He works in mysterious ways" (not sure if there is scripture there or not).
Monday, August 10, 2009
The enemy is at hand
Lord, the enemy has had a big influence in my life and I don't want to surrender to him anymore. I was ready to give in and do what ever he was going to tell me.
I don't accept that in the name of Jesus. I surrender these thoughts unto you Lord.
I know that You can defeat the enemy and bring victory into my life. All the thoughts of where I am at here on earth have confounded me into thinking that my life has been wasted.
The enemy has lied to me, in my depression, my spending, my arguments, my shame. He has put me in a place, in a deep hole that without you, would take a looooong time to recover from.
But You are a healer, a reconciler. You can fix what the enemy has broken. Forgive me o' Lord for all the wrong doing I have portrayed in the past several months. For I was weak and did not have knowledge in what was proper. I ate from the fig tree, taking advice from satan.
You are my Sovereign God, my Lord, my Councilor. Thank you. I love you and I need you, for the truth will put me to shame.
I don't accept that in the name of Jesus. I surrender these thoughts unto you Lord.
I know that You can defeat the enemy and bring victory into my life. All the thoughts of where I am at here on earth have confounded me into thinking that my life has been wasted.
The enemy has lied to me, in my depression, my spending, my arguments, my shame. He has put me in a place, in a deep hole that without you, would take a looooong time to recover from.
But You are a healer, a reconciler. You can fix what the enemy has broken. Forgive me o' Lord for all the wrong doing I have portrayed in the past several months. For I was weak and did not have knowledge in what was proper. I ate from the fig tree, taking advice from satan.
You are my Sovereign God, my Lord, my Councilor. Thank you. I love you and I need you, for the truth will put me to shame.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Confrontation
He is showing me... how to.... I DON'T ACCEPT IT in the name of Jesus.
Certain things bother me. I am so tired of confrontation, that I really don't want to see anybody. But the Lord wants me to not give into to hatred and to be humble before Him and before my offenders.
How do I correct those whom do not communicate in the best of manner?
I'd appreciate if you didn't talk to me in that manner.
I'd appreciate if you didn't talk to him like that.
Is it a part of unGodliness? Do I have to be in the same room and handle it or do I excuse myself.
Lord, what do I do, how do You want to handle it?
Jesus is the healer of all things. I have to rely on Him to fix all that I have broken, because I cannot do it except through Him. My marriage, my feet, my financial situations. God will put us through trials, so WE HAVE TO TRUST that He is in control of our situation.
God is putting me through this trial so that I can learn how to deal with adversity. To not let it get too far and to deal with it right away. As I see through myself, Pride is dominating the freedom as of now. I have been hurt, and I am on the defensive, to leave my guard (thats Jesus). I want to run from the fight, as I do, I leave Jesus there by Himself at the enemy lines as I run off in defeat.
Stand firm and know that I am God.
Any form of discouragement has to be dealt with, but only done through Jesus. He gives us authority to deal with adversity, He has given us tools, lets learn how to use them. A warrior does not go into battle with out his shield or weapon. Lets not read about the tools that are offered and leave them on the dinner table, we CAN TAKE THEM WITH US.
Certain things bother me. I am so tired of confrontation, that I really don't want to see anybody. But the Lord wants me to not give into to hatred and to be humble before Him and before my offenders.
How do I correct those whom do not communicate in the best of manner?
I'd appreciate if you didn't talk to me in that manner.
I'd appreciate if you didn't talk to him like that.
Is it a part of unGodliness? Do I have to be in the same room and handle it or do I excuse myself.
Lord, what do I do, how do You want to handle it?
Jesus is the healer of all things. I have to rely on Him to fix all that I have broken, because I cannot do it except through Him. My marriage, my feet, my financial situations. God will put us through trials, so WE HAVE TO TRUST that He is in control of our situation.
God is putting me through this trial so that I can learn how to deal with adversity. To not let it get too far and to deal with it right away. As I see through myself, Pride is dominating the freedom as of now. I have been hurt, and I am on the defensive, to leave my guard (thats Jesus). I want to run from the fight, as I do, I leave Jesus there by Himself at the enemy lines as I run off in defeat.
Stand firm and know that I am God.
Any form of discouragement has to be dealt with, but only done through Jesus. He gives us authority to deal with adversity, He has given us tools, lets learn how to use them. A warrior does not go into battle with out his shield or weapon. Lets not read about the tools that are offered and leave them on the dinner table, we CAN TAKE THEM WITH US.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Dealing with other peoples demeanor
I have been having conflict with the way people communicate to me.
I have a problem dealing with people demanding stuff in an ugly way- as in not ASKING in politeness.
How should I handle it according to how Christ would handle it. In a way, I think that about how the disciples were spoken to. They were spoken to in a mockery-tone (I imagine).
Christ will judge people according to their ways, not me. So, I just gotta take it the way it is give, if I cannot correct what is wrong. See a problem, fix a problem.
I have a problem dealing with people demanding stuff in an ugly way- as in not ASKING in politeness.
How should I handle it according to how Christ would handle it. In a way, I think that about how the disciples were spoken to. They were spoken to in a mockery-tone (I imagine).
Christ will judge people according to their ways, not me. So, I just gotta take it the way it is give, if I cannot correct what is wrong. See a problem, fix a problem.
Monday, July 20, 2009
I can't help but think that I am having a separation from this world, in the sense that God has pulled me into His realm. He has put me in a very high level of trusting Him in everything that He will provide me.
Right now, I have NOTHINGNESS. No job, no family, no life, no aspect of living, no management. I have NOTHING. He has put me in a broad place, dealing with every speck of wretchedness, building me up. Preparing my footsteps before me, laying the foundations piece by piece.
As I watch life unravel before my eyes, I have a sense of promise of victory already won.
Right now, I have NOTHINGNESS. No job, no family, no life, no aspect of living, no management. I have NOTHING. He has put me in a broad place, dealing with every speck of wretchedness, building me up. Preparing my footsteps before me, laying the foundations piece by piece.
As I watch life unravel before my eyes, I have a sense of promise of victory already won.
Letting God do the battle, not us.
It is my divine choice to make myself available to Him, so that He can rule my life for His will. To be substandard does not make much sense. I always enjoy doing things the right way, the way of doing it the best way possible.
A sermon that I heard made me understand that it is God that is doing the battle. He created us... so that He could be in control of the earth of which He created. I think that we are just a vessel in the mind of God to be able to show us how He can defeat the enemy in our own trials and tribulations.
Usually an inventor likes to be in control of everything. To claim glory for himself. Is God the same way? He is the inventor of the universe. He likes to be in control of what happens- don't you like to manage things like at work?
Living in the life of victory is attainable ONLY by succmbing to God's power. "The Lord wants you to have His power to overcome sin, to become the person He designed you to be, and to accomplish the work He has called you to do." quoted by Charles Stanley (he has an online devotional that is awesome).
"To accomplish the work He has called you to do" (for Him, by Him). Did you know that Jesus did not speak from His own words, but those given by God (John 12:49 NKJ). He is just as we are, made of flesh. He endured pain, hunger, thirst. He accomplished miracles only through God and by God. He made Himself available to God as He went to the Mount of Olives to pray for strength to endure His time on earth. He was sent by God (John 7:28 NIV).
He will give to us every supernatural tool to us to use as we dwell here on earth. Sin. Temptation can be VERY POWERFUL!!! VERY OVER-POWERING. VERY ENTICING. Brought on only by the enemy, of which God allows him limited works- BUT, God can deliver us out of sin if we stand on His rock firmly, yearning to live according to His ways, and defeating the enemy by the means of the Armor of God (hmmm, the Armor of God- that needs more meditating) that we put on everyday.
A sermon that I heard made me understand that it is God that is doing the battle. He created us... so that He could be in control of the earth of which He created. I think that we are just a vessel in the mind of God to be able to show us how He can defeat the enemy in our own trials and tribulations.
Usually an inventor likes to be in control of everything. To claim glory for himself. Is God the same way? He is the inventor of the universe. He likes to be in control of what happens- don't you like to manage things like at work?
Living in the life of victory is attainable ONLY by succmbing to God's power. "The Lord wants you to have His power to overcome sin, to become the person He designed you to be, and to accomplish the work He has called you to do." quoted by Charles Stanley (he has an online devotional that is awesome).
"To accomplish the work He has called you to do" (for Him, by Him). Did you know that Jesus did not speak from His own words, but those given by God (John 12:49 NKJ). He is just as we are, made of flesh. He endured pain, hunger, thirst. He accomplished miracles only through God and by God. He made Himself available to God as He went to the Mount of Olives to pray for strength to endure His time on earth. He was sent by God (John 7:28 NIV).
He will give to us every supernatural tool to us to use as we dwell here on earth. Sin. Temptation can be VERY POWERFUL!!! VERY OVER-POWERING. VERY ENTICING. Brought on only by the enemy, of which God allows him limited works- BUT, God can deliver us out of sin if we stand on His rock firmly, yearning to live according to His ways, and defeating the enemy by the means of the Armor of God (hmmm, the Armor of God- that needs more meditating) that we put on everyday.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him
1 Corinthians 2:9-14 (New King James Version)
9 But as it is written:
“ Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
Love. What does it mean to love someone. Why do I love someone... TO SHOW love to someone. You have reverence towards them. You respect them. I look @ my parents and ask myself- why do I love them. They are my parents after all. I do my best to respect their household. I love them by listening to them. I love them by abiding by their rules. Hmmm, maybe I love them because I receive love from them as well. I love to be around them. I love to share things with them. I love them because they keep inviting me to family dinners- I am wanted.
In what ways CAN I not love them? Take control of the TV. Make a mess and not clean it up. Bossing them around. Demanding stuff.
It is our choice to tend to our own actions, backed up by what type of personality traits we chose to hold on to. Do we follow the rules in our everyday life? These rules are set forth by God to keep a somewhat dignified order here on earth.
But text says "...for those who love Him." How do I love God?
I acknowledge His presence. I listen to His rules. I respect Him as my creator, the giver of life. We are here only to be tested and learn what we have done wrong. To be corrected by our sins. To be put through testing, testing to see if we throw a tantrum by not liking what is going on in our lives. Testing to prove our love for Him by trusting Him in our trials. We are to SERVE HIM, not run rampant and lost!
My curiosity arose on the fact that God will only bless those whom He knows, and they are the ones the "love" Him.
"The things which God has prepared for those who love Him"
Do you love Him? Are you showing your love for Him? Do you have a desire to change your life and begin to love your Father?
9 But as it is written:
“ Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
Love. What does it mean to love someone. Why do I love someone... TO SHOW love to someone. You have reverence towards them. You respect them. I look @ my parents and ask myself- why do I love them. They are my parents after all. I do my best to respect their household. I love them by listening to them. I love them by abiding by their rules. Hmmm, maybe I love them because I receive love from them as well. I love to be around them. I love to share things with them. I love them because they keep inviting me to family dinners- I am wanted.
In what ways CAN I not love them? Take control of the TV. Make a mess and not clean it up. Bossing them around. Demanding stuff.
It is our choice to tend to our own actions, backed up by what type of personality traits we chose to hold on to. Do we follow the rules in our everyday life? These rules are set forth by God to keep a somewhat dignified order here on earth.
But text says "...for those who love Him." How do I love God?
I acknowledge His presence. I listen to His rules. I respect Him as my creator, the giver of life. We are here only to be tested and learn what we have done wrong. To be corrected by our sins. To be put through testing, testing to see if we throw a tantrum by not liking what is going on in our lives. Testing to prove our love for Him by trusting Him in our trials. We are to SERVE HIM, not run rampant and lost!
My curiosity arose on the fact that God will only bless those whom He knows, and they are the ones the "love" Him.
"The things which God has prepared for those who love Him"
Do you love Him? Are you showing your love for Him? Do you have a desire to change your life and begin to love your Father?
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Fellowshipping
We must cherish new believers and keep them close to us. Why? So that we can build them up, but as well as ourselves. To fellowship with one another. We need to help them to make the right choices.
We are to pick up our cross and follow Jesus upon giving our life to Him. We are not to go back to our old ways, or to follow our old friends. We are to follow Jesus, not our friends. We are to do things with Jesus, not with our earthly friends. We can witness to the old friends in righteousness. Witness means to go in the name of Jesus. To claim that you are a follower of Jesus, and that I can no longer partake in sinful activities.
We need to F.E.L.L.O.W.S.H.I.P. with others that can help us to remain in the word of God.
"Cherish the ones we looove" is a song that rings in my ears.
We must fellowship together in the name of Jesus. To come together and do activities that of which the Lord says is OK.
Lord, I pray that You would begin to reach out to them through me. That I would go with BOLDNESS to all the nations and bring them to You.
We are to pick up our cross and follow Jesus upon giving our life to Him. We are not to go back to our old ways, or to follow our old friends. We are to follow Jesus, not our friends. We are to do things with Jesus, not with our earthly friends. We can witness to the old friends in righteousness. Witness means to go in the name of Jesus. To claim that you are a follower of Jesus, and that I can no longer partake in sinful activities.
We need to F.E.L.L.O.W.S.H.I.P. with others that can help us to remain in the word of God.
"Cherish the ones we looove" is a song that rings in my ears.
We must fellowship together in the name of Jesus. To come together and do activities that of which the Lord says is OK.
Lord, I pray that You would begin to reach out to them through me. That I would go with BOLDNESS to all the nations and bring them to You.
Have I forgiven?
huh, I feel like I need to dump all that is on my mind. Lord, I surrender my mind, that it would be clear to take heed to you, for you have prepared my way... and this is the day of which you have made.
Let me be a good steward of my time.
Lord, what has happened to me in the past, I have given up at the cross. As I look to a potential confrontation with the one that has trespassed against me, I CAN walk amongst them with forgiveness.
To give it to the Lord, is to forgive. Do not cast down or judge them, for God will administer the consequences according to their deeds.
So, can I approach Koonuk with the genuine love that God has blessed me with? Can I present my testimony to him? Would I make myself available to the Lord to minister to him through me? The Lord will forgive anyone who asks, even the most despicable person on earth! The Lord wants him, so that means that I need to support the Lords will.
Lay down your pride and surrender it, because God says to be humble. We are to think His thoughts. To speak His thoughts. To act His thoughts.
I have died and no longer live, but it is He that is living in me. I have nothing to lose, but to gain all that He blesses.
Let me be a good steward of my time.
Lord, what has happened to me in the past, I have given up at the cross. As I look to a potential confrontation with the one that has trespassed against me, I CAN walk amongst them with forgiveness.
To give it to the Lord, is to forgive. Do not cast down or judge them, for God will administer the consequences according to their deeds.
So, can I approach Koonuk with the genuine love that God has blessed me with? Can I present my testimony to him? Would I make myself available to the Lord to minister to him through me? The Lord will forgive anyone who asks, even the most despicable person on earth! The Lord wants him, so that means that I need to support the Lords will.
Lay down your pride and surrender it, because God says to be humble. We are to think His thoughts. To speak His thoughts. To act His thoughts.
I have died and no longer live, but it is He that is living in me. I have nothing to lose, but to gain all that He blesses.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Makenna falling from cooler
Yesterday, I had a rough day as my thorn in my flesh was being gouged severely. I wanted to get away from everyone. I prayed about it, but it was still there. I knew it would pass, as I was on trial for something. So I waited it out, but I did not know what was going to happen. Makenna fell from the cooler to turn the light switch off and I blew up. Being repentive of my actions, I looked to the Lord intensely.
It is amazing how God will strike us down, to teach us. To dish out consequences!!! I was on trial by fire and was consumed by IT. IT- being me the person, of who I was- rather who I wasn't in Christ. The consequences come around the corner. The consequences is constructive, not a bad thing!!! God uses consequences as His tool to show us what will continue to happen if we do not conform to His teachings. He is trying to tell you something through it, and I hope you listen as I have.
I tethered my yoke upon my children, my laundry, my chores. I was shooting out bullets, now I should shoot out splats of His love. I rejected my children, being consumed in MY self perseverance, selfish. Worshipping Idols- my computer, my fantasy baseball... being content on doing NOTHING during the day, rather than being constructive. I was lazy in my complacency, but God put the joy in doing chores. The joy of the Lord is my strength. I will do laundry with joy, I will do dishes with joy, I will clean the house with joy. I have sacrificed the complacency that consumed my everyday life, being idle with my idols. But I have taken my tether off of my complacency and put it upon my children, family, chores... and will do it with joy.
I have been praying to be a good manager of my time, managing my children, laundry, chores... of which I had no joy in doing. I despised chores, living (rather NOT living) in joy, but in hatred.
Thank you God for showing me what I was made of and dealing with it, for without you, I would only be destructive.
hmmmm, todays devotional scripture reading is 2 COR 4: 5-10
5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Cast Down but Unconquered
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 8 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
It is amazing how God will strike us down, to teach us. To dish out consequences!!! I was on trial by fire and was consumed by IT. IT- being me the person, of who I was- rather who I wasn't in Christ. The consequences come around the corner. The consequences is constructive, not a bad thing!!! God uses consequences as His tool to show us what will continue to happen if we do not conform to His teachings. He is trying to tell you something through it, and I hope you listen as I have.
I tethered my yoke upon my children, my laundry, my chores. I was shooting out bullets, now I should shoot out splats of His love. I rejected my children, being consumed in MY self perseverance, selfish. Worshipping Idols- my computer, my fantasy baseball... being content on doing NOTHING during the day, rather than being constructive. I was lazy in my complacency, but God put the joy in doing chores. The joy of the Lord is my strength. I will do laundry with joy, I will do dishes with joy, I will clean the house with joy. I have sacrificed the complacency that consumed my everyday life, being idle with my idols. But I have taken my tether off of my complacency and put it upon my children, family, chores... and will do it with joy.
I have been praying to be a good manager of my time, managing my children, laundry, chores... of which I had no joy in doing. I despised chores, living (rather NOT living) in joy, but in hatred.
Thank you God for showing me what I was made of and dealing with it, for without you, I would only be destructive.
hmmmm, todays devotional scripture reading is 2 COR 4: 5-10
5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Cast Down but Unconquered
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 8 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Charles Stanley 6.2.09 - Psalm 42
Secure Hope
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READ | 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.
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READ | 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.
Psalm 42:5
5 Why are you cast down, O my soul?
And why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him
For the help of His countenance.
And why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him
For the help of His countenance.
No more pain, no more fears, no more tears.
I surrender ALL. I surrender all relationships. I surrender my activities. I surrender -my- ambitions. I surrender my right to life. I surrender it -all- for my Lord. I surrender my life, for it is wrong.
I have done everything on my own understanding.
I have dwelled in my depression... I now dwell in my Lord. He is greater than anything this world or my mind has to offer.
I could go waver and waste my life. I could revenge all that has been done wrong to me. I could go back to my old ways, or by example of others that don't have regard for the Lord.
My Lord has beat my down to nothingness. He has brought to my attention that I need nothing but His saving grace. I have nothing. Nothing is as relevant to me in my life than my Lord. Nothing is important on earth, for we will leave it behind some day.
No more pain, no more fears, no more tears. To those who don't understand, there will be none of that in Heaven.
Who knows what Jesus will do with me- nobody.
I have done everything on my own understanding.
I have dwelled in my depression... I now dwell in my Lord. He is greater than anything this world or my mind has to offer.
I could go waver and waste my life. I could revenge all that has been done wrong to me. I could go back to my old ways, or by example of others that don't have regard for the Lord.
My Lord has beat my down to nothingness. He has brought to my attention that I need nothing but His saving grace. I have nothing. Nothing is as relevant to me in my life than my Lord. Nothing is important on earth, for we will leave it behind some day.
No more pain, no more fears, no more tears. To those who don't understand, there will be none of that in Heaven.
Who knows what Jesus will do with me- nobody.
Ninety Percent Person
I don't need anything, anyone... but my Lord. I don't need sunshine, family, friends... but my Lord. I don't need love,, I need my Lord.
Thank you for my vertigo, for this is for my Father's glory. Thank you for my depression, for it is for my Father's glory.
I am alone, suffering as my Lord did. Rejected. Unappreciated. Uncared for......... alone. But I got my Lord.
I don't need to look for someone to help me in my circumstance, I just need my Lord.
He is my deliverer, He will bring victory in me. He is all I need right now.
I have messed up my life, I have dwelled on it. I have messed it up for my Lord. I am sorry for who I am, and it may take a while before I change, but only through the glory of my Lord.
Thank You for every thing in my life, for it is Your Will be done. Right now I am a 90 percent person... aren't we all? The rest is up to the Lord to finish.
Thank you for my vertigo, for this is for my Father's glory. Thank you for my depression, for it is for my Father's glory.
I am alone, suffering as my Lord did. Rejected. Unappreciated. Uncared for......... alone. But I got my Lord.
I don't need to look for someone to help me in my circumstance, I just need my Lord.
He is my deliverer, He will bring victory in me. He is all I need right now.
I have messed up my life, I have dwelled on it. I have messed it up for my Lord. I am sorry for who I am, and it may take a while before I change, but only through the glory of my Lord.
Thank You for every thing in my life, for it is Your Will be done. Right now I am a 90 percent person... aren't we all? The rest is up to the Lord to finish.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Bearing One Another’s Burdens
READ | Galatians 6:1-5
If you are looking for a way to carry out Christ’s command to love your neighbor, Paul has a suggestion: bear their burdens. At some point, everyone struggles under the weight of an oppressive situation. Believers have an obligation to get under that load next to their brothers and sisters.
Jesus sets the pattern for burden bearing. He calls to Himself all who are heavy-laden and gives them rest (Matt. 11:28-29). Since God predestines believers to be conformed to Christ’s likeness, we must imitate His care and concern for those who suffer. Acts 4:32 shows that the early church followed His example. To lift the load of poverty, they pooled their resources so that no one was in need.
Paul’s letters make clear his concern for the physical and spiritual welfare of growing churches. He fasted and prayed for them and sent missionaries when he could. He felt it was his responsibility to strengthen them, even though he sustained a personal hardship—his thorn in the flesh (2 Cor. 12:7).
A believer cannot wait until his life is clear of obstacles before reaching out to others, since that day may never come. Even though we have our own needs, we can do all things through Christ’s strength—including sharing someone else’s adversity (2 Cor. 12:9).
When you’re willing to wade into someone else’s troubles to help that person hold up under the weight, two things happen. First, he or she receives desperately needed blessings in the form of aid, support, and love. And second, you fulfill God’s command to love a neighbor as yourself.
If you are looking for a way to carry out Christ’s command to love your neighbor, Paul has a suggestion: bear their burdens. At some point, everyone struggles under the weight of an oppressive situation. Believers have an obligation to get under that load next to their brothers and sisters.
Jesus sets the pattern for burden bearing. He calls to Himself all who are heavy-laden and gives them rest (Matt. 11:28-29). Since God predestines believers to be conformed to Christ’s likeness, we must imitate His care and concern for those who suffer. Acts 4:32 shows that the early church followed His example. To lift the load of poverty, they pooled their resources so that no one was in need.
Paul’s letters make clear his concern for the physical and spiritual welfare of growing churches. He fasted and prayed for them and sent missionaries when he could. He felt it was his responsibility to strengthen them, even though he sustained a personal hardship—his thorn in the flesh (2 Cor. 12:7).
A believer cannot wait until his life is clear of obstacles before reaching out to others, since that day may never come. Even though we have our own needs, we can do all things through Christ’s strength—including sharing someone else’s adversity (2 Cor. 12:9).
When you’re willing to wade into someone else’s troubles to help that person hold up under the weight, two things happen. First, he or she receives desperately needed blessings in the form of aid, support, and love. And second, you fulfill God’s command to love a neighbor as yourself.
Thorn in the flesh
2 Corinthians 12:7 (New International Version)
7To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.
7To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.
The Abandoned Apostle
2 Timothy 4:9-18 (New King James Version)
The Abandoned Apostle
9 Be diligent to come to me quickly; 10 for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica—Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry. 12 And Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. 13 Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books, especially the parchments.
14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works. 15 You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words.
16 At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them.
The Lord Is Faithful
17 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!
READ | 2 Timothy 4:9-18
Paul was in prison when he wrote to Timothy. He was experiencing physical discomfort, personal attack, and desertion. Why would the Lord allow one of His most faithful servants to endure such suffering? Why didn’t He step in and protect him?
At times God doesn’t rescue us from hard situations because He’s providing something better. We may feel as if He’s abandoning us, but in reality, He is protecting us—not by deliverance but through strengthening.
When trouble and pain pay a visit, we must view the circumstance from God’s perspective and ask ourselves these questions:
•Which is a greater demonstration of the Lord’s power—changing something around me or changing something within my heart?
•Which is the greater faith builder—seeing God’s deliverance from every difficulty or experiencing His presence and strengthening in the midst of trials?
•Which reward is greater—immediate relief from discomfort or tested and refined faith that will result in praise and glory when Christ returns (1 Peter 1:7)?
•Which answer to prayer is greater—that God has removed something and given me external peace, or that He’s left me in a trial and given an internal peace that nothing can steal, not even my circumstances?
Does God have to fix something for you to be happy? If He removes the situation, you may never learn that He is sufficient for everything you need. Instead, let Him change you, and you’ll discover His joy in whatever circumstance comes your way.
The Abandoned Apostle
9 Be diligent to come to me quickly; 10 for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica—Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry. 12 And Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. 13 Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books, especially the parchments.
14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works. 15 You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words.
16 At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them.
The Lord Is Faithful
17 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!
READ | 2 Timothy 4:9-18
Paul was in prison when he wrote to Timothy. He was experiencing physical discomfort, personal attack, and desertion. Why would the Lord allow one of His most faithful servants to endure such suffering? Why didn’t He step in and protect him?
At times God doesn’t rescue us from hard situations because He’s providing something better. We may feel as if He’s abandoning us, but in reality, He is protecting us—not by deliverance but through strengthening.
When trouble and pain pay a visit, we must view the circumstance from God’s perspective and ask ourselves these questions:
•Which is a greater demonstration of the Lord’s power—changing something around me or changing something within my heart?
•Which is the greater faith builder—seeing God’s deliverance from every difficulty or experiencing His presence and strengthening in the midst of trials?
•Which reward is greater—immediate relief from discomfort or tested and refined faith that will result in praise and glory when Christ returns (1 Peter 1:7)?
•Which answer to prayer is greater—that God has removed something and given me external peace, or that He’s left me in a trial and given an internal peace that nothing can steal, not even my circumstances?
Does God have to fix something for you to be happy? If He removes the situation, you may never learn that He is sufficient for everything you need. Instead, let Him change you, and you’ll discover His joy in whatever circumstance comes your way.
Rejoicing, though distressed by various trials.
1 Peter 1:3-9 (New American Standard Bible)
3(A)Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who (B)according to His great mercy (C)has caused us to be born again to (D)a living hope through the (E)resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4to obtain an (F)inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and (G)will not fade away, (H)reserved in heaven for you,
5who are (I)protected by the power of God (J)through faith for (K)a salvation ready (L)to be revealed in the last time.
6(M)In this you greatly rejoice, even though now (N)for a little while, (O)if necessary, you have been distressed by (P)various trials,
7so that the (Q)proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, (R)even though tested by fire, (S)may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at (T)the revelation of Jesus Christ;
8and (U)though you have not seen Him, you (V)love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,
9obtaining as (W)the outcome of your faith the salvation of [a]your souls.
READ | 1 Peter 1:3-9
Hope can be defined as the desire for something good and the expectation of receiving it. Jesus Christ is the only genuine source of hope, because He alone knows what is best and has the sovereignty and power to secure its fulfillment. All other hopes are grounded on the shifting sands of circumstances beyond our control.
Each of us has expectations for the future, but these often pertain only to this earthly life. Christ promises us the “living hope” of an imperishable inheritance in heaven. Everyday desires will all fade away, but our home in heaven is eternal. This is our ultimate security and anchor when the storms of life are severe.
But how do we endure times of trial right now? Heaven can seem so far away when pain is present and there’s no relief in sight. Hope anticipates a change of circumstances for the better.
And what about times when our situation is not improving—then, what is God doing that is “better”? Peter tells us He is refining our faith, which will result in praise and glory when Jesus returns. This is more valuable to us than gold or even relief from our distress. What a paradox! The difficulties which cause us to lose hope are the tools the Lord uses to increase our faith and hope in Him.
Christ promises us hope not only for eternity, but also for this life. Those times that God does not deliver us from difficulty, we can be sure He is doing a greater work within us. When we finally reach our eternal home, we’ll recognize the immeasurable value of the faith He produced in us as we kept our hope in Him.
3(A)Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who (B)according to His great mercy (C)has caused us to be born again to (D)a living hope through the (E)resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4to obtain an (F)inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and (G)will not fade away, (H)reserved in heaven for you,
5who are (I)protected by the power of God (J)through faith for (K)a salvation ready (L)to be revealed in the last time.
6(M)In this you greatly rejoice, even though now (N)for a little while, (O)if necessary, you have been distressed by (P)various trials,
7so that the (Q)proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, (R)even though tested by fire, (S)may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at (T)the revelation of Jesus Christ;
8and (U)though you have not seen Him, you (V)love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,
9obtaining as (W)the outcome of your faith the salvation of [a]your souls.
READ | 1 Peter 1:3-9
Hope can be defined as the desire for something good and the expectation of receiving it. Jesus Christ is the only genuine source of hope, because He alone knows what is best and has the sovereignty and power to secure its fulfillment. All other hopes are grounded on the shifting sands of circumstances beyond our control.
Each of us has expectations for the future, but these often pertain only to this earthly life. Christ promises us the “living hope” of an imperishable inheritance in heaven. Everyday desires will all fade away, but our home in heaven is eternal. This is our ultimate security and anchor when the storms of life are severe.
But how do we endure times of trial right now? Heaven can seem so far away when pain is present and there’s no relief in sight. Hope anticipates a change of circumstances for the better.
And what about times when our situation is not improving—then, what is God doing that is “better”? Peter tells us He is refining our faith, which will result in praise and glory when Jesus returns. This is more valuable to us than gold or even relief from our distress. What a paradox! The difficulties which cause us to lose hope are the tools the Lord uses to increase our faith and hope in Him.
Christ promises us hope not only for eternity, but also for this life. Those times that God does not deliver us from difficulty, we can be sure He is doing a greater work within us. When we finally reach our eternal home, we’ll recognize the immeasurable value of the faith He produced in us as we kept our hope in Him.
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