BF2013: Isaiah on My Mind…

Yesterday Isaiah was on my mind. Words of hope, promise and love. Light bulb moments beaming with fresh realisations about God. Understanding Him more. Rationalising why the world is confused by Him.

God speaks with truth, consistency and love. He cherishes us. His purpose for us was made clear. He hasn’t digressed from that vision. That purpose, and His love, never changes (see Isaiah 44:8).

                HE WON’T CHANGE HIS MIND … EVER!

Relief floods my heart, and as I close my eyes I gain some steps forward in my journey with Jesus. Feeling His closeness and the peace that ensues is pure joy.

The world doesn’t understand God, and yesterday I realised that God’s proclamations of His power and greatness are misinterpreted.

He’s not saying those things because He’s bragging, or because He wants to intimidate us into following Him.

                HE IS SAYING THOSE THINGS BECAUSE HE LOVES US. TRULY.

He is declaring His love for us. Reassuring us that we can turn to Him and rely on Him without fail.

 

We need to be as bold as God. We need to proclaim that WE ARE SAVED. WE ARE LOVED. WE ARE VALUED. WE HAVE ETERNAL LIFE. Not to brag, but to share in love with others the joy that comes from knowing Jesus.

He is our living water. The only means of complete and thorough refreshment (see Isaiah 44:3-4).

He chose to give us His Spirit and blessing.

We are meant to THRIVE, and not just be.

Be bold.

Be brave.
Be courage.

Exude intrepidity.

Share His love. Share His purpose. Share His living water. Splash it out over all you meet. And remember that YOU are loved, cherished and made for His purpose.

What Connecting Means...

I’ve been going to my church – Citipointe – for almost four years. I have made some wonderful friends at church and I look forward to seeing them every week. It took me a while to get connected in the church, but I feel that God left me to find my feet with Him before connecting me with others. The purpose behind this, I believe, was so that I could live through my difficult time with Him and learn from Him so I could bless others, as I’m doing now. His ways are mysterious, but it’s only when looking back at how the last four years have panned out, I can see His mark all over my life!

I remember a pastor at church saying a few years back that “we are all exactly today where we are meant to be”. I’ve held onto that and it’s certainly helped me through some rough patches. In contemplating life as a single mother and knowing that I’ve made some bad choices; reminding myself that God has had my life under His control has made the journey bearable.

What does all this mean as far as connecting goes? Well, it means that almost five years down the track from separating from my daughter’s father and becoming a single mum, or solo parent as I prefer to be called, I am most definitely exactly where I am meant to be. I am now co-leading a women’s connect group at church, and I am also a referral point for new single mums at church.

Praise God for His planning! Two years ago I knew that God had something planned for me, and He told me what it was. Today I am doing it. I never had the confidence back then, but now I do. I didn’t think I’d be able to talk with women and provide encouragement, but now I do. It’s called connecting. And it’s what I know in my heart God planned for me to do...right from birth.

Some would say that living the life I have over the last twenty years seems a cruel way for someone to find their calling. But when you think about it, how else is someone going to better help others than to live through hard times? I made some poor choices, but in hindsight, those choices now serve a grander purpose, and that is sharing what God truly intended for my life, and for how God wants other women to live their lives.

God’s glory and magnificence shines through in my life in so many areas. From raising a child alone, to dealing with depression and anxiety, to providing for us; His hand is on all of it. I was told recently that even though I had not walked with God for the latter half of my life, I was never out of His grasp. This is true. Without Him keeping me at arm’s length, and even pulling me out of danger on occasion, I would not be the witness I am now.

So, connecting is an important aspect of my life now. From a self-professed hermit to a connector, I think God has done a good thing in me. I look for opportunities to help and bless people, and I love it!

My Joy and Purpose...

A New Season...

Today begins a new season for me. Not only am I on a "Mummy holiday" for the next week but I am also taking a Facebook holiday. In the last week or so I have removed myself from various areas in cyberspace, so Facebook is the next logical step. As I am connected with many friends and my family there, I don't want to delete myself permanently, so I am deactivating my account for a little while instead.

Psalm 119:37 tells me to "Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word." (NIV)

While my friends and family on Facebook are not worthless, the time I spend on it sometimes is. So, I am going back to His Word so I can utilise my time (His time!) better in the here and now. He tells us in many places in the Bible how to utilise our time.

1 Peter 1:13 reminds us to prepare ourselves for action and be self-controlled. Colossians 3:2 is an instruction to keep our mind on heavenly things, not earthly things.

The most important piece of wisdom comes from Proverbs 4:23 - "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." (NIV)

The enemy uses many diversions to get us away from God and His purpose for us. Facebook is one of these diversions. We all know what the others are, and I am guilty as charged at spending a few hours too many watching DVDs instead of spending my time with God. And it’s not only God who I need to be spending more time with; it’s other people also; my daughter, my sweetie, friends and family, and me. By me, I mean just having alone time by going for a walk, reading a book, sitting by the ocean admiring His wonders, and so on.

Our God loves us, and He wants us to utilise our time to the best of our ability. Our purpose is for Him. This new season will be the start of something good.

"Me Day" ... Um, No ... HIS DAY!

I enjoyed “Me Day” on Thursday just gone. I feel rather guilty referring to my day off as “Me Day” as it was more about Him than me, hence the title of this post. It was a chance to rest from the daily grind, renew my spirit and refresh my outlook. From the get-go, outside of a niggling day long headache, the day was wonderful!

Isaiah 32:17 spoke to me first – “The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.”

After a somewhat interesting month where I’ve had to deal with some turmoil, this verse spoke of the three things that I have been seeking – peace, quietness and confidence.

The second verse to speak to me was Psalm 19:1 – “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” This verse was accompanied by this quote from Gloria Gaither –

“This day let our actions and attitudes be in sync with all creation. May be articulate praise with the moments we are given today.”

I think I got the purpose of “Me Day” at that point.

God’s love needs to be displayed through me ... first and foremost in everything I think, say and do.

Onto the shopping centre I then ventured to a cafe to enjoy a coffee and read. My sights and thoughts along the way included the following, as written in my notebook once at the cafe:

“Old men sitting outside the supermarket chatting while their wives shopped ... a mum saying “see you later” to her tantrum throwing toddler at the main door.

A visit to the new stationery shop with young girls and boys looking at all the goodies, wanting to make the right purchase. Memories of my early teenage years flood back of me doing the same thing. Walking through to the cafe and seeing two young teenage girls sitting on some steps looking pretty, not returning my smile, looking at me with trepidation, me knowing full well that “image” is taking over their lives.

My thoughts move to being thankful for where I am at in life, despite the difficult times. I have God's love to share with others and I have to start doing that from today. THE MOMENT IS NOW.

Thoughts then go straight to my girlie. Love and smiles abound. I can do this. Even though we have bad times and she frustrates me no end (and vice versa!), I can do what God needs me to do; steward this child, this gift from God, into a life filled with richness.

I am not God’s purpose. He is using ME to show Himself to others.”

My cafe reading included continuing Liz Curtis Higgs’ book titled “Embrace Grace” and the chapters on embracing faith and truth. I then moved onto reading through the first chapter titled “Doing What’s Right” from Charles Swindoll’s book, “A Life Well Lived.” I then did some study questions from Micca Campbell’s “An Untroubled Heart” to finish off her amazing book.

All food for my soul and spirit on this day that I feel God used to strengthen me. He used the day to take me back to the basics of my walk with Him and to reassure me that through Him I can be all that He needs me to be, despite the fact that on the most part I feel I do a terrible job!

There are many, many verses that I read that spoke to me, but the following two stood out the most:

“We must obey God rather than man.” – Acts 5:29

“The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” – Psalm 118:6

A timely reminder about where my focus needs to be. Even when manking conspires against me, when life here on earth gets a bit tiresome and unfair, I have the assurance of God's protection and love over me.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the opportunity to draw closer to you; to gain strength and reassurance from only you. May my walk here on earth among mankind be fruitful and grace-filled. May I live simply under the shelter of your wings and may Your purpose for me be fulfilled. In Jesus’ Wonderful Name, Amen.

A New Year Dawns...

As a new year approaches here in the sweltering Brisbane heat, I sat and contemplated all things life, including the new found challenges brought about by a growing child. At the same time I enjoyed some surfing and found a post on Heart of the Matter Online about choosing 'A Verse for the Year' by Marybeth Whalen.

Marybeth writes that, "Every year I claim a verse for the year. This verse is usually something that has been a recurring theme in my life, or a verse that keeps popping up inexplicably. After prayer and consideration, I determine that this verse is mine for the year and claim it as my theme or promise for the next 365 days. I try to post it somewhere prominent, write it in my journal and meditate on it often. This verse is between me and God. It is His word for me, personally, based on what I am facing or dealing with in my life."

I find that this is a great idea, and a good way to explore a verse and apply it to one's life over an extended period of time. So, without further ado, my verse for the year is...

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." - Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

I have chosen this verse as I came across it after reading Marybeth's post today. It's been a verse that has cropped up on numerous occasions over the last month or so. Lately I haven't had a great time of life with, as mentioned above, the ups and downs of being the mother of a growing child, as well as issues at work. This verse reminds me that God is with me working His good in my life, and it is for His purpose. I will delve into this verse more as the year progresses and share what discoveries I find.

So, as the new year approaches, I will take this opportunity to wish all my friends here in blog land a happy, prosperous and safe new year.

Being Guided Through Life...

I sometimes feel a bit lost while traipsing through this amazing journey that I'm on. I flounder and I struggle with who I am supposed to be, what I am supposed to be doing, and why it - life - happens. But, thankfully I am blessed by an amazing Father who answers my questions of who, what and why.

While sitting here at my desktop computer that doesn't get used much now that I have my laptop (thank you for blessing me with that Lord!), I turned over to the latest offering on my God's Provision for Women perpetual devotional that sits next to it and I read this verse -

"He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way." - Psalm 25:9

And, in His amazing way of teaching, I have been reminded about my identity and purpose:

- Who I am supposed to be - guided by and humble in Him...
- What I am supposed to be doing - learning from and living for Him, and...
- Why life happens - glory for Him and His way!

It's all rather simple really, and has been put so clearly in the verse, but I will shake it up a bit now. He guides me, in whom He wants my ways to be humble and right, while He teaches me His way, which is humble and right and guided. Not my way, not the wrong way, and not the brash and proud way. HIS way...humble, right and guided.

On further study of the verse I realise that He is also telling me that for me to learn His way, which is right and humble, I must become humble in my ways. (Are you confused yet? And have I repeated myself? Probably on both counts!) To become humble though, I must quieten my ways, quieten my actions, and quieten my self. If I don't, He won't be able to get through all the noise and busyness and teach me what I need to know to live His way...humble, right and guided.

His Word is self-explanatory really, but only if we take the time to look at the words and extract His meaning from them and interpret His words for what they really are. Simple instructions on how to live life from our Father.

I've started a study of the book of Isaiah this week, and I've been blown away by the bluntness, and simplicity, of the first chapter. God, through Isaiah, tells how He is disappointed in His people, what they have become and why they have become like that. He also tells how they can return to Him, what they can become once again, and why they need to do it. Simple yet exact instructions of redemption from a Father who loves graciously and who offers His best and all with a wonderful twist…eternity.

Take a look at a verse today - a poignant one that has stood out to you - and see if you can extract God’s guiding, and most likely simple, message that He has in it for you. I’m glad I took a look at this verse the He provided me and gained a reminder of the who, what and why of me and my life.

Thank you Lord for showing me Your way, and for reminding me that the guidance and lessons I need to live life the right and humble way are right in front of me in Your Word; available 24/7 and given to me by your love. In Jesus Wonderful Name, Amen

Living Happily Ever After...

"Don't bother me. I'm living happily ever after."

I read the above on a Mikey's Funnies daily email that I receive. I had a chuckle because that's what we should be doing; living our happily ever after now! We, as Christians, know that we have a heavenly happily ever after to live, but what are we waiting for while we're here on earth? Retirement, a better standard of living, to not have the daily grind? What exactly? If we spend our lives waiting for something better then we will soon find that our life on earth is over!

God wants to use us right here and right now for His glory, so that we can get more of His children to go to heaven and live their own happily ever after there with Him. I am so very thankful for the life that I have lived. Yes, there have been tough times, and times that I would much rather forget, but THANK YOU Lord for sticking by me and getting me to where I am today.

Rick Warren has it exactly right in his book, Purpose Driven Life, which helps us examine and determine exactly why we are here. God has a purpose for all of us, but we must forget self and learn what He wants us to do. He wants us to be happy NOW, He wants us to enjoy life NOW, He wants us to serve our purpose for Him NOW! Not in the "happily ever after" time that fairy tales tell us will happen when we meet 'Mister Right', or get that pay rise, or buy that brand spanking new house. It's NOW!

Rick Warren writes that "One of the wisest men in history, King Solomon, who ruled the nation of Israel after his father, David, was confused about his purpose in life. He once wrote, “I, the Teacher, was king of Israel and I lived in Jerusalem. I devoted myself to search for understanding and to explore by wisdom everything being done in the world. I soon discovered that God has dealt a tragic existence to the human race. Everything under the sun is meaningless, like chasing the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:12-15 NLT)." We must not be confused, we must not waste time chasing the wind and we must not think that something or someone will get us to 'happily ever after'. Only God can do that. Jesus is our Prince Charming and God is our King. We must never forget that and focus on something or someone else.

God has plans for us; His eternal plan (Ephesians 1:3-14). We must seek God out through His word and pray and meditate on it so that our purpose - how we can live 'happily ever after' - can be acted out now. If you haven't already read Rick Warren's book, I suggest that you do. I have and plan to make it a yearly read. All it takes is 40 days. Until then I plan to run through the End of Chapter Questions and Answers periodically to make sure that I am living my happily ever after correctly for God.

Paul speaks of the depth of God's love for us in Romans 8:31-39. How could He not love us when He sent His only son to die for us?

"31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written:

"For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Are you living your 'happily ever after' now for God, or are you living it for something or someone else? Do you know what your purpose is...for God? Ask Him to show you. Ask for His guidance so you can be all that God planned for you to be...for Him.

Dear Lord, thank you that you love us enough to send your only Son to die for our sins. I pray that I will seek out your purpose for me every day and in every single thing that I do. Thank you for showing me that a fairy tale mentality will not get me the true happiness that only you can provide. In Your Heavenly Name, Amen.

God Can Use Anyone...

Paul is a classic example of God being able to use anyone for his purpose and glory. When you think of how Paul (then named Saul) persecuted Christians and also sat back and watched as Stephen was stoned to death, it’s amazing how God is able to touch a heart and transform it. What is even more special about Paul’s conversion was the fact that Jesus spoke to him on the road to Damascus. It wasn’t God speaking and commanding Paul, it was Jesus himself whom Paul was persecuting directly.

“Who are you, Lord? “ Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting, he replied.” (Acts 9:5)

As I sit here and ponder Paul’s conversion, I wonder about how he then felt about his past and all the horrible things that he did. Did he feel guilty? Did he struggle to rid himself of his shame? Or was he transformed instantly, washed clean and thus able to do God’s work unhindered?

I believe it was the latter. I believe that hearing our Saviour’s voice and being blinded cleansed him and gave him the confidence and comfort he needed to just get on with God’s work. We, as humans, can learn a valuable lesson from this. I know that I certainly can.

Paul knew that God had forgiven him of all his sins, so he was able to leave the past behind and move forward. He knew his purpose, which was to serve God and spread the Word. I need to take this knowledge and apply it to myself. I need to really feel it; to care enough about myself, as God does, to realise that I have been forgiven and can move forward.

God is amazing. His grace is awe-inspiring; how He can love us for who we are with our faults and all. It’s incredible that He touches hearts like He does. Every Sunday in church as the pastor prays for those who have heard God’s voice during the meeting to raise their hand, I pray for them too. I pray that their hearts will be opened and they will give themselves over to our wonderful God who loves and cherishes and cares for them. And who will transform their lives so that they will not feel needful, wanting, lacking, insecure, or insignificant ever again because they will have God, who is all they need.

God has a purpose for all His children, thus why He can use anyone for His glory. I am grateful that I have made it through the hard yards of life; the years of walking on the wrong path and making the wrong choices. I am thankful that even during these times I knew God was with me, even though I was acting like an ungrateful child and not wanting to take on board His guidance. I now know my purpose, and it’s to share His love for me, His grace, His favour, His mercy, His kindness, and so much more, with all those around me.

"...Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and...the Lord had spoken to him, and…he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus…speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.” (Acts 9:27, 28).

God saved Paul and God saved me, and God used Paul for His glory and will use me for His glory. God has proven on many occasions that He can save and use anyone.

(See Acts 9:1-31 for Saul’s Conversion and Saul in Damascus and Jerusalem.)