Jesus

Kiss the Son ~ Psalm 2

9:00 AM


Today's Reading: Psalm 2 & Hebrews 1:5
 
Welcome to our first week of our journey to becoming a woman after God's own heart!! I am so excited to get started!!! And I cannot think of a better place to begin than with verses 10-12 in Psalms 2,
 “Now therefore, be wise, O kings; be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him” (Psalm 2:10-12). 

In this second psalm, David presents two “ways” similar to Psalm 1—the way of human rebellion versus the way of submission to God. 

(Have you ever wondered why The Lord chose to begin the Book of Psalms this way?)

Pictured here in verses 10-12, is a kiss of reverence and submission. Not a kiss of betrayal like Judas (Luke 22:47-48), but a gesture of devotion, surrender in recognizing our helplessness and complete dependence on our Lord.

Far too many today imagine that they can reject the will of God and ignore the Lord’s grace and mercy He offers us because of the sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf. Although they may choose to rebel against Him, the psalm makes it clear that all resistance to the One who “sits in heaven” is foolishness.

So, how about you? Which "way" have you chosen? Have you kissed the Son?

Surrender is actually a battle term. It implies giving up all rights to the conqueror. I believe it is summed up best in Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

"There are different levels of surrender, all of which affect our relationship with God. Initial surrender to the drawing of the Holy Spirit leads to salvation ( Acts 2:21). When we let go of our own attempts to earn God’s favor and rely upon the finished work of Jesus Christ on our behalf, we become a child of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). But there are times of greater surrender during a Christian’s life that bring deeper intimacy with God and greater power in service. The more areas of our lives we surrender to Him, the more room there is for the filling of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we exhibit traits of His character (Galatians 5:22). The more we surrender to God, the more our old self-worshiping nature is replaced with one that resembles Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)."*

I truly desire to be wholly surrendered to the King of kings and Lord of lords, and wholeheartedly "kiss the Son". How about you?

Pause and Reflect:

_Have you surrendered to the lordship of Christ?

_What do you believe this looks like in your life?

Let's pray: 

Heavenly Father, every day we see people waring against You; plotting against Your Son and Your people. But You, O Lord, are enthroned in the heavens. You laugh at the rebellion of the nations, for You will judge them all one day. 
     You have established Jesus as Your Son and You have given Him the nations as His inheritance, the ends of the earth for His eternal possession. He is King of kings and Lord of lords. Thank You, Father that you have revealed Your truths to each of us!
     Father, we pray that Your Gospel will spread throughout this world through Your church and bringing many to repentance. Give us a holy confidence in our King who reigns forever, and a boldness the world cannot intimidate away. Bring many to repentance and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ; may they kiss the Son and be saved from perishing. Thank You that we have found refuge in Jesus. May others find refuge in Him, as well! In Jesus' precious name. Amen.

Blessings,





1 Samuel

God Sees Each Heart

9:19 AM


 I believe the words in 1 Samuel were written for people like me- those who feel they may never measure up to their own expectations, let alone others'! And there were others like David that I found  in the Bible that God chose to use! Those like, 

  • Moses, murdered an Egyptian and ran away, but God used him mightily to bring His people out of Egypt!
  • Jacob was a deceiver, but God created the nation Israel through him. 
  • Rahab was a prostitute, but God used her to help bring His people into Canaan.
  • David was just a boy, but God chose him to be King over Israel.
In fact, when you truly begin to examine each of the lives mentioned in God's Word, I don't believe you'll find one perfect person except Jesus, but God choses to use us misfit, imperfect people anyway. I'll never understand why He does, for He truly doesn't need us to accomplish anything, but 1 Samuel 16:7 gives us a clear indication as to who He chooses to use to accomplish His work, 
...“Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God does not see as man sees, since man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

It's truly comes down to our heart. Does our heart beat for Him? Is it willing to surrender and yield itself to Jesus, or is it still demanding its own way? 

What can God do with a surrendered heart? Everything! 

 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us," (Ephesians 3:20 emphasis mine)

God can do more through you than you can even dream up! Imagine that! 

 What can we do on our own? Nothing!

 "Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:4-5 emphasis mine)

Nothing of any eternal value, anyway. Why is it we think we need to be good enough, wealthy enough, smart enough... when God says all I need is your heart surrendered to Me? 

This makes me think of a story I once heard of a wealthy, but fugal widow who one day decided to be one of the first homes in the area to install electricity. Several weeks after the installation, a meter reader appeared at her door. He asked if her electricity was working well, and she assured him it was. 
“I’m wondering if you can explain something to me then,” he said. “Your meter shows scarcely any usage. Are you using your power?”

“Certainly,” she answered. “Each evening when the sun sets, I turn on my lights just long enough to light my candles; then turn them off.”

Her home was connected to this amazing power, but she failed to utilize it. I liken this to those who have accepted Jesus for their final destination (salvation), but have never trusted Him with their destiny. The power is there, but they're still getting by on our own strengths. 

Imagine what might happen if we not only tapped into His power, but left it on! 

It's almost as easy as flicking the switch. Just a matter of surrendering and inviting Him to come in and take charge, sitting back and watching Him go to work. That's really it! We humans like to complicate things and make them out to be more difficult than they really are, when The Lord has made it very simple really. 

Is there something He has been calling you to do? Something you would love to do, only you haven't quite figured out how? Or, just maybe He wants to do in you something you haven't even thought of yet!!! Just imagine! 

Are you willing to invite Him to take over? 

I truly cannot wait to see all He will do through you!

Blessings, 

Sue



Challenge for 2022

Can Jesus be Just Savor and Not Lord of Your Life?

9:00 AM


Long ago when I first began to lead women's Bible studies, I thought it would be a great idea to start off each lesson with an question to be discussed. I thought, at the time, that this would be a great way to generate conversation and pull the women into what I would be teaching on that day. I only did this once, for the very first time I threw out a question the discussion quickly became so heated that I honestly feared World War III was about to break out in the room!

The question was, must Jesus be both Savior and Lord of your life, or can He be just Savior?

I've thought about this question a LOT over the years since that fateful day and I'm going to give you my answer over the next few post through May as we focus on surrender, but first I think it would be good to define the word, surrender.  

 This world Beloved, is a battleground and the moment you come to Jesus you're immediately set on the field of battle. Since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3), the world God created has been in conflict with Him according to Romans 8:20-22. 

Surrender is a battle term that implies giving up all rights to our conqueror, and in truth, each and every moment of each day we surrender to either God or Satan, for Jesus has told us that we can not possibly serve two masters (Matthew 6:24).

When in a battle and one surrenders, they lay down their arms to the winner, and the winner then takes control. Surrendering to God works the same way. God has a plan for our lives, and surrendering to Him means we set aside our own plans and yield to His plans. 

The good news is that God’s plan for us is always in our best interest (Jeremiah 29:11), unlike our own plans that often lead to destruction (Proverbs 14:12). Our Lord has conquered us to bless us with an abundant life (John 10:10). 

It would be so very nice if we could surrender once and for all and enjoy ALL of this abundant life Jesus planned for us, wouldn't it? BUT, you and I know it doesn't work that way unfortunately, for within in each of us is what the Bible often refers to as the flesh, which is forever at war with God's Spirit (Galatians 5:17)

I believe Paul summed it up best in Romans 7:15-25,  I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do... As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me... For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.  For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing... [But] thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Only with God's help. We cannot possibly live and do all we hope to in the flesh and the good news is we were never expected to! Jesus is our resin Savor! Risen to live out His life through us! He will accomplish it all as along as we are willing and surrendered! 

How does it work? What does a surrendered life look like as opposed to being in charge? That's what we'll be exploring all this month! But for today, I'll leave you with this: 

My goal (and I pray yours as well this month, and actually always) can be summed up in Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." 

This life of surrender is pleasing to God resulting in not only the abundant life today, but will reap ultimate rewards in heaven (Luke 6:22-23).

Please join me and our writers on WITW this month as we focus on surrendering all to the One who has paid the ultimate price for us and offers us an abundant life both now and for all eternity! 

Blessings, 

Sue

Kinsman Redeemer

Ruth - Finding Refuge Under The Wings of God

11:00 AM

 


Ruth shows us that following God in perfectly surrendered faith is the path of truest joy, peace, and eternal life. She forsake all she knew to follow the unknown, leading her to God; the loving, mighty, Redeemer of her life. And under the refuge of His wings, Ruth found protection, provision, and unequaled blessings! 

Ruth - Finding Refuge Under The Wings of God

The famine had taken many lives, and was growing more severe. And with the death of her husband, things for Ruth were going from bad to worse. All of the men in the family had passed, including her own husband, leaving only Ruth, her mother-in-law Naomi, and her sister-in-law, Orpah.


There was no way the three women could make it alone. And so Naomi said to her daughter-in-law’s, “Go, return each of you to her mother’s house.” For as heartbroken as she was to send them away, Naomi knew there was no future for them if they stayed. And so with much weeping and sorrow, begrudgingly, Orpah left. But when it came time for Ruth to go, she couldn’t. Overcome by emotion, she ran to Naomi. Falling on her knees, Ruth clung tightly to Naomi’s waist, and refused to let go. Looking up at her mother-in-law, Ruth pledged, “Where you go, I will go. Where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God, my God.” Naomi could feel the determination in Ruth’s words, and the pure love reflected in her eyes. And so she let Ruth stay.


Remaining in Moab wasn’t an option, for surely they would starve. But Naomi, who was from Bethlehem, had heard news that the Lord had remembered His people and blessed them with grain. So the two woman made preparations to go back, packing provisions and a few personal items. Ruth wasn’t sure where this journey would lead, but she trusted her mother-in-law. For Naomi was a woman who suffered great loss. Yet her faith in her God was still strong. A woman who so trusted in His provision, she was willing, in complete surrender, to travel over 60 miles to seek refuge under His wings. And even though Ruth did not know this God of Israel, out of her love for Naomi, she too would surrender.


The two arrived at Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest. Hungry and without money, Naomi sent Ruth to a field belonging to a relative named Boaz. There, she faithfully followed behind the reapers, carefully collecting the stalks they left behind. For every bit she got would be baked into bread. It wasn’t much, but at least it meant their stomachs wouldn’t go empty. And it was there in that field where she met Boaz. 


Not recognizing her, Boaz had asked about Ruth, and to whom she was with. And upon hearing her story, learning of her sacrifice, virtue, and loyalty to Naomi, he couldn’t help but be awed. Boaz encouraged Ruth to stay in his field, making provisions for her care and welfare. And after two months of work in the harvest fields, Naomi encouraged Ruth to seek Boaz as her “kinsman redeemer.” (A male relative who, according to various laws of the Pentateuch, had the privilege or responsibility to act on behalf of a relative who was in trouble, danger, or need.)


Through Naomi’s instruction, Ruth’s obedience, and a series of divinely appointed circumstances, joyfully, Boaz and Ruth got married. And together they had a son, Obed, who was the grandfather of David, the forefather of Jesus.


The story of Ruth is one of surrender, devotion, faith, and deliverance. She chose to follow her mother-in-law Naomi, and in doing so chose to follow the Lord God. And the overwhelming compassion, grace, love, and redemption she found in Him, is there waiting for us. For He is our kinsman Redeemer, joyfully eager to provide us with His great protection, provision, and blessings. And under His mighty wings will we find a perfect refuge of His never ending tender care. 


1 John 3:1

All Your Works Will Praise You - Psalm 145

9:30 PM


Please read: Psalm 145

This Psalm was a very special Psalm to King David and I am sure that it is also the favorite of many of us who have received His unmerited Grace and Favor!  It is such a privilege to offer it to God, as our own Psalm of Praise and Thanksgiving!!   

“I will exalt You, my God, O King, And [with gratitude and submissive wonder] I will bless Your name forever and ever.” (vs. 1)

As I meditate on the first day I surrendered my life to Jesus (35 years ago), I am in awe of ALL the love and care He has poured over my life, and the lives of my loved ones! He took me by the hand and through His Holy Spirit changed and transformed that lost self-sufficient young woman into a child of God (1 John 3:1)!  


  “8 The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and abounding in loving kindness. 9 The Lord is good to all, And His tender mercies are over all His works [the entirety of things created]. ” (Vs. 8-9)
“It may be truly said of our Lord Jesus Christ, that his words are words of goodness and grace; his works are works of goodness and grace. He is full of compassion; hence he came into the world to save sinners. When on earth, he showed his compassion both to the bodies and souls of men, by healing the one, and making wise the other. He is of great mercy, a merciful High Priest, through whom God is merciful to sinners. “(M. Henry)

Have these 35 years of walking the Christian walk, been easy? No, they haven’t. But, I can testify that He has always been with me through His transforming Work... just as He promised in His Word. (Hebrews 13:5, John 16:33)

So join me as we meditate in our hearts how blessed we are to be part of His Family!

“10 All Your works shall give thanks to You and praise You, O Lord, And Your godly ones will bless You.11 They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom And talk of Your power, 12 To make known to the sons of men Your mighty acts And the glorious majesty of Your kingdom.” (Vs. 10-12)

Nothing can separate us from His love: through the good times and through the storms… even when our faith may fail; He will remain Faithful (Ro. 8:38-39)


“14 The Lord upholds all those [of His own] who fall, And raises up all those who are bowed down.”
His eyes are fixed on the broken-hearted, on those who are carrying a heavy load of sin; of bitterness; of sadness; of health issues… whatever it may be, for He is Able and Willing to lift it up from you: Just come and surrender it all to Him! (Matt. 11:28-30)

“And with respect to all that are heavy laden under the burden of sin, if they come to Christ by faith, he will ease them, he will raise them. He is very ready to hear and answer the prayers of his people. He is present everywhere; but in a special way he is nigh to them, as he is not to others. He is in their hearts, and dwells there by faith, and they dwell in him. He is nigh to those that call upon him, to help them in all times of need. He will be nigh to them, that they may have what they ask, and find what they seek, if they call upon him in truth and sincerity. And having taught men to love his name and holy ways, he will save them from the destruction of the wicked. May we then love his name, and walk in his ways, while we desire that all flesh should bless his holy name for ever and ever.” (M. Henry)

Yes, we should witness to those who are still astray and continually pray for them until that day, when we will all be in His Glorious Presence!  Till then, let us declare with gratefulness that He is Worthy of ALL our Love and Praise:

“My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever!!” (Vs. 21- Emphasis mine)

Blessings,

Mari



Awe & Wonder

The Key to Wonder {Luke 2}

12:00 PM


Scripture Reading: Luke 2

Often when I read Luke 2, I wonder how different the story would have been had Mary taken matters into her own hands rather than surrendering her life to God. How about you? Do you often find yourself running ahead of God, or content to watch and wait for Him to work?

I’ve recently discovered what I believe is the key to experiencing the awe and wonder that Mary experienced multiple times in this chapter.


Have you ever longed to be like Mary, in that you, “treasure all these things, pondering on them in [your] heart”? I do! I want to let God lead me in all that I do with my family; children and grandchildren—and in all areas of my life.

We’re not only preparing to start a new year, but a new decade and I’d like this one to be different from all the rest!

Mary, I believe,  holds the key to a life filled with awe and wonder, but it’s actually found in Luke 1:38, when Mary says, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word…” Did you catch that? Mary wholly surrendered her life to the will of God in spite of any and all plans, hopes and dreams she may have had as a young teenage girl betrothed to Joseph. She was “all in”!

Recently I was sent on a mission back to my home state which meant I needed to fly and stay up there for a few days at least. There were flights and hotels to book, travel plans to be made and connections to make, yet through it all I never worried, and it all fell into place; including the day I was to leave!

My flight was very early in the morning, and that morning a violent storm was on it’s way into the area. The airport was super busy and the airline companies were trying to get as many flights out before the storm hit! The flight I took flew out just moments before a tornado hit the area. We flew straight north, so consequently, I ended up having to fly through the storm once more on my second flight heading east! Both flights experienced a great deal of turbulence; so much so, that even the flight attendants remained buckled in for the entire time. I honestly hadn’t learned of the damage done to the area until I was safely where I needed to be, yet I never once worried about the safety of all the passengers. 

This was actually indicative of my whole trip, for everything seemed to be taken care of immediately. I was ushered to the best tables at restaurants, received free coffee simply because I was inquiring about it. Even the heat turned on in the hotel room the moment I shared it seemed to be getting chilly.

My friend who was with me and I both burst out in laughter at that moment and my girlfriend remarked, “Of course this only happens to you.”  

I don’t believe that for a moment, but I do believe when we choose to live a wholly surrendered life to God, we know WHO is large and in charge, and Who carefully watches over each and every detail. There’s no reason to worry, to panic, or try to take matters into our own hands. When we walk with Him, wholly surrendered we get to sit back, sort of speak, and watch Him work, and treasure all He does in our hearts.

It’s the way I’d like to spend not only the next year or decade, but the rest of my days until He calls me home.

Blessings,
sue


2 Corinthians 5:17

-In Loving Surrender- Luke 20:20-25

9:31 PM

Today’s  Scripture: - Luke 20:20-25
What does it mean to surrender your life to Jesus? This is what many people have asked me when they want to know about my faith. When I tell them that when I became aware of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross -taking my place- for the forgiveness of my sins, this brought conviction of my sins; that my heart was broken and convicted, and how I actually felt a veil was removed from my eyes…there was nothing I ever wanted more, then to give my entire self to Him! I knew I was not able to continue living the same way anymore:

“I have been crucified with Christ [that is, in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith [by adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting] in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” (Galatians 2:20 AMP)

For me to know I was loved in such a way, gave me a hunger and thirst for God and His Word. I knew I could not waste more time of my life, living the same way I had been living:  to others and to please myself!  (2 Corinthians 5:17)

As we read in today’s passage, we see how God’s people were under Roman domination -just like I was dominated by the world, away from God- and they had to render to Cesar whose image was stamped on the coin. For those of us who have accepted Jesus as our Savior, we have become free from the dominion of sin (Galatians 5:1), so we should intentionally and out of love, give ourselves to God because now His image is stamped on us! Isn’t that awesome?

“ In Him, you also, when you heard the word of truth, the good news of your salvation, and [as a result] believed in Him, were stamped with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit [the One promised by Christ] as owned and protected [by God]. “ (Ephesians 1:13 AMP)

As we continue in our Christian life, we encounter many difficulties and struggles and some of these are within ourselves. There are areas of our lives that need to be surrendered to God, and that only through His help, His strength and wisdom we will be able to come through in victory! (Heb. 4:15-16)

“We soon find it all but impossible to live the Christian life, with our own strength and goodness. It is through God’s strength that we know courage, and through his power that we know goodness. When we realize this, surrender becomes our priority. In seeking to unite our will with God’s more fully, we don’t want a fixed blissful union with him, one that is filled with passivity. Surrendering to him means growth and progress. It is the freedom of moving forward with and through him, so that each of our relationships and all of our work, worship, suffering, and play reflect what he wants of us” (Judith C. Lechman) 

This is my prayer for all of us here at Women in the Word.
Mari



1 Peter 2

The Surrendered Life (1 Peter 2)

12:30 PM






















Reading for today:  1 Peter 2

The Christian life is a life of surrender. Simply put, God asks us to come to Him willingly and then allow Him to use our surrendered lives for a higher purpose. Each life is important, a building block that He uniquely places for overall value and purpose. The foundational cornerstone that our lives rest on and take strength from is Jesus. “As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (v4-5).

We are not a single, inconsequential, mere human but part of a bigger whole with great purpose.
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (v9)
What an honor to be part of a holy kingdom, but we have to remember that this kingdom is not of this world and that means that a surrendered life is not always easy. We are called “sojourners” and “exiles” (v11). The world will often reject us, not understand us, and perhaps even persecute us. But, God asks us to represent Him.

I remember at my place of employment being trained regarding customer service and being asked to be mindful that when on duty, I represented that employer. The expectation was that no matter how I felt that day, or what might be going on in my personal life, that ultimately I would focus on providing excellent customer service, with a smile and an attitude of professionalism. I am certainly mindful of that but even more importantly, I am mindful that I represent Christ. Many of my patients are grateful, kind, and a joy to serve. But, many of my patients are also challenging to care for because they are not appreciative, and can be agitated, combative or just spiteful and rude. 

It can be hard not to take the difficult or unfair behaviors of others personally.  But, that is how we represent Christ.  “For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps” (v20-21).  
How did Christ respond to the unjust treatment of others? “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly” (v23). Christ surrendered his all in obedience to God, trusting that God was ultimately in control, and trusting that God would judge in His way and in His time. He kept his focus on a heavenly kingdom and he represented the love of God to a sinful world.  

Do you believe that your life choices matter, including your responses to what seems just and unjust? Do you trust that God is in control and the One who judges justly? Do you want to represent Christ well to a world desperately in need of Him? 

“All to Jesus I surrender
All to Him I freely give
I will ever love and trust Him
In His presence daily live
All to Jesus I surrender
Humbly at His feet I bow
Worldly pleasures all forsaken
Take me Jesus take me now”


1 Kings

The Power Found in a Whisper {1 Kings 19}

12:00 PM

Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 

 Have you ever gone from the greatest "mountain top" experience to the deepest valley over night? It seems like that is exactly what happens at times; one moment you're rejoicing and in absolute awe and the next day it as though you've had the carpet pulled out from under you! 

Elijah knows all about that! We find Elijah coming from being part of the most amazing displays of God power in 1 Kings 18, to running from the Jezebel's threats and wanting to die! Can you imagine? Have you ever felt like Elijah? Have you ever wondered why?
It’s clear from Elijah's conversation with God that he thinks God has abandoned him in spite of his efforts for carrying out God’s plans and all the miracles he has performed through God's power.
Have you ever worked so hard, and still not seen the results you expected to see? Ever felt like giving up and in? "No one care, no one is interested...why bother?"
I think Elijah’s response to God’s question, “What are you doing here?” indicates his disappointment that all his efforts on Mt. Carmel didn’t produce the results he thought would come about. Elijah had hoped that revival would break out among the Israelites; that they would repent and turn back to God.
BUT nothing changed among the Israelites despite all God had done through Elijah!

 God then gives some amazing demonstrations of His power over nature: a powerful wind, an earthquake, and a fire. Wind, fire, and earthquakes were all recognized as signs of divine revelation, so it makes sense that God chose to reveal Himself in connection with those things. 

But God shows here that he is not in the wind, or the fire, or the earthquake itself. Instead, God speaks to Elijah in a gentle whisper.  And Elijah covers his face, knowing he is in the presence of Almighty God.

What was God's message to Elijah through this powerful demonstration? 

It honestly didn't take me very long to figure it out, for I've experienced those same disappointments at times. Please don't misunderstand, I'm not in the same league as Elijah, but I think all of us who serve God hope that our efforts will produce certain results and when those results don't happen...

It seems that God wanted to teach Elijah, and all of us who serve, pray, and minister in God’s name an important lesson.  Sometimes God Whispers…

In this tender way God demonstrated that He reigns! The God who speaks gently with a whisper is the same God who can tear mountains apart and break down evil. So when He asks Elijah again, “What are you doing here?” He is conveying His plans to continue to bring His kingdom into this world, and use Elijah and others to do it! 

Our God reigns over the wind, fire, earthquakes and in the gentle whispers! His plans will prevail, and yes, He calls us to work with Him. His desire is for us to be willing, surrendered and ready to leave the results to Him. 

Blessings,

sue







Commit your ways to the Lord

Surrender {Psalm 37}

2:03 PM


Scripture reading for Tuesday, October 29, 2019  Psalm 37



Back in July I began writing this post.  You see, I want to walk the walk I talk about.  Surrender is something that is constantly on my heart and mind.

Our first example of someone who surrenders all is Jesus.  He left His heavenly kingdom for 33 years to come here to teach us how to live a surrendered and obedient life.


 Image result for Psalm 37:5

I do not understand what I do

for what I want to do I do not do,

but what I hate to do.  Romans 7:15


This scripture verse seems to be exactly what of my lack of surrender looks like.  We all strive to read scripture and we become what we know.  But it’s a posture we have to maintain, and I hate to admit it, I seem to fall out of that posture especially in my relationships with others lately.
  
I have to learn to surrender these relationships to the Lord.  I can’t help but attempt to surrender them, but find myself trying again to make them work the way I think they should.  And I end up having hurt feelings.

I have spent a few months exploring surrender and obedience, because I believe they go hand-in-hand.  If I surrender something to God, I have to leave it in His hands.  There’s no take backs!

My bible has more dates and issues written in it next to this Psalm.  It’s been a go-to Psalm when I am struggling with letting go.  But it gives me so much reassurance when I come here because just look at what we receive when we surrender:

He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. (6)

But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity. (11)

The blameless spend their days under the LORD’s care, and their inheritance will endure forever. (18)

…those the LORD blesses will inherit the land, but those He curses will be destroyed. (22)

The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with His hand.  (23-24)

I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.  They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be a blessing. (25-26)

Turn from evil and do good, then you will dwell in the land forever.  For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake His faithful ones.  (27-28)

The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever. (29)

The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just.  The law of their God is in their hearts, their feet do not slip.  (30-31)

Hope in the LORD and keep His way.  He will exalt you to inherit the land when the wicked are destroyed, you will see it.  (34)

Consider the blameless, observe the upright, a future awaits those who seek peace.  (37)

The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; He is their stronghold in time of trouble.  The LORD helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in Him.  (39-40)


This last verse has become my focus on the surrender of these relationships that have been difficult to let go of – God is my refuge.  He is the umbrella that protects me from my own feelings of being hurt.  He is the umbrella that protects me from my own pride when I think they should go my way.  And He will not let me fall!

Image result for Psalm 37:23-24