The Fifth Set of Seven Words


crucible
The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart.
Proverbs 17:3
The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise he receives.
Proverbs 27:21

test
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Psalm 139:23
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test.
2 Corinthians 13:5-6

know
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
Psalm 46:10
We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.
John 6:69

refine
Therefore this is what the LORD Almighty says: "See, I will refine and test them, for what else can I do because of the sin of my people?
Jeremiah 9:7
This third I will bring into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, 'They are my people,' and they will say, 'The LORD is our God.'
Zechariah 13:9
He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness
Malachi 3:3

assured
Be assured that my words are not false; one perfect in knowledge is with you.
Job 36:4
Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 3:13
let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:22-23

lose
Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
Matthew 10:42
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.
Matthew 16:25

preserve
Your compassion is great, O LORD; preserve my life according to your laws.
Psalm 119:156
See how I love your precepts; preserve my life, O LORD, according to your love.
Psalm 119:159
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me.
Psalm 138:7
Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.
Matthew 9:17
Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.
Luke 17:33

All for now,
Lisa

I Know Him

There is a connection between the strange providential circumstances allowed by God and what we know of Him, and we have to learn to interpret the mysteries of life in the light of our knowledge of God. Until we can come face to face with the deepest, darkest fact of life without damaging our view of God’s character, we do not yet know Him.
Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest

I know Him.

And He knows me.

All for now,
Lisa

More Repeated Themes

I have been seeing these recurring themes which for the most part began May 29, 2008:

• Giving it all to God, my surrender, means ALL. I've learned that when I say, "everything is His" I cannot be casual about it. I must concede all my ownership. I'm learning what total surrender means - complete submission.
• Obedience means I have not other course than Him. He is not in a consulting capacity, but an ownership capacity. And His right to rule is ALL emcompasing.
• Submission and obedience would be unacceptable save that God is good, for me, is after my best interest, knows all, loves me, and that I AM the object of His preserving grace.
• Peace will only come from the revelation of His love, tender care, and friendship with me. Focusing on Him and not the issues at hand will put that in proper perspective.
• None of this would be attainable if I could not receive how much God loves me. Otherwise, I would be bitter.
• The only thing I'm called to do it love God and others - and that has to come from the inside out (which is in His strength).
• Even if it's noble it may not be Godly. Don't do it! Keep your hands off!!
• Jesus waits with me and I can choose whether waiting will destroy me or grow me.
• I really didn't know love at all - until I really understood who God is... and how much He loves me. He's done it all out of love.
• Leaning on my own understanding only leads to frustration. I cannot demand to understand.
• Even if it doesn't make sense now doens't means it won't ever make sense.
• And finally, each new day I have been fearful that God may not show me something new. But He always does. Even if it's a repeated theme. I still see something new. That's just the way it is with God.

All for now,
Lisa

The Fourth Set of Seven Words

inside out
The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.
Luke 6:45
Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart. Anyone who does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because he has not believed the testimony God has given about his Son.
1 John 5:10

persevere
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
Hebrews 10:36
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Romans 5:3-5
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4

devoted
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Acts 2:42
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 12:10

presence
The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."
Exodus 33:14
Then Moses said to him, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.
Exodus 33:15
Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence
1 John 3:18-19

thankful
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:15
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Colossians 4:2
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire.
Hebrews 12:28-29

mercy
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
Titus 3:4-7
As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
James 5:11

All for now,
Lisa

I am His

Reading MUFHH today reminded me that God is still God. That won't change. Faith is based not on what I see or understand, but on who I know. God is not a liar and His ways are WAY different than mine. So who am I to understand it? No matter what, He is God and I am His. I see through the glass darkly... and one day I will understand it all. And it will make perfect sense. Until that day, I just have to live with not understanding why things happen, but trusting Him. Who am I to question Him?

And actually, all of my recent doubts have had a positive effect on my faith. I won't deny there have been many doubtful and emotional times. But each time, God has given me enough strength to get through it and has proved to increase my faith. I am thankful for that.

Where would my trust be if it wasn't in a God who is perfect, timely, loving, and good? Things would be different if I didn't know, believe, and trust that He loves me.

And He does.

So, where am I? Resting in Him and letting the Spirit lead me... not trying to figure things out in my own strength. And His peace comes from that.

I am His.

And peaceful.

All for now,
Lisa

Yours
by Steven Curtis Chapman

I walk the streets of London
And notice in the faces passing by
Something that makes me stop and listen
My heart grows heavy with the cry

Where is the hope for London?
You whisper and my heart begins to soar
As I'm reminded
That every street in London in Yours
Oh, yes it is

I walk the dirt roads of Uganda
I see the scars that war has left behind
Hope like the sun is fading
They're waiting for a cure no one can find

And I hear children's voices singing
Of a God who heals and rescues and restores
And I'm reminded
That every child in Africa is Yours

And its all Yours, God, Yours, God
Everything is Yours
From the stars in the sky
To the depths of the ocean floor
And its all Yours, God, Yours, God
Everything is Yours
You're the Maker and Keeper, Father and Ruler of everything
It's all Yours

And I walk the sidewalks of Nashville
Like Singapore, Manila and Shanghai
I rush by the beggar's hand and the wealthy man
And everywhere I look I realize

That just like the streets of London
For every man and woman, boy and girl
All of creation
This is our Father's world

The glory is Yours, God
All the honor is Yours, God
The power is Yours, God
The glory is Yours, God

You're the King of Kings
And Lord of Lords

It's all Yours, God
My life is Yours, my heart is Yours
My hands and my feet are Yours
Every song that I sing
It's all Yours, all is Yours
All belongs to You
Our gifts are Yours, God
All our dreams are Yours, God
All our plans are Yours, God
The whole earth is Yours, God
Everything is Yours

I’ve walked the valley of death’s shadow
So deep and dark that I could barely breathe
I’ve had to let go of more than I could bear
And questioned everything that I believe
But still even here in this great darkness
A comfort and hope come breaking through
As I can say in life or death
God we belong to you.

Deja Vu All Over Again

Earlier today I was reminded of a journal entry I wrote about letting go - on May 29, 2008 - a date which I'll call the beginning of this latest journey of healing and preparedness and readiness. I was listening to the radio as I blogged about it, and heard Ginny Owens. She was singing the same song that spoke to me on May 29, 2008. I don't think the coincidence was accidental.

If You Want Me To
by Ginny Owens

The pathway is broken
And The signs are unclear
And I don't know the reason why you brought me here
But just because You love me the way that You do
I'm gonna walk through the valley
If You want me to

Cause I'm not who I was
When I took my first step
And I'm clinging to the promise You're not through with me yet
So if all of these trials bring me closer to you
Then I will go through the fire
If You want me to

It may not be the way I would have chosen
When you lead me through a world that's not my home
But You never said it would be easy
You only said I'd never go alone

ya oh oh no

So When the whole world turns against me
And I'm all by myself
And I can't hear You answer my cries for help
I'll remember the suffering Your love put You through
And I will go through the darkness
If You want me to

When I cross over Jordan, I'm gonna sing, gonna shout
Gonna look into your eyes and see you never let me down
So take me on the pathway that leads me home to you
And I will walk through the valley if you want me to

Yes, I will walk through the valley if you want me to

All for now,
Lisa

First Song I Heard This Morning

I just love how He's been talking to me first thing in the morning with music! I've been writing over and over about letting go. As a matter of fact, it was probably the first entry of this wonderful latest journey He's had me on. For me, I think my feet have finally left the edge!

Savor these lyrics:

I'm Letting Go
by Francesca Battistelli

My heart beats, standing on the edge
But my feet have finally left the ledge
Like an acrobat
There's no turning back

I'm letting go
Of the life I've planned for me
And my dreams
Losing control of my destiny
It feels like I'm falling and that's what it's like to believe
So I'm letting go

This is a giant leap of faith
Trusting and trying to embrace
The fear of the unknown
Beyond my comfort zone

I'm letting go
Of the life I've planned for me
And my dreams
Losing control of my destiny
It feels like I'm falling and that's what it's like to believe
So I'm letting go

Giving in to your gravity
Knowing You are holding me
I'm not afraid

I'm letting go
Of the life I've planned for me
And my dreams
Losing control of my destiny
It feels like I'm falling and that's what it's like to believe
Feels like I'm falling and that's what it's like to believe
Feels like I'm falling and this is the life for me

All for now,
Lisa

Out of the Overflow of the Heart

This has been a key theme for me lately. And my friends might even have tired of me talking about it. Maybe that's one benefit of blogging. I can "talk" to anyone who will "listen".

I've truly been looking into my heart to fully see what is there. What I have found is parts that I like and parts that I don't like. And yes, there have been some parts I don't want any more... and, thank God, He has taken them from me and has put Himself in where pride, arrogance, self-righteousness once held a grip. And what also was NOT in my heart was full trust and surrender to a God who is bigger than anything imaginable. What also was there was knowledge (not bad) and self-effort (not good) masking as obedience (very subtle). This resulted in a sinful inner thought life (thus where pride, arrogance, and self-righteousness took reign). There was a servant's heart but it was with a servant's love. What also was there was a lot of looking around, seeing how the world wanted me to act, and seeing if I was keeping up with the Jones'. Itw was all pretty useless bondage.

I have also been mindful that I cannot work harder at being holy. What has to take place is a surrender, a yielding to Christ. And in that yielding is where the miracle takes place! He comes and resides, if you let Him. And it is out of that overflow that I live and move and have my being! But it will take everything. Everthing yielded. Everything not of Him killed. Everything. I think when I realized that fully is when I feared God completely.

This passage helped me to put these thoughts together:

Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.
John 7:38

The commentator added: Such faith will enable one to receive the Spirit and enter an abiding relationship with Christ after his glorification. All of this is based on who God is and what he has done for us. When we believe we open our hands to receive what his grace offers--we come and drink.

All for now,
Lisa

Content But Not Satisfied - Part 2

Heeerrrreeee's Hudson (again!).

nuggets:

• I am content in my singleness because I am certain that God has not abandoned me, has not forgotten me, that He loves me. But I am not satisfied because, despite the Love of God and the love of friends, despite the blessings I cannot list, there is an ache and longing that is unfulfilled. I am content but not satisfied.
• So I am content to wait on Christ and will not act in the rashness of my desires--but I am not satisfied.
• What Paul teaches is that one can be content even in the midst of need, even in the midst of longing.
• To be honest it would be easier to accept the fact that God will never bless me with a [mate] than to indefinitely nurture hope.
• We need not delude ourselves, marriage will not end the loneliness but it is a particular desire without which we are not satisfied.

For me, it would be easier to accept the fact that God really didn't give me those promises than to indefintely nuture hope that He did. But persistence has had a positive effect on my faith. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy and the beauty of persistence is that I'm seeing it more and more every day. In my life as well as the lives of others. Praise be to God!

What I would add is that I am at the point where I realize that I won't ever "arrive" at a certain readiness or preparedness for marriage. It's truly when God chooses. I am just thanking Him for where He has brought me so far. To a healing, to an understanding of what a Godly marriage looks like, and to a complete and absolute trust in Him - for what He has done, is doing, and will do.

And I realize the power of expectations (some expectations are good, some are not so good). And the power of unrecognized (unhealthy) expectations! And how unrecognized, unhealthy expectations can really serve to limit the power of God.

The perspective I have on marriage is that, at the core, I want to seek to see God in my mate (and be devoted to that) and see him looking for Him in me. Not that I think he will be perfect or even perfect for me - I just want to look across to my mate (even if we're smack dab in the middle of an argument and I, for the moment, despise him) and know know know that there is no one else in this world that I'd rather be struggling through all the junk we put on ourselves than with him!! I want him to know the same for me too. Is that what it means to be willing to lay down my life for him? Is that covenental love?

Yet I don't want to diminish the other parts of marriage that I think are vital (saw these somewhere, just not sure where...):

• driving passion
• beautiful romance
• supportive friendship
• intimate connection
• outrageous fun
• personal growth
• enhanced esteem
• peace of mind

All for now,
Lisa

Does Persistence Have A Positive Effect on Your Faith?

A friend and I recently had a conversation about persistence/perseverance. The conversation was around whether it was nobler to continue to petition God through our great Advocate until He relents or simply surrender your desires. I think there is a case for either side - and possibly it is that both sides at the same time (pouring it out while giving it over) that is the ultimate struggle.

Yet, I think persistence has a good work in us. See below.

Parables:
Matthew 15:21-28
Luke 11:5-13
Luke 18:1-8

A Call to Persevere:
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
Hebrews 10:36

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2


Benefits of Perseverence:
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Romans 5:3-5
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4
As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
James 5:11

All for now,
Lisa

The Reciprocal Nature of Words in the Word

Well, if you've been reading here any amount of time lately, you'll know that I've really been motivated to explore the Bible through specific words - somehow they spark my attention and I write them down. So far, I have seventy words. They seem to come in lots of seven.

I have been realizing lately the reciprocal nature of words in the Word. Like take the word "delight". While it says, "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 27:4). It also says, "The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17) and "He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me." (Psalm 18:19).

So, I've been interested in exploring fruits of the Spirit. And I've been so priviledged lately to see fruits being born in my friend's lives! How great is our God!!!

We know the fruits of the spirit from Galatians 5:22-23:

• love
• joy
• peace
• patience
• kindness
• goodness
• faithfulness
• gentleness
• self-control

What I want to do is explore the reciprocal nature of the fruits of the Spirit. Meaning, where do we see God expressing those in scripture and where are we called to do it (by His power only)? Before I go too much farther, there is something else I'd like to say about the fruit of the Spirit:

• We can't, apart from God, have the ability to do any of the above. Oh, we can come close, but the worst part of coming close is that we miss God. We can do it "for" God and miss Him completely, or we can it "with" God and see Him completely.
• Even our best efforts get twisted by human desire. Be prepared to recognize it. It's usually pretty subtle.
• God is creative enough to generate fruit differently in each of His children. It will have a different color, texture, shape - yet you will know it by the character of God. After all, it's His fruit. Taste and see that the Lord is good!

Most importantly, what I'd love to hear from you is where do you see it happening in your life or the lives of your loved ones!

All for now,
Lisa

The Third Set of Seven Words (Words From the Weekend)

tune
Dear friend, listen well to my words; tune your ears to my voice.
Proverbs 4:20 (Message)
I fine-tuned my ear to the sayings of the wise, I solve life's riddle with the help of a harp
Psalm 49:3 (Message)

harvest
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:11
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
James 3:17-18

train
Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.
1 Timothy 4:7
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
Hebrews 5:14

fruit
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
John 15:5
This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
John 15:8
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
John 15:16
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name.
Hebrews 13:15

friend
God-friendship is for God-worshipers; They are the ones he confides in.
Psalm 25:14 (Message)
And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend.
James 2:23

exalt
Then Hannah prayed and said: "My heart rejoices in the LORD; in the LORD my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance.
1 Samuel 2:1
The LORD is exalted, for he dwells on high; he will fill Zion with justice and righteousness.
Isaiah 33:5
And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord"
Luke 1:46

ready
I'm ready, God, so ready, ready from head to toe, Ready to sing, ready to raise a tune: "Wake up, soul! Wake up, harp! wake up, lute! Wake up, you sleepyhead sun!"
Psalm 57:7 (Message)

All for now,
Lisa

It Couldn't Have Been More Fitting

We sang this song in worship yesterday. May it fall afresh on you.

Fire Fall Down
by Hillsong United

You bought my life with the blood
That you shed on the cross
When you died for the sins of men
And you let out a cry, crucified
Now alive in me

These hands are yours
Teach them to serve
As you please and I'll reach out
Desperate to see all the greatness of God
May my soul rest assured in you

I'll never be the same
No I'll never be the same
Cause I know that you're alive
You came to fix my broken life
And I'll sing to glorify
Your Holy name, Jesus Christ

You've changed it all
You broke down the wall
When I spoke and confessed
In you I am blessed
Now I walk in the light
In victorious sight of you

Fire fall down
Fire fall down
On us we pray
As we seek
Fire fall down
Your fire fall down
On us we pray

Show me your heart
Show me your way
Show me your glory

All for now,
Lisa

Faith and Family Day... and How!

Just like meeting Chris Tomlin, through a variety of very unexpected circumstances, on Saturday I ended up volunteering to pick up Steven Curtis Chapman and his band at the airport for the Faith and Family Day at the Astros. I spent the day with all of them. This photo is of me with his sons. You know, "germing" can be quite a sport! Photos at left.

All for now,

Lisa

Poker Ride

Friday night, two friends and I participated in a poker ride. Don't know what a poker ride is? Neither did I until I did the first one a month ago or so. It's like a pub crawl... on a mountain bike!

In a poker ride, all participants ride bicycles to five selected pubs in town. At each pub, you receive a poker card. Upon receiving the last card at the last pub, each participant will turn their cards in to the event director and the player with the best hand of five card stud wins the pot!

We all had great fun! It was a great excuse to get outside on your mountain bike, see the city at night, experience a new pub or two, and meet a whole lotta fun people!

Photos at left.

Lisa

Unshakling Mysteries?... and How!

Tomorrow will mark 3 years of blogging for me. I can't believe it; the time has passed very quickly. And when I look back at my first entry, I can't help but note the allure that art had on my life. Oh my how the last three years has unshakled the artistic mystery of Christ. Thanks be to God!

All for now,
Lisa

Jesus Did Some Heavy Lifting

I just heard the new song from Chris Tomin. It's amazing how timely and wonderful (no surprise) that it is. The parts of the song that hit me the strongest are the parts He has shown me most recently - of Olympic-sized proportions!

• that God is with me, even in the midst of my waiting
• that Jesus weeps right there along with me
• that a season only lasts for a season
• that God is so much bigger than I could ever have imagined
• that I may fail, but He does not - ever
• that there is freedom and wonder in watching Him - and waiting on Him
• that to see Him, to truly see Him, requires all of me given over to Him
• that He is trustworthy to be given over to - completely
• that my efforts to try to help Him are a pretty useless bondage
• that His love, and only His love, is the anthem of my heart

see if these lyrics, based on Psalm 30:1, don't speak to you:

You Lifted Me Out
by Chris Tomlin

Verse 1
You turned my way
You heard my cry
You turned my mourning into shouting
Sorrow may last for a night
But with the light I am seeing
I am singing

Chorus
You lifted me out
You lifted me out
And set me dancing, dancing
Free, now I am free
Your love rescued me
Now it’s the anthem I’m singing

Verse 2
Many will see
Many will hear
And find You strong enough to save
Many the wonders You have done
Your light has come, I am singing
I am singing

Bridge
Lost is where You found me
Shattered and frail
But You love me still
Trouble may surround me
My heart may fail
But You never will
You never will

All for now,
Lisa

Positioning Myself

I have been pondering this faith walk a lot lately. What it truly means to be completely and absolutely surrendered to God. And what it means to be holy. What it means to be fully aligned with the will of God as someone who trusts and obeys.

Foster, in his book “Life with God” says that you can’t be holy by trying harder. This was revelatory for me. For, by nature, I am a hard worker. And I think, in the past, my faith walk had poorly depended much too much on my own efforts - as good as they were intended to be. I had rationalized it by thinking I just needed to work on my faith. Unfortunately, this translated into self-effort, and the unfortunate consequences of pride, arrogance, and self-righteousness. I am happy to say that those chains are gone. I have been set free. I am no longer that "prodigal's brother". This is my ceasing of ceasings... my sabbath!

Foster speaks true of positioning yourself to receive God’s work. I think positioning yourself has a double meaning. For one I think it means, as Foster says, "a relational process whereby we receive from God the power or ability to do what we cannot do by our own effort". And I think this means that, through quiet times and other times alone with God, that we are so aware of when He speaks that when He does we are ready to act!

And for the second, I think it also means to rightly elevate and continuing to elevate God to the status He deserves - which is more. And thus to rightly put me in the position I deserve - which is less. And it puts other things, other people, and other circumstances there also.

Today’s Our Daily Bread spoke to this. Even a Godly affection for anything, other than God, will, in the end, not be sufficient. The only sufficiency is in Christ alone. For if I esteem anything else, it will detract from what I really think about God.

That reminds me of a great Rich Mullins quote:

Christ didn't ask us to esteem ourselves. I think if Christ were asked, I think He would probably say, ‘Look buddy, you would be lucky if you could forget yourself. If you could lose yourself, you would be luckier than if you found yourself.’ It would be wonderful if you knew the names of the trees between your house and where you work, between your house and your church. If you knew that that was a tulip tree and you knew that that was a red bud. It would be great if you knew the names of the constellations. It would be great if you knew something about your neighbor. It would be a lucky thing for you if you forgot yourself, if you lost yourself... Why esteem yourself? Forget yourself. You'll have a lot more fun.

I have seen it still in my life – creeping in even now. "Things" and "self-effort" getting bigger than they need be. Yet I know the bondage of the stronghold has been broken. And maybe that’s why it’s so apparent and notice so readily now. I just ask God to keep my focus on Him. It is ONLY by His strength that it will happen.

I will walk in faith. God is love. For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. Let it be only God's love. That's our new command... to love like Jesus did.

All for now,
Lisa

Christmas (Bay) in August!

A few friends and I ventured down this weekend to kayak around Christmas Bay. It was a new adventure for me and you know, I enjoyed it! Even though we are smack in the middle of summer, it was not as hot as I had expected. We saw lots of wildlife and even got a little exercise. We put in at a place called Ernie's Bait Barn. I was told they had the best burgers around. And I can testify... they were mmm mmm good! Overall, we had a great time. Photos at left.

All for now,
Lisa

Same Song, New Verse

I competed in the River Cities Triathlon again. It was very much the same as last year, but I had a great time with some friends from church who also competed. We made lots of good memories. Photos at left.

All for now,

Lisa

New!

God, in His grace, mercy, and forgiveness, has given me new things. A new heart that is free of strongholds. New ears to stay in tune with the Spirit. And new eyes to see the things He would have for me. The below is a brand new song from Brandon Heath. It was the first song I heard the other morning and it spoke to me. I hope it speaks to you also.

Give Me Your Eyes
by Brandon Heath

Looked down from a broken sky
Traced out by the city lights
My world from a mile high
Best seat in the house tonight
Touched down in the cold black top
Hold on for the sudden stop
Breathe in the familiar shock of confusion and chaos
All those people going somewhere
Why have I never cared

Chorus:
Give me Your eyes for just one second
Give me Your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken hearted
Was it far beyond my reach?
Give me your heart for the once forgotten
Give me your eyes so I can see
Again yeah yeah yeah

Step out on a busy street
See a girl and our eyes meet
Does her best to smile at me
To hide what's underneath
There's a man just to her right
Black suit and a bright red tie
Too ashamed to tell his wife
He's out of work, he's buying time
Are those people going somewhere
Why have I never cared

Chorus

I've been there a million times
A couple of million eyes
Just moving past me by
I swear I never thought that I was wrong
Well I want a second glance
So give me a second chance
To see the way you see the people all alone

Chorus (x2)

All for now,
Lisa

This is The One Thing
This is The Only Thing

Those Sara Groves lyrics (see below) are my life right now. The clouds have parted, the veil has lifted. Right now, I feel completely healed from my past PB (Prodigal's Brother) sinful inner thought life of pride and self-righteousness (sounds prideful to say it that way, but truly, it's just thankfulness... from one who is in true need of a Savior. And so very thankful for his grace, mercy, and forgiveness). I just love the way He weaved all of that together. I just love the way I can see something (a year ago) and then God reveals it so completely (all being there right in front of me, then shazam!)

You know, He got my attention with "husband" (something he knows I so desperately want), then He showed me how He's been there for me (through my journals) and how much He loves me, pursues me, and delights in me (which I feel blessed that I felt it first from Him, then I will from my husband). Then he showed me how little I trust him, or knew him (through waiting on those promises). So I learned about His character (through the "words" He gave me). Then I saw in those words who He was and that I could completely trust him. And then He exposed my sin, my sinful inner thought life (through friends, ss lessons, and my own conviction). But then once I got it, I confessed it, and He cleaned the slate. It doesn't mean I'm free from sin, just from the stronghold! Praise Him!!

A friend of mine gave me the verse from Habakkuk 2:3 a year ago, which I thought was a promise for me about a husband. I'm not so sure now. "The revelation awaited it's appointed time". Now, I think I see it was about my healing (perhaps it could be for both). And my next step in the new journey could be with a husband or not (and yes, I'm still praying that it is). But it will be with God. Humbled. Mindful. Following. Learning. With God! Not in my self-effort. My hands are off!!

And now, He's asking me... "ok, Lisa, now what? Do you want to keep going with me and what I have for you which is great and unsearchable things (Jeremiah 33:3)? Or do you want to find your husband? This is not the culmination (as I had erroneously thought earlier "now, where is my husband?") This is the start... of something new. I'm not sure of what - but I know it involves humbling myself to serve others out of the overflow of God's love. And all of this doesn't mean I won't be prideful or self-righteousness anymore. It just means now the slate is clean from strongholds and that I will be able to see it more readily. "For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me" (Psalm 51:3). Some how, some way...Romans 12:9-13 speaks to me:

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Now, I'm moving forward... where.. I'm not sure. Wow... I think that's the journey in a nutshell.

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
Proverbs 11:2

I've been pondering humility and what exactly that means. I don't think it means being a push-over or a over-doer (for that can be prideful too). A friend reminded me of Uzzah (in 2 Samuel) and how his irreverent act angered God. He truly didn't realize God's holiness and was careless. I think that's where my pride comes in. Not truly humbling myself, realizing God's holiness!

The poem from today's Streams in the Desert was timely (as usual):

Oh, the Spirit-filled life; is it thine, is it thine?
Is your soul wholly filled with the Spirit Divine?
As a child of the King, has He fallen on thee?
Does He reign in your soul, so that all men may see
The dear Savior's bles image reflected in thee?

Has He swept through your soul like the waves of the sea?
Does the Spirit of God daily rest upon thee?
Does He sweeten your life, does He keep you from care?
Does He guide you and bless you in answer to prayer?
Is your joy to be led of the Lord ev'rywhere?

Is He near you each hour, does He stand at your side?
Does He clothe you with strength, has He come to abide?
Does He teach you to know that all things may be done
Through the grace and the power of the Crucified One?
Does He witness to you of the glorified Son?

Has He purified you with the fire from above?
Is He first in your thoughts, does He have all your love?
Is His service y our choice, and your sacrifice sweet?
Is your doing His will both your drink and your meat?
Do you run at His calling with glad eager feet?

Has He freed you from self and from all of your greed?
Do you hasten to comfort your brother in need?
As a soldier of Christ does your power endure?
Is your hope in the Lord everlasting and sure?
Are you patient and meet, are you tender and pure?

Oh, the Spirit-filled life may be thine, may be thine,
Ever in your soul Shechinah glory may shine;
It is yours to live with the tempests all stilled,
It is yours with God's blest Holy Spirit to be filled;
It is yours, even yours, for your Lord has so willed.

I humbly answer YES! Yes, Lord, for today, Yes!! I will keep walking, in step with the Spirit.

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit
Galatians 5:25

That's the one thing I know.

All for now,
Lisa

The One Thing I Know

The lyrics speak incredibly loudly in my life

The One Thing I Know
by Sara Groves

And the clouds just parted
on a corner of my life
And I can see for miles
and the things I was stuck on
Things I thought would never change
They just broke open wide

This is the one thing I know
You said you won`t let me go
You said you won`t let me go
You`ve done a good work in me
And you won`t quit till I`m free

And the veil just lifted
I can finally understand
The way you work in me
But even if I didn`t
You are still a sovereign God
Who has a plan for me

It`s good to know you work with hurt and broken souls
That you`ll take a soul like mine
And in all the world nothings taken hold of me like Christ

This is the one thing
This is the only thing
You are the one thing
You are the only thing

This is the one thing I know
You said you won`t let me go
You said you won`t let me go
You`ve done a good work in me
And now you're making me free

All for now,
Lisa

The Chapman Family Goes Public

As you know, the Chapmans lost a family member in late May due to a horrible tragedy. They have just recently gone public with their struggle through it.

Let me just say it's amazing... honest, true, not without questions. I am humbled.

All for now,
Lisa

Friendship

You know, they say when you lose one of your senses (seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, etc), it makes the others ones seem more heightened. While I cannot confirm or refute that, I would say the same holds true for life experiences. Having lost my only sibling (who was, without a doubt, my best friend), I am now keenly aware of friendships. Perhaps sometimes too keenly. Unfortunately, sometimes I can be too sensitive to a friend's behavior - which is great when the behavior is good, but needs to be seasoned with grace and mercy with the behavior is not so good. I also believe the loss of my sister has given me the boldness to always be sure to tell my friends I love them and to take the opportunity to say things I might have otherwise left unsaid. I am very aware just how precious life truly is.

So, today, when both Our Daily Bread and My Utmost for His Highest spoke on friendship, it gave me reason to pause to think about that. And to blog about it also.

Dictionary.com says, “friend·ship –noun
1. the state of being a friend; association as friends: to value a person's friendship.
2. a friendly relation or intimacy.
3. friendly feeling or disposition."

Wikipedia says, “Friendship is a term used to denote co-operative and supportive behavior between two or more beings. This article focuses on the notion specific to interpersonal relationships. In this sense, the term connotes a relationship which involves mutual knowledge, esteem, and affection along with a degree of rendering service to friends in times of need or crisis."

I consider myself incredibly blessed with some good friends and deep friendships (and I’m not speaking of the Facebook kinds of "friends")! Some of these friendships began in the 3rd grade, some just last week, but regardless, I am thanking God for them right now. In the last few months there has been a watershed of events - and I have learned new aspects of friendships. I think Our Daily Bread hit it on the head when it spoke of finding a "fellow Christian or two who can come beside you and hold you up (see Eccl. 4:10), pray for you, talk with you, and remind you that you are not alone." That may be the true essence of Christian frienship. Not about who we are or how well we do something, but how we respond to our friends. (I hear my mother's voice in my head... "the way to have a friend is to be a friend"). So, I ask myself an important question here: what kind of friend am I? I want to be the kind of friend that comes beside my friends, holds them up, prays for them, talks with them, and reminds them that they are not alone!

And most importantly, My Utmost For His Highest spoke of the best frienship of all! The fact that God is my most intimate friend connection. And it truly has nothing to do with who I am or what I can do, but how I respond to Him. So, then I have to ask myself the same question to God: "what kind of friend am I"? And then the harder part comes. Listening for the answer.

I heard this song in the car on the way back from lunch… timely, wouldn’t you say?

Friend of God
By Israel Houghton

Who am I that you are mindful of me
That you hear me when I call
Is it true that you are thinking of me
How you love me it's amazing

(Chorus)
I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God
He calls me friend

God almighty, Lord of Glory
You have called me friend

(Repeat chorus)

He calls me friend
He calls me friend

All for now,
Lisa

House of Love

That's exactly what God has created for us. C'mon in; there's plenty of room.

Love's the Only House
by Martin McBride

I was standing in the grocery store line
The one they marked express
When this woman came through with about 25 things
And I said don't you know that more is less
She said this world is moving so fast
But I just get more behind with every day
And every morning when I make my coffee
I can't believe my life's turned out this way
All I could say was

Love's the only house big enough for all the pain in the world
Love's the only house big enough for all the pain

He was walking by the other day and I said
Hey baby how you been?
Yeah I got me a little girl now and she's 4 years old
And she's got her daddy's little grin
And you only want what you can't have
And baby you can't have me now
I gave my heart to another
Yeah I'm a mother and he's a father and we're a family
And we've got each other
And I found out the hard way that

Love's the only house big enough for all the pain in the world
Love's the only house big enough for all the pain

You drive three miles from all this prosperity
Down across the river and you see a ghetto there
And we got children walking around with guns
And they got knives with drugs and pain to spare
And here I am in my clean, white shirt
With a little money in my pocket and a nice warm home
And we got teenagers walkin' around in a culture of darkness
Livin' together alone, and all I can say is

Love's the only house big enough for all the pain in the world
Love's the only house big enough for all the pain

And I can't explain it and I can't understand
But I'll come down and get my hands dirty and together we'll make a stand
Somewhere cross the parking lot some bands playin out of tune
City streets are gonna burn if we don't do something soon
And senorita can't quit cryin, baby's due now any day
Don Juan left, got sick of tryin
No one there to show him the way
She came down to the grocery store and
She said I, I wanna buy a little carton of milk but I don't have any money
I said hey I'll cover you honey cause the pain's gotta go somewhere
Yeah the pain's gotta go someplace
So come on down to my house
Don't you know that

Love's the only house big enough for all the pain in the world
Love's the only house big enough for all the pain

I'm sure not all,
Lisa

Saw it a Year Ago, Just Getting it Now

wow, I was seeing something needing a healing in my life and I sent this to two Bible study friends in May, 2007:

http://www.stpaulscary.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=372&Itemid=355

please read the whole thing (it's short), but the key part:

But in this other brother, we see a glimpse of the other kind of guilt, and we have to be a little more shrewd to pick up on it. His guilt is a bit more insidious. This is the kind of guilt that lives deeper down, which refuses to be satisfied by God's promises. This is the kind of guilt that lives by the book and judges by the book, but refuses - refuses- to accept the limitless love of God. And we really do have to be a little bit clever to see it because this is the kind of guilt that tempts us to quickly file this story under "p for prodigal" so that we don't spend too much time thinking about his brother's feelings, and how much in common we might have with him.

I saw it over a year ago (and a friend prophesied the same thing for me at that time)... I somehow knew I was some sort of prodigal's brother, but I couldn't put my finger on what exactly was at the root. Now I see it. yet I'm just now getting it... living by the book, judging by the book, but not receiving the whole purpose of the book... the limitless love of God. I think, in my wait (of not receiving), I got caught up in thinking that His promises were not for me (or I just couldn't receive it for myself) - or that I had to work towards it - self-effort - and the self-righteousness associated with it. In the back of my head, I was thinking I could work myself towards deserving something or another (yes, you can read husband there). And I was cleverly sulking in my waiting, filling my time with more self-effort.

You know... now, I'm ready to come back in the house (of love). I'm looking forward to seeing what it looks like. But I think I'll leave the piety, self-righteousness, self-effort, and arrogance (as subtle as they are) outside. I'm really not sure what got me to think and do those things (and that's not really the point), but the party is inside and I want to relax and rejoice!

I emailed those two Bible study friends on June 2, 2008 and said, "I feel a completion coming on; I can't say what, but I know it's coming. Yes, the past two months have been a completion in the healing. Truly, then, I had no idea!

(Seeing now that I'm) Healed, Complete, and Content,
Lisa

P.S. Here is the seventh set of seven words. This may complete the set (at least on this healing):

grace
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. John 1:16
Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. Acts 20:32
and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:24

submit
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:21
Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. Ephesians 5:22
Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Hebrews 12:9
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7

discipline
And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, Hebrews 12:5
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Revelation 3:19

rejoice/relax
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 1 Corinthians 13:6
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4
In this you greatly rejoice though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:6-7

easy/light
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:30

healed
Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. "Make level paths for your feet,"so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.Hebrews 12:12-13

beloved
Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders. Deuteronomy 33:12

... Paul Harvey ...

Received this in my inbox early this morning. Didn't get to it until just now. Perfect timing (of course!). Bold below is mine. I've said before that waiting is trusting. And we know for sure that the Lord strengthens those who wait (Isaiah 40:31). How do we wait and trust? "By being grounded in the Word of God and seeking Him daily as our source of strength and knowledge".

STRAIGHT TALK
by Charles R. Swindoll
Read 2 Kings 1:1--18

Today, countless people seek to know the future. Newspapers and magazines carry horoscope columns. Television networks advertise psychic hotlines. Bus stop benches boast ads for palm readers. Magazine racks beside grocery store checkout counters offer paperback books on astrology, numerology, and other occult subjects.

To many, this hype may sound like sheer silliness; it may appear to be nothing more than harmless fun. After all, what's so bad about reading your daily horoscope? But listen up---this is enemy territory! It is anything but silliness or harmless fun. Like the wood and stone idols of Ekron, these present-day seers are substitutes for putting our trust in the living God. God is displeased with any occult involvement. No matter what the motive, no matter how great the need, dabbling with the occult is sin. God's Word is crystal clear on this subject. Far back in the book of Leviticus, God gives His people this direct command: "Do not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out to be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God" (Leviticus 19:31).

Beyond that, God is dishonored by any specific pursuit of the future that does not find its source in His Word. I realize that most people who begin dabbling in astrology, fortune-telling, or Ouija boards don't take it all that seriously. Astrology, for example, has a captivating appeal. Most do it for fun or out of curiosity. But these simple, harmless-looking games begin a process that many cannot handle; and they open doors that should remain closed. Then it's only a matter of time before the dark powers of demonic forces suck them in, and they find themselves ensnared.

But let me reassure you, God is delighted when we trust Him only. The Lord strengthens those who put their trust in Him. If we are not grounded in the Word of God and seeking Him daily as our source of strength and knowledge for the future, we, too, can easily fall prey to the lure of the occult.

Learn a lasting lesson from Elijah. As you stand strong for the truth, watch out for the enemy. He not only plays dirty; he plays for keeps. And he's playing for your soul.

I'm sure not all,
Lisa

Ain't It Always the Case

Today's MUFHH

Learning About His Ways:

1) He comes where He commands us to leave
2) He teaches where He instructs us not to teach
3) He works where He sends us to wait
". . . tarry . . . until . . ." (Luke 24:49). "Wait on the Lord" and He will work (Psalm 37:34). But don’t wait sulking spiritually and feeling sorry for yourself, just because
you can’t see one inch in front of you! Are we detached enough from our own spiritual fits of emotion to "wait patiently for Him"? (Psalm 37:7). Waiting is not sitting with folded hands doing nothing, but it is learning to do what we are told. (bold is mine).

All for now,
Lisa

I Can See Clearly Now

I know I'm showing my age but I remember that song when it came out (Johnny Nash was so cute!). But that title speaks of how I am right now... in a pretty good place. Well, at the end of myself I guess. No question, God has been very apparent to me lately. Yet in all that goodness, a couple of insidious things have happened: addiction which led to self-effort and me trying to rush to the "goal"

Let me explain: in all that has happened lately, it has been good. It has been very good. But I think in seeing God more apparently in my life has led to me wanting more.. wanting more... wanting more (almost like an addiction). And instead of waiting and welcoming, I was seeking Him (not bad), in my own effort (not good). That's where I've veered off course a bit. And that's when anxiety and confusion comes in.

The second part was equally subtle. I think I completely understand God's sovereignty... there's no question about that. He's in control. But somehow in all that I have learned and relearning afresh I think some part, in the back of my head, could "rush" through it.... "yes, Lord, let's get through this, I get it, now let's move on..." kind of thing. And He's not about that. And I don't want to be either.

Of course, I've seen this through a variety of ways (Beth Moore was our subsitute teacher on Sunday and she spoke of discipline (the right heart to do the right thing and the right time for the right reason), a friend in my Bible study talked about freedom/liberty/emmancipation in Christ and that truly spoke to my heart, and I'm reading "Life with God" and it speaks of those very things (discipline, "law of liberty", and indirection) - which I read about after all these other things happened). And today's "Streams in the Desert" spoke to it also... about yielding my life to God with a definite act of my will. Absolute trust. To take my hands off my own and yet welcome what He has had, has, and will have for me. Sometimes He has to me in a couple of different ways to "get it"!

I'm taking a deep breath in! His yoke is easy and His burden is light.

All for now,
Lisa

P.S. my words:
content - Phil 4:12, Hebrews 13:5
delight - Zeph 3:17
comfort - 2 Cor 1:3-4
liberty/emmancipation - Psalm 119:45
response - Daniel 10:12
joy - John 16:24, James 1:2-3
yoke - Matthew 11:28-30