Today was an interesting day. We live in the country with a septic system instead of the standard home plumbing system.
There are times when the frozen winter temperatures cause ice/ paper/toilet garbage to form in the pipes from home to the septic tank buried in our front field. Perhaps, the use of low flow toilets does not always provide enough water to flush contents down and out of the pipes. Maybe it’s the use of too much toilet paper.
Regardless, there are days when the pipes get clogged, the pressure increases and the sinks / toilet overflow into our home.
Are you shoveling manure? photo by Mary Mesikapp
Todays’ septic event provided a disgusting predicament. As I resolved the inner house mess, I pondered our latest relational challenge. It sure does stink. The situation feels a bit much, yet it just needs to be processed and cleaned up. Thank you to my husband the outside septic access was dug up and he cleared the pipes. Glad it was him not me.
Instead of looking at an uncomfortable challenge as a pile of manure, I am seeing an opportunity for a workout. Just as cleaning up the septic mess in my basement was an unplanned detour, I still need to get rid of relational or heart messes.
Slowly but surely, I sopped up the liquids, cleaned up the cement along with the unfinished basement and bathroom area. The sink in the shop was scrubbed. Next, I scrubbed the floors with a bleach cleaner and air dried. The stench disappeared and the area was clean again.
Our hearts can be unclean and filled with bitterness, the stench that can keep people away. The loneliness deepens and love seems an unreachable option.
I can choose pressure and to be filled up with manure or septic garbage, or I can choose to put in the effort necessary to clean up the attitude and my heart mess.
Jesus wants His children to be open to His love, His ways, His plans but we have to clear out the garbage that blocks our hearts and minds.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right and steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 AMP
No bleach needed, just an open heart and mind so get ready to shine.
Let’s Pray: Create in me a clean heart, Lord, show me the attitudes, responses and actions that push Jesus, friends or family away. Instead, I want a shiny new heart that is open to blessing, love and filled with encouragement. These character flaws need to go. I want my thoughts to reflect a new life and a greater love that comes from seeking You.
With age comes wisdom and poor eyesight. I didn’t end up needing eyeglasses until I was in my 40s. Turns out that I always had a problem with each of my eyes. Unfortunately, when I was in my 40s, my eyes no longer compensated for each other. One eye had a distance issue and the other had a reading issue, they had worked as a team for 20/20 vision.
Today I experienced what it feels like to be unable to see well. As I rushed out of the house to get my kid to school, I realized while I was driving everything looked a little foggy. And then I remembered the eyeglasses sitting on the counter at home miles away. I squinted along the highway a bit more cautiously.
I was thinking, this is a metaphor for when I take my eyes off my Savior Jesus. It’s an unsettled feeling. My blurred vision can bring a foggy mind. Blindness to the outside world, blindness to God, or today, blindness to my texts.
It is essential to know where to turn and where to keep our focus for the day. So I asked a stranger for assistance and she showed me how to increase the text font and add boldness to my cellphone. I was able to see my texts again.
My distance and reading problem eyes can bring blurry vision without correction.
I feel like my vision in life is the same as my walk in faith. I seek distant answers to circumstances before I can readily see. I need to spend quality time seeking the answers as I read His Word and let outside influence blur.
Proverbs 7 1-5 Dear friend, do what I tell you; treasure my careful instructions. Do what I say and you’ll live well. My teaching is as precious as your eyesight—guard it! Write it out on the back of your hands; etch it on the chambers of your heart. Talk to Wisdom as to a sister. Treat Insight as your companion.
When I adjust my focus on quality time with God reading the Bible and being with others who seek Him, I can see His direction more clearly.
This morning of blindness is resolved. I found my glasses and gained clearer vision. No more squinting for me today. I must walk in the Light of insight.
12 Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12 NLT)
What our heart treasures shows where we are committed. Today, I felt drawn to the heart and commitment. Just yesterday, I was sharing with my teen the difference between feelings and faith in God. The raw hormones of a teen guy or gal can feel like truth. But when we step back and breathe we can learn the heart is an impulsive organ.
Scripture shares multiple examples of this process. Mediate on what God says about the heart. It may provide a new instruction and it will be truth.
Numbers 6:24-26 AMP
The LORD bless you, and keep you [protect you, sustain you, and guard you]; [25] The LORD make His face shine upon you [with favor], And be gracious to you [surrounding you with lovingkindness]; [26] The LORD lift up His countenance (face) upon you [with divine approval], And give you peace [a tranquil heart and life].’
Deuteronomy 4:29-31 NLT
But from there you will search again for the LORD your God. And if you search for him with all your heart and soul, you will find him. [30] “In the distant future, when you are suffering all these things, you will finally return to the LORD your God and listen to what he tells you. [31] For the LORD your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon you or destroy you or forget the solemn covenant he made with your ancestors.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 NLT
“Listen, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. [5] And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. [6] And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. [7] Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. [8] Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. [9] Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Matthew 5:5 AMP
“Blessed [inwardly peaceful, spiritually secure, worthy of respect] are the gentle [the kind-hearted, the sweet-spirited, the self-controlled], for they will inherit the earth.
Matthew 6:19-24 AMP
“Do not store up for yourselves [material] treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. [20] But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal; [21] for where your treasure is, there your heart [your wishes, your desires; that on which your life centers] will be also. [22] “The eye is the lamp of the body; so if your eye is clear [spiritually perceptive], your whole body will be full of light [benefiting from God’s precepts]. [23] But if your eye is bad [spiritually blind], your whole body will be full of darkness [devoid of God’s precepts]. So if the [very] light inside you [your inner self, your heart, your conscience] is darkness, how great and terrible is that darkness!
There is great wisdom in each of these scriptures. Wisdom to share with family and friends. Take a deep breath and gain a new heart rhythm set on Jesus!
Matthew 6:24. No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon [money, possessions, fame, status, or whatever is valued more than the Lord].
Search for The Lord with all your heart, body, mind and soul and be renewed. Set a new trajectory of purpose for your life and your family,maybe generational curses can be broken. Set your heart and commit to know the wisdom of the Heart of God. You can’t serve two Masters! You can be changed as your heart beats with the Father.
Majestic mountains stand across the planet. Their massive rock foundations can reach for the sky, and the highest mountain is Mount Everest, at 29,032 feet, its located in the Himalayas. Everest is thought to be 50 to 60 million years old. Multiple Millions of years old, it has gone through transformation by weather patterns and erosion. Erosion has left grooves and cracks as winds, ice, and glaciers with water flow to further etch this massive mountain.
Our own individual mountain of self is formedby those in our life; family, friends, etc. If we consider our lives as a mountain, we may ponder the life experiences that can bring us a sense of purpose, our mind is a powerful foundation for our future. Words of affirmation from some parents can build up the inside voices of optimism. These words can be just what we need to remember on days when the world outside our home chips away like a rocky erosion at our sense of worth.
Sadly, not everyone has been raised with encouraging words. Even on the best days, parents can speak without thinking and hurl hurtful words. I have had to seek my kids’ and families’ forgiveness for careless speech. By asking forgiveness, I give my child an opportunity to see grace and mercy in action too.
For those raised in a verbally abusive environment, their minds can be filled with words of cruelty, such as”you are so stupid, you will never succeed, I am so disappointed in you, why try?” We are a product of our upbringing. Some words improve our inner dialog, giving us a sense of purpose and setting foundation. While other words are set to destroy our optimistic inner dialogue and negative support can cause our actions to self sabotage our futures.
Negative words etch and chip away at our belief we can achieve success. This negativity of mind can drain us from a life of hope. Words can come from family, friends, employers, coworkers, or even teachers. It could be as a high schooler struggling in Algebra, English perhaps any subject. Encouraging teachers can increase our confidence. Teachers with impatience or an inability to share concepts from viewpoints other than their usual learning process; kinesthetic, auditory, visuals, or words, can stunt a students growth. Parents, teachers, or any human can miss the opportunity to guide a child to success and a Godly inner dialogue.
I can visualize a preschooler’s hands tightly pressed across their ears, yelling, ” Lala La” so he can drown out the Peanuts’ parent voice. ” Wa Wa Wa Wa.” Maybe there is something to this childish action. What do you think, is it socially acceptable as an adult to plug your ears?
The world will do its best to increase our insecurity and negative mindset. We have to actively seek a Godly perspective for ourselves and share with it with our kids.
We need to open our ears and minds to THE Rock, the voice of God. and plug our ears from those humans that are not helpful. It takes practice to drown out the world and realize we can really open our ears to the Rock. It says in scripture our Creator God delights in the praises of His creation. Can you visualize the mountains bursting in song? I would love to hear that sound.
Isaiah 55:3 -13
3 “Come to me with your ears wide open.
Listen, and you will find life.
I will make an everlasting covenant with you.
I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.
4 See how I used him to display my power among the peoples.
I made him a leader among the nations.
5 You also will command nations you do not know,
and peoples unknown to you will come running to obey,
because I, the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, have made you glorious.”
6 Seek the Lord while you can find him.
Call on him now while he is near.
7 Let the wicked change their ways
and banish the very thought of doing wrong.
Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them.
Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.
8 “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.
“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so my ways are higher than your ways
and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.
10 “The rain and snow come down from the heavens
and stay on the ground to water the earth.
They cause the grain to grow,
producing seed for the farmer
and bread for the hungry.
11 It is the same with my word.
I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
It will accomplish all I want it to,
and it will prosper everywhere I send it.
12 You will live in joy and peace.
The mountains and hills will burst into song,
and the trees of the field will clap their hands!
13 Where once there were thorns, cypress trees will grow.
Where nettles grew, myrtles will sprout up.
These events will bring great honor to the Lord’s name;
they will be an everlasting sign of his power and love.”
God is unfailing in love. His thoughts are not our thoughts, nor are His ways our ways. His Word can fill our minds with optimism that can prompt our steps, and His hope that can drown out the babbling of an unhealthy voice.Our God is bigger than Mount Everest. Our mindset needs to be set on Him. “Speak to the Mountain”, is an awesome song by Chris McClarney. I play and sing it loud!!
Powerful Lyrics remind us God is Faithful. His Promises are True. Speak to The Mountain, He is Greater than our feelings and He already knows our needs.There is no mountain too high for His plans to succeed.Speak to Him. He is greater, Stronger than even Everest!
Could it really be as simple as knocking on the door? I used to think being perfect was a prerequisite to being a follower of Jesus. I could never measure up to the standard. But I am learning to seek His truth for myself. No barriers, no false teaching from others. It starts with a knock on the best door.
I love this conversation from Jesus to His best friends, the disciples as He shared this parable.
Luke 11:5-13 NLT. Then, teaching them more about prayer, he used this story: “Suppose you went to a friend’s house at midnight, wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You say to him, [6] ‘A friend of mine has just arrived for a visit, and I have nothing for him to eat.’ [7] And suppose he calls out from his bedroom, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is locked for the night, and my family and I are all in bed. I can’t help you.’ [8] But I tell you this-though he won’t do it for friendship’s sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence. [9] “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. [10] For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. [11] “You fathers-if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? [12] Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! [13] So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.”
Initially it may seem as though Jesus words to the disciples were a rebuke. He shares our need for persistent relationship building in seeking Him for the answers.
Please reread the scripture, Luke 11, consider the text again it is metaphorical. People can understand it’s parable message in different ways.
He shares with the disciples His provision however, whoever knocks on the door needing help must ask for His protection. His love is free. His promises can be received only when we actively pursue Him. His gift of love, mercy and forgiveness are available for taking.
Jesus does not force His relationship on any human. He wants to pour blessings on His children. We have to push aside any worldly idol that we may think can fill the God shaped hole in every human heart. No material or human thing can fill this hole. Only Jesus!
Leeland sings “Waymaker”, such powerful lyrics. Trust the Waymaker!! I have been singing this song in the way to school, our kids can hear the words reminding us to hold onto Jesus! We can be an example in action of our faith in God! Words and worship aloud can connect to the angels in heaven. We all can make a joyful sound to the King.
Mercy defined ( Merriam Webster) 1. Compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm. 2. Blessing, that is an act of divine favor or compassion
God shows mercy by showing His unfailing love, being slow to get angry, and offering eternal life and His salvation no matter how we sin. If we had a father who was insensitive in words or actions, we may not believe our Father God could possibly care about us in love, and patience and bring us eternal life.
Do you want to gain a greater understanding of the love of God andthepatient endurance of Jesus? Our human mind can’t grasp mercy and find favor beyond our mistakes. Once we become a believer in Christ, He opens our human understanding with His wisdom, it is a great reward.
2 Thessalonians 2-5
2 Pray, too, that we will be rescued from wicked and evil people, for not everyone is a believer. 3 But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. 4 And we are confident in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we commanded you. 5 May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.
God can use anyone for His Kingdom purpose, He used a guy named Saul to deliver the gospel message to Gentiles ( beyond the chosen Jewish people).
Before Paul, became a Christian he persecuted Jesus followers. He was brought up with the book knowledge of the Bible but did not open his heart to Jesus. Paul was named Saul from birth. He had a life transforming experience when he lost his sight, Jesus spoke to Saul, who repented of his past and Jesus renamed him, Paul. From that moment on Paul served His Savior, Jesus. We can be the same stubborn, ignorant human, Jesus can have mercy on us. We are made new when we turn from past choices to Him. When we allow Jesus to direct our steps He shows us mercy and His plan unfolds. Paul wrote this scripture (letter to a new Christian, Timothy).
1 Timothy 1:12 – 14
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him,13 even though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. 14 Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus.
Paul mentored this young man, Timothy, with the knowledge Jesus shared. Paul encouraged Timothy to grow in his faith over fear. Paul shared in his letters to Timothy, these words:
2 Timothy 1: 10 -13 So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.
11 This is a trustworthy saying:
If we die with him, we will also live with him. 12 If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us. 13 If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.
Those words are still true today. We must choose for ourselves who we will serve: the world or Jesus. It really is that simple. His mercy can be trusted but we must take the steps to receive it.
Paul wrote letters to many peoples including the Ephesians. He shared the love and mercy of Christ and many lives were transformed by Jesus for His Kingdom purposes and for generations. Just as Paul demonstrated, When we love God we want to follow His commands not as hard restrictions but as showing love of God and His people.
Ephesians 2 Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.
4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much,5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
I have been foolish, I may have been raised with a legalistic religion, I did the actions required until I became an adult. However, I wanted more, I wanted a relationship with Jesus. This occurred as I went through trials which led me to seek Him, trials can drive us to our knees and to reach for Jesus. I was 32. You are never too old to choose a new life with Jesus. Grateful for His mercy and grace freely given.
A dear Sister in Christ sent me this song by Jason Crabb, “Good Morning Mercy”. A beautiful reminder of the Mercy we can walk in every morning. He wants to do a new thing, let Him. I hope this song blesses your day, make it a good one.
Wringing our hands, swirling thoughts, and sleepless nights may seem frequent. I want to open my mind and hands to receive good things from the Creator God of heaven and earth and drop the anxiety or fear of the future.
Insomnia and carpel tunnel pain after a night of fretting is a waste of time. Mindset needs changing!! Who is with me bloggers and readers? Open your hand to God and be blessed.
Let’s make a declaration for change in mindset, fix your mind on Jesus Christ!
First, Close your eyes and meditate on His goodness. If you struggle to believe in His goodness, ponder the scriptures below. Then try again to meditate on the love of Jesus.
Second, Visualize the face of Jesus, His eyes of compassion, His smile filled with joy, inviting you to hold His extended hand and take a stroll.
Say the following declaration aloud:
Help me be aware of the Presence of God. Help me to accept Your unfailing love, Jesus! Help me believe there aren’t conditions that block our relationship. I repent of any sin that has caused me to leave the love of Jesus. You love me, period! Create in me a clean heart. Show me Your mercy and grace, I love Jesus. Show me Your peace. I want to feel your Presence. You are just a breath away. I breathe deeply in Your peace. Cool, clean breath that washes over my lungs and provides clarity of mind.
Take a walk, Just you and your best friend and Savior Jesus!He knows all about you. Reflect on a few scripture stories:
1. Seek Him with the curiosity of a child and show Christ like love to a child.
Matthew 18:1-7 MSG At about the same time, the disciples came to Jesus asking, “Who gets the highest rank in God’s kingdom?” [2-5] For an answer Jesus called over a child, whom he stood in the middle of the room, and said, “I’m telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you’re not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in. Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God’s kingdom. What’s more, when you receive the childlike on my account, it’s the same as receiving me. [6-7] “But if you give them a hard time, bullying or taking advantage of their simple trust, you’ll soon wish you hadn’t. You’d be better off dropped in the middle of the lake with a millstone around your neck. Doom to the world for giving these God-believing children a hard time! Hard times are inevitable, but you don’t have to make it worse-and it’s doomsday to you if you do.
2. Seek Him as a prodigal sheep who wandered away but wants to come home to Jesus.
Matthew 18:12-14 MSG “Look at it this way. If someone has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders off, doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine and go after the one? And if he finds it, doesn’t he make far more over it than over the ninety-nine who stay put? Your Father in heaven feels the same way. He doesn’t want to lose even one of these simple believers.
3. Seek Jesus as a weary traveler, parent or single.
Isaiah 40:28-31 NLT Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. [29] He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. [30] Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. [31] But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
4. Seek Jesus as wise counselor, who will share your heavy burdens and be gentle with wisdom.
Matthew 11:25-30 NLT At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. [26] Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way! [27] “My Father has entrusted everything to me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” [28] Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Jesus extends His hand to you. Take hold of the only place of truth in this crazy world. Walking with Him, seeking His wisdom and having His Presence is better than walking alone. He will never forsake you.Start your journey in the Bible with the chapter John. Read how our amazing Jesus extended His hand to broken, diverse disciples who were all impacted and transformed for Kingdom purposes. You are created with His purpose. Walk with Himand be transformed.
Evil will not win! I know days can be exhausting and weariness can sap your strength. I know trials can feel overwhelming and peace seems unattainable. I know you may feel alone and unseen.
I have been in your position and may be there again today: sad, lonely, lost and overwhelmed, without hope and in conflict. I learned to rebuke thoughts that bring darkness. Shake those thoughts meant to bind you from your mind, feelings are deceptive. Faith in the unseen God are truth. The choice is to stay deceived or reach to new freedom and truth.
Hebrews 12:1-2,5-6 TPT As for us, we have all of these great witnesses who encircle us like clouds. So we must let go of every wound that has pierced us and the sin we so easily fall into. Then we will be able to run life’s marathon race with passion and determination, for the path has been already marked out before us. [2] We look away from the natural realm and we fasten our gaze onto Jesus who birthed faith within us and who leads us forward into faith’s perfection. His example is this: Because his heart was focused on the joy of knowing that you would be his, he endured the agony of the cross and conquered its humiliation, and now sits exalted at the right hand of the throne of God!
[5] And have you forgotten his encouraging words spoken to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t underestimate the value of the discipline and training of the Lord God, or get depressed when he has to correct you. [6] For the Lord’s training of your life is the evidence of his faithful love. And when he draws you to himself, it proves you are his delightful child.”
I have learned and learn daily to take my burdens to the Cross of Christ. I literally see myself labeling the heavy rocks and boulders with these words. I see myself dragging these heavy burdens to Jesus!
I ask for His strength to get me to His feet, I may cry out aloud, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus! Because I don’t know what else to say. His word says, He understands our groaning through the Holy Spirit. That is not a human concept but everything is possible for God. In the supernatural, holding His hand, listening for His voice, I can find hope again.
Psalm 36, the Passion version, described well the struggle of rebellion of sin and also the mercy seat love of God. His love is extravagant but we need to open our hearts to this amazing gift.
Psalm 36:1-12 TPT A poetic song, by King David, the servant of the Lord The rebellion of sin speaks as an oracle of God, speaking deeply to the conscience of wicked men. Yet they are still eager to sin, for the fear of God is not before their eyes. [2] See how they flatter themselves, unable to detect and detest their sins. They are crooked and conceited, convinced they can get away with anything. [3] Their wicked words are nothing but lies. Wisdom is far from them. Goodness is both forgotten and forsaken. [4] They lie awake at night to hatch their evil plots, always planning their schemes of darkness, and never once do they consider the evil of their ways. [5] But you, O Lord, your mercy-seat love is limitless, reaching higher than the highest heavens. Your great faithfulness is infinite, stretching over the whole earth. [6] Your righteousness is unmovable, just like the mighty mountains. Your judgments are as full of wisdom as the oceans are full of water. Your tender care and kindness leave no one forgotten, not a man nor even a mouse. [7] O God, how extravagant is your cherishing love! All mankind can find a hiding place under the shadow of your wings. [8] All may drink of the anointing from the abundance of your house. All may drink their fill from the delightful springs of Eden. [9] To know you is to experience a flowing fountain, drinking in your life, springing up to satisfy. In the light of your holiness we receive the light of revelation. [10] Lord, keep pouring out your unfailing love on those who are near you. Release more of your blessings to those who are loyal to you. [11] Don’t let these proud boasters trample me down; don’t let them push me around by the sheer strength of their wickedness. [12] There they lie in the dirt, these evil ones, thrown down to the ground, never to arise again!
Lord, keep pouring out Your wisdom, Your Peace and Your Love! Change me from the inside out. Release more of your truth and blessings to those loyal to you. Draw those who feel lost and alone to Your mercy seat of love and grace. In the light of your holiness we receive the light of revelation. Jesus, Holy Spirit we need You, Amen!
Will you be ready when Jesus comes? Some prophets believe we are in the end of times. I choose not to live in fear but instead carefully choose who I listen to, in church leadership or online. I want to follow those whose discussions line up with the Bible. I must spend time reading the Bible myself so I can learn Godly wisdom and discern the truth.
Our world of distraction is set on keeping you unsettled, and being like a dog chasing his tail. If we feel fear, panic, dread or uncertainty, we may be even more susceptible to listening to the wrong voice.
Even worse, apathy may lead us to believe we have plenty of time to get wisdom, read the Bible and seek Jesus. This mindset from the devil may be our undoing. It isn’t about being a good person. It is about seeking a relationship with Jesus and growing in our daily life with words and actions that reflect Him. Not perfection but transformation in our time with our Savior.
What is the distraction that keeps you staying away from Jesus? Consider the distraction of the dog in the movie, Upwards. It is like a dog who hears the word Squirrell and runs into the street instead of staying safe.
Noise, more noise, people, media, the hustle of life, looking at the stock market, trying to make ends meet, what a distraction. It can be the comparison trap whether you are a child, teen, young adult, or any age. We can take the bait. A trap of distraction is just a screenshot away.
But when Jesus comes, will you be ready? Do you think you still have time? Scripture tells us, “Jesus knows the number of our days, but no one knows when Jesus will come”.
Matthew 25:1-13 NLT “Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. [2] Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. [3] The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, [4] but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. [5] When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. [6] “At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’ [7] “All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. [8] Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’ [9] “But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’ [10] “But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. [11] Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’ [12] “But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’ [13] “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.
Have you ever heard of the 10 Bridesmaids? Will you be one of the five with ready lamps or not? This story in scripture may bring a feeling of conviction. I know it did for me. Conviction isn’t bad, because it can prompt you to change to a better future, even more, an eternal future with Jesus. I need a poke on occasion, how about you?
Merriam Webster’sdefinition of conviction: the act of convincing a person of error or of compelling the admission of truth. A conviction can lead to transformation, condemnation comes from the devil.
So on those days when your distraction, “squirrel”, seems to chitter loudly, reconsider your position. Seek first Jesus, spend time reading His Word, the Bible, accept Jesus as Savior, believe He is Lord, and let Him be the Lord of your life. James or Matthew are great places to start and be ready with your oil and lamp.
1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 MSG May God our Father himself and our Master Jesus clear the road to you! And may the Master pour on the love so it fills your lives and splashes over on everyone around you, just as it does from us to you. May you be infused with strength and purity, filled with confidence in the presence of God our Father when our Master Jesus arrives with all his followers.
I don’t know anyone who’s known by hundreds maybe even thousands of names other than our Lord: Faithful Father, Lamb of God, Creator, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace, King of Kings, Lord of Lords. The list is endless.
Something to meditate on: this is the same person; Jesus, Father, Holy Spirit, and Creator God who wants to know you.
I heard the song by Sean Curran “1000 names”, it’s so powerful to hear and take. Because it reminds me that within those thousand names, I can find the right name I may need for today, tomorrow, or my future.
If I’m in a happy content place, I might find the name King of Kings or Lord of Lords to be cool! If I’m in a time of confusion, Wonderful Counselor may be the correct name to impact my mind and life. If I’m needing relief through conflict, Prince of Peace may mean something to me. If you are struggling with mental or physical health, He is the Healer ( Jehovah Rapha)!
We need to share His infinite Names with those we love; friends, family, children, teens, young adults, and even strangers. It may be the beginning of their walk with the unchanging God of the universe.
I hope you enjoy the song as much as I did. The same God who has multiple names wants to know yours. Even though he has various names, there is only one King Jesus!
1000 Names Sean Curran
Amazing to think, God is immutable but His Names are multiple in the description of His reach.He will finish what He starts!He will not give up on You!Sing to Him who is worthy of praise.
Inspiring Light Through the Cracks 