Hey Friend,
Though I was not blessed with a good singing voice, I still love to sing (much to the chagrin of those around me when I do so). I was singing a worship song in church and the lyrics of the song talked about the "furious love" of God.
At first this seemed like an oxymoron to me - how could God's love be furious? I was used to references to God's "loving kindness".
But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, and abounding in love and faithfulness. (Psalm 86:15)
To me, furious meant angry, wrathful, vengeful. But, furious, I come to find has other definitions such as: on the offensive, very energetic, intense, very great.
God's (Christ's) love on the offensive...hmmm...
"For the Son of Man came to seek and save what was lost." (Luke 19:10)
God and His Son Jesus pursue me; pursue you, persistently, powerfully and passionately.
They will overturn every rock to find you, save you and embrace you with their furious love. Why? because you belong to God and He cannot bear to be apart from His child.
One need only to look at the parables in the Bible that speak to someone seeking something with great energy and intensity until it is found.
In the parable of "the lost sheep" (Luke 15:1-7), the shepherd is not content with the 99 sheep of his that he has found. No, with great and furious love, he searches for the one lost sheep until it is found and lovingly carries it back to the flock.
Much in the same way the owner of a precious lost coin searches tirelessly for that solitary coin. And, when it is found:
"Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin..." (Luke 15:9-10)
Translate "the coin" to "one sinner" and you get:
"In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." (Luke 15:9-10)
God has a furious love for you. Yes, YOU! We pass over John 3:16, but read it again slowly and insert your name.
For God so loved (Your Name), that he gave his one and only Son, that if (Your Name) believes in Him he/she shall not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16)
Wow! That is the definition of furious love. Christ died for us while we were still ugly sinners!
The Bible is chock-full of such references of God's great love for you. In the last book of the Bible, Revelation 3:20, Christ says,
"Hear I am! (note the exclamation point). I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." (Revelation 3:20)
Christ's final plea. Christ's furious love that says I will seek you till I find you. I will search tirelessly for you until you are back in my arms. I will knock on the door of your heart until you let me in.
That's how much I love you!
God's furious love for you...You are of great worth. Praying you will swing wide open the door to His great love for you!
Love,
Bev
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Nothing A Little Spackle Won't Fix
Hey Friend,
I've been busy lately getting estimates on more than several projects to fix up my home. My house is sixteen years old. My kids (ages 24 and 20) have done most of their growing up inside these walls. For both my daughter and son, our home was always the place to gather. Most friends knew our door was always open and the welcome mat was well worn.
I survey the upstairs' hallways. There are scuffs, streaks and dents from endless games of hallway baseball. The bonus room rug is well worn from knee hockey and the blinds are bent from wayward pucks. There are nail polish spills in my daughter's room from countless sleepovers and her door still has tacky tape spots from pictures of cute boys and rainbow marker notes passed from friends at school.
The most gaping repair will be where my son put his fist through his wall in teenaged angst over a break up with a girl. The list of projects grows, but in retrospect, I wouldn't change a minute of it. Life was lived here! Even stains from the family dog (that shampooing wouldn't erase) hold a place in my heart for four legged unconditional love that has since passed away.
There's nothing a little spackle won't fix. Fresh paint, new carpets, hardwoods refinished - all hold a price, but the love lived and shared here is priceless.
When I would tuck my children in at night, I would pray silently to God that He would fill in (spackle) the places in my children's hearts where I messed up or fell short that day. God is great at filling in the cracks our humanness leaves behind.
In fact, His grace is sufficient for all our needs and our children's needs.
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Learn to love these days knowing His mercies are new every morning.
Your mercies are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:23)
These mornings and days will pass all too quickly, though at times they may seem endless. So Carpe Diem and if the Diem is crazy, seize it anyway. Yes, learn to love these days!
My son, Steven (20), recently wrote in a card to me, "Mom, thank you for being a Godly roll model for me and for spending time with me. I loved the days when we would sit in our chairs and talk and 'watch the world go by'.... Love, Steven."
Yes, a little spackle will do the trick.
I want to wish all mothers out there a very Happy Early Mother's Day. You may not be perfect, but you are God's perfect choice for your children. Put down the laundry and pick up a little (or big hand) and share this priceless time with your children.
Love,
Bev
I've been busy lately getting estimates on more than several projects to fix up my home. My house is sixteen years old. My kids (ages 24 and 20) have done most of their growing up inside these walls. For both my daughter and son, our home was always the place to gather. Most friends knew our door was always open and the welcome mat was well worn.
I survey the upstairs' hallways. There are scuffs, streaks and dents from endless games of hallway baseball. The bonus room rug is well worn from knee hockey and the blinds are bent from wayward pucks. There are nail polish spills in my daughter's room from countless sleepovers and her door still has tacky tape spots from pictures of cute boys and rainbow marker notes passed from friends at school.
The most gaping repair will be where my son put his fist through his wall in teenaged angst over a break up with a girl. The list of projects grows, but in retrospect, I wouldn't change a minute of it. Life was lived here! Even stains from the family dog (that shampooing wouldn't erase) hold a place in my heart for four legged unconditional love that has since passed away.
There's nothing a little spackle won't fix. Fresh paint, new carpets, hardwoods refinished - all hold a price, but the love lived and shared here is priceless.
When I would tuck my children in at night, I would pray silently to God that He would fill in (spackle) the places in my children's hearts where I messed up or fell short that day. God is great at filling in the cracks our humanness leaves behind.
In fact, His grace is sufficient for all our needs and our children's needs.
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Learn to love these days knowing His mercies are new every morning.
Your mercies are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:23)
These mornings and days will pass all too quickly, though at times they may seem endless. So Carpe Diem and if the Diem is crazy, seize it anyway. Yes, learn to love these days!
My son, Steven (20), recently wrote in a card to me, "Mom, thank you for being a Godly roll model for me and for spending time with me. I loved the days when we would sit in our chairs and talk and 'watch the world go by'.... Love, Steven."
Yes, a little spackle will do the trick.
I want to wish all mothers out there a very Happy Early Mother's Day. You may not be perfect, but you are God's perfect choice for your children. Put down the laundry and pick up a little (or big hand) and share this priceless time with your children.
Love,
Bev
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Voluntary Prisoner - Forgiveness
Hey Friend,
Who of us would voluntarily lock ourselves in a prison cell and then throw away the key? Sounds stupid, right? Yet, I've done it. I'm betting you have done it. We all have done it to differing degrees depending on our temperament and the severity of the "offense" committed.
Thousands of books, articles, songs and scriptures have been written on forgiveness. I don't pretend to have all the answers, but I do know that it is a subject so strong and prevalent. Why? Because we are a fallen, sinful people and we do stupid and sometimes horrendous things.
Jesus, beaten to within an inch of His life and suffocating on a cross, offered a prayer for our depravity. "Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34)
The Bible tells us that all will betray us at one point or another. Only God will never leave nor forsake us. If we know this, why are we so deeply hurt when someone (often someone we know well) hurts us?
We are relational creatures and we were designed to live in relationship with one another. When that bond or trust is broken in some way, it can cut to the core of our being. Yet, God calls us to forgive...Why?
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32)
If we can wrap or heads around it, God truly wants what's best for us. Everything he commands is for OUR good.
He tells us to forgive others not because they deserve forgiveness, but because we/you deserve peace.
Peace cannot dwell where lack of forgiveness dwells. So when we hang onto a grudge, angst and turmoil will be our constant companions. It's not a healthy place to live. It is a prison cell.
In his song, "Forgiveness", Matthew West sings, "It's the hardest thing to give away...{but} The prisoner that it really frees is you."
But, you don't understand, Bev, this just isn't right or fair. No, sadly it isn't. It hurts even more when the offender fails to seek forgiveness or even to acknowledge that he/she has done something wrong.
But, take heart. We serve a just God. He cannot be unjust. He does say, however, who vengeance belongs to.
"Vengeance is mine sayeth the Lord." (Romans 12:19)
We can trust God to administer justice.
I've held onto a worn clipping for a long time (author unknown). When I am dealing with the impossible task of forgiveness, I often refer to it. The words are profound:
Remember, forgiveness is not a stamp of approval on all the wrongs committed, but rather, it is your way of releasing the destructive emotions and placing them in the hands of God with confidence in his ability to administer justice.
God loves you! He grieves over the wrongs you have suffered. God has forgiven you and shown you grace where condemnation was deserved. He can, through His power working through you, enable you to forgive. It is possible. He wants you to be free - a prisoner no longer!
Love,
Bev
Who of us would voluntarily lock ourselves in a prison cell and then throw away the key? Sounds stupid, right? Yet, I've done it. I'm betting you have done it. We all have done it to differing degrees depending on our temperament and the severity of the "offense" committed.
Thousands of books, articles, songs and scriptures have been written on forgiveness. I don't pretend to have all the answers, but I do know that it is a subject so strong and prevalent. Why? Because we are a fallen, sinful people and we do stupid and sometimes horrendous things.
Jesus, beaten to within an inch of His life and suffocating on a cross, offered a prayer for our depravity. "Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34)
The Bible tells us that all will betray us at one point or another. Only God will never leave nor forsake us. If we know this, why are we so deeply hurt when someone (often someone we know well) hurts us?
We are relational creatures and we were designed to live in relationship with one another. When that bond or trust is broken in some way, it can cut to the core of our being. Yet, God calls us to forgive...Why?
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32)
If we can wrap or heads around it, God truly wants what's best for us. Everything he commands is for OUR good.
He tells us to forgive others not because they deserve forgiveness, but because we/you deserve peace.
Peace cannot dwell where lack of forgiveness dwells. So when we hang onto a grudge, angst and turmoil will be our constant companions. It's not a healthy place to live. It is a prison cell.
In his song, "Forgiveness", Matthew West sings, "It's the hardest thing to give away...{but} The prisoner that it really frees is you."
But, you don't understand, Bev, this just isn't right or fair. No, sadly it isn't. It hurts even more when the offender fails to seek forgiveness or even to acknowledge that he/she has done something wrong.
But, take heart. We serve a just God. He cannot be unjust. He does say, however, who vengeance belongs to.
"Vengeance is mine sayeth the Lord." (Romans 12:19)
We can trust God to administer justice.
I've held onto a worn clipping for a long time (author unknown). When I am dealing with the impossible task of forgiveness, I often refer to it. The words are profound:
Remember, forgiveness is not a stamp of approval on all the wrongs committed, but rather, it is your way of releasing the destructive emotions and placing them in the hands of God with confidence in his ability to administer justice.
God loves you! He grieves over the wrongs you have suffered. God has forgiven you and shown you grace where condemnation was deserved. He can, through His power working through you, enable you to forgive. It is possible. He wants you to be free - a prisoner no longer!
Love,
Bev
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Standing on the Sidelines
Hey Friend,
With all the evil taking place in this world...I dedicate this post to encouraging men and women of faith to rise up and share their faith with those lost and living in a dark world.
When Nicole was six and a half and Steven was two, Nicole used to have soccer games on Saturday mornings. I would go and cheer her on from the sidelines. Steven, however, was not content to merely stand on the sideline, he wanted to be IN the game and would pull away from me and run onto the field after the ball. One morning, after multiple times of scooping my son off the field, the ref kindly suggested that I go elsewhere. Embarrassed, Steven and I slunk our way to the safety of the nearby play area.
Lately, I've been asking myself, why don't I have the tenacity that my two year old had? Why, when it comes to sharing my faith am I content to stand on the sidelines? Perhaps one answer is procrastination (after all it has taken me 52 years to finally write my blog). It is so easy to say, "I'll do that tomorrow." Satan is all too glad when we let laziness overcome our conviction. But, the reality is...our days are numbered.
"Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12)
And, not to be morbid, what if tomorrow never comes? Or how do we know how much time we have?
"But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare." (2 Peter 3:10)
Another hindrance is self-doubt. We doubt our ability to share eloquently the good news of the gospel. But God doesn't care about our ability, He cares about our availability. Get in the game and the coach (God) will call the plays and give you the words. Sometimes we are suited up to go into the game, but when the Coach actually says, "You're in", we freeze like a deer in the headlights. Don't despair though, you are in good company. Many famous leaders like Moses, Jonah and the Apostles wanted to run the other way when God called them to be a light unto His people. Eventually, though, they obeyed.
Mix in a good old dose of fear and we'll stand on the sidelines forever. But God has not given us a spirit of fear...
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7)
Being a light unto a dark world will call you outside your comfort zone. I can guarantee that, but you don't go alone.
"See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared." (Exodus 23:20)
We need to be about the Lord's business. That is our calling. We need to be a giant directional arrow pointing to God. Where's your arrow pointing?
"Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim His salvation day after day." (1 Chronicles 16:23)
The world needs you. Only you can share your personal testimony. It is your thumbprint and no two prints are alike. Someone, somewhere, needs to hear what you have to say in only the way that you can say it. God has uniquely equipped you to spread the good news through words and deeds.
So I ask you, "Are you content to stand on the sidelines?" Or are you ready to say, "Coach put me in?"
"No one knows the exact hour of Christ's return not even Christ himself." (Mark 13:32)
I pray you will go with God's speed into the game, bravely throwing off all hindrances, and making a mark in a way only you can do!
Love,
Bev
With all the evil taking place in this world...I dedicate this post to encouraging men and women of faith to rise up and share their faith with those lost and living in a dark world.
When Nicole was six and a half and Steven was two, Nicole used to have soccer games on Saturday mornings. I would go and cheer her on from the sidelines. Steven, however, was not content to merely stand on the sideline, he wanted to be IN the game and would pull away from me and run onto the field after the ball. One morning, after multiple times of scooping my son off the field, the ref kindly suggested that I go elsewhere. Embarrassed, Steven and I slunk our way to the safety of the nearby play area.
Lately, I've been asking myself, why don't I have the tenacity that my two year old had? Why, when it comes to sharing my faith am I content to stand on the sidelines? Perhaps one answer is procrastination (after all it has taken me 52 years to finally write my blog). It is so easy to say, "I'll do that tomorrow." Satan is all too glad when we let laziness overcome our conviction. But, the reality is...our days are numbered.
"Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12)
And, not to be morbid, what if tomorrow never comes? Or how do we know how much time we have?
"But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare." (2 Peter 3:10)
Another hindrance is self-doubt. We doubt our ability to share eloquently the good news of the gospel. But God doesn't care about our ability, He cares about our availability. Get in the game and the coach (God) will call the plays and give you the words. Sometimes we are suited up to go into the game, but when the Coach actually says, "You're in", we freeze like a deer in the headlights. Don't despair though, you are in good company. Many famous leaders like Moses, Jonah and the Apostles wanted to run the other way when God called them to be a light unto His people. Eventually, though, they obeyed.
Mix in a good old dose of fear and we'll stand on the sidelines forever. But God has not given us a spirit of fear...
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7)
Being a light unto a dark world will call you outside your comfort zone. I can guarantee that, but you don't go alone.
"See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared." (Exodus 23:20)
We need to be about the Lord's business. That is our calling. We need to be a giant directional arrow pointing to God. Where's your arrow pointing?
"Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim His salvation day after day." (1 Chronicles 16:23)
The world needs you. Only you can share your personal testimony. It is your thumbprint and no two prints are alike. Someone, somewhere, needs to hear what you have to say in only the way that you can say it. God has uniquely equipped you to spread the good news through words and deeds.
So I ask you, "Are you content to stand on the sidelines?" Or are you ready to say, "Coach put me in?"
"No one knows the exact hour of Christ's return not even Christ himself." (Mark 13:32)
I pray you will go with God's speed into the game, bravely throwing off all hindrances, and making a mark in a way only you can do!
Love,
Bev
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Practicing Thankfulness
Hey Friend,
With all the wondrous gifts God has bestowed upon us, you would think that we wouldn't have to "practice" thankfulness. But, we are sinful, fallen creatures and with that comes a natural bent toward selfishness. Selfishness can breed a critical spirit.
How often do we see it happen that nine out of ten things are going right, but we will focus on the one thing going wrong? Conversely, nine things could be going wrong; one very good thing going right, and we forget to say thank you to God?
"Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits..." (Psalm 103: 2-4).
A friend of mine once told me to "practice with the small stuff." How often do we overlook the small blessings, let alone the big blessings? After my knee surgery, I pulled into the Target parking lot. Thinking I'd have to park out in the back forty, I groaned. Just then a spot right in front opened up. "Thank you God," I praised Him. Small stuff, but definitely worthy of praise!
I have my own little form of sign language I created as a way to thank God (silly I know), but I touch my fist to my heart; I then kiss my fist (symbolizing my heart); then I open up my hand pointing one finger up to God as a way of releasing my kiss and my thankfulness to God above.
Therefore, through Him let us continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, that is the fruit of our lips that confess His name. (Hebrews 13:15).
A friend once drove by when I was walking Zoe (my dog) and she saw me pointing up to the sky. "What were you looking at and pointing to?" she later asked me. "Oh," I said, slightly embarrassed, "that's just my sign language for thanking God for the sunshine."
"From the fullness of His grace, we have received one blessing after another." (John 1:16).
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." (Psalm 107:1).
You know it's hard to be grumpy and thankful at the same time. Thankfulness, other than being what God calls us to, is a mood lifter. Here are some simple ways to practice thankfulness. (Warning, some of these may be best done alone lol!):
* Put praise music on in the kitchen and lift up your hands in praise.
* If you are a dancer, dance your thankfulness to God. (Dance like no one is
watching.) "Let them praise his name with dancing... (Psalm 149:3).
* Even if you can't sing (like me) sing along with Christian radio in your car.
* Write or journal a simple prayer of thanksgiving to God.
* Tell your family what you are thankful for at the end of each day.
* Dedicate a run, walk, game played, drawing created, or instrumental piece
played to the Lord. I will even dedicate my sink of dirty dishes unto
the Lord as I wash them.
* Begin your prayers with an opening of thanksgiving. "...but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to
God." (Philippians 4:6).
* Get creative...
One of my favorite quotes is: "When I met Christ, I felt that I had swallowed sunshine." (E. Stanley Jones)
Will you join me this week in practicing thankfulness and go out and share a little of that sunshine? Your heart, and God, will be glad you did!
Love,
Bev
With all the wondrous gifts God has bestowed upon us, you would think that we wouldn't have to "practice" thankfulness. But, we are sinful, fallen creatures and with that comes a natural bent toward selfishness. Selfishness can breed a critical spirit.
How often do we see it happen that nine out of ten things are going right, but we will focus on the one thing going wrong? Conversely, nine things could be going wrong; one very good thing going right, and we forget to say thank you to God?
"Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits..." (Psalm 103: 2-4).
A friend of mine once told me to "practice with the small stuff." How often do we overlook the small blessings, let alone the big blessings? After my knee surgery, I pulled into the Target parking lot. Thinking I'd have to park out in the back forty, I groaned. Just then a spot right in front opened up. "Thank you God," I praised Him. Small stuff, but definitely worthy of praise!
I have my own little form of sign language I created as a way to thank God (silly I know), but I touch my fist to my heart; I then kiss my fist (symbolizing my heart); then I open up my hand pointing one finger up to God as a way of releasing my kiss and my thankfulness to God above.
Therefore, through Him let us continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, that is the fruit of our lips that confess His name. (Hebrews 13:15).
A friend once drove by when I was walking Zoe (my dog) and she saw me pointing up to the sky. "What were you looking at and pointing to?" she later asked me. "Oh," I said, slightly embarrassed, "that's just my sign language for thanking God for the sunshine."
"From the fullness of His grace, we have received one blessing after another." (John 1:16).
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." (Psalm 107:1).
You know it's hard to be grumpy and thankful at the same time. Thankfulness, other than being what God calls us to, is a mood lifter. Here are some simple ways to practice thankfulness. (Warning, some of these may be best done alone lol!):
* Put praise music on in the kitchen and lift up your hands in praise.
* If you are a dancer, dance your thankfulness to God. (Dance like no one is
watching.) "Let them praise his name with dancing... (Psalm 149:3).
* Even if you can't sing (like me) sing along with Christian radio in your car.
* Write or journal a simple prayer of thanksgiving to God.
* Tell your family what you are thankful for at the end of each day.
* Dedicate a run, walk, game played, drawing created, or instrumental piece
played to the Lord. I will even dedicate my sink of dirty dishes unto
the Lord as I wash them.
* Begin your prayers with an opening of thanksgiving. "...but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to
God." (Philippians 4:6).
* Get creative...
One of my favorite quotes is: "When I met Christ, I felt that I had swallowed sunshine." (E. Stanley Jones)
Will you join me this week in practicing thankfulness and go out and share a little of that sunshine? Your heart, and God, will be glad you did!
Love,
Bev
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Wrestling With God
Hey Friend,
Lately I have been wrestling with God. Yes, you read that correctly - wrestling. I've been asking God, "Why?" Why did I go through a painful surgery and five months of rehab only to be at a place where I have very limited mobility? Lord, you know the past few years have been more than difficult on many levels (ref: Church Lady? I Think Not), so why this? Who am I...Job?
Well meaning well-wishers have reminded me it could always be worse. Yes, no matter what we are going through, somehow it could always be worse. I promise I will never invalidate what you are going through by giving you that cliché response.
I used to think that I always had to pray "pretty prayers" before God. But, as my relationship has grown with God, I have come to know that my prayers...my conversation with God can be riddled with why's and doubts and fears. My prayers are often not even words; they are so painful.
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. (Romans 8:26)
Wrestling connotes a close and engaging give and take. You can't wrestle from afar. Sometimes wrestling hurts and is painful. Sometimes we struggle against God. Often we are sad, angry, disappointed or all of the above.
In the Psalms, David wrestled with God. He cried out to God on occasions too many to count asking, why?
"Why, oh Lord do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?" (Psalm 10:1)
Yet God still called David a man after His own heart.
Christ, in the garden of Gethsemane and on the cross, wrestled with His Father. He cried out,
"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46)
Jacob wrestled one night with a stranger whom he recognized as God's representative, and asked him for a blessing. The man then bestowed a new name upon him: Israel. This name means "he strives (or wrestles) with God ." It is based upon a rare form of Hebrew for striving (yisar) and one of the words for God (El).
The common denominator - all of those who wrestled with God saw ultimate victory. God did not shun or condemn those who wrestled with Him. Our God is much bigger than that. He can handle our anger, doubt and fear. He wants to have a close and personal relationship with us even if it means we will wrestle with Him.
In order for there to be victory, there must be struggle.
Trust Love's heart. He can bring triumph from our trial(s).
God grew His beloved nation Israel out of Jacob's struggle with Him. God is more concerned about our character than our ease of living. In His great love he allows us to be purified in the crucible of struggle, but he promises we will not be burned or consumed. We will emerge victorious!
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (Romans 8:37).
If you are wrestling right now...know that the victory is coming!
Love,
Bev
Lately I have been wrestling with God. Yes, you read that correctly - wrestling. I've been asking God, "Why?" Why did I go through a painful surgery and five months of rehab only to be at a place where I have very limited mobility? Lord, you know the past few years have been more than difficult on many levels (ref: Church Lady? I Think Not), so why this? Who am I...Job?
Well meaning well-wishers have reminded me it could always be worse. Yes, no matter what we are going through, somehow it could always be worse. I promise I will never invalidate what you are going through by giving you that cliché response.
I used to think that I always had to pray "pretty prayers" before God. But, as my relationship has grown with God, I have come to know that my prayers...my conversation with God can be riddled with why's and doubts and fears. My prayers are often not even words; they are so painful.
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. (Romans 8:26)
Wrestling connotes a close and engaging give and take. You can't wrestle from afar. Sometimes wrestling hurts and is painful. Sometimes we struggle against God. Often we are sad, angry, disappointed or all of the above.
In the Psalms, David wrestled with God. He cried out to God on occasions too many to count asking, why?
"Why, oh Lord do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?" (Psalm 10:1)
Yet God still called David a man after His own heart.
Christ, in the garden of Gethsemane and on the cross, wrestled with His Father. He cried out,
"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46)
Jacob wrestled one night with a stranger whom he recognized as God's representative, and asked him for a blessing. The man then bestowed a new name upon him: Israel. This name means "he strives (or wrestles) with God ." It is based upon a rare form of Hebrew for striving (yisar) and one of the words for God (El).
The common denominator - all of those who wrestled with God saw ultimate victory. God did not shun or condemn those who wrestled with Him. Our God is much bigger than that. He can handle our anger, doubt and fear. He wants to have a close and personal relationship with us even if it means we will wrestle with Him.
In order for there to be victory, there must be struggle.
Trust Love's heart. He can bring triumph from our trial(s).
God grew His beloved nation Israel out of Jacob's struggle with Him. God is more concerned about our character than our ease of living. In His great love he allows us to be purified in the crucible of struggle, but he promises we will not be burned or consumed. We will emerge victorious!
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (Romans 8:37).
If you are wrestling right now...know that the victory is coming!
Love,
Bev
Friday, April 5, 2013
You Are Covered In Love And Prayer
Hey Friend,
Do you know that if you are reading this you are covered in love and prayer? Ever since you started reading my blog, I have prayed for you each and every day; day and night. If this is your first time, I am praying for you as I type these words. I lift you and your needs, wants and desires up before God. I ask that God would speak to you where you are and wrap His ever-lasting arms around you. The Bible instructs us to pray for one another, but I want to pray for you. It is my privilege!
God knows your name and He loves you even more than I do. When I started this blog, I had small goals - Lord help me reach just one person with reassurance of your sacrificial love. God, in His tremendous way, has hit that dream out of the ball park. He's like that, you know, always exceeding our wildest imagination. It's no coincidence you are reading this. He wanted you here.
I've been taking some time off to spend with family, but will be back at it next week. Meanwhile, I invite you to meditate on these scriptures. And, perhaps read some of the posts you may have missed.
And we have this command from Him: the one who loves God must also love his brother. (1 John 4:21)
Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous. (1 Peter 3:8)
Do you know that if you are reading this you are covered in love and prayer? Ever since you started reading my blog, I have prayed for you each and every day; day and night. If this is your first time, I am praying for you as I type these words. I lift you and your needs, wants and desires up before God. I ask that God would speak to you where you are and wrap His ever-lasting arms around you. The Bible instructs us to pray for one another, but I want to pray for you. It is my privilege!
God knows your name and He loves you even more than I do. When I started this blog, I had small goals - Lord help me reach just one person with reassurance of your sacrificial love. God, in His tremendous way, has hit that dream out of the ball park. He's like that, you know, always exceeding our wildest imagination. It's no coincidence you are reading this. He wanted you here.
I've been taking some time off to spend with family, but will be back at it next week. Meanwhile, I invite you to meditate on these scriptures. And, perhaps read some of the posts you may have missed.
And we have this command from Him: the one who loves God must also love his brother. (1 John 4:21)
Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous. (1 Peter 3:8)
I'll end this post by praying this blessing over you:
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord make his face to shine upon you,
and be gracious unto you.
May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you
and give you peace.
Amen
Know you are loved,
Bev
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