All that Wonderful

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:13‭-‬14 NIV

It was fitting that this verse popped up the other day. A FB friend was celebrating the birth of her first grandson and she chose this verse as one of her postings about the precious, new life. We often think about babies and children when we read this verse.

But what if we really let this verse sink into our hearts and minds that God is talking about all of us. He knew before time began that you would be born at the exact minute you were, with the physical features you have or don't have, and with all your special talents.  He wants you to know that he made you you and there is no better you than you.

Know God's works are wonderful and he put all that wonderful in you.

Do or Do Not

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12 NIV

Can I just say that I will do this some of the time? Do you realize how hard it is to exude these morals in today's world? Of course you do! You're human like me. Face to face we struggle, but add social media and you have something akin to a nuclear meltdown in basic social skills. Go ahead, admit it. This is one difficult verse to live by. It's easy when you are around family and friends that you love and trust. But out there...in the world...people will not return the kindness and compassion.

And that is exactly why we must fight to live by these words every day. And yes it is a fight or else Paul wouldn't have told us to put on the whole armour of God. We must tuck these words away in our psyche so that they are available whenever we need them, not just when it's convenient. I'm guilty of that. There are days I didn't post my blog because I didn't feel like it. It was convenient. These words are not optional.  God said so we must obey.

It's not about feelings. Our obedience is about so much more.

Free your mind

The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 NIV

So what gets written in a blog when you don't 'feel' any particular way towards a verse? You just write. Writing is a release and can free your heart and mind to then be able to meditate on the verse. But sometimes no matter how much you write, no matter how much you pray, your heart just won't let the words out.

It's like that when we get rebuked, whether by a parent or a boss or a friend....we don't like it and in order to process it we shut down. Inspiration is not born in these moments. Your mind is not free. God doesn't want us chained within ourselves. He wants us to be free, which is why he takes care here to say that. As Christians we are not perfect, but God works through us whether or not we realize it. He takes great joy in us, perfect or not. 

Let him free your mind.

What do you say?

I will say of the Lord , “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:2 NIV

When people ask you about your spouse, or your children, your parents, friends, etc., what do you say about them? I probably have said that my hubby is amazing, my children beautiful, my parents loving, and friends pretty awesome. These are adjectives we use often to describe those we love.

But what do we say about God when asked? What adjectives do you use? I've been known to use both good and bad ones. Yes, I've been there when I wasn't very flattering in my description of God. I bet you've been there too. It's ok. God's tough. He can handle it. 

But if we know that God is our fortress and strength, that's pretty definitive. And if he's our refuge, we know we can run to him in time of trouble. And that is comforting on many levels.

So what will you say about God?

Refresher for Today

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:1‭-‬3 NIV

I know I posted a devotional about this verse, but the beauty of the word of God is that you can find more to say about a verse every day. My heart has been very heavy lately. Nothing out of the ordinary but still I've been struggling to find joy and peace on a regular basis. I actually get mad at satan, and myself,  because he steals my joy but I let him because it's easier than trying to fake happiness. Which is why today I'm sharing this verse again: God refreshed my soul today in only a way that he can.

This weekend our family will all be together. We are wedding dress shopping and celebrating a birthday. All 3 of my girls, 2 grandbabies, 1 son in law, 1 future son in law, and my hubby and me. Even the grand dog is tagging along. When it all came together it filled my heart with such joy that I cried from the sheer lightness of it all. God knows I've been struggling and he planned this weekend for me, filling it with treasures and joy that are not found in things.

He restores....again and again.

Lack Nothing

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:1‭-‬3 NIV

If there was ever a day I needed this verse it was today. But every day can be stressful so this verse is refreshing on many levels. But today, even my dreams were whispering to me that I'm a failure. Yes, I took a nap late today and dreamed that someone had written on FB how I'm not as creative or innovative as the other managers at work. The devil even tries to get into my dreams. Negativity can inbed itself into your psyche to where no matter what, you believe the bad. Sometimes the bad stuff is easier to believe.

But the psalmist here reminds us that God refreshes us. He takes us to still waters, quiet waters, so we can reflect and have peace. And he provides so well that we lack nothing. I like the NIVs wording...lack nothing. If the God who created life and the universe is giving us wisdom, how can we possibly not be creative? If the God who puts the heavens in motion breathes through us, how can we not be forward thinkers of wisdom and truth?

We need to lie beside still waters and listen to what God is saying about us. He loves us. Let him be in your psyche and not the world.

Kill A Word

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Proverbs 18:21 KJV

There's a song by Eric Church called "Kill a Word". The chorus (paraphrased) says give me sticks and stones, break my bones, but you can't unhear and you can't unsay. It's a reiteration of this verse. Which makes me wonder why as children we had that funny little rhyme, "sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me." The Bible disagrees. Words are powerful. Words can undo a life of good.

As an English major, one of my classes was wordsmithing, learning what words to use where and how certain words can change the meaning of a sentence. One thing I remember: 'cancelling words' - words that connect two thoughts but cancel the first one out, for good or bad. The main one? But. No matter what you say, if you say 'but', it will cancel all you said, leave the last part to be all that is heard. Words have power.

If there's one part of your body you should love, it's your tongue. Love it so much that you want nothing bad to ever cross it...coming or going. You don't want to eat bad food. You shouldn't want to say bad words, hurtful words. Use your words wisely.

That One Song

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Isaiah 12:2 KJV

There are songs that I love, they're my 'jam'. I like lots of genres so there are multiple songs that just speak to me. I bet you have at least one. That one song that gets you right in the ticker. Or that one song that gets your feet moving but causes your cat's ears to turn inside out.

That's a little like what the prophet is saying here. God is that song. That one song that you always sing. The earworm that won't get out of your head. The rhythm that you clean the house to or the lullaby you sing to your granddaughter. When we are sad or depressed it's hard to sing, but God is always there to remind us of our song and get our hearts singing again, even when we are going through hard times.

And sometimes our song makes his ears turn inside out too...just like the cats. But he likes it loud, so just go with it.

Great Love

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 KJV

This is one of the most beautiful expressions of love in the Bible. Not only is Jesus talking about him giving of his own life for us, but he actually believes that mankind has the capacity to love this intensely. In our own daily conversations, we usually don't give advice or opinions about something unless we believe them to be true or have tested the theory at some point.

In Jesus' life there were many that sacrificed for him in many ways. He understood the value of love not measured by what could be bought or provided, but by the sheer will of someone who loves another. This is the ultimate act of love. But what moves me most is that Jesus loved so intensely and knew we, lowly humans who have sinned, could also love others like this. Through his power of course, and he was willing to give of himself so we could experience that power.

No Great Actors

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23 NIV

It doesn't matter how good an actor you think you are.  If your heart isn't 'into' whatever it is you are doing, it will show out sooner or later. You're left 'faking' it, pretending to be interested, in love, OK with what's going on, etc. That cannot last long. Your true feelings will show, usually given away by a look, a snide remake made in a heated moment, something that blows your cover.

The same is true of your attitude toward God. There is no faking it. Not only can he see your true feelings, but others will be able to tell from your actions, from your words, from how you treat others, they will know where your heart truly lies.

So make sure you guard your heart every day and be the real you that God has called you to be.

Whom and What

The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 NIV

The whom in this verse could be interpreted as what, meaning things as well as people. We already know we shouldn't fear death because Jesus has conquered death. Or the unknown because God already knows your future and has plans for you. These two things are not a whom at all, but rather a what. So is this whom the Psalmist speaks of?

Possibly satan as he regularly tries to steal our joy and peace. Possibly people, like leaders or gossipers that make us afraid.  Bullys for sure...we should be afraid of them either. Living in God means living in complete victory over everything.  So why is it so hard to claim? I can't answer that as I'm still trying to figure it out.

But claim it as though you have it. Claim it in his name. 

We Have Hope

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NIV

In Rogue One, a Star Wars Story, hope is the theme running throughout the whole movie. At the very end, Princess Leia responds to a statement that the rebellion is losing. She says, no, we have hope. Hope is what keeps people hanging on when they want to let go. Hope can be used in a malicious manner as well to keep people following a vicious leader. Give them just a glimpse of hope, tell them what they want to hear, and they'll continue to follow you.

I am happy to tell you that the God of hope gives us true hope. Not just a feeling. Not just something for the moment. But a lasting joy and peace that truly surpasses anything a human could offer. God gives us his Holy Spirit so that we can have a real connection.

Let his joy and peace fill you with true hope.

Social Capital

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. Proverbs 17:17 NIV

Social capital is one of the best support systems you can build for yourself. You may not have a lot of money or rewources, but if you have a strong social network, there's not much that you won't get help with.

This is probably the hardest to build since it takes giving and taking, loving unconditionally, and giving of yourself in ways you may not be comfortable with. But the stronger your network of friends and family, the better chance you have of living a full and happy life.

They aren't wrong when they say it takes a village. It really does. Build your village but choose wisely. You want to make sure you surround yourself with people who are truly concerned about your well being. Those who love you unconditionally. Let them help you in time of need.

Listen and Verify

Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray. Proverbs 10:17 NIV

We've all been subject to bad information, whether unintentional or malicious. It will still put you in a bind as you then have relearn everything the right way. The hardest part is verifying the information to know what's right and what's not.

This applies to hearing God's word as well. If you don't verify what you hear and vet it through your own prayer and reading of God's word, you could be led astray. Some people just don't listen to instructions and those are the most dangerous.

So as you hear things, verify everything through your own reading. 

Cut it Out

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 NIV

I'm not much of a chef and the knives in my kitchen aren't super high quality. They probably won't cut an aluminum can and then a tomato without some level of difficulty.  I'm not very good at using them either which makes it worse. I mean, which knife is for which type of cutting? It has a sharp blade, it will cut. What do I know between a paring knife and steak knife?

So when I see a demo of those fancy knives that slice right through a chicken bone, that's what  comes to mind when I read this verse. God's word is the ultimate knife, never needing sharpening, never getting dull, never breaking. It can be used for anything and has no limits.

Anything you need cut from your life, God's word will do it in one swipe.

Infinite and Unfailing

The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. Jeremiah 31:3 NIV

In our imperfect world there is not much, if anything, that could be defined as everlasting or unfailing. There's timeless, long lasting, unending, enduring. But in the human existence, infinite and infallible are not necessarily possible.

But God's love is everlasting and his kindness is unfailing. Those are very definitive and true. I've seen sayings about how God's love can reach you no matter where you are. That's his everlasting love. It never ends. It never fails. That's the truth told in this verse and throughout the Bible.

God Knows

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11 NIV

How much more at ease do you feel when you know something, whether it's the route your driving, or how to do a task at work. You know. You have peace in knowing. On the flip side is uncertainty which usually causes fear and anxiety.

Throughout the Bible, the word tells us God knows. He's not guessing at anything. There is no uncertainty where he's concerned.  This is the promise in this verse. He makes known to us the path so we need not have fear or anxiety about anything. This is where the joy comes from.

Take joy in knowing God knows.

Praise Him

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4 NIV

Right now there are some Patriots fans rejoicing over their win. The party will last for a while, but come next season, the win will be reduced to stats comparing one team to another. No more rejoicing. This is true in many areas of life, so we have no other reference from which to go by.

Which is why this verse is very important. Rejoice always! We are to never lose that "just won the super bowl" feeling when it comes to praising God. I know there are days it takes effort to praise him in the midst of everyday life. But one small effort can lead to a big pay off.

Praise him today and then praise him again.

Hearing is Believing

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. Romans 10:17 NIV

If you hear the same thing from several reliable sources you believe it to be true more than if you heard it in passing from a stranger. If someone you love says you're beautiful, you know you can rely on it because they believe you to be and through their words you believe it too. That's what this verse is saying....we build our faith through hearing the truth of God through the word. Jesus was the living word and we have been given the written word to sustain us and help us learn.

This is why even a few minutes each day reading the Bible will build your faith more than anything. I have found such peace in my daily devotions because as I read and let God's word talk to me, my faith grows. I see things differently. I interpret things differently. I react differently. I don't walk around as someone who's scared and afraid. I walk in truth and light.

This comes from hearing the message of Christ every day.

Needs vs Wants

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 NIV

What is it that you really need? We all need basic necessities to survive...food, water, shelter...but we have grown accustomed to so much more that our wants get confused as needs. So think about it. What do you really need?

I know I need my family and friends. I need a job to provide the  resources to meet my living needs. But what I really need is God.  I know this beyond a doubt. Once I have him in my life I know my basic needs will always be met, even if I'm not very comfortable. He never promised comfort, but he did promise you your needs would be met. That is a promise that brings me peace.

We Got This

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13‭-‬14 NIV

Have you ever said, "hold up, I don't have this all figured out yet?" I have. That's what Paul is saying here. He's telling them, hey, I don't know everything that's going on. But here's what I do know. I know what my goal is and what I'm called to do so I'll just keep doing it and figure it out as I go along. That's me most days, although I gotta admit, most days I don't even know what my goal is, so I just keep pushing along and hope to figure it out.

But Paul knew what I know. We know Jesus. We know God.  We may not know much more than that, but that's enough. I know God and he knows me and he loves me and he does have it all figured out. So I'll just keep pressing toward the prize and doing my best to do what he wants me to do.

Live in Peace

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14 NIV

When I first saw this verse, I was like, "word". Right there it says it all: make every effort to live in peace. I don't know if any of us have done much of that lately. But it's what is so desperately needed. All our differences would not matter at all if we 'made every effort to live in peace'. All the fighting and harsh words and unfriending and blocking and ruined relationships would cease if we could 'make every effort to live in peace.'

Of all the things I could want, my one goal is to see Jesus and I can't if I'm not holy in his eyes through his blood. It's just that simple. So I will make every effort...even though I know I will fail at times...he even builds that into the verse. Make every effort....do what we can to live in peace. I shall.