Month: February 2019

“For the word of God is living 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).

Due to excessively high winds I was without electrical power for three days. I am thankful for my generator which can handle everything except the heat pump and hot water heater. No problem until the hot water cooled down enough to make showers uncomfortable. I have a gas fireplace to provide some heat as well as an electric heater.  I made it through three chilly nights with extra blankets since I didn’t run the generator all night.

Tonight I’m rejoicing! The power has been restored and I shut down the generator. My heat pump is warming the house again so that my fireplace provides a cozy place to sit  instead of my main source of heat. I’m happy!

Do you ever feel like your spiritual power is weak or gone? I have. I feel cold and weak in my walk with God during those times. When this happens it isn’t because the power isn’t available. God’s power is always available. The electrical current was available up to the point where the tree fell on the line and cut off the power. I often let the winds of busyness and distractions cut off my connection to God’s power.

How will I ever understand the Scriptures if I don’t spend time there? How will I ever deepen my relationship with God if all I do is whisper a prayer on the run? I’m not saying we can’t pray on the run. I’ve prayed lots of “running prayers.” But I think God desires time spent with Him–uninterrupted time when we let the Word sink into our minds and hearts. God is there when our eyes overflow with tears of joy because of what Jesus sacrificed for us. God wants to be with us when we agonize over decisions or regrets. God desires we stop and wait for His response. David, the Psalmist said, “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry” (Psalm 40:1).

My source of spiritual power is found in the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life and in my study of the living Word of God. Do I desire the power enough to spend more time with God?

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God” (Psalm 42:1-2).

Later: I wrote most of this last night but didn’t post it.  When I got back home from my sub job today my power was out again! I’m thankful the power of the living God is still available.

“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).

• Hope:      desire accompanied by expectation of or belief in fulfillment; someone or something on which hopes are centered
• Joy:          the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires
• Peace:     a state of tranquility or quiet; freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions

Definitions from Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary

I came across this verse from Romans the other day and it grabbed my attention. The Apostle Paul had just written to encourage Christians to accept each other and to remind them that Christ’s mercy unites Jews and Gentiles for the glory of God.

Notice how the Apostle links hope, joy, and peace with faith.  “As you trust in him” seems to be the prerequisite to receiving joy and peace.  Yet, it’s the trusting that is so hard for me! My head knows that God wants what’s best for me and He’s promised to be with me, but my heart wanders to selfish desires and begins to doubt God’s promises. Doubt doesn’t bring joy and peace. Trusting in our Lord brings “all joy and peace.”

The God of hope fills us with all joy and peace as we trust in Him so that we can overflow with hope! We see hopelessness all around us and at times we feel it, too.  But that’s why Christ came. We, who trust in Him, can have hope in spite of all the hopelessness around us. Yes, and joy and peace are included.  Seeking joy and peace on my own doesn’t bring lasting joy or peace.  It is the Spirit’s power that works in me, fills me with lasting joy and peace and causes me to overflow with hope!

The more I stay connected to the word of God the more my heart agrees with my head. Submitting my will to the Holy Spirit’s leading and trusting God with the present and the future days of my life fills my heart with joy and peace. There is calm in the eye of the storm (of hopelessness).

In the eye of the storm (yeah, yeah)
In the middle of the war
You guard my soul
You remain in control (yes you do, Lord)
You alone are the anchor
When my sails are torn
Your love surrounds me (Your love surrounds me) 
In the eye of the storm (in the eye of the storm)

Songwriters: Bryan Fowler / Ryan Stevenson

Eye of the Storm lyrics © Capitol Christian Music Group

“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him” (Psalm 62:5).

“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers” (Proverbs 6:16-19).

I cannot keep silent. My heart grieves that legislators in New York think that killing babies has anything to do with health. It is evil, wicked, and from Satan!  My heart is encouraged that many are standing up and speaking against such evil. I’m encouraged that President Trump is not afraid to speak for the rights of these innocent lives.

The Church must not be silent. The One who created life hates the shedding of innocent blood. We must find ways to help those who see no other option but to destroy the life within them. We must make options for life possible, give desperate mothers-to-be hope for their future. I’m not sure what that looks like. Maybe churches can become involved in pregnancy centers, adoptions, providing financial help or a home, whatever is needed to show the love of Jesus.

All of us can contact our Congressmen, governors, and anyone else who has to do with making the laws. Let them know we do not want another baby lost to abortion or infanticide and we especially do not want laws that allow it.

This is not a political issue. This is a moral and Biblical issue. God sees what’s happening and He is not surprised by evil. This is a spiritual battle for the souls of the human race. Let us stand with truth, God’s truth, and pray earnestly for a renewal of minds. Pray for forgiveness, insight, and wisdom in what our actions should be. Pray. Pray. Pray

“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).