What is your cardboard testimony?  How has Christ changed you?

My cardboard testimony -
          Am I truly changed?

http://youtu.be/WEDjs2Tg4RY - The Change - Mercy Me

When we become true Christ followers, our lives can't help but change.  Our desire and our focus will be to live a life that honors our Savior.  That usually will mean sacrificing - giving up some of the things we do that are not God-honoring.  It will mean focusing on the needs of others more than on our own needs.  We will put others before ourselves.  If we are caught up in some sinful lifestyle, we will want to change so that we can be a better witness for Christ.  Sometimes the change we need to make might require great sacrifice - emotionally or financially. 

Remember Zacchaeus?  When Zacchaeus decided to become a Christ follower, he made some big changes.
Zacchaeus was a tax collector which wasn't an honorable job!  Taxes did have to be collected, but Zacchaeus and many other tax collects (Matthew) learned to earn lots of extra income by collecting more taxes than were due.  Tax collectors were despised for their underhanded, greedy tactics.  Basically, they were extortionists who used their position of power to illegally pad their own pockets.  Tax Collectors were usually wealthy because they stole lots of money for those who couldn't fight back. 

Jesus was traveling through Jericho on his way to Jerusalem.  He knew what was coming.  He would be arrested, flogged almost to the point of death, and then would die an excruciating death on the cross.  Even though He had explained time after time that His Kingdom was not an earthly kingdom, He realized that His followers were fully expecting Him to reign on earth.  He wanted His followers to know that hard times were coming for Him, but also for them.  The true disciples would suffer persecution and suffering, too.  But no matter how much they suffered, no matter how much they sacrificed, life with Him in Eternity would far outweigh the suffering. 

On his way to Jerusalem, He touched lives along the way.  The news of His arrival in Jericho reached a man named Zacchaeus.

Luke 19:1-11
Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town.  There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich.  He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd.  So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way.



 When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.”


Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy.  But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled.

Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!”


Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”

Jesus changed Zacchaeus!  This man who had everything materialistically, was willing to make huge sacrifices.  He committed to giving back four times what he had stolen by cheating people on their taxes.  He committed to giving half of all he owned to the poor.  Zacchaeus was changed!

I love the last verse:  "Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham.  Jesus wasn't saying that Zacchaeus was saved because he was a descendant of Abraham - a Jew by birth.  Jesus proclaimed that Zacchaeus was a true son of Abraham because of his faith.  Zacchaeus showed his great faith through a life that was changed.  Zacchaeus was not just a "fan" of Jesus.  He had become a follower, one who was willing to change his lifestyle, even though it meant financial sacrifice.  The blessing of knowing Jesus was far greater to Zacchaeus than any amount of money.

John 14:15-26
15 "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.



18 "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him." 22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, "Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?" 23 Jesus answered him, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me.


25 "These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

I'm afraid we sometimes fail to recognize the importance of obedience to God.  We love Grace.  We sing about how amazing God's Grace is, and rightfully so.  His Grace is truly amazing.  If our living a perfect, sinless life was the only way to heaven, we'd all be in trouble.  We can't do this life on our own.  We fall down and God lifts us up.  Then we fall down again, and He's right there reaching out to us in love.  I know that His Grace covers believers completely.  The question is "Am I a true believer or am I just a fan?"   A true believer who has come to know the LORD will be changed.  A true believer falls in love with His Savior and wants to obey His teachings because of the great sacrifice that Christ made on our behalf.  Although we can never repay Him, we are called to be living sacrifices fully acceptable to Him.  That requires a changed life. As a true believer, a follower of Christ, our desire should be to walk with Him in obedience. Not out of fear, but out of commitment and love for what He's done for us.  If we love Him, John inspired words say we will obey Him.  That means no longer being conformed to this world, but by being transformed by the renewal of our minds.

Romans 12:1-2 
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Look at the end of verse 2: "that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."  How are we to know what changes we need to make?  By reading God's Word and by allowing the Holy Spirit to remind us of God's truths. Re-read John 14:26 above.  The Holy Spirit will teach us and bring to remembrance the things we've learned from God's Word.  But first, we have to read it.

I remember the story of the woman caught in adultery.  What was Jesus' response to this sinful woman?

John 8:3-11
The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst they said to him, "Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?" This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her." And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus stood up and said to her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more." 

Go and sin no more!  This woman was living a sinful life. She was caught in the very act of adultery.  But meeting Jesus face to face, experiencing His great mercy, couldn't help but change her way of living.  She wouldn't be perfect, but her heart would forever belong to Jesus.  Her response to His love and forgiveness?  She would go and sin no more.  She would be obedient out of love and respect and gratitude towards her Lord.

What are some things that have changed since I've become a follower of Christ?

I'm reading a book - not a fan by Kyle Idleman.  Mr. Idleman asks the question, "Are you a fan or a follower?"  Obviously, Jesus has lots of fans.  You know those people who praise Him in one breath and then turn around and use His holy Name to curse someone or something in the next breath.  Fans are people who like to "talk about Jesus" but are not willing to make the sacrifices Jesus asks His followers to make.  A fan doesn't let his relationship with Jesus affect his every day life.  In fact, a fan will usually adjust his beliefs so that he can go right ahead and live exactly the same way he's always lived.  A fan will convince himself that Jesus is so merciful and forgiving, it doesn't matter how he lives - just as long as he "loves" Jesus.

A follower is different.  He makes adjustments so that his life will reflect the Light of Jesus.  That takes sacrifice and commitment to helping others.  Like Zacchaeus, a true follower will stop sinning and follow Jesus.

A follower will walk out of a movie when the content is disrespectful to his Lord.

A follower will help the less fortunate in any way he can, even if it means inconveniencing himself.  A follower would miss the Sunday football game if someone needed immediate help.

A follower changes his language.  There some words he simply will not say anymore.  He definitely will not use the Lord's Name in vain.  What does this mean?  It means he doesn't use the Name of Jesus or God as an exclamatory remark - UNLESS he is really calling on God for help or giving Him praise.  The Name of Jesus is spoken with respect and love, not carelessly uttered.

A follower puts Jesus first and others second. His own wants and needs become secondary to those two priorities.  A fan tends to be more self-centered, self- absorbed.

We're all on a journey.  Some are a little further down the road than others.  Some stumble and make bad choices less often than others.  But some of us can't seem to stay off the floor.  We mess up every day.  But our hearts long to walk with Jesus and to honor Him. We fail repeatedly, but like David, we keep humbly looking to God to purify our hearts and draw us near to Himself. Today our walk is better than it was last year.  Next year, we'll be a little further down the road.  It's a process.  Sometimes it's babysteps, but we continue down the road with our eyes on Jesus.  As followers of Christ, we are being changed daily, however small those changes may seem.  We are being changed into His image.  The more we allow His Spirit to work in our hearts and lives, the more changes we'll see.
What changes do I need to make in my life?  What have I allowed to continue in my life that doesn't honor my precious Savior?  I definitely need to make some changes.  I dont' want to be just a fan.  I want to be a follower of Christ.  I want to be someone whom God can use to influence others for Christ.

Lord God, thank You for Your amazing grace.  Without it we'd all be lost.  But in Your infinite goodness and love, You made a way for sinful man to be reconciled to You - through Your precious Son, Jesus the Christ. 
I owe Him everything, but all I have to bring to Him is the way I live my life.  Such a small sacrifice to pay for all Jesus has done and continues to do for me.

I don't want to be just a "fan", who merely goes through the motions of being a "Christian", managing to say the right words at the right time, but unwilling to do the right thing when it's something I don't want to do.  I want to be a true follower of Christ, one who is willing to make changes in my life so that I conform to His teachings.  Help me be obedient even when it's hard, even when it means sacrificing things I love or enjoy.  Nothing is more important to me that honoring Jesus with my life.  Father, I want to live in such a way that others see Jesus living in me.  I want to love like You love; I want to see what You see and do what You have for me to do.  I want to make a difference in this world for the Kingdom.  Forgive me for taking my eyes off You so many times.  Renew my spirit and create in me a pure heart - a follower's heart. Be glorified in my life, God.  This life is for Your glory, not mine.  In the Name of Savior, Jesus the Christ, I ask these things. Amen.

http://youtu.be/UFrdJ2V3r7Y - Thank You, Lord - Ray Boltz



You have the Armor of God but better still, You have God going before You!

 Be Strong and Courageous!This is my command—be strong and courageous!
Do not be afraid or discouraged.
For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9

I don't know what Your Enemy is, but I can promise you this.  God is bigger and stronger and He will not leave you to face your Enemy alone.  The battle has already been won.

Holy Father, I thank You that You have already defeated the enemy. I submit to You this day and resist the onslaught of the enemy upon my life, knowing that he will flee from me when I do. Lord Jesus, help me to recognize those seemingly innocent compromises I


am tempted to make for what they are - the beginning of a spiral downward into darkness and away from You. You alone are my strength and my God. My allegiance is with You, my Redeemer. Lord, keep my eyes focused on You and all You have for me.


This day is for You, for Your glory. I worship You in the midst of everything I face, knowing that in Your presence there is safety and peace.


In the precious Name of Jesus, my Savior and my God. Amen.

http://youtu.be/9m96MtNlMz8 - Stay Strong - Newsboy

Joshua 1:9 ESV
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."


lyrics

You're in the moment now
A bitter root
A wandering eye and then
The ties that bind start wearing thin, thin

You're in the moment now
When all you've been blessed with
Is not enough
Here's where the ground gets loose
Here's where the devils call your bluff

Stay strong
You are not lost
Come on and fix your eyes ahead
There's a new dawn to light our day, our day
You've gotta stay strong
You and I run
For the prize that lies ahead
We've come too far to lose our way, our way

We've seen the tragic flaws
The tortured souls
The saints with feet of clay
Here's where sin becomes cliché'

We've come through wilderness and watched
The cloud by day
The burning sky into dawn
Have you forgotten who you are?
Did you forget whose trip you're on?

Stay strong
You are not lost
Come on and fix your eyes ahead
There's a new dawn to light our day, our day
We've gotta stay strong
You and I run
or the prize that lies ahead

We've come too far to lose our way, our way
Get up, there's further to go
Get up, there's more to be done
Get up, this witness is sure
Get up, this race can be won
This race can be won

We've gotta stay strong
Our Father's dawn will light our day, our day
Come on and stay strong
His grip is sure
And His patience still endures
There'll be no letting go today, no way

Come on, and stay strong
You and I run
For the prize that lies ahead
We've come too far to lose our way, our way.

James 4:7-8a ESVSubmit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.

Proverbs 4:12 ESV
When you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble.

1 Corinthians 9:24 ESV
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.

Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.


Stay Strong!  You're not in this battle alone.  He has gone before you and He comes after you preparing the way and protecting you.  You and God will always be the winner.  No power is mightier than His power.
No love is stronger than His love.

Psalm 18:32
"It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn."



Stay Strong!

http://youtu.be/b61wsBdqrKM - You Never Let GO - Matt Redman

Might not be what I'd choose

http://youtu.be/e8HgAVenbUU - Bring the Rain - Mercy Me

This morning as I sat down to prepare my morning devotional, I took just a moment to read a daily devotional I receive from Encouragement for Today - Proverbs 31 Ministries.  Something about the devotionals from this site always seem to hit home for me.  Last couple of weeks I've been "learning" a new job as parttime bookkeeper for the Trinity Valley Will Graham Celebration - part of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.  The learning curve is stressing me out!  For the last 20 years I've been in the mortgage industry and I know exactly what I'm doing when I'm working with mortgage loans.  I hate not being comfortable with what I'm doing.  But I'm getting there.  Hopefully, I want make any horrible mistakes that cause other people more work.  I'm praying alot.  = )

As I read Lysa TerKeurst's morning blog, I felt her pain.  Looking back over the years I can say for the most part, that God has used the "worst things" in my life to help me grow and become a better human being.  Just like now with my new job, I hate the learning curve period.  I wished I could just know what I'm supposed to do and do it with excellence!  But I also realize that I tend to remember the lessons I learn during the tough times - they make a definite impression on my heart and mind.  So, I'll keep plugging away and one day, I'll look back and say "that wasn't the worst thing at all".

I'm sharing Lysa's blog here today because she said it much better than I can. The surprises in life, the bumps in the road - those things never catch God off guard.  He can take our worst days and use them for good.  Joseph said it best when he spoke to his brothers who had sold him into slavery when he was just a young man.  This young man had been treated horribly by his own older brothers. They sold him, and told his father that he was dead.  That started a long difficult journey for Joseph.  He served in Potiphar's house only to be accused on trying to rape Potiphar's wife; then he was thrown in to jail - unjustly, where he sat for 3 years.  But God was working through the whole mess, developing in Joseph the character and qualities he would need to be second in command over all Egypt at just the right time.  God used Joseph to save not only his family - the Israelites, but all of Egypt.  God took something really bad and used it for good.

God does that for me, too.  Sometimes I forget how long Joseph endured the struggles and challenges before he was made 2nd in command.  I forget how God uses difficult times to mold us into someone He can use for His purpose - His perfect plan.  I need to learn how to wait and to trust.  God is control and He has a plan for me, for good and not evil; a plan to give me a hope and a future.  I can trust Him completely.

Genesis 50:20  GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
Even though you planned evil against me, God planned good to come out of it. This was to keep many people alive, as he is doing now.

http://youtu.be/Xe4SckesWLE - this is the stuff - Francesca Battistelli

 Here's Lysa's blog.  I hope it makes you smile and gives you encouragement.  It did that for me.

The Best Worst Thing
Lysa TerKeurst

“He replied, ‘You of little faith, why are you so afraid?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.” Matthew 8:26 (NIV)

I failed at being a wedding planner.

No one wants a planner who gets so undone by the neurotic mother of the bride that she throws up in the parking lot right beside the guest sidewalk.

Really, nothing says, “welcome to my wedding” quite like that.

I failed at being a kitchen gadget saleswoman.

No one wants to see the tip of a thumb sliced off into the veggie pizza at the exact moment I was promising how safe this gadget is.

Awesome.

I failed at being a cafeteria lady at a private school.

My assistant decided her arms were so dry she needed to coat herself with our spray butter. When we took the trash out later that day, we both got attacked by bees and forgot about the pizza in the oven.

Kids don’t take kindly to burnt pizza.

I failed at being a receptionist.

It’s never a good idea to just succumb to those sleepy afternoon feelings and lay your head down on the desk.

Bosses don’t like workers who snore. Even if they are pregnant.

Yes, I failed at a lot during those years where I was trying to figure out what to do with my life. At the time each of these things felt like the worst that could have happened. Now, I think they were the best worst things.

Had these things been successful, I would have never discovered the joy of being in the ministry I’m in now.

I see this same theme woven throughout many stories in the Bible.

In Matthew 8:23-24 we find Jesus getting into a boat with His disciples. “Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat.” Worst thing.

But in verse 26 Jesus got up and rebuked the winds and waves and things turned completely calm. The disciples were amazed. Best worst thing.

In Acts 5:12 we find the apostles being arrested and thrown in jail. Worst thing.

But in Acts 5:13 we find an angel of the Lord opening the doors of the jail and bringing them out. Later we find them with so much confidence they boldly proclaim, “We must obey God rather than men!” (v. 29) Best worst thing.

I don’t understand why we have to go through cruddy stuff. And I certainly know there are many worse things to go through than what I’ve mentioned here.

We live in a broken world full of broken people. But isn’t it comforting to know God isn’t ever broken? He isn’t ever caught off guard, taken by surprise, or shocked by what happens next.

He can take our worst and add His best. We just have to make the choice to stay with Him and keep following Him through it all.

Dear Lord, I know You are capable of taking my worst and turning it into Your best. Show me this truth anew today. Refresh my spirit. I want to follow You through it all. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

If you enjoy Lysa’s devotions, be sure to sign up for more daily inspiration she sends out from her blog by clicking here. It’s free and great for passing along to friends.

Lysa will be speaking in more than 40 cities this year. Click here to see her schedule. She would be honored to meet you!

Come see the downloadable Freebies on Lysa’s website! Encouraging articles for lots of situations to print and share with a friend! www.LysaTerKeurst.com

When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving ministry we provide at no cost. We wish we could, but we simply can’t compete with prices offered by huge online warehouses. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and every purchase you make with us!

Application Steps:

We live in a broken world full of broken people. But isn’t it comforting to know God isn’t ever broken? Ponder the promises He has made in the Bible and how He has been faithful to you.

Reflections:

He can take our worst and add His best. We just have to make the choice to stay with Him and keep following Him through it all.

Power Verses:

Psalm 37:23, “If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm.” (NIV)


Jeremiah 29:11, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” (NIV)

© 2011 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

http://youtu.be/gArr7gyiMBY - When I'm On My Knees - Jaci Valasquez


Prayer doesn't change everything.
 But God does changes everything when we pray.

I can't think of any one thing that has done more for my relationship with Christ than prayer.

A few years ago Larry, Tyler and I began meeting with a small group of prayer warriors before worship time each Sunday. It was a small group - maybe 10-15 people. We didn't really know anyone in the group when we first started attending, other than by name. But it didn't take long before I felt closer to each of them than I would have every imagined.

There's something very "magical" about praying with others. Each Sunday morning as we met to pray, I saw the love and concern that each member of our prayer group had for every prayer request. There was a connection that ran deep in that room of believers - a spiritual connection with one another and also with our Father. There's no doubt in my mind that the LORD God was in that room each week as we prayed. He was revered and praised and honored. Every single one of us knew that He was in control of every circumstance, every struggle, and every illness that we were lifting up to Him. Our prayers were as much an acknowledgement of His power and wisdom as they were prayers for intercession.

When we were in that room, I remember how close I felt to my fellow prayer warriors and how close I felt to God. As we prayed for others, my heart was so full of love and compassion. You simply can't NOT feel love when you're surrounded with such a spirit of devotion to the Father, such complete reverence and awe. We began each prayer with praise and as we went around the room, each person taking a moment to lift up the Name of God, I was reminded of the awesomeness of our glorious LORD. The feelings of adoration for the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit were contagious and always gave me such peace. There's something about remembering the awesome power and wisdom and love of God that just calms my spirit and helps me feel safe in His protective arms.

We prayed for healing, of course. That always seems to be our human prayer, as if we need to tell God how to do the right thing. It's really kind of funny when I think about it. As if I'm going to tell God the best way to resolve my friend's medical condition, right? It's crazy! God loves my friend so much more than I can imagine, and HE wants good things, no, He wants the best things for my friend, so I certainly don't have to explain the preferred option to God! And it's not like I have to "remind" him of a friend's surgery, as if He might get too busy and forget! I don't think so. God doesn't forget his children. And HE is never too busy for even the smallest, most seemingly insignificant request or need. My prayer doesn't necessarily change the out come of a circumstance. It changes me and how I feel about circumstance. Giving my burdens and concerns to God reminds me that I'm never alone and that no matter what happens, He is with me.

When I put my complete trust in God - the GOD who loved me so much that HE sent His only Son to take my punishment - I know I can trust that He has my very best interest at heart. When I pray, I am acknowledging my need for Him to be in control. I'm admitting that I am helpless and cannot do anything through my own strength or power. I'm confessing that His Wisdom is so far greater than my wisdom, and that I want His will - not mine, because He has already considered the consequences of every possible answer. My wisdom sees the present, and I want healing for my friend right now. But God sees how circumstances affect others and He carefully weighs life and death matters with great love and compassion - taking everything into consideration before He allows an illness to continue, or before He restores health. Everything He does comes from His amazing love for us.

I'm not generally a big Jim Carey fan, but I watched a movie of his, "Bruce Almighty" and actually, it was pretty insightful in places. Mr. Carey's character, Bruce, is complaining about God not answering his prayers the way he would like. He imagines that if he were God, he would answer every one's prayers with a big "yes!" Well, Bruce suddenly becomes God. He has all the power to do anything he wants to do. At first it's great fun, but then all the prayer requests starting coming in. It's a bit overwhelming but he just starts saying "yes" to every one's prayer! He thinks he's doing great; after all, everyone is getting exactly what they ask for. One problem: Bruce doesn't consider how answering "yes" to one person may be counterproductive to others connected to that situation.

It becomes very real to him when he gets for several different people - all of whom want to win the lottery! Bruce answers "yes" to every one of them! The jackpot was some huge sum of money but when the winners step up to claim their winnings, each one only receives a very small amount, like $1.98 each! They were all angry and disappointed. They all got what they asked for - they won the lottery - but what they asked for was not the best answer for everyone connected to the situation.

It really was a silly movie, but it made a very good point. God weighs every situation in ways we'll never comprehend. He doesn't play with our emotions and allow bad things to continue just because He can. He's never to busy nor is HE more concerned about weightier issues than my empty checkbook! He is all powerful, all knowing, and present everywhere at every moment, He has NO limitations. So when He doesn't give us the answer we want, there is a very good reason. We may never know what that reason is, but we can trust Him.

God has a purpose for our lives, a purpose with eternal consequences. My preferred answer to illness and struggles is always "God, please fix it now! Make it be better now!" But He looks at every situation with His all knowing wisdom. I see things from an earthly perspective. He weighs every circumstance and determines which solution gives the best outcome for Eternity, not just for my short time on earth.

Our struggles and suffering may seem too hard to bear at times, but God has promised that we can do all things through Christ who will give us His strength.

Philippians 4:13
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. He has promised that we will never be tempted above our ability to resist, because He will provide a way of escape.


1 Corinthians 10:13b 
And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. HE will provide everything we need.

2 Peter 1:3 
By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life.

1 Timothy 6:17 
Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.

The problem is we see suffering as something we need to avoid. God sometimes see suffering as a way to draw us closer to Him, to help us become more dependent on Him. Sometimes, He uses suffering to show others our faith and His faithfulness. When we see others facing unimaginable difficulties with strength and hope, our faith can grow stronger. And we when we pray, God supernaturally increases our love and compassion for those for whom we pray.

Our prayer group at Dallas Christian prayed for a young man named Keith Beasley for almost two years. He and his wife, Judy, were anxiously looking forward to the birth of their first child who was due June 2009. But in April of 2009, Keith flew to Houston from his home in San Diego to attend his future brother-in-law's bachelor party. After a night of celebrating with the guys, Keith left the party early, went to the parking garage to get his car so he could go back to the hotel. Evidently Keith didn't feel he should get behind the wheel of a car at that moment, so he decided to sit for a minute and let his head clear, maybe wake up a bit before driving. He sat down on the outside wall of the parking garage and leaned against the column. We know that because security cameras showed him sitting there for almost 2 hours before the nightmare began. Without warning, Keith lost his balance and fell off the wall - he fell 9 stories down. He survived - which was a miracle in its self, but he never really woke up completely. His wife Judy immediately flew to Texas and began the most agonizing two years of her life.

This was not what they had planned. They had a charmed life. They were a beautiful couple so in love - so full of life and joy. One moment everything was great and the next moment their whole world was changed forever. I followed Judy Beasley's caring bridge journal entries those long months when she so faithfully attended to her husband. She had their baby boy but Keith wasn't in the delivery room with her. Keith didn't get to hold him. Judy didn't get to share the joy of this precious baby boy's birth with her husband. Keith was still comatose. Months went by - touch and go at times - but Judy was a rock. She stayed by Keith's side, trusting in God to get her through it.

One day she posted, that she was feeling particularly vulnerable and discouraged, when a well meaning man posted a comment to Keith's guest book. He said that he just wanted Judy to know that as difficult as it was for her and Keith, something good had happened because of their struggles. He said he knew a man who had decided to follow Christ because of Keith's story and her faithfulness. The words were meant for encouragement, but instead, Judy's first reaction was

"So that's why Keith had to suffer this fall? So that ONE person could come to know Jesus? Really. God? Keith's life had to be destroyed so one person could be saved? Was that worth all Keith's suffering, all he has lost?"

She was so angry at first, but then she stopped and thought about it. "Yes, Lord, if one person came to know Jesus because of this accident, it is worth it. One soul saved for Eternity is worth it." That's incredible faith.

Judy Beasley touched so many people with her strength - no, not her strength, but the strength that Jesus provided. She knew that she couldn't have possibly handled those many months of pain and heartbreak without Jesus holding her every step of the way. Keith eventually passed away. It was, of course, God's perfect timing. Those of you who followed Keith and Judy's journey with me know exactly what I mean. GOD showed Himself powerfully to Judy, so many times during those months. He never left her side. She always felt His presence. And she testified to His faithfulness.

All those months, we were praying for healing. We were praying that Keith would wake up and be fully restored. We begged and pleaded! We fasted! But God had a better plan. I'm sure Judy still wonders "why", but even though she doesn't understand why this happened, she still trusts that God's ways are so much higher than ours, and His love is so much deeper; Judy knows she can put her hope in Him without question.
Because of Judy's journey of faith, I, too, know I can put my hope in God.  I've seen Him work.

Our prayers may not change the outcome of every circumstance. But prayer can always change how we look at those circumstances. Even Jesus prayed more than once that "the cup of suffering might be taken from Him.

Mark 14:36 - Abba, Father,” he cried out, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”

Talk about not being fair - there was no greater “injustice” than the persecution and death of Jesus, but what God accomplished through the suffering of His precious Son, the salvation of those who would accept Him as Savior, that purpose far outweighed the suffering that Jesus endured for us. Jesus trusted His Father completely, even it if meant He would have to suffer that horrible death on the cross. He knew it was for a greater purpose, a purpose filled with such love, we'll never fully understand.

James 5:16 - Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Prayer is how we talk to our Father. God told Isaiah in Isaiah 1:18 - Come now, and let us reason together”. Just like we parents want our children to talk to us, to share what's troubling them, our heavenly Father wants us to bring our burdens and hurts and pains to Him.

Philippians 4:6-7 
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

When we pray for others, God creates an amazing bond of love and concern.  I'm sure that anyone who followed Judy's journey grew to love Judy and Keith and their sweet son. We truly cared for them, even though most of us never met either of them face to face. We're all part of God's family, and when Judy hurt, we all hurt with her. We offered encouragement, and she provided inspiration and hope. Through her testimony, our faith grew stronger.

Prayer was the instrument that God used to work all those things together.

Galatians 6:2
Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. The law of Christ is to love one another as ourselves.

When we come along side someone bent low underneath their load of cares, we come to love them.
When I pray for someone, God puts them on my heart - just like he put Judy and Keith on my heart, and I begin to love that person. I truly care about them and want to help them in whatever way I can. Prayer creates a connection of love and compassion which is exactly what God wants us to have towards others.

God doesn't always answer my prayer with a "yes" and that's okay. Because when He tells me "no" or "wait", I know it's because He has something better planned. There's purpose in the suffering He allows and I will trust Him to accomplish that purpose. His perspective is our Eternal future, and more than anything, I want Eternity with Him for me and for all the people for whom I pray.

Holy Father, You are so gracious and merciful. Your wisdom is so far above my earthly understanding; I know I can trust You with every care and concern. Thank You, Lord, for always listening to my prayers. Thank You for always answering, even when I don't understand the answer. Thank You for the peace You provide when I trust You with my worries and concerns. LORD God, I trust Your amazing love for Your children, and as much as I want healing for my friends and families who are dealing with illness, disease, financial struggles, relationship issues, the most important concern is for their spiritual welfare, healing and growth. Father, Your Will, not mine, because what You have for each of us is so much better than anything I can ask or imagine.


I lift up to You every prayer need and every person for whom I pray, knowing You will give them Your best answer. I can't ask for anything better than that. I pray all these things in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

http://youtu.be/UpCZlkIlb4U - There will be a day - Jeremy Camp

I just want to be where You are...


http://youtu.be/psEGRkf3Nww - I just want to be where You are - Don Moen

I do just want to be with Jesus, walking daily in His Presence. I want to experience His closeness. I don't want to worship Him from a distance. I want to be so aware of His presence that I am in constant communion with Him.  Every thought I have, every word I speak, every thing I do - everything weighed and measured beforehand in the knowledge that He is right next to me giving me the strength and wisdom to do what honors Him. 

Psalm 84:10 NLT
A single day in your courts
is better than a thousand anywhere else!
I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God
than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.


I can't imagine how wonderful it would be to have that closeness every second of the day.  I know it's mine for the taking.  The Holy Spirit is living in me - I'm never far away from God.  But because I fail to remember and to acknowledge His Presence, I don't get to enjoy that constant communion with my LORD.  It's my failing - not HIS.  HE is here with me always.

http://youtu.be/98nG3xH02wo - I know You're there - Casting Crowns

I'm not alone. NEVER EVER ALONE!  God is with me everywhere I go.  All I have to do is call on Him and listen for His voice.  He is my safe place, my strong tower. 

Proverbs 18:10 ESV
The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
the righteous man runs into it and is safe.

John 16
"I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. 5But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, 'Where are you going?' 6But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.



12"I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

16 "A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me." 17So some of his disciples said to one another, "What is this that he says to us, 'A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me'; and, 'because I am going to the Father'?" 18So they were saying, "What does he mean by 'a little while'? We do not know what he is talking about." 19 Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, "Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, 'A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me'? 20Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. 21 When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. 22 So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. 23 In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

25"I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father. 26In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; 27 for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. 28 I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father."


29His disciples said, "Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! 30Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God." 31Jesus answered them, "Do you now believe? 32Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. 33I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."

The apostles walked with Jesus.  They lived daily in His Presence.  They faced all kinds of struggles and sufferings but Jesus was with them.  His Presence gave them strength and courage to keep going no matter what they faced.  But then Jesus told them He was going to leave and go back to His Father.  I can't imagine how afraid they must have been at the thought of facing all their challenges without Him by their side.  But Jesus made a promise.  He would not leave them alone. 

John 14:12-20
"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it."


Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit

"If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.


"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.  Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.  In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.

When Jesus ascended to Heaven, He was able to send His Spirit to the disciples.  His Holy Spirit, the Spirit of the living God, would make His home in each believer.  Even though we don't have a physical Jesus walking by our side, we do have His Spirit living in us every single moment of every single day.  That is powerful and comforting. 

There were twelve apostles.  What happened when they were spread out around the country?  Jesus couldn't not be with each apostle every second of the day because He had a human body.  But once He went back to His Father and then sent His Spirit, He can now be with each of us every day - all day long.  He never leaves us nor forsakes us.  The Holy Spirit is the very Spirit of God and lives in each of us!  HE is with us always, even unto the end of the world!

Matthew 28:16-20
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."


The first paragraph of this prayer is from Beth Moore's Stepping Up bible study.  Beth says she gets on the floor, face to the ground and prays like this.  You'll never feel closer to God than when you are face to the ground, humbled in His mighty Presence.

Lord, I thank You again this morning that You are still God upon the throne of all creation.  You are holy.  Mighty beyond comprehension.  So worthy of my praise and the outpouring of my life's energies.  Today I gladly give myself to You.  I am convinced that You are always with me and for me. Obedience to You will always mean Your very best for me.  I'm so grateful that I can come boldly and without shame before Your throne because I pray all these things in Jesus' name. 

Father God, thank You for not leaving us as orphans when Jesus came back home to You.  Thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit to live in Your children.  Thank You for never leaving nor forsaking us.  Father help me to realize Your Presence this day.  I want to walk with You, unafraid, not anxious for anything, as I trust in You.  Spirit of God living in me, please take control of my thoughts, my words and my actions.  Prompt me to do what's right and to flee from what's wrong.  Show me the right path and thank You for not giving up on me, no matter how often I fall.  I love You God!  I want my life to bring You glory.  Your Will be done, what ever that takes, Lord, I'm Yours. 

http://youtu.be/HGCHecATSGs - The Arms that hold the Universe - Fee
I know it seems
Like this could be
The darkest day you've known
But believe you me
The God of strength
Will never let you go
He will overcome, I know

And the arms that hold the universe
Are holding you tonight
You can rest inside
It's gonna be alright
And the voice that calmed the raging sea
Is calling you His child
So be still and know He's in control
He will never let you go

Through many dangers, toils and snares
You have already come
His grace has brought you safe this far
(And) His grace will lead you home

Revelation 3:20 ESV

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

http://youtu.be/KNAu9b_spt4 - If We are the Body - Casting Crowns



The Battle belongs to the Lord ...
   and sometimes HE uses His children
   to be His Hands and Feet to help fight the battle.

This weekend we learned of a young mother who had fled her abusive husband.  For the past three months, she had been living in a shelter with her five small children. Four of the children she is responsible for are her biological children and one of the girls is her niece whose parents disappeared in the Civil War in Sudan.  She is like one of her own. They had only the clothes they were wearing when they left home.  Cindy, my sweet friend and fellow prayer warrior sent out a request for help for this family.  I can't tell you the joy I felt as I watched people rise up to be the Hands and Feet of Jesus!  The love of God is an amazing thing when it so richly flows out of His children onto others.

This woman and her children were and still are facing a huge battle. They had no clothes, no food, no bed or blankets, no coats, nothing but the clothes on their backs.  But God sent His children to wrap them in love and to lend a helping hand to someone in need.  Elizabeth and her children still need so much, but I bet she's feeling a little less alone in the struggle now.

No matter what the battle your facing, God is your protector and provider.  And sometimes He uses His children.  If God puts something on your heart, He's calling you to rise up and help.  I don't know what that help will look like.  Sometimes, it's providing physical needs, or it maybe lending emotional support. But the one thing we can all do is pray.  Please remember this family in your prayers.  What ever you do for this family or for someone else who is struggling underneath their heavy load, God will bless you so much more than you can imagine.  Maybe not with material things, but with spiritual blessings that will carry on into Eternity.  As the saying goes, "You can't out give God."  The more you give, the more spiritual blessings you'll get. 

http://youtu.be/Ades5tadw7Y%20-  Acappella Praise Melody


Romans 8:31-39


What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written:

 For Your sake we are killed all day long;
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”


37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.


Jehoshaphat was surrounded by his enemies. He was terrified because Judah was facing certain destruction. But Jehoshaphat didn't wallow in his anticipated defeat. He didn't crawl into a hole of despair and fear. He turned to God.

Jehoshaphat had all of Judah fast and seek help from the Lord God. He prayed acknowledging God as Sovereign over all things and asked for His deliverance. He cried out and God heard him.

The Spirit of the Lord came over Jahaziel and gave him these words: "Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s."

The Battle belongs to the Lord!

I don't know what struggles you're facing, but I do know that nothing is too hard for the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY. And He is on your side, even when you don't feel it. He will be Your Deliverer, Your Protector, Your Healer, whatever You need, HE is that and more. Best of all, He is your loving Father who wants to give you an amazing inheritance. He wants you to be in Heaven with Him for Eternity. Nothing can compare with that.

http://youtu.be/He2cn7fFKx0 - Abba Father - Acappella
Lyrics to Abba Father :

Somebody feels hopeless
Somebody despairs
Somebody walks a path alone
Watching others walk around in pairs
Somebody's in the street now
Somebody's in doubt
Somebody has no place to go
Somebody cries out saying

Abba, Father, take me higher
Abba, Father, take me home

Somebody is hungry
Somebody's in pain
Somebody sleeps alone in fear
Somebody's in shame
Somebody needs a friend to lean on
Somebody's not there
Somebody's looking at the end
Somebody's in prayer, praying


Abba, Father, take me higher
Abba, Father, take me home


Somebody feels hopeless
Somebody despairs
Somebody walks a path alone
Watching others walk around in pairs
Somebody's in the street now
Somebody's in doubt
Somebody has no place to go
Somebody cries out saying

Abba, Father, take me higher
Abba, Father, take me home



Prayer


Abba Father, I worship You as Lord over everything. You are Almighty God and no one or no thing is greater than You. You are my true Defender and Protector. Holy Father, You know what I'm facing. I cannot face this battle on my own. I don't have the wisdom or the strength or the power. I need You desperately to carry me through this struggle. I don't know what the "victory" will look like. I may not even be able to recognize it as a victory right now, but LORD, I trust You and Your great love for me. What You have planned for me is so much greater than anything I could ask or imagine. I will praise You whether the victory comes now in this earthly life, or if I don't see it in the land of the living, but with You in Eternity. You are my loving Father and You have proven Your Love for me through the sacrificing of Your only begotten Son. No greater love is there on earth or in heaven than that.


Father, You know my heart, You know my thoughts. Sometimes I doubt if You're hearing me. Sometimes I don't understand why things go the way they do. Help my unbelief and defend me from those evil spirits of doubt and defeat. Help me to trust You even when I don't see the answers coming. I know that just because I can't see You moving to redeem my situation does not mean that You are not working things together for good. LORD God, You hold Eternity in Your Hands and You know my future. I put my trust in You knowing You will give me what I, even when it's not what I might want. Thank You God for loving me, even when I doubt. Thank You for reaching out to me in love and compassion.


Thank You for sending Your Son to be my Savior. Thank You for giving me Your Holy Spirit to strengthen me and guide me, to comfort me when I feel alone. I will worship You all the days of my life, for You are my God. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.

2 Chronicles 20:1-21


1 After this, the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites declared war on Jehoshaphat. 2 Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army from Edom is marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea. They are already at Hazazon-tamar.” (This was another name for En-gedi.)


3 Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the Lord for guidance. He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting. 4 So people from all the towns of Judah came to Jerusalem to seek the Lord’s help.

5 Jehoshaphat stood before the community of Judah and Jerusalem in front of the new courtyard at the Temple of the Lord. 6 He prayed, “O Lord, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you! 7 O our God, did you not drive out those who lived in this land when your people Israel arrived? And did you not give this land forever to the descendants of your friend Abraham? 8 Your people settled here and built this Temple to honor your name. 9 They said, ‘Whenever we are faced with any calamity such as war, plague, or famine, we can come to stand in your presence before this Temple where your name is honored. We can cry out to you to save us, and you will hear us and rescue us.’


10 “And now see what the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir are doing. You would not let our ancestors invade those nations when Israel left Egypt, so they went around them and did not destroy them. 11 Now see how they reward us! For they have come to throw us out of your land, which you gave us as an inheritance. 12 O our God, won’t you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.”


13 As all the men of Judah stood before the Lord with their little ones, wives, and children, 14 the Spirit of the Lord came upon one of the men standing there. His name was Jahaziel son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite who was a descendant of Asaph.


15 He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16 Tomorrow, march out against them. You will find them coming up through the ascent of Ziz at the end of the valley that opens into the wilderness of Jeruel. 17 But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!”


18 Then King Jehoshaphat bowed low with his face to the ground. And all the people of Judah and Jerusalem did the same, worshiping the Lord. 19 Then the Levites from the clans of Kohath and Korah stood to praise the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud shout.


20 Early the next morning the army of Judah went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. On the way Jehoshaphat stopped and said, “Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed.”


21 After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang:


“Give thanks to the Lord; His faithful love endures forever!”


22 At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves.

23 The armies of Moab and Ammon turned against their allies from Mount Seir and killed every one of them. After they had destroyed the army of Seir, they began attacking each other. 24 So when the army of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness, all they saw were dead bodies lying on the ground as far as they could see. Not a single one of the enemy had escaped.


King Jehoshaphat and his men went out to gather the plunder. They found vast amounts of equipment, clothing, and other valuables—more than they could carry. There was so much plunder that it took them three days just to collect it all! 26 On the fourth day they gathered in the Valley of Blessing, which got its name that day because the people praised and thanked the Lord there. It is still called the Valley of Blessing today.


27 Then all the men returned to Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat leading them, overjoyed that the Lord had given them victory over their enemies. 28 They marched into Jerusalem to the music of harps, lyres and trumpets, and they proceeded to the Temple of the Lord.

29 When all the surrounding kingdoms heard that the Lord himself had fought against the enemies of Israel, the fear of God came over them. 30 So Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side.

Does Jesus understand when you are hurting?

Jesus knows.  He's been there.

http://youtu.be/Gt0WluTpFTg - My Savior, My God - Aaron Shust


Do you ever feel like no one cares?  Like no one understands the pain and suffering you're going through?

Jesus knows. And Jesus cares.  He understands how it feels to plead with God for relief for what's coming.  He knows the dread.  He knows pain.  He knows abandonment by friends.  He knows humiliation and loneliness. What ever you're feeling, Jesus understands because He felt it, too.

He was tempted in every way that we are tempted.  Oh, those temptations may not look exactly the same, but the root of the temptation is no different. 

Why did He choose a lowly birth? Why didn't He come to earth as a powerful ruler born into a wealthy and prestigious family?  I believe that He wanted to experience every struggle that His followers would experience so that we could know He understands when we hurt.  He also wanted us to see the victory of His Resurrection. He wanted us to know the suffering is nothing compared to what God has for us in Eternity - if we put our trust in HIM.

How can we question His love when we see how much He was willing to endure so that we could be saved?

Jesus was God in the flesh.  He didn't have to endure all those struggles.  He could have "called ten thousand angels".  He could have looked at us and saw ingratitude and disrespect.  He could have given up on us.  He didn't have to die.  As Jesus stood before Pilate, Pilate became afraid when he heard that Jesus was claiming to be the Son of God.  Pilate was afraid of what the Jews would do if he didn't give them what they wanted, but if Jesus was the Son of God... 

John 19:1-11
¹Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him. ² And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe. ³They came up to him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" and struck him with their hands. ⁴Pilate went out again and said to them, "See, I am bringing him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in him." ⁵So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, "Behold the man!" ⁶When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, "Crucify him, crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him." ⁷The Jews answered him, "We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God." ⁸When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid. ⁹ He entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus, "Where are you from?" But Jesus gave him no answer. ¹⁰So Pilate said to him, "You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?" ¹¹Jesus answered him, "You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above.

"You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above." Those were the only words He spoke.  Pilate didn't have power over Him. Jesus willingly laid down His life for us so that we might live with Him in Eternity.  He faced the torture and horrible death because He loved us.  He submitted to the
suffering and shame out of love.  Do we get that?  Do we understand what it took, the price that was paid?
I'm ashamed to say that I tend to forget how much He was willing to bear for me.

John 10:17
For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father."

Why did Jesus choose to lay down His life?  Because He loved us.

John 3:15-16
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.



"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.




http://youtu.be/ijAKh_C89UE - Awesome God - Chris Tomlin

Isaiah 53
Who has believed what he has heard from us?

And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?


For he grew up before him like a young plant,
and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him,
and no beauty that we should desire him.


He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief;
and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.


Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken,
smitten by God, and afflicted.


But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed.


All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.


He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,
so he opened not his mouth.

By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered
that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people?


And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death,
although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth.


Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief;
when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days;
the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.

Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied;by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities.


Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong,
because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors;
yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.

Thank You, Jesus.

http://youtu.be/TQ2jDUGcOsk - I have been there - Mark Shultz