Psalm 23

This was part of a self-counseling project I did last year for a class at CCEF.  It is an example of how God speaks into my life through His Word.  I love how He used a very familiar Psalm to ask me some very good questions.  God's questions really make me think.

Psalm 23 (ESV)

The Lord is my shepherd;

     (Will you let Me guide you?) 

I shall not want.

     (Will you be satisfied with where I lead?)

He makes me lie down in green pastures.

     (Will you rest there or will you remain on the hunt for greener pastures?)

He leads me beside still waters.

     (Will you enjoy the refreshment I provide and be grateful for it?)

He restores my soul.

     (Will you be still and let Me?)

He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,

     (You are mine.  You bear my name.)

For you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

     (Always!)

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

     (Will you let Me take care of you?)

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

     (Are you recognizing these blessings?)

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,

And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

     (What more could you possibly want?)

God speaks and my mind answers these questions with Yes, Yes, and a thousand times more, Yes!  My heart agrees and then sets up expectations of how it wants to be shepherded.  Undoubtedly, God looks down on me and shakes His head.  I keep having to learn the same lessons time and time again.

I like to be in control.  I like to be in charge.  I want to be busy and active, not lying down near still waters.  Before God can shepherd me, I have to give up these things.  Rest, peace, be still – this is where I will find true contentment.

Part of the flock

For today, let me remember that I am part of the Good Shepherd's flock.  He hears my cry, knows my needs, and leads me well.

0h, give ear, Shepherd of Israel,
You who lead Joseph like a flock;
You who are enthroned above the cherubim, shine forth!
(Psalm 80:1)

And God does shine forth!  He brings light to the darkness - exposing our weaknesses and using us anyway. 

Keep Praying

Genesis 25:21 says Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife, because she was barren; and the Lord answered him and Rebekah his wife conceived.

Isaac saw a need and took it to God in prayer.  God heard.  God answered Isaac's prayer, and something happened.  God is good and I am sure there was much rejoicing in Isaac's camp when Rebekah discovered she was pregnant.

There is an interesting detail about this prayer and answer.  Rebekah was barren so Isaac prayed. Isaac knew that God had promised many descendants.  He trusted that God would provide children.  So he prayed.

And he prayed for twenty years.  Twenty years with no children passed before the birth of Esau and Jacob.  Can you imagine the heartbreak as each year went by?

It can be difficult to keep praying when it seems like God is not listening.  Sometimes it can seem like God is saying No when actually He is saying Wait - Have Faith - Trust Me - Keep Praying - I'm Listening.

Blessed

Built a fire tonight.  I love doing that.  A crackling wood fire on a cold night it just nice.

And I am always impressed that I can make fire!  It makes me feel like a strong, capable woman.  Arrrgh!  Look what I can do!  Fire!

Watching a fire slowly burn down in also reminds me of the simple blessings God gives.  The ones we overlook.  I have a roof over my head, shelter on a cold night, a well-constructed fireplace, a stack of wood to burn, and matches.

I have food in the fridge, a dog to warn me of possible intruders in the driveway, and a warm cat in my lap.  I have internet access, books to read, and friends who have covered my family with prayer this week. 

I have a God who loves me, a Savior who died for me, and a Bible to read.  I am blessed.  I am grateful.  It is well with my soul.

Gifted for Leadership: Women and Competition

If you are a woman, what type of fruit are you growing in your relationships with other Christian women?

Gifted for Leadership: Women and Competition

Personal Psalm

Lord, I lived a life of my own choices.

Selfish, and self-centered, I built a wall around myself
So I could be alone.
Alone with my shame,
Alone with my guilt,
Alone with the consequences of my sins,
Alone and isolated within darkness.

Lord, I lived a life that knew no peace, no joy, no hope.
I dwelt in a prison of my own making
And could find no way out.

God, I don’t have the words to fully express
My gratitude for what you have done.
You held the key that set me free.
My sins have been forgiven
Shame and guilt have faded away

I’ve been given a second chance at life
And an awesome gift of peace and comfort.
My heart is filled with joy
I’ve been healed, and I no longer am alone.

Lord, I now live a life that is led by you.
A God-centered life
Filled with light and hope.
A life lived within your embrace.

My refuge, my guide.
My shelter, my hope.
My Father, Redeemer
I give you my life, my faith, and my trust.

Sunday Notes - Generosity 02/24/13

Sermon by Chip Henderson.  Notes by me.  (Short notes too because I didn't have my notebook, so I wrote them on the little handout thing.)

Main text was 2 Corinthian 9: 6-15.  Third week of celebrating Outlive with a focus on Give.

Give!  Be Generous!  Five reasons why we should be generous people.

1.  Giving taps into the law of the harvest.  Whoever plants much will harvest much.  We will reap what we sow.

2.  God loves a cheerful giver.  Motivation is important.  We are to give with love, joy, and gladness.

3.  God opens up heaven when you give.  God blesses those who give.  This often gets misinterpreted.  It is important to remember that most of God's blessings are non-monetary.  God blessed us with joy, peace, character, and other external spiritual gifts.  By giving we are laying up treasure in heaven.  (And that is where it really counts!)

4.  Giving helps other people.  By giving we meet their needs.  Our giving can be an answer to their prayers.

5.  Giving is our thanks to God.  God has given us an indescribable gift in His Son.  We say thanks by giving to others.

So...Go - Grow - Give!!