Coming Out of the Pit

The Bible refers to our troubles as a pit. Unfortunately most of the pits we find ourselves in have been self induced.   The word pit simply means a hole, a cavity or a miserable and depressing situation.  And I am here to tell you some of us are dealing with some holes in our lives–some depressing and miserable moments in our lives.

Look how David described the pit situation in Psalm 40:2 “He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay and set my feet upon a rock and established my goings.”

If you are in a pit today because of your own doing, then take responsibility for it.  Stop moaning and trying to blame everyone else for your problems.  Make every effort to remedy the situation as God instructs you.

You may be experiencing Christian growing pains. Sometimes when we are being tried, we can think it’s a pit because it’s painful.   Lamentations 3 makes it clear that life can be hard.  Life is not just a bowl of cherries, sometimes it’s a bowl of pits. Sometimes in the rose garden we don’t get the flowers, just the thorns.  Again I am not denying the blessings of life, not at all.  Because there are glorious times, times of blessings and joy, times of rich celebrations.   I thank God for those times.

But perhaps you are in the valley of despair today. Most of us can identify with this too.  An incurable disease.  A broken heart. A financial crisis that robs us of all status, style and security.  Whatever it is, how we react to it determines whether or not despair becomes the ruler of our lives.  Despair does nothing good to us.  It will take its toll on our families, our relationships, and even our health.

First, despair distorts the facts and truth by producing an outlook of utter hopelessness.

Then despair dominates our feelings by keeping our attention and focus on the distorted facts.

Also despair denies our faith.  Despair is not the exercise of faith. 

Praying in the pit is not really a sweet polite prayer, but it is an honest prayer.  There is no need to censor or hide or pretend to ignore our feelings.  Just give it over to the Lord, all of it.

Maybe it’s time to pray:  “Lord take vengeance and right all wrong.  Make all things right with our enemies and with us. Father, have mercy on us.  Lord, we believe, help our unbelief.”

Now you can say to yourself, I am coming from my pit of destruction.  I am coming from my pit of heartaches.  I am coming from my pit of defeat and doubt.

Praying from the pit can be a bold expression of faith. Because God can handle the pits.  Here is the truth, God came after us.  He came after us by climbing into the muck and mire of all our pride and walked with us in the pit.

Whatever the situation you  find yourself in, remember God has a plan for you, and you are not going to find it sitting in the pit, wringing your hands and holding your head down.  It’s time for action.

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What Happens When I Pray Wrong?

My friend recently left a comment on my blog that reminded me of a time when my children were just little. Our son was learning our family’s table rules. At that time, and all the way until today, our kids have not been allowed to leave the table until they have acknowledged their thanks for the food and asked to be excused.

We were visiting my friend’s house for lunch one day. We were busy chatting and visiting, and the kids were eating and talking almost as loudly as we were. It was a great lunch time. Then all of a sudden there was a lull in the conversation until a tiny, little voice was heard.

“Mama, may I please be a goose?” His sweet face and earnest expression nearly made my heart melt. I couldn’t for the life of me, though, figure out why he’d want to be a goose! Until I realized, after a few seconds of staring blankly at my son, that he’d been ‘mishearing’ us all along. He was really saying, “Mama, may I please be excused?” (If you say it fast and pretend you’re a toddler I think you’ll hear it, too.)

When my friend brought this to my mind not so long ago it stirred something deep in my heart. You see, there are times when you and I pray for things we believe we really want. We say the things we think we should be saying, and pray the things we assume our hearts really desire.

I’m so glad, though, that God knows us and His will better than we ever will. I knew that my son didn’t really want to be a goose, I answered his request (not his words) and excused him from the table. In that same way, God knows what our deepest longings are, the groaning and aching of our heart and when we don’t get it quite right the Holy Spirit intercedes for us.

And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. Romans 8:26-27, NLT

We can rest assured that the Father of Love hears our prayers, knows our hearts and gives us His best… even when we don’t know what we’re asking for.

To leave a comment:

• If you are reading this post in email form, click the article headline. This will take you to the article on MMCW’s website.
• Scroll down until you see the box entitled ‘Speak Your Mind’.
• Enter your name, email (it will not be published) and your website or blogsite if you have one (you do not have to have one).
• Click on the big empty space and then begin typing your comments.
• When you are done, click ‘submit comment’.  That’s it!  We look forward to hearing from YOU!

True Freedom

Freedom, defined in the truest sense of the word, cannot be dictated by the circumstances in which we exist.  Some of the most imprisoned souls dwell in nice homes, drive expensive cars, and enjoy all the luxuries this world has to offer. Despite this, they live in an oppression that threatens to sap the energy out of them.  What should bring pleasure and contentment instead increase their desire to hold onto everything tightly and to gain even more.

The Apostles Peter, Paul, and Silas exemplify how liberty in Christ appears to observers or searchers for peace and freedom. Soldiers seized Peter and placed him in prison with four squads of soldiers guarding him.  When the angel came to release Peter, he found him asleep. Scheduled to see Herod soon, Peter peacefully rested among his captives (Acts 12:4-6).  His sleep hadn’t been altered by the place he laid his head to rest. He knew freedom!

Paul and Silas were not only arrested but received many blows before being thrown in prison. Their feet bound in stocks didn’t prevent them from praying and singing hymns of praise to God while the guards slept and the other prisoners listened.  When the earthquake shook the prison’s foundations, the jailer awoke and found the doors opened.  He expected to find his prisoners had escaped, but instead he discovered Paul and Silas remained there ready to share the truth of salvation (Acts 16:22-26). They knew how to offer a sacrifice of praise despite their surroundings.  Yes, they knew freedom!

Jesus reminds us in John 10:10 that He came to give us life abundantly.  He came to pour freedom into our lives regardless of our difficulties and trials. May we learn from Paul, Silas, and Peter how to rest in peace and rejoice with praying and singing!

Look Ahead

The wisdom of the wise keeps life on track.” [Proverbs 14:8 The Message]

You are uniquely designed—therefore the plan and purpose [track] of your life is an original—it’s authentic because God does not make any carbon copies—He does not use a cookie [biscuit] cutter.

To be different than every other living thing is frightening at best. To stand alone in your identity would produce a perpetual self-destructive cycle. The answer? —Your identity is only secure when found IN CHRIST! In Him you are an authentic being governed by His Word and covered by His covenant.

As an authentic human being, the goal is to be fully alive, able to see and hear the plan etched in the heart and hand of God. God’s purpose is this: He wants you to succeed. His desire is for you to reach the potential for which He has invested His life in you. Here’s how you do it. “Carefully follow the terms of this covenant, so that you may prosper in everything you do” [Deuteronomy 29:9 NIV] .Your life has great value; use it and plan it wisely.

He will give you the plan and set the goals. “We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God’s purpose prevails.” [Proverbs 19:21 TM] Seek Him for establishing the plan and setting your goals.

He will be your power. ”My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness” [2 Corinthians 12:9 TM]. You do the possible but—God’s plan will always require God’s power—that’s the way He’s designed it. It’s not only authentic; it’s UNIQUE!

Related Reading: 2 Timothy 1:7 Ephesians 1:19

Diane Hale
For the past 30 years, Diane has served as evangelist, trainer, teacher, mentor, and consultant for churches of many denominations.
http://dianehale.net/

His Word Guides

Contained within Scripture God promises answers to whatever life hurls our way.  In fact, everything we need for life and godliness dwells within its pages.  The more we take time out of the busyness of our lives to glean from God’s Word and memorize it, the stronger we become in our faith and walk with our Savior.

Here are a few simple ways to hide the Word in your heart:

1)      Find a friend who desires to memorize too.  A partner on this journey keeps each person accountable and motivates us to stay at it.

2)      Decide whether you and the friend will memorize the same verses in the same version or have a variety.

3)      Set up a day each week to review the verses together and share the truths learned from the verse. This can be done in person or over the phone.

4)      Purchase 3 by 5 index cards either in the form of a spiral notebook or purchase a photo album and place the cards in it.

5)      Always carry the cards and strategically place them where they can be spotted throughout the day.

6)      Strive to read the verses out loud at least three times a day.

7)      Select verses with promises or solutions to present day problems or verses that praise God for who He is as well as what He does.

8)      Review previously memorized verses throughout the week.

9)      Seek ways to apply the Scriptures to life.

10)  Pray for the Lord to reveal ways the memorized verses may be given to encourage others and strive to share at least one verse a week.

The promise of Psalm 119:105 guarantees direction to our lives, as it says, “Thy Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (NASB)  Take the steps to know the Lord better by hiding His Word in the heart.

Songs of Praise

“I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence…” [Exodus 33:19]

Life begins when dawn breaks and light reveals the goodness of God—not just some of God’s goodness is promised but ALL God’s goodness. That’s His moral goodness—all that is righteous, holy and merciful. His goodness is seen in the created natural order of the things of a life. Though imperfect, they are perfected within the cyclic boundaries of His great love. Like the marriage ring, the covenant of God is the symbol of His unbreakable, unlimited eternal love. It is in this place that the song of the redeemed becomes a heavenly harmony.

Turning: “In that day I will praise you O Lord—Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me.”

Trusting: “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.”

Thanksgiving: “Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.”

Testifying: “Sing to the Lord for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”

Do you get it? Turn—trust—thank—testify. Live inside the circle of His moral goodness and know the fullness of His great love for you today.

Related Reading: Romans 8:33-35 Isaiah 12

Diane Hale
For the past 30 years, Diane has served as evangelist, trainer, teacher, mentor, and consultant for churches of many denominations.
http://dianehale.net/

Preparing My Heart for Advent

Preparing My Heart for Advent

During December, it’s easy to rush through the Christmas season without focusing on Jesus’ birth–the real reason we celebrate. Once we become tangled in the twinkling lights and preparations, it’s hard to find time to bow in worship like the shepherds and wise men did. But there’s help. Ann Marie Stewart has written a Bible study/devotional (AMG Publishers) to lead us to bow with worshiping hearts at the manger.

Preparing My Heart for Advent: A Spiritual Pilgrimage for the Christmas Season is a five-week Bible study to complete during November followed by devotionals for December through Epiphany, January 6th. Each day of the November studies corresponds with a December devotional on the same topic. The studies begin with the prophetic scriptures of Christ’s birth in the Old Testament and end with his birth in the New. The meanings of Christmas symbols and the stories behind familiar carols are woven into the studies along with practical applications to reach others with the Christmas story.

By completing the study in November before the flurry of festivities begins, you’ll be prepared to come and adore the Savior on Christmas like the shepherds and wise men did. In the author’s words, Preparing My Heart for Advent will encourage readers to “stop, look, listen, and experience Immanuel–God with us–wherever we are. Put on a familiar carol, pour a cup of peppermint tea, and settle into a reflective look at a birth unlike any other!”

Why not prepare your heart for Christmas by using Stewart’s meaningful resource designed to make Christmas truly Christ-centered? Suitable for individual or group use, you can learn more about Ann Marie and her books at:
http://www.preparingmyheart.com.

Results or Repentance

Molly Evert
Counter Cultural Mom

Last year an American mega-church made headlines when it challenged the church’s singles to abstain from fornication for 30 days.  WHAT?! That’s right. Just 30 days.

I have tried to find the word “repent” in their 30 day study guides, on their website, in their news bytes and on their blog, but to no avail. From what I’ve read, their highest goal seems to be that a temporary abstinence would teach people how to develop healthier relationships.

Isn’t this the essence of humanism? That empty philosophy teaches that our highest goal is to better ourselves in order to have a more meaningful life on this earth. This is a morality based on results, not on the demands of a holy God.

It is easy to point the finger at this blatant disregard for God’s Word, and yet we often buy into the same subtle message on a smaller scale. We are results-oriented, too!

Just last night one of my boys was selfishly manipulating his little brother. I told him that he needed to change his behavior or it would damage their relationship. And while this is true, it illustrates how easy it is for me to fall into the humanist mindset myself. I want my children to repent of their sin because it is wrong and it grieves the Lord. It is not enough for them to feel mere worldly sorrow because sin interferes with their long-term happiness.

Am I encouraging my children to better themselves through keeping a moral code so that they can have a good and meaningful life? Or am I reminding them daily that we all fall short of God’s glory, and we can only be made righteous through faith in Jesus Christ?

We must repent of our sin and live according to God’s standards, by God’s grace…not so that we can have a “good life”, but because this is what it means to be a Christian.

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4: 22-24

Bite Your Tongue

Diane Hale

“A wise man’s heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction” [Proverbs 16:23]

Ouch…or oops…we’ve all been there. Either we have spoken or been spoken to in a way that jabs, scratches or bruises the tender emotions of those around us. David knew his weakness and said,“Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” [Psalm 141:3] Sounds like a wise and healthy prayer to take to heart!

The power of the tongue is so great God confused it and turned it into babbling [Genesis 11]—then in His time birthed His church by infusing it with the Holy Spirit and Life was released. [Acts 2]

Knowing the destruction of the tongue God has given us the power to overcome the urge to be loose lipped. It is the Holy Spirit that is the guard that stands at the door. Interestingly enough, the guards that stand at the door of Buckingham Palace, at the threat of losing their position, say nothing unless commanded by their authorities. Little boys taunt and tease them trying to break their law of silence—mostly in vain.

Loose tongues bring more than the threat of lost position—loose tongues maim and murder the soul of man and hearts are wounded on a whim. Be pre-emptive this morning and take ownership of this promise, ”I have put my words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of my hand…” [Isaiah 51:16a] and pray this prayer.

“Lord be the keeper of my lips today, guard my thoughts and what I say. Let me speak just words of life, be it friend or foe or wife—to heal the sick and lift the lost—to speak kind words what ere the cost.”

Further Reading: Joshua 1:1-9 ~ Psalm 19:14 ~ Matthew 12:33-37

Morning Light is published by Unique By Design for your encouragement, edification and empowerment.

Praying According to God’s Will For Husband

Barbara Rainey of FamilyLife shares how she learned to pray according to God’s will for her husband.

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