Distractions

Today’s waking thoughts: one week since my last blog entry. OK, today I will sit down and write another. Do I have to write it today? Yes, Barb, you want to. True, I do have ‘God moments’ to share and, frankly, I like writing! Well, actually, the writing part is a challenge to produce something coherent, but I like finishing well. Barb, stop your mind from wandering and think about your topic. But first, I need to eat breakfast, check my emails, and go to yoga. Afterward, for sure, I will sit down at the computer . . .

Later: yoga is done; next comes lunch. Well, I will write after lunch; cannot write on an empty stomach . . .

Even later: stomach full, but better make some phone calls first. Sit down at the computer. One last check for new emails. Open up a new Word document and type in my title . . .
Do I hear the mail dropping into my mailbox? Better have a look-there might be something important to open. With the mail recycled (it was not important) and walking back to my desk past my bedroom, the unmade bed reminds me it is sheet-washing day. Yes, they can be washing while I am writing. Multi-tasking is good! Off to the laundry room . . .

Still later: sit back down. Open my Bible. Start typing, but wait – that is another topic! Save that under different title . . .
Lord, HELP! What is keeping me from concentrating on your Word and the message you have for me? DISTRACTIONS! Lord, show me the Scripture to focus on, please!

But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62 NLT

Walking toward Jerusalem with Jesus, some new believers accepted his offer to, “Come, follow me.” Jesus explained that following him meant traveling around Palestine and proclaiming the Gospel. The new believers were eager but expressed some conditions. One man asked to first return home to bury his father. Another wanted to say goodbye to his family. Certainly, these are simple, respectful things to do, right? No, Jesus does not want distractions to lead us away from him. He wants our complete devotion.

Looking back, like the farmer with the plow did, has serious consequences just like Lot’s wife experienced in Old Testament times. The city that Lot and his family lived in was full of people disobeying God's ways. Finally, having had enough of their blatant wickedness, God sent his angels to warn Lot to take his family out of the city because he planned to destroy it and all the inhabitants. The end of the story sees Lot and his family running out the city gates into the countryside “but Lot’s wife looked back as she was following along behind him, and she became a pillar of salt” (Genesis 19:26). She longed for just one more glimpse of her old life and paid dearly for that lack of devotion to the Lord.

How easily I change my mind’s lens from a telephoto view of God which blocks out all other sights, to a wide-angle view of many other intriguing images. When I am writing, by completely focusing on God, I enjoy an ongoing dialogue with him about the message. It is my choice, but I need his strength, his willpower to let the distractions melt into nothing. Later, I can do the laundry, check the mail, or eat lunch. When God gives me a message, I need to respond immediately, not wasting any time getting it onto paper. When he gives any of us believers a special purpose or mission, we need to act accordingly. Not doing so will bring distress and may delay or even negate the intended blessings.

Lord, thank you for the blessings of your love for me, that I should deserve the messages you give me. With your power, dissolve the distractions that lead me away from you and, instead, focus my attention solely upon you. Do the same for my dear readers, too! Amen.

At The Intersection

“For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Romans 14:17 NLT

“Live in a way that pleases God.” 1 Thessalonians 4:1 NLT

As I declare myself a Christian, I ask God to lead me away from the world's standards and toward His Kingdom’s standards. I pray for wisdom to recognize the differences as well as for the conviction to live the Kingdom Way. Here are a few contrasts I wrestle with every day at the intersection of choices:

World = to know; to gain knowledge, university degrees
Kingdom = to be a follower of Christ (John 2:43)

World = focus on career, increase my status
Kingdom = focus on ministry by serving God and others (Romans 12:11, Galatians 5:13)

World = earn money for selfish ambition
Kingdom = give money to the Lord’s work (Malachi 3:10)

World = acquire possessions for personal use and pleasure
Kingdom = share possessions with the poor and needy (Acts 2:45)

World = people – take advantage of their weaknesses
Kingdom = people – encourage their spiritual growth (Ephesians 3:16-19)

World = shop ‘til I drop
Kingdom = pray ‘til my knees are bruised (1 Thess 5:17)

World = control my own life
Kingdom = submit to God’s will (Matthew 6:10)

World = knowing my net worth
Kingdom = know that God considers me worthy (John 3:16)

World = bend the rules to suit myself
Kingdom = obey God’s commands without compromise (Matthew 28:20)

World = worry about food, clothing and shelter
Kingdom = God will provide all I need (Luke 12:31)

World = my titles are “daughter,” “sister,” “wife,” “mother,” “friend”
Kingdom = my titles in Christ are “blessed,” “loved,” “chosen,” “accepted,” and “saved” (Ephesians 1:3-5, Romans 15:7, John 3:16)

World = my life is temporary
Kingdom = my life is eternal (John 3:16)

Daily, Lord, enlighten me to choose your holy ways. Daily, Lord, strengthen me to keep on your righteous paths. Daily, Lord, meet me at the intersection of choices and lead me to the road most pleasing to you. Amen.

Battle Prayer

“I defy the armies of Israel! Send me a man who will fight with me!” shouted Goliath. 1 Samuel 17:10 NLT

Victory was assured for the Philistines this time, but it would cost many lives. With the Israelites equally concerned about their impending doom, both sides agreed to settle the outcome of this battle by sending one representative to the front lines for a winner-take-all round of ultimate fighting. In the Philistines’ corner strutted a giant of a man, Goliath, wearing full body armor, carrying a heavy bronze spear and hurling venomous insults at the Israelites. In the opposite corner stood a young shepherd, David, armed with his wooden staff, a sling and five stones. As a retort to Goliath’s threats, David shouted his battle cry:

“I come to you in the name of the Lord Almighty-the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. Today the Lord will conquer you . . . and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel! And everyone will know that the Lord does not need weapons to rescue his people. It is his battle, not ours.” 1 Samuel 17:45-47

I am the Philistines when I am:
Threatening someone weaker
Secure in my own strength
Taking what is not mine
Trusting in gods manufactured out of stone, metal and wood
Supported by like-minded others
Basing my courage on my invincible weapons
Sure that my strategy is flawless
Unconcerned about the injuries inflicted upon the enemy
Trusting in my fellow warriors
Motivated by greed, lust, and arrogance.

Forgive me, Lord, when I am like the Philistines.

I am Goliath when I am:
Convinced that I alone can save my family, team, and nation
Sure that size matters
Miscalculating my opponent’s desire to win
Calling people insulting names
Focused on mocking others
Using my influence for selfish ambition
Spewing vile threats
Counting on the latest armor to protect me
Strut about in my over-confidence
Bolstered by previous wins.

Forgive me, Lord, when I am like Goliath.

I am the Israelites when I am:
Afraid of an enemy who wants to crush my spirit
Afraid of losing my life and loved ones
Afraid of losing my property and possessions
Bullied by a person with a greater physical presence, a sharper tongue, and a biting wit
Dared to “give up or else”
Not confident in my own abilities
Losing my sense of security
At the mercy of evil forces and overwhelming odds against me
Placing my hope for victory in the One, True, Living God
Letting my Saviour, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, fight my battles.

Save me, Lord, when I am like the Israelites.

David is Jesus when he:
Trusts the One and Only Living God for victory
Calls upon the strength of Almighty God
Knows his protection comes from God’s heavenly armies
Marches into battle on my behalf
Uses divinely designed weapons
Accepts that the seemingly impossible is possible
Takes care of his people
Knows the weakness of my enemy
Has no fear in attacking an enemy of any size and strength
Knows that the victory is his!

My faith is in the Lord God Almighty!

I am a follower of Jesus Christ when I pray:
Lord, keep my perspective clear when approaching enemy territory. Arm me appropriately with your victorious weapons. Speak your words through my mouth to neutralize any contentious situation. Strengthen me with the assurance of your mighty power and presence. Stop me from acting like the Philistines and Goliath. Train me to humble myself like the Israelites and to turn to you in all circumstances. Thank you that my enemies are your enemies. Thank you that you fight my battles. Thank you that fear of defeat is banished when I stand in your fortress. Thank you for the victory over death and evil forces. You are my Jehovah-Nissi; I battle under your banner! Amen.

Beyond the Pond!

(This is the sequel to the blog entry entitled, “Still Waters Meditation”. See March 2009. If you have not already read it, please do so first.)

I gazed into the still waters of the pond of my life and my being. I recognized the potential energy within my soul waiting for release. I embraced the uniqueness of my personality, talents, gifts and passions. Now . . .

“Show me your ways, Lord; teach me your paths.” Psalm 25:4 NIV

Still crouching at the edge of the pond, something catches my attention out of the corner of my eye. I see the waters start to flow out of the pond into a small stream. Slowly but steadily, I am moving, too! Gasp! I hold my breath in anticipation as I flow into the unknown. Exhale. I am on my journey, with God’s hand on the tiller! Joy!

Gliding from the stream into a river, my perspective broadens. As the Spirit increases the volume of the water, I confidently proceed on my way. Sandy riverbanks encourage me as I meet others on the same voyage. But in some places, rocky outcroppings swirl me around causing me to lose my sense of direction. Always, though, the One at the tiller grips firmly, lovingly showing me how best to serve Him; releasing my energy and uniqueness in just the right portions. Joy!

Oh, Lord, where are you taking me? “This way, beloved!” Rounding the next bend – uh, oh. A shadow grows longer and darker on the river as high-reaching granite cliffs loom large ahead. The river passage narrows as it cuts a route through the canyon making the undercurrents grow stronger and faster. Suddenly – whitecaps break the surface, wildly tossing water in all directions. Whirlpools form, sucking down loose debris. Tossing and turning, I hang on tightly to my Guide, the One who throws me the life jacket. Joy!

The Lord says: “When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown!” Isaiah 43:3 NLT

Soon, the riverbanks widen, the cliffs melt into rolling slopes and the whitewater loses its confusion. Whew! With shadows of tribulation behind me and sunshine of peace upon me, I inhale, and then exhale. Calm. I am progressing along my journey. My Lord directs my path but has a warning: “Beloved, not always will the river be calm, but always, I will be with you.” For now, the river flows steady – knowing its course, proceeding with purpose. Joy!

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 NIV

Lord, I am overwhelmed with your goodness! Thank you for the unique path you set before me and for traveling along with me. You strengthen me; you enable me to do your good works. Thank you for the honour of being your hands that serve and your words that encourage. I receive your joy and give my praises to you, Lord!

Still Waters Meditation

“He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul.” Psalm 23:2, 3 NIV

Gazing upon the still waters of a pond, nature reflects back at me. Crouching at the edge to look closer, I see myself.

Looking deeper into the pond, I realize that still waters contain a huge amount of potential energy ready for many purposes, waiting for release. Once in motion, it can become part of a greater whole by flowing from the quiet pond to a small stream to a large river to a big ocean. Alternatively, once released from a hydroelectric dam, water can light up and warm up a city full of homes. In another situation, once flowing, water will follow the path of least resistance – where it is natural for it to go. In this potential energy, I recognize future possibilities for a ministry.

Penetrating the depths of the pond, I sense the hidden undercurrents; forces acting in the background, subtly guiding and directing. I embrace the uniqueness of these undercurrents in my personality, my natural abilities, my spiritual gifts and my God-given passions.

When I take the time to slow down and reflect, like walking beside quiet waters, I give the Lord the opportunity to restore my soul. Restore. What does that mean? To make better. To make whole. To refresh. To come alive. To give energy back. To express love. Lord, you give me hope, taking away despair. I express gladness. I become peaceful. I feel secure. I allow You to control and guide my life. I am not afraid. You build up my confidence. My soul is restored!

While contemplating the attributes of still waters and glowing in personal refreshment, a new picture came into view. A person taking time to slow down and reflect on life’s purposes. A person ready to see God’s will for her next step on this earthly journey. This woman of God peers into the reflecting glass of the quiet pond and looks deep into her own eyes. What does she see? A soul perfectly made by God: like a multi-faceted diamond. Enough inner energy for future endeavors. Undercurrents designed for serving God’s purposes. Her whole being waiting and ready to be used in God’s time, for His plans. Continuing to peer beyond the surface reflection, she explores all the facets of her life: physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual. Is she ready to move beyond the reflection in the quiet waters? To flow into her natural path toward a bigger, more fulfilling experience?

Wow, God has directed my thoughts without restriction! He has given me a picture of a ministry. Could it be my ministry? The “Still Waters Ministry.” Its mission: to encourage people at a crossroads in their life to reflect on their God-given uniqueness; to explore their future direction in God’s plan; and to fulfill their potential through Christ.

Lord, take me to the next step!

(Originally written June 2005)

Dedication

In preparation for dedicating my ministry and my whole being to the Lord God Almighty, first, I acknowledge who He is:

You are the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. (Rev 22:12)
In the beginning, you created the heavens and the earth. (Gen 1:1)
The heavens tell of your glory. The skies display your marvelous craftsmanship. (Ps 19:1)
The earth is filled with your glory. Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty! (Isaiah 6:3)
In the end, you will create a new, everlasting home for your people where you will dwell with them for eternity. (Rev 21:3)
Your throne endures forever! (Ps 45:6)

Second, I acknowledge who He is to me:

You are my heavenly father. I will praise you at all times! (Ps 34:1)
I lift up my soul to you. (Ps 25:1)
You adopted me into your family even before you made the world. (Eph 1:4)
You chart the path ahead of me, both preceding me and following me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. (Ps 139:3, 5)
You are my strength, my rock, my fortress, and my saviour. (Ps 18:12)
You brought light into my life. (Ps 18:28)
Your Spirit is my counselor, the one who shows me right from wrong. (John 16:7-10)
What miracles you do; how deep are your thoughts! (Ps 92:5)

Third, I acknowledge my unworthiness and praise His remedy:

But, Lord, have mercy on me because of your unfailing love. (Ps 51:1)
For I recognize my shameful deeds. Against you alone, I have done evil in your sight. (Ps 51:3, 4)
Purify me from my sins. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me. (Ps 51:7, 10)
Your judgment against me is just. (Ps 51:3, 4)
Yet, you suffered and died on the cross as punishment for my sins. (Rom 3:25)
I praise you for your mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him at your right hand. (Eph 1:19, 20)
I praise you for this victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ, my Lord. (1Cor 15:57)
I praise you for your grace that allows me to stand before you holy and blameless. (Col 2:22)

Finally, I dedicate my life and my ministry to God:

Now, Lord, I praise you for declaring me worthy of serving you.
I dedicate my time, treasures and talents to you so that I may do the good things you planned so long ago. (Eph 2:10)
I offer the sacrifice of praise to you by proclaiming the glory of your name. (Hebrews 13:15)
Grant me the spiritual wisdom to do your will and obey your commands.
Grant me the strength to be patient and endure; to show kindness and mercy.
I love you with all my heart, all my soul, and all my strength. (Deut 6:5)
Lord, I give you my life; shape me for your purposes. I wait on bended knee.
Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty!

Confession

Lord, have mercy on me because of your unfailing love. (Ps 51:1)

For I recognize my shameful deeds. Against you alone, I have done evil in your sight. (Ps 51:3).

Like Achan (Joshua 7) and David (2 Samuel 11), I have concealed wrongdoing.

I thought if no one knew, the ugliness would go away.

However, Lord, you see all; you know all, you hear all.

You see my selfish dreams and my self-important thoughts.

You know my acts of unkindness and arrogance.

You hear my words of conceit and my desires for self-promotion.

Cut these out from my heart, my mind, my body and my soul.

Show me the errors of my ways.

Lead me into your paths of righteousness. (Ps 23:3)

Purify me from my sins. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me. (Ps 51:7, 10)

Your judgment against me is just. (Ps 51:3, 4)

Yet, you suffered and died on the cross as punishment for my sins. (Rom 3:25)

Your life-giving Spirit has freed me from the penalty of death. (Rom 8:2)

O, what joy for me, a rebel, whose sin is forgiven! (Ps 32:1)