LOOK UP, NOT OUT

LOOK UP, NOT OUT

My ongoing journey of surrender has come with some human disappointments.  I am constantly reminded to keep my eyes on God (vertical worship) NOT people (horizontal worship).

I've been pondering how does a person gain strength through heartache, sufferings and pain perpetrated from another.    For me, some days it feels impossible.  However, I know the scriptures always give clear direction. 

 
In Hebrews...it says "Look to Jesus"...it actually uses the word "fixed or fixing".   In Corinthians it speaks of "fix eyes on things unseen" - what is "unseen"  well...reading Hebrews 11:1 it says, "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."  So I'm to keep my eyes "fixed" on what I have faith in - which is God.
 
Well, I went to dictionary so I can really understand the intent of the word "fixed".  (definition)
 
FIXED: (adjective)
1. fastened, attached, or placed so as to be firm and not readily movable; firmly implanted; stationary;

2. rendered stable or permanent, as color.

3. set or intent upon something; steadily directed: a fixed stare. 

4. definitely and permanently placed: a fixed buoy; a fixed line of defense. 

5. not fluctuating or varying; definite: a fixed purpose.

 

Notice the Synonyms...constant, steady, unvarying, unwavering, firm.

 

The point is to keep my eyes "firmly implanted, permanent, intent, definite, no fluctuating" on Jesus and my faith in Him.  This is how I keep myself from horizontal worship.

 

After all, the only relationship in this life that will never disappoint - is the one I have with the Lord.  Remembering this truth is the motivator to always LOOK UP, NOT OUT.

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NLT)

 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

 

Hebrews 12:1-3 (NLT)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.  Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.

 

Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,  fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. 

 
  

 

 

Going Boldly

In my "ponderings" I am reflecting on the above quote by CS Lewis.  When I can "relate" with another person because of similar life experiences; there is an instant "bond" and a "kinship".  Walking the road of this life with others has been very helpful in my journey.  Sharing stories, victories & defeats with another person (with skin) is refreshing.  Especially those who are "real". Many times God uses people to help me see things in a different light OR to reveal my heart in areas I need to continually work on. 

Reaching out to others is good and necessary at times, however, going to the One who can identify with ALL my heartaches is the best choice.  This was confirmed to me today when I read this passage in Hebrews....Jesus is the ultimate friend.  He identifies with me - in every way.  He is the ONLY ONE that gives me what I "need" in my "time of need" - since He alone knows what I "need". 

Today, I go boldly to Him with confidence knowing His grace will be enough...for today's need.


For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow.

It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.

So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe.

This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.   Hebrews 4:12-16 

There are healing in tears!

Were you every told "be strong, don't cry"? I was conditioned to believe it was a sign of weakness and learned to endure pain. This is not true!

My relationship with Christ has been an ongoing journey of tears...those of excitement, joy, happiness, laughter, fear, sorrow, pain and struggle, agony, disappointment, brokenness and meltdowns. Each type is important in the journey...it's awesome to know that God sees every teardrop and cares about every one.

Psalm 56:8
... "You keep track of all my sorrows.
You have collected all my tears in your bottle.
You have recorded each one in your book."

Psalm 126:5
"Those who plant in tears
will harvest with shouts of joy."

2 Samuel 22:34
"He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights.

Psalm 18:32
"It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure."

There are healing in tears!
Ok...so when was the last time you gave yourself permission to have a "good cry?" I'm due for one!

My Words Identify a Worship Disorder

My Words Identify a Worship Disorder

Some thoughts about words...

are mine sweet or sour? Helpful or hurtful? Caring or condemning?

Many times I ponder these thoughts...but not until AFTER a situation has passed. How many times have I said something then wonder...did that person hear me correctly? Did I come across wrong? Usually if I have to question what I've said then I know something went wrong.

When I speak when angry, it surely causes trouble. So, I need to apply the wisdom of His word by dealing with unresolved sinful anger right away. Scripture is clear...I need to be careful with my words. Whatever is in my heart will eventually come out.

“A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. A tree is identified by its fruit. Figs are never gathered from thornbushes, and grapes are not picked from bramble bushes. A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart." Luke 6:43-45

So dealing with those issues that lay dormant in my heart is what recovery is all about. So when I have "word issues" it really is a "worship issue". Who or what am I choosing to worship over God.

We all struggle with "worship disorder" the key to recovery is to identify these areas and deal with them through repentance and faith.

So, how about you? Do your words reflect what is in your heart?

Scripture to ponder...

So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.~ Ephesians 4:25-27, NLT

Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing. ~ Proverbs 12:18, NLT

Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. ~ Ephesians 4:29, NLT

Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops. ~ Proverbs 26:20, NLT

A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. ~Proverbs 15:1, NLT

A tree is identified by its fruit. If a tree is good, its fruit will be good. If a tree is bad, its fruit will be bad. You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. ~Matthew 12:33-35, NLT

SG 5/29/2012

Class thoughts

For the counseling class I'm taking...the online post this week was to answer 2 questions.  First, what is your current struggle and secondly, how does God through Christ identify with your struggle.  It was based on reading & responding to an article "Think Globally, Act Locally"...it's attached here if you have about an hour to read and digest the material.  click
Since the title of my blog includes points to ponder...I thought I would share my thoughts here.

My current struggle has been reflective in my continual call to surrender.  For the past few months, I have really been challenged to live turning my will over to God.   Recently, while teaching a recovery principle “turning my life & will over to God’s care & control”, God challenged my heart. 

I’ve been in recovery and serving for 8 years – this time around it really struck me.  Do I really surrender everything?  Does God have the remote control of my life?  Then I heard a song called “White Flag” by Chris Tomlin & once again I was faced with the question.  Do I live in full surrender?  

Realizing that God has called me to a ministry of mercy and counseling – I have come to realize that there will be more hard times ahead (I really just want a calm life).  I will be faced with more tragic stories & many more people hurting in need of someone to point them to the Redeemer (I have my own issues).  I realize that my selfish desires are in need of moment by moment surrender. 

As an instrument in His hands – I am reminded of Christ’s prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane Matthew 26:39“My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”  Jesus identifies with me – He knew what was coming yet struggled to surrender; hence this poignant prayer.  My heart’s desire is to live in constant surrender!

Waving the White Flag

Recently God has taken me on a journey of surrender.  This will be a continual process in my life, however my heart has really come to realize how tightly I hold on to certain areas.  While working through the Steps/Principles in Celebrate Recovery (this time around)...Step 3/Principle 3 has really impacted me.  "Consciously chose to commit all my life and will to Christ's care and control."  Turning my life over, by accepting Jesus Christ and my personal Lord and Savior is a one time event.  I'm excited to say that it's about having a relationship with Him...not religion.  As for committing my WILL...Ok...I've read this over & over --- even have turned over SOME things...this time well...I am choosing to commit ALL my will over to His care.  What does this mean?  COMPLETE TRUST IN GOD.  Yikes!  I want to think that I trust Him...yet I realized that I only trust Him with SOME stuff - you know the stuff I'm READY to give Him.  I've come to a place where I need to give Him everything...the stuff I want to keep, too.  I recently wrote the following article & I want to share it here.

SURRENDERING ALL

Matthew 22:37
And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."

Every day when we wake up there is a battle going on. The battle is we want what we want - when we want it! Many times we don't surrender to God because the outcome may not be "what I want." However, it's always what's best for me.

Principle 3 - Consciously choose to commit all my life and will to Christ's care and control

This is 2 part principle - the first part is accepting Christ as Savior then comes the second -- turning our wills over. This will always be a vital and continual process during our change journey.

God wants every little, hidden part of us. He knows it already, yet He wants us to share it all with Him. This is a really an ironic thought...He knows, yet wants us to share it with Him. Hmmm?

How much of our hearts, souls, and minds have we given to Him? And, yet how much more are we holding back?

Many times I don't turn my will over because I want to keep control and don't trust the Lord with my life. There I said it. This sounds silly, but it's true. Surrendering can be scary - however, resting in God's hands and trusting that He knows what's best for us brings so much freedom.

I heard the song (see below) and my mind started churning about the white flag. When the white flag is waved during a battle is means surrender...end of the war.

Well...I'm done -- I'm waving the white flag. My will has officially surrendered. This will be an ongoing waving event, yet I'm going for it.

Are you tired of fighting?

Will you join me?

Maybe it's time to wave the white flag of full surrender.

My prayer of surrender:

Dear Jesus,

 I surrender my desire to be control of my life, all of who I am. All those things that worry me, my future, family, job, health...everything. I thank You for giving me all these things - I now give them back to You. I give you the throne of my life.

I surrender my need for acceptance. I know that you have accepted me and today I know that's enough. I recognize that when other's opinions control me it only leads to people worship. I give you the throne of acceptance.

I surrender my judgemental and critical thinking. I know that my opinion of others doesn't matter nor does it glorify You. It only pollutes my heart with negativity and sinful thoughts. Please forgive me for treating your children as if they do not matter. I give you the throne of my thoughts.

I surrender my desires. Those things that I want seem to control me at times. I want to desire those things that are honoring and helpful to my life only. I surrender the throne of my wants.

I also surrender my hurts, memories and any remaining unforgiveness that have weighed me down all these years. I give them all to You. I surrender the throne of my all my prolonged pain.

Thank you Lord for your continued healing in my life. May you be glorified in my process of recovery to help others.

Amen.

20 "Cans" of Success

20 Cans of Success

1.       Why should I say I can’t when the Bible says I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength? [Philippians 4:13]

2.       Why should I worry about my needs when I know that God will take care of all my needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus? [Philippians 4:19]

3.       Why should I fear when the Bible says God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind? [2 Timothy 1:7]

4.       Why should I lack faith to allow Christ to live His life through me, when God has given me a measure of faith? [Romans 12:3]

5.       Why should I be weak when the Bible says that the Lord is the strength of my life and that I will display strength and take action because I know God? [Psalm 27:1,
Daniel 11:32]

6.       Why should I allow Satan control over my life when He that is in me is greater than he that is in the world. [1 John 4:4]

7.       Why should I accept defeat when the Bible says that God always leads me in victory?
[2 Corinthians 2:14]

8.       Why should I lack wisdom when I know that Christ became wisdom to me from God and God gives wisdom to me generously when I ask Him for it? [1 Corinthians 1:30, James 1:5]

9.       Why should I be depressed when I can recall to mind God’s loving-kindness, compassion, faithfulness and have hope? [Lamentations 3:21-23]

10.   Why should I worry and be upset when I can cast all my anxiety on Christ who cares for me? [1 Peter 5:7]

11.   Why should I ever be in bondage knowing that there is liberty and freedom where the Spirit of the Lord is? [2 Corinthians 3:17, Galatians 5:1]

12.   Why should I feel condemned when the Bible says there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus? [Romans 8:1]

13.   Why should I feel alone when Jesus said He is with me always and He will never leave me nor forsake me? [Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5]

14.   Why should I feel like I’m cursed or the victim of misfortune when the Bible says that Christ rescued me from the curse of the law that I might receive His Spirit by faith? [Galatians 3:13-14]

15.   Why should I be unhappy when I, like Paul, can learn to be content whatever the circumstances? [Philippians 4:11]

16.   Why should I feel worthless when Christ became sin for me so that I might become the righteousness of God in Him? [2 Corinthians 5:21]

17.   Why should I feel helpless in the presence of others, when I know that if God is for me, who can be against me? [Romans 8:31]

18.   Why should I be confused when God is the author of peace and He gives me knowledge through His Spirit who lives in me? [1 Corinthians 2:12, 14:33]

19.   Why should I feel like a failure when I am more than a conqueror through Christ who loves me? [Romans 8:37]

20.   Why should I let the pressures of life bother me when I can take courage knowing that Jesus has overcome the world and its problems? [John 16:33]