Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. ~ Psalm 51:10 (NIV)
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When stuff happens in our lives, we can really get messed up inside. We can allow alot of negative, sinful emotions to take root in our hearts when life gets tough -- bitterness, jealousy, malice, envy, hatred even. And what nasty weeds these are! They take root so fast and so deep, it can overtake your heart without you even knowing it (like the raspberry bush monster that invaded that family's back yard last weekend.)
And these sinful weeds can cause us to want to throw in the towel -- with ministry, with friendships, with our relationship with God. We sometimes just want to quit, give up, and say, "Sayonara, baby..." Hanging in there when the going gets tough is hard to do. Steadfastness requires commitment and courage, things we often struggle with. At least I do.
David acknowledged that he had heart issues, and he asked God for help in getting an overhaul -- cleaning out the sin weeds in his heart, and infusing steadfastness again into his spirit. He was not afraid to be honest with God and himself, to ask for God's divine hand in his life, to make changes that would honor people and glorify God.
Oh Lord, forgive me in my weakness, where I have allowed weeds of sin to invade my heart and where I've wanted to give up when times are tough. Please create in me a clean heart, and renew a steadfast spirit in me. Thank You for loving me in spite of myself -- I have issues, but I'm so glad You just smile and say, "Yeah, I know..." You are what I long to be like. Help me do that today, by Your powerful hand. Amen.
Maybe that's your prayer today, too. I give you permission to publish that on the wall of your heart -- no charge. :-)
Love,
Joelene
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Verse of the Day - Hebrews 6:18
So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. ~ Hebrews 6:18 (NLT)
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When people flee, they recognize the danger and understand the power of the enemy. Whether it's the flood waters of a tidal surge in the Gulf states, or a wave of coo soldiers sweeping through African villages...the enemy is clear and terrifying. They flee inland from the tidal wave and try to outrun the machete. Where is safety? Where is refuge?
In the spiritual realm, we have an enemy, too -- ultimately, more frightening and real than hurricane forces or genocide-crazed soldiers. He is the evil one, the devil, and people need to be running for their lives, away from his destruction and death. Everywhere you turn, his influence assaults us. We need a place to hide -- a place of sanctuary -- a refuge. But where to run?
How do you get away from an invisible enemy with madness and mayhem on his mind? You run to a greater invisible force than he -- you run to the One with all power, to the Almighty God, to an invisible Friend with love and compassion on His mind. And when we flee to this Refuge, we are safe, because 1) He has power over all things, and 2) He gives His word that He is trustworthy, and He cannot lie.
Do you recognize your enemy? Do you understand the danger? Are you fleeing for your life daily to the only refuge who is able to save you? Not only is God capable of our rescue, but He's committed to keeping us safe from the enemy of our souls.
The spiritual surge waters and insurgent soldiers are knocking on your door -- do you feel safe or scared? God says, Flee to Me, the eternal Refuge and know eternal safety and hope -- today and every day.
Love,
Joelene
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When people flee, they recognize the danger and understand the power of the enemy. Whether it's the flood waters of a tidal surge in the Gulf states, or a wave of coo soldiers sweeping through African villages...the enemy is clear and terrifying. They flee inland from the tidal wave and try to outrun the machete. Where is safety? Where is refuge?
In the spiritual realm, we have an enemy, too -- ultimately, more frightening and real than hurricane forces or genocide-crazed soldiers. He is the evil one, the devil, and people need to be running for their lives, away from his destruction and death. Everywhere you turn, his influence assaults us. We need a place to hide -- a place of sanctuary -- a refuge. But where to run?
How do you get away from an invisible enemy with madness and mayhem on his mind? You run to a greater invisible force than he -- you run to the One with all power, to the Almighty God, to an invisible Friend with love and compassion on His mind. And when we flee to this Refuge, we are safe, because 1) He has power over all things, and 2) He gives His word that He is trustworthy, and He cannot lie.
Do you recognize your enemy? Do you understand the danger? Are you fleeing for your life daily to the only refuge who is able to save you? Not only is God capable of our rescue, but He's committed to keeping us safe from the enemy of our souls.
The spiritual surge waters and insurgent soldiers are knocking on your door -- do you feel safe or scared? God says, Flee to Me, the eternal Refuge and know eternal safety and hope -- today and every day.
Love,
Joelene
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