Do It Again, Lord!

"Rise up and help us; redeem us because of Your unfailing love." Psalm 44:26

Sometimes life can be crushing. The enemy may press in on all sides. My circumstances may tell me to fear. But God...

God says, "The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" God will be my Help. He will redeem me in due time. I may suffer hard things, but I must not let them keep me from God, but instead, allow them to push me even closer. Sometimes that's easier said than done, I know. But I've come to learn that even when the Lord seems withdrawn and quiet, and slow to answer or bring relief, I must not harbor ill feelings toward Him, or pull back in service to Him. I must keep walking toward Him with integrity. He will not leave me if I do not leave Him. My God is an infallible judge of my words and actions, and more than anyone, He knows my heart.

If God has allowed trying times or even calamity in my life, then it is God and only God that can redeem me. God's Word says in Hosea 6:1, "He has torn us to pieces but He will heal us; He has injured us, but He will bind up our wounds." The hand that tears is the same hand that heals. The hand that injures also binds up.

Because the Lord has not appeared immediately to deliver me from troubles does not mean He doesn't see. And He's surely not asleep! Psalm 121:4 says, "...indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber or sleep." The same God who watches over Israel, watches over me. He has not forgotten, and I am so thankful for that. He will redeem me at His appointed time, not mine, for He alone is my Redeemer. And so I press on in prayer, making my plight and my petitions known to Him: "Rise up and help us [with _______________ ]; redeem us because of Your unfailing love." I trust that He will answer. 

Thank You Father for being my Help in times of need. Thank You for redeeming me from the pit, and from oppression at the proper time. Rise up and help us again, I pray. You have always been faithful. Do it again, Lord. Do it again! In Jesus' name, amen.

Pep Talk for the Soul

"Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?

Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God."

Psalm 42:5

David is walking through a tough season of life. His circumstances are tempting Him to question God, asking "Why have you forgotten me?" and "Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?" (v. 9)  In this Psalm, David experiences the pain of words that sting from his enemies. They taunt and tease him asking continually, "Where is your God?" (v. 3)  But even in the midst of the turmoil, David anchors himself to God. He wants nothing more, he knows he needs nothing more, than more of God.

Choosing to anchor himself to God first, David unloads the full weight of his grief and doubt and fear before Him, and then rides the storm out with Him. Though his sorrow is not without good reason, he must not let it overtake him. He must keep it in perspective in the grand scheme of things. He must keep the fear and grief in their proper place in his life so they don't consume him. So he gives himself a little pep talk as if having a conversation with his soul... "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?" Then David's faith kicks in and answers, "Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God." (v. 5)

Sometimes my soul gets weighed down with the circumstances of life too. Sometimes fear gets out of its proper place in my life, and doubt creeps in. Sometimes pain causes me to lose my perspective for a while. In those times, I do best when I anchor myself to God, examine my heart, confess any sin on my part, and then ride out the storm holding on to Him, trusting Him to make things right or work them out for my good. Most importantly, I must find words of praise even when I don't feel them, for praise keeps me from sinking, and praise changes my perspective. It may not change my circumstance, but it will change the way I go through it and prayerfully, point others to the One sustaining me.

Thank You Jesus that my hope is in You. Thank You for showing me through seasons of need and desire for mercy, the true value of receiving mercy. Thank You that I can anchor myself to You, and for being there to hold me when the storms do come. I love You. In Jesus' name, amen.

Desperate Measures

"[Lot] said, 'No, my friends. Don't do this wicked thing. Look, I have two daughters who have never slept with a man. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do what you like with them.'" Genesis 19:7-8

Two angels arrive at Sodom in the evening and find Lot sitting at the city gate. Lot greets them by bowing down face to the ground, out of respect. He insisted that the men (angels) stay at his house for the night. After a good meal, as they are preparing to go to bed, men of all ages surround the house and call to Lot. They want him to send his male guests out so they can have their way with them. This vile behavior is where our word "sodomy" comes from.

Because the men (angels) were his honored guest and under the protection of his roof, Lot denied their request. Instead of saying "no" to all sin however, Lot chooses what he must have thought to be the lesser of two evils -- he offers the men his two virgin daughters instead. This is the first recorded attempt at human trafficking recorded in the Bible. Lot was ready to prostitute his own girls! As I read that the angels were under Lot's protection while under his roof I wanted to raise my voice to Lot and beg the question, "Why aren't your daughters under your protection in their own home, Lot?" Unfortunately, not all dads protect. Not all dads are safe. Some dads make really bad decisions.

Such decisions are how abuse and trafficking begin: desperate people taking desperate measures, selfish people making selfish decisions. "[Lot] unadvisedly and unjustifiably offered to prostitute his two daughters to them, v. 8. It is true, of two evils we must choose the less; but of two sins we must choose neither." (Matthew Henry, emphasis added.)

Thankfully, this story didn't stop there. The angels opened the door and pulled Lot back inside after making such an appalling proposition. Then they struck the men outside blind so they couldn't find the door. The girls were safe that night.

Tonight and every night, so many girls are not safe. Millions have been trafficked into the commercial sex trade. It's happening in my own backyard. The Tampa area ranks #1 in human trafficking in the state of Florida, and #3 in the nation. Trafficking people is the second largest business in the world, second only to trafficking drugs, and is on the rise. An estimated 27 million men, women and children are coerced, abused and held against their will for slave labor, domestic servitude and prostitution worldwide. In my city, the average age a child is trafficked is 10 or 11 years old. Now that we know, we can't turn our backs. We must work to bring an end to this injustice. But for the grace of God, it could have been me...

Father God, there is so much desperation in the world. So much depravity. I know it breaks Your heart. I know it's breaking mine. God, would You shine a light in the darkness and help us expose this injustice? My own community is in dire need. By a mighty move of Your hand would You remove the blinders and bring awareness that leads to action, that leads to abolishing slavery? You are mighty to save. Save the innocent now I pray and bring justice where justice is due. In Jesus name I ask these things, amen.

Private Healing

"Her parents were astonished, but He ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened." 

Luke 8:56

Jesus is asked to come to the house of Jairus because his twelve year old daughter is dying, and Jairus believes Jesus can heal her. On His way however, someone in the crowd touches the hem of His robe and He instantly knows it. He is delayed in His travels because He stops to ask around to see who it was. When His robe was touched in faith for the purpose of healing, He knew. He would feel the power go out of Him. 

During this delay, someone from Jairus' house comes to announce that the girl has died. Jesus heads on to the house anyway, saying, "Don't be afraid; just believe and she will be healed." (v. 50) He arrives to find family and friends "wailing and mourning" over the girls death. He tells them, "stop wailing... She is not dead but asleep." (v. 52) Well, they knew full well that she had died and in their disbelief, they they laughed at Him. So, He left the mockers outside and only let the girls' parents, Peter, James and John go into the house with Him. It was as if the nay-sayers didn't deserve to see the miracle. Jesus "took her by the hand and said, 'My child, get up!' Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up." (v. 54-55)

After Jesus brought the girl back to life, God's Word says her parents were astonished. This word "astonished" comes from the Greek word "existemi" which literally means standing outside of  yourself. Her parents must have felt like they were dreaming, unable to take their experience in or wrap their minds around what they had seen. They had been privileged to see Jesus perform a miracle! Then Jesus gives them strict orders to "not tell anyone what had happened." (v. 56)

What? Not tell anyone what happened? It would be obvious since the funeral was cancelled and the mourners went home, for their daughter was back among the living. The news would no doubt spread on its own -- it just wouldn't be their responsibility to tell. Her healing would speak for itself and no doubt, point people to Jesus. Sometimes, as is with this case and has been in some of my own, God does something so sacred it's not meant for a public audience. Sometimes it's only meant for a select few. You see, private healing has transforming power.

Thank You Jesus that You have the power to heal. You have the power to raise the dead -- both the physically and spiritually dead. And in so doing, You transform lives. Thank You for transforming mine. Because of You, I have freedom and I have life, and have it abundantly. Please continue to use the work You've done in my life to point people to You! In Jesus' name, amen.

Reputation on the Line

"But You, O LORD, have mercy on me; raise me up, that I may repay them." Psalm 41:10

David is under great stress. The warfare seems insurmountable. His enemies are persecuting him with their words and lies. His reputation seems on the line. They are out to destroy him, but God...

God is his Vindicator. The LORD is the One who "delivers him in times of trouble" (vs. 1). "The LORD will protect him and preserve his life" (vs. 2). The LORD "will bless him...and not surrender him to the desire of his foes" (vs. 3). David first recognizes who God is and reminds himself of God's promises.

David goes on in his prayer to admit his own sin to God and tell Him about the things happening to cause him such unrest, all the while asking for healing. He explains that his enemies wish him harm, speak falsely about him and spread rumors. Even his close, trusted friend whom he fellowshipped and shared meals with has "lifted up his heel against" him (vs. 9). Sounds like he's been beat up one side, and down the other, but God...

God is his safe place. The One he runs to in times of trouble. He pleads with God, "have mercy on me" (vs. 10) for his foes have been unmerciful. He prays, "raise me up" and be the lifter of my head. The enemy wants him to believe his lies, but David knows better! He can hold his head up because he and God know they are not true. He may feel like his reputation is at stake, but instead of justifying himself to those that are against him, he turns to God and trusts Him to secure his reputation. He is the only One who can right the wrongs.

David also asks for God's mercy so "that [he] may repay them" (vs. 4). He asks the LORD for opportunity to show his enemies that he is walking in forgiveness and harbouring no malice toward them. He desires to repay the evil with good. David is a man who strives to live life with integrity, even in the midst of strong adversity.

When I am thought or spoken of poorly, I have learned to first check my heart. I ask God to examine it and show me "if there is any offensive way in me" (Psalm 139:24). I ask Him to reveal to me if I've done something wrong, so I can quickly make it right. If I find that my heart is clean and my motives were pure, I forgive the one(s) speaking against me and take my situation to the LORD, asking Him to be my Vindicator and the healer of my hurting heart. He is my Defender, the One who clears my name and upholds my reputation. My response to adversity should always be integrity.

Father, thank You for the peace that walking with integrity brings. Thank You that even though we are sometimes wronged, You have the power to make things right. Thank You Lord that we don't have to please the world; we need only live to please You. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Tell Your God Stories

"'Return home and tell how much God has done for you.' So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him." Luke 8:39

God wants the stories of His goodness and faithfulness told. I know full well that He did not set me free from sin and shame for me to keep my mouth closed. He wants me to use my voice! So it was for the demon-possessed man as well.

In this parable, Jesus is met on the shore of Gerasenes by a man who was possessed with demons. When Jesus speaks to him, the demons recognize Him as the Son of the Most High God, and panic. They ask to be driven into a herd of nearby pigs instead of the Abyss. Jesus agrees and gives the command. The spirits come out of the man and go into the pigs, who rush down into a steep lake and drown. The man is restored to sound mind and is found sitting at Jesus' feet. 

Those who watched this story unfold ran off to report it to the townspeople, announcing that the man had been cured. When they came to see the man for themselves they trembled with fear and asked Jesus to leave. The man who was healed wanted to go with Jesus, but He commanded instead, "Return home and tell how much God has done for you." In other words, go and tell your God story!

Jesus, thank You for the God stories You have created in my life. I pray that You would use them for Your glory and to point others to the hope and freedom that are only found in You. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

When God Moves

"I waited patiently for the LORD; He turned to me and heard my cry.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire;

He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.

He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD."

Psalm 40:1-3

I love this passage! In 2006 it became the life verse for our marriage after God had done a mighty work in our lives. It was used as the key scripture for our vow renewal ceremony one beautiful October morning that year as we celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary.

As the passage starts out in verse 1, David declares that he has waited patiently for the LORD. If I could change just one word to make it most accurate to fit my own story, it would be that one. Though we waited and worked through things the better part of those first fifteen years together with fortitude and perseverance, I would say it was not always with calm and without complaint. We were not always super patient. Nonetheless, we hoped and looked to God knowing He was the only One who had the power to deliver and heal. Like David, we expected relief to come from God, and God alone. We have come to believe that when waiting on God, though we may wait long, we will not wait in vain.

By verse 2, though there is no indication as to how much time has physically passed, God moves. He lifts David from "the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire," and all that represented for him. One moment his soul is downcast and he's crying out to the LORD, and in the next, God moves and rescues His child and his hope turns heavenward. Not only is he rescued, he's given firm footing; a solid foundation to stand on. Likewise, God moved in our marriage by bringing healing and freedom where it was needed. He pulled us out of the pit and gave us a firm foundation to stand on in our marriage, the solid rock of Christ!

In verse 3, David has cause to rejoice. Fresh mercies equate to a new song of praise to the Father in his heart. It's a song that no doubt has changed his countenance, and caused others to take notice. His deliverance encourages onlookers to ask questions, hear his story, see his passion and resolve to put their hope and trust in the LORD too, whatever pit they might find themselves in. I love that part! God gets all the glory.

We pray that the new song He gave us in our marriage has, and continues to, put the gospel on display. Our desire is to point others to Christ. He is our only hope. He is still in the rescuing business. 

Though it may feel like He's tarrying in your life, He will not delay. He always moves at just the right time. And when He does, may it prompt a song of praise!

Thank You Jesus for hearing my cries all those years ago, and moving to answer at just the right time. Looking back, I realize sometimes You don't answer immediately because You have a work to do in me in the process. But when You move to answer, wow! You rescue mightily from the pit! It's like giving a step up to a new, even firmer step to stand on. I thank You for making my footing sure and giving me cause to rejoice. May my life ever be a song of praise that points to You, my faithful God. I love You. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.