God is Still on the Throne
On Facebook, I’m noticing people express concern about the future, disappointment about the election, etc. but, you know what? This election didn’t take God by surprise. He is still God, the world is still turning, and He will continue to take care of His people. If ever there were a time to start practicing 2 Chronicles 7:14, it’s now. We deserve God’s judgment but I’m asking God for His mercy. He can direct a leader, even if the leader is not looking to Him. Let this encourage your heart today.
CD Review: Dreamin’ Wide Awake (Doug Anderson)
Doug Anderson, the baritone singer for Ernie Haase and Signature Sound, released a solo CD last year and, although not a brand new project, I thought I would review it anyway. 🙂
The CD starts with “Jesus is Holding My Hand.” Aren’t you glad that “the one thing I’m sure of that never will change is Jesus is holding my hand”? In an ever-changing world, I love the comfort that comes from that thought.
“Smile It Through” is an uptempo, fun song with a great message. No matter what you’re facing, “Smile it through.”
“Some Say” talks about how some don’t believe in God but we know better. There’s no doubt God is alive and living in my heart.
I like the old song, “Only Here For a Little While.” It’s so important to make every moment count.
“That’s How Much I Need a Savior” talks about how we could not make it on our own but “what a Savior Jesus is to me.”
“I Love That About Him” talks about our relationship with God and how He loves pouring out His love as much as we love receiving that love.
“I’ll Take What’s Left” notes that we have nothing to give to Christ when we meet Him but He’s willing to take our poor, broken lives and redeem them anyway.
“Dreamin’ Wide Awake” is a country-sounding song about how good life is with friends and family. When I think of it, I do feel like I’m dreamin’ wide awake.
Come Home
As I swapped out my seasonal clothes yesterday, I put on a CD from David Meece. Although not a southern gospel artist, his songs have ministered to me many times in my life. Yesterday, the song that jumped out at me was “And You Know It’s Right.” So many run from God (or at least His ways) but the Father gave His life so that we could live life with Him, not just in Heaven but beginning now–here on earth.
My heart goes out to those who grew up in church and maybe even walked with God at one time but, for whatever reason, have rebelled against the life with God that they could have. God’s heart, however, is still reaching out to those people, calling and longing for their return.
When you think about the fact that we are the reason He gave His life, how could we do any less than serve Him? I wonder at times if those who have wandered feel like they can’t come Home. God is always quick to forgive a truly repentant heart, however. He will not stay away from those who seek Him wholeheartedly.
I think of the old hymn: “Come Home. Come Home. Ye who are weary, come Home. Earnestly, patiently, Jesus is pleading, calling, O sinner, come Home.” That is God’s call to each of us. “No matter what you’ve done, no matter where you’ve been, today can be your once in a lifetime.” (David Meece) Won’t you come Home to your Father today?
My Unchanging Rock
Have you ever experienced periods of time where life is so hectic that, when you are finally able to stop running and breathe a few minutes, your heart wells up in gratitude? I go through times like that. I think change in life is one thing that increases our sense of perspective and gratitude.
Personally I don’t like change but every change that’s ever come has been for a reason, and I know it has been for my good. I take comfort in the fact that, though life is full of changes, my God remains constant. His love is never ending. He never ceases to be in control. The God who said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” is true to His Word.
In a world of inconsistency, I’m thankful that there is Someone I can rest in. My hope is built on nothing less than Him. He is my Rock and always will be.
Beauty That Never Fades
Like most women, I sometimes fuss more than I probably should over my appearance. I just like to look nice. I wonder, though, if I put that much time and energy into making sure I’m beautiful to God which should be my desire above everything. First Peter 3:3-4 tells us, “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” This does not mean that we shouldn’t care about our outward appearance but it does mean that, no matter how we dress up the outside, if our heart is not pure, we are wasting our time.
I pray that, in everything I do, I am pleasing my Father. May He not merely find me beautiful outside but may my heart be beautiful to Him as well. Outward beauty fades in time but the beauty that comes from joy in serving Him will last forever. That is the beauty I desire to have.
Getting Used to the Dark
Last night, a song came to my mind that I’ve probably not heard since the 1980s. It was a song the McKameys recorded titled, “Getting Used to the Dark.” When I woke up this morning, I looked it up on YouTube and was thankful it was there. I’d forgotten most of the words but I felt like God was reminding me of an important truth.
It’s easy to go through life merely existing. We may know the world’s going to Hell but, if we think about it, do we really care? Do we want to be different or are we trying to fit in? Every once in a while, I listen to an old song by the Freemans. The second verse says:
Not just a glimpse of those Heavenly scenes
And loved ones who’ve gone on before
But a vision of Hell and those agony screams
‘Til we ask nothing less and want nothing more
We need to ask God to open our eyes, give us a burden, help us to live a holy life so that we have something to offer those lost in sin. Remember that “friendship with the world is enmity with God.” I don’t know about you but I want the Lord’s pleasure, not His heartache.
Beautifully Broken
Beautifully broken, willingly wasted, lovingly lavished here at Your feet. I am beautifully broken, willingly wasted, lovingly lavished. Lord, let me be broken–beautifully broken.
~from Beautifully Broken as sung by Canaan’s Crossing
We don’t often think of broken things as beautiful but, as the McKameys sang years ago, “What do we do with broken things but throw them away? Isn’t it strange how God can use broken things in a special way?”
We live in a society that preaches wellness, wholeness, and prosperity but God often wants us poor, weak, lonely and dependent on Him. We must be broken before we can be whole. Part of being a Christian is surrendering to God, willingly giving ourselves for His service whatever the cost. Being broken is hard but, if He is going to thoroughly cleanse this piece of clay, He must break away the blemishes and put me through the fire that will refine me even more. Don’t resent the refining process; embrace it and come through it more whole and spotless than ever before.
Only What’s Done for Christ Will Last
There are so few things in life that really matter so I’ll pursue things in life that will last for time and eternity.
~Neil Enloe (from the song “Give Me Jesus”)
I woke up with these words running through my head and I’ve found myself singing them all day. It’s easy to let life get away from us to the point where it controls us instead of us managing our days. I want to make sure all my time and effort is going toward things that won’t pass away. As C.T. Studd reminded us in his famous poem, it’s only what’s done for Christ that will last, and that’s what I want to be doing.
Even Jesus only did what the Father told Him to do. How many of us know each moment that we are doing what our Father has told us to do. There are many things that just “need to be done” but do they? These are the things I’m working through. So many things seem like a vital part of life but I’m asking God to show me the things that are truly vital. Everything else can wait.
His Strength Perfected in our Weakness
I’m experiencing altitude sickness for the first time that I can remember. Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I have felt so lousy but I’m resting in the fact that God is still here. He strengthens me for what I need to do and gives me rest that I need as well. I don’t know how most people handle sickness but I would not handle it well at all if not for the assurance that God is near. When I can’t do anything else, I can pray; I can rest. I can think on things that are pure, lovely, of good report. I can praise God for His goodness. When I do those things, the sickness doesn’t seem so bad. I pray for a quick recovery so I can better be used by Him but I thank Him that His timing is perfect and that He is strong even when I am weak.
I’m sure there are people reading this who deal with a lot more health issues than I do. I pray that you can rest in God as well. We are here to give Him glory. If He can receive that glory through my health, I’m blessed. If He chooses to receive glory through weakness, we are blessed as well. Pray to know God’s will so you can pray accordingly. Then rest in it. You will find that He is still faithful.
I Sing Because
This was not the day I had planned but God’s plans were apparently different. As Mom and I spent the afternoon at an auto repair shop, it was hard not to cry but, as He always does, God brought a song to mind. It was Squire Parson’s song, “I Sing Because.” What better time to praise the Lord than at a time when it was hard to see any good that could come out of the situation. God has promised that all things work together for good to those who love Him so I don’t doubt Him. I may not see it but I know it’s there.
As much as I wanted to be on the road to our next destination, I could see God’s hand at every turn, including providing a patient person to stay with us until we knew the vehicle couldn’t be fixed today, then he drove us around town until we found a rental car so we could get back on the road. I don’t know how God will use this for His glory but I know He will. Even if it was a ploy of the enemy to slow us down, God is greater and will redeem the situation. This is where faith steps in. I only see in part now but I know His plan is bigger than I can imagine.
I share this because I think sometimes it’s easy for people who read my posts to assume life is always easy for me. No, not always, but I serve a God who is very good to me and I want to praise Him as long as I have breath (or in this case fingers) to do so. Paul tells us, “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of Christ Jesus.” May I ever be faithful to do so. Today I’m singing “just because.”
