Wednesday, July 30, 2008

God-breathed

As you know, I am reading straight through the Bible. I love doing that because I never have to wonder what I should read next. But sometimes I get to a new book and kind of dread starting it because I worry I won't understand or that I won't find application in it. That was my thought this morning as I entered into Lamentations. I thought, oh dear, this one is depressing.
A long time ago I started trying to pray Psalm 119:18 before I started reading. It says, "Open my eyes that I may see the wonderful things in your law". I prayed that verse and entered into Lamentations which is about a grieving nation watching the destruction of Jerusalem. I thought, ok, Lord, open my eyes and show me your beauty in this Book... I then imagine God opening huge doors (like in the Wizard of Oz :) inviting me into His sanctuary.
I found this in chapter 3...
"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, 'The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him. The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord... Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love."
I LOVE GOD'S PROMISES TO HIS CHILDREN!!! I just want to soak my brain in them because the enemy tells you the opposite of these verses like... God isn't faithful, He doesn't hear your prayers, He is NOT good, He doesn't understand, that He enjoys watching you suffer. Those are LIES. That is why we have to constantly be renewing our minds(Romans 12:2). The Bible says that it is alive and active and sometimes I feel like I can see mine breathing. :)
May we trust Christ to always be our portion- all that we need even in the dark days and nights. He hears us when we cry out! He is GOOD to those whose hope is in him and to the one who seeks him. May we never stop hoping and seeking!! May we be faithful to wait patiently. May we anticipate God demonstrating His power to us in His time, in His way.
Be blessed by these verses arranged in my Worship Bible...
"I know it is hard sometimes to be patient. I hear your voice crying out in the morning hours and late at night. I make note of each request. Remember that I am not constrained by your time schedules or limited to your solutions. But be assured of this, I will deliver...in My time... in My way. Learn to wait in anticipation.
And when you wonder whether I will take care of you, think of this: Since I sacrificed My own Son for your salvation, will I not also, along with Him, graciously give you all things?
You see, there is no other God besides Me, Who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him. Not one. For I am a Father Who longs to be gracious to you. I freely show you My compassion.
I am a good God, a God of justice. And I will bless you when you confidently wait for Me. So be still and know that I am God. Be still before Me and wait patiently for Me to act. Wait for Me. My child, put your hope in My Word."
Ps. 5:3, 33:20, 37:7, 46:10, 130:5; Isa 25:9, 30:18, 64:4; La 3:26; Ro 8:32

6 comments:

Angela said...

Oh, I love those verses! Lamentations 3:22-25 are some of the verses I memorized in college that I still cling to. Thanks for the reminder!! (Even though every time they're brought to my mind I have to break into a badly sung version of "Great is Thy Faithfulness...")

Jill said...

Okay so if I lived in Tenn..I am confident our kids would be sweet friends and we could share time on the porch...but I want to thank you for your friendship through this blog. I am so encouraged by the Word you share. I am challenged by you (in a positive way). I bet at times the disciples got that from one another, pushed on, by the comfort and time with one another. You are an extension of Him today.

Taylor said...

Thank you so much for your words and for sharing these truths of Scripture when I so desperately need them. I came across your blog from another person who left a comment on mine. I am so touched by your words. Is the Bible you used called "Worship Bible"? I would love to know so that I can get one of those! :)

Julie and Luke said...

And when you wonder whether I will take care of you, think of this: Since I sacrificed My own Son for your salvation, will I not also, along with Him, graciously give you all things?

That is so good. Makes you stop and listen doesn't it? Awesome stuff.

lori said...

Hi, Found you from a friend, you have a beautiful family and a great bolg

theclowers5!!! said...

what perfect timing! thank you for sharing this!
what bible do you have? i LOVE the last part!!
hope ya'll are having a great summer! take care, stephanie!
sonja