Suit Up

It's hard to live in a world where you're constantly pressured to conform to the many competing voices, all claiming to be right. Before you instinctively try to go it on your own, under your own power, stop by for a moment to suit up in His armor (Ephesians 6:11-17), and you'll be prepared for anything the world throws at you.

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Prior to the American Civil War (1861–1865), fugitive slaves found freedom by following the Underground Railroad, a term for the secret routes from the South to the North and the abolitionists who ...

You probably saw through it…it’s a trick question! It’s no movie…it’s the world we live in. Stranger than fiction!

We must ask Him to use us, in all we do, to glorify Him as part of His plans for us and the world, which is so hard if you (like me) are still used to thinking of things in terms of your own life. But as I saw Chris Tomlin once posted on Facebook, we are like the moon: we have no light of our own, but reflect the brilliance of the sun (Him). 

Let us reflect His light brightly, and make Him known!

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A huge part of the Christian walk is waiting, and trusting, and enduring in long-suffering. Though this may sound like a raw deal to an unbeliever, it is quite the opposite: for we have a Father who loves us so, he has the absolute best outcomes and paths for us in this world (which we are only passing through!), and most certainly the next. That’s not a maybe deal, but His Word.

In our darkest, most painful times, we must truly understand that they are times in which He is fashioning and refining us…bolstering our faith and trust. And sometimes, these times are needed to break us so we will learn that our walk is solely with Him first.

Each one of us has our trials...for some of us, as we read this. In these times, we can be so utterly broken and smashed inside that we can’t find more words than a painful, heartfelt groan. But this is where the Holy Spirit can step in.

From a page in my book, I can tell you that before I walked with the Lord, I would think there was nowhere to go from this pit. But the truth is, He is with me even now, and will carry me out of the mire, as He does and will for you.

I hope this wonderful devotional from Walk in the Word Ministries speaks to you and your circumstances, as it does for me and mine.

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I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.

C.S. Lewis

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Most couples need help to discuss their needs in a productive way.

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That It May Go Well With You | Praying Life

He reminds them how it felt because they are about to enter the Promised Land and leave the thirsty and waterless land behind. The abundant living in the Promised Land has been prefaced by the long walk in the dry desert. Why?

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Our mission

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. - Ephesians 4:1

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. - Romans 1:16

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” - Matthew 16:19-20 

Ever wondered what you’re supposed to do with your life?

I used to wonder that all the time, especially before my conversion last year. It’s become clearer and clearer to me, especially in hindsight, that God has been lovingly piecing things together and laying my steps before me.

Looking for answers in all the wrong places

I used to wander so aimlessly, toying with this skill or that interest, seeing if I could stick with learning a little more, hoping that if I might stumble upon the right one…THE one…that was the one I was meant to do the rest of my life. Why couldn’t I find the right job that I would love every single day, and advance my career path at the same time?

Oh, how small-minded I was! 

It wasn’t about me at all…but without Him in my life, how could I know any different? I only saw my circumstance, and my mind even forecast my bleak, hopeless future.

My first revelation

With each passing day, I’ve learned that, as a believer, my calling is the highest one of all: to do my part in the Great Commission. To tell my story, to bring the lost to Him, and to do Him glory in EVERY. SINGLE. THING. I. DO. And believe it or not, what a wonderful burden it is that He has lifted from me, so I can serve Him!

I often stumble and fall, but now I have a Savior who will patiently, lovingly pick me up and help me back on my path…my mission…to do it all for Him, who gave everything for us!

It’s been said many times before, but it wasn’t about me at all. To an unbeliever, that sounds terrible. But if He isn’t in your life, then things are terrible, indeed. I’ve been there for 40 years, and I can look back at it, knowing I’ll never go back there again, and will do everything I can to bring more out of their aimless wandering in the desert as well.

My second revelation

So I want to share with you a revelation that may also spark something in you as well: every single thing I’ve learned…every skill, every bit of knowledge…and every talent and knack and interest He’s imbued me with…have all converged into an armory He's been piecing together for me to use on a daily basis to glorify Him. 

So it’s not all about where I work, or the perfect job or career. It’s about giving my all to Him in all I do, no matter where I do it, or what I am doing. I could move boxes or scrub toilets all day, as long as I do my best for Him.

Since the ‘80s, I’ve been on computers, creating things to communicate and connect with others through images, video, animation, and writing. Over the decades, the tools have changed, but the aim was always the same: to reach out and get people on the same page…to convince, to educate, to inform. Today, many of those tools are on the web, and on mobile devices. The ability to virally reach thousands—or thousands of times THAT!—is staggering. And now, I have a target: the world. 

He equipped us for the Great Commission

Neither my testimony—nor yours—was meant to be bottled up. That fire that burns in our hearts for Christ is a light that should be atop a hill for all to see…for people to want to ask about, and want for themselves as well. 

If you actually sat down and cataloged everything you know how to do, and your talents and skills, you’d also be surprised at the amazing armament He’s pieced together for you to get out there and fight the good fight. And if you’ve maybe gotten caught up in your circumstance (I know I often do), I hope this message helps remind you that you are gloriously empowered by Him to be His hands and feet. We were equipped to be life savers. You just have to realize it. 

Show everyone in the good times how He provides. Show everyone in the hard times how He carries you when you would otherwise give up. Show everyone His love, even when they may not be loving to you.

Our purpose here on earth is so much higher and loftier than our mere selves…and how amazing it is to be entrusted with a greater purpose that can change hearts and save lives!

It’s amazing…I would never have uttered such words before last summer. And now, I want to do nothing less than tell everyone those words. I want to tell my story.

Prayer

Father,

THANK YOU for saving me from a sad life of aimless wandering. Thank you for giving me hindsight to appreciate the miracles you have worked in my life, and for the works you have equipped and commissioned me to do, for I now have a GLORIOUS purpose and mission to undertake. What a great adventure! Thank you for the siblings you give me in Christ who can help me in my walk. For what your Son has done for me and my sins, I want to do nothing less than my all to tell His story, and how it has forever changed mine. Please remind me of the amazing armaments you have given me to make you known, and to lift me when my strength fails. I want to show the world how you work through me.

In Jesus’ name I pray.

Amen.

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Live like you believe

You can’t live in defeat if you believe He hears your heartfelt prayers. Instead, prepare to receive His blessings, because you trust He will come through!

We all have our trials, to us seemingly without an end in sight, but (as an inspirational quote said) we should not confuse our path with our destination. Just because it's stormy now doesn't mean you're not headed for sunshine.  The enemy would have you believe you deserve no better than your tough current circumstances, and that you're trapped. That hope is a waste of time. That nothing your flesh mind can make sense of the circumstance would merit any better outcome.  Don't believe it. God is beyond our understanding, beyond our ways. Believe He wants the best for you, that He has blessings even in these trials, and that the best He has for you is yet to come. If you truly trust Him, then you have at least a glowing ember of peace in your heart, KNOWING (not wishing) that He will provide your breakthrough.  I've said it before, but it helps me immensely to remind myself that each new day is one day closer to answered prayers. So, pray your heart without ceasing. Trust Him and His provision more than your weak flesh, which forecasts doom and gloom.  As Pastor Steven Furtick put it, referring to the 7-day march around Jericho: don't quit, because you may be on your sixth lap and not even know it. He wants you to focus less on the outcome and more on the obedient march!

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He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth. -Isaiah 53:7

One revelation I've been slowly--very slowly--learning, as it is starting to fall into place in my mind, is that how I handle every conflict and adverse situation is an opportunity to glorify Him. I know that sounds pretty obvious, but that is often so hard to do when my heart and soul are hurting. In those times, I know I should glorify and praise Him, but my flesh still has a hold, and would prefer to lick its wounds. The enemy is also toasting the occasion, I'm sure. Another piece of the puzzle came to me last night, as words I've heard so many times clicked for the first time: it's not about me at all. It's all about You, Jesus. Understand that this does not mean I have no self-worth or deserve to be in the valley I'm in. It simply means that, with every step, word, and thought--especially when the going is uncomfortable, rough, or downright painful--that I choose to glorify He who became sin and died for me. Sometimes that means not letting words get to me, or resisting the urge to add just one more thought, if it will just result in more conflict. This does not mean to be silent at one’s own cost, but to trust that He will resolve the situation. And finally, I’m learning that I can never do enough in His name. With every challenge, I should instead ask, “How can I honor You even more in how I handle this situation?” instead of “Why me?" I'm slowly learning a little more each day that I'm really more of His emissary walking this earth than the billions who only know the ways of the world. And my conduct sends a message...even when the other person(s) on the other side of the conflict are professed believers. It's that much more crucial to reflect His light, to guide His sheep back...I would hope others would do the same for me! I'm still developing in my walk, but from what I'm learning and what I believe the Holy Spirit tells me, I can only accomplish this by resting and melting into God's arms, like I would in a large, plush, comfy chair. Because I no longer have to stand in my own flagging strength, but instead am entirely supported, I am strengthened in spirit, and can do Him glory. So, whether it's a spouse, relative, friend, or coworker, the next time they mistreat you in their own special way, fall into His arms. Then, you can be grace. Be wisdom. Be strength. Be joy. Be all those things, for Jesus.

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Glorify Him in the face of your Goliath

For whatever reason, of all the songs I listened to the other day, it was Casting Crown's "Voice of Truth" that really resonated with me, and I thought it might do so for you as well. In particular, these lines: And the giant keeps on calling out and he laughs at me, Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed. The giant keeps on telling me, time and time again, Boy, you never win...you never win! But the Voice of Truth tells me a different story The Voice of Truth says DO NOT BE AFRAID The Voice of Truth says THIS IS FOR MY GLORY! Out of all the voices calling out to me, I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of Truth __________________________________ Don't look back with regret at the track record, or all the times you wish you could've or should've done things differently or better, or wished someone else had. Don't listen when someone tells you lies about yourself. Don't listen to the enemy's whispers that want you to forecast a dark future. If you fall down 7 times, get up 8 times. Part of the Christian walk is in how you get up again in the face of your Goliath. The Voice of Truth will tell you that the future is entirely in His hands. Sure, one can make poor stewardship choices with the Four Ts (time, talent, temple, treasure), but one can also accept His forgiveness and get right back up and trust in Jesus for a better future...along with striving to be a better steward! Let's not long for the better hope and future now, but instead take comfort that it is coming and assured in His timing, because He loves us! Let's instead ask Him how we can better serve Him right now, in this very moment, and ask Him for His supernatural strength, peace, wisdom, and grace to flood our hearts and wash away our lingering pains. Let's trust completely in Jesus and His promises. Let's hold onto His peace so we can be in the eye of any storm. We have to carry His peace with us...it is not peace to be achieved through circumstances! Many people live in, what seems on the surface, great worldly circumstances, but without His peace in their hearts, it's a shallow and fragile peace they have, completely at the whim of the world. For His glory, we continue to reflect His light when it is so, so dark. For His glory, we have to--with great difficulty sometimes--choose His peace, though our flesh and the enemy would rather us wallow in torturous agony of the heart. For His glory, we continue to give Him our burdens, and in Jesus' name pray our hearts' desires as His servants, completely trusting He will deliver when He's ready. For His glory, we ask Him: Lord, what else can I do to be an even better servant today, or even right at this moment? How can I glorify you even more in the face of my Goliath? The Voice of Truth would tell you to have unflappable faith that you will slay your Goliath--because of Him. Glory to God in the highest! Pray on for His peace, and for the assurance of a more glorious future! I guarantee you that I am as well!

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Let go and let God work!

We all have our past scars, and even present pains (tomorrow's scars) that still hurt so excruciatingly today. It might be loneliness or anger or guilt or remorse. Whatever it is, He will take them from you and fill that void with an overflowing outpouring of His endless love and comfort...if you let Him! As the saying goes: let go and let God! Just say it now in brokenness that "I can't, Jesus, but you can. I can't take another step...please lift me up and carry me!" And He will. He will show His greatest glory and strength in your weakness. Just trust. Have faith and trust completely in His plans for you, His love for you to quench your loneliness or anger when it seems like no one else cares, and His comforting strength when you have none. Trust that He hears your every cry from the depths of your soul, and your most heartfelt desire for your life. He's listening. We entrust the outcome to Him, while we strive to His glory in the now. We are His servants. We faithfully and earnestly strive for Him. We sometimes stumble, but we're not honoring Him--but instead indulging the enemy--when we wallow in defeat or frustration or self-pity or self-hatred. We honor Him as His servants by casting all our cares on Him (He can handle them all!) and running the race unemcumbered by our flesh failings. We are so loved, not only by Him, but His children--our siblings--as well. We don't live for victory...we live because of His victory already won for us! The enemy has already been defeated. Let's live like it!

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We are flesh. And there are days we're down, and sometimes just beaten down. People—even those closest to us—and circumstances will wear and wear on us. Sometimes, that will even affect how we view ourselves...and this is where the enemy gets to have his fun, and tell you lies about your worth and value. But the truth is, you are fearfully and wonderfully made in His image, and are redeemed! This truth means that you can be victorious in all circumstances, because your identity in Christ never changes!

Steven Curtis Chapman's song, "Fingerprints of God," reminds us that we're covered in His fingerprints, no matter what the world or anyone else tells us how we're anything less than His awesome creations. I hope you enjoy it.

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Simple prayer to start the day

I simply want to start today by coming before Him with thanksgiving and praise. Let’s ask Him to grant us His wisdom and grace in all situations and people we face today. We trust and believe that He wants the best for His children, and hears our prayers, and that His plans for us are good. Let’s entrust today and the future to Him, rather than worry or guess at the future.   In Jesus’ name we pray.   Amen!

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Difficult people

We all face difficult people in our lives. Sometimes, they’re the ones closest to us, and that makes it even harder, because we’re so open and vulnerable to them in trust. Though it’s perfectly normal to lick our wounds after dealing with difficult people, it’s important to then pray for them. They know not what they’re doing. For their sake, and for all those who also must come into contact with them, pray for Him to soften their hearts, and open their eyes with perspective and wisdom. Then, don’t forget to pray for Him to take any resentment or pains or burdens from you as well. Walking victoriously means running the race light, because you have cast your cares on Him…and by doing so, you can focus always on Him. And by doing that, you will experience His peace, even in the face of difficult people.

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How He changed me

I've searched for joy and contentment for years. I’ve clung blindly to hope without a spiritual backing. And while I think most people would call me a nice guy, they couldn't see that I had no foundational joy or footing. I was empty inside, slowly drowning in quicksand, year by year.

Last summer, after 40 years on this earth (that number comes up a lot in the bible!), God decided it was time. Through one of His most brilliant, shining messengers and instruments to have ever walked this earth, He pulled the wool off my eyes. I thought I knew things. I thought I knew people. I thought I knew how the world should be. He exposed the lies that the world--and the ruler of this world--was telling me, and continues to tell countless others around us.

I now knew there was only one true way...one solid footing and foundation...and with it came a new perspective.

And along with so many other amazing shifts in my world views, my interest and desire in worldly things was diverted to the most important and significant pursuit: I pursue Him. I strive in small and large ways to make Him known to the world. I stumble and fail spectacularly sometimes, but He never gives up on me or berates me. He picks me up and energizes me. He is my refuge through everything, and I am more content than I have ever been, because I have Him in my life now. He gives me…hope and a future. Looking back, I know that He carried me all those years, so I could be here...and I didn't even know it. :)