As I mass shredded a large pile of papers, I stumbled across a copy of an email I wrote to friends and family in April of 1999. Since then, glory to God, I have published a book and texted/emailed/posted for many more folk when I am inspired to write. I still feel this same way though about all of you…
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
Jeremiah 29:11 KJV
Today, while driving my Dad to several appointments, he became frustrated a couple of times attempting to tell me where to turn and when to accelerate or stop. You could hear and see his anger rising.
Instead of meeting his mood with my own, I calmly said to him – “I got this, you need to let it go.” He was in a place where he needed to surrender. He needed to relax and trust me. Trust that I would get him where he needed to go safely and on time.
Immediately I thought to myself, that’s got to be what God says to us…”I got this. I don’t mean you harm. Don’t you know you I have an expected end for you?” (That’s Daphne’s interpretation of Jeremiah 29:11 above.)
I have inherited that control trait from him.
Lately I’ve been very frustrated and angry with many things – work, family and my home situations due to flood. Being out of control and not being able to control haunts me. It’s almost caused me to shut down completely. I wanted to pull one of my getaway moments this past weekend, but I recognized I’d come back to the same issues I left.
As I told my Dad – I need to surrender.
I can’t control any of the situations as much as I might try. I’ve lost joy, peace and temperance over this stuff for too long. I truly believe God is saying to me – handle what you can and watch me handle the rest.
Just like I had control of the car and my father grew frustrated- I need to hand the wheel over and stop being a back seat driver. I need to acknowledge God has control of my life. The GREAT THING – He’s not only in control of one aspect of my life, but He’s the Creator and controls the whole world.
I really need to let go
…and so do you.
Let us pray for one another without ceasing!
While in the shower this morning I began to repeat portions of the top two scriptures and became encouraged. The third I found searching for the other two.
I confess – I am struggling. In the last 3 months on top of dealing with a pandemic, my mother’s hospitalization, family members acting out and against me, a car accident, the grant I work with ending, starting a new contract, along with learning to balance 3 jobs and give a 14 year old some guidance – my house was flooded. (Yeah, the flood was definitely a doozy and unexpected situation .)
I don’t want to play the “victim” – but I admit I am overwhelmed.
The scriptures below are encouraging me. I hope they encourage you too.
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”
1 Peter 5:6-11 KJV
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”
Jeremiah 29:11-13 KJV
“Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”
Psalm 55:22 KJV
“I am the Lord, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King. Thus saith the Lord, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters;
Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:15-16, 18-19 KJV
In a Bible study with my female cousins on my momma’s side, we’re explored the book The Armor of God by Priscilla Shirer. In one of the lessons she gave example of how a baby grows despite whether they want to or not. I took from that example – as a babe you can be well nourished or suffer lack physically and/ or spiritually – but will still grow.
As an early childhood professional, I recognize infancy through five as a crucial developmental time. “New things” – skills and discoveries happen regardless of challenges. Children will grow despite what is input or to what they are exposed. They will grow, but without proper care and exposure their full potential may not be reached. Growth will happen, but it can be hindered.
Currently, I believe spiritually we are going through unprecedented times. In these times we have an opportunity and the potential to grow in grace, knowledge, and understanding even though there is much happening around us. Just like infant or toddlers during this particular time, we can suffer lack or flourish, but growth WILL happen in some way.
Do we have the right tools? Are we correctly focusing? Are we filling our minds with information? What kind of information are we allowing?
Will the growth be in the direction of love, wisdom, knowledge, and understanding or will hatred, misunderstanding and confusion reign.
God says above that He “will make a way in the wilderness.” Forget the old and former things that you may have relied upon. He “will do a new thing!”
That new thing is growth even in unprecedented, crazy and confused times. Just like an infant, you will continue to grow!
“You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.”
II Peter 3:17-18 NKJV
How are you to grow? Well as seen in II Peter, it says we are to be steadfast and grow in grace and knowledge. Steadfast meaning “firmly fixed in place – not subject to change” from what we know.
Think how a baby/toddler/child flourishes. They are fed the right things. They have positive interactions with adults. They are held. They are exposed to new experiences. As these these things occur, new skills are learned and new things happen. Maturing takes place. In most cases, more enriched experiences and input causes greater opportunities for a child to be healthy and prepared for education and life. Every child will grow, but the new thing may be delayed or never develop.
Well it could potentially be the same for us in our spiritual growth.
“This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise. But thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob; but thou hast been weary of me, O Israel.” Isaiah 43:21-22 KJV
God tells us in Matthew 6:33 – “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” That “all things” statement includes growth.
2 Peter 1 tells us the progression of our growth spiritually. It starts with faith.
“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:5-8 KJV
The next verses state –
“But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:” 2 Peter 1:9-10 KJV
There’s no doubt, you will grow throughout these uncertain times. Do not suffer lack! Stay aware in what way you are growing and maturing. Be careful to make your calling and election sure.
“Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.”
John 6:27-29 KJV
God provides material and sustainable items, but there is so much more to the relationship He is attempting to cultivate with us. Yes, God provides but – we have more to strive for with Him beyond Him providing daily provision.
Scripture in John 6 so eloquently demonstrates how Jesus fed those around Him above and beyond what He had before Him. Yes, the miracle was in the fact He fed thousands with few supplies. There is more…
The people came to hear and they were attracted to Jesus by what they could see and receive. Their physical needs were met by being around Him even though things seemed meager.
In verses 27-29 in the 6th chapter of John, Jesus clarifies that there is more to be gained than provision for the day. He urges them to understand that everlasting life is at stake. He is more than food or nourishment for the day- even though He can furnish that easily.
God is the Provider – Jehovah Jireh! (Genesis 22:14) Our relationship can grow further from providing daily bread to understand He has provided even greater – for our everlasting life.
In this season of needing provision after the flood of my neighborhood and expecting God to provide monies and assistance to recover home and materials- I (we) can’t neglect praising Him for providing His Son as a sacrifice for our eternal life. I’m not in relationship just for immediate provision, but also for the ultimate prize.
Message Bible version of John 6:26-29:
“Jesus answered, “You’ve come looking for me not because you saw God in my actions but because I fed you, filled your stomachs—and for free. “Don’t waste your energy striving for perishable food like that. Work for the food that sticks with you, food that nourishes your lasting life, food the Son of Man provides. He and what he does are guaranteed by God the Father to last.” To that they said, “Well, what do we do then to get in on God’s works?” Jesus said, “Throw your lot in with the One that God has sent. That kind of a commitment gets you in on God’s works.”
John 6:26-29 MSG
Side note- This scripture also speaks to me as a leader too! Yes, we may be able to provide essential necessities for folk, but we must never forget the true focus of why we’re providing. It is to lead people to eventually have their own relationship with God to then replicate and do the same.
“For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, And scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.”
Hebrews 12:6-8 KJV
I am so glad God is still talking to me. I have to admit, many times He speaks He’s disciplining me. I haven’t got my entire act together- which is exactly why I need to keep Him close. I need to listen. I need to continuously keep my nose in His Word, meditate on it, hide it in my heart, say it aloud, and act on it.
Yup! I Daphne admit I am at most times a knucklehead. What the Bible calls “stiffnecked“ in the Old Testament. I’m encouraged though because there’s hope for me and for you! Read this from 2 Chronicles – it says:
“Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves unto the LORD, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever: and serve the LORD your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you. For if ye turn again unto the LORD, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the LORD your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him.”
2 Chronicles 30:8-9 KJV
Back to Hebrews 12- I love the Message Bible version. It takes the word “discipline” and explains it as “training” and states that it is a normal and natural experience of children to be trained. Training is what parents do. How can a parent train if they are ignoring or not paying attention to you – to your actions, reactions, or movement?
When you were about to touch that hot stove – your momma stopped you!
She loved you so much she probably startled you telling you to stop. She got your attention! You might have even cried. That was to protect and keep you safe, to save you from your own actions.
C’mon and get excited with me! I’m excited that the Heavenly Father loves me so much that He corrects me. He’s training me. He’s training you if He’s disciplining you! That training shows He loves me! Trust me, He loves you and wants to train you too! As 2 Chronicles mentions – you have to yield to God – be willing and obedient to His instruction.
I don’t want Him to turn from me or from you. Let’s encourage each other to study, meditate and pray to hear what God is speaking to us personally. Get good and glad that He’s still speaking to you and hasn’t turned away – especially if He’s disciplining you!
“David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.” 1 Samuel 17:37 KJV
Last night, after a whole day of watching flood waters rise directly outside my home and destroy houses and cars in my neighborhood (and thankfully only destroy things in my garage in a foot or so of water) – I was extremely overwhelmed! (Yeah, it was surreal…I watched a skimmer boat – like what you see on television in the swamp of New Orleans outside – just feet from my living room 2nd floor window!)
In addition, y’all have NO clue ALL the other stuff that was already going on in my life prior to this flood which requires legal action and paperwork which has nothing to do with my employment. (That’s right, I still have to work! 👍🏽)
I initially woke this morning and was OVERWHELMED, but opened my Bible and was reminded…
God did it before and He’ll do it again!
You see, in the passage above David had much going on, but before he went into battle he reflected on all the situations God brought him through triumphantly. Those triumphs helped frame David’s thought process from overwhelmed to confident in God.
This morning I’m reflecting on the fact God brought/delivered me in the past over my almost 55 years of life. (Smile my birthday is tomorrow!) He allowed me to purchase my house in my early 20’s! I recall the time I had no job with house and car note and He brought me out! Amazingly God freed me from having to use oxygen tank to breathe and function! He has done some miraculous things in my life. He’s been so good to me…
Just as Saul declared over David – I pray the Lord is with me in this and all my other current battles! As scripture below demonstrates I’m going forward “in the name of the Lord” to fight these battles.
“Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel..” 1 Samuel 17:45-46 KJV
He’s proven Himself before…and I am declaring He will show Himself strong in my life once again!
“And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give you (the enemy/battle) into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:47 KJV
“And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.”
Genesis 2:2 KJV
I recently read a Facebook post which said that our generation glorifies workaholics and busyness. I totally agree. We tend to admire those who pour out everything attempting to be successful. Overtime, working weekends, and working during set vacation time is honored and applauded. Exhaustion is the prize for which we strive.
Last week prior to my vacation I engaged in conversations about all the work I HAD to do or all the work colleagues HAD to accomplish while taking off from their jobs. It was as though we were bragging about the fact we couldn’t stop our vital tasks. We settled into and encouraged continuing work.
Well, I’ve got important news for you today –
Even God rested.
After finishing only 6 days of a large complicated project, the Creator of this world and all in it, RESTED. It was so important that He “rest,” that it is mentioned in verse 2 of chapter 2 of Genesis. It is so important, rest is also listed as one of the 10 Commandments from God shared by Moses.
“Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.” Exodus 20:9-11 KJV
What does that say or mean to us? Rest is a crucial part of life. Yes, the verse above speaks to the need for us to designate a day to consecrate to God – but it also emphasizes the concept of rest. Physically and spiritually it is key to man’s productivity and effectiveness.
In addition, the above verses in Exodus demonstrate that we should encourage others to rest. The commandment goes as far to mention servants and even cattle of the household needed to rest from labor!
When looking up the definition of rest, it brings up two notions: freedom from activity or labor and a state of motionlessness or inactivity. Peace is too stated in the dictionary as an explanation of rest.
Regardless, the significance of rest to a believer is vital.
Rest gives us time to:
Reflect– “It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, Because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: Great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; Therefore will I hope in him.”
Lamentations 3:22-24 KJV
Restore/Readjust– “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; And in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: And in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; That the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, And blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; And renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; And take not thy holy spirit from me.”
Psalm 51:5-11 KJV
Revitalize– “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3:13-14 KJV
As I wake early Monday morning during my week of vacation staring at the waves rolling onto the beach – I am reminded that it is imperative that I take time to rest. I need to shut down my brain and body so that I can be more effective and productive when I return. I need to consecrate, recharge, and attempt to refresh to continue this battle of life.
You need to rest too…
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5 KJV
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength:”. Isaiah 26:3-4
Webster’s Dictionary: Trust (verb)
Daily, thousands of times a day we trust and don’t even think about it. We sit in a chair and trust it will hold us. We turn the key or now push a button and trust the car to start. We breathe in and trust we are taking in oxygen.
I often wonder- “Why don’t I automatically trust God?” Why do I question Him? He’s proven Himself over and over again.
Well, I believe that mistrust, doubt and lack of recognition of who God is and what He can do has doomed man from the beginning. Why? The example of Adam and Eve stands out for me. The fact that they had a close relationship with God as described in Genesis 3:8a, but still did not trust him enough to obey. Even though God spent time and spoke directly with them, the enemy still crept in and exploited their vain selfish thoughts.
If the two of them fell for the enemy’s subtle ways even with visual and audible access to God- this is for certain – we are definitely susceptible.
Romans 12:2 KJV states:
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
We must renew our minds to trust. It’s not something that happens naturally for humans. It’s a decision we make in faith with the help of God. A portion of 2 Corinthians 10 explains better than I can..
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; and having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 KJV
As you live, this process is learned and achieved through experiences. It is assuredly tested in trials. As a believer, you hopefully learn to seek and apply spiritual concepts to all situations. We are told in the Bible:
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 KJV
Proverbs 3:6-8 instructs us even further after telling us to trust in the Lord with all thine heart. It behooves us to humble ourselves and recognize we are not a god, He is our God.
“In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: Fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, And marrow to thy bones. Proverbs 3:6-8 KJV
How do we acknowledge Him? We read, meditate, and study His word. We pray and fast. We remain thankful. We cast down everything that contrary to what God’s word says. (Keep in mind, the enemy is subtle/slick and can “plant” thoughts in our minds as he did with Eve.)
Proverbs 3 also points out that health and strength are tied to trusting. Stress and anxiety can alter not only spiritual, but also physical health. Trusting – knowing God is omnipotent (having virtually unlimited authority or influence) and omniscient (having infinite awareness, understanding, and insight) causes peace and maintains health even in the midst of chaotic circumstances.
God reassures us in the book of Jeremiah –
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 KJV
My ultimate prayer is that we ALL begin to trust God like we trust a chair will hold us, like we trust the car will start when we turn the key or push the button, like we trust we breathe in oxygen thousands of times a day…
“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.” Galatians 5:13-15 KJV
Liberty = Freedom
Paul who wrote the book of Galatians knew something about being locked up and bound in physical terms. Joseph also knew a thing or two about being persecuted and locked up! They also had clear ideas and set examples of being bound physically, but being free spiritually to continue to minister.
The ability to be bound, chained up, and bogged down BUT – still achieve purpose and utilize the gifts God has bestowed is a blessing to not only you, but to others. It is an exercise in faith – like keeping your eyes on Jesus while stepping out of the boat. Storms may be all around – but focus is key! Your focus has to be on God’s intent and not your own.
Paul could have kept his attention only on his situation…
Paul while in prison wrote many letters. He had to let go of the hatred, threats of death, and issues around him to open his eyes, ears, heart, and mind to be able to write to cities he once visited. He gave them encouragement and advice while behind bars. He could have opted to be self-centered and focused on surrounding issues but didn’t. Instead, he did not allow negative emotions and hatred to overpower the ability to be effective. He forgave, looked beyond his surroundings, and moved forward in ministry.
Paul writes in the above quoted scripture, “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” Many times we believe that we are given freedom in God for ourselves, but we are given spiritual freedom in order to serve others.
Joseph had much going against him…
As my cousins discussed in our study of Joseph, I was struck that though Joseph had so much working against him, He was “free” spiritually. Just think- If he was bogged down in hatred of his brothers and constantly reliving/replaying his master’s allegiance with his wife that falsely accused him and sent him to jail – he would have NEVER noticed the despondency of the two prisoners in his care or used his God given ability to minister to them by interpreting his fellow prisoners’ dreams. That single action of serving others eventually led to not only physical freedom, but also the attainment of his dreams and God given purpose. Although it did not happen overnight, Joseph was faithful and God honored him in his actions.
As shown by the examples of Paul and Joseph it behooves us to practice and go through the process of forgiveness. It allows us to become spiritually free and able to view opportunities to minister to others around us. Eventually as it did for Joseph, it may lead to our own freedom and prosperity.
The scripture from Psalm 51 comes to mind:
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; And renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; And take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; And uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; And sinners shall be converted unto thee.” (Psalm 51:10-13 KJV)
Sometimes you must take heed…
This admonishment from God hit me first! It has me up and writing utilizing the gift God has given me – to write.
My confession- I haven’t written in a while because I’ve been caught up in numerous issues. I won’t get into specifics, but trust that when I’ve laid it all out for close friends the response is the same – “That’s a lot to deal with…” I openly admit I have been bogged down in hurt, frustration, anger, and unforgiveness – reliving, replaying, and continuing to complain. Basically at times overwhelmed!
Prayerfully, I hope to operate now as Paul and Joseph in the freedom/liberty that God has called me to serve others – even while existing in my own issues. I pray I have the determination of Paul to serve and the sight of Joseph to recognize others in need and respond effectively.
I pray the same for all of you…eagles soar above rough winds.
“Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: but they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:30-31 KJV
lifeandgodliness 