Nevertheless

                                                            2 Kings 13:6

                         Nevertheless they did not depart from the sins of the

                         house of Jeroboam, who had made Israel sin, but walked

                         in them; and the wooden image also remained in Samaria. 

As we  study the book of 2 Kings, we find king after king over Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord. God ultimately delivered Israel into the hand of Hazael king of Syria. Distressed and without hope, King Jehoahaz, the king of Israel pleaded with the LORD. The Word of God tells us;

                         Then the LORD gave Israel a deliverer, so that they escaped

                         from under the hand of the Syrians               __2 King 13:5

As I read this I thought of the times the Lord has delivered me. I, too, have cried out to the Lord and found His gracious forgiving hand upon me. 

Then I read 2 Kings 13:6. My heart sank as I read but one word. Do you see it? Does it catch your breath as it did mine? Nevertheless they did not depart from the sins of the house of Jeroboam, who made Israel sin, but walked in them. 

How I wish I could point my finger and shout with disgust, "How could you not depart from the sins of the house of Jeroboam after the Lord was so gracious and delivered you?" I cannot. Instead, I must see myself in this setting. I, too, have begged the Lord for deliverance and He has given it without accusations or judgment. Nevertheless, instead of turning from my wicked ways I have once again found myself back in the place I begged Him to deliver me from. Why? I did not run from that which brought me to the place of despair in the beginning. I stayed, thinking I was strong enough to not fall once again. 

Our Lord is gracious. With each temptation, as we call out to Him, He will  make a way of escape that we need not fall back into that from which we were delivered. The question we must ask ourselves; "Will I look for it?" "Will I, unlike the Israelites, remove what brought me to this place in the beginning?" May our answer always be absolutely without reservation, yes!! 

                    No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; 

                    but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be temped beyond what

                    you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape,

                    that you may be able to bear it.                             __1 Corinthians 10:13

                                             Suddenly

                                                               Acts 9:3
                                        As he journeyed he came near Damascus,
                                and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 

Traveling the road to Damascus, Saul was unwavering in his determination to persecute anyone he found proclaiming to be followers of Christ. 

To anyone aware of Saul's steadfast mission, any change in his belief looked impossible. As he lived his life with this single minded quest, he seemed to be unstoppable. That is, until heaven reached down to change his life forever.

                           As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light
                           shone around him from heaven.
                           Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him,
                           "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?"

                            And he said, "Who are You, Lord?" then the Lord said, "I am
                            Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick 
                            against the goads."                                                    __Acts 9:4-5

In an instant Saul's life changed from persecuting Christians to falling on his face before Jesus, proclaiming Him as Lord.

As I read this, I couldn't help but think of my loved ones who have yet to accept Jesus as their personal Savior. As I consider their lives, it seems impossible they will ever bend their knee.

But then I remember; Jesus is the same today as He was on that day Saul walked toward Damascus. Saul certainly didn't expect his life to be changed forever, his calling to be one of proclaiming Christ as Lord, as he started walking that morning. And it's just as likely our loved ones don't expect their lives to be changed. But, suddenly a light shone. And just as quickly the Lord can touch our loved one's heart, and they, too, can be changed forever.

Let's decide this day to never say never, but instead walk in the Truth that when Christ is in control all things are possible. Let's walk with anticipation for that day when suddenly our loved ones see Christ, proclaiming Him as Lord.

                             Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence
                             of things not seen.                                                    __Hebrews 11:1

                             The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count
                              slackness, but is long suffering toward us, not willing that any
                              should perish but that all should come to repentance.    
                                                                                                              __2 Peter 3:9
                       

                                               Perspective

                                                             1 Samuel 18:12

                                                  Now Saul was afraid of David,

                                                 because the LORD was with him,

                                                      but had departed from Saul. 

While studying 1 Samuel, I read how David found such favor with Saul that Saul set him over the men of war. All was well, Saul was pleased with David, until it came time to come home from war and killing the Philistine. 

                              Now it had happened as they were coming home, when David

                              was returning from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women

                              had come out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet

                              King Saul with tambourines, with joy, and with musical instruments. 

                            

                              So the women sang as they danced, and said:

                              "Saul has slain his thousands,

                              And David his ten thousands."                            __1 Samuel 18:6-7

The Scriptures go on to say;

                              Then Saul was very angry, and the saying displeased him;

                              and he said, "They have ascribed to David ten thousands,

                              to me they have ascribed only thousands. Now what more 

                              can he have but the kingdom."                            __1 Samuel 18:8

This is when it happened. Jealousy set in and unbeknown to David, from that point on Saul set out to kill him. 

As I read this, I couldn't help but wonder how often we see others through a false perspective. All is fine until a word spoken, a look given, or an attitude misunderstood happens and no longer do we trust that person, nor think of them as we once did. Just as David had no idea why Saul turned on him, I wonder if we have ever allowed a relationship to be destroyed as did Saul. 

Perhaps someone has turned on you and you have no idea why. It hurts, we become confused. The Lord sees our heart and knows our ways. At times like this we can only rest in Him to make it right. 

                                But You, O Lord, know me;

                                You have tested my heart toward You.            __Jeremiah 12:3

                                Seek good and not evil, that you may live;

                                So the LORD GOD of hosts will be with you.         __Amos 5:14

                 

                                         Our Strength

                                                           Isaiah 30:15

                                    In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.

Sometimes we receive phone calls we wish had never come. I received that phone call yesterday. While at the Children's Museum with my six year old grandson, my phone rang and it was my doctor telling me my biopsy had come back positive. I have breast cancer. 

As I've had time to process this, I realize this did not catch God by surprise, nor is it too hard for Him. God is still on His throne. What Satan is trying to do for evil, I know God will turn for my good and His glory. 

Because of this, I want to share with you what the Lord showed me during my quiet time this morning. I've been reading 1 Samuel and this morning I was in chapter 17 when David went before the giant, Goliath. While the entire army of Israel ran from Goliath, David said to them;

                        "For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should 
                          defy the armies of the living God?"                     __1 Samuel 17:16

As I read this, I could hear God asking me; 
                        "Cyndy, what is cancer that it should defy Me?" 

This is not just for me. It is for every believer. So let me ask you;
                     "What is your impossible situation that it can defy the living God?"

Is it finances, relationships, illness, you fill in the blank. I'm sure you know exactly what the giant is in your life. Should it defy the Living God?

                     "For with God nothing will be impossible."             __Luke 1:37
                               
Next I read in my devotional reading for today;
       
                       For thus says the LORD GOD, the Holy One of Israel:
                       In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.    
                                                                                                       __Isaiah 30:15

Through this cancer I want to walk in confidence that I might have His strength. I trust God to fight this Goliath in my life. And I know He wins!

                       Fear not, for I am with you;
                       Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
                       I will strengthen you, Yes I will help you,
                       I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.          __Isaiah 41:10

An Everyday God

                                                               

                                                              Psalm 63:1
                                                   O GOD, You are my God;
                                                         Early will I seek You;
                                                        My flesh longs for You  
                                                       In a dry and thirsty land  
                                                       Where there is no water

Is there someone in your life, when you see them a calmness comes over you, an assurance all is well, simply because they are in your midst?

Do you know God can be that someone in your life in every way, everyday? His greatest desire is that we will seek His face, lean on Him, and allow Him to guide our path. He didn't surrender all on the cross so that we would continue to walk in the bondage of this world. He came that we might be set free.
                      "Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed."
                                                                                                         __John 8:36

Sometimes we forget we are not alone. We carry anxiety on our shoulders like a heavy winter coat, allowing it to weigh us down, our bodies weary from the load. This need not be. Jesus is in our ordinary days. He meets us as our feet touch the floor in the morning and tucks us into bed at night. He walks with us through every appointment we have throughout the day and sits with us in the quiet. Everywhere we are, He is. This is our God.

                                     He shall call upon Me,
                                     And I will answer him;  
                                     I will  be with him in trouble;
                                     I will deliver him and honor him.
                                     With long life I will satisfy him,
                                     And show him My salvation.                     __Psalm 91:15-16

The next time we feel that if we could only have that special someone in our midst all would be okay, let's remember Jesus is with us and there is nothing we need He cannot give.

                                     Fear not, for I am with you;
                                     Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
                                     I will strengthen you,
                                    Yes, I will help you.
                                     I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.      
                                                                                                        __Isaiah 41:10
                                       

                              What will you do with Jesus?

                                                                   Romans 1:16
                                         For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ,
                                               for it is the power of God to salvation
                                                       for everyone who believes,
                                             for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

As I kissed my sister goodbye for the last time this side of heaven, it became clear our bodies are but a shell. Only what we do with Jesus matters.

My oldest sister, Barbara, had struggled with cancer for four long years when the doctors told the family it was time to call Hospice. Barb was fine with calling them, we were not. How ever would we live without our daughter, our sister, our friend? As the end drew near we gathered at Barb's home. Daily Hospice would visit to do what they could. As so many others, Barb loved her Hospice nurse. One day, as Kristen sat visiting with Barb, she mentioned going on a mission weekend. Barb's response to her was, "You do know you need to ask Jesus into your heart don't you? You have done that, right? " Kristen assured her she had. Barb sighed with relief. No longer was she concerned about what she was wearing, how her hair looked, nor her makeup. All she cared about was that others understood the importance of accepting Christ as their Savior.

The Sunday before Barb ran home to our Father's house, Hospice sent a Pastor they referred to as the "Singing Pastor," to visit with Barb. Her name was Patty, a total delight. As only Barb could, she said to Patty, "I hear you sing. Are you going to sing to me today?" "Well, yes I can," was Patty's reply. "What would you like me to sing?" Without hesitation Barb asked if she would sing "Amazing Grace." After visiting with Barb regarding the meaning of grace, Patty began to sing. As she sang, as if she couldn't hold back, Barb began singing along, harmonizing with total perfection. It was if we had entered the Holy of Holies. Jesus was in our midst. There was not a dry eye in the room.

Our bodies are but a shell, our life but a vapor. Only what we do with Jesus will last for forevermore.

                        For what is life? It is even a vapor, that appears for a little time
                            and then vanishes away.                      __James 4:14

                        Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
                                                                                         __2 Corinthians 6:2

"You do know you need to ask Jesus into your heart don't you? You have done that, right?"

Grace

                                                          Isaiah 61:10
                                          I will greatly rejoice in the LORD,
                                          My soul shall be joyful in my God;
                            For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation
                               He has covered me with the robe of righteousness

Driving to work on a cold winters morning, my girlfriend couldn't help but notice the freshly fallen snow glistening like diamonds. As she thanked the Lord for such a breathtaking view, she thought how not only was it breathtaking, but it had cost her nothing. God had simply covered the ground with what looked like diamonds while she slept, that she might be blessed in the morning.

I have friends that go to the park every night to watch the sunset. There is nothing more beautiful than a sunset of pink and blue hues, as it slowly, but with perfect mastery, lowers itself behind a puff of soft white clouds. What a brilliant way to end the day. This, too, costs us nothing.

If we rise early, we are blessed with a delightful sunrise each and every morning. As the sun comes up, once again the God of the universe paints a magnificent hue of colors that rise from behind the clouds to display what will give us light for the day and warmth to enjoy. Neither does this cost us anything.

God's grace is a gift more wonderful than we can fathom. Because of His grace we have been given unmerited favor. The Spirit of God has been poured upon us. God's grace has taken away the guilt of sin that so easily entangles us, and in it's place given us a future with Him for eternity. In Christ we are made right.This is a gift given to us freely of God.  

                          For by grace you have been saved through faith,
                          and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God,
                          not of works, lest anyone should boast.                     _Ephesians 2:8-9

I will forever bow my head in thankfulness and gratitude. What has cost me nothing, cost God everything.

                          For God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son
                          That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish
                          but have everlasting life.                                            _John 3:16
                       


 

"Am I Enough?"

                                                              Habakkuk 3:17-18
                                              Though the fig tree may not blossom,
                                                         Nor fruit be on the vines;
                                              Though the labor of the olive may fail,
                                                       And the fields yield no food;
                                         Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,
                                               And there be no herd in the stalls ---
                                                  Yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
                                              I will joy in the God of my salvation.

Sitting on my basement floor painting a rocking chair for my grandson, tears ran down my face that would not stop. "Why Lord? I don't understand. Why don't you do something about this heartache that never seems to go away?" Battling feelings of betrayal and confusion, nothing seemed to make sense. Didn't we do all we could to prevent this heartache? Was there no reward for walking close to the Lord, leaning on Him for every decision? "God, where are you? Do You care that I am hurting?"

It wasn't spoken words I heard, ones that others would hear had they been in the room. It was more like an inner voice, deep in my soul; "Cyndy, am I enough for you? If all else falls away and you are left with only Me, am I enough?"
               
How I wanted to shout , "Yes Lord! You know You are!" But, before I could speak I knew I couldn't say yes. And at that moment I knew this wasn't about the heartache we were facing, although it was very real. It wasn't about unanswered prayers. This wasn't even about Satan having havoc with my life. It was all about my coming face to face with the truth that I expected the Lord to hear my prayers and come to my rescue, taking away the heartache. It was about my realizing that I found joy in my salvation, and peace that passes all understanding, only when all was well in my life.

This is not what Jesus wants for His children. He wants us to know He is enough even when life is not peaceful and all is well. He wants us to want Him and Him alone. From the words of John Piper, "God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him."

Am I satisfied in Him? Is He enough? Oh, Lord, may I shout "Yes!" and know that it is true!

                                                Though the fig tree may not blossom,
                                                        Nor fruit be on the vines,
                                                   Yet I will rejoice in the LORD
                                               I will joy in the God of my salvation.