Inside Out

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts. . .” (Psalm 139:23)

What if others could see you on the inside. What if they knew how you feel? What if they knew your thoughts? That could be a good thing sometimes, but it could also be disturbing and even embarrassing. No one lives a perfect life; there was just One who did, and we are to pattern our lives after Him.

You must make a determined effort every day to think and do what is right in God’s sight because the world is constantly drawing you to live contrary to God’s Word. If Jesus was targeted by the devil, tempting Him to surrender to pride, anger, frustration, self-pity and other ungodly actions and reactions, be sure his minions are close by working similar tactics on you.

Every day you are watched and maybe “graded” by someone who crosses your path on how you conduct yourself. Even if you put up a good front—the smile, self-confident, super religious, I-can-win-any-battle attitude—eventually, the “real you” on the inside will come out. You will hear or see something that will trigger the great escape. When that happens, who or what will appear?

Since God knows everything about us, why would David ask God to search both his heart and thoughts and to test him? Why would we ask such a thing? Only someone with a sincere longing to be in right standing with their God would be so bold. God knows what we need to confess and those things from which we should turn away. We easily deceive ourselves; we are not trustworthy to search our hearts and thoughts. God’s searchlight exposes the “wicked way” in us. When He does, be ready and willing to accept what His search reveals and ask for cleansing. What would your “inside out” reveal today?

Before and After the Storm

“And straightway Jesus constrained His disciples to get into a ship, and to go before Him unto the other side. . .” (Matthew 14:22)

After a day of healing and feeding the multitude, Jesus insisted His disciples enter a ship, cross the sea, and wait for Him while He sent the people home. Their obedience landed them into the middle of storm-tossed waters, too far out to turn back and could not move forward.

Jesus’ eyes, piercing through the darkness (about three in the morning), saw the struggling men four miles away, only halfway to their destination. Gravity had no power over Him as He walked on water to meet them. When He stepped into their boat, the storm ceased, and the disciples worshiped Him, declaring He was indeed the Son of God. Immediately they were on the other side of the sea.

Though the disciples had recently witnessed Jesus healing masses of people and helped in feeding thousands with only five small fish and two loaves of bread, they didn’t call out to Him in their time of need. In that short while, they had lost sight of His greatness. Why would Jesus send his disciples into a storm? For teaching purposes, as a reminder of who He is.

Are you caught up in an unexpected life-storm, one in which you were unprepared? Did the storm begin shortly after an act of obedience, surrender, or recommitment to the Lord? As the waves crash over you and you cannot seem to move forward, remember, the same miracle-working, compassionate Savior is with you. Remember the greatness of God: the miracles you have experienced; the storms He has rescued you from or carried you safely through. He wants you to know your Savior is the Son of the Almighty Living God.

You are never too far away that God does not see or hear you; there is no need too small or great—He cares. Your mighty Deliverer sees you in your darkest hour; He is always nearby. When you allow Jesus to step into your circumstance, peace overtakes the storm.

The Long Way Home

“And when he came to himself. . . He said, ‘I will arise and go to my father.’” (Luke 15:17, 18)

Have you tried taking matters into your own hands? Is your life spinning out of control? Have poor decisions led you down a path far from where you should be? What will it take for you to come to your senses?

Jesus told a story of a man with two sons. The younger wanted his share of the inheritance before his father died, and surprisingly the father consented. The young man packed up his belongings and traveled far from home. It wasn’t long that he wasted all his money with foolish living; he was homeless and starving. He would have gladly eaten the food he was feeding the pigs, but the owners offered him none. That’s when he finally came to his senses. Knowing the servants at his father’s house had plenty of food to eat and willing to become his father’s servant, he left the pigpen and headed home.

While the famished, exhausted son was a great distance away, the father saw him. Did he watch every day, hoping for his return? Filled with love and compassion, he ran towards his son, embraced him, and kissed him, disregarding the filth. As the wayward one confessed his sin and unworthiness as a son, his father interrupted him and called for servants to bring a robe, ring, and sandals. With the robe, the father covered evidence of where his son had been, and the family’s ring was a symbol of restored honor. The shoes soothed his sore, tattered feet; the son no longer resembled a barefoot slave. The father called for a feast, a party for his lost son, now found. Love reinstated the son in seconds.

What a beautiful picture of repentance and God’s saving grace: A wayward soul returns (or comes for the first time) to our heavenly Father, waiting with open arms. With love, compassion, and no questions, God embraces the wayward one. His righteousness covers the evidence of a sullied life; He sets his feet on the path of freedom, no longer a slave to sin’s bondage. The lost, now found—home, rescued and restored by his heavenly Father. He is a child of the King, and there is a grand celebration, for there is joy in heaven when even one sinner repents (v. 7, 10).

Taking the long way home is costly. Go home, child; your Father is waiting for you. 

Cling or Let Go

“Remember Lot’s Wife.” (Luke 17:32)

We tend to hold tightly to things we cherish. Clinging to things or people we hold dear is not always unhealthy; to love our family is a good thing unless the “clinging” has put family before God. You may say aloud or think I will never live there, go there, or do that until (my spouse, children, parents, job) . . . That mindset is putting God second in your life, and God never accepts second place. The first of the ten commands God written on tablets of stone was to not have any other gods before Him (Exodus 20:3). Those “other gods” are anyone or anything held or considered more valuable than Him. That command includes family, no matter how much love is involved, no matter the circumstances.

In the days of Abraham and Lot, the people of Sodom and Gomorrah enjoyed their wicked ways of living. After hearing God’s plan to destroy the cities, Abraham interceded on behalf of the people, including his nephew Lot and his family who lived there. God agreed if Abraham could find ten righteous people, He would spare the cities. But not even ten, including the two married daughters of Lot and their husbands, were found. God was merciful and allowed Lot, his wife, and two unmarried daughters to escape the impending destruction of wickedness. Because they lingered in leaving their beloved city, as wicked as it was, the two angels of God took them by the hand and brought them out of the city with a specific warning to flee to the mountains and “Do not look back.” Once in safety, the Lord rained down fire and brimstone from heaven upon the wicked cities; but Lot’s wife had to look back one last time at where her heart’s desires stayed. As she glanced back towards Sodom, she instantly turned into a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26). 

Praise God our disobedience today does not turn us into salt statues, but the cost of waywardness could be tragic. We, too, have choices to make daily. Jesus said if we cling to this life, we will lose it, but if we let it go—surrender to Him as Lord of our life—we will save it (Luke 17:33). Trust your life, family, and possessions into the loving and capable hands of the One who created and owns all things—God, who demands first place. Choose wisely: Cling or let go.

Lost Sight

“Where there is no vision, the people perish. . .” (Proverbs 29:18)

Many people read this passage applying foresight to their personal life, job, future goals, or church. Whether literally or figuratively speaking, to be and stay focused, vision is needed. Would you deliberately choose to lose sight of God? No? Then how can God sometimes seem out of sight? Several factors come to mind: neglecting God’s holiness, authority, and His presence or rejecting His love because you feel unworthy. There are other reasons for not seeing God, who is ever-present: The proclaimers of His truths are absent or inaccurately, falsely proclaiming His Word, or people choose to interpret the Word to suit their desires. When that happens, Omnipresent God, although everywhere at the same time, is “out of sight,” always present, yet unseen.

People run amuck with no vision of God, choosing to go their way, following their easily deceived hearts. A deceived heart quickly leads the unsuspecting down spiritual, mental, emotional, physical destructive paths. But there’s good news in the second half of the verse: “But he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”

We all need structure. God’s Word (the law) is our manual for right living, fellowship, and spending quality time with Him. But to keep the law, we must know what it says. Only by reading and meditating on God’s truths can we apply what we learn to our lives and live it out. Even though we fail, we escape visionless perishing by turning to God for forgiveness and restoration, regaining a right standing with Him, and an unobstructed vision of who He is.

What Do You See?

“. . . Lord, I pray Thee, open his eyes that he may see.” (2 Kings 6:17)

Let's face it. Sometimes we see only what we want to see. Self-induced “blindness” allows a person to shirk an uncomfortable confrontation that could cause a ripple effect. Perhaps you don't want to hurt someone’s feelings, so you look the other way, pretending you didn't see. It may be that you could care less about a situation, not wanting to be involved. With reactions like these, you have "turned a blind eye." With physical sight, you can be selective in what you choose to see. But there is another sight to consider . . .

The servant of Elisha got up early and went outside and saw the city of Dothan surrounded by a great army with many chariots and horses of the enemy. He cried out and asked Elisha what they should do. Gehazi could only see the enemy around them; his eyes told him they were going to be slaughtered. Elisha calmly said, “Fear not.” He asked the Lord to open his eyes so he could see the same thing he saw. The Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he saw not only the enemy, but the enemy and entire mountain surrounded by God’s heavenly army of horses and fiery chariots. When the servant saw with spiritual sight, he was no longer afraid.

Amid a global pandemic, which is affecting us mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and economically, fear can easily gain a foothold in our lives. Fear, a great enemy of our soul, is not a respecter of persons; it can strike at any moment in the lives of believers and non-believers. When confronted by fear, we can either panic as Gehazi did or be determined to be as Elisha, trusting God.  We as believers need to remember those two little words Elisha spoke that carry a powerful message: “Fear not.” As a child of God, we have promises in the Word that He is on our side and fights for us: The angel of the Lord goes before us, He is behind us, He encamps all around us and delivers us (Psalm 34:7), He holds us and covers us (Psalm 139:5). Believe the Word of God and stand on His promises!

When fear strikes and all you see is the enemy surrounding you, ask God to open your spiritual eyes. Access the spiritual resources within you through the Holy Spirit for your physical eyes to see with spiritual sight and “Fear not.” Eyes of faith will reveal truth of the matter. Faith knows and trusts that God is always working on our behalf, for our good, even those times when it doesn't look like it nor feel like it. Who will you believe? God or the enemy? Believe God.

Confrontations

“. . . Thou art the man.” (2 Samuel 12:7)

The pricking of God’s Spirit can happen at the most unexpected moments; you may even think at the time, that? Yes, child of God, “that.” It is often the trivial things that keep us from experiencing the fullness of God’s blessings.

When we think or act in disobedience to God’s Word, His check in our spirit always happens if we belong to Him. If you believe the “check” didn’t happen at the time of your disobedient behavior, it did; you were just too preoccupied to recognize it, or you brushed it off as insignificant. Now, in the stillness of the moment, you recall that event, and your heart receives His message, “That was wrong.” You now must decide what to do; no excuses are admissible.

God’s confrontations happen every time we miss the mark of perfection (sin); He commands us to be holy as He is holy; He wants His children to walk in obedience and fellowship with Him. Because God loves us, the slightest wrongdoing will trigger action from the Holy Spirit; nothing is too trivial.

King David’s “missed mark” came when he was not where he should have been (2 Samuel 11:1). Lounging on his rooftop, not adhering to his kingly duties, he and saw a woman who belonged to another man. Although he knew wanting her for his pleasure was wrong, he took her. It was not until God’s prophet, Nathan, confronted him with his horrific acts (11:2–5; 14–15) with the message, “Thou art the man,” that David acknowledged and confessed his sin. God was gracious, forgave, and restored him, but dire consequences still followed (v. 26–27; 12:11, 14). 

Consequences for poor choices, actions, and thoughts happen when you succumb to temptations as they parade themselves before you. When God speaks warning to your heart, take heed. However great or small, turn away from sin’s attraction, or continue forward and suffer the consequences. Sadly, your wrong actions may affect others around you also.

Concern vs. Anxiety

“And the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

Stress is a mean and nasty culprit that sneaks into your life unaware unless your spiritual guard stays activated. As unexpected life circumstances try to turn your world upside down, the culprit seizes prime opportunities to sashay itself in; unannounced, unseen, and unwanted.

How do we keep our spiritual guard up against stress, a great enemy of our soul? For one thing, we must be honest and admit that there is a difference between being concerned about a matter versus being anxious about that issue. Being concerned is caring about someone or something and seeking God, turning to Him for help. Anxiety focuses on the problem, causing worry—stress that unceasingly torments the mind with a play/replay activity rather than focusing on and calling on God for help. If left unattended, mounting tensions can cause a cascade of health problems, some of which are debilitating if left unchecked. Sadly, stress can also lead to an untimely death.

In chapter four of his letter to the Philippians, Paul encouraged his readers not to worry; instead, pray about everything, thanking the Father for who He is and all He has done (v. 6). In focusing on God and not their problems, they would experience God’s peace, a peace that the finite mind cannot begin to understand. His peace would guard their hearts and minds as they lived in Christ Jesus.

Paul’s word of encouragement to the Philippians is for us as well: do not be worried about anything—not people, things, or situations—instead, pray about everything, thanking God for His goodness and grace. Are you concerned, or are you anxious? Do you want God’s peace-watching guard over your heart and mind as you walk with Him? Trust Him with your “everything” in prayer; thank Him for being your God, and rest in the promise of His peace.

Wordless

“In the same way the Spirit [comes to us and] helps us in our weakness. We do not know what prayer to offer or how to offer it as we should, but the Spirit Himself [knows our need and the right time] intercedes on our behalf with sighs and groanings too deep for words.” (Romans 8:26 AMP)

You've been in His presence time after time, and God has always been so faithful. But today is different. You are tired—no, exhausted, frustrated, and confused. You are feeling just a little disappointed that today you are not the mighty warrior of God you usually are. There is a cry from your heart, yet no words fall from your lips. Your thoughts seem scattered, without form or sense. You remain silent as you wait in His presence, struggling to find words to pray, not knowing where to begin or how to phrase the burden of your heart. You are in God’s presence, and today you are wordless.

Even the person who always knows what to say, how to say it, and when to say it may one day be wordless before the Lord. But God, who was faithful in the past, is the same trustworthy and loyal God today and will be forever. Jesus said in John 14 when He left this earth (v. 19), He would not leave us as orphans. His Father would send another Comforter, One who would walk alongside us, shoulder to shoulder. One who would teach and lead us into truth and bring to our remembrance God’s Word. One who would abide with us forever. God is true to His Word. He sent another Comforter—the Holy Spirit, the Comforter who helps us in our weakness.

Has a weakness left you wordless? Do you have doubts that God hears you or cares? Have you forgotten who you are in Christ? Is it a burden you have carried that God wants you to roll onto Him to bear for you? God, who searches and knows all hearts, hears as the Holy Spirit intercedes on your behalf, bringing your deepest, unspoken needs, requests, and cries before Him. As you are in His presence wordless, you can rest assured God hears you; He loves you, wants His best for you—He will care for you.

Divine Assignments

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” (James 1:17)

The moment you surrendered your life to Christ, God’s Holy Spirit provided you at least one spiritual gift to help His Church: the ability to give wise advice or a message of unique knowledge; great faith; the power to heal or perform miracles; ability to prophesy, discern God’s message from that of another spirit or speak in or interpret unknown languages (1 Corinthians 12:4–11). Each of God’s gifts is necessary for the Church to function smoothly.

Diverse types of people are beneficial to the body of Christ. You may be one of the “people gifts” Jesus supplied after He ascended to His Father: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip the saints for ministry and the building up of the Church (Ephesians 4:11–13).

Can you perceive God’s will? Do you enjoy serving or encouraging others, researching and communicating God’s Word, or freely giving your time and resources? Are you a “natural-born” leader and organizer? Are you compassion-driven for people in need? These are called motivational gifts (Romans 12:6–8). These tendencies did not “just happen” in your life; they were God-appointed before time began and given the moment of your conception. Do you have carpenter, cooking, or sewing skills, a beautiful singing voice without formal training? Are you known as a “Jack-of-all-trades?” God-given talents. All of God’s gifts are good and vital to His Church. However, Paul, the apostle, tells us that even though we serve in these gifts and skills for God’s glory and care for the needy but lack love for one another, we are nothing, only a loud noise (1 Corinthians 13:1).

Just as the human body has distinct parts, believers are individual members of His Church. God gifted each of us for His purposes, divine assignments, and does not change His mind. Our mission is to lovingly minister with these gifts and talents in His name as His eyes, mouth, hands, and feet, to not only be a blessing to believers but all people.

Cut to Fit

“Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.”  (1 Corinthians 12:4, 6)

The common denominator of a one-thousand-piece puzzle and a one-hundred-piece puzzle is the need for proper placement. Puzzle-makers design them that way.

When working on a puzzle, multiple pieces often look as though they fit a space but choosing the right part allows it to drop into place with the slightest pressure. If you place the wrong segment, unevenness is clear. Forcing it into the wrong position may cause damage to not only the single piece but also to the surrounding space and cause the misplacement of other pieces. When you force pieces where they don’t belong, the result is a contorted picture of the puzzle.

Think of God’s Church as a giant puzzle. As a believer in Christ, you are one of the many pieces of that puzzle. God precisely makes you Himself—cut (gifted) to fit a specific spot in His kingdom work here on earth: “He makes the whole body fit perfectly together. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” (Ephesians 4:16 NLT). Avoid coveting the shape, size, color, or position of other puzzle pieces (gifts/talents of others); forcing your giftedness into a place not intended will distort God’s picture. Remember, God made you uniquely and wonderfully; there is not another puzzle piece that matches you exactly. Be content with who you are in Christ. 

You matter to God. Your place matters in God’s plan. You serve a vital purpose in God’s completed picture just as He created you. Are you willing to fill your spot in God’s puzzle—the place He hand-cut for you before time began, space where only you fit?

Another Spiritual Marker

One year ago, I would have laughed at anyone who told me I would be on social media, but here I am writing on a blog site that I set up without any assistance from my "tech-savvy" children. They will be so proud—I think!

 

Thrust into the social media arena after the publication of my book, Take a Number Please. . . In Other Words, Wait last year I found myself in quite a tailspin. This book necessitated the establishment of a business, Beyond Blessed Ministries, and the need to set up a social media presence. After a year of posting on Facebook, I decided to dive into deeper water posting on a blog (and I don’t like to swim!). A new year and another milestone. I like to refer to these stones in my life as Spiritual Markers.

This first post to Beyond Blessed Heart is dedicated to introducing a daily devotional book I’ve been working on since July of last year. It may be published eventually, but until then, at the request of a young friend, I will post daily as "Thoughts for the Journey." Some stories are more personal than others; but they all carry a message of our Lord Jesus. I pray you leave the page each day with a renewed hope; encouraged, inspired, and challenged to be who God created you to be. He loves you and desires His very best for you.

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not on thy own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct thy path." Proverbs 3:5-6