Habakkuk 2:2-4
Then the LORD answered me and said: “ Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry."
I don't know what to tell you. Dreams are hard to wait for. Dreams are hard to have, and then when you have one, you have to wait for it. Everyone who is called by God to accomplish something faces this agonizing reality - probably more than once or twice over the course of life.
Don't give up on the dream that is in your heart. When it all feels hopeless and you feel like a fool for believing that your dream has a chance - know that in the end it will surely happen. If you are fighting for the vision and the dreams that God has called you to do, don't give up. "Though it tarries, wait for it" - perfect. After years of waiting, it will happen. After days and months and years of waiting and praying and working, it will surely happen. Though things aren't falling into place, rather, falling apart, it will surely happen. You will win the race if you finish it. Don't give up now. Though your vision is taking it's sweet little time, it will surely happen. Do NOT give up. Your God given dream will not lie to you, your dream will have a voice soon, though it isn't here yet, WAIT for it. It will surely come.
When you feel like it's slipping away, remember what has been placed in your heart. Your child will come home. Your promotion will come. Your family will be restored. Your needs will be met. Clear your mind, write down your dream so (after all the years) you don't forget it, remember it's all about timing, and when the time is right it will SURELY COME.
Selah.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Thursday, May 6, 2010
120
Samuel 18:1
"Now when he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul."
In an extremely small nut shell, the story of David and Jonathan goes that as follows: Jonathan (King Saul's son) met David (a shepherd boy, the son of a man named Jesse) after David had just defeated Goliath (the Philistine- a giant) and according to this verse, from that point on their friendship was solidified and set until the end. It was a special friendship about which a novel could be written, and from these two we can learn so much about the beauty and the rare treasure that a good friend can be.
Jonathan and David exemplify one of the most pure, lovely and unique friendships we can find throughout all of the scriptures. The Bible says they loved each other; they truly loved each other. They loved each other more than they loved themselves: Jonathan loved David "as his own soul." That is a big statement. They loved each other through thick and thin. They defended each other - when Saul wanted to kill David, Jonathan secretly told David about it to protect his friend who he believed him with all of his heart. They made oaths and promises to each other to show that no one would come in between this friendship. It was a friendship that protected and provided for each other. They had each other's backs through all the storms of life. And, Jonathan truly believed in the call of God on David's life, and he went to all measures - sacrificial - to make sure nothing would kill or harm David (even his own dad).
There are very few people that can grip your soul with such love and dedication. As the world spins faster, and stuff and hearts get more broken, we must be very intentional about friends - good, solid friends who adore you for you, love the person you are, and make you want to be a better person. A good friend who is not romantic to you, but someone you can trust, someone who you genuinely want to succeed even if it means you don't. When you live for someone else's well being and happiness, your life takes on a rare depth and passionate meaning. Find and value a friend who stands the test of time and weathers any storms that come along over a lifetime.
1 Samuel is full of stories about Jonathan and David. There friendship stood strong through wars, family issues, mistakes and successes. No adversity and no one's jealousy, anger or bitterness got between them. They were soul mates in the truest, purest sense.
"Now when he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul."
In an extremely small nut shell, the story of David and Jonathan goes that as follows: Jonathan (King Saul's son) met David (a shepherd boy, the son of a man named Jesse) after David had just defeated Goliath (the Philistine- a giant) and according to this verse, from that point on their friendship was solidified and set until the end. It was a special friendship about which a novel could be written, and from these two we can learn so much about the beauty and the rare treasure that a good friend can be.
Jonathan and David exemplify one of the most pure, lovely and unique friendships we can find throughout all of the scriptures. The Bible says they loved each other; they truly loved each other. They loved each other more than they loved themselves: Jonathan loved David "as his own soul." That is a big statement. They loved each other through thick and thin. They defended each other - when Saul wanted to kill David, Jonathan secretly told David about it to protect his friend who he believed him with all of his heart. They made oaths and promises to each other to show that no one would come in between this friendship. It was a friendship that protected and provided for each other. They had each other's backs through all the storms of life. And, Jonathan truly believed in the call of God on David's life, and he went to all measures - sacrificial - to make sure nothing would kill or harm David (even his own dad).
There are very few people that can grip your soul with such love and dedication. As the world spins faster, and stuff and hearts get more broken, we must be very intentional about friends - good, solid friends who adore you for you, love the person you are, and make you want to be a better person. A good friend who is not romantic to you, but someone you can trust, someone who you genuinely want to succeed even if it means you don't. When you live for someone else's well being and happiness, your life takes on a rare depth and passionate meaning. Find and value a friend who stands the test of time and weathers any storms that come along over a lifetime.
1 Samuel is full of stories about Jonathan and David. There friendship stood strong through wars, family issues, mistakes and successes. No adversity and no one's jealousy, anger or bitterness got between them. They were soul mates in the truest, purest sense.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
119
Mark 8:22-25
"Then He came to Bethsaida; and they brought a blind man to Him, and begged Him to touch him. So He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the town. And when He had spit on his eyes and put His hands on him, He asked him if he saw anything. And he looked up and said, “I see men like trees, walking.” Then He put His hands on his eyes again and made him look up. And he was restored and saw everyone clearly."
Watching Jesus change peoples' lives on the page is one of my favorite things to read of in the Bible. If I really focus my mind and heart, close my eyes and picture Jesus standing amidst all the people that followed Him around like the paparazzi, I feel like I get to know Him that little bit more. They "begged Him..." begged Him? Nothing has changed. The human experience is still full of ups and downs and at times we are all placed in situations we wish we would wake up from. We all still need hope - the hope that Jesus brings. And they just wanted His touch! I think it's sweet that these people wanted their friend healed so much that they begged Jesus to heal him. Their friend had been blind for years, and when they heard about this Jesus they knew just one touch would change his life.
And then one step at a time, Jesus heals this man. One step at a time. Your healing may take a little while. Your physical, emotional, mental, spiritual healing may come in stages, it may hit you hard all at once, or you may only truly be free from your "blindness" when you get to your home in Heaven. Jesus may take His time, lead you away from everyone around you, and ask you a few questions along the way. But know this: He is standing right in front of you. His beautiful strong hands are on you. He gets up close and personal - messy and dirty - right in the parts where you are broken, and He slowly restores your mind, your body and your soul.
"Then He came to Bethsaida; and they brought a blind man to Him, and begged Him to touch him. So He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the town. And when He had spit on his eyes and put His hands on him, He asked him if he saw anything. And he looked up and said, “I see men like trees, walking.” Then He put His hands on his eyes again and made him look up. And he was restored and saw everyone clearly."
Watching Jesus change peoples' lives on the page is one of my favorite things to read of in the Bible. If I really focus my mind and heart, close my eyes and picture Jesus standing amidst all the people that followed Him around like the paparazzi, I feel like I get to know Him that little bit more. They "begged Him..." begged Him? Nothing has changed. The human experience is still full of ups and downs and at times we are all placed in situations we wish we would wake up from. We all still need hope - the hope that Jesus brings. And they just wanted His touch! I think it's sweet that these people wanted their friend healed so much that they begged Jesus to heal him. Their friend had been blind for years, and when they heard about this Jesus they knew just one touch would change his life.
And then one step at a time, Jesus heals this man. One step at a time. Your healing may take a little while. Your physical, emotional, mental, spiritual healing may come in stages, it may hit you hard all at once, or you may only truly be free from your "blindness" when you get to your home in Heaven. Jesus may take His time, lead you away from everyone around you, and ask you a few questions along the way. But know this: He is standing right in front of you. His beautiful strong hands are on you. He gets up close and personal - messy and dirty - right in the parts where you are broken, and He slowly restores your mind, your body and your soul.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
118
Ecclesiastes 9:10 (New King James Version)
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might;..."
There are seasons of life when God has you busy doing something that you don't want to do, and other times you get to do things that you are really excited about. And, sometimes, it's both. This teeny tiny verse is a little gem, because it plainly and simply tells us how to live. Sometimes I love when a verse get straight forward with us, and there is no need for much prayer and fasting over it's message! This is one of those: "do this..."
Whatever you're currently doing give it your all - really put your back into it. Whatever you find yourself busy at right now - the good, the bad and the ugly - do it with all your energy. Represent Jesus well by working hard and using your gifts however you can. Do it all as if Jesus was your boss, your manager, your professor, your teacher, your parent, your judge. He will promote you, He will seat you in high places, and He will see that you are well taken care of. Perhaps the most beautiful thing about it all, He is watching you hard at your work - working toward your dreams, obeying the call of God on your life, and trying your hardest to be all that you can be. He is proud of you, and He sees it all. Keep working hard at what you find yourself doing - you will be rewarded.
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might;..."
There are seasons of life when God has you busy doing something that you don't want to do, and other times you get to do things that you are really excited about. And, sometimes, it's both. This teeny tiny verse is a little gem, because it plainly and simply tells us how to live. Sometimes I love when a verse get straight forward with us, and there is no need for much prayer and fasting over it's message! This is one of those: "do this..."
Whatever you're currently doing give it your all - really put your back into it. Whatever you find yourself busy at right now - the good, the bad and the ugly - do it with all your energy. Represent Jesus well by working hard and using your gifts however you can. Do it all as if Jesus was your boss, your manager, your professor, your teacher, your parent, your judge. He will promote you, He will seat you in high places, and He will see that you are well taken care of. Perhaps the most beautiful thing about it all, He is watching you hard at your work - working toward your dreams, obeying the call of God on your life, and trying your hardest to be all that you can be. He is proud of you, and He sees it all. Keep working hard at what you find yourself doing - you will be rewarded.
Monday, May 3, 2010
117
Psalm 23: 4 (NKJV)
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."
The shadow of death can feel just as real as death itself. But don't be fooled - death can not, and will not, have you. You have been purchased by Life with a capital L. The out of control life force (Jesus' love) that has you and your sweet broken heart, is the most beautiful glorious form of life there is, and there is nothing to fear. Selah.
Now for the comfort bit... When the chains of death itself - loneliness, grief, loss, doubt that God exists, feeling not good enough, not pretty enough, not perfect enough, not having enough money, feeling trapped and abused and misunderstood, feeling like nothing is going to change (to name a few daily-basis type demons we all face) - when this darkness grips your heart and mind around the neck and you can barely breath, do not fear. Do not fear. You are not alone. You are not alone. You are not alone. Sometimes I must sit myself still and say those words over and over again. When I don't know which way is up, "I am not alone, thank you Jesus, you are with me..." Take comfort in the perfect and strong presence of the beautiful One who looks after you always. You are not alone, the shadow of death is merely a shadow.. it can't have you ever.
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."
The shadow of death can feel just as real as death itself. But don't be fooled - death can not, and will not, have you. You have been purchased by Life with a capital L. The out of control life force (Jesus' love) that has you and your sweet broken heart, is the most beautiful glorious form of life there is, and there is nothing to fear. Selah.
Now for the comfort bit... When the chains of death itself - loneliness, grief, loss, doubt that God exists, feeling not good enough, not pretty enough, not perfect enough, not having enough money, feeling trapped and abused and misunderstood, feeling like nothing is going to change (to name a few daily-basis type demons we all face) - when this darkness grips your heart and mind around the neck and you can barely breath, do not fear. Do not fear. You are not alone. You are not alone. You are not alone. Sometimes I must sit myself still and say those words over and over again. When I don't know which way is up, "I am not alone, thank you Jesus, you are with me..." Take comfort in the perfect and strong presence of the beautiful One who looks after you always. You are not alone, the shadow of death is merely a shadow.. it can't have you ever.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
116
Romans 12:17-21 (New King James Version)
Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
It's a toughy - when you've really got to live this one out. It's easy to believe and obey this jam packed message when you're not knee deep in a situation that gives you every right and reason to pray that someone gets run over by a truck, or at least never succeeds in what they're doing. This message is being screamed at me right now, so much so, it's funny.
It's pretty clear what the deal is, so I just want to encourage you to pray for the people that have hurt and abused you. When you're hit where it hurts the most and you almost can't breathe cause you're in so much shock, catch your breath, and from somewhere deep inside of you, pray for that soul. The best news of this whole scripture is that God says He will take care of you - He has your back. He is a God of justice. If you take your own revenge, there is no room for the wrath of God. The wrath of God... yowza! God have mercy on the one that hurts a child of the King. God help the soul that dares to rip off, steal from, or deceitfully deal with the one whom Jesus adores . . . that is, you. Their day is coming, I promise. When you've done all you can to be at peace with the enemy you're facing, leave it to God. Leave it be.
So as far as you go, live at peace with all men. This may mean distance or it may mean begging for God's grace because He has called you to stay up close and personal in their lives and well being. Pray that the person who stole from you and took what you rightfully deserve succeeds in the work they are doing and the relationships they are involved in.
Do this, and I promise you, you will be free.
Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
It's a toughy - when you've really got to live this one out. It's easy to believe and obey this jam packed message when you're not knee deep in a situation that gives you every right and reason to pray that someone gets run over by a truck, or at least never succeeds in what they're doing. This message is being screamed at me right now, so much so, it's funny.
It's pretty clear what the deal is, so I just want to encourage you to pray for the people that have hurt and abused you. When you're hit where it hurts the most and you almost can't breathe cause you're in so much shock, catch your breath, and from somewhere deep inside of you, pray for that soul. The best news of this whole scripture is that God says He will take care of you - He has your back. He is a God of justice. If you take your own revenge, there is no room for the wrath of God. The wrath of God... yowza! God have mercy on the one that hurts a child of the King. God help the soul that dares to rip off, steal from, or deceitfully deal with the one whom Jesus adores . . . that is, you. Their day is coming, I promise. When you've done all you can to be at peace with the enemy you're facing, leave it to God. Leave it be.
So as far as you go, live at peace with all men. This may mean distance or it may mean begging for God's grace because He has called you to stay up close and personal in their lives and well being. Pray that the person who stole from you and took what you rightfully deserve succeeds in the work they are doing and the relationships they are involved in.
Do this, and I promise you, you will be free.
I've got to give you this version also, because (as usual) Eugene Peterson sums it up beautifully:
Romans 12:17-21 (The Message)
Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it."
Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he's thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.
Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it."
Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he's thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
115
Ecclesiastes 12:13 (New King James Version)
"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all."
I love this, it's perfect. I guess deep down we all just want to know what the heck we're trying to do here. Everyday I'm realizing more than ever that the things in life I stress out about or think of as overly important, aren't so important at all. Deadlines, lunches, clothes and bags and money and pens and paper and cars and houses....
Jesus said it as straight as it comes: "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?"
(Mark 8:36)
So this is your all, your mandate, if you will: adore and fear God. Do what He tells you to do. This is the end of the line, nothing else really matters. Money comes and goes, trends and fads live and die and live and die and we are left with our relationship with Jesus and the people around us. Pursue the important stuff.
"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all."
I love this, it's perfect. I guess deep down we all just want to know what the heck we're trying to do here. Everyday I'm realizing more than ever that the things in life I stress out about or think of as overly important, aren't so important at all. Deadlines, lunches, clothes and bags and money and pens and paper and cars and houses....
Jesus said it as straight as it comes: "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?"
(Mark 8:36)
So this is your all, your mandate, if you will: adore and fear God. Do what He tells you to do. This is the end of the line, nothing else really matters. Money comes and goes, trends and fads live and die and live and die and we are left with our relationship with Jesus and the people around us. Pursue the important stuff.
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