Does Anyone See or Care?

Hagar, Genesis chapters 16 and 21

There have been times I felt that no one, not even God, really saw or noticed all the work I was doing day after day with a toddler at home. I felt isolated... Hubby at work all day and then studying for sermons on the weekend.

But God really encouraged me with Hagar in Genesis 16... Remember Hagar? She felt like no one knew or appreciated her, but she had an encounter with God so real that she exclaimed that now she knew that "Thou God seest me"!

The neatest part? GOD pursued HER. When she gave up, at the lowest of her lows, HE reached out to HER! But it was her choice to respond to Him.

God gave me this passage of Scripture in direct answer to my cries to Him, "Do YOU even SEE me? Do YOU even SEE all I am doing here?" Of course, I knew in my HEAD that He did, but I FELT alone.

I don't know if you're discouraged, or what your life situation is, but the next time you feel down, I hope you'll be encouraged and lifted up with the thought that God SEES you...with LOVE and CARE! His Word is there to sustain and comfort you. He's reaching out. He's waiting for you to respond to Him.

Is your burden heavy as you bear it all alone?
Does the road you travel harbour danger yet unknown?
Are you growing weary through the struggle of it all?
Jesus will help you, when on His name you call!

Is the life you're living filled with sorrow and despair?
Does the future press you with its worry and its care?
Are you tired and friendless? Have you almost lost your way?Jesus will help you; just come to Him today!

He is always there, hearing ev'ry prayer, faithful and true!
Walking by our side, in His love we hide all the day through!
When you get discouraged, just remember what to do--
Reach out to Jesus; He's reaching out to you!

~ Ralph Carmichael

The Light of Men

This morning I am meditating on John 1:4... "In him was life; and the life was the light of men."

Source: wallpaperstock.net

There is no light outside Christ. Could this mean that He gives some light (intellect, discernment, positive character traits) to unbelievers as well, to draw them unto Himself? When I see Christ's drawing out {his} soul to the hungry (Isaiah 58:10), how can I shut up my bowels of compassion (I John 3:17)--or be indifferent to those suffering around me? Hungry in spirit and soul, not just physically hungry. People all around me are hungry for the Truth, only found in God. If I simply lift HIM up, HE will draw all men to Himself (John 12:32)--living the Light! 

But I dare not focus on results. God works in mysterious ways, behind the scenes, when no one can see He is actually working. He is always working, and my job is to yield to HIS work through me, following His lead. Only then will I truly live in the light He so freely gives--the light of the glorious Gospel (II Corinthians 4:4)--the Light of the World (John 8:12; Matthew 5:14)--the Lamp that is a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105)--THE WORD--Jesus (John 1:1)! He was made flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14)! So amazing that a King would reach down to slaves! And we WERE slaves, but NO MORE (Galatians 4:7)! Yet too often we believers live in the mentality of that slavery, because we forget that He is the ONLY LIGHT there is. 

Lord, remind me to take the candle You have lit and go light YOUR world!

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John 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
Isaiah 58:10 And [if] thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness [be] as the noonday:
I John 3:17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels [of compassion] from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all [men] unto me.
II Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
Psalm 119:105 Thy word [is] a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Galatians 4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Everything

I'm reviewing Mary DeMuth's book, Everything, for BookSneeze.com, currently in chapter four, Let Go of the Giants. So far, I like her candour and agree with her for the most part--at least I concur with her general premise and message.

Here's a good quote I read from the book this morning:
“Simply put, when we think of other people as our center and fulfillment, we live frustrated lives. Constantly disappointed, some of us use this as a reason to control people, only to find that most eventually find a way to rebel against our desires. Some, like me, value others' opinions so much that if they turn on us, we despair, feeling abandoned. But to become more like Jesus we must understand that the only growth we can be in charge of is our own. We can't make people grow. True growth involves the activity of the Holy Spirit and an act of someone else's will. But we can lead Holy Spirit-enticing lives that produce in others a longing to change. It's all about our mind-set, freeing others to blessedly be themselves and determining to trust fully in Jesus for our strength and joy."

I couldn't agree more!

Check back for a review of this book in the near future!

Right now Mary's running a contest to win a FREE KitchenAid mixer! You too can enter by clicking the button above.

*Note on Bible Translations: I believe in using the King James Version of the Bible. Mary uses various Bible translations. Be sure to look up the verses she cites in your own KJV Bible.  One simple reason, beyond the usual arguments, is to avoid confusion. You're not as likely to remember the verse if you read it in a different version each time. Memorization through repetition is always easier if you stick to one version of the Bible. If you compare, you will notice that other translations do not always convey the same meaning, which gives me great cause for concern. But then, that's a whole other topic for an entirely new post!! 

Not Perfect; Just Forgiven

I often see bumper stickers and t-shirts with the phrase: Christians aren’t perfect; just forgiven.

Frequently, one will hear the phrase, “Well, I’m only human…” At times I get the impression that it is an excuse to act or respond a certain way.

Someone once asked me this question: How do you deal with and respond to people who think that because we are Christians we should be perfect?

I believe that my Authority, the Bible, teaches that I should simply respond with an apology if they feel I have offended them. Depending on the situation, at some point I may be able to quietly clarify that being a Christian doesn't automatically make me perfect, but I would not even say that, if that statement will merely be perceived as a fight.

“Being human” does not make it okay to do wrong--even with good intentions. And I don’t know about you, but I always want to be judged by my good intentions! ☺ My "humanity" does not excuse me automatically, and it does not exempt me from apologies, even when the other person owes me an apology! Jesus said to turn the other cheek to those who hurt us. I believe this could be applied to word barrages as well. The longer I "live the difference," not retaliating, but humbly admitting my wrong, even asking forgiveness if I were perceived as wrong, or misunderstood, the better I am able to reach people and build relationships. God keeps the books. He knows if I did wrong on purpose or if it was an honest mistake.

If it's someone with whom I am in close relationship, there may come a point when I would need to pull back a bit from them if they continue. However, I would bathe that in prayer for a LONG time before making such a decision. I do not believe the Bible teaches that we should arbitrarily cut people out of our lives. That's not what Jesus did; that's now how He lived. We can clearly see that in the Gospels.

If it's a marital relationship that is verbally abusive, that's another ballgame, but the Bible still obviously applies. (*See the note at the end of this post.) I am told to follow Jesus' example. When He was reviled (criticized, berated, etc.), He did not retaliate with criticism or word barrages.



I Peter 2:20 says, “For what glory [is it], if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer [for it], ye take it patiently, this [is] acceptable with God.”


He's saying, so what if I am criticised or mistreated for real failures and I take it patiently? But if I am doing right and I suffer for it, that is what is really pleasing—“acceptable”—to God!

 This is only accomplished by living by Jesus' faith (Galatians 2:20), yielding myself to His Holy Spirit, so that He lives through me. Humanly, I cannot do this. He can do this through me, His yielded vessel! (For more on this, read The Life That Wins by Watchman Nee. I highly recommend lots of reading on this topic!)

Check out the next few verses: For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 
(I Peter 2:21).


He says, this is what you were called to: to follow Christ, live as He lived.



Well, how did He live?

Verse 22: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: (I Peter 2:22). 


He says, Christ didn't commit sin at all, did not sin with his mouth/words.

Verse 23: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed [himself] to him that judgeth righteously: 
(I Peter 2:23).


Then I, as Jesus did, am to commit myself to the Person Who righteously judges everything: God. He keeps the records, and He can set things straight in His own time. Sometimes He wants me to learn a little humility. Always He seeks to conform me to the image of Jesus (Romans 8:29), which is my calling and purpose in life (Romans 8:28)!

Realizing my purpose and living free to yield to the resurrection power of the Holy Spirit living inside of me is a wonderful life! It is so freeing to realize I don't have to retaliate when someone criticizes or attacks me. I don't have to stew inside. My liberty in Christ Jesus allows me to simply talk to my Father about it, committing it all to Him, the Righteous Judge. He is always fair, and to top it off, He loves me! ☺


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*Note: There are certain situations, such as ongoing physical or mental abuse, that may require third party interventions. Matthew 18 teaches that if someone has something against me (or perceives they do, and in turn becomes abusive), I should first try to resolve it between the two of us. If that does not work, Matthew teaches me to take a fellow Christian with me to confront the abusive person. If that does not resolve the issue, I would need to take it to the church leadership, and possibly the church body, per the pastor’s decision in the matter.

If it is an abusive dating/courtship relationship, I believe one should run as fast as possible in the other direction! Marriage will only intensify the issues!

Thoughts All a Dither

Ever realized that you're a mess? Thoughts all a dither*?


*Dither (Mirriam-Webster):  a highly nervous, excited, or agitated state 

Image: Christine Martell, VisualsSpeak

I have come to this realization quite often. My emotions are a mess! (It might have something to do with the fact that I'm a woman!) 


Too many times I allow my emotions to direct my thought patterns, instead of disciplining my thought life to line up with the Truth (God's Word). I begin to tell myself stories that are completely fictional, with no foundation or backing. I tell myself stories that say people are mad at me, stories that say I am a failure, stories that say I am better than the next person, stories that say I will never learn, stories that say I am trapped, stories that say I can't help but be like I am... stories, stories, stories... all lies of the enemy of my soul.

For the enemy hath persecuted my soul**; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead. (Psalm 143:3)

**"Soul" in this case (Strong's Concordance): seat of emotions and passions


Proverbs 16:3 says, "Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established."


Whenever I find my thoughts all a dither, the chances are high that I need to make a choice. I need to "commit" (or recommit) my "works"--whatever job or project that has my attention, as well as its outcome, to the Lord. Whatever has me worried or upset probably has to do with my taking control of the thing. Wanting to control its progress or its outcome. Wanting to manipulate someone else's behaviour to suit my needs. 


From a fleshly point of view, the solution is not easy, and yet it is simple. Once, through the power of the Spirit, I make the decision, choosing to rely on Jesus and trust that He is in control, no matter what it looks like, I come to peace, and my thoughts are established, settled. I can breathe. I can even sing. I'm no longer in turmoil. I have "laboured to enter into rest" (Hebrews 4:11). I have returned to a state of rest in my soul (Psalm 116:7). And I suddenly realize the Lord truly has "dealt bountifully with me"!

Be Still

If I pause to listen, I will hear it. If I pause to notice, I will see it.

Sunlight on grass and leaves

Birds singing

Morning breeze

Varieties of beautiful plants, flowers, and trees

Thank You, God, for Your gifts!

My cat Espresso and her five cute kittens’ small voiced mews

Robin on green grass

Light dancing on the wood pile

Eyes to see

My warm, cosy robe against crisp morning air

Pretty tray with my breakfast and coffee on it

Bright colours

Thank You, God, for my health today.

Thank You for Your infinite, beyond-my-understanding love!

Perennials in my yard from previous owner

Thank You, God, for my wonderful, understanding, forgiving, gracious husband.

Thank You for this quiet time outside!

Breeze in the trees rustling

Turtle dove’s mourn

Mango, sweet and sour, tasty, bright orange

Fire pit for family times

Thank You, God, for headache-free days, for discoveries of food that makes me feel well.

Robin’s alert—cat!

Grass so green—pristine—reminds of Ireland!

Hostas getting big

Coffee with hazelnut
Sun on a barn shed

Lines and character in an old hunk of wood

Do you see? Do you hear? 

Do you thank?

I Have Heard... I Have Seen...

Ever feel like quitting?

No one notices or appreciates what I do anyway. 

© 2011 Harpo

In the whispers of the morning when I'm so tired my eyes just want to close, and I ask God, "Why am I so tired?"... 


When my heart is hurting, and I wonder how long...


When I'm overwhelmed with responsibility, and I would love to just run away and hide...


When I'm crying, and I don't even know why...

My God answers me, as He answered King Hezekiah in II Kings 20:5: 

"... I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee..."

I want to share this devotional excerpt, a reminder for my spirit, my heart, my soul, my emotions...

It is a new day, and as the foggy vision of sleepiness clears, the mountains of clothes to be laundered looms into view. Then come the thoughts of floors that need mopping, furniture that needs dusting, and that pie you promised to bake. Not to mention, of course, the whole routine required to get the kids off to school. It seems that before your feet ever touch the floor, you're tired again. 

Sometimes it's the menial tasks of everyday life that an take the most out of women. Perhaps because of its repetitive nature. Or maybe because our efforts are not always noticed. Not even paid. It is here that satan hopes to defeat us--to distract us from the proper perspective, which (as in all things) is still found in Christ. 

For Jesus Christ knows what it is to serve an inattentive and ungrateful world. The King of all creation actually washed His disciples' feet. He died for people who didn't even like Him. What an honour, then, if is for women to be able to serve others in the same capacity as Christ. Whether it's wiping little noses or cleaning off countertops, the more things we have to do, the more opportunities we have to bring Him honour. Though no one else may see or care, God does. And He receives each effort as a gift of thanks for the incredible sacrifice He gave us--Christ Himself.

Source: Heart Reflections Devotional, by Nanette Kincade

Hagar was in the desert, wanting to die rather than be subjected to her "boss's" abuse. 

WikiPaintings

But God found her! 


Genesis 16:7 says, "And the angel of the LORD found her..." He cared enough to initiate the conversation! Then He promised her that the baby she carried would live and prosper!


"And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?" (Genesis 16:13) 


God sees you, exhausted homemaker... weary wife... single mom... praying nana... selfless grandma... God sees all that you are and all that you are doing. And that is all that matters. 

He. Sees. You.

"... I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee..."