Day Twenty One
March 25, 2006
Day Twenty One
Today is the last day of my 21 day computer fast. I did well on most days, not so good on others. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. I am so glad the Lord does not give up on me. He knows the process of sanctification is a long one. I wish I knew it, too--sometimes I get frustrated by my constant mess ups. I keep thinking, "I should already know this by now!"
But like Paul I can say this: "Not that I have already attained or am already perfected, but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting these things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:12-14).
Your grace be with me, Lord. Amen.
"As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love." John 15:9
Day Twenty
March 24, 2006
Day Twenty
God is faithful. I often struggle with trusting fully that my children are in His hands. Yesterday I was struck by the Newsboys song, The Orphan, about the mother of baby Moses putting him in a basket and laying it in the Nile River. This Mom had to release her precious son, knowing he was in grave danger. What worries and anxieties must have filled her heart! She problably thought she would never see him again.
Yet she had to trust God with her baby because the alternative was unthinkable. In releasing the basket, she let go and let God. And in doing so, she discovered that God is faithful. I, too, can trust God with my children. He gave me this verse today: "I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you" (John 14:18).
He is faithful, even when I am faithless.
"I am the Good Shepherd." John 10:11
Day Nineteen
March 23, 2006
Day Nineteen
God is wise. He allows me to experience problems and trials so thta I am driven to my knees. He knows trials teach me how to depend on Him, the necessity of humility and that His grace is sufficient at all times. Every trial and challenge gives me an opportunity to savor another facet of Christ.
When I am in the darkness I seee Him as the Light of the World. When I am thirsty in the desert I find Him to be my Living Water. When I am lonely, He is my friend. When I am in pain, I call Him healer. When I am confused, I run to my Wonderful Counselor. When I grieve over my sins, He reminds me that He is my Savior and Redeemer. When I am going through fiery trials, I seek refuge in my Defender and Strong Tower. Yes, the Lord is wise to show me how much I need Him.
"Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when yuou search for Me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:12-13
Day Eighteen
March 22, 2006
Day Eighteen
God is the Strong Tower. A place of refuge and protection. A place where I can feel safe. Lately I've been listening to the song "Strong Tower," by the Newsboys. Love it. It reminds me of the Lord's ongoing deliverance in this constant spiritual battle. When I get down on my knees to pray I am running to my Lord, my defense, my protector, my Savior. He puts His strong arms around me and gives me His perfect peace. I am safe.
"The name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous run to it and are safe." Proverbs 18:10
Day Seventeen
March 21, 2006
Day Seventeen
God never gives less than His very best.
"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus...He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death...Therefore God also has highly exalted Him." Philippians 2:5,8,9
Day Sixteen
March 20, 2006
Day Sixteen
God is indescribable. He gave us the mind of Christ, yet He is so big, so incredible and uncontainable that my brain can't wrap itself around all of Him. There are no words, just inadequate grasping. "What is man that you are mindful of him?" He is simply unfathomable.
"Oh, the depths of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!" Romans 11:33
