New Year Resolution - Leave the Past Where It Is

The New Year is here!  A chance to START OVER and begin anew!  

The Apostle Paul states in Philippians verse 13-14, “but one thing I do, forgetting those 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.” 

In order to move forward - we must remain unencumbered. No baggage allowed!   

There’s a familiar saying we’ll hear over and over again in the next week: “I’m making a New Year’s resolution to …” Well, I’ve decided to say, “I’m making a New Life resolution.”

The world view of resolutions run the gamut from diets and exercise, to spending and vices, manners and tempers, to everything in-between. As a Christian, I’m going to focus on “life style” resolutions that revolve around Christ and His example. Sure, we all have plenty of other things to work on, including those mentioned above. However, Jesus wants us to exhibit His qualities and attributes as we walk in this world. Our light needs to shine a bit brighter, and our salt needs to retain more saltiness as the days grow dimmer and more sinful (Matthew 5:13-16).

King David expressed his sentiments regarding the Lord’s leading. (Psalm 141:3-4) “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not incline my heart to any evil thing…” (Psalm 143:8) “Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust; cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You.”

I want to resolve to walk in the path God has for me, and to guard my mouth and heart. I need God’s eye upon me, and His gentle hand of correction as I journey through this life. I rely more upon Him now than I did as a new believer. Year by year, I recognize His new mercies and faithfulness towards me. I am amazed at His forbearance with me as I fall short of His standard. Praise God there is no condemnation, but only love and encouragement through His Word.

The Apostle Paul instructs us to know Christ in an intimate way. That intimacy caused him to “press on and lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.” (Philippians 3:10-12) We have a revelation from Christ that brings a fresh, spiritual comprehension, which in turn gives us apprehension to live out our Christianity with boldness. Our confidence cannot be in our flesh, but in the power of God. Look to Him with the expectation of what He can do in us and through us.

Isaiah called Israel to not dwell on the past - but to move forward towards God's promises of deliverance and a future of hope: "Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

What a great lesson for the New Year and our “New Life” resolution. Look forward, not backwards. Keep your eye on Jesus and the heavenly goal. Pattern your new ideas and habits on what the Word teaches. Model yourself after your Maker and Master. Fix your gaze upon Jesus…He’s all you need to walk in the newness of life.

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.   Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

New Year Resolution - Leave the Past Where It Is

FATHER - It's Your Day!

We honor You...We esteem You...We love You...

Fathers generally hold a special place in our hearts that is so unique, it is hard to define. 

I suppose that has to do with the fact that they are quite often the first true male role model we have in our earthly family.

For the newborn, the toddler, and the young child - Dad is the main man.  He is the one you cuddle-up with in his over sized easy chair. He is the one who holds your tiny hands as he leads you across the room step by step. He plays peek-a-boo and chases you through the house as you squeal in delight. He tucks you in bed and scares away bad dreams and dreaded monsters in the closet. He reads you stories and answers endless questions. He stands guard as you venture out into your strange new world...

Our heavenly Father likewise cares for us - both in the natural world and the spiritual realm.

When we are hurting and venerable, we can approach our Abba (daddy) and crawl up into His lap of mercy. There we feel secure and safe. When we acknowledge His positional sovereignty, we begin to grasp His great power and authority. As the child's song Jesus Loves Me says, "We are weak - but He is strong".

In Luke 12:32 Jesus says, "Do not fear little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."

Our heavenly Father longs for us to solely rely upon Him. Our efforts apart from Him are futile and empty. When we give Him our availability - He will give us our ability to do what He has called us to do. He is our advocate and counselor. He is our teacher and mentor. All of our dreams and desires are nestled safely in our God ordained destiny.

Celebrate this Father's Day knowing that your heavenly Father rejoices in the day your were born. 

God longs to make us children of His Kingdom. He draws us unto Himself and awaits our spiritual rebirth. We were created for His good pleasure and fellowship. Celebrate that relationship.

Here are a couple of past posts to read and share with others for Father's Day

A Tribute to my Dad on Father's Day

Military Dad Far From Home

Finally, when life is pressure filled and complicated  - make time with your Father and sit in His presence. I enjoy visualizing sitting in a tranquil garden communing with my heavenly Father.

Imagine the wonderment, the serenity, the beauty...

Smell the flowers' fragrant scent. Listen to the trickling water as it flows downstream. Gaze upon the colorful flora. Listen to the cheerful singing of the birds. Feel the gentle breezes on your cheek. Touch the grassy carpet beneath your feet. Engage your full senses as you rest in His creation.

Psalm 46:10 tells us to, "be still and know He is God."  That means stilling your mind and thoughts. Let His holy Word infuse you with truth and life. Meditate on His goodness, His faithfulness, and His promises.

Have a journal nearby to write out questions or jot down Scriptures that come to mind. Pour your heart out to Him as the psalmist David did. Be real with God - after all, He knows your inner most thoughts. He knows your pain and your disappointments. He loves you with His perfect love...

Jesus prayed for all believers in John 17:24 

 "Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world."

Enjoy the hymn "In the Garden" as sung by Alan Jackson... 

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

FATHER - It's Your Day!

5 Things to do While You Wait on God...

Waiting... It's not our favorite thing to do.

When you give your life to the Lord, you want everyone else in your household and family to do the same - at least that is how I felt.

I was the first one in my family to accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior in a public setting.  My mother has a deep faith and belief in God, but I never really comprehended what that meant growing up.  My father wasn't interested in church attendance or the things of God. My sister is still resistant to God and religion in general.

When my husband and I married, we were both unbelievers. Seven years later I had a powerful conversion experience that had real consequences. There were immediate changes in my behavior, thoughts and heart. I wrote a blog post about how to tell if the experience is real or not:  A Bona Fide Convert

So - what came next?  WAITING...

Here is an excerpt from my book  MISSION POSSIBLE  -  Chapter 6  "In the Meantime - Serve"
     

During your time of "waiting on the Lord" (Psalm 27:14), you must be courageous. This is not a time for whimpering and whining. This is a time to dig in and serve - and a time to dig trenches and fortify your position in Christ regarding your mate. The enemy is stealthy and clever in distraction regarding your mission. He will try to divert your energy and resources into other areas that might be good, but not GOD's best! Be careful with too many church activities and over commitment. Remember, your spouse does not understand your need to serve the kingdom purposes. They just don't understand it. Balance is crucial when it comes to home, church, and work. Pray that God will prepare your husband's heart and give you that understanding and favor regarding your "God assignments".

5 Things to do While You Wait on God...

1.    Pray for your spouse -
      
        Praying for your spouse is powerful and helps you to see their spiritual darkness as God sees it. One of the Scriptures I pray for my husband is Ephesians 1:17-19 , "...that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power."

Another one is Romans 10:20 , "But Isaiah is very bold and says: 'I was found by those who did not seek Me; I was made manifest to those who did not ask for Me."

2.    Sow seeds for a harvest -

        Go ahead and plant seed.  Share the basics of the Gospel in a loving, sensitive way.  The worst thing you can do is to "preach to them" and point out glaring faults in a legalistic way.  Unless they have had their heart regenerated - it won't make any sense to them.  Remember, they are spiritually blind. I Corinthians 2:14 says "But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."

3.    Remember it is God who draws them -

        You are not "Holy Spirit Jr." - so don't try so hard to make it happen. God is the one who initiates the wooing of their spirit man. Hosea 11:4 says, "I drew them with gentle cords, with bands of love, and I was to them as those who take the yoke from their neck. I stooped and fed them." Jesus says in John 6:44, "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him..."

4.    Live as a witness -

        In order to be a witness, you have to emulate Jesus' characteristics and desire what he desires. The fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 are the attributes we should be displaying if we are living a life hid in Christ Jesus. He says this in John 15:5, "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."

5.    Have patience and perseverance -

         Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Our faith in God and hope in His Word give us the strength and endurance we need to "keep on keeping on".  God's perfect plan may be an immediate salvation experience or it may be years away. Either way - wouldn't you rejoice in your mate's conversion - even if that meant waiting for the right time, place, and situation? Don't give up... God is moving in the background and arranging things we don't even know about yet.  

Jesus tells us in Luke 18:-8, "Then the Lord said, 'Hear what the unjust judge said, And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?"


Waiting on the Lord can renew your strength and fortify your hope. Rest in Him as you wait...

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

5 Things to do While You Wait on God...

It’s the Waiting Part We Just Can’t Handle. Why?

Did you receive a promise from God early on in your faith walk?  Are you beginning to wane in your faith?  Not that you think God isn’t capable of doing it… you’ve just grown weary while waiting.  Well, take courage! God is able and willing to grant your petition – His way…

Wait and patiently seek God – In Genesis chapters 16-21, Abram saw the Lord in a vision. He was assured that his seed (heir) would come from his own body, though at the time he was in his eighties. However, during the years of waiting that followed, He and Sarah were caught up in a carnal plan to accelerate God’s timetable.  Abram usurped God’s authority when he and Sarah hatched a plan to give them a child through their hand-maiden Hagar.  That son, Ishmael, who was born into Abraham’s family, was ultimately cast out of the lineage that would produce the Messiah.  Ten more years passed before his wife Sarah actually gave birth to their son Isaac, the seed of promise.

Lamentations 3:25 says, “The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him.”  Jeremiah, the brokenhearted prophet, proclaimed a message of doom for over forty years to God’s chosen people.  He waited for a sign of true repentance from Israel towards a loving and patient God.  

Wait with emotions in check – In I Samuel 16 David was anointed by Samuel as the future King of Israel, but he would not ascend to his throne for approximately twenty-two more years.  During that time he defeated the Philistine warrior Goliath, served in King Saul’s court as his armor bearer, and played the harp to calm the King’s restless spirit. 

Psalm 62:1-2 tells us, “Truly my soul silently waits for God; from Him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved.”  David learned to trust in God’s Sovereignty. God was busy working in the background before He allowed David to return to Jerusalem to reign.  Psalm 37 gives us an overview of how David kept his peace in the midst of his turmoil. 

Verses 3-7 lists seven important keys on resting in God’s care while we wait:

           

Trust  in God and Who He is.

            Dwell  in God’s territory and feed on His Faithfulness

            Delight  in God and in His desires

            Commit  your ways and life to God

            Rest  in God and patiently wait on His timing

            Cease  from anger and revenge

            Quit  worrying and leave it to God

David showed courage while waiting for God to move on his behalf. He trusted God to come to his rescue and protect his honor. Psalm 27:13-14 states, “I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!”  Psalm 69:3 tells us, “I am weary with my crying; my throat is dry; my eyes fail while I wait for my God.”  David struggled in physical agony while he sought the Lord’s mercy and presence.

Wait with expectation and confidence - Psalm 145:15-16 says, “The eyes of all look expectantly to You, and You give them their food in due season. You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.”  Creation itself waits for God to move into action as evidenced by seasons, tides, harvest cycles, birth, death, and other laws of nature concerning man, beast, bird, fish and plant life.  We exist and live solely by God’s design and His Will. 

Isaiah 40:31 is a verse quoted often to those who despair while waiting.  The prophet tells us, “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”  God’s people would be comforted because of God’s character as they waited (hoped) for their deliverance. 

There are times when God patiently waits on us! Isaiah 30:18 tells us, “Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you; and therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him.”

What are you waiting for just now- a broken marriage to be restored?  A wayward child to return home?  A relationship restored with a sibling?  No matter what you face, be assured your Heavenly Father waits with you.  You are not alone during this difficult time of waiting.  Deuteronomy 31:6 tells us, “He [God] will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”

  As you wait for your promise from God – keep your gaze upon Him and watch for Him to work in such a way that will bring Him the most Glory!

 

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”.  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

http://www.Godmissionpossible.com

 

It’s the Waiting Part We Just Can’t Handle. Why?

Does It Take A Donkey To Get Your Attention?

 How many times have you said or done something, and right away Holy Spirit stirred in your heart?  Sometimes the conviction is so strong – you shake your head to yourself – wondering why it took something like this to get your attention.

God’s way of calling us and getting our attention is as varied as we are!  Sometimes I need a 2x4 or a billboard to get the message.  Other times it is an immediate pricking of the conscience and a quiet voice within.

God has spoken to many men and women in the Bible.  Here are three of my favorites:

Balak, King of Moab didn’t like the fact that the children of Israel were encroaching on his territory and settling near his people.  He sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor to pronounce a curse on them for money [a diviner’s fee] to defeat them, and to drive them out of his country. However, God spoke to him and said, “You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.” The Lord forbade him to go with them, but later tested Balaam as he went with the princes of Moab.  Numbers 22:22 tells us God’s anger was aroused, and the Angel of the Lord took His stand as an adversary against him.  The Angel had a drawn sword, but Balaam didn’t see Him.  

However, the donkey he rode did see Him, and refused to continue down the road. Three separate times the Angel caused the animal to divert from his path: once onto the grass, then against a stone wall, and finally bottle-necked in a narrow place.  Each time the animal disobeyed, Balaam struck him with his staff.  The donkey finally lay down, receiving another blow from her master.  That’s when God got Balaam’s attention.  He opened the donkey’s mouth and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?” 

 Balaam foolishly replied that he wished he had a sword in order to kill her for her disobedience. Then the donkey reminded him that she had never done anything like that before, and had been an exceptional animal of burden for him since she became his.  Then the Angel of the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw Him standing with His sword drawn, and fell on his face.  The Angel of the Lord told him that his way was contrary to what God wanted, and that His people were to be blessed, not cursed.  Balaam thought he was doing God’s will, but it took a donkey to “open his eyes” to his folly.  He told Balak in verse 38, “The word that God puts in my mouth, that I must speak.” (Numbers 22).

Elijah found a cave at Mt. Horeb to escape life’s problems after Jezebel threatened to kill him. God told him to stand on the mountain before Him.  Elijah discovered that God was not in the whirlwind, or the earthquake, or the fire – but in a still small voice.  There he was told to anoint the next King of Israel - Jehu, and a new successor prophet by the name of Elisha.  God hadn’t spoken to him in the manner he thought God should speak.  He was awaiting a Mighty roar, a Holy holler, perhaps an earth-shaking shout.  But God came to him quietly, in a moment of calm – in the cleft of the rock of Mt. Horeb.  God Himself whispered to His weary prophet in a delicate voice – encouraging him in a moment of frailty – preparing him for the days ahead.  (I Kings 19).

Samuel was a small child when he left his mother’s arms to live with Eli the priest in the tabernacle of the Lord at Shiloh. He ministered before the Lord even as a young child.  There had been a silence in Israel, and God had not spoken for quite some time through the prophets and seers.  The Lord was grieved by the wickedness and sin that surrounded His people. 

As Samuel was lying down to sleep, God called him three separate times – and each time the boy thought Eli had called.  The last time Eli perceived that the Lord had called him, and instructed Samuel to lie down again and wait for God to call him once more.  I Samuel 3:10 says that the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”  Then Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant hears.”  This tender child was intently listening for his Heavenly Father’s call.  (I Samuel 1-3).

When we are desperate to hear a Word from God, He will meet us where we are.  He will often speak to us through someone, through His Word, and through Holy Spirit’s promptings.  Make yourself ready for His message by stilling your soul and spirit often, and in earnest.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”.  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

http://www.godmissionpossible.com/

Does It Take A Donkey To Get Your Attention?

Listen to Interview with Author Deborah McCarragher on Blog Talk Radio

For those of you who missed it - you can "click" on the link above to hear the postcast on Blog Talk Radio of "Authors Articulating" with Jo-Anne Vandermeulen as we discussed my book "Mission Possible - Spiritual Covering".  It is the Featured Episode dated Oct. 20, 2009.   You can either listen to the podcast or download it for future use.  During this discussion we talked about the book, my "mission", and how this book is changing women's lives.  Enjoy this engaging and informative show.

Listen to Interview with Author Deborah McCarragher on Blog Talk Radio