How can we live in a place of remembering where we’ve come from, without remaining under the heavy weight of shame? To be set free from the bondage of our sin and yet protected from the tendency to become judgemental or self righteous towards others still struggling in sin?

 When we remember God’s faithfulness to forgive our past, it reminds us of His faithfulness to forgive and continue to change us presently. To remember back does not contradict Paul’s declaration:

2 Corinthians 5:17  “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here!”

Let us remember back, with the purpose of acknowledging and appreciating God’s grace and faithfulness.  As we remember back to where we’ve come, may our hearts be overwhelmed with gratitude and with hope in the power of redemption; and let us encourage others to do the same.

It’s important to know we are all both Good and Bad. When I acknowledge my good qualities and strengths, it does not erase all my bad qualities and shortcomings. We often like to separate the Good from the Bad. Having groups of the “Good” and separate groups of the “Bad”. According to Scripture we are both good AND bad. 

The Law was given to show that all are Bad -

”Why, then, was the law given? It was given alongside the promise to show people their sins.” Galatians 3:19 
“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard” Romans 3:23 
And the Grace of God was given to make us Good - 
“This Good News tells us how God makes us right in His sight.” Romans 1:17 
“And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ” Romans 5:9

When we recognize we live in a world, surrounded by people, and we ourselves are; both good and bad, we will stop idolizing the good and judging the bad. Paul was confident in his calling as an apostle (good) and also able to acknowledge he struggles to do what he should and shouldn’t do (bad). Romans 7:19 
Let us never forget that it is God alone who is completely Good all the time. He alone deserves all our honor and praise, and only in His presence alone will we experience complete goodness forever.

Sometimes reading or attempting to study my Bible on my own can feel intimidating, no matter how familiar the book is. So, in addition to learning together on Sunday mornings, we have the option to discuss and hear from others in smaller circles through Connect Group. I would like to give one more option for our personal study of Romans.

As you are reading through Romans, highlight all the Repeated words and list them in a notebook. For example I found the words “Good News” 7 times in chapter 1 in my NLT. Other translations may read, “the Gospel”.

When words are repeated we need to take notice to understand what is being emphasized. What is the context of the book of Romans? It is to highlight and describe the Good News of what Christ came to earth to do at the cross.
After highlighting the repeated words, go through and circle words that have similar meaning, for example in chapter 1 and 2, I noted repeated phrases,

• “all the nations” 1:5,
•  “all those in Rome”1:7,
•  “all of you”1:8,
• “All the world”1:8,
• “Everyone of you”2:1

Paul is repeatedly emphasizing how the Good News is inclusive for all people who would believe.

The book of Romans has a central focus of explaining grace, it is the Good News. It is the work of the cross, Jesus paying the penalty of our sin. Paul explains that ALL are in great need of a Savior. Paul recognized and was able to  acknowledge his own need;

 Romans 7:24-25 NLT, “Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.”

1 Corinthians 15:9 NLT, “For I am the least of all the apostles. In fact, I’m not even worthy to be called an apostle after the way I persecuted God’s church.”

Ephesians 3:8 NLT, “Though I am the least deserving of all God’s people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ.”

1 Timothy 1:15 NLT, “This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all.”

As we discover our need or are reminded of our need, we should be encouraged, this is good news! Grace is what centers our hearts to our Savior and equalizes ALL of us. Recognizing what He has done and continuing to acknowledge what He has done for us personally will keep our hearts from self righteousness and develop in us humility and gratitude toward Him. This will stir our heart with a burden to see ALL experience this same grace!

We have been defining discipleship as “digging deeper wells.” Not deeper wells of intellect or knowledge but in our relationship with Jesus. As we do this; we will be inspired in a fresh way to understand more of His heart through the study of His Word and in connecting with others, true connection and honest friendships.

Paul was this kind of person, he was continually digging deeper wells. He was given a call to invite others into this relationship with God through grace. He writes his letter in Romans to express and communicate that to the reader.

“God knows how often I pray for you. Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God, whom I serve with all my heart by spreading the Good News about his Son. One of the things I always pray for is the opportunity, God willing, to come at last to see you. For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord. When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.” Romans 1:9-12 - NLT Bible

As he watched their faith grow, it caused his own faith to grow. He didn’t only pray and encourage them, he also sought to receive encouragement from them.

So as we seek to dig deep this season through the study of Romans, may we go deeper in our connection with the person of Jesus, and learn to be people who can both give encouragement and receive encouragement from others.

Revelation 1:5
…”unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.”

Blood is mentioned 460 times in the Bible.  Fourteen times in the New Testament Jesus spoke of His own blood. Why? Because by the shedding of His blood, He accomplished the possibility of our salvation.  He paid the penalty for our sin and redeemed us.  The penalty for our sin and rebellion is death; Jesus stepped out and said, “I’ll take that death.”  He voluntarily laid down His life and took the penalty we deserve.  That’s what the cross is all about.

The blood of Jesus Christ not only redeems us, it justifies us.  Being justified means more than being forgiven.  I can say, “I forgive you,” but I can’t justify you.  But God not only forgives the past, He clothes you in righteousness as though you had never committed a sin.  Yet it costs the blood of His Son on the cross.

We are so thankful and deeply grateful for the sacrifice on the cross.  The blood of Jesus has cleansed our sin and made us worthy of forgiveness.

*Simple but powerful words from a Billy Graham devotion.

Luke 6:35
“ But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.”

As I read not only this verse but the verses prior in which Jesus tells us how to love our enemies, I am convicted by the words He speaks.  He tells us to love our enemies; to love those that do not love us.  Jesus wants us to do good to them, to pray for them, to give them what they need, to do all the things that would be easy to do for our closest and dearest friend.  But the challenge lies essentially in loving those that hurt us and attack our character.  Loving our enemies is not something we can do out of our own strength.  I believe this love and the actions that go with it, come solely from the love of Jesus.  He lives in us and tells us we can do all things through Him that strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).  As believers we are filled with the Holy Spirit and He empowers us.

Jesus loved His enemies. He set the example for us as He hung on the cross and was mocked, ridiculed and wounded.  At the point of death, He asked His Father to forgive them.  He extended nothing but love to those that were so cruel to Him.

If I look at this point in time of Jesus’ life and how He forgave those that persecuted Him, and I look at my own “enemies” it should be easy to love them. How can I compare my enemies to Jesus’s enemies? But honestly, it’s a struggle and my flesh always gets in the way. I know that it’s God’s love that will empower me.  As much as I want to say that I have forgiven and loved those that have come into my path and caused harm, I must say it is a work in progress.  I know that I am the first one that does not merit God’s favor yet he freely pours out his grace and love on me.  Because of the love that Jesus has for me, I must love my enemies. His radical love needs to be at the forefront of my mind and heart.

Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me,all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

In the Bible we see people going to Jesus for many reasons; healing, answers to questions, advice and we go to Him seeking the same things but we can also go to Him for rest, rest from our burdens.  

Jesus calls us to Him not necessarily when we are happy and everything is going well but when we are weary and burdened.  He calls us just how we are, in the state that we’re in, and sometimes that means crawling to Him because we can’t run.  We are so out of breath and exhausted, so weighed down that only in Him can we find rest.  Jesus is the only one that can help us carry the load - we don’t have to do it alone.  

In order to get to the point of rest (in Him) we need to take His yoke.  A yoke is a farming tool that was placed on oxen to do the work.  Both animals, once yoked, had to go in the same direction at the same pace.  They worked together and lightened the load.  Who better to be yoked with than Jesus? Jesus never intended for us to carry our burdens on our own.  He wants us to learn from Him, He is gentle, humble, good, kind and loving.  Once we learn of Him by reading His Word and spending time with Him, by having a relationship with Him, we are refreshed. Our burden becomes light!

Psalm 107:1
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”

God wants us to set aside time to think about the many blessings He’s given us.  How could we not thank Him for the gift of life, ours and those we love?  For our everyday provisions: food, water, shelter and clothing. And beyond this, the greatest gift of all; Everlasting Life.

It’s in God’s nature to only be good, there is no ill-will, no darkness in Him - He is the Light of the world and He desires to prosper us and not harm us, but to give us a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). In the midst of difficult times, God is still good, He does not leave us nor forsake us.  He is always with us, close to us, sustaining us.  In His unfailing and enduring love is where we find comfort.  

When we begin to give thanks and acknowledge all that we are thankful for, the list  becomes endless.  I give thanks to God all the time for many things (as I’m sure you do as well).  However, when I intentionally give thanks and truly think about what I am thankful for, I see how God’s hand is in everything and it becomes something different.  It becomes an “aha” moment and a little overwhelming. It’s His love and His greatness - His goodness that is revealed.

Genesis 6:8 
 “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.”

 This is the first recorded mention of the word Grace in the bible.  

Grace is not the starting point for a Christian, it’s the only point.  It’s been said that grace is God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. 170 times the word Grace is found in the bible.  39 times Grace is mentioned in the Old Testament and 139 times in the New Testament.  Of the 22 Pauline and general epistles, only 5 books do not include the word grace in the greeting.  

Do you think the Lord was trying to tell us something?  YES!!  Ephesians 2:8-9,  “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”  Maybe nowhere else in the bible can we see more clearly the free gift of salvation, but it God everything.

What a gift Grace is to the believer.  Although the apostle Peter who was rebuked by Jesus and even denied knowing Him, was led by the Spirit of God to have his last recorded written words; “But grow in the Grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18).  Peter experienced first hand God’s Grace.

No wonder the most revered and sung Christian hymn is “Amazing Grace”!  From the Old Testament through the New Testament, it’s all about HIS Grace.

Let each of us not only be receivers, but givers of this precious gift of Grace.

Psalm 27:14
 “Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!”

It’s been said in regards to God’s timing that He is rarely early, but never late.
God’s timing seems to be something many Christians have difficulty with.

We either think we know better or that God just doesn’t understand we are on a schedule.

Do you think God’s timing was off when He had the ram caught in the thicket as Abraham was getting ready to sacrifice his son?

Do you think God’s timing was off when He placed Esther in the kingdom as King Ahasuerus’ Queen to save the Jewish nation?

Do you think there might have been a better day than when David’s father
sent him to check on his brothers in battle than the day Goliath was badgering the Israelites?

Do you think Paul’s nephew just happened, by chance, to be in earshot to hear of the plans to kill his uncle?

What about the day you knew that Jesus was the answer to your deepest need, maybe that was after many times of hearing the gospel; are you upset that at that very moment all things fell into place? Of course not! Because of the sure mercies of God, you too were in the right place at the right time in your life to respond to God’s call. God’s timing is perfect both then and now. It was no longer your way, but Yahweh.

Who knows, maybe just maybe, God’s timing for you in someone’s life to encourage, exhort, or share the love of Christ is right around the Corner.

Are you ready for His timing?

Isaiah 26:3
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you.”

It’s in God’s presence that we can find fullness of joy, perfect peace and unfailing love.  God walks with us in life, He is always by our side and He freely allows us to partake in His Joy, His Peace and His Love.

He says He will keep us in perfect peace as we fix our thoughts on Him.  How can we do this? How do we stay in His peace?  It’s through His Word.  Letting it soak into our hearts and allowing it to change us and the way we live.  God not only wants us to flourish in His presence, but to also experience His peace and bask in His love.  We need to allow Him to transform every part of our being.

As believers we have a double portion of peace - peace with God because Jesus died for our sins and we have the peace of God as our hearts and minds are fixed on Him.

Let’s strive to experience His peace as we meditate on His Word.

1 Timothy 6:10
“ For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."

Having money or even working hard to earn a living to buy the things we all need in life isn’t evil.  As a young person starting my career I always tried to keep this verse in the forefront of my mind.  I wondered, “Will I pull away from trusting in God if someday I earn enough money to buy myself what I want?”

Living with an open hand will keep you from the evil of money. Giving releases us from an attachment to the things of the world.  You might not be blessed with the gift of singing, or preaching or in ministry but we all have been blessed with a measure of manna, so let’s be faithful with whatever measure God has given us.  Let’s live a life with open hands unto the Lord and be ready to meet whatever need God places before us.

Ecclesiastes 8:7
“Since no man knows the future, who can tell him what is to come?”

Many have claimed to know the future, many of us look forward to what is to come, we gaze into our tomorrows and await for what is next.  But what happens to the present?

God is the only one that has access to what is “not yet”, He is the One that is not limited by time and the only One who knows what will happen “tomorrow”. I once read a quote that said, “while you are moving forward through time, you never set foot on anything but the present moment.’” Be set free by living fully in the present, leaving “tomorrow” to the only One who knows what that will bring.  There is so much joy in living for today (because God is with you) and once that moment in the present is gone, it will never be again.

Psalms 19:1 
“The heavens declare the glory of God..”.

Late one summer night, on the dark desolate Arizona highway, as I was driving home to Chula Vista from Flagstaff, I was enjoying the brilliant canopy of stars and often working the radio dial as stations faded out. At one point I found Dr. D. James Kennedy giving a sermon on the zodiac; not to the corrupted zodiac of astrology, but the original, placed in the constellations by God at the time of creation. In Job 38:32 God calls it the Mazzaroth. It’s our plan of redemption. He had everything planned from the first day and it is written in the stars. The heavens declare the glory of God.

We are now struggling through a world crisis, but this season is in God’s plan. We can find comfort in that. Hopefully we can use the time to draw closer to Him. It’s His desire.

Luke 1:1-24 
...¹³ But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard…

Does God listen? That’s a big question and a good question for people to ask. Here is a story that shows clearly that God listens to us. The angel comes to Zacharias and says, “Your prayer has been heard…” It’s truly amazing that God listens but our God does more than listen, He takes action. He answers when we call. When God gives an answer, will we believe it? Will we act? This life is a partnership with God. He is in control but by His kindness He gives us a part to play. God had every intention to bring John into this story, but he gave Zacharias and Elizabeth a part to play as well. I find comfort in the fact that even though Zacharias doubted, God still fulfilled His promise. When we are faithless, He is faithful! When you cry out, He turns His ear to listen and acts in love toward you.
 
Questions:

1.  What are you crying out for in this season? What has He shown you in the  waiting?
2.  Are you hesitant or quick to trust that what God has already told you is true?
3. What can you do in this season to hear those in need and act?

Psalm 70:4 
Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; And let those who love Your salvation say continually, “Let God be magnified!”

As I entered the Lord’s throne room to hear from Him, He showed me in Psalms 69 our Lord’s suffering, the cross and the glory that awaits us, our hope. I said, Lord I can’t wait, come quickly. But Lord, how do I handle the NOW? 

Then, as I read Psalms 70 He answered my prayer. Even though the enemy is always pounding on me, whether it’s through health, people or oppression, I can do just as verse 4 says, REJOICE and be GLAD in Thee and say, Lord God be MAGNIFIED!!!!! 

I have to make a choice every day; let the enemy rob my joy or keep my eyes on Jesus and rejoice, be glad and magnify Him. O Lord, help me to be strong in You and serve you with all my heart.

2 Peter 3:8
“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” 

The rest of 2 Peter Chapter 3 goes on to talk about how the Lord is not slacking in His coming back but waiting patiently on those coming to repentance.  He also tells us how we should live our lives as we wait and what we should do.

As I think about the perception of time and how drastically different God’s notion of time is to mine, the only way I can “relate” to how quickly time goes by is when I think about my children and family life. About 23 years ago, as a first-time mom with my baby girl crying in her car seat, I remember thinking, “18 more years until she’s an ‘adult’”.  It seemed like an eternity!  I was just getting started, I was experiencing sleepless nights, constant feedings, days that seemed like a whirlwind – I couldn’t imagine 18 more years!  Yet, here we are, 18 years have come and gone...it’s been filled with birthdays, graduations, a soon-to-be wedding and many day-to-day blessings. What have I done with the time that God has given me? I hope I have poured into, not just her, but those people that God has put in my path.  I know God has used me, as that has been my desire but I also know that there have been plenty of times that I have resisted.  Looking back and rereading this portion of scripture, it’s a good reminder of what I am going to do as I wait for the Lord.  How I am living my life for Him and what does that look like?

My daughter is now 23 and will be getting married soon, and I have no regrets about having been a stay-at -home mom.  No regrets about missing a shower now and then or wearing the same sweatpants for a period of time.  Living that season of life that God blessed me with was a period of growth for me.  Looking back, that season flew by!

Sometimes seasons or periods in our lives seem long.  They’re uncomfortable, painful, we may even feel non-productive.  But God is with us! He stretches us and hopefully, we grow. His concept of time is different.  His perception of EVERYTHING is beyond our comprehension. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord (Isaiah 55:8).  Let’s embrace the time God has given us, let’s aim to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and share that knowledge.

Psalms 119:105 
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and light to my path.”

The psalmist in this verse asks, "Do we trust God?"  If we do, then we will know that our Creator has given us the perfect guidebook in His Word. If we do not, then He lets us know that we will walk in darkness and we would be depriving ourselves of the greatest gift ever offered.  It is a matter of choice! In Matthew 7: 7-8, He tells us; “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Let's meditate on His Word  and allow God to provide us the quiet time we need and the light which will guide us through this dark world.  As a reward, we will rejoice in His promises.  This is a reward we can have in this world because we are obedient to His Word.  Vance Havner stated, “It takes calm, thoughtful, prayerful meditation on the Word to extract its deepest nourishment.” Find some time to meditate on God’s word and He will brighten your path and your day.  

Psalm 46:1-3
  "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. And so we need not fear even if the world blows up, and the mountains crumble into the sea.  Let the oceans roar and foam; let the mountains tremble!” 

This sounds pretty dramatic but during this time of quarantine, my heart has been beating extra beats per minute.  I find myself glued to the news waiting to get daily updates on this virus that is causing havoc all around the world.  It’s so easy to feel anxious.  What used to be “over there” is now “here.” The world is unsettled, but how comforting to know God is with us.  I read God's word to help calm me.  God reminds me that I can release everything to Him.  I can trust Him. He’s got this! I can surrender my thoughts, my anxiousness and my fears to Him.  God gives me strength to get through my day.  He calms my anxious thoughts.  He is my refuge.  There is a season for everything and we are in a season of refraining from one another (Eccl 3:5).  I am using this season to “be still” and to know who God is (Psalm 46:10) and that brings me peace, comfort, hope and encouragement.  

John 6:33-35
For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst."

It had been a busy couple of days for Jesus and his disciples when we read John Chapter 6. The day before, Jesus miraculously fed five thousand men and probably around 15 to 20 thousand people with only five loaves and two fish. He taught the people all day, and at night when he should have been sleeping, he stayed up and prayed to his Father.  He then was seen walking on water and calming a raging storm. As the morning dawned, the silence of seclusion was broken as the same crowds from the day before quickly discovered where Jesus had gone and once again came to him.

It’s in this context that Jesus tells the people in verses 26 and 27 “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you.”

In verse 33, Jesus then tells them what that food is. It’s Him! You see, we can’t really blame the people for wanting to be comfortable and to want to have more food! Wouldn’t we do the same if we were there? But Jesus, as He does so often, uses this opportunity to point the people to what they really needed to hear, and to what is true. He makes a bold claim and says in verse 35, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.”

Jesus knows that whether 2000 thousand years ago, or today, we are all searching for what can lead to true satisfaction in our lives, and the only thing that will ever be able to do that, is knowing and walking with Jesus! Maybe reading this today you find yourself seeking to be satisfied with bread and fish, or entertainment, or more money... Jesus so lovingly is reminding us, that only He satisfies. Let’s hold him to that promise, and dive in deeper to that well that will never run dry!

Psalm 68:19
 “Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, The God of our salvation!”

When going through difficult times we too often forget just how good God is.
 
Has there ever been a more opportune and needful time to reflect on the many blessings that Jehovah God has bestowed upon each of us than now?!
 
Regardless of the current times and possible hardships we are enduring, remember; God is immutable.  The immutability of God is an attribute that God is unchanging in His character, will and covenant promises.  Now might be the best time to ponder and give God the accolades He alone deserves for how He has been so kind and generous to us all.

Make it a personal challenge today to list some of the countless benefits that the Lord has showered upon you.  Do you have a journal? If so, add to it.  If not, what a great time to start one.  Perhaps as the Lord speaks to your heart He will give you opportunities to share with others of His goodness and grace.

John 21:25 “And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.”

Saints, be of good cheer.  Whatever we are going through pales in comparison to what awaits us.  The best is yet to come!

Ezekiel 3:10-11
“Moreover He said to me: “Son of man, receive into your heart all My words that I speak to you, and hear with your ears. And go, get to the captives, to the children of your people, and speak to them and tell them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD,’ whether they hear, or whether they refuse.’”

I find it hard to acknowledge some of the things that God is trying to speak into my life because they go against everything I want Him to say to me. This reminds me of the times when I clearly heard my Dad call out to me, telling me to take out the trash, but I refused by pretending not to hear him. But whenever He would call out saying “dinner is ready”, I’d be at the table in a heartbeat. I fear that this is what I’m like with God as well, and the reality is, we all are, to some extent. We pick and choose what we hear from Him based on convenience and comfort rather than obedience to Him.

We may know what’s wrong, but refuse to flee from it (Adam and Eve). We may know God’s word, but refuse to follow it (Satan).  We may know God, but refuse to acknowledge Him in all that we do (Proverbs 3:5-6). The sad part is, hearing from God based on convenience rather than obedience leaves us out of two key things in our life. The first being; understanding God’s beautiful plan for us, and two; growing in our knowledge of who our amazing God really is.

In Ezekiel 3 this is the problem the Israelites we’re dealing with. They heard from God, but refused to acknowledge Him. They refused to receive any of His correction and warning because they were comfortable in their sin. They shut God out of their thoughts and convictions because they knew that if they didn’t, there were things in their life He would want them to change. This caused them to be strong in their convictions, but not strong in God’s convictions. This is a scary place to be.

And yet sometimes, we’d rather ignore what God is telling us, because we fear what He will reveal about ourselves more than the freedom of being led by Him. This is why one of the most scary, yet freeing things to pray is this “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalms 139:23-24)

I think the key part of that prayer in Psalms is the end which states “and lead me in the way everlasting” because sometimes we fear so much of what God sees in us that we forget about how God sees us. Yes there may be areas we need to change. These areas could be a sin issue like David with Bathsheba or a directional change like Jonah. Either way, God only wants to change these areas in our life because He loves us, wants us and has something better for us than the current place or state we are in. God doesn’t speak into our lives to be a bully, God speaks into our lives to “lead us in the way everlasting” because He wants what’s best for us. And what’s best for us is our relationship with Him. So when God speaks to us, do we refuse what He is saying because we fear what He wants to change in our lives for our own good?

Psalm 63:1-4 
 "O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.  So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory.  Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You.  Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name."

David was running for his life from King Saul.  He had just pretended to be mad/insane before King Achish in Gath.  Being tossed out from there he departed to the city of Adullam and camped out in a cave with his followers.

When reading this Psalm; listen closely.  We like David so often in difficult circumstances (David had a cave, we have quarantine) need to be still and remember who our God is.  We are never alone, God is waiting for us to commune with Him.  When we thirst, He supplies living water.  When we ache, He is the balm of Gilead that soothes us.  When we are weak, He is our strength.

Like David, when we look up and remember God’s faithfulness our lips will praise and worship our King.

Remember in school when you knew the answer to a question: how high and quickly you rose your hand?  When a team was being chosen your hand went up so they would recognize and choose you.  How awesome as sons and daughters of God and joint heirs with Christ we don’t lift our hands to be chosen; we lift our hands because we ARE chosen…Even before the foundations of the world (Eph.1:4)

Read the Psalms; Pray the Psalms; Sing the Psalms!

Luke 11:1 
 “Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.”

Imagine, of all the things the disciples could have asked for, the most important thing was teach us to pray.  

Honestly, given the opportunity, what would you have asked for and how far down our list would “prayer” have been?  Teach me to witness, teach me to heal, teach me how to teach others, teach me how to forgive.  I’m sure the list could have continued.

When Dr. Billy Graham was once asked what he would have done differently in his ministry given the chance, he responded, “I would have prayed more.”  So many books have been written on prayer telling us how, where and when.  Let me suggest to you the best resource is STILL the bible.  Philippians 4:6-7 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Corrie Ten Boom once offered this question, “is prayer your steering wheel, or is it your spare tire?”  Some of us “retire” to prayer as a last resort when we first should be “steered” to prayer.

As the hymn says, Take everything to God in prayer.  Lord teach us to pray!