God Is Enough

With my lips it is easy to say and with my pen it’s even easier to write the words, God is enough. Lately I’ve been confronted with the truth of it and I am keenly aware that I live my life as if He isn’t enough. I am over weight. There I said it. Not that it’s a mystery to anyone who sees me. But, there have been many times which I’ve caught a glimpse of my reflection and gasped what I saw there. Who is that woman? So I humbly invite you to think with me; walk with me; help me to process this truth. In fact, let’s do it together.

Is there any area of your life that calls to you for change -change that moves and cuts way below any surface mask or covering we could hide behind? (Just in case you can’t think of one, I invite you to ask the Lord. I promise you he will open your eyes to see some area that screams to believe the truth that He is enough!

With that “thing” firmly in mind, let’s allow the Lord to speak to us through His Word. Sisters, please hear my heart here. The last thing I want to do is to lead you through a litany of shoulds and should-nots. The law of shoulda, woulda, coulda has never redeemed anyone from anything. Those words more often than not cause me to cringe and feel judged. In fact, lately as the use of them has seemingly jumped to the forefront of my mind, I am asking God to give me an ear to hear my own use of them. Lord, deliver me from communicating to anyone that they don’t measure up. Surely that is the Holy Spirit’s work and His alone.

My lone desire is to invite you in, to journey with me through this process of living like I am truly believing – God is enough. My desire is to share with you from a satisfied heart. A heart whose food is to do the will of the Father and not the will of my flesh’s longings; demands for food.

“Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to accomplish His work.”

He said this to His disciples in response to their question, “Has anyone brought you something to eat?”
Had that been me in my current state, I would’ve been checking them out as they walked toward me, wondering what delicious morsel they were bringing me to eat. And, once they came within voice range, I’d probably have unashamedly asked them, “What did ya bring me?”
Not so with the Lord Jesus. His heart and mind were fixed, rock steady on doing the will of His Father. I can guarantee you He didn’t have visions of Krsipy Kreme(r) donuts dancing in His head.

To be continued…

Stephanie

El Elyon ~ The God who is in Charge

Gen. 14:18 “Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bead and wine. He was priest of God Most High”

El Elyon is the first compound name for God, “El” being short for Elohim and “Elyon” for Highest. So, the name is translated El Elyon ~ The Most High God”. What is unique about this name is that it is only found 30 times in the OT and is only found in the Mosaic books, Psalms and Daniel. In Gen. 14:18, Melchizedek is giving praise to the Most High God for delivering the people from their enemies.

The Most High God is able to deliver us from our enemies. In 1 Peter 5:8 we learn that our spiritual enemy is Satan, therefore, God can deliver us from Satan! In Psalms 57: 2-3 we are told that God can save us from all who pursue us ~ El Elyon is able to defeat all our enemies because He is the Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth. Through the book of Daniel we also see that God is in control of all the circumstances that happened to Israel in order to show that God is Supreme. That is the same in our lives ~ all circumstances come into our lives for a purpose and to draw us towards the Most High God.

So, what is our response to El Elyon?

1. Abraham gave a 10th (Gen. 14:18) back to Him in response to the victory He gave.
2. Malachi 3:8 tells us not to rob the God who gave them everything. (James 1:17)
3. As the Most High God we owe everything to Him – so our attitudes toward our circumstances and possessions should reflect that.
4. He desires my all: Check out the verse of the Old Hymn by Isaac Watts, “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,” says it best: “Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.”

How are you daily responding to El Elyon? Who is Most High in your life ~ God, you or maybe someone or something else?

LDJ

A few years ago, I was speaking at a women’s retreat in Pennsylvania. It was in the fall and as usual I was looking for an opportunity to get back to nature and enjoy the out-of-doors. A small group of us decided to take a hike to the top of Spruce Mountain.
One of the women that went with us had been struggling with Epstein Bar and Fibromyalgia for years which often kept her from doing the physically active things she loved to do.
It was a moderate hike, crisscrossing back and forth across a stream sometimes small and shallow, sometimes a little more challenging. Up and up we went, laughing, joking and fellowshipping along the way. Periodically, we would stop to catch our breath and this woman would catch up to us with our hearts pounding and labored breathing. We frequently inquired if she was doing okay, not wanting to push her or leave her behind. She always gave us a cheery, “I’m fine. I can do this, because I’m believing God for more.” She taught us all a life lesson that day.
I was sharing this story with the Higher Ground Ladies on Monday night and one of the women raised her hand and asked, “Believing God for more what?” I smiled, “more of whatever.” For this woman, she was believing God for more physical strength. Perhaps you need to believe God for more hope, more trust, more faith, more perseverance, more of whatever you are lacking in your spiritual life. It is another way of saying, “I refuse to be satisfied, until I have more of Christ.” We will never have enough of Him that we can sit back and be lazy. I want to be in constant pursuit of more of Him.
What area in your life do you want or need to believe God for more? Don’t be satisfied with mediocre. Passionately pursue more.
Oh, by the way, we did a victory dance at the top of that mountain because she believed God for more, and He rewarded her faith.

Diane

The Pause, Pray and Practice Principle

If you have been on this Victory Call journey with us long enough you may recall a devotional I wrote about the PAUSE AND PRAY Principle. As women we are prone to respond in the moment and respond in our emotions. For me, if I respond in my emotions, in the moment I am, more likely than not, going to sin with my words or my face (which is reflecting the attitude of my heart).
For some time now I have encouraged women to practice the PAUSE AND PRAY principle. Very few, and I do mean, very few incidences require we respond immediately with the first thing that comes to our mind and tongue. Instead, we need to take some time to remove our self from the situation and pray until we have God’s peace and can deal with the situation with a quiet and gentle spirit of godliness. This may take a few minutes to a few weeks. Pause and pray until…
I am not suggesting that women should be silent. On the contrary, God has given women intellect, insight and wisdom which may need to be brought to bear on a particular situation. However, it is wise to be silent until we can give that input gently, calmly and peaceably. In instances where confrontation is called for, much more value will come out of a peaceful interaction than one that rages at mega-decibels with unkind and ungodly words.
Stephanie and I were recently discussing a situation in which this principle seemed to be applicable but we went on further to say it would be good to practice how to and what needs to be said. That is why I have added the PRACTICE part of the PAUSE, PRAY AND PRACTICE principle. Practice your words, after you have paused and prayed, otherwise you will be practicing the wrong stuff. Practice kindness, practice grace-filled, respectful, godly speech. Practice. Practice. Practice.
After Pausing, Praying and Practicing, and God has given you peace, then go and deal with the issue. It is more likely to be heard by the other, and you will be blessed for having obeyed.

Diane

Hebrews 4:16 “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in the time of need.”

Communication is essential for any growing relationship – including our relationship with God! The above verse tells us we can come boldly to God. Not only does a Christian have the blessed privilege of talking with God about everything, but they can experience the great benefits from their communion with Him. God’s word and prayer go together. They build up in a relationship with Christ so that He can live through you. Prayer releases us from fear and worry! God’s will is revealed as we have communion with Him, so we have nothing to fear. His way is best.

As Christians, we are also told to witness. We can demonstrate through our life what the Lord and His grace can accomplish. But remember, we can never convert a soul, which is the work of the conviction of the Holy Spirit, bringing a person to ask forgiveness of their sins and asking Christ into their heart. But we can pray! James 5:16

Are you His witness? To me it is amazing that Christ allows me to be His witness. We can witness by our love, our life, and by word. What is your witness in your home, in your school, or out in public? Remember, you are here to glorify God, not yourself.

We are also told we need to have fellowship, not only with Christ, but with other Christians. Read 1 John 1. I need you, and you need me. Seek the fellowship with the Christians God has put in your life: family, work, church, neighbors, and friends. (Perhaps those you write to from past years. I cherish them!)

Make time to pray and read His word. Communicate with Him. He loves you, and He promises to be there for you at all times, in good times or bad.
Communicate with Him.

Dottie

I was sitting in class one evening about 15 years ago when I was in seminary, when the instructor, David Powlison made this statement, A lot of people treat Jesus like the big valium in the sky. Nodding my head in agreement, I thought that was a good thing. You can imagine the sick feeling in my stomach when Dr. Powlison proceeded with explaining how short-sighted it was. I knew I was guilty of exactly what he was talking about. That was precisely how I had been treating Jesus, as my sedative. I figured that was better than taking a drink, a Xanax or a valium. Don’t get me wrong, finding peace in Christ is better than any pill but, He is so much more than that. (Please do write me to tell me the necessity of these meds, I am fully aware of their benefits and sometimes the value of short term use – that is not the point of this Victory Call).
I had fallen into the bad habit of enjoying my relationship with Christ for what He did for me, for what I could get out of it. If that had been a human relationship it would have been said that I was using that person. Had I fallen into the trap of using Christ?
Why is it short-sighted? I was failing to appreciate Christ for who He is, not just what He can do for me. He is worthy of my worship whether He ever does anything at all for me. He is worthy of honor and fear. He deserves my respect, pleasure and love.

You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created. Revelation 4:11; Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength, and honor and glory and blessing! Revelation 5:12; Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and the Lamb, forever and ever! Revelation 5:13; Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor? Or who has first given to Him and it shall be repaid to him? For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.

Delight yourself in Jesus because of who He is, not just for what He does for you. My meager words fail to capture the grandeur and magnificence of His Person. He is so worthy of our moment by moment worship.

Diane

Jehovah ~ The God who cares for me

Gen 2:4 “This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created. When the LORD God made the earth and the heavens”

The name “Jehovah” is translated “LORD” in all caps in most versions of the Bible. Sometimes it is also translated “GOD” in all caps to differentiate it from “Elohim”. LORD is the name most used in scripture for God (6000 times). Jehovah appears along with the name Elohim when God creates Adam. We also know this name as “Yahweh” as given by God to Moses at the burning bush (Ex. 3:13-14).

Jehovah denotes the special relationship we have with God. Elohim provides for the physical universe ~ Jehovah provides for and protects His children. The term Jehovah or Yahweh which literally translated means “He which is: I AM” tells us that He is, He has always been, He always will be and He cannot be improved upon.”

Jesus declares himself as Jehovah in John 6:20 (It is I), and John 8:58(…before Abraham was born, I AM). Do you understand what that means? We have a God who not only created us, but cares for us and Jesus himself came to earth to show how much He cares for us!

So, how do you apply this to your life?

1. Thou shalt not take the LORD God’s name in Vain ~ the word vain means empty. Yes, we should not use it in a profane way, but it also means when we say in a spiritual sense we need to understand the fullness of the word and the depth of meaning it has in our lives. Let’s not throw the word around lightly – do you really know Him as the God who cares?
2. Mal 3:6 “God does not change” ~ the God who cared for all the men and women of the bible is the God who cares for you! If He has shown himself faithful, he will continue to be faithful.
3. His presence is with us… “The LORD replied, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Ex 33:14)

Are you living daily with Jehovah? You have his comfort and his presence at all times! Even when you feel lonely here – you are never alone. The God who cares for you is ever present!

LDJ

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 15:57

I was flipping through my Scripture memory cards when I came across a card in the very back of the spiral bound set. I don’t remember writing this but it caused me to stop short and give some thought to this statement. “It is my right to walk in victory.”
As a counselor, I spend considerable amounts of time trying to help people understand that when we surrender our so called rights in this life, it is then that we come into full surrender to Jesus Christ.
Wayne Mack, in his book, A Homework Manual for Biblical Living vol. 1 Personal and Interpersonal Problems (pg. 5-6) states “usually we become sinfully angry because we think some ‘right’ is being denied. He suggested the following ‘rights’ that we tend to cling to that can become idolatrous and lead us to sin: right for privacy, the right to have and express personal opinions; the right to respect; the right to be understood, the right to be supported, the right to earn and use money, the right to have and control personal belongings, the right to be successful and 26 other “rights”.
The rights I am talking about are different. These rights are not personal rights on my own merit but my rights won on my behalf at the cross. I have the right to have peace of heart, because of Jesus. I have the right to drink in the Living Water, because of Jesus. I have the right to choose obedience, because of Jesus. I have the right to believe the One True God, because of Jesus. I have the right to freedom, because of Jesus. I have the right to walk victoriously, because of Jesus.
Are you as excited about that thought as I am? Say it out loud. “I have the right to walk in victory.” Remind yourself of that truth, daily.
Thank You Lord, for the rights I have because of Jesus.

Diane

“…Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” Matthew 25:23

The other evening I was chatting with the women in my small group at Higher Ground when one of the women shared that she has often reminded herself that she wants to finish well. She always considered that as being in her later years that she wants to finish her race strong. I would venture to guess that is how all of us think about finishing well. Her next comments really struck me. She said, “I need to remind myself that it’s not something I will do later, but I need to do right now. I need to finish every conversation well. I need to finish every meal well. I need to finish every thought well.” Wow! When it comes right down to it, we will not finish life well unless we finish the details of daily life well, today, tomorrow, next week, and next month.
I need to build into my life today, what I want to be there tomorrow. It is so easy and deceptive to think that I will obey in that area when I’m older, when I’m a more mature Christian or when it’s not so hard. You know the old adage, tomorrow never comes.
Begin today. Choose today to finish each moment well. This is how we will gain victory in our lives – one victorious moment after another victorious moment, until we have strung enough together to have a victorious day, week and year.
Are you ready to commit to finish each moment in your life well so when you face Jesus you will hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant…”?

Diane

The scriptures tell us to be joyful in our trials, James 1:2; content in our circumstances, Philippians 4:11-13; and to stop complaining and grumbling, Philippians 2:14-15.

It’s been over fifteen years ago that I was asked to write for our church newspaper. I wrote an article every other month called “God’s Special People”. Those I wrote about were testimonies of shut-ins, disabled or elderly in nursing homes – many in wheelchairs. They received recognition of their witness to others, and from the stories written; many of them received notes and cards. I know this as I was in a wheelchair myself, and the first article introduced my column and my life. God is special to me, and I am special to Him! I used my life verse (given to me at age 16): Romans 8:38-39, “nothing can separate me from the love of God”.

Recently, I came across the manila folder holding about 20 of the articles I had written. As I read, the tears came. I thought of Fran, a blind girl, who is now in heaven. We talked a lot on the phone and laughed together. I miss her, but today she can see! There was the story about Seybert. He was in a wheelchair, crippled with arthritis and his wife had had polio. What a testimony! Others were in nursing homes, waiting for God to call them home, but still praising God and smiling. All these people were truly special to God and to others.

As I read each one, I realized that all but two of the 20 had died. Why had God allowed me to remain and even continue in Christian ministry with young people and now here at America’s Keswick Colony of Mercy with men recovering from addiction? God has plans for our lives. We don’t always understand, but we need to accept His will, and most of all, let God be glorified.

I’ve started a new plan. If possible, I am writing to someone in the family of each of these special people and sending them a copy of the article of their loved one. It will be a reminder of the blessings they had while caring for one of God’s Special People.

Dottie