Ok! So I am still on day 2 of the 1st week in this 6 week study. It may take me way longer than 6 weeks to complete but, I suppose the good thing is that I am growing closer to my God. Have you ever had a special place? Maybe it is the one you remember picnicing with your parents for the 1st time, fishing with grandparents, a tree house someone special built for you, or maybe it is a place where you met your spouse, or where he proposed. God wants us to find that place with Him in our hearts. Keep Him close so that, we "...remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty."(Psalm 91:1 amp) This should be a place that is only for you and God. "The secret place is reserved for God's children who have invited Jesus Christ to live in their hearts as their personal Lord and Savior. And even then, it's reserved for only the ones who desire it with their whole being. It's the depth of Jesus" (VF pg 10) Have you ever been there? It is an indescribable, mysterious place where you meet the face of Jesus through the Holy Spirit. There is a sense of overwhelming joy, peace, and humbleness that you want more of once you have experienced it. If you haven't you can! Cindy refers to 1 Cor. 2:7 where Paul talks about "secret wisdom". Paul then says that we can understand God's truth because of the Spirit living in us. In 1 Cor. 2:12 Paul says, "We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us." Wow! Really, we can understand what God has given us?!?! Wouldn't that mean that we are growing closer to him? Why would we want to grow closer to Him and go to that special place?
1 We want stability in our lives. Psalm 91:1 (amp) "[She] who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty!" (VF pg 11) As I was typing out this verse for like the 5 time it occured to me...hmmm! "fixed under the shadow" what happens if you are under the shadow of a tree? It moves!!! The only way it doesn't is if you are standing close to the trunk and in the heat of the day you will just about have to be wrapped around the trunk in order to stay in its shadow. Maybe if we, mainly I, stayed wrapped to His trunk life wouldn't be so unstable. I'm also thinking that the trunk is the most stable part of the tree and when it gets stormy where would I want to be, on a branch? out on a limb? I may be earthly crazy but it makes sense to me to hold on to that trunk!!!
2 We want to rest in God's peace instead of living in turmoil. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdend, and I will give you rest" Matt. 11:28, NIV I believe there is a lullaby about rocking a baby. I believe that there is a cradle, a place where we feel safe and peaceful in the arms of our Savior. This is a cradle that won't break and that we won't fall out of.
3 We want others to see Jesus in our life. "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven" (Matt 5:16, AMP) We want others to come to know Christ as their Savior. I am sure we can all agree on that. But what do they see in us? Do they see the love, kindness, and goodness of Christ in us? I think that is what he is talking about here. Live our lives so that others will praise Him and recognize Him in us.
How do we go there? (that secret place) How did the disciples do it? Did they need to get other stuff done before they followed Him? Did they follow without delay? Did they wait for a more opportune time to leave with our Lord? Did they feel they didn't know Him well enough to follow Him? or Were they willing to put everything else aside and follow Him? I know there are times in my life where I put other stuff in front of Him, or delay, or think well God it really isn't a good time for me, or God I don't know enough about you to share your word with someone or speak up in a class, however, I also know there have been times that He has called and I have answered, "Yes, LORD!" Wow! How sweet those times were...I urge you not to waste time thinking you don't know Him well enough or there will be a better time. No time like the present and there is no time like being in His presence!!! My prayer this week is that we continue to meditate on the secret place. Finding that time to sit at His trunk and hold on. I know we are going on a ride. It may be rocky, may be windy or rainy, but we will never know it if we are resting in the shadow of the Almighty!!! I look forward to growing closer and experiencing more of His peace and joy. Hope you are too!!!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Day 2 The Secret Place
Focus: Discovering special moments with Jesus
Scripture: Psalm 91
"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.' Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrowo that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you make the Most High your dwelling- even the LORD, who is my refuge- then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. 'Because he loves me,' says the LORD, 'I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation." (Psalm 91, NIV)
Focus: Discovering special moments with Jesus
Scripture: Psalm 91
"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.' Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrowo that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you make the Most High your dwelling- even the LORD, who is my refuge- then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. 'Because he loves me,' says the LORD, 'I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation." (Psalm 91, NIV)
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Victoriously Frazzled- The Frazzled Female's Guide to Restoring Her Sanity
by Cindi Wood
visit www.frazzledfemale.com for more info on study and author.
Week 1
memory verse: "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty"(Psalm 91:1, AMP).
"Our God is a frazzle-friendly God! Not only will He enter into sour stressful circumstances, He longs to be there to bring His relief, comfort, and joy." (Victoriously Frazzled pg 6)
Day 1 Be Still and Let God Fight!
Focus: Being still and allowing God to take over.
Scripture: Exodus 14:1-14
I find it interesting that God gave Moses specific instructions as to where to encamp. He had also told Moses that He would harden Pharaoh's heart. Do you feel that God has ever hardened your heart? If so, what are some lessons learned from it. I know, I have been hard at times. Mostly at times when I feel as though I'm not loved, deserve more, mistreated, and etc. The one thing I think I have learned is that if I allow myself to feel those things it is ok. It is allowing them to control me that causes satan to sneek into those secret places where I spend time with God. God also knew the reaction of the Israelites. Before Pharaoh had released them from slavery, some of them were content. Can you imagine being enslaved to someone or something as the Israelites were, all while knowing our God?!? It just doesn't seem possible. However, I know I do it every day. Whether it is the tv, feelings, emotions, money, computer, facebook, or etc., we allow things to come between us and our God. How great it is to serve a loving, gentle, kind Master, Savior, and Friend!!!
Back to Pharaoh, his heart was hardened. He began to listen to people around him. Why did you let them go? Wasn't life easier having a servant? We should go and get them and bring them back...and so guess what? He allowed worldly influence to creep in. We do that. We shift our focus from God, to our children or the world because it seems that those things are more important. That is what happened to Pharaoh. I believe he looked and listened so much to what the world had to tell him he forgot God's promise to his people. He gathered up his best chariots and the most powerful of his army and set out to get the Israelites. As he (Pharaoh) approached them, the Israelites, they called out to God. Then they began to blame Moses. We told you we were content to serve the Egyptians. Why did you bring us out here to die? The Israelites thought it would have been better for them to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert. By this point you'd think the Israelites would have learned their lesson. But God continues to get His peoples attention. In verses 13-14 Moses said to the people, "Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." How true is that? We say, God will take us over it, under it, through it, or around it, however, sometimes, all we need to do is be still and know that He is God and He will deliever us from whatever is causing our frazzledness. For "what appeared to be total chaos was not! It was God's plan to bring glory to Himself. His children were not faithful in believing that the same God who had alsways taken care of them would do it again." (VF pg 8)
Do we act as the Israelites did? I know I do. I spend my day running and filling my schedule with all sort of "important" things, neglecting the one most important thing. We are not here to do all things well. We were created and placed here to do one thing, bring glory to God. When I shift my focus from all the things I have to do and the people around me to solely looking at God and seeing His beauty, creation, and majesty the world slows down and I have time for the other stuff as well. It is kind of like in Matthew 14 when the disciples thought they saw a ghost and it was Jesus. They had cried out in fear. Jesus said, "Don't be afraid; it is I." Peter said, "Lord if it is you, tell me to come to you on the water." Jesus told him to come. As Peter stepped out on the water, he realized he was walking on it and began to shift his focus from Christ to the circumstances of wind around him, he began to sink. Notice Peter didn't just all at once fall under water, it was a progression. We start out that way. We get comfortable with the water around our ankles then it begins to climb. Before you know it, we feel as though the current is too much and we are drowing. Sin works the same way. We watch a tv show that has a few swear words in it, then, a show with a little sexual display, and before you know it we are watching things that God warns us to protect ourselves from. It works that way with food for me. Oh, I'll have just one cookie today. By next week, I'm sitting down with the bag and eating all of them. It is something that has a stronghold on me. God is working on me with it, but, boy do I have a long way to go. He is continually working on us to make us molded more and more into His image. He is patiently waiting for us to come to Him for the strength and help that we need. If we allow him to fill us, then there will be no longer be looking for the world to fill that void. As Peter was sinking, Jesus said to him, "Oh you of little faith, why did you doubt?" Have faith and be still, God will protect us, just as He did the Israelites. Are you looking for a way out? Are you looking to fill a void? Is God calling you to come to Him? Don't hesitate! He loves us so much!!! So much, He was willing to send His only Son to die for you and me. I am so thankful for that. As bad as I think things are sometimes, when I think of Christ on the cross and the events that happened before He was put there, it can't be that bad after all. He was the one that took my beating, carried my cross, was spit on, had nails placed in His hands and feet, a crown of thorns placed on His head, and His side rivened. It wasn't me!! But HE, Jesus Christ, did it for me!!! How greater a love can you find, than a friend, who wants to walk with us, than the love of my Savior Jesus Christ. If you are interested in a personal relationship with Him, all you have to do is be willing. He longs to have you close, and it is so simple to have; all you have to do is ask Him. Doesn't mean life will be simple, just that there is joy in knowing MY REDEEMER LIVES!!!
He waits for us to be still and listen as we grow into the likeness of Christ!! Hope you are growing closer to Him today as, I am. Love in Christ to all who read this!!!:0)
by Cindi Wood
visit www.frazzledfemale.com for more info on study and author.
Week 1
memory verse: "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty"(Psalm 91:1, AMP).
"Our God is a frazzle-friendly God! Not only will He enter into sour stressful circumstances, He longs to be there to bring His relief, comfort, and joy." (Victoriously Frazzled pg 6)
Day 1 Be Still and Let God Fight!
Focus: Being still and allowing God to take over.
Scripture: Exodus 14:1-14
I find it interesting that God gave Moses specific instructions as to where to encamp. He had also told Moses that He would harden Pharaoh's heart. Do you feel that God has ever hardened your heart? If so, what are some lessons learned from it. I know, I have been hard at times. Mostly at times when I feel as though I'm not loved, deserve more, mistreated, and etc. The one thing I think I have learned is that if I allow myself to feel those things it is ok. It is allowing them to control me that causes satan to sneek into those secret places where I spend time with God. God also knew the reaction of the Israelites. Before Pharaoh had released them from slavery, some of them were content. Can you imagine being enslaved to someone or something as the Israelites were, all while knowing our God?!? It just doesn't seem possible. However, I know I do it every day. Whether it is the tv, feelings, emotions, money, computer, facebook, or etc., we allow things to come between us and our God. How great it is to serve a loving, gentle, kind Master, Savior, and Friend!!!
Back to Pharaoh, his heart was hardened. He began to listen to people around him. Why did you let them go? Wasn't life easier having a servant? We should go and get them and bring them back...and so guess what? He allowed worldly influence to creep in. We do that. We shift our focus from God, to our children or the world because it seems that those things are more important. That is what happened to Pharaoh. I believe he looked and listened so much to what the world had to tell him he forgot God's promise to his people. He gathered up his best chariots and the most powerful of his army and set out to get the Israelites. As he (Pharaoh) approached them, the Israelites, they called out to God. Then they began to blame Moses. We told you we were content to serve the Egyptians. Why did you bring us out here to die? The Israelites thought it would have been better for them to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert. By this point you'd think the Israelites would have learned their lesson. But God continues to get His peoples attention. In verses 13-14 Moses said to the people, "Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." How true is that? We say, God will take us over it, under it, through it, or around it, however, sometimes, all we need to do is be still and know that He is God and He will deliever us from whatever is causing our frazzledness. For "what appeared to be total chaos was not! It was God's plan to bring glory to Himself. His children were not faithful in believing that the same God who had alsways taken care of them would do it again." (VF pg 8)
Do we act as the Israelites did? I know I do. I spend my day running and filling my schedule with all sort of "important" things, neglecting the one most important thing. We are not here to do all things well. We were created and placed here to do one thing, bring glory to God. When I shift my focus from all the things I have to do and the people around me to solely looking at God and seeing His beauty, creation, and majesty the world slows down and I have time for the other stuff as well. It is kind of like in Matthew 14 when the disciples thought they saw a ghost and it was Jesus. They had cried out in fear. Jesus said, "Don't be afraid; it is I." Peter said, "Lord if it is you, tell me to come to you on the water." Jesus told him to come. As Peter stepped out on the water, he realized he was walking on it and began to shift his focus from Christ to the circumstances of wind around him, he began to sink. Notice Peter didn't just all at once fall under water, it was a progression. We start out that way. We get comfortable with the water around our ankles then it begins to climb. Before you know it, we feel as though the current is too much and we are drowing. Sin works the same way. We watch a tv show that has a few swear words in it, then, a show with a little sexual display, and before you know it we are watching things that God warns us to protect ourselves from. It works that way with food for me. Oh, I'll have just one cookie today. By next week, I'm sitting down with the bag and eating all of them. It is something that has a stronghold on me. God is working on me with it, but, boy do I have a long way to go. He is continually working on us to make us molded more and more into His image. He is patiently waiting for us to come to Him for the strength and help that we need. If we allow him to fill us, then there will be no longer be looking for the world to fill that void. As Peter was sinking, Jesus said to him, "Oh you of little faith, why did you doubt?" Have faith and be still, God will protect us, just as He did the Israelites. Are you looking for a way out? Are you looking to fill a void? Is God calling you to come to Him? Don't hesitate! He loves us so much!!! So much, He was willing to send His only Son to die for you and me. I am so thankful for that. As bad as I think things are sometimes, when I think of Christ on the cross and the events that happened before He was put there, it can't be that bad after all. He was the one that took my beating, carried my cross, was spit on, had nails placed in His hands and feet, a crown of thorns placed on His head, and His side rivened. It wasn't me!! But HE, Jesus Christ, did it for me!!! How greater a love can you find, than a friend, who wants to walk with us, than the love of my Savior Jesus Christ. If you are interested in a personal relationship with Him, all you have to do is be willing. He longs to have you close, and it is so simple to have; all you have to do is ask Him. Doesn't mean life will be simple, just that there is joy in knowing MY REDEEMER LIVES!!!
He waits for us to be still and listen as we grow into the likeness of Christ!! Hope you are growing closer to Him today as, I am. Love in Christ to all who read this!!!:0)
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