Sometimes, God speaks through us and sometimes God speaks to us. Today, this video was a message for me and it struck it’s mark dead on. Don’t give up, don’t stop asking, just keep praying.
I pray that it speaks to you today as well.
All posts by RunAndBeStill
Today is REALLY not looking good.*
*Someone doesn’t want this message shared. For some reason it was posted originally in a password protected format. So we will give it another try. The enemy will not have success in silencing this.
“When darkness overtakes the godly, light will come bursting in” (Psalm 112:4)
I know we have been down this path before but sometimes it feels like life just keeps circling around on itself, like you are stuck in a holding pattern. Today I found out that the hard copy proof of Run and Be Still, that I have been stalking has yet to be created, let alone shipped. To say that I was angry that someone dropped the ball three weeks ago and left it laying in the outfield was putting it mildly. (And that the only reason the mistake was even discovered was because I finally listened to the voice in my gut telling me to call and check on the project progress.) So ok, deep breath, running shoes, and headphones (because it’s really hard to be angry when you are spending time in worship) and things begin to become right in the world again. As I was jogging I realized, through God’s help, that there are forces at work beyond what I can see or even comprehend, really.
Satan’s lies are easiest to believe in our darkest days. I want to stand holding a candle in that darkness, lighting up the lies with the truth of God’s promise and the hope of brighter days ahead, from the shoes of someone who has walked that path. I know that in becoming a light in that darkness it robs Satan of some of his power. He isn’t going to allow that to happen easily. So, the book got “lost.” In realizing this it strengthens my resolve to fight. It encourages me to push to get my book into the hands of those hurting souls who God will begin to heal. And it once again opens my eyes to the very real battle that is waging constantly around us.
“It’s one thing to know that you’re going into a challenging season. You get prepared for it. You get mentally ready. But what about the difficulties that we don’t see coming? The unexpected crisis that catches us off-guard? Sometimes, it can seem so overwhelming that it almost knocks the wind right out of us. The Scripture says that we shouldn’t be surprised by fiery trials. That’s because the forces of darkness would not be fighting against you if they didn’t know that God has something amazing in your future! Sometimes, those unexpected difficulties are just a sign that you’re on the right track. It’s always darkest just before the dawn appears. The enemy always fights the hardest when you are closest to your breakthrough. The key is to stay the course and keep fighting the good fight of faith. Keep your joy and keep declaring God’s Word over your future. God has promised that you will overcome every obstacle. You will defeat every enemy, and right now, I declare that you will fulfill your destiny in Jesus’ name!” (excerpt from spiritual inspiration)
Keep the faith and light up the darkness with the help of the Son!
Today’s not the day and tomorrow isn’t looking so good either.
“When darkness overtakes the godly, light will come bursting in” (Psalm 112:4)
I know we have been down this path before but sometimes it feels like life just keeps circling around on itself, like you are stuck in a holding pattern. Today I found out that the hard copy proof of Run and Be Still, that I have been stalking has yet to be created, let alone shipped. To say that I was angry that someone dropped the ball three weeks ago and left it laying in the outfield was putting it mildly. (And that the only reason the mistake was even discovered was because I finally listened to the voice in my gut telling me to call and check on the project progress.) So ok, deep breath, running shoes, and headphones (because it’s really hard to be angry when you are spending time in worship) and things begin to become right in the world again. As I was jogging I realized, through God’s help, that there are forces at work beyond what I can see or even comprehend, really.
Satan’s lies are easiest to believe in our darkest days. I want to stand holding a candle in that darkness, lighting up the lies with the truth of God’s promise and the hope of brighter days ahead, from the shoes of someone who has walked that path. I know that in becoming a light in that darkness it robs Satan of some of his power. He isn’t going to allow that to happen easily. So, the book got “lost.” In realizing this it strengthens my resolve to fight. It encourages me to push to get my book into the hands of those hurting souls who God will begin to heal. And it once again opens my eyes to the very real battle that is waging constantly around us.
“It’s one thing to know that you’re going into a challenging season. You get prepared for it. You get mentally ready. But what about the difficulties that we don’t see coming? The unexpected crisis that catches us off-guard? Sometimes, it can seem so overwhelming that it almost knocks the wind right out of us. The Scripture says that we shouldn’t be surprised by fiery trials. That’s because the forces of darkness would not be fighting against you if they didn’t know that God has something amazing in your future! Sometimes, those unexpected difficulties are just a sign that you’re on the right track. It’s always darkest just before the dawn appears. The enemy always fights the hardest when you are closest to your breakthrough. The key is to stay the course and keep fighting the good fight of faith. Keep your joy and keep declaring God’s Word over your future. God has promised that you will overcome every obstacle. You will defeat every enemy, and right now, I declare that you will fulfill your destiny in Jesus’ name!” (excerpt from spiritual inspiration)
Keep the faith and light up the darkness with the help of the Son!
An empty wagon
He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul. (Psalms 23:2b, 3a NKJV)
Still waters, in Hebrew, “waters of rest.”
Still waters run deep…a quiet or placid manner that may conceal a more passionate nature.
I came across a saying while reading recently that I had never heard before. An empty wagon rattles most. I would be willing to bet that you can think of at least one person that embodies an empty wagon, reverberating noise bouncing around. Lots of fluff, not a lot of depth. These people tend to wear me out. They listen, not with the intent to understand, but instead with the intent to reply. This is the antithesis of still waters.
My husband and I have told our children many, many times, “You know, it is ok, not to talk.” They begin rattling on and on in the silence, feeling the need to fill it up. What is it that people fear in silence? What are we really afraid of hearing there? Why do people resist spending time quietly in the presence of God? Michelle McKinney Hammond says, “It’s amazing how many people say, ‘I don’t like being quiet, because when I get really quiet, I have to deal with myself.’ What they are really saying is at they don’t want to deal with the voice of God beginning to reveal things that need to be changed or rearranged in their lives. Intimacy automatically breeds change in our lives. When we don’t want to change and we want to just keep everything the way it is, we keep running from ourselves and from the voice of God. We get caught up in the busyness of life until we crash and burn. When we spend time in the presence of God and learn to really be still and listen, we hear Him saying, ‘I am Peace. I am Provision. Ultimately, I am God. I’ve got your back. I’ve got this situation in the palm of My hand.’ ”
“Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper.(1 Kings 19:11-12)
If we can sift through all of the other noise and allow the quiet into our lives we will suddenly understand the rest and refreshment available beside the still waters. It may require us to examine some painful areas in our lives that we would rather ignore but in that quiet we will also find healing and grace. We will begin to find something deeper, something more meaningful than white noise. Those deep, still waters, have quieted many an empty wagon rattling along life’s surfaces.
Still Moments – Scaffolding of Strength
I know who goes before me. I know who stands behind. The God of Angel Armies is always by my side. (Chris Tomlin, Whom Shall I Fear)
“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)
Let me assure you of one thing today. God is with you, not just within shouting distance, not a phone call away, but with you, right beside you, within you, carrying you. Isaiah 43:2 says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
When, not if, you face trouble, the promise is God will be with you. He will be your foundation, your protector, your scaffolding of strength. Be still and rest in His strength today.
I wish I may, I wish I might…
You make beautiful things out of the dust. (Gungor, Beautiful Things)
I am fascinated lately by this imagery, Glorious Ruins, life from the ashes, beauty springing forth from destruction. I guess this is what hope is, if you had to put a label on this picture. But in my mind, this is bigger than that. Hope is defined as “a wish to get or do something, or for something to happen or be true, especially something that seems possible or likely.” What I am talking about is a hope that is bigger than a wish. A belief in the impossible! Hope that is only possible through the hand of God, our Father. Who else can take a story of death and disease and turn it beautiful. Not me, not without God. Who else can repair relationships that are damaged beyond our ability to communicate? Only through God. He is the one who can get to the “heart” of the matter. We can’t change others, we can’t fix them, our love isn’t enough. But God’s is. He is the perfecter of love and He wields the power to change the unchangeable. Nothing is to big for God!
Sometimes we have to see things torn apart around us, we ourselves have to be torn down, before we can spring forth, emerging stronger and more beautiful. God’s hand in this process repairs us, so that even if our situation doesn’t change, we will still shine brilliantly, reflecting His love. A lighthouse in the middle of the storm, guiding others to Him through that light of love. But being broken hurts, and healing, is a slow and painful process.
“Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them– the LORD, who remains faithful forever” (Psalm 146:5,6).
Where is your hope springing forth from today? Maybe a better question, the first question, is do you have hope? Are you listening to a world that tells you to make wishes on stars and put your faith in the things that seem likely? Or in a God who says “Dream the impossible. I love to answer big prayers in big ways.” Those big miraculous answers are the answers that are unmistakably from the hand of God. In answering our big prayers, in bringing forth life from the ruins, His glory shines brighter. Today, put your hope in God, not the things of this world. Allow Him to have control, not only of your situation, but also your heart, and then have the faith that He will not disappoint you!
Father God, You know my every desire and wish. You know the secrets of my heart. You know that sometimes I am afraid to hope for the impossible because of my fear of disappointment or failure. Please help me to continue to put my hope in you and my fuel my faith in Your miraculous power. Help me to remember, no matter how big or small Your answer to my prayer, it is exactly right in Your plan for my life. When things seem to be falling apart around me, help me to remember that this hasn’t slipped by without your knowledge. You are the giver of life, and I will cling to Your promise of restoration and wholeness, even in the midst of the ruins, knowing that if it is Your sovereign plan, goodness and growth will spring forth from it. I know your Word says you have big plans for me, good plans for me. That you are able to do immeasurably more than I ask or even imagine. Please Lord, plant in me the seeds of longing for Your plans. Help the dreams I dream, be rooted and aligned in Your will, and help me not to sell them short for fear of the impossible. I pray all of this in your holy, powerful, life-giving name. Amen.
Glorious Ruins
I am like a little kid waiting on Christmas morning. The very first, hard-copy proof of my book will be delivered any day now and I am so excited! I stalk the mailman, waiting and watching to see what they will have for me each day. Seeing this “project” through to completion over a decade has been such a personal journey. Sharing in such a transparent way has been a very significant step in growing my faith, one which doesn’t come naturally. (And it continues through the hand of my Lord, as I ramble and rant on my virtual home here.) This feels very much to me like the ruins coming to life, rising up from the ashes and destruction. Something beautiful and encouraging coming to life out of disease and death. The picture painted in Isaiah 61. “Just as the ashes, symbolic of mourning and loss, are transformed into a crown of beauty. God works our struggles into beautiful stories of good triumphant over evil. When we are shattered, God lovingly restores our lives, putting our brokenness together again. When the harsh desert sun beats down, we find shelter in God’s protective span. It is time to turn up the volume on the powerful message of hopeful chaos, beautiful ashes and glorious ruins. When we ask, “Where are you, God?” we’ll surely see that our loving Father is right here with us as we are revived in a salvation story of redemption and restoration.” (Glorious Ruins Small Group Study excerpt) AMEN!
I want to share with you the passage of scripture that I have hid in many times when life has gotten to be too much. Use it as the basis to form your own cry to God for redemption and refuge and rescue. Cease striving and allow the words of Psalm 91 to soothe your weary soul…
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.
3 For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
4 He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor the arrow that flies in the day.
6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
7 Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you.
8 Just open your eyes,
and see how the wicked are punished.9 If you make the Lord your refuge,
if you make the Most High your shelter,
10 no evil will conquer you;
no plague will come near your home.
11 For he will order his angels
to protect you wherever you go.
12 They will hold you up with their hands
so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
13 You will trample upon lions and cobras;
you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!14 The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
15 When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
16 I will reward them with a long life
and give them my salvation.”
Still Moments – A masterpiece of a mess
Don’t let Satan rob you of joy today. Offload whatever you are struggling with today to God, and watch Him work salvation and deliverance in your life. It doesn’t matter what you are faced with or what it has taken for you to get here. God can turn your mess into a masterpiece if you will allow Him to. Cease striving…be still…know God. Psalm 46:10
This thing is from Me.
I was recently reminded of this letter which I had originally read in David Jeremiah’s book, “A Bend in the Road.” There was a portion of it that spoke to me so deeply and personally that I wanted to share it in its entirety. I hope that as you read it and process it you will begin to grasp and accept that whatever it is you are going through, God has a purpose in it and through it…
My child, I have a message for you today; let me whisper it in your ear, that it may gild with glory any storm clouds which may arise and smooth the rough places upon which you may have to tread. It is short, only five words, but let them sink into your soul and use them as a pillow upon which to rest your weary head.
THIS THING IS FROM ME
Have you ever thought of it, that all that concerns you, concerns me, too? For “anyone who harms you harms my most precious possession.” Zechariah 2:8. “You are very precious in My sight.” Isaiah 43:4. Therefore, it is My special delight to educate you. I would have you learn when temptations assail you, and the “enemy comes in like a flood” that this thing is from Me, that your weakness needs My might, and your safety lies in letting Me fight for you.
Are you in difficult circumstances, surrounded by people who do not understand you, who never consult your taste, who put you in the background? This thing is from Me. I am the God of circumstances. “Thou earnest not to thy place by accident, it is the very place God meant for thee.” Have you not asked to be made humble? See, then, I have placed you in the very school where this lesson is taught; your surroundings and companions are only working out My will.
Are you in money difficulties? Is it hard to make both ends meet? This thing is from Me, for I am your purse-bearer, and would have you draw from, and depend upon Me. My supplies are limitless. Philippians 4:19. 1 would have you prove My promises. Let it not be said of you, “But even after all he did, you refused to trust the Lord, your God.” Deuteronomy 1:32.
Are you passing through a night of sorrow? This thing is from Me. I am the “Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.” I have let earthly comforters fail you, that by turning to Me you may obtain everlasting consolation. 11 Thessalonians 2:16-17,
Has some friend disappointed you? Was it one to whom you poured out your heart? This thing is from Me. I have allowed this disappointment to come that you may learn that: The best friend to have is Jesus, He will hear you when you call, He will keep you lest you fall. The best friend to have is Jesus. I want to be your confidant. Has someone repeated things about you that are untrue? Leave them to Me, and draw closer. unto Me, thy shelter, out of reach of “the strife of tongues.” For “He will make your incense radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shin like the noonday sun.” Psalm 37:6.
Have your plans been all upset? Are you bowed down and weary? This thing is from Me. You made your plans, then came asking Me to bless them, but I would have you let Me plan for you and then I take the responsibility, for “You’re going to wear yourself out – and the people too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself.” Exodus 18:18. You are only an instrument, not an agent.
Have you longed to do some great work for Me, and instead been laid aside on a bed of pain and weakness? This thing is from Me. I could not get your attention in your busy days, and I want to teach you some of My deeper lessons. “They also serve who only stand and wait.” Some of My greatest workers are those shut out from active service, that they may learn to wield the weapon of all-prayer.
Are you suddenly called upon to occupy a difficult and responsible position? Launch out on Me – I am trusting you with the “possession of difficulties,” and “the Lord your God will bless you in everything you do.” Deuteronomy 15;10.
So, please today, hold on! God has a sovereign plan and He loves you! Nothing takes Him by surprise. Read When the Last Thing You Need is a Band-Aid Verse or Once Upon A Time for some additional encouragement today!
Did you have time to pray today?
Have you ever tried to pray when you are busy? I don’t mean a little busy, but the busy where you are trying to be in two places at once, bake (not burn) cookies for a school event, and not only manage, but try to actually meet, deadlines for work. On those days I can barely form a coherent thought and my brain is a hurricane of activity. So, prayer? Unfortunately, those days when I could use the peace that prayer provides the most I find it the hardest to grasp.
In the 1960s Charles Hummel wrote about the “Tyranny of the Urgent” and it is a timeless piece.
Don’t let the urgent take place of the important in your life. Oh, the urgent will really fight, claw, and scream for attention. It will plead for our time and even make us think we have done the right thing by calming our nerves. But the tragedy of it all is this: while you and I were putting out the fires of the urgent (an everyday affair), the important thing again was left in a holding pattern. And interestingly, the important thing is neither noisy or demanding. Unlike the urgent, it patiently and quietly waits for us to realize its importance.
The problem is not a lack of time: the problem has to do with priorities. If we have more time, we will simply fill it with more things. (I know this well from experience!)
I have heard the acronym B-U-S-Y, Being Under Satan’s Yoke. The Urgent is Satan’s trick to distract. Satan’s ploy is to get us so caught up with the little – and not so little – details of life that the things that God actually wants you to be busy with are left undone. If we get caught up in the busy, even for a noble cause, and we don’t spend time in prayer we will have no idea if what we are so busy doing lines up with God’s will for our lives. We will simply wind up exhausted, having in our busyness, handed Satan a victory.
I was challenged today to take an inventory of what was usurping my attention, my energy, my time to pray. I would challenge you to do the same.
What, or who, will you fix your eyes on this week?
Father, forgive me for letting my days run my life. I never want to be too busy for You. Especially when I am claiming to do things in your name. Please open my eyes this week Lord to what is important, and to what is simply clammoring for my attention. I want all that I say and do to be pleasing to you. In your holy name, amen.
Run and Be Still 