Praying God's Word

The second little gem I stumbled upon yesterday was a Beth Moore book called, Praying God's Word Day by Day.  Those who know me know that I love and adore Beth.  Among many others, one of my favorite books has to be Praying God's Word: Breaking Free from Spiritual Strongholds.  It's goes through different spiritual strongholds and includes a plethora of incredible scripture references.  It's a great resource book to have if you're in need of scripture related to specific struggles.  It also reinforces the power there is through praying fervently and specifically through the Word of God.

So, this pocked sized daily devotional was quite a treat.  Similar to yesterday, this excerpt also included Psalm 30:

"We can expend so much energy whining about our situation that we have nothing left to invest in the real fight."

"O God, I will be glad and rejoice in Your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul (Ps. 31:7).

  Surely, Lord, You have granted me eternal blessings and made me glad with the joy of Your presence (Ps. 21:6).  You turned my wailing into dancing; You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy that my heart may sing to You and not be silent.  O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever (Ps. 30:11-12).

  Shout for joy; O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song.  O mountains!  For the Lord comforts His people and will have compassion on His afflicted ones (Isa. 49:13)." 

This weekend, may you experience the comfort, love, and blessing of God.

Happy Friday! 

But God is Faithful...

"Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name."

Psalm 30:4

One of the many benefits of occasionally getting to stay at my parents' house for work (besides the delicious meals and good wine) is the plethora of encouraging and inspiring books they have on hand.  I mean, my mom pretty much operates a mini-Christian book store out of her house.

So this morning, I picked up two great little devotional books I had never seen before.  Interestingly enough, both devotions led me to Psalm 30, what my Bible titles, "The Blessedness of Answered Prayer."

The first is called "Celebrate! Daily Devotions for the Spirit-Filled Life" by Jack Hayford.

In it he talks about the incredible faithfulness of God and how worthy He is of our praise saying, 

"Life is filled with ups and downs.  The heights of rejoicing can lead us "into dancing" because of the great things God has done for us.  The lows can only be described as "the pit" (v. 9).  But God is faithful to His people and gives reason for praise and song.

David declares: "You have lifted me up and (You) have not let my foes rejoice over me" (v. 1); "You brought my soul up from the grave" and "You have kept me alive" (v. 3); (God's) favor is for life" and "joy comes in the morning" (v. 5); and "You have turned for me my mourning into dancing" and "You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness" (v. 11).

The Lord who loves His people is the One who rescues, delivers, and finished what we could never do for ourselves.  Our praise must come from the depths of our hearts.  Therefore, David continues: I must "sing praise to You and not be silent.  O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever" (v. 12)."

-Jack Hayford,  Celebrate! Daily Devotions for the Spirit-Filled Life

Click to read all of Psalm 30

Devotional excerpt #2 coming tomorrow! 

Looking Up

"I lift up my eyes to the hills—
       where does my help come from?

 My help comes from the Lord,
       the Maker of heaven and earth.

 He will not let your foot slip—
       he who watches over you will not slumber;

 indeed, he who watches over Israel
       will neither slumber nor sleep.

  The Lord watches over you—
       the Lord is your shade at your right hand;

 the sun will not harm you by day,
       nor the moon by night.

 The Lord will keep you from all harm—
       he will watch over your life;

 the Lord  will watch over your coming and going
       both now and forevermore."

Psalm 121

For more insight on Psalm 121, check out Camden's guest post.

Partly Cloudy

Believe it or not, in spite of the sweltering heat, I actually went on a run yesterday.  Miracles DO happen! 

It was amazing to me how much the clouds dictated my running.  When the clouds covered the sun, it was so much cooler, even breezy.  I had a pep in my step, and it was almost fun.  However, when the cloud moved away from the sun, I wanted to keel over and die.  I looked like a sweaty Teletubbie dragging my feet along trying desperately to not fall over. 

Then the clouds would cover the sun again and I was a happy girl.  The clouds were my new best friends.  It reminded me of a worship song I'm familiar with that sings about "a fire by night and a cloud by day."

The song is about the faithfulness of God.  Here's a quick excerpt:

"Cause you are faithful, you're always the same.
You're faithful,  you never change.
You're faithful, you're always good.

Though I walk through the valley of shadow of death,
I have no doubt, you have already gone ahead.
My fire by night, my cloud by day..."

My smart friend Eliza Joy told me that the lyrics aren't just from a song, but they're actually taken from scripture.  So yesterday, I relied on my trusty BibleGateway.com to see exactly what it says.

The first instance I found was in Exodus 13 when God delivered the Israelites out of Egypt.  Just beginning their journey, it says "The Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night."  

My Bible says that the cloud and fire were "manifestations of God's guiding presence."  He didn't just say that He was with them, He literally went with them and led the way.  I love the beautiful picture that paints of a God who leads and protects His children through the unknown.   

I also think that the cloud was a way to protect them from the heat.  I mean, they were in Egypt! If the cloud is leading the way, and they're following it, I have to assume that not only did the cloud show them where to go, but it cooled them off from the intense sun.  Just another way God meets the needs of His people—big and small. If He wanted, He could have been in a chariot in the sky, but instead He chose a cloud.   

If I were there, I would make sure I was under that cloud.  Through this cloud, there is access to God's presence, His guidance, and His refreshment.

"Because of your great compassion you did not abandon them in the desert. By day the pillar of cloud did not cease to guide them on their path, nor the pillar of fire by night to shine on the way they were to take. You gave your good Spirit to instruct them. You did not withhold your manna from their mouths, and you gave them water for their thirst.  For forty years you sustained them in the desert; they lacked nothing, their clothes did not wear out nor did their feet become swollen."

Nehemiah 9:19-21

Don't you love that passage?  Forty years of wandering, waiting, and being super hot, and their feet didn't even swell!  God was with them.

The same holds true for us today.  God is with us.  He loves us.  He leads us.  He knows our way.  He protects us.  He shelters us.
 
I long to be under the shadow of the Lord.  Even in the midst of waiting, He promises to strengthen our hot, tired, worn out, and weary hearts. 



 

 

Heat Wave

This is a picture of our family's precious dog Zoe doing what she does best: sitting on the air conditioning vent.  She is one smart cookie.  Whenever she comes inside from the hot summer day, she plops herself right on top of the air vent, so she can cool off as quickly as possible.  She doesn't wait around, she goes directly to the source to cool off. 

Is anyone else so hot that they're melting?  I was so lucky to be in Virginia Beach on Saturday when they posted record breaking temperatures of 105 degrees...fabulous! 

Watching Zoe made me realize that like Zoe, when we're smoking hot (and I don't mean sexy) we are desperate to cool off—we cling to shade, drink water, stay inside, run through the hose—we'll do whatever it takes. 

Spiritually speaking, there are times, when rather than going straight to the source, during a dry spell, I find myself wandering around the desert.  I wait around for the refreshment to come, or try all kinds of things that aren't exactly effective, instead of going straight to the source.


For ultimate relief, there is only one who can truly satisfy. 

"The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand"

Psalm 121:5

"Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."  

John 4:13-14

Guest Post From Cally: Weeping Forward

We all know I love a good guest post.  Like all of them, this one is amazing!  My sister Cally graduated college in May, and while I've always adored her, recently she has blown me away by her strength, faith, determination, and poise.  I'm an extremely proud big sister.  Hope you're as challenged and inspired as I am!

  

"At this they wept again.  Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, but Ruth clung to her." 

Ruth 1:14

This is a snippet from the story of Ruth, when Naomi was traveling home with her two daughters-in-law after all of their husbands had died.  I have been doing a study on the book of Ruth by Kelly Minter that I wholeheartedly recommend, as it has meant so much to me this summer as I am transitioning post-graduation.

We all go through times of hardship when all we want to do is weep.  This verse in Ruth is significant, because even though all of the women were upset and weeping, Ruth pressed forward through the tears while Orpah turned back.

When the Lord gives us a vision and direction, there are often many obstacles in the way of getting there, just as Ruth had to be persistent about staying with Naomi despite her discouragement.  The important thing to remember is that when we are going through times when all we want to do is cry, we need to be pressing forward in obedience.

We must continually recommit ourselves to Christ's plan for our lives, even though people and circumstances tend to interfere.  It is sustained obedience that really matters.  We can plan to follow Him and follow through, but we have to commit that to our actions as well.  So even when we are emotional wrecks, "what we do while we're weeping makes the difference." 

I have also been blessed by the promise that the Lord works for our good for (Romans 8).  Hubbard wrote, "When God is at work, bitter hopelessness can be the beginning of some surprising good." 

Today, I would encourage any of you who may be facing challenges with your family, school, job, or relationships to weep FORWARD.

Those who sow in tears

will reap with songs of joy.

 He who goes out weeping,
 carrying seed to sow,
 will return with songs of joy,
 carrying sheaves with him.

Psalm 126:5-6

The Sweetness of Trust

This morning, I was listening to Misty Edwards lead worship at the International House of Prayer's Prayer Room Archives (from June 12th) and was so encouraged as she sang:

"Everything is in your hands,
and everything's gonna be okay.

Everything is in your hands,
I'm gonna be alright, it's gonna be okay."

From there she went on to sing the lyrics to the familiar hymn "Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus:"

"Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus
just to take Him at His word
just to rest upon His promise
and to know, 'thus says the Lord.'

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust You!
How I proved You over and over
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust You more."

Growing up in a traditional Episcopal church, I went through a phase where I didn't appreciate older hymns.  I thought they were boring, out of date, and nowhere near the "classics" performed by my "Contemporary Christian" loves of the early nineties like Amy Grant, DC Talk, and Jars of Clay.

However, now that I'm way older and wiser, I have a new appreciation for traditional hymns.  There is a richness to them that is so powerful and I love knowing that people have been praising and worshiping God with the same lyrics for several hundred years.

"Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
just to take Him at His word."

Today, as we go about our days, I pray that we will find joy in the sweetness of trusting in Jesus.  That we will delight in taking Him at His word, resting in His promises, and ask Him for the grace to trust Him more. 

"The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made."

Psalm 145:13

"She will have no fear of bad news; her heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.  Her heart is secure, she will have no fear; in the end she will look in triumph on her foes."

Psalm 112:7-8

(replaced he with she)

I Love the Lord...

We interrupt this mini series on trust to bring you an incredible verse that I stumbled upon yesterday.  Do you ever read something in the Bible and think, "How have I not seen that yet?"  Those were my sentiments yesterday when I read Psalm 116.  It starts off with "I love the Lord..."  With a blog dedicated to loving God, I was thrilled to find it!  (I probably have seen it before, but my long-term memory isn't great)

"I love the Lord, because He has heard my voice and my supplications.  Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live...

Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yes, our God is merciful.  The Lord preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He saved me.  Return to your rest, O my soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.  

For You have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.   I will walk before the Lord In the land of the living."

Psalm 116:1-2, 5-9 (NKJV—My dad calls this the flowery version; probably why I love it so.)

 "I love the Lord because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy.  Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!

... How kind the Lord is! How good he is!  So merciful, this God of ours!  The Lord protects those of childlike faith; I was facing death, and he saved me.  Let my soul be at rest again, for the Lord has been good to me.  

He has saved me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling.  And so I walk in the Lord’s presence as I live here on earth!"

Psalm 116:1-2, 5-9 (NLT—my mom calls this the "Happy Bible"; they use lots of exclamation points, another thing I adore.)

"Trust Me" with help from Eliza Joy, Elisabeth Elliot, and Frances Roberts

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Another way God is revealing His desire for me to trust in Him is through a sweet e-mail from my precious, preggo/soon-to-be-mom friend Eliza Joy.   

 (Eliza Joy at her baby shower in Charlottesville raking in some Robeez for Baby Hannah)

Last week, she sent me an e-mail with excerpts from "Come Away My Beloved"
by Frances Roberts.  I had never heard of it, so she used an endorsement from Elisabeth Elliot (one of my favorites) to entice me.  According to Elisabeth, his book is "unique and powerful."  So with that in mind, I decided to read the rest of Eliza Joy's e-mail.

Below are two little excerpts she sent me.  I may post some more later on in the week.  I particularly love the reference to "pleasure cruisers" in light of my recent vacay.  May these words minister to your heart this morning!

"My will is not a place, but a condition.  Do not ask Me where and when, but ask Me how.  You will discover blessing in every place, and any place, if your spirit is in tune with Me.  No place or time is more hallowed than another when you are truly in love with Me.

I direct every motion of your life, as the ocean bears a ship.  Your will and intelligence may be at the helm, but divine providence and sovereignty are stronger forces.  You can trust Me, knowing that any pressure I bring to bear upon your life is initiated by My love, and I will not do even this except as you are willing and desire.

Many a ship has sailed from port to port with no interference from Me, because Strong Will has been at the wheel.  Multitudes of pleasure cruises go merrily on their ways, untouched by the power of My hand.  But you have put your life into My keeping, and because you are depending on Me for guidance and direction, I shall give it.  Move on steadily, and know that the waters that carry you are the waters of My love and My kindness, and I will keep you on the right course."


"O My child, have you not known the way of the Lord, and can you not trust Him now?  Nothing shall befall you but that which comes from His hand.  Be content with what each day brings, rejoicing in your God, for surely He shall deliver you.  He is the One who has brought you here.  His way is discernible to the eye of faith.  His heart is surely your strong tower.  In His affection you have security.  In His love are your hope and your peace." 

 Excerpts from "Come Away My Beloved" by Frances Roberts

More on Trust

 
Last Friday, I talked a bit about how God is challenging me to trust Him through all kinds of different outlets.  One outlet He used on Friday was an excerpt from My Utmost for His Highest:

Oswald talks about the concept of divine control and references Matthew 7 where Jesus "urges us to keep our minds filled with the concept of God's control over everything, which means that a disciple must maintain an attitude of perfect trust and an eagerness to ask and to seek."

The heading on my Bible reads above Matthew 7:7-11 "Keep Asking, Seeking, Knocking"

"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; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.  "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" 

Matthew 7:7-11

Oswald goes on to say that as people who have the Spirit of God in us, we are free to go to God when we need help or guidance and trust in the principle, "God is my Father, He loves me, and I will never think of anything that He will forget, so why should I worry?"

He continues saying, "Jesus said there are times when God cannot lift the darkness from you, but you should trust Him.  At times God will appear like an unkind friend, but He is not; He will appear like an unnatural father, but He is not; He will appear like an unjust judge, but He is not.  Keep the thought that the mind of God is behind all things strong and growing.  Not even the smallest detail of life happens unless God's will is behind it.  Therefore, you can rest in perfect confidence in Him."

I love the hope and the confidence we have in God.  Even amidst the waiting, fear, and unknown, God is there and is behind all things.  He has out best interest in mind and He longs for hearts that trust in Him.  He wants for us to ask, seek, and knock as He reveals to us His sovereignty and His love.  

"Trust me.  With me, you can rest in perfect confidence because I am your Father, I love you, and I will not forget.  I am in control."


Click here for the full passage.

Trust Me

So last night, I arrived at my apartment, unpacked my car and dragged in about four different bags and a suitcase.  As I started walking in, I realized I couldn't find my cell phone.  I walked back to the car to look around inside; pillaged through my purse aka: "the black hole," and I still couldn't find it.  After several minutes of searching, I looked down and noticed that my cell phone had been in my hand all along!

I have had far too many of the "looking-for-your-glasses-when-they're-on-top-of-your-head" kind of moments than I would care to admit.  But last night, after I got over the initial frustration I felt God whisper to my heart, "Sometimes the answers you're looking for are right in front of you and you don't even notice."

All week, I've been praying to God and asking for direction, answers, and assurance.  I've asked Him questions about stepping out, taking risks, and being bold.  I've shared my fears, my insecurities, and my hesitations.  Throughout this, the words two two words that continue to ring in my heart are "Trust me."  

Trust me.

I love the sweet simplicity of our God at times.


"But God, I want to know more.  Like, how, when, where?  Tell me what you're doing."


"Elizabeth, Trust me."

As I continue to search, ask, and plead, the answer I receive is, "Trust Me. Trust Me. Trust Me."

For a control freak and a girl who likes to be in-the-know (hence, my unhealthy love for celebrity gossip) not knowing is a challenge.  Eventually, I know God will show me more, but today, in the midst of the unknown, God is teaching me to trust.

In the Joyce Meyer video I referenced on Tuesday, one of the things she says is, "You do what you can do, and God will do what you cannot." 

For now, I might not have the answers I want, but one thing I can do is put my trust in God.  I can choose to believe His promises and trust that ultimately He is in control.  

"Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge."

Psalm 62:8 

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Romans 15:13

Linking Up

Confession:  I've spent too much time reading other blogs this morning to write my own.  A week away from computers was an incredible break, but it has left me with lots of catching up to do.

So, without further ado, here are some of my favorites:

• Great entry from Oswald Chambers last week on visions becoming reality

• Cindy Finley's post on "The Landing Lights" of knowing God's will

• Two posts from Ann Voskamp@A Holy Experience (my new favorite blog)  

            The Rose Gives Testament 
             3 Ways to Rest Today (and stop the push)

• Also, I'm slowly learning about podcasts and I recently listened to a GREAT message from Joyce Meyer (she's a hoot) on "Something's Got to Change"  I'm not sure how to link the podcast, but I think if you search in your iTunes you can find it.  Here's part one of a video I found, it's not great quality, but it's a start.  
 

• Part 2
• Part 3

• And lastly, this post from Mary Stafford on her quest for the perfect pixie pant is a gem!

Cruisin'

So, we're back!  We cruised, we ate, we slept, we read, and then we ate some more.  By the end of the week, I most certainly rolled off of the Carnival Pride 20 lbs heavier.  I mean, pizza and ice cream 24 hours a day?  How can you not? 

Along with a 24 hour buffet and fun family time, I will miss room service, sunsets, beaches, and relaxing.  Not to mention a 45 minute disco session following every dinner at "Beauties."  

I was, however, extremely happy to return to strong coffee and dry land. 

And while vacations are wonderful, on some level, it's always nice to come home and sleep in your own bed.  (Just remind me I said that in about a week).

Many thanks to all of our guest posters from last week!  You all are welcome back any time. 


As I cruised along last week, surrounded by 360 degrees of water,  I felt like a very tiny fish (minus all the pizza) in a HUGE pond.  Just being in the ocean gave me a small glimpse of God's incredible greatness.  As much as I might want to, I will never be able to fully grasp How majestic and mighty our God truly is.   

To think that the God who made day and night, and the land and the seas, also created each one of us, is sometimes too much to comprehend.  AND not only is He our Father and Creator, but He loves us more than we will ever know. 

That is one eternal truth that I can never get enough of. 

"You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you."

Nehemiah 9:6

"When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?" 

Psalm 8: 3-4

Old School, Eden Old School

Here is a tune to put a bit o’ pep in your Friday step. I have been listening to Phil Wickham’s Heaven & Earth album this week in the car, and it has energized and redeemed my commute. Embrace the overwhelming urge to dance wildly to the message of hope and fulfillment in Eden. We are promised so much more, like way back in the Garden of Eden when man and woman were intimately connected to the Lord, innocent and unashamed. Genesis 2:25.

Turn up the volume.

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When the first light brightened the dark
Before the breaking of the human heart
There was You and there was me
Innocence was all I knew 'cause all I had to know was You
We were running beneath the trees

I wanna see you face to face
Where being in Your arms is the permanent state
I want it like it was back then
I want to be in Eden

I remember how You called my name
And I would meet You at the garden gate
How the Glory of Your love would shine
And I remember when the stars were young
You breathed life into my lungs
Oh I never felt so alive

Where my eyes can see the colors of Glory
My hands can reach the heaven before me
Oh my God I wanna be there with You
Where our hearts will beat with joy together
And love will rain forever and forever
Oh my God I wanna be there with You

Guest Post From Willis

Today, we get to hear from my younger brother, Willis. He's southern prepster meets California cool. He's also the future of fabulous reality TV, so get your TiVos ready!

“The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

Now the body is not made up of one part but of many…But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.”
1 Corinthians 12: 12-20

I can be a self-centered Christian sometimes. I often walk into church expecting the pastor and worship leader to minister directly to me – not the other 500 people in the sanctuary, just me. I don’t care what’s going on in everyone else’s lives, the sermon needs to hit home with me. There is clearly a lot of fault in my thinking.

One of my favorite parts of driving thru traffic in LA is that the majority of the time people’s windows are down blasting their music. I return the favor by blasting my tunes as well: from worship to Lady Gaga to whatever my flavor of the month may be. I’ll pass a guy jamming to the newest Jay-Z album, followed by a Porsche driver air orchestrating the symphony he’s listening to. LA is truly a diverse city with unbelievably eclectic music taste – and it makes driving around LA fun (at times).

Beyond the eclectic taste around us – think about how eclectic your own taste can be. Scroll through your iTunes Library right now – here are 5 random bands just from the A’s : Al Green, Aha, Alberta Cross, Andrea Bocelli, Audio Adrenaline. My music taste is random, and I go through phases of what I want to listen to and am in the mood for.

Now, think about your faith over the past 2 years. Some people describe their relationship with God as a wave – where there are mountains and valleys, but the mountains stay the same height and the valleys are the same depth.

Recently, a friend told me how he thinks the graph of our Christian life is more cyclical, where the circles move higher and higher – and eventually your valleys are higher than your old mountains.

How awesome is that?! As we move closer to the Lord, our valleys and hard times are still better than what our former "best times" were. I agree with this depiction – that as I get closer to the Lord both my good times and my bad times get better and better.

Next, think of the change you personally go through in that time, both in the midst of a circle – or from circle to circle. Many things may change--our beliefs, preferences, and even how we spend our time. Now compound this with everyone else in your church or community, and now with Christians worldwide.

The church is diverse and changing all the time. In LA alone there’s the ‘church the musicians go to’ the ‘church for the beach people.’ But the heart of the church is the same: Love the Lord and preach the word. If the gospel is being preached, and the word is being spread – how can I be upset that a particular sermon didn’t hit home. It’s the Gospel! It should always hit home.

Just this past week I was listening to a sermon that I didn’t like. As a result I was critical throughout and just had a hard heart the whole time. Having recently gotten involved in my church, I’m now on the prayer team. So after the sermon I went up for the prayer team (since I was in the right mind and my heart was in the right place). The first person that I prayed for came up to me saying “you know I’ve been in a hard place recently, and this sermon really hit home with me, and I need to get my life on track.”

The Lord used this to lovingly slap me in the face (which he does often). Who am I to judge a sermon? The Lord can always use them in miraculous ways. Yes it is good to go to a church where you get fed, but don’t expect every sermon to preach directly to you every week. The church is diverse, and people need to hear different things at different times. Rather than harden your heart to a “bad” sermon, pray for the pastor, pray for the church, pray that the Lord uses their words to speak to the church. Pray.

Guest Post From Meggie Middendorf

Recently, I had an experience at the gym that reminded me of the Lord’s goodness.

I woke up early to head to the gym after not working out in a while, which I knew might be a little painful as getting back into the workout mode usually is. Before I stepped onto the treadmill, I felt led to put on some worship music to spend some of this valuable time alone with the Lord. First, I turned to Jeremy Camp’s “Give me Jesus” and then I listened to Ginny Owen’s, “If you want me to.” (Did you know Ginny Owens is blind and an amazing singer for the Lord!). Both songs touched me deeply.

Even though parts of my body hurt as I ran, I knew the Lord was in control of my life. On some level, I was reminded that sometimes we have to go through hard times to in order to be shaped into the children He desires us to be. Through our challenges, we become stronger.

Philippians 3:12-14:
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do:
Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Through every struggle, may we remember that we are running the race for the Lord. And may we remember that the Lord cares for us and is always thinking of us. Amen.

Guest Post From Mary Elizabeth Stone

 (The Stone Family)

I feel incredibly honored and excited to be a guest poster this week! I know many of you have prayed for our family and the long journey we have been through with our twin sons over the past 17 months (www.caringbridge.org/visit/stonetwins). Thank you for your prayers and faithfulness.

Recently, the Lord has brought me to Isaiah 61.  Isn’t it amazing how the Word is alive and active, sharper than a double-edge sword, new every morning?  Whether we are reading passages that were written 3000 or 2000 years ago, Jesus meets us where we are in His holy and inspired Word. 

I often wonder why the Bible can feel so heavy and so difficult to simply pick up and open when I am always touched by the living and applicable nature of the Word when I actually do read it.  Isaiah 61 is one of those chapters I have read numerous times throughout my walk as a believer. And yet this last week as I reread it, the Lord revealed aspects of this chapter to me with fresh eyes that I would love to share with you.  

 I was drawn to this chapter due to the first few verses which speak of binding up the brokenhearted, trading a crown of beauty for ashes, being given a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair, and oil of gladness instead of mourning.  I have desperately needed this reminder and hope for the future after burying one of my beloved twin sons, Warren, last February at 19 days of life and fighting for the life and wellbeing of my surviving son, John, over the past year and a half. However, what was so amazing just a few days ago when I was reading this chapter was the part about the Lord wanting to restore what has been devastated and give us a double portion so that we actually rejoice in our inheritance and see the blessings and JOY God wants to lavish upon us.

Today is my 28^th birthday and this chapter relates in such a profound way, because this time last year was a very different and extremely difficult time for me.  I was deep in despair and truly felt I had been given a rotten inheritance at such a young age that I was stuck with and would have to figure out how to deal with for the rest of my life.  With one son in the grave and another son struggling with major health problems, I felt that my life was just a dark mess and that I was doomed to merely eek it out and wait until I died and could be reunited with my son and reconciled to Jesus. I was upset, angry, and simply did not understand the Lord’s plan.   

Whereas when I was pregnant with my twin boys, I had felt blessed and honored like Mary when she was carrying Christ in her womb.  I felt chosen and doubly blessed.  This year on my birthday, I no longer feel the sadness and despair that I felt last year.  Rather, I feel doubly blessed once again.  I see that there is hope beyond our earthly circumstances.  I realize that God does what to give us a RICH inheritance.  He wants us to both experience and exude joy.  TRUE JOY.  Let that sink in for a moment.   

He has JOY planned for YOU.  Isn’t it humbling to know that today God has His hand upon you and upon me?  It is true.  I don’t know what the future holds and I don’t always understand His ways, but I am trusting that He is good and I want to walk in His joy.

Isaiah 61

 ¹ The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
       because the LORD has anointed me
       to preach good news to the poor.
       He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
       to proclaim freedom for the captives
       and release from darkness for the prisoners, 

 ² to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
       and the day of vengeance of our God,
       to comfort all who mourn,

 ³ and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
       to bestow on them a crown of beauty
       instead of ashes,
       the oil of gladness
       instead of mourning,
       and a garment of praise
       instead of a spirit of despair.
       They will be called oaks of righteousness,
       a planting of the LORD
       for the display of his splendor.

 ⁴ They will rebuild the ancient ruins
       and restore the places long devastated;
       they will renew the ruined cities
       that have been devastated for generations.

 ⁵ Aliens will shepherd your flocks;
       foreigners will work your fields and vineyards.

 ⁶ And you will be called priests of the LORD,
       you will be named ministers of our God.
       You will feed on the wealth of nations,
       and in their riches you will boast.

 ⁷ Instead of their shame
       my people will receive a double portion,
       and instead of disgrace
       they will rejoice in their inheritance;
       and so they will inherit a double portion in their land,
       and everlasting joy will be theirs.

 ⁸ "For I, the LORD, love justice;
       I hate robbery and iniquity.
       In my faithfulness I will reward them
       and make an everlasting covenant with them.

 ⁹ Their descendants will be known among the nations
       and their offspring among the peoples.
       All who see them will acknowledge
       that they are a people the LORD has blessed."

 ¹⁰ I delight greatly in the LORD;
       my soul rejoices in my God.
       For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
       and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness,
       as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
       and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

 ¹¹ For as the soil makes the sprout come up
       and a garden causes seeds to grow,
       so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise
       spring up before all nations.

Guest Post: Overcoming the Hills

So this week is a very exciting week here at Long to Love. Currently, I'm floating on a cruise ship with 2,000 of my nearest and dearest friends. Since I don't have internet, I've arranged for a different guest poster each day. Isn't that exciting?!? So, to start things off, we have my sweet friend Camden. When she sent me her post and I saw Maria Von Trapp at the top, I knew it was off to a fabulous start...

“I lift my eyes unto the hills, where does my help come from?”

Psalm 121:1

Let me preface this post by acknowledging that it is largely influenced by a
sermon I heard this past Sunday by a guest pastor at Church of the Advent in Washington, D.C. (6/27). From what I learned Sunday, this verse refers to a time when travelers had to pass through hills filled with various kinds of dangers (thieves, etc.) to get to Jerusalem to worship. Before passing through, one can imagine their fear in looking up to the hills, wondering what might befall them as they made this treacherous journey, and how they could pass through safely.

While most of us may not fear mountain traveling, I think we can all relate to the overall theme of this psalm: fear of the unknown. Whether it’s an uncertainty as broad as learning your life’s purpose or as specific as searching for a new job or resolving a relationship difficulty, we’ve all questioned and feared the outcome of unknown circumstances:

“God, what will happen? How can this possibly work out? How will I do this?”

At times, such fears can not only steal our joy; they can also paralyze, hinder, and isolate... But wait, there’s more!

“My help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth.”

Psalm 121:1

In all things now and in the future, we are not alone. How fortunate and blessed are we to have an all-knowing Savior, a helper, who is watching over us, never slumbering nor sleeping (Psalm 121), determining our steps (Proverbs 16:9)? So that with good courage we say, “The Lord is my helper. I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6)

Ironically, for me, just returning from a conference located in the hills of Salzburg, Austria, location of the classic movie The Sound of Music, throughout the sermon on Sunday I kept envisioning the opening scene, wishing I could mimic Julie Andrews, who not only faces the hills, but frolics through them with a passion and vigor like no other (see above picture from the movie).

Wherever you are today, remember who is in control, who is towering over whatever “mountain” you may be facing, and that with faith and the power of God, we have the ability to move not just hills, but mountains
(Matthew 17:20).

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
-Isaiah 41:10

Lord, please speak peace to my heart today about any fears, uncertainties, or troubles I may be facing. Help me to remember that you know the plans you have for me, and in all things, both now and in the future, you are with me, in control, and working for the good of those who love you. Amen.

Praise Brings Presence

Originally Posted on August 19, 2009

“But you are holy, enthroned in the PRAISES of Israel.  Our fathers TRUSTED in You; they TRUSTED,
and you DELIVERED them.”
Psalm 22:3-4 (NKJV)

This morning, I was reading Psalm 22 and the notes in my Bible read, “Praise will bring the presence of God.” Have you ever thought about God being enthroned in praise? I can’t say it’s something I’ve really dwelled on, but if God is surrounded by praise, then as we worship Him, He becomes increasingly near.

My notes also pointed out three key words from this verse—Praises, Trusted, and Delivered.

Praises—No matter what we’re struggling with, God is worthy of praise. We may not feel like worshiping, but even on our darkest days, God is always who he says He is.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever…Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.”
Psalm 107:1,8-9
(The whole psalm is pretty amazing!)

Trusted—Jesus tells us in John 14 not to let our hearts be troubled, but to trust in God. Proverbs 3:5-6 assures us that as we trust in the Lord wholeheartedly, He will direct our path.

“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation."
Isaiah 12:2

Delivered—Throughout scripture, God saves His people. We need to pray and believe that God is able to deliver us from whatever is hindering us, no matter how many times we have to start over.

“…And when they cried out to you again, you heard from heaven, and in your compassion you delivered them time after time.”
Nehemiah 9:28

God delivers me time after time because He loves me. His love is everlasting and even when I'm struggling, He is worthy of my praise.

Let's praise the Lord for who He is, what He's done, and what He's capable of doing. Let's believe together that as we surround Him with praises, He will be near; and as we continue to trust in Him, He will deliver us time after time!

Be Near

I love that Meg kept us in Philippians 4 yesterday, because it has been on my heart this week.  There are many chapters within the Bible that I love, but Philippians 4 is one of my favorites.  It's full of challenges, encouragement, and promises.  It paints such a beautiful picture of Joy, Peace, Contentment, Strength, and Fulfillment—all great things!

On Tuesday, my mom talked a lot about Philippians 4:6-7, which is a passage I have come to know and love dearly:


"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." 

Equally important, is something Lysa Terkeurst brought this to my attention when I heard her speak a few years ago.  We can't forget the sentence in verse 5 that leads us into 6: 

"The Lord is near." 

The Lord is near, therefore we don't need to be worry.  
The Lord is near, therefore we can pray about everything.
The Lord is near, therefore His all-encompassing peace will guard our hearts and minds.  


The Lord is near.  

"The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.  He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. The LORD watches over all who love him." 

Psalm 145:18-20