Month: December 2010

“I will…”

This season brings out a lot of talk about WHO Jesus is.  I love it.  God simply says, "I AM." 

I've also loved my time in Leviticus (I don't think I've ever love too much time in Leviticus, to be honest) these past couple of days, just mulling over Chapter 26 has been such a great reminder to me of the benefits God gives towards obedience, and also the contrary of the punishment for disobedience, as laid out in the Old Testament. Throughout this section of Scripture, He often says, "I will."  When God says that He will do something, it's a promise.  He doesn't lie.

He says things like:

"If you…are careful to obey my commands, I will send you rain in its season, and the ground will yield its crops and the trees of the field their fruit."

"I will grant peace in the land…"

"I will look on you with favor and make you fruitful  and increase your numbers, and I will keep my covenant with you.  You will still be eating last year's harvest when you will have to move it out to make room for the new."

"I will put my dwelling place among you, and I will not abhor you…"

"I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians; I broke the bars of your yoke and enaled you to walk with heads held high."

…not sure if you'd want me to quote what he said would happen as a result of disobedience.

As I'm learning more and more to hear His voice, I'm in more of a position to obey Him more and more.  Therefore, these promises are good to remember…so good to meditate on, and they're great reminders as to the benefits of obeying Him.

Enlisted

"I may never march in the infantry, ride in the cavalry, shoot the artillary, Ist2_11885634-wounded-soldier-holding-bible

I may never fly o'er the enemies, but I'm in the Lord's army!  Yes Sir!"

I had no clue what I was singing about as a child.  NO CLUE.

The past week has been a battle.  Lots of victory and insight…but boy have I felt beat up.  This weekend has been unreal.  Lies.  Tears.  Thoughts.  Frustration.  Selfishness.  I know that every battle worth fighting will end with things that God is preparing me for.  Tonight my head hurts, as the battle continues.

 There's this old Twila Paris song, from the late 80's, that I think of in moments like these.

 "The Warrior is a Child"

Lately I've been winning battles left and right

But even winners can get wounded in the fight

People say that I'm amazing (well, that's debatable lol)

Strong beyond my years

But they don't see inside of me

I'm hiding all the tears (also debatable;)

 They don't know that I go running home when I fall down

They don't know who picks me up when no one is around

I drop my sword and cry for just awhile

'Cause deep inside this armor

The warrior is a child

 …and the song goes on…

 And some words from Paul (Ephesians 6.10-18)

 10-12And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.

  13-18Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.