Irony: Filling a Hole with Holiness

Sometimes, I think humans walk around with holes in their hearts.

And all of us look for ways to fill them up. 

Sometimes we stay very busy, too busy for God, when we have a hurt or an emptiness inside, because being busy makes us forget that hole. Sometimes we try to fill it up with alcohol or partying. Sometimes we try to fill it up with money or shopping. Sometimes we try to fill it up with the surge we feel when flirting or engaging in sex. But every time we try to fill up the hole in these ways, we are left wanting, needing to fill up again.

I remember a girl friend of mine telling me that when you are sad, when you feel down about your job, Melissa, just go shopping! She said that when she went home after a long day of teaching ninth graders in the inner-city, she would just eat and eat and eat. I would watch TV and shop. I realized that I was filling my time with things I thought would fill the hole. 

In college, I prided myself on the number of friends I had because that meant I was loved. But I couldn’t shake the thoughts that I wasn’t truly loved, I still felt empty. I thought no one would ever truly love me, so I would push and push and push people to prove that they loved me and in turn this often pushed them away. I thought that if only I found the right person, if only I had the perfect job, if only I had a new family, if only I had the perfect haircut, if only I was recognized for my talent, then I would be full. 

But I was never full. Only a fool. 

But I have learned through studying God’s word that that hole can’t be filled by the world. I had to realize that God truly loved me. I mean, duh, right? I knew he loved me. I said it sometimes, but I never truly BELIEVED it! It wasn’t an easy thing to convince my heart of this, and my heart still at times tries to rebel against that love, but I choose to believe in the love I know I have for God and he has for me. It is a choice. You just choose to believe. Godly love isn’t a feeling and it can’t go away. It gives us peace and it helps to change our lives for the better. God so loved the world, that he gave his only son. Not only does he forgive our sins, he forgets them. He hears our prayers and answers them. He gives us wisdom and direction. He definitely loves me...and you. 

So the passage I am including for this one doesn’t necessarily sing praise for God’s love, but Psalms does that often and very well: “His love endures forever.” But it somehow seems to fit and I am inspired to write it – so here it is. 

1 Peter 5: 6-11

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in the time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of suffering. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast. To him be the power forever and ever.”

He restores us because he loves us! Restores us – like fills our hearts. See the connection?

Boldly Go Where No Man Has...

I used to think that confidence came from a new pair of boots or a great hair day. Or maybe it came from an excellent test score or a compliment received at work. Or maybe it came from how much your best friend liked the present you gave her, how often you mother says she loves you, or how many times your boyfriend calls you beautiful. 

Or maybe not. 
No, definitely not. 

I found that confidence comes instead from trusting in the Lord, from knowing and believing that everything is in God’s hands. Think of it this way – the most perfect surgeon in all the land is going to take out your appendix – a surgical procedure he could perform with his eyes closed because he knows everything there is to know about medicine, even the future of medicine. With such a surgeon, you are sure to be pretty confident before the surgery. Then, in a biblical everyday life kind of sense, if we know that the most perfect God has given us a promise that we are worthy and that in the end we will experience a time of no more suffering and endless joy, then you have to be pretty confident in life. 

However, we, as imperfect humans, do not see nor know the future. Yet it is in not knowing the future that makes this whole scenario worthwhile. Back to the surgery analogy. Even if Dr. Awesome was the “perfect” surgeon, the patient would still have to have faith in his ability. It is this faith that would, in turn, ease the patient’s mind and lead them through the surgery. Concurrently, we must have faith in God’s promise and, in turn, it is the faith that will become a Christian’s confidence. For if we believe that God looks out for us, never forsakes us, forgives us, believes in us, and will save us in the end, then we will have faith which equates to confidence – not in the self, but in the power of God through the self. Because if a Christian strives to follow the will of God and his commands, then he can take his steps confidently, knowing that God is blessing each one, even the rocky ones. 

Look at these promises in the Bible:
"Be of good courage, 
and he shall strengthen your heart, 
all ye that hope in the LORD." 
     - Psalm 31:24 KJV

He gives power to the weak, 
And to those who have no might 
He increases strength. 
Even the youths shall faint and be weary, 
And the young men shall utterly fall, 
But those who wait on the LORD 
Shall renew their strength; 
They shall mount up with wings like eagles, 
They shall run and not be weary, 
They shall walk and not faint. 
    - Isaiah 40:29-31 NKJV

God gives us power and strength. Jesus promised that God answers our prayers if we ask with faith. God will never leave us and will promote us to victory. If you agree with these statements – how then can you not gain confidence in life, in yourself, and in your God?

But there is another struggle I have had with this topic. It relates more to being bold. I am not a very “bold” person, or at least I am not yet. I used to wait for others to act so that I could follow. I would tone down my outfit so I wouldn’t stick out. I wouldn’t speak to any strangers for fear of rejection. I used to think boldness and confidence could lead to the pride that ultimately came before the fall. But I believe there can be boldness in faith, confidence in our abilities and missions that come from God. Psalms 31 says to be of good courage – to take a bold step in the Lord when he calls you to act, speak, or love. It is in waiting on God that we gain our strength, so that when he tells us to act boldly, we can. 

I have recently read an article about praying boldly. I used to pray very timidly, as if I was speaking to a father that might strike out in rage if I ask in the wrong way or for the wrong thing. However, Candice Watters explains in her article that we should no longer be weighed down by doubts and ask with confidence for God to help with the desires he puts in our hearts. This doesn’t mean you should ask for a brand new car because God promised to give you anything you asked for, but to ask for assistance for the things in your life that you know are good and God-centered. Look at the story of Bartimaeus in Mark 10:46-52 for an example of a man who prayed boldly and received what he asked for. Watters also explains praying boldly more vividly in her article as well. 

May the Force (of God) be with you!

"Focus on the Family" is EVERYWHERE

...and that is pretty awesome. I found a online magazine (webzine I guess is the proper term) that has a ton of different articles on various topics of concern to young Christians. 

Check it out!

Boundless Webzine - A Website of Focus on the Family 

Joel Reminds Us of Our Comeback Power

"Those dreams that you once had, they didn't die. They are still alive on the inside. You may have made poor choices, but it didn't bury you, it planted you. That means God has already arranged your comeback. Now you have to do your part and get your fire back. Quit living condemned, quit listening to the accuser, reminding you of everything you have done wrong. God knew every mistake you would ever make. The  moment you asked him for forgiveness, he forgave you. The good news is - he didn't cancel your destiny, he didn't give away your assignment, you have to dig your heals and say "That is it, I am not living condemned anymore. If God gave Moses another chance, he will give me another chance. This is a new day, I am putting on a new attitude. I know I have not been buried, I have been planted." Friends, you have comeback power in your DNA, you have been created to overcome every obstacle, to rise above every challenge. I want you to have the confidence that no matter what comes against you, it cannot defeat you. As long as you are letting God arise, your enemies will be scattered. That same dirt that is being used to bury you can be the same dirt that God is going to use to promote you. Learn to shake it off and step up. Remember in the tough times, that loss, that dissappointment, that injustice is not the end, it is a new beginning. Put your shoulders back, hold your head up high, dare to declare: "I am coming back and I am coming back better!" If you do that, then you are going to come out like Job with twice what you had before. Those difficulties are going to give way to new growth. You are going to see God blossom your life in ways you have never even dreamed of." 

Watch the whole service of Joel Osteen: You have Come Back Power

I AM COMING BACK AND I AM COMING BACK BETTER!!!

Heavy Heavy Proverbs

Let me tell you, the one liners in Proverbs weigh a ton! These little jems sound beautiful, but in just a few words, unload deep pieces of wisdom. One that spoke to me today deals with motives. I have been wrestling with this blog actually - wondering why the heck I am writing it. I should be satisfied with doing my devotionals on my own and should not need to share them on the web, even if this blog has no readers. : ) Instead of trying to figure out the answer myself, I looked to the Bible. 

Proverbs 16:1-9

"To man belong the plans of the heart

but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue.

All a man's ways seem innocent to him; 

but motives are weighed by the Lord.

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, 

and you plans will succeed.

The Lord works out everything for his own ends - 

even the wicked for a day of disaster.

The Lord detests all the proud of heart,

Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.

...

In his heart a man plans his course,

but the Lord determines his steps."

Okay, so motives are important - however there seems to be a simple aspect to determining whether your motives are true. Line 3 sums it up: "commit to the Lord, whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." 

Furthermore, I noticed something else in these lines from Proverbs. The last lines copied from chapter 16 state that a man desires and creates his plans in his heart, but the Lord chooses his steps. Joyce Meyers writes about this same aspect in a section of her book that deals with patience and following God's time line. "Whatever you believe God wants to do in your life, be patient as He brings it to pass. Eagerly embrace the times of teaching and preparation He takes you through, even when it seems painfully slow. Don't long for too much too fast, but be thankful every day that God is bringing growth, expansion, and new oppurtunities your way in His perfect timing."

Although I still am unsure about this one. I need the Lord's wisdom. 

Paul and Guilt

The apostle Paul, I often forget, was once Saul, a Jewish Pharisee who was active in the persecution of followers of Jesus Christ. Acts 7:54-8:1 details the stoning of Stephen, after he gave a testimony of Jesus, and right there "giving approval to his death" is Saul. In Acts 9:1, it states, "Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jersulam." However it was in Damascus that Saul/Paul found Jesus and not prisoners. (Read all of chapter 9 in Acts). 

Jesus called to Paul personally, as a light from heaven shown all around him. He asked why Paul persecuted him and Paul responded, addressing Jesus as Lord. However, Jesus didn't make the rest of Paul's journey easy. Paul was blind for three days before he was healed by an apostle. Then after, Paul was baptized and started preaching of Jesus. However, the road was still not easy. The Jews knew of Paul's past and did not always forgive him of it, forgetting to look beyond his past discretions to see the new Paul. Instead, at different times in Paul's journey, they conspired to kill him. Yet, Paul continued with his ministry, even when the disciples almost rejected him. 

I think I can take away two things from this story of Paul. First, God's forgiveness is not limited. God does not choose the "perfect" to do his work, in fact he can't because as much as we try to reach perfection at times, it is unattainable, thus reaffirming our need for Jesus. Paul did some pretty blatant sins against Christ in the open - and yet Jesus forgave and called Paul to have a love for him far greater than the hatred he had before. Also, even after Paul gained a closer relationship with God and was doing God's work, his road wasn't easy. Sometimes, I think that if I am not finding something to be easy than it must be against God, because surely God's path should be the easiest, right? Well, according to Paul's story, apparently not. Challenges and the devil's temptations, threats, and doubts exist on God's path - that is why we need faith. If it was all peaches and cream - who would need faith? Furthermore, it is those trials and challenges that build our faith. 

Joyce Meyer took Paul's story and pulled a lesson about guilt from it. She states that Paul "knew what it means to be both guilty and free of guilt." In Romans 8:1, Paul writes, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death." 

Joyce Meyer continues:

"Human nature causes us to feel condemned when we make mistakes, and no one likes feelings of condemnation. Many people I know want to do everything right, but that isn't going to happen as long as we're in bodies of flesh. If we could be perfect in our behavior, we wouldn't need God and we would miss out on the enjoyment and blessings of a relationship with him. Jesus died for us because we could not be good enough on our own to enjoy a relationship with God who is completely holy. 

Sometimes, because we feel guilty over our sins and mistakes, we struggle to enoy God or the lives He has given us. If we believe we have to suffer and feel terrible and go on a guilt trip every time we make a mistake, then our lives will be miserable. We must believe the truth of God's word more than we believe our emotions or our thoughts. It really is possible to know in the depths of our hearts that we are not guilty, even if we feel we are. At such times, we need to confess the truth of God's word instead of focusing on our feelings. 

1 John 1:9 

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrigheousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives." 

I would rather sin and confess than call Jesus a liar! Meyer talks about Jesus paying our debt by saying:

"The truth is, either Jesus did a complete and thorough job when He paid for our sins at the cross and does not need our help, or He did not finish the work. I assure you, He finished the work; He was the final, the only, the complete sacrfice ever needed for our sin. No additional sacrifice will ever need to be made. We humans tend to divide our sins into categories. We determine how big or bad we think a certain sin is and then decide how long we should feel rotten about it in order to pay for it. We also feel we have no right to be blessed, succeed at anything, or enjoy ourselves until we satisfy this debt." 

Meyers explains that is natural for us to care about our sin, instead of just saying "oh well, I am forgiven." But, she warns us against punishing ourselves for them. We can only, she points out, ask for forgiveness and God's strength to overcome the sin the next time. Just think if Paul had been overcome with guilt for his old life, he may never have had the strength and faith to give his message and testimony of Christ. 

Bill Ferguson

I found his teachings to be very inspirational. He has his focus in Christianity, but he tries to reach all through his steps of dealing with hurt, the past, and relationships. 

Check out his website. There are several topics he covers, so there may be one to help you. 

Trials

After Job had lost his family and home and all that meant the world to him here on Earth, he worshipped God. He fell to the ground in WORSHIP! He cried out, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. May the name of the Lord be praised." (Job 1:21) Job saw that God was at work in his circumstances and that all of his suffering gave him no right to accuse God of wrong doing. Even in hard times, Job stuck to beleiving in God and followin God's plan. 

Job later said, "Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" Job's faith was steadfast. He knew the scripture and quoted it to remind himself of God's promises. Later in the scripture, Job said to the Lord, "I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted." Job suffered greatly and cried out to God for mercy. Job didn't understand God's purpose in taking so much from him, but that didn't make Job turn his back completely to God. In the end, Job's faith in the Lord led to even more blessings from out gracious father. 

Recently I have been reading Joyce Meyer's book, "Never Give Up." In the beginning of the book, Joyce speaks on fear, trials, and overcoming. Joyce explains in the excerpts below that faith grows through trials. God rewarded Job for his faith through immeasurable suffering. If we keep our eyes on God through times of need and loss, we can grow in our righteousness and relationship with him. Here is some of what Joyce had to say:

"One reasons we must go through trials is to test our quality. Often, we find ourselves wishing we had the faith of so-and-so. I can assure you, if she has a strong and vibrant faith, she did not develop it easily. Just as muscles are built through exercise, firm faith comes from the furnace of affliction."

"No one who does anything worthwhile for God has traveled an easy road. Doing great things for God requires character, and character is developed by passing life's tests and staying faithful to him through trials." 

Peter 4:12

"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."

James 1:2-3

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perserverance. Perserverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."

Joyce continues, "One reason God allows us to go through tests and trials is so hidden things in our hearts can be exposed. Until they are exposed, we cannot do anything about them. But once we see then we can begin to face them and ask God to help us. God does not allow us to go through difficult times because he likes to see us suffer; he allows us to walk through them so we will recognize our need for him."

John 8:32 

Jesus said, "If you hold to my teachings, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free." 

** Placing you faith in God as you face challenges, knowing they are for our good, opens the door for God to work miracles our of messes!!

Faith

 - Failing

 - Always

 - I

 - Trust 

 - Him 

"Let go and let God"

This phrase is a staple when Christians are working to put their trust in God and allow him to fight their battles for him. 

1 Peter 5:6-9

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in your faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of suffering." 

However, as a young Christian I was unsure of what this exactly meant. How does one let go and let God? Do they need to stop working for a solution for the problem? Do they need to stop thinking about it? 

One lady replied on a Christian forum to this question by saying:

"Over many years I have hard people saying this phrase "Let go and Let God". I'm afraid it often comes over as the kind of idea that we as Christians sit back and let God get on with making us what he wants us to be. This does not fit in with what Paul says in Philippians 3, especially vs. 12-15. There is no lethargy here. We are to press on to take hold to be straining towards what is ahead. We long to be more like our Blessed Lord and to win the prize, but this requires effort on our part.

I think people often interpret what the Lord said about not taking thought for tomorrow what we shall eat and drink, etc. (Lukie 12) as "letting go and letting God". I believe here he is teaching us that we should be actively seeking the spiritual benefits of our Salvation, rather than worrying about the material possessions we may amass.

So let us continue to struggle. 1. Against the rulers, powers and authorities of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Eph. 6:10) Thankfully with God's armour to protect us. 2. Against sin (Heb. 12:4) 1. To proclaim, admonish and teach everyone with all wisdom..... struggling with all our energy. (Col. 1:29) 3. Let us struggle as the Apostle did to ENCOURAGE one another. (Col. 2:1-3)."

I think what she says is centered on scripture, but another very pious woman who I greatly respect adds something more to this study of giving to God. As we struggle through our difficulties and actively seek wisdom and guidance and give effort on our part, I think we also need to know that it is not through any of our greatness that we obtain blessings. It is only through him. (2 Thess. 2:13 "From the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.") We have to offer up our struggles to him, knowing that as we press forward in getting to know him more it is with God by our side. So I agree with the response above and of course with what Paul said in Phillipians, but Christians do have the Lord on their side, so they can let something go, give it to God, and wait for guidance in the next step. Sometimes when we are "pressing forward" we may be pressing by using our own control and ways, without having the patience to wait for God's guidance and deliverance. Faith allows you to truly let go. Give it up, put it in God's hands, and trust in him to guide you. But just remember to follow. 

Psalm 37:1-7

"Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like the green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes." 

Christian Relationships

God speaks against sexual immorally (1 Cor. 6:9-11, 1 Cor. 6:12-20) and instead commands that if a man and woman are intimate they are joined as one, as one body in Christ. They become a team in all that they do as they grow closer to the Lord. God has given each of us a desire for intimacy, but to misuse or abuse that desire is harmful. God has a different way than the world (Acts 2:40) and when a realtionship is left to follow man's opinion and the world's way, the fruit is rotten and the results are devestating. 

James 1:14-15

"But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desires are conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death." 

1 Corinthians 14:33

"For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints." 

The world's way of viewing relationship:

• self-directed and self-centered
• foundation on feelings, sexual desires, and flesh attraction
• focused on the body
• rushes into romance and destructive behavior
• exclusive and posessive 

The Lord's way to maintain a relationship:

• spirit directed and god-centered (Psalms 31:3)
• Foundation based on prayer, solid friendship, committment to God, wholesome attraction (1 Cor. 10:31)
• Giving Attitude (Phil. 2:3)
• Focused on the spirit and soul (Galatians 5:16)
• Solid friendships though time and patience (1 Cor. 13:4)
• Includes others (Luke 6:31, 1 Peter 3:8) 

If you follow the world's ways in your relationships then you can suffer a weakened relationship with God, an unhealthy body image, insecurity, instability, sorrow, and a lack of fullfillment. If one partner relies solely on the other without a strong relationship and faith with God, it will crack the foundation of the realtionship. If jealousy and argument grab hold of a couple, the couple could falter and stumble over such obstacles. If one partner relies on feelings and self-seeking need, then their partner will not feel fullfilled and neither will they. God is with us, especially when we join together in his worship. A Christian relationship should be made of a team of two joined together to grow in God and build each other up. If you follow the Lord's way, then both partners should grow into a better character (2 Peter 1:5-6), gain a healthy self-image (Psalm 139:14), and gain stability and security. These relationships gain sustaining joy! (Psalm 16:11, Ecc. 2:26) 

This doesn't mean that a Christian should shut out relationships that are not following the Lord's way, but should ask forgiveness for their failures in the past for all is forgiven and then work to live in the word of God. I am not a preist, a preacher, or a prophet. I just work to get closer to God and was inspired by a devotional online (http://www.calvaryftl.org/Ministries/Family/Gods-Veiw-On-Relationships.cfm). I do know that God speaks about loving your fellow brother and sister more highly than any other commandment. He wants us to build each other up in his love and love others as we love ourselves. Remember, God finds you worthy of the sacrifice of his only son, therefore love yourselves first for who God has made you, so you can follow his commandment and love your fellow man and your God. (and I say this for myself as well as anyone who wishes to read this) 

Psalm 3: 1-8

"My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight."