Praising God In The Valley

The song above is from Psalm 121, penned by King David and sung here by Brian Doerkson from 2012. This is a song to hold onto in times of fear, doubt, or any distress to help refocus our hearts and mind. The song is a great reminder for us to continue praising God regardless of our circumstances. How are we to praise God when we are dead tired, weary, emotional, and realistically, not in the right mind at all? What does that look like for each of us who have made Jesus our LORD and Savior?

One thing I will say, after struggling the last two weeks of weariness, emotional blindness, and physical brokenness; God never left me and with no doubt sustained every part of me so my eyes would not depart Him. I am going to walk you through the verses God led me to one night when I could not sleep in the storm.  I am working on memorizing three verses so that, in dark moments, I WILL remember His promise of being at my right hand, and I WILL NOT be shaken.

For the two weeks right after finishing Chemo,in August 2018, I struggled to sleep to the point of going 4 nights with no sleep or ability to eat, when I don’t sleep, I don’t eat. My stomach began to shrink and my body got weaker and weaker. The nights of sleeplessness, I would wander and find my bible to sit and read for comfort. I remember one late afternoon, yelling at God how terrible this was and where was He and when would He let me know He was there again? I would read David’s writings over and over again as prayers to God. I was talking with my sister one day as I cried in utter weariness and she said “At least your still talking to God, right Mindy?, He can handle it. He is Greater!” I remembered telling people this too pre tumor and saying “God already knows, so what is the harm in shouting it out to Him?” From here, I began reading Psalms asking God to show Himself to me. I came to Chapter 16 and the verses 8-11 hit home and comforted me with His promise!

Psalm 16: 8-11

8I have set the LORD continually before me;
Because He is at (Not a question,God is calling me to believe in the moment of harship and struggle He is at my right hand, 9Therefore my heart is glad (Brightens Up and my glory rejoices;
My flesh also WILL dwell(meaning, to settle down, abide) securely  (felt as this was God telling me my body will settle down securely but I have to have Him before me continually, listening, obeying, humbling self).

10For You  WILL NOT (Promise) abandon my soul to Sheol;
Nor WILL (promise) You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay.

11You WILL (Promise make known to me the path of life;
In Your presence IS (Promise) fullness of joy;
 In Your right hand there ARE (promise) pleasures forever.

so I would stretch my hand out next to me as if He was grasping it, at that moment)  my right hand, I WILL NOT be shaken (honestly, when I let my mind wander on the what if I don’t get sleep again, what if my brain never shuts off, what if this is my life from now on, I went into a dark pit of fear. I am reading through this post, which was started back in February 2020, and now in July of 2020, I am battling lack of sleep once again. It was 2 nights a week ago of no sleep and then 2 more nights this week so far. Tuesday night around 9:00, I remember saying this verse out loud and begging God for sleep as I was trying somthing new to help me sleep. It was not working like the gentlemen said it would so I got to sleep around 9:57 and slept until 12:30 when my husband accidentally dropped his phone on the ground and it woke me. I was not able to go back to sleep so I watched TV from 1:00 – 3:30, grabbed my phone charger and went upstairs to the guest room with 2 tylenol and slept from 4:00 – 6:30. I have a fitbit watch that tracks my sleep, not the deep sleep, so I wonder sometimes how accurate the FitBit really is. I believe I had a lot less sleep than the watch said. I went ahead and headed downstairs around 7:00 am and decided to run before it hit 100 degrees just To get my endorphines going so my heart and mind would not sink. It did help, but not before I was hit by the ugly angry bug. My sweet husband patiently looked at me while I vented, complained and skirted around my real issue of wanting to control everything instead of accepting where God has me. Instead, I attacked Daniel for waking me up andwanted to blame him for the bad night sleep. This seems to be my MO lately. God and I have had many conversations on this specific topic and I used to, with confidence share and challenge women to walk in His faithfulness with confidence and act like it was a breeze, not fully being patient, sympathetic or empathetic with them at all. Now, I have much more sympathy, empathy for what they are walking through. When life is handing you apples it is so easy to keep your head up and with a smile. It is much harder when things are more challenging just to carry a conversation and stay focused and not feel inadequate or capable of things I was able to do before. So, to say the least, the valley has been a more common hang out for me than the mountaintops post brain cancer. I want to give you some encouragement of how to walk this path, as I am learning, each day. Here are a few things that help me.

How have I learned to praise God in this valley? Not sure I have conquered this yet but I will give you some guidelines to help along this road.

1. VERBALLY THANK GOD FOR SOMETHING.Get up each day and verbally, out loud, say something you are thankful for to God. Father, LORD, JESUS, my SAVIOR, thank you for loving me, for my family, for sunshine, for the rain, for good days, for bad days, for friends, for life, for my children, for my job or whatever you feel led to say.
2. MAKE TIME TO READ GOD’S WORD. set aside time each morning before you do anything else to just sit quietly and praise Him then open the Bible and read His words with listening, learning ears and heart. You might need to download Bible Hub app or another to help you understand or reach out to a friend to discuss which usually turns into an encouragement time that we all need these days.
3. WRITE IN A JOURNAL WHAT GOD IS TEACHING YOU. I have notebooks filled with prayers, ventings, praises lifted, verses God led me to read with what God showed me in scripture as different things would stand out, I would write the verses under the date in case I ever wanted to go back and see what was going on at that point in my life. Something you can also pass along to your children one day in hopes that they will gain insight from what you have learned or the ability to share with another in their time of struggle.
4. MAKE A PRAISE PLAYLIST ON YOUR MUSIC APP. I have a worship list,a promises of God list, Songs of Praise, Encouragement, Who I am in Christ, Who God Is, Who Jesus Is, Living For Christ, Favorite Hyms List, Healing, Blessings, Needing Rest, Holy Spirit – this one I use to start off my time with God while asking Him to come and be present with me. Have God lead you to what will help you focus on Him. Calm your heart and mind that you can sit without distractions for at least 20 – 30 minutes or more depending on how long it takes you. No set time limits as if I don’t get up before my kids, it will take me upwards of 2 hours to get through my readings depending on how many questions they have or help they may need, yes, these are the distractions so maybe find a room with a lock. I have older kids so it’s doable for me. If you have younger I don’t recommend hiding in your room with your door locked.

Make God a priority so you don’t forget to praise Him, even in the valley’s. Father, not every day is it easy to humble myself and come before you as I want to do other things first, watch tv, play with the dog, go running to beat the heat, go back to sleep, read a book, meet a friend for something, but I am fully aware that my time with you will set a presedence for my day and how I WILL be able to handle the hard moments, joyful moments, distractions and interactions in life. Please may I find favor with You when I read Your word that I WILL gain insight and understanding of your WORD or know where to go to study it deeper or with whom. Open my eyes, heart and mind to You each day LORD and grow my desire to meet with You no matter what obstacles are thrown my way that I may seek You and find You as You promise us in Matthew 7:7-8; “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you WILL find; knock and the door WILL be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door WILL be opened.” This is a promise God gives us that if we seek Him, we WILL find Him. Amen.

I know you may be tired, weary and wanting to give up. Please don’t. Keep lifting Your eyes to Jesus, THE WAYMAKER, SAVIOR, HELPER, HEALER, ROCK, REFUGE, RESTORER, REDEEMER. FORGIVER, RESTGIVER, Here is a song King David penned, the commentaries are not sure if was when he was facing battle or just during his travels he wrote this, but Matthew Henry’s Commentary writes: “But we need not thus appropriate it; wherever we are, at home or abroad, we are exposed to danger more than we are aware of; and this psalm directs and encourages us to repose ourselves and our confidence in God, and by faith to put ourselves under his protection and commit ourselves to his care, which we must do, with an entire resignation and satisfaction, in singing this psalm. I. David here assures himself of help from God (v. 1, 2). II. He assures others of it (v. 3-8).

I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?

2My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

3He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber.

4Behold, the Protector of Israel will not slumber or sleep.

5The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is the shade on your right hand.

6The sun will not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.

7The LORD will guard you from all evil; He will preserve your soul.

8The LORD will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore

The Mind Battle

THE MIND BATTLE

Have you ever felt that your mind was under attack with the “What If’s” and “Why’s” that seem to take our eyes God being in control?

I spent a week (Aug 23-Sept 1) with a team from OK and our church in AZ, along with a friend from FL, helping build a church in Teresina, Brazil. What a blessed time. Last year, 2018, I was taking my final round of chemo and could not go. Apparently, I had told my husband I felt led to go back in December and he purchased tickets but I did not remember the conversation. I was a little anxious going as it was a very busy short summer. I started a new job 3 weeks before going. SO, it was a little overwhelming making sure my work was going well, packing, my parents coming in town to watch our kids, needing a schedule of all that was going on with kids for my parents and arranging communication between church, school pick-ups, softball and anything else they might need while we were away. Leaving for the trip, I was already rushed feeling, a little anxious, not normally a road I go down, but aware I was not spiritually prepared as in past years.

We got to Teresina and I was hoping to work with a friend, serving with the children’s ministry, and I did a couple of days. I also spent time with my husband, very needed for me, while we worked on the building.  In the past, I sat in the evangelism room most days and seldom hung out at the worksite. This time, I was able to be wherever and with whomever. Really did not have a specific role. On one end that is very odd, but in hindsight, I am starting to believe God had other plans for me.  Throughout the week, I dealt with pride, frustration, disappointment, and feeling like a failure. I was asked by one of the translators, Lo, who always helped Daniel and me in the past if I was going to do a woman’s night again?. To which I quickly responded “NO”. I was not feeling confident or ready as I have been struggling with speaking, to anyone these days, much less in front of people. I have been down on myself and my abilities to speak post brain surgery. I threw her question down quickly. During the week, as I watched one of our ladies minister with passion, joy and a very sensitive spirit. I felt myself get jealous, continually thinking, that used to be me.

On Friday night, we had the new building service with a packed house as Ray Strauss spoke. During this time, I went to a lady from Ray’s group and began to just weep as I needed to talk and she was very open and willing. In the next 30 minutes to an hour, she called me out as God led her and I received it openly. She shared how she heard me say “I  want “a lot and encouraged me to turn that into “God Wants instead”. She continued on as I began to share my struggles and she gently grabbed my hands and said: “Mindy, God loves you!” The tears began to flow. I knew this but for some reason, I needed to actually hear it said. Sharon prayed for me and we went back for the end of the service.

What I have learned from my week in Brazil is that my mind was in a battle and I had been listening to the enemy. I desired to give up because things were not going the way I wanted them to go and in the way I wanted them to happen. By chance have you found yourself fighting God, comparing yourself to others, wishing you were different? Reality is that these are all self-focused questions. I have known that pride is a huge battle for me and maybe that was why God had me go on this trip. It was not until 4:15pm on September 2, that it all came together with tears flowing down my face. I was listening to Laura Story’s song Blessings and decided to look up the album,  a song titled “Grace” caught me and I felt led to listen. After getting off the phone with mom, I watched the video with the lyrics so the words could sink into my mind. I will post it now and if you have time please listen. This was exactly what was going on inside of me.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BVxAYGt2kc

Below I am going to list what God showed me and what scripture says.

1. I struggled with confidence; I keep looking back to how God had made me passionate, confident in the calling on my life before cancer. The problem was I kept looking, and living in the past of who I was before the brain tumor and thinking it was all over now and God had passed the confidence and passion on to others.
   1. PRIDE: has a way of knocking us down and taking our eyes off of God. If you notice, Pride has “I’ right in the middle. I lived this out as

“I want to do this my way, God.” Basically, I am in control attitude.

“I made this happen God.” Here, I am telling God I am putting myself in His place. The above song posted writes the lyrics this way: “I see the things You do through me as great things I have done.” Reality is, none of the things I have done are in my strength or ability but from God above and His plans. Oh, how easy it is to be swayed by the devil that we are in control and can make things happen. 1 Timothy 4 warns us against falling into deceptive spirits and teachings. How we need to be reminded of who God is and all He has done in our lives. It is too easy to think we are high and mighty; taking God’s glory instead of giving Him the glory. Even walking through cancer, I had moments where I believed I would think it was my positive thinking or strength and that holds no truth. God graciously would remind me it was not of me that I was healed, but of Him alone and solely for His glory.

Many times, since my brain surgery,  I would tell my husband, “They are so much better at that than me and maybe God is done with me.” to which a pity party ensued and I was miserable. My husband never fell for it and would immediately pray for me and no doubt is getting tired of this “woe is me” attitude. Yet, he patiently attends to me, encourages me along with challenging me to keep chasing God.

1. 1. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,” Philippians 2:3
2. I struggled with jealousy, I kept looking at my friend and saying, “I used to be that way” and jealousy would creep up on me like a snake and cause me to not rejoice in how God was using her, but instead beat myself up, which again causes the focus to be on me instead of God.
   1. JEALOUSY: takes all the joy away from us and again eyes are off God and on self. Notice the word lousy is in jealousy. That is exactly how I had begun to feel and dragging others there if I am not careful. Thankful that God never leaves us there and as the song above asks, “How Many times will You pick me up?” I love it and am so very thankful He keeps picking me up, shaping me and loving me regardless of my pity parties, selfish decisions, and the many times I try to take control. He does not give up on me and has so much for me even though I will continually let Him down, He forgives and lifts me up.
      1. “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” Proverbs14:30how I wish I had read this over and over and applied to my life. I could have avoided this pain and cause for some not coming to know Christ.
3. Lastly, I struggled with SELFISHNESS: I turned to my husband one night on the bus and said, for probably the 100th time post brain cancer surgery, “I am done, I am giving up! This is too hard and basically, no one is coming to me, as if I was God. I had picked up a God complex and again, I was the miserable one, isolating myself from others instead of the other way around. This was the hardest part of the trip for me, realizing the UGLINESS living inside my heart. But if that was God’s reason for me going  then, it was worth it to see this now instead of more years of pain, and worse, possibly causing some not to follow Christ.
   1. “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and EVERY evil thing.” James 3:16

Please understand, I share this with a very heavy heart as someone out there might be struggling with these same feelings and I want to encourage you to get battle-ready: How do you do that?

1.  ARMOR UP: Ephesians 6 is the best start
2.  PRAYER: “Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 when we do this, we keep our minds on God instead of our situations or circumstances we will be covered by His peace and hand of comfort.
3. ACCOUNTABILITY: Surround yourself with godly friends to hold you up in prayer and in your daily walk. I have friends along with my husband who always holds me accountable to what I say. They also check in on me now more than ever knowing my struggles. They also see God in me and what He can do so they hold me up in prayer with this understanding, instead of my “woe is me” view and it does help me to change my point of view.

During the week in Brazil, one of the missionaries, Rodrigo, stopped me and told me he saw my old smile back. Honestly, I laughed and did not believe him,  but he said it again, and I knew it was from God. My outside had that smile but my inside was shoving it down and trying to deny it coming out. Thank you, Rodrigo, for being persistent and not letting me walk away from this conversation. God used you, friend, and I will not forget! Much love and gratefulness!!!

Maybe you can relate to some of these issues, I pray God will use this honesty to challenge you to seek Him and be in His word. Honesty can be good if used to bring people to Christ but often times it is used to uplift one’s self or to clear one’s conscience, I have been guilty of this before. So, please chase after God and seek Him out. Here is a promise from Jeremiah 29. The Israelites continued to choose what they wanted before God’s desires for them and yet He still encouraged, warned and gave them chance after chance. This is for us too. Jeremiah leaves us with a word from God to encourage us to seek His desires first; though God does not like it, He does not give up on us and will always forgive us and give us a chance to change our ways. May this be a huge encouragement for you in your struggle, whatever it may be, that God is not done with you yet. He has so much more for you if you will let Him show you your faults, let Him clean you out, forgive you, raise you up and mold you into the amazing person He still wants to be your God and use you that other’s might come to know Him. Come along with me and let’s commit to doing this together today. Jeremiah 29:11-13

“For I KNOW the PLANS that I have FOR YOU,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare (Good) and not for calamity (harm) to GIVE YOU a FUTURE and a HOPE. 12‘Then you WILL call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I WILL (promise) listen to you. 13‘You WILL seek Me and find Me WHEN you search for Me with ALL your heart.”  We are in such GREAT hands friends!!!!

Father, I pray for whoever might be reading this tonight or in the morning. I ask that Your Spirit will fall all over them in love and peace. May they no longer beat themselves up for not attaining to perfection, recognizing that is impossible, but instead turn to You and live in Your unending sufficient grace and help me to do so as well. Thank You for loving Your children who mess up time and time again. Thank You for forgiving us and giving us many chances to shine bright for You. We love you, Father, amen.  May

24″The Lord bless you and keep you;
25  the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
26  the Lord lift uphis countenance upon you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Have a wonderful weekend and keep looking up to God, He is waiting and ready to meet you where you are right now.

Work Unto The Lord

Last week, I started a new job at our local Elementary/Middle School as A Special education aide. I am assisting one of the two main SPED teachers with students. This was honestly a gift from God, as with teenagers, things are becoming more expensive from food, insurance, etc. I am enjoying the team in this department along with having a daily schedule and routine. I had some insecurities and anxieties, but, God has been so good to me through my bible readings in Exodus. Specifically in chapter 35-36 where God is giving Moses specific instructions for the Israelites and using their skills to build His Temple/Tabernacle. The last few mornings before school started,  I asked God, “how am I to prepare my heart, Your Temple as I walk in this new season so that it remains positive,  encouraging, and always focused on Christ?”

In Exodus 35:10“Let every skillful man among you come, and make all that the LORD has commanded.” from there He shares specifically what is being built.

Wednesday, July 24th, God had me in Exodus 36:1-2 “

“      1“Now Bezalel and Oholiab, and every skillful person in whom the LORD has put skill and understanding to know how to perform all the work in the construction of the sanctuary, shall perform in accordance with all that the LORD has commanded.”

      2Then Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab and every skillful person in whom the LORD had put skill, everyone whose heart stirred him, to come to the work to perform it.

God is so gracious to remind me that HE alone has given me the skills to do the job before me. I also did a bible reading plan, from the bible app, with some of the teachers from our school called “Your Work Matters” which flows perfectly with what all God is growing in me currently: Confidence in Him and rebuilding my heart: His Temple, to refocus on God and His will for my life. I have to be before Him each morning with Thanksgiving or my mind/heart can easily become negative. I want to perform all the work in the reconstruction of His sanctuary, my heart, in accordance with His commands. It will not be easy, but by and through His power it can be done.

PRAYER: how I will communicate and hear from God.

SCRIPTURE: Reading from examples in the bible and learning what is pleasing and right to God.

ACCOUNTABILITY: This is huge as I publicly share things with you all and my close friends. If I am not holding to what I say, then I can be called out, corrected, challenged to turn back to God’s way. (just a thought, read Colossians 4:17 regarding the accountability we have before God regarding the completion of the ministries we have received in the Lord. Might be interesting to understand what God holds each of us accountable to)

What is your biggest challenge in working unto the Lord? In what ways do you need to change or pursue God so you can find Joy in the work with the skills He has given you?

Blessings and may His face shine upon you in all you do and may you glorify His name in all the work He has given you.

Ephesians 2:10 “¹⁰ For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“

GO work for the Lord today and be reminded He has already equipped you so be filled with confidence and Joy.

Before I go, I want to ask continued prayers for:

1. Larry Papizan, for healing, and peace/comfort for his wife, Faith,  their kids Cheree, Rebecca, Stephen, and grandkids walking this road with him.
2. Paul Jenkins as he has completed 3 rounds of his Chemo and has 3 to go. Please pray for his wife Linda as she walks this road with him.
3. Continue to pray for Olivia Streckfuss, her parents Joe & Rebecca as they try to comfort, support and encourage their daughter on her journey with her venous malformation. Pray for doctors to have insight in how to help her, comfort her and limit the pain. Still pray for full healing for this young girl.
4. Please pray for me to have strength each day as I work, to be an encouragement, get enough sleep each night and know when to stop or say no to excess that will take energy away from what God has called me to specifically in this job.
5.  Also, I ask for prayers not to use the hole in my head as an excuse not to serve in a certain capacity for fear of failing or taking too much of my energy. I don’t want to miss out on what God wants me to do or how He wants to use me. Please pray for wisdom and discernment for me each day.

PRAISE:

1. Many of you know early on I met a couple, Steve and Sara in radiation, he had to stop due to so many seizures continuing to happen but he finally finished. I texted with Sara yesterday and Mike has been seizure-free for one year and back at work. Please keep them in your prayers as they don’t want any tumors to come back.

Thank you all for your prayers, checking up on me and know I am doing very well and hope to post a live blog update soon. Each time I tried to record it just did not go how I wanted so I gave up on trying for now. One of these days it will happen. Have a wonderful week and will post again soon. “May the LORD bless you and keep you, may He make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you, May the LORD lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace” Numbers 6:24-26. I had a youth minister who prayed this every week after youth group and now, as a pastor, prays this over His congregation. What a prayer and may you know God is with you, for you and so loves you this day. Have a wonderful week.

Much thanks and love

Mindy

How My Illness Is Healing Me

The last 2 months have been a harder battle than the actual tumor or treatment. God has been stripping me down piece by piece through different experiences, friendships both old and new, Mostly, through my lack of confidence. So, how do I move on trusting God regardless of this change? What is He asking me to do?

I can hear you asking, how can having cancer actually heal you? As I walk this road, I have spent a lot of time in scripture asking God to reveal sin, ungodliness and attitudes that do not align with who He is and what He has called me to live daily. The most recent was a week ago as I felt that a spiritual battle was being fought over my heart, mind and actions. First thing I did was run to scripture and God took me to Proverbs 3:1-8.

Most of you who have followed this journey know I used Prov 3:5-6 as my main verse for this cancer journey. I now have more to add regarding those verses and I want to break them down for you. It is good to trust in God. This past weekend I found there is so much more in how we walk this road. The verses before Proverbs 3:5-6, as well as after, give us insight into how we can live this out. Join me in reading through Proverbs 3:1-8. Before you read this passage and my comments below, ask God to speak to you and reveal any way you are or are not following Him today. Ask, what does God desire you to change and how are you going to take those steps? After reading, take a moment to be still and listen to God. He may have some fantastic insight to help you walk through your days or battle raging.

1. Action: “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,” God is reminding me, and us, to not forget His teaching (instruction, direction, law). This WILL ONLY happen if we are IN His Word, reading, memorizing and studying for a greater understanding Next, He challenges us to keep it in our hearts, where all emotions and actions flow out of. When looking up this word in Strong’s concordance, the writer was meaning, inner man, will, mind. So, for me to stay ‘abiding in Christ’, ‘living in full faith and trust’, I have to make sure these commandments and teachings are stored in my mind, heart and will. How are you storing God’s teachings in your heart? How are you aligning your prayers and walk with God’s will for your life?

2. A Promise: follows if we are obedient in verse 2 “for length of days and years of life and peace they WILL ADD to you. Continuing from the previous verse, we are told, in not forgetting God’s teaching, but letting our heart keep them, He WILL prolong our life and even more so, peace WILL be added to us for length of days. Peace in this verse means completeness or soundness. Who does not want more of this in the world today? Please, keep reading with me.

3. Action: required in verse 3 ” DO NOT (NEVER) let kindness (goodness, mercy, to BE good) and Truth (Faithfulness, firmness, TRUTH ) leave(forsake, depart) you; bind them around your neck, (join together, knit firmly), tie together to make strong as a garland. Picture knitting a scarf tightly so it keeps you warm and does not fall apart or have holes that let cold air flow onto your neck). We are to bind God’s word that tightly around our neck so not to let the flow of Satan’s lies or ways misdirect us. Write them on the tablet of your heart. Before my brain tumor, I made wooden signs filled with scripture and encouraging words people requested. When I was making boards, I would have to indent with a pencil, some of the wording into the wood plank. That way I could follow the perfect line of the script and have no change of font or paint outside the lines. This could cause a distraction and/or devaluing of the message or design. We are to so study, understand and know God’s word that we have so indented it upon the tablets of our hearts. The goal, is that Scripture flows out of us, instead of the things of this world, as not to misrepresent God by living outside the boundaries of His Word and cause someone to stumble. After we follow these actions, we are given another promise: 4. Promise: “THEN, you WILL win favor (grace) and a good name in the sight of God and man.” We are promised to have grace with God and man along with a good repute (insight) with those as well. AGAIN, this takes us inscribing God’s Truths and teachings upon our hearts, Not just in our mind, for then we only know about God and not actually personally know Him. But, if you spend time with God and inscribe His words of Truth on your heart then you know Him and He will give you grace and favor. What a way to walk each day with God’s favor, and in doing that who knows the doors He will open to use you to make an impact in someone else’s life as well as the insight He can give you in any situation you are faced with on any given day. The next 2 verses give more direction for us to act upon:

5.Action: 5 Trust (rely on, have confidence in, secure) IN the Lord with ALL (the whole, not just part) your heart (inner man, mind, will) and lean (support) NOT on your own understanding (knowledge, discernment),

6. Action: 6 in ALL your ways (journey, road, distance, manner) submit (acknowledge) to him, and he WILL make (smooth) your paths (journey, road, distance, manner) straight. He keeps giving us the how to’s and then the promises that follow: Here is another action, command from God

7. Action: “DO NOT be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil. I want to be very honest here as this one got me because I wanted to go down a pity party road. I am not who I was before the tumor and God flat out let me know I needed to turn from my natural man of pride, perfection and selfishness and instead to fear God. Not in a way that He would hurt me, but that I would miss out on being in His Full presence. I had to make this decision: IF I continued to ignore His voice in certain areas of my life, it would continue to bring me pain, suffering, and grief. But instead, I am to turn away from the evil in my thoughts and actions. How is God speaking to you about choices you are making in your life today that are of you and not from Him? Are you listening to His voice today or are you trying to be wise in your own eyes or understandings? Verse 8 gives us a great promise if we live by these teachings from Proverbs 3:1-7.

8. Mighty Promise: “IT WILL bring healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.” Some may disagree with me here, but knowing my life the last few years and the ugliness that lived in me, I do believe my tumor was part of the poison for choosing to live in my bitterness. So, as I read this, a peace fell over me that, if I would (lay this down at His feet and choose His way of love over my selfish, unloving ways, it will bring a healing (peace, rest, joy) over my bones. (I have to volitionally act, no one else can do this for me, so it requires a heart, mind and will change). I do believe this and ask you to join me in praying for one another as we try to live out this particular teaching and command from God above, especially within the church. Trust me, it is not easy, but what a better community of believer’s we would have if we actually practiced this and walked in it together. As my mom said yesterday, “It has to start with one.” Let us be that one it starts in today. God’s love and truths will be so much more nourishing to my bones and body than negativity, complaining, comparisons or anger.

Father God, God of my brokenness, God of my confidence, God of my hurts, God of my healing, I praise You! For You love us regardless of our inner man, stubborn will and how we choose self or worldly things over You, time and time again. You flood Your grace over us, even when we don’t share it with others. You give us so many chances to start over and begin anew. Forgive me for the times that I have failed You, and chosen the world, instead of You. Be my strength today and draw me closer to You through our times together. Thank you for not giving up on me but daily, patiently chiselling the ugly out of my heart and replacing it with Your powerful words, promises, and love. Help me to be a bright light of love in this world that others will be drawn to You, Amen.

Blessings,

Mindy Scott

How to Build Muscles of Active Belief

Have you ever needed to just talk it out? As a woman, this happens a lot for me. I am one of those people who want to verbally talk through a process and by the end of the conversation I know what I am to do. I know for a fact it drives my husband insane! Yet, he is gracious to sit and listen, probably wanting to tell me what to do, but holds back as I figure it out by the end. Sometimes we, men too, need to talk it out and hear the situation out loud before making a decision. Let’s walk through David’s prayer time.

First he takes his complaints to God. In Psalm 13 King David wrote “how long” four different times with God. The desperation is heard as he asks, “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?” Do you hear the desperate voice? I have had those moments wondering if God remembers I am sitting in pain. Next, David vents his frustration and disappointment by asking God: “How long will you hide your face from me, God?” It is as if God is playing hide-n-seek without giving the option of being found.  Lastly, David seeks God for comfort as he lays the real ache of his heart out in the open: “How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart (soul)? How long will my enemy triumph over me?” A little impatience is growing here. I imagine his voice is not calm at all but quite demanding, along with somewhat of a whoa-is-me. Ever felt these different emotions with God before?

Then in verses five and six, you see where he has talked his way into trusting in God. Matthew Henry wrote “God’s mercy is the support of the psalmist’s faith. Finding I have THAT (God’s mercy) to trust in, I am comforted, though I have no merit of my own. Note, how his faith in God’s mercy filled his heart with joy in his salvation, for joy and peace come by believing.” David already knew God’s character and I believe, though he walked through this little verbal battle, it was his

process of weaning out the fat of unbelief

and getting to the muscle of belief.

Five months after the twins were born, my husband suprised me with a gym membership and personal trainer. He knew I wanted to get back in shape. As I started to train, I would be required to weigh myself (hated these days). I noticed I was only gaining weight and not losing. You can imagine that was a little disheartening knowing how hard I was working. It was not until a year later that a friend stopped me and told me my muscles were looking very defined. That was a wonderful moment of encouragement and satisfaction. I want to compare physical training to spiritual building up the muscle of belief. How can you build up a strong muscle of belief?

Bring Your Complaints Before God

King David went before God. He could have found a friend and vented or complained, but he chose to go before God first. “But anxious cares are heavy burdens by which believers often load themselves more than they need (I am guilty of this). A common temptation also is when trouble lasts so long that we think it will last always. Those who long without joy, begin to be without hope. We should never allow ourselves to make any complaints, but what drives us to our knees. ” Matthew Henry. I believe David did not dwell here long because he did not allow himself to entertain the complaints for long. Avoiding the ability for unbelief to accumulate. His heart ached and he fell before God with a desire to trust God wholeheartedly.

Do not let your anxious cares become burdens. Each morning, at 4:00 am when my alarm goes off, I can choose to ignore it or roll out of bed and get ready. If I ignore my alarm, I usually regret it and makes the next workout more of a battle.  I also, might be harder on myself and become somewhat negative. But, if I get up and go to the gym, I feel stronger and the consistency of working out sustains my muscles. I am not as sore the more consistent I remain. The same goes with our spiritual lives. When I get up and meet with God, take my concerns, complaints, frustration, fears, worries to Him and leave those burdens with Him, I am happier, calmer and less anxious. My muscle of belief grows stronger and replaces the unhealthy fat of unbelief the more consistent I am going to God first.

He Brought His Whole Heart Before God

Not only did David bring his complaints, but he also brought his heart. He was wrestling with the thoughts in his head and sorrow in his soul. His heart was aching for the troubles in his life. I believe he knew God alone could heal them and that is why he went to God. God already knew his battles and what was going on inside of David. Why should David not be real?

One of the reasons I started working out is because 16 years ago my dad had quadruple bypass surgery. My grandparents had heart issues, cancer, high blood pressure, high cholesteral and more. I know that working out can help keep some of these things away. During my training, I learned weights help my bones stay strong. In doing cardio, I am able to strengthen my lungs, heart and endurance. Some days I cry out in pain because it is hard but I don’t pretend it is easy. Sometimes it burns my lungs to push that extra step or lift that weight one more time. There are times I really don’t want to go any further and want to quit from that voice saying “you are alone, just go ahead and give up”. I know some days are harder than others. Some days we want to just “GIVE UP” but God wants us to push through and go the extra step, lift our eyes to Him and keep reading His Word and seeking Him with our whole hearts. Even when we are doubting, angry, frustrated, disappointed and feeling alone. He already knows your heart so what damage will it do bringing these before God?  Which leads us to David’s final words from Psalm 13.

David CHOSE to Praise God and Trust Regardless

David’s final words in this psalm to God are: “BUT I TRUST in your unfailing love; MY HEART REJOICES in your salvation. I WILL SING the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.” Do you see how he says “I WILL”? David made a choice in that moment; regardless of his circumstances, he will believe God has him and praises him for being good. He chose to trust in God’s unfailing love, rejoice with his heart in his salvation and to sing recognizing God’s goodness even though his circumstances, to us, said otherwise. He chose not to entertain complaints, which grow into lack of trust and unbelief. Instead, he let his muscles of faith in God grow stronger.

Each morning I wake up and go to the gym with the attitude of “I WILL” go I feel better. Getting there is the hard part, but once I am there and work out, I feel good. The more consistent I am, the stronger I become. Each day, it is a mindset of getting up and going. Not always does that happen, I might miss a day, but I try to be consistent knowing the hard work benefits me. Same goes with our spiritual walk. Each day you arise, bring all your heart before God, you draw closer to Him, trust Him more to where you too can say, I trust in You Lord and your Unfailing love. You will get to know Jesus and recognize His goodness even when the circumstances don’t show them. The more you are in His Word, the more you get to know Him and your muscles of belief grow stronger and stronger.

What I learned about why I gained weight at the beginning of training, years ago. I learned that as the muscle builds up underneath my fat, it will eventually eat up that fat but for now it just grows and strengthens. Eventually the fat (3-5 pounds of fat can fill a place where 1 pound of fat was) will take over and lean me out. The scale might say I weigh more but my clothes say otherwise. Just because your circumstances say otherwise, does not mean that underneath growth is not occurring. It takes time, hard work and discipline to grow the muscles of belief. Find a plan and stick to it. Each person will have a different plan to build muscles of belief. How can you build these muscles?

Read God’s Word daily

Psalm 12:6 says, “The words of the Lord are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times”.

God’s Words are a healing balm, able to direct our hearts to what is right, bring peace, flood us with joy and give guidance for our journey.

Converse daily with an honest heart before God

Psalm 139:23-24 “Search me and know my heart, try me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the everlasting way”.

Change old habits, (recognize His goodness no matter the circumstances)

Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Choose to Trust in God (make that non-ending decision now)

Psalm 62:8 “Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”

Praise Him for how far He has brought you. Praise Him where you are right now in whatever work/season you are in right now. Thank you and remember how faithful He has been and will be until the end. Hold on tight to His hand and don’t let go, he never will.

Father, I lift up Your child as she/he begins this new year and new day. I ask You to arm them with Your strength. As they go about their jobs, wherever they are, will You please help them to turn any complaints or concerns to You. Remind them that You already know what thedays hold and You have them in Your hand. You know what is best and good for them just as David sang out to You. May Your children choose now, to believe Your words over anxiety in the world. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, lift your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 4:6-7). Just as David sang, may they sing Your praises in all circumstances. Thank You, Lord, for hearing this prayer. Thank you, Father, for loving us and never giving up on us. Continue to turn our hearts toward You and May our muscles of faith grow more and more replacing the fat of unbelief.

 

 

Standing Room Only

Matthew 6:33 “But seek first HIS kingdom and HIS righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

I awoke to a beam of light coming through the blinds. Rolling over I look at the clock reading 7:45 am. Late morning slumber and now the pounding of feet upstairs tells me some kiddos are going to want to eat. I jump out of the bed, freshen up somewhat and off to the kitchen for the morning aroma of breakfast to fill the house. As I walk to the kitchen, I see the five loads of laundry that need to be folded, papers strewn all over the counter, carpet needing to be vacuumed, dishes in the sink and my daughter’s over sized kick balls rolling into the den. Laughter follows and I am brought back to the present moment of cooking breakfast.

Did you catch what happened in those few seconds on my journey from the bedroom to the kitchen? Distracted by all that was in front of me, I lost sight of my goal of making breakfast. My mind was taken aside as it began making a list of all that will have to be done and by what time. Stress started streaming over me but fortunately, the laughter of my two girls called me to just being present with them while making breakfast. After everyone ate, I grabbed my bible, notebooks and bolted to my deck, my platform before Jesus. Finding the worship list, on the phone, music began to fill the backyard as God drew my heart to Him. “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” God promises us in Jeremiah 29:13.

While studying scripture the other day, a word jumped out at me from a commentary; it was the word CAPACITY.  I have come to enjoy looking up the definitions of words.  I also go to the thesaurus and look up other words that relate. As I took notes a picture began to form in my mind. It began with a big room and I was standing in the front.  Next, looking within the walls, I saw a room filled with laundry, lunches, bible study books, hammers, saws, TV shows, grocery list, my kids, schedules, my husband and many other things I do. Lastly, in the back, where there remained standing room only, was Jesus. He was standing, up against the wall looking at me. His eyes melted me. Looking over the room, I realized I left Him standing room only. My room was filled with things from my life, that are not bad, but took precedence over God. The capacity of my heart was filled with things of this world first, not of God. I heard Jesus’ loving voice say, “Mindy, if you would put me first, right next to you I can fill your room to capacity with greater things. I can give strength for the day, peace for unforeseen circumstances, love that overflows and joy that lasts through the deepest pain.”

Maybe you are reading these words and you can relate. As you look up, even now, you see Jesus standing in the back of your room. Hopefully you are not feeling condemned but moved to stop and sit with Jesus.  Let Jesus fill your heart with all of Him. Jesus tells in Matthew 6:33 to seek His Kingdom first and His righteousness and all these things will be given to us. Make God your first priority so He can fill you with His Kingdom and righteousness. Give God the first seat and watch how He will fill your room to capacity with more than you could ever envision.

May God fill you your room to capacity with His blessings beyond your imagination.