The Root

Finding the root cause of something often takes time, dedication, skill, and usually money.

That grinding noise every time your car is running? There is a reason for it.

That water leak in your basement? Where is the breech?

That relationship struggle? What is behind it?

Everything ugly starts somewhere. But, sometimes we can’t see the origination spot because there are too many other presenting issues that make it difficult to find the root cause.

Sometimes there is a generational issue in a family. Sometimes an incident in the life of someone throws things off for a bit. Sometimes it is just the sin that is in the world and inside each of us.

But it all begins with sin. And sin began long ago in the Garden of Eden.

How many times I thought I was so sure that I never would have…

taken a bite of that apple…

denied I knew Jesus three times…

built a golden calf…

Yet, I have done all this and much more.

Chopping something down to its root is not enough because there are still sprouts that can come up from there. We need to dig out the root. Otherwise we think we conquered that thing, but it is still very much alive.

This thing — this sin that has taken root in our life can affect our health, our relationships with humans, and, most importantly, it will cause challenges in our relationship with God.

Is there something – some sin or some form of it – that keeps coming up in your life? Do you think you have conquered it only to have it rear its ugly head once again? Is it consistently causing issues in your life?

Ask God to help you understand the root cause of the pattern that seems to be on repeat in your life (aside from just acknowledging that we live in a sinful world and we are sinners). Ask for His direction in healing or resolving that issue. It may be good to talk to a trusted friend or a healthy Biblical counselor. Getting to the root of it doesn’t mean little sprouts won’t show up here and there. Of course, we are all works in progress. But as God does His work in and through you. you can be sure that He wants that situation to have healing and closure, too.

Sometimes it might involve forgiving someone. And that someone might even be yourself!

Offense or defense?

What is your prayer posture?

For me, it all depends.

Sometimes there is an immediate need or situation I am praying for: healing from illness or injury, peace in the midst of a difficult circumstance, or protection when I know someone is in peril.

Other times, I am just praying much more generally for someone — in advance of any need I know about, but will surely come their way. In terms of my kids or grandkids it might be things that occur in their lives after I am no longer on this Earth.

It is easy to see that praying for others can take quite a bit of time. As we get older and spend less time doing and more time being, we may more easily find the time to pray.

But, we can also start today!

Do you have someone you can pray for through all of their upcoming life stages? I have my grandkids in mind. We have two 5 year olds and a 3 year old. They have a lot of life coming up and I am praying for them and all their upcoming life experiences.

Whose life are you covering in prayer?

Clear vision

This week I will have surgery to address the cataract in my right eye. While I have cataracts in both eyes, only the right one is a problem at this time.

Have you ever noticed your vision or perspective change slowly over time? I rarely do. But, when things get to a point when it really feels different then I seem to realize that something has been happening, over time.

It’s kind of like the frog in the kettle. You don’t really notice where you are — maybe you are lulled into complacency — until it is (almost) too late.

Of course, I don’t feel like I am too late dealing with this cataract. And, by the end of the year my left eye might need to be done, too. That would be convenient, “deductibly” speaking.

But, if we are speaking about the way of the world and the destructive rabbit trails and worldly views that can subtly and quickly surround us, now that can really cause some issues.

How do we stand guard and protect or ensure God’s perspective is coming through?

By walking close to God.

Surrounding ourselves with Scripture is a big help. Regular communication with God — even if it is lamenting 😊– just keeping that door open is also important. Attending church services or Bible studies — and having Faith- filled friends and family are all ways to ensure — or at least help — your spiritual eyes to be aware and in synch with God.

And, sometimes, you might need to go “under the knife” to address the issue.

God is there, too!

The Stain of Sin

I have been sinning since the beginning of my time. I still sin. It is a part of my human condition but I have been working on my stuff. I can say “I am sorry”. I can ask for forgiveness. I can work on not sinning, and yet, I still sin. I know God forgives me for the large and small sins and wipes it clean away but, in this world, the stain of sin can remain, for a lifetime.

And that can be a lifetime of me being needled by satan. He loves to try to condemn, particularly those who have been forgiven. The devil wants to wrestle away my peace that passes all human understanding and convince me that I am stained and unusable, that His healing work can’t possibly work through this mess.

This mess of me.

But God can and He does. He can do it for you too! Lord, let me focus on Your work of healing. Let me trust You to work on the stains of my sin. I know you see me through the beauty and perfection of Jesus, but sometimes the world can see my stains and I feel condemned all over again!

Thank you for your gift of Jesus and His sacrifice on my behalf! Amen.

From God the Father, virgin-born

From God the Father, virgin-born
To us the only Son came down;
By death the font to consecrate,
The faithful to regenerate.

Beginning from His home on high,
In human flesh He came to die;
Creation by His death restored,
And shed new joys of life abroad.

Glide on, O glorious Sun, and bring
The gift of healing on Your wing;
To eve’ry dull and clouded sense
The clearness of Your light dispense.

Abide with us, O Lord, we pray;
The gloom of darkness chase away;
Your work of healing, Lord, begin,
And take away the stain of sin.

Lord, once You came to earth’s domain
And, we believe, shall come again;
Be with us on the battlefield,
From ev’ry harm Your people shield.

To You, O Lord, all glory be
For this Your blest epiphany;
To God, whom all His hosts adore,
And Holy Spirit evermore.

Translated by John Mason Neale, 1818-66

Hello Friend! Day Twenty-four

One thing I ask from the Lord,
    this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
    all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord
    and to seek him in his temple.
⁵For in the day of trouble
    he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
    and set me high upon a rock. Psalm 27:4-5 NIV

Hello Friend!

Are you coming from a broken place? There may be many things that are demanding your time, but time for healing is so important. Our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs require focus. And when there is a need for healing, other things may need to take a back seat for a while.

That’s okay.

When people are able to admit they have come from a broken place it seems they can share God’s love from the heart. I would prefer to hear about God’s provision in a messy life than hear about the perfect life any day! So don’t be fooled by Pinterest Perfection or Facebook Flawlessness or trying to present your life as the Instagram Ideal. God saves real people and meets them in the midst of their sins and brokenness. We don’t have to have to “pretty it up” for Him. God’s love can carry us through the healing process and it covers our multitude of sins. Let’s stop pretending that we aren’t wounded by the world but let’s not dwell in our wounds either.

If you find yourself dwelling in your situation then more healing may need to happen.

There is no timetable for grieving the losses we have endured in this life. But getting stuck for a long time in the grieving process is not a fun place to be either. God’s Word never fails to give me a fresh perspective on my circumstances. Finding time to be in His Word is essential for my healing and attitude. Being a part of a healthy congregation is important too! Identify those places that need healing and seek help through a trusted counselor or pastor. Let God’s love and forgiveness wash over you and rest in His grace.

If you take time to focus on healing, it may mean it is not your time for something else at the moment because we can’t do everything at once. Set the unimportant things aside and do the next right thing.

Love,
Liz

Hello Friend! Day Twelve

Hello Friend!

It is so hard to hear the life stories I hear sometimes and I can only imagine how difficult it is to live through them. There is a lot of heartache and pain in the world. It’s difficult to be in it but also very painful to watch. Some of what people have lived through is unfathomable – it doesn’t even touch my worst moment. All I can do is listen. And pray.

For peace. For healing. For reconciliation. For strength.

I have walked in my own shoes but I really haven’t walked in anyone else’s so, given a situation, it’s hard to say if I would have done things better or worse or at all.

What has helped you most when you have been on a difficult road?

Love,
Liz

Bones

Have you ever broken a bone? If so, does it ache when the weather is changing? Do you have any lasting effects of your broken bone?

On a good day, our bones are tucked inside our bodies. They are protected but give strength and form to our bodies. If you have all your bones and they all work fine, be thankful. While we might think nothing of it, there are those who are adjusting to life because on ongoing issues with their bones.

On a difficult day our bones might ache;

they might be exposed;

they might be weakening;

they might need healing;

they may have been removed.

Working through chronic pain, injury, disability, the healing process, and the loss of bone or limbs takes a lot of energy and focus. Our bones are such an integral part of us and it is easy to see why God used it to help us make connections. Bones are a common experience even though ailments related to bones may not be.

Have you felt negative things “in your bones”? Have you felt things so deeply it felt like it was in the marrow of your bones? I love how God talks about bones in His Word!

A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. [Proverbs 14:30, NIV]

Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. [Proverbs 15:30, NIV]

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. [Proverbs 16:24, NIV]

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. [Proverbs 17:22, NIV]

As your ears and eyes soak up Scripture, it will permeate your thought life and be visible in how you interact with others. It will deepen your understanding of His love for you and all the people on this planet! God’s Word changes hearts and lives. It digs deep and roots out the yuck that we have buried in our bones.

¹²For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. ¹³Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. [Hebrews 4:12-14, NIV]

God’s blessings as you surround your eyes and heart with His Word!

Liz

PrayerPrompt: TOOLS

PrayerPoints ~ Thursday, February 25th

James 3-17-18w

Today’s PrayerPoint ~ Psalm 30

“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 thanks to you forever.” Psalm 30: 11-12

Psalm 30.

Have you ever been far enough from a painful situation to actually look back on it and say, “OK, Lord, I really don’t want to go through that level of pain again but I get a glimpse of what you have worked out through that situation and thank you for carrying me through that time.” ?

Sometimes there is a lifetime of time and healing that passes in order to move from the wailing to the dancing. Healing is one of those highly individualized processes and so many things come into play during the healing that it is really hard to predict or rush the process.

Can you look back on hard times and see God’s work and provision? It is good to be reminded of those things. When I read through Psalms and contemplate the depth of pain and anguish of the authors, I know my feelings and struggles are not so unique. There is a bit of comfort in that, I suppose. But the real comfort, for me, is found in the consistency of God’s provision and healing throughout Scripture.

Blessings on your time in Psalm 30!

And just because I love this precious song by Fernando Ortega, I am sharing it here:

CrossRoads

Today’s PrayerPoint ~ CrossRoads

Every day I find myself at intersections where I am called upon to choose how I will respond to my day and to my circumstances. Are there challenges? Of course there are. But I do not want to be accused of blowing momentary troubles out of proportion by whining and complaining. Much of what I deal with is momentary. It’s just that some moments last longer than others! Every day I see heartbreaking stories of really difficult circumstances. I have lived through a few myself as I am sure you have. Life on Earth has joy and pain. Thankfully, as we trust and serve an amazing God we also have the opportunity for His perspective and His life transforming work in our every day.

We all come up against crossroads. Sometimes we travel through accident-prone crazy intersections and some of our journeys take us to easy and relaxed places but each crossroad leaves us with a choice — not necessarily in the outcome of a situation but our response to the circumstance. Unfortunate and disheartening struggles are common in this life — death, disability, abuse, job loss, unplanned pregnancies, critical illness, violence, financial crisis, family feuds, etc — and while they may shape a perspective, they do not have to define a person. It is understandable for it to take time for people to work through difficult situations ~ grief and healing are not processes to race through. God’s work in my heart is more like a crock-pot than a microwave. It takes time for me to work through things.

Here is how I would ultimately like my crossroads to define me ~ that I would be found trusting and relying on my Heavenly Father to meet my every need. That I would follow His lead, rest in His love and provision, and let Him infuse any circumstance with His forgiveness, grace, mercy, and peace.

Do you know someone at a crossroad that needs prayer? Have you considered quietly but deliberately praying for them and their decision-making during this time? Sometimes we see people at a crossroad before they realize they are there. If you have been given eyes to see that kind of situation I would encourage you to lift them up in prayer!

See you at the CrossRoad!
Liz

Walking Wounded

Do you know people who function day-to-day but their words or action indicate they are wounded? Maybe they speak with anger or make cutting remarks around you and it actually makes it hard to be near them. There are many reasons that people lash out (sometimes they are tired or overwhelmed) and we don’t always get to know the why behind what we see.

My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds;
my neighbors stay far away. Psalm 38:11

If someone comes to your mind, please lift them up in prayer today. I do think if you see a consistent pattern of ‘meanness’ that there is probably something else going on there. Wounded people wound people…often because of where they are in their pain. And while their actions or attitude might drive you away from them, it is often then that they really need a friend. Whether or not you are called to be that friend, I don’t know. But if God has allowed you to cross paths with this person, your prayer intercession on their behalf is an amazing gift.

If it is you that is wounded, seek healing. God is in the business of transforming ugly circumstances and situations into evidences of His mercy and grace. There are 190 versions of the word ‘heal’ in the New International Version of the Bible. Psalm 38 is a powerful petition from a hurting David. His pain is evident. As you begin your journey of healing, find a friend who will pray for you. Then find a Biblical counselor or pastor to sort out the situation and dig into God’s Word and God’s Truth. God’s healing work often begins with humble hearts.