Questions asked ... of God, of us -- Feb. 2

Where is my positiveness? 

Why do I spend so much time on my problems?

Why does it seem the dark and gloom of the day brings down my spirits ... why do I allow it? 

Why do I fall into a pit of dismay -- everything around me antagonizes me. I am distraught. So much I don't understand. 

Why can't I focus on God -- why don't I -- why am I not -- and why aren't you? 

Why do I and you too react so boldly instead of considering our responses? 

Why, since I know You, God, are there, is my focus not on You -- what is preventing me from seeking You out? 

How do I train my mind to seek You Lord -- at all times, in every moment, every situation? 

How do I determine when God is talking to me and when it is Satan? 

If I sometimes see God and am aware of Him, why can't it be all the time? 

Why can't I see God's heavenly Sonlight in the midst of the dark? 

Jesus, the Son of God, overcame the darkness, overcame Satan. 

Why do I struggle to remember God's promises? 

Why can't I be what God desires me to be?  When will we become more like You? 

Why can't my thoughts be more positive? 

Why don't I trust You Lord? You do not fail me. Why don't I reach out for You? 
You who are forever true and faithful. 

The struggles I face with a loved one don't have to prevent me from coming to the Lord Jesus. 

Why do I continue to stay in the dark when the light is right there?

God is everywhere. I know You are. I am aware of Your Presence. I talk to You. I pray to You. I study Your word. 

Others know too. But are they aware of You? Do they talk to You ... pray to You ... worship You ... sing praises to You ... study Your Word? 

Do I enjoy fellowship with fellow believers? 

Do I enjoy sleeping in more?

Do I allow any distraction to come along to keep me from doing what I know is the right thing to do? 

Do I listen to the sermon or does my mind wander ... am I distracted? 

Do I come to Sunday worship with an open mind? Or is closed? 

Do I come to Sunday worship just to get an obligation out of the way? 

Have I opened His word?

Do I think it is not necessary to open the Bible? 

Did I read the Bible once and decide that was enough?

What did I learn?  

Do I think whatever it was that I learned once upon a time applies to all time -- in whatever stage I am in? 

Why should I continue to read the Bible?

Why should I even start to read the Bible?

Do I believe there is nothing in it that will be useful to me?

If the one time I read the Bible, it didn't say I couldn't do this or that, does that mean I have every right, no matter what the circumstances, to continue doing it?

What about all the things the Bible does say? 

What does it say about love? 

Does the Bible say to "abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good?" (Romans 12:9)

Or does it say something else? 

Does the Bible say "Do not be wise in your own opinion?" (Romans 12:16)

Does the Bible say "Repay no one evil for evil?" (Romans 12:17)

Does the Bible say "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good?" (Romans 12:21)

What does the Bible say about being a stumbling block to another? 

Does it say, "We then who are strong (in the flesh) ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves?" (Romans 15:1)

And if I am weak as another is weak, I nor you, in all honesty, can say, Oh I didn't know that -- not when we are children of God! 

Am I seeking His Face?

Do I bend my knee? 

Do I bow my head? 

I want what is best. I don't really know what is best. I think I do, but God is The One who knows best all the time. I want His light to shine in me and through me to others, so they will see God's glory and praise and worship Him. 

How Lord, how can I stay focused on You when circumstances get so messed up? 

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." ~ Romans 12:2 

"Seek the Lord and His Strength; Seek His face evermore!" ~ Psalm 105:4 

Relationships

To conquer and obtain; to pursue

What is marriage? Does it mean you have pursued, and now conquered?

The prize is won. You have obtained it. A man has a woman. A woman has a man.

But is that all there is? Is there nothing more?

Have you forgotten love? Have you forgotten the wedding vows? Do you think the wedding ceremony is the culmination of all you pursued, and once you say, "I do," there is nothing more?

The one you marry is more than a prize. She is your wife. He is your husband. A relationship begun. Two individual people unite, becoming one unit. As it says in Genesis 2:24:  "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." 

Marriage is not just a place to get to and then move on, looking for something or someone else to pursue and to conquer.

Each of you acquire your heart's desire, but for your personal relationship with each other to grow, you must desire to pursue each other.

Marriage ... a relationship, just like the one the Lord desires with each of us.  

Jesus pursues us. He lets us make our own choices, but He desires to have a relationship with you, with me.

He will abide (dwell, live, continue, remain) with Me and I will abide with Him. When we accept Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, He sends The Holy Spirit to live within our hearts.

John 15:4:  "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me."

John 15:7:  "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you."

John 15:9:   "As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love." 

If we don't pursue Jesus, we have a life that is worthless. If we don't pursue our marriage partner, we have a life that becomes stale and lifeless. Neither relationship accomplishes anything.

Make the decision ... to love, to pursue, to continue, to dwell. Focus on Jesus and He will help you focus on your marriage.

(c) Cathy Orrick Luders

February 1, 2016

Questions asked ... of God, of us -- Jan. 11 -14

JANUARY 11

Am I thanking God for the answers (that I seek) that He has already set in motion?

Do I just bring my concerns to Him over and over without expectant hope?

How much do I trust the Lord?

How much do I believe in His mighty power?

How often do I offer up praises to Him?

Do I remember His promises?

Do my prayers reveal my true focus? 

Thankful prayers keep your focus on His Presence and His Promises. 

"Be still, and know that I am God." ~ Psalm 46:10

"Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving." ~ Colossians 4:2

JANUARY 12

Sky remains cloudy, yet God can see all past the clouds. 

You think your life is hidden from view - behind closed doors - but only from those not allowed in is it true. 

Do I put forth my best foot at every opportunity?

Do I start the day thinking about God or does my mind go elsewhere, thinking about all the things to get done before I consider what God has for me? 

Do redirect my thoughts to God when my mind wanders or do I continue on the wayward path?

You do not need to see the way if / when you are following The One who is The Way. 

Are you open to suggestions the Lord gives you?

Do you seek out others who might be able to help you accomplish the Lord's suggestions? 

"My Presence will go with you, and I give you rest." ~ Exodus 33:14

"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." ~ John 15:4-5

What do I do when I feel interest lacking from the one person I thought would be open to new ideas?

What do I do when my suggestions go in and out?

How can I move forward if I do not have encouragement?

Is encouragement only for women to give to the men in their lives ... not vice versa?

How can we accomplish the Lord's will in our lives and the lives of others if we see discouragement instead of encouragement? 

JANUARY 13

Do I think of the day as an adventure or would I rather spend the day in slumber?

Why would I rather do that?

Do I believe the Lord is with me even when I don't sense His Presence?

"This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." ~ Psalm 118:24

Jesus is our example. 

JANUARY 14 

Do I realize who created the sun? The clouds, the trees, the flowers, the seas ... Do I know?

Just as the sun peeks, shines bright into darkened windows, so too does our Lord -- He sees straight through you into the depths of your being. He knows what you think and feel. There is nowhere you can hide. Every corner, every crevice is open to Him. He sees your fears, your struggles. Yes, even when we are dishonest -- with ourselves and those around us -- He sees our responses. You think you can pretend, you can fool another, and maybe that is so on the outside. But inside, at the heart level, pretense fails. God sees all. 

Do I care what God sees? 

Do I want a personal, ongoing relationship with Him?

Do I want His peace, His blessings? 

Do I have time to give to the one who has time for me?

Do I thank Him for each day anew?

"Do not look at his appearance or his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." ~ I Samuel 16:7

Questions asked ... of God, of us -- Feb. 1

FEBRUARY 1

Why is the route so hard? 

Why don't I know what to do?

Am I following the Lord?

Have I stopped focusing on Him and His glory?

Is my heart racing because of worry and concern?

Do I spend more time worrying about the problem than turning it over to the Lord, praying, listening to His instructions and obeying?

Why do I think that it is too much work?

Why do I follow the path of sin ... Or have I forgotten all that sin encompasses?

Sin is everything that is not of God. Sin is fleshly pursuits, with no consideration given to another; only ourselves, our own lusts, interests, desires. 

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world -- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life -- is not of the Father but is of the world." ~ I John 2:15-16

Do I love the world more than I love God?

Do I love my personal desires more than being obedient to God?

Have I replaced God with something else?

Do I worship another to get what I feel is rightfully mine?

"For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone." ~ Psalm 91: 11-12

"For we walk by faith, not by sight." ~ II Corinthians 5:7

When we walk by what we see, there is much we miss -- with our eyes, our ears, our hearts. 

Without the Lord's guidance, without our focus on Him, our abiding in Him,we miss many blessings. 

Questions asked ... of God, of us -- Jan. 8 - 10

JANUARY 8 

Where is my hope - is it in Jesus, who is always with me, or do I have no hope, because I'm failing to look beyond myself? 

Hope has many sides. I can hope a relationship is mended, but who do you supposed does the mending? 

Do I believe it is me and you -- only we can make things better -- or do I reach out to the Lord, seeking His help for my every need?

It is a constant battle between the heavenly realms and the world. I live in the world, but I am not of the world. I am a child of the almighty God. 

I am so weak. I give in, give up. Satan has won a skirmish, but God overcame Satan -- God wins the battle. He is my every hope, my constant hope. When things overwhelm me, I must remember, I must say, I must believe, "I trust You Lord. Help me see the light." Remove the darkness Lord. Remove the pain, remove the struggle.

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." ~ Psalm 46:1

"do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. ... Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer. ... Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." 
~ Romans 12:7, 9-12, 16d, 17, 21

JANUARY 9 

Do I have a course of action for today? 

How will I know if it is in line with His will? 

Will I ask for His guidance every step or will I forge ahead, unmindful of His Presence? 

Not every plan is for today, but another day. I / we cannot run quickly, but wait for the Lord's response. It will be Yes - No.  Sometimes His response is Maybe - Not Yet. Whatever His answer is, I / we will know it is the right time. I must remain close to Him, His word. I must listen for His still small voice that comes to me when I least expect it. I must be willing to go where He sends me. Sometimes when I / we abide ever so closely to the Lord, His will and my will / desire are intwined, and when that be, there is nothing that can stop me from moving toward the destined goal. 

Do I let discouragement destroy my day? 

Do I get caught up in the pressures of the day and become stress-filled? 

Stress is not of of God. When  I trust in Him, when I seek His assistance throughout every moment, and thank Him, stress will fly out the window.  Then I will not say words that are unkind or unfruitful.

Help me slow down Lord. Help me accomplish all you have for me this day. 

Do I carry burdens not meant for me to carry - my own or another's? 

I am responsible only for me. I must give all those I love and care for to You. I must give my goals, my desires for another to You. It is Your will Lord, not mine. 

"If God is for us, who can be against us?" ~ Romans 9:31

"For with God nothing will be impossible." ~ Luke 1:37

JANUARY 10

Help me focus on You Lord, past the pain. Help me Lord believe, realize, without You, I am so insufficient, so insignificant, so weak. 

I want to trust You more, completely, without fail, in big and small events.  

One says I want to know about God. Another says I want what you have. Another still says I'm tired of this, I want a man, a job, a relationship with my wayward children, health. 
We all have wants, desires. Through the years, they trickle down, but unless our wants and desires, our will, is in line with Your will, all we want remains unfilfilled. 

How do I show trust to another?

How do I make another understand I must trust You to accomplish great and wonderful things for me? 

"Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me? ... What can man do to me?"
~Psalm 56:3-4, 11

Questions asked ... of God, of us -- Jan. 5 - 7

JANUARY 5

Do I learn to and do I actually do rely on God through every problem, every failure, every weakness, every need? 

"Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good, Seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry. The righteous cry out and the Lored hears And delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart and saves such as have a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all." ~ Psalm 34:13-15, 17-19

JANUARY 6

Do I believe God can do more than I can possibly imagine?

Do I come to Him expectantly with all that He could do?

Or do I expect nothing good ... is it all futile? 

Am I discouraged with every circumstance that arises or do I view it as a way for God to intervene?

Do I see every difficulty as a scene for which He will move?

Are my eyes and my mind wide open to all that is God?

Am I focused on heavenly things or on earthly things?

"For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God."
~ Romans 8:6-8

"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 40:31

JANUARY 7

Do I thank God for everything - good and bad?

Am I appreciative of the arguments between me and another, realizing the argument shows I am not focused on God, but rather on me and my perceptions of the other person?

Do I ask for the Lord's assistance at every turn and thank Him for all He has done, or do forget and think it was just luck? 

Do I seek His will, searching for a better way through Him or do I just go and do or don't do; whatever pleases me?

Do I pray for guidance, ask another to pray for me (and/or us)?

How can I trust you if you won't talk to me, talking instead to someone else about us?

How can I know what is real, what is true, if all I hear from you is what is wrong with me?

How can I know what is the right thing to do? 

Who am I listening to - the Lord whom I gave my heart to or Satan, who rules the world and causes me to believe the life I have with another is futile, worthless? 

"Praise the Lord, O my soul! While I live I will praise the Lord; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. Do not put your trust in princes, nor in a son of man in whom there is no help. His spirit departs, he returns to his earth; in that very day his plans perish." ~ Psalm 146:1-4

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." ~ I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Questions asked ... of God, of us -- Jan. 1 - 4

INTRODUCTION: This year - 2016 - I am reading Sarah Young's devotional, "Jesus Calling" for the third straight year. That is not unusual. I often re-read devotionals - there is always something new to glean from the text as well as the Holy Scriptures. This time around what is new is that I decided to ask questions. I read the text, ask questions, read the Scripture and then sometimes, share my thoughts. 

JANUARY 1

Are we teachable?

Are we eager to learn new things?

Do we give our full attention to the Lord, looking forward to His plans expectantly?

His plans are to give us hope, a future. What do we think this is? 

What are our plans?

Whose plans will we follow?

"We are to be a living sacrifice - holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." ~ Romans 12:1-2 

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." ~ Jeremiah 29:11-13

JANUARY 2

Do I look ahead at today's plans and problems?

Do I return my focus to Jesus whose Presence within me strengthens me for all that lies ahead?

Do I know what is better through Christ and go after it or do I move toward "me thinking" only?

Jesus responds to Martha re: her sister, Mary, who was sitting at the feet of Jesus. He responds likewise to each of us. 

"...you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her." ~Luke 10:41-42

JANUARY 3

Do I experience God's peace every moment - at all times, in all circumstances, or is worry my nature? 

Do others see Jesus within me or do they see all the problems and concerns that bog me down? 

Who do I focus my attention - heart and mind? Is it God, who constantly walks beside me and within me, or is it Satan, who rules the world we live in, who makes mountains out of mole hills, who seeks to destroy, kill all? 

Jesus  overcame the power of the devil, therefore we can too - but we do not. We accept Chris as our Savior and continue to live as if none of it matters. 

Who really has my soul?

Am I with Him and He with me as I professed He be my Savior or have I gone my own way, scattered away from Him and all He has for me? 

"...in Me you may have peace. In the wold you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." ~ John 16:33

JANUARY 4

Do I trust Jesus or is it me alone who deals with every adverse situation that comes into play? 

How often do I say, and believe it is true -- "I trust You, Jesus?"

or is fear the road I travel?

"He only is my rock..." ~ Psalm 62:2a

"Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your Presence?" ~Psalm 139:7

Abundant living or destructive living?

In our mind's eye, there is so much in the world that is unseen.  We think and ponder and wonder about a vast variety of situations / circumstances, not knowing what is true or what is real, but imagining we know.  Our imagination becomes real and we only see that tiny realm.

We live in a darkened world.

Even as believers in Christ, we struggle to comprehend the Lord's presence with us.

Where do we think He is?  Why do we fail to remember His guiding light is with us?  Why do we let our minds overrule our hearts?  Why do we forget God is only a word away - Help me Lord - and instead render His power useless?

We give in to the thoughts Satan imposes upon us.

We are aware of the Lord, but we fail to respond to Him.  We respond instead to the evilness around us and settle our thinking on that.

Have we forgotten Jesus overcame the world of sin and death?  (John 16:33)  He brings us peace and we can have it too, but not by focusing on ourselves, our mindless thinking.  We are like the disciples before Jesus' death when He proclaimed they would be scattered  (John 16:32)

Fear moves us away.  But Satan does not bring peace.  There is no peace to be found in negative responses or thoughts.

Peace is found only through the One who truly cares, whose compassion and mercy is showered on His own.  He prays for His children and He is glorified through them.

What glory will He obtain when His children turn away and scatter ...

Giving Up
qualities of God's character that should be reflected in us -- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)

Giving In
to qualities of Satan's character that should not be reflected in us -- jealousy, anger, dissension, backbiting, complaints, worry, envy, hatred and more (Galatians 5:19-21)?

We are given the commandment as believers:
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength." (Deuteronomy 6:5)

for "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy."  (John 10:10a)

"I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" Jesus tells us. (John 10:10b)

It is our choosing -- Abundant Living or Destructive Living

Peace and Life through Jesus
-- Staying close to Him at all times, even when most difficult, when thoughts carry us down blind alleys.

or Fear and Death through Satan

If we choose fear and destructive living,  you needn't do anything.  The path,  ever widening,  is before you.

If we choose peace and abundant living,  then we must keep our every thought in check,  ever mindful of the Lord's presence,  seeking Him every time, in every situation, and be obedient to His call. (He) "will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy." (Psalm 16:11)

(c) Cathy Orrick Luders
December 7, 2015

His perspective vs ours

God tells us to try to see things from His perspective,  to fill our minds with Him so that when things don't go as we would like, we can shrug it off and just say, "Oh well."

Negativity can take all of us down. I can be there as well as another. I can withdraw, coiled up like a ball, and spend my every thought on all that is wrong.

God wants us to encourage others, not tear them down. I don't imagine He wants us to see things that are not there either.

I am not perfect. I want so much to be the woman God desires of me and I go about it the best I can - from what I read and study in His word and what He shows me in this life.  I am open to His instruction, to His wisdom, even though there are times my instructions and my wisdom supercedes His.

I have been in the world of depression, where you fail to see the joy; a robot moving through the paces but going nowhere.

I left that world. I have no desire to return there.  However, Satan pushes us, prods us, kicks us down, passes out lies that sound like the truth.

The town of Depression is an easy place to be and return to, a hard place to get out.

There is no pat answer. We each struggle to saw the cell bars of our mind in two and escape the inner turmoils playing havoc on it.

Depression is a disease - that can be healed.

Satan will tell you you are destined to stay there, but that is untrue, a falsehood.

Satan is filled with lies. There is nothing about him we should ever believe. Yet we do - because we are human.

As children of the Lord God above, we have His spirit within us and that spirit walks with us and talks with us. He does not simply abide in us and that's that.  He shows us right from wrong. He convicts us to do or say what needs to be said.

When we pray, we seek His guidance, and then we wait, in anticipation of His answer.

(c) Cathy Orrick Luders

September 22, 2015 

Are you filled with courage or fear?

Courage is catching, and so unfortunately, is fear. Both come in the face of adversity.

Courage, I believe, shows itself when we are mindful of God at every turn and respond in obedience to His instruction. No matter what comes, when we are focused on the Lord, we can step up, step out and do.

Fear is when our thoughts go haywire and negativity rules. Our response is to withdraw because we can't see any positive outcome. We can't see the Light in the midst of the darkness surrounding us.

Whisper His name
His Presence with you
closer
Jesus, Jesus

Your strength lies in Him
Whisper
The name of Jesus
The trauma within and around you will lessen
as you feel His Love
Experience His Joy
and
Bask in the Sonlight of His Peace

Be courageous in the face of fear. Don't allow stress to overtake you and cause more trouble.

Whisper His name
His Presence is with you
wherever you are

"Show me Your ways, O Lord;
Teach me Your paths,
Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
for You are he God of my salvation;
on You I wait all the day."  ~ Psalm 27:4-5

"Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face evermore!" ~ Psalm 105:4

"Let not your heart be troubled." ~ John 14:1

(c) Cathy Orrick Luders

August 25-26, 2015

Formed, Conformed, Transformed

We are formed
man first
from the dust of the ground
God breathed life
into his body
a living being born
in the image of God
The Father
The Son
The Holy Spirit

"And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being." (Genesis 2:7)

Formed
man first
then woman
from man's rib
God took
and molded ...
a woman

"Bone of my bones
flesh of my flesh" 
said Adam (Genesis 2:23)

And God commanded
"Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." (Genesis 2:24)

A man,
a woman,
united
as one

We are formed
by God
for His purpose
His good will
to bring us peace
a future
a hope

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2)

Do not be conformed
shaped
molded
by the evil in and of the world,
the pressures
what you see happening around you
nor what you hear
Do not let your thoughts --
what you think --
or your emotions -- what you feel --
become your perception of
Truth
your guiding force.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotton Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

There is Only One
to guide you
Only One
who always
seeks your best

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye." (Psalm 32:8)

"The Lord wll guide you continually, And satisfy your soul in drought, And strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail." (Isaiah 58:11)

"However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come." (John 16:13)

"... let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves." (Galatians 5:16)

Be transformed
changed
renewed

Remember
Jesus
is The Way...
to salvation
to life
to being alive
to peace
to contentment
to love
to hope
to joy
to peace
to patience
to kindness
to gentleness
to self-control
to faithfulness

Jesus
is The Truth
"and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32)

"He who is of God hears God's words; (therefore) you do not hear, because you are not of God." (John 8:47)

Jesus
is The Life

"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me," Jesus says.  (John 14:6)

"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." (John 10:10)

God formed us
Do we conform to the world
and give in to the truths of sin
or do we transform, renewing our minds
to be and do
that which is good
and acceptable
and perfect
in God's sight

(c) Cathy Orrick Luders

July 10-11, 2015 

What do we see and hear and understand?

A collage of thoughts … I’m unsure there is a theme, but there might be. I was thinking one day, earlier this month about my eyesight deteriorating and my hearing not being so good and what that might mean in my travels with the Lord.

Eyes to see
but what is seen
Ears to hear
but what is heard
A mind to understand
but what is comprehended
Feet to travel
but where do we walk
© March 8, 2015

“He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”  ~ Matthew 11:15

“Seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.”  ~ Matthew 13:13

The level of one’s commitment to Christ as Lord is demonstrated by the degree of our obedience to God’s will as revealed in His word.

Isaiah prophesies to the people as God instructed (Isaiah 6:9-10, Matthew 13:14-15)

“Hearing you will hear and shall not understand,
and seeing you will see and not perceive;
For the hearts of this people have grown dull.
Their ears are hard of hearing,
And their eyes they have closed,
Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears,
Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,
So that I should heal them.”

If we claim to be Christians, we must strive to make our lives obedient and pleasing to God.

“Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!”
~ Isaiah 6:21

“Do not be wise in your own eyes.”  ~ Proverbs 3:7

God makes Himself known
He reveals His glory
and all that is ungodly
and how we do not live righteously,
but as foolish people.
We claim to be so wise, so smart,
but our hearts are darkened.
We do not have the Truth of God,
the Light of the Lord within us
and if we claim otherwise
and do have His Light,
we are ignoring the signs
God has given us
and follow instead every lie,
every falsehood
that creeps into our minds.
We lust after another
We dishonor our bodies
(based on Romans 1: 18-19, 21-22, 24-32)

“Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.”         ~ II Timothy 2:7

Continually, I hold on to the verse in II Timothy 1:7 --
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

“Hold fast the pattern of sound (or healthy) words which you have heard from Me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.”  ~ II Timothy 1:13

As we trust the Lord more and more, we are able to receive Him and His blessings abundantly.

When we pray, but do not trust the Lord to respond, do not wait on Him,
we will not receive His blessings. We must be still, not anxious. Anxiety and worry are not of God.

Do not let the concerns of another tear you apart. Remain resting in Christ. He will bring you through it.

Trust Me
Depend on Me
Do not fall prey to distractions
I will equip you
Must believe in Me,
obey Me
Trust
in My Promises
Do not falter

The new man/woman
You became
he/she
You accepted
Christ
Believed
on Him
in Him
and His Promises

Yet,
a part of you
remains
in the darkness
You are blinded
holding onto your
former conduct
that you remember well
and go back to
again and again

You are
the new man/woman
not the old one
you gave up

Why do you follow after
that which corrupts
your thinking
and takes you down
paths of deceit
and jealousy
and bickering
with another

Be renewed
Be the new man/woman
for  which God created you

Put away lying
Speak truth
not corruption, not dissension, not contention
Build up, encourage

No bitterness
or clamor
or evil speaking

Be kind
tenderhearted
forgiving

You are no longer in the dark as some still are
The Light of the Lord resides in you.
Walk as that Light – the Light of Jesus -
goodness, righteousness, truth
that which is acceptable
to the Lord.
(based on Ephesians 4: 17-  and 5:8-10)

Do not trod the paths
that lead to darkness
You do not belong there

Why do we hold on to things that only bring discouragement?
Why does not former conduct have such a hold on us?

We know the scheming of Satan
for we lived among them
The power of Christ
overcame his strength
at the cross
when upon His death
and burial
He arose to live forevermore
and gave to each
one who believed
on Him
the power to overcome

We know the way of Christ
for we became new
The power of Christ
in us
through the Holy Spirit

Yet,
for all we know
and all we have been given
we do not utilize
Christ’s power in us

We do not turn away
completely
from every disgusting
thing Satan brings out way
We do not turn to
The One
who is always with us
who never forsakes us
whose might is greater
than anything we can imagine

God and Satan
obedience sought
in all things
Satan’s goal
is to take you away
from Christ
to show you how bad
you are
how good you will never be
Satan leads you along the path
of what feels good,
your rights, your needs.
It’s all about you
and the more you lap it up,
the more your faith in Christ
diminishes
and for all God’s calling
The voice you used to hear so well,
so plainly
is growing faint
and His light dimmer and dimmer

Why do you persist in following
the avenues of deceit,
of living to self?

Give it up
Stop this foolishness
It does not build you up
Satan tears you down
and you see that as the way it is
The way you are

It is not! You are not!
Christ died for you!
Whatever did Satan do for you?

Why do you find it easier to stick like glue
to the enemy …
to the sin of
adultery
uncleanness
jealousy
selfish ambitions
envy
drunkenness
idolatry,
fear
anger
lying
witchcraft
hatred
outbursts of wrath
contentions
heresies
murder
gluttony

than to follow
the Way of Your Savior
the way of
Love
Joy
Peace
Gentleness
Kindness
Faithfulness
Self-Control
Patience
Goodness
Honesty
Patience
Discipline

“Lest Satan should take advantage of us, for we are not ignorant of his devices.” 
~ II Corinthians 2:11

“Nevertheless, when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.”  ~                             ~ II Corinthians 3:16

A veil covers their heart of understanding;
their minds blinded

“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”  ~ II Corinthians 3:17b

Where the spirit of Satan is, there is bondage, enslavement

When we became Christ’s, “we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully.”                                        ~ II Corinthians 4:2a

“We do not lose heart.”  ~ II Corinthians 4:1

We do not give up nor give in
We do not stay where we had been
We are recipients
of God’s mercy,
God’s grace

God’s image shines on you
for you belong to Him
Do not return to the hidden world of sin

“We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed;
We are perplexed, but not in despair;
persecuted, but not forsaken;
struck down, but not destroyed.”  ~ II Corinthians 4: 8-9

We have God’s power in us

It is His power that delivers us,
protects us
saves us
encourages us
secures us
It is nothing within ourselves
that enables us
to move out
move on
move beyond

As His children, God promises to be with us
wherever we walk, He walks
He is our Father in heaven
We are His son, His daughters on Earth
The promise is two-fold.
If we do not believe,
If we do no act in faith,
If we do not trust,
His promises play forlorn.

It is unfortunate when we restrict His movements;   when we say we believe in Him, but do not trust in His power.

I daresay many of us restrict His movements – we say we don’t, but if we really stopped to think about it, we’d find we plod ahead, do what we think best before we seek God’s advice and rely on Him. How do we know what is right or wrong?

Is cancer a death sentence?  (Visit the blog,: The Race: our journey with cancer  http://theracetorunwithendurance.blogspot.com/.

Cancer is an enemy.
Can it be a friend
Can you make friends with an enemy
Satan is The Enemy
Why would you want to make friends with him

We react negatively to the threat of cancer.
 We become distraught,
disconnected,
dismayed.
Fear overtakes us.
Who gave us fear --
It is not God!
Fear is a work of The Enemy
Fear does not belong
within us
How do we stand up against it
Trust in God

“Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”  ~II Corinthians 7:1

Open your heart to God

God gives us blessings daily, but sometimes we don’t perceive them.
When we are not  focused on God and His goodness, and when we are stuck on a negative focus, we see only the problems, only the struggle. We do not see God. We do not see His gifts.

Thank the Lord for all that blocks the path to Him and the stones will be removed. Not clear sailing, but a clear path to see the way God chooses for us. If we are obedient to His leading, we will follow Him whatever the cost, because being close to the Lord, being at peace within our souls, is best.

Whatever the cost?!  Best know what the cost is we speak of. You give children to the Lord, dedicate them to His will, His service. Can a spouse, a wife, dedicate her husband to the Lord? What does dedication mean?

Whatever comes, and we do not know what that will be.

Do not fear.
The Lord does not give us a spirit of fear
That comes from The Enemy
The Lord gives us Power and Love
and a Sound Mind – good sense

Power and Strength
Love and Mercy and Grace
Trust more in God
than in the fear Satan drives into you

Jesus is the Song of Life
of Love
of Peace
of Joy
Bring into your consciousness
awareness of Me and My Presence!

Trust Me
Thank Me
I will lift you up
Above
Far above
your every circumstance
Be mindful
of Me
of My Presence
as you
go about
your day
Do not remove
your focus
on Me
Do not
let the spoils
of Satan
drop you
a peg
Do not
let Satan
drown you
in quick sand
Rise up
Rise up
My child
I AM with you
Be thankful
Offer praises
to Me
Do not
give in
Do not
give up

Look onward
Look around
Look upward
I AM there
I will bring you through this trial
Triumph will come
I AM your peace
Don’t let anxiety and worry
steal away My Peace
within you,.
I AM your source
I AM your resource
I AM your life blood
I will lead you through the darkness of this journey
Take hold of MY hand --
Do not release your grip
Rest your head upon My lap
and find comfort
I AM with you
every step of the way.
© March 22-23, 2015)

God shows us
See and believe
See and understand
See and trust more
There are signs everywhere

“Gather up the fragments that remain; so that nothing is lost.”  ~ John 6:12

Utilize everything
what you do not need,
what I have given you
abundantly,
give to another.
The blessings will flow.

(c) Cathy Orrick Luders 

God is ... but are we -- available to our children?

“I AM with you always,” Jesus tells us in Matthew 28:20b

God … Jesus … and the Holy Spirit
always available to us
His children

But what about
our children
Are we available to our children
or are other things
wishes
of more importance
always taking precedence?

Proverbs 22:6 tells us to “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

Are we teaching our children about God, about Jesus, His ways?

Do our children learn about prayer – family prayer / personal prayer?

 Do they learn about faithfulness, patience, fairness, sharing, courage, honesty, overcoming fear?

If we are too busy now to spend quality time with our children,

what will we do when we have time to give and they are not available?

Will our children grow up to be just like us? Will it be a positive thing or negative?  Will we not see it?

Children learn first from their parents or other caregivers, watching their movements, listening to the sounds of their voices. They pick up and put on these traits. And then we wonder the why of it all.

If we do not make time to live our life pleasing to the Lord, our children will see how we live and do likewise.

If our preferences take us away from the Lord’s commands, then our children will follow in our steps.

If reading and studying the Bible is not our cup of tea, then we are missing out on all the Lord has for us – His guiding principles, His blessings, His promises, and so are our children.

We, as Christ’s followers, are complete in Him. He abides in us and we abide in Him. He desires so much for us – His children, as individuals, parents and children. We can be oh so much. Our children – we must teach them, love them, show them the rights and wrongs in life according to our Holy God.

Are we obedient in all things of God or do we allow Satan to take advantage of us? We cannot pretend we don’t know what Satan is up to. (See II Corinthians 2: 9, 11)

When will we turn away from that which is wrong? If we claim we do no wrong or we see no wrong, then we are not honest or faithful to God or ourselves. We let Satan lead our every movement and then we say we didn’t see it coming.  But we do see it coming… we choose to ignore, we refuse to ask God for help.  

The Holy Spirit within us shows us, tries to get us to see the error of our ways, but when we have no regard for Him, refusing to see or hear, we are effectively saying God is not important, and our children follow suit. They too question the importance of God and don’t know who Jesus is or what He represents.

Whose way do you follow?

 Whose way do you obey?

 Whose way is your master?

 Whose way will bring you through the many perils of life?

 Whose way has your best always at heart?

Do not forsake The Way of Christ.

 He who loves you is there for you Always -- for you, for me, for our children past, present and future. Do not turn away from Him who gives you the gift of life to a life that is filled with death and destruction.  

Take to heart the message in this song, The Cats in the Cradle -- 

Spiritual Growth - Christ in You (A Basic Principle to Choose by)

Week 1: CHRIST IN YOU
Day 5: A Basic Principle to Choose By


TODAY'S READING:
I Corinthians 10:31, Romans 14:7-8


The Christian religion does not have a long list of do's and don'ts for you to follow, but rather a simple principle to follow.  It is stated clearly in I Corinthians 10:31 NLT

"So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

Now read Romans 14:7-8 NLT 

"For we don't live for ourselves or die for ourselves. If we live, it's to honor the Lord. And if we die, it's to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord."

These verses make it clear we should

• have behavior that shows our new life with Christ
• do everything we do to bring glory to God

For Example ... You visit a friend for supper. Your friend brings a bottle of wine to the table and wants you to drink a glass with him. What do you do?

A. Take a small sip and then no more. ____

B. Scold the friend for drinking wine. ____

C. Avoid facing it and make up an excuse. ______

D. Explain that you are now a Christian. Tell your friend that God has taken away your desire for a drink of wine. _____

Which one brings glory to God? 

Life is full of choices. It is best to always act in ways that show Christ living in you and controlling you. You do not have to act like a crazy person to do this. You should have a gentle and loving expression. People will respect you for that attitude. 

One way to help us with those situations is to know Bible verses. Write Psalm 119:11 here. 

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Writing your own Scripture memory cards is a good way to help you learn more quickly. I keep a journal and write verses in it daily to help me remember. 

Remember to have a regular Quiet Time ... to pray as you memorize and think about God's Word. A daily time of prayer and Bible study can be the best way for Christ to live in you and control your life. 

Spiritual Growth - Christ in You (Understanding the new you)

Week 1: CHRIST IN YOU
Day 4: Understanding What Has Happened to You

TODAY'S READING:
II Corinthians 5:17, Colossians 1:21-22, 27

As you develop your Quiet Time you will see changes. II Corinthians 5:17 (NLT) explains some of these changes. Read the verse and fill in the blanks.

"This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!"

Your ________________ life is passing away.

Your _________________ life is beginning.

All of these changes are made by ____________________________.

Yes, Christ makes the difference between your old and new life.

Read Colossians 1:21-22 (NLT) and fill in the blanks.

"This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault."

What was your attitude about God before you accepted Christ and became a Christian?

____________________________________________________________________________


Because you and God were enemies, you did things that were ___________________________


Now you are learning that some things you did when you were not a Christian are no fun. God is changing you! He is making you

_____________________________________________________________________________

Holy means you are reserved for God's use and no one else's. II Corinthians 5:17 explains that a different way.

Read Colossians 1:27 (NLT). 
"For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory."

Where is Christ now? __________________________________________________________

Remember discussing the hand?  Write what the palm of the hand is ____________________

Spiritual Growth - Christ in You (Learning to Pray)

Week 1: CHRIST IN YOU
Day 3: Learning to Pray

TODAY'S READING:
Matthew 6:9-13

Some Christians are afraid to pray in a public place - perhaps you know some. Praying is really pretty simple, whether it is done in front of others or in private, because all you are doing is talking to the Lord -- sharing with Him your attitudes, fears, wants, frustrations, etc. He understands, He listens, and He answers.

Jesus' disciples asked Him how to pray, so He provided them and us with a model -- a roadmap for us to use when we pray. It is called the Lord's Prayer.

The Sunday school class of which I am a part has spent the last year studying prayer, and the last two weeks specifically on the Lord's Prayer.

Here are things to consider and how to make your prayer life more meaingful.  I have used the New Living Translation, but I learned the Lord's Prayer from the King James Bible.

v.9 - "Our Father in heaven, may your name by kept holy."  =  we acknowledge and give praise to God

v. 10 - "May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven." = we pray over our needs (not our wants) and bring them into line with God's.

v. 11 - "Give us today the food we need" = we remember that the same God we worship, the same God who is in control of our life, is the same God who wants to provide for our daily needs.

v. 12 -  "And forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us." =  we ask God to forgive us when we do wrong as we likewise forgive another

v. 13 - "And don't let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one." = we remember that the God who provides is the God who protects.

 v 13b KJV: For Thines is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen." We  acknowledge God's eternal kingdom, His power, His glory. All to Him belongs.

The best way to learn how to pray is ... to pray!

Delivered from Satan's power, yet ...

We have been delivered, set free
from everything that keeps us prisoners to the world
Yet,
what do we choose?

Jesus set us free
God delivered us from the power of darkness
Yet,
we are like pigs in miry clay
We stay where it is familiar,
where we are comfortable,

even though it’s not where we ought to be

We accepted God’s gift of eternal salvation through His Son’s death, burial and resurrection. We were set free from every bond that kept us prisoners of Satan. We repented, turned away from Satan’s rule and turned to God’s way.

Yet,

we do not turn away completely.

 We repent, we believe God’s promises

Yet,
our faith is weak

We know we are saved,
we are children of the Living God
Yet,
we do not obey His commands
or study His Word

We cling to being Christian
Yet,
we do not follow Christ

God is always with us
When we accepted His Son as our Savior,
His Spirit came to live in our hearts,
a helper to live with us forever
God provides protection and security
His lifeline of hope
prevents the path of depression and self-pity
from swallowing us
Yet,
we look within ourselves for aid.
We think it is our resources
that will get us out of the mud
and onto solid ground.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear.” – Psalm 46:1-2a

The Bible tells us to walk in the way of Christ
so we will not fulfill the desires of the flesh
Yet,
we travel paths of impatience, unkindness, unfaithfulness, disgust,
frustration, hatred, defensiveness, and much more

That which we repented from, turned away from, but have we? 

~~~~~

“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.” – I Corinthians 16:13-14

Watch… be ready … be prepared … be alert

“Watch therefore for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.” – Matthew 24:42

“Therefore you (also) be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not expect Him.” – Matthew 24: 44

Stand fast in the faith … secure in the gospel of Jesus Christ of which you have received … let your conduct, your actions be worthy of the gospel of Christ, whether seen or unseen

Be strong … be strengthened through the Holy Spirit, so we are able to bear up under whatever comes upon us … persevere… push on, not giving up … endure … strengthened by the power of the Lord in us to be patient and have patience

All done in Love … rejoices in the truth… godly love believes all things, hopes all things...never gives up…endures…accepts hardships or rejection, builds up and encourages another

Don’t let the obstacles that you encounter as you walk with the Lord discourage you. Do not give up. The path will never be easy, but with the Holy Spirit, our ever-present helper, we can overcome any obstacle.  We must remember to walk with Him, in His power, not ahead of Him. It is in His timing that what He wills will be accomplished. Do not give in to stress, but slow down, keeping your focus steady and sure on Him, and through Him the darkness we experience will turn to joy.

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” – Psalm 30:5

We must be prepared to do battle with everything and all that God has provided to us and for us.

“Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness and let us put on the armor of light.  Let us walk properly (decently), as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in licentiousness and lewdness, not in strife and envy.  But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.”  – Romans 13:12-14

“… Walk as children of light. (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness and truth) proving what is acceptable to the Lord.  And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.”  -- Ephesians 5:8-11

To expose the unfruitful works of darkness, of which Satan and the devil and his workers prevail, we need to put on the Armor of God – the Armor of Light. That armor is not the weaponry of physical battle, but spiritual.

Jesus defeated Satan.

“He (God) has delivered us from the power of darkness and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption, through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.”  -- Colossians 1:13-14

 “…Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles (schemes) of the devil.” – Ephesians 6:10-11

“Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand (to overcome).” – v. 13

Satan is cunning. He undermines us by our very own words and actions to another. Instead of love and compassion and concern and well-being, we act destructively, we hear and respond to criticism, tones of dissatisfaction and defensiveness, condemnation, complaints, fear. That which we do not want to do, we do -- Satan helps us along to achieve all those “don’t wants.” Even with the “do wants, but know we shouldn’t,” Satan works to deceive us, and we fall prey to his every trick. Have we forgotten Jesus defeated Satan and with His power in us, we too can defeat the Enemy? I fear we do not believe we have the power, we do not believe God’s strength is in us. We give up and give in before we take any step of faith.  Satan has us where he wants us and we do nothing. We do not watch, we do not stand fast, we are not brave, we are not strong  and we are not loving. We claim allegiance to God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, but we fail to utilize all His provisions. It seems we still live in the world. 

God provides us with armor -- armor at our ready disposal, in His Word, in our hearts when we become His Children. We are to put on the whole armor, not just bits and pieces. How can we ever hope to defeat the Enemy if we’re not ready or only half so?!

Jesus defeated Satan and we can too, when we are encased with the battle gear God provides us --

His TRUTH

 His RIGHTEOUSNESS

 His  PEACE

 His FAITH

 His SALVATION

 His SWORD – His WORD

And PRAYER.
Without prayer, we are incomplete, unsure how to proceed.
(Ephesians 6:14-18)

With all that Jesus is in us, with us, through us, we cannot fail. But the success we look for can only be found when we abide in Christ and He abides in us, when we travel His path, when we look to Him for everything that crosses our path,  when our spiritual faith is stronger than our physical desire, when we say NO to the world, and YES to God. 

(c) Cathy Orrick Luders

January 7-9, 2015