Today's Sorrow, Yesterday's Joy

"The biggest thing in today's sorrow is the memory of yesterday's joy."

-Kahlil Gibran

     This is one of those "something to think about" quotes. Is there a certain memory from your past that you wish you could relive? I find it amazing how a certain song, a certain smell, or a certain place can send your mind to a completely different time in history. If you have ever lost a loved one, then this feeling is far too familiar. So many memories, and you wish you could just relive one. I have learned that time does not ease the pain of losing someone you love; but have you ever wondered why some days are easier to bear than others? I believe that many times sorrow comes from the joyful memories of the past, the precious memories that you know can never again be repeated. You can laugh through the tears for a while - but eventually there will come a time when you are alone with your memories, and in those moments the sorrow seems almost overwelming. First of all, know that you are not alone in your sorrow. Jesus, Himself, wept when Lazarus died. Sorrow is nothing to be ashamed of. But, don't let sorrow ovecome you. God has promised not to put more on you than you can bear. He has offered you hope and a future. He has assured you that joy will come in the morning. God's plan is perfect - He will use your sorrow to mold you and shape you in to the person He desires you to be.

"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."

-Romans 8:18

Redeeming Love

    "She drank in the words of salvation and redemption though she felt she had no right to them. She was so hungry and thirsty, she panted like a deer after the water of life."

     I recently read Francine Rivers' novel Redeeming Love for the second time. Once again I was completely captivated - not only by the story and the characters, but by God's all-consuming love for us. Francine Rivers is an inspiration to me as a writer because her stories are truly InspiredByGod. God's breath is evident on every word. By the time I finished reading the book (both times), I had a newfound hunger and a thirst for more of God's Word. This time in particular, I had a greater desire to learn more about the depth of God's love. That is when is discovered Isaiah 43... God's love letter to us.  He begins by saying,

"...Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name: thou art mine."

     First of all, what exactly does it mean to be "redeemed"? Well, some definitions include: to pay for, to set free, and to make up for. This tells me that 1.) God paid the price for me. Though I was completely worthless, God looked beyond my faults and saw something redeemable. He shed His blood and paid the ultimate price, all so that He could call me His. 2.) God set me free from the bondage of my sin and shame. I was bound by own chains, but His death on the cross loosened the chains and allowed me to expereince His saving freedom. 3.) God made up for my mistakes. I was the one to blame, but God took my sin upon His shoulders so that I could be found blameless in the Father's eyes. And finally... to redeem is "to save from a state of sinfulness and its consequences; to restore the honor, worth or reputation of." In other words, God is saying, "Don't be afraid. I have already paid your debt, and set you free from bondage. Not only have I saved you from your past and the consquences that followed, but I have restored your honor and reputation as well. I love you that much! I saw something in you that was worth suffering and dying for. You are worth the cost of redemption! I see the potential for greatness in you, and I have a purpose for you that only you can fulfill. GOD LOVES YOU! The creator of the universe called you out by name, just so He could tell you He loved you. He paid the ultimate price by eduring death on a cross, just so He could call you His own.

*Reading Recomendation:

     -Isaiah 43

     -Ephesians 2:4-10

     -Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

*Music Recomendation:

     -"How He Loves" by John Mark McMillian

Weakness in the Spirit: Where do I find my strength?

Last night I found myself on my knees, pleading with God for revelation, restoration, and revival in my spiritual walk. I felt weak spiritually, and I longed for the same hunger and desire I used to have for God's Word. I found myself wondering, "Where did the strength I one time had come from? And how do I get it back?" God led me to Psalm 27:1 which reads, "The Lord is my light; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" As I read, there was one part in particular which stood out to me - "the Lord is my strength". In other words, God doesn't just give me strength; He is my strength. And so much more...

1. "God is my strength and POWER..." (2 Samuel 22:33)
          * Without Him I am powerless, and away from Him I am weak.
2. "With Him is WISDOM and strength..." (Job 12:13)
          * Strength, without the wisdom to understand it, is useless.
3. "...My God, my strength, in whom I will TRUST..." (Psalm 18:2)
          * If we don't put our trust in Him, our weakness will be revealed.
4. "God is our REFUGE and strength..." (Psalm 46:1)
          *In the midst of our weakness and fear, the strength of God is there to protect and comfort us.
5. "The Lord is my strength and SONG..." (Psalm 118:14)
          *Strength comes from giving prasie to the One who is our strength.

By this time I had come to the realization that I find strength, power, wisdom, and refuge in God alone. I had also learned that in order to receive strength from God, I must first place my trust completely in Him and give Him all the praise. But one key component to my question was missing: Where?

6. "...Strength and beauty are in His SANCTUARY." (Psalm 96:6)
          *When we enter the sacred place of worship, we find beauty and strength in the arms of God. This sancuary is not just referring to the physical church or the Sunday morning service. This sanctuary, is one in which you experience personal, one-on-one time with God throughout the week - this is where the true strength of God is revealed.

And finally...

7. "...His strength is in the CLOUDS." (Psalm 68:34)
          *Lift up your eyes! If you are searching for strength with your head down in defeat, you will never find it.