Exchange with the Lord

Sitting here reading verses about the House of the Lord this morning (Psalm 84, 2 Samuel 7, Haggai 1-2). It’s funny how many times we get hung up on the details, the songs, the food, the people, the things...  Heck, even verses 5 & 6 (of Haggai 1) speak to that-

“Consider your ways! You get ‘x’ and it’s never right/enough.” 

But really- at the end of the day, it’s the LORD’S house. The Lord’s earth (ps24:1). The Lord’s day (ps118:24).

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Throughout the rest of Haggai (2 chapters), he reminds us that “‘The Lord is still with us.’ –and says ‘Continue the work for the Lord. Do not fear.’

For some of us that ‘work’ might simply be attending church for the first time again after many years. It might actually be a service of some sort or even something else like forgiveness.

But whatever it is, let’s continue it.

His spirit remains among us (Haggai 2:5).

Let’s not get distracted by the details, our personal desires, internal dialogs, or even the quantity/quality of what we receive from anything AROUND Him. Let our decisions be based on our exchanges with the Lord alone.

BLESSED are those who keep their eyes on Him. (Jer 17:7-8)

Philippians 3:15-16

I belong to a ministry (and group of friends) that make it a point to break down a chapter of the bible. We assign a verse to a date and then to a member of the group. Then we each take turns breaking down and sharing what the Lord is speaking to us in that order.

It has been very encouraging and good to read but also be a part of. It definitely ensures that members of your group are spending time in the word. But it also helps build intimacy in your group. So, I thought it was worth sharing with you. Anyway, this week it is my turn.  This was my verse and here was what was on my heart! May it be a blessing to you.

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All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained. – Philippians 3:15-16

This verse speaks a lot to me in all areas of our lives.  The first is in how we should embrace ourselves.   My kids are still in elementary school. Many times when they see their friends do something different or get something new, they feel as if they need to have the exact same too. The same jeans. The same skateboard. The same games on their iPods. I’ve also heard my daughter say, “But I can’t sing like her.” And my son say “But he’s doing it (naming his best friend) and I’ve gotta do it to!”  Sometimes we don’t grow out of that when we’re older.

Don’t we look to our peers sometimes and think I wish that I could paint like her. I wish that had a marriage like that. I wish that I had the same job or could do those things. We write ourselves, our gifts and our things off as if they don’t compare adequately to the world around us.

But here, this verse says “All of us who are mature should take such a view of things.”  As it said in the previous verses “forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead”.  (It doesn’t say look to your right and left at who’s running by you.) It encourages me to embrace where I am. Who I am. To practice what gifts I might have. Don’t some of those places feel awkward as we start off this new practice?

I used to say that I wasn’t creative. Mostly because I didn’t really have any proof of it.  I dismissed most of my ideas thinking that they sounded better only in my head. But then I started practicing and saying “I am creative. Let me try.” It was mostly in small ways like, painting rocks with the kids here or making something for someone there.  It felt awkward at first but the more I tried, the more I felt myself coming to life.

Even in writing, I always wanted to be a writer. I used to write a lot of poetry in school. I stopped for a long time but when I began getting inspired to write differently and to share it publicly… I felt silly and worried “What if….and I was wrong?”

But by believing that there is a purpose for those desires and “pressing on”; it has allowed me to see how God can use me. He may not have made you like Sally or Jane but that was because someone in your life needed something that only you could do.

Doesn’t that also translate to how we grow in the word and by faith? “My testimony will never sound like his or hers.” or “I am not a preacher. I can’t talk to someone about God.” And “I will sound stupid if I pray out loud.” –By not daring to practice, we miss the opportunity to grow in it.

No toddler ever learns to walk without falling. Every parent knows that and so we encourage them to get up and try again. We should practice the same maturity and acceptance with ourselves.

Whatever it is that you feel you should be doing, start doing it. Know that there will be mistakes. Know that you can’t “know and do it all” from where you are. If you step wrong the first time, God will correct it. If it feels uncomfortable, keep practicing. You will learn all kinds of ways to do it better and then you’ll have knowledge. –Even in faith, sharing the word and your testimony; speak and share what you know now. (what you have attained to be true) and if some part of your thinking is different than what it should be, God will make that clear to you when it’s the right season to do so.

My Pastor always says that faith is like a library. If you get stuck on a concept or principle, just put that book back up on the shelf for later. Don’t try to have it all figured out right now. Let the Lord lead you with what you do know and the rest of the information will come later when you’re ready. His comment reminds me a lot of this passage.

Finally, I don’t know what season you’re in but even when we come into transitions. We want to move ahead but we plague ourselves with doubt and sometimes hold ourselves back, because we don’t know what it’s like on the other side of that decision. This verse again, reminds us to have confidence in what we do know to be true about Christ. –That he will be with us wherever we go (Joshua 1:9).  That he upholds us (Is 41:10). That he is our personal teacher/counselor (John 14:26) and HE is sufficient for all of our needs. (Phil 4:19)

Embrace where you are ladies and let the Lord lead you. Don’t worry about being different. You already are. Challenge yourself to do new things. Stop worrying about what everyone else might think or what you might do wrong because it’s stifling the flow in your own life and maybe even someone else's.

Photo Credit: http://www.theverge.com/2014/9/18/6339583/iphone-6-and-6-plus-camera-test-iceland

Our Suffering and Our Calling

In hindsight it is always so surprising how we process concepts, even in regards to faith. For example, when the church shares messages on how “having God in your life makes things better”, the smallness of our minds can't compute it so it translates to "Getting faith will make your problems disappear". Um, nope. -Not a chance!

I'd almost venture to say that as you develop your faith, your problems might even get harder because then you're called to respond in a Godly way. And then the ante is upped again.

We also seem to wait to discover “our calling” before we step out in faith or to start sharing... But again another opposite is that we must step out, in order to discover. 

This message (link below) is a good one. It’s about our suffering and our calling. One of the highlights is in how we all process our suffering through our own belief system.  If you believe in God, then take your suffering to the Word of God. And what it speaks to you personally is your ministry. BOOM!

If you’re in a suffering season or a trial (or perhaps the next one that you’re in) don’t rely on yourself to reason it. (I’ve just given you two examples where we get it backwards.) Take it first in prayer and ask for the good Lord to open your eyes. Then take your trial to the bible. Search for scripture (either online or in a concordance) about your type of storm. Read the commentary to understand why certain things were and were not used. (That’s often where the nuggets are.)Then journal out your questions and what you feel scripture is speaking to you!  -Your “ah-has” are your testimony, your witness and your steps to obedience.

There is no better connector to God than your obedience to what he wants you to do. There is no better “disconnector” in your relationship to God than your disobedience. (Even if it is only obedience delayed).

I’m praying with you and for you in your season!  God speak!

http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/mini-bible-college/listen/the-storms-of-life-the-word-and-the-witness-511919.html

The Ice Road Trucker Story

Ethan and I were watching Ice Road Truckers the other night. [If you’re not familiar with the show, it’s based on Truck Drivers that drive 18 Wheelers in extreme conditions -even across frozen lakes and rivers- to deliver shipments.] Usually one segment will show you several different drivers and their routes and then switch back and forth between them.

In this episode one of the first drivers that we see, is getting ready to cross a frozen river and the swirling snow was blinding his view. He straightens his posture and leans in to the wheel. Immediately I recognize the stance. I’m sure that you have found yourself driving in a storm and it became so hard to navigate that you had to turn the radio off in order to see.

All of your muscles are assume position. You straighten up and lean forward, arms locked on the wheel. -Everything in your body becomes focused on seeing. You just can’t afford to take your eyes off the road.

Of course just as you recognize the intensity of the moment, the scene switches to a commercial or another driver. A while later the show switches back to the same driver and you can tell that some time as passed since we last saw him. There are now bags under his eyes. He says something to the effect of “No matter how many times I drive this route, I never get used to how serious it is. I am always on full alert because at any moment I can fall through the ice. The whole truck and I can be swallowed up.” I imagine how exhausted he must be after holding it together for hours in those conditions. Achy stiff muscles... dry eyes and mouth... everything in my body just being ready to let go and fall out.

Just as I complete the thought, I am convicted! Anxiety…

For a little back ground:
There have been a lot of "new things" in my corner of the world in the last few months. I've even hit 3 personal milestones. I started my first bible study in my home. I accepted a promotion at work. My mother even went on a trip with me, my husband and all 3 kids. We even rode in the same car. While those things might not sound like much, they are each very personal to me and hold a significant value.

On top of that I went away for the first time alone on a training event, leaving Colin and the kids for 7 days. We also have some sick family members and more things breaking and you know how life is…. Just as you get used to one set of conditions, everything rearranges and the familiar has completely changed again.

Anyway, over the last few weeks I too, have been exhausted. I have tried sleeping more. Going to bed earlier and sleeping in later. Taking vitamins, praying and doing anything else that might bring rest but I am just not finding restoration.

I think of the verse Proverbs 16:9. It says that the man plans his way but the Lord directs his steps. Sometimes that verse sounds so strange to me. How can we both be planning the same thing? It's a verse that I think about often. However, it can't be more timely than now. I often go into work having to pick the things that I will work on; knowing that there are so many others that I just won't get to. Even as I make the list and work through it, new things appear that are all trying to compete and get my attention.

I realize that although it comes in various forms, it has been anxiety that has snuck in. Many years ago, I used to suffer from anxiety attacks. I would find myself suddenly panic stricken and hyperventilating for no obvious reason. I didn’t recognize this instance because it didn't come with its old familiar outward indications. This recent occurrence has just been an internal ball of intensity that just kept me from resting or being comfortable. It has kept me from taking my eyes of the road.

Now Switching Gears
Have you ever had something (good or bad) that you've been asked to share? You try to comply but you just want to save a little for yourself. I can't help but think that anxiety is the same way. You can give God everything else in your life or on your list but there is one little something that you just want to hold (or end up holding) onto for a while; just in case... Maybe it is fear, what ifs, reputation, self-pity, your excuses or even something that you’re supposed to be doing that you still haven't managed to get to. I'm not saying that it's intentional. -Maybe you're just trying to hang on to the wheel.

Whatever it is, when the ice starts cracking, we wind up holding on tighter to what we've got in our hands so that we don't lose it, instead of reaching out to God.

In this episode, I suddenly realize exactly what has been happening. While I realize that I've been trying to get just through the last two months, I was also trying to tread so lightly [follow so many rules] because at any moment, I felt as though I too could fall through the cracks and be swallowed up myself. I am not tired from working too hard or simply doing too much. I'm worn out from trying to keep my own eyes on all of the balls at one time.

But doesn't his word say to cast ALL of your cares on him. -Not just two or three? What about the care of holding all of those other little ones together?

While I am really doing the same thing that I do every day, the new conditions prevent me from being comfortable. Maybe it keeps me from being cocky. Haha. I am trying to adopt the new requests and the new change of pace with a positive attitude but truthfully in the days before my trip, I feel like a toddler resisting one of my biggest breakdowns. It is all that I can do to hold it together. And NOTHING is wrong. I am frustrated because I can’t seem to reflect the JOY that I know is in me. I am not even sure that I can clearly explain or even pinpoint what is happening. 

Days later 

I have returned from that first trip away from my family, only to be on another, this time with them. It is exactly what I need. I sit outside in the river collecting rocks with Colin & the kids. I realize that my craving for outside, really is a reminder from God to let go. There is something about being in nature away from technology and corporate world and the demands of life that just cleanses everything and washes it away. While sitting alone in a hotel did offer its own gift of quiet; it just didn't cleanse me.

I get up and read another chapter in a bible study and I come across the Parable of the bags of Gold. I think about responsibility and really- I don’t want to be responsible for making decisions. I don’t want to be the one in charge. But man- Matthew 25:21 really sums it up and puts it in perspective. “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things! And then he says Come and share your master’s happiness.”  Responsibility is a blessing! What an honor it is for people to claim you. To trust you. To hold you accountable and to believe that you are able and or worthy!

And then I get the answer to my question: How can we both be planning the same thing? 

You and I might sit down and make that list of tasks. We might even know the direction that we are headed. When the conditions change, it may not change what our priorities are; just our routes to get there and then some tasks might need to shuffle to in order to compensate for the new course. Responsibility is truly work, I know. But there is an honor and a trust and a respect with each of those tasks that is also given, if we just follow the prompting. –Not what we see but what we hear.

Sometimes life swirls at you. Sometimes we "deliver goods" in intense circumstances. Having his word in your heart will guide you when the things swirling around you makes it too hard to see. Almost like the man on the CB; you need to be tuned in to the voice within.

What is it that you and I are turning down when life picks up the pace; the number of tasks or the volume of the Director?

Fast forward a little:
This post is actually several months old now. I got such conviction on that trip with my husband and kids. But in learning the new conditions; trying to also monitor anxiety has been something that I have continued to struggle with. In fact even in a recent conversation with a Supervisor, he commented that he could see that I was still trying to just "pull through a little bit more" and "a little bit more". (Indicating that I am still struggling with stopping when I need to.)

Why is it so easy for us to see how a truck driver might need to pull over for rest or to check in on a CB. Yet, when it comes to emotions and spirituality, we just tend to keep going, and going and going. Maybe it's because our immediate situation doesn't seem like it has as severe consequences as falling through ice. But really, in those critical areas of our life, if we aren't successful by God's standards or in the right areas, then things can have detrimental consequences or fates...

I have come across so many verses lately that indicate our trials and sufferings are opportunities for God to reveal his Glory. If ultimately that is our mission [to reveal his Glory] shouldn't our biggest goal be to stay connected to the Glory while he's in the middle of making it?

As far as anxiety - I've discovered that I simply need boundaries. When I allow myself or life to cross over, I notice that my anxiety increases. It's difficult to keep boundaries in check and to not adjust them for selfish reasons but I hope that tidbit helps you as much as it helps me. When I get anxious, I realize that I need to check in and see what's out of line. I might even post a little something about boundaries soon...

Until then, blessings to you friend. I pray big prayers for each of us on our journeys.

But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. – Psalm 3:3

Photo Credit: http://www.hudwayapp.com/files/images/photo-1.1.png

Making It Special!

When I was a kid I used to spend all of my summers with my grandparents. My Dad was stationed in Virginia when I was young. All of our family, on both sides, was from and remained, in Florida. At the beginning of each summer I would go down to visit. My grandparents would take turns swapping me in a parking lot every weekend until summer's end. Then I would finally return home.

While each summer seemed magical in its own way; one particular summer stood out more than others. My grandfather's brother came down for a visit. I didn't know "Uncle Albert" or his wife, Lucienne very well but Uncle Albert had a camper and we all piled in to go for a ride. I didn't even know where we were going and at the time it didn't matter. I was able to ride on a mattress above the driver's seat and look out funny windows during the entire ride.  I never once had to buckle up! Uncle Albert suddenly became the coolest person that I had ever met! -At least in that moment. 

After a long drive, we pulled into the parking lot of Sea World. Being an animal lover, I loved it before we ever went through the gate but it would truly become one of the highlights of my childhood. We admired fish and bought trinkets at the gift shop. We ate food with funny names and watched as many of the shows as we could fit in. My favorite part was the seal show. Not only for their cuteness and silly stunts but there was a significance to this show that would soon make it hard to beat. 

Toward the close of the show a seal broke out of routine, swam to the edge of the pool and climbed out. He headed straight for the audience and went up the first tier of stairs and then the second. The instructor was calling his name to return to the pool. The crowed studied the stray as he ignored each request and continued to climb higher and higher.

In my mind, I am thinking "Oh please come to me. Come to me!" I am sure that I am bent down, holding my hands out and calling his name, just as earnestly as his instructor was calling. As the seal climbed the third tier of steps, he answered my plea. He came right to me and planted a big fishy kiss on my lips.

The crowd awed and I melted.  Though it was only a moment, time paused and I was in love. I patted his wet body and tickled his whiskers and begged for another smooch. As quickly as he came, even faster he went, as he slid down the stairs back to the pool; as if to slip in line and say "Hey master, here I am. See, I never left." I was certain that he sought me out of the crowd and I was sold. I felt special.

OF COURSE seals became my favorite animal. This was the.best.vacation.ever. At any opportunity I was ready to return to an aquarium, secretly hoping for another moment just like "the one" to take shape again. Years later, I still think of that day and smile. 

Psalm 119:64 says "The earth is full of Your loving kindness, O LORD; Teach me Your statutes."

As I reflect on that verse, it holds so many nuggets for me alongside such a simple story. The promise of each day. The beauty of life and all of God's creatures. The way that we bond with time and others through different experiences.

I also think of the way that we treasure only some of our moments. Sometimes we spend so much energy trying to recreate something that we've already gotten to experience. We leave no resource available to the "new". In our efforts of trying to get to the 'one spot' again, we wear out the very thing that used to thrill us. Yet what if I had another "grand experience" before this moment and I missed this one altogether because it couldn't possibly compare to one before it?

On a sadder note, how many of our more painful moments are held onto with such regard?  ...The one big sin, the one big loss, the one time that the 'one thing' happened. By holding onto those experiences, we also allow ourselves to feel special. In doing so, we isolate ourselves to our own interests, away from God and others.

Throughout the bible, scripture asks us to be the salt and to win others over. Rather than looking for moments that make us feel special, Philippians 2 asks us to shine like the stars instead. -Burning for God in such a way that we simply shine within each moment. I just can't imagine anything more special than "shining".

As I challenge myself to draw closer to God, I can't help but ask myself- Do I wake up seeking him just as earnestly as other moments because time with him is my favorite time of all? Am I open to each gift that he sets before me, no matter how it's packaged? Do I see the journey there as a gift within itself? Am I so excited about where I am that I can't help but embrace anyone that is near me? Is this the.best.opportunity.ever? 

Some of those questions strike me. Convict me. Thankfully we aren't paused in time. Once God created us, we became a living soul. We are free to move forward and well, live. But for which experiences are we living for?

Paul considered everything a loss when compared to the greatness of knowing Christ. I too have found that every moment that I am in tune with the Holy Spirit, is equally meaningful. When I combine that fact with knowing that he is always with me. I can add him to every moment of every day. Then any opportunity can be a moment that is hope-filled and joyful.

Theodore Roosevelt said that "comparison is the thief of joy". Finding joy is not about picking, choosing and waiting only for the right experiences to embrace. It's remembering what to bring into (God) and give of (Self) in each circumstance that makes the difference.

Psalm 118:24 - This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Obviously the picture above isn't me but it IS terribly cute, isn't it? For continued reading check out the book of Philippians. It's only 4 chapters. Try spreading it out over the week and meditating on it. Journal some of those special thoughts and pray about what they might mean to you.

Romans 8 | Scripture

Life Through the Spirit (NIV)

8 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 

Whether it’s that thing we did that one time, or the things that we struggle with daily, we are not to be condemned. -Not by peers, not by ourselves and certainly Jesus will not condemn us. He saves, he guides, he forgives and restores. Are we reaching for him or stuck and held captive by “illegal” condemnation?

² because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you^[a] free from the law of sin and death. 

Our addictions, struggles, or simply our not knowing any other way, will often lead to death. He can show us something different. A new life. It takes a lot of self-control to learn the new way and then to retrain ourselves with new habits.

³ For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, ^[b] God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. ^[c] And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 

The law could not save us. God sent his son to show that the flesh is sinful and we can’t save ourselves. It was the blood of Jesus that saved us. It is his spirit and his grace that restores us.

⁴ in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

After being saved, we must continue to follow Jesus. We must continue to learn about and live by the spirit.

⁵ Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 

My commentary says that Paul divides people into two categories- those who let themselves be controlled by their sinful natures, and those who follow after the Holy Spirit. All of us would be in the first category if Jesus hadn’t offered us a way out. Once we have said yes to Jesus, we will want to continue following him, because his way brings life and peace. Daily we must consciously choose to center our lives on God. Use the bible to discover God’s guidelines, and then follow them. In every perplexing situation ask yourself, “What would Jesus want me to do?” When the Holy Spirit points out what is right, do it eagerly.

⁶ The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 

When we allow sin in our life, not only is there the matter of the wrong that was done, but often we waste so much energy, worrying over what has happened or hiding it from others. We kill the moment that could and should be used to serve others, by seeking self-justification or reasoning.

When we make time to study the word, it gets in our mind and heart. Prayer invites the spirit to touch our heart and remind us of those scriptures and/or the path. Obedience to the spirit, allows us to continue moving forward. When we know that we’ve done what was right, we do not need to rehearse responses to what has happened or worry over the consequences.

⁷ The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 

When you are still trying to control yourself and do what you want to do, you wrestle with God. You’re not with him. You do not want his laws. If you’re not saved, your “flesh” won’t even appreciate the “Godly way” because it’s so different or unnatural to our humanly desires.

⁸ Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.

Seeking and gratifying self does not please God.

⁹ You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.

If the spirit lives in you, he can guide you. If you haven’t given your life to God, you wouldn’t recognize or acknowledge his promptings.

¹⁰ But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life^[d] because of righteousness. 

Our physical bodies may wither but the spirit brings eternal life to those who follow Christ’s commands.

¹¹ And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of^[e]his Spirit who lives in you.

His spirit will bring light and give life to knowledge. Making you aware of consequences, needs of others, and new views of right and wrong. Living in that realm, ignites a zest for living and serving others that may not have been previously kindled.

¹² Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 

Our obligation is to live by the spirit, not self.

¹³ For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

Die to self, daily, again and again. By rejection of selfish desire, further feeds the life of the spirit.

¹⁴ For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.

Those who live by the word and by the spirit, and die to self, show that they are children of God. Actions match words. God will also acknowledge them. 

¹⁵ The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. ^[f] And by him we cry, “Abba, ^[g] Father.” 

This new relationship with Christ will make you want something different. Something better. Something more meaningful. When you see the significant changes in your life from living by the spirit, you will want to make other changes in your life to extend that relationship. We are not “slaves” or called to serve in misery.  There is a heart change that is a natural stage of the progression of faith.

¹⁶ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 

He simply reminds us who we are and who we, as Christians, are called to be.

¹⁷ Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

If we can live by the spirit, instead of self. If we can show this love and let it lead in our lives, then we will reside in the Kingdom of Heaven with our Father.

Present Suffering and Future Glory

¹⁸ I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 

No matter what we are faced with now, this is temporary.  Eternity is forever and if we can stay strong and persevere, it will be worth the wait and even better than what we imagined.

¹⁹ For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 

The world is simply falling apart and one day the Good Lord, his mercy and his people will prevail. Until then, someone needs to see what Jesus looks like in the life that you and I lead. –Who is it that we are waiting on? What does he look like? How will he save? Who (and why) do you serve?

²⁰ For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 

My commentary for this and the next two verses states: Christians see the world as it is, physically decaying and spiritually infected. But Christians do not need to be pessimistic, because they have hope for future glory. They look forward to the new heaven and the new earth that God has promised and they wait for God’s new order that will free them from the world of sin, sickness and evil. In the meantime, Christians go with Christ into the world where they heal people’s bodies and souls and fight the evil effects of sin in the world.

²¹ that^[h] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.

The world that is, will exist no more.

²² We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 

Everyone is suffering. When it says creation, I believe that is also referencing animals and plants. Everything already begins dying off the minute that its born. How much more are things altered by man's attempt to control it. We demand 'more' or 'faster' or 'bigger' from everything that we touch. We seldom appreciate the magnificence of  'what' and 'how' things are naturally. Everything has to be changed as if God's way or design was never enough.

While there have been many advances and inventions, there is an ‘ecosystem’ physically and spiritually that is being altered with each change and with each man. There is a cause and an effect. We can serve the cause of Christ or the cause of self; there is an effect but even the earth cries out for life.

²³ Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 

Even with the help of the spirit, how many times have we said, God, please just take us home now…?

²⁴ For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 

Place confidence in God’s goodness and future plan. Not only hoping for this moment or for triumph in this trial. We should hope for redemption at the finality of it all. Not just for self but for all people.

²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

Be encouraged that we can be a part of his message and an extension of his love. Be encouraged that he has a plan for each of us.

²⁶ In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 

God knows your every struggle and every thought. Call him and do not stop calling. Even when you think you know the way, ask him to keep you in his presence. When you do not have the words, he acknowledges the cries from your heart. It is what you allow your heart to need that reveals what you truly desire.

²⁷ And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

Your heart tells God what you need. The spirit interprets and convinces us, yet petitions God when we cannot.

²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[i] have been called according to his purpose. 

Even in our most shameful moments, God can bring healing and restoration. He can also bring a glory through that experience whether it is used to educate others or bring about change, or refocus each of us on his path.  Do not let the “one thing” no matter how great or small keep you from pressing on, from finding light, from knowing the redemptive peace of the blood of God.

That does NOT mean that moving forward will be easy or will make us happy through every stage. It is often the hardship that grooms us, the process of continuing through that refines. 

²⁹ For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 

This verse can be confusing. It sounds like God may only give salvation to those he chooses. Other interpretations say that God already knows who will choose him. I have more peace with that second answer. He knows every sin you and I have committed before we even know it. He knows our thoughts and fears and hopes in our most secretive, innermost being. He loves each of us and wants us ALL to come unto him regardless of past or even present and/or future.

He knows (and foreknew those) who will come but for those that do, he wants us to become like him, and to then lead others to him.

³⁰ And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

He had a plan for each of us as he was making us. The plan did not change when we failed. He still has the plan. You still have the life. He died on the cross to atone for your sin. The best version of yourself and future lies ahead.  GET UP and move forward!

More Than Conquerors

³¹ What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

You have no right to condemn yourself. He has forgiven you. Others may judge and have a valid reason for convicting or even punishing you. Do not cower down because of it. Stand up. Own your mistakes.  Recognize the need for salvation, repent and move forward. God will bring you through this.

³² He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 

Why would he let his own son die on a cross to save you from your sins, if he too was just going to shame you in the end?  Salvation was for me and YOU. The book of Romans is a letter to you about how much he wants you with him and how he can help you get up and he can help you continue through this life in ALL THINGS.

³³ Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 

Again, you might have your opinions and others might as well. God called you and he will make your paths straight.

³⁴ Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 

He dies for your sins but was raised to vindicate. Cling to salvation and the hope we have in Christ. Rely on the spirit that will show us the way.

³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 

No one is greater than God. Do not submit to any other God. Not the power of oppressors, the shame of man, the myths of the world or the things that have been.

³⁶ As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;

    we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”^[j]

There will always be someone against us. (Even our self). There will always be persecution and opportunity for others to tell us that we are wrong and not savable. Every day it will come in different forms.

³⁷ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 

More than conquerors THROUGH him. You will not conquer this life or yourself or your enemy without him.

³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, ^[k] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 

It doesn't matter how strong the oppression seems or is-

³⁹ neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Or how far it seems we have to go, there is nothing too big or too bad or too strong that will keep you from the love of God. Nothing will separate you from his love, his direction or the life that he wants to give you. And nothing can hold you back but you.