Rindy's Devotional Tidbits
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The Spiritual Cafe is pleased to share her daily facebook thoughts. It is our hope that her reflections will be a service to you on your spiritual growth journey.
Week 31 Archives
Year 5; Day 212 Reframing With His Currency
I have been thinking about my last couple of posts...God's promises being the currency of heaven and reframing our thinking to God's perspective. They really are intertwined. To think and have attitudes from God's perspective, I need to know and believe what He says. Yesterday as I was waiting for church to begin, I scribbled down just a few promises that came to mind quickly: God will never leave us or forsake us, He never changes, He has a plan and a purpose for my life, He will work all things for my good, He cares for me so I can bring anything and everything to Him, God's peace stands guard over my heart, if I humble myself He will raise me up, I can come boldly to His throne, His mercies are new every day, He is my portion, I am loved with an everlasting love, and the list goes on and on and on. If I truly believe these promises, then they will reframe my thinking. Hand-wringing will be replaced with confidence. Worry will be buried by His peace. Unsureness will make way for purpose and direction. Difficulties will be viewed as challenges. Storms will be a time to grow in strength and experience. Life allows the Lord and me/us the time and opportunity to cultivate our relationship...a relationship that God longs for first. We don't ever have to wonder if we're wanted. To learn to view things from God's perspective takes time and determination and commitment...like gaining anything of value in this life. We need to know His Word and allow His Spirit to instruct us. Trusting in God's promises gives us the currency we need to trade in the negative, the worries, the concerns and to receive His peace, joy, and contentment no matter our circumstances. Today is Monday. "For nothing is impossible with God." (Luke 1:37) That's His assurance to us and His perspective on us. We can bank on it!
I have been thinking about my last couple of posts...God's promises being the currency of heaven and reframing our thinking to God's perspective. They really are intertwined. To think and have attitudes from God's perspective, I need to know and believe what He says. Yesterday as I was waiting for church to begin, I scribbled down just a few promises that came to mind quickly: God will never leave us or forsake us, He never changes, He has a plan and a purpose for my life, He will work all things for my good, He cares for me so I can bring anything and everything to Him, God's peace stands guard over my heart, if I humble myself He will raise me up, I can come boldly to His throne, His mercies are new every day, He is my portion, I am loved with an everlasting love, and the list goes on and on and on. If I truly believe these promises, then they will reframe my thinking. Hand-wringing will be replaced with confidence. Worry will be buried by His peace. Unsureness will make way for purpose and direction. Difficulties will be viewed as challenges. Storms will be a time to grow in strength and experience. Life allows the Lord and me/us the time and opportunity to cultivate our relationship...a relationship that God longs for first. We don't ever have to wonder if we're wanted. To learn to view things from God's perspective takes time and determination and commitment...like gaining anything of value in this life. We need to know His Word and allow His Spirit to instruct us. Trusting in God's promises gives us the currency we need to trade in the negative, the worries, the concerns and to receive His peace, joy, and contentment no matter our circumstances. Today is Monday. "For nothing is impossible with God." (Luke 1:37) That's His assurance to us and His perspective on us. We can bank on it!
Year 5; Day 213 God's Perspective
In trying to reframe my thinking to being more in line with God's, Graham Cooke suggests asking what would God or Jesus think of the situation---how would He view or see it? Take Joseph. I would think the jealousy of Joseph's brothers and their selling him as a slave would sadden God. Jacob's grief at the presumed death of his favourite son would have been great. But God would also see this as the unfolding of His great plan for birthing the nation of Israel...the fulfilment of a promise to Abraham. What seemed to be an example of extreme sibling rivalry was used by God to accomplish His purpose of putting Joseph into position for much greater things. Joseph trusted that God always had a reason for all that happened to him. He trusted while in slavery, while falsely accused, and while in jail. I doubt Joseph saw the big picture even when he came into power. But after he saw his brothers and was able to bring his whole family to Egypt and save them from starvation, he realized all that happened were just stepping-stones in God's plan of preservation. After Joseph's father died, his brother's were afraid Joseph would take his revenge on them. Joseph responded with, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." (Genesis 50:19,20) God's good intentions often seem overshadowed by people's bad. But that is our perception. Our intentions may be misdirected, poorly motivated, and faulty...God's never are. We can trust Him even when we don't see the bigger picture...yet. Now, how do I try and see things from God's perspective when I am not God? Today is Tuesday. This is going to take pondering and practise!
In trying to reframe my thinking to being more in line with God's, Graham Cooke suggests asking what would God or Jesus think of the situation---how would He view or see it? Take Joseph. I would think the jealousy of Joseph's brothers and their selling him as a slave would sadden God. Jacob's grief at the presumed death of his favourite son would have been great. But God would also see this as the unfolding of His great plan for birthing the nation of Israel...the fulfilment of a promise to Abraham. What seemed to be an example of extreme sibling rivalry was used by God to accomplish His purpose of putting Joseph into position for much greater things. Joseph trusted that God always had a reason for all that happened to him. He trusted while in slavery, while falsely accused, and while in jail. I doubt Joseph saw the big picture even when he came into power. But after he saw his brothers and was able to bring his whole family to Egypt and save them from starvation, he realized all that happened were just stepping-stones in God's plan of preservation. After Joseph's father died, his brother's were afraid Joseph would take his revenge on them. Joseph responded with, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." (Genesis 50:19,20) God's good intentions often seem overshadowed by people's bad. But that is our perception. Our intentions may be misdirected, poorly motivated, and faulty...God's never are. We can trust Him even when we don't see the bigger picture...yet. Now, how do I try and see things from God's perspective when I am not God? Today is Tuesday. This is going to take pondering and practise!
Year 5; Day 214 How Do I Get God's Perspective?
Just how do I reframe my thinking to a more God perspective instead of a human one? How many times have we said about a spouse, child, or other close relationship, "They're not going to like that." Or, "I know they will just love it." We can say those things because we know someone well enough to make judgment calls on how they think or will act. There is a relationship that has grown and developed over time. Relationship. Time. They go hand-in-hand. It is no different with God. We need a relationship with Him through Christ and we need time spent together to get to know Him. Time spent in His Word, time spent in worship, time spent in prayer, time spent in thinking (pondering), and allowing the Holy Spirit to instruct us. In Scripture we have examples of some completed stories that illustrate how God always has a plan and a purpose. Joseph being sold into slavery put him on a path to power and rulership. Moses's life being spared as an infant was just one step to his eventually becoming the leader of a mass exodus of God's chosen people from Egypt. Esther, Naomi, Daniel, David, Paul. The list goes on as examples to us, as proof, that God is always in control. The key is seeing it through to the end. Trusting God when we don't understand. We have so many Biblical examples to reassure us, to show us, to let us know that God is very deliberate and detailed. He always knows what He is doing. Always. So when I don't understand what or why, I can rest in faith and trust that He absolutely does. "Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him." (Isaiah 64:4) Today is Wednesday. I want God's perspective.
Just how do I reframe my thinking to a more God perspective instead of a human one? How many times have we said about a spouse, child, or other close relationship, "They're not going to like that." Or, "I know they will just love it." We can say those things because we know someone well enough to make judgment calls on how they think or will act. There is a relationship that has grown and developed over time. Relationship. Time. They go hand-in-hand. It is no different with God. We need a relationship with Him through Christ and we need time spent together to get to know Him. Time spent in His Word, time spent in worship, time spent in prayer, time spent in thinking (pondering), and allowing the Holy Spirit to instruct us. In Scripture we have examples of some completed stories that illustrate how God always has a plan and a purpose. Joseph being sold into slavery put him on a path to power and rulership. Moses's life being spared as an infant was just one step to his eventually becoming the leader of a mass exodus of God's chosen people from Egypt. Esther, Naomi, Daniel, David, Paul. The list goes on as examples to us, as proof, that God is always in control. The key is seeing it through to the end. Trusting God when we don't understand. We have so many Biblical examples to reassure us, to show us, to let us know that God is very deliberate and detailed. He always knows what He is doing. Always. So when I don't understand what or why, I can rest in faith and trust that He absolutely does. "Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him." (Isaiah 64:4) Today is Wednesday. I want God's perspective.
Year 5; Day 215 I Want What You Want ... I Think
I watched a bit of a television cop show yesterday. One partner was thinking about making a big change and the other partner said, "I want what you want." That sentence just reverberated in my mind--probably because of the recent posts about reframing my thinking. Would I say that sincerely to somebody? Would I say that to God? I found myself almost immediately qualifying it. I want what you want...as long as I agree. I want what you want...as long as I think it's wise...as long as I know what's going on...as long as it doesn't affect me negatively...as long as I get something out of it. It is hard to look at someone and say, "I want what you want," with no strings attached. It requires a lot of love, a lot of faith, a lot of trust. And I am not sure saying it to God is much different than saying it to a person. To want what someone else wants is a denial of self. Jesus demonstrated that attitude throughout His ministry. His only desire was to do the will of His Father. Nowhere was that illustrated more than in the Garden of Gethsemane. Christ agonized in prayer before the events leading up to the crucifixion began. He asked for another way but ended His request with, "...Yet not what I will, but what you will." (Mark 14:36) Not what I want, but what You want. I want to do what You want. I want what You want. Could I say that to God with utter sincerity, no qualms, no concerns, no "however" or "buts". I want to say, "Of course!" But........what if He asks me to do something I really don't want to do?? What if I don't understand it? Or it is hard? What if God is asking for a new level of faith and trust...in Him, in His plan, His purpose, in His character? I know what I want to say. But will I mean it? Will I do it? Today is Thursday. Funny how the Holy Spirit can take a line from a television show and use it to start some soul searching.
I watched a bit of a television cop show yesterday. One partner was thinking about making a big change and the other partner said, "I want what you want." That sentence just reverberated in my mind--probably because of the recent posts about reframing my thinking. Would I say that sincerely to somebody? Would I say that to God? I found myself almost immediately qualifying it. I want what you want...as long as I agree. I want what you want...as long as I think it's wise...as long as I know what's going on...as long as it doesn't affect me negatively...as long as I get something out of it. It is hard to look at someone and say, "I want what you want," with no strings attached. It requires a lot of love, a lot of faith, a lot of trust. And I am not sure saying it to God is much different than saying it to a person. To want what someone else wants is a denial of self. Jesus demonstrated that attitude throughout His ministry. His only desire was to do the will of His Father. Nowhere was that illustrated more than in the Garden of Gethsemane. Christ agonized in prayer before the events leading up to the crucifixion began. He asked for another way but ended His request with, "...Yet not what I will, but what you will." (Mark 14:36) Not what I want, but what You want. I want to do what You want. I want what You want. Could I say that to God with utter sincerity, no qualms, no concerns, no "however" or "buts". I want to say, "Of course!" But........what if He asks me to do something I really don't want to do?? What if I don't understand it? Or it is hard? What if God is asking for a new level of faith and trust...in Him, in His plan, His purpose, in His character? I know what I want to say. But will I mean it? Will I do it? Today is Thursday. Funny how the Holy Spirit can take a line from a television show and use it to start some soul searching.
Year's 5; Day 216 Interact Without Ceasing
"Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:17,18 KJV) The NIV says, "pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." On the surface to "pray without ceasing" seems pretty daunting. How can I live a normal life with those around me if I am always praying? I looked up "pray" and one of the definitions or explanations was to "interact with the Lord". Another was "worship". So often we think of prayer as asking for something. "Interact with the Lord, without ceasing---continually. I looked up ceasing and one of its meaning is "no unnecessary gaps, as often as required, regularly". If praying is more than making requests, if it is interacting with God, then as a believer, isn't that a continual (without ceasing) thing? If the way we talk and act and live and think is influenced continuously by our relationship with Christ, then are we not in some form of interacting or prayer with God? We are instructed to "give thanks in all circumstances,..." Our circumstances are not to dictate our "interaction" with God. No matter our circumstances, it is God's will for us to give thanks. Give thanks for what? That we are never alone. That He is our ever-present help. That He is our strength. That He is working on our behalf. That He already knows and has a sure plan for how it will be used for our good. I love the fact that as a believer nothing that goes on in my life is useless or wasted or fluff. Everything has purpose. Pray/interact regularly. Live a life of thanksgiving no matter our circumstances. Easy? Not always. It takes practise and a reframing of thoughts. Today is Friday. A huge benefit...we are living in God's will. And that is a great place to be!
"Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:17,18 KJV) The NIV says, "pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." On the surface to "pray without ceasing" seems pretty daunting. How can I live a normal life with those around me if I am always praying? I looked up "pray" and one of the definitions or explanations was to "interact with the Lord". Another was "worship". So often we think of prayer as asking for something. "Interact with the Lord, without ceasing---continually. I looked up ceasing and one of its meaning is "no unnecessary gaps, as often as required, regularly". If praying is more than making requests, if it is interacting with God, then as a believer, isn't that a continual (without ceasing) thing? If the way we talk and act and live and think is influenced continuously by our relationship with Christ, then are we not in some form of interacting or prayer with God? We are instructed to "give thanks in all circumstances,..." Our circumstances are not to dictate our "interaction" with God. No matter our circumstances, it is God's will for us to give thanks. Give thanks for what? That we are never alone. That He is our ever-present help. That He is our strength. That He is working on our behalf. That He already knows and has a sure plan for how it will be used for our good. I love the fact that as a believer nothing that goes on in my life is useless or wasted or fluff. Everything has purpose. Pray/interact regularly. Live a life of thanksgiving no matter our circumstances. Easy? Not always. It takes practise and a reframing of thoughts. Today is Friday. A huge benefit...we are living in God's will. And that is a great place to be!
Year 5; Day 217 In All Circumstances
I am pretty sure Adam and Eve had no idea how a bite from a piece of fruit would change everything-- absolutely everything. And so some thousands of years later we all still feel and reap the consequences of sin and our fallen nature. It can be a struggle. Not a hopeless one but still a struggle. God did not leave us without a way back to Him. He did not leave us defenseless or directionless or instructionless. "give thanks in all circumstances..." (1 Thessalonians 5:18) That is His instructions. His direction. His defense for me when I am feeling overwhelmed, lost, worried. I don't have to be thankful "for" all my circumstances...I just have to be thankful "in" them. I have sensed God preparing me for a difficult season. Sharpening some tools. Reminding me of His promises. Focusing and refocusing my thinking. Adding some more layers to the basics...like in math where you start out with addition and subtraction, then borrowing and carrying, then multiplication and division, then algebra and geometry. Being thankful to God reminds me of what I have. Of Who I have. Of who He is. Of who I am to Him. I am His beloved child. That is what He says and I am thankful. Today is Saturday. "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!..." (1 John 3:1)
I am pretty sure Adam and Eve had no idea how a bite from a piece of fruit would change everything-- absolutely everything. And so some thousands of years later we all still feel and reap the consequences of sin and our fallen nature. It can be a struggle. Not a hopeless one but still a struggle. God did not leave us without a way back to Him. He did not leave us defenseless or directionless or instructionless. "give thanks in all circumstances..." (1 Thessalonians 5:18) That is His instructions. His direction. His defense for me when I am feeling overwhelmed, lost, worried. I don't have to be thankful "for" all my circumstances...I just have to be thankful "in" them. I have sensed God preparing me for a difficult season. Sharpening some tools. Reminding me of His promises. Focusing and refocusing my thinking. Adding some more layers to the basics...like in math where you start out with addition and subtraction, then borrowing and carrying, then multiplication and division, then algebra and geometry. Being thankful to God reminds me of what I have. Of Who I have. Of who He is. Of who I am to Him. I am His beloved child. That is what He says and I am thankful. Today is Saturday. "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!..." (1 John 3:1)
Year 5; Day 218 You Will Answer
Yesterday husband came in and said that there was a humpback whale out in the bay smacking his tail. I went out and could see a disturbed area in the water. Within a few seconds up shoots these black flukes and so much tail base and then over it goes with a smack...except I saw the smack before I heard it. There was a slight delay in the sound. The whale was far enough away that it took a split second for the sound to reach me. I knew it was coming but I had to wait before I heard it. Almost immediately it reminded me of prayer requests. When I bring a request to God, I know He hears it. His Word and experience prove that to me. But often there is a delay in making the request and receiving the answer...just like in seeing the tail smack and hearing the thwack. Numerous Biblical examples illustrate that point. Abraham waited 25 years for his promised son. Joseph waited years between powerless and powerful. I am sure Daniel prayed not to go into the lion's den but he did. Jesus' resurrection was three days after His death and Paul and Silas weren't released from jail until after they were severely beaten and their feet put in stocks. Why is there so often a delay between a request and the answer? Because in the delay God is acting and moving to work things for our good. Abraham got shifted and established in a new land. Joseph learned to live in a new culture without compromising his faith while he gained administrative skills needed for a job that he couldn't have imagined. Daniel demonstrated God's protective power to a foreign king. Jesus fulfilled prophecy and Paul and Silas had a jailer that needed to hear the Gospel message. God always has purpose to His timing and in His delays. We just have to wait. Today is Sunday. "I wait for you, O Lord; you will answer, O Lord my God." (Psalm 38:15) Be encouraged.........I am.
Yesterday husband came in and said that there was a humpback whale out in the bay smacking his tail. I went out and could see a disturbed area in the water. Within a few seconds up shoots these black flukes and so much tail base and then over it goes with a smack...except I saw the smack before I heard it. There was a slight delay in the sound. The whale was far enough away that it took a split second for the sound to reach me. I knew it was coming but I had to wait before I heard it. Almost immediately it reminded me of prayer requests. When I bring a request to God, I know He hears it. His Word and experience prove that to me. But often there is a delay in making the request and receiving the answer...just like in seeing the tail smack and hearing the thwack. Numerous Biblical examples illustrate that point. Abraham waited 25 years for his promised son. Joseph waited years between powerless and powerful. I am sure Daniel prayed not to go into the lion's den but he did. Jesus' resurrection was three days after His death and Paul and Silas weren't released from jail until after they were severely beaten and their feet put in stocks. Why is there so often a delay between a request and the answer? Because in the delay God is acting and moving to work things for our good. Abraham got shifted and established in a new land. Joseph learned to live in a new culture without compromising his faith while he gained administrative skills needed for a job that he couldn't have imagined. Daniel demonstrated God's protective power to a foreign king. Jesus fulfilled prophecy and Paul and Silas had a jailer that needed to hear the Gospel message. God always has purpose to His timing and in His delays. We just have to wait. Today is Sunday. "I wait for you, O Lord; you will answer, O Lord my God." (Psalm 38:15) Be encouraged.........I am.