Trust. Cling. Rely...On Him

Let's recap what we have learned thus far from Psalm 27:14.

First, we learned that during those inevitable times of waiting in our lives, we are to wait in eager and patient anticipation for what the Lord is going to do in us. We are to wait with great hope because His is our help and our shield.

Next, we learned that in our waiting in eager and patient anticipation of what the Lord is doing and is going to do in our lives, we are...strengthened, supported, encouraged, conquering or seizing something in our lives, repaired, and built upon.

Today, we are going to talk about the concept of courage that the Psalmist David speaks of in Psalm 27:14.

"Wait for the LORD; be strong and

let your heart take courage;

yes, wait for the LORD."
Psalm 27:14, NASB (emphasis added)

Often times in our waiting our hearts can become heavy, burdened, and worried. The Psalmist tell us that we are to take courage.

Courage is a transliteration of the Hebrew word chazaq, which means to be bound fast, to be attached.

In Deuteronomy 31:6-8, Moses is addressing Joshua and all of Israel. He tells them to "be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you." The strength and courage of the Israelites came from their confidence in knowing that the LORD would never leave nor forsake them. They were attached to Him and He to them.

"Be strong and let your heart take courage,

all you who hope (wait for) in the LORD."
Psalm 31:24, NASB

Be strong...take courage. Hang with me here, this concept is a very important one for us to grasp. This phrase "be strong...take courage" is a plural imperative. Plural meaning the Psalmist is speaking to all of us; imperative meaning it is a command or a strong encouragement to behave in a certain way. This is a phrase used particularly in anticipation of battle. Those going into battle were strongly encouraged to present themselves as a people who were strong and filled with much courage because they knew to whom they were attached. This is the very idea behind Moses' command to Joshua and all of Israel in Deuteronomy 31:6-8.

We also find this same idea in Psalm 27:14, "be strong...and let your heart take courage." The Psalmist is commanding us to take courage in the One to whom we have attached ourselves, knowing that He will never leave nor forsake His children.

In our times of waiting, as the Lord is strengthening us, supporting us, encouraging us, conquering those fleshly desires in our lives, repairing our brokenness and building upon His plan, ...

~we are to confidently hope in Him knowing that what He is doing in our hearts is preparing us for a battle that is sure to come.

~we are to attach ourselves to Him, allowing Him to clear the way and not trying to do it ourselves.

~we are to trust in Him, not our own selves nor the people around us, knowing that He will never leave nor forsake us.

Have you attached yourself to the Lord God Almighty today or are you hanging onto life by a mere thread? Are you trusting in an All-Powerful God, allowing Him to clear the way before you or are you trying to live life according to your own plan? Are you prepared for battle?

Trust Him. Cling to Him. Rely on Him.

Repairing and Constructing

Yesterday, we discussed that during those inevitable times of waiting in our lives, we are to wait in eager and patient anticipation for what the Lord is going to do in us. We are to wait with great hope because His is our help and our shield.

Today, I'd like us to continue digging into the meaning of Psalm 27:14.

"Wait for the LORD; be strong and let your
heart take courage;

yes, wait for the LORD."

Psalm 27:14, NASB (emphasis added)

We are not only to wait in eager and patient anticipation for what the Lord is going to do in our lives, the Psalmist tells us in our waiting that we are also to "be strong".

Strong is a transliteration of the Hebrew word hazaq. This word means to be strong, be courageous, to make firm, strengthen, support, encourage; to preserve, to conquer, seize, retain, to harden. I found it very interesting that this term was also frequently used in reference to construction or repair work (2 Kings 12:5ff; 1 Chronicles 26:27; Nehemiah 3:4ff; Nahum 3:14).

Think about this with me:
Could it be that in our waiting, God is constructing or building something in us?
Could it be that in our waiting, God is repairing or mending a part of us that is broken?
Could it be? I definitely think it could be! Oh, the hope this gives me as I wait, knowing that God is working in me and on me to construct a woman who will more accurately and beautifully reflect His holiness!

In our waiting in eager and patient anticipation of what the Lord is doing and is going to do in our lives, in this very waiting moment, we are...
~strengthened
~supported
~encouraged
~conquering or seizing something in our lives
~repaired
~built upon- something in us is begin built up

Today Beloved, as you wait, know that He is repairing and constructing in you something new and beautiful!

How are You Waiting?

We live in a society, a day in age for that matter, where waiting is something we aren't very accustomed to doing. There's just no much that you and I have to wait on or for these days.

For instance...

~Need something for dinner? Head to the nearest fast food restaurant or pop something in the microwave, and wa-la... dinner is served.

~Out and about and need to call a friend? Never mind waiting until you get home to give her a call; just pick up your cell phone, hit #2 because you have her on speed dial, and talk until your heart's content.

~Is there a special event on your calendar you want to look nice and tan for? Not a problem! Forget the real sun and now even the tanning bed; get a spray on tan!

~Forgot that your mom's birthday is tomorrow and now it's too late to send her a card through snail mail? Don't panic... send her an e-card, with music, for free!!

Are you with me here? Waiting has become a lost art. While I am thankful modern technology has afforded us the freedom to hurry along in doing some things, with that freedom, I'm afraid, has come an attitude of impatience.

What does God's Word have to say about waiting? How are we to wait? What are we to do in our waiting? Over the next few days we are going to discuss this concept of waiting.

In Psalm 27 verse 14, the Psalmist David tells us that we are to "wait for the LORD."

"Wait for the LORD; be strong and let your
heart take courage;

yes, wait for the LORD."

Psalm 27:14, NASB (emphasis added)

"Waiting" here is the transliteration of the Hebrew word qawah which carries with it the idea of expecting, hoping in, patiently waiting for.

Webster's Dictionary defines "wait" in the following way, to remain stationary in readiness or expectation; to look forward expectantly.

Inevitably, there will be times in our lives when the Lord will have us in a position of waiting. In fact, you may be there at this very moment; waiting for the Lord to show you the next step you are to take. As you and I wait during these time, what are we supposed to do? How are we to behave?

Let's revisit what the Psalmist said. He said that we are to, "Wait for the LORD." During those times of waiting we ARE NOT to gripe and complain, moan and groan, whine and fuss, stomp our feet and pitch a fit; instead, we are to wait in faith. We are to remain where we are patiently waiting for what the Lord has next for our lives. We are to expectantly look forward, with hope, knowing that what's coming from Him is for our good and His glory.

In Isaiah 8:17, we read that Isaiah was in a time of waiting. He was waiting for the LORD to turn His face back toward the house of Jacob. While Isaiah waited he was not nonchalantly going about his day, bidding his time as the minutes ticked away, he was not gripping and complaining, begging the LORD to hurry things along; he was eagerly looking for the LORD to turn His face back toward His people.

"And I will wait for the LORD who is hiding
His face from the house of Jacob;

I will even look eagerly for Him."

Isaiah 8:17, NASB (emphasis added)

So how are we to wait? We are to wait in eager and patient anticipation for what the Lord is going to do in our lives. We are to wait with great hope because His is our help and our shield (Psalm 33:20).

Are you in a "waiting" place right now? How are you waiting? Are you waiting with eager and patience anticipation for what the Lord is going to do in your life? Or, are you grumbling and complaining, begging Him to hurry things along?

Let me encourage you today Beloved to, "wait for the LORD" and "look eagerly for Him."

In His Word Bible Study- Tonight is the Night!!!!

For all my local friends out there...this is for you!!!! Will you join us?

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~Do you desire to dig deeper into God’s Word?~

~Does your heart ache for a more intimate knowledge of who your Savior is?~

~Do you long for meaningful, God-centered, relationships with other women?~

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If you answered a resounding “YES!” to any of these questions, then “In HIS Word Bible Study” is the place for you!

~I.H.W Bible Study will meet on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of every month,

beginning Sept. 22, 2009, in the home of Lorri Foster.

~We will have a time of fellowship from 6:30- 7:00 pm & then dig down deep

In His Word from 7:00-8:30.

~Our first study will be Kay Arthur’s book, Lord, I Need Grace to Make it Today ($15).

For more information or to sign-up, please contact Jenifer Jernigan, jernigan4jc@embarqmail.com or Lorri Foster lorrifoster@nc.rr.com .

**There will be a limited number of books on hand for you to purchase.
Make sure to sign-up to reserve your copy.

**No childcare will be provided for I.H.W Bible Studies.

If you'd like to sign up now, click here for a private sign up form!

Is that Gibberish You're Speakin'?

I was first introduced to Dr. Gary Chapman's book, The Five Love Languages, in a pre-marital counseling class while in college. The book was great and all; lots of "neat" ideas. But, to be honest, I only read it because I had to. It wasn't really one of those books I was dying to read or anything. I read it because, well, it was a requirement. Little did I know, though, that in a few years it would be a very useful resource to have at my fingertips.

When my husband and I first met and started dating, there were two things that stood out to me about him. First,...

To read the rest of today's devotional, hop on over to At the Well...In Pursuit of Titus 2.

Lesson Learned

This past weekend I had the awesome privilege of serving alongside a godly group of ladies for our church's Fall Women's Retreat.

When my sweet friend called me several months back and asked me to take care of the decorations for the retreat, I immediately said, "yes."

And then when she called back and asked me to head up the breakout sessions instead of the decorations, I immediately said, "yes."

And then... she called again. By this time the flyers had already been sent out to the ladies indicating we would be offering breakout sessions, but God had other plans. This time instead of decorations and breakout sessions, she asked me to lead a prayer walk. Being the flexible person that I am, ready to serve in anyway that I can, I said, "sure, not a problem," and got to work.

I began digging into the Word studying through passages that talked about prayer. Soon I had a very detailed outline. And, not long after the ink had dried on my outline, I had seven pages of notes before me; three great points, all beginning with the letter "R", and a great title for the lesson. I was ready to stand before this group of women and share the message God had given me.

Or, so I thought...

Wondering how in the world I was ever going to cover seven pages of notes in the ten minute time frame I had been given, I sat patiently, (ok, maybe it wasn't patiently) at my table Saturday watching the clock as it ticked, ticked, away until I only had about an hour before I was to lead this group of ladies through the prayer walk after of course, I shared my lesson with them. Little did I know the kind of lesson I was about to learn myself.

A precious sister in the Lord was sharing her story of waiting on the Lord when it happened. God got a hold of me like He hasn't done in quite some time. As my sister shared, she spoke of setting our gaze on things above.

A cold chill ran through my body as I heard the Lord whisper to me, "this whole prayer walk thing that you are about to lead these women through...it's not about your seven pages of notes...it has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that you have three points and they all begin with the letter "R"...this prayer walk has nothing to do with you, it is all about Me and about YOU setting your gaze upon Me."

The cold chill left my body and was replaced with a burning in my heart. Tears began streaming down my face and I knew that I must get to the bathroom quick. The moment the door closed behind me it happened...the ugly cry. Ya know? The kind of cry that distorts your whole face and makes you feel like you can't catch your breath?

I stood in the bathroom and cried out to the Lord, "Oh, God, what am I doing? I am so sorry! This is not about me and my seven pages of notes! This IS about YOU! Set my eyes on You!! Oh, please, set my eyes on You!!!"

I regained my composure then made my way back to my seat. When the time came for me to stand before those women, I shared my heart with them. I shared with them that God had just done a work in me. I shared with them that God didn't care whether or not I had seven pages of notes or three points that all began with the letter "R".

What He cared about, what He cares about, is that they, no we, set our gaze upon Him. That we set our gaze on things above and not on the mess that might be going on around us. That we set our gaze on Him, the only one who knows our every need and the only one who knows how to best meet those needs. That we find our peace in the Great Prince of Peace. That we find our strength in the God who is strong enough to move mountains. That we find our home in the shelter of His wings. That in Him, we find true love and acceptance with no strings attached. That in Him, we experience mercy and grace. That in Him, we experience forgiveness and compassion. That...we find Him- period.

All along, with each change of our plans, God had the ultimate plan. And, His plan was for me to set my gaze upon Him. He humbled me and changed my heart this past weekend, and I am forever grateful.

The Other Side

"35) On that day, when evening came, He said to them, "Let us go over to the other side."36)Leaving the crowd, they took Him along with them in the boat, just as He was; and other boats were with Him. 37) And there arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up. 38) Jesus Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; 1) They came to the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gerasenes." Mark 4:35-38a & 5:1, NASB

Did you see it? No? Let's read it again.

"35) On that day, when evening came, He said to them, "Let us go over to the other side." 36) Leaving the crowd, they took Him along with them in the boat, just as He was; and other boats were with Him. 37) And there arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up. 38) Jesus Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; 1) They came to the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gerasenes." Mark 4:35-38a & 5:1, NASB

See it that time? Still no? Okay, let me help.

"He said to His them, 'Let us go over to the other side."

Yea, I know, it's an easy phrase to overlook, but these few words are filled with much promise. Let me set the stage for you. Jesus had been preaching and teaching all day on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. When evening had come, He gathered His disciples together in order to go over to the eastern shore for a time of rest.

Jesus, knowing there was a storm on the horizon, did not say to the disciples, "Alright guys, we're gonna board the ship, but we're only going to be able to go half way across the Sea of Galilee because there is a horrible storm coming. So..., once we get to the half way point we're going to turn around and come back." No, that's not what He said at all!

Instead, Jesus, knowing there was a storm on the horizon, said to His disciples, "Let us go over to the other side." He had every intention of going through the storm with His disciples and He had every intention of making it safely to the other side.

Was He worried? No.

Was He afraid? No.

Did He decide to cancel the trip because He knew a fierce gale of wind was about to blow across the Sea of Galilee causing the boat to be tossed to and fro? No.

Did Jesus think this voyage across the Sea of Galilee, with its approaching storm, would stretch His disciples a little too much and decide it best to not make them endure it? No.

Jesus was neither worried nor afraid. In fact, He slept soundly in the stern of the boat. Yes, He knew the winds would howl and the waves would be monstrous . He knew the storm would cause the disciples to fear and question His authority, yet He still made them board the boat that day. Why? Because He knew this storm would develop character in them; He knew the outcome of making them ride those waves was far greater than allowing them to cower on the shore. Jesus knew this storm would increase their faith as they saw, firsthand, His power displayed when He spoke a hush over the storm.

This group of men, if you'll remember, was for the most part made up of a band of fishermen who had, I'm sure, experienced raging waters and strong gusts of winds on many occasions in the past. But, unlike the storms of the past, this storm was taylor-made for them. The storm that raged on this day was for the purpose of pushing them beyond where their faith lay at that very moment in time. God told the waves to swell and the winds to rage for the purpose of teaching the disciples the value of leaning on Jesus.

The most beautiful part of this passage to me is the very fact that when Jesus called them to get in the boat with Him, He knew they would make it safely to the other side. His very instructions were for them to get in and go to the other side; not stop and turn around, not cower in fear, but go to the other side.

Like the disciples, God calls us to go through storms. Our storms are not for the purpose of causing us harm, but rather to teach us the value of leaning on Him for all things. Jesus knew exactly how much of the storm His disciples were able to bear and hushed the winds and calmed the waves at just the right moment; His moment.

Are you going through a storm right now? Are you being tossed to and fro? Rest assured that your Savior will calm the waves and hush the seas at exactly the right time. Until then, lean on Him and cling to the promise that you will make it to the other side.

Happy Labor Day!

"58) Therefore, my dear brothers (and sisters),

stand firm. Let nothing move you.

Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord,

because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."

1 Corinthians 15:58, NIV

Exemplify Online- September Issue

The September issue of Exemplify Online is hot off the press. This month's theme is PATIENCE. Couldn't we all use a little more of that!?!?!

Grab yourself a good ole' cup of joe, curl up in your favorite chair, and be inspired, encouraged, and challenged by this month's issue.

Oh, be sure to check out my marriage article on pages 5 & 6, "Love Longsuffering"! I'd love for you to stop back by here and let me know your thoughts and share with all of us how God has taught or is teaching you patience through your marriage.

Have a great day in Jesus!!!