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Tuesday, October 31, 2017

His Love Remains


If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. —1 Corinthians 13:1 NIV


God is love. Things done in His love remain. The recognition of a man that demands attention—the honor given to one who speaks with the tongues of men and angels—do not remain. They perish. They only make a lot of noise and no difference. If something given in His name lacks God’s love, it is worthless. Now consider how a simple word of love or a loving gesture can inspire, while words spoken without thought or regard can damage a heart.


What about work that is done in His name? Is it inspired by His love? Anything we attribute to Him is vain and useless if His love is not the reason for it. If we could only see how wasted much of what we do for Him is—how it is not even recognized by Him! If we rid ourselves of our selfish need for recognition, and rid our hearts of all that is not born of His love, then who we are and what we do in His name will be lasting. It will remain. Faith, hope and love will remain, but the greatest one of these will always be love.


Is what I say or do inspired by love or by a selfish need?


© 2017 Lynn Lacher

www.lynnlacher.com

Monday, October 30, 2017

The Peace of Perfect Love




For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

—2 Timothy 1:7 KJV


I will not fear. I will not allow it in my mind, or allow it to claim my heart. It is evil, and destroys all hope. Fear cannot abide where His love and faith abound. “There is no fear in love,” He speaks from 1 John 4:18. No fear in His love! Just to experience His power, and live with a sound mind at peace in His love! This is not just a dream. It is the promise of reality.



“Perfect love drives out fear,” I continue to read, “Because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18, NIV). His promise is for His perfect love to always guard my mind and heart. He wants His love to continually perfect my life. Guilt produces fear. Sin produces fear. Fear is the blight of this imperfect world. There is fear of illness, of poverty, of loneliness, and of devastation. Fear runs rampant. But His perfect love drives out fear. His perfect love forgives and washes away the guilt of sin. Faith springs up because Jesus who forgives has the power to make all things new within my heart. He has the power to renew my mind.



Fear is the opposite of faith. This world lives in fear. If I am perfected in His love and made new within the spirit of my mind, I do not need to live in fear. I shall fight it, and refuse its control of my life. God has not given me a spirit of fear. He has given me power, and with His perfect love, a sound mind that banishes fear. His perfect love alive in me casts out all fear. And without fear I discover I am at rest in His perfect peace. My heart is at rest. My mind is sound because it is focused on Him. 



“You will keep in perfect peace,” He promises, “those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you” (Isaiah 26:3, NIV). My mind is steadfast. I will not fear. I will trust Him.



© 2017 Lynn Lacher

www.lynnlacher.com


Friday, October 27, 2017

Lay All Down

“Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”
—Luke 22:42 NLT

Child, you long for peace and for blessing, yet you do not want to walk my path. You are unwilling to experience the way of the cross to know my glory and power. You look for instant answers and instant intimacy with me, yet you do not want to give me the time of day until your crisis is upon you. Just as my Son, you ask for release, but deep inside, and unlike Him, you are not willing. You want escape from the very thing I have sent to shape your character and give you purpose.

Desire me above all else. Place your will on my altar as your most precious offering. I gave up my will for you when I died for you. Now I long for yours to be given in love. Now I seek yours. Trust that what I shall do is best for you. Believe that I am powerful enough to do anything and everything. Believe that nothing is impossible in my hand. Then leave your requests with me with thanksgiving in your heart. Give me your tired heart, your struggles, your hard days, your thoughts, your whole being—all within that yearns to be free. Allow my will to shape your life. My freedom only comes by way of the cross.

When you give yourself to me, I am the Lord of your past, present, and future. Your past is no more. Your present is my fire that refines. Your future is my promise upon which I gave my oath. Right now, child, if you knew every event to come, it would either be too painful or too amazing for you to even comprehend its importance. I reveal your future as I determine. Have faith that I have loved you with my everlasting love and drawn you in my unfailing kindness.

Peace comes when you are willing to lay down self just as I was willing to lay down self. If you accept my heart and my will, you will know my joy. When I have your will in my hands, you will know my incredible peace. Look to me. I am the author and the finisher of your faith. The greatest joy and peace and fulfillment and glory is found in my purpose. Allow me to shape your character. Allow me to be everything you need. Allow me, and you will be free in whatever lies before you. I will be your answer—your power—your purpose.

Lay all down. Let this be the place you die—so you may live.

© 2017 Lynn Lacher
www.lynnlacher.com

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Perfect In His


I never know who I will find when I see you, Daddy. You might be my father or my friend or my brother or even my child. You might look at me without recognition, or you might grin, drawing me into your heart. You might frown, sigh, and turn away from me. You might regard me with those blue eyes—aware that you know me, but unable to realize who I am to you. The moment that I first see you each day reveals whether my heart will rejoice that you remember or be sad that you have gone.

          This morning I found these Scriptures. They remind me of you, but they are also about me. “O Lord, you have examined my heart,” I read, “and know everything about me. When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn” (Psalm 139:1; Psalm 142:3, NLT). He knows your heart, Daddy, and everything about you—just as He knows mine and all about me. He knows this lonely valley you are in right now, and He wants you to know that you are not alone. He carries the heaviest load beyond our imagination. He wishes me to know that He also knows my heart. One day at a time He carries me through loss with a love that strengthens and protects. And when I am overwhelmed by your need and my lack of direction, He shows me the way to turn. He guides me in each decision to be made.

          There is such peace in knowing that God knows where you are in your mind before I even arrive at Autumn Cove. There is peace in knowing He has prepared my heart for whatever state I will find you in.  This peace doesn’t mean there isn’t pain in my heart. But it does mean that I know He is in control—handling what is beyond my ability to handle—carrying a load beyond my ability to carry—loving you with a depth of love that takes my breath away. And in this moment when nothing seems right in your world or in mine, it really is. All is perfect in His.

© 2017 Lynn Lacher
         


Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Always Breathes Life


In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.
—John 1:1-5 NLT

Before all elsebefore creationbefore the first breath of life, the Word breathed. The Word was not only with the Creator; the Word was Him. God and the Word were one. He was its author and life-giverits Truth and purpose. That purpose brought forth His creation, and nothing came into being unless it came through His Truth and His Word. His Word gave life to all that He had created. Into man God breathed His own life and light. His light shines in the darkness, and darkness can never put it out.

Whatever the state of the world around youwhatever controls itwhatever you face in this lifewhatever attempts to strike fear in your heartHis Word always breathes life. His Truth still lives through His Word. His light still shines. It can never be extinguished. You are His creation, and Jesus Christ, the light that can never be extinguished, desires to live in you and to breathe life into your existence. If you take Him into your life, He becomes your life. If you continually seek Him and surrender to His will, that lifeHis lightcan never be put out. His life will live in you foreverjust as His Word will live forever—if you allow it to breathe Truth continually into your mind and spirit.

You are His beautiful creation. His Truth and His Word always shine into the dark areas revealing what needs to change, and offering hope and healing. No matter what happens—no matter the storm—His Word lives and breathes and lights the world. It can never be extinguished. Do not allow darkness to put out the beautiful gift of His life that God has breathed into you. Let His light shine in you illuminating, revealing, and promising hope. Jesus Christ, through the priceless gift of His own life, has overcome the world. Nothing can ever overcome He who created everything.

“I send out my Word,” declares the Lord, “and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it” (Isaiah 55:11, NLT). Allow His Word to produce fruit in you. Allow His light to shine no matter what might appear to prosper. His Word accomplishes His purpose. His Word still and will always breathe life.

© 2017 Lynn Lacher
www.lynnlacher.com




Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Handled with Care


The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. —Psalm 28:7 NLT                                                                                                                                                                         
Lord, some days there is not enough of me to go around. There are real needs that require immediate attention—one need is just as necessary as another. And many days I cannot decide which need is the most important to be addressed first. But there is one thing that I definitely know. You, Lord, are the most important aspect of my life—you are the key to my heart. If I keep putting you first, I will find my way through the problems that come. One problem at a time will be solved—one issue at a time will be handled—one decision at a time will be made. Each solution and decision might not feel perfect, but each will be rendered in obedience and with love. They might be found lacking in the opinion of others, but that is all right. They will be done with the very best I can give at this moment in my life.

You are my strength and my greatest encourager. I trust you with not just a portion of my heart, but with all I have to offer. You guide and help me through days that would otherwise destroy me. Because of your unfailing love, my heart is filled with peace and the assurance that what I give is fine for now.  I might feel weak, but feelings are fleeting. You tell me that I am strong no matter how I feel. I choose you, Lord, and I choose your joy. In faith I step forward into another day knowing you handle the concerns of my life with your greatest care—believing that nothing will happen that you cannot and will not solve.

© 2017 Lynn Lacher
www.lynnlacher.com

Monday, October 23, 2017

Few Words


“A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered.”

—Proverbs 17:27 NLT


A Christian who is truly wise has no need to prove a point, or promote an agenda, or have the last word. He is free from the world’s expectations, and, without hesitation, he is able to walk in the freedom the Holy Spirit imparts. When issues arise full of emotional pain, he is not spiritually immobilized. He has no need to protect and isolate himself. He does not strike back in anger or allow the peace that God has wrought in his life to be shattered. He walks in joy and praises freely. Even though battered by the trials of life, he finds rest in God’s presence, and is revived. He continually asks the Lord for spiritual revelation, because he knows that if he doesn’t ask and seek it, he will not receive. God graciously and without restraint, grants his request. Because this person has a teachable spirit, he realizes that “fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions” (Proverbs 18:2 NLT). He knows that God’s wisdom does not need to air its purpose. It stands the test of time, and is lived through even-tempered lives—filled with the Spirit and with nothing to prove. God proves himself. Without fault, He accomplishes His purpose.


God calls you and He calls me to walk in the freedom His wisdom brings—to be a person who controls not only his thoughts, but also his tongue. He calls us to live as Jesus lived—to see a broken world without retribution, but with the heartbeat of His forgiveness.


© 2017 Lynn Lacher

www.lynnlacher.com

Friday, October 20, 2017

Market Fest at Faith Christian School in Anniston, Alabama, Saturday, Oct. 21st 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM


Move Forward with Him  




Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. —Hebrews 12:1b-2a NIV



Problems that arise in life are not meant to stop you in your tracks. They are meant to give you determination to move forward with new intention. How many times do you give up instead of facing an obstacle in your way? God's power is available, but sometimes you feel too weak to move forward trusting God to give you strength. His power is not just a strong force you summon in your time of need. His power is His love in action. No matter how weak you feel, when you allow the Holy Spirit to work in and through you, then you are powerful.



Life is a race with problems that must be overcome. Whatever problem you face, don't allow its hardship to stagnate you or conquer you. You conquer it. God's power is found in moving forward in faith. Move forward and He moves with you. Don't allow difficulty to defeat you. Make it work for you. With God's power, you discover success.



Run life's race with commitment. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. Don't allow anything to deter you from your goal. Allow the Holy Spirit to carry you over hurdles, and give you strength to endure the race. Greater faith will be your reward. When trials comeand they willyou will have God's strength to overcome. You will have His confidence and power to carry you forward toward another victory. No hardship that comes against you will succeed. Nothing is impossible when you persevere to run your race with Him.



© 2017 Lynn Lacher

www.lynnlacher.com

Thursday, October 19, 2017

Least of All...Me


I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself. —Jeremiah 31:3 NLT

Lord, sometimes I just can’t draw enough of your love into myself. I yearn to be a sponge who soaks up all of you, and yet at the same time I hold up a wall to protect the last vestige of who I am. I don’t want to lose me, but at the same time I want to gain you. In my struggle to let go, you bring me to the dark night of my soul, and I am backed into a corner. A narrow opening slowly appears, and you ask me to let go of all I own—to lay down the gifts you have imparted—the ministries that you have allowed me to have. You ask me to lay down rights and your purpose in my life. There is not enough room to carry everything with me through that opening. You tell me to lay it all down and enter into your presence through that narrow way. I own nothing. Not even all that you have given and called me to do for you.

I sit in my dark corner knowing what you ask, but unable to lay down all of me so that I might discover all of you. I have asked you to break me of anything that holds me back, and then I fight when you try to break me. Just how much of you do I really want, Lord?  Just how hungry am I?  I know you wait to fill me continually again and again. I know you wait for me to give up everything, and move forward through the only way you have called me. I don’t realize that in laying everything down to go through this narrow opening—I don’t realize that when I pass through that narrow way and come into your presence, I will receive more of you, because I will have left all of me behind. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You laid down your life for me. You ask me to lay down all I own—all of who I am—all I think I am—all my rights to know or understand—to know just you. You beckon me through that narrow opening. You draw me with love. Fear of letting go will not defeat me.

I move forward. I let go—stripped of all but my hunger for all of you. As I move through that opening and come out on the other side you are there—waiting full of joy and glory. And in your presence—when who I am and what I have owned no longer matter, you restore all that I have laid down. You fill me to overflowing with a depth of peace and joy that I have never experienced. You fill me with power so that I may share you again and again. I receive all of you and ask you to continually crucify all of self in me.  I receive your power so that I might share your love with those who are starving. It is in giving up myself that I receive all of you to give. 

Lord, keep me stripped of self so that I might be filled again and again with all of you. Don’t ever let me retreat to that corner informing you of all I own. The opening is always before me—asking me to lay everything down. Let nothing stand in your way in my life—least of all me.

© 2017Lynn Lacher

www.lynnlacher.com


Monday, October 9, 2017

Vacation

Blog Readers:

Thanks for faithfully following this blog, and for your continued support. I'm taking a much-needed vacation tomorrow, and will return Oct. 23rd to post devotions again.

Thanks.
Lynn Lacher

Some


Some love more. It just flows out of their lives. Some discover that surrender to the Holy Spirit means more instead of less. His more is greater than the best of their less. Some learn that His control is far superior to their own. He knows what is relevant and what isn’t. Some find that listening to Him keeps them from choosing death instead of life. They learn that to die to self is to live for Him. Some discover that surrender to His control and knowing what He desires empowers them to move in His will. And when they do, they are filled to overflowing with His Spirit and love. Am I this kind of “some”, or am I one who can’t let God have His way? “Many are called,” Jesus said, “but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14, NLT). To be chosen, I surrender to Him. I want to be one of the few who loves more—who experiences all that He has chosen for my life. Surrender is my choice. His love is my promise.

© 2017 Lynn Lacher

Sunday, October 8, 2017

Who He Is



May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

—1 Corinthians 1:3 NLT



The journey I had with my mother, and now with my father, is one that continues with no end in sight. I’ve learned that it is okay to cry—to hurt—to fail—to make mistakes—to grieve for what is lost a little more day by day. This is not only a story that breaks my heart, but one which builds my faith. God is my anchor in this raging tide which ebbs and flows into the recesses of my heart. He is my only strength. Without Him, this journey would not be possible, and His peace would not be real. Today is another day to walk by faith. Another lesson. Another blessing. Another sadness. Another joy. Another step climbing to the summit. Another opportunity to live as He asks. Another opportunity to act justly—to love mercy—to walk humbly with Him. I pray to never lose sight of the power surrender promises. In giving myself away, I grow to know this person He gave His life to save—the real me—the person He knows I can be. This journey is not about me, but who He is in me.



© 2017 Lynn Lacher


Saturday, October 7, 2017

On Your Knees


But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
—Matthew 6:6 NIV

Seek time alone with God. In your time of heart-surrender, you shall find one-on-one spirit communion with the Lord, who brings down walls, and changes the lives of those for whom you plead mercy. There on your knees you discover the humble service of prayer that changes the world. You will see the hand of God touch lives, realize miracles happen, and know lives have been changed. Every time that you bow on your knees in prayer, heaven rejoices, and hell shakes. There is great power in the prayer of one who surrenders his heart to the Lord in prayer.

What is wrong in the world, in your country, with its leadership, and with its people? Make these concerns the cry of your heart. What is it you see in another person's life that is destroying him? Make it the cry of your heart. Allow all the things that break your heart to drive you to your knees.

“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence,” the writer to the Hebrews declares, “so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16, NIV). It is on your knees you learn the heart of Jesus that not only reaches others, but changes you.

© 2017 Lynn Lacher



Friday, October 6, 2017

Least to the Greatest



For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.
—Luke 9:48b NIV

Sometimes the last thing we understand is the importance of taking care of small things. We may tell ourselves that we are ready to die for Christ, but then we don't live for Him in the small details. A real disciple takes care of every area of his life. He surrenders everything in his life which separates Him from God's love—his actions, his thoughts, his motives, the small details. He makes himself least so that Jesus might become more.

Christ became the least for you, and the least for me. He made himself the least in His father's eyes when He took on my sin. He was perfect in every way. Spotless, without deceit or jealousy or hate or bitterness or greed or His own agenda, He said “yes” to His father's plan for saving my life. That acceptance meant the perfect love Jesus had with His own father would be broken, and His father would be unable to look upon the ugliness of my sin in His son. But Jesus made himself least, and gave His life so that sin's ability to destroy my life would be broken. Sin that had forever separated me from God's perfect love was crucified on that cross—completely, finally, once and for all.

From the least He became the greatest. He was raised from the dead into newness of life. He lives with His father in heaven forever exalted for His sacrificial gift that promises abundant life now and eternal life forever. He may be with His father, but I am not alone here on earth! I have the promise of the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and empower my life. Daily He asks me to be least so that he might be the greatest.

Jesus asks me to lay down all that I am, so that I can receive all that He is. Just as He freely gave His life, I am called to make myself least for the sake of others. I am called to learn sacrifice of my own desires. I am called to overcome prideful wants, agendas, plans, and purposes. It is my decision to lay all of these down. In choosing His will above my own, I learn to be His servant in the least thing. Because He became the least for me, my heart rejoices in whatever He asks. Then perhaps I may learn one day the humility to be His servant in the greatest.


© 2017 Lynn Lacher
www.lynnlacher.com

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Throne of Grace



In my distress, I prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered me and set me free.

—Psalm 188:5 (NLT)


Distress is a place of despair. It is a place where you feel deserted and alone. It is a place where your mind runs wild with worry. Are you distressed at this very moment? Is life overwhelming? Is fear choking your faith? Your distress can become a place of freedom instead of a place of imprisonment. The Lord waits for you to come to Him. He waits for your need to come to His altar. When you turn to the Lord in prayer, He answers with the same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead. When you surrender at His altar, you too are raised into the freedom of new life.


“Let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God,” says the writer to the Hebrews. “There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most” (Hebrews 4:16 NLT). He waits at His throne of grace with a love that looks beyond your failures and sin, and He recognizes your need. He waits with a grace so forgiving and so complete that nothing can impede its power to change your life. When you come in distress and torment, your soul cries out for His mercy and for His help. Your soul thirsts for His grace when your heart is strained to the breaking point. His mercy forgives, and His grace lifts you up when you have fallen down. You come to His altar—to the all-powerful, infinite, and sovereign God who can move mountains and change circumstances and lives.


He waits for you at His altar. God yearns to love you intimately and wants to call you His child. There, on your knees in complete surrender, you receive His forgiveness. There, you find freedom from sin that has imprisoned you. There, you discover freedom from despair and worry. He lifts your head to meet His gaze, and you are lost in the love of His sacrifice. You receive His grace to meet any need. You are free in His forgiveness and love. He has redeemed your soul, and He has redeemed all that has burdened your heart and tormented your mind. You rise in His grace and freedom. You rise in victory and joy. You rise in peace and purpose. You rise free from sin and free from self. You rise in His new life. You are set free by the Savior who—by His sacrifice—opened this throne of grace to you. You rise in new life because you have knelt before Him and allowed Him to own your heart.

Form Me, Fire Me, Fill Me

© 2017 Lynn Lacher

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Beyond Me



Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.  Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.

—Romans 12:9 NLT


Lord, I am at a place I have never been, and never will be again. This day is like no other. Opportunities will come today that will never come on another day. Today is a landmark in my life—where your heart either stirs me to love others or where I sit self-satisfied in my own little world.


“I love you,” God whispers, “even though you often cheapen my grace with selfishness. My grace is all about you. I gave everything for you to know my love. For you to discover faith in the midst of fear. For you to discover joy in the midst of pain. For you to understand that even though my love is all about you, your love is about others.”


Yes, Jesus, your love is about me. My love should be all about others. You gave everything for me. My love should honor you sacrifice, and help the needs, hurts, and pain of others. My life is not about what I might want or think I need. It is not about my hurt feelings, but about forgiveness. It is not about my pain, but it is about the pain of someone else. It is not about what I want, but about the needs of another. It is in giving your love away that I discover the depth of your love and healing for me. To honor the gift of your sacrifice and love, I place myself in your hands. I will not just pretend to love. I will love what is good, and stand for what you say is right. I will help others to realize the potential you see in them, and to stir them to reach for the fulfillment they can only find in you.


I want to reach beyond me. Break open my self-satisfied little world, Lord, and shake me up so that I will grasp that nothing is about me. It is all about your love in me, and the opportunity you bring today for me to share it. One day I will stand before you, Jesus—my Savior—who gave everything for me. In that one moment the love I gave on earth will face the love of God in its revealing clarity. It will no longer be just a reflection. I will, in that moment, know if it was enough.


© 2017 Lynn Lacher


Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Be Strong and Courageous




Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

—Joshua 1:6-9 NIV


The Israelites had wandered for many years knowing God's Promised Land waited. When it was just within their grasp, they just couldn't face the giants in order to get it. They sat for years knowing their blessing was just within reach. But they also knew that they would have to fight for their promise. It would not just be handed to them on a silver platter. But they were afraid.


Does this sound like us? We can see our promise, but we just can't make the commitment to reach it or the fear of what it will cost holds us back. Something stands in the way that God wishes us to address, and the very thought of facing that giant in our life keeps us from the joy that lies ahead. Blessings require obedience and commitment. We want to be blessed, but many times we don't want to pay the cost.


God told His people then, and He tells His people now, to be strong and courageous, to be obedient and committed. Know the Word. Fill your mind and heart with its promise and the strength that it brings to receive His promise. Do not be afraid, and never be discouraged. Reach out and make the commitment that is needed to receive His promise. Disillusionment and discouragement will vanish with commitment to Him.


“So do not throw away your confidence,” the writer to the Hebrews imparts. “It will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised” (Hebrews 10:35-36, NIV).

Copyright 2017 Lynn Lacher
www.lynnlacher.com

Monday, October 2, 2017

A Look at the Prayer of Jabez

Many of us have studied the prayer of Jabez, and highlighted it in our Bibles. We have prayed for the Lord to guide us, to enlarge our boundaries, to bless us, and to keep us safe from the terror of pain. This prayer reminds us even though pain may have defined our past, that, now, in Jesus Christ it no longer defines us. We trust and believe in a Savior who carries us through the storms of life and sets our feet on a solid rock above the turbulence of life that threatens to destroy.

Today I would like to challenge you to consider two different versions of 1 Chronicles 4:9-10: the New International Version and the New Kings James Version. Especially look at verse 10, and the last request in Jabez's prayer.
Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.
—1 Chronicles 4:9b-10 NIV 
And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that your hand would be with me, and that you would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” So God granted him what he requested.
—1 Chronicles 4:9b-10 NKJV
Do you see the change in the prayer’s focus in these two different versions? One is a prayer that asks for you to be free from pain, and the other is one that asks for you not to cause pain. The focus shifts from your personal needs to the unselfish concerns the Holy Spirit imparts for the needs of another person. When you leave “it’s all about me” behind, your concern for others becomes “all about Him.”

If you desire the Lord to guide and enlarge your areas of influence, you learn to focus on others instead of yourself. Your prayer may begin with the concerns that you have in your own life, but should naturally progress to true concern for others. In giving yourself away, you find healing and freedom from pain.

What does the prayer of Jabez say to you? Perhaps you might look at another version and find another perspective. Explore where your focus really rests in your life, and be sure that everything you do and say takes into consideration the pain that a brother or sister might experience. What God gives you in return is the promise in the first part of Jabez's prayer. You will find that you are continually blessed by God when your heart is focused upon the needs of others.


Allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you through this incredible prayer. Always ask Him if your actions and words bring healing or cause pain. Allow Him to teach you that in letting go for the sake of someone else, you discover the value of your faith. When you are concerned about the needs of someone else, God takes care of your own, and blesses you indeed!
© 2017 Lynn Lacher
www.lynnlacher.com

Sunday, October 1, 2017

WON


Whatever my battle—no matter how fierce—no matter how overwhelming—no matter how I feel—I choose to remember that He has already won the war.

Dominion Restored

    One of the most predominant questions for Christians and non-Christians alike is why there is suffering in this world. If there is a God...