The Big Life Questions

As I have heard it said, "Christ is not Lord at all, until He is Lord of all!" And I think this is so very true. If He cannot and does not have the final say in what we do and how we live, it's really just a profession we are holding. We profess to be followers of Christ, but in actuality…we are just one of His many fans. We love Him, but we don't want Him to change us. We just want Him to entertain us.

"Oh Lord have mercy! May this not be the case of our lives. If you are coming back soon to take us home, we know that you must make us ready. You must clean away the dross. You must purify our lives and our hearts!"

This is the final heart-evaluation questions I will share for now! These questions have been challenging me afresh, and hopefully they have you as well.

The Big Picture Evaluation

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;

and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matt. 6:33

-       Life Goals: Do these reflect the Word of God? (See Matt. 6:33, Heb. 11:16)

-       Daily Decisions and Life Decisions: Are these made based on Biblical principles or my own feelings and desires? (See Prov. 3:5,6, Prov. 14:12, Prov. 11:14)

-       Attitudes: What are the thoughts and the motive of my actions? Am I looking at life through the lens of God’s Word, or through my own limited critical human mindset? (See Phil. 2:5, 2 Cor. 10:5, Phil. 4:8, Ps. 19:14, Ps. 119:165, Isa. 55:8,9)

-       Lifestyles: Does my lifestyle glorify God, or is it just all about what I want to do? (See 1 Cor. 10:31, 1 Cor. 6:19, 2 Tim. 2:3)

-       If my goals/decisions/attitudes/lifestyles do not align with God’s Word, am I willing to change?

“Obedience is the test of discipleship. It is the keeping of the commandments that proves the sincerity of our professions of love. When the doctrine we accept kills sin in the heart, purifies the soul from defilement, bears fruit unto holiness, we may know that it is the truth of God.” Mount of Blessings, p. 146

Review:

• Bible Thought: May we make God the King of the big and not just the small areas of our life!
• Blessing: The fact that God cares about the big as well as the small parts of our life is amazing!
• Battles: That I not allow the enemy to distract me from seeking Christ in every area of my life!

What have I done with His Talents?

We are told that God gave each one of us "talents"…we may think they are ours, but they are actually His, given to us on loan to see what we will do with them! 

The following questionnaire I put together based on some of the more common talents we have received. Of course, I realize the list is much bigger than this, and for each one of us, it may be different. However, hopefully this will still get us thinking.

Before we look at the questions though, let me share another powerful passage I was just reading. I'm so inspired…how I want to use the gifts God has given me for Him! And the biggest gift we have received is the TRUTH!

"In the trust given to the first disciples, believers in every age have shared. Everyone who has received the gospel has been given sacred truth to impart to the world. God’s faithful people have always been aggressive missionaries, consecrating their resources to the honor of His name and wisely using their talents in His service. The unselfish labor of Christians in the past should be to us an object lesson and an inspiration. The members of God’s church are to be zealous of good works, separating from worldly ambition and walking in the footsteps of Him who went about doing good. With hearts filled with sympathy and compassion, they are to minister to those in need of help, bringing to sinners a knowledge of the Saviour’s love. Such work calls for laborious effort, but it brings a rich reward. Those who engage in it with sincerity of purpose will see souls won to the Saviour, for the influence that attends the practical carrying out of the divine commission is irresistible." Acts of the Apostles, p. 109

The Talents Evaluation

“And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.” Matt. 25:15

-       FAITH: “God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” Rom. 12:3. (How am I using this talent? Is it languishing, or am I growing it?) “Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” Rom 10:17 (Unbelief keeps us from heaven! See Matt. 13:58, Heb. 3:12,19, Rev 21:8)

-       TIME: “Our time belongs to God. Every moment is His, and we are under the most solemn obligation to improve it to His glory. Of no talent He has given will He require a more strict account than of our time. “ Christ Object Lessons, p. 342

-       WORDS: “Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” James 3:10 (How do I use my tongue and voice? To build up or tear down?)

-       STATUS/EDUCATION: “By all that has given us advantage over another,—be it education and refinement, nobility of character, Christian training, religious experience,—we are in debt to those less favored; and, so far as lies in our power, we are to minister unto them. If we are strong, we are to stay up the hands of the weak.” Desire of Ages, p. 440

-       HOSPITALITY: “Use hospitality one to another without grudging.” 1 Pet. 4:9. “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Matt. 25:40. (Do I use my gift of hospitality to entertain for my own glorification and advancement, or to bless those that do not have?)

-       WEALTH: “For it is [God] that giveth thee power to get wealth…” Duet. 8:18. “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matt. 6:20

-       SKILLS: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts." Zech. 4:6 (Do I use my skills and natural gifts (whether they be intellectual ability, reasoning powers, teaching, musical gifts, athletic gifts, gift in speech and song or otherwise) for my own glory and to make a name for myself, or to draw people to God?)

"Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD." Jer 9:23

Review:

• Bible Thought: God has given each of us different talents…but are we using them for Him or for ourselves? 
• Blessings: It's amazing to me that He entrusts us with so much. May we prove faithful!
• Battles: Not to use what God has given me for myself but to use it for Him! 

Using our Five Senses for His glory

The heart evaluation continues…

"Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil." Isa. 1:16

“If the heart has been renewed by the Spirit of God, the life will bear witness to the fact... A change will be seen in the character, the habits, the pursuits.” Steps to Christ, p. 57

The Five Senses Evaluation:

“Whether therefore ye eat or drink or WHATSOEVER ye do, do all to the glory of God.” 2 Cor. 10:31

“Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” Matt. 7:20

-       TASTE: Is my appetite truly under God’s control, or do I live and eat however I feel like at the moment? “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” 1 Cor. 6:19

-       TOUCH: Are my hands seeking after luxury or the lusts of my heart, or are they seeking after Christ, and surrendered as instruments to touch others for Christ? “If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.” Matt. 9:21

-       SEE: Are my eyes and what I love to look upon surrendered, or do I love to watch the world, even if I don’t participate in the world? “I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.” Ps. 101:3

-       HEAR: Do I love to hear the gossip of friends or the news of the world, or do I consistently seek to make sure I can hear the voice of Christ? “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” Isa. 30:21

-       SMELL: Every person gives off a certain odor…it’s a overall aura of who they are. Do I smell like a healthy Christian, or do I blend in with everyone else in the world? “Sweet smell…to God.” Phil 4:18

Review:

• Bible Thought: Whether therefore we eat or drink…whatever we do should be for His glory!
• Blessing: I'm so thankful that He gave us our 5 senses that we can use for Him!
• Battles: To not listen to the voice of the flesh that says to "taste, touch, see, hear, smell" the things of the world. 

Heart Searching… Fan or Follower?

I know I've shared about this before…but I think it's important that we continually re-examine ourselves and where we are with God. 

I just recently put together a document of questions to challenge people to allow God to search their hearts and take them deeper in their walk with Him. (I pray over these same questions myself!) So for the next few days, I'm going to share these different groups of heart-evaluation questions. 

[IMPORTANT NOTE: These are not to be used as a measuring stick to hold up to others that fall short…they are for us alone! And also, they aren't to be used to make us feel justified in good works, for good works cannot justify. (See Eph. 2:8-9 and Isa 64:6 if you have any questions on that!) However, we are told that by our fruit they will know us. And if we are sincerely seeking after Christ, the fruit of our life SHOULD reflect that we are Christians…not just when we go to church, but each and every day throughout the week.] 

So with the above thoughts in mind, let me share:

“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” 2 Cor. 13:5

“Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.” Ps. 26:2

The FAN versus FOLLOWER Evaluation:

“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself,

and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Luke 9:23   

Is Jesus one of MANY, or is He my ONE and ONLY? Where is my heart?

For what do I spend my money after my bills are paid? – “For WHERE your TREASURE is, there your HEART will be also.” Matt 6:21

When I Hurt, who do I go to for comfort? – Human beings, food, fantasy? – “Surely He hath born our grief’s and carried our sorrows.” Isa. 53

What disappoints me or frustrates me the most? - “Great peace have they which love thy law and nothing shall offend thee.” Ps 119:165
 
What gets me the most excited? – Material possessions, success, or my walk with God? “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after…” Ps 27:4

What do I think about when I fall asleep at night? What is the first thing on my mind when I wake up? “Early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is.” Ps 63:1

Do I worry more about what God thinks of me or about what others think of me?

Is devotions something I treat as a “check off” task to start the day… or is it a time where I bask in the love of my Creator and I don’t want to leave…?

Do I esteem the “fruit of the Spirit” because it’s part of being a Jesus Fan? Or are the FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT a reality in my every day life? (See Gal. 5:22,23)

Review:

• Bible Thought: Are you willing to allow God to examine your heart today? If we are followers, we will plead with Him, "search me, try me, know my heart!"
• Blessing: I'm so thankful that Christ came to save sinners, of whom I am chief!
• Battles: To allow Him to continue to search my heart daily. I'm not a fan, I'm a follower…and I understand that being a follower will often mean sacrifice and pain. 

Letters of Forgiveness from Prison

This may be a unique "Morning Sonshine" post for it doesn't really seem like Sonshine at all. Yet as I share, remember what lengths Christ went to for us, that we would be saved. 

"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Heb. 12:2 

I continue to follow the story of Pastor Saeed Abidini, an American Christian Pastor that is still being held in prison and tortured for his faith in Iran, simply because He is a Christian. I've been praying for Him…praying that His faith would stay strong. I know thousands of people are praying for him too. (And he is only one person out of thousands who are being held hostage and abused because of their faith today! It's hard to imagine, especially for those of us that live in the FREE Western world, but sadly, this is the reality in many countries still today. The fact is, most behind bars do not have an advocate to speak on their behalf. Pastor Abidini is an American citizen and has a wife here that is speaking for him.) 

Let me share a few snippets from the most recent letter that he has managed to get out of the prison to his family. This is amazing, and if we think we have problems, we won't after we read his letter. :-) 

Hello to my dear love and wife,

When I saw my family for the first time behind the glass walls, I could see my mom four meters away. As she approached me and saw my face, she broke down and could not get closer. She was crying. I understood what she felt because after weeks of being in solitary confinement in Evin Prison, I also got to see my face in the mirror of an elevator that was taking me to the prison hospital. I said hi to the person staring back at me because I did not recognize myself. My hair was shaven, under my eyes were swollen three times what they should have been, my face was swollen, and my beard had grown.

A few days ago they brought a young war veteran who was disabled in 80% of his body in my cell. He had been put in solitary confinement with his horrific condition. And this had made him very mad and he kept saying “why did they do this to me? I gave my whole life for their sake. See what they have done to me!!!” And when he would get very mad he would say “I will take my revenge!”

I spoke to this young man until 4 in the morning. I spent time with him and spoke to him to forgive. When we don’t forgive, we drink the poison ourselves and then wait for the other person to die. And we take the knife that has hurt us and we stab ourselves with it again! And this is the will of the evil one who wants to destroy us.

Maybe you ask, what is the secret of being so happy in such a hard situation?

Forgiveness and a change of attitude. When we forgive, we become free and we become messengers of peace and reconciliation and goodness. And whoever stings us, we can take into our embrace and love them. And in this dark and evil time, we can live full of love and full of peace and full of joy and shine like the stars! Glory be to His Name.

I forgave the prison doctor who did not listen to me and did not give me the medication that I needed. I forgave the interrogator who beat me. Every day when I would see the interrogator and for the last time when I saw him, I forgave him. I smiled at him and with respect shook his hand and I said my goodbye. The minute I forgave them and loved them, that second I was filled with unspeakable joy. I saw in the eyes of the interrogator that he had come to respect me and as he was leaving, he could not look behind him. Love is as strong as death.

One of the chances of forgiveness came when I was blindfolded and a guard was holding my hand guiding me. He asked “what are you here for? What is your crime?” I said “I am Christian Pastor.” All of the sudden he let go of my hand and said “so you are unclean! I will tell others not to defile themselves by touching you!” He would tell others not to get close to me. It really broke my heart. The nurse would also come to take care of us and provide us with treatment, but she said in front of others “in our religion we are not suppose to touch you, you are unclean. Baha’i (religion) and Christians are unclean!” She did not treat me and that night I could not sleep from the intense pain I had. According to the doctor’s instructions, they would not give me the pain medication that they would give other prisoners because I was unclean.

I could not fall sleep one night due to the pain when all of a sudden I could hear the sound of dirty sewer rats with their loud noises and screeches. It was around 4 in the morning. It sounded like laughter in a way.

Even though many would call me unclean and filthy and would not even want to pass by me and they had abandoned me and they were disgusted to touch me because they were afraid that they would also become unclean, but I knew that in the eyes of Jesus Christ, and in the eyes of my brothers and sisters, I am like the sewer rat, beautiful and loveable – not disgusting and unclean – and like the rats I can scream with joy within those prison walls and worship my Lord in joy and strength.

The Joy of the Lord is my strength. Amen.

How could someone write like this who has obviously been so wrongly treated and abused? Only because the JOY of the LORD is TRULY his strength! May THIS JOY be our strength as well!

Review:

• Bible Thought: The Joy of the Lord can be our strength, no matter our circumstances, behind prison bars, or behind a mountain of personal trials here in the West. 
• Blessing: God has given us a choice…we can become bitter by these trials, or better. Pastor Saeed is becoming better through God's strength. 
• Battles: That today the Joy of the Lord would be my strength! 

Our Profession or our Life??

It is very easy to speak the truth to others. It's more difficult to live it ourselves! However, God has shown me time and time again, that if this truth is NOT a reality for my own life, I cannot share it with others.

"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." James 1:22

So since my greatest desire is to live the truth and not just preach the truth, I must admit, I spend a lot of time in life-evaluation and asking God to search my heart and take me deeper with Him. I don't want there to be anything between me and Him now or in that great judgement day. And I don't want my testimony (that reflects His glory) to be marred in any way. 

Let me share another very motivating quote from Ministry of Healing. Let us all take this to heart TODAY! :-)

"It is our own character and experience that determine our influence upon others. In order to convince others of the power of Christ’s grace, we must know its power in our own hearts and lives. The gospel we present for the saving of souls must be the gospel by which our own souls are saved. Only through a living faith in Christ as a personal Saviour is it possible to make our influence felt in a skeptical world. If we would draw sinners out of the swift-running current, our own feet must be firmly set upon the Rock, Christ Jesus. The badge of Christianity is not an outward sign, not the wearing of a cross or a crown, but it is that which reveals the union of man with God. By the power of His grace manifested in the transformation of character the world is to be convinced that God has sent His Son as its Redeemer. No other influence that can surround the human soul has such power as the influence of an unselfish life. The strongest argument in favor of the gospel is a loving and lovable Christian." Ministry of Healing, p. 470

Did you catch that? The strongest argument in favor of the gospel is a loving and lovable Christian! 

"Oh Lord, please help me to be that Christian!" 

Review:

• Bible Thought: We are to be doers, not pretenders…not just hearers!
• Blessing: Although God knows all our faults and weaknesses, He transforms us into His image. All we have to do is ask and He will do it. It is the journey of a lifetime, but He will not fail. He will finish the work that He starts. I'm so thankful for this promise today!
• Battles: To remember that it is Christ that does the work…not me. I cannot change me!

Feeling attacked? Must be on the right track!!

So often when we are hit by temptations and trials, we start questioning, "Maybe I'm doing something wrong, maybe this isn't what God really wants me to do after all!" 

Well, obviously we need to make sure what we ARE doing IS in accordance with God's Word, because if it's not…well, God might be trying to tell us something. However…(pay attention here, this is very important!)… IF we are doing what we know God has called us to do, what we are doing DOES align with God's Word, and we are still getting attacked, rather than getting discouraged and thinking about giving up in despair, we need to realize that the very fact we are experiencing trials just goes to prove that we ARE on the right track…and the devil is trying to do everything that He can to stop our progress, but if we hang on to God, He will deliver us.

Time and time again I see people give their lives to Christ, and THEN it seems like all hell breaks loose upon them. They begin to wonder…"Am I really truly doing the right thing? I've never had so many problems before in my life!" 

Even after working for years in ministry, I can attest to the fact that Christian leaders also still experience many many spiritual attacks. In fact, every time I go to help put on an event or speak for a weekend or attempt to do any other kind of ministry, I find myself up against the most astounding difficulties and the most perplexing trials. Even I have been tempted to ask myself at times…"Am I doing something wrong here? Why are all these trials coming upon me when I'm seeking to serve God?" 

Well…it is because God is at work, and Satan is unhappy! And it's also because God is seeking to refine my character. Think about the following passage from the book Ministry of Healing as the author talks about what it means to truly live the Christian Life! 

"To live such a life, to exert such an influence, costs at every step effort, self-sacrifice, discipline. It is because they do not understand this that many are so easily discouraged in the Christian life. Many who sincerely consecrate their lives to God’s service are surprised and disappointed to find themselves, as never before, confronted by obstacles and beset by trials and perplexities. They pray for Christlikeness of character, for a fitness for the Lord’s work, and they are placed in circumstances that seem to call forth all the evil of their nature. Faults are revealed of which they did not even suspect the existence. Like Israel of old they question, “If God is leading us, why do all these things come upon us?”

"It is because God is leading them that these things come upon them. Trials and obstacles are the Lord’s chosen methods of discipline and His appointed conditions of success. He who reads the hearts of men knows their characters better than they themselves know them. He sees that some have powers and susceptibilities which, rightly directed, might be used in the advancement of His work. In His providence He brings these persons into different positions and varied circumstances that they may discover in their character the defects which have been concealed from their own knowledge. He gives them opportunity to correct these defects and to fit themselves for His service. Often He permits the fires of affliction to assail them that they may be purified. Ministry of Healing, p. 471

So if you got trials, hold on…don't give up! Jesus is at work…and just remember, the devil is not happy, but God will help us overcome!

Review:

• Bible Thought: All that live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution or trials!
• Blessings: This past weekend I had some trials before I went to put on a "Revival of Prayer" seminar at a local church. However, God blessed so much during this prayer seminar, that all my struggles going into the weekend made perfect sense. The devil was trying to discourage me and keep me from doing what God had called me to do. But thankfuly, once again, God got the victory! And what a great weekend we had. I was so blessed with my new friends.
• Battles: To keep my eyes on God! He is faithful!

God always hears!

The last thing we read of King Hezekiah, is later in his years when he is sick and the prophet Isaiah tells him that he is about to die and it's time to set his house in order. We aren't told why he was sick, but it is obvious that something in his house was NOT in order. 

Once again he turns to the Lord and this is his prayer:

"I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore."

And this is how God responded:

"And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him, saying, Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD. And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake." 2 Kings 20:3-6

Throughout the Bible we see story after story of people who cried out to God, and every time they did, God heard. And yet today, we so often struggle, wondering if God sees and if He hears. He does. We can trust Him! We must not despair but continue to pray…

"No Sincere Prayer Is Lost—Make your requests known to your Maker. Never is one repulsed who comes to Him with a contrite heart. Not one sincere prayer is lost. Amid the anthems of the celestial choir, God hears the cries of the weakest human being. We pour out our heart’s desire in our closets, we breathe aprayer as we walk by the way, and our words reach the throne of the Monarch of the universe. They may be inaudible to any human ear, but they cannot die away into silence, nor can they be lostthrough the activities of business that are going on. Nothing can drown the soul’s desire. It rises above the din of the street, above the confusion of the multitude, to the heavenly courts. It is God to whom we are speaking, and our prayer is heard. You who feel the most unworthy, fear not to commit your case to God." In Heavenly Places, 82

[For those interested, PART II of Janet and I sharing on the power of United Prayer is now available for viewing online. Click here to view!)

"IF two of you shall agree as touching anything that ye ask…" Matt 18:19

Review:

• Bible Thought: When we weep, God still hears! He always hears…
• Blessing: He has helped me through another weekend of speaking and sharing! 
• Battle: To continue to keep my eyes on Him realize He has done the work, not me. To God be the glory!

Which King do YOU fear??

So let's continue the story in 2 Kings 19… 

Sennacherib, King of Assyria, sends this blasphemous letter to Hezekiah, King of Judah, telling him basically, "You can't trust in your God. Don't let him deceive you. He's not going to deliver you! Haven't you heard what we, the kings of Assyria, have done to all the nations, and you think you will escape?" 

It was a pretty wild letter and the scary thing was that part of it was true. Sennacherib and the Kings of Assyria had been successfully destroying all the other nations at the time. Much of Israel had already been destroyed and taken into captivity. So this letter was scary enough to make even the strongest god fearing King quake in his shoes. 

But what KING did King Hezekiah truly fear? The King of Assyria, or the King of Heaven?? What did he do? Stand around quaking in his shoes, or go before the God of the universe? 

In verse 14, we are told, "And Hezekiah received the letter…and read it…and went up into the house of the Lord and spread it before the Lord." 

Basically he told God, "Look, this King of Assyria is defaming your name. You have to do something. And I believe you can. After all, you are God and there is no other. Please save us!"

And what did God do? 

Well, that night He killed 185,000 Assyrians. The next morning, King Hezekiah saw nothing but dead men outside his walls. Only King Sennacherib, who had written that horrible letter, was left alive to see his entire army destroyed. You can imagine the shame with which he quickly departed alone to his own country. Was he left to live? No, not long after, as he was worshipping his pagan gods, God killed him as well. 

So the moral of the story? I hope it's pretty obvious. It was to me. No matter what comes against us, all we need to do is lay our problems before our God and ask for Him to intervene for His glory and name sake. We may not see dead corpses outside our door (at least right now, I hope we don't), but we should see dead sins and a good many other dead things. 

This chapter was so inspiring to me, and I pray that it will be to all of you as well. We still serve the same God who hears and answers prayer. He has not changed. So let's treat Him like the God that He is!

Review:

• Bible Thought: When you look at the struggles in your life, what King do you fear? The King of this world who is trying to take you captive, or the King of Heaven who is here to set the captives free?
• Blessing: I praise God for stories like this to encourage and boost our faith.
• Battle: That I not forget the God I serve who is ALWAYS able to deliver! He is the King I will fear. I will NOT listen to the voice and threats of the enemy…

No Strength for the Birth!

I've never had my own children, so I really don't know personally what a struggle "child birth" is. However, I have had the privilege of watching quite a few children born…both in the hospital (as a Nurse) and at homes (at the home births of different friends). I even got to watch my own brothers being born! That was pretty exciting, to say the least. 

It's interesting, because at each birth I remember a critical point right near the end of labor, just before the baby came, when the mother seemed at the end of her endurance. Often she would cry, "I can't do this! I can't do this anymore! Somebody do something!!!!!" Not long after the baby came. 

This morning I was reading a powerful chapter in the Bible, 2 Kings 19. WOW! Before I comment more on how God spoke to me through this amazing chapter, I have to stop at verse 3.

"This is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is no strength to bring forth."  

This verse really hit me because not only is it true of the birthing experience, but it's true of the spiritual experience of our life. (At least it's true of my life!) God has called us to live a life that we cannot possible manage to do…at least not in our own strength. He's called us to be born as a new creature that lives after the spiritual instead of the flesh. But this is impossible…at least on our own! 

This morning I was crying out to God for something that I know He has commanded of me…but I have found that I simply can't muster up the strength to produce it. As I was praying and calling out to God, He reminded me again of this powerful verse. I've come ready to be born anew, wanting something better and willing to be changed into His likeness…but I just can't do it. (It's hopeless to keep trying!) And praise the Lord I've realized this, because now…NOW HE is free to work, and He can do what I cannot. 

In the next verse the Bible continues as King Hezekiah speaks to the Prophet Isaiah: 

"It may be the Lord will hear…" and will act! 

And that's exactly what happened! Once King Hezekiah and the people acknowledged that they could NOT do what was needed, that only God could do this work of deliverance, then that is exactly what God did. (And I'll talk about that more tomorrow!) 

Review:

• Bible Thought: No strength to be born… then let God deliver! 
• Blessing: Enjoying a beautiful snowy day! Yes, winter thinks that it's not time yet to move over for Spring!
• Battles: Today…God helped me cry out to Him for spiritual victory, and He is already responding. Tomorrow, I'm speaking again, and asking that God will work and that all those that need to hear will be in attendance at the meetings.

I just love my Pride! (NOT!)

That's a crazy title for a devotional blog post, isn't it? But after what my friend Nan shared this week, I thought how true this is. One reason we struggle so much in surrendering different wrong attitudes in our lives is simply the fact, we like them…we don't want to part with them. 

One such thing that is especially difficult for me to part with is PRIDE! Wow…if ever there was something that was nigh-on-to-impossible to uproot, it's truly my pride. 

This week I was asked to share some of my testimony for a project. The interesting thing is that what I shared has the potential of reaching many people all around the world…people that I could never ever imagine reaching on my own. (Sorry, but we will have to keep you guessing on the specific details for now as I can't share.) Anyway, it was pretty exciting, and I have to admit, in the excitement and flurry of it all, I once again was reminded of how un-humble I am. I was actually so distracted by it all that I found it hard to concentrate when I was having my devotions for a couple days. I felt like a child at Christmas, knowing that tomorrow is the big day, and thus, I can hardly sit still and do anything productive today. Ugh!  

Thankfully, even when I got all excited and in a whirl, God continued to patiently speak to me. "You know this isn't about you, Mel, right? This is about me, and if it's about me, why are you in such a distracted tizzy!?" God's been showing me again how much pride I have and how I must truly ask Him to change me. Psalms 73 actually goes so far to say that pride encompasses us as a chain. How true! All I can do is say, "Lord, please deliver me from these chains!"

Have you ever been distracted when the spotlight (or attention of any kind) shone on you, and you thought for a second that it WAS just about you? I think we've all been there. But God doesn't want to leave us…any of us…here!!

To be honest, sometimes I debate over what to write here on my "Morning Sonshine" devotional. How upfront and open should I be? It's kinda funny, because it's almost as if I want to hide the fact from anyone that may be watching that I'm a normal human and I actually have spiritual battles just like everyone else. And yet the reality is…the struggles are daily, and the only reason I would NOT want to be upfront and honest here is because of my PRIDE!!!!!!! Right?

However, while the reality of the struggles are very REAL….the exciting thing is that as long as I keep taking these struggles to God in prayer, and measuring them against His Word, the victories are daily as well. (I hope that comes through from what I share!) God is showing me more and more of myself and of my own weaknesses, but He's also showing me the solution. There is HOPE and it's REAL, and we can have victory from all these trials and character sins IF we will just submit to Him and allow Him to change us. 

To take an excellent SELF-EVALUATION, I want to share with you a powerful resource that has helped so many of us wake up and see our need. It's called "The Beauty of Humility." You can read it by clicking this LINK!

Of course, I can't say that He's taken away all my pride…but He is humbling me as He shows me more and more of myself, and I'm so thankful to know that the work that He's started, He will be faithful to complete. So…one day at a time…I will confess my sins and keep surrendering my all to Him.

"For it is God which worth in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." Phil 2:13

Review:

• Bible Thought: God wants to deliver us from the chains of pride…and all those other unholy attitudes that we love!
• Blessing: That I saw myself as I am…even though it's difficult. 
• Battles: Need I say anything more?

I have Heart PROBLEMS!

It's unfortunate when we hear that someone we love has heart problems. Usually it's an older member of our family circle, and this prognoses is an indicator that the days of good health are over. 

Well, I have news to share. I have heart problems! Yep, I do. But it's not the physical kind, and it didn't just start today. It's the spiritual kind. I expect most people can identify. 

"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" Jer. 17:9

However, rather than this diagnoses meaning that the good days are over, it means that the good days are about to begin…why? Because we all are candidates for a NEW HEART!

I praise God for the promise:

"A new heart will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you. And I will take away stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh." Ezek. 36:26

This morning as I was praying about my "heart problems" I reminded God of His promises and I sang the song to myself: Change My heart Oh God. (He will do it and He is doing it. I'm so thankful because I needed a new heart again today.)
Change my heart oh God Make it ever true Change my heart oh God May I be like You You are the potter I am the clay Mold me and make me This is what I pray Change my heart oh God Make it ever true Change my heart oh God May I be like You Review:

• Bible Thought: We all have heart problems, but God will give us a new heart!
• Blessing: He gave me one today!
• Battles: To allow Him to change me instead of trying to change myself.

I'll take some Sunshine PLEASE!!!

This morning I woke up to skies cloudy and gray. And I was a bit sad. I had special plans for today, and they called for sunshine…not rain. However, despite not having the physical sunshine, God reminded me that I have the Heavenly Sonshine, always shining…in my heart.

“Unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings” Malachi 4:2

However, something interesting happened. I decided to act like the sunshine was out, even though it wasn't. One thing I've been wanting to do for awhile is go transplant some daffodils from a vacant field down the road to put around my cabin. So, this afternoon, I gathered a few of my eager helpers, and off we went. We were successful! We got a whole truck load of daffodils. It was so much fun, and the kiddos worked hard. 

When we arrived back at the homestead to show everyone what we got, someone called out from the upstairs window of my parent's house, "Hey - it looks like you brought a truck full of sunshine home!" And then it hit me. The sun had come out. The sun was shining! And yes, we did bring a truck load of sunshine home.

So, I'm encouraged and reminded again…even if we can't see the sunshine shining…we need to remind ourselves that it STILL IS…it's just behind the clouds. And we need to carry on cheerful and happy, and the sunshine will return!

"Let the light of His peace shine into your soul. He has a tender care for you, and you should praise Him with heart and soul and voice. You can please Him by manifesting a cheerful spirit. Let not one cloud of despondency or dissatisfaction hide from you the sunshine of His presence. It is in recognizing His light that you will conquer. You may increase in faith, by exercising the voice in speaking forth the praises of God. To the heart that recognizes Him is the promise, “I am …the bright and morning star” (Revelation 22:16). If you would obtain precious victories, face the light that emanates from the Sun of Righteousness. Talk hope and faith and thanksgiving to God. Be cheerful, hopeful in Christ. Educate yourself to praise Him. This is a great remedy for diseases of the soul and of the body. “I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God” (Psalm 42:11; 43:5) This Day with God, p. 305

Review

• Bible Thought: The sun (and SON) is always shining, even behind the blackest clouds.
• Blessing: I got a truckload of daffodils to remind me of my Heavenly Sonshine. 
• Battles: To keep my eyes on Him!

PS: You anonymous commentators really cracked me up yesterday… I actually had a laugh. (Especially Anonymous #1 and Anonymous #3!) I love it. Sometimes I think I'm just writing completely for myself and I have no idea if anyone is even reading, then out of the blue, people like you make comments. So just wanted you to know that it brightened my day to know that I had brightened yours. Praise the Lord we all encourage each other. 

When you don't feel like Praying…PRAY!!!!

I know that I talk a lot about prayer, but I have to admit, I don't always feel like praying. (I've shared this before right?)

The other day I was really frustrated about something that had happened, and I knew my attitude wasn't right, but I just didn't "feel" like talking to God about it. It was easier to whine and complain. (Isn't that always how it is?) 

Yet, somehow, I managed to make it to the privacy of my room and fall on my bed in tears. "God, please help me!" I prayed. "I'm so sorry that I don't even feel like talking to you about this, but I know I need you. Only you can help me through." 

As I prayed, a bit half-heartedly at first, I began to open my Bible and look at promises, and as I did, my prayers became more bold and confident. Finally, I was pouring out my heart to God with everything that I had in me. All the walls that I had been struggling against melted away, and I found that I wasn't talking to a "harsh judge," but I was simply pouring out my heart and my frustrations to my best friend. 

And that is exactly what God is. Sometimes when we struggle, I think we are resistant to talk to God about it, because we see Him as a harsh judge, and we know we are wrong and He will reprove us. (I've never found God to be this way, but sometimes in my reluctance, Satan tries to convince me that He will be harsh.) But God is such a God of mercy and grace…He's actually just waiting to take us into His arms and surround us by His love. 

I love this quote on prayer from the book Steps to Christ, p. 93.

"Through nature and revelation, through His providence, and by the influence of His Spirit, God speaks to us. But these are not enough; we need also to pour out our hearts to Him. In order to have spiritual life and energy, we must have actual communion with our heavenly Father. Our minds may be drawn out toward Him; we may meditate upon His works, His mercies, His blessings; but this is not, in the fullest sense, communing with Him. In order to commune with God, we must have something to say to Him concerning our actual life."

"Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Not that it is necessary in order to make known to God what we are, but in order to enable us to receive Him. Prayer does not bringGod down to us, but brings us up to Him."

So, whatever your situation or wherever you are, no matter what you feel like, just PRAY!!!

[Extra: Janet Page and I recorded two programs on Prayer last fall while I was leading prayer ministry at the General Conference. The first program, talking about how to grow your personal prayer life, just aired recently on HOPE Television. You can view it by clicking the picture above, or the link HERE.]

Review:

• Bible Thought: God wants us to come as a friend. So even when you don't feel like praying, remember, the best thing you can do is go pray!
• Blessing: That He's so patient with me, even when I'm slow sometimes to run to Him.
• Battles: Die to self, live for God. (It's the battle we must all continue to fight every day!)