Philippians 4:12-13 ESV
I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. [13] I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
I know how to be brought low....
Well, I know what it's like and it is no fun whatsoever. But I have to reflect on why He sees fit to keep bringing me low. I'm afraid it may well have to do with pride and cockiness and until I learn the lesson in the lowness I keep repeating it.
I know how, to abound....
I don't. I don't do abounding very well, it tends to mess with my head. Hence the lessons in lowness.
I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need....
Don't do any of that very well. Get stupid in one and whiny in the other. Hence, the lowness lessons.
I can do all things through him who strengthens me....
That's the "secret." It's the "all things through him" all the time in all situations. It's never "in me", it's just not going to happen.
"In me," is all the world of abiding sin; all the old man, all the body of death. "In me," is not good. "In him," is the only way to learn the lesson and have it stick. But there is too much "in me," in me.
Showing posts with label SELF. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SELF. Show all posts
Sunday, July 3, 2016
Friday, February 7, 2014
"We" Prayers
I was praying this morning about some folks I'm involved with and was asking God to help me as I served them. I was using a lot of "I(s)" and "me(s) which bothered me but I persisted in prayer.
Then I was praying for one paricular person and I said, "May we be a blessing......."
It may be a silly point - it may be trivial but that "we" got to me. I think what got to me was how much I prayed that God would enable me to do this of that - or be this or that and I forgot that it has to be a "we."
It's not "I" who does anything. It's He and I, emphasis on the He. It was a shocker for me to realize how even in prayer my self-ish-ness, my self-focus comes into play. I realized that I was asking Him to help "me" istead of asking Him to allow me to help Him, serve Him.
I realized that in my corrupt and wandring heart I was using Him like somekind of a supply post where I went and got what i needed (or thought I needed) and then went on my merry way doing my thing - even though I did it for Him.
I came away from that time with a new perspective on my prayer and my service. I don't want to serve Him but rather serve with HIm. Maybe that's just a distinction He needed to make for me but it has been a good one.
Think about it - how often you pray "I" instead of "we." How often you go to Him for provision and then wander off kind of without Him. The Spirit is not in us for no purpose - so it's always gotta be a "we."
Then I was praying for one paricular person and I said, "May we be a blessing......."
It may be a silly point - it may be trivial but that "we" got to me. I think what got to me was how much I prayed that God would enable me to do this of that - or be this or that and I forgot that it has to be a "we."
It's not "I" who does anything. It's He and I, emphasis on the He. It was a shocker for me to realize how even in prayer my self-ish-ness, my self-focus comes into play. I realized that I was asking Him to help "me" istead of asking Him to allow me to help Him, serve Him.
I realized that in my corrupt and wandring heart I was using Him like somekind of a supply post where I went and got what i needed (or thought I needed) and then went on my merry way doing my thing - even though I did it for Him.
I came away from that time with a new perspective on my prayer and my service. I don't want to serve Him but rather serve with HIm. Maybe that's just a distinction He needed to make for me but it has been a good one.
Think about it - how often you pray "I" instead of "we." How often you go to Him for provision and then wander off kind of without Him. The Spirit is not in us for no purpose - so it's always gotta be a "we."
Friday, January 31, 2014
The Hell of Melacholy
I'll make no pretense at pretty words and no effort to edit this. Today I am in the hell of melacholy.
It's a tough place to be as many many of you know. It's cold and dark and the sense of utter isolation is terrifying. But at's not the worst of it.
The worst of it is the utter obsession with one's self. I've found that all my prayers, all my thoughts, all my cries are about me---my---mine. what I have not and what I want -- what need and the overwhelming sense of those needs.
But the hell is this - imagine someone unwashed, smelly, curled in a ball in a dark corner whinning for help. Unable and unwilling to do anything for themselves. Not knowing what to do and believing that no matter what they do it won't matter.
Now imagine that's you. That's how you see yourself and that's how you fear others will see you. You're pathetic and weak. An object of scorn and rejection. That's how you see you and how you sense others would see you if you let them.
Melacholy, for me, is like being sucked under by quicksand but not wanting to bother anyone or ask for help becasue they'll just find you wimpy and irritating.
You want to do something but you just know it will fail. You sense your responsibility for at least part of your circumstnces and it feels like it's all your fault. You know better than anyone else ever could how you've contributed to where you are at and it feel like you and you alone are onky to blame.
Yes, you may even want to be dead - but them you sense that you're already dead - just unburied. You see sense no purpose for your life and yet you fight to find one.
Hanging on by the skin of your teeth is a very appropriate way to see it. but them comes the sense that there's nothing to hold on to.
OK - don"t freak. Anyne who has been on the hell of melacholy has thought avbout ending it all. You really can't avoid those thoughts. But fortunately, for most of us, even that seems purposeless.
You identify so closely with the lepers in the Bible. Regardless of the pity, encouragement, etc. Others ffer, you are still a leper - unclean - unfit - to be avoided.
When in the depth of melacholy even the most genuine act of kindness hurts. You're ashamed to need it - you're ashamed to accept it - you're ashamed - completely.
I'll quit now - rant over - but probably more to come. There is a very real hell and then there's the hell of melacholy -
Have I touched something in you? Wanna talk? Wanna share the rant ith others? Feel free -- contact me at sheepdog.ms@gmail.com.
I plan to continue to try to say all that we folks afflicted with melacholy want to say but never do - or if we do it's not understood. Like - I was late starting my day today, my safe routine was ruptured and I felk myself sinking deeper - just 30 minutes crushed me - that's melacholy.
It's a blessing too though - without it I would never has seen just how self-serving and self-seeking and selfish my heart can really be.
Prayers are welcome - comments too --------
Best regards -
Michael
It's a tough place to be as many many of you know. It's cold and dark and the sense of utter isolation is terrifying. But at's not the worst of it.
The worst of it is the utter obsession with one's self. I've found that all my prayers, all my thoughts, all my cries are about me---my---mine. what I have not and what I want -- what need and the overwhelming sense of those needs.
But the hell is this - imagine someone unwashed, smelly, curled in a ball in a dark corner whinning for help. Unable and unwilling to do anything for themselves. Not knowing what to do and believing that no matter what they do it won't matter.
Now imagine that's you. That's how you see yourself and that's how you fear others will see you. You're pathetic and weak. An object of scorn and rejection. That's how you see you and how you sense others would see you if you let them.
Melacholy, for me, is like being sucked under by quicksand but not wanting to bother anyone or ask for help becasue they'll just find you wimpy and irritating.
You want to do something but you just know it will fail. You sense your responsibility for at least part of your circumstnces and it feels like it's all your fault. You know better than anyone else ever could how you've contributed to where you are at and it feel like you and you alone are onky to blame.
Yes, you may even want to be dead - but them you sense that you're already dead - just unburied. You see sense no purpose for your life and yet you fight to find one.
Hanging on by the skin of your teeth is a very appropriate way to see it. but them comes the sense that there's nothing to hold on to.
OK - don"t freak. Anyne who has been on the hell of melacholy has thought avbout ending it all. You really can't avoid those thoughts. But fortunately, for most of us, even that seems purposeless.
You identify so closely with the lepers in the Bible. Regardless of the pity, encouragement, etc. Others ffer, you are still a leper - unclean - unfit - to be avoided.
When in the depth of melacholy even the most genuine act of kindness hurts. You're ashamed to need it - you're ashamed to accept it - you're ashamed - completely.
I'll quit now - rant over - but probably more to come. There is a very real hell and then there's the hell of melacholy -
Have I touched something in you? Wanna talk? Wanna share the rant ith others? Feel free -- contact me at sheepdog.ms@gmail.com.
I plan to continue to try to say all that we folks afflicted with melacholy want to say but never do - or if we do it's not understood. Like - I was late starting my day today, my safe routine was ruptured and I felk myself sinking deeper - just 30 minutes crushed me - that's melacholy.
It's a blessing too though - without it I would never has seen just how self-serving and self-seeking and selfish my heart can really be.
Prayers are welcome - comments too --------
Best regards -
Michael
Monday, August 26, 2013
Finger Thinking 082513
Mat 6:10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Thomas Case wrote:
"By suffering God's will we learn to do God's will: God hath no obedience children as those whom he nurtures in the school of affliction. At length brings his scholars to subscribe, what God will, when God will, how God will."
Our striving after godliness is no mere walk. It is a constant struggle to overcome the flesh (self). Being wholly unable to make any progress on our own, our loving Father often uses the rod of corrections to teach us obedience. And indeed, for the redeemed, all affliction carries with it a critical lesson /God desires us to learn.
No, it is never pleasant and it gives provocation to our flesh (self) but we must remain under it as the lesson He has for us unfold. Whatever the lesson, we must learn it. It is His will for us. Learn it not the first time and His love demands we learn it under a new affliction. His holiness and indeed His love demands He teach us in whatever way He must that we may be conformed to the likeness of His Son.
We fight it to our own hurt. We crave deliverance to our own detriment. When we resist His instruction through His Word and Spirit. When we ignore the ordinary means He uses to teach us and mold us He must use those methods which we call affliction and suffering to quiet the flesh (self) - to overcome the abiding principle of evil we carry within our selves.
We have a choice. We can humbly submit to Him in the exercise of those duties He calls us to or we expect the rod of correction to drive us to them. In His mercy and grace we have the choice. In our fallen struggle we must fight for the right choices. If we do not, if we reject or ignore His common means for our instruction He has no choice but to correct us by what ever means for what ever duration towards His end for us.
There in lies a lesson.
Thomas Case wrote:
"By suffering God's will we learn to do God's will: God hath no obedience children as those whom he nurtures in the school of affliction. At length brings his scholars to subscribe, what God will, when God will, how God will."
Our striving after godliness is no mere walk. It is a constant struggle to overcome the flesh (self). Being wholly unable to make any progress on our own, our loving Father often uses the rod of corrections to teach us obedience. And indeed, for the redeemed, all affliction carries with it a critical lesson /God desires us to learn.
No, it is never pleasant and it gives provocation to our flesh (self) but we must remain under it as the lesson He has for us unfold. Whatever the lesson, we must learn it. It is His will for us. Learn it not the first time and His love demands we learn it under a new affliction. His holiness and indeed His love demands He teach us in whatever way He must that we may be conformed to the likeness of His Son.
We fight it to our own hurt. We crave deliverance to our own detriment. When we resist His instruction through His Word and Spirit. When we ignore the ordinary means He uses to teach us and mold us He must use those methods which we call affliction and suffering to quiet the flesh (self) - to overcome the abiding principle of evil we carry within our selves.
We have a choice. We can humbly submit to Him in the exercise of those duties He calls us to or we expect the rod of correction to drive us to them. In His mercy and grace we have the choice. In our fallen struggle we must fight for the right choices. If we do not, if we reject or ignore His common means for our instruction He has no choice but to correct us by what ever means for what ever duration towards His end for us.
There in lies a lesson.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Psalm 5 :11
Psalm 5:11 ESV
But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them ever sing for joy,and spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your name may exult in You.
Yes !!!!!!
Remember, this is a prayer (also an admonition). This is a prayer we need to be praying for those we know who are in distress and even for those we don't know. We all need to be lifting up the Body - often.
Joy and exultation can be hard for folks who are suffering - especially believers ;-}.
We know God is working, we know He has a purpose for all we experience and yet we still struggle to rejoice and exult.
But maybe, as many of the Puritan writers suggest, we need to focus on our redemption more and our circumstances less.
Oh, I know that's hard to do and the distraction and anxiety of our worldly needs make it almost seem mean. But I have to remember that redemption is the whole point of my relationship with Him. It is the "bottom line."
We so want to be comfortable and healthy and solvent. There's nothing inherently wrong with this unless it (as it does) intrudes upon and diverts us from His great salvation.
I often remember Job's wanting to have never been born because of his afflictions. I am very grateful that God included that in the book. I draw from it a certain comfort and hope in that when I feel that way I know that God understands and appreciates my feeling that way.
The Puritan writers consistently point out that the things of this earth are meaningless and a distraction. But they also understand how difficulties and afflictions get our attention and hold it. As I said the other day, "When I hit my thumb with a hammer it has my undivided attention!"
Somehow we need to call upon Him to give us the focus and discipline we need to rejoice and exult in our pain - I don't think we'll work it up on our own. Nor do I think kindly meant platitudes are any help.
I spoke a very dear brother today and, well, he "got" me. He was sharing his stuggles (and he certainly has some) and he shared how he has found intercessory prayer to be a real means of joy and peace. He "gets out of himself" and his circumstances and he even shared that he is assured of his redemption through calling out to God for others.
I realized that this is so true. Although Paul was upheld by the hand of God I also think that he was joyful and could exult in his trials because he knew he was serving others (even us) in remaining faithful. He prayed and prayed a lot for all the believers he knew, knew about or simply assumed would come in time.
Father, make me aware that my needs are in your keeping and care so I may pray for others. Empower me to "get out of myself" and my needs and anxiety so I may bring my brothers and sisters before Your throne.
Keep me from comparing needs and answers so I may humbly and heart-fully lift up OTHERS more than myself. My pain is my pain but I have entrusted it all to you and others are bringing all of me before You. Please make Your Spirit bold in and to me to get my eyes off of "me" and on to "them."
Make me keep in mind that my needs and pain are in Your hands and that I can most effectively await Your providence by bringing "their" needs and pain to You. Cure my myopia, broaden my reach, expand my heart so that it is so full of care and compassion for others that I can faithfully lift them up.!!
Amen
But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them ever sing for joy,and spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your name may exult in You.
Yes !!!!!!
Remember, this is a prayer (also an admonition). This is a prayer we need to be praying for those we know who are in distress and even for those we don't know. We all need to be lifting up the Body - often.
Joy and exultation can be hard for folks who are suffering - especially believers ;-}.
We know God is working, we know He has a purpose for all we experience and yet we still struggle to rejoice and exult.
But maybe, as many of the Puritan writers suggest, we need to focus on our redemption more and our circumstances less.
Oh, I know that's hard to do and the distraction and anxiety of our worldly needs make it almost seem mean. But I have to remember that redemption is the whole point of my relationship with Him. It is the "bottom line."
We so want to be comfortable and healthy and solvent. There's nothing inherently wrong with this unless it (as it does) intrudes upon and diverts us from His great salvation.
I often remember Job's wanting to have never been born because of his afflictions. I am very grateful that God included that in the book. I draw from it a certain comfort and hope in that when I feel that way I know that God understands and appreciates my feeling that way.
The Puritan writers consistently point out that the things of this earth are meaningless and a distraction. But they also understand how difficulties and afflictions get our attention and hold it. As I said the other day, "When I hit my thumb with a hammer it has my undivided attention!"
Somehow we need to call upon Him to give us the focus and discipline we need to rejoice and exult in our pain - I don't think we'll work it up on our own. Nor do I think kindly meant platitudes are any help.
I spoke a very dear brother today and, well, he "got" me. He was sharing his stuggles (and he certainly has some) and he shared how he has found intercessory prayer to be a real means of joy and peace. He "gets out of himself" and his circumstances and he even shared that he is assured of his redemption through calling out to God for others.
I realized that this is so true. Although Paul was upheld by the hand of God I also think that he was joyful and could exult in his trials because he knew he was serving others (even us) in remaining faithful. He prayed and prayed a lot for all the believers he knew, knew about or simply assumed would come in time.
Father, make me aware that my needs are in your keeping and care so I may pray for others. Empower me to "get out of myself" and my needs and anxiety so I may bring my brothers and sisters before Your throne.
Keep me from comparing needs and answers so I may humbly and heart-fully lift up OTHERS more than myself. My pain is my pain but I have entrusted it all to you and others are bringing all of me before You. Please make Your Spirit bold in and to me to get my eyes off of "me" and on to "them."
Make me keep in mind that my needs and pain are in Your hands and that I can most effectively await Your providence by bringing "their" needs and pain to You. Cure my myopia, broaden my reach, expand my heart so that it is so full of care and compassion for others that I can faithfully lift them up.!!
Amen
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