God’s Got Your Back

Got Your Back

By Steve Crowley

“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you,   “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God,” Isaiah 43:1-3 (ESV)

When we pause and open our hearts to the voice of God spoken through His Word, we become filled with an incredible sense of comfort. The creator of the heavens and the earth and creator of life has given us reassurance of His presence in the trials of life.

“If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. But if you look at Christ, you’ll be at rest.” – Corrie Ten Bloom

God has given us an incredible gift, the Holy Bible, which is full of His instructions and His blessings. God knows our concerns and He knows our joys. What God wants most is a relationship with us. God longs to take our burdens from us, and He longs for us look to Him with a loving assurance, placing our trust in Him. In today’s vernacular, He’s got our back. No matter the situation we find ourselves in, it’s not a mystery to Him.

“O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.” Psalms 139:1-3 (ESV)

We are to look to God placing our trust in Him, seeking Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength knowing God knows every one of our days before one comes to pass, (Psalm 139:16).

Therefore, when the darkness of despair begins to creep into our lives look to God through reading and listening to His Words in the Bible and rest in the presence of Almighty God.

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)

Gracious and merciful Father, oh how we long to be in Your presence seeking Your loving embrace.  Father, we readily confess there are times when this world overwhelms us but when we look upon You and seek You we gain a peace that surpasses our understanding.

Lord, we place upon the foot of the cross of Jesus Christ all of our worries, burdens and sins resting in the reassurance of Your Word. We thank You and ask that our hearts be filled as we drink from Your eternal promises to be with us always, resting in Your grace.

Father God, we love You and seek You, for its in the name of Jesus and through the power of His resurrection that we pray.

Amen

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” Philippians 4:4 (ESV)

The Pain of Affliction and The Hope Of Glory

Pain of Affliction

By Steve Crowley

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;” 2 Corinthians 4:7-8 (ESV)

Injuries and or the deterioration of our bodies cause pain, and the pains we suffer from have a tendency to drain us of our hope and joy in life. I hate to admit this but I’ve experienced the daily back pain caused by stenosis and deterioration of the disc in my back, specifically in the lumbar region. The results of the stenosis and the disc deterioration and resulting pain cause me to focus on not only the pain but what the pain has robbed me of, the ability to do the things I once was able to do. But I think the worse thing the pain has done is rob me of my joy. In all honesty there are days when I think to myself, “Is this the way things are going to be and will I deteriorate more as the days, weeks, months and years go by.

“He delivers the afflicted by their affliction and opens their ear by adversity.” Job 36:15 (ESV)

What despair my pain has caused has had an incredible effect upon me in that the pain has humbly driven me to seek God. I have found myself searching the Scriptures for Words of encouragement, blessings and hope. It is through much prayer that I’ve come to realize God has a plan for me for He has laid out my life and knows everyday before one comes to pass. In other words, God knows my situation and He is using it to accomplish His will. Some may ask, “you mean to tell me God would allow this pain in your life rather than healing you and putting you back on the golf course?” Yes!

“For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:36 (ESV)

God may not have caused my back issues but He certainly is using them for His purpose and His good. First off, God has used my pain to draw me closer to Him. I have come to know God in ways I may have never known. I have gained comfort in God’s reassuring Words of hope giving me the assurance He will use all things for the good.

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (ESV)

Through my affliction I have I come to realize that while my ability to do what I use to be able to do is no longer possible, God has used my affliction to focus me to change.  I’ve gained a greater level of compassion for others and I’ve come to know each and everyone of us have our own affliction. Therefore, we are able to offer a comforting ear to those God places in our path.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (ESV)

Merciful Father, You are the potter and we are the clay and while our afflictions are not of our liking we have come to know You more as we seek You and Your sustaining grace to get us through day by day.

Lord God, we pray for healing and the freedom of pain but we submit to Your will trusting that You will use our affliction for Your good. Lord, our prayer is give us the strength to look before our pain to the comfort of Your abiding love that we can comfort others through the understanding of discomfort. Lord, give us hope and may our focus be upon You.

For it is in the name of Jesus that we pray.

Amen

 

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” 1 Peter 5:10 (ESV)

The Hope of Glory

Focus On The Glory To Come

Focus on The Glory To Come

By Steve Crowley

 

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.” Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV)

I am coming to terms with myself that I am not thirty anymore. If that doesn’t make you smile or even chuckle then you too are clinging to the past. Don’t get me wrong, in my mind I still think I can do the things in use to be able to do but my body immediately reminds me, “What were you thinking.” Slowly I am realizing, due to physical and health limitations I now have to have others do things I once found joy in doing, like cutting the grass. I loved cutting my grass because afterwards I could see the fruits of my labor, the straight lines and the beauty of the care I took to cut it just right.

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:”  Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV)

Time ticks on and the process of aging brings reality. But it’s amazing how our minds work, where we once found joy we now find peace from the surpassing knowledge that God is at work in us, (He’s been working in us all along, we just couldn’t see it because we were blinded by our selfish pursuits and self reliance). But when the aging process causes us to surrender our will for God’s will there is a spiritual peace that descends upon us.

“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 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. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11-13 (ESV)

Aging is a fact of life but with age comes wisdom. My oldest daughter turns forty this year and in speaking with her I told her forty was my best year because I finally understood contentment. I realized I didn’t need to please others. I began to understand things from a entirely new perspective.

“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10 (ESV)

It took another ten years of God working in me before I finally surrendered my life to Christ but during those ten years my eyes were opened to an understanding of who God is and what God had done throughout my life. Once I had accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior my eyes were opened to the wonders of God’s hand upon my life.

“For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13 (ESV)

Philippians 2:13 is one of go to verses in the Bible because when I look backwards I see the hand of God on my life. Therefore, I know going forward that God is still at work in me. Yes I can no longer do some of things I love but God has given me gifts I can use to honor and bring Him glory.

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7 (ESV)

Gracious and loving Father, there is nothing greater than knowing You and hearing Your voice through the Words You have given us in the Bible. Great and Holy is Your name.

Father, age has a way humbling us yet we know Your loving hand is upon us giving us peace in knowing You are still at work in our lives to transform us into the imagine of Your Son Jesus Christ. Lord, our prayer is may Your abiding peace transcend our minds as we focus on You and the gifts You give us. Lord, may we use these gifts to Your honor.

Father, it is in the name of Jesus that we pray.

Amen

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)

Trusting In The Word Of God

Trusting In The Word Of God

By Steve Crowley

“You are My servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off”; fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:9-10 (ESV)

God chose you! Let that sink in… The creator, the a Great I AM chose you. Why, because He created you. God meticulously created you and made you unique. He knows you and has given you His Word that He chose you (by creating you) He will not cast you off but is beside you holding your hand.

“But now thus says the Lord, he who created you,… “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior… Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you,…Fear not, for I am with you;” Isaiah 43:1-5 (ESV)

All of us, at one point or another go through difficulty but God’s promises to us are there in His Word to strengthen us and give us the grace to see us through.

I’ve written a lot lately about hardship, illnesses and the resulting pain. I guess it due to the fact I’m getting older and I can relate to other’s pain because I too share that experience. As my mother use to say, “ Getting old isn’t for sissy’s.” Life, as we age, can be challenging.

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”” John 16:33 (ESV)

Tribulation is an interesting word in that it encompasses all of the things we experience. Yet, Jesus Himself, tells us to take heart, He has overcome everything and gives us His Word, His promise, to be with us.

I often draw strength in these Words knowing that while I face the pain of affliction I know God will deliver me. Why, because He says so. I have come to rely upon the truth of God’s Word because God’s Word is truth. Everything that is written in the Bible is from the mouth of God. Therefore I have hope and my hope comes from trusting in the Word of God.

I don’t know what challenge or affliction you may be facing but I know what God’s Word, the Bible, has given me, faith, hope and love. God is the God of hope, the God of love therefore I have faith in the promises of His Word.

“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 (ESV)

“You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek.”” Psalms 27:8 (ESV)

“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.””  Matthew 28:20 (ESV)

Merciful Father, the Great I AM, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, hallowed be Your Holy name. Father, we seek You, yes we seek Your Holy face, humbly and boldly coming before Your Throne of grace seeking deliverance from our afflictions. Father, there are days of darkness within us so we look for Your Light knowing You created us and have a plan for us so we humbly submit to Your will.

Lord God, may we be strengthen by Your Word so that our faith grows as we trust in You. Lord, free us from worry and anxieties within us as we look to You. Lord, may You be glorified as we rest in the assurance of Your Word.

Father, it is in the name of Jesus and what He did for us that we pray.

Amen

“”Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” John 14:1-3 (ESV)

 

The Twilight Zone

The Twilights Zone

By Steve Crowley

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.” Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV)

We have entered the crazy season, the twilight zone of politics. Outlandish promises are made and acquisitions fly to position politicians in the public eye. The more outlandish the promises, the more attention our media provides, so political candidates begins to heap lavish promises upon promises in hopes building on promises they know they cannot keep.

I don’t know about you but my tolerance for political theater has runs its course. I have reached the end of my trust in anything that is being said. In other words, I’ve turned off the news, it’s too negative to begin with, and instead I’ve decided to commit myself to spend time reading my Bible and seeking God’s wisdom and His peace.

“For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:6 (ESV)

“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV)

Politicians come and go and anyone who places their trust in politicians is trusting in false hope. (Think about it a moment.) We rely upon Washington to solve the problems Washington created. If that isn’t the definition of foolishness I don’t know what is. Rather we should stand upon the rooftops and proclaim the name of Christ who is the only person who walked upon this earth blameless and without sin. I’d rather place my trust in God rather than broken and sinful man.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27 (ESV)

So as we enter into the twilight zone remember where peace, truth and life can be found.

“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”” Acts 4:12 (ESV)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)

Lord God, Your Words are truth, may we seek the shelter of Your presence in the mist of the craziness which has befallen our nation. Lord, may we keep our minds fixed on You knowing You and only You is our salvation. Lord, we seek You, yes we seek Your presence placing our trust in You rather than man for You and You alone are the creator of the heavens and the earth and You hold in the palm of Your hand the destiny of us all.

Father, we pray that the eyes of our nation will be opened to hear and discern truth from lies and that Your will will be done. Lord, forgive our nation from the pursuit of selfish ambition and the desires of the flesh. Lord, turn our hearts to understanding the wisdom of Your Word as we seek You and pray for You to heal our land.

Lord God, we ask these things in the name of Jesus, who You have given dominion and rule over all thing that we pray.

 

Amen