Hi everyone,
It has been too long since I have been here, and so much has been happening.
I have been reading through 1 Samuel lately and it has been so very good! Tonight I want to share a thought from 1 Samuel 16:12...
"...and the Lord said, "Arise, anoint him, for this is the one"
Where does the Lord call His servants from? He calls them from the secret place. He didn't choose His servant from the front line, those who polished up and paraded. Those who looked the part and had the right words to say. He chose His servant by what He knew of David's activities and priorities in the secret place.
The secret place of David was not a vacume, and neither is the secret place of your life.
What was going on in David's secret place?
1. He was developing faithfulness. A shepherd was a lonely and lowly occupation but David was content and faithful there. What lonely and lowly place are you in right now? Are you faithful in carrying out your responsibilities, or are you constantly restless and discontent, wishing for something else. Settle down and embrace your current season as if it was your whole life's work, because it may well be. But that work, done with love and faithfulness will send ripples of blessing out over future generations, and to places you may never go!
2. He was getting some wins. How would David ever have been ready for Goliath and other battles ahead without the confidence and skill of the wins he had alone on the hillsides of his home farm? These weren't people he was protecting, they were mere sheep, but to him they were worth fighting for. The battles you are facing right now are worth winning. The fact that there is no-one watching and cheering you on is immaterial. God is watching...and please get this - HE REALLY WANTS YOU TO WIN THIS ONE - its worth fighting for.
3. He was worshipping. 'Worship' has almost become just about the music, and that was certainly a huge part of what was going on in the sheep paddocks with David. But David's worship was never just about the music. He enjoyed God. It was a walking/talking vital relationship with God, a sharing of all of his life with God. The good, the bad and the ugly; the highs and the lows. His worship wasn't about the form, it wasn't even about the heart... it was from the heart. The only audience David had was a few sheep but that didn't matter to David, the only One that mattered was God Himself - and isn't that the truth?
I believe there were days in David's life as the national hero that he longed for the obscurity of the hillsides of the family farm.... but one thing is for sure - he never lost the capacity to retreat to that secret place of faithfulness, victory and worship as the only man God ever called 'after my own heart'.
We need to ask the question...
"What's going on in the secret place of my life?"
Much love,
Lynda
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Saturday, July 31, 2010
You're OK :)
Hi everyone,
I had a chat with some people this morning about acceptance. Not acceptance of circumstances..acceptance of ourselves.
Do you know that we can sometimes appear really calm and accepting of difficult situations, unfair treatment and demands, but inside rage against ourselves with self-rejection, or a painful conviction that we are not accepted by the people around us.
I know what this feels like. I grew up with the idea that I was ugly and stupid. I was desperately shy and socially inept. My parents would be surprised to know this because this wasn't communicated to me at home. But amongst my peers I struggled deeply. Let me be totally transparent for a moment. I remember at the age of about eleven writing a letter to my class mates asking them what I had done wrong, why didn't they like me?
You guessed it... I was the laughing stock!
When I was in my teens I would not leave the house without make-up on. It was my 'safety mask'. Without it I felt naked and vulnerable. So whether it was to work, or to shop, or to visit people, whatever it was....I would not walk out the front door without make up on.
Then at the age of 17 I gave my heart to Jesus Christ. Of all the decisions I have ever made I can say without exception this was far and away the most life changing one I ever made.
For the first time in my life I knew total forgiveness, a sense of purpose and destiny.... and a true sense of belonging! This had nothing to do with anyone else, it was a purely personal connection with Him.
There is a beautiful scripture in Ephesians 1:6
".......He made us accepted in the beloved"
This change in me was real. Shortly after this life changing decision we were going out to a church youth meeting. It was the first time I had ever gone to one of these meetings. I decided to wear casual clothes and ..... no make up! As I ventured out I was surprised and delighted to recognise not a sense of vulnerability and fear, but of freedom!
This sense of acceptance doesn't just impact our need to look good. It impacts our need to perform well, to 'fit-in', to be heard, to be recognised etc. No matter what life and the people in our world throw at us, knowing that God accepts us, truly accepts us is like coming home after a hard day at work, kicking off our shoes and totally relaxing with the people we love.
Can I encourage you. If you struggle with a sense of being unacceptable just being you, understand that God knows you inside and out, and He loves you deeply. No need to dress up and perform....you're OK!
Until next time,
much love,
Lynda
I had a chat with some people this morning about acceptance. Not acceptance of circumstances..acceptance of ourselves.
Do you know that we can sometimes appear really calm and accepting of difficult situations, unfair treatment and demands, but inside rage against ourselves with self-rejection, or a painful conviction that we are not accepted by the people around us.
I know what this feels like. I grew up with the idea that I was ugly and stupid. I was desperately shy and socially inept. My parents would be surprised to know this because this wasn't communicated to me at home. But amongst my peers I struggled deeply. Let me be totally transparent for a moment. I remember at the age of about eleven writing a letter to my class mates asking them what I had done wrong, why didn't they like me?
You guessed it... I was the laughing stock!
When I was in my teens I would not leave the house without make-up on. It was my 'safety mask'. Without it I felt naked and vulnerable. So whether it was to work, or to shop, or to visit people, whatever it was....I would not walk out the front door without make up on.
Then at the age of 17 I gave my heart to Jesus Christ. Of all the decisions I have ever made I can say without exception this was far and away the most life changing one I ever made.
For the first time in my life I knew total forgiveness, a sense of purpose and destiny.... and a true sense of belonging! This had nothing to do with anyone else, it was a purely personal connection with Him.
There is a beautiful scripture in Ephesians 1:6
".......He made us accepted in the beloved"
This change in me was real. Shortly after this life changing decision we were going out to a church youth meeting. It was the first time I had ever gone to one of these meetings. I decided to wear casual clothes and ..... no make up! As I ventured out I was surprised and delighted to recognise not a sense of vulnerability and fear, but of freedom!
This sense of acceptance doesn't just impact our need to look good. It impacts our need to perform well, to 'fit-in', to be heard, to be recognised etc. No matter what life and the people in our world throw at us, knowing that God accepts us, truly accepts us is like coming home after a hard day at work, kicking off our shoes and totally relaxing with the people we love.
Can I encourage you. If you struggle with a sense of being unacceptable just being you, understand that God knows you inside and out, and He loves you deeply. No need to dress up and perform....you're OK!
PS: By the way, I do love to dress well, and I do love to wear make up, but now it's for my own personal enjoyment, not self-defence ;)
Until next time,
much love,
Lynda
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
A huge month!!
Hi everyone,
I'm just checking in briefly to say that I will be doing a proper blog in the next couple of days... I have been working on a writing/publishing project this month, so there has been very little time to be working on THIS writing project!! :)
Suffice to say I have discovered something wonderful through the whole process..... As I have stepped out in this project, the timing, encouragement and custom-made help that has come my way has been nothing short of perfect!!
It's true that you cannot steer the car until you get moving, and when we get moving, we can trust God to lead us forward.
I'll keep you posted on the developments as they unfold!
In the meantime.... keep moving forward in faith and see how the Lord will lead.
Much love,
Lynda (ps..this is a photo of my magnificent family)
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
High time....
Hi everyone,
Thought it was high time to write something fresh. Life has been so very very busy, I'm not complaining, it's been good. A lot of activity at work, for both Jeff & myself. A busy time in the family, and a visit from my parents.
Anyway.... I was reading something pretty special in my devotional written by FB Meyer
"Come, my soul, thou must awake to sing a new song. You have dwelt long enough on those old, sad, minor chords of loss and dissapointment, of regret for the withered past, of bitter remorse."
What beautiful words!
When we are stuck in bitter remorse, they sound like harsh words... but there comes a time when we need to say, "enough". It's high time to sing a new song, even though we feel stuck in the old season.
Do you think I'm talking nonsense? You could well be forgiven for feeling like logging off right now......but don't.
I used to think that I shouldn't ever feel down, because the Bible says I have been given a garment of praise. (Isaiah 61:3) Then I realised it was my choice whether to wear that garment or not!
When the day is wet, we put on a raincoat. When our spirit is heavy, we put on praise! It's guaranteed to put us in a position of strength and lightness of spirit.
The Bible has much to say about singing a new song. Singing a new song can be a prophetic act that ushers in a sense of joy where there is no circumstantial evidence for joy. It can actually usher in a fresh new season.
It's as we sing that new song we begin to see His mighty victory and saving power.
Back to FB Meyer...."The psalmist was master of his soul; and when he bade it bless the Lord, all that was within him broke forth into melodious thanksgiving. Let your spirit, energised by the Holy Spirit, lead the entire realm of your inner life."
Come on now....let me encourage you...it's high time to sing a new song.
Until next time,
much love & rich blessings,
Lynda
Thought it was high time to write something fresh. Life has been so very very busy, I'm not complaining, it's been good. A lot of activity at work, for both Jeff & myself. A busy time in the family, and a visit from my parents.
Anyway.... I was reading something pretty special in my devotional written by FB Meyer
"Come, my soul, thou must awake to sing a new song. You have dwelt long enough on those old, sad, minor chords of loss and dissapointment, of regret for the withered past, of bitter remorse."
What beautiful words!
When we are stuck in bitter remorse, they sound like harsh words... but there comes a time when we need to say, "enough". It's high time to sing a new song, even though we feel stuck in the old season.
Do you think I'm talking nonsense? You could well be forgiven for feeling like logging off right now......but don't.
I used to think that I shouldn't ever feel down, because the Bible says I have been given a garment of praise. (Isaiah 61:3) Then I realised it was my choice whether to wear that garment or not!
When the day is wet, we put on a raincoat. When our spirit is heavy, we put on praise! It's guaranteed to put us in a position of strength and lightness of spirit.
The Bible has much to say about singing a new song. Singing a new song can be a prophetic act that ushers in a sense of joy where there is no circumstantial evidence for joy. It can actually usher in a fresh new season.
- Ezekiel was instructed to prophesy life to the dead bones (Ezekiel 37)- now that doesn't make sense!
- The barren woman was encouraged to sing. (Isaiah 54:1) - that doesn't make sense either.
- God calls those things that are not as if they were (Romans 4:17) - Ok, this one really takes the cake!
It's as we sing that new song we begin to see His mighty victory and saving power.
Back to FB Meyer...."The psalmist was master of his soul; and when he bade it bless the Lord, all that was within him broke forth into melodious thanksgiving. Let your spirit, energised by the Holy Spirit, lead the entire realm of your inner life."
Come on now....let me encourage you...it's high time to sing a new song.
Until next time,
much love & rich blessings,
Lynda
Monday, May 31, 2010
"LAYING DOWN MY CROWN"
Hi everyone,
I have just returned from a great conference. Everything about it was really good, the company was just tops, the worship was magnificent, and the ministry was diverse and really hit the spot!
One of the songs we sang has the line, "Laying down my crown". I'm a great believer when it comes to worship of the singing kind, (because worship is so much more than a song) that these songs are prayers set to music, so it's really good to think about what we're singing and interact with the lyrics while we sing!
A moment I have always anticipated with great relish is that moment when I see HIM face to face, and lay down my crown at His feet. But I've always viewed it with the thought that it really isn't MY crown, but HIS. In a sense this is true, because we don't have anything that we haven't received.
But something came to me with such clarity while singing that line this weekend. It is MY crown. It is a unique crown, a "Lynda Crown". It's unique because it's a magnificent reflection of my journey on planet earth with Him. It is fashioned by who I am, those moments and decisions that only He and I know about, and then of course the journey of working those decisions into daily obedience.
It is embellished with jewels won by our personal victories. Think about it, the colours and cut of every piece is being produced by our 'wins'. What kind of wins?
WOW! I want to lay the most beautiful, 'tell-a-story' kind of crown at His feet. I reckon when I do, we are going to exchange a look that says, "We know exactly what this is about!" It will be a crown that represents a history that He and I have shared alone.
So let me encourage you.....today...whatever you are facing, face it with Him, face it for Him. Turn this day into a crown-fashioning day of worship, and maybe when we stand before Him you and I will take such huge delight in laying down our crowns at His feet, side by side!
Much love,
Lynda
I have just returned from a great conference. Everything about it was really good, the company was just tops, the worship was magnificent, and the ministry was diverse and really hit the spot!
One of the songs we sang has the line, "Laying down my crown". I'm a great believer when it comes to worship of the singing kind, (because worship is so much more than a song) that these songs are prayers set to music, so it's really good to think about what we're singing and interact with the lyrics while we sing!
A moment I have always anticipated with great relish is that moment when I see HIM face to face, and lay down my crown at His feet. But I've always viewed it with the thought that it really isn't MY crown, but HIS. In a sense this is true, because we don't have anything that we haven't received.
But something came to me with such clarity while singing that line this weekend. It is MY crown. It is a unique crown, a "Lynda Crown". It's unique because it's a magnificent reflection of my journey on planet earth with Him. It is fashioned by who I am, those moments and decisions that only He and I know about, and then of course the journey of working those decisions into daily obedience.
It is embellished with jewels won by our personal victories. Think about it, the colours and cut of every piece is being produced by our 'wins'. What kind of wins?
- A broken habit that we know is destructive.
- Choosing to love and forgive
- The creation of a good habit
- Victory over fear, or bitterness, or grumbling... or whatever!
- Choosing to stay with our commitments, when all we want to do is quit.
- Bringing someone else to know Him.
WOW! I want to lay the most beautiful, 'tell-a-story' kind of crown at His feet. I reckon when I do, we are going to exchange a look that says, "We know exactly what this is about!" It will be a crown that represents a history that He and I have shared alone.
So let me encourage you.....today...whatever you are facing, face it with Him, face it for Him. Turn this day into a crown-fashioning day of worship, and maybe when we stand before Him you and I will take such huge delight in laying down our crowns at His feet, side by side!
Much love,
Lynda
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Increase - Growth & Confidence
Just another quick observation....
I am currently working on a rather massive task at work. I wouldn't call it my area of strength. In fact if those who knew me back in my school days knew what I am up to they would be very surprised.
But it is something that is in front of me, and has to be done. And whatever we find to do, we should do with enthusiasm, and we should do well.
Because it is not my natural area of strength, I have found it quite a stretch, a real mental exercise; sometimes I would even say really unnerving!
I have noticed a couple of things about this matter:
1. As I have applied myself to it I have actually enjoyed it. Probably a bit like physical exercise, we may not necessarily get excited about it, but as we do it, we find it enjoyable and even 'stimulating'.
This has been some really solid 'mental exercise', and I have found it very stimulating. You know, "Train your brain" stuff.
Whats more, there are people on the other side of my challenge that are absolutely worth the effort! This task that is challenging me so much is going to bear some great fruit..... and so it is MOST DEFINTELY WORTH IT!!
Go on... dare to believe that the very area of weakness in your life, by faith in Christ can become strong!
Until next time,
blessings,
Lynda
I am currently working on a rather massive task at work. I wouldn't call it my area of strength. In fact if those who knew me back in my school days knew what I am up to they would be very surprised.
But it is something that is in front of me, and has to be done. And whatever we find to do, we should do with enthusiasm, and we should do well.
Because it is not my natural area of strength, I have found it quite a stretch, a real mental exercise; sometimes I would even say really unnerving!
I have noticed a couple of things about this matter:
1. As I have applied myself to it I have actually enjoyed it. Probably a bit like physical exercise, we may not necessarily get excited about it, but as we do it, we find it enjoyable and even 'stimulating'.
This has been some really solid 'mental exercise', and I have found it very stimulating. You know, "Train your brain" stuff.
2. As I have gone along in the work I have found my confidence growing. "Can Do" is getting louder than "Can't Do". I notice my 'inner space' is getting bigger. The fact that I have been doing this amidst some challenges in my personal life has added to the 'stretching' value of the work.
Isaiah 54:2-3 "Enlarge the place of your tent, and let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; do not spare; lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes. For you shall expand to the right and to the left, and your descendents will inherit the nations, and make the desolate cities inhabited."
Whats more, there are people on the other side of my challenge that are absolutely worth the effort! This task that is challenging me so much is going to bear some great fruit..... and so it is MOST DEFINTELY WORTH IT!!
Hebrews 11:34 by faith....."their weakness was turned to strength"
Go on... dare to believe that the very area of weakness in your life, by faith in Christ can become strong!
Until next time,
blessings,
Lynda
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Celebrating in a storm...
This is just a quick observation....
I know someone, very close to me who is walking through a very deep challenge. Because it's not about me, I don't want to put any details in here.
But I have noticed something.... :)
That person has not allowed this challenge to consume her. She is still able to celebrate the joys in her life in her own unique and beautiful bubbly style. I am so glad that she has that capacity. It will sustain her and the people in her world through many different seasons.
No matter what is going on in life, and invariably there is a mix of both good and bad, the truth stands,
.."Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23
It doesn't matter how dark life may get....with the Lord in our lives we need not be afraid because
..."even the darkness will not be dark to You; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to You" Psalm 139:12
What does that tell me? The Lord knows His way around no matter how dark it gets, and if I put my hand of trust in His, I will be OK, because He will lead me out into the light again.
SWEETHEART....keep celebrating!! :)
Until next time,
Blessings,
Lynda
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