My Daly Outreach Ministries

My Daly Outreach Ministries

Monday, July 27, 2015

"Yes...BUT Wait"

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord
 
How do we react when God doesn't say "yes" or "no" but instead, "wait"?  The older I get and the longer I walk life's journey with my Jesus, the more I hear Him whisper "wait" but in the same breath He also says "trust Me".  The trusting is what can become difficult when the Lord shows you amazing promises and blessings yet after showing and confirming them to you, He asks you to be content and wait for His timing.
 
I don't know about you but that does not always come natural for me and it is definitely an area I continue to need strengthening.  Call it excitement or impatience, I want the blessings and promises God has for me NOW!  All at the same time, I know that when I wait on my Lord even greater things than I could have imagined come to pass.  God's timing truly is better than my own and when I begin to doubt or question Him I must stop and remember.
 
Remembering God's past timing and goodness only gives me hope and encouragement.  For instance, I am thankful each day that relationships before my husband did not work out for I would have never met and married him!  Each time God has us wait it is because He desires the very best for us.  We are His children and that is BIG!  
 
So the next time God says "wait" I ask that you accept that with gladness for you know something better than you wanted or expected at that moment is going to become a reality in your future.  

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

He Knows

I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. Revelation 3

I and my husband have been doing an amazingly eye-opening Bible study this week by John Ortberg entitled "All the Places to Go".  It deals with the open doors that God presents to us each day and the choices we make when He does.  Pastor Ortberg shared Rev. 3:8 early on and it has made a lasting impression on me for only now has this scripture, which I have read numerous times, actually penetrated my heart in a personal way.  And that's exactly what I love about the Word of God for it is living and applicable to my life TODAY and it was written thousands of years ago!  

God knows our deeds or actions and He begins with this as to say, "Okay, Jessica, I know all about what you've done, how you think and the person you are, but guess what?  I am going to love you and do some amazing things through you anyway!" 

 Our Lord uses the word "see" which is powerful for He wants us to stop, look and really take notice.  Growing up when my parents were very serious they would always say, "Jessica, look at me when I am speaking to you." That in essence is exactly what God is saying here.  Then He tells us an open door or opportunity or decision has been placed before you that no one can shut.  I love how it shows God remains in complete control even when it seems the world around us is in complete ciaos. 

Finally God addressed the "elephant in the room" when He says "I know that you have little strength".  Some would see this as an insult but not me.  I see it as a complete relief that my God understands I cannot do it on my own or without His help.  I think its wonderful!  And then just like an awesome parent, God ends by saying I am doing this for you because I have seen your efforts in keeping my Word and not denying that you know Me.  Remember, God began the scripture by saying He knew our deeds which included both of those things along with tons more!

Don't underestimate God and what He can do through you.  Yes, we are all messed up and broken and yes, we all have little strength BUT there's nothing to fear or worry about for we serve a God who says, "I know and I've got this.  All I need you to do is trust and obey."

Monday, July 6, 2015

Judge Him Faithful

"By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised." Hebrews 11:11


I absolutely love the miracle of Issac's conception and birth for it shows off the amazing power of the Lord not only as the Creator but also as a very personal God.  You see, when He promised a child to Sarah it was impossible in the natural yet Sarah had faith and believed God would bring about that which He said.  Sarah longed to be a mother yet nothing "she" could do made it happen.  I can relate on so many levels with the story of Sarah for I find myself having similar conversations with God when He places promises and things He wants me to do in His name on my heart while I know full well I cannot accomplish them under my own ability and strength. 

Don't get me wrong.  I am stubborn and I try to do all I possible can to "assist" God with His plans just like Sarah did, but to no avail.  When Sarah gave up trying and allows God to use her as His vessel she witnessed her promise from the Lord become a reality within her life.  God tells us to rest and wait on Him all throughout His Word, yet we struggle and remain frustrated when we need not be.

I ask you today to join with me in making a conscious effort to grow a spirit more like that of Sarah when she released it all to God and waited in faith for His promise to happen.  There are many promises God has spoken to me and I must learn to faithfully wait for His time and His plan.  Sarah judged God faithful and she was proven right.  I long for the same to be said of me.