I awaken each morning to witness the first gleam of dawn break over the beautiful Alaskan mountains.
With the first gleam of dawn also rises hopes and dreams spoken in the dark of night from places unable to be acknowledged in the full light of day.
Just as our view of the breaking of dawn varies depending on our geography, we are all also at different junctures in this journey called life. Whether sitting in the dark of night feeling forgotten and alone, basking in the sunshine displayed in the fullness of the day, or somewhere in the middle, we are all sojourners.
God’s Word breathes encouragement for those dark moments, “Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man…a righteous man will be remembered forever.” (Psalm 112:4&6)
If you have surrendered your life to and for Jesus, you have been made righteous. And here’s a picture of how our story unfolds: “Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” (Mt.13:43)
Many of us have experienced extended seasons of darkness; sometimes lasting days, months or even years. Yet, even in the deepest darkness of night, God longs to be sought just as we long to be sought after. He relentlessly pursues us, even when our heart’s and minds are far from Him.
As I am slowly breaking through my own lengthy journey through the Valley of Despair, my eyes are beginning to see the beauty God has planted within me while in the darkness. Months have turned into years as I have persistently sought after Him.
In the darkness I have learned to embrace that which is in front of me; to live in the beauty of each moment. I have learned that there is joy in darkness. I have learned that God is not just an important part of my life--He is my life.
I have wept, prayed, screamed, said nothing, and shaken my fists at my Father. I have regretfully spoken words in anger, spewed from hurt places in my heart. Always, as I have reached the end of myself, He has been at my side, never letting me go. I have been a rebellious mess; He has been as faithful as the first gleam of dawn.
Just as the pain of night often felt like more than I could bear; I am beginning to catch glimpses of sunlight that bring my heart deeper joy than I have ever known.
Today, my prayer is encouragement to those sitting in the Valley of Despair.
As the darkness attempts to swallow you in its icy blanket, when you feel you have nothing more to live for, when you wonder if you will survive another moment; in your darkest hour-- cast your gaze upward.
At the perfect time, filled with freedom and joy--comes the dawn.
Stay the Course...
Sheila
Monday, March 31, 2014
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Hold on Tight to Your Crown
Revelation 3:11 (NIV) “I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.”
We read fairy tales and watch movies that tell of kings and queens wearing royal crowns. A crown is typically referred to when speaking of royalty, so why does the Apostle John, in speaking to each one of us, warn us to not let anyone take our crown? Could it be truth and not fairy tale that places a spiritual crown upon our royal heads?
We are instructed in God’s Word to guard our hearts, to keep ourselves from idols, to keep a tight rein on our tongues, to give to the needy, look after orphans and widows…and to guard our crowns? What must one do to receive a crown, and why is it so important to guard it?
A crown was referred to in the Old Testament as an actual headdress worn by royalty or other persons of high merit or honor. David’s golden crown was a prize of battle (II Sam. 12:30) and was worn as a sign of authority on his throne or when leading his forces in combat. “Crown” is also used figuratively in the Old Testament when referring to gray hair as a crown of splendor (Prov. 16:31), a virtuous wife being her husband’s crown (Prov. 12:4), and God’s crown of blessing on mankind (Ps. 8:5).
In the New Testament, Paul refers to a crown several times. Just as we honor our Olympians with crowns, or wreaths, Roman athletic games were a very big deal, with a laurel wreath given to each winner. Any athlete entering into the games was required to go into ten months of strict training. If an athlete neglected training, he or she was eliminated from the races. The wreath, symbolizing triumph and honor, was a very coveted prize in ancient Rome. Paul reminds us, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” (I Cor. 9:24&25)
The incorruptible crown Paul speaks of is one obtained from a life of faithful obedience and self discipline as we train ourselves to study God’s Word, walk in step with the Spirit and pray; running toward our heavenly reward.
At the end of his life, in his last letter of final instructions and encouragement, Paul writes, “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (II Tim. 4:8)
It is through trials and sufferings that we are prepared for the crown of life God has in store for us, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (Jas. 1:12)
The incorruptible crown, the crown of righteousness and the crown of life are God’s promise to all who live for Him and love Him with an undying love.
Our King bore upon His head a crown of thorns so that we might be given the crown of life. Although we may bear the cross for awhile in this present life; one day we will wear the crown to eternity.
And our King graciously reminds us, “I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.” (Rev. 3:11)
Stay the Course...
Sheila
Today’s Prayer: “Lord, there are no words to thank You for the sacrifice You were willing to make when You suffered and died, wearing a crown of thorns upon Your head, for me. It is because of Your obedience and love that I am able to love You and live my life for You. I have been saved by Your grace, not of my own merit. I will not sit in the Grandstands watching the races; I will be disciplined and focused as I choose to live each day as an athlete in strict training, running my race in such a way as to bring You glory, not losing sight of the prize. Please help me to see that trials are necessary as they develop within me perseverance, so that I will be strong when I cross the finish line to receive the Crown of Life. Lord, You are all I am living for. I will finish the race and keep the faith. I love You with an undying love. In Jesus name, amen.”
We read fairy tales and watch movies that tell of kings and queens wearing royal crowns. A crown is typically referred to when speaking of royalty, so why does the Apostle John, in speaking to each one of us, warn us to not let anyone take our crown? Could it be truth and not fairy tale that places a spiritual crown upon our royal heads?
We are instructed in God’s Word to guard our hearts, to keep ourselves from idols, to keep a tight rein on our tongues, to give to the needy, look after orphans and widows…and to guard our crowns? What must one do to receive a crown, and why is it so important to guard it?
A crown was referred to in the Old Testament as an actual headdress worn by royalty or other persons of high merit or honor. David’s golden crown was a prize of battle (II Sam. 12:30) and was worn as a sign of authority on his throne or when leading his forces in combat. “Crown” is also used figuratively in the Old Testament when referring to gray hair as a crown of splendor (Prov. 16:31), a virtuous wife being her husband’s crown (Prov. 12:4), and God’s crown of blessing on mankind (Ps. 8:5).
In the New Testament, Paul refers to a crown several times. Just as we honor our Olympians with crowns, or wreaths, Roman athletic games were a very big deal, with a laurel wreath given to each winner. Any athlete entering into the games was required to go into ten months of strict training. If an athlete neglected training, he or she was eliminated from the races. The wreath, symbolizing triumph and honor, was a very coveted prize in ancient Rome. Paul reminds us, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” (I Cor. 9:24&25)
The incorruptible crown Paul speaks of is one obtained from a life of faithful obedience and self discipline as we train ourselves to study God’s Word, walk in step with the Spirit and pray; running toward our heavenly reward.
At the end of his life, in his last letter of final instructions and encouragement, Paul writes, “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (II Tim. 4:8)
It is through trials and sufferings that we are prepared for the crown of life God has in store for us, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (Jas. 1:12)
The incorruptible crown, the crown of righteousness and the crown of life are God’s promise to all who live for Him and love Him with an undying love.
Our King bore upon His head a crown of thorns so that we might be given the crown of life. Although we may bear the cross for awhile in this present life; one day we will wear the crown to eternity.
And our King graciously reminds us, “I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.” (Rev. 3:11)
Stay the Course...
Sheila
Today’s Prayer: “Lord, there are no words to thank You for the sacrifice You were willing to make when You suffered and died, wearing a crown of thorns upon Your head, for me. It is because of Your obedience and love that I am able to love You and live my life for You. I have been saved by Your grace, not of my own merit. I will not sit in the Grandstands watching the races; I will be disciplined and focused as I choose to live each day as an athlete in strict training, running my race in such a way as to bring You glory, not losing sight of the prize. Please help me to see that trials are necessary as they develop within me perseverance, so that I will be strong when I cross the finish line to receive the Crown of Life. Lord, You are all I am living for. I will finish the race and keep the faith. I love You with an undying love. In Jesus name, amen.”
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Spirit Mountain
To most, the mountain is known as Lazy Mountain; but I call it Spirit Mountain.
As the months slip by, somewhere between the base and the summit of the mountain, I continue to seek answers to deep questions lurking beneath the simple exterior of my being.
The faces of others who frequent Spirit Mountain have become as familiar to me as the trail itself as we continue to pass one another; each person seeking answers to his or her own hidden questions.
Victory or defeat, joy or gloom, a gift or a chore--each person’s spirit or lack thereof reflected in eyes, hope or despair dripping down red, sweaty faces.
No respecter of persons, Spirit Mountain demands a deep look into the true fabric of one’s spirit. Bend upon ruthless bend lends opportunity to accept defeat or to dig deep into the recesses of the spirit and keep moving forward and upward.
Encouraging each other is helpful; but in the end it is only the grit of each individual hiker which will determine the outcome of his or her Spirit Mountain experience.
Far beyond the benefit of physical strength and endurance, the mountain calls me to the internal challenges evident only to myself and to my Maker. Many times I am humbled as the truth of who I really am leaks out from places that cannot be hidden in the laborious tension of the moment.
There is no room for judgment on the trail. Locked behind the eyes of each fellow hiker are sins and regrets that are accountable to only One. Heads nod in mutual respect of one another as we carry on our individual paths.
Bonds are deep as our spirits both salute and celebrate those who answer to the call of the mountain.
Sometimes I wonder if others return to the mountain for the same reasons that I do. I cannot be certain, but I sense that I am not alone in my search for more.
In my own spirit, I secretly pray that my body will remain loyal to my desire to continue the quest for answers not yet found.
One day, when my body is no longer able to make the climb, I pray that joy and peace will replace fear and inhibition. And always, I will continue to cheer for those whose spirits, much like my own, are set free, somewhere along the trail on Spirit Mountain.
Stay the Course...
Sheila
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