The Emptying of Self...
Nothing to Give???
Light For Life March 2005
When we are feeling low, when we have nothing to give, what we give to others is purely God. We all go through seasons in our lives in which it seems God’s work in us is thorough and systematic, He has a plan and purpose to purify and refine us. This isn’t just an outer work but its an inner one, most of what needs to take place, needs to do so from the inside out. Its in those seasons where we may feel as if there is nothing left of ‘us’; everything has been brought into the light of God and exposed.
The tests in our lives can be constant and seem relentless; when we’ve been broken as we sometimes are, the last thing we feel is that we can help others; we may feel weak, like a failure, empty. Sometimes we may not even be at the point of being able to help ourselves. But at that point, the amazing thing is, we are in fact in a great place with God if we will draw on Him, and a place from which He can use us more effectively.
God works in us, throughout our lives to make us as ‘authentic’ as possible, and at our lowest point we may actually be the most real – there is less pretence, we don't have energy for 'appearances' sake' and stop trying to look good or like we have it all together and know what to do. We recognize our shortcomings and inabilities, why, we sometimes can't even help ourselves; but at that point, with nothing left of ‘us’ (by that I mean – us, our strength, our wisdom, our advice, our ideas etc) what we give to others is what is in our heart – hopefully God, and the Bible says that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
It surprises me and makes me smile when I am at this low place, where I am thinking 'Please don't ask me' and then someone else needs support and, out of my mouth tumbles answers, comfort, just the right words that help. Where did that come from because I certainly had nothing to give? We are left dumbfounded as to how – but there's no need to guess, it is God speaking through us – He has none of our usual obstacles in the way because we don’t have the answer for once!!! He is the answer.
When all is rosy we tend to rely more on ourselves, and less on God, we can help others, which is good, but it can come from us and not Him, even though our advice may be good or right. When we have nothing left to give – we give God. Its a by-product of being humbled, stripped down, tried and tested.
When are emptied of self the out flowing working of God through us is the like purest oil, ministering to and bringing ease and comfort and God’s word to our hurting neighbour. Next time you are in this spot don't think 'There is nothing I can do', draw on God and He will show you the way or give you the words. We may be empty but we can also be full both at the same time.
Love
Cam
Word For Life
EMPTY: Containing nothing, not having the contents which are usually there, without sense or purpose, meaningless.
The Word
Isaiah 12:3: "Therefore you will draw water from the wells of salvation".
Matthew 10:19b: .."Do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you".
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
A Change in the right direction... Letting Go..
A Change in the right direction… Letting Go…
Light For Life February 2005
Things are changing, things are always changing, and change is another one of those things I am not greatly fond of. This last 12 months, in a lot of ways has been about change. I am coming to terms with the fact that it has to happen, and I am even accepting it more willingly, which is a breakthrough. I think I have been forced into it by situations beyond my control and realising it is inevitable, actually I can’t do too much about it.
Being very ‘routined’ in my ways, if there is something that I know and that I like, I think it will always be that way or be a part of my life, forever! Things like people, friends, hobbies, annual events, traditions, etc. In 2004, change was in the wind the whole way through, and it blew away a lot of things I thought would always be, along with concepts, ideals, things I have been a part of, and even some directions. I feel as if a great shift is taking place and because of it I am learning the art of letting go. Something tells me that it is going to be the same for 2005!
Normally by the end of the year I have a sense of what the next year is about; but this year I couldn’t quite say what I thought 2005 would hold, just that I know He has it in His hands. This year I have let go my 'hold' on things to a greater extent, and scary as it may be there is also an element of freedom in it; I almost feel as if it is empowering to let go of some things, and then there is anticipation of what could or will be! Our hold on many things in our lives leaves us ragged even though we don’t realise it, and then one something changes, for whatever reason it might be, and we realise we didn’t really need that after all.
I am one who believes that when we let go of one thing God brings the next to us. What will He bring to me? I have a feeling that there is more to let go of and I pray for the ease to do so and the courage to do it. Letting go is about shaping us and shaping our future, one thing may need to end in order for another to begin. Do I trust God to do it?
The things that have been a part of us for a long time are the hardest to let go. When life is complicated, as I have found it to be, sometimes it is hard to read the situation clearly to know what to do. I don’t know about you, but I have found it difficult to make these decisions, weighing up my motives, not wanting to steer my own boat and end up in a storm. Even though I don’t understand the ways of God at times, my foundation is still on Him and I am not foolhardy enough to think I know best and go it alone.
I needed to make some decisions/choices for 2005 and I was finding it difficult, then I came up with the one deciding factor that helped me. The deciding factor for me was a priority that demanded my attention, and when I looked at it, wisdom said ‘it’s right - listen’. It seemed obvious. I think I feel at peace about the steps I am taking, more peaceful than less anyway, so I will walk through and if I am wrong then I pray that God will give me His grace to retrace my steps. Releasing my grip, slowly, was the way to come to the decision, that way I would be able to sense if it was wrong – for me the release brought peace.
What do you need to let go of? Is change blowing around you? Is there a deciding factor – ‘The Determiner’? What would help you make this decision? There is only one way to find out – slowly release your grip!
A Note:
This edition of LIGHT FOR LIFE is the 2nd Year Anniversary of my group emails! Thanks for all the great feedback and encouragement that I get regularly, it inspires me to keep going - and after all, I have to use the lessons of my life for some good - hey! These emails go out each month to over 100 people which is amazing and I pray that my lessons will shed some light on the things that are going on in your life - and bring you some answers, you are not alone!
love
Cam
Word For Life
Determiner: A person or thing that determines. One that determines. An argument that is conclusive.
The Word
Psalm 24:4-5: Lord, tell me your ways. Show me how to live. Guide me in your truth.
Light For Life February 2005
Things are changing, things are always changing, and change is another one of those things I am not greatly fond of. This last 12 months, in a lot of ways has been about change. I am coming to terms with the fact that it has to happen, and I am even accepting it more willingly, which is a breakthrough. I think I have been forced into it by situations beyond my control and realising it is inevitable, actually I can’t do too much about it.
Being very ‘routined’ in my ways, if there is something that I know and that I like, I think it will always be that way or be a part of my life, forever! Things like people, friends, hobbies, annual events, traditions, etc. In 2004, change was in the wind the whole way through, and it blew away a lot of things I thought would always be, along with concepts, ideals, things I have been a part of, and even some directions. I feel as if a great shift is taking place and because of it I am learning the art of letting go. Something tells me that it is going to be the same for 2005!
Normally by the end of the year I have a sense of what the next year is about; but this year I couldn’t quite say what I thought 2005 would hold, just that I know He has it in His hands. This year I have let go my 'hold' on things to a greater extent, and scary as it may be there is also an element of freedom in it; I almost feel as if it is empowering to let go of some things, and then there is anticipation of what could or will be! Our hold on many things in our lives leaves us ragged even though we don’t realise it, and then one something changes, for whatever reason it might be, and we realise we didn’t really need that after all.
I am one who believes that when we let go of one thing God brings the next to us. What will He bring to me? I have a feeling that there is more to let go of and I pray for the ease to do so and the courage to do it. Letting go is about shaping us and shaping our future, one thing may need to end in order for another to begin. Do I trust God to do it?
The things that have been a part of us for a long time are the hardest to let go. When life is complicated, as I have found it to be, sometimes it is hard to read the situation clearly to know what to do. I don’t know about you, but I have found it difficult to make these decisions, weighing up my motives, not wanting to steer my own boat and end up in a storm. Even though I don’t understand the ways of God at times, my foundation is still on Him and I am not foolhardy enough to think I know best and go it alone.
I needed to make some decisions/choices for 2005 and I was finding it difficult, then I came up with the one deciding factor that helped me. The deciding factor for me was a priority that demanded my attention, and when I looked at it, wisdom said ‘it’s right - listen’. It seemed obvious. I think I feel at peace about the steps I am taking, more peaceful than less anyway, so I will walk through and if I am wrong then I pray that God will give me His grace to retrace my steps. Releasing my grip, slowly, was the way to come to the decision, that way I would be able to sense if it was wrong – for me the release brought peace.
What do you need to let go of? Is change blowing around you? Is there a deciding factor – ‘The Determiner’? What would help you make this decision? There is only one way to find out – slowly release your grip!
A Note:
This edition of LIGHT FOR LIFE is the 2nd Year Anniversary of my group emails! Thanks for all the great feedback and encouragement that I get regularly, it inspires me to keep going - and after all, I have to use the lessons of my life for some good - hey! These emails go out each month to over 100 people which is amazing and I pray that my lessons will shed some light on the things that are going on in your life - and bring you some answers, you are not alone!
love
Cam
Word For Life
Determiner: A person or thing that determines. One that determines. An argument that is conclusive.
The Word
Psalm 24:4-5: Lord, tell me your ways. Show me how to live. Guide me in your truth.
Saturday, January 01, 2005
A Step in the Right Direction
A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
Light For Life January 2005
In so many areas of our lives it is the shortest distances and words that can make the biggest difference! I am sorry, I love you, I forgive you, yes, no, are some just to name a few. In the race that we run, that is our lives, one step can make all the difference too. It can mean the difference between winning and losing, living and dying, passing or failing, and forgiveness and peace. One LITTLE step in the wrong direction can set out course in the wrong direction for life, which in the end can mean we are thousands of miles off course!
When I was about twenty or so, I remember one of the pastors at my church using this powerful illustration, and to this day I have not forgotten it. He was talking about how when we make one bad choice, or step, if we never correct that choice that in the end it takes us way off from where we are meant to be. You see, the angle grows wider the further you go along. If you keep going 1 degree off course for a length, you will end up many degrees off course in the end. It is VERY gradual, so you don’t even notice it.
Sadly, many don’t notice till it is too late, they look over only to notice they are not where they thought they were. A clear picture that comes to mind is that of being in the water at the beach. You set all your stuff up on the shore and you head straight out into the water. After a little while you look into shore to find your things on the beach and realise how far you have drifted, or that the current had moved you. Once the motion has begun it is doesn’t feel any different so it just takes you willingly.
Now, if you drifted far enough out, or the conditions were right you could get caught in a current, but even without a strong current you can find yourself far off. Then we try to back track, we may find that it is harder to go against that current to get back but yet we seemed to have just got there without any effort.
One of the easiest ways to get off course and not stay true to ourselves and to God is via compromise. A lady I heard preaching a few weeks ago said that ‘compromise is when we do something that we truly don’t believe in’. How often do we do that? You would be surprised at the other things that could take you off the course God has designed for you – a dashed dream, hurts and un-forgiveness, bad attitudes, the wrong friends, bad influences, bad experiences, negativity, fear and worry, doubt, unreal expectations, high standards, low standards, poor choices, peer pressure, pride, … If you recognize one of these as being a point where you headed off course I suggest you bring it before God, work through it and do what you can to come about.
As it is my first LFL for the year – I guess I would like to pose the question – Do you need to take a step in the right direction? I will tell you honestly right now – I do! My prayer for 2005 is that I will take every step in the right direction that needs to be made and that I will do it without delay. 2004 seemed to take me off course, but then was it really off course or just not the course I planned to take? I think we need to have focus and vision and yet be WILLING to surrender to God’s best for our lives.
This is a fresh day, a fresh year, a fresh path, these steps have never been taken before and these days have not been lived before. God please give us the grace we need each day to know the way and to choose to go! Now is the time to take an inventory and correct the course.
Word For Life
Direction: The act of setting and holding a course. The act of managing something. A line leading to a place or point. A general course along which something has a tendency to develop. Direction or advice as to a decision or course of action.
The Word
Deuteronomy 5:32-33: Therefore you shall be careful to do as the Lord your God has commanded you; you shall not turn aside to the right hand or the left hand. You shall walk in all the ways which the Lord you God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess.
Light For Life January 2005
In so many areas of our lives it is the shortest distances and words that can make the biggest difference! I am sorry, I love you, I forgive you, yes, no, are some just to name a few. In the race that we run, that is our lives, one step can make all the difference too. It can mean the difference between winning and losing, living and dying, passing or failing, and forgiveness and peace. One LITTLE step in the wrong direction can set out course in the wrong direction for life, which in the end can mean we are thousands of miles off course!
When I was about twenty or so, I remember one of the pastors at my church using this powerful illustration, and to this day I have not forgotten it. He was talking about how when we make one bad choice, or step, if we never correct that choice that in the end it takes us way off from where we are meant to be. You see, the angle grows wider the further you go along. If you keep going 1 degree off course for a length, you will end up many degrees off course in the end. It is VERY gradual, so you don’t even notice it.
Sadly, many don’t notice till it is too late, they look over only to notice they are not where they thought they were. A clear picture that comes to mind is that of being in the water at the beach. You set all your stuff up on the shore and you head straight out into the water. After a little while you look into shore to find your things on the beach and realise how far you have drifted, or that the current had moved you. Once the motion has begun it is doesn’t feel any different so it just takes you willingly.
Now, if you drifted far enough out, or the conditions were right you could get caught in a current, but even without a strong current you can find yourself far off. Then we try to back track, we may find that it is harder to go against that current to get back but yet we seemed to have just got there without any effort.
One of the easiest ways to get off course and not stay true to ourselves and to God is via compromise. A lady I heard preaching a few weeks ago said that ‘compromise is when we do something that we truly don’t believe in’. How often do we do that? You would be surprised at the other things that could take you off the course God has designed for you – a dashed dream, hurts and un-forgiveness, bad attitudes, the wrong friends, bad influences, bad experiences, negativity, fear and worry, doubt, unreal expectations, high standards, low standards, poor choices, peer pressure, pride, … If you recognize one of these as being a point where you headed off course I suggest you bring it before God, work through it and do what you can to come about.
As it is my first LFL for the year – I guess I would like to pose the question – Do you need to take a step in the right direction? I will tell you honestly right now – I do! My prayer for 2005 is that I will take every step in the right direction that needs to be made and that I will do it without delay. 2004 seemed to take me off course, but then was it really off course or just not the course I planned to take? I think we need to have focus and vision and yet be WILLING to surrender to God’s best for our lives.
This is a fresh day, a fresh year, a fresh path, these steps have never been taken before and these days have not been lived before. God please give us the grace we need each day to know the way and to choose to go! Now is the time to take an inventory and correct the course.
Word For Life
Direction: The act of setting and holding a course. The act of managing something. A line leading to a place or point. A general course along which something has a tendency to develop. Direction or advice as to a decision or course of action.
The Word
Deuteronomy 5:32-33: Therefore you shall be careful to do as the Lord your God has commanded you; you shall not turn aside to the right hand or the left hand. You shall walk in all the ways which the Lord you God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess.
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