CHECK IN: Week Four (17,18,19,20,21,22)

Keep on Keeping on. Do you realize that the closer you are to God the harder the evil one works to upset that? Now into week four my guess is that he has probably stepped up his efforts in your life. Does your time seem less available; has your desire waned; or has crisis of life diverted your attention? Don’t fall for it! It’s his favorite ploy. If he can’t get you to question God, he’ll work hard to keep you busy and away from His presence.

It is humbling to hear from many of you and how the Lord is using these devotionals in your life. I am humbled to be His scribe. Please have courage to publicly comment if you would. Reporting what the Lord is doing in you and for you and through you not only encourages us all, but it also brings Glory and Honor to Him.

Below are each of the devotionals from this past week.
For His Glory, Debbie Hucke

DAY 17,

Romans 5:20, 21

²⁰The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more. ²¹so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (NIV)

²⁰God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant. ²¹So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (NLT)

^20-21All that passing laws against sin did was produce more lawbreakers. But sin didn’t, and doesn’t, have a chance in competition with the aggressive forgiveness we call grace. When it’s sin versus grace, grace wins hands down. All sin can do is threaten us with death, and that’s the end of it. Grace, because God is putting everything together again through the Messiah, invites us into life—a life that goes on and on and on, world without end. (MSG)

God’s law was established for a perfect holy benchmark. And no one can possibly measure up. Romans 3:10 “Noone is righteous, no not one.”

These verses seem strange at first reading especially in the NIV translation. But understanding the promise liberates an appreciation for grace. And without grace, there really is no point to this Christian life.

I was a pretty good girl growing up. At least that is what I wanted everyone to think about me. It’s as if I was Pharisee in training from a very young age. I’m not like her, I would proudly say to myself. As I’ve matured as a Christian, God has shown me how wretched I really am.

But here’s the thing… the more wretched I am, the more amazing His grace is. The contrast is unmistakable.

Have you thanked God for His grace? Do that today. Without it, there is no point to this Christian life.

I have learned that when my MO with day to day life is about me and my effort, the enemy has a field day. When effort is the benchmark for how I’m doing, there are only two options. I’m made to feel inadequate by my lack of performance or puffed up and proud of my performance. Either way I lose. When Grace is the benchmark, even with the same results, I can only win.

Ephesians 2:8,9⁸For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹not by works, so that no one can boast.

Today as you pray about your circle, think about grace. Thank God for His grace in your life and in your circle. Where can you extend grace? Where can you ask God to demonstrate His grace? GRACE WINS EVERY TIME!

For a real life, not pretty example of the SIN / GRACE battle, read my article Keeping it Real.

DAY 18,

2 Corinthians 12:7,10

7 …Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.8Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.9But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.10That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

When I think about the apostle Paul, I don’t think of weak, do you? Paul was given a “thorn in his flesh”. We don’t know what the thorn is, but Paul pleaded with the Lord three times to remove it. Verse 9 is the Lord’s response. “My grace is sufficient, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

I relate to Paul. My circle, is also my thorn! Perhaps that is true for you as well. I too have pleaded with the Lord. Because yes, I would like as one of our pray-ers shared, ” a little bit of easy”. Who doesn’t want a little bit of easy. Paul wanted a little bit of easy.

But God does His best work, when we bring Him our brokenness, our weakness and our despair. Because then, we are completely and utterly dependent on Him.

While being weak is not my favorite posture, I must admit, that I have experienced His sufficient grace over and over and over. Sufficient does not mean abundant. Sufficient means just enough. His grace is sufficient so we continue to lean on Him.

As you think about your circle, recall His sufficient grace in your past. Ask Him to reveal His sufficient grace in your present. And thank Him for His promise to always always always provide sufficient grace. Ironically, when you’re at your weakest, to others you appear strong. Just like the apostle Paul. Because others are seeing God’s strength in you.

To dig deeper on this passage here are two related articles.

Houston we have a problem and The Golden Phone Cord.

DAY 19,

Isaiah 26:3 NIV

3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

Who wants perfect peace? No brainer, right. This verse is a promise. A promise to the one whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in God. Sooooo, the way I see it, if you don’t feel perfectly peaceful, that’s on you.

I confess that I can be a worrier. I think about something and consider scenarios that cause worry. Sometimes in such a state Doug will say, Debbie don’t worry. Yeah, like that works! In those moments I’m tempted to say… oh what a great idea, I didn’t think of that. (I hope you can read the sarcasm.)

What does work? Keep your mind steadfast. The King James Version says, stayed on God.

I’ve seen this popular meme float around facebook. Don’t tell God how big your problems are. Tell your problem how big your God is. I believe that is the shift Isaiah suggests. A steadfast mind focuses on God instead of the problems.

So in the face of circumstances that threaten your perfect peace, speak the promises you know about God. This discipline, even when you may not ‘feel the promises’ will re-establish peace.

Lord, I praise you God for your sovereignty. You are all powerful, all knowing and all loving. While I know that is all true, my mind wanders. Forgive me for entertaining thoughts that disrupt my steadfast mind. Thank you for this promise. Help me to realize that when my mind is stayed on you, my trust will grow and I’ll experience perfect peace. Amen.

Two weeks ago I was privileged to hear Lauren Daigle in concert. Below are the lyrics to my favorite Daigle song,Trust in You.As you read the lyrics in light of your circle, think about the truths she highlights to keep your mind steadfast.

Letting go of every single dream

I lay each one down at Your feet

Every moment of my wandering

Never changes what You see

I try to win this war

I confess, my hands are weary, I need Your rest

Mighty warrior, king of the fight

No matter what I face You’re by my side

When You don’t move the mountains

I’m needing You to move

When You don’t part the waters

I wish I could walk through

When You don’t give the answers

As I cry out to You

I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You

Truth is, You know what tomorrow brings

There’s not a day ahead You have not seen

So let all things be my life and breath

I want what You want Lord and nothing less

When You don’t move the mountains

I’m needing You to move

When You don’t part the waters

I wish I could walk through

When You…

For further study on this scripture, here are a few blog articles.

Embrace Uncertainty and His Perfect Peace

DAY 20,

Psalm 139:13,14

13 For you created my inmost being;

you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful,

I know that full well.

Have you ever questioned God’s perfect design? Have you ever looked in the mirror and pointed out everything that was “wrong” or “ugly” or “jiggly” about yourself? Admit it. You’ve done it. I’ve done it. I still do it. All the time.

But that’s not where I really wrestle with this truth. Ian was born with a horrible condition that has changed everything not only for him, but for our family. And to shoot straight, it seems completely unfair. It seems as if God made a mistake. It seems as if Psalm 139:13:14 doesn’t apply in some cases.

Perhaps you can relate. Do you or someone you love have an unfair diagnosis? Do you feel passed over on this passage of scripture.

To wonder WHY is human. But to believe Psalm 139:13,14 in the face of a horrible diagnosis is truly liberating! “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, or your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9

God is sovereign. God’s works are wonderful, I know that full well.

My handsome ginger has cavernous angeomes in his brain that spontaneously bleed. As a parent, I may understand more about this rare condition. As a mother, I may anticipate the challenges that Ian will face in the future. But as a child of God, I know that the Creator has knitted Ian together in my womb. He has blessed our family with Ian who is fearfully and wonderfully made. And it is by His perfect design and for His purposes that I trust Him. Only when I stand on that truth can I begin to comprehend the unfathomable grace and mercy that He pours out on me.

God doesn’t make mistakes.

He never does.

Father God, I praise you for your sovereignty. I confess, like a demanding toddler, I want to understand your ways. But Isaiah makes it clear that I never will. Thank you for your patience with me. Thank you for you choosing me to be Ian’s mother. It is a high calling and one that is only possible with a posture of complete dependence on you. Please help me to remember that! Amen.

For further insight on this scripture… Nothing Really and You’ve always been mine

DAY 21,

2 Corinthians 4: 16-18

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”

Take heart!

This encouragement comes from the Apostle Paul, later in his ministry. He can’t see the way he used to (and there were no eye glasses). He can’t hear the way he used to (and there were no hearing aids). He doesn’t recover from beatings the way he used to (and there were no antibiotics). His strength, walking from town to town, doesn’t hold up the way it used to. He sees the wrinkles over his face and neck. His memory is not as good. And he admits that all of it, is a threat to his faith and joy and courage.

But Paul does not lose heart. Why? He doesn’t lose heart because his inner self is being renewed. How is that possible?

The renewing of his heart comes from something very unexpected. It comes from looking at what he can’t see. What? It makes no sense. And yet… it’s true. A few verses later in 2 Corinthians 5:7 he says, “We walk by faith, not by sight.”

This doesn’t mean that Paul walks blindly into a black abyss. It means he proceeds confidently through the lens of the gospel. The gospel is the truest of true; and far surpasses the material sight of his present reality.

I agree… it isn’t easy. But, with the help of the Holy Spirit, walking by faith is a game changer. It is the ONLY way we won’t lose heart.

Praying friend. Don’t despair. You are not alone. Jesus sees. Jesus knows. You may be wasting away. And you don’t understand His work in you. There is a high calling, a greater purpose for your circumstances. One day He will redeem it all. And when you step into eternity you will receive the crown of life.

Because Paul sees his life through the lens of faith, he does not lose heart. The same can be true for me and for you.

To dig deeper on the subject of eternal hope and this scripture, read this article

What would you wish for?

DAY 22,

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (ESV)

You know what? YOU, are a piece of work! So am I. God’s work! The ESV translation says we are His workmanship. Other translations say we are His masterpiece. Think of it. God, the all powerful, all knowing, all loving creator of the universe thinks of you as His masterpiece.

Do you feel ordinary? As you go about your day doing your normal activities, do they seem important, significant, eternal even?

I believe there are two kinds of people. People who have a sense of purpose and people who do not. Let me caution you, purpose has NOTHING to do with your physical abilities, your education or even your age. Purpose has to do with standing on the promise of Ephesians 2:10. You can’t outlive your purpose!

Consider this… Nothing you do today is unimportant. God is keenly interested in the smallest detail.

If that doesn’t put a spring in your step, it should! Choose to believe what God says about you. You are His masterpiece, created to do good things.

For this lenten prayer challenge, my son Ian has been my circle. Today, I pray for Ian to believe Ephesians 2:10. I pray for Ian to believe he is extraordinary. I pray for Ian to believe he has great purpose. I pray for Ian, the artist, to believe that he is God’s masterpiece. May the truth of this promise motivate my handsome ginger.

For further illustration of this passage, read my article Something Big!

P.S. The May 2019 Art exhibit that seemed so far off when I wrote the Something Big article quickly approaches. Everyone is welcome!

Artist Talk: Friday, May 3 at 5:30pm, Opening Reception: Friday, May 3, 6 – 8pExhibition Dates: May 3 – 23, 2019.

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Comments

Anne Kole says
March 31, 2019 at 11:31 am
I am eager each morning to turn on my phone and find your scripture for the day! I have been journaling about scripture for years but am refreshed by your insights.
Thank you! And God is showing me more authentic ways to pray for my circle.
- debhucke says
  March 31, 2019 at 11:51 am
  I love that He is blessing your obedience with fresh insight! Thank you Anne.
Judy Tull says
March 31, 2019 at 11:55 am
I love starting the day with your scripture choices. Many resonate a long time…esp. the thorn and my weakness. I’m not sure I chose the perfect circle object…no direct results…but I also think it’s possible what I AM seeing is God’s subtle way of changing my perspective, because I detect His sweetness in dealing with me. This is a good thing we are all doing! Thank you, Deb.
- debhucke says
  March 31, 2019 at 12:22 pm
  It is a good thing. I think He does honor our efforts no matter how feeble they may seem. Thanks Judy!
Mary Reith says
March 31, 2019 at 12:41 pm
I am sad to report I fell for it! Time to get back on track. Thankful for a loving father who does not give up on me!
- debhucke says
  March 31, 2019 at 3:18 pm
  Mary, indeed. He is gracious. You benefit when you invest the time. Praying you kick that enemy to the curb. Thanks for sharing.
Sharon Powell says
March 31, 2019 at 12:51 pm
This past week in the prayer challenge, Day 20 was special to me because my circle includes my grandson. Luke is nine now, has serious heart issues from a birth defect and faces many challenges due to complications from the countless surgeries and procedures endured. Thank you Debbie for bringing back into focus for me Psalm 139:13, 14 and for sharing Ian’s journey. Our Creator is amazing beyond words!! The works God has blessed Luke, his parents Rachael and David, and his little brother Sam with are WONDERFUL and they never stop!!!
- debhucke says
  March 31, 2019 at 3:21 pm
  Thanks Sharon. I like to imagine throwing a pebble into a massive body of still water. Luke is like that pebble creating a ripple effect. Just by being in this world he causes those who love him to depend on God!
Merna says
March 31, 2019 at 5:16 pm
Yes to all those questions except the obligation. Life gets in the way, Once in awhile I need to catch up from day before. I look forward to it daily and am much more disciplined than before. I find myself referring back to my journal in daily life situations. Keep em coming…..
- debhucke says
  March 31, 2019 at 5:29 pm
  I love that your journal has become a reference. It has been such a huge help to me when I “forget” yet again His faithfulness.
Berta Pitzer says
April 1, 2019 at 2:16 pm
I find that as I continue circling my prayer concern, that God continues to speak to me. I appreciate the daily reminder to keep me focused. And speaking of focus, God called me into a 3 day fast this past week! I completed it and I was able to think, see and hear more clearly. I had the time to truly focus on His Word and on my prayer focus and on trusting Him with it and to quit striving to understand Him and what he’s doing!! It’s been a good week.
- debhucke says
  April 1, 2019 at 3:08 pm
  Wow. That is exciting Berta. I can relate “striving to understand Him” I’ve been studying Habakkuk and keep saying to myself… YES, I rejoice in the Lord.
Joan Schrock says
April 3, 2019 at 2:50 pm
I also fell for Satan’s tricks! Time to get back on track! On a plus side, my circle has expanded!!! I have been praying for God to open my son’s eyes to his truth. He was brought up in the church and faithfully went until . . . he went off to college. Now he is questioning everything. All I can do is love him and pray for him, but God has sent to me in my circle a 24 year old male who just happen to ask a couple of questions today and we had such a wonderful conversation. He was brought up Catholic but no longer believes. Could God have sent him to me? Maybe. I told him I would pray for him and was always here if he wants to talk further. 🙂 No such response from my son, but God’s got This!
- debhucke says
  April 3, 2019 at 3:50 pm
  It worked this time Joan! Thank you. How exciting for you to follow His nudge. Amen!
Kathy A. Day says
April 7, 2019 at 12:58 pm
Hi Debbie: God bless you. I am praying for your stamina. Love, Kathy
- debhucke says
  April 7, 2019 at 1:28 pm
  Thank you Kathy Day! I welcome that.
Anne says
April 7, 2019 at 5:32 pm
Hi Debi
I was traveling to Illinois the plane didn’t arrive missed the connecting flight and stayed in Charlotte over night. God provided for all my needs etc . Am having a great time with family.
God is good all the time.