Lilka Finley Raphael

Trash Day!

In my household of mostly men, the responsibility lies on them to take out the trash. Unfortunately, I am the only one with a nose sensitive enough to detect whatever is rotting before anyone else does. I am very aware that if the trash is not taken out, the entire house will stink very soon.

The same thing is true of our mental state. It is necessary to do a mental cleansing and rid ourselves of “trash.”

If left unchecked our minds have the potential to not only stink but attract its own array of flies, maggots and scavengers.

Any lingering negativity, doubt, fears, guilt and the like should be tossed just like garbage. If not regularly expelled the trash in our minds will overwhelm any good that is there.

What do you need to toss out? A bad attitude? Fear? Doubt? Guilt? Despair?

We must continually take inventory of our mental state, those insecurities and tendencies that would prevent us from seeking God’s best for our lives.

Most people would never consider bringing their neighbor’s trash into their own home. Yet we often do that very thing when we allow the seeds of doubts from others to take root in our mind. Don’t allow someone else’s fears to overtake your faith!

The Bible instructs us to “renew our mind.” Our mental purge is necessary to remove anything that would dilute the God/good in us. It is up to us to filter what we allow to infect us if we are ever to prosper as our Creator intended.

Toss the old junk out. Make room for the new. God has a greater vision He wants to share with you.

“And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God,” Romans 12:2

Grace Under Fire

“And God [is] able to make all grace abound to you, that you always having all sufficiency in all [things], may have an abundance for every good work.”
2 Corinthians 9:8 NKJV

Often when we seek God or commit to study His Word, we may find our pursuit seems to open us up to chaos. As we make spiritual progress we will meet opposition.

It may appear that we lose more than we gain.

But by God’s grace we are empowered and not overcome.

Through God’s love for us we can receive and exhibit “grace under fire.”

Like soldiers we may face grenades, a hail of bullets, or even sniper fire.

Some attacks are large like a failed relationship or the death of a loved one. Others are like a hail of bullets, smaller shots that in combination cause great distress…deadlines to meet, financial struggles, or family obligations that collectively wear you down.

And then there is “sniper fire.” Those situations that come of of nowhere! The IRS bill after you depleted your savings on a house. The child you raised is now a stranger. The medical results are not good. One day you’re financially responsible and the next you are unemployed.

Our God does not guarantee a life without trials.

However, we are provided the grace that we need. Not just for eternity, but right here and now.

For every attack, God provides the body armor we need. It is our responsibility to put it on!

Bullet-proof vests don’t stop the shooter. Yet, the vest keeps the bullets from penetrating.

God’s grace prevents our trials from penetrating us!

We may be surrounded but not overcome. God’s grace gives us what we need to stand our ground.

We exhibit grace when we do not rant, rave, curse and complain during our crisis. We pass the test and mature when we are respectful and peaceable in the worst of circumstances.

How do you treat people the heat is bearing down?

How we react under fire demonstrates how much faith we have in God and not ourselves. Resolving to be civil, sane and even to bless others in the midst of our trials not only glorifies God but builds us into the people He created us to become.

The next time you face a crisis, are you going to put on the whole armor of God with grace, or will you let a temporary situation rob you of a permanent blessing?

God gives the grace we need to pass every test. Like the armor of God, we just have to pick it up and put it on!

“Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord and the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Ephesians 6:10-11 NKJV

Closed for Renovations

“Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:16

The passage of time, storms, and decay will take a toll on nearly every structure man can build. Even as temples of God, we are no different.

Fortunately a carpenter’s “son,” can take what we are and make us so much better. Jesus allows us the grace to be repaired and totally transformed. However, His transformation may dictate that we “close for renovations.”

Closed for renovations may require shutting away people who impart only negativity. Closing may entail loss of things near and dear to you such as habits and pleasures you squirm at the very thought of losing. Closing may require that you change your mind, thoughts and priorities. It may even require fixing what you watch and read.

If you can’t tolerate your present condition, God can renovate you!

God takes away addictions. God heals. God can grant you grace for the changes you seek.

He exchanges cracked foundations for solid footing. Whatever our need, God repairs or compensates for any deficiency. God can rebuild us so completely we don’t even recognize ourselves!

If we are willing to be transformed we must study God’s Word, and implement His teachings! Doing this imparts wisdom in us and glorifies Him. This submission to change requires determination and motivation.

It is often painful and messy.

It will take longer than expected and cost more than anticipated. You may find yourself in the very midst and wonder why you ever asked for “help” as everything in your life appears to get worse.

The guts of your temple get exposed and rearranged. Your comfortable insulation may be ripped away. But God also removes old floors of guilt and walls of shame. God can even make you energy-efficient!

It is only through God’s hand on us that we can resist the rain, withstand the floods, and endure harsh winds.

Are you tired of the same old thing? Are you ready for something new?

Answer His call.

Let Him do a good work in you and on you. Let Him rebuild you inside and out.

Dare to renovate and then celebrate the new thing God does in you!

“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall. “Matthew 7: 24-27 NKJV

Be Joyful!

But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You. Psalms 5:11 NKJV

Then I will go to the altar of God, To God my exceeding joy; And on the harp I will praise You, O God, my God. Psalms 43:4 NKJV

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me [by your] generous Spirit. Psalms 51:12 NKJV

Those who sow in tears Shall reap in joy. Psalms 125:5

A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word [spoken] in due season, how good [it is]! Proverbs 15:23 NKJV

**And yes, it is a real bee smiling at the camera 🙂

Seasons…

“He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.” Psalms 1:3 NKJV

We all want to be “planted” by God, and prosper. Some of us expect to be fruitful all the time.

I can think of no tree that bears fruit all year long. So why should we expect that we are any different?

Mass media would have you believe if you aren’t doing “something” (fill in whatever blank applies to you) then you are doing nothing.

This isn’t how God works.

Your particular season may not occur the same time as your neighbor or even your spouse. Some people “peak early.” Others are “late bloomers.”

Don’t allow how things appear to deter you from your dreams!

The picture above was taken today. This hydrangea should have bloomed back in May. Somehow it isn’t allowing my expectations to hinder its blooms.

I think God is trying to tell me something.

There are a few things I want to do. Some would say I’m too old. Others would say I’m too inexperienced. Their points could be valid.

Yet with God, we’re not confined by other people’s expectations.

God doesn’t meet our expectations. In fact, His miracles often defy them!

It is in the silent and quiet times that God prepares for the fruit, the miracle, the breakthrough.

When Moses was up against the Red Sea with Egyptians at his back, it looked like God was doing nothing.

When Joshua first led the people around the city walls, it looked like God was doing nothing.

When Sara and Abraham waited decades before Isaac was born, it looked like God was doing nothing.

Each of these people was “planted” by God and fruitful in season.

We focus on the miracles but not so much on the “stuff” these Biblical heroes endured in their “dormancy.”

Moses murdered a man, wandered the desert and tended sheep for years before hearing God’s voice.

Joshua lived in the wilderness and had to wait for people to die before he could enter the Promised Land.

Sara and Abraham were close to dead and had “momma drama” due to their own impatience before God’s promise was fulfilled.

But their promises were fulfilled. In their season.

Ours can be too.

“To everything [there is] a season, A time for every purpose under heaven” Ecclesiastes 3:1 NKJV

Cloud Cover…

“Yet in Your manifold mercies You did not forsake them in the wilderness. The pillar of the cloud did not depart from them by day, To lead them on the road; Nor the pillar of fire by night, To show them light, And the way they should go.” Nehemiah 9:19 NKJV

Pest Control!

“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,” Matthew 5:44 NKJV

I have yet to find any method of gardening that has proven to be pest free.

Over the years I have purchased enough insecticide to fill a storehouse. One kind of “bug killer” will not work on all the critters that plague my garden. I may think the ants have died only to realize weeks later they simply relocated a couple of feet. I have even prayed over my plants and pests only to find the pests were still there.

I finally realized what God knew all the time. Some pests are actually necessary.

Some may be irritating, biting, destructive and frustrating but they too have a reason and a season.

Fire ants common in Georgia, are well known for their sting We are not friends. However, my yard is not full of rotting wildlife. The ants for all their annoyance keep the carcass count to a minimum.

Reckless use of certain pesticides will kill not only those bugs that annoy but those that are helpful as well. The last thing I want is to kill all my ladybugs which help my garden grow!

As in the garden, so is it in our lives. Some people (pests) work our nerves, appearing detrimental but in God’s plan they actually serve a purpose. We pray for God to rid us of them when instead God is using our pests to promote us.

David was just a simple shepherd boy until he killed Goliath. The most imposing enemy of Israel pulled a small boy out of obscurity. We too, should allow our enemies their proper place in our lives.

View your pests not as a source of frustration, but as the friction that polishes you toward perfection.

Bless them. Pray over them. Even if you have to choke the words out!

God never asks us to do a thing that He has not given us grace enough to complete. Do it because God’s Word tells us to. It doesn’t matter if it isn’t easy.

Blessing our enemies promotes the spiritual growth we are incapable of producing without them. Sometimes our “pests” are for our best.

Address your pests as God directs you.

Don’t allow your disdain, irritation and judgement to lead you to make hasty or ineffective decisions.

Only God can eliminate pests precisely without adversely impacting everyone else.

Trust Him to use your pests to bring out the best in you!

Fall Fruit

Summertime yields a harvest of sweet tasty berries. Georgia melons are juicy and flavorful. However, as much as I love the fresh fruit of summer, a serving of it fails to keep full for very long.

Now apples and pears have never been my favorites. I eat them because I know they are good for me. These fall fruits are not as sweet, but they do fill me up and keep those hunger pains at bay.

Fall fruits have a long “shelf life” compared to summer fruit. Many last months often holding seeds within that can produce yet another harvest. In contrast, the berries I love last only a few days.

There comes a time to push aside the sweet things that are tasty for those heartier things that will sustain. I love “feel good” devotionals and encouraging words but we must diligently study scripture and spend time with God. We are comforted knowing there are better days ahead, yet we must also weather dark days and disappointments as well.

Spiritual fruit takes time to grow and develop. Many people are led to Christ in a moment, however it often takes decades to transform from who we are to who we can become.

Love, joy and peace are sweet berries for me. But long suffering? Not as tasty! Faithfulness and gentleness require a bit more from me as well. It is those trying experiences that cultivate the characteristics we lack and produce good fruit in us.

The Holy Spirit convicts us to mature in those areas we are deficient. We produce good fruit when we are obedient to Its prodding.

I suppose fall fruits are heartier and more sustaining because they give us what we need to survive the harsh winter. Each of has different “fall fruits,” we need to “digest.”

We grow when we choose things that are good for us and not just what tastes good. Studying scripture sustains. It isn’t as tasty as accepting God’s grace and mercy.

If we are to achieve our dreams, mature and fulfill our purpose, chewing on God’s Word is necessary. It will get us through our “winter” so we can reap a harvest!

“For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil,” Hebrews 5:13-14 NKJV

Peace and Joy!

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid,”
John 14:27 NKJV

Jesus came not just as our Savior, but that we may have peace now on this earth. It is amazing how quickly we can give it away. Or worse, fail to even accept such precious gifts at all!

Circumstances, people and our daily lives all have the potential to rob us of our peace and joy if we allow it.

We often run around as if all is lost if we can’t accomplish our “to do” list. We also deprive ourselves of peace and joy when we allow our shortcomings to overshadow our God.

We don’t have to be tossed back and forth like waves upon the shore. We have an Anchor. We can be stable and able when we take hold the true peace and joy our God provides.

Our society is so plugged in that there is little time allocated to be still. It is not unusual for the average person to struggle with finding time with God that will cultivate a “peace that passes understanding.”

We are often guilty of spending too much time on things that don’t really matter, yet if only we put those efforts into accepting what has been freely given, we could truly enjoy the fullness of God’s gifts and His love for us.

Happiness is based on circumstances and our reaction to our environment. However, joy comes from within and fosters contentment no matter our plight. Joy is a gift from God. Happiness is transient and often subject to the actions of others.

Allow your spirit to rejoice in the Lord. Look beyond your present circumstances if necessary and meditate on His truth…God is good, He loves you, everything else is secondary!

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning,”
Psalm 30:5 NKJV.

No matter what you may face, it is possible to receive God’s joy. Christ was able to endure the crucifixion aware of the joy that lay beyond the anguish. God does no less for us who choose to trust Him!

The price for our peace and joy has already been paid…no purchase necessary!

But it is up to us to embrace these gifts and protect them like prized possessions. The more we seek His presence, all the more peace and joy we will find within.

Believe and receive.

Peace and joy are waiting for you!

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NKJV

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,” Galatians 5:22 NKJV

P is for Praise!

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoice; and with my song will I praise Him,” Psalms 28:7 KJV

“Praise” is mentioned roughly 200 times In the KJV Bible. The book of Psalms is full of songs that praise our God. This emphasis on “praise” should show us just how powerful it is. David wrote song after song about the greatness of God. His heart was filled with praise for the Father. Even after committing murder God’s love for David did not falter.

Could it be David’s continual praise made all the difference?

Praise was taken very seriously. There was praise before battle. There was praise after the battle was won. How much more could we find ourselves in God’s presence if we would intentionally praise Him beyond the church walls?

Praise is a mirror image of prayer. Our prayers tend to focus on us and our needs. Our praise glorifies the goodness of God!

Praise is the “thank you” we give God for each new day. Praise is the song that acknowledges that yes, God, I know it was you that pulled me through difficult times. Praise is worship. Praise is the product of allowing the Holy Spirit to manifest inwardly within us and we in turn manifest outwardly the joy and peace that He brings.

Praise paves the way for progress. Praise is the power that pushes us through situations instead of keeping us stuck in them. Praise speaks to God our Father and reflects our love for Him. Praise speaks to our own spirit and is an outpouring of His love for us.

Never minimize the power of Praise. It can open doors that have been shut for years. Praise can produce results you could never make happen!

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue,” Proverbs 18:21.

What kind of life do you want to live?

Don’t blame. Praise! Blame never produced one good thing. It is a negative reflection on a past you cannot change. However, praise uses your voice to push you into position to overcome past failures and open up to new opportunities. Praise takes the emphasis off of ourselves and magnifies our Father with Whom all things are possible!

Praise God because of His goodness. Praise Him for who He is. Praise God for what has done for you!

Replace your complaints with praise and see what a difference it makes in your life. Praise is the fuel that allows you to fly high with faith. Allow your praise to raise you to levels you never dared believe you could achieve.

Praise God in all things!

P is for Praise!

“I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness; and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.” Psalms 7:17 KJV

“Let the heaven and earth praise him, the seas, and every thing that moveth therein.” Psalms 69:34 KJV