Deep Calls to Deep

Deep Calls to Deep                                    

Deep Calls to Deep

Wave after wave I am knocked to the ground.

The waterfall pours and flips me around.

No answers in sight, not a one can be found.

On God! Oh, my soul, I fear I may drown!

From out of the depths, Your sweet voice comes to me.

Deep calls to deep—I reach out to be free.

Then I know in my soul You’ve not forgotten me.

And to safety I’m lifted and Your light I now see.

by Connie Wohlford

In the Forty Second Psalm the writer yearns for the presence of God as intensely as a thirsty dear pants for the refreshing water brook. He is experiencing hardship and turmoil. 

He is shedding tears and questioning God’s involvement in his life while experiencing oppression and threats from enemies. He comes to a point of remembering better days. 

“When I remember these things, I pour out my soul within me. For I used to go with the multitude; I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept a pilgrim feast” (Psalm 42:4).

Along with the psalmist, we may feel oppressed by enemies on many fronts. Vicious tentacles threaten us with disease, financial ruin, separation from loved ones, robbing our freedoms, stealing our joy, our peace, and even our very lives. They challenge our hope and our faith. 

From Unsplash, by Tim Marshall

But the psalmist reaches out to God on a different level. From the depths of his being he cries out, “Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls; all Your waves and billows have gone over me” (Psalm 42:7). 

His heart’s desire is that the deep things of God reach in and restore the deep things in him. He yearns for the Spirit of God to minister renewed hope, strength, and joy to his own spirit. 

He recognizes that only God can do this work in the innermost part of a man or woman, even in the midst of being twisted and tossed by waterfall and wave. 

A period of isolation is the perfect time for us to experience deep calling to deep. God wants to speak to His people. And for those who are not His people, He wants them to become His own through believing and receiving His Son, Jesus.

God wants to speak to all people. Then like the psalmist, we can receive the ministry of God’s Spirit to our own spirit and say, “Why are you cast down O my soul? Why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God” (Psalm 42:11).

“Oh, send out your light and Your truth! Let them lead me; Let them bring me to Your holy hill and to Your tabernacle. Then I will go to the alter of God, to God my exceeding joy; and on the harp I will praise You, O God, my God. Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God” (Psalm 43:3-5).

Look at that. In his stress, the psalmist is asking God to send His light and His truth. It’s hard to know what truth these days is and there sure is a lot of darkness around us. But we can count on God’s Word and His Spirit to give us truth—truth that we can depend on for eternity. Let’s embrace the leading of God’s light and truth which will lead us to His holy hill—His holy place where we can encounter His glory.

by Toby Mac

The best thing that can happen to us during isolation and oppression of soul—the best gift we can receive during this time—is wrapped up in God’s Word and His presence. Let us quiet and darken our screens and listen to our Creator when He calls. 
Let’s not suppress the deep yearning in our souls but be like the thirsty deer and go after the refreshing water in the deep pools of God’s Word.

Let’s quiet ourselves and allow the deep things of God to teach and refresh the deep parts of our innermost spirits.

Deep calls unto deep. Let’s listen and receive. 

Please pray with me: Father God, You created me for a deep relationship with You. Show me, teach me, help me to receive the mysteries, the joys, the hope and peace, and the love that reaches into the depth of who You created me to be. Thank You, Mighty God, that Your deep relentlessly calls to my deep and I welcome You. In Jesus name—Amen.  

All Bible quotes are taken from the New King James Version.

©Copyright 2020 Connie Wohlford

Times

Times                                                            


Often, when I am troubled or afraid, I have said to myself, “My times are in God’s hands.” Being reminded of that truth has brought peace to my spirit more times than I can count. 


Here’s why: 


David experienced many trials. As a man after God’s own heart, he often wrote psalms expressing his heart and his trust in God. A passage especially meaningful to me is Psalm 31. 


Let’s look at a few verses from the middle of that chapter. 


“But as for me, I trust You O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in Your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me. Make Your face shine upon Your servant. Save me for your mercies’ sake” (Psalm 31:14-16).


“Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men!


“You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues” (Psalm 31:19-20). 


David is speaking of himself as well as others—others like me—those of us who trust the Lord and fear God. 


The word times describes “some period of time … a small space of time,” * or a season of life.  


As a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, I can be confident that my times are in God’s hands. The various times of my life—my childhood, my childrearing years, my years of teaching school, and now my years of grandparenting and, oh dear—aging—have been, are, and will be in God’s hands. 


Through past seasons of my life I have built a history with God. I’ve learned that He is trustworthy. When a moment or an event of fear or uncertainty tries to smack me down, I can look up and say with confidence, “Lord, my times are in Your hands.”  

Photo by Connie Wohlford

The times we currently live in are a bit surreal. As we deal with the Coronavirus Pandemic, we can wisely go about our days with care and we can raise our shield of faith and declare that our times are God’s hands.


Whether facing a virus pandemic or some other life malady lets proclaim it with confidence, “My times are in God’s hand.”


Let’s pray: Father God, thank You that we can stand firm on Your Word and Your promises. You know our going out and our coming in. You number every hair on each of our heads. You see each of us and know our names. You see our thoughts and know all that is in our hearts and You care about every little thing that concerns us. Thank You, God, that indeed our times are in Your hand. In Jesus name we pray, amen. 



©Copyright 2020 Connie Wohlford

All Bible quotes are taken from the New King James Version.

*Word Wealth, in Spirit Filled Life Bible, NKJV, Thomas Nelson Publishers, page 1003.

HELP >>> Anxiety <<< HELP

HELP   >>> ANXIETY <<<   HELP

Fear, worry, and uncertainty seem to be the order of the day and they all add up to increased anxiety in each of us. Check out these two acrostics using the word, anxiety.

Are we looking for help in ourselves or in Jesus?

Today, or over the next few days, I encourage you to get a Bible—hey, even an actual bound Bible with literal paper pages—and look up the accompanying passages of Scripture. Meditate on each one, asking God to plant it as a seed into your spirit.

Photo by Connie Wohlford

Find HELP In Self




Anxious at every turn.  à Philippians 4:6-7


Not good enough.  à Psalm 139:14


Xeroses due to not trusting God. à Proverbs 17:22


Intellectual ascent leaves God out of the equation.  à 2 Corinthians 10:1-5


Envious of others’ family, possessions, job, status, etc.  à Colossians 3:2


Tethered to negative thoughts, addiction, unwholesome people. à Psalm 119:15


Yesterday’s failures.  à Isaiah 43:18-19


Find HELP In Christ

Answered prayer.  à Psalm 120:1

Never alone.  à Hebrews 13:5

Xebecs of faith help you navigate worrisome trials.   à  2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Identity in Jesus relieves tension.   à  1 Peter 2:9-10

Everlasting life - the hope of your future.  à  John 3:16-17

Internet Photo

Total surrender relieves anxiety.  à  John 8:31-36

Yes, to God brings soul peace  à  Romans 6:12-14 


Our loving Heavenly Father wants to cast all our cares on Him (1 Peter 5:7). 


The Apostle Paul assures us that we can “glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:3b-5 NKJV). 

This was created by the child of a friend.

“And we know that all thing work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. … What shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, …” (Romans 6:28-32a NKJV).   







So, take heart, my friend! Kick anxiety to the curb, use wisdom, immerse yourself in God’s Word, and trust God. 


With a friend, spouse, or family, maybe you can create an acrostic using the word trust or faith.    ~~   Your comments are welcome.


Please share some of your favorite Scriptures you turn to during trying times. 


©Copyright 2020 Connie Wohlford

What is Abundant Life?

What is Abundant Life?                              

     How do you define abundant life?


     Jesus spoke of abundant life, saying, “I have come that they might have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10b NKJV).


     The word abundance means, excessive, overflowing, surplus, more than enough, and more than sufficient. I suppose it’s not surprising that some people think of abundant life as overflowing material wealth. But we can know that Jesus was referring to much more than material surplus. 

     God Word assures us that our Creator has a plan and purpose for each of us and it's good and has our best interest in mind (Jeremiah 29:11). His desire for our abundant life was in His heart and mind before we were even born (Psalm 139).


     In the first few verses of John 10, Jesus compared Himself to a shepherd who protects and provides for his sheep. The shepherd knows his sheep and leads them. The sheep know the voice of the shepherd, trust him, and willingly follow him. Sheep who have a good shepherd live life in peace and abundance.


       Jesus also referred to Himself as the door of the sheepfold, and said, “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:9-10). 

 
Photo by Connie Wohlford

     In contrast to all that Jesus comes to give, the thief, who is the devil, comes to take away. Jesus wants to give us more that just an ordinary existence. He wants us to experience fullness of love, joy, peace, and happiness. Whereas the devil wants to steal all those things, oppressing, and killing Mankind, who is the crown of God’s creation. He is out to destroy all that we love, enjoy, and hold dear.   

     In contrast to all that Jesus comes to give, the thief, who is the devil, comes to take away. Jesus wants to give us more that just an ordinary existence. He wants us to experience fullness of love, joy, peace, and happiness. Whereas the devil wants to steal all those things, oppressing, and killing Mankind, who is the crown of God’s creation. He is out to destroy all that we love, enjoy, and hold dear. 

    The devil will do all he can to stand in the way of our enjoying abundant life. But its up to us, through our own free will to stand firm on God’s truths and promises. What are some tricks he uses to take our peace and joy?


Speaking lies and negatives in our minds, shooting fiery darts, temptations—especially in our weak areas. It might involve our mouths, our moods, our time management, our health, and on & on. We could name many.


     The enemy of our souls wishes to steal, kill, and destroy in every area of the S.I.P.E.S of the abundant life God has for each of us. Are you wondering what S.I.P.E.S. is about? I’m referring to the five areas of human development and life: Spiritual – Intellectual – Physical – Emotional - Social.


     Let’s grow and live out each of those five areas God’s way. The first chapter of 2 Peter can help us see how:

     Spiritual – know that by His divine power, He has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness (v. 3a). We have the Holy Spirit inside of us. We have our Bibles so we can get to know God and His nature, as well as how to live. And we have the precious opportunity to communicate with God through prayer.

     Intellectual – We can experience abundant life through “the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue” (v. 3b).

     Physical – We are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-28) and have been given great and precious promises and “may be partakers of His divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (v. 4).

     Emotional – God gives us the power to develop diligence, adding to our faith virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, and godliness.

     Social – We can add to these attributes, brotherly kindness and love (v. 7). And, as the writer of Hebrews says, we should not neglect the assembling together to encourage one another (Hebrews 10:25).


     “For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ … (and goes on to say) an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” 2 Peter 1:8-11)


     That everlasting kingdom is the ultimate provision of the abundant life God gives. When we believe and receive Jesus as our Savior, “all things become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17) in our earthly life. Plus we have Eternity with our Lord to look forward to as well. 

     Oh, and one other thing, we cannot blame the devil for all of our infractions. Our own human nature, which the Bible often calls our flesh, can lure us into sinning, thus sabotaging our living out abundant life. “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish” … “And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:6 & 24 NKJV).

Internet Photo

     Abundant life is ours for the taking when we do two things: 1- when we’re born-again and then 2- when we choose to live life God’s way.      


     I’m not saying that abundant life means a life of bliss with no hardships. The sheep have hardships sometimes too. They may get tangled in briars or attacked by wolves, but their capable shepherd is there to help and to mend their wounds, like our Savior is there to help us and to mend our wounds.


     Question for you—Are you living life in abundance according to God’s design? If not, what could you do to experience a more abundant life?


     The power of an abundant life gives one the manifold blessings of living out their very best life while anticipating a forever in God’s Eternal Kingdom. Also, the witness of one living in God’s abundance is powerful in drawing others to faith in Christ. 

How do you define, Abundant Life?  Here are some of the Facebook responses: 

“The gifts of the Spirit in evidence in my life!”

“Life with God as He wants it for us. A life of close fellowship with Him, overflowing with His love and help and blessing. Turning around and giving that love to others, living for something beyond ourselves. For His kingdom and plan and will on earth.”

“Knowing God LIVES in me, that He purposefully planned in love for me (and all who belong to Him) to be the display of His amazing attributes, gifts and anointing.”

“One filled with what we truly need in life. God's presence, His wisdom, His teaching, and His provision. A life that overflows with His love so others might see His glory.”

“Living in total freedom with sweet Jesus and intimately experiencing His unconditional love in the Holy of Holies with His Father.”

“Living with Jesus in my heart!”

 “Life with God!”

“Unexplainable peace, through every circumstance due to a personal RELATIONSHIP with Jesus.”

“Pure freedom in your identity Christ Jesus...my cup runneth over kind of life!”

“Blessings from God.”

Your comments are welcome.

If you’d like, share how you define “Abundant Life.”


©Copyright 2019 Connie Wohlford

Jesus is the Only Way

Jesus is the Only Way                           

Does it surprise you to hear news reports stating or implying that people who claim to be Christian say they believe Jesus is not the only way to get to Heaven?

I’ve been hearing that a lot lately and find it troubling. To believe such a thing is the very antithesis of true Bible teachings. I tend to think that folks who believe this have not read the Bible very much and possibly sit under unsound teaching.

This kind of heresy does not surprise nor alarm God, which should give us some relief. Such beliefs have always existed.

Jesus Himself, declared His deity, stating, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30 NASB); “He who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9b NASB).

The truth is, there is only one option to be reconciled to Father God and get to Heaven. Jesus expressed that clearly when He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me” (John 16:6 NLT). 

Art by Maggie Turner

Jesus claimed to be God and the only way to Eternal Life. He gave no other option. It is only through faith in Jesus and His sacrificial death on the cross that our sins can be removed and we can receive salvation. 










People who don’t believe in God and don’t believe in Bible truth cannot be expected to accept Jesus’ claims. But for people who call themselves Christians—followers of Jesus—we have to scratch our heads and wonder, How can this be?

 
Perhaps they’re a fan, not a follower; don’t read the Bible; listen to bad teaching; or make it up to help them feel better.

In his popular book, Mere Christianity*, C.S. Lewis wrote, 

"A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher; he'd either be a lunatic -- on a level with a man who says he's a poached egg -- or else he'd be the devil of hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God; or else a madman or something worse."
"You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come up with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to."
So, Jesus was either a madman, a liar, a myth, or He really was—and is—the Son of God, Savior of Mankind, and the only way to get to Heaven when we die.  
We, who are true followers of Christ, need to pray that the truth of Jesus and God’s Word will be made known. We know Truth will prevail in the end, but I hurt for those who fall for demonic schemes. 

Have you heard such false notions? Your thoughts are welcome.
(Disrespectful, inappropriate comments will be deleted.)

*C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, Harper Collins Publishers, 1952

©Copyright 2018 Connie Wohlford