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

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

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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).

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     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

Rejoicing in Hope: First Aid for Marriage

Rejoicing in Hope: First Aid for Marriage



Do you see the progression here? Rejoicing in hope -> patient in tribulation ->  continuing steadfastly in prayer (Romans 12:12).


Hope can save lives. A person without hope is at risk of suicide. A person with hope—even a glimmer—finds reason to want to go on living. 


The Hebrew word for hope is tiqvah (Strong’s 8615*), pronounced teek’-vah. Its literal meaning is cord. Its extended meaning is expectancy—something that’s longed for and eagerly anticipated. 


The scarlet cord that Rahab placed in her window was a tiqvah cord. It literally gave her and her family the hope of being rescued from death when Joshua conquered Jericho (Joshua 2:12-18).


Rahab had recognized that God was with the Jewish people and knew it would be futile, even deadly, to oppose them. Therefore, she protected and helped the Israelite spies who had come to stake out the city of Jericho. When they left her home, which was on the city wall, they instructed her to put a scarlet cord in the window. When the Israelite army approached the city, they would see the scarlet tiqvah and rescue those inside. On that infamous day, when the ancient city of Jericho fell, only Rahab and her household were spared. The walls of Jericho came tumblin down and no one else survived.


Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, “Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken” (NASV). 

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Many like to relate this passage to marriage. In a marriage the husband and wife are each represented by a strand of cord and are wrapped together making a stronger two-strand cord. If they are followers of Christ and invite Him into their married life, they have a three-strand cord—Jesus being the third strand. The strength of that marriage is then supernaturally multiplied. 


In my own experience, when Jesus was invited into our marriage, its strength was multiplied. My husband was not a Christian when we got married. Yes, we were unequally yoked together and, no, I don’t recommend that kind of marriage. Our early years were filled with trials, hurt, and discontent. Many marriages would not have survived what we went through. 


Finally, when my husband got born-again, becoming a Christ follower, things changed dramatically. Jesus became the third strand in the cord that held our marriage. He brought hope and renewed love into our relationship and our home. I no longer suffered under the dark cloud of concern that our two sons would become victims of a broken home. 


Though I sincerely thought there was little hope for our marriage, I continued to hope we would make it. I remember thinking, “If something doesn’t change, a year from now we will not be together.” 


Because I knew my God, I found reason to rejoice in the small ray of hope. With God’s help, I was “patient in the tribulation.” When a friend challenged me saying, “How’s your prayer life?” I recognized it was lacking. That’s when I began to continue “steadfastly in prayer.”


It was at about that time I read the chapter titled, “Love Your Husband to Christ,” in Beverly LaHaye’s book, The Spirit-Controlled Woman. I could see that my waning love for my husband needed a boost and that my prayer life needed to intensify. For the sake of our children, I asked God to help me in both of those areas—and He did. 


It was evident to me that my love for him, which began to grow, was beyond my own capacity at that time. And that unconditional love gave me a greater unction to pray for him. In less than a year, it happened—we were no longer unequally yoked. 


If you lack hope in any area of your life, I want to ask you this question: “How’s your prayer life?” If it’s lacking, get it in gear. “The effective prayer of a righteous man (or woman) can accomplish much” (James 5:16b). [Parentheses mine]


Let the tiqvah cord from God—the hope and expectancy of good things—come into your spirit because He is well able to make a way where there seems to be no way (Isaiah 43:19).  


With Him, hope gives us the power to look up (Luke 21:28); gives us the strength to go on (Psalm 46:1-3); and makes a way when circumstances are bleak (Hosea 2:15). Follow Paul’s instructions in Romans 12, which includes rejoicing in hope, being patient in tribulation, and continuing in steadfast prayer. 


Honoring God and following godly instructions will always yield good results. I'm not saying everything will then be perfect, but the end result will be for our good. I’m sure glad I took Paul's advice over forty-five years ago. I hope you will too.


©Copyright 2019 Connie Wohlford


* “Hebrew and Chaldee Dictionary,” Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, Crusade Bible Publishers, Inc., Nashville, TN - 1890, page 126.

Me vs. God

Me vs. God

I am weak ─ He is strong.

I’m a simpleton ─ He’s all wise.

I’m indifferent ─ He is Love.

I am merciless ─ He is compassionate.

I am naughty ─ He is righteous.

I am blind ─ He sees all.

I am dark ─ He is Light.

I am undone ─ He is Peace.

I am hopeless ─ He is Hope.

I am downcast ─ He is Joy.

I am lost ─ He is Home.

I am dead ─ He is Life.

By Connie Wohlford

******************************

“‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes;

there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.

There shall be no more pain,

for the former things have passed away.’

Then He who sat on the throne said,

‘Behold, I make all things new.’

And He said to me,

‘Write, for these words are true and faithful’”

Revelation 21:4-5 NKJV

©Copyright 2018 Connie Wohlford