How has God shown you He loves you today?
Was it in a song, a friend's words,a stranger's smile, or perhaps the sunset as you drove home?
Join the talk, share your thoughts.
Was it in a song, a friend's words,a stranger's smile, or perhaps the sunset as you drove home?
Join the talk, share your thoughts.
Out of Sight
Thu, 2nd February, 2012
In Genesis 23, Abraham asked the people of Hebron if he could have a pieceof land to bury Srah out of his sight.
Sarah was 127 years old when she passed on. Abraham was with her for a vast majority of those years. He must have grieved deeply. But, he was a traveler in a foreign land and he knew he had to keep moving. It was the way of life God has established for him. After All, God had called him out of his home of UR as a young man. Abraham had been wandering with God ever since.
So how does that relate to us? If you have lost a loved one, you know there are two burials. The first is the physical one soon after they die. The second is when you, like Abraham, know it is time to move on. That doesn’t mean their memory dies, it just means you get up and once again begin to travel down the road of your life without them –and discover you can do that, with God’s help.
Remember in the Gospels when Jesus called the young man to follow Him? That man asked for Jesus to wait while he buried his parents. Jesus said “Let the dead bury the dead.” (Luke 9:60, Mt 8:22). Sounds so harsh, until you lose someone and realize, yes, in order to go onward with Jesus in your life, that is what you must do. Knowing He gives eternal life makes that an easier step.
But, in order to follow Jesus and sojourn in this foreign land called our earthly life there are others things we need to bury out of our sight. Old hurts, negative feelings, unhealthy habits, worldly ways of thinking and acting all must hit the dirt. God understands it is a process. I think in His love, He moves us away, as He did Abraham, so we can heal and turn to Him for comfort and growth. That way, we are less likely to turn around, run back and dig up the past.
What do you need to bury so you can go forward? Jesus is there with the shovel and the Kleenex. Let Him help you. The One who conquered death knows how to once again bring life to your heart.
Sarah was 127 years old when she passed on. Abraham was with her for a vast majority of those years. He must have grieved deeply. But, he was a traveler in a foreign land and he knew he had to keep moving. It was the way of life God has established for him. After All, God had called him out of his home of UR as a young man. Abraham had been wandering with God ever since.
So how does that relate to us? If you have lost a loved one, you know there are two burials. The first is the physical one soon after they die. The second is when you, like Abraham, know it is time to move on. That doesn’t mean their memory dies, it just means you get up and once again begin to travel down the road of your life without them –and discover you can do that, with God’s help.
Remember in the Gospels when Jesus called the young man to follow Him? That man asked for Jesus to wait while he buried his parents. Jesus said “Let the dead bury the dead.” (Luke 9:60, Mt 8:22). Sounds so harsh, until you lose someone and realize, yes, in order to go onward with Jesus in your life, that is what you must do. Knowing He gives eternal life makes that an easier step.
But, in order to follow Jesus and sojourn in this foreign land called our earthly life there are others things we need to bury out of our sight. Old hurts, negative feelings, unhealthy habits, worldly ways of thinking and acting all must hit the dirt. God understands it is a process. I think in His love, He moves us away, as He did Abraham, so we can heal and turn to Him for comfort and growth. That way, we are less likely to turn around, run back and dig up the past.
What do you need to bury so you can go forward? Jesus is there with the shovel and the Kleenex. Let Him help you. The One who conquered death knows how to once again bring life to your heart.
Lost Now Found
Mon, 30th January, 2012
I returned from a weekend trip, pulled into my apartment complex , and reached up to the visor to punch the remote control for my garage door, anticipating the blessed whirr and light which would come on – my mechanical welcome home sign after hours on the road. But, familiar black box with the gray button was not there. I stared in disbelief with my car idling and my cat nervously pacing the window sill above me. My mind traced my steps. Had it fallen out at the fast food restaurant when I stopped to get coffee, or at the gas station? Did I notice it when I left to return home this morning? Had it fallen out at the highway rest stop on the way last Friday, or where I had stopped for a soda and lunch?
I patted the floorboard. Nothing. I got out of the car, bent down and felt under the car seat. Nope. The apartment management office was closed. I had an hour to make a salad and dash to a church dinner. Sighing, I drove around to find that illusive weekend parking spot, finally grabbing one two units down the way. I got out, and looked again – just in case. No remote. I walked to my unit, up the stairs and unlocked the front door. I called my friend with whom I had stayed. She didn’t find it by the curb or in her driveway. The gas station receipt didn’t have the phone number on it. I recalled the exit number of the fast food place because I had seen it on a billboard, but not the town. I had no idea where that rest stop was, and had tossed the receipt for the place I’d stopped for lunch on the way.
The whole time I prepared the salad I worried. Then, I threw up my hands to Heaven and put it in God’s hands, resolving that come Monday I’d have to go the the apartment manager, pay the $200 fine for losing the thing, and wait while they ordered a new one.
I traipsed down the stairs, walked to the car and opened the back passenger’s side door to lay the salad bowl on the back seat. There, peeking out from underneath the travel pillow, was the remote. Yes, I believe in miracles and God’s messenger angels. How else could it had gotten from my driver side visor all the way across to the passenger seat in the back right side?
Now, if I had just prayed sooner rather than trying to solve it myself and getting in a lather over it. It was another gentle reminder from my loving Father that I need to turn to Him and give Him control, even in the little things. He cares that much, and He has a sense of humor. I thanked Him, humbled and laughing at myself.
Whatever you have lost – be it your keys, your patience, or even your some of your faith, let God help you find it. After all, you too were once lost and now are found. You may be surprised where He leads you, and then awed about where that thing you lost is lying just out of view.
I patted the floorboard. Nothing. I got out of the car, bent down and felt under the car seat. Nope. The apartment management office was closed. I had an hour to make a salad and dash to a church dinner. Sighing, I drove around to find that illusive weekend parking spot, finally grabbing one two units down the way. I got out, and looked again – just in case. No remote. I walked to my unit, up the stairs and unlocked the front door. I called my friend with whom I had stayed. She didn’t find it by the curb or in her driveway. The gas station receipt didn’t have the phone number on it. I recalled the exit number of the fast food place because I had seen it on a billboard, but not the town. I had no idea where that rest stop was, and had tossed the receipt for the place I’d stopped for lunch on the way.
The whole time I prepared the salad I worried. Then, I threw up my hands to Heaven and put it in God’s hands, resolving that come Monday I’d have to go the the apartment manager, pay the $200 fine for losing the thing, and wait while they ordered a new one.
I traipsed down the stairs, walked to the car and opened the back passenger’s side door to lay the salad bowl on the back seat. There, peeking out from underneath the travel pillow, was the remote. Yes, I believe in miracles and God’s messenger angels. How else could it had gotten from my driver side visor all the way across to the passenger seat in the back right side?
Now, if I had just prayed sooner rather than trying to solve it myself and getting in a lather over it. It was another gentle reminder from my loving Father that I need to turn to Him and give Him control, even in the little things. He cares that much, and He has a sense of humor. I thanked Him, humbled and laughing at myself.
Whatever you have lost – be it your keys, your patience, or even your some of your faith, let God help you find it. After all, you too were once lost and now are found. You may be surprised where He leads you, and then awed about where that thing you lost is lying just out of view.
F-E-A-R
Mon, 23rd January, 2012
I was in a workshop over the weekend, listening to a motivational speaker who said it is fear that keeps people from being their potential. It was a secular organization, so I know he couldn't mention God. He danced around the fact that we need God to find strength and purpose outside of ourselves. As I wrote notes on his lecture, it hit me what fear really is -
Forgetting the Eternal Almighty Reigns.
When I remember God is in control and has my best interests at heart, that He truly has plans for me to prosper in all aspects of my walk with Him, fear dissipates. Jesus said not to be anxious but to trust in Him and the Father. Paul reiterated that and told the Philippians they could find the strength to do all things in Christ.
But if I let the "what if's" crowded the edges of my thoughts, they will slowly seep into my day. Fear replaces faith. Yes, I know God exists, and loves me, but what if. . .
If we can truly wrap our heads around the concept that all we can see is the NOW, but our LORD sees past, future and present as one, then we will bow our wills to Him. But way too often, the NOW looms up and blocks our path- it is all we can see. Our fight or flight instinct kicks in and we either plant our feet or quiver in our shoes instead of bending our knees. Fear, forgetting that God Reigns in all things, clouds our Faith vision.
Perhaps FAITH is - Facing Always Instead the Throne of Heaven.
Forgetting the Eternal Almighty Reigns.
When I remember God is in control and has my best interests at heart, that He truly has plans for me to prosper in all aspects of my walk with Him, fear dissipates. Jesus said not to be anxious but to trust in Him and the Father. Paul reiterated that and told the Philippians they could find the strength to do all things in Christ.
But if I let the "what if's" crowded the edges of my thoughts, they will slowly seep into my day. Fear replaces faith. Yes, I know God exists, and loves me, but what if. . .
If we can truly wrap our heads around the concept that all we can see is the NOW, but our LORD sees past, future and present as one, then we will bow our wills to Him. But way too often, the NOW looms up and blocks our path- it is all we can see. Our fight or flight instinct kicks in and we either plant our feet or quiver in our shoes instead of bending our knees. Fear, forgetting that God Reigns in all things, clouds our Faith vision.
Perhaps FAITH is - Facing Always Instead the Throne of Heaven.
Success
Thu, 19th January, 2012
I heard a preacher on the Christian radio station. I didn't catch his name, but I caught his message. He said there is a great difference in success as a goal and success as an outcome. That hit home to me. We are so goal orientated in today's world. The ends justify the means. Anything to get us there the fastest we can,, no matter how many toes we step on as we climb the rung to success. It seems business has lost any ethical standards.
How different it is in the Gospels. We cannot measure success the way God sees it. We are not supposed to. Only He can see the future and how it will work out. I am not saying we should not be financially responsible and plan, but if we keep Christ as the guide in our lives, can we not trust in the promise that the outcome will be a success? We may not all end up billionaires, but we will end up taken care of. God knows our needs along this journey on earth. (See Matthew 6:25-33) If we make success our goal in life, we lose sight of the journey and the wonders along the way. We have blinders like a horse and miss the serendipities in our peripheral vision. And, we may get discouraged because it is not going as we have planned. That is trying to bend God's will to us, not bending our will to Him.
Success as an outcome lives wiggle room for God's mercies and wonderful surprises. It also makes it easier for us to be flexible enough to veer off what we thought was the what He had planned for us, to slow down a bit, or to stop and rest along the way. It leaves Him in control.
And what is success? If we let God define that, it is as Joshua said - following His ways so in the end we will hear as we kneel at the throne of Heaven, "Well done, good and faithful servant." We are blessed that, unlike the Hebrews in Joshua's time, we have an eternal high priest in Jesus Christ whose blood was shed for us, so we can ask forgiveness and cleansing daily, if not hourly, along the way. We are no longer bound by the dotted i's and crossed t's of the law, because Christ has completed it.
Our job, our goal should be as Micah 6:8 says, to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God. If we do that, and ask forgiveness when we don't, can the outcome be anything but success?
How different it is in the Gospels. We cannot measure success the way God sees it. We are not supposed to. Only He can see the future and how it will work out. I am not saying we should not be financially responsible and plan, but if we keep Christ as the guide in our lives, can we not trust in the promise that the outcome will be a success? We may not all end up billionaires, but we will end up taken care of. God knows our needs along this journey on earth. (See Matthew 6:25-33) If we make success our goal in life, we lose sight of the journey and the wonders along the way. We have blinders like a horse and miss the serendipities in our peripheral vision. And, we may get discouraged because it is not going as we have planned. That is trying to bend God's will to us, not bending our will to Him.
Success as an outcome lives wiggle room for God's mercies and wonderful surprises. It also makes it easier for us to be flexible enough to veer off what we thought was the what He had planned for us, to slow down a bit, or to stop and rest along the way. It leaves Him in control.
And what is success? If we let God define that, it is as Joshua said - following His ways so in the end we will hear as we kneel at the throne of Heaven, "Well done, good and faithful servant." We are blessed that, unlike the Hebrews in Joshua's time, we have an eternal high priest in Jesus Christ whose blood was shed for us, so we can ask forgiveness and cleansing daily, if not hourly, along the way. We are no longer bound by the dotted i's and crossed t's of the law, because Christ has completed it.
Our job, our goal should be as Micah 6:8 says, to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God. If we do that, and ask forgiveness when we don't, can the outcome be anything but success?
Guided Path System
Mon, 16th January, 2012
Yesterday after church I was to go to a committee meeting for a public service group in which I am very involved. I had an hour, so I figured this would be no problem. I might even arrive about 15 minutes early - time to go over the minutes from the last meeting I had not attended and get caught up.
It was at a lady's house in an area of the metro I had never been, a small incorporated city in the suburbs. So I spoke into my smart phone's GPS Navigator, plugged it into the portal in my car and proceeded to listen to the sweet, almost motherly voice tell me where to go and when to turn. After a half hour, another voice asked my brain if I was sure the GPS was leading me in the right direction. I was in the correct area of town. The street sign up ahead, bearing the bedroom town's logo on it, told me that I was. All was going well. Still, after a few more turns, that little voice nagged me again to check the GPS program. At the next red light I glanced at my phone. The address I had spoken was not on the screen. Oh, well. That's okay. This thing is smarter than I am. It knows the path.
I kept driving. The female voice told me to turn left. I did. She said my destination was on the left in 500 feet. Actually, that was a Walgreen's in a strip center, not a house. I turned around. She repeated it was now on my right in 300 feet. Wrong. I pulled into a convenience store and asked where I was. I was in the right neighborhood, just on the opposite side about five miles off my target. The only straight shot street was under construction with just two lanes open. I crawled at 20 miles an hour in traffic and arrived 4 minutes late. Arghhh.
When I got home, I turned on my computer to check my email messages. There on the monitor as my verse of the day was one of my favorite Bible verses -
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will guide your path. Proverbs 3:5-6
Oh. I had to laugh. I had not leaned on my own understanding, but had relied on a human contraption to guide me. One which obviously could not decipher my Texas accent. Now, I am not saying Divine revelation would have gotten me to the meeting without a map. I don't think I should have, in the middle of the day in a congested suburb, asked Jesus to take the wheel while I closed my eyes and had a power nap. But, if I had listened to that little nagging voice sooner, I may have been on time.
Even in the small things, God is there to guide us, correct us and show us a better way. The question is - which voice do we listen to during our day? Is it the Divine one somewhere inside of us - the one we know is not really from our own thoughts? Or do we listen to the voices of this world. Even when we are positive we are on the right path, we may not be close to where God wants us to be. No worries. There is always time to turn around and ask for His direction.
It was at a lady's house in an area of the metro I had never been, a small incorporated city in the suburbs. So I spoke into my smart phone's GPS Navigator, plugged it into the portal in my car and proceeded to listen to the sweet, almost motherly voice tell me where to go and when to turn. After a half hour, another voice asked my brain if I was sure the GPS was leading me in the right direction. I was in the correct area of town. The street sign up ahead, bearing the bedroom town's logo on it, told me that I was. All was going well. Still, after a few more turns, that little voice nagged me again to check the GPS program. At the next red light I glanced at my phone. The address I had spoken was not on the screen. Oh, well. That's okay. This thing is smarter than I am. It knows the path.
I kept driving. The female voice told me to turn left. I did. She said my destination was on the left in 500 feet. Actually, that was a Walgreen's in a strip center, not a house. I turned around. She repeated it was now on my right in 300 feet. Wrong. I pulled into a convenience store and asked where I was. I was in the right neighborhood, just on the opposite side about five miles off my target. The only straight shot street was under construction with just two lanes open. I crawled at 20 miles an hour in traffic and arrived 4 minutes late. Arghhh.
When I got home, I turned on my computer to check my email messages. There on the monitor as my verse of the day was one of my favorite Bible verses -
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will guide your path. Proverbs 3:5-6
Oh. I had to laugh. I had not leaned on my own understanding, but had relied on a human contraption to guide me. One which obviously could not decipher my Texas accent. Now, I am not saying Divine revelation would have gotten me to the meeting without a map. I don't think I should have, in the middle of the day in a congested suburb, asked Jesus to take the wheel while I closed my eyes and had a power nap. But, if I had listened to that little nagging voice sooner, I may have been on time.
Even in the small things, God is there to guide us, correct us and show us a better way. The question is - which voice do we listen to during our day? Is it the Divine one somewhere inside of us - the one we know is not really from our own thoughts? Or do we listen to the voices of this world. Even when we are positive we are on the right path, we may not be close to where God wants us to be. No worries. There is always time to turn around and ask for His direction.
Dearly departed
Thu, 12th January, 2012
For I have kept the ways of the LORD,and have not wickedly departed from my God.
(Psalm 18:21 ESV)
I need to be more like David. I cannot make such a bold statement. Can you? There are times I have not taken the time to say hello to my LORD in the morning, nor carved out a few minutes in my day to pray for others. There have been times I ignored that small "other voice" and said, "No I can't do that." I have departed from His ways. But, like the prodigal, or more like the puppy who know she has chewed the carpet, I return, head down, tail between my legs and ask for forgiveness. And He dearly forgives me because He so dearly loves me. That goes for you, too.
Last night I didn't depart. In a meeting I attend weekly, I listened to a lady I barely knew talk about how she'd spilled water into her computer by mistake and ruined it. They are facing hard times and she couldn't afford a new one. Then, she said she prays by typing and keeps a prayer journal in her computer. As a writer, that pierced my heart. I thought of the old lap top I had under my desk at home, collecting dust. My son had given me a little netbook for Christmas, but I hadn't decided what to do with this old one. It didn't have anything of value on it, except a picture for the screen saver I wanted to download and save onto my desktop. But, could I trust her? That small voice said, "Do it."
After the meeting she followed me home and I gave her the laptop to use as long as she needed. She began to cry and told me how much she needed it, but also needed a friend her age. She witnessed to me about how she had drawn closer to God in the past year and had seen Him answer so many prayers for her, and that on the way to the meeting she had confidently prayed God would provide. That pierced my heart again.
I found out she lives close to my apartment complex. And, she loves cats. I had been praying to find someone to care for my cats when I go on a missionary trip this summer. I think God answered several prayers last night.
It brought me once again to my knees, asking forgiveness for being anxious lately about things in my life and not trusting Him more. I had departed from my God, and He lovingly drew me back. He does that to us because He loves us so dearly, and He thirsts for our company as much, if not more, than we thirst for His. How awesome is that? The Creator of the Universe wants to spend time with me - and with you. The more I dwell on that, perhaps the last likely I will be a dearly departed one in the future. How about you?
(Psalm 18:21 ESV)
I need to be more like David. I cannot make such a bold statement. Can you? There are times I have not taken the time to say hello to my LORD in the morning, nor carved out a few minutes in my day to pray for others. There have been times I ignored that small "other voice" and said, "No I can't do that." I have departed from His ways. But, like the prodigal, or more like the puppy who know she has chewed the carpet, I return, head down, tail between my legs and ask for forgiveness. And He dearly forgives me because He so dearly loves me. That goes for you, too.
Last night I didn't depart. In a meeting I attend weekly, I listened to a lady I barely knew talk about how she'd spilled water into her computer by mistake and ruined it. They are facing hard times and she couldn't afford a new one. Then, she said she prays by typing and keeps a prayer journal in her computer. As a writer, that pierced my heart. I thought of the old lap top I had under my desk at home, collecting dust. My son had given me a little netbook for Christmas, but I hadn't decided what to do with this old one. It didn't have anything of value on it, except a picture for the screen saver I wanted to download and save onto my desktop. But, could I trust her? That small voice said, "Do it."
After the meeting she followed me home and I gave her the laptop to use as long as she needed. She began to cry and told me how much she needed it, but also needed a friend her age. She witnessed to me about how she had drawn closer to God in the past year and had seen Him answer so many prayers for her, and that on the way to the meeting she had confidently prayed God would provide. That pierced my heart again.
I found out she lives close to my apartment complex. And, she loves cats. I had been praying to find someone to care for my cats when I go on a missionary trip this summer. I think God answered several prayers last night.
It brought me once again to my knees, asking forgiveness for being anxious lately about things in my life and not trusting Him more. I had departed from my God, and He lovingly drew me back. He does that to us because He loves us so dearly, and He thirsts for our company as much, if not more, than we thirst for His. How awesome is that? The Creator of the Universe wants to spend time with me - and with you. The more I dwell on that, perhaps the last likely I will be a dearly departed one in the future. How about you?
Inside out
Sun, 8th January, 2012
As a plain, dowdy nerd, I was always an outsider in school and had low self esteem. Rejected by the cool kids, I was often the butt of cruel jokes. It is still an issue that rears its ugly head every now and then. I hate walking into a crowd, fearing everyone will stare at me as if I was a pariah. I'd prefer to fade into the wallpaper so no one will notice I am there.
Last February, I was privileged to lead a retreat for the women of the church where we had reared our son. It had been fifteen years and many more pounds and wrinkles since I had seen these ladies. Yet, they were all as excited to see me as I them. In fact, four women who had moved away, drove in just for that weekend to see me. It was tears and hugs all weekend. I thought, wow, I really meant as much to them as they had to me?
Last summer I had major surgery and was basically home bound for a month. When I walked back into church, I saw eyes light up and smiles glistening. Women called out my name and extended arms, telling me how much they had missed me, how good I looked and how they had lifted me in prayer. I thought, wow, they really like me?
Just last week, I was to meet another woman on the board of our women's group for a pow-wow over dinner. She got to the restaurant before I did. As I entered the vestibule, her eyes shone with love and her smile reached them. "I am so glad to see you again," she said as she squeezed my hands in hers. I thought, wow, she feels that way about me? Me?
We all feel the need to belong and with Christ in us, we do. On a whole, I find Christian women more accepting and less back-stabbing or gossip-tended. Where as the worldly-minded tear people down so they seem better, the Christ-minded build people up because they know He is best. He unites us in a common bond of love. We all know we have fallen short, and that is okay. We understand we are works in progress, and that we are outsiders in a land which is not our home. The Holy Spirit intertwines us together in an network as equal recipients of God's grace and mercy. Christ's sacrificial love on the Cross is the sinew that binds all of us into the Body of believers. Can you imagine the rejoicing at the reunion of the saints in Heaven at the end of time? Perhaps we need to practice that more here on earth.
God unites, Satan divides. We can choose to see others through God's glasses of love, or Satan's critical magnifying glass. We can also choose to see ourselves either way. If we are too critical of ourselves, we will hide under our bushel in fear of rejection. But if we see ourselves as Christ does, we will move our insecurities to the background so He can shine through.
No matter what side of the fence you were on in school, the rejected or the rejector, do not let old ways of thinking and feeling wedge you from being Christ to a hurting world. Paul told his congregations to greet each other with a holy kiss. But, be wary lest we begin to feel cliquish. If you see someone milling around the outside of the room during the coffee hour, draw them in. When you see someone you do not know walking through the doors, ask if you can sit next to them, even if it isn't in your favorite pew. After worship, introduce them to a few others. And, at a party or in a crowded meeting, reach out to another who looks as if they want to fade into the wallpaper. It can be a life changing, and life saving thing to do for someone else.
Last February, I was privileged to lead a retreat for the women of the church where we had reared our son. It had been fifteen years and many more pounds and wrinkles since I had seen these ladies. Yet, they were all as excited to see me as I them. In fact, four women who had moved away, drove in just for that weekend to see me. It was tears and hugs all weekend. I thought, wow, I really meant as much to them as they had to me?
Last summer I had major surgery and was basically home bound for a month. When I walked back into church, I saw eyes light up and smiles glistening. Women called out my name and extended arms, telling me how much they had missed me, how good I looked and how they had lifted me in prayer. I thought, wow, they really like me?
Just last week, I was to meet another woman on the board of our women's group for a pow-wow over dinner. She got to the restaurant before I did. As I entered the vestibule, her eyes shone with love and her smile reached them. "I am so glad to see you again," she said as she squeezed my hands in hers. I thought, wow, she feels that way about me? Me?
We all feel the need to belong and with Christ in us, we do. On a whole, I find Christian women more accepting and less back-stabbing or gossip-tended. Where as the worldly-minded tear people down so they seem better, the Christ-minded build people up because they know He is best. He unites us in a common bond of love. We all know we have fallen short, and that is okay. We understand we are works in progress, and that we are outsiders in a land which is not our home. The Holy Spirit intertwines us together in an network as equal recipients of God's grace and mercy. Christ's sacrificial love on the Cross is the sinew that binds all of us into the Body of believers. Can you imagine the rejoicing at the reunion of the saints in Heaven at the end of time? Perhaps we need to practice that more here on earth.
God unites, Satan divides. We can choose to see others through God's glasses of love, or Satan's critical magnifying glass. We can also choose to see ourselves either way. If we are too critical of ourselves, we will hide under our bushel in fear of rejection. But if we see ourselves as Christ does, we will move our insecurities to the background so He can shine through.
No matter what side of the fence you were on in school, the rejected or the rejector, do not let old ways of thinking and feeling wedge you from being Christ to a hurting world. Paul told his congregations to greet each other with a holy kiss. But, be wary lest we begin to feel cliquish. If you see someone milling around the outside of the room during the coffee hour, draw them in. When you see someone you do not know walking through the doors, ask if you can sit next to them, even if it isn't in your favorite pew. After worship, introduce them to a few others. And, at a party or in a crowded meeting, reach out to another who looks as if they want to fade into the wallpaper. It can be a life changing, and life saving thing to do for someone else.
Groping in the Fog
Mon, 2nd January, 2012
How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the
morning fog--it's here a little while, then it's gone. James 4:14
Happy New Year, from the fog. Have you been in a fog about what God has planned for your life? You grope for doors, and just when one seems to open, as soon as you reach for the knob, it slams shut again. Then you hear another creak, but by the time you edge across and barely make out it's jamb in the density of confusion, it, too, closes tight. And you were so sure it was a sign, an answer to prayer. You see others people getting their prayers answered. You see God's favor shining on them. Why not you?
At times, as a Christian writer and speaker, I so want to do God's will, that I look for signs and wonders where they are not supposed to be, then try to figure it out on my own. I want answers in a microwave minute. I yearn for a pat on the head every few steps to reassure me I am headed in the right direction. I bounce on my heels and wring my hands when His timing is not my own.
Being still and knowing He is God is hard. Waiting on the LORD is harder still. But the most difficult for me is not falling into the temptation of reading into circumstances and making them answers which He has yet to provide.
Faith tells me this morning fog at the beginning of 2012 will lift. When it does, I will see where He has me standing. More than that, I will see where He has already taken me, and that each baby step along the unseen path was purposeful.
Whatever you are seeking in 2012, seek first His righteousness. In the fog, it may be as close as the nose on your face, and just as hard to see. But then, the wrong path may be camouflaged as well. Better to stand still and wait. It will lift, and the right door will open wide.
morning fog--it's here a little while, then it's gone. James 4:14
Happy New Year, from the fog. Have you been in a fog about what God has planned for your life? You grope for doors, and just when one seems to open, as soon as you reach for the knob, it slams shut again. Then you hear another creak, but by the time you edge across and barely make out it's jamb in the density of confusion, it, too, closes tight. And you were so sure it was a sign, an answer to prayer. You see others people getting their prayers answered. You see God's favor shining on them. Why not you?
At times, as a Christian writer and speaker, I so want to do God's will, that I look for signs and wonders where they are not supposed to be, then try to figure it out on my own. I want answers in a microwave minute. I yearn for a pat on the head every few steps to reassure me I am headed in the right direction. I bounce on my heels and wring my hands when His timing is not my own.
Being still and knowing He is God is hard. Waiting on the LORD is harder still. But the most difficult for me is not falling into the temptation of reading into circumstances and making them answers which He has yet to provide.
Faith tells me this morning fog at the beginning of 2012 will lift. When it does, I will see where He has me standing. More than that, I will see where He has already taken me, and that each baby step along the unseen path was purposeful.
Whatever you are seeking in 2012, seek first His righteousness. In the fog, it may be as close as the nose on your face, and just as hard to see. But then, the wrong path may be camouflaged as well. Better to stand still and wait. It will lift, and the right door will open wide.
Can You Find Him?
Wed, 28th December, 2011
How often do we search for Jesus in the crowd, yet never see Him? My great nieces were once given a hidden object book similar to the Where's Waldo series. They had to find Jesus in the crowds of people going through everyday first century activities. It wasn't an easy task. You really had to hunt for Him.
At the time Jesus was born, the prophets had been silent for centuries. Yet, the prayer of a Messiah coming to deliver them from Roman cruelty and occupation was on many Hebrews' lips. Dreams and visions began to happen. A glimmer of hope flickered, especially after witnessing that unusually bright start gleaming over them and hearing tales from shepherds. All over Jerusalem there must have been a buzz.
Yet, eight days later when Mary and Joseph took Jesus to be circumcised, only two people in the crowd recognized this small child as the Promised One - Anna the prophetess who had been widowed at a young age and lived there to serve in the temple for most of her adult life (similar to a nun), and an old man named Simeon who was told he would not die before he saw the Messiah.
As you go about your daily activities, can you find Jesus? He may not be in plain sight, or He may be right there near you, but in your busy-ness you miss Him. Often times we feel when we can't find God, He is the one who has left us. Just the opposite is true. Perhaps you prayed for His presence this morning before you started your day, then you started your day and on came the blinders so you could focus on getting it all done. Perhaps He is right in front of you, but you can't see Him through the fog of confusion, chaos or grief. Maybe all is going well, and you see no need to seek Him out. Or, could it be He has stepped aside to purposely get your attention so you again focus on mostly Him?
Maybe you are already back to work and routine, and so you are feeling the lull between the ending whirl of the holidays and before New Year's Eve gins up(no pun intended). In these 12 Days of Christmas until Jan 6th, where will you look for the baby Jesus now that the presents are unwrapped, the guests gone and the dishes piled in the sink are diminishing?
The Messiah is still here.Seek Him. Wise men did. So did an old man and a widow who never lost faith.
At the time Jesus was born, the prophets had been silent for centuries. Yet, the prayer of a Messiah coming to deliver them from Roman cruelty and occupation was on many Hebrews' lips. Dreams and visions began to happen. A glimmer of hope flickered, especially after witnessing that unusually bright start gleaming over them and hearing tales from shepherds. All over Jerusalem there must have been a buzz.
Yet, eight days later when Mary and Joseph took Jesus to be circumcised, only two people in the crowd recognized this small child as the Promised One - Anna the prophetess who had been widowed at a young age and lived there to serve in the temple for most of her adult life (similar to a nun), and an old man named Simeon who was told he would not die before he saw the Messiah.
As you go about your daily activities, can you find Jesus? He may not be in plain sight, or He may be right there near you, but in your busy-ness you miss Him. Often times we feel when we can't find God, He is the one who has left us. Just the opposite is true. Perhaps you prayed for His presence this morning before you started your day, then you started your day and on came the blinders so you could focus on getting it all done. Perhaps He is right in front of you, but you can't see Him through the fog of confusion, chaos or grief. Maybe all is going well, and you see no need to seek Him out. Or, could it be He has stepped aside to purposely get your attention so you again focus on mostly Him?
Maybe you are already back to work and routine, and so you are feeling the lull between the ending whirl of the holidays and before New Year's Eve gins up(no pun intended). In these 12 Days of Christmas until Jan 6th, where will you look for the baby Jesus now that the presents are unwrapped, the guests gone and the dishes piled in the sink are diminishing?
The Messiah is still here.Seek Him. Wise men did. So did an old man and a widow who never lost faith.
Gift Boxing
Mon, 26th December, 2011
Today is Boxing Day - it is an English tradition, celebrated in Canada, Great Britain, Australia, parts of Africa, and for some like me in the US, that Christmas Day be reserved for the immediate family. But, on the next day, December 26th, gifts are exchanged between extended family and neighbors. It began in the Middle Ages when lords ruled over huge estates, which included farms and towns. They would give a gift box to each of the families who worked the land or were servants in the manor or township. In it were rations for living, like candle wax, flour and sugar, and a little gift. After a while, the people would give their lord a small gift as well in thanksgiving for all he had done for them.
Today is also St. Stephen's Day. He was the first Christian killed for speaking out about Jesus. He gave his LORD the ultimate gift. In exchange, his faith and words have been recorded in Acts for all of us -
Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:54-60 ESV)
God gave Stephen a heavenly gift- a vision of Jesus waiting for him. Stephen, in his dying breath, gave his attackers a gift- he pleaded for God to forgive them.
Today, my extended family will gather for gift exchanges and a pot luck dinner. It is our tradition. But, boxed up in all of that is the gift of gratitude for the sacrifices others have given so we may learn about Jesus and receive Him into our hearts. Yesterday, he was born. Today, we are called to offer Him to all, and give Him to any who will receive Him. For, we have received the ultimate gift from our LORD - the gift of forgiveness and eternal life through His sacrifice on the cross. In thanksgiving for all He did for us, should we not offer Him the gift of our lives in return?
Happy Boxing Day
Today is also St. Stephen's Day. He was the first Christian killed for speaking out about Jesus. He gave his LORD the ultimate gift. In exchange, his faith and words have been recorded in Acts for all of us -
Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:54-60 ESV)
God gave Stephen a heavenly gift- a vision of Jesus waiting for him. Stephen, in his dying breath, gave his attackers a gift- he pleaded for God to forgive them.
Today, my extended family will gather for gift exchanges and a pot luck dinner. It is our tradition. But, boxed up in all of that is the gift of gratitude for the sacrifices others have given so we may learn about Jesus and receive Him into our hearts. Yesterday, he was born. Today, we are called to offer Him to all, and give Him to any who will receive Him. For, we have received the ultimate gift from our LORD - the gift of forgiveness and eternal life through His sacrifice on the cross. In thanksgiving for all He did for us, should we not offer Him the gift of our lives in return?
Happy Boxing Day
A Piece of Peace
Wed, 21st December, 2011
What happened to peace on earth?
Well, since Cain and Abel, perhaps there never really has been any lasting peace on earth or good will to mankind, just small spurts.
This week the headlines read "The War in Iraq is Over". No, actually we just withdrew from it and sent our soldiers to the next friendly country. This was Babylon. The war in that region has been ranging for thousands of years - it is a war over ideologies, oil, land and watering holes. No peace there.
Has the "Oh, my gosh! Christmas is this weekend!" panic hit you? How peaceful is your world right now with last minute lists and checking them twice, relatives pulling into the driveway, and the credit card bills already arriving in the mailbox? Ho,ho,ho. Merry Christmas.
One of my friends told us over dinner that her favorite time of the year is about 5 am on Christmas morning. She gets up, curls up with her cup of coffee and breathes in the peace. She says that is the one time the hymn is right - all is calm, all is bright. But soon enough, the footsteps thump down the stairs and the joyous chaos begins.
For many, Christmas will be too quiet. No one will visit. They will have a microwave dinner in front of the TV and watch old holiday movies. They will huddle in a corner of a soup kitchen refuge or under an overpass. They will stare out their nursing home or hospital window and listen to the joyous voices of other families bringing poinsettias and gifts. Their loneliness and pain will not bring peace.
But no matter where you are, how busy you are, or how lonely, there is a piece of peace that you can unwrap this year. It is the peace that passes all understanding because it comes from the greatest gift of all - Our Lord Jesus. Do you see it, hiding in the back. It is the one without the pretty bow and glistening paper. It is the one you can unwrap every single morning and carry with you throughout your day, and into your night. It is the one that is free, but the most costly of all.
Emanuel - God is with you. O Come, let us adore Him.
Have a very merry, Blessed, holy Christmas. May your heart brim over with His peace.
Well, since Cain and Abel, perhaps there never really has been any lasting peace on earth or good will to mankind, just small spurts.
This week the headlines read "The War in Iraq is Over". No, actually we just withdrew from it and sent our soldiers to the next friendly country. This was Babylon. The war in that region has been ranging for thousands of years - it is a war over ideologies, oil, land and watering holes. No peace there.
Has the "Oh, my gosh! Christmas is this weekend!" panic hit you? How peaceful is your world right now with last minute lists and checking them twice, relatives pulling into the driveway, and the credit card bills already arriving in the mailbox? Ho,ho,ho. Merry Christmas.
One of my friends told us over dinner that her favorite time of the year is about 5 am on Christmas morning. She gets up, curls up with her cup of coffee and breathes in the peace. She says that is the one time the hymn is right - all is calm, all is bright. But soon enough, the footsteps thump down the stairs and the joyous chaos begins.
For many, Christmas will be too quiet. No one will visit. They will have a microwave dinner in front of the TV and watch old holiday movies. They will huddle in a corner of a soup kitchen refuge or under an overpass. They will stare out their nursing home or hospital window and listen to the joyous voices of other families bringing poinsettias and gifts. Their loneliness and pain will not bring peace.
But no matter where you are, how busy you are, or how lonely, there is a piece of peace that you can unwrap this year. It is the peace that passes all understanding because it comes from the greatest gift of all - Our Lord Jesus. Do you see it, hiding in the back. It is the one without the pretty bow and glistening paper. It is the one you can unwrap every single morning and carry with you throughout your day, and into your night. It is the one that is free, but the most costly of all.
Emanuel - God is with you. O Come, let us adore Him.
Have a very merry, Blessed, holy Christmas. May your heart brim over with His peace.
Trust - the Center
Mon, 12th December, 2011
Another email from a friend. One of those look you have to read this or see this video type. They inundate my email box, especially this time of year. This one I had heard, but had shoved way back into the file cabinet of my brain. It was a Godly whisper to me to remind me about the center of the Bible. I am glad it lay in my inbox.
The center of the Bible is Psalm 118:8. There are 594 chapters before it, and 594 chapters after it (which equals 1188). Psalm 118 is wedged between the shortest and the longest of the psalms. The message - "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man."
Pretty cool. If we follow that, won’t the center of our lives change? Won't it be more level like the center of a picture hanging on a hook? It will be right and even, not tilted to the side and wobbly.
Faith is trust without reservations. There are no what ifs, no maybe's, no I just don’t know's. Faith is pure trust in a loving God whose utmost desire is to restore His people to Him. That is the Bible in a nutshell sentence. Our LORD is in the restoration business, and there is no broken life He cannot renew, no sin He cannot forgive, no hurt for which He cannot provide balm. He knows our lives can be knocked off center, which I believe is why He gave us the center of the Bible as a reminder.
What is weighing on your soul, tilting your life to the side? Is it something you have done, or not done that you know you should have? Like the ultimate loving parent, if we need disciplining, we may have to endure some time out in the corner. But we can trust He will still there in the house watching over us. He has not left. He loved us enough to punish us. He also loves us enough to forgive us. He loves us even now in the middle of our sin when this picture called our life is catawampus.
What if it is something not of your doing? As with any picture on the wall, the rumbles of life can tilt us off balance. When someone or something else slants our life out of whack, He is there to dust us off and hang us back the right way. Use Psalm 118:8 like the bubble in a level, to make sure you are balanced in the Truth, trusting He is there loving you - always, no matter what.
TRUST = Total Reliance Upon the Sovereign Trinity. Father, Son and Holy Spirit - our Creator, Redeemer and Guide. May having this trust as the center of your life be an ongoing adjustment you make each day, and perhaps at times, several times during your day, to keep it level.
The center of the Bible is Psalm 118:8. There are 594 chapters before it, and 594 chapters after it (which equals 1188). Psalm 118 is wedged between the shortest and the longest of the psalms. The message - "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man."
Pretty cool. If we follow that, won’t the center of our lives change? Won't it be more level like the center of a picture hanging on a hook? It will be right and even, not tilted to the side and wobbly.
Faith is trust without reservations. There are no what ifs, no maybe's, no I just don’t know's. Faith is pure trust in a loving God whose utmost desire is to restore His people to Him. That is the Bible in a nutshell sentence. Our LORD is in the restoration business, and there is no broken life He cannot renew, no sin He cannot forgive, no hurt for which He cannot provide balm. He knows our lives can be knocked off center, which I believe is why He gave us the center of the Bible as a reminder.
What is weighing on your soul, tilting your life to the side? Is it something you have done, or not done that you know you should have? Like the ultimate loving parent, if we need disciplining, we may have to endure some time out in the corner. But we can trust He will still there in the house watching over us. He has not left. He loved us enough to punish us. He also loves us enough to forgive us. He loves us even now in the middle of our sin when this picture called our life is catawampus.
What if it is something not of your doing? As with any picture on the wall, the rumbles of life can tilt us off balance. When someone or something else slants our life out of whack, He is there to dust us off and hang us back the right way. Use Psalm 118:8 like the bubble in a level, to make sure you are balanced in the Truth, trusting He is there loving you - always, no matter what.
TRUST = Total Reliance Upon the Sovereign Trinity. Father, Son and Holy Spirit - our Creator, Redeemer and Guide. May having this trust as the center of your life be an ongoing adjustment you make each day, and perhaps at times, several times during your day, to keep it level.
Water Retention
Wed, 30th November, 2011
My niece sent me an email about a woman lecturing on stress. She held up a glass of water and asked people to guess the weight. Then she said it didn't matter how heavy it was now, but that it would feel heavier the longer she held it. If she didn't set it down, her arm would start to ache, then cramp, then stiffen. She said that is how stress is. We can only carry it around for so long before it weighs us down and becomes a heavy load to bear. Still insist on carrying it and it becomes unbearable. She said we need to occasionally let loose of the stress to give ourselves a rest. We need to set the glass down.
Good advice. It made me think of another way we try to handle stress - we drink the water! We swallow it down, thinking it will go away and not be a burden. That may temporarily free up our hands to handle the rest of our lives, but the weight is still inside of us. We will feel bloated, uncomfortable and not ourselves. You get the point.
How much better to pour out our stress at the foot of the cross and hand Christ the empty glass. Easier said than done. But the more we do that and ask Him to refill the glass with Himself in our lives, the less room we will have for the stress water in our glass. He told the parched woman at the well in the midst of the heat of the day that He was the Living Water and those who drank of it would never thirst again. She asked for that water so she'd never have to come back to the well.
How often do we return to the well of stress and dip in our glass? How much stress water are we retaining, either in the glass or inside of us, pretending what can't be seen by the world will no longer affect us? Pour out your cares to Jesus and let Him replenish it with His peace. Lay your burden down. Let Him carry your load.
Good advice. It made me think of another way we try to handle stress - we drink the water! We swallow it down, thinking it will go away and not be a burden. That may temporarily free up our hands to handle the rest of our lives, but the weight is still inside of us. We will feel bloated, uncomfortable and not ourselves. You get the point.
How much better to pour out our stress at the foot of the cross and hand Christ the empty glass. Easier said than done. But the more we do that and ask Him to refill the glass with Himself in our lives, the less room we will have for the stress water in our glass. He told the parched woman at the well in the midst of the heat of the day that He was the Living Water and those who drank of it would never thirst again. She asked for that water so she'd never have to come back to the well.
How often do we return to the well of stress and dip in our glass? How much stress water are we retaining, either in the glass or inside of us, pretending what can't be seen by the world will no longer affect us? Pour out your cares to Jesus and let Him replenish it with His peace. Lay your burden down. Let Him carry your load.
No Signal
Mon, 28th November, 2011
This may be cyber Monday, but there was no cyber for me. It is a day of crunch time and projects due. So, I sat down at my computer, slurpping my first cup of cofee only to be greeted by a black screen. I turned it off, then on again.
No signal received.
I crawled under the desk (amongst the dust bunnies- oh, how they gather around eletronics) pulled the plug, counted to ten, plugged it back in.
No signal received.
I pulled out the CP and checked all the connections, angst crawling up from my stomach into my throat. I didn’t have time for this. I definitely don’t have funds for a new monitor. A freelance writer needs a monitor!
No signal received.
I sat on the floor, tears streaming down my face and prayed – hard. I cried out to God – literally. “I have so much to do today. Three projects on my plate and one in the wings. Please Lord, make this work.”
I blew my nose, wiped my eyes and pushed the button again. Signal! (Obviously- I am typing this now.)
Our precious Lord knows our every needs. And He gave me a valuable lesson today. In my hurry to “get ‘er done” I had not started off my day in prayer. He had not received my signal. I was unplugged from Him, and my connection was dusty.
How often do we not see God working in our lives, and it is due to a faulty connection on our part? In this season of preparing for our Lord, let’s dust off the connections, and re-plug into our life source. Like my now glowing computer monitor, we will have His light shining through us to display to the world. We will be able to do His work, and our own. Signal received.
No signal received.
I crawled under the desk (amongst the dust bunnies- oh, how they gather around eletronics) pulled the plug, counted to ten, plugged it back in.
No signal received.
I pulled out the CP and checked all the connections, angst crawling up from my stomach into my throat. I didn’t have time for this. I definitely don’t have funds for a new monitor. A freelance writer needs a monitor!
No signal received.
I sat on the floor, tears streaming down my face and prayed – hard. I cried out to God – literally. “I have so much to do today. Three projects on my plate and one in the wings. Please Lord, make this work.”
I blew my nose, wiped my eyes and pushed the button again. Signal! (Obviously- I am typing this now.)
Our precious Lord knows our every needs. And He gave me a valuable lesson today. In my hurry to “get ‘er done” I had not started off my day in prayer. He had not received my signal. I was unplugged from Him, and my connection was dusty.
How often do we not see God working in our lives, and it is due to a faulty connection on our part? In this season of preparing for our Lord, let’s dust off the connections, and re-plug into our life source. Like my now glowing computer monitor, we will have His light shining through us to display to the world. We will be able to do His work, and our own. Signal received.
Dont Wreck My Routine
Mon, 21st November, 2011
I'm sleep deprived. Over the weekend I went to a convention. It meant sleeping (more like tossing and turning) in a strange bed, staying up way too late, getting up way too early and eating way too much. In essence, my normal routine was out of whack.
Each day was crammed with activities, lectures and learning. Towards the end I ran out of steam. Like a plow horse to the barn, I made a beeline for home, and my own bed. But, when I got home, I couldn't sleep. All the sights and sounds of the convention swirled in my brain. Then I realized, the whole time I was there, God had not been in the schedule. I never prayed nor did I read my Bible. I was following a tightly orgnaized man-made schedule and not fitting God into it.
What dawned on me is this is what happens in my spiritual life as well when I break the routine of prayer and Bible study - it spills over into my physical life. If I let the pressures of the to do list swirl in my brain, if I dash like a pollinating bee from project to project, and feel so stressed for time that I leave out God, I get out of my routine. I feel sluggish, brain dead, and out of sorts, as if the world is spinning but I have not yet caught up with the rhythym. I may be busy as a bee, but not accomplishing half as much. I've followed my own demanded by the world schedule and not fit God into it. That is like baking a cake without eggs - a main ingredient is missing. My day is just not going to turn out alright.
Just as our bodies need routine sleep and food to keep going, how much more do our souls need routine resting in the Lord and being fed by His Word- our daily bread? The hamster wheel of life is a lot less dizzying when He is there with you setting the pace.
Each day was crammed with activities, lectures and learning. Towards the end I ran out of steam. Like a plow horse to the barn, I made a beeline for home, and my own bed. But, when I got home, I couldn't sleep. All the sights and sounds of the convention swirled in my brain. Then I realized, the whole time I was there, God had not been in the schedule. I never prayed nor did I read my Bible. I was following a tightly orgnaized man-made schedule and not fitting God into it.
What dawned on me is this is what happens in my spiritual life as well when I break the routine of prayer and Bible study - it spills over into my physical life. If I let the pressures of the to do list swirl in my brain, if I dash like a pollinating bee from project to project, and feel so stressed for time that I leave out God, I get out of my routine. I feel sluggish, brain dead, and out of sorts, as if the world is spinning but I have not yet caught up with the rhythym. I may be busy as a bee, but not accomplishing half as much. I've followed my own demanded by the world schedule and not fit God into it. That is like baking a cake without eggs - a main ingredient is missing. My day is just not going to turn out alright.
Just as our bodies need routine sleep and food to keep going, how much more do our souls need routine resting in the Lord and being fed by His Word- our daily bread? The hamster wheel of life is a lot less dizzying when He is there with you setting the pace.
Be a Joseph
Thu, 17th November, 2011
Do You Need a Joseph?
Julie B Cosgrove
When he summoned a famine on the land and broke all supply of bread, he had sent a man ahead of them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave. (Psalm 105:16-17 ESV)
Famines come in many forms. We hear of the starving children in Africa, read about drought stricken areas where there is no enough water for crops, see the ravages of natural disaster on the news. But there is another famine spreading here in this abundant and plentiful land in North America. It is a famine of faith.
So many people have lost faith. They have lost faith in their employer, lost faith in the government to rule prudently, lost faith in their elected officials who promised to represent their best interests. Women lose faith in their relationships, because the pot bellied guy snoozing on the couch seems more of a frog than their dashing Prince Charming. Men lose faith in their wives because they are so busy with job, kids and volunteer work they no longer give the men their sole undivided attention. Parents lose faith in their children who didn't turn out the way they envisioned. Teens lose faith in their parents because they begin to see their moms and dads have flaws. Victims of crime lose faith in the system.
And way too often they see this chaotic world and ask, "Where is God? Does He exist? I thought He was supposed to be in control?"
The answer is - He does. He never left. He is right here. Even when the world is crumbling around you, He has a plan. He has a Joseph He has sent ahead. We just need to seek him out.
Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers, was sent to Egypt. But he had interpreted the Pharaoh's dream and told him after years of abundance there would be years of lack so it would be wise to store up. Because of his smarts, charisma and God's grace, he ended up being Pharaoh's right hand man. When famine hit Israel, his father Jacob sent his brothers to Egypt to beg for grain. Guess who they were supposed to see?
If you are in an abundant place and you feel God has blessed you abundantly- store up. Continue in prayer, Bible study and serving. Don't take God for granted. Then, when bad times hit, your faith will be stronger. You will have the resources to see you through, as Joseph did. He never lost faith.
But, if you are in a bad time and your faith feels starved, look for the Joseph in your life. God is preparing someone or something as your relief. The thing is, you may have to humble yourself to receive it, just as Joseph's brothers did.
And, it just may be that God will call you to be someone else's Joseph - to be His messenger to them and to provide them with some of your faith to feed their hunger for truth. Even if they wronged you as Joseph's brothers did, will you react in love?
We have what the world is starving to have - faith. Share the Bread of Life today and feed some souls. Give a smile to the down in the mouth and frazzled clerk behind the cash register. Open the door for someone who is laden down with bundles in their arms. Do a little something special for someone just because you love them. And above all else, pray.
Julie B Cosgrove
When he summoned a famine on the land and broke all supply of bread, he had sent a man ahead of them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave. (Psalm 105:16-17 ESV)
Famines come in many forms. We hear of the starving children in Africa, read about drought stricken areas where there is no enough water for crops, see the ravages of natural disaster on the news. But there is another famine spreading here in this abundant and plentiful land in North America. It is a famine of faith.
So many people have lost faith. They have lost faith in their employer, lost faith in the government to rule prudently, lost faith in their elected officials who promised to represent their best interests. Women lose faith in their relationships, because the pot bellied guy snoozing on the couch seems more of a frog than their dashing Prince Charming. Men lose faith in their wives because they are so busy with job, kids and volunteer work they no longer give the men their sole undivided attention. Parents lose faith in their children who didn't turn out the way they envisioned. Teens lose faith in their parents because they begin to see their moms and dads have flaws. Victims of crime lose faith in the system.
And way too often they see this chaotic world and ask, "Where is God? Does He exist? I thought He was supposed to be in control?"
The answer is - He does. He never left. He is right here. Even when the world is crumbling around you, He has a plan. He has a Joseph He has sent ahead. We just need to seek him out.
Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers, was sent to Egypt. But he had interpreted the Pharaoh's dream and told him after years of abundance there would be years of lack so it would be wise to store up. Because of his smarts, charisma and God's grace, he ended up being Pharaoh's right hand man. When famine hit Israel, his father Jacob sent his brothers to Egypt to beg for grain. Guess who they were supposed to see?
If you are in an abundant place and you feel God has blessed you abundantly- store up. Continue in prayer, Bible study and serving. Don't take God for granted. Then, when bad times hit, your faith will be stronger. You will have the resources to see you through, as Joseph did. He never lost faith.
But, if you are in a bad time and your faith feels starved, look for the Joseph in your life. God is preparing someone or something as your relief. The thing is, you may have to humble yourself to receive it, just as Joseph's brothers did.
And, it just may be that God will call you to be someone else's Joseph - to be His messenger to them and to provide them with some of your faith to feed their hunger for truth. Even if they wronged you as Joseph's brothers did, will you react in love?
We have what the world is starving to have - faith. Share the Bread of Life today and feed some souls. Give a smile to the down in the mouth and frazzled clerk behind the cash register. Open the door for someone who is laden down with bundles in their arms. Do a little something special for someone just because you love them. And above all else, pray.
11-11-11
Fri, 11th November, 2011
Today, at 11 am and 11 pm hundreds of thousands of Christains around the globe will raise their hands and fall to their knees in prayer for their communities, neighbors and governments. They are expressing Provebs 11:11 which states -
Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.
We have seen deteriation of manners, service attitudes, consideration for others, and neighborliness in the past decade. What used ot be only seem in back rooms of XXX stores is now on TV and no one blinks mcuh at foul language. More people stay home than go to church, and Christ themes are taboo at Christmas. Will Easter be next?
Many who follow the Mayan calnedar think the world will end today. Since I am writing this, I think they may be mistaken. But our world is broken, and the wicked have spoken up for too long. Today, will you take a momment to pray for your community, city, state and for our nation? Will you do that tomorrow, the next day, next week and throughout next year?
Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.
We have seen deteriation of manners, service attitudes, consideration for others, and neighborliness in the past decade. What used ot be only seem in back rooms of XXX stores is now on TV and no one blinks mcuh at foul language. More people stay home than go to church, and Christ themes are taboo at Christmas. Will Easter be next?
Many who follow the Mayan calnedar think the world will end today. Since I am writing this, I think they may be mistaken. But our world is broken, and the wicked have spoken up for too long. Today, will you take a momment to pray for your community, city, state and for our nation? Will you do that tomorrow, the next day, next week and throughout next year?
Stumble walk
Mon, 31st October, 2011
I was raised to hold my head up and not slouch, a sign of being proud of who I was. I learned to walk that way as well, with the library book balanced on my head- really. So occasionally I trip over cracks in the sidewalk, or bumps, or thresholds.
My husband used to grouse, "Look down at your feet and you won't stumble so much." But then I'd miss so much if I always concentrated on my feet. I might miss a squirrel scampering to a tree or a butterfly flit by with its wings shining in the sunlight. Besides, always looking down at my feet is to be downcast- sullen and introverted. In essence, neither is the right way to walk.
So I have learned to look slightly ahead. That way I can have confidence, and anticipate what is coming in the next few steps, good or bad.
Sunday, the prayer in church was this - "Almighty and Merciful God, grant that we may run without stumbling to obtain your heavenly promises. . ." That comes from Proverbs 4:12
There are a lot of references to stumbling in the Bible, mostly it is stumbling over God's law or Truth. But there are things of this world which can make us trip in our walk- temptations, doubt, fear. Christ is the stone that make men stumble and the rock that make men fall (1 Peter2:8). But the Psalms say God can place us on heights where we are as surefooted as the deer, and where we won't stumble, no matter what lies in our path.
As Christians, we are to walk in this world and be Christ's hands and feet. We shouldn't be over proud or live in a fantasy world with our heads in the clouds, yet we shouldn't let things weigh us down to where all we can see is the ground beneath our feet. Either way keeps us from seeing the little wonders which He has bestowed upon us. Trusting in God's ways and Truth means we need only look ahead, just a little. We don't know need to know what is far down the road. That is in God's hands. We see only what His Light illuminates as we walk, so we don't stumble. Yet, as humans, we still do, right?
We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. James3:2 . We know there is only one perfect man- Jesus.
So, when something this life does trip us up, His loving arms will be there extended to catch us. And even if we don't grab hold of Him and scrape our knees or elbows on the ways of the world, we can call on Him to tend to our wounds. He will never give up on us. HE will even use that stumble as a lesson to call us back to His side.
Did God's people stumble and fall beyond recovery? Of course not! They were disobedient, so God made salvation available to the Gentiles. But he wanted his own people to become jealous and claim it for themselves. Romans 11:11
So go on - run towards His Heavenly promise the way the prodigal son ran towards his father. He will guide your path step by step. And is you do trip a bit, call out to Jesus.
My husband used to grouse, "Look down at your feet and you won't stumble so much." But then I'd miss so much if I always concentrated on my feet. I might miss a squirrel scampering to a tree or a butterfly flit by with its wings shining in the sunlight. Besides, always looking down at my feet is to be downcast- sullen and introverted. In essence, neither is the right way to walk.
So I have learned to look slightly ahead. That way I can have confidence, and anticipate what is coming in the next few steps, good or bad.
Sunday, the prayer in church was this - "Almighty and Merciful God, grant that we may run without stumbling to obtain your heavenly promises. . ." That comes from Proverbs 4:12
There are a lot of references to stumbling in the Bible, mostly it is stumbling over God's law or Truth. But there are things of this world which can make us trip in our walk- temptations, doubt, fear. Christ is the stone that make men stumble and the rock that make men fall (1 Peter2:8). But the Psalms say God can place us on heights where we are as surefooted as the deer, and where we won't stumble, no matter what lies in our path.
As Christians, we are to walk in this world and be Christ's hands and feet. We shouldn't be over proud or live in a fantasy world with our heads in the clouds, yet we shouldn't let things weigh us down to where all we can see is the ground beneath our feet. Either way keeps us from seeing the little wonders which He has bestowed upon us. Trusting in God's ways and Truth means we need only look ahead, just a little. We don't know need to know what is far down the road. That is in God's hands. We see only what His Light illuminates as we walk, so we don't stumble. Yet, as humans, we still do, right?
We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. James3:2 . We know there is only one perfect man- Jesus.
So, when something this life does trip us up, His loving arms will be there extended to catch us. And even if we don't grab hold of Him and scrape our knees or elbows on the ways of the world, we can call on Him to tend to our wounds. He will never give up on us. HE will even use that stumble as a lesson to call us back to His side.
Did God's people stumble and fall beyond recovery? Of course not! They were disobedient, so God made salvation available to the Gentiles. But he wanted his own people to become jealous and claim it for themselves. Romans 11:11
So go on - run towards His Heavenly promise the way the prodigal son ran towards his father. He will guide your path step by step. And is you do trip a bit, call out to Jesus.
Holy Ghost
Thu, 27th October, 2011
Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have." Luke 24:39
People often ask me as a Christian writer, are ghosts real? There are 120 mentions of the word "ghost" in the Bible, if you include Holy Ghost. Back when I was growing up in church, that is what we called the Holy Spirit because we all learned from the old King James version of the Bible.
Jesus was certainly aware that his disciples had heard of ghosts, and perhaps believed in them. They thought He was a ghost when they saw Him walking across the water. But what are ghosts? Are they the same as spirits?
I believe there is Biblical evidence that people believed in ghosts, but I do not see where it says they are correct in doing so. Scripture teaches us that we have souls- made up of mind, body and spirit. When we die, our spirit part doesn't roam the earth haunting people. It rests in Christ Jesus until the end of the age when we will be given new bodies without decay, disease or sin. Or, if you are not a believer, it becomes separated from God's grace, which is hell.
Sure, after my husband passed my mind and heart played tricks. I was used to having him around, so that void was incomprehensible. There were times I literally caught my breath and turned, only to see nothing there when I was certain it was him. But that was not a ghost, it was grief.
I do believe in demons and principalities. That is Biblical. But not even they can separate us from Christ's love, no more than can death. We need not fear them if we have Christ in us.
Ghosts are no more our dead ancestors as are the angels who watch over us. There is only one ghost who does that - the Holy Ghost, our guide and comforter given by the Father and the Son until the Second Coming. He is all I need. Sorry Casper.
What do you think?
People often ask me as a Christian writer, are ghosts real? There are 120 mentions of the word "ghost" in the Bible, if you include Holy Ghost. Back when I was growing up in church, that is what we called the Holy Spirit because we all learned from the old King James version of the Bible.
Jesus was certainly aware that his disciples had heard of ghosts, and perhaps believed in them. They thought He was a ghost when they saw Him walking across the water. But what are ghosts? Are they the same as spirits?
I believe there is Biblical evidence that people believed in ghosts, but I do not see where it says they are correct in doing so. Scripture teaches us that we have souls- made up of mind, body and spirit. When we die, our spirit part doesn't roam the earth haunting people. It rests in Christ Jesus until the end of the age when we will be given new bodies without decay, disease or sin. Or, if you are not a believer, it becomes separated from God's grace, which is hell.
Sure, after my husband passed my mind and heart played tricks. I was used to having him around, so that void was incomprehensible. There were times I literally caught my breath and turned, only to see nothing there when I was certain it was him. But that was not a ghost, it was grief.
I do believe in demons and principalities. That is Biblical. But not even they can separate us from Christ's love, no more than can death. We need not fear them if we have Christ in us.
Ghosts are no more our dead ancestors as are the angels who watch over us. There is only one ghost who does that - the Holy Ghost, our guide and comforter given by the Father and the Son until the Second Coming. He is all I need. Sorry Casper.
What do you think?
Bound Back
Mon, 17th October, 2011
Working at home during the day, which is a rabbit warren of an apartment complex, my window faces a common area. I saw a young man I'd not seen before with his dog. Dogs are supposed to be on leashes, but this guy released the pet's leash and let his dog romp, sniff and explore. It made friends with another dog.
Happy and bouncy, the dog had a blast, yet never ran off or stayed far from his master's watchful eye. He stayed within the parameters of the common area. Then, after a few minutes, the master gave a short whistle. Immediately the dog bounded back in obedience and stood quietly as the young man reattached his leash. Together they walked away, the dog matching the man's steps.
You see where this is leading, right? What a beautiful image of how we should be with God. If we are obedient, He will give us a bit of freedom to live in this world, as long as we know our boundaries and stay within them. Those boundaries are His laws in Scripture. He sent His son to fulfill those laws called the 10 commandments. Our job is to stay under our Master's watchful eye which is always on us, and to return when He calls.
What is the leash? His Holy Spirit. We must be bound to it in order to know how to behave. It is the staff of the Shepherd to yank us out of danger. That inward whisper not to go any further, but to turn around and come back. The Holy Spirit of Christ living in us until we meet Him face to face in the clouds guides us and teaches us. It may seem restrictive at times, but it's for our own good.
If we are obedient, God may let us loose in the world a bit as His hands and feet. But, if we are disobedient and stray, He will call us back. I hope, when that happens, and being human and flawed it will, I bound back in eager obedience just like that dog in the common grounds. I sit quietly as the Holy Spirit once more becomes my lead and walk alongside my Master, pacing myself with His steps. May I always be bound by that.
2John 1:6 And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.
Happy and bouncy, the dog had a blast, yet never ran off or stayed far from his master's watchful eye. He stayed within the parameters of the common area. Then, after a few minutes, the master gave a short whistle. Immediately the dog bounded back in obedience and stood quietly as the young man reattached his leash. Together they walked away, the dog matching the man's steps.
You see where this is leading, right? What a beautiful image of how we should be with God. If we are obedient, He will give us a bit of freedom to live in this world, as long as we know our boundaries and stay within them. Those boundaries are His laws in Scripture. He sent His son to fulfill those laws called the 10 commandments. Our job is to stay under our Master's watchful eye which is always on us, and to return when He calls.
What is the leash? His Holy Spirit. We must be bound to it in order to know how to behave. It is the staff of the Shepherd to yank us out of danger. That inward whisper not to go any further, but to turn around and come back. The Holy Spirit of Christ living in us until we meet Him face to face in the clouds guides us and teaches us. It may seem restrictive at times, but it's for our own good.
If we are obedient, God may let us loose in the world a bit as His hands and feet. But, if we are disobedient and stray, He will call us back. I hope, when that happens, and being human and flawed it will, I bound back in eager obedience just like that dog in the common grounds. I sit quietly as the Holy Spirit once more becomes my lead and walk alongside my Master, pacing myself with His steps. May I always be bound by that.
2John 1:6 And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.
No Crying Wolf
Thu, 13th October, 2011
I took a tumble down the stairs – only four or five steps of it – but it was enough to convince me as I sat in that stairwell that yes, I should buy one of those medical alert buttons.
I had thought for a while about getting one, even though I am healthy and fairly young. I prayed about it. As a widow living alone and a freelance writer working out of my house, I worried that if something happened it could be days before anyone checked on me. My grown son, who lives about an hour away in traffic, said I was being silly. But I wanted that security.
Now I have a red button around my neck, one by the bathtub, and a huge illuminated one on a panel by my phone. All I have to do is push it and someone is there to help. When I tested it the first time and a friendly voice sounded at the other end, I felt relief. I joked, “I hope I won’t have to hear your voice very often.” She laughed and replied, “We are always here, and even if you don’t call us, from time to time we’ll check in on you.”
A chill went up me. I could hear God telling me that as well. “I am always here and even if you don’t call, I will check in on you.”
Of course, unlike the medical alert, with God, it is best to hit the button and talk with Him often during the day. Our spiritual well being is so much more precious than our temporal and physical one here on earth, though we should care for it as a temple. With God, there is no “crying wolf”. The medical alert people might get a little annoyed if I abused that red button and called them each time a I got a paper cut or a tummy ache, or was just lonely and wanted to chat. But, our Heavenly Father prefers we not be so stoic and come to Him with each little thing.
Never feel that God is too busy running the universe to pay attention to your little problems. That diminishes His power in your mind. He is very capable of multi-tasking. He is never too busy to listen when one of His children presses the red button and asks, “Are you there?” Now, that’s security.
In my distress I called upon the LORD;
to my God I cried for help.
From his temple he heard my voice,
and my cry to him reached his ears.
(Psalm 18:6 ESV)
I had thought for a while about getting one, even though I am healthy and fairly young. I prayed about it. As a widow living alone and a freelance writer working out of my house, I worried that if something happened it could be days before anyone checked on me. My grown son, who lives about an hour away in traffic, said I was being silly. But I wanted that security.
Now I have a red button around my neck, one by the bathtub, and a huge illuminated one on a panel by my phone. All I have to do is push it and someone is there to help. When I tested it the first time and a friendly voice sounded at the other end, I felt relief. I joked, “I hope I won’t have to hear your voice very often.” She laughed and replied, “We are always here, and even if you don’t call us, from time to time we’ll check in on you.”
A chill went up me. I could hear God telling me that as well. “I am always here and even if you don’t call, I will check in on you.”
Of course, unlike the medical alert, with God, it is best to hit the button and talk with Him often during the day. Our spiritual well being is so much more precious than our temporal and physical one here on earth, though we should care for it as a temple. With God, there is no “crying wolf”. The medical alert people might get a little annoyed if I abused that red button and called them each time a I got a paper cut or a tummy ache, or was just lonely and wanted to chat. But, our Heavenly Father prefers we not be so stoic and come to Him with each little thing.
Never feel that God is too busy running the universe to pay attention to your little problems. That diminishes His power in your mind. He is very capable of multi-tasking. He is never too busy to listen when one of His children presses the red button and asks, “Are you there?” Now, that’s security.
In my distress I called upon the LORD;
to my God I cried for help.
From his temple he heard my voice,
and my cry to him reached his ears.
(Psalm 18:6 ESV)
My Sunday
Mon, 10th October, 2011
At 5 o'clock in the morning the silence awoke me. No ceiling fan whir, no hum of the computer at my desk in my bedroom, and no whoosh of the AC unit. Outside my apartment window the world was pitch black, which is unusual since the grounds are usually lit up like a Christmas tree year round. Power outage. So, I went back to sleep lulled by the soft rain and occasional rumble of thunder. It was a long overdue, deeply peaceful and restful snooze. When I awoke and looked at my cell phone. It was 9:10 am!
Still no power. That meant no coffee, no hot shower, no computer. Besides, my garage under my apartment wouldn't open (the red emergency cord which dangled over the hood of my car had been long since demolished by my playful cat.) The security gates would be stuck closed until maintenance came on duty at noon. Worst yet, I had forgotten to plug in my cell phone so it was a beat away from dead. I couldn't call someone to come take me to church. The rain was falling harder, in dark sheets against a darkened sky back-lit by white flashes of lightening.
I sat at my desk. My routine was disturbed. How could I do my Bible time and devos? I am so used to looking up my Bible passages on my computer and smart phone, I almost forgot my trusty study Bible perched on the corner of my desk. I am so accustomed to pecking away on a keyboard, I forgot the paper and pens in my desk drawer. I had to laugh at how "techie" I had become.
At 10:30 there was a varoosh. The computer came on. Every clock in the house blinked 12:00. Power! The late service began at 11:15. I dashed into the bathroom and prayed for any trickle of warm water from the shower, and got it. After a three minute shower, slapped on eye makeup, hair pulled back, and dress pulled on, I was out the door and in my car. Even in the rain I made the usual twenty minute trek with three minutes to spare. Miracle one.
Miracle two. The church service was for me alone. I am totally convinced of that. As I rushed in the door and shook my umbrella, several people leaving the first service commented how much they loved my devos. I had forgotten that today's weekly insert was one I had written for a national organization which supplies them. I am one of about 45 writers. Then, the sermon reading happened to be on the passage in Philippians I have based my novel Focused on, which is almost through the publishing process at long last. I'd just approved the first draft of the front and back covers. It feels like I am in the last trimester of giving birth! Lastly, the hymn we sang during the offering was my all time, get-teary-eyed-each-time-I-hear-it favorite.
I emerged, my spirit lifted. God knew I needed to be in services today. It was if He planned it all just for me. Today was my Sunday. I am still at a loss as to why, but I was lavished in His blessings as a spoiled child surrounded by way too many birthday presents. How special to be given such special treatment by my Heavenly Father.
It made me ponder. Perhaps each day is like that, just not so blatantly obvious. Each morning I have breath and a heart beat, by His grace. Each morning His mercies are new. Each day I am surrounded by the beauty of His creation and His word in more sources and forms than ever before possible in the history of human beings.
Another analogy occurred to me. Even when I don't "see" evidence of His power in my life, He has given me tried and true resources to keep me going in the meantime. And, once I do notice evidence of His power again, it makes that even more special and precious.
Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so deeply You even take care of the smallest of details in our lives. Forgive me for not always noticing Your touch in my day. Thank You for my special Sunday, and for what it celebrates - Your Son's victory over sin and death. Help me to be more thankful and cognitive of Your blessings in my life. Let me always see Your Power in my day, even when it seems to be void of it. Occasionally mix up my routine so I am more aware of Your presence and my senses not dulled to Your everyday blessings. Amen.
Stirred Not Shaken
Sat, 1st October, 2011
I was bopping down the road listening to my favorite Contemporary Christian Music radio station singing along with the tunes (with the windows rolled up tight because I can’t carry a tune in a bucket.) A familiar one came on by Phil Stacey called "You're not Shaken." I started thinking about that title. The more I thought about it, the more it stirred my soul.
God cannot be shaken. He knows all, sees all, and there are no surprises to Him. Nothing I think, do or say will catch him off guard. The same goes with you. He knows the depths of our hearts and loves us anyway. He stands ready to forgive us and start over- no grudges. He always has a plan - the best plan for our lives.
Me? Not so much. Though I am trying more and more to rely solely on Him and lean not own my understanding, my world still gets shaken up now and then with uncertainty, especially in this economy as a freelance writer and a widow not yet old enough for government assistance and doubtful it will be there when I do reach that age.
It makes me realize when something looms in front of me I have two choices—I can be shaken, or stirred. I can cower, wring my hands, cry and whine which, if I think about it, is so counter-productive. Nothing happens. It stagnates me, quaking in my boots as, like in an earthquake, things tumble around me. My faith, my health, my peace of mind, my trust are toppled.
Or, I can get stirred up—in a good way. When you stir, the water dissolves everything, doesn’t it? It swirls around into a funnel gaining strength. Christ is the Living Water. I can funnel my energies into believing that God will do His part if I do mine—which is to believe, let Him use me and move forward in prayer. I can swirl the part of Christ which dwells inside of me into a hydropower to dissolve the doubts, worries and fears. Stirring is pro-active, not counterproductive. It is doing something, instead of just reacting which freezes me into non-action.
And the best thing of all is I can reach up, take my Savior's hand which never shakes and hold on tight. Just like the song says, He is right beside me and has never left. Together we can move forward as my hand no longer shivers but feels the power of His Hand's grip on my life.
Brown Patch
Thu, 29th September, 2011
It never seems to grow. Outside my apartment window is a common ground area. In the center is lush green grass, but a half moon around is dead, brown grass. It was that way in the spring, over the summer and now into the fall months. It never seems to grow. I don't know why it is there. Perhaps they dug it up to put in a sprinkler system and the grass never recovered. Also, that section gets less sun, shaded by the building.
So what? Well, it reminded me of areas of my life that are not being reached by the Son. Some parts of my heart, mind and soul are verdant and growing. But, what about other areas? Do I have brown patches? Is there something dead in my heart like residual anger or mistrust or hurt that I have not dealt with? Perhaps I have buried them so deep that I have covered them over. But nothing grows there.
I never seem to grow? Is Something preventing that area of my life from replenishing and sending up new shoots of love and mercy? The truth is, harboring something deep inside will only kill the roots. Until I give it to the Son it won't grow. . .In fact, if I am not careful, it may "kill" the other grass around it. It may just begin to infect the roots(reasons) of other things I do and feel.
Maybe I need to have Christ do some uprooting and digging into my life to make sure it is all growing in Him. Maybe these brown patches need to be totally removed, so green grass can take over. Or perhaps, it just needs to be healed and the disease which is killing it stopped. Maybe it's time to turn it over to the Master Gardener. How about you?
So what? Well, it reminded me of areas of my life that are not being reached by the Son. Some parts of my heart, mind and soul are verdant and growing. But, what about other areas? Do I have brown patches? Is there something dead in my heart like residual anger or mistrust or hurt that I have not dealt with? Perhaps I have buried them so deep that I have covered them over. But nothing grows there.
I never seem to grow? Is Something preventing that area of my life from replenishing and sending up new shoots of love and mercy? The truth is, harboring something deep inside will only kill the roots. Until I give it to the Son it won't grow. . .In fact, if I am not careful, it may "kill" the other grass around it. It may just begin to infect the roots(reasons) of other things I do and feel.
Maybe I need to have Christ do some uprooting and digging into my life to make sure it is all growing in Him. Maybe these brown patches need to be totally removed, so green grass can take over. Or perhaps, it just needs to be healed and the disease which is killing it stopped. Maybe it's time to turn it over to the Master Gardener. How about you?
Rain and Ravens
Wed, 7th September, 2011
In the book of I Kings, Elijah tells the disobedient king Ahab that there will be no dew nor rain on the earth "except by my word". That word, of course, comes directly from God because Elijah is His faithful prophet - or mouthpiece. So what does God do? He tells Elijah - "Depart from here and turn eastward and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan."(I Kings 17:3).
Does that seem odd? God tells his mouthpiece there will be a huge drought, then tells him to go live by a brook - not a deep river like the Jordan or giant lake like Galilee, but a puny brook- one of the first water sources to most likely will dry up without rain. It is like saying, I am going to bring about a great calamity and I want you to sit in the middle of it.
If you have ever been sure you were doing God's will yet everything still went awry, you may understand Elijah's predicament. If you have prayed for rain then had your house destroyed by grass fire, or worn out your knees for healing of a loved one only to watch them waste away, or spent the wee hours crouched by your bed for your teenager only to get that call in the middle of the night no parent ever wants to receive - you know.
But here's the wonderful news. God promises to bring Elijah ravens to feed him bread and meat- the basics he'd need to keep going. He is saying, don’t worry- I will not forget you. I will sustain you. He does the same for each of us. All we need to do is trust and wait for the ravens.
Ravens are not pretty birds. They are noisy scavengers most others shoo away. Yet God can use anything and anyone to bring us comfort. He can take the ordinary and mundane and use it as a sign to give us what we need to make it through the day, the mood or the situation. Elijah trusted for God to provide. He didn’t question God's motives or decisions. He accepted where God had placed him for the moment and relied totally on God for everything. And when the brook did dry up, Elijah knew God would come up with a new plan.
What are your ravens while you wait for rain? What little acts, signs and bolstering of strength will God send you in the meantime? With a trusting heart, accept that you are where He wants you to be. Continue to pray. Read His Word. Be kind to others, serve in humility.
Too often don't we spend our energy praying for what we think should be - like praying for a torrential downpour of rain when God has us in a drought? Did Elijah look longingly to the west at the Jordan River and ask bitterly why God had not told him to go there? Scripture doesn’t say so. He sat by his slowly evaporating brook and waited in trust.
Let us take a lesson from Elijah. Let us thank God for who He is, our Provider, and trust in that. Let us wait in anticipation for the ravens in the distance flying to care for us, lest we miss them. Let us sip from the little brook, knowing that if it dries up, God will come up with a new plan for us.
Attentive
Mon, 29th August, 2011
Now, O my God, let your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayer of this place. 2 Chronicles 6:40
I can almost hear God's response - I will if you will. How often do I cry to to God to listen to me, then get up off my knees before I have a chance to hear His response. How often to I tell someone how my day is going, what good or bad thing happened to me, then turn and walk away before hearing about how they are doing? How many times do I pray for myself before I pray for others? How often am I too caught up in my own "things" to see what others need from me?
Perhaps I should instead pray for God to open my ears and my eyes and make me more attentive, rather than asking Him to be attentive to me? How about you?
I can almost hear God's response - I will if you will. How often do I cry to to God to listen to me, then get up off my knees before I have a chance to hear His response. How often to I tell someone how my day is going, what good or bad thing happened to me, then turn and walk away before hearing about how they are doing? How many times do I pray for myself before I pray for others? How often am I too caught up in my own "things" to see what others need from me?
Perhaps I should instead pray for God to open my ears and my eyes and make me more attentive, rather than asking Him to be attentive to me? How about you?
Hosed
Wed, 24th August, 2011
I read a devo today about not just receiving Christ but being obedient to be used by Him. What popped into my head was a hose. Water pours in, but it can get kinked or blocked, thus preventing it from reaching the sprinkler at the end. Christ is our Living Water, but we can block His flow through us. We can curl up in His love and absorb all He has to offer, but by doing so, block it from going further than our own hearts. Or, we can stretch ourselves and let Him flow through us to water the world with His grace and provide what mankind thirsts so greatly to have.
Long and Short of It
Tue, 23rd August, 2011
And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.” Acts 26:27-28
Not many of us can be as bold as Paul was, preaching the Gospel not only as if his life depended on it, but even when his life (or death) depended on it. Even in chains, he remained not only firm in his beliefs, but continued to try and convert anyone within ear shot, whether it was the king, or a prison guard, or another poor soul sitting with him in a dank, dark cell.
But there is one way we can be and do as he said - "Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am."
When a person makes the commitment to come to Christ is between them and God, not them and us. Our task is to keep preaching the Good News, and if all else fails, to use words. Whether we have the blessed privilege to speak a stirring talk then have tens or hundreds come forward in an altar call, or whether only one person turns their life around after knowing us half their lives, we are still about our Father's business, casting seeds. In our number crunching, result driven world, that's a difficult thing to fathom. We have to trust God will use us for His purpose, not try to use Him to prove we have purpose.
What are you doing to win souls for Christ? As you go through your day, remember SOULS - it may help you.
S - Show Christ in your life. Actions really do speak louder than words, especially with people we come in contact with on a regular basis.
O- Be obedient. If you feel the Holy Spirit spurring you to witness or do a kind act, don't second guess it. Do it, then leave the reaction and result to God.
U - Understand what you believe and back it up by Scripture. The more you study, pray and memorize God's word, the more you will be shielded from temptations and affirm the power of the Word.
L - Love others as Christ loved them. Asked God to let you see them through His eyes- as people worth saving. Sometimes, that may be the hardest part, but if the person senses a lack of sincerity, they will shut you out.
S - Remain as sinless as possible. Confess whatever sin you may be harboring so it doesn't clog you up as a conduit. As they say on Christian radio, "People see what you do, God sees why you do it."
That's the long and short of it.
Not many of us can be as bold as Paul was, preaching the Gospel not only as if his life depended on it, but even when his life (or death) depended on it. Even in chains, he remained not only firm in his beliefs, but continued to try and convert anyone within ear shot, whether it was the king, or a prison guard, or another poor soul sitting with him in a dank, dark cell.
But there is one way we can be and do as he said - "Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am."
When a person makes the commitment to come to Christ is between them and God, not them and us. Our task is to keep preaching the Good News, and if all else fails, to use words. Whether we have the blessed privilege to speak a stirring talk then have tens or hundreds come forward in an altar call, or whether only one person turns their life around after knowing us half their lives, we are still about our Father's business, casting seeds. In our number crunching, result driven world, that's a difficult thing to fathom. We have to trust God will use us for His purpose, not try to use Him to prove we have purpose.
What are you doing to win souls for Christ? As you go through your day, remember SOULS - it may help you.
S - Show Christ in your life. Actions really do speak louder than words, especially with people we come in contact with on a regular basis.
O- Be obedient. If you feel the Holy Spirit spurring you to witness or do a kind act, don't second guess it. Do it, then leave the reaction and result to God.
U - Understand what you believe and back it up by Scripture. The more you study, pray and memorize God's word, the more you will be shielded from temptations and affirm the power of the Word.
L - Love others as Christ loved them. Asked God to let you see them through His eyes- as people worth saving. Sometimes, that may be the hardest part, but if the person senses a lack of sincerity, they will shut you out.
S - Remain as sinless as possible. Confess whatever sin you may be harboring so it doesn't clog you up as a conduit. As they say on Christian radio, "People see what you do, God sees why you do it."
That's the long and short of it.
Marvelous
Sun, 14th August, 2011
This is the day that the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
Are you humming the tune yet? I hear children's voices echoing throughout Bible camp and envision bright shining faces and clapping hands when I read these words.
In the first part of this psalm, David is rejoicing because God has saved him from the precipice of death. He says God's steadfast love endures forever. He says to fear the Lord and trust in Him instead of princes and ordinary men. He says even though his enemies were surrounding him like a swarm of bees, God protected him.
But, read the rest of the psalm. In verse 18 David makes a twist in thought. He acknowledges God has dealt with him severely and reprimanded him. God placed him in the situation. He says -
The Lord has disciplined me severely, but he has not given me over to death. (vs.18)
The situation David was in was of God's doing. If we are to proclaim that God is in control, it means He is in control- always. Whatever happens to us, as one Christian recording artist sings, must first pass through His hands. That is a hard concept. It is right up there with the question, "How can God allow such suffering in the world?"
But, the good news is that whatever we go through, good or bad, whether it is the best of times or the worst of times, our loving, steadfast Lord is there. He is not sitting on a cloud surrounded by angels choruses watching from afar like a Graeco-Roman god, but in the midst of it all - there to grab our hand and hold it when our world is tossed upside down, or shelter us like an eagle nestles her babies under her mighty wings, or swoop us up out of the mess we have gotten ourselves into, most likely out of disobedience. He is also there to dance with us and rejoice. He is there as we throw back our heads in laughter and are spun around in pure joy.
In all things, circumstances, and attitudes of this life - I plan to strive to be more like David and say -
This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. (vs 23)
Maybe, just maybe, my spiritual eyes will be able to look beyond my little world of the here and now to see the mighty hand of God more often and whisper in awe, "Marvelous."
What about you?
let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
Are you humming the tune yet? I hear children's voices echoing throughout Bible camp and envision bright shining faces and clapping hands when I read these words.
In the first part of this psalm, David is rejoicing because God has saved him from the precipice of death. He says God's steadfast love endures forever. He says to fear the Lord and trust in Him instead of princes and ordinary men. He says even though his enemies were surrounding him like a swarm of bees, God protected him.
But, read the rest of the psalm. In verse 18 David makes a twist in thought. He acknowledges God has dealt with him severely and reprimanded him. God placed him in the situation. He says -
The Lord has disciplined me severely, but he has not given me over to death. (vs.18)
The situation David was in was of God's doing. If we are to proclaim that God is in control, it means He is in control- always. Whatever happens to us, as one Christian recording artist sings, must first pass through His hands. That is a hard concept. It is right up there with the question, "How can God allow such suffering in the world?"
But, the good news is that whatever we go through, good or bad, whether it is the best of times or the worst of times, our loving, steadfast Lord is there. He is not sitting on a cloud surrounded by angels choruses watching from afar like a Graeco-Roman god, but in the midst of it all - there to grab our hand and hold it when our world is tossed upside down, or shelter us like an eagle nestles her babies under her mighty wings, or swoop us up out of the mess we have gotten ourselves into, most likely out of disobedience. He is also there to dance with us and rejoice. He is there as we throw back our heads in laughter and are spun around in pure joy.
In all things, circumstances, and attitudes of this life - I plan to strive to be more like David and say -
This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. (vs 23)
Maybe, just maybe, my spiritual eyes will be able to look beyond my little world of the here and now to see the mighty hand of God more often and whisper in awe, "Marvelous."
What about you?
IN-separable
Wed, 3rd August, 2011
Romans 8:38-39 has always made my heart soar - nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus Not life, nor death, principalities, angels or rulers, powers . . . but, then it gets more personal.
Nothing today or yet to come. . . What a comforting thought, isn't it? No matter what happens to me today, or whatever I fear may happen tomorrow, Christ will be right beside me. He knows all and sees all eventhough I am tunnel visioned and focused on the now, or shutting my eyes to tomorrow. And though it is not stated, nothing in the past can either, if I have laid it at His feet.
Nor height nor depth. . . What is height or depth? It is the depth of despair and the height of joy? When we are so far down in the dumps we can't raise our heads, Christ is there. When everything is going just fine, thank you very much, and we feel we don't need Him in our lives , He is there anyway. Whether we fall to our knees in whispered prayer, or shout to the rafters, Christ hears us. In the valley of everyday drudgery or in our rare mountaintop experiences, He is holding out His hand to guide us.
nor anything else in all creation . . . Paul may have well said, "No matter what else you can dream up in my little head, my friend." All excuses, blames, angers, hurts, and wounds find healing balm. All self-made pompous remarks, greed, pride and vainglory wither in His presence. Prejudices and deep seated anger dissipate the longer they are exposed to the Light. No matter the sin, it is we that block it from His love, not Christ.
No matter what, we can't shove Him out of our conscience, or move Him out of our lives once we have responded to the knock on our soul's door and asked Him into our hearts.
Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus . . .not even ourselves.
Nothing today or yet to come. . . What a comforting thought, isn't it? No matter what happens to me today, or whatever I fear may happen tomorrow, Christ will be right beside me. He knows all and sees all eventhough I am tunnel visioned and focused on the now, or shutting my eyes to tomorrow. And though it is not stated, nothing in the past can either, if I have laid it at His feet.
Nor height nor depth. . . What is height or depth? It is the depth of despair and the height of joy? When we are so far down in the dumps we can't raise our heads, Christ is there. When everything is going just fine, thank you very much, and we feel we don't need Him in our lives , He is there anyway. Whether we fall to our knees in whispered prayer, or shout to the rafters, Christ hears us. In the valley of everyday drudgery or in our rare mountaintop experiences, He is holding out His hand to guide us.
nor anything else in all creation . . . Paul may have well said, "No matter what else you can dream up in my little head, my friend." All excuses, blames, angers, hurts, and wounds find healing balm. All self-made pompous remarks, greed, pride and vainglory wither in His presence. Prejudices and deep seated anger dissipate the longer they are exposed to the Light. No matter the sin, it is we that block it from His love, not Christ.
No matter what, we can't shove Him out of our conscience, or move Him out of our lives once we have responded to the knock on our soul's door and asked Him into our hearts.
Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus . . .not even ourselves.
Flipped Over Swallowed Up
Fri, 29th July, 2011
Water rushed over me and my heels whacked the back of my head, almost knocking me out. Through the sting of salt water, I barely made out the sunlight through the murky, foamy green - my only chance to take a breath inches away, yet helplessly out of my reach. Then I was flipped over and over by the tide. I lost sight of the light.
That was my first and only experience body surfing. I emerged back on the beach, gasping, to join the others who laughed loudly as they relayed their experiences in escalating joy. Every part of me cried out in pain. I wasn't meant to be a pretzel, or face death at 17. But no one knew. I laughed along with them, hid my trembling hands and hoped nobody heard my thudding heart.
Perhaps that is where you are right now - flooded over, swallowed up and closed over. Yet you are doing you best to hide it, hoping nobody will notice. Take heart. There is a ray of hope shining vaguely out of reach. Can you see that light, or have you been flipped over so it is out of view? Just because you have lost sight of it, doesn't mean is not still there.
Let not the flood sweep over me, nor the deep swallow me up, nor the pit close its mouth over me. Answer me, O Lord, for your steadfast love is good… Psalm 69:15-16a
David, who wrote this psalm, obviously knew what it was like to be overwhelmed. Most likely he was hiding in a cave from Saul's armies. But he also knew there was someone in control - God. In this topsy-turvy life, we, too, can have that confidence. It won't last forever and soon we will be back on solid ground. Even if we have temporarily lost sight of the Light, He is still there.
I learned that in a cove south of Acapulco. I knew nothing else than God lifted me back onto the shore while I still had air in my lungs. He had been in control of this little Texas gal on that school sponsored trip so many decades ago. He still is.
That was my first and only experience body surfing. I emerged back on the beach, gasping, to join the others who laughed loudly as they relayed their experiences in escalating joy. Every part of me cried out in pain. I wasn't meant to be a pretzel, or face death at 17. But no one knew. I laughed along with them, hid my trembling hands and hoped nobody heard my thudding heart.
Perhaps that is where you are right now - flooded over, swallowed up and closed over. Yet you are doing you best to hide it, hoping nobody will notice. Take heart. There is a ray of hope shining vaguely out of reach. Can you see that light, or have you been flipped over so it is out of view? Just because you have lost sight of it, doesn't mean is not still there.
Let not the flood sweep over me, nor the deep swallow me up, nor the pit close its mouth over me. Answer me, O Lord, for your steadfast love is good… Psalm 69:15-16a
David, who wrote this psalm, obviously knew what it was like to be overwhelmed. Most likely he was hiding in a cave from Saul's armies. But he also knew there was someone in control - God. In this topsy-turvy life, we, too, can have that confidence. It won't last forever and soon we will be back on solid ground. Even if we have temporarily lost sight of the Light, He is still there.
I learned that in a cove south of Acapulco. I knew nothing else than God lifted me back onto the shore while I still had air in my lungs. He had been in control of this little Texas gal on that school sponsored trip so many decades ago. He still is.
Walk Before
Mon, 25th July, 2011
What does it mean to walk before someone, much less God? Is it to walk ahead of them, walk towards them, walk in sync with them instead of at your own pace?
When we walk before God, He has our back - He is protecting us, yet also directing us. He can see the whole picture, not just the path ahead as we do through our tunnel vision. No one can sneak up from behind out of our view. He is there to let us know if danger is coming.
Think of incidences of "walking before" in everyday lives. My apartment looks out over a common park-like area and I see it happening all the time. A parent lets the toddler walk before them, knowing they need to learn to stand on their own two feet, literally and emotionally. But, that parent is there to catch them if they wobble. Their eyes are right there focused on the child's movements. Nothing else is more important. If something off to the side catches the child's attention and the child dashes ahead after it, the parents will catch up to them and lead them back to a safe path.
Dogs walk before their masters on a lead. They are being controlled by commands from their masters who are more aware of the surroundings and not governed solely by instinct. The master knows where they should be headed, but through the leads the master gives the animal some freedom of movement as well. If need by, the master yanks and the animal knows to change direction, slow down or stop. That requires trust on the animal's part. They trust in their master's love and protection as well as guidance, which spurs obedience. The more obedient and manageable the dog, the longer the lead.
What is tying you to your Master in Heaven as you walk along life's path? If you feel the yank, do you resist or obey?
Or, right now are you like the toddler on a new path? Do you feel Him hovering over you, arms stretched to catch you if you wobble or to carry you when you are weary?
When we walk before God, He has our back - He is protecting us, yet also directing us. He can see the whole picture, not just the path ahead as we do through our tunnel vision. No one can sneak up from behind out of our view. He is there to let us know if danger is coming.
Think of incidences of "walking before" in everyday lives. My apartment looks out over a common park-like area and I see it happening all the time. A parent lets the toddler walk before them, knowing they need to learn to stand on their own two feet, literally and emotionally. But, that parent is there to catch them if they wobble. Their eyes are right there focused on the child's movements. Nothing else is more important. If something off to the side catches the child's attention and the child dashes ahead after it, the parents will catch up to them and lead them back to a safe path.
Dogs walk before their masters on a lead. They are being controlled by commands from their masters who are more aware of the surroundings and not governed solely by instinct. The master knows where they should be headed, but through the leads the master gives the animal some freedom of movement as well. If need by, the master yanks and the animal knows to change direction, slow down or stop. That requires trust on the animal's part. They trust in their master's love and protection as well as guidance, which spurs obedience. The more obedient and manageable the dog, the longer the lead.
What is tying you to your Master in Heaven as you walk along life's path? If you feel the yank, do you resist or obey?
Or, right now are you like the toddler on a new path? Do you feel Him hovering over you, arms stretched to catch you if you wobble or to carry you when you are weary?
Twelve by Twelve
Sun, 24th July, 2011
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12
I am an orderly sort of person, tending to compartmentalize things. At work, people would laugh at how neat my desk top and drawers were- everything laid out just so. Yes, I alphabetize my spices and hang my clothes according to color.
So when I see repetition in the Bible my spiritual ears perk up. It seems saying things in threes seem to be a way Scripture adds emphasis. That is what I first noticed about this passage. Then I saw it was 12:12 - ah hah!
What a perfect recipe for the Christian walk! Three little things which can be boundaries to keep our paths straight and our eyes on our Lord.
Rejoice in hope - Rejoice in the Lord always the psalms say. Rejoice knowing that our hope is in the Lord, and whatever comes our way, He will either give us the strength to bear it or remove it from us according to Frances DeSale, a 16th century monk. To hope is more than wishing. Hope is being sure of the outcome. It anticipates, not dream of the maybes in life.
Be patient in tribulation. When we have hope in the outcome, it helps us to have hope in the process towards that outcome. Patience is not my strong point. I'd rather rip the band-aid off and yank the scab with it. I want to hurry the thing along not realizing God has great lessons for me in the process and new chances for me, and others watching me go through it, to see His blessings and provisions. We all have our own wilderness journey to trek. There can be joy in the journey.
Be constant in prayer. For me this should have been first on the list because it is the key to being able to do the other two. When I am in constant relationship with God and the lines of communication are always open for He and me to speak or listen to each other, life goes more smoothly, hope builds and patience strengthens.
Three things to do, twelve plus twelve hours a day, twelve months out of the year. How my days and year would go differently! What about yours?
I am an orderly sort of person, tending to compartmentalize things. At work, people would laugh at how neat my desk top and drawers were- everything laid out just so. Yes, I alphabetize my spices and hang my clothes according to color.
So when I see repetition in the Bible my spiritual ears perk up. It seems saying things in threes seem to be a way Scripture adds emphasis. That is what I first noticed about this passage. Then I saw it was 12:12 - ah hah!
What a perfect recipe for the Christian walk! Three little things which can be boundaries to keep our paths straight and our eyes on our Lord.
Rejoice in hope - Rejoice in the Lord always the psalms say. Rejoice knowing that our hope is in the Lord, and whatever comes our way, He will either give us the strength to bear it or remove it from us according to Frances DeSale, a 16th century monk. To hope is more than wishing. Hope is being sure of the outcome. It anticipates, not dream of the maybes in life.
Be patient in tribulation. When we have hope in the outcome, it helps us to have hope in the process towards that outcome. Patience is not my strong point. I'd rather rip the band-aid off and yank the scab with it. I want to hurry the thing along not realizing God has great lessons for me in the process and new chances for me, and others watching me go through it, to see His blessings and provisions. We all have our own wilderness journey to trek. There can be joy in the journey.
Be constant in prayer. For me this should have been first on the list because it is the key to being able to do the other two. When I am in constant relationship with God and the lines of communication are always open for He and me to speak or listen to each other, life goes more smoothly, hope builds and patience strengthens.
Three things to do, twelve plus twelve hours a day, twelve months out of the year. How my days and year would go differently! What about yours?
Turning Point
Wed, 20th July, 2011
When I think on my ways,
I turn my feet to your testimonies; Psalm 119:59
"It was crowded and noisy in the room where we have coffee hour after services. I was talking with two friends when I heard my daughter's voice come up behind. She said, "Mom, turn around. Look who's here!" Upon her words, I gave my friends a questioning look, a little ticked off she'd been so rude as to interrupt my conversation. But, I turned my head towards the direction of her voice. There stood my son back from basic training, with a rose in his hand. I spun on my toes and hugged him hard."
As my friend relayed her happy news, my eyes welled. Because she had been facing the other direction, her son was able to enter the room without her noticing. She wasn't focused on his entrance. To see him, she had to turn her head, but to fully look upon him, receive the rose and hug him, she had to spin around.
David says he turns his feet to God's testimonies. Where the feet go, the head and thus the eyes, ears and mouth follow. If the feet do not turn, then we have limited vision. We can crane our heads and twist our torsos, but unless the feet move, we can't truly change directions. We are still committed to going the other way.
We hear of someone turning their life around. Even turning over a new leaf. It requires purposeful action to change the direction you are facing. It demands more than a glancing look, but a full, deliberate decision-making switch. We are not crabs who can walk sideways and have 360 degree peripheral vision. We tend to be more tunnel visioned, focused on only what we can see in front of us. Perhaps it takes something to yank our heads, like reins on a horse, in order to change our focus, but until the feet flip around, we can't move in the new way we are to go. The chips on our shoulders get in the way. So do our stiff necks and stubborn wills.
Had my friend not stopped her conversation, heeded her daughter's voice then fully turned her feet around, she would have had a hard time embracing her child or accepting his gift. But his presence made her decide to give him her undivided attention and turn fully to face him.
Is God calling you to turn your feet around so you can receive the blessings He wishes to bestow upon you? Can you hear the Holy Spirit above the din of your crowded life saying, "Turn around. Look who's here." What surprises are waiting for you if you do?
I turn my feet to your testimonies; Psalm 119:59
"It was crowded and noisy in the room where we have coffee hour after services. I was talking with two friends when I heard my daughter's voice come up behind. She said, "Mom, turn around. Look who's here!" Upon her words, I gave my friends a questioning look, a little ticked off she'd been so rude as to interrupt my conversation. But, I turned my head towards the direction of her voice. There stood my son back from basic training, with a rose in his hand. I spun on my toes and hugged him hard."
As my friend relayed her happy news, my eyes welled. Because she had been facing the other direction, her son was able to enter the room without her noticing. She wasn't focused on his entrance. To see him, she had to turn her head, but to fully look upon him, receive the rose and hug him, she had to spin around.
David says he turns his feet to God's testimonies. Where the feet go, the head and thus the eyes, ears and mouth follow. If the feet do not turn, then we have limited vision. We can crane our heads and twist our torsos, but unless the feet move, we can't truly change directions. We are still committed to going the other way.
We hear of someone turning their life around. Even turning over a new leaf. It requires purposeful action to change the direction you are facing. It demands more than a glancing look, but a full, deliberate decision-making switch. We are not crabs who can walk sideways and have 360 degree peripheral vision. We tend to be more tunnel visioned, focused on only what we can see in front of us. Perhaps it takes something to yank our heads, like reins on a horse, in order to change our focus, but until the feet flip around, we can't move in the new way we are to go. The chips on our shoulders get in the way. So do our stiff necks and stubborn wills.
Had my friend not stopped her conversation, heeded her daughter's voice then fully turned her feet around, she would have had a hard time embracing her child or accepting his gift. But his presence made her decide to give him her undivided attention and turn fully to face him.
Is God calling you to turn your feet around so you can receive the blessings He wishes to bestow upon you? Can you hear the Holy Spirit above the din of your crowded life saying, "Turn around. Look who's here." What surprises are waiting for you if you do?
Channel vision
Tue, 5th July, 2011
The Lord is in his holy temple;
the Lord's throne is in heaven;
his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man. Psalm 11:4
My father had a saying. When we thought he was dozing in front of the TV in the den, we'd tip-toe in with the intent to change the channel to watch cartoons or one of our favorite shows. Almost every time, he'd grumble, "Don't change that channel. I was watching through my eyelids." He must have been, because he knew we were in the room, hand posed on the channel changer.
The Psalm says God's eyes always sees. Even when it appears as if God's eyes have closed to our needs, that He has turned His holy head away from us, faith tells us He is all seeing and all-knowing. He is there, even when it just doesn't feel like He is.
That is the test. He is watching through His eyelids, waiting to see if we'll do what we want to do, or stick with what He has determined is best? Are we viewing our situation through the eyes of human kind (the children of men), or through God's eyes as His children?
There were times I tried to change the change the channel all by myself. On the old TV's before cable and satellite, every time you changed the channel you had to adjust the rabbit ear antennas to get the right reception. Inevitably, when I'd try, it wouldn't work. Everything still was out of focus and fuzzy. Dad would get up, wiggle them and magically the reception would clear.
When we pray, do we want to change channels? We don't want to see things God's way, but instead want to persuade Him to see them our way. We want relief from our problems now. We want healing in the next ten seconds. We want someone we've been praying earnestly for to feel the hand of God on their shoulder when we think they need it. Then God comes and says, "Hands off. I'm watching the situation. Be patient. Sit and watch through Me."
Amy Grant recorded a song long ago about wanting to see things through her Father's eyes. Often times I thought I wanted that as well, but I have to admit, being human, when
I approached the throne in prayer, I really just wanted permission to change the channel. And all the while, God is there watching - through His eyelids.
Father in Heaven, on Your Holy Throne, help me to see through Your eyes instead of trying to make You see through my own, out of focus and fuzzy perception. Forgive me for the times I have tried to change the channel on my own instead of sitting in Your lap and watching with You. In Jesus' name, thy will be done. Amen.
Question - Whose channel are you watching?
the Lord's throne is in heaven;
his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man. Psalm 11:4
My father had a saying. When we thought he was dozing in front of the TV in the den, we'd tip-toe in with the intent to change the channel to watch cartoons or one of our favorite shows. Almost every time, he'd grumble, "Don't change that channel. I was watching through my eyelids." He must have been, because he knew we were in the room, hand posed on the channel changer.
The Psalm says God's eyes always sees. Even when it appears as if God's eyes have closed to our needs, that He has turned His holy head away from us, faith tells us He is all seeing and all-knowing. He is there, even when it just doesn't feel like He is.
That is the test. He is watching through His eyelids, waiting to see if we'll do what we want to do, or stick with what He has determined is best? Are we viewing our situation through the eyes of human kind (the children of men), or through God's eyes as His children?
There were times I tried to change the change the channel all by myself. On the old TV's before cable and satellite, every time you changed the channel you had to adjust the rabbit ear antennas to get the right reception. Inevitably, when I'd try, it wouldn't work. Everything still was out of focus and fuzzy. Dad would get up, wiggle them and magically the reception would clear.
When we pray, do we want to change channels? We don't want to see things God's way, but instead want to persuade Him to see them our way. We want relief from our problems now. We want healing in the next ten seconds. We want someone we've been praying earnestly for to feel the hand of God on their shoulder when we think they need it. Then God comes and says, "Hands off. I'm watching the situation. Be patient. Sit and watch through Me."
Amy Grant recorded a song long ago about wanting to see things through her Father's eyes. Often times I thought I wanted that as well, but I have to admit, being human, when
I approached the throne in prayer, I really just wanted permission to change the channel. And all the while, God is there watching - through His eyelids.
Father in Heaven, on Your Holy Throne, help me to see through Your eyes instead of trying to make You see through my own, out of focus and fuzzy perception. Forgive me for the times I have tried to change the channel on my own instead of sitting in Your lap and watching with You. In Jesus' name, thy will be done. Amen.
Question - Whose channel are you watching?
Whispers in the Wind
Tue, 28th June, 2011
And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. . . Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. (Acts 8:1,4)
What an extraordinary thing! The newly converted Christians didn't hide away in houses and caves, but continued to proclaim the Good News. They didn't cower when they faced opposition and persecution, did they? Luke tells it almost as a matter of fact statement, but what a huge sentence that is. In spite of persecution, they went on preaching.
There was a time, not too long ago, when it was a good thing to be a woman or man of faith. People admired your steadfastness, and it testified to your morals and integrity. Not now. Today, being labeled a Christian can be a derogatory thing. It means you are "unevolved", stubborn, behind the times, not accepting of others.
Not everyone in our neighborhood, workplace, even in our church, is a Christian. People say the church is dying. I disagree. I think, in the face of public persecution, the sheep are being separated from the goats. We are now being scattered, just like the believers of the first century. We are now a remnant, and God has aways used His remnant for great and wondrous things. Will we let Him use us?
Today, that which was once only whispered about in back alleys is being proclaimed as the norm by the media, and it is us Christians who are now whispering in the wind. Scattered amongst a growing sea of non-believers, will we stand up, speak up and proclaim the Gospel ? Or will we cower in our pews, shake our heads and lament the world has gone the wrong direction?
Some whisper we are in the end times. They crouch and wait for His coming to take them away from the madness. Is that what God wants from His people? Should we not instead be screaming from the rooftops, and on the street corners, and in the pews about the King of Glory? When legislation after legislation is passed to stifle us from praying in public, and affirming lifestyles the Bible clearly states is wrong, what will be our response? Slink away back to our prayer corners shaking our heads, or be like the first of our brothers and sisters who went on to proclaim Christ risen and left the reception of that message up to God?
This simple, matter of fact sentence in Acts chapter 8, verse 4 convicts me to the core of my being. I have always been one to cower to opposition, and swallow my opinion in order to keep the peace. Perhaps I should leave the peace keeping up to God and not try to control the situation so everyone likes me. Maybe, instead God is calling me to stand firm and proclaim Him as my Lord. Maybe I should no longer be content to whisper prayers in the wind. How about you?
What an extraordinary thing! The newly converted Christians didn't hide away in houses and caves, but continued to proclaim the Good News. They didn't cower when they faced opposition and persecution, did they? Luke tells it almost as a matter of fact statement, but what a huge sentence that is. In spite of persecution, they went on preaching.
There was a time, not too long ago, when it was a good thing to be a woman or man of faith. People admired your steadfastness, and it testified to your morals and integrity. Not now. Today, being labeled a Christian can be a derogatory thing. It means you are "unevolved", stubborn, behind the times, not accepting of others.
Not everyone in our neighborhood, workplace, even in our church, is a Christian. People say the church is dying. I disagree. I think, in the face of public persecution, the sheep are being separated from the goats. We are now being scattered, just like the believers of the first century. We are now a remnant, and God has aways used His remnant for great and wondrous things. Will we let Him use us?
Today, that which was once only whispered about in back alleys is being proclaimed as the norm by the media, and it is us Christians who are now whispering in the wind. Scattered amongst a growing sea of non-believers, will we stand up, speak up and proclaim the Gospel ? Or will we cower in our pews, shake our heads and lament the world has gone the wrong direction?
Some whisper we are in the end times. They crouch and wait for His coming to take them away from the madness. Is that what God wants from His people? Should we not instead be screaming from the rooftops, and on the street corners, and in the pews about the King of Glory? When legislation after legislation is passed to stifle us from praying in public, and affirming lifestyles the Bible clearly states is wrong, what will be our response? Slink away back to our prayer corners shaking our heads, or be like the first of our brothers and sisters who went on to proclaim Christ risen and left the reception of that message up to God?
This simple, matter of fact sentence in Acts chapter 8, verse 4 convicts me to the core of my being. I have always been one to cower to opposition, and swallow my opinion in order to keep the peace. Perhaps I should leave the peace keeping up to God and not try to control the situation so everyone likes me. Maybe, instead God is calling me to stand firm and proclaim Him as my Lord. Maybe I should no longer be content to whisper prayers in the wind. How about you?
Blessed Assurance?
Fri, 24th June, 2011
Do you feel like there are times your prayers just crash on the ceiling and never reach Heaven? Even David, who slayed Goliath and was anointed by God to rule over His chosen people felt that way. But, his relationship with God was so intimate, he could scream at God without fear of reprimand. Look how he starts off Psalm 102 -
Hear my prayer, O Lord;
let my cry come to you!
Do not hide your face from me
in the day of my distress!
Incline your ear to me;
answer me speedily in the day when I call! vs 1-2
Today, we can have that same familiar relationship with the creator of the Universe. God can't tolerate sin, so the Bible says He must turn his face away. David is pleading for Him not to do that. Now, thousands of years later, we, too have that privilege if we have claimed Jesus as the Christ over our lives. God loves us so much He desires to be in close relationship with us. He loves us so dearly He briefly turned His back on His own son dying on the cross as Jesus took on our sins- past,present and future- and defeated them.
So why do so many of us Christians "feel" as if God is not listening to our cries? Because solid relationships are never based on feelings, but in immovable trust. That "blessed assurance" our grandparents sung about in church is that God never leaves our side, and all of the things which happens to us - good or bad - is purposeful. That's a tough concept to wrap our human brains around.
The great thing is God knows that. He knows our faith strength ebbs and flows. It's okay to demand an audience with the most powerful force in the universe and beyond. Like a human father hears his small child cry "Daddy" and drops everything to reach down and pick up that child, so can our Heavenly Father.
But like the loving parent,He can also practice tough love and let us cry in our cribs until our stubborn will melts away. Does that pain Him? Of course. But that doesn't mean He has walked away. He is right outside the door listening to our blubbering knowing until we get it out of our system, we won't concentrate on anything else - like His blessings right in front of us.
The willful child forgets what their parents have already provided - the toys, the soft bed, the fact that they have eaten already that day. They whine because they can't get what they want RIGHT NOW.
Are we any different? No. Does God, our Heavenly Father keep loving us anyway? You bet. Blessed assurance.
Hear my prayer, O Lord;
let my cry come to you!
Do not hide your face from me
in the day of my distress!
Incline your ear to me;
answer me speedily in the day when I call! vs 1-2
Today, we can have that same familiar relationship with the creator of the Universe. God can't tolerate sin, so the Bible says He must turn his face away. David is pleading for Him not to do that. Now, thousands of years later, we, too have that privilege if we have claimed Jesus as the Christ over our lives. God loves us so much He desires to be in close relationship with us. He loves us so dearly He briefly turned His back on His own son dying on the cross as Jesus took on our sins- past,present and future- and defeated them.
So why do so many of us Christians "feel" as if God is not listening to our cries? Because solid relationships are never based on feelings, but in immovable trust. That "blessed assurance" our grandparents sung about in church is that God never leaves our side, and all of the things which happens to us - good or bad - is purposeful. That's a tough concept to wrap our human brains around.
The great thing is God knows that. He knows our faith strength ebbs and flows. It's okay to demand an audience with the most powerful force in the universe and beyond. Like a human father hears his small child cry "Daddy" and drops everything to reach down and pick up that child, so can our Heavenly Father.
But like the loving parent,He can also practice tough love and let us cry in our cribs until our stubborn will melts away. Does that pain Him? Of course. But that doesn't mean He has walked away. He is right outside the door listening to our blubbering knowing until we get it out of our system, we won't concentrate on anything else - like His blessings right in front of us.
The willful child forgets what their parents have already provided - the toys, the soft bed, the fact that they have eaten already that day. They whine because they can't get what they want RIGHT NOW.
Are we any different? No. Does God, our Heavenly Father keep loving us anyway? You bet. Blessed assurance.
Integrity at Home
Wed, 22nd June, 2011
I will walk with integrity of heart
within my house;
I will not set before my eyes
anything that is worthless.
I hate the work of those who fall away;
it shall not cling to me. Psalm 101:2-3
I admit it. Last night, I watched one of my favorite TV shows, even though it had a sub-plot that bristled my beliefs. I have to ask myself why I did that? How much do I set before my eyes that is worthless?
In our visual orientated world of technology we absorb so much in a day, much subconsciously. How easy is it to watch a TV show that subtly slips in immorality, alternative lifestyles, casual sex, drugs, violence, selfishness - and that's the good guys!
I'm not saying we should be mentally productive 24/7, or be constantly reading our Bibles when we are not doing anything else. Vegging out is necessary now and then. But, we need to be careful what enters into our eyes, ears and brains - and into the eyes, ears and brains of our family. And, we need to remember this — Integrity is what you do when no one else is around to watch you. Even though our pastor or fellow church members are not there on our couch when we choose our type of entertainment, God is. How often do we walk with integrity of heart within our houses? Last night, I didn’t.
We must be willing to click off a show, even in the middle of a plot, if it begins to project something that is not Biblically sound. Is finding out "who done it" so important that you or I can put up with a flavoring of sin and think it doesn’t affect us?
My mother used to say that idleness is the devil's playground. Today with TV, internet, IPads and MP3, more than ever we need to be wary of what is being "fed" to us in the process of entertaining us. And, I think we need to be more vocal when something offensive is slipped in. We should write to the TV producers and game makers to tell them our views and objections to the material they produce. Otherwise, how will they know?
Question -What have you watched in the past 24 hours that maybe you shouldn't have?
Directions Please
Fri, 17th June, 2011
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJ
A few weeks ago I traveled unfamiliar back roads to a workshop I was to lead in a small town. I plugged my cell phone into the car jack and gave the GPS app the address of my destination. The sweet, monotone, electronic female voice began to speak. Step by step, it told me when and where to turn or change direction. It even gave me a warning ahead of time. "In 1000 feet you will turn left onto Main Street." When I approached, it repeated, "Turn left onto Main Street." Then it would give me the next direction coming up.
I made it through town, and got to a state highway where farmlands stretched out ahead. The voice said, "In 28 miles turn left onto County Road 234." Then silence. After almost fifteen minutes of listening to commands, the GPS voice became eerily quiet. It had said all it needed to for the next half hour. To ease the strange feeling of loss, I turned on the radio and tuned it to a Christian station.
Then it hit me. How often in my life has God been silent? I have experienced an uneasy feeling then as well. I ask myself, "Why is He no longer speaking to me? What have I done wrong? Is He mad at me? Have I sinned and not confessed it?"
During that period of silence I did the same thing as I did in my car. I turned to Christian music, the Bible and prayer to keep me going. I needed assurance that my faith was still on track. For me, silence is not so golden.
God's Word gives me directional guidance, as does the Holy Spirit. Perhaps in times of uncomfortable silence, God, like my little GPS on my phone, has simply said all He needs to say until it is once again time for me to change directions. The silence is a test of faith. Will I continue down the road He has led me, or get frustrated and veer off onto another path to try and find my own way? Luckily, if I do, like my GPS provides new information to lead me back onto the right roads, God gives me new directions back to Him. Like my GPS app, I must choose whether to follow or not.
The proverb verse reminds me that we are to trust God and lean not own our own understanding. I trusted that GPS app on my cell phone to keep me on the right roads to my destination. Should I not do the same with God's Protective Spirit (my spiritual GPS) on this road called life?
A few weeks ago I traveled unfamiliar back roads to a workshop I was to lead in a small town. I plugged my cell phone into the car jack and gave the GPS app the address of my destination. The sweet, monotone, electronic female voice began to speak. Step by step, it told me when and where to turn or change direction. It even gave me a warning ahead of time. "In 1000 feet you will turn left onto Main Street." When I approached, it repeated, "Turn left onto Main Street." Then it would give me the next direction coming up.
I made it through town, and got to a state highway where farmlands stretched out ahead. The voice said, "In 28 miles turn left onto County Road 234." Then silence. After almost fifteen minutes of listening to commands, the GPS voice became eerily quiet. It had said all it needed to for the next half hour. To ease the strange feeling of loss, I turned on the radio and tuned it to a Christian station.
Then it hit me. How often in my life has God been silent? I have experienced an uneasy feeling then as well. I ask myself, "Why is He no longer speaking to me? What have I done wrong? Is He mad at me? Have I sinned and not confessed it?"
During that period of silence I did the same thing as I did in my car. I turned to Christian music, the Bible and prayer to keep me going. I needed assurance that my faith was still on track. For me, silence is not so golden.
God's Word gives me directional guidance, as does the Holy Spirit. Perhaps in times of uncomfortable silence, God, like my little GPS on my phone, has simply said all He needs to say until it is once again time for me to change directions. The silence is a test of faith. Will I continue down the road He has led me, or get frustrated and veer off onto another path to try and find my own way? Luckily, if I do, like my GPS provides new information to lead me back onto the right roads, God gives me new directions back to Him. Like my GPS app, I must choose whether to follow or not.
The proverb verse reminds me that we are to trust God and lean not own our own understanding. I trusted that GPS app on my cell phone to keep me on the right roads to my destination. Should I not do the same with God's Protective Spirit (my spiritual GPS) on this road called life?
Broken Apart
Mon, 13th June, 2011
"But he [Jesus] looked directly at them and said, “What then is this that is written:'Thestonethatthebuildersrejectedhasbecomethecornerstone'?" Luke 20:17
The italicized part is hard to read, isn’t it? The words have to be broken apart and separated just right in order to read what is says -
The-stone-that-the-builders-rejected-has-become-the-cornerstone
The same is true with our lives. When we give it to Christ, He takes the jumble we have made and breaks it a part so He can then put it back together the right way. Only then do our lives make sense.
Perhaps you have heard people say they have been broken by Christ. Being a Texas gal, I thought of that in the same as you'd break a bucking bronco to accept a bridle and saddle. It was taming my will to be in line with His and letting Him direct my paths. And, yes, that is true.
But, look what the next verse, verse 18 says -
"Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.”
Humanity has a choice. Choose to fall on Christ and be broken so we can have our lives put back together by the Grace of God, or have His judgment fall on us and be crushed.
Pretty harsh statement. But, because of our sinful and selfish nature, we are out of whack. Like Humpty Dumpty we have broken lives. But instead of admitting we can’t be put back together again by human means, we have tried to piece together our lives-
Thesto nethat thebuil dersre jected has be come thecorner stone.
and failed miserably to make sense our lives. Like the example above, some pieces of our lives may makes sense, but not all of it.
The good news? God is in the restoration business. He takes broken lives and makes sense out of them. Over and over again. Through Christ's love, and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can be put back together again so we will be in the correct relationship with God. Since God alone knows our purpose for which He has created each of us, He is the only one who can put our lives back together correctly. We can’t.
What happens when sin comes back in our lives, which will happen as long as we are on earth because that is our nature? Using the same example -
Thesto sin nethat thebuilsin dersre jected has besin come thesin corner stone.
Each time we fall back into sin, He will give us the same two choices−voluntarily be broken, or be crushed. Fall on Jesus or have righteous judgment fall on you and me. Either way, that sin which has attached itself to us must be broken away or our lives will once again be out of whack. Until our Lord's loving hands correct us and put things back in order, our lives won’t make sense.
Question - What choice will you make - voluntarily fall on Jesus, or be crushed?
The italicized part is hard to read, isn’t it? The words have to be broken apart and separated just right in order to read what is says -
The-stone-that-the-builders-rejected-has-become-the-cornerstone
The same is true with our lives. When we give it to Christ, He takes the jumble we have made and breaks it a part so He can then put it back together the right way. Only then do our lives make sense.
Perhaps you have heard people say they have been broken by Christ. Being a Texas gal, I thought of that in the same as you'd break a bucking bronco to accept a bridle and saddle. It was taming my will to be in line with His and letting Him direct my paths. And, yes, that is true.
But, look what the next verse, verse 18 says -
"Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.”
Humanity has a choice. Choose to fall on Christ and be broken so we can have our lives put back together by the Grace of God, or have His judgment fall on us and be crushed.
Pretty harsh statement. But, because of our sinful and selfish nature, we are out of whack. Like Humpty Dumpty we have broken lives. But instead of admitting we can’t be put back together again by human means, we have tried to piece together our lives-
Thesto nethat thebuil dersre jected has be come thecorner stone.
and failed miserably to make sense our lives. Like the example above, some pieces of our lives may makes sense, but not all of it.
The good news? God is in the restoration business. He takes broken lives and makes sense out of them. Over and over again. Through Christ's love, and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can be put back together again so we will be in the correct relationship with God. Since God alone knows our purpose for which He has created each of us, He is the only one who can put our lives back together correctly. We can’t.
What happens when sin comes back in our lives, which will happen as long as we are on earth because that is our nature? Using the same example -
Thesto sin nethat thebuilsin dersre jected has besin come thesin corner stone.
Each time we fall back into sin, He will give us the same two choices−voluntarily be broken, or be crushed. Fall on Jesus or have righteous judgment fall on you and me. Either way, that sin which has attached itself to us must be broken away or our lives will once again be out of whack. Until our Lord's loving hands correct us and put things back in order, our lives won’t make sense.
Question - What choice will you make - voluntarily fall on Jesus, or be crushed?
fingerprints
Sat, 11th June, 2011
Today I had an image of a clear glass- i had fingerprints all over it. The glass was me. The fingerprints was God's evidence in my life that no matter what HE is still holding on. My I leave my fingrepritns on HIm, so others will know I grasped hold of my God at all times, even the times I thought I could let go.
Residual
Fri, 13th May, 2011
Right after I moved I found out the buyers for my house were turned down for their loan. I had to ask - why did GOD let me move? Doesn't He know I am already strapped for cash - now I have rent and mortgage. I was so sure the signs of His grace were there - everything said:"GO"
AND so they were. I am happy in my little apartment. God set it all up for me to move here for a reason.
He knows my plight - He has continued to provide income through talks to women's groups, a few more book sales and ongoing freelance assignments. I don't know who HE has picked out for my house, or when they will choose it- I do know it can't be in my worry box anymore.
Money issues can't fit in there either. In fact, I am working on emptying that worry box all together. I have carried it for way too long. Perhaps it will be the last box I unpack, flatten and put in the dumpster!
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not own your own undersanding: in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
AND so they were. I am happy in my little apartment. God set it all up for me to move here for a reason.
He knows my plight - He has continued to provide income through talks to women's groups, a few more book sales and ongoing freelance assignments. I don't know who HE has picked out for my house, or when they will choose it- I do know it can't be in my worry box anymore.
Money issues can't fit in there either. In fact, I am working on emptying that worry box all together. I have carried it for way too long. Perhaps it will be the last box I unpack, flatten and put in the dumpster!
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not own your own undersanding: in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
Moving nests
Mon, 4th April, 2011
Next week the rumble of a diesel engine will come down my block. Miracles of all miracles I sold the house- over the asking price. I am set to move into my second story one bedroom apartment and start over, just me and my cats- oh and of course God. I have sold the heavy brass studded dark brown leather set in the living room and opted for an apt size sleeper sofa in - ready for this?- pastel turquoise. I feel a bit of DeJaVue. Ifelt almost like this when I decorated my first efficiency apt after college- scared, excited - but that was another life ago. So a new one begins . . .
The nest will be smaller, but it will fit just me, especially with God inside it stretching me to the edges. May I overflow so I can be used more by Him.
The nest will be smaller, but it will fit just me, especially with God inside it stretching me to the edges. May I overflow so I can be used more by Him.
The nest empties more
Wed, 1st December, 2010
29 days ago my husband died. He was taking a shower, getting ready for work. I heard the thud and crash- then the cat howling. My nest now is minus another - the emptiness is at times comfortable and at other times overwhelming.
But,God is here beside me and has been since that day. Of course He always is- He promises that. But I have felt Him even in the fog of funeral arranging and legal paper signing, in the slow realization my partner of 34 plus years is not here now and in each sweet note, phone call and hug form friends and family. He always shows Himself just when I need to look for Him.
But,God is here beside me and has been since that day. Of course He always is- He promises that. But I have felt Him even in the fog of funeral arranging and legal paper signing, in the slow realization my partner of 34 plus years is not here now and in each sweet note, phone call and hug form friends and family. He always shows Himself just when I need to look for Him.
Daddy's hand
Wed, 21st July, 2010
"Do Not fear, for I am with you; DO not anxoiusly look about you for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you withmy righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
How wonderful that we can always reach up and grab onto Daddy's hand and feel our quivering palm in his strong, warm grasp.
How wonderful that we can always reach up and grab onto Daddy's hand and feel our quivering palm in his strong, warm grasp.
Are You There?
Tue, 11th May, 2010
Yes, I know You are. You have proven once again You care. You have made sure this road You have placed me on is the right one, even though at times I just want to sit and not move forward. Thanks for carrying me when I got tired, or sick, or sick and tired.
God found
Sat, 27th March, 2010
Actually He found me, in a lonley spot somewhere between faith and doubt - mostly in myself. Knowing just when I needed proof I was still on the right path, He provided it. Now I see the next irridescant bread crumb to follow.
God is . . .
Mon, 8th February, 2010
Sometimes I don't see God in my life. He seems to be hiding. But actually, it is my negative and inwardly turned thoughts that are cloaking His blessings.
Today God was found . . .
Sat, 23rd January, 2010
Today, I found God in the strong tenacity of a friend who shows everybody around her she can go through tough times and still feel blessed.
Yesterday, He appeared in the words of three people's reactions to my actions- a mirrored reflection of what I need to change to grow more in Him.
Yesterday, He appeared in the words of three people's reactions to my actions- a mirrored reflection of what I need to change to grow more in Him.
Finding God
Sun, 15th November, 2009
Many people are seeking God. They look for Him in Scripture, in nature, at the altar rail, in a friendly smile or warm hand. The thing is, God has already found you. He seeks you out. Just listen. You will hear Him calling, "Come to me, child. Let my loving arms embrace you, protect you and guide you today."
Where have you found God today?
Fri, 6th November, 2009
In order to fully nestle in God's grace, you should crane your heart's ears to hear His whispers penetrating your everyday world.
Notes from the Nest Julie B. Cosgrove
Widow's MIGHT
www.widownet.org
For-the-New-Widow:-Ten-Tips-To-Help-Her-Survive...After-the-Funeral
Daily Strength- Widows and Widower Support
1 Timothy 5:5 - A widow who is really in need, friendless and desolate, has her hopes fixed on God, and continues at her supplications and prayers, night and day...
www.widownet.org
For-the-New-Widow:-Ten-Tips-To-Help-Her-Survive...After-the-Funeral
Daily Strength- Widows and Widower Support
1 Timothy 5:5 - A widow who is really in need, friendless and desolate, has her hopes fixed on God, and continues at her supplications and prayers, night and day...