Here it is – the holiday season and I have been struck with grouchiness! Just about everything has gotten on my nerves lately. I’ve been feeling lonely, taken advantage of, emotionally abused, without companionship . . . My list could go on.
I really want to be in the holiday spirit and be excited but all these other things are getting in my way. I’m sure that is exactly how Satan would want it. The Bible tells us that our battles are not earthly but spiritual and I’m assuming that is especially the case with this kind of thing. It is definitely Satan. He just doesn’t want me to enjoy the holiday season.
Saturday Jeff and I were watching Crocodile Dundee on TV. It’s been a while since I’d seen it. Mick is a pretty slick character. Once he got those bad guys back on his own turf, they were done for. His battle tactic was to create a diversion and while everyone was in a panic, he would carry someone off. He called in some bats one time, fired some shots in a different direction another time and even had a fake crocodile emerge through the murky water to “eat” someone.
Simple and effective. Create a diversion, then, go in for the attack. I’m sure that battle tactic has been used many times throughout history. So, I ask you, why wouldn’t Satan do the same? Create a diversion . . . go in for the attack. Or, create a diversion to keep us off task. Really, he doesn’t even need to attack; he just needs to re-direct our focus and keep us from doing God’s will or enjoying the peace and joy we’ve been given. Just a little diversion and . . . well, he’s successful.
That’s what he’s been doing to me. I’m particularly diverted when my emotions are involved. Satan knows that. He’s used that one in the past and it works. If he can get my emotions flared up, I’m down for the count. Here are some thoughts that always get my attention:
“Woe is me. No one likes me.”
“I’m a loser. I can’t do anything right.”
“I’m all alone.”
“I can’t stand it when he or she does . . . (whatever)”
“I have to do all this work by myself while everyone just watches.”
“No one cares for me.”
My list could go on but those are some typical lures Satan uses to divert my attention. I think I’ve felt all those things and more in the past week.
But, those thoughts aren’t the truth. They are a smoke screen – a lie. If I let them play out in my mind, they will overtake me. Satan won’t have to do a thing. I’ll consume myself with thoughts of myself and how awful my plight in life. That will be the end of me for a while. Isn’t he clever?
David, our youth minister, has a saying that rings in my ears today.
“It’s not about you. Get over yourself.”
He tells the youth this all the time when we’re on a mission trip. He says, “It’s gonna get hot. You’re gonna get tired and frustrated. It’s not gonna be easy. But you are here for the kids. You are here to do God’s work. This isn’t about you.”
What he’s telling them is don’t be diverted by yourself. Don’t lose focus. Keep your eyes on the goal and do not allow little things that don’t matter in the end to keep you from serving God. He’s so right!
I’ve fallen for the diversion yet again!
I’ve been consumed with myself and things that don’t matter because they aren’t the truth. I’ve taken my eyes off serving the LORD. I’ve even allowed my joy to be dragged off during the diversion.
We’ve all got our weaknesses when it comes to diversions. What captures my attention might not even make you blink and vice versa. Be assured, Satan knows what works for each of us. He has studied us closely. Some things really are a battle and they require a spiritual fight – prayer and fasting and wielding our sword constantly. But, some things are just a diversion – a smoke screen, something to keep us occupied and not on target with the LORD. Some diversions just steal our joy.
May we be a people that know the difference between real battle and planned diversions. May we be strong enough to not even flinch at those distractions. May our eyes be so focused on the LORD that we never fall for the lure to be taken off track. Then, we will be able to do more for our LORD and savior.
Can you see us – decked out in our armor? Polished shield of faith. Sparkling breastplate of righteousness. Helmet of salvation fitted tightly. Belt of truth fastened around. Our shoes ready to move. The light of our LORD radiating from our drawn swords. We stand together . . . strong, holy, ready to fight, already victorious. Don’t you know the sight of us makes demons flee because we are His. We are the LORD’s army! Praise You, LORD!
Lord, help me . . . help us to be the soldiers you’ve called us to be - ready and able, equipped with Your word and Your righteousness. Let us stand unflinching before You. Let us not be distracted. Let us keep our eyes on You. Let us forever serve You, going out in the world to do the good works which You’ve prepared for us to do. We want to be strong soldiers in Your army. Help us, LORD! In Jesus’ mighty name . . .
Monday, December 14, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
Butterflies and Thanks
Wednesday of this week I had surgery on my eye to repair my damaged tear ducts.
Did you you know that your tear ducts function like a vacuum? They whisk away the tears in your eye into a duct that leads to your nose where they evaporate, I guess. That is why your nose gets stuffy when you cry. Anyway, if your tear ducts close off, your eye cannot fuction properly.
I am completely amazed at what doctors can do. Who would have figured that they could reconstruct my tear ducts to allow my eye to whisk away the tears.
What is even more amazing is my God . . . who thought of all these little details, so many details that we haven't even figured them all out yet. He is an awesome God and I am completely thankful that He has given knowledge to doctors so that healing for many things is very possible in today's time. Praise you LORD! Thank you for healing!
I was a little anxious about my surgery since I had never had any surgery before. I was in the pre-op area and was all prepped and ready. Above me, painted on a ceiling tile, was a butterfly. It looked like a child had painted it. It had colorful wings with hearts on them. I liked it and looked around the ceiling to spot some other painted tiles, but it was the only one. Right above my head it floated above me and I recalled 11 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; the old has gone and the new has come."
Now, to anyone else, that little butterfly might have just been a pretty little something to look at, but to me, it was God speaking. He knew I knew the verse and He knew that I had prayed for new tear ducts. Oh how sweetly, His voice sang over me in that moment that I realized that butterfly was just for me - a message from my LORD that my prayer was answered. The old tear ducts are gone and new have come. (I know that isn't what the verse is talking about, but it sure is what He was saying to me in that moment.) I laughed at the irony, or providence, of it all and thanked Him for letting me know. It was the last thing I remember seeing before I woke up.
Oh, God is good! He is there right when we need Him.
Thank you LORD! Thank you for sending little messages our way. Thank you for singing over us. Thank you for loving us! You are AMAZING!
Did you you know that your tear ducts function like a vacuum? They whisk away the tears in your eye into a duct that leads to your nose where they evaporate, I guess. That is why your nose gets stuffy when you cry. Anyway, if your tear ducts close off, your eye cannot fuction properly.
I am completely amazed at what doctors can do. Who would have figured that they could reconstruct my tear ducts to allow my eye to whisk away the tears.
What is even more amazing is my God . . . who thought of all these little details, so many details that we haven't even figured them all out yet. He is an awesome God and I am completely thankful that He has given knowledge to doctors so that healing for many things is very possible in today's time. Praise you LORD! Thank you for healing!
I was a little anxious about my surgery since I had never had any surgery before. I was in the pre-op area and was all prepped and ready. Above me, painted on a ceiling tile, was a butterfly. It looked like a child had painted it. It had colorful wings with hearts on them. I liked it and looked around the ceiling to spot some other painted tiles, but it was the only one. Right above my head it floated above me and I recalled 11 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; the old has gone and the new has come."
Now, to anyone else, that little butterfly might have just been a pretty little something to look at, but to me, it was God speaking. He knew I knew the verse and He knew that I had prayed for new tear ducts. Oh how sweetly, His voice sang over me in that moment that I realized that butterfly was just for me - a message from my LORD that my prayer was answered. The old tear ducts are gone and new have come. (I know that isn't what the verse is talking about, but it sure is what He was saying to me in that moment.) I laughed at the irony, or providence, of it all and thanked Him for letting me know. It was the last thing I remember seeing before I woke up.
Oh, God is good! He is there right when we need Him.
Thank you LORD! Thank you for sending little messages our way. Thank you for singing over us. Thank you for loving us! You are AMAZING!
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Be Still
Have you ever been in a place in your life that felt like uncharted waters? Your world is rocking. There is turbulence all around. You can’t get your bearings because you are being tossed to and fro like someone in a boat on troubled seas. That’s where I’ve been lately. Every morning I wake to feel the storm still raging.
I started thinking about this boat and storm idea yesterday and thought about the story in Mark where Jesus calms the storm. So, I decided to read it and see what the LORD had to tell me. I wanted to know how my story is similar, even thought it is a storm of emotions.
The first thing I noticed was that Jesus was the one who suggested they take the boat across to the other side.
“That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, ‘Let us go over to the other side.” (Mark 4:35)
The disciples did not plan to go over there and probably wouldn’t have gone if Jesus had not suggested it. It was their Lord’s idea to go. Now, Jesus knows all things. He knew there would be a storm, so he must have pointed them in this direction for a reason. The storm was part of his plan.
This is very much like my story. I did not plan for these recent events to happen in my life. They are not of my making. I’ve just been sailing along. Maybe I saw some storm clouds on the horizon. Perhaps I heard some thunder in the distance. I did not expect to be overcome by this squall, however. But Jesus did.
“A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat so that it was nearly swamped.” (Mark 4:37)
I have felt exactly this way – in a furious storm, being battered from side-to-side by my emotions. Full of compassion one moment. Full of anger the next. Waves of emotions have crashed over me so that I’ve been nearly swamped by them – unable to concentrate on anything else and unable to right my boat. Keeled over – first one way, then the other – that’s what I have been.
Have you ever felt this way? I hope you had Jesus on your boat!
“Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, don’t you care if we drown? He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” (Mark 4:38-39)
Like the disciples, I have Jesus on board, thankfully. I have cried the same thing to him, “Lord, look at what is happening! I can’t fix this! Do something!”
He has said the same thing back to me, “Be still! Be still! Be still!”
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him . . .” (Psalm 37:7)
“Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
“Quiet! Be still!” (Mark 4:39)
I even heard him whispering this to me in a children’s movie at the theater last Friday. In the movie Where the Wild Things Are, the boy, Max, was very emotional. He was allowing his emotions to take control over him. They dictated his actions. His anger was about to eat him up. He had to say, very firmly, “Be still!” to the Wild Things. Reminded me of myself.
“Quiet! Be still!” The Lord told the storm and it was completely calm.
“He said to his disciples, ‘Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (v. 40)
I have come to realize that my situation is not really my problem. It is someone else’s problem and I can’t fix it. The Lord will work that out. He has promised me He will. My problem is my emotions about the situation. That is where the storm is raging.
“Quiet! Be still! . . . Do you still have no faith?”
The Lord has assured me over and over that this will turn out for my good and His glory. I must have faith in that. Allowing my emotions to storm, tossing me from side-to-side shows I do not trust what he has promised. It suggests I “still have no faith.”
We are going to the other shore. Jesus has pointed us in that direction. He has set me on this course. It was part of his plan. He knew it wouldn’t be easy. He knew the storm would come. But he is with me and has assured me we will get there safely. So, the question is, will I listen and obey and be still?
To the disciples Jesus revealed part of who he is, “Even the wind and the waves obey him!” (v. 41b) He wants to reveal something to me as well. Will I “Be still” and listen?
Will I allow my faith in Jesus Christ to quiet my emotional storm?
Will I step up boldly each time the winds begin to blow and say, “Be still!”
Will I allow him to reveal himself to me?
What would I know about my Lord and Savior if I would stop and allow him to be in control?
I’ve decided I would rather get to the other shore in awe of my Lord instead of emotionally worn out.
I don’t know if this word speaks to you. I hope it does. We all have our moments in the middle of the storm. Let us “Be still,” and allow Jesus, the Prince of Peace, to calm the waves.
Thank you, Jesus.
Keep us pointed in your direction and on even keel.
In Jesus’ name . . .
I started thinking about this boat and storm idea yesterday and thought about the story in Mark where Jesus calms the storm. So, I decided to read it and see what the LORD had to tell me. I wanted to know how my story is similar, even thought it is a storm of emotions.
The first thing I noticed was that Jesus was the one who suggested they take the boat across to the other side.
“That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, ‘Let us go over to the other side.” (Mark 4:35)
The disciples did not plan to go over there and probably wouldn’t have gone if Jesus had not suggested it. It was their Lord’s idea to go. Now, Jesus knows all things. He knew there would be a storm, so he must have pointed them in this direction for a reason. The storm was part of his plan.
This is very much like my story. I did not plan for these recent events to happen in my life. They are not of my making. I’ve just been sailing along. Maybe I saw some storm clouds on the horizon. Perhaps I heard some thunder in the distance. I did not expect to be overcome by this squall, however. But Jesus did.
“A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat so that it was nearly swamped.” (Mark 4:37)
I have felt exactly this way – in a furious storm, being battered from side-to-side by my emotions. Full of compassion one moment. Full of anger the next. Waves of emotions have crashed over me so that I’ve been nearly swamped by them – unable to concentrate on anything else and unable to right my boat. Keeled over – first one way, then the other – that’s what I have been.
Have you ever felt this way? I hope you had Jesus on your boat!
“Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, don’t you care if we drown? He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” (Mark 4:38-39)
Like the disciples, I have Jesus on board, thankfully. I have cried the same thing to him, “Lord, look at what is happening! I can’t fix this! Do something!”
He has said the same thing back to me, “Be still! Be still! Be still!”
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him . . .” (Psalm 37:7)
“Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
“Quiet! Be still!” (Mark 4:39)
I even heard him whispering this to me in a children’s movie at the theater last Friday. In the movie Where the Wild Things Are, the boy, Max, was very emotional. He was allowing his emotions to take control over him. They dictated his actions. His anger was about to eat him up. He had to say, very firmly, “Be still!” to the Wild Things. Reminded me of myself.
“Quiet! Be still!” The Lord told the storm and it was completely calm.
“He said to his disciples, ‘Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (v. 40)
I have come to realize that my situation is not really my problem. It is someone else’s problem and I can’t fix it. The Lord will work that out. He has promised me He will. My problem is my emotions about the situation. That is where the storm is raging.
“Quiet! Be still! . . . Do you still have no faith?”
The Lord has assured me over and over that this will turn out for my good and His glory. I must have faith in that. Allowing my emotions to storm, tossing me from side-to-side shows I do not trust what he has promised. It suggests I “still have no faith.”
We are going to the other shore. Jesus has pointed us in that direction. He has set me on this course. It was part of his plan. He knew it wouldn’t be easy. He knew the storm would come. But he is with me and has assured me we will get there safely. So, the question is, will I listen and obey and be still?
To the disciples Jesus revealed part of who he is, “Even the wind and the waves obey him!” (v. 41b) He wants to reveal something to me as well. Will I “Be still” and listen?
Will I allow my faith in Jesus Christ to quiet my emotional storm?
Will I step up boldly each time the winds begin to blow and say, “Be still!”
Will I allow him to reveal himself to me?
What would I know about my Lord and Savior if I would stop and allow him to be in control?
I’ve decided I would rather get to the other shore in awe of my Lord instead of emotionally worn out.
I don’t know if this word speaks to you. I hope it does. We all have our moments in the middle of the storm. Let us “Be still,” and allow Jesus, the Prince of Peace, to calm the waves.
Thank you, Jesus.
Keep us pointed in your direction and on even keel.
In Jesus’ name . . .
Thursday, October 8, 2009
BIG or Little?
Americans are BIG. We have big houses and drive big cars compared to other places in the world. We build big buildings and big stadiums. We have big movie stars who make big money. They throw big parties and spend their big money.
We eat Big Macs with our big super sized combos and then we are big in size. We have big government and big egos. We are just BIG!
That big mentality spills over into our attitudes and desires, even if we aren’t one of those big movie stars with big money. All of this BIG has caused us to think, even the smallest of us, that bigger is better. I read a children’s book this summer by Will Hobbs titled Go Big or Go Home. I think that sums up our attitude. If it isn’t big enough, we don’t want it and the little things don’t matter any more. It is a shame, but I think that is where we are in our attitudes.
This “big” thing began to dawn on me while I was deep in my Esther study the other day. Beth Moore has been talking about our personal destinies so, of course, I’ve been thinking, “What is my personal destiny? What am I supposed to be doing?” I’ve asked the Lord this for a long time now and I get a little bit of an idea along the way. He has been good to give me direction but I’ve never felt like “This is it!” Maybe it's just never been BIG enough for me to say, "Okay. That's it."
So, I started questioning my motive about wanting to know. I’ve been praying every morning, “Lord search my heart and keep my intentions pure,” and He has been faithful to do that. I’ve been questioning a lot about myself lately and I know it is because of that prayer. Most of the time I don’t like what I see and this big thing is no exception. It suddenly dawned on me that I want my destiny to be BIG. A big book to write or a big Sunday School class to teach or big attendance to some place I speak or . . . I don’t know . . . just BIG. Oh, the shame of my motive - but it is true.
I have fallen victim to the BIG mentality of America. Go BIG or go home! If it isn’t big, we don’t want it. If it is going to happen to us, we want it to be big. What is up with that? I’m not a big person, in terms of sphere of influence, nor do I really want to be. My house is small, by American standards. My car is small. (We won’t talk about my truck.) My circle of friends is small. And you know what? I like it that way. Why am I thinking about the BIG?
Really, "the BIG thing" is what I wanted in my heart when I asked the Lord about my destiny. I wanted the BIG. I’ve been trained to think that way – television, movies, news reports, seeing big houses and big cars and hearing about other people’s big stories. The world has influenced me. But, I must remember . . . I am not of this world. I am a child of God and I should see things differently. God’s economy is not the world’s economy.
May the Word of God remind me of what He has said to me.
Matthew 16:26: “What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?”
John 15:19: “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world . . .”
1 Corinthians 3:19: “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. . .”
1 John 2:15-17: “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world – the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does – comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.”
1 Peter2:9: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
John 3:30: “He must become greater. I must become less.”
I am chosen out of this world, not to be a part of it but to be a child of God. It is not good for me to gain the world, for the world’s wisdom is foolishness to God. When I love the things of the world, desiring what it offers and feeling full of pride, I am not loving my Lord for he is not part of the world. His will should be my desire, not my own. He is greater. I am less.
Oh LORD, I understand that something very small here on earth could be HUGE in your sight. I understand that substitute teaching my very small Sunday School class could be the very thing you have called my to do, even though it doesn’t seem very big to my eyes. I understand that sending someone a note of encouragement or a $20 bill could be BIG in your economy. I understand that I am called to do Your will, not my own and that my thoughts are not your thoughts and my ways are not your ways. (Isaiah 55) Give me a desire to do Your will. Make me content to do whatever it may be, no matter how small. Let me think about the small things as if they are monumental . . .because really they just might be the one huge thing that makes a difference in someone’s spiritual life. Give me eyes to see things Your way, LORD. Give me a sense of purpose, even when I’m doing something that seems miniscule to me. Bigger is not better in Your eyes, LORD. Remind me that Your thoughts are different. Faith. Build my faith, so that I will seek Your will and not my own. In Jesus’ mighty name I ask these things . . .
And on a more personal note . . . David, I hope these words were wise enough for you this morning! Thanks for being a faithful reader and making me post something new. Keep reminding me. Of course, you could make a comment every now and then.
We eat Big Macs with our big super sized combos and then we are big in size. We have big government and big egos. We are just BIG!
That big mentality spills over into our attitudes and desires, even if we aren’t one of those big movie stars with big money. All of this BIG has caused us to think, even the smallest of us, that bigger is better. I read a children’s book this summer by Will Hobbs titled Go Big or Go Home. I think that sums up our attitude. If it isn’t big enough, we don’t want it and the little things don’t matter any more. It is a shame, but I think that is where we are in our attitudes.
This “big” thing began to dawn on me while I was deep in my Esther study the other day. Beth Moore has been talking about our personal destinies so, of course, I’ve been thinking, “What is my personal destiny? What am I supposed to be doing?” I’ve asked the Lord this for a long time now and I get a little bit of an idea along the way. He has been good to give me direction but I’ve never felt like “This is it!” Maybe it's just never been BIG enough for me to say, "Okay. That's it."
So, I started questioning my motive about wanting to know. I’ve been praying every morning, “Lord search my heart and keep my intentions pure,” and He has been faithful to do that. I’ve been questioning a lot about myself lately and I know it is because of that prayer. Most of the time I don’t like what I see and this big thing is no exception. It suddenly dawned on me that I want my destiny to be BIG. A big book to write or a big Sunday School class to teach or big attendance to some place I speak or . . . I don’t know . . . just BIG. Oh, the shame of my motive - but it is true.
I have fallen victim to the BIG mentality of America. Go BIG or go home! If it isn’t big, we don’t want it. If it is going to happen to us, we want it to be big. What is up with that? I’m not a big person, in terms of sphere of influence, nor do I really want to be. My house is small, by American standards. My car is small. (We won’t talk about my truck.) My circle of friends is small. And you know what? I like it that way. Why am I thinking about the BIG?
Really, "the BIG thing" is what I wanted in my heart when I asked the Lord about my destiny. I wanted the BIG. I’ve been trained to think that way – television, movies, news reports, seeing big houses and big cars and hearing about other people’s big stories. The world has influenced me. But, I must remember . . . I am not of this world. I am a child of God and I should see things differently. God’s economy is not the world’s economy.
May the Word of God remind me of what He has said to me.
Matthew 16:26: “What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?”
John 15:19: “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world . . .”
1 Corinthians 3:19: “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. . .”
1 John 2:15-17: “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world – the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does – comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.”
1 Peter2:9: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
John 3:30: “He must become greater. I must become less.”
I am chosen out of this world, not to be a part of it but to be a child of God. It is not good for me to gain the world, for the world’s wisdom is foolishness to God. When I love the things of the world, desiring what it offers and feeling full of pride, I am not loving my Lord for he is not part of the world. His will should be my desire, not my own. He is greater. I am less.
Oh LORD, I understand that something very small here on earth could be HUGE in your sight. I understand that substitute teaching my very small Sunday School class could be the very thing you have called my to do, even though it doesn’t seem very big to my eyes. I understand that sending someone a note of encouragement or a $20 bill could be BIG in your economy. I understand that I am called to do Your will, not my own and that my thoughts are not your thoughts and my ways are not your ways. (Isaiah 55) Give me a desire to do Your will. Make me content to do whatever it may be, no matter how small. Let me think about the small things as if they are monumental . . .because really they just might be the one huge thing that makes a difference in someone’s spiritual life. Give me eyes to see things Your way, LORD. Give me a sense of purpose, even when I’m doing something that seems miniscule to me. Bigger is not better in Your eyes, LORD. Remind me that Your thoughts are different. Faith. Build my faith, so that I will seek Your will and not my own. In Jesus’ mighty name I ask these things . . .
And on a more personal note . . . David, I hope these words were wise enough for you this morning! Thanks for being a faithful reader and making me post something new. Keep reminding me. Of course, you could make a comment every now and then.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Saturday
It's Saturday! And a beautiful Saturday at that. I love lazy Saturdays.
Nothing special going on here today. I have no devotionals to post. No particular news to tell. Just glad it is Saturday.
My guys went hunting this morning. I had breakfast waiting on them when they got back. Jeffrey had a football game. We lost 38 to 0 but Jeffrey played a good game. He really excels out on the field and I'm not just being a mom when I say that. I love to watch him play - no matter what sport it is - football, baseball - it doesn't matter. I'm just thrilled to watch.
After the game we came home. I cleaned house while the guys slept. Then we went out to eat. They asked me to go hunting with them this evening, but I said no. I haven't gotten over the chiggers from last week. Drove me crazy all week. So they won't be back till late tonight.
Looks like a walk with the dog, a quick pedicure with new nail color and a second viewing of Beth Moore's Esther video #4. (I'm avoiding the 6 stacks of papers I have to grade before Monday. Can you tell?)
I love lazy Saturdays! Sigh . . .
Nothing special going on here today. I have no devotionals to post. No particular news to tell. Just glad it is Saturday.
My guys went hunting this morning. I had breakfast waiting on them when they got back. Jeffrey had a football game. We lost 38 to 0 but Jeffrey played a good game. He really excels out on the field and I'm not just being a mom when I say that. I love to watch him play - no matter what sport it is - football, baseball - it doesn't matter. I'm just thrilled to watch.
After the game we came home. I cleaned house while the guys slept. Then we went out to eat. They asked me to go hunting with them this evening, but I said no. I haven't gotten over the chiggers from last week. Drove me crazy all week. So they won't be back till late tonight.
Looks like a walk with the dog, a quick pedicure with new nail color and a second viewing of Beth Moore's Esther video #4. (I'm avoiding the 6 stacks of papers I have to grade before Monday. Can you tell?)
I love lazy Saturdays! Sigh . . .
Monday, September 14, 2009
Scripture That Guards
Earlier this year, I made a commitment to memorize two Bible verses each month. The verses could be of my choosing but I had to report my choices on the 1st and 15th of the month to my accountability partners.
I had never attempted to memorize scripture at a consistent pace before. Maybe I’d memorized a few, but really, I thought it was something I couldn’t do. I remember even writing that down in one of my old journals. “I’m not good at memorizing scripture.”
Well let me just tell you that was a lie Satan wanted me to believe. He just wanted me to think I couldn’t do it. Sounds pretty reasonable if you look at it from his point of view. The Word is my sword according to Ephesians 6:17. It is the weapon I can defend myself with. Why would he want me to sharpen my sword and have it ready? He wouldn’t, of course! That is why he kept telling me I couldn’t remember scripture! And for a while, I believed his lies.
I know the truth now, and the truth is I am hungry for God’s word. I can memorize it quickly and it comes to my mind and my mouth just when I need it. I cannot begin to tell you how often I have been in a situation, feeling defeated or feeling uncertain or even feeling joyful when BAM - there is it – in my mind and on my tongue. God’s Word is awesome!
Take for example my recent situation. There has been an area of my life that has not gone the way I wanted it to go. I’ve done everything I know to do. I’ve handled it the way the LORD has directed me, but still my prayers are unanswered and the situation looks bleak from here.
Needless to say, I’ve been very anxious about the outcome. But every time I started getting to that really anxious place – the place where I knew I was just going to emotionally lose it, my memory verse came to mind.
Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, present your requests to God and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
That was me. I was anxious. So I would offer up to my Lord thanksgiving. (I’d already done a whole lot of prayer and petition.) And I would rest in the fact that He had it under control, even if it didn’t look that way to me.
You know, this verse doesn’t tell us that we’ll get what we asked for – maybe because He knows better than us and whatever we’re asking for might not be the best way to solve the situation. Nope. It doesn’t promise us answered prayers. It promises peace – a peace that is beyond understanding. It promises the kind of peace that doesn’t make sense. Others might look at you in the middle of your peace and think . . .”Why isn’t she upset?” Or, “I don’t see how she is holding up right now.” The LORD’s peace goes beyond understanding.
The other thing I find interesting about this verse is that this peace stands guard over your heart and your mind. Interesting. You would only need a guard if there was a threat, right?
In my case, I became anxious every time I was reminded of the situation. That could be many times in a day. So each time, it was presented, I would begin to start worrying and here would come my verse. I would say the verse out loud (didn’t have to look it up because it was in my memory) and I would remember to trust my MORD and her would come my peace – the peace that stood guard and didn’t allow all those anxious, negative thoughts to consume me.
The peace of God has been guarding my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus. I sure have been under attack, but I’m feeling pretty good because I know that LORD has posted peace to be my guard. I do not need to be anxious – all I need to do is pray and thank my LORD.
I don’t know what part of this you needed to hear today. Maybe you too have believed Satan’s lie that you can’t memorize scripture. To you I would say . . . grab hold of the truth. Take up your sword and defeat the lie. Find some verses that speak to you and some friends that will hold you accountable. You’ll be glad you did.
Maybe you needed to hear that God’s peace will guard your heart and your mind. Maybe you are in the middle of some kind of battle and you needed to know this. To you I would say . . . write this verse (Phil. 4:6-7) on a card and carry it around with you. Repeat it over and over until it is hiding in your heart. Speak it every time you begin to feel anxious. Let it remind you that God is in control and He has sent peace to guard over you. Thank Him – for He is good.
Dear LORD, I thank You for Your Word! I thank You that You have given it to us to teach us, protect us, comfort us, encourage us and much more. I thank You that You have shown me the truth. I thank You that You have equipped me with a mind that is able to memorize Your Word. And, I thank You for the hunger I have for Your Word and Your presence in my life. Fill me up LORD. Fill me up with You. I want to know You more and more each day. Thank You. In Jesus name . . .
I had never attempted to memorize scripture at a consistent pace before. Maybe I’d memorized a few, but really, I thought it was something I couldn’t do. I remember even writing that down in one of my old journals. “I’m not good at memorizing scripture.”
Well let me just tell you that was a lie Satan wanted me to believe. He just wanted me to think I couldn’t do it. Sounds pretty reasonable if you look at it from his point of view. The Word is my sword according to Ephesians 6:17. It is the weapon I can defend myself with. Why would he want me to sharpen my sword and have it ready? He wouldn’t, of course! That is why he kept telling me I couldn’t remember scripture! And for a while, I believed his lies.
I know the truth now, and the truth is I am hungry for God’s word. I can memorize it quickly and it comes to my mind and my mouth just when I need it. I cannot begin to tell you how often I have been in a situation, feeling defeated or feeling uncertain or even feeling joyful when BAM - there is it – in my mind and on my tongue. God’s Word is awesome!
Take for example my recent situation. There has been an area of my life that has not gone the way I wanted it to go. I’ve done everything I know to do. I’ve handled it the way the LORD has directed me, but still my prayers are unanswered and the situation looks bleak from here.
Needless to say, I’ve been very anxious about the outcome. But every time I started getting to that really anxious place – the place where I knew I was just going to emotionally lose it, my memory verse came to mind.
Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, present your requests to God and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
That was me. I was anxious. So I would offer up to my Lord thanksgiving. (I’d already done a whole lot of prayer and petition.) And I would rest in the fact that He had it under control, even if it didn’t look that way to me.
You know, this verse doesn’t tell us that we’ll get what we asked for – maybe because He knows better than us and whatever we’re asking for might not be the best way to solve the situation. Nope. It doesn’t promise us answered prayers. It promises peace – a peace that is beyond understanding. It promises the kind of peace that doesn’t make sense. Others might look at you in the middle of your peace and think . . .”Why isn’t she upset?” Or, “I don’t see how she is holding up right now.” The LORD’s peace goes beyond understanding.
The other thing I find interesting about this verse is that this peace stands guard over your heart and your mind. Interesting. You would only need a guard if there was a threat, right?
In my case, I became anxious every time I was reminded of the situation. That could be many times in a day. So each time, it was presented, I would begin to start worrying and here would come my verse. I would say the verse out loud (didn’t have to look it up because it was in my memory) and I would remember to trust my MORD and her would come my peace – the peace that stood guard and didn’t allow all those anxious, negative thoughts to consume me.
The peace of God has been guarding my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus. I sure have been under attack, but I’m feeling pretty good because I know that LORD has posted peace to be my guard. I do not need to be anxious – all I need to do is pray and thank my LORD.
I don’t know what part of this you needed to hear today. Maybe you too have believed Satan’s lie that you can’t memorize scripture. To you I would say . . . grab hold of the truth. Take up your sword and defeat the lie. Find some verses that speak to you and some friends that will hold you accountable. You’ll be glad you did.
Maybe you needed to hear that God’s peace will guard your heart and your mind. Maybe you are in the middle of some kind of battle and you needed to know this. To you I would say . . . write this verse (Phil. 4:6-7) on a card and carry it around with you. Repeat it over and over until it is hiding in your heart. Speak it every time you begin to feel anxious. Let it remind you that God is in control and He has sent peace to guard over you. Thank Him – for He is good.
Dear LORD, I thank You for Your Word! I thank You that You have given it to us to teach us, protect us, comfort us, encourage us and much more. I thank You that You have shown me the truth. I thank You that You have equipped me with a mind that is able to memorize Your Word. And, I thank You for the hunger I have for Your Word and Your presence in my life. Fill me up LORD. Fill me up with You. I want to know You more and more each day. Thank You. In Jesus name . . .
Friday, August 14, 2009
Promises from God
I’ve had a situation in my life for quite a few years now that requires a lot of prayer and often results in tears. The LORD has given me a promise in this area of my life. As I wept one day, pointing out some things he said in Psalms and begging Him to give me assurance of those things, He spoke a promise to my heart. I knew He had heard me. I knew there was no more that needed to be said or asked. He had spoken His word to me and it was a promise.
So, I’ve held on to that promise. When things don’t look too positive, I’ve had to be reminded of His promise. “Do you trust me?” was the feeling I kept getting one day – which, I think, means we’ve got some troubled roads ahead of us before His promise is fulfilled. I guess the recent situation is one of those roads.
As I cried yesterday, I told God that He needed to keep reminding me of His promise. “Don’t let me forget,” I begged. God is good! And, He listens! And, He is sweet to me.
Jeffrey and I cleaned his room after my cry. We had several bags of trash after emptying his bookbag, so we took the bags out to the can and then rolled the can to the front – since today is trash day.
While I was positioning the can, Jeffrey said, “Look! There’s a rainbow!” Yep! There is was – a big, beautiful reminder of His promises. Now, you just tell me . . . .Who can manipulate the clouds and the sun and the rain into just the right place, at just the right time, so that I could see it perfectly in the biggest open spot around? Only my Father in Heaven!
That rainbow was just for me yesterday. I know it. It was my Father saying, “Here! Remember my promise to you. You are important to me and I hear your cries.”
I thanked God right away for putting that rainbow there and I told Jeffrey what I had prayed earlier. He said, “Well, I guess He really did hear you.” Not only that, but He responded!
My God is good! He is the Alpha and Omega. He holds all of creation in His hand. His love is everlasting. And, I am His!
But here is the thing that gets me . . . Isn’t it neat to know that God is the kind of Father that would set something sweet up just for you? Actually, I think He likes setting up little surprises for us – especially if we’re the kind of child that notices. And, He’s personal too. He does things for us individually. Yeah, everyone around saw that rainbow but I was the one who asked to be reminded of His promise and the rainbow represents His promises. That rainbow was for me! Thank you, LORD!
May I always have my eyes open to see how my LORD is working around me. I don’t want to overlook a thing.
I sing praises to you, my LORD!
So, I’ve held on to that promise. When things don’t look too positive, I’ve had to be reminded of His promise. “Do you trust me?” was the feeling I kept getting one day – which, I think, means we’ve got some troubled roads ahead of us before His promise is fulfilled. I guess the recent situation is one of those roads.
As I cried yesterday, I told God that He needed to keep reminding me of His promise. “Don’t let me forget,” I begged. God is good! And, He listens! And, He is sweet to me.
Jeffrey and I cleaned his room after my cry. We had several bags of trash after emptying his bookbag, so we took the bags out to the can and then rolled the can to the front – since today is trash day.
While I was positioning the can, Jeffrey said, “Look! There’s a rainbow!” Yep! There is was – a big, beautiful reminder of His promises. Now, you just tell me . . . .Who can manipulate the clouds and the sun and the rain into just the right place, at just the right time, so that I could see it perfectly in the biggest open spot around? Only my Father in Heaven!
That rainbow was just for me yesterday. I know it. It was my Father saying, “Here! Remember my promise to you. You are important to me and I hear your cries.”
I thanked God right away for putting that rainbow there and I told Jeffrey what I had prayed earlier. He said, “Well, I guess He really did hear you.” Not only that, but He responded!
My God is good! He is the Alpha and Omega. He holds all of creation in His hand. His love is everlasting. And, I am His!
But here is the thing that gets me . . . Isn’t it neat to know that God is the kind of Father that would set something sweet up just for you? Actually, I think He likes setting up little surprises for us – especially if we’re the kind of child that notices. And, He’s personal too. He does things for us individually. Yeah, everyone around saw that rainbow but I was the one who asked to be reminded of His promise and the rainbow represents His promises. That rainbow was for me! Thank you, LORD!
May I always have my eyes open to see how my LORD is working around me. I don’t want to overlook a thing.
I sing praises to you, my LORD!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Praise from the Mission Field
Our mission trip was such a blessing from God! I wish I could tell you everything that happened during the week, but, alas, I would be here a very long time doing that. So, I guess I'll just hit the hightlights.
Highlight #1: It rained almost all week. Very wet. Very muddy. We had never had to deal with rain during our camp week before and I guess God just threw that in to kick it up a notch. I think we rose to the occassion though. Nobody really complained about it. The youth did a great job being flexible with the schedule and doing extra cabin time when we were forced to go to bed early because of thunderstorms and tornado warnings. All in all the rain was a blessing because it kept it from being so hot.
Highlight #2: I didn't really get to work with the kids very much because my focus was the mom's retreat. That didn't start until Thursday, so I had two days to just help out where I could. I helped with crafts, which is always fun. I helped the children carry their food trays during meal time and I acted as waitress to get drinks and napkins and second helpings. Little Joseph was such a sweetie. He stole my heart last year when he was in my group. One night I was helping him carry his food and I spilled a little of his lemonade into his ketchup. I offered to go get him more ketchup but he wouldn't let me. "No, it won't change the way it tastes," he kept insisting. So sweet and never a complainer. Mr. Charlie, (one of the men form my church who came to help in the kitchen) noticed how Joseph was limping around one day and asked why. Joseph said his feet hurt so Mr. Charlie took off his shoes and quickly realized his shoes were way too small for his feet. So Mr. Charlie traced Joseph's feet and promptly went to town to buy him some new shoes. They were fast friends after that and Joseph could often be found by Mr. Charlie's side. Mr. Charlie cried about that little boy. How often do you see that?
Highlight #3: I did get asked to do a Bible study with the teenage group. One night after worship and the message, I stopped by the Purple Team to see how they were doing. I answered a few questions and offered a few verses and sent the youth leaders in the right direction. Later, some of the youth leaders from that group came to me and said they had noticed that many members of their group had no respect for their bodies. They wanted to do a Bible lesson that would show their group members how God viewed them and why it was important to respect God by respecting themselves. This was really a touchy subject for them and I'm guessing the leaders felt uncomfortable with the subject. So, I talked with Michael, one of the youth ministers there with us and we came up with a good road map through the Bible on the subject. He talked with the boys and I talked with the girls. What a thrill! I had the best time talking to those young girls. And, oh, I know they listened. God's word was very well received by each of them. Later that week, one of those girls made a profession of faith and was baptized in the lake. I knew she would. I could see it in her eyes and I could hear it in her questions. And as for the others, seeds were planted and I feel sure that some day they will grow. Praise the LORD!
Highlight #4: I got to work with the moms! We had a blast! The fellowship was good - 6 moms from last year's retreat came back. The food was good - chocolate fountain was a hit! The Word was just what they needed. Our theme was "Facing Our Giants" and we had made a giant Goliath out of foam board as a display. We had a great time writing our personal giants on little notecards, tacking them all over Goliath and then finding Bible verses that defeated our giants and tacking those over the the giants we had posted. Very cool and we all walked away with sharpened swords to wield in the face of our personal giants. The moms were a hoot and we are already looking forward to next year.
Highlight #5: Kimberley! She was a mom that came last year. She didn't want to be there - only came because she thought she had to since her daughter was at our camp. She was very bitter and she captured my heart immediately last year. She won a study Bible as a door prize last year. "Go figure," she said. "Who can I give it to?" But before she left she asked each of us - me, Wanda and Katrina - to write our favorite verses in the front. We did and the good news is she didn't give that Bible away. She read our verses and she wanted to read more and more and before long she wasn't the Kimbereley we knew anymore. She was a new creation. The old had gone and the new had come. (2 Corinthians 5:17 - which was our theme verse last year.) We prayed for her all year. When I saw her this year, I knew! She had Jesus written all over her face and her words were warm and sweet. She hugged us tight! She waited for our retreat to make a public profession of faith, but really, she already had Jesus in her heart. She was baptized in the lake on Saturday morning. Praise the LORD!
God's word is powerful! He promises us that His word will never come back to Him empty and that it will always accomplish what He desires and achieve the purpose for which He sent it. (Isaiah 55:11) That is big! All we have to do is plant the seeds and water them. God will make them grow. (1 Corinthians 3:6)
I am so blessed to be able to serve my LORD and Savior. I am so blessed to not only be a part of the planting but also that He allowed me to be a part of the harvest. What a thrill! Thank you LORD, for the opportunities you have given me to serve You. Thank you LORD, for leading me to this place where I can see Your beautiful work being accomplished. I sing praises to You, LORD! Thank you!
Highlight #1: It rained almost all week. Very wet. Very muddy. We had never had to deal with rain during our camp week before and I guess God just threw that in to kick it up a notch. I think we rose to the occassion though. Nobody really complained about it. The youth did a great job being flexible with the schedule and doing extra cabin time when we were forced to go to bed early because of thunderstorms and tornado warnings. All in all the rain was a blessing because it kept it from being so hot.
Highlight #2: I didn't really get to work with the kids very much because my focus was the mom's retreat. That didn't start until Thursday, so I had two days to just help out where I could. I helped with crafts, which is always fun. I helped the children carry their food trays during meal time and I acted as waitress to get drinks and napkins and second helpings. Little Joseph was such a sweetie. He stole my heart last year when he was in my group. One night I was helping him carry his food and I spilled a little of his lemonade into his ketchup. I offered to go get him more ketchup but he wouldn't let me. "No, it won't change the way it tastes," he kept insisting. So sweet and never a complainer. Mr. Charlie, (one of the men form my church who came to help in the kitchen) noticed how Joseph was limping around one day and asked why. Joseph said his feet hurt so Mr. Charlie took off his shoes and quickly realized his shoes were way too small for his feet. So Mr. Charlie traced Joseph's feet and promptly went to town to buy him some new shoes. They were fast friends after that and Joseph could often be found by Mr. Charlie's side. Mr. Charlie cried about that little boy. How often do you see that?
Highlight #3: I did get asked to do a Bible study with the teenage group. One night after worship and the message, I stopped by the Purple Team to see how they were doing. I answered a few questions and offered a few verses and sent the youth leaders in the right direction. Later, some of the youth leaders from that group came to me and said they had noticed that many members of their group had no respect for their bodies. They wanted to do a Bible lesson that would show their group members how God viewed them and why it was important to respect God by respecting themselves. This was really a touchy subject for them and I'm guessing the leaders felt uncomfortable with the subject. So, I talked with Michael, one of the youth ministers there with us and we came up with a good road map through the Bible on the subject. He talked with the boys and I talked with the girls. What a thrill! I had the best time talking to those young girls. And, oh, I know they listened. God's word was very well received by each of them. Later that week, one of those girls made a profession of faith and was baptized in the lake. I knew she would. I could see it in her eyes and I could hear it in her questions. And as for the others, seeds were planted and I feel sure that some day they will grow. Praise the LORD!
Highlight #4: I got to work with the moms! We had a blast! The fellowship was good - 6 moms from last year's retreat came back. The food was good - chocolate fountain was a hit! The Word was just what they needed. Our theme was "Facing Our Giants" and we had made a giant Goliath out of foam board as a display. We had a great time writing our personal giants on little notecards, tacking them all over Goliath and then finding Bible verses that defeated our giants and tacking those over the the giants we had posted. Very cool and we all walked away with sharpened swords to wield in the face of our personal giants. The moms were a hoot and we are already looking forward to next year.
Highlight #5: Kimberley! She was a mom that came last year. She didn't want to be there - only came because she thought she had to since her daughter was at our camp. She was very bitter and she captured my heart immediately last year. She won a study Bible as a door prize last year. "Go figure," she said. "Who can I give it to?" But before she left she asked each of us - me, Wanda and Katrina - to write our favorite verses in the front. We did and the good news is she didn't give that Bible away. She read our verses and she wanted to read more and more and before long she wasn't the Kimbereley we knew anymore. She was a new creation. The old had gone and the new had come. (2 Corinthians 5:17 - which was our theme verse last year.) We prayed for her all year. When I saw her this year, I knew! She had Jesus written all over her face and her words were warm and sweet. She hugged us tight! She waited for our retreat to make a public profession of faith, but really, she already had Jesus in her heart. She was baptized in the lake on Saturday morning. Praise the LORD!
God's word is powerful! He promises us that His word will never come back to Him empty and that it will always accomplish what He desires and achieve the purpose for which He sent it. (Isaiah 55:11) That is big! All we have to do is plant the seeds and water them. God will make them grow. (1 Corinthians 3:6)
I am so blessed to be able to serve my LORD and Savior. I am so blessed to not only be a part of the planting but also that He allowed me to be a part of the harvest. What a thrill! Thank you LORD, for the opportunities you have given me to serve You. Thank you LORD, for leading me to this place where I can see Your beautiful work being accomplished. I sing praises to You, LORD! Thank you!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Mission Trip 09
Well, the time has come!
I leave tomorrow morning, bright and early at 5:00 AM, to go on our mission trip to Tennessee. I can't wait!
We'll be hosting a camp for children of single moms and then on Thursday the moms get to come for a mom retreat. We have exciting stuff planned like a spa day - complete with nails and facials, relaxing music and a chocolate fountain - of course. Wanda made a little card with a verse about the fountain of life (can't remember the reference right now) to post beside the fountain. She's so funny! The most important part of our day will be our Bible study. (Still working on that. Pray for me please.)
And, Amy Stephens will be coming to speak on Friday night. Can't wait! I haven't met her yet but I've been very encouraged by her enthusiasm for God from our phone conversation and emails. What a blessing that will be!
Our theme is "Facing Our Giants" this year. The kids down at Creekside will be doing all kinds of football things. I guess we'll be the homecoming queens.
Anyway, I'm so very excited and doubt I'll sleep a wink tonight.
I'll try to post some pictures during the week.
Pray that the Holy Spirit will fill Deer Run up - "a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over" - full up! Pray that women will be saved a God's wonderful love will be revealed. I'm praying for BIG things!
I leave tomorrow morning, bright and early at 5:00 AM, to go on our mission trip to Tennessee. I can't wait!
We'll be hosting a camp for children of single moms and then on Thursday the moms get to come for a mom retreat. We have exciting stuff planned like a spa day - complete with nails and facials, relaxing music and a chocolate fountain - of course. Wanda made a little card with a verse about the fountain of life (can't remember the reference right now) to post beside the fountain. She's so funny! The most important part of our day will be our Bible study. (Still working on that. Pray for me please.)
And, Amy Stephens will be coming to speak on Friday night. Can't wait! I haven't met her yet but I've been very encouraged by her enthusiasm for God from our phone conversation and emails. What a blessing that will be!
Our theme is "Facing Our Giants" this year. The kids down at Creekside will be doing all kinds of football things. I guess we'll be the homecoming queens.
Anyway, I'm so very excited and doubt I'll sleep a wink tonight.
I'll try to post some pictures during the week.
Pray that the Holy Spirit will fill Deer Run up - "a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over" - full up! Pray that women will be saved a God's wonderful love will be revealed. I'm praying for BIG things!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Unexpected Messengers
Sometimes God sends the most unexpected messengers.
For over 2 years I’ve been dealing with a watery right eye. Well, its not just watery; its full of puss sometimes and hurts a good deal of the time. I’ve been to all kinds of eye doctors. Every doctor would say, “If this doesn’t work, you may have to see an eyelid specialist – one who deals with tear ducts.” It was the worst case scenario threat.
This week I went to see him. Dr. Mather – educated in all the right medical schools, highly recommended, well respected in the medical community and one of only 200 eyelid specialists in our country.
Anyway, Dr. Mather explained what he thought and what he was going to do before he began to probe my tear duct. He told me we were looking for something that was blocking it, usually that was a little stone, crystallized matter that had built up. He would clear it out and that would be it. All done; I’d be better. He said, “99% of the time this works.”
I knew right then I was the 1% and sure enough I was right. No stones. So, now what? Wait. That’s what he said. We could do surgery but that would compound some other eye issues I have and he didn’t want to do that unless he absolutely had to. So, we’re waiting.
Now, I’ve prayed for healing of my eye for these 2 years, especially since March or so, when it started to get really painful. My husband has even put his hand over my eye everyday and prayed. So, a lot of verbal prayers have been lifted up. But, some silent prayers have been lifted up too. After my visit, I sent up one of those silent prayers. “Give me something, Lord. Tell me what to do.”
The next evening I was watering my potted plants in the backyard. My driveway is really long and goes all the way to the backyard and then opens into a patio. Most people who know us will pull all the way down the drive but those who don’t will stop near the front door.
I’m watering away when I notice an old yellow Mercedes – driven by an old black man slowly pulling down the drive. I didn’t know the man so I yelled at Jeff that someone was here. Sometimes people from his work will come by and bring him something to fix. He’s very clever with small engines. I just assumed Jeff knew the man. He didn’t.
By the time the yellow Mercedes had come to a stop, Jeff and I were both standing at the back edge of the house and the man had driven all the way down our drive – all the way to the backyard. We were curious.
Then, thick with old Charleston accent, the man started talking.
“I’m just doin’ me some drive-by healin’. Yeah, our preacher said lots of folks in this world need healin’. He sent us out. So, I’m just doin’ drive-by healin’.”
Drive-by healin’? I was floored. How many years had I been praying for healin’ of my eye? Didn’t I just go to my last hope doctor? Didn’t he just say I was the 1% and we could wait and hope for the best? Didn’t I place my hope in the LORD?
I was ready to burst out, “Pray for my eye!” But Jeff said, “That’s very nice of you. Thank you sir.” And with that, the old man mumbled again, “I’m doin’ drive-by healin’,” and began to back out the drive.
I watched him creep slowly down the street. I suppose he was praying for healin’, being led by the spirit to where healin’ was needed, but he didn’t pull into anyone else’s drive. Jeff and I watched him disappear around the corner – speechless. Then, he looked at me and said, “Drive-by healin’? I never heard of such a thing.”
“He was an answer to prayer,” I shouted. “He was sent by my Lord to give me a message! Honey, I got me some drive-by healin’! Praise the LORD!” I laughed and laughed with joy at the message my Lord had sent me.
Later, I went inside and knelt in thanksgiving before my Lord. I began to realize what an unexpected messenger He had sent. He knew I needed more than a word of encouragement from family or friend. I needed something other than a Bible verse. He knew I needed words of hope from an unexpected messenger. Its amazing how fast an unexpected messenger will get our attention, isn’t it.
I marveled at how my Lord weaves our lives into something beautiful. I marveled at His messenger – an old black man, sent out from church, choosing a very white neighborhood, driving down my drive to tell us he was doing drive-by healin’. I marveled at how God uses His people. The man never asked if I needed healing. He never asked to pray for me. That wasn’t what he was there for. He was a messenger –sent to give hope. And, this side of heaven, he’ll never know what he did for me that night because I never told him.
“but those who hop in the LORD will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
I don’t know what awaits me and my eye in the future. Maybe like Elijah my messenger was sent to give me bread and nourishment because the journey ahead of me is long and difficult. Or, maybe he was a messenger of good news like the 3 visitors sent to tell Abram and Sarah they would have a son. (If so, I’m glad I didn’t laugh in doubt like she did.)
Time will tell. But for now, I’m pleased to feel encouraged by my Lord. It’s just another way He shows me I am chosen and loved and strengthened by Him. Thank you, LORD!
For over 2 years I’ve been dealing with a watery right eye. Well, its not just watery; its full of puss sometimes and hurts a good deal of the time. I’ve been to all kinds of eye doctors. Every doctor would say, “If this doesn’t work, you may have to see an eyelid specialist – one who deals with tear ducts.” It was the worst case scenario threat.
This week I went to see him. Dr. Mather – educated in all the right medical schools, highly recommended, well respected in the medical community and one of only 200 eyelid specialists in our country.
Anyway, Dr. Mather explained what he thought and what he was going to do before he began to probe my tear duct. He told me we were looking for something that was blocking it, usually that was a little stone, crystallized matter that had built up. He would clear it out and that would be it. All done; I’d be better. He said, “99% of the time this works.”
I knew right then I was the 1% and sure enough I was right. No stones. So, now what? Wait. That’s what he said. We could do surgery but that would compound some other eye issues I have and he didn’t want to do that unless he absolutely had to. So, we’re waiting.
Now, I’ve prayed for healing of my eye for these 2 years, especially since March or so, when it started to get really painful. My husband has even put his hand over my eye everyday and prayed. So, a lot of verbal prayers have been lifted up. But, some silent prayers have been lifted up too. After my visit, I sent up one of those silent prayers. “Give me something, Lord. Tell me what to do.”
The next evening I was watering my potted plants in the backyard. My driveway is really long and goes all the way to the backyard and then opens into a patio. Most people who know us will pull all the way down the drive but those who don’t will stop near the front door.
I’m watering away when I notice an old yellow Mercedes – driven by an old black man slowly pulling down the drive. I didn’t know the man so I yelled at Jeff that someone was here. Sometimes people from his work will come by and bring him something to fix. He’s very clever with small engines. I just assumed Jeff knew the man. He didn’t.
By the time the yellow Mercedes had come to a stop, Jeff and I were both standing at the back edge of the house and the man had driven all the way down our drive – all the way to the backyard. We were curious.
Then, thick with old Charleston accent, the man started talking.
“I’m just doin’ me some drive-by healin’. Yeah, our preacher said lots of folks in this world need healin’. He sent us out. So, I’m just doin’ drive-by healin’.”
Drive-by healin’? I was floored. How many years had I been praying for healin’ of my eye? Didn’t I just go to my last hope doctor? Didn’t he just say I was the 1% and we could wait and hope for the best? Didn’t I place my hope in the LORD?
I was ready to burst out, “Pray for my eye!” But Jeff said, “That’s very nice of you. Thank you sir.” And with that, the old man mumbled again, “I’m doin’ drive-by healin’,” and began to back out the drive.
I watched him creep slowly down the street. I suppose he was praying for healin’, being led by the spirit to where healin’ was needed, but he didn’t pull into anyone else’s drive. Jeff and I watched him disappear around the corner – speechless. Then, he looked at me and said, “Drive-by healin’? I never heard of such a thing.”
“He was an answer to prayer,” I shouted. “He was sent by my Lord to give me a message! Honey, I got me some drive-by healin’! Praise the LORD!” I laughed and laughed with joy at the message my Lord had sent me.
Later, I went inside and knelt in thanksgiving before my Lord. I began to realize what an unexpected messenger He had sent. He knew I needed more than a word of encouragement from family or friend. I needed something other than a Bible verse. He knew I needed words of hope from an unexpected messenger. Its amazing how fast an unexpected messenger will get our attention, isn’t it.
I marveled at how my Lord weaves our lives into something beautiful. I marveled at His messenger – an old black man, sent out from church, choosing a very white neighborhood, driving down my drive to tell us he was doing drive-by healin’. I marveled at how God uses His people. The man never asked if I needed healing. He never asked to pray for me. That wasn’t what he was there for. He was a messenger –sent to give hope. And, this side of heaven, he’ll never know what he did for me that night because I never told him.
“but those who hop in the LORD will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
I don’t know what awaits me and my eye in the future. Maybe like Elijah my messenger was sent to give me bread and nourishment because the journey ahead of me is long and difficult. Or, maybe he was a messenger of good news like the 3 visitors sent to tell Abram and Sarah they would have a son. (If so, I’m glad I didn’t laugh in doubt like she did.)
Time will tell. But for now, I’m pleased to feel encouraged by my Lord. It’s just another way He shows me I am chosen and loved and strengthened by Him. Thank you, LORD!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Are You Thirsty?
Yesterday I wrote a long list of things to do in my journal. I was complaining about never having enough time to get everything done. After I wrote out my frustrations, I went to check my e-mail. I get these devotionals via e-mail everyday. I never read them. I probably have 77 unread, just sitting there. Anyway, I clicked on one to read, just by chance, and there it was – a devotional on taking time with your kids and not worrying about the “To-do” list. Funny how God works. Guess he was letting me know that life isn’t about a to-do list.
The problem is, my focus seems to always be on those kinds of things. What has to be done today? Where will I get the money for that? How will this or that ever happen? My life is full of details to manage and I’m constantly focused on them.
I pray about them a lot too. “LORD, help me get this done today.” I’ve prayed this way for years. Maybe you have too.
It started occurring to me a while back and honestly, I haven’t really let it come to the front of my mind where I might mull it over but I started thinking that this is not what Jesus would want me to ponder. It would not be on his list of things to think about. His thoughts are higher than my thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8)
Think about The Woman at the Well in John chapter 4. The woman is thirsty or needs water for chores, so she goes to the well for water. She goes about her daily chores. Jesus is there at the well and he asks her for a drink but, she questions him, since Jews don’t normally associate with Samaritans. Jesus didn’t worry about cultural divisions and he wasn’t really concerned about getting water from this lady either; he was digging much deeper than that. He was concerned about her soul for he answers he, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water . . . Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (v. 10, 13-14)
Did you notice that? Let’s not skim over that too quickly. Jesus did not get up from his seat, pull the water from the well and take it back to her house for her. He didn’t offer to help her with her “to-do” list. He looked straight through her list of chores, right into her heart and that’s where he saw something that needed to be done. She had a need in her heart to know Jesus Christ, savior, redeemer, giver of living water.
Our “to-do” lists are superficial. The heart is what matters to Jesus.
You know, I’ve often thought as I was praying away my things to do, that if Jesus suddenly appeared in front of me so that I could touch him and have a conversation with him, he wouldn’t say a thing about my chores or my money or whatever aches and pains I might be suffering that day. He would look right through those superficial things and into the deepest part of my heart. He would pull some unnoticed thing up out of there and say, “Here, let me fix this for you. This is what I see needs to be done.”
Maybe it would be some bitterness I hold deep inside. Or a greedy root I didn’t know was there. Perhaps it would be some insecurity I hadn’t noticed that was bearing some bad fruit in my life. Whatever he might pull out and bring to my attention, I can promise it wouldn’t be dishes or laundry or errands to run. If Jesus showed up in my prayer time, those superficial things would melt away and all that would matter would be the state of my heart.
Think about that for a while . . . It’s true.
So, I must ask myself, “Do I never ask for help with my to-do list?” I believe the answer to that is no – go ahead and ask. Jesus cares about our daily lives. He wants us to come to him in the big things and the small things. But, we should also take time and ask him to reveal things that need to be fixed. We should ask Jesus to give us a pure heart, one more like his.
Will this be difficult? Probably. Will he identify some touchy subjects you don’t want to talk about? Most definitely. But, his aim is to free us, redeem us, purify us. Won’t you let him do that for you? It is a Godly To-Do list with an invitation to let Him get it done. For the LORD says,
“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters.
And, you who have no money, come, buy and eat.
Come buy wine and milk without money and without cost.
Why spend money on what is not bread
and your labor on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me and eat what is good
and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.
Give ear and come to me.
Hear me that your soul may live.
And I will make an everlasting covenant with you,
my faithful love promised to David.” (Isaiah 55:1-3)
Jesus stands in front of you, arm extended, beckoning. Come. You are thirsty for living water. Come. He offers what no man possesses. It costs nothing but is rich and will delight you. Come. Enjoy the covenant of faithful love promised to you. Won’t you come?
Oh, dear LORD, I thank you for this invitation. I thank You for Your deep love. I thank You for your desire to set me free from the things of this world that want to entangle me. I thank You for your Godly to-do list and I thank You that in the end, mine doesn’t matter. LORD, let me remember this. When the world is closing in on me and I’m being strangled by my chores, let me remember Your open invitation to come to You so that I might eat Your satisfying bread – the Bread of Your Presence. Remind me, O LORD, to come to you. I ask this in the name of my redeeming Lord, Jesus Christ . . .
The problem is, my focus seems to always be on those kinds of things. What has to be done today? Where will I get the money for that? How will this or that ever happen? My life is full of details to manage and I’m constantly focused on them.
I pray about them a lot too. “LORD, help me get this done today.” I’ve prayed this way for years. Maybe you have too.
It started occurring to me a while back and honestly, I haven’t really let it come to the front of my mind where I might mull it over but I started thinking that this is not what Jesus would want me to ponder. It would not be on his list of things to think about. His thoughts are higher than my thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8)
Think about The Woman at the Well in John chapter 4. The woman is thirsty or needs water for chores, so she goes to the well for water. She goes about her daily chores. Jesus is there at the well and he asks her for a drink but, she questions him, since Jews don’t normally associate with Samaritans. Jesus didn’t worry about cultural divisions and he wasn’t really concerned about getting water from this lady either; he was digging much deeper than that. He was concerned about her soul for he answers he, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water . . . Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (v. 10, 13-14)
Did you notice that? Let’s not skim over that too quickly. Jesus did not get up from his seat, pull the water from the well and take it back to her house for her. He didn’t offer to help her with her “to-do” list. He looked straight through her list of chores, right into her heart and that’s where he saw something that needed to be done. She had a need in her heart to know Jesus Christ, savior, redeemer, giver of living water.
Our “to-do” lists are superficial. The heart is what matters to Jesus.
You know, I’ve often thought as I was praying away my things to do, that if Jesus suddenly appeared in front of me so that I could touch him and have a conversation with him, he wouldn’t say a thing about my chores or my money or whatever aches and pains I might be suffering that day. He would look right through those superficial things and into the deepest part of my heart. He would pull some unnoticed thing up out of there and say, “Here, let me fix this for you. This is what I see needs to be done.”
Maybe it would be some bitterness I hold deep inside. Or a greedy root I didn’t know was there. Perhaps it would be some insecurity I hadn’t noticed that was bearing some bad fruit in my life. Whatever he might pull out and bring to my attention, I can promise it wouldn’t be dishes or laundry or errands to run. If Jesus showed up in my prayer time, those superficial things would melt away and all that would matter would be the state of my heart.
Think about that for a while . . . It’s true.
So, I must ask myself, “Do I never ask for help with my to-do list?” I believe the answer to that is no – go ahead and ask. Jesus cares about our daily lives. He wants us to come to him in the big things and the small things. But, we should also take time and ask him to reveal things that need to be fixed. We should ask Jesus to give us a pure heart, one more like his.
Will this be difficult? Probably. Will he identify some touchy subjects you don’t want to talk about? Most definitely. But, his aim is to free us, redeem us, purify us. Won’t you let him do that for you? It is a Godly To-Do list with an invitation to let Him get it done. For the LORD says,
“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters.
And, you who have no money, come, buy and eat.
Come buy wine and milk without money and without cost.
Why spend money on what is not bread
and your labor on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me and eat what is good
and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.
Give ear and come to me.
Hear me that your soul may live.
And I will make an everlasting covenant with you,
my faithful love promised to David.” (Isaiah 55:1-3)
Jesus stands in front of you, arm extended, beckoning. Come. You are thirsty for living water. Come. He offers what no man possesses. It costs nothing but is rich and will delight you. Come. Enjoy the covenant of faithful love promised to you. Won’t you come?
Oh, dear LORD, I thank you for this invitation. I thank You for Your deep love. I thank You for your desire to set me free from the things of this world that want to entangle me. I thank You for your Godly to-do list and I thank You that in the end, mine doesn’t matter. LORD, let me remember this. When the world is closing in on me and I’m being strangled by my chores, let me remember Your open invitation to come to You so that I might eat Your satisfying bread – the Bread of Your Presence. Remind me, O LORD, to come to you. I ask this in the name of my redeeming Lord, Jesus Christ . . .
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Tornado!
A tornado twisted through my neighborhood last Saturday between 6:30 and 7:00 in the evening. We had been out in our boat at the lake all day and were contemplating going surf fishing at Isle of Palms with our neighbors, Anna and Will.
Will had walked over and said there was a little blip of thunderstorms on the radar, headed our way but they didn’t look bad. So, we decided to head out after supper. I was loading dishes in the dishwasher when Will called and said, “Hey, I looked at the weather radar again and that little blip just turned into a whole string of mess. Why don’t we wait?” “Okay,” I said, “we’ll do it some other time. I’m tired after all day at the lake anyway.”
When I yelled out the back door at Jeff and Jeffrey to tell them the news, they were loading up the little Waterbug boat to go fishing the next day. Jeff hooked it to the Jeep and pulled it up in the drive. They were all ready to pull out first thing the next morning.
I went back in the house to take a shower. While I was in the shower, I started to hear lots of thunder. I hurried to get out the shower because all those stories of people getting electrocuted by lightening while they were touching water played through my head. I dried off, threw on my pajamas and walked to the dining room to look out the big window.
Man! I hadn’t seen wind like that since Hurricane Hugo! There was nothing but a white wall of water and wind out there. We couldn’t see 2 feet beyond the window; it was that thick with blowing rain.
Jeff started yelling, “Get to the hall!” Jeffrey and I ran; he slammed all the doors closed as we went by them. When we got to my bedroom, we realized something was down in the front year. Our neighbor's tree had topped out and landed across my lily bed. Back to the hall! Really, we were worried about the two very large pine trees in our backyard, especially the one that was struck by lightening years ago and now has a rotten streak from top to bottom. That one always scares me and the wind was blowing the right direction for them to land on our house.
But no! About that time . . . boom! . . . something big hit the house. We ran back to the dining room but all we could see now were tree limbs smashed against the window. The tree at the edge of our property had fallen . . .squarely on Jeff’s boat, bending the back roll bar on the Jeep , smashing the corning of our eaves and poking holes in the roof. As I stood there surveying the damage, my ears started to pop. I felt like my head was going to explode. Sudden low pressure . . . “Tornado!” I yelled. “My ears are popping. It’s a tornado! Open some windows!”
We ran around slinging open windows and doors and that’s when I heard it, “Woo woo woo wooo,” – a low hum. It was a tornado! What do you do? You know it’s out there. You know it’s dangerous. You know it could rip through your house destroying everything. Worst of all – you know it can kill.
All I could say was, “LORD, be with us! LORD, be with us!” Over and over, that was the only prayer that would come to me.
I know He was with us. It is so very scary when you’re in the middle of it but, surveying the damage when it was over proved that it could have been a lot worse – a lot! While there was very serious damage throughout our neighborhood, no one was hurt. Not even Janice, who had 2 trees land on her truck right after she got out and before she could get to the front door. Cars – and boats- can be replaced. Roofs can be fixed. New trees can be planted. Those things can be fixed. The LORD was with us!
It wasn’t until the streets were dark and everyone had gone in to settle down and I was walking through my candle-lit house that God’s words came to me . . .
“The LORD your God is with you.
He is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you.
He will quiet you with His love.
He will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17 – my memory verse. He did all of those things for me and I am very thankful. How comforting to know my God is with me and He will delightedly take care of me. That right there is enough love to quiet me. I wonder though . . . what song did He sing over me Saturday? I’m sure it was beautiful and I’m sure one day I will hear Him sing it to me.
Thank you LORD for your mighty, outstretched arm and your beautiful love!
Life is still good!
My husband's poor little boat.
Will had walked over and said there was a little blip of thunderstorms on the radar, headed our way but they didn’t look bad. So, we decided to head out after supper. I was loading dishes in the dishwasher when Will called and said, “Hey, I looked at the weather radar again and that little blip just turned into a whole string of mess. Why don’t we wait?” “Okay,” I said, “we’ll do it some other time. I’m tired after all day at the lake anyway.”
When I yelled out the back door at Jeff and Jeffrey to tell them the news, they were loading up the little Waterbug boat to go fishing the next day. Jeff hooked it to the Jeep and pulled it up in the drive. They were all ready to pull out first thing the next morning.
I went back in the house to take a shower. While I was in the shower, I started to hear lots of thunder. I hurried to get out the shower because all those stories of people getting electrocuted by lightening while they were touching water played through my head. I dried off, threw on my pajamas and walked to the dining room to look out the big window.
Man! I hadn’t seen wind like that since Hurricane Hugo! There was nothing but a white wall of water and wind out there. We couldn’t see 2 feet beyond the window; it was that thick with blowing rain.
Jeff started yelling, “Get to the hall!” Jeffrey and I ran; he slammed all the doors closed as we went by them. When we got to my bedroom, we realized something was down in the front year. Our neighbor's tree had topped out and landed across my lily bed. Back to the hall! Really, we were worried about the two very large pine trees in our backyard, especially the one that was struck by lightening years ago and now has a rotten streak from top to bottom. That one always scares me and the wind was blowing the right direction for them to land on our house.
But no! About that time . . . boom! . . . something big hit the house. We ran back to the dining room but all we could see now were tree limbs smashed against the window. The tree at the edge of our property had fallen . . .squarely on Jeff’s boat, bending the back roll bar on the Jeep , smashing the corning of our eaves and poking holes in the roof. As I stood there surveying the damage, my ears started to pop. I felt like my head was going to explode. Sudden low pressure . . . “Tornado!” I yelled. “My ears are popping. It’s a tornado! Open some windows!”
We ran around slinging open windows and doors and that’s when I heard it, “Woo woo woo wooo,” – a low hum. It was a tornado! What do you do? You know it’s out there. You know it’s dangerous. You know it could rip through your house destroying everything. Worst of all – you know it can kill.
All I could say was, “LORD, be with us! LORD, be with us!” Over and over, that was the only prayer that would come to me.
I know He was with us. It is so very scary when you’re in the middle of it but, surveying the damage when it was over proved that it could have been a lot worse – a lot! While there was very serious damage throughout our neighborhood, no one was hurt. Not even Janice, who had 2 trees land on her truck right after she got out and before she could get to the front door. Cars – and boats- can be replaced. Roofs can be fixed. New trees can be planted. Those things can be fixed. The LORD was with us!
It wasn’t until the streets were dark and everyone had gone in to settle down and I was walking through my candle-lit house that God’s words came to me . . .
“The LORD your God is with you.
He is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you.
He will quiet you with His love.
He will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17 – my memory verse. He did all of those things for me and I am very thankful. How comforting to know my God is with me and He will delightedly take care of me. That right there is enough love to quiet me. I wonder though . . . what song did He sing over me Saturday? I’m sure it was beautiful and I’m sure one day I will hear Him sing it to me.
Thank you LORD for your mighty, outstretched arm and your beautiful love!
Life is still good!
My husband's poor little boat.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Jesus First
I was thinking about choices again. We are faced with a lot of choices every day – some big, some little, some simple and some that we just struggle over.
As a teacher I get asked thousands of questions a day that I must make choices over. Can I go to the bathroom? Can I go get water? Can I borrow a pencil? Can I have some paper? Can I go to the bathroom now? Choices!
I can think of some choices I’ve agonized over – ones I’ve cried over, lost sleep over, discussed with others and prayed with my face to the ground over. I think God puts some choices in front of us to build our Christian character – and maybe those choices are more for us because He knows the choice we will make from the beginning. He knows our heart.
Just like the other night with Jeffrey and his baseball choice. I told him he could skip camp and VBS but even when I told him that, I knew he wouldn’t. I knew what he would o, but he had to go through the struggle in order to come out stronger in his Christian stand on the other side. And, I believe he did because he feels good about his decision and knows it was the right thing. Next time he has to make a decision like that, it will be easier. He knows where he stands now. I knew all along but now he knows. That is important. I believe God gives us those kinds of choices all the time so that we will know where we stand.
I thought about Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22. When God told Abraham to take Isaac and sacrifice him, Abraham had a choice. He didn’t have to do that. He could have stayed right there and said, “Surely, I can’t do that LORD.” But, verse 3 says, “Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddles his donkey.” He got up early because he didn’t sleep all night for thinking about his choice. The Bible doesn’t show us his struggle, but don’t you know he must have worried all night – cried, prayed, pleaded perhaps.
God didn’t announce – do this Abraham because I’m testing you. That would have been too easy. “A test? Oh! I can do this!” Abraham would have said. Nope! God didn’t tell Abraham that and he doesn’t tell us either. He just gives it to us. There it is. You choose.
Oh, the agony of it. I think, however, we make it harder on ourselves than it has to be. Psalms 37:5-6 says, “Commit your way to the LORD, trust in Him and He will do this – He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.” Commit your way to the LORD! It’s really that simple. That’s what God wants us to do. He wants us to know where we stand, what we’ll choose and that our choice is HIM. Our choices for Him build us as Christians.
David, our Youth Minister, has a simple saying that keeps us focused on mission trips: “Jesus first!” That’s his motto we stick to while we’re out on the mission field. Our decisions and our choices are made simpler with “Jesus first!” in mind. Our daily schedule is based on this. The order of activities is based on this. We live around “Jesus first!” every day.
If we would look at every choice with the “Jesus first!” motto in mind, how much easier would things be? Consider some every day choices we have:
Sunday school or sleep in?
Jesus first!
Lottie Moon offering or buy that extra Christmas gift?
Jesus first!
Going fishing today or help with the mission project?
Jesus first!
See how easy that could be? The problem is . . . it isn’t easy. We lose our focus, get caught up in other stuff and then our choices seem difficult. The more we choose Jesus, the firmer our stance becomes, the stronger we grow. I’m not suggesting here that you can’t sleep in some days or buy an extra gift or go fishing but, those things shouldn’t interfere with what we do for Jesus. Jesus first!
We definitely have choices to make in life. Let’s be strong in the LORD and always choose Jesus first!
Dear LORD, I know that sometimes I look on a choice that should be simple and just agonize over it. Would you please strengthen me? Give me eyes to see my choices clearly, without the rose-colored glasses of the world. Make my decisions always be for You. Let it be simple for me so that I may, with ever increasing strength, always choose Jesus first, without even having to ponder. Let Jesus be my default. I truly want to live this way. Help me LORD! I ask this in the might name of my Jesus . . . .
As a teacher I get asked thousands of questions a day that I must make choices over. Can I go to the bathroom? Can I go get water? Can I borrow a pencil? Can I have some paper? Can I go to the bathroom now? Choices!
I can think of some choices I’ve agonized over – ones I’ve cried over, lost sleep over, discussed with others and prayed with my face to the ground over. I think God puts some choices in front of us to build our Christian character – and maybe those choices are more for us because He knows the choice we will make from the beginning. He knows our heart.
Just like the other night with Jeffrey and his baseball choice. I told him he could skip camp and VBS but even when I told him that, I knew he wouldn’t. I knew what he would o, but he had to go through the struggle in order to come out stronger in his Christian stand on the other side. And, I believe he did because he feels good about his decision and knows it was the right thing. Next time he has to make a decision like that, it will be easier. He knows where he stands now. I knew all along but now he knows. That is important. I believe God gives us those kinds of choices all the time so that we will know where we stand.
I thought about Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22. When God told Abraham to take Isaac and sacrifice him, Abraham had a choice. He didn’t have to do that. He could have stayed right there and said, “Surely, I can’t do that LORD.” But, verse 3 says, “Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddles his donkey.” He got up early because he didn’t sleep all night for thinking about his choice. The Bible doesn’t show us his struggle, but don’t you know he must have worried all night – cried, prayed, pleaded perhaps.
God didn’t announce – do this Abraham because I’m testing you. That would have been too easy. “A test? Oh! I can do this!” Abraham would have said. Nope! God didn’t tell Abraham that and he doesn’t tell us either. He just gives it to us. There it is. You choose.
Oh, the agony of it. I think, however, we make it harder on ourselves than it has to be. Psalms 37:5-6 says, “Commit your way to the LORD, trust in Him and He will do this – He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.” Commit your way to the LORD! It’s really that simple. That’s what God wants us to do. He wants us to know where we stand, what we’ll choose and that our choice is HIM. Our choices for Him build us as Christians.
David, our Youth Minister, has a simple saying that keeps us focused on mission trips: “Jesus first!” That’s his motto we stick to while we’re out on the mission field. Our decisions and our choices are made simpler with “Jesus first!” in mind. Our daily schedule is based on this. The order of activities is based on this. We live around “Jesus first!” every day.
If we would look at every choice with the “Jesus first!” motto in mind, how much easier would things be? Consider some every day choices we have:
Sunday school or sleep in?
Jesus first!
Lottie Moon offering or buy that extra Christmas gift?
Jesus first!
Going fishing today or help with the mission project?
Jesus first!
See how easy that could be? The problem is . . . it isn’t easy. We lose our focus, get caught up in other stuff and then our choices seem difficult. The more we choose Jesus, the firmer our stance becomes, the stronger we grow. I’m not suggesting here that you can’t sleep in some days or buy an extra gift or go fishing but, those things shouldn’t interfere with what we do for Jesus. Jesus first!
We definitely have choices to make in life. Let’s be strong in the LORD and always choose Jesus first!
Dear LORD, I know that sometimes I look on a choice that should be simple and just agonize over it. Would you please strengthen me? Give me eyes to see my choices clearly, without the rose-colored glasses of the world. Make my decisions always be for You. Let it be simple for me so that I may, with ever increasing strength, always choose Jesus first, without even having to ponder. Let Jesus be my default. I truly want to live this way. Help me LORD! I ask this in the might name of my Jesus . . . .
Monday, June 15, 2009
Choices
Jeffrey has always loved ball games, even before he was old enough to play. When he was about 3, he had an AirBud video where the dog played football, that he watched over and over. He slept with a football for some time and has always been able to organize a game in the backyard with the neighborhood kids. Where there is no one around to play with, I hear the constant thump of a tennis ball against the house.
For the past several years, Jeffrey has played catcher on his baseball teams. We even did some playing on a travel ball team. His coach, Jamie, called him “the wall” because he didn’t let too much get by him. Actually, I never knew how important the catcher was until that first travel ball game. Man, if the catcher lets it get by, the other team is stealing bases and sliding home. Catcher is an important position.
This year, Jeffrey made All-Star Catcher and last night when we got home from VBS, his coach called and said practice starts today and it will be every Monday through Friday, 5:30-8:00 from now on. I told him about VBS this week and about Childrens’ Camp next week and of course, that was too many practices to miss. He was very disappointed; I could hear it in his voice, but congratulated Jeffrey for earning a spot on the team.
When we hung up, I told Jeffrey he could choose not to go to VBS or camp, but he said no, he wanted to do those things more. Pretty soon he got up from the den and walked to his room. I knew he went to cry and I don’t blame him. I would have cried too. Have to choose between two things you love and know you won’t get to do both is never easy.
In a few minutes I made my way to his room and sure enough, he was covered up in his bed, crying. “Mom, I made the All-Star team and now I can’t be on it. I won’t ever get to be on it, not next year or the year after that because this will always happen. I want to do both, Mom. I don’t want to choose.” And it broke my heart to hear him cry.
“Well,” I said, “I can call the coach back. You can choose baseball and not go to VBS or to camp. I’m sure I can get my money back.”
“No, I want to go to camp. I don’t want to miss that,” he sobbed.
Jeff came in with some fatherly advice. “Flip a coin. That’s what I would do.” (And really, that is what he would do.) Jeffrey looked at me like his daddy was crazy because deciding wasn’t the issue. The decision was made and Jeffrey was firm in his decision. The problem was how badly it hurt to sacrifice something he loved very much.
Oh, it broke my heart and thrilled me, all at the same time, to watch him make that decision. How many children would give up a well earned spot on an All-Star team and the right to brag about that in order to go to church every day for two weeks. Not many. And while I sit here and cry about him not being able to do both, I’m thrilled that he made a decision for Christ, that he chose Jesus over the things of this world and the pride that goes with prestige.
I told Jeffrey that God would honor his decision. God knows this was a sacrifice and that he laid it on the altar without hesitation, even though it hurt. God will bless his decision. I told Jeffrey,
“Give and it will be given to you, a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will be poured into your lap; for with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38)
God is good. We can never out-give him and I can’t wait to see how he will bless my Jeffrey, my little Christian soldier, for giving up something so very important to him. I just can’t wait.
Later last night, when all the sobs were gone and the tears were dried up, Jeffrey came to me and said, “You know Mom, its okay. I’m glad about my decision. It was the right thing to do.” (Big sigh from him after this statement.)
And, it is. Praise the LORD! It is!
For the past several years, Jeffrey has played catcher on his baseball teams. We even did some playing on a travel ball team. His coach, Jamie, called him “the wall” because he didn’t let too much get by him. Actually, I never knew how important the catcher was until that first travel ball game. Man, if the catcher lets it get by, the other team is stealing bases and sliding home. Catcher is an important position.
This year, Jeffrey made All-Star Catcher and last night when we got home from VBS, his coach called and said practice starts today and it will be every Monday through Friday, 5:30-8:00 from now on. I told him about VBS this week and about Childrens’ Camp next week and of course, that was too many practices to miss. He was very disappointed; I could hear it in his voice, but congratulated Jeffrey for earning a spot on the team.
When we hung up, I told Jeffrey he could choose not to go to VBS or camp, but he said no, he wanted to do those things more. Pretty soon he got up from the den and walked to his room. I knew he went to cry and I don’t blame him. I would have cried too. Have to choose between two things you love and know you won’t get to do both is never easy.
In a few minutes I made my way to his room and sure enough, he was covered up in his bed, crying. “Mom, I made the All-Star team and now I can’t be on it. I won’t ever get to be on it, not next year or the year after that because this will always happen. I want to do both, Mom. I don’t want to choose.” And it broke my heart to hear him cry.
“Well,” I said, “I can call the coach back. You can choose baseball and not go to VBS or to camp. I’m sure I can get my money back.”
“No, I want to go to camp. I don’t want to miss that,” he sobbed.
Jeff came in with some fatherly advice. “Flip a coin. That’s what I would do.” (And really, that is what he would do.) Jeffrey looked at me like his daddy was crazy because deciding wasn’t the issue. The decision was made and Jeffrey was firm in his decision. The problem was how badly it hurt to sacrifice something he loved very much.
Oh, it broke my heart and thrilled me, all at the same time, to watch him make that decision. How many children would give up a well earned spot on an All-Star team and the right to brag about that in order to go to church every day for two weeks. Not many. And while I sit here and cry about him not being able to do both, I’m thrilled that he made a decision for Christ, that he chose Jesus over the things of this world and the pride that goes with prestige.
I told Jeffrey that God would honor his decision. God knows this was a sacrifice and that he laid it on the altar without hesitation, even though it hurt. God will bless his decision. I told Jeffrey,
“Give and it will be given to you, a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will be poured into your lap; for with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38)
God is good. We can never out-give him and I can’t wait to see how he will bless my Jeffrey, my little Christian soldier, for giving up something so very important to him. I just can’t wait.
Later last night, when all the sobs were gone and the tears were dried up, Jeffrey came to me and said, “You know Mom, its okay. I’m glad about my decision. It was the right thing to do.” (Big sigh from him after this statement.)
And, it is. Praise the LORD! It is!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Changes
Okay, so I've changed my colors a little bit. I tried to share my blog with someone today and their computer had the colors all wrong. I couldn't even read what was there unless I highlighted it.
Change is good though. Hope this works a little better.
:)
Change is good though. Hope this works a little better.
:)
Summertime!
Well, I sure haven't posted anything lately. Life has been crazy busy. End of school, daughter graduating, party to plan and host, clean up after the party . . . the list goes on. Now I'm getting ready for VBS.
I love VBS! I love the singing and the games and the crafts and the snacks and the community and most of all the Bible stories. This year my room has the story of Elijah after he ran from Jezebel and he heard God in a quiet whisper. So, I have to build a cave. I'm not exactly sure how I'm going to do that yet. All of the other VBS rooms have a guy to help out with building. My honey could build a motor any day of the week, but don't give him wood and nails. So, if it is to be, it's up to me! (My mom's lifelong motto.) I'm thinking chicken wire and brown paper. We'll see . . .
I'm also starting to think about the Bible study sessions for our mission trip this summer. We help host a camp for kids and their moms in Tennessee at Deer Run Retreat Center. I will be ministering to moms this summer. Can't wait!
I've got lots of journal entries to type and post, but right now I have 2 bushels of corn to freeze and peaches waiting to become jam. So, off to the kitchen I go!
I love summertime!
I love VBS! I love the singing and the games and the crafts and the snacks and the community and most of all the Bible stories. This year my room has the story of Elijah after he ran from Jezebel and he heard God in a quiet whisper. So, I have to build a cave. I'm not exactly sure how I'm going to do that yet. All of the other VBS rooms have a guy to help out with building. My honey could build a motor any day of the week, but don't give him wood and nails. So, if it is to be, it's up to me! (My mom's lifelong motto.) I'm thinking chicken wire and brown paper. We'll see . . .
I'm also starting to think about the Bible study sessions for our mission trip this summer. We help host a camp for kids and their moms in Tennessee at Deer Run Retreat Center. I will be ministering to moms this summer. Can't wait!
Deer Run Retreat from Rick Simms on Vimeo.
"> Check out the video about Deer Run!I've got lots of journal entries to type and post, but right now I have 2 bushels of corn to freeze and peaches waiting to become jam. So, off to the kitchen I go!
I love summertime!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
America: Land of the Free and Plenty
Two things happened the other day. First, I received a text message from my friend, Tammy telling me that Oprah was giving everyone in America a free KFC meal. It said to go to her website, download the coupon and take it to KFC for your meal. The coupons would only be available for 24 hours.
Wow! What a generous offer that seemed to be. Everyone in America? Jeff and I thought she might spend around $150 million. Our number could by way off, but at any rate, she is going to spend a lot of money. More than I would ever have to spend.
The second thing that happened . . . I was reading on Beth’s blog. Melissa had just returned from India and was showing pictures and talking about the 2 Companion children she sponsors. The conditions in India are pitiful. The people are very poor. I saw pictures of people washing in little spigots on the street or in river water that looked like very creamy coffee. I saw slums where 5 people live in a room and people sleep on the roof or the street. I saw the sweet little faces of Pramila and Manot who live in a mud hut with no running water nearby or electricity. They are far from the luxury of the Calcutta slums. I saw depravity; God’s children who only ask that we pray for them.
I pondered these two things as I lay in the bed that night – our fast food computer downloaded world made a stark contrast to the mud huts, dirty water and slums of India. The thing is, we in America, no matter how poor we might think we are, live like kings compared to most people across the third world. We really have no idea what we have here.
Suddenly, Oprah’s generous offer didn’t seem so generous any more. $150 million dollars on fast food for people who can afford to own a computer and a car? Couldn’t they buy their own KFC meal? Wouldn’t that $150 million dollars have been better spent on wells that would provide clean drinking water for millions of people across the world? What was she thinking?
Television numbers? I’m not trying to bash Oprah here, but her generous offer is a perfect example of American mentality. We think of ourselves, our luxuries, our wants. We are greedy!
My husband happened to ride by KFC the day after that text message and the cars trying to get in were lined up down the road. I’m sure they were all thanking Oprah for their dinner that night, but I wonder . . . what if she had said, “For every person who clicks on this link on my website, I will give $5 toward a well in a village in a third world country,” how many people would have rushed to do that? I bet not half as many. We’re greedy. If it’s not for us, we don’t care.
America! Land of the free (will)! Land of the (I want) plenty!
Oh, but hasn’t God blessed us with plenty so that we might let it overflow to those who don’t have as much? And, hasn’t God blessed us with freedom so that we might be able to do with our money what we want. These are really big responsibilities that we’ve been given and we’ve forgotten these things. Or, maybe we never knew them at all. One thing is for sure – we are blind to others and are so caught up in our own little worlds of money and things and who has the most that we don’t look to see that we have a lot of opportunity to help others.
Will we take the time to look? Will we take the time to ask God how we might help – to be willing to reach out beyond what we know to bless others from our blessings? Or, will we remain comfortable in our cocoons of free and plenty? The choice is ours. What will we do?
Luke 6:38 says, “Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Oh LORD, these are BIG thoughts for a little girl like me. I have no idea where you are going with this. I have no idea what you want me to do with these ideas. All I know is that you are going to have to do a work in me. LORD< give me a heart for your children. Make me love them beyond what I’m capable of because I think my heart is not nearly big enough. Give me a heart like yours – full of love, full of compassion, full of warmth, full of sacrifice and full of whatever else I might need. Full of courage maybe – ‘cause you know I’m a scardy cat and sometimes you ask some scary stuff out of your people. Yes, full of courage.
LORD, I know I am only one person and it doesn’t seem I could do much. But, You are everything and if I am one person FULL of You, I will be able to do whatever you’ve called me to do. So, I ask that You continue Your good work in me. Teach me. Give me a heart like Yours, eyes to see, ears to hear and courage to go forward.
I praise You! I thank You! In Jesus’ name . . .
Wow! What a generous offer that seemed to be. Everyone in America? Jeff and I thought she might spend around $150 million. Our number could by way off, but at any rate, she is going to spend a lot of money. More than I would ever have to spend.
The second thing that happened . . . I was reading on Beth’s blog. Melissa had just returned from India and was showing pictures and talking about the 2 Companion children she sponsors. The conditions in India are pitiful. The people are very poor. I saw pictures of people washing in little spigots on the street or in river water that looked like very creamy coffee. I saw slums where 5 people live in a room and people sleep on the roof or the street. I saw the sweet little faces of Pramila and Manot who live in a mud hut with no running water nearby or electricity. They are far from the luxury of the Calcutta slums. I saw depravity; God’s children who only ask that we pray for them.
I pondered these two things as I lay in the bed that night – our fast food computer downloaded world made a stark contrast to the mud huts, dirty water and slums of India. The thing is, we in America, no matter how poor we might think we are, live like kings compared to most people across the third world. We really have no idea what we have here.
Suddenly, Oprah’s generous offer didn’t seem so generous any more. $150 million dollars on fast food for people who can afford to own a computer and a car? Couldn’t they buy their own KFC meal? Wouldn’t that $150 million dollars have been better spent on wells that would provide clean drinking water for millions of people across the world? What was she thinking?
Television numbers? I’m not trying to bash Oprah here, but her generous offer is a perfect example of American mentality. We think of ourselves, our luxuries, our wants. We are greedy!
My husband happened to ride by KFC the day after that text message and the cars trying to get in were lined up down the road. I’m sure they were all thanking Oprah for their dinner that night, but I wonder . . . what if she had said, “For every person who clicks on this link on my website, I will give $5 toward a well in a village in a third world country,” how many people would have rushed to do that? I bet not half as many. We’re greedy. If it’s not for us, we don’t care.
America! Land of the free (will)! Land of the (I want) plenty!
Oh, but hasn’t God blessed us with plenty so that we might let it overflow to those who don’t have as much? And, hasn’t God blessed us with freedom so that we might be able to do with our money what we want. These are really big responsibilities that we’ve been given and we’ve forgotten these things. Or, maybe we never knew them at all. One thing is for sure – we are blind to others and are so caught up in our own little worlds of money and things and who has the most that we don’t look to see that we have a lot of opportunity to help others.
Will we take the time to look? Will we take the time to ask God how we might help – to be willing to reach out beyond what we know to bless others from our blessings? Or, will we remain comfortable in our cocoons of free and plenty? The choice is ours. What will we do?
Luke 6:38 says, “Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Oh LORD, these are BIG thoughts for a little girl like me. I have no idea where you are going with this. I have no idea what you want me to do with these ideas. All I know is that you are going to have to do a work in me. LORD< give me a heart for your children. Make me love them beyond what I’m capable of because I think my heart is not nearly big enough. Give me a heart like yours – full of love, full of compassion, full of warmth, full of sacrifice and full of whatever else I might need. Full of courage maybe – ‘cause you know I’m a scardy cat and sometimes you ask some scary stuff out of your people. Yes, full of courage.
LORD, I know I am only one person and it doesn’t seem I could do much. But, You are everything and if I am one person FULL of You, I will be able to do whatever you’ve called me to do. So, I ask that You continue Your good work in me. Teach me. Give me a heart like Yours, eyes to see, ears to hear and courage to go forward.
I praise You! I thank You! In Jesus’ name . . .
Monday, April 6, 2009
Spring Break and Scripture
Okay, so I'm excited beyond measure that Spring Break is here. Friday morning I felt such delight at just being able to sit and read and write and not hae to rush off to work. I had sweet fellowship with my LORD that was much needed.
I've been thinking about memorizing part of Isaiah 55 for my next memory verse and I sat down that morning to think it through. I decided on verses 8-12 because they hold a few important verses that you often here, but also because they have some personal connections for me. I love the verses that say "the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands." I know for a fact that He has done both those things for me. That day I sat on the porch at the river house and all the birds around came in front of me and the air was liquid with sound - oh, I know that was the work of my LORD and it was just for me at that moment. And the day I first read the verse about the trees clapping their hands, I actually got up out of my chair to figure out what the noise was outside. It was the leaves blowing in the breeze. It sounded like rain but wasn't. Too cool! Praise you LORD. I am always amazed by You.
As I was reading the verses and thinking them through I became captured by the thought of being new and how God picks us up and makes us shine like the stars. I wrote a poem. Here goes:
Diamonds
Like diamonds
formed under great pressure,
we are rescued
from our dark cave.
Gently plucked
from black corners,
we are cut,
and rubbed,
and polished by our Maker.
With no light of our own,
for in the dark
we cannot sparkle,
we only reflect -
the Light of the world,
the Light of our Savior -
Jesus Christ.
It is for Him and
because of Him
we shine!
Boy, I needed some God time on Friday. Thank you LORD for obliging.
Now, if I could get something done on Spring Break - one project- and not feel overwhelmed by all the things that need to be done, I'll be okay. I'm a dreamer, not always a doer. I want it done but don't always get it done. Oh, how I envy those folks who can get it done and still have time left over. How in the world do they do it? Sigh . . . .
I've been thinking about memorizing part of Isaiah 55 for my next memory verse and I sat down that morning to think it through. I decided on verses 8-12 because they hold a few important verses that you often here, but also because they have some personal connections for me. I love the verses that say "the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands." I know for a fact that He has done both those things for me. That day I sat on the porch at the river house and all the birds around came in front of me and the air was liquid with sound - oh, I know that was the work of my LORD and it was just for me at that moment. And the day I first read the verse about the trees clapping their hands, I actually got up out of my chair to figure out what the noise was outside. It was the leaves blowing in the breeze. It sounded like rain but wasn't. Too cool! Praise you LORD. I am always amazed by You.
As I was reading the verses and thinking them through I became captured by the thought of being new and how God picks us up and makes us shine like the stars. I wrote a poem. Here goes:
Diamonds
Like diamonds
formed under great pressure,
we are rescued
from our dark cave.
Gently plucked
from black corners,
we are cut,
and rubbed,
and polished by our Maker.
With no light of our own,
for in the dark
we cannot sparkle,
we only reflect -
the Light of the world,
the Light of our Savior -
Jesus Christ.
It is for Him and
because of Him
we shine!
Boy, I needed some God time on Friday. Thank you LORD for obliging.
Now, if I could get something done on Spring Break - one project- and not feel overwhelmed by all the things that need to be done, I'll be okay. I'm a dreamer, not always a doer. I want it done but don't always get it done. Oh, how I envy those folks who can get it done and still have time left over. How in the world do they do it? Sigh . . . .
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Scripture memory verse #6!
Okay, so I haven't memorized all of Psalm 81:8-16 yet. I have 8-12 down but I'm shaky on 13-15. Verse 16 I had already memorized, so I'm good there.
For #6 I decided on Philippians 3:8-9. Here goes (from memory - mostly):
"What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law but that which is through faith in Christ - the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith."
I found this one when I was looking for scripture for some of my devotionals and it caught my eye. Then, not 5 minutes later, I was reading Beth M's blog and her intern had typed it at the bottom of her post. I knew that was my cue to adopt this one.
And today when I was running through my scriptures on the way home, I began to realize how they all fit together with these ideas: faith, righteousness, light. Back in January I wrote Psalm 37:5-6 on my second card and thought I would memorize that one. But, I decided to work on Psalm 19:1-4 instead. So, that card has been on my ring since then and I've not really bothered to look at it until today. I know why now - because I had to understand this concept of righteousness that comes from Jesus - "righteousness that comes from God and is by faith."
Psalm 37:5-6 says:
"Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in Him and He will do this:
He will make your righteousness
shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like
the noon day sun."
He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn because your righteousness comes from Jesus and Jesus is the light of this world. If you would trust in Him, the light of Jesus would shine on you and your cause. You would be covered in His righteousness. I needed to know that before I understood the righteousness in Psalm 37.
Wow! I want a Philippians 3:8-9 attitude. I want to consider Christ my gain and take on his righteousness. I want the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. Thank you LORD that you would even promise that to me. I pray LORD that I will continually commit my way to You and will trust in You. I pray that my heart would not be divided but would be all about You. Give me the strength to live like this, LORD, so that I may count it all loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord! In Jesus' mighty name . . .
For #6 I decided on Philippians 3:8-9. Here goes (from memory - mostly):
"What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law but that which is through faith in Christ - the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith."
I found this one when I was looking for scripture for some of my devotionals and it caught my eye. Then, not 5 minutes later, I was reading Beth M's blog and her intern had typed it at the bottom of her post. I knew that was my cue to adopt this one.
And today when I was running through my scriptures on the way home, I began to realize how they all fit together with these ideas: faith, righteousness, light. Back in January I wrote Psalm 37:5-6 on my second card and thought I would memorize that one. But, I decided to work on Psalm 19:1-4 instead. So, that card has been on my ring since then and I've not really bothered to look at it until today. I know why now - because I had to understand this concept of righteousness that comes from Jesus - "righteousness that comes from God and is by faith."
Psalm 37:5-6 says:
"Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in Him and He will do this:
He will make your righteousness
shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like
the noon day sun."
He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn because your righteousness comes from Jesus and Jesus is the light of this world. If you would trust in Him, the light of Jesus would shine on you and your cause. You would be covered in His righteousness. I needed to know that before I understood the righteousness in Psalm 37.
Wow! I want a Philippians 3:8-9 attitude. I want to consider Christ my gain and take on his righteousness. I want the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. Thank you LORD that you would even promise that to me. I pray LORD that I will continually commit my way to You and will trust in You. I pray that my heart would not be divided but would be all about You. Give me the strength to live like this, LORD, so that I may count it all loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord! In Jesus' mighty name . . .
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Crossing Bridges
I was talking with an old friend the other day about the calling she feels God has placed on her life and how she is scared to move forward. I know that feeling. I even expressed to her the reason I had to go forward with the thing God was calling me to do. Several years ago, when I first began my adult “walk with God”, I was attending a WMu meeting. There was an invitation for people to pray and I knew deep down in my heart that God was asking me to do the praying that evening. Oh, how I didn’t want to do that. I had never prayed in front of others. My heart was racing. My palms were sweating. I had the words on my tongue but I let the moment pass by and someone else prayed. I knew I had blown it. That was my moment. God had given it to me and I didn’t take it.
Later, I felt like God had backed away from me. It took days in prayer to feel like He was by my side again. I didn’t like that, so the next time He gave me that opportunity, I took it. I prayed out loud in front of others. It really wasn’t that bad and soon I was comfortable praying in public. God had opened me up to something I probably would have never done on my own.
After I talked with my friend, I began to re-think this event. You know, I might have felt like God backed away from me when I didn’t do what He asked, but I was really the one who backed away. Consider the idea of “walking with God” . . . you are walking along, learning, talking, all that good stuff. You are happy to be near God, when – BAM – suddenly, you are in a place you haven’t been before and didn’t see coming. A bridge you’ve never crossed. You’re scared, unconfident and like a spooked horse, you begin to back up. “Whoa! I’m not sure I want to go over that bridge. I’ve never done that before.” And all the “what-ifs” start playing in your mind.
What if I fail?
What if people think I’m strange?
What if I make a fool of myself?
What if this isn’t right?
What if . . . . on and on . . . .
God is still standing at that bridge. He is coaxing you to cross. “It’s okay. I’m right here. I’ve got you. Don’t be afraid.” But, your heart is pounding, your palms are sweating, you’re shaking and the moment is quickly passing by. If you don’t take the opportunity to cross this bridge, it might be a while before you get back there again.
Never fear, though, God is always by your side, but sometimes it takes a while to recover from a bridge moment. More than likely, you’ll get another chance to cross that bridge. When you do, you’ll realize it wasn’t that bad in the first place. Secondly, the peace and satisfaction that comes from knowing you walked over, with God, is grand. It is worth the trip. And then, you are in a new place, freer than you were before because, with the help of God, you have conquered your fear.
As a Christian, I think the first bridge we come to is the bridge of salvation. Can you remember that feeling when you realized Christ was calling you? Nervous. Shaking. Unsure. Can’t ignore it. Heart pounding. Emotions flooding. There he was – calling you. You wanted to go . . . but should you?
And, oh! The sense of peace and joy and satisfaction that spills over you when you step across that bridge – it’s priceless! Redeemed. Ransomed. Bought with a price. Free. A child of God. The reward for crossing the first bridge is eternal life. Wow! Now, that was worth the trip, wasn’t it?
But, remember that feeling when you stood at the bridge and knew Christ was calling you forward because you’ll feel it again some day. Maybe he’ll ask you to pray out loud, like He did to me. You’ll feel the call, the heart beat, the sweaty palms, time is ticking. Will you go? Or, maybe your bridge is an invitation to sing, or speak or teach a lesson. Maybe you’ve been asked to hand out tracks. Perhaps you have a friend that you feel you need to witness to. Should you?
If you are walking with God, bridge encounters are inevitable. They are going to happen because you can’t walk forward with God without having to do something new and different. He will take you outside your comfort zone. Never fear! He is with you every step of the way. Lean on Him. He’ll get you across. And, before long, you’ll be crossing a bridge without a second thought.
If you aren’t having bridge encounters, then perhaps you’ve stalled out. Perhaps you aren’t walking with God in the way you should. Maybe you’ve gotten comfortable somewhere and decided to sit down. Get up! You’re not going to get where God wants to take you just sitting there. Grab hold of His hand and know that you can do all things through Christ.
When you feel that nervous feeling and your heart begins to race . . . when you know a bridge is up ahead . . . don’t turn and run! Hold on to Jesus and go across. You’ll be glad you did!
Read: (I’ve been praying for what to put here. Don’t have it yet! Any ideas?)
Daily Prayer: LORD, I know you have bridges for me to cross. I know I will need some help. Please give me the strength to cross over. Fill me full of your Holy Spirit and lead me across. I want to go places with you. Let me not be comfortable sitting still. Keep me moving forward always following your lead. Thank you! In Jesus’ name . . . .
Later, I felt like God had backed away from me. It took days in prayer to feel like He was by my side again. I didn’t like that, so the next time He gave me that opportunity, I took it. I prayed out loud in front of others. It really wasn’t that bad and soon I was comfortable praying in public. God had opened me up to something I probably would have never done on my own.
After I talked with my friend, I began to re-think this event. You know, I might have felt like God backed away from me when I didn’t do what He asked, but I was really the one who backed away. Consider the idea of “walking with God” . . . you are walking along, learning, talking, all that good stuff. You are happy to be near God, when – BAM – suddenly, you are in a place you haven’t been before and didn’t see coming. A bridge you’ve never crossed. You’re scared, unconfident and like a spooked horse, you begin to back up. “Whoa! I’m not sure I want to go over that bridge. I’ve never done that before.” And all the “what-ifs” start playing in your mind.
What if I fail?
What if people think I’m strange?
What if I make a fool of myself?
What if this isn’t right?
What if . . . . on and on . . . .
God is still standing at that bridge. He is coaxing you to cross. “It’s okay. I’m right here. I’ve got you. Don’t be afraid.” But, your heart is pounding, your palms are sweating, you’re shaking and the moment is quickly passing by. If you don’t take the opportunity to cross this bridge, it might be a while before you get back there again.
Never fear, though, God is always by your side, but sometimes it takes a while to recover from a bridge moment. More than likely, you’ll get another chance to cross that bridge. When you do, you’ll realize it wasn’t that bad in the first place. Secondly, the peace and satisfaction that comes from knowing you walked over, with God, is grand. It is worth the trip. And then, you are in a new place, freer than you were before because, with the help of God, you have conquered your fear.
As a Christian, I think the first bridge we come to is the bridge of salvation. Can you remember that feeling when you realized Christ was calling you? Nervous. Shaking. Unsure. Can’t ignore it. Heart pounding. Emotions flooding. There he was – calling you. You wanted to go . . . but should you?
And, oh! The sense of peace and joy and satisfaction that spills over you when you step across that bridge – it’s priceless! Redeemed. Ransomed. Bought with a price. Free. A child of God. The reward for crossing the first bridge is eternal life. Wow! Now, that was worth the trip, wasn’t it?
But, remember that feeling when you stood at the bridge and knew Christ was calling you forward because you’ll feel it again some day. Maybe he’ll ask you to pray out loud, like He did to me. You’ll feel the call, the heart beat, the sweaty palms, time is ticking. Will you go? Or, maybe your bridge is an invitation to sing, or speak or teach a lesson. Maybe you’ve been asked to hand out tracks. Perhaps you have a friend that you feel you need to witness to. Should you?
If you are walking with God, bridge encounters are inevitable. They are going to happen because you can’t walk forward with God without having to do something new and different. He will take you outside your comfort zone. Never fear! He is with you every step of the way. Lean on Him. He’ll get you across. And, before long, you’ll be crossing a bridge without a second thought.
If you aren’t having bridge encounters, then perhaps you’ve stalled out. Perhaps you aren’t walking with God in the way you should. Maybe you’ve gotten comfortable somewhere and decided to sit down. Get up! You’re not going to get where God wants to take you just sitting there. Grab hold of His hand and know that you can do all things through Christ.
When you feel that nervous feeling and your heart begins to race . . . when you know a bridge is up ahead . . . don’t turn and run! Hold on to Jesus and go across. You’ll be glad you did!
Read: (I’ve been praying for what to put here. Don’t have it yet! Any ideas?)
Daily Prayer: LORD, I know you have bridges for me to cross. I know I will need some help. Please give me the strength to cross over. Fill me full of your Holy Spirit and lead me across. I want to go places with you. Let me not be comfortable sitting still. Keep me moving forward always following your lead. Thank you! In Jesus’ name . . . .
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Scripture Memory Verse #5
So, I picked out my memory verse to post on Beth Moore's blog and I thought I would be the only person with this verse. It isn't a well-known verse and maybe some folks have never even run across it, so I didn't expect to see it posted. I had decided on Psalm 81:10 &16 for very personal reasons. But, there it was! Except, someone else had posted the whole thing - 81:6-16.
Oh, I was taking the lazy way out thinking I would just do the two. But, now I'm thinking I really do need to memorize more. The thought actually crossed my mind earlier but I was just thinking easy. (And, to be honest, I've already memorized 10 &16. ) So, I will try to memorize 7-16, I think.
I chose this verse because it was an answer to a prayer I had several years ago. I believe I was doing Beth's Believing God study at the time. I remember one Friday afternoon, doing my Bible study at the kitchen table, I became overwhelmed with the urge to pray for God to put His words in my mouth. I prayed it over and over. It was a fervent prayer and I felt so passionate about what I was asking Him to do. At the time, I didn't know why I was asking for that. It was the first time that prayer came into my conscience or crossed my lips. And, when I say I asked over and over, I mean I was pretty much begging. A very strange experience.
The next day, I was randomly writing scripture on cards as I sat at the table and talked with my husband and his brother. I didn't really pay much attention to what I was writing but just wrote some things down that looked good to me at the time.
Monday morning, during my quiet time, I pulled out the cards I had written and began to read over them. When I read the card with Psalm 81:10 - "I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it!" - I was floored. How could I have not noticed what it said when I wrote it Saturday morning? It was a direct answer to my fervent Friday prayer.
I was completely amazed that God would speak to me in this way. First of all, it was obviously meant as a personal answer to my begging.
"Put your words in my mouth!"
"Open wide your mouth and I will fill it."
Wow! I'm still shocked that God would speak to me in this way. Who am I that the God of all the universe would speak directly to me? No booming voice. Just words on a page - just for me. Amazing!
At the time, I had no idea what God was doing. He is like that. He doesn't show you the whole thing all at once. Walking with God is like scenery on the road - you can only see so far ahead. Now, I know that He has given me words. I have spoken at several church events and I'm now in the process of writing a devotional book that will be used as a fundraiser for my church's youth mission trip this summer.
I didn't know it then, but God was letting me know that He was going to give me words to say. He promised to feed me with the "finest of wheat; with honey from the rock [He] will satisfy [me]' (v. 16)
Oh, Jesus, my rock, is satisfying and he is sweet.
Thank you LORD, for your amazing words. Thank you for filling my mouth with your words. Thank you for satisfying me with your good things. Your mercies are great! I do not deserve your attentions, but you give them anyway. Hesed love: covenant, faithful, bound, loyal. Your love endures forever! Praise the LORD!
Oh, I was taking the lazy way out thinking I would just do the two. But, now I'm thinking I really do need to memorize more. The thought actually crossed my mind earlier but I was just thinking easy. (And, to be honest, I've already memorized 10 &16. ) So, I will try to memorize 7-16, I think.
I chose this verse because it was an answer to a prayer I had several years ago. I believe I was doing Beth's Believing God study at the time. I remember one Friday afternoon, doing my Bible study at the kitchen table, I became overwhelmed with the urge to pray for God to put His words in my mouth. I prayed it over and over. It was a fervent prayer and I felt so passionate about what I was asking Him to do. At the time, I didn't know why I was asking for that. It was the first time that prayer came into my conscience or crossed my lips. And, when I say I asked over and over, I mean I was pretty much begging. A very strange experience.
The next day, I was randomly writing scripture on cards as I sat at the table and talked with my husband and his brother. I didn't really pay much attention to what I was writing but just wrote some things down that looked good to me at the time.
Monday morning, during my quiet time, I pulled out the cards I had written and began to read over them. When I read the card with Psalm 81:10 - "I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it!" - I was floored. How could I have not noticed what it said when I wrote it Saturday morning? It was a direct answer to my fervent Friday prayer.
I was completely amazed that God would speak to me in this way. First of all, it was obviously meant as a personal answer to my begging.
"Put your words in my mouth!"
"Open wide your mouth and I will fill it."
Wow! I'm still shocked that God would speak to me in this way. Who am I that the God of all the universe would speak directly to me? No booming voice. Just words on a page - just for me. Amazing!
At the time, I had no idea what God was doing. He is like that. He doesn't show you the whole thing all at once. Walking with God is like scenery on the road - you can only see so far ahead. Now, I know that He has given me words. I have spoken at several church events and I'm now in the process of writing a devotional book that will be used as a fundraiser for my church's youth mission trip this summer.
I didn't know it then, but God was letting me know that He was going to give me words to say. He promised to feed me with the "finest of wheat; with honey from the rock [He] will satisfy [me]' (v. 16)
Oh, Jesus, my rock, is satisfying and he is sweet.
Thank you LORD, for your amazing words. Thank you for filling my mouth with your words. Thank you for satisfying me with your good things. Your mercies are great! I do not deserve your attentions, but you give them anyway. Hesed love: covenant, faithful, bound, loyal. Your love endures forever! Praise the LORD!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Jesus Eyes See the Truth
For the book:
For about 10 years I’ve had an eye condition called CSR (Central Serous Retinopathy). It is essentially a blister on my retina which causes distorted vision. I sometimes see things as very shadowy or blurry or wavy or folded. It really is an odd thing.
On a recent trip to Myrtle Beach, my mother, Jeffrey and I were returning at night down a dark Highway 17. I was driving and probably should have told my mom how much trouble the oncoming lights were giving my blistery vision.
As I maneuvered around a corner, two cars – rather far apart – were in the oncoming lane. They were doing nothing wrong but my vision was “folded” (that is the best way to describe it) and instead of 2 cars in the other lane, I saw one car in my lane headed straight for me.
I slammed on the brakes, hit the horn and waited for impact. . .
Suddenly the two lights split apart and moved into the other lane and I realized my mistake. I had not seen them correctly. They were not one car, but two. They were not in my lane but across the median in the other lane. I had only two things right – they were lights and they were oncoming. I had not seen the whole truth.
Needless to say, my mother was very shook up. I’m sure her blood pressure hit the roof and she insisted on me pulling over to let her drive. She also begged me to see the eye doctor. I did and my blister is gone – for now. I started thinking though, isn’t my blistery vision a lot like just being human?
My human eyes just see what is in front of me. And, the world has trained me to look for beauty. Somehow, the world has connected beauty with goodness. We judge things on their outward appearances – and make pretty quick judgments too!
But God does not judge on the outward appearance, He judges what is inside. Listen to what God says in 1 Samuel 16:7:
“Do not consider his appearance or his height for I have rejected him.
The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
El Roi, the God who sees, looks at the heart. He cuts through all the outer layers of beauty or ugliness, kindness or coldness, wealth or poverty, education or simpleness to look at the heart.
What is the heart? I guess it is our core. What we truly feel. What motivates us. It is the truth. God looks at the truth of someone.
How many times have I looked at someone with disdain or with superiority or with hate when I should have been looking at the truth?
How many times have I been fooled by someone’s beautiful appearance, flashy clothes or smooth words when I should have been looking at the truth?
Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth and the life . . . “ (John 14:6). We should look to him for truth. Truth about ourselves. Truth about others. Truth about situations. HE IS THE TRUTH!
I don’t know about your, but if God sees my heart, I surely want it to be looking good for Him. So, I pray according to Psalms 51:10:
“LORD, purify my heart so that I might be blameless before you.”
And if God sees other people with a compassion and understanding I lack, I’d like a glimpse from His view so that I might treat others according to His view. Who knows, under that cold, crabby person, I might see a needy soul when I see with God’s compassionate eyes. So, I pray:
“LORD, give me Jesus eyes so that I might understand the world around me better and be able to do Your work.”
I know that our enemy, Satan, prowls around us (1 Peter 5:8). He is a master of deceit and is full of lies. (John 8:44) The last thing he wants us to know is the truth. So we must be aware of his schemes. We must consult our Lord Jesus Christ about people and situations. We must put on our Jesus eyes and be ready for the truth. God’s truth.
Read: 1 Peter 5:8
John 8:44
Daily Prayer:
Dear LORD, I thank you that you see things differently than me. I ask that you would forgive me for my condemning attitude. Forgive me for my lack of compassion for others. I pray that you would teach me to see with Jesus eyes, to see people in need. I ask that you give me the strength to be more like you. In Jesus’ name . . . .
For about 10 years I’ve had an eye condition called CSR (Central Serous Retinopathy). It is essentially a blister on my retina which causes distorted vision. I sometimes see things as very shadowy or blurry or wavy or folded. It really is an odd thing.
On a recent trip to Myrtle Beach, my mother, Jeffrey and I were returning at night down a dark Highway 17. I was driving and probably should have told my mom how much trouble the oncoming lights were giving my blistery vision.
As I maneuvered around a corner, two cars – rather far apart – were in the oncoming lane. They were doing nothing wrong but my vision was “folded” (that is the best way to describe it) and instead of 2 cars in the other lane, I saw one car in my lane headed straight for me.
I slammed on the brakes, hit the horn and waited for impact. . .
Suddenly the two lights split apart and moved into the other lane and I realized my mistake. I had not seen them correctly. They were not one car, but two. They were not in my lane but across the median in the other lane. I had only two things right – they were lights and they were oncoming. I had not seen the whole truth.
Needless to say, my mother was very shook up. I’m sure her blood pressure hit the roof and she insisted on me pulling over to let her drive. She also begged me to see the eye doctor. I did and my blister is gone – for now. I started thinking though, isn’t my blistery vision a lot like just being human?
My human eyes just see what is in front of me. And, the world has trained me to look for beauty. Somehow, the world has connected beauty with goodness. We judge things on their outward appearances – and make pretty quick judgments too!
But God does not judge on the outward appearance, He judges what is inside. Listen to what God says in 1 Samuel 16:7:
“Do not consider his appearance or his height for I have rejected him.
The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
El Roi, the God who sees, looks at the heart. He cuts through all the outer layers of beauty or ugliness, kindness or coldness, wealth or poverty, education or simpleness to look at the heart.
What is the heart? I guess it is our core. What we truly feel. What motivates us. It is the truth. God looks at the truth of someone.
How many times have I looked at someone with disdain or with superiority or with hate when I should have been looking at the truth?
How many times have I been fooled by someone’s beautiful appearance, flashy clothes or smooth words when I should have been looking at the truth?
Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth and the life . . . “ (John 14:6). We should look to him for truth. Truth about ourselves. Truth about others. Truth about situations. HE IS THE TRUTH!
I don’t know about your, but if God sees my heart, I surely want it to be looking good for Him. So, I pray according to Psalms 51:10:
“LORD, purify my heart so that I might be blameless before you.”
And if God sees other people with a compassion and understanding I lack, I’d like a glimpse from His view so that I might treat others according to His view. Who knows, under that cold, crabby person, I might see a needy soul when I see with God’s compassionate eyes. So, I pray:
“LORD, give me Jesus eyes so that I might understand the world around me better and be able to do Your work.”
I know that our enemy, Satan, prowls around us (1 Peter 5:8). He is a master of deceit and is full of lies. (John 8:44) The last thing he wants us to know is the truth. So we must be aware of his schemes. We must consult our Lord Jesus Christ about people and situations. We must put on our Jesus eyes and be ready for the truth. God’s truth.
Read: 1 Peter 5:8
John 8:44
Daily Prayer:
Dear LORD, I thank you that you see things differently than me. I ask that you would forgive me for my condemning attitude. Forgive me for my lack of compassion for others. I pray that you would teach me to see with Jesus eyes, to see people in need. I ask that you give me the strength to be more like you. In Jesus’ name . . . .
Monday, January 19, 2009
A Giving Heart
Another devotional for the book:
We were studying Cain and Abel in our Sunday school lesson yesterday. In Genesis chapter 4 both Cain and Abel brought an offering to God. They each brought the fruits of their labor. Cain brought “fruits of the soil” since he was a farmer. Abel brought “fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock.” (v.3)
The LORD favored Abel’s but not Cain’s. So, Cain was “very angry and his face was downcast.” (v.5) He was probably jealous. Maybe Cain had a problem before this even happened. I’m sure God saw something in Cain’s heart that made his offering unfavorable. Verse 3 says, “Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to God.” Verse 4 says, “But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock.”
The implication here is that Abel gave God the best of his best – fat, not lean and first, not leftovers. Cain just brought some.
Abel chose to give to God with a thoughtful, appreciative heart. Cain just gave because he had to give. It was expected. It wasn’t in his heart.
So Abel’s gift was accepted by God, but Cain’s was not.
Do you understand what is going on here? Both men brought an offering. It looked the same from the outside. It was given to God in the same outward manner, just as we would outwardly drop money in the offering plate on Sunday morning. What was different was the attitude in which they gave. That is not outward and may not have been visible to anyone looking on. Attitude is a matter of the heart and only God can see directly into the heart.
God saw right through Cain’s greedy heart and he refused to accept what was not given in faith, with a right heart. He did not consume Cain’s offering. Imagine God spewing offering envelopes right out the plate on Sunday morning because someone didn’t give from the heart. That would be a sight. There might be envelopes flying everywhere.
The message here is not one of condemnation though. God told Cain, “If you do what is right, will you not be accepted?” (v.7) God wants us to get it right. We have to be willing to let Him show us where our hearts are wrong. He can fix our hearts if we will let Him.
Proverbs 4:23 tells us, “Above all else, guard your heart.” How do we do that? It’s not easy to guard our giving hearts in this place we live in. There is too much floating around to tempt our desires. New clothes. New cars. Bigger houses. Better toys. Luxurious vacations. Propaganda catches us on every corner. How can we not be sucked into those ideas and still give to our LORD with a grateful heart? How can we be an Abel instead of a Cain?
I don’t think the answer lies with us. It lies with God. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
The peace of God will guard your heart!
Cain’s problem was a heart issue, not an offering issue. Cain didn’t ask God to help him with it, either, and it led to many other disastrous things. The offering given without respect was only the beginning.
God wants us to have a right heart. He’s willing to help us. He promises to help us. All we must do is present our request for a heart make-over to God through prayer and petition and with thanksgiving and His peace will guard our hearts.
Let’s do this. Let’s ask for a heart like His.
We were studying Cain and Abel in our Sunday school lesson yesterday. In Genesis chapter 4 both Cain and Abel brought an offering to God. They each brought the fruits of their labor. Cain brought “fruits of the soil” since he was a farmer. Abel brought “fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock.” (v.3)
The LORD favored Abel’s but not Cain’s. So, Cain was “very angry and his face was downcast.” (v.5) He was probably jealous. Maybe Cain had a problem before this even happened. I’m sure God saw something in Cain’s heart that made his offering unfavorable. Verse 3 says, “Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to God.” Verse 4 says, “But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock.”
The implication here is that Abel gave God the best of his best – fat, not lean and first, not leftovers. Cain just brought some.
Abel chose to give to God with a thoughtful, appreciative heart. Cain just gave because he had to give. It was expected. It wasn’t in his heart.
So Abel’s gift was accepted by God, but Cain’s was not.
Do you understand what is going on here? Both men brought an offering. It looked the same from the outside. It was given to God in the same outward manner, just as we would outwardly drop money in the offering plate on Sunday morning. What was different was the attitude in which they gave. That is not outward and may not have been visible to anyone looking on. Attitude is a matter of the heart and only God can see directly into the heart.
God saw right through Cain’s greedy heart and he refused to accept what was not given in faith, with a right heart. He did not consume Cain’s offering. Imagine God spewing offering envelopes right out the plate on Sunday morning because someone didn’t give from the heart. That would be a sight. There might be envelopes flying everywhere.
The message here is not one of condemnation though. God told Cain, “If you do what is right, will you not be accepted?” (v.7) God wants us to get it right. We have to be willing to let Him show us where our hearts are wrong. He can fix our hearts if we will let Him.
Proverbs 4:23 tells us, “Above all else, guard your heart.” How do we do that? It’s not easy to guard our giving hearts in this place we live in. There is too much floating around to tempt our desires. New clothes. New cars. Bigger houses. Better toys. Luxurious vacations. Propaganda catches us on every corner. How can we not be sucked into those ideas and still give to our LORD with a grateful heart? How can we be an Abel instead of a Cain?
I don’t think the answer lies with us. It lies with God. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
The peace of God will guard your heart!
Cain’s problem was a heart issue, not an offering issue. Cain didn’t ask God to help him with it, either, and it led to many other disastrous things. The offering given without respect was only the beginning.
God wants us to have a right heart. He’s willing to help us. He promises to help us. All we must do is present our request for a heart make-over to God through prayer and petition and with thanksgiving and His peace will guard our hearts.
Let’s do this. Let’s ask for a heart like His.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Some Faith Verses
My first memory verse for January is Hebrews 11:1.
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
I've been working on remembering this one but I keep running across a verse I wrote on a card and stuck in my Bible. I've been using it as a book mark so my eyes skim across it every time I look at it and today it dawned on my how it fits my memory verse. Isaiah 40:31(b) says: "
. . . but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength . . ."
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for . . ." Our hope is for the LORD and faith is being sure of the LORD.
It's funny how these two fit together - or at least to me they did.
Another faith verse I found this morning:
Romans 1:17
"For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith." (quoting Habakak 2:4)
I'm sure I've picked the right verse to memorize first this year. A year of faith. Hum . . .that could be scary.
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
I've been working on remembering this one but I keep running across a verse I wrote on a card and stuck in my Bible. I've been using it as a book mark so my eyes skim across it every time I look at it and today it dawned on my how it fits my memory verse. Isaiah 40:31(b) says: "
. . . but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength . . ."
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for . . ." Our hope is for the LORD and faith is being sure of the LORD.
It's funny how these two fit together - or at least to me they did.
Another faith verse I found this morning:
Romans 1:17
"For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith." (quoting Habakak 2:4)
I'm sure I've picked the right verse to memorize first this year. A year of faith. Hum . . .that could be scary.
____________
A picture of my guys hunting at the club yesterday:
Friday, January 2, 2009
What Pleases God?
Here is a possibility for the devotional book I'm writing as a fundraiser for our summer mission trip. Let me know what you think.
___________
While reading in Ephesians chapter 5 one day, I ran across these words in verse 10: “and find out what pleases the Lord.”
“LORD, what pleases you?” I wrote at the top of my journal page, for I want to do whatever would please my LORD and savior.
I found the answer in Romans chapter 4. Verse 3 says: “What does the scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” (quoting Genesis 15:6 here.) It was Abraham’s faith in God, not his upholding of the law that pleased God and prompted God to bless Abraham. Paul uses the rest of chapter 4 to explain that it is the same with us. It is our faith in Jesus Christ that pleases God.
Faith is credited to us as righteousness and righteousness pleases the LORD. Romans 4:22 says, “This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.”
Now, I don’t know about you, but if faith is what it takes to please God, I want it and lots of it. But, I think that believing in and believing are two different things. Did you notice that in verse 3 Paul said, “Abraham believed God”, not believed in God? Believing in is knowing something exists. (Do you believe in God?) Believing is trusting, having faith in. (Do you put your trust in God and have faith in everything He tells you?)
Think about that? Do you?
Have you read enough in His word to know what He says?
Do you believe God when it comes to your own life?
When God says, “Thou shalt not steal” or “Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy,” do you believe Him? Do you believe he desires to have a relationship with you? Do you believe he sent His only son to pay for your sins?
If you do, then you’ll do what He commands. You’ll take Him for His word. You’ll know His promises are the truth.
Do we believe God? If we do, we’re going to take this thing seriously – very seriously because we don’t want to be playing with fire.
If we are casual about believing God, we are crazy. He is NOT casual about us. He is a watchful parent. He has drawn the lines and made the way. His path is established. If we believe, we understand His expectations, His rewards, His wrath and His love for us.
Faith pleases the LORD. Let us be people of deep water faith.
Pray with me . . .
LORD, I know that I am a sinner. You have shown me ___________ about myself. Please forgive me. I believe that Jesus died to pay for my sins. He died to redeem me. Thank you for your gracious gift. I accept it, even though I do not deserve it. It is nothing I’ve earned, but instead, a gift from you. I believe you LORD. I believe your promises. Please build my faith. I want to please you. Give me a hunger for you. I want to know you fully. Show me where I falter and lead me back to you. I want to do your will. Thank you for your blessings. Thank you for your love. In Jesus perfect, loving name I pray. . .
Scripture to read: Romans 4:1-5:2.
___________
While reading in Ephesians chapter 5 one day, I ran across these words in verse 10: “and find out what pleases the Lord.”
“LORD, what pleases you?” I wrote at the top of my journal page, for I want to do whatever would please my LORD and savior.
I found the answer in Romans chapter 4. Verse 3 says: “What does the scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” (quoting Genesis 15:6 here.) It was Abraham’s faith in God, not his upholding of the law that pleased God and prompted God to bless Abraham. Paul uses the rest of chapter 4 to explain that it is the same with us. It is our faith in Jesus Christ that pleases God.
Faith is credited to us as righteousness and righteousness pleases the LORD. Romans 4:22 says, “This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.”
Now, I don’t know about you, but if faith is what it takes to please God, I want it and lots of it. But, I think that believing in and believing are two different things. Did you notice that in verse 3 Paul said, “Abraham believed God”, not believed in God? Believing in is knowing something exists. (Do you believe in God?) Believing is trusting, having faith in. (Do you put your trust in God and have faith in everything He tells you?)
Think about that? Do you?
Have you read enough in His word to know what He says?
Do you believe God when it comes to your own life?
When God says, “Thou shalt not steal” or “Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy,” do you believe Him? Do you believe he desires to have a relationship with you? Do you believe he sent His only son to pay for your sins?
If you do, then you’ll do what He commands. You’ll take Him for His word. You’ll know His promises are the truth.
Do we believe God? If we do, we’re going to take this thing seriously – very seriously because we don’t want to be playing with fire.
If we are casual about believing God, we are crazy. He is NOT casual about us. He is a watchful parent. He has drawn the lines and made the way. His path is established. If we believe, we understand His expectations, His rewards, His wrath and His love for us.
Faith pleases the LORD. Let us be people of deep water faith.
Pray with me . . .
LORD, I know that I am a sinner. You have shown me ___________ about myself. Please forgive me. I believe that Jesus died to pay for my sins. He died to redeem me. Thank you for your gracious gift. I accept it, even though I do not deserve it. It is nothing I’ve earned, but instead, a gift from you. I believe you LORD. I believe your promises. Please build my faith. I want to please you. Give me a hunger for you. I want to know you fully. Show me where I falter and lead me back to you. I want to do your will. Thank you for your blessings. Thank you for your love. In Jesus perfect, loving name I pray. . .
Scripture to read: Romans 4:1-5:2.
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