Don't know how I missed posting yesterday! I thought I did! Old age, folks, I'm telling ya . . .
Hope you're having a good day today. I have a busy one in store for me and unfortunately I'm not feeling totally up to par so far. But I just popped some drugs, so hopefully good times are coming! :0)
Just want to share a beautiful Bible verse today. Hope it will encourage you as it has me:
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. Ephesians 1:7-8
Have a grace-filled day!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Don't Worry, Be Happy
Last night, in the middle of the night, I was wakened by the gentle sounds of sawing lumber. :0) (The lumberjack shall remain nameless.) And while I was awake, I started thinking of my worries. Like, my son is going to Kentucky this week with his grandparents. He'll be out on the lake with them, it will be hot, what if.....???? I can't even put those worries into words. The next worry is financial - we need a new car. We haven't had a car payment in years - at least 8 years. What will a car payment do to our day-to-day living expenses?
And so, as my mind reeled, I had to pray words of peace. Jesus. Calm my heart. Quiet my mind. Be with me, stay with me. Jesus.
It reminds me of the Christmas song by Amy Grant, "Breath of Heaven." The song is from Mary's point of view, awaiting the birth of Jesus. I know if God can calm her fears - and hers were so much more reality-based than mine! - then He can definitely take care of mine!
When you're overcome with worries, what do you do? Sometimes we don't even know what to say, and that's ok. Romans 8:26 says, "We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express."
Just say His name, and let the worries roll away. Just focus your thoughts on Him, and worry can't take root. Just be with Him, and let Him be with you.
Hope your week is starting off in a wonderful way! Below are the lyrics to Breath of Heaven:
I have traveled, many moonless nights
Cold and weary, with a babe inside.
And I wonder, what I've done.
Holy Father, You have come.
Chosen me now, to carry Your Son.
I am waiting, in a silent prayer.
I am frightened, by the load I bear.
In a world as cold as stone . . .
Must I walk this path alone?
Be with me now, be with me now.
Breath of Heaven, hold me together
Be forever with me, Breath of Heaven.
Breath of Heaven, light in my darkness
Pour over me Your holiness,
For you are holy
Breath of Heaven.
Do you wonder, as you watch my face?
If a wiser one, could have had my place?
Yet I offer all I am
For the mercy of Your plan!
Help me be strong . . .
Help me be . . .
Help me . . .
Breath of Heaven, hold me together
Be forever near me, Breath of Heaven.
Breath of Heaven, light in my darkness
Pour over me Your holiness,
For You are holy.
Breath of heaven.
And so, as my mind reeled, I had to pray words of peace. Jesus. Calm my heart. Quiet my mind. Be with me, stay with me. Jesus.
It reminds me of the Christmas song by Amy Grant, "Breath of Heaven." The song is from Mary's point of view, awaiting the birth of Jesus. I know if God can calm her fears - and hers were so much more reality-based than mine! - then He can definitely take care of mine!
When you're overcome with worries, what do you do? Sometimes we don't even know what to say, and that's ok. Romans 8:26 says, "We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express."
Just say His name, and let the worries roll away. Just focus your thoughts on Him, and worry can't take root. Just be with Him, and let Him be with you.
Hope your week is starting off in a wonderful way! Below are the lyrics to Breath of Heaven:
I have traveled, many moonless nights
Cold and weary, with a babe inside.
And I wonder, what I've done.
Holy Father, You have come.
Chosen me now, to carry Your Son.
I am waiting, in a silent prayer.
I am frightened, by the load I bear.
In a world as cold as stone . . .
Must I walk this path alone?
Be with me now, be with me now.
Breath of Heaven, hold me together
Be forever with me, Breath of Heaven.
Breath of Heaven, light in my darkness
Pour over me Your holiness,
For you are holy
Breath of Heaven.
Do you wonder, as you watch my face?
If a wiser one, could have had my place?
Yet I offer all I am
For the mercy of Your plan!
Help me be strong . . .
Help me be . . .
Help me . . .
Breath of Heaven, hold me together
Be forever near me, Breath of Heaven.
Breath of Heaven, light in my darkness
Pour over me Your holiness,
For You are holy.
Breath of heaven.
Friday, July 23, 2010
It's a Good Thing
Happy Friday! Hope you have monstrous weekend plans. Me, I'm having one last rummage with a friend. Last opportunity of the summer to make some money. Selling junk is always a good thing! (Buying someone else's junk is pretty fun, too.)
My Thursday night Bible study met last night - I call them the Ya Yas. Thursday nights always involve food, another good thing! And speaking of good things, we're studying Ephesians, and last night we talked about our lives being reflective praise on God. How we treat people, interact with them, handle ourselves in difficult times - those are all ways we give praise to Him.
Paul tells the Ephesian church, that because of the way they have served God, been His church, been a praise to His glory - because of all these things, he never stops giving thanks for them. And then he tells them how he is going to pray for them: for a spirit of wisdom, for eyes of understanding, for knowledge of hope.
Do you pray for others? God created us to be a community of believers, not just singular souls barricaded against one another. He's a relational God, and just as He created us with a need for Him, He also created us with a need for each other.
This prayer is a good one to pray for family and friends: "I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe." Ephesians 1:17-19
This weekend, instead of just praying for your needs, pray for the needs of those around you. And beyond their physical, immediate needs, pray for these things: Wisdom. Revelation. Enlightenment. Hope. Power.
It's an awful good thing!
My Thursday night Bible study met last night - I call them the Ya Yas. Thursday nights always involve food, another good thing! And speaking of good things, we're studying Ephesians, and last night we talked about our lives being reflective praise on God. How we treat people, interact with them, handle ourselves in difficult times - those are all ways we give praise to Him.
Paul tells the Ephesian church, that because of the way they have served God, been His church, been a praise to His glory - because of all these things, he never stops giving thanks for them. And then he tells them how he is going to pray for them: for a spirit of wisdom, for eyes of understanding, for knowledge of hope.
Do you pray for others? God created us to be a community of believers, not just singular souls barricaded against one another. He's a relational God, and just as He created us with a need for Him, He also created us with a need for each other.
This prayer is a good one to pray for family and friends: "I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe." Ephesians 1:17-19
This weekend, instead of just praying for your needs, pray for the needs of those around you. And beyond their physical, immediate needs, pray for these things: Wisdom. Revelation. Enlightenment. Hope. Power.
It's an awful good thing!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
So There's The Joy
We had such a good Bible study last night! I've said it before, but I can't begin to tell you the lengths to which I have enjoyed this Holy Spirit study! I have learned so much and come out each week invigorated and excited to know more.
We were talking about some of the things that steal our focus from God. Beyond activities, worries, etc., we found another answer: church. Responsibilities and activities of ministry in church can quickly become more of a focus than God is. But even worse is when there are problems or concerns within the family of God, and they can steal our time, our energy, and even worse - our joy.
This morning I woke up thinking about this, and I was like, you know what?? Enough! I am not going to let anyone steal my joy!! What George or Sally or Ted does is their problem. They can be mean, hateful and divisive. I don't care! Because my joy in the Lord doesn't have anything to do with them. I have joy in the Lord because of Him and me, because He's with me every day, in every way, and the only way I lose that joy is basically if I throw it away.
I've been doing that for awhile, and I'm done. George/Sally/Ted (mostly not their real names, lol) ---- bring it. Because I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart. (Where? You know the song!) See what I'm saying? It's my choice, not George/Sally/Ted's choice. My joy, my choice.
Psalm 51:12 says, "Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." In the NIV Bible, there are 242 verses that speak of joy - from Genesis to Jude - that tells us so much about the importance of JOY in our lives!
Don't let anyone rob you. Don't let Satan use even God's church to steal your joy. It's your loss, and it's not a loss God has designed for you.
We were talking about some of the things that steal our focus from God. Beyond activities, worries, etc., we found another answer: church. Responsibilities and activities of ministry in church can quickly become more of a focus than God is. But even worse is when there are problems or concerns within the family of God, and they can steal our time, our energy, and even worse - our joy.
This morning I woke up thinking about this, and I was like, you know what?? Enough! I am not going to let anyone steal my joy!! What George or Sally or Ted does is their problem. They can be mean, hateful and divisive. I don't care! Because my joy in the Lord doesn't have anything to do with them. I have joy in the Lord because of Him and me, because He's with me every day, in every way, and the only way I lose that joy is basically if I throw it away.
I've been doing that for awhile, and I'm done. George/Sally/Ted (mostly not their real names, lol) ---- bring it. Because I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart. (Where? You know the song!) See what I'm saying? It's my choice, not George/Sally/Ted's choice. My joy, my choice.
Psalm 51:12 says, "Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." In the NIV Bible, there are 242 verses that speak of joy - from Genesis to Jude - that tells us so much about the importance of JOY in our lives!
Don't let anyone rob you. Don't let Satan use even God's church to steal your joy. It's your loss, and it's not a loss God has designed for you.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
How Great Is Our God
I could spend all day, everyday on blogland. I love to visit decorating blogs, especially, and one of these days I'm gonna have enough courage to get my own going. I have it - there's just nothing on it!
One of the blogs I frequent [ummm, daily] is "Domestically Speaking." Maryann has a "Power of Paint" party every Wednesday. Those of you who know me, and my addiction to spray paint, can guess just how much this party excites me every single week.
But Monday's post on DS was a little different, and I asked Maryann for permission to share it with you. And as you read it, you'll want to see her blog, and all the talent this woman has in decorating and creating a beautiful home and environment for her family. So visit http://www.domestically-speaking.com/ - but wait until your done reading the post, below.
Thank you Maryann for letting me share this:
Today’s post is a little out of the norm, but something I have to share. Today is our youngest daughter’s birthday… she turns 5!
She is sweet and animated, dramatic and stubborn and still loves to cuddle. But every year on her birthday I have promised to share about the miracle I saw come to fruition.
At my 20 week ultrasound when I was pregnant with “Jujubee”, we were told that she had double clubbed feet. Now this was something we had experience with. Our oldest was born with a right clubfoot (this is where the foot is turned in sharply and the person seems to be walking on their ankle). We have no family history of clubfeet and when I became pregnant with our 2nd kiddo (“blondie”) we did some genetic testing in which they thought it was just a fluke.
Lying on the table as the ultrasound tech showed us the close-up of her feet I knew it was true. I remembered the x-ray pics of my son… the toes turned in and the heel raised. I was overwhelmed with emotions… how could we go through this again?
If you were see my son today, you would never know of the trauma he went through the first 18 months of his life… he doesn’t even remember. They never notice his clubfoot at the 20 week ultrasound, so we were shocked when he was born. As a first-time mom I was overwhelmed with becoming a mom and now I need to figure out how we were going to help my son with his birth defect.
Thankfully we were referred to the best pediatric orthopedic specialist in our area. At 2 weeks old he had his first full leg cast put on. Each week we’d come back as they would cut it off (which he’d scream for) and the Dr. would gentle manipulate his tiny foot a little in the correct direction and recast. The first 3 days after his cast were put on were miserable as his foot was aching from the new position. This continued till he was almost 6 months old… when he went to a brace. At 9 months old his Dr. told us that the cast and brace had manipulated his foot to the correct position, but his heel still had not dropped. At 10 months old he had surgery where they made snips in his Achilles tendon to lengthen it. Surgery was followed by casts for the next 2 months and then a brace for another 3 months.
So when we heard the news about my daughter I didn’t know how I could walk through that again! I was overwhelmed… but I knew instantly that her middle name would be Grace, because I was desperately in need of HIS grace to do this again. My husband on the drive home said some poignant words… “we’re going to pray that God heals her!”
And we did… family and friends prayed… our church prayed.
I knew God was more than capable of healing her. I’ve been to church all my life… I’d been on mission trips and seen miracles… I’ve read through the bible numerous times and know of all the miracles Jesus did… BUT it was hard for me to believe He was going to do it for me. For me it was easier to just plan for the worse and let a small part of me believe in the best.
Then… one Sunday in church… a few weeks before she was born we were singing “How Great is Our God” by Chris Tomlin and I heard Him speak to my spirit that He was going to heal her so that people would know how great He is!
In the days that followed my faith fluctuated… did I really hear Him? Maybe I just had indigestion? Hormones of pregnancy?
On the morning of July 19th I had a stress test at the hospital (I was going between 3-5 times a week because of low amniotic fluids). The nurse didn’t like the way she was responding to contractions, so I was staying and going to have the baby that day. She was breech so I had to do a C-section. When the Dr. pulled her out I heard the miraculous words I was hoping to hear… “well look at that…her feet are perfect!”
So each year on her birthday I will recall God’s miraculous hand that healed my daughter’s feet. I don’t know what you are going through right now, but I know that in our lives right now there are areas that seem IMPOSSIBLE. When I look at them with my eyes and I don’t see any way that this is going to work out… but I know that with God all things are possible. I know that sickness, financial issues, relationships, disobedient children… you name it…it’s not too big or too hard for GOD.
God graciously healed my daughter, but even if He hadn’t… His grace would have carried us through.
Note: Maryann finished her post with a youtube video of Chris Tomlin's "How Great Is Our God." I, however, can't get my internet video downloader to work. However, you can see it at www.domesticallyspeaking.com or at www.youtube.com.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
My Redeemer is Faithful and True
I have been thinking about the past a lot lately. Between our anniversary and the gift of videos-put-onto-DVD, memories have abounded. I watched DVDs of my little pumpkin boy as a baby, with his cute little glasses (his eyes were crossed and he started wearing them at 11 months old). I don't know, it's just one of those times of reminiscence.
This morning I was listening to the Stephen Curtis Chapman song, "My Redeemer is Faithful and True." And I thought back over the blessings of these memories.
When I was about 4 or 5 months pregnant, I had a test run that looked for characteristics of disease and deformity, like spina bifada and Down's syndrome. It wasn't a diagnostic test, just an indicator. But when Samuel came back with Down's syndrome characteristics, an indicator was a diagnosis for me. It was an agonizing wait until the next ultrasound, where we could get a better look at him to try to determine if the test was accurate or not.
Of course, it wasn't, and Samuel was born perfectly healthy. My Redeemer was Faithful and True. He had answered our hearts' cry, and delivered to us the desire of our hearts.
Revelation 19:11 says this: "I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True." Notice the capitalization of "Faithful" and "True." These words aren't used as adjectives; they don't simply describe His character. The capital letters tell us that one of His names is Faithful and True.
He IS faithfulness. He IS truth. How can we ever doubt someone who is named for what He is?
We all have stories like this, and after time we forget to share them anymore; or, because of other bad times, we think the stories mean less. But bad times don't mean that He isn't who He is. Thankfully, He still is who He is! We just have different expectations than He does!
There's power in praising God, and there's power in sharing those stories. I'd love it if you would like to comment and share your story!
Finally today, I have a friend in Texas who is going in to have her third baby this morning. Please pray for Rebekah and Jeremy and that everything goes smoothly.
This morning I was listening to the Stephen Curtis Chapman song, "My Redeemer is Faithful and True." And I thought back over the blessings of these memories.
When I was about 4 or 5 months pregnant, I had a test run that looked for characteristics of disease and deformity, like spina bifada and Down's syndrome. It wasn't a diagnostic test, just an indicator. But when Samuel came back with Down's syndrome characteristics, an indicator was a diagnosis for me. It was an agonizing wait until the next ultrasound, where we could get a better look at him to try to determine if the test was accurate or not.
Of course, it wasn't, and Samuel was born perfectly healthy. My Redeemer was Faithful and True. He had answered our hearts' cry, and delivered to us the desire of our hearts.
Revelation 19:11 says this: "I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True." Notice the capitalization of "Faithful" and "True." These words aren't used as adjectives; they don't simply describe His character. The capital letters tell us that one of His names is Faithful and True.
He IS faithfulness. He IS truth. How can we ever doubt someone who is named for what He is?
We all have stories like this, and after time we forget to share them anymore; or, because of other bad times, we think the stories mean less. But bad times don't mean that He isn't who He is. Thankfully, He still is who He is! We just have different expectations than He does!
There's power in praising God, and there's power in sharing those stories. I'd love it if you would like to comment and share your story!
Finally today, I have a friend in Texas who is going in to have her third baby this morning. Please pray for Rebekah and Jeremy and that everything goes smoothly.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Good Morning!
Good morning! Hope everyone had a good weekend! I celebrated my anniversary this weekend - 17 years. Wow. It doesn't seem that long . . .
There's a book called, "Experiencing God," that our church went through several years back. I love this book, and the topic is very relevant considering the discussions between the hubster and myself this weekend.
One of the tenets of the book begins with something called, "a crisis of faith." Now, this crisis can be your first encounter with God, when you see your need for salvation, or it can be one of the hundreds of situations we encounter through life that force us to make choices, to stake a claim in what we believe.
We're having a crisis like that, and it involves being purposeful. Why am I doing what I'm doing? Because someone asked me to? Or because I'm strongly invested? Why am I at the church I'm at? The denomination? What's the purpose? And is God's purpose being affected by where I am and what I'm doing?
Those of you who go to church with me, don't think I'm leaving! I'm not! I'm just saying - I need to be at my church on purpose, by choice. Not just because I've been there forever, or it's the easiest thing, or any other similar excuse.
The same is true in relationships, careers, even hobbies - it has to have a purpose. (I'm not trying to channel Rick Warren here, just so that you know! lol)
Another tenet of this book is, "go where God is working, and join Him." So often we decide what we need to do, ask God to bless it, and move forward. But we run around in circles, effecting very little. And I'm not just talking in ministry. I'm talking in life, in our families, our jobs, our relationships.
We say, I'm going to Mexico for vacation! Made all the plans, all the arrangements, paid all the money. Now, God, keep us safe from harm and help us have a good time . . . well, that's how I've lived my life, anyway, and I'm really realizing that I have it backwards.
Being purposeful is starting with God. It's being mindful, praying without ceasing (I think I read that somewhere), waiting on Him. It's approaching a Mexican vacation like this: "God, I have this vacation time. I'm thinking about Mexico. But what do YOU think? I want to go where you want me to go, and I'm not making any arrangements until I'm satisfied of your involvement and blessing."
Asking God to bless plans we've already made is like trying to add eggs to an omelet that's already been served. It might end up tasting ok - it's got yummy veggies, cheese, meat. But the most important ingredient is missing! (I came up with that all by myself!)
So right now, I'm having a crisis of faith. But it's a good crisis! Because I want to live my life on purpose - God's purpose! Hope you do, too.
There's a book called, "Experiencing God," that our church went through several years back. I love this book, and the topic is very relevant considering the discussions between the hubster and myself this weekend.
One of the tenets of the book begins with something called, "a crisis of faith." Now, this crisis can be your first encounter with God, when you see your need for salvation, or it can be one of the hundreds of situations we encounter through life that force us to make choices, to stake a claim in what we believe.
We're having a crisis like that, and it involves being purposeful. Why am I doing what I'm doing? Because someone asked me to? Or because I'm strongly invested? Why am I at the church I'm at? The denomination? What's the purpose? And is God's purpose being affected by where I am and what I'm doing?
Those of you who go to church with me, don't think I'm leaving! I'm not! I'm just saying - I need to be at my church on purpose, by choice. Not just because I've been there forever, or it's the easiest thing, or any other similar excuse.
The same is true in relationships, careers, even hobbies - it has to have a purpose. (I'm not trying to channel Rick Warren here, just so that you know! lol)
Another tenet of this book is, "go where God is working, and join Him." So often we decide what we need to do, ask God to bless it, and move forward. But we run around in circles, effecting very little. And I'm not just talking in ministry. I'm talking in life, in our families, our jobs, our relationships.
We say, I'm going to Mexico for vacation! Made all the plans, all the arrangements, paid all the money. Now, God, keep us safe from harm and help us have a good time . . . well, that's how I've lived my life, anyway, and I'm really realizing that I have it backwards.
Being purposeful is starting with God. It's being mindful, praying without ceasing (I think I read that somewhere), waiting on Him. It's approaching a Mexican vacation like this: "God, I have this vacation time. I'm thinking about Mexico. But what do YOU think? I want to go where you want me to go, and I'm not making any arrangements until I'm satisfied of your involvement and blessing."
Asking God to bless plans we've already made is like trying to add eggs to an omelet that's already been served. It might end up tasting ok - it's got yummy veggies, cheese, meat. But the most important ingredient is missing! (I came up with that all by myself!)
So right now, I'm having a crisis of faith. But it's a good crisis! Because I want to live my life on purpose - God's purpose! Hope you do, too.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Hello? Is It Me You're Looking For?
Remember that old song, from Lionel Ritchie? I love that song!
It's been a couple of weeks since my last post, and my word - I have been a day late and a dollar short all summer. I can't keep up, having Samuel at home, all the projects I have in the air . . . so I'm making some changes, going back to my roots.
When I started this blog, it was just to organize my thoughts, pour out my love for God, and sometimes to study publicly (!) His word. Then I think I got a little forward with myself - hey, I'm not a scholar or theologian. I'm just me, a seeker, thirsting for God. What do I know?
Not nearly enough! So to try to expound on books like Isaiah - wow, there's just too much there and honestly, I'm a little scared to get it wrong! lol So, I'm just going to go back to sharing about me, not trying to teach anything, and document this journey through the gift of life.
Tomorrow is my 17th anniversary. There have been lots of times in the last 17 years when I've thought we weren't gonna make it. But we've endured. That sounds really . . . I don't know . . . un-romantic. But there have been times when life wasn't a fairy tale for us. And, there have been times when it absolutely has been a fairy tale. And then there are all the times in between.
All I know is that I'm grateful that my husband has stuck with me for almost 2 decades, and I'm grateful that God has blessed us with love and joy and peace. He has given us a wonderful child, opportunities for ministry, and blessings beyond what we could have ever imagined in 1993.
So much has changed. Yet God's faithfulness, His love for us has stayed the same. It's only because of Him that we've been able to persevere. Marriage is hard - relationships are hard - but they are worth fighting for, because our relationships with other are extensions of our relationship with Him. He is a relational God, intimate, loving, and caring. Can we do any less for each other?
Check out "Marriage is Worth Fighting For" at Facebook.com.
See you next week!
It's been a couple of weeks since my last post, and my word - I have been a day late and a dollar short all summer. I can't keep up, having Samuel at home, all the projects I have in the air . . . so I'm making some changes, going back to my roots.
When I started this blog, it was just to organize my thoughts, pour out my love for God, and sometimes to study publicly (!) His word. Then I think I got a little forward with myself - hey, I'm not a scholar or theologian. I'm just me, a seeker, thirsting for God. What do I know?
Not nearly enough! So to try to expound on books like Isaiah - wow, there's just too much there and honestly, I'm a little scared to get it wrong! lol So, I'm just going to go back to sharing about me, not trying to teach anything, and document this journey through the gift of life.
Tomorrow is my 17th anniversary. There have been lots of times in the last 17 years when I've thought we weren't gonna make it. But we've endured. That sounds really . . . I don't know . . . un-romantic. But there have been times when life wasn't a fairy tale for us. And, there have been times when it absolutely has been a fairy tale. And then there are all the times in between.
All I know is that I'm grateful that my husband has stuck with me for almost 2 decades, and I'm grateful that God has blessed us with love and joy and peace. He has given us a wonderful child, opportunities for ministry, and blessings beyond what we could have ever imagined in 1993.
So much has changed. Yet God's faithfulness, His love for us has stayed the same. It's only because of Him that we've been able to persevere. Marriage is hard - relationships are hard - but they are worth fighting for, because our relationships with other are extensions of our relationship with Him. He is a relational God, intimate, loving, and caring. Can we do any less for each other?
Check out "Marriage is Worth Fighting For" at Facebook.com.
See you next week!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Look to the Day
Therefore I will make the heavens tremble;
and the earth will shake from its place
at the wrath of the LORD Almighty,
in the day of his burning anger. Isaiah 13:13
God is a powerful god. Scratch that. He's not A god, He is THE God. He is GOD. Period.
And He's not just powerful. He IS power.
We see His power all the time, in both good and bad ways. But Isaiah is talking about the day - THE day. That day in the future when God says, enough.
The thought of that day may scare you. And that's ok, because it will be a frightful day for many, many people. It will be the worst day for many people.
But for those of us who know Him, who have asked Him to capture our hearts and lives and to live in us and with us forever - it doesn't have to be scary. Yes, His anger will still burn. His wrath will still be felt. The end will still be the end.
But WE have hope for an eternity with Him, not separated from Him. An eternity of love, not of anger. An eternity of fellowship, not of isolation.
We have hope, because we have Him. Pretty simple, huh?
Let me just say now . . . if you don't have Him, this coming day will be terrible. God does not want you to experience that day. He wants you to come to Him, to choose Him, so that you do not have to face an eternal wrath.
Christians can look to the future with hope, and stand bravely in the face of uncertainty. If you don't have that hope, come to Him today. Here's a simple prayer you can pray:
and the earth will shake from its place
at the wrath of the LORD Almighty,
in the day of his burning anger. Isaiah 13:13
God is a powerful god. Scratch that. He's not A god, He is THE God. He is GOD. Period.
And He's not just powerful. He IS power.
We see His power all the time, in both good and bad ways. But Isaiah is talking about the day - THE day. That day in the future when God says, enough.
The thought of that day may scare you. And that's ok, because it will be a frightful day for many, many people. It will be the worst day for many people.
But for those of us who know Him, who have asked Him to capture our hearts and lives and to live in us and with us forever - it doesn't have to be scary. Yes, His anger will still burn. His wrath will still be felt. The end will still be the end.
But WE have hope for an eternity with Him, not separated from Him. An eternity of love, not of anger. An eternity of fellowship, not of isolation.
We have hope, because we have Him. Pretty simple, huh?
Let me just say now . . . if you don't have Him, this coming day will be terrible. God does not want you to experience that day. He wants you to come to Him, to choose Him, so that you do not have to face an eternal wrath.
Christians can look to the future with hope, and stand bravely in the face of uncertainty. If you don't have that hope, come to Him today. Here's a simple prayer you can pray:
Heavenly Father:
I come to you in prayer asking for the forgiveness of my Sins. I confess with my mouth and believe with my
heart that Jesus is your Son, And that he died on the Cross at Calvary that I might be forgiven and have
Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Father, I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you right now to come in to my life and be my personal Lord and Savior. I repent of my Sins and will Worship you all the day's of my Life!. Because your word is truth, I confess with my mouth that I am Born Again and Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus! In Jesus Name, Amen.
I come to you in prayer asking for the forgiveness of my Sins. I confess with my mouth and believe with my
heart that Jesus is your Son, And that he died on the Cross at Calvary that I might be forgiven and have
Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Father, I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and I ask you right now to come in to my life and be my personal Lord and Savior. I repent of my Sins and will Worship you all the day's of my Life!. Because your word is truth, I confess with my mouth that I am Born Again and Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus! In Jesus Name, Amen.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Thirsty?
"Surely God is my salvation;
I will trust and not be afraid.
The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation."
With joy you will draw water
from the wells of salvation. Isaiah 12:2-3
The trouble with taking Isaiah a chapter at a time and spotlighting random verses is that sometimes you miss the flow. But for now, we'll deal with it! Isaiah has told the people that after the Messiah comes, they will praise God. They will be saying the words above.
You know, so often we go about our business, doing our stuff, and completely miss the things that God is doing around us. We might scoff at how the Jews - both then and now - completely miss the Messiah, right in front of them.
But I know I do the same thing. It's been a long time since I have had joy, and with that joy, drawn water from the well of salvation. I miss God, even though He's right in front of me. The good news is that Isaiah has told me exactly what to do!
Let's break it down, shall we? Well (pardon the pun) . . . let's remember that water is life. Nothing can sustain life without water. No planet, no plant, no person --- everything needs water to survive. And not just to survive, but to thrive!
So to draw water from the well of salvation means to draw life. And just as we, in our homes, had to find sources of water from which we could drill our wells . . . God is the same. To draw water from the well of salvation means to constantly be returning to God, to drink in Him, to allow Him to restore us, to refresh us, to rebuild us.
But sometimes we're so busy, we just miss it. And then we get tired, and sick, and run down. We find ourselves searching for life, for meaning, and end up realizing that we had it all along, right beside us.
Psalm 51 prays, "Restore to me the joy of my salvation." Sometimes we lose it. But all we have to do is return to the well, and find joy once again.
I will trust and not be afraid.
The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation."
With joy you will draw water
from the wells of salvation. Isaiah 12:2-3
The trouble with taking Isaiah a chapter at a time and spotlighting random verses is that sometimes you miss the flow. But for now, we'll deal with it! Isaiah has told the people that after the Messiah comes, they will praise God. They will be saying the words above.
You know, so often we go about our business, doing our stuff, and completely miss the things that God is doing around us. We might scoff at how the Jews - both then and now - completely miss the Messiah, right in front of them.
But I know I do the same thing. It's been a long time since I have had joy, and with that joy, drawn water from the well of salvation. I miss God, even though He's right in front of me. The good news is that Isaiah has told me exactly what to do!
Let's break it down, shall we? Well (pardon the pun) . . . let's remember that water is life. Nothing can sustain life without water. No planet, no plant, no person --- everything needs water to survive. And not just to survive, but to thrive!
So to draw water from the well of salvation means to draw life. And just as we, in our homes, had to find sources of water from which we could drill our wells . . . God is the same. To draw water from the well of salvation means to constantly be returning to God, to drink in Him, to allow Him to restore us, to refresh us, to rebuild us.
But sometimes we're so busy, we just miss it. And then we get tired, and sick, and run down. We find ourselves searching for life, for meaning, and end up realizing that we had it all along, right beside us.
Psalm 51 prays, "Restore to me the joy of my salvation." Sometimes we lose it. But all we have to do is return to the well, and find joy once again.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Seeing the True Gifts
1 A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;
from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him—
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of power,
the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD -
3 and he will delight in the fear of the LORD.
He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes,
or decide by what he hears with his ears;
4 but with righteousness he will judge the needy,
with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.
He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth;
with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.
5 Righteousness will be his belt
and faithfulness the sash around his waist. Isaiah 11:1-5
Now obviously, these verses are talking about the Messiah, but can they also apply to our individual lives? I think so. I'd like to focus on verse two today.
"The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him - the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord."
You know, here is Isaiah, writing about the Holy Spirit 600 years before Jesus promised Him, long before that crazy day of Pentecost. And I think this is really important, because our faith rests in the knowledge that God has always been God; the Trinity of God has always been the Trinity of God. God said in Genesis 1, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness."
In other words, God has always - since the dawn of time - yearned to make us like Him. And He has always been gifting the Holy Spirit, and the gifts of the Spirit - the gifts of wisdom, understanding, counsel, power, knowledge, and fear of the Lord.
I've had a lot of gifts in my life. I've had plenty and I've had little. And I know - in my ripe old age - (shut up Stephen) that there are no better gifts than the spiritual ones, the gifts that come from God.
Tonight we took our little one to see Toy Story 3. (SPOILER ALERT!!!) Towards the end of the movie, Andy's mother realizes that he really truly is leaving for college, and she gets emotional. Cut to me, sniffling in my seat, thinking of myself there in 10 years.
So I vowed right then and there to take all the time with Samuel I could, to enjoy the little things, to be the best darned mother in the world. Patient, kind, understanding, sweet . . . you know, June Cleaver on valium and cough syrup . . .
Yeah right. The truth of the matter is that I want to be those things . . . for me. I want to be the best darned mother in the world for my own selfishness, not because of any deep or spiritual reason. So that others will name streets after me, my child will grow up to become President of the United States and write speeches about me . . . ummm, excuse me. Back to reality.
There's nothing wrong with wanting to be the BDM (best darned mother, gotta love acronyms). But I gotta quit trying to be the BDM, and just focus on God and learning and understanding Him and knowing Him - allowing His gifts to pour over me. What kind of mother could I be if I have the gifts described above: "The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord."
That's right. The BDM. Because if I'm able to approach life and give to others as a wise and understanding woman, one who gives good counsel and is spiritually powerful, one who is knowledgeable and above all, who fears the Lord . . . I could be a BDM to many.
How about you?
from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him—
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of power,
the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD -
3 and he will delight in the fear of the LORD.
He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes,
or decide by what he hears with his ears;
4 but with righteousness he will judge the needy,
with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.
He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth;
with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.
5 Righteousness will be his belt
and faithfulness the sash around his waist. Isaiah 11:1-5
Now obviously, these verses are talking about the Messiah, but can they also apply to our individual lives? I think so. I'd like to focus on verse two today.
"The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him - the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord."
You know, here is Isaiah, writing about the Holy Spirit 600 years before Jesus promised Him, long before that crazy day of Pentecost. And I think this is really important, because our faith rests in the knowledge that God has always been God; the Trinity of God has always been the Trinity of God. God said in Genesis 1, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness."
In other words, God has always - since the dawn of time - yearned to make us like Him. And He has always been gifting the Holy Spirit, and the gifts of the Spirit - the gifts of wisdom, understanding, counsel, power, knowledge, and fear of the Lord.
I've had a lot of gifts in my life. I've had plenty and I've had little. And I know - in my ripe old age - (shut up Stephen) that there are no better gifts than the spiritual ones, the gifts that come from God.
Tonight we took our little one to see Toy Story 3. (SPOILER ALERT!!!) Towards the end of the movie, Andy's mother realizes that he really truly is leaving for college, and she gets emotional. Cut to me, sniffling in my seat, thinking of myself there in 10 years.
So I vowed right then and there to take all the time with Samuel I could, to enjoy the little things, to be the best darned mother in the world. Patient, kind, understanding, sweet . . . you know, June Cleaver on valium and cough syrup . . .
Yeah right. The truth of the matter is that I want to be those things . . . for me. I want to be the best darned mother in the world for my own selfishness, not because of any deep or spiritual reason. So that others will name streets after me, my child will grow up to become President of the United States and write speeches about me . . . ummm, excuse me. Back to reality.
There's nothing wrong with wanting to be the BDM (best darned mother, gotta love acronyms). But I gotta quit trying to be the BDM, and just focus on God and learning and understanding Him and knowing Him - allowing His gifts to pour over me. What kind of mother could I be if I have the gifts described above: "The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord."
That's right. The BDM. Because if I'm able to approach life and give to others as a wise and understanding woman, one who gives good counsel and is spiritually powerful, one who is knowledgeable and above all, who fears the Lord . . . I could be a BDM to many.
How about you?
Thursday, June 17, 2010
(I'm skipping Isaiah 9 because I did it a few weeks ago. Moving on to chapter 10 today.)
For he says: "By the strength of my hand I have done this, and by my wisdom, because I have understanding." Isaiah 10:13a
It's funny how things work. We were talking about just such a thing in Sunday School last week. We are studying Genesis, and we're just in the first chapter. Our discussions have been about how God's creation reveals God's character to us.
We were talking about how God sees the whole picture - not just the picture of the week of creation, but of how His creation would influence us 6,000 years later.
It's really all about Him, you know? Look at the verse, above. It's HIS strength. HIS wisdom. HIS understanding.
We think we have understanding, but we don't really. In Sunday School, we were talking about how we plan something, and then ask God to bless it. We're so smart, aren't we? We have every opportunity to tune into God, to His strength, His wisdom, His understanding. But too often we rely on our own, and then ask Him to come along and bless it. And sometimes fix it, because of the mess we've made!
Remember this week that He has plans for you and is working around you all the time. Look for it. Look for His strength. Look for His wisdom. Look for His understanding. And then go there, and join Him.
For he says: "By the strength of my hand I have done this, and by my wisdom, because I have understanding." Isaiah 10:13a
It's funny how things work. We were talking about just such a thing in Sunday School last week. We are studying Genesis, and we're just in the first chapter. Our discussions have been about how God's creation reveals God's character to us.
We were talking about how God sees the whole picture - not just the picture of the week of creation, but of how His creation would influence us 6,000 years later.
It's really all about Him, you know? Look at the verse, above. It's HIS strength. HIS wisdom. HIS understanding.
We think we have understanding, but we don't really. In Sunday School, we were talking about how we plan something, and then ask God to bless it. We're so smart, aren't we? We have every opportunity to tune into God, to His strength, His wisdom, His understanding. But too often we rely on our own, and then ask Him to come along and bless it. And sometimes fix it, because of the mess we've made!
Remember this week that He has plans for you and is working around you all the time. Look for it. Look for His strength. Look for His wisdom. Look for His understanding. And then go there, and join Him.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Got God?
Here am I, and the children the LORD has given me. We are signs and symbols in Israel from the LORD Almighty, who dwells on Mount Zion. Isaiah 8:18
Wow . . . chapter eight has so much meat in it!! I've been reading and re-reading it several times today. But I finally settled on verse 18 to share with you.
What courage it must have taken Isaiah during this time to say, not only am I a believer, but I am a symbol of God! I like that he doesn't say, I want to be a symbol, or I'm trying to be a symbol. He says, I AM a symbol.
Are you a symbol of the Lord Almighty?
Some symbols are easily recognized. We all recognize a circle with a slash through it. That's the symbol for don't. A red octagon is the symbol for stop. We know the Coke logo and the Windows computer logo. We identify certain sounds with their companies ("you've got mail!"). There are lines inked into our memories - Got Milk? Where's the Beef? There's even a symbol associated with Christianity - the fish.
But what about you? Are you a symbol of God?
Let me rephrase - if you have spoken about your belief in God, you ARE a symbol of Him. But are you the kind of sign He wants to be associated with?
How's your language? How are you spending your time? What do you spend your money on?
This is how you are a symbol of God. It's what you do linked with what you say.
So think about it. Your life is a symbol of something. Is it a symbol of God?
Wow . . . chapter eight has so much meat in it!! I've been reading and re-reading it several times today. But I finally settled on verse 18 to share with you.
What courage it must have taken Isaiah during this time to say, not only am I a believer, but I am a symbol of God! I like that he doesn't say, I want to be a symbol, or I'm trying to be a symbol. He says, I AM a symbol.
Are you a symbol of the Lord Almighty?
Some symbols are easily recognized. We all recognize a circle with a slash through it. That's the symbol for don't. A red octagon is the symbol for stop. We know the Coke logo and the Windows computer logo. We identify certain sounds with their companies ("you've got mail!"). There are lines inked into our memories - Got Milk? Where's the Beef? There's even a symbol associated with Christianity - the fish.
But what about you? Are you a symbol of God?
Let me rephrase - if you have spoken about your belief in God, you ARE a symbol of Him. But are you the kind of sign He wants to be associated with?
How's your language? How are you spending your time? What do you spend your money on?
This is how you are a symbol of God. It's what you do linked with what you say.
So think about it. Your life is a symbol of something. Is it a symbol of God?
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Stand Firm
If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all. Isaiah 7:9b
What is the key word in this verse? It's firm. It's not just about standing, it's about standing firm.
To me, this verse means this: it's not enough to believe in God. Satan believes in God. James 2:19 says, "You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder." So obviously simple belief isn't enough to stand firm.
So what is enough? It's taking that belief to heart and letting it change your life - letting it change everything! It's taking responsibility for your past and making and receiving restoration. It's being willing to live completely out of control - and loving it!
Because standing firm means that God is the one in control. He becomes the one who directs your path and your heart, and it's only because of that that you can stand firm in the first place.
So look at your heart and your life today. Are you standing, or standing firm? Because there's a difference! One more reference from James - this time chapter one: "But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does." (verses 6-8)
Standing firm is whole-hearted belief in God - in His character, in His ways, in His love. And unless you have that kind of belief, life will always knock you down. So stand! Stand firm!
What is the key word in this verse? It's firm. It's not just about standing, it's about standing firm.
To me, this verse means this: it's not enough to believe in God. Satan believes in God. James 2:19 says, "You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder." So obviously simple belief isn't enough to stand firm.
So what is enough? It's taking that belief to heart and letting it change your life - letting it change everything! It's taking responsibility for your past and making and receiving restoration. It's being willing to live completely out of control - and loving it!
Because standing firm means that God is the one in control. He becomes the one who directs your path and your heart, and it's only because of that that you can stand firm in the first place.
So look at your heart and your life today. Are you standing, or standing firm? Because there's a difference! One more reference from James - this time chapter one: "But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does." (verses 6-8)
Standing firm is whole-hearted belief in God - in His character, in His ways, in His love. And unless you have that kind of belief, life will always knock you down. So stand! Stand firm!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Holy. Holy. Holy. Holy.
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another:
"Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty;
the whole earth is full of his glory."
Isaiah 6:1-3
Ah, I love scripture that is set to worship music. This is one of those songs, and it has special meaning to me.
Two years ago in May I started having stomach pain and vomiting. It started on May 1, actually, on my way home from the Vera Bradley sale in Ft. Wayne. It started as just a knot in my stomach. That was a Thursday.
The next day I was hugely uncomfortable, in a lot of pain. On Saturday I was able to put on my happy face and attend my brother-in-law's graduation from Ball State. I was still kind of sore, though, and my stomach just felt . . . weird. But within a couple of days I felt mostly back to normal.
The next Friday my husband and I went on a date to see a movie and have Japanese food. The next day I was in so much pain, I didn't think I would be able to stand it. My husband laid in bed with me, and he could hear my stomach make the noises that were doubling me over in pain. We finally went to the ER, and though they couldn't find anything with an X-Ray, they kept me overnight for observation and I was sent home on Sunday . . . which was Mother's Day.
By Tuesday I went to my doctor's office, pretty much begging for help. She gave me a "vomit bag," which I used when the anti-nausea meds she gave me did. not. work. So she sent me to the hospital, where they ordered CAT scans and such.
Wednesday morning the nurse rushed in, shooed everyone out (thank God for visitors, for their encouragement and mental stability in a time like this), and said that they were prepping me for surgery and the surgeon would explain everything when he got there.
I'll admit, I was scared. Not of dying, but of the unknown, because we really didn't know what we going on. I had a nasogastric tube inserted down my nose and a PIC Line sewed in my arm. The NG tube suctioned out two pitchers full of bile from my stomach. My friend Tammy was there; as an ER nurse she unofficially took over and led the charge - thank God for her! She couldn't believe all that they took out of my stomach. No wonder I had been so sick, she said. I thought . . . great! Let's go home!
But not so much. The surgeon met us in the hallway as they were wheeling me to the O.R. to explain I had a bowel obstruction and everything in my body was . . . backing up. I'm like, but they just got it all out, why can't I go home now? His answer was that everything would continue backing up because the obstruction wasn't going away, and they had to do emergency surgery to repair my intestine. (I hate saying bowel. Intestine sounds . . . cleaner. ha ha) This was a serious situation that required immediate action.
As I'm lying in the bed, being wheeled down the hallway, watching the ceiling tiles go by above me, I started singing: "I saw the Lord, seated on the throne, exalted. And the train of His robe, filled the temple with glory!"
I just kept singing the chorus over and over again, as they continued their preparations in the operating room, stopping to ask one question: what time it was. I wanted to be able to ask the time when I woke back up, to know how long it had been, to get maybe have an idea of the success of the surgery. I didn't pray. I didn't cry. I didn't beg God for anything. I just kept singing that song until I went to sleep: "Holy. Holy. Holy. Holy. Holy is the Lamb."
When I woke up, hours later . . . I was still singing that song. I didn't ask what time it was, I didn't really know what was going on . . . but I was singing that song, and imagining a room that the train of His robe could fill. And singing, "Holy. Holy. Holy. Holy."
Think you can't memorize scripture? Sure you can. Most of our choruses ARE scripture. Think you don't need to memorize scripture? Sure you do! There are time when saying the words are all you can do. And when you're scared, and you don't even know what to pray, the Holy Spirit does the praying for you: " In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will." Romans 8:26-27
I just wanted to share that story with you today . . . I hope it encourages you. Have a great day!
"Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty;
the whole earth is full of his glory."
Isaiah 6:1-3
Ah, I love scripture that is set to worship music. This is one of those songs, and it has special meaning to me.
Two years ago in May I started having stomach pain and vomiting. It started on May 1, actually, on my way home from the Vera Bradley sale in Ft. Wayne. It started as just a knot in my stomach. That was a Thursday.
The next day I was hugely uncomfortable, in a lot of pain. On Saturday I was able to put on my happy face and attend my brother-in-law's graduation from Ball State. I was still kind of sore, though, and my stomach just felt . . . weird. But within a couple of days I felt mostly back to normal.
The next Friday my husband and I went on a date to see a movie and have Japanese food. The next day I was in so much pain, I didn't think I would be able to stand it. My husband laid in bed with me, and he could hear my stomach make the noises that were doubling me over in pain. We finally went to the ER, and though they couldn't find anything with an X-Ray, they kept me overnight for observation and I was sent home on Sunday . . . which was Mother's Day.
By Tuesday I went to my doctor's office, pretty much begging for help. She gave me a "vomit bag," which I used when the anti-nausea meds she gave me did. not. work. So she sent me to the hospital, where they ordered CAT scans and such.
Wednesday morning the nurse rushed in, shooed everyone out (thank God for visitors, for their encouragement and mental stability in a time like this), and said that they were prepping me for surgery and the surgeon would explain everything when he got there.
I'll admit, I was scared. Not of dying, but of the unknown, because we really didn't know what we going on. I had a nasogastric tube inserted down my nose and a PIC Line sewed in my arm. The NG tube suctioned out two pitchers full of bile from my stomach. My friend Tammy was there; as an ER nurse she unofficially took over and led the charge - thank God for her! She couldn't believe all that they took out of my stomach. No wonder I had been so sick, she said. I thought . . . great! Let's go home!
But not so much. The surgeon met us in the hallway as they were wheeling me to the O.R. to explain I had a bowel obstruction and everything in my body was . . . backing up. I'm like, but they just got it all out, why can't I go home now? His answer was that everything would continue backing up because the obstruction wasn't going away, and they had to do emergency surgery to repair my intestine. (I hate saying bowel. Intestine sounds . . . cleaner. ha ha) This was a serious situation that required immediate action.
As I'm lying in the bed, being wheeled down the hallway, watching the ceiling tiles go by above me, I started singing: "I saw the Lord, seated on the throne, exalted. And the train of His robe, filled the temple with glory!"
I just kept singing the chorus over and over again, as they continued their preparations in the operating room, stopping to ask one question: what time it was. I wanted to be able to ask the time when I woke back up, to know how long it had been, to get maybe have an idea of the success of the surgery. I didn't pray. I didn't cry. I didn't beg God for anything. I just kept singing that song until I went to sleep: "Holy. Holy. Holy. Holy. Holy is the Lamb."
When I woke up, hours later . . . I was still singing that song. I didn't ask what time it was, I didn't really know what was going on . . . but I was singing that song, and imagining a room that the train of His robe could fill. And singing, "Holy. Holy. Holy. Holy."
Think you can't memorize scripture? Sure you can. Most of our choruses ARE scripture. Think you don't need to memorize scripture? Sure you do! There are time when saying the words are all you can do. And when you're scared, and you don't even know what to pray, the Holy Spirit does the praying for you: " In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will." Romans 8:26-27
I just wanted to share that story with you today . . . I hope it encourages you. Have a great day!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Call a Spade a Spade
Woe to those who call evil good
and good evil,
who put darkness for light
and light for darkness,
who put bitter for sweet
and sweet for bitter. Isaiah 5:20
This verse is so pertinent today. I'm thinking of the oil spill in the gulf, and thinking . . . for crying out loud. Why can't this just be (and I use the word "just" very loosely) about an oil spill? Why does it have to be about politics and pointing fingers and blaming and naming?
In Matthew 5:37, Jesus said, "Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one." The blame game? Not godly. "Spinning" the bad news? Not holy. Changing the definition of "is?" Don't even get me started.
In this day, it can seem as if there is no absolute good or evil, no moral right or wrongs. But you know what? We as Christians just need to call a spade a spade and stand on the truth of the Bible. There ARE things that are absolutely wrong!!! Right?
We wonder why the world is such a mess today, and Isaiah tells us why. It's because we try to pretend that bitter is sweet, and sweet is bitter. No wrongs, no rights, everything is just blah.
But God IS sweet. Obedience is sweet. Sin is bitter. Joy is sweet. Sorrow is bitter. Hope is sweet. Despair is bitter. EVERYTHING godly is sweet. EVERYTHING sinful is bitter. No matter what the world says, the news says, or even the president says. God is the only way to true sweetness.
Which brings up sweetness as a personality trait. You know, the only way to stay truly sweet is to stay faithful to God and His ways. When other things substitute for Him, it's just like using sugar substitutes: it gets really close, but it just doesn't taste the same.
Praying today that God will bring about His sweetness in your life!
and good evil,
who put darkness for light
and light for darkness,
who put bitter for sweet
and sweet for bitter. Isaiah 5:20
This verse is so pertinent today. I'm thinking of the oil spill in the gulf, and thinking . . . for crying out loud. Why can't this just be (and I use the word "just" very loosely) about an oil spill? Why does it have to be about politics and pointing fingers and blaming and naming?
In Matthew 5:37, Jesus said, "Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one." The blame game? Not godly. "Spinning" the bad news? Not holy. Changing the definition of "is?" Don't even get me started.
In this day, it can seem as if there is no absolute good or evil, no moral right or wrongs. But you know what? We as Christians just need to call a spade a spade and stand on the truth of the Bible. There ARE things that are absolutely wrong!!! Right?
We wonder why the world is such a mess today, and Isaiah tells us why. It's because we try to pretend that bitter is sweet, and sweet is bitter. No wrongs, no rights, everything is just blah.
But God IS sweet. Obedience is sweet. Sin is bitter. Joy is sweet. Sorrow is bitter. Hope is sweet. Despair is bitter. EVERYTHING godly is sweet. EVERYTHING sinful is bitter. No matter what the world says, the news says, or even the president says. God is the only way to true sweetness.
Which brings up sweetness as a personality trait. You know, the only way to stay truly sweet is to stay faithful to God and His ways. When other things substitute for Him, it's just like using sugar substitutes: it gets really close, but it just doesn't taste the same.
Praying today that God will bring about His sweetness in your life!
Monday, June 7, 2010
Sitting on the Branch
"In that day the Branch of the LORD will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel." Isaiah 4:2
I'm so glad to be online today! Last night I got home from church and my email had been hacked! Yikes! Then I couldn't get on here to post today's thoughts. Ahhh, the digital age . . .
Anyway, on to the Word. Let's tear this verse a part a bit, shall we? It's a short one, but a really good one!
The "Branch of the Lord" is the Messiah, Jesus Christ. I had never heard of this reference to Jesus, but it is found several times in the Bible: Isaiah 4:2 (obviously), Isaiah 11:1, Jeremiah 23:5, Zechariah 3:8, Zechariah 6:12-13, to name a few.
In other words, the fruit of God - the tree of the Lifegiver - the offspring of the Almighty ... His day will be glorious! These words give such hope!
It's such a contrast to the previous chapter, where Isaiah is really letting the Israelites have it! And really, that's the hope - that God doesn't just have high expectations of us, He has the way for us to achieve the expectations! Just as He promised in Philippians 4:13 - we can do "all things through Christ who gives us strength!"
To me, the word "branch" is such an interesting choice. Branches provide protection, shelter, and resting places. Jesus provides those same things for us! Jesus is my protection. Jesus is my shelter. Jesus is my resting place!
This is a good day to remember to just sit on the Branch! Don't go, don't do - just sit there today! Let Him protect you. Let Him shelter you. Let Him give you rest.
I'm so glad to be online today! Last night I got home from church and my email had been hacked! Yikes! Then I couldn't get on here to post today's thoughts. Ahhh, the digital age . . .
Anyway, on to the Word. Let's tear this verse a part a bit, shall we? It's a short one, but a really good one!
The "Branch of the Lord" is the Messiah, Jesus Christ. I had never heard of this reference to Jesus, but it is found several times in the Bible: Isaiah 4:2 (obviously), Isaiah 11:1, Jeremiah 23:5, Zechariah 3:8, Zechariah 6:12-13, to name a few.
In other words, the fruit of God - the tree of the Lifegiver - the offspring of the Almighty ... His day will be glorious! These words give such hope!
It's such a contrast to the previous chapter, where Isaiah is really letting the Israelites have it! And really, that's the hope - that God doesn't just have high expectations of us, He has the way for us to achieve the expectations! Just as He promised in Philippians 4:13 - we can do "all things through Christ who gives us strength!"
To me, the word "branch" is such an interesting choice. Branches provide protection, shelter, and resting places. Jesus provides those same things for us! Jesus is my protection. Jesus is my shelter. Jesus is my resting place!
This is a good day to remember to just sit on the Branch! Don't go, don't do - just sit there today! Let Him protect you. Let Him shelter you. Let Him give you rest.
Friday, June 4, 2010
The Vineyard is Bad!
13 The LORD takes his place in court;
he rises to judge the people.
14 The LORD enters into judgment
against the elders and leaders of his people:
"It is you who have ruined my vineyard;
the plunder from the poor is in your houses. Isaiah 3:13-14
Are you noticing a theme this week? I am reading one chapter of Isaiah per day, and writing our devotional here about one verse that I learned something from. Hope you like this format! I may continue with it when we are done with Isaiah - but that will be awhile!
If you are reading along with me, you'll notice that this is not a happy time for Israel. God is ticked!! Isaiah is doing everything he can think of to get the people to see - this has gotta end! God's gonna get sick of this and get sick of you and it will not be a happy time.
Look at verse 14, above: "The LORD enters into judgment against the elders and leaders of his people . . . " Notice who God is judging - not the "world," the "sinner." God is judging HIS people. The elders. The leaders. And why? Because His people have ruined things!
So often the church takes the attitude that we can't wait until God judges the sinner. They'll get what's coming to them, yesseree!! But oh, that's a pretty presumptuous attitude. Yes, God will do that one day. And yes, the lost will get their judgment. But get this - so will we.
I fear that there are some sitting in church pews and in church board meetings and in Sunday School classes who don't understand that. And I truly fear for their eternity.
Look, I'm not trying to judge anyone. I'm just talking to myself here - I can get so frustrated with the world sometimes! But I am reminded that God will judge us all - sinner and saint. And I need to be humbled by that thought. I'm no better than the murderer or thief. I'm no better than anyone else. And my salvation is as much a gift to me, the undeserved, as it is to anyone.
I can only hope that when my time comes, God will say, "Well done."
he rises to judge the people.
14 The LORD enters into judgment
against the elders and leaders of his people:
"It is you who have ruined my vineyard;
the plunder from the poor is in your houses. Isaiah 3:13-14
Are you noticing a theme this week? I am reading one chapter of Isaiah per day, and writing our devotional here about one verse that I learned something from. Hope you like this format! I may continue with it when we are done with Isaiah - but that will be awhile!
If you are reading along with me, you'll notice that this is not a happy time for Israel. God is ticked!! Isaiah is doing everything he can think of to get the people to see - this has gotta end! God's gonna get sick of this and get sick of you and it will not be a happy time.
Look at verse 14, above: "The LORD enters into judgment against the elders and leaders of his people . . . " Notice who God is judging - not the "world," the "sinner." God is judging HIS people. The elders. The leaders. And why? Because His people have ruined things!
So often the church takes the attitude that we can't wait until God judges the sinner. They'll get what's coming to them, yesseree!! But oh, that's a pretty presumptuous attitude. Yes, God will do that one day. And yes, the lost will get their judgment. But get this - so will we.
I fear that there are some sitting in church pews and in church board meetings and in Sunday School classes who don't understand that. And I truly fear for their eternity.
Look, I'm not trying to judge anyone. I'm just talking to myself here - I can get so frustrated with the world sometimes! But I am reminded that God will judge us all - sinner and saint. And I need to be humbled by that thought. I'm no better than the murderer or thief. I'm no better than anyone else. And my salvation is as much a gift to me, the undeserved, as it is to anyone.
I can only hope that when my time comes, God will say, "Well done."
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Let's Go
3 Many peoples will come and say,
"Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD,
to the house of the God of Jacob.
He will teach us his ways,
so that we may walk in his paths."
The law will go out from Zion,
the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. Isaiah 2:3
When was the last time you had the attitude of "come?"
Let's go! Let's do it together! Hey, this will be fun - come with me!
When was the last time you had that attitude about God?
Have you been excited lately to learn His way? Have you been interested in walking in His path? Have you been hanging on to every word?
We have this excitement about ball games, birthday parties, and cookouts. Because they're fun, right? When did we learn that being with God isn't fun? When did we decide that coming to His house was a burden, not a joy? When did we let go of the delight for Him that He created in us and substitute it with short-lived festivities?
What would it take for you - and for me! - to go to our houses of worship this Sunday and be excited - simply to be in His presence? Or more - to be in His presence in the presence of others!
Come on, let's go!! Let's go to the mountain of the Lord and learn His ways and hear His words!
Let's go!!
"Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD,
to the house of the God of Jacob.
He will teach us his ways,
so that we may walk in his paths."
The law will go out from Zion,
the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. Isaiah 2:3
When was the last time you had the attitude of "come?"
Let's go! Let's do it together! Hey, this will be fun - come with me!
When was the last time you had that attitude about God?
Have you been excited lately to learn His way? Have you been interested in walking in His path? Have you been hanging on to every word?
We have this excitement about ball games, birthday parties, and cookouts. Because they're fun, right? When did we learn that being with God isn't fun? When did we decide that coming to His house was a burden, not a joy? When did we let go of the delight for Him that He created in us and substitute it with short-lived festivities?
What would it take for you - and for me! - to go to our houses of worship this Sunday and be excited - simply to be in His presence? Or more - to be in His presence in the presence of others!
Come on, let's go!! Let's go to the mountain of the Lord and learn His ways and hear His words!
Let's go!!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Come!
"Come now, let us reason together,"
says the LORD.
"Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool." Isaiah 1:18
I recently had a conversation with someone that left me so upset. And from conversations they have had with others, I was able to piece together his philosophy on God: God is judgment. God hates sin. Therefore, God hates sinners.
I urge you to read the entire first chapter of Isaiah here, because it gives much more of a total picture than one little verse. (Just stop right now and go to biblegateway.com.) At the beginning of the chapter, Isaiah - sometimes in his own words, and sometimes quoting God - calls the Israelites wicked, evil and sinful. But God doesn't just walk away, washing His hands of the nation, of those He loved. No . . .
Can't you see this verse as a pleading? First, "Come." As I have written so many times, this great big God of the Universe begs us to come to Him, to accept Him, to accept His everlasting love. Then He says, "let us reason together." Synonyms for "reason" include words like "contemplate." "Examine." "Reflect."
If God hates sin so much that He hates the sinner, too, why would He invite sinners to the table? It's almost like He's calling us to a treaty table, inviting us to examine Him and His offer of mercy, goodness and eternal life. The only condition? Complete surrender. The result? Eternal life!
This person I talked to has said, "You think that God just loves everybody!" Oh yes! Amen! I truly do!!
But I don't think that because God loves everyone, there's no judgment. No wrath. No punishment. In fact, that doesn't even make sense! Because I love my son, there are times when He is punished. That's what a good parent does. And that's what my good God does. Just because I think God loves us passionately, pursues us endlessly, and entreats us continuously . . . that doesn't mean that I don't understand that God's patience with the sinner will come to an end one day.
That will be a terrible day, and it should motivate us to join God in His invitation. To my neighbor - Come! To my friend - Come! To my family - Come!
To the world! Come!
And reader, if you haven't eaten at his table yet . . . come.
says the LORD.
"Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool." Isaiah 1:18
I recently had a conversation with someone that left me so upset. And from conversations they have had with others, I was able to piece together his philosophy on God: God is judgment. God hates sin. Therefore, God hates sinners.
I urge you to read the entire first chapter of Isaiah here, because it gives much more of a total picture than one little verse. (Just stop right now and go to biblegateway.com.) At the beginning of the chapter, Isaiah - sometimes in his own words, and sometimes quoting God - calls the Israelites wicked, evil and sinful. But God doesn't just walk away, washing His hands of the nation, of those He loved. No . . .
Can't you see this verse as a pleading? First, "Come." As I have written so many times, this great big God of the Universe begs us to come to Him, to accept Him, to accept His everlasting love. Then He says, "let us reason together." Synonyms for "reason" include words like "contemplate." "Examine." "Reflect."
If God hates sin so much that He hates the sinner, too, why would He invite sinners to the table? It's almost like He's calling us to a treaty table, inviting us to examine Him and His offer of mercy, goodness and eternal life. The only condition? Complete surrender. The result? Eternal life!
This person I talked to has said, "You think that God just loves everybody!" Oh yes! Amen! I truly do!!
But I don't think that because God loves everyone, there's no judgment. No wrath. No punishment. In fact, that doesn't even make sense! Because I love my son, there are times when He is punished. That's what a good parent does. And that's what my good God does. Just because I think God loves us passionately, pursues us endlessly, and entreats us continuously . . . that doesn't mean that I don't understand that God's patience with the sinner will come to an end one day.
That will be a terrible day, and it should motivate us to join God in His invitation. To my neighbor - Come! To my friend - Come! To my family - Come!
To the world! Come!
And reader, if you haven't eaten at his table yet . . . come.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Coming Out Of The Dark
The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2
When you read Isaiah as a whole you see that the people referred to here are the people of Israel and Judah, and the darkness could refer to both the physical and the spiritual; it could be either their captivity and sufferings or their decision for spiritual distance from God.
However, what I love about the Bible is that even "history" verses apply to us today. Our world has been walking in darkness for an awful long time - maybe you have, too. But the great light that Isaiah refers to is the Messiah. He longs to trade out your sin-darkness for His life-light.
John 1:4-5 says this: "In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it."
John is talking about Jesus, of course, and how His light - just simply the radiance of His being - lights up the world. Satan tries to surround us with darkness, so that we will be afraid. Alone. Ashamed. Satan uses shadows to make the little things bigger than they are. Satan - the angel of darkness - works to create a world around us that keeps us inept, insipid, and inefficient.
Do you have shadows in your life today that you are not allowing God to shine through? I can almost guarantee that the stuff you have buried back there won't seem so intimidating when you bring it out into the light.
Gloria Estefan has a great song called, "Coming Out of the Dark." It's a deeply moving spiritual, whether or not she intended it for that purpose! Here are the lyrics:
Why be afraid if I'm not alone?
Though life is never easy, the rest is unknown
Up to now, for me, it's been hands against stone
Spent each and ev'ry moment
Searching for what to believe
(Chorus:)
Coming out of the dark
I finally see the light now
And it's shining on me
Coming out of the dark
I know the love that saved me
You're sharing with me
Starting again is part of the plan
And I'll be so much stronger holding your hand
Step by step, I'll make it through; I know I can
It may not make it easier
But I have felt you near all the way
(Bridge:)
Forever and ever, I stand on the rock of your love
Forever and ever, I'll stand on the rock
Forever and ever, I stand on the rock of your love
Love is all it takes, no matter what we face
I'm making a commitment to God today to do everything I can to not hide things in the dark. To be brave enough to let His light shine through my whole life, and to have the courage (this sounds kind of stupid!) to take my hands off and let HIM do all the work. I just have to be obedient. I just have to be willing. I just have to be ready.
Will you commit with me?
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2
When you read Isaiah as a whole you see that the people referred to here are the people of Israel and Judah, and the darkness could refer to both the physical and the spiritual; it could be either their captivity and sufferings or their decision for spiritual distance from God.
However, what I love about the Bible is that even "history" verses apply to us today. Our world has been walking in darkness for an awful long time - maybe you have, too. But the great light that Isaiah refers to is the Messiah. He longs to trade out your sin-darkness for His life-light.
John 1:4-5 says this: "In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it."
John is talking about Jesus, of course, and how His light - just simply the radiance of His being - lights up the world. Satan tries to surround us with darkness, so that we will be afraid. Alone. Ashamed. Satan uses shadows to make the little things bigger than they are. Satan - the angel of darkness - works to create a world around us that keeps us inept, insipid, and inefficient.
Do you have shadows in your life today that you are not allowing God to shine through? I can almost guarantee that the stuff you have buried back there won't seem so intimidating when you bring it out into the light.
Gloria Estefan has a great song called, "Coming Out of the Dark." It's a deeply moving spiritual, whether or not she intended it for that purpose! Here are the lyrics:
Why be afraid if I'm not alone?
Though life is never easy, the rest is unknown
Up to now, for me, it's been hands against stone
Spent each and ev'ry moment
Searching for what to believe
(Chorus:)
Coming out of the dark
I finally see the light now
And it's shining on me
Coming out of the dark
I know the love that saved me
You're sharing with me
Starting again is part of the plan
And I'll be so much stronger holding your hand
Step by step, I'll make it through; I know I can
It may not make it easier
But I have felt you near all the way
(Bridge:)
Forever and ever, I stand on the rock of your love
Forever and ever, I'll stand on the rock
Forever and ever, I stand on the rock of your love
Love is all it takes, no matter what we face
I'm making a commitment to God today to do everything I can to not hide things in the dark. To be brave enough to let His light shine through my whole life, and to have the courage (this sounds kind of stupid!) to take my hands off and let HIM do all the work. I just have to be obedient. I just have to be willing. I just have to be ready.
Will you commit with me?
Friday, May 28, 2010
A Love Like No Other
"I will heal their waywardness.
I will love them lavishly. My anger is played out.
I will make a fresh start with Israel.
He'll burst into bloom like a crocus in the spring.
He'll put down deep oak tree roots,
he'll become a forest of oaks!
He'll become splendid—like a giant sequoia,
his fragrance like a grove of cedars!
Those who live near him will be blessed by him,
be blessed and prosper like golden grain." Hosea 14:4-7, The Message
I know it's been weeks since I've posted anything. Sometimes life takes over my life!! lol Know what I mean?
So I'm starting back kind of slowly. I wanted to share this scripture with you. I just opened my Bible, and it fell to this passage.
Imagine a God who longs to love us lavishly. Who pines for a fresh start with us. Who desires to make us splendid. Boy, that's a love like no other.
There's a book called "Sacred Echos" by Margaret Feinburg. I would urge you to read it! (I have a copy if anyone wants to borrow it.) In this book Margaret talks about how God is constantly and consistently echoing His love to us, all around us, drawing us closer to Him.
You'll hear a song, read a book, have a conversation, listen to a sermon . . . all about the same topic. That's not a coincidence. That's God, echoing His truth through your life.
I just want you to hear this truth today. God longs to lavish His love on you. On you! Great big God, little tiny you. God of the universe, Almighty Creator . . . and you.
We can never understand this love. All we can do is accept it and be grateful!
This is a weekend of gratitude. You don't have to only remember the men and women who have served our country. Take this opportunity to remember all who have been in service to you personally, and be grateful.
And be grateful to God today. Allow His lavish love to wash all over you!
I will love them lavishly. My anger is played out.
I will make a fresh start with Israel.
He'll burst into bloom like a crocus in the spring.
He'll put down deep oak tree roots,
he'll become a forest of oaks!
He'll become splendid—like a giant sequoia,
his fragrance like a grove of cedars!
Those who live near him will be blessed by him,
be blessed and prosper like golden grain." Hosea 14:4-7, The Message
I know it's been weeks since I've posted anything. Sometimes life takes over my life!! lol Know what I mean?
So I'm starting back kind of slowly. I wanted to share this scripture with you. I just opened my Bible, and it fell to this passage.
Imagine a God who longs to love us lavishly. Who pines for a fresh start with us. Who desires to make us splendid. Boy, that's a love like no other.
There's a book called "Sacred Echos" by Margaret Feinburg. I would urge you to read it! (I have a copy if anyone wants to borrow it.) In this book Margaret talks about how God is constantly and consistently echoing His love to us, all around us, drawing us closer to Him.
You'll hear a song, read a book, have a conversation, listen to a sermon . . . all about the same topic. That's not a coincidence. That's God, echoing His truth through your life.
I just want you to hear this truth today. God longs to lavish His love on you. On you! Great big God, little tiny you. God of the universe, Almighty Creator . . . and you.
We can never understand this love. All we can do is accept it and be grateful!
This is a weekend of gratitude. You don't have to only remember the men and women who have served our country. Take this opportunity to remember all who have been in service to you personally, and be grateful.
And be grateful to God today. Allow His lavish love to wash all over you!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Bring the Rain
It's raining today. It's perfect.
I know I've been quiet on here for the last couple of weeks. God has really been dealing with me about some things and - well, I'll be honest. It hasn't been easy. I've been struggling.
Some of you who read this are good enough friends that you are going to want to call and find out what's going on. I appreciate that so much. But right now, I just need to know that you care without going into details about my struggle.
Because, honestly, it's hard to put into words. Have you ever been that way? Have you ever had burdens that reach so far down into your heart, you just don't have the words to explain?
All I know is that I need God now more than ever.
I've been leading a study called, "The Forgotten God" by Francis Chan. It's about the Holy Spirit, His purpose and influence in our lives. Last week we read this passage in Romans 8:26-27: " In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will."
And that's where I am. Groaning because words cannot express.
It's ok, though, you know? This time in my life - no matter how long it lasts - is showing me my need for God. And that's a good thing!
Finally . . . there's a song from Mercy Me called, "Bring the Rain." I've copied the lyrics to the chorus and verse two below. If you think of me today, pray this for me: whatever it takes to praise Him. Whatever it takes for my life to be His. Whatever it takes.
I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain
So I pray
Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain
I know I've been quiet on here for the last couple of weeks. God has really been dealing with me about some things and - well, I'll be honest. It hasn't been easy. I've been struggling.
Some of you who read this are good enough friends that you are going to want to call and find out what's going on. I appreciate that so much. But right now, I just need to know that you care without going into details about my struggle.
Because, honestly, it's hard to put into words. Have you ever been that way? Have you ever had burdens that reach so far down into your heart, you just don't have the words to explain?
All I know is that I need God now more than ever.
I've been leading a study called, "The Forgotten God" by Francis Chan. It's about the Holy Spirit, His purpose and influence in our lives. Last week we read this passage in Romans 8:26-27: " In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will."
And that's where I am. Groaning because words cannot express.
It's ok, though, you know? This time in my life - no matter how long it lasts - is showing me my need for God. And that's a good thing!
Finally . . . there's a song from Mercy Me called, "Bring the Rain." I've copied the lyrics to the chorus and verse two below. If you think of me today, pray this for me: whatever it takes to praise Him. Whatever it takes for my life to be His. Whatever it takes.
I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain
So I pray
Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Friday, April 30, 2010
It's a Good Thing
"God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits,
to the woman who diligently seeks.
It's a good thing to quietly hope,
quietly hope for help from God.
It's a good thing when you're young
to stick it out through the hard times." Lamentations 3:25
Since the weather has gotten warmer, my son has personified this verse. Well, sort of. It's not about God. It's about wearing shorts.
Every day he wakes himself up at 6:45 and goes into the living room to turn on the TV and check the weather on the news. I didn't even realize he was doing this until this week, when every day we have had a discussion on what he has seen on the news. (Not sure what to think about that!) This morning he came into our bathroom as the hubster and I were getting ready to tell us the latest on the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico!
It's important to him to check the weather every day. He is passionate, he is diligent, he is sticking it out because he has hope . . . that he can wear shorts. That's what it is all about for him. He knows it has to be at least 50 degrees when he gets up and it has to a forecast of mid-60s or higher for him to be able to wear shorts.
What can I say? I gave birth to a bum. Shorts and flip flops are all he wants to wear!
This morning I wondered if I have that kind of diligence with God. Do I wake up with the expectancy of meeting God? Do I have passion, diligence, hope?
Sometimes. Not all the time. But my awesome kid reminded me today that it is a good thing to hope. It is a good thing to be passionate about God! (Take that, Martha!)
Hmmmmm . . . out of the mouths of babes.
to the woman who diligently seeks.
It's a good thing to quietly hope,
quietly hope for help from God.
It's a good thing when you're young
to stick it out through the hard times." Lamentations 3:25
Since the weather has gotten warmer, my son has personified this verse. Well, sort of. It's not about God. It's about wearing shorts.
Every day he wakes himself up at 6:45 and goes into the living room to turn on the TV and check the weather on the news. I didn't even realize he was doing this until this week, when every day we have had a discussion on what he has seen on the news. (Not sure what to think about that!) This morning he came into our bathroom as the hubster and I were getting ready to tell us the latest on the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico!
It's important to him to check the weather every day. He is passionate, he is diligent, he is sticking it out because he has hope . . . that he can wear shorts. That's what it is all about for him. He knows it has to be at least 50 degrees when he gets up and it has to a forecast of mid-60s or higher for him to be able to wear shorts.
What can I say? I gave birth to a bum. Shorts and flip flops are all he wants to wear!
This morning I wondered if I have that kind of diligence with God. Do I wake up with the expectancy of meeting God? Do I have passion, diligence, hope?
Sometimes. Not all the time. But my awesome kid reminded me today that it is a good thing to hope. It is a good thing to be passionate about God! (Take that, Martha!)
Hmmmmm . . . out of the mouths of babes.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
When Words Cannot Express
"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will." Romans 8:26-27
There are times in our lives when we just cannot figure out a way to say how we feel. How wonderful that we can trust that God still hears our prayers!
But we cannot leave it as, "God knows how I feel, so I don't have to pray." It's His desire for us to still turn to Him, even when we don't know what to say.
Remember my post a few days ago, with the song "When I Don't Know What to Say?" Don't shut God out of the burdens that feel too hard to talk about. When you don't know what to say, just speak His praise. Or tell Him that you don't know what to say. His promise in Romans is that His Spirit will understand, and voice our prayers for us.
These two verses precede one of the most well-known: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Even when we don't know which way to turn, how to pray, where to go, we can trust that God is working things out for us.
I hope you have a really great and bountiful day. Keep blazing!
There are times in our lives when we just cannot figure out a way to say how we feel. How wonderful that we can trust that God still hears our prayers!
But we cannot leave it as, "God knows how I feel, so I don't have to pray." It's His desire for us to still turn to Him, even when we don't know what to say.
Remember my post a few days ago, with the song "When I Don't Know What to Say?" Don't shut God out of the burdens that feel too hard to talk about. When you don't know what to say, just speak His praise. Or tell Him that you don't know what to say. His promise in Romans is that His Spirit will understand, and voice our prayers for us.
These two verses precede one of the most well-known: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Even when we don't know which way to turn, how to pray, where to go, we can trust that God is working things out for us.
I hope you have a really great and bountiful day. Keep blazing!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Ouch. Ouch. Ouch.
The title of today's post is from the sound of me walking. I started working out with a trainer yesterday, and I am sore!!! I mean, SORE!!! So when I walk, I make those sounds. Ouch. Ooooh. Oh. Ouch. I'm not gonna lie . . . it's not pretty.
Sometimes we have to get in shape spiritually, too, and it's not pretty either. There are times when God makes us do some pretty tough workouts, and it's easy to forget that He only has our good in mind.
Sometimes we have to get in shape spiritually, too, and it's not pretty either. There are times when God makes us do some pretty tough workouts, and it's easy to forget that He only has our good in mind.
In 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, Paul says, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever."
Spiritual training is hard. It involves discipline, desire, and work. It's not easy to be a Christian, nor is it easy to make Christ-like choices. But, as Paul says, our reward lasts a lifetime.
See you (ouch) tomorrow (oh).
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Beauty Is . . .
I love to decorate. I can spend hours pouring over magazines, catalogs and books. There are hundreds of decorating blogs on the internet, and there are some that I love to look at. It's just something I enjoy!
Recently I've been explaining to my son that what you look like on the outside isn't as important as your heart. If I had a girl, it would be easier to explain, I think - "Pretty is as pretty does!" Not so easy with a boy.
Yesterday I participated in a staff retreat with my church, where I'm a volunteer staff member. One of the main topics was, "Barriers to Growth." Not just on a church level, but on a personal level, too . . . Pastor Andy kept asking, "Where are you not growing? What is keeping you from growth?" Deep discussions of this sort always get me thinking, and during our prayer time at the end of the day, my thoughts turned to this awesome kid God has given me.
Sometimes he and I just clash. He'll have a great day at school, I'll have a great day at home, but 5 minutes after we are together we are having an argument. He's in tears, I'm in tears. I. HATE. THAT. Seriously hate it.
Yesterday I prayed that I would spend as much time making my home spiritually and emotionally beautiful as I do physically beautiful. No ministry that I ever have, no impact I make on this world, will matter much to me if my child doesn't know Christ, or is turned from Him because of my actions, my attitudes.
Jesus said in Matthew 18:6: "If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were drowned in the depths of the sea." That's certainly not how I want things to be for us!
So I remind myself that pretty is as pretty does. What good does it do me to spend hours and hours decorating, but have a bad relationship with my son? Or my husband? And once I am confidant that those relationships are built on a solid foundation, my focus moves to my family, my friends. Lives are the important things. Not things. My house is nothing compared to His beauty. So let me remember that, and keep this verse as my motivation:
One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.Psalm 27:4
Recently I've been explaining to my son that what you look like on the outside isn't as important as your heart. If I had a girl, it would be easier to explain, I think - "Pretty is as pretty does!" Not so easy with a boy.
Yesterday I participated in a staff retreat with my church, where I'm a volunteer staff member. One of the main topics was, "Barriers to Growth." Not just on a church level, but on a personal level, too . . . Pastor Andy kept asking, "Where are you not growing? What is keeping you from growth?" Deep discussions of this sort always get me thinking, and during our prayer time at the end of the day, my thoughts turned to this awesome kid God has given me.
Sometimes he and I just clash. He'll have a great day at school, I'll have a great day at home, but 5 minutes after we are together we are having an argument. He's in tears, I'm in tears. I. HATE. THAT. Seriously hate it.
Yesterday I prayed that I would spend as much time making my home spiritually and emotionally beautiful as I do physically beautiful. No ministry that I ever have, no impact I make on this world, will matter much to me if my child doesn't know Christ, or is turned from Him because of my actions, my attitudes.
Jesus said in Matthew 18:6: "If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were drowned in the depths of the sea." That's certainly not how I want things to be for us!
So I remind myself that pretty is as pretty does. What good does it do me to spend hours and hours decorating, but have a bad relationship with my son? Or my husband? And once I am confidant that those relationships are built on a solid foundation, my focus moves to my family, my friends. Lives are the important things. Not things. My house is nothing compared to His beauty. So let me remember that, and keep this verse as my motivation:
One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.Psalm 27:4
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Seasons
You heavens above, rain down righteousness;
let the clouds shower it down.
Let the earth open wide,
let salvation spring up,
let righteousness grow with it;
I, the LORD, have created it.
Isaiah 45:8
My husband and I were looking over the fields outside our house this weekend, and I remarked how the seasons of the year are such a metaphor for life. After a long winter, don't you kind of forget how green everything gets in March and April? It's a surprise to me every year.
And just when I think it can't get more beautiful, or the green can't get greener . . . it does! The trees become more plush and the grass deepens and becomes more rich looking.
Then . . . summer, where the green begins to level off, but bursts of vibrant color abound in florals all around us. Trees, plants, bushes . . . summer just seems alive with bright color! Then, around the corner . . . we see tinges of yellow and orange. And autumn sets in, with such richness in color - again, it's like we forget each year - that the beauty takes my breath away.
Then we come full circle, back to winter, where the pattern of bare branches against a white sky make a pattern of lace. And snow that seems alive as it shimmers in the sun. Ice-coated trees that seem to be made of diamonds . . .
It reminds me of life. There are seasons in my life that just seem so full, so rich . . . I think it can't get better. And then . . . it does! But sometimes, there are seasons like a drought-ful summer, where it is so hot that everything seems to wilt - just like in my life, when I'm so busy and overwhelmed I don't think I can go on - where I am just holding on, waiting for the next season. Or the long, cold winter, where everything seems grey and dead - including me, on the inside. That's when spring seems so new. In nature, and in my heart.
Isn't it just like God to use the awesomeness of nature to remind us of the intimacies of life with Him? There will always be another season. There will always be something new. There will always be a time of turning.
There's an awesome song by Nichole Nordeman called, appropriately enough for this post, "Every Season." Here are the lyrics:
Every evening sky, an invitation
To trace the patterned stars
And early in July, a celebration
For freedom that is ours
And I notice You
In children’s games
In those who watch them from the shade
Every drop of sun is full of fun and wonder
You are summer
And even when the trees have just surrendered
To the harvest time
Forfeiting their leaves in late September
And sending us inside
Still I notice You when change begins
And I am braced for colder winds
I will offer thanks for what has been and was to come
You are autumn
And everything in time and under heaven
Finally falls asleep
Wrapped in blankets white, all creation
Shivers underneath
And still I notice you
When branches crack
And in my breath on frosted glass
Even now in death, You open doors for life to enter
You are winter
And everything that’s new has bravely surfaced
Teaching us to breathe
What was frozen through is newly purposed
Turning all things green
So it is with You
And how You make me new
With every season’s change
And so it will be
As You are re-creating me
Summer, autumn, winter, spring
God is so intimate. He uses the mastery of His creation to simply have a relationship with us. Really, think this through . . . isn't He great?
let the clouds shower it down.
Let the earth open wide,
let salvation spring up,
let righteousness grow with it;
I, the LORD, have created it.
Isaiah 45:8
My husband and I were looking over the fields outside our house this weekend, and I remarked how the seasons of the year are such a metaphor for life. After a long winter, don't you kind of forget how green everything gets in March and April? It's a surprise to me every year.
And just when I think it can't get more beautiful, or the green can't get greener . . . it does! The trees become more plush and the grass deepens and becomes more rich looking.
Then . . . summer, where the green begins to level off, but bursts of vibrant color abound in florals all around us. Trees, plants, bushes . . . summer just seems alive with bright color! Then, around the corner . . . we see tinges of yellow and orange. And autumn sets in, with such richness in color - again, it's like we forget each year - that the beauty takes my breath away.
Then we come full circle, back to winter, where the pattern of bare branches against a white sky make a pattern of lace. And snow that seems alive as it shimmers in the sun. Ice-coated trees that seem to be made of diamonds . . .
It reminds me of life. There are seasons in my life that just seem so full, so rich . . . I think it can't get better. And then . . . it does! But sometimes, there are seasons like a drought-ful summer, where it is so hot that everything seems to wilt - just like in my life, when I'm so busy and overwhelmed I don't think I can go on - where I am just holding on, waiting for the next season. Or the long, cold winter, where everything seems grey and dead - including me, on the inside. That's when spring seems so new. In nature, and in my heart.
Isn't it just like God to use the awesomeness of nature to remind us of the intimacies of life with Him? There will always be another season. There will always be something new. There will always be a time of turning.
There's an awesome song by Nichole Nordeman called, appropriately enough for this post, "Every Season." Here are the lyrics:
Every evening sky, an invitation
To trace the patterned stars
And early in July, a celebration
For freedom that is ours
And I notice You
In children’s games
In those who watch them from the shade
Every drop of sun is full of fun and wonder
You are summer
And even when the trees have just surrendered
To the harvest time
Forfeiting their leaves in late September
And sending us inside
Still I notice You when change begins
And I am braced for colder winds
I will offer thanks for what has been and was to come
You are autumn
And everything in time and under heaven
Finally falls asleep
Wrapped in blankets white, all creation
Shivers underneath
And still I notice you
When branches crack
And in my breath on frosted glass
Even now in death, You open doors for life to enter
You are winter
And everything that’s new has bravely surfaced
Teaching us to breathe
What was frozen through is newly purposed
Turning all things green
So it is with You
And how You make me new
With every season’s change
And so it will be
As You are re-creating me
Summer, autumn, winter, spring
God is so intimate. He uses the mastery of His creation to simply have a relationship with us. Really, think this through . . . isn't He great?
Friday, April 23, 2010
Beautiful
Just a quick thought today because I'm on the go! I have been sharing all week about my "Women of Joy" conference, and I just wanted to share one last thing.
Liz Curtis Higgs talked about how loved we are by God. Gray hair, wrinkles, saggy skin . . . none of it matters to Him. He created us! He didn't just create us as babies; He created us to be teenagers, young adults, middle aged, and old! He created boys and girls, men and women . . . all of us the same at the foot of the cross. He created all those stages of our lives . . . so let's celebrate them!
Myself . . . I've been whining about age for 11 years now (since I turned 20, ha ha). But I think that maybe that's an affront to God. He made all my ages . . . so why should I whine about them?
Liz sang this song to us, and I wanted to end the week with it. You know how it goes:
You are so beautiful, to me.
You are so beautiful, to me.
You're everything I hoped for
I'm everything you need.
You are so beautiful . . . to me.
Sing it to yourself . . . use that imagination . . . and hear God singing it to you today.
Liz Curtis Higgs talked about how loved we are by God. Gray hair, wrinkles, saggy skin . . . none of it matters to Him. He created us! He didn't just create us as babies; He created us to be teenagers, young adults, middle aged, and old! He created boys and girls, men and women . . . all of us the same at the foot of the cross. He created all those stages of our lives . . . so let's celebrate them!
Myself . . . I've been whining about age for 11 years now (since I turned 20, ha ha). But I think that maybe that's an affront to God. He made all my ages . . . so why should I whine about them?
Liz sang this song to us, and I wanted to end the week with it. You know how it goes:
You are so beautiful, to me.
You are so beautiful, to me.
You're everything I hoped for
I'm everything you need.
You are so beautiful . . . to me.
Sing it to yourself . . . use that imagination . . . and hear God singing it to you today.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
When I Don't Know What to Do
When I don't know what to do
(I'll lift my hands)
When I don't know what to say
(I'll speak your praise)
When I don't know where to go
(I'll run to your throne)
When I don't know what to think
(I'll stand for your truth)
These are the lyrics to a song I learned this weekend called, "When I Don't Know What To Do." Haven't we all been there? Sometimes we can't find the right action...the right words...the right place....the right thought. We search and search for something right and end up feeling alone. We can easily feel like because God hasn't said, "walk ten paces, turn left, jump up and down" (in other words, told us exactly what to do!), that He has abandoned us.
But this song says it so beautifully. When I don't know what to do . . . I'll praise you, I'll run to you, I'll stand for you. It's all about Him, isn't it? What are we so worried about?
The problem is that sometimes we are searching for an answer, and we should be searching for Him. Does that make sense? Sometimes the answer is not an action, not a word, not a place, not a thought . . . it's simply and completely Him.
Isaiah 41:16-18: "But you will rejoice in the LORD and glory in the Holy One of Israel. The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. But I the LORD will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs."
No matter what we are searching for . . . He is the answer.
(I'll lift my hands)
When I don't know what to say
(I'll speak your praise)
When I don't know where to go
(I'll run to your throne)
When I don't know what to think
(I'll stand for your truth)
These are the lyrics to a song I learned this weekend called, "When I Don't Know What To Do." Haven't we all been there? Sometimes we can't find the right action...the right words...the right place....the right thought. We search and search for something right and end up feeling alone. We can easily feel like because God hasn't said, "walk ten paces, turn left, jump up and down" (in other words, told us exactly what to do!), that He has abandoned us.
But this song says it so beautifully. When I don't know what to do . . . I'll praise you, I'll run to you, I'll stand for you. It's all about Him, isn't it? What are we so worried about?
The problem is that sometimes we are searching for an answer, and we should be searching for Him. Does that make sense? Sometimes the answer is not an action, not a word, not a place, not a thought . . . it's simply and completely Him.
Isaiah 41:16-18: "But you will rejoice in the LORD and glory in the Holy One of Israel. The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. But I the LORD will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs."
No matter what we are searching for . . . He is the answer.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
How Special You Are
OK, I'm not ashamed to admit this. I love Keanu Reeves. I love the movie Speed. Saw it several times in the theater. Own it. Pull it out sometimes for the eye candy. I admit it! (I love you, honey.)
I also love other movies with Keanu in it (we're on a first name basis!). For example, there's a movie called, A Walk in the Clouds. It's about a man home from the war (WWII . . . I think) who is trying to start a business and he ends up befriending a young pregnant-out-of-wedlock woman. He agrees to pretend like he is her husband so that her traditional, proud family (especially her traditional, proud father) won't be upset.
Of course, by the end of the movie, they have fallen for each other - but there are complications! :0) Anyway, this is all to say that there's a line in the movie where Keanu Reeves is arguing with the father about his fake wife, and he says, "Can't you see how good, how special she is?"
OK, it loses something in the blog translation. But it's a very intense moment! I think of God having that kind of intensity about us. And so much more!
He wants you to see it, too. Can you open up your imagination for a moment, and hear God pleading with you . . . "Don't you see how special you are to me? I made you! I love you! You are worth so much more than ______!" Fill in the blank. It could be food, sex, money, sin.
Yesterday I had you look at Psalm 139. Today look-really look-at verse 14: "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
How do I know that I am wonderfully made? How can I know for sure? Well, the logic goes like this: God is the creator of all things. Can you look at anything that he has created, and not see something special in it? Can you find anything that isn't wonderful? Now, man has messed up a lot of God's creations. Just like we've messed ourselves up. But in the pure, undiluted, unadulterated forms . . . God's creation is perfect.
Do you know that this great big God, this creator, this power, this force, this . . . everything . . . is not too big to beg for you? Isn't that what He did when He sacrificed His son for you? Isn't His word filled with his pleadings? Go back and read some of your favorite passages, and again, use your imagination. Hear His pleading. Jeremiah 29:11-12: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you."
Do you hear it? Do you hear the pleading? The plea says, "I have plans for you!! I will give you hope!! Please come and talk to me. I promise I will listen! I am here!"
Hear His pleas today. You are beloved! You are special! You are His!
I also love other movies with Keanu in it (we're on a first name basis!). For example, there's a movie called, A Walk in the Clouds. It's about a man home from the war (WWII . . . I think) who is trying to start a business and he ends up befriending a young pregnant-out-of-wedlock woman. He agrees to pretend like he is her husband so that her traditional, proud family (especially her traditional, proud father) won't be upset.
Of course, by the end of the movie, they have fallen for each other - but there are complications! :0) Anyway, this is all to say that there's a line in the movie where Keanu Reeves is arguing with the father about his fake wife, and he says, "Can't you see how good, how special she is?"
OK, it loses something in the blog translation. But it's a very intense moment! I think of God having that kind of intensity about us. And so much more!
He wants you to see it, too. Can you open up your imagination for a moment, and hear God pleading with you . . . "Don't you see how special you are to me? I made you! I love you! You are worth so much more than ______!" Fill in the blank. It could be food, sex, money, sin.
Yesterday I had you look at Psalm 139. Today look-really look-at verse 14: "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
How do I know that I am wonderfully made? How can I know for sure? Well, the logic goes like this: God is the creator of all things. Can you look at anything that he has created, and not see something special in it? Can you find anything that isn't wonderful? Now, man has messed up a lot of God's creations. Just like we've messed ourselves up. But in the pure, undiluted, unadulterated forms . . . God's creation is perfect.
Do you know that this great big God, this creator, this power, this force, this . . . everything . . . is not too big to beg for you? Isn't that what He did when He sacrificed His son for you? Isn't His word filled with his pleadings? Go back and read some of your favorite passages, and again, use your imagination. Hear His pleading. Jeremiah 29:11-12: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you."
Do you hear it? Do you hear the pleading? The plea says, "I have plans for you!! I will give you hope!! Please come and talk to me. I promise I will listen! I am here!"
Hear His pleas today. You are beloved! You are special! You are His!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
How Do You Worship?
So many wonderful words were spoken this weekend at Women of Joy. Life-affirming, encouraging, focusing, prayer-filled words. Our words are so important! They can build, break, or destroy.
Yesterday after school my son and I had a battle. It was a horrible way to come down from the high of the weekend. It was a fight that had us both crying and feeling horrible. Oh God . . . shut my mouth. Just nail it down, glue it, close it, destroy it . . . don't let my mouth destroy someone else.
I've thought for the last couple of days about something the worship leader said this weekend. He was referring to "church battles." Not spiritual battles, the kind that are written on and taught about in the Bible. But earthly battles of my way or no way, my songs or no songs, my church or no church.
He challenged us in this way: we need to be able to worship without song.
Let me wrap my mind around this: The song leader wanted us to worship without song. Wow! I can't stop thinking about that.
But it's a good truth to wrap around! Because no matter what kind of music you like, the worship is not in the song. There are two elements of worship: God and my heart. I can sing the most beautiful song in the world to God, and He could be disgusted with me because He knows it's fake and phony. Or I can say nothing. And have the most beautiful worship in the world.
When I look up the word "worship" in the Bible, I don't find songs very often. (Except in Psalms, of course!) But look at it yourself. From Genesis to Revelation, music is not a condition of worship. Words are not a condition of worship. The conditions: a worshiper. And the receiver of worship.
More often than not, you'll find the phrase "bow down and worship" when the Bible talks about it. And that tells me everything I need to know. The Bible tells me that it's about my heart, not my mouth. In fact, my mouth often gets in the way.
Worship songs and services are awesome, and I feel so close to God when my hands are lifted with other believers, praising Him and His goodness. But true worship is a lifestyle. We can worship at home. We can worship at Walmart!! We can worship at work. It's not about a place. It's about our hearts.
Where will your worship today? How will you do it? Don't let your attitudes, words, or even songs get in the way of true worship of our wonderful God, who loves and gives with such graciousness I can't even begin to understand.
"Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;
for he is our God
and we are the people of his pasture,
the flock under his care." Psalm 95:6-7
Yesterday after school my son and I had a battle. It was a horrible way to come down from the high of the weekend. It was a fight that had us both crying and feeling horrible. Oh God . . . shut my mouth. Just nail it down, glue it, close it, destroy it . . . don't let my mouth destroy someone else.
I've thought for the last couple of days about something the worship leader said this weekend. He was referring to "church battles." Not spiritual battles, the kind that are written on and taught about in the Bible. But earthly battles of my way or no way, my songs or no songs, my church or no church.
He challenged us in this way: we need to be able to worship without song.
Let me wrap my mind around this: The song leader wanted us to worship without song. Wow! I can't stop thinking about that.
But it's a good truth to wrap around! Because no matter what kind of music you like, the worship is not in the song. There are two elements of worship: God and my heart. I can sing the most beautiful song in the world to God, and He could be disgusted with me because He knows it's fake and phony. Or I can say nothing. And have the most beautiful worship in the world.
When I look up the word "worship" in the Bible, I don't find songs very often. (Except in Psalms, of course!) But look at it yourself. From Genesis to Revelation, music is not a condition of worship. Words are not a condition of worship. The conditions: a worshiper. And the receiver of worship.
More often than not, you'll find the phrase "bow down and worship" when the Bible talks about it. And that tells me everything I need to know. The Bible tells me that it's about my heart, not my mouth. In fact, my mouth often gets in the way.
Worship songs and services are awesome, and I feel so close to God when my hands are lifted with other believers, praising Him and His goodness. But true worship is a lifestyle. We can worship at home. We can worship at Walmart!! We can worship at work. It's not about a place. It's about our hearts.
Where will your worship today? How will you do it? Don't let your attitudes, words, or even songs get in the way of true worship of our wonderful God, who loves and gives with such graciousness I can't even begin to understand.
"Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;
for he is our God
and we are the people of his pasture,
the flock under his care." Psalm 95:6-7
Monday, April 19, 2010
What a Weekend
I have spent the weekend in Louisville, Kentucky at a conference I had never heard of before, called "Women of Joy" (go to womenofjoy.org for more information).
I had an amazing time. It was interesting because I had to keep shutting down my brain. Sounds like the wrong thing, but being involved in ministry sometimes means you take in everything you see and hear and try to apply it. Immediately. Like, "ooo we could do that kind of lighting at church! I need to take pictures and take them back to show the staff. And oh! We could do that billowy fabric, and . . . what did she say? I wasn't paying attention."
So I spent the weekend trying to just absorb, while shutting off the worker bee in me. Because I gotta be honest, I needed to hear what these women had to say. Let me tell you about this conference.
Friday night the speaker was Sarah Palin. Yup, the Sarah Palin. Now, I'm an unapologetic conservative, and I'll tell you all about that anytime! ;0) My big issue is life, and as a mother of a Down's Syndrome baby, and the mother of a teenage mother, Mrs. Palin had a lot to share on this issue. (If you want to know what else I think about her after seeing her, you'll have to ask me. Not gonna share it here. lol)
Saturday morning, after an awesome worship time with Charles Billingsley, we heard from Becky Tirabassi. She is amazing! She has real, in the trenches, spiritual experience, and her desire is for women to know who they are in God's eyes, and live and breathe and work, laugh and cry and praise, do everything from our perfect place in God's plan.
The next speaker was Anita Renfroe. Oh. My. Gosh. I have never laughed so hard in my life. Go to youtube.com and search for "Momsense." Hilarious.
That evening we were in concert, with two guys you might have heard of before. Steven Curtis Chapman. Michael W. Smith. That's right, they were both there. Came to sing for little old me. ;0) Steven shared his testimony of the journey he has taken over the last two years since his daughter Maria was accidentally killed in an accident at home. I cried so much . . . well, I really can't even begin to describe it. Let me try to sum it up like this: My dad has been gone for almost 20 years. He has missed lots of things in my life. But SCC reminded me that if he's in heaven, like SCC's daughter is, when I see him again we can catch up on some of that stuff. SCC wrote a song a few years ago called "Cinderella," where he sings about dancing with his daughter. And he shared that he'll dance with her again. I know. Tears, right?
Anyway, on Sunday morning, after more amazing worship, we heard from Liz Curtis Higgs. Her message was of the amazing beauty we all share, simply because we are God's creation. From the moment He formed us He knew about the extra pounds, the gray hair, the imperfections that we had, have, and will have. He hasn't been surprised by any of it! He loves it all!
Liz used a scripture that I had heard many times, and said myself often, and it's from Psalm 139. I decided to read that scripture this morning, and was amazed to find how many of the wisdoms I have heard - and used - over the years were all contained in this one passage!
I'm including the entire psalm below. I'm planning on reading, re-reading, meditating, and memorizing the entire scripture this week. Because it's God's love letter to us - to me. And sometimes I need to be reminded of His love. Sometimes I just bury my feelings of insignificance and worthlessness and act like they aren't there . . . but they are. And God doesn't want me to bury them. He wants me to bring them to Him. So here they are today, God! All the things about me that I think are dirty, hairy, scary and wrong. You say in Your Word that You love me anyway. Not in spite of the bad things. You just love me. And I realize how much I need Your love again.
and you know me. 2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.
5 You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you.
19 If only you would slay the wicked, O God!
Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!
20 They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD,
and abhor those who rise up against you?
22 I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Blaze brightly for Him today.
I had an amazing time. It was interesting because I had to keep shutting down my brain. Sounds like the wrong thing, but being involved in ministry sometimes means you take in everything you see and hear and try to apply it. Immediately. Like, "ooo we could do that kind of lighting at church! I need to take pictures and take them back to show the staff. And oh! We could do that billowy fabric, and . . . what did she say? I wasn't paying attention."
So I spent the weekend trying to just absorb, while shutting off the worker bee in me. Because I gotta be honest, I needed to hear what these women had to say. Let me tell you about this conference.
Friday night the speaker was Sarah Palin. Yup, the Sarah Palin. Now, I'm an unapologetic conservative, and I'll tell you all about that anytime! ;0) My big issue is life, and as a mother of a Down's Syndrome baby, and the mother of a teenage mother, Mrs. Palin had a lot to share on this issue. (If you want to know what else I think about her after seeing her, you'll have to ask me. Not gonna share it here. lol)
Saturday morning, after an awesome worship time with Charles Billingsley, we heard from Becky Tirabassi. She is amazing! She has real, in the trenches, spiritual experience, and her desire is for women to know who they are in God's eyes, and live and breathe and work, laugh and cry and praise, do everything from our perfect place in God's plan.
The next speaker was Anita Renfroe. Oh. My. Gosh. I have never laughed so hard in my life. Go to youtube.com and search for "Momsense." Hilarious.
That evening we were in concert, with two guys you might have heard of before. Steven Curtis Chapman. Michael W. Smith. That's right, they were both there. Came to sing for little old me. ;0) Steven shared his testimony of the journey he has taken over the last two years since his daughter Maria was accidentally killed in an accident at home. I cried so much . . . well, I really can't even begin to describe it. Let me try to sum it up like this: My dad has been gone for almost 20 years. He has missed lots of things in my life. But SCC reminded me that if he's in heaven, like SCC's daughter is, when I see him again we can catch up on some of that stuff. SCC wrote a song a few years ago called "Cinderella," where he sings about dancing with his daughter. And he shared that he'll dance with her again. I know. Tears, right?
Anyway, on Sunday morning, after more amazing worship, we heard from Liz Curtis Higgs. Her message was of the amazing beauty we all share, simply because we are God's creation. From the moment He formed us He knew about the extra pounds, the gray hair, the imperfections that we had, have, and will have. He hasn't been surprised by any of it! He loves it all!
Liz used a scripture that I had heard many times, and said myself often, and it's from Psalm 139. I decided to read that scripture this morning, and was amazed to find how many of the wisdoms I have heard - and used - over the years were all contained in this one passage!
I'm including the entire psalm below. I'm planning on reading, re-reading, meditating, and memorizing the entire scripture this week. Because it's God's love letter to us - to me. And sometimes I need to be reminded of His love. Sometimes I just bury my feelings of insignificance and worthlessness and act like they aren't there . . . but they are. And God doesn't want me to bury them. He wants me to bring them to Him. So here they are today, God! All the things about me that I think are dirty, hairy, scary and wrong. You say in Your Word that You love me anyway. Not in spite of the bad things. You just love me. And I realize how much I need Your love again.
Psalm 139
For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.
1 O LORD, you have searched meand you know me. 2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.
5 You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you.
19 If only you would slay the wicked, O God!
Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!
20 They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD,
and abhor those who rise up against you?
22 I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Blaze brightly for Him today.
Friday, April 16, 2010
What are We Destined For? Part 2
"You know quite well that we were destined for them [difficult times]. In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know." 1 Thessalonians 3:3-4
Continuing on with yesterday's discussion . . . I wonder where we (Christians) came up with the plan that living a "good" life would ensure us tranquility. I've even heard sermons where the pastor would preach about if you are falling on hard times, better check your spiritual life. As if God uses difficulties to punish us, I guess. Have you ever wondered if God uses difficulties as rewards?
We usually turn to the book of Job when we want to talk about someone going through trials and tribulations. At times I have wondered how God could let Satan take Job on. Job 1:8: "Then the LORD said to Satan, 'Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.'" God invited Satan to look at Job. And although I'm not planning on doing a comprehensive analysis on Job today, throughout the whole book, as more and more is taken from Job, everyone, from his friends to his wife, tempts him to denounce God. Now in the last chapter, God lets the friends have it, and Job is made prosperous and whole again.
Don't think Job didn't have his down times. There are 42 chapters in this book, and all the action happens in the first couple of chapters! Job gets down, just like we all do. But Job ends up letting God be God: "My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes. (42:5-6)
Job's eyes hadn't seen God when he was prosperous and had every good thing. Even God called him blameless and upright; and yet still, Job didn't consider himself as really seeing God until he went through his trial. He was destined for the trial, don't you think, in the same way that Paul, Silas and Timothy were destined for their trials they referred to in 1 Thessalonians.
Wow, this is a long post today! I'm trying to keep them shorter, but not today, I guess. Because my point is long, and it is this: there are a lot of trials and tests in life. And it's completely selfish and self-centered to think that we are any better than Job, or Paul, or Timothy. Do we "deserve" bad things to happen to us? No. But neither do we "deserve" good things. We are giving good things through God's grace. And sometimes, we are given the bad things through His grace, too.
One more story, on a personal level. About two years into my marriage, I really went off the deep end and started living a life unpleasing to God. When all my sins and mistakes came out, my husband, of course, was really shaken. But with some time and distance, he actually was grateful to God for the time. My husband was always very independent, and he felt like that time of my wandering forced him to rely on God. (Because he couldn't take it with me anymore!)
What do you think stops you from looking at tough times as gifts from God? What will you do to change your viewpoint?
Continuing on with yesterday's discussion . . . I wonder where we (Christians) came up with the plan that living a "good" life would ensure us tranquility. I've even heard sermons where the pastor would preach about if you are falling on hard times, better check your spiritual life. As if God uses difficulties to punish us, I guess. Have you ever wondered if God uses difficulties as rewards?
We usually turn to the book of Job when we want to talk about someone going through trials and tribulations. At times I have wondered how God could let Satan take Job on. Job 1:8: "Then the LORD said to Satan, 'Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.'" God invited Satan to look at Job. And although I'm not planning on doing a comprehensive analysis on Job today, throughout the whole book, as more and more is taken from Job, everyone, from his friends to his wife, tempts him to denounce God. Now in the last chapter, God lets the friends have it, and Job is made prosperous and whole again.
Don't think Job didn't have his down times. There are 42 chapters in this book, and all the action happens in the first couple of chapters! Job gets down, just like we all do. But Job ends up letting God be God: "My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes. (42:5-6)
Job's eyes hadn't seen God when he was prosperous and had every good thing. Even God called him blameless and upright; and yet still, Job didn't consider himself as really seeing God until he went through his trial. He was destined for the trial, don't you think, in the same way that Paul, Silas and Timothy were destined for their trials they referred to in 1 Thessalonians.
Wow, this is a long post today! I'm trying to keep them shorter, but not today, I guess. Because my point is long, and it is this: there are a lot of trials and tests in life. And it's completely selfish and self-centered to think that we are any better than Job, or Paul, or Timothy. Do we "deserve" bad things to happen to us? No. But neither do we "deserve" good things. We are giving good things through God's grace. And sometimes, we are given the bad things through His grace, too.
One more story, on a personal level. About two years into my marriage, I really went off the deep end and started living a life unpleasing to God. When all my sins and mistakes came out, my husband, of course, was really shaken. But with some time and distance, he actually was grateful to God for the time. My husband was always very independent, and he felt like that time of my wandering forced him to rely on God. (Because he couldn't take it with me anymore!)
What do you think stops you from looking at tough times as gifts from God? What will you do to change your viewpoint?
Thursday, April 15, 2010
What are We Destined For?
Have you ever thought much about destiny? About what it is that you were put on earth to accomplish?
There's a lot of pressure on young people these days to know at the age of 18, when they are entering college, what their career choice will be for the next 50 years. I'm sure not doing what I thought I'd be doing when I was 18. Are you?
The struggle for Christians of all ages is that popular phrase, "doing God's will." Don't we all want to do His will? (For those of you who were in Bible study last night, yes! I'm cheating! I'm using some of our discussion from last night! lol)
Of course, it's a good and wonderful thing to have the true desire to be in God's will. But I wonder if sometimes we make it too hard. Sometimes we act like this: "Well, things didn't go right and I'm having a really hard time. I thought I was in God's will, but now I'm not so sure. Where did I go wrong?"
Where did we get the idea that being in God's will meant Easy Street? Didn't Jesus tell us that the cost of being a disciple was great? That it was equivalent to hating our family, if that's what it took to put Him first? That doesn't suggest an easy life.
In 1 Thessalonians 3, Paul is talking about his desire - need, even - to see his Thessalonian brothers. He says in the previous chapter that Satan stopped him, and then in chapter three he talks about sending Timothy to encourage them. Look what he says in verses 3b and 4: "You know quite well that we were destined for them [difficult times]. In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know."
These were men who expected persecution and hardship; they considered it their destiny. But most Americans - and even most Christians - think that the purpose of life, of work, and of time is to have an easier life. Now, these aren't people who are CEO's and great leaders. Great leaders know that an easy life should never be a goal. But for most of us, success is a problem-free, stress-free life.
I'm sorry to be the one to tell you that that is not in the Bible anywhere. At least not that I can find.
We're going to conclude this thought tomorrow, but in the mean time I want you to think about this: when was the last time you went through a really difficult set of circumstances? And what was your prayer during that time? Was it for God to take away the pain, the hurt, the financial woes . . . or was it to have more of God during these times?
See you tomorrow for the conclusion.
There's a lot of pressure on young people these days to know at the age of 18, when they are entering college, what their career choice will be for the next 50 years. I'm sure not doing what I thought I'd be doing when I was 18. Are you?
The struggle for Christians of all ages is that popular phrase, "doing God's will." Don't we all want to do His will? (For those of you who were in Bible study last night, yes! I'm cheating! I'm using some of our discussion from last night! lol)
Of course, it's a good and wonderful thing to have the true desire to be in God's will. But I wonder if sometimes we make it too hard. Sometimes we act like this: "Well, things didn't go right and I'm having a really hard time. I thought I was in God's will, but now I'm not so sure. Where did I go wrong?"
Where did we get the idea that being in God's will meant Easy Street? Didn't Jesus tell us that the cost of being a disciple was great? That it was equivalent to hating our family, if that's what it took to put Him first? That doesn't suggest an easy life.
In 1 Thessalonians 3, Paul is talking about his desire - need, even - to see his Thessalonian brothers. He says in the previous chapter that Satan stopped him, and then in chapter three he talks about sending Timothy to encourage them. Look what he says in verses 3b and 4: "You know quite well that we were destined for them [difficult times]. In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know."
These were men who expected persecution and hardship; they considered it their destiny. But most Americans - and even most Christians - think that the purpose of life, of work, and of time is to have an easier life. Now, these aren't people who are CEO's and great leaders. Great leaders know that an easy life should never be a goal. But for most of us, success is a problem-free, stress-free life.
I'm sorry to be the one to tell you that that is not in the Bible anywhere. At least not that I can find.
We're going to conclude this thought tomorrow, but in the mean time I want you to think about this: when was the last time you went through a really difficult set of circumstances? And what was your prayer during that time? Was it for God to take away the pain, the hurt, the financial woes . . . or was it to have more of God during these times?
See you tomorrow for the conclusion.
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