When I was a kid my Aunt and Uncle would take me to an Independent Baptist Church every week. I grew up in that church. We sang out of a hymnal each week. I still remember many of the songs from that hymnal. When I am going through a struggle or difficult situation I will occassionally hear the song Victory in Jesus playing in my head. It was written in 1939 by Eugene M. Barleltt, Sr. The chorus goes like this,
O victory in Jesus,
My Savior, forever.
He sought me and bought me
With His redeeming blood;
He loved me ere I knew Him
And all my love is due Him,
He plunged me to victory,
Beneath the cleansing flood.
If you've never heard the song before I encourage you to google the lyrics and read them. Sweet and passionate words of what our Savior did for us. It has the kind of lyrics that penetrate the heart--they are still etched on mine.
Victory is defined as having success in a struggle against difficulties or an obstacle. God gave us victory through the blood of Jesus Christ. Deuteronomy 20:4 says, For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” and He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, Proverbs 2:7 My first thought after reading that--I'm definitely not blameless but, through the blood of Jesus Christ I can walk blameless.
So, knowing that Jesus is my Savior and that God promises victory why do I feel so defeated at the end of the day? I spend many days fighting my own battles rather than trusting in God to fight my battles for me. I must submit to God's authority and allow Him to work. I delay victory when don't trust God during the difficulties and struggles. As we trust (there's that word again) God with all areas of our lives He will give us victory. What we must understanding is that there will always be struggles in this world. The difference in putting our trust in Him is that we ultimately have victory and He will help us according to Psalm 28:7. "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song."
When I am struggling or going through a difficult situation I only need to remember that God is with me and will see me through. You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. Psalm 18:35
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Trust is Paramount
I hate to admit it but I've had trust issues in the past....ok, if I'm being honest (which I am) ;-) I still struggle with it. Trusting means that you put your confidence and reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, etc., of a person or thing. When you put trust in another you become vulnerable. The very essense of vulnerability is the willingness to be susceptible to physical or emotional injury.
At some point in my life I decided that I was tired of being physically/emotionally injured so I made a choice to stop trusting....trusting others.....trusting myself.....and ultimately trusting God. I never blantantly said I wouldn't trust God but it was a gradual progression. I slowly closed off my heart from the world and built up walls. I kept on living and going through the motions of life but was wasting away on the inside. God did not design us to be an island. He created us for fellowship with Him and with others.
I can now see the walls that I've allowed to be built up. Praise God that He was not willing to leave me that way. I keep envisioning the walls of Jericho. If you aren't familiar with Gideon and the walls of Jericho I encourage you to read Judges 7 & 8. Incredible display of God's mighty power and gives confidence to put your trust in Him alone.
Hebrews 11:30 tells of the victory. By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days. I'm currently walking around the walls of my heart expectantly waiting for God to tear them down as He did the walls of Jericho.
I love reading the Psalms--they deal with so many emotions and struggles that we experience. One of my favorite chapters is Psalm 19. In Psalm 19:7 it says, the law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. After having walls built up I'm looking forward to Him reviving my soul.
If this resonates with you, I implore you to ask God to tear the walls down. I must warn you, it may be painful but the reward is great. Psalm 125:1 Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. I choose today to trust the Lord with my life.
May your walls come crumbling down and you live the abundant life God intended. John 10:10
At some point in my life I decided that I was tired of being physically/emotionally injured so I made a choice to stop trusting....trusting others.....trusting myself.....and ultimately trusting God. I never blantantly said I wouldn't trust God but it was a gradual progression. I slowly closed off my heart from the world and built up walls. I kept on living and going through the motions of life but was wasting away on the inside. God did not design us to be an island. He created us for fellowship with Him and with others.
I can now see the walls that I've allowed to be built up. Praise God that He was not willing to leave me that way. I keep envisioning the walls of Jericho. If you aren't familiar with Gideon and the walls of Jericho I encourage you to read Judges 7 & 8. Incredible display of God's mighty power and gives confidence to put your trust in Him alone.
Hebrews 11:30 tells of the victory. By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days. I'm currently walking around the walls of my heart expectantly waiting for God to tear them down as He did the walls of Jericho.
I love reading the Psalms--they deal with so many emotions and struggles that we experience. One of my favorite chapters is Psalm 19. In Psalm 19:7 it says, the law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. After having walls built up I'm looking forward to Him reviving my soul.
If this resonates with you, I implore you to ask God to tear the walls down. I must warn you, it may be painful but the reward is great. Psalm 125:1 Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. I choose today to trust the Lord with my life.
May your walls come crumbling down and you live the abundant life God intended. John 10:10
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Do You Produce Good Fruit or Bad Fruit?
Have you ever thought about whether you produce good fruit or bad fruit? As a Christian, you are probably familiar with Galatians 5:22 which says "But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Previous verses to this reference the acts of the sinful nature -- sexual immorality, impurity,...idolatry...jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, envy.... I don't know about you but the acts of the sinful nature come much more naturally to me than those that are the fruit of the spirit.
As I thought about the two distinct natures - the sinful and the spirit (that of God) there is definitely conflict.
Paul says in Romans 7:14-20 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. Essentially what he is saying is that he wants to do good but the sinful nature (natural bent) causes him to do bad. We are all born with a sinful nature. Even after we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior we will still have this battle with the sinful nature. The good news is that we have victory in Christ.
So let's go back to the fruit of the spirit. These are the qualities/characteristics that are God-honoring. If I put these down as a checklist and try to accomplish these as "tasks"--I will fail miserably. I know this because I've tried. Remember that sinful nature that is within each one of us? I've attempted to gain these qualities in my own strength and failed. The qualities produced by the spirit (the fruit) are only gained by the spirit's work. As we humbly submit ourselves to God's authority in Christ Jesus and allow Him to do a work in us, only then can we produce the fruit of love, peace, patience, kindness, etc.
May you produce an abundance of fruit!
As I thought about the two distinct natures - the sinful and the spirit (that of God) there is definitely conflict.
Paul says in Romans 7:14-20 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. Essentially what he is saying is that he wants to do good but the sinful nature (natural bent) causes him to do bad. We are all born with a sinful nature. Even after we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior we will still have this battle with the sinful nature. The good news is that we have victory in Christ.
So let's go back to the fruit of the spirit. These are the qualities/characteristics that are God-honoring. If I put these down as a checklist and try to accomplish these as "tasks"--I will fail miserably. I know this because I've tried. Remember that sinful nature that is within each one of us? I've attempted to gain these qualities in my own strength and failed. The qualities produced by the spirit (the fruit) are only gained by the spirit's work. As we humbly submit ourselves to God's authority in Christ Jesus and allow Him to do a work in us, only then can we produce the fruit of love, peace, patience, kindness, etc.
May you produce an abundance of fruit!
Rest for the Weary
Have you ever been weary to the bone? Completely exhausted? I am. It's the kind of weary that is both physical and mental. All strength is gone and there is no energy remaining. Dictionary.com describes weary as exhaust or get tired through overuse or great strain or stress. I've recognized recently that I am utterly exhausted in both body and soul. Now that I recognize it, what next?
Did I mention I haven't been to the gym in two weeks or eating well? Both of these factors impact the exhaustion on the body. Jesus tells us “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 Jesus knew that we would be weary and burdened. He knew it would get
What else can cause weariness? I know my weariness this week stems from long hours at the office, commitments in the evenings three days a week and the biggie--attempting to do God's job for Him. Did you catch that last one? Time and time again I find myself trying to figure out the next move in my life rather than listening to our sweet Savior and trust Him to guide my path.
Psalm 62:5 says Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. The only place we can find true rest is in God alone. We must not taken on burdens we are not meant to carry. Jesus tells us Matthew 11:29-30 "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
If you are weary today give your burdens to God. He can handle it.
Did I mention I haven't been to the gym in two weeks or eating well? Both of these factors impact the exhaustion on the body. Jesus tells us “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28 Jesus knew that we would be weary and burdened. He knew it would get
What else can cause weariness? I know my weariness this week stems from long hours at the office, commitments in the evenings three days a week and the biggie--attempting to do God's job for Him. Did you catch that last one? Time and time again I find myself trying to figure out the next move in my life rather than listening to our sweet Savior and trust Him to guide my path.
Psalm 62:5 says Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. The only place we can find true rest is in God alone. We must not taken on burdens we are not meant to carry. Jesus tells us Matthew 11:29-30 "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
If you are weary today give your burdens to God. He can handle it.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Thankful for the Struggle
God reveals Himself in so many things daily. If we stop for just a moment, we can see His activity in all of creation. Several weeks ago I was on a retreat and one of the themes for the weekend was bright colors and butterflys. I've always liked butterflys--they are so beautiful and graceful. I've taken my daughter to the Cockrell Butterfly Exhibit many times. It's quite extraordinary.
The butterfly is another one of God's miraculous works. A butterfly begins as a caterpillar and over a two week period goes through a metamorphosis by which it is surrounded by a cocoon which it must escape. In order for the butterfly to develop it must break through the cocoon--it is literally a struggle. (If you haven't been to the butterfly museum--go and make sure to watch this--they have an area where you can watch every stage). If there is no struggle the butterflys wings do not develop properly and it can not function as God designed.
Our lives are alot like the metamorphosis of the butterfly. Many times in our lives we will deal with struggles. We have different struggles that we must go through--with our spouse, our children, employer, financially,etc. Each of these struggles is an opportunity to be transformed more into the image of God. God created us in His image and desires for us to trust Him in all circumstances--even the struggles. James 1:2-5 tells us, Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. It's hard to imagine a struggle you are going through to be pure joy but God can give you joy in the midst of it all.
I Peter 5:10 says, And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. Great news! After the struggle, God Himself will restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast--isn't that encouraging?
God has a purpose for every struggle you are going through in your life. Not one detail is a surprise to God. He wants the best for you; after all, He created you in your mother's womb (Psalm 139:13). Not only will He restore you, He will lift you up and carry you. He does want you to trust Him. I Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Every struggle has an end (Praise God!) He will uphold you with his righteous right hand and help you bear it. We must always remember who God is and what He has done for us. Lamentations 3:22-23 says, Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Psalm 139 is a great reminder that God is with us always and cares for us deeply.
May you thank (praise) God in your struggle today!
The butterfly is another one of God's miraculous works. A butterfly begins as a caterpillar and over a two week period goes through a metamorphosis by which it is surrounded by a cocoon which it must escape. In order for the butterfly to develop it must break through the cocoon--it is literally a struggle. (If you haven't been to the butterfly museum--go and make sure to watch this--they have an area where you can watch every stage). If there is no struggle the butterflys wings do not develop properly and it can not function as God designed.
Our lives are alot like the metamorphosis of the butterfly. Many times in our lives we will deal with struggles. We have different struggles that we must go through--with our spouse, our children, employer, financially,etc. Each of these struggles is an opportunity to be transformed more into the image of God. God created us in His image and desires for us to trust Him in all circumstances--even the struggles. James 1:2-5 tells us, Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. It's hard to imagine a struggle you are going through to be pure joy but God can give you joy in the midst of it all.
I Peter 5:10 says, And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. Great news! After the struggle, God Himself will restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast--isn't that encouraging?
God has a purpose for every struggle you are going through in your life. Not one detail is a surprise to God. He wants the best for you; after all, He created you in your mother's womb (Psalm 139:13). Not only will He restore you, He will lift you up and carry you. He does want you to trust Him. I Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Every struggle has an end (Praise God!) He will uphold you with his righteous right hand and help you bear it. We must always remember who God is and what He has done for us. Lamentations 3:22-23 says, Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Psalm 139 is a great reminder that God is with us always and cares for us deeply.
May you thank (praise) God in your struggle today!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
I'm A Pearl
I have a pearl ring that is very special to me. A few weeks ago I thought I had lost it. It isn't anything extravagant--it's actually quite simple. It is a gold band that is raised on each side and a single pearl in the center. My mother gave it to me after I told her why I wanted it and what I wanted to look like. She was really cute too--after searching and finding it she intended to give it to me for Christmas but was so excited that she gave it to me months earlier.
Let me back up and share the significance of the ring. Several years ago God helped me to see my value through His eyes. As Romans 3:23 says, "for we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" I knew I was a sinner, saved by grace but still lived under the condemnation of being unworthy because of my past mistakes and failures.
Thankfully, God is patient with us and desires to have an intimate relationship with each one of us. While I have had many wrong turns (mistakes) I learned that I am still a prized possession to God. Do you know how a pearl is formed? The natural pearl is formed as a protective reaction of the oyster, stimulated by a foreign object such as a grain of sand or even a small parasite intruding its sensitive inner tissue. To diffuse the intruder, the oyster encapsulates it in layers of nacre or the mother of pearl secretion, and the pearl grows in size as the number of layers increases.
I read in Matthew 13:45-46 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. God showed me that I was like that pearl. All of my turns and struggles along life's path have drawn me closer to God to diffuse those things in my life that were not good and He saw me as a great value. His Son, Jesus Christ, paid the ultimate price for every one of my sins -past, present and future-so that I could have a relationship with Him--today, here on earth and eternity in heaven.
While most women love diamonds (and I do too), my favorite of all time is the pearl. I'm a little rough around the edges but over time God is creating to me to be an exquisite pearl--one of a kind possession.
I also find it interesting that pearls are mentioned several times in Revelation when John describes what heaven looks like. Revelation 21:21 says, And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the gates was a single pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.
May you see your value through God's eyes today and thank Him for His love and mercy.
If you don't know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour and you would like to know more about the great value your life has send me an email. I would love to tell you about an incredible life that awaits you!
Let me back up and share the significance of the ring. Several years ago God helped me to see my value through His eyes. As Romans 3:23 says, "for we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" I knew I was a sinner, saved by grace but still lived under the condemnation of being unworthy because of my past mistakes and failures.
Thankfully, God is patient with us and desires to have an intimate relationship with each one of us. While I have had many wrong turns (mistakes) I learned that I am still a prized possession to God. Do you know how a pearl is formed? The natural pearl is formed as a protective reaction of the oyster, stimulated by a foreign object such as a grain of sand or even a small parasite intruding its sensitive inner tissue. To diffuse the intruder, the oyster encapsulates it in layers of nacre or the mother of pearl secretion, and the pearl grows in size as the number of layers increases.
I read in Matthew 13:45-46 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. God showed me that I was like that pearl. All of my turns and struggles along life's path have drawn me closer to God to diffuse those things in my life that were not good and He saw me as a great value. His Son, Jesus Christ, paid the ultimate price for every one of my sins -past, present and future-so that I could have a relationship with Him--today, here on earth and eternity in heaven.
While most women love diamonds (and I do too), my favorite of all time is the pearl. I'm a little rough around the edges but over time God is creating to me to be an exquisite pearl--one of a kind possession.
I also find it interesting that pearls are mentioned several times in Revelation when John describes what heaven looks like. Revelation 21:21 says, And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the gates was a single pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.
May you see your value through God's eyes today and thank Him for His love and mercy.
If you don't know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour and you would like to know more about the great value your life has send me an email. I would love to tell you about an incredible life that awaits you!
Wrestling with God
Are you wrestling with God? I was asked this question recently. My first response was absolutely not--I would never presume to wrestle with God but in reality I do this every day when I don't pursue what God desires of me and seek my own agenda. If I'm not submitting to God's authority in every area of my life--I'm attempting to wrestle with Him for control.
Along with the question came the stark reminder that I've not been faithful to my commitments on the blog or my physical activity recently. I keep a very busy and hectic schedule both at work and with evening commitments. My only 'free' night during the week is Tuesday and I attempt to catch up on everything then. Some of the things that I do are really good and worthwhile endeavours can keep me from focusing on what God calls me to do.
I remembered the story of Jacob wrestling with God. If you aren't familiar with it read Genesis 32. Jacob is journeying back to see his brother Esau after stealing his birth right years before. As he makes the journey with his wives and possessions he sends them ahead of him and is left all alone one night. Jacob refused to let go until he was given a blessing. The angel of the Lord touched his tendon and caused him to have a limp.
Wrestling is a close hand-to-hand combat. It takes strength and endurance to wrestle. When I choose to do things my own way rather than follow God I can find myself wrestling with God. I have to remember that God desires the best for me. My plan may be good but God's plan is great. "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 a hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
James 4:1 says What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? ...James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Rather than wrestle with God, why not submit to His authority and let Him direct every area of your life--start today.
God desires for us to seek Him with all our hearts, all our minds, all our soul and all our strength.
P.S. I'll do better with my physcial activity but I was never good at sports--I've decided to stop wrestling with God
Along with the question came the stark reminder that I've not been faithful to my commitments on the blog or my physical activity recently. I keep a very busy and hectic schedule both at work and with evening commitments. My only 'free' night during the week is Tuesday and I attempt to catch up on everything then. Some of the things that I do are really good and worthwhile endeavours can keep me from focusing on what God calls me to do.
I remembered the story of Jacob wrestling with God. If you aren't familiar with it read Genesis 32. Jacob is journeying back to see his brother Esau after stealing his birth right years before. As he makes the journey with his wives and possessions he sends them ahead of him and is left all alone one night. Jacob refused to let go until he was given a blessing. The angel of the Lord touched his tendon and caused him to have a limp.
Wrestling is a close hand-to-hand combat. It takes strength and endurance to wrestle. When I choose to do things my own way rather than follow God I can find myself wrestling with God. I have to remember that God desires the best for me. My plan may be good but God's plan is great. "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 a hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
James 4:1 says What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? ...James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Rather than wrestle with God, why not submit to His authority and let Him direct every area of your life--start today.
God desires for us to seek Him with all our hearts, all our minds, all our soul and all our strength.
P.S. I'll do better with my physcial activity but I was never good at sports--I've decided to stop wrestling with God
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Prayer
Prayer - simply means communication with God. Jesus gives us an example of prayer in Matthew 6. We can literally be in continual prayer with God all day long. It is just like talking to your husband or your wife, your kids, neighbors, etc. We can all do it. :-)
Watching the news, seeing the pictures and reading the updates on the internet about what is going on in Japan grieves me. Such a difficult time for all of those that are there dealing with such destruction. Living halfway around the world I seem so helpless to make a difference. There are organizations that you can send money too--which is great they will need it. But money doesn't cure everything. I can't imagine what emotions; pain, fear and worry among many that they are dealing with while trying to survive.
I was reminded of prayer. So many people see it as a last resort when it should be a first resource. In a situation like Japan God is the one we need to be crying out to in our time of need. He is the only one in control of all things. Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
It is hard to understand why he allows such devastation but wise to remember that even in the devastation he is still with them. We have become a world of self-reliance that we forget that God is in control. He desires to have a relationship with us. Psalm 102:17 says "He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea." He desires to hear from us; for us to cry out to Him in our time of need. And Matthew 21:22 says "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
I believe that God is with them and will see the people of Japan through this; I believe it is my job and duty as a Christian to pray for all of those in Japan dealing with such a difficult situation. Won't you join me in praying?
In the midst of what is going on in Japan and what you may be dealing with in your on life remember what I Thessalonians 5:17 says "pray without ceasing".
Watching the news, seeing the pictures and reading the updates on the internet about what is going on in Japan grieves me. Such a difficult time for all of those that are there dealing with such destruction. Living halfway around the world I seem so helpless to make a difference. There are organizations that you can send money too--which is great they will need it. But money doesn't cure everything. I can't imagine what emotions; pain, fear and worry among many that they are dealing with while trying to survive.
I was reminded of prayer. So many people see it as a last resort when it should be a first resource. In a situation like Japan God is the one we need to be crying out to in our time of need. He is the only one in control of all things. Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
It is hard to understand why he allows such devastation but wise to remember that even in the devastation he is still with them. We have become a world of self-reliance that we forget that God is in control. He desires to have a relationship with us. Psalm 102:17 says "He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea." He desires to hear from us; for us to cry out to Him in our time of need. And Matthew 21:22 says "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
I believe that God is with them and will see the people of Japan through this; I believe it is my job and duty as a Christian to pray for all of those in Japan dealing with such a difficult situation. Won't you join me in praying?
In the midst of what is going on in Japan and what you may be dealing with in your on life remember what I Thessalonians 5:17 says "pray without ceasing".
Monday, March 14, 2011
Unforgiveness
Few people talk about unforgiveness. Unforgiveness happens when you choose to hold onto an offense (whether real or perceived) committed by another. I was given a really interesting analogy this past week about unforgiveness. It is like a person drinking poison to get back at the person who offended them. The odd thing is--it makes the person drinking the poison sick not the offender.
Unforgiveness truly is poison. When you choose not to forgive someone bitterness takes root in your heart. Then it sprouts into bouts of anger. Anger then produces malice, rage, debauchery, etc. Luke 6:45 tells us "The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart.
So, how do we keep from poisoning ourselves? James 5:16 tells us "Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." As long as we carry unforgiveness with us we will truly be sick.
Also, when you consider the forgiveness that you have received from God for your sins, how can you not forgive another man/woman for their offense to you? Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32
Who do you need to forgive today? Don't allow bitterness to take root in your heart.
Unforgiveness truly is poison. When you choose not to forgive someone bitterness takes root in your heart. Then it sprouts into bouts of anger. Anger then produces malice, rage, debauchery, etc. Luke 6:45 tells us "The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart.
So, how do we keep from poisoning ourselves? James 5:16 tells us "Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." As long as we carry unforgiveness with us we will truly be sick.
Also, when you consider the forgiveness that you have received from God for your sins, how can you not forgive another man/woman for their offense to you? Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32
Who do you need to forgive today? Don't allow bitterness to take root in your heart.
Tornado
As we listen to the news the last few days, you hear and see the devastation caused by the earthquake and subsequent tsuanmi in Japan. Last year it was the tsunami in Haiti. These events are destructive and devastating. Tornados are another example of an atmospheric condition that has considerable destructive power.
I am saddened for all of those that have lost their lives and the condition of Japan (and Haiti still trying to recover. At the same time, I am in awe of the power behind such events. I am one of those crazy people that would stand outside watching as a hurricane comes through. I can't help it--it just amazes me. When I look at these events I see God's mighty hand. Isaiah 46:10 says, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
The prophet Isaiah warned in 13:11, I will punish the world for its evil, the wicked for their sins.
I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty and will humble the pride of the ruthless. God is a holy and loving God but He is also a God of justice. I'm not saying that any of the people who were injured or lost their lives deserved it but what I am saying is that we live in a sinful world and evil is all around us. I Peter 5:8 tells us, Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. And Ephesians 5:15 says Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, becuase the days are evil.
So what can we do? How do we make the most of it? God provided me with an awesome analogy several years ago. If you've seen the movie Twister you'll know exactly what I'm about to describe. There is a scene in the movie were these two storm chasers end up driving into the center of the tornado. After a moment you see a cow fly by, then some other debris, and so on. Even though all of this stuff is flying by it appears calm and a clear blue sky is visable above them--it is only because they were in the center of the tornado. Our lives are just like that tornado. There will always be chaos around us. What we have to learn to do is look above (to God) and remember that He is in control of ALL things. He promises to never leave us or forsake us; that He will never give us more than we can bear and He will be there to comfort us.
I Peter 5:10 says, And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
May you stay in the center of God's Will for your life!
I am saddened for all of those that have lost their lives and the condition of Japan (and Haiti still trying to recover. At the same time, I am in awe of the power behind such events. I am one of those crazy people that would stand outside watching as a hurricane comes through. I can't help it--it just amazes me. When I look at these events I see God's mighty hand. Isaiah 46:10 says, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
The prophet Isaiah warned in 13:11, I will punish the world for its evil, the wicked for their sins.
I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty and will humble the pride of the ruthless. God is a holy and loving God but He is also a God of justice. I'm not saying that any of the people who were injured or lost their lives deserved it but what I am saying is that we live in a sinful world and evil is all around us. I Peter 5:8 tells us, Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. And Ephesians 5:15 says Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, becuase the days are evil.
So what can we do? How do we make the most of it? God provided me with an awesome analogy several years ago. If you've seen the movie Twister you'll know exactly what I'm about to describe. There is a scene in the movie were these two storm chasers end up driving into the center of the tornado. After a moment you see a cow fly by, then some other debris, and so on. Even though all of this stuff is flying by it appears calm and a clear blue sky is visable above them--it is only because they were in the center of the tornado. Our lives are just like that tornado. There will always be chaos around us. What we have to learn to do is look above (to God) and remember that He is in control of ALL things. He promises to never leave us or forsake us; that He will never give us more than we can bear and He will be there to comfort us.
I Peter 5:10 says, And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
May you stay in the center of God's Will for your life!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
The Chosen
"Chosen" is defined as object of choice; preferred, divine favored. I haven't really given much thought about being one of God's chosen until recently. This past weekend I had a unique experience in my journey with God. At the end of this four day retreat I read letters that were specially prepared for me. There was a gift bag full of them-- probably 50 or so. The letters were wonderful and truly special and written by incredible people. Although these letters were great I had a sadness in my heart for a moment. None of these letters were from my family. Then God, in His grace, reminded me that each one of those letters that I had received were written by my family--the family that CHOSE me. You see, we can not choose our parents, our siblings, etc. But, we can choose our friends.
Don't get me wrong, I love my family. I'm very blessed to have my family in the same town that I live but unfortunately ours is not close relationship. They choose to live a different kind of life than I do so it sets me apart. God choses our family for us. Scripture says, "you knit me together in my mothers womb." Psalm 139:13.
It also says in John 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Wow! Isn't that amazing? God through Christ Jesus CHOSE you and I. What an incredible privledge to be chosen by the God of the universe, Creator of all things.
I must say, I've known Christ most of my life but to sit and ponder being chosen by God to be part of His family, His eternal kingdom truly overwhelms me. This is the same God that created light, the sun, the moon, EVERYTHING!!! and HE not only wants a relationship with me but wants me to spend all eternity with Him. Oh how wonderful. I like how it is written in 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. I am part of a royal priesthood, holy nation--I am a daughter of God, a Princess to the King of Kings.
May you rest secure in being a CHOSEN one of God's!
Don't get me wrong, I love my family. I'm very blessed to have my family in the same town that I live but unfortunately ours is not close relationship. They choose to live a different kind of life than I do so it sets me apart. God choses our family for us. Scripture says, "you knit me together in my mothers womb." Psalm 139:13.
It also says in John 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Wow! Isn't that amazing? God through Christ Jesus CHOSE you and I. What an incredible privledge to be chosen by the God of the universe, Creator of all things.
I must say, I've known Christ most of my life but to sit and ponder being chosen by God to be part of His family, His eternal kingdom truly overwhelms me. This is the same God that created light, the sun, the moon, EVERYTHING!!! and HE not only wants a relationship with me but wants me to spend all eternity with Him. Oh how wonderful. I like how it is written in 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. I am part of a royal priesthood, holy nation--I am a daughter of God, a Princess to the King of Kings.
May you rest secure in being a CHOSEN one of God's!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Overflowing Grace
Well it's been several days since I've posted. I have a tremendous amount of stuff to blog about. I went on a journey...a spiritual journey to be exact . AND, I agreed to go on this journey without computer/internet and cell phone--YES I said cell phone (oh, and a watch). Well needless to say, Thursday evening there was a bit of a technology withdrawal but I managed to suffer through it. :-) I must say it was pretty incredible. I'm sure I'll be spending the next several weeks using illustrations and revelations I received this weekend in future postings.
Tonight, I'm overwhelmed by God's overflowing grace. Most of us are familiar with grace described as God's unmerited favor but what does that really mean? I was given a good example this weekend. Say you before a judege for a speeding ticket--you were traveling 100 miles an hour in a 45 miles an hour zone.--that pricey! So, you plead your case with the judge (even though you are guilty) and the judge bangs the gavel and says GUILTY. But then, he says, I have paid your bill--you are free to go. Grace is unmerited favor AND so much more. It's a gift. It is by grace that you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—Ephesians 2:8
For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:17 Grace comes from Jesus. We can not be graceful on our own. It requires Jesus Christ.
Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” John 7:38 Grace is like a waterfall--it is a continual flow. It is truly amazing how the water just continue to flow. There are incredible waterfalls in Ecuador--I love traveling in the mountains-- there are a ton of waterfalls along the mountain sides.
God's grace is everflowing and never ending. I truly enjoyed this weekend reflecting on God's grace in our lives--the sacrificial love that is demonstrated. I've made a mess of my life--I'm not always an example of Christ in my daily life. But God, in his infinite wisdom, provided the blood sacrifice of Christ on the cross so that I could have a relationship with Him! Woa! Even with all the bad things I've done, He still paid the price--why would I keeping wanting to pay for it when it is free? Jesus paid it all so for me to not live under grace is bizarre at best but that's exactly what I had been doing.
Let me just tell you, if you think you can work your way into heaven....forget it. Adam and Eve had a 'perfect' situation and they sinned. God desired to have a relationship with us so He provided grace through Jesus Christ--accept His FREE gift, and live under GRACE every day forward.
Tonight, I'm overwhelmed by God's overflowing grace. Most of us are familiar with grace described as God's unmerited favor but what does that really mean? I was given a good example this weekend. Say you before a judege for a speeding ticket--you were traveling 100 miles an hour in a 45 miles an hour zone.--that pricey! So, you plead your case with the judge (even though you are guilty) and the judge bangs the gavel and says GUILTY. But then, he says, I have paid your bill--you are free to go. Grace is unmerited favor AND so much more. It's a gift. It is by grace that you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—Ephesians 2:8
For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:17 Grace comes from Jesus. We can not be graceful on our own. It requires Jesus Christ.
Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” John 7:38 Grace is like a waterfall--it is a continual flow. It is truly amazing how the water just continue to flow. There are incredible waterfalls in Ecuador--I love traveling in the mountains-- there are a ton of waterfalls along the mountain sides.
God's grace is everflowing and never ending. I truly enjoyed this weekend reflecting on God's grace in our lives--the sacrificial love that is demonstrated. I've made a mess of my life--I'm not always an example of Christ in my daily life. But God, in his infinite wisdom, provided the blood sacrifice of Christ on the cross so that I could have a relationship with Him! Woa! Even with all the bad things I've done, He still paid the price--why would I keeping wanting to pay for it when it is free? Jesus paid it all so for me to not live under grace is bizarre at best but that's exactly what I had been doing.
Let me just tell you, if you think you can work your way into heaven....forget it. Adam and Eve had a 'perfect' situation and they sinned. God desired to have a relationship with us so He provided grace through Jesus Christ--accept His FREE gift, and live under GRACE every day forward.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Sum of Your Past
We all have a past. The older you get, the more of a past you have, the more experiences and regrets you accumulate. What I find interesting is how differently we can look at our past. There are many parts of my past that I don't even remember (thankfully). I made many unwise decisions and choices in my late teens and early 20's. For years, I allowed my past failures, mistakes and decisions to define me. For example, I am single, divorced single person to be specific; so I have a failed relationship in my past. I carried the weight of that failed marriage around with me. Galatians 5:1 says "It is for freedom that Christ set us free, therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject to a yoke of slarvery again." As I ponder this, God is forgiving. ...God is love I John 4:8b--I know and believe it. So why did I keep carrying the weight of this failure after receiving forgiveness from God?
Perspective. It's a matter of perspective. I allowed my past to define me (failure) you can fill in your own blank. I now have a different perspective. When I look at my past experiences rather than regret, remorse and feeling like a failure I can now see a confident woman in Christ. Those past experiences keep me moldable in the potters hand. I wouldn't be the person I am today without all of those past experiences. Each of those past experiences I had God with me. They weren't easy but God was there holding my hand each step of the way. He says that He will never leave nor forsake us. Deuteronomy 31:8
Praise be to God that I do not have to let my past define me! I am the growing image of Christ being molded daily on the potters wheel Isaiah 64:8 says "Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand." God uses our past to bring glory to Himself and mold us into Christ's image.
I am reminded of Isaiah 43:18 God tells us through the prophet Isaiah, "Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past." and tells us Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! in 2 Corinthians 5:17
I would be remiss if I didn't mention it but we must 1) repent of our past sin/mistake if we haven't already and 2) seek God as to what He would have you learn from the situation then.....
May you see the sum of your past through new eyes tonight and never be held back by your past mistakes again.
Perspective. It's a matter of perspective. I allowed my past to define me (failure) you can fill in your own blank. I now have a different perspective. When I look at my past experiences rather than regret, remorse and feeling like a failure I can now see a confident woman in Christ. Those past experiences keep me moldable in the potters hand. I wouldn't be the person I am today without all of those past experiences. Each of those past experiences I had God with me. They weren't easy but God was there holding my hand each step of the way. He says that He will never leave nor forsake us. Deuteronomy 31:8
Praise be to God that I do not have to let my past define me! I am the growing image of Christ being molded daily on the potters wheel Isaiah 64:8 says "Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand." God uses our past to bring glory to Himself and mold us into Christ's image.
I am reminded of Isaiah 43:18 God tells us through the prophet Isaiah, "Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past." and tells us Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! in 2 Corinthians 5:17
I would be remiss if I didn't mention it but we must 1) repent of our past sin/mistake if we haven't already and 2) seek God as to what He would have you learn from the situation then.....
May you see the sum of your past through new eyes tonight and never be held back by your past mistakes again.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Whom Do You Serve?
Do you know who you serve? We all serve someone or something. Many people are familiar with the quote, "as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." it is only part of Joshua 24:15
"If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15
We have a choice as to who we will serve but we will serve. God does not share His throne with anyone. If you are serving yourself (living for self)--you are not serving God. Matthew 6:24 says, “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." The King James Version says mammon--basically it can be money, wealth, materialism, greed.
In a culture of overindulgence we do not put a lot of weight money and wealth. These are not bad things in and of themselves but when we put the almight dollar (wealth/greed) before God it is a problem.
As we strive to grow spiritually we must turn our focus outward onto others--this is how we are to serve. We are called to serve others. Matthew 6:19-21 says, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."--did you catch that? When we serve others we store up treasures in heaven. I don't know about you but I'd like to have the treasure that lasts forever--not just a lifetime.
Even Christ came to serve--"The Son of God came to seek and to save what was lost.: Luke 19:10
Spend some time this week serving someone else
"If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15
We have a choice as to who we will serve but we will serve. God does not share His throne with anyone. If you are serving yourself (living for self)--you are not serving God. Matthew 6:24 says, “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." The King James Version says mammon--basically it can be money, wealth, materialism, greed.
In a culture of overindulgence we do not put a lot of weight money and wealth. These are not bad things in and of themselves but when we put the almight dollar (wealth/greed) before God it is a problem.
As we strive to grow spiritually we must turn our focus outward onto others--this is how we are to serve. We are called to serve others. Matthew 6:19-21 says, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."--did you catch that? When we serve others we store up treasures in heaven. I don't know about you but I'd like to have the treasure that lasts forever--not just a lifetime.
Even Christ came to serve--"The Son of God came to seek and to save what was lost.: Luke 19:10
Spend some time this week serving someone else
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