I am learning a lot about diabetes. I thought I was knowledgeable having a mother and grandmother with the disease but have come to realize there is a lot to learn. I am grateful that I do not have diabetes and am not insulin dependent I am however, considered pre-diabetic and with my family history at increased risk so drastic changes are necessary.
At my doctors suggestion I began taking injections that would help stabilize my blood sugar. I also changed my diet (what I choose to eat). Both of these have helped but, regular exercise is critical. I have not been consistent with the exercise. I recently read that strength training is very useful for stabilizing blood sugar. God made our bodies so incredibly intricate. I read about King Asa in 2 Chronicles 16:9a, Hanani tells him, "For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” I have to be fully committed to all three, medication, diet and exercise, for the program to be successful.
This blog began from my desire to have my physical and spiritual body in balance. I love to exercise but I can never seem to find the time. A friend told me that we make time for those things that have priority in our lives. I agree except I spend a majority of my time at work. As I strive for balance I must dedicate time alone with God, time spent exercising and time spent eating balanced meals. I was encouraged when I read of Elijah in 1 Kings 19:8 So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. Although this verse talks of being strengthened by food and traveling a long time the incredible part to me is that if you read before this Elijah is mocking the gods of Baal and becomes witness to God performing a miracle calling fire down from heaven consuming an offering. After witnessing this, Elijah is threatened by Queen Jezabel and, in fear, ran for his life. The angel of the Lord had awakened him to eat the food to strengthen him for his journey. It amazes me that after seeing God perform such a miracle that a mere queen would be able to threaten Elijah but the same thing happens to us every day.
Just as Elijah had a moment (he had more than one) of weakness and ran in fear, we too have the confidence of knowing that God will meet us right where we are. He provides all that we need to do His work and accomplish all that He created us to do. Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
I intend to start strength training but have no idea where to begin so, my friends, if you have any suggestions PLEASE send them my way. In the mean time, I now have set up an appointment to meet at the park everyday at 7 to walk--you are welcome to join me anytime. There is nothing like public knowledge for one to be held accountable.
As I take each step I will be praying for strength, health and wholeness through my (and your) inner being. Ephesians 3:16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,
Taking every step in faith!
Monday, November 19, 2012
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Barnabas People
Years ago, I had a friend who would call me Barnabette. I always found it funny. When he started calling me it I didn't understand. He said I was a female Barnabas. Barnabas is found in Acts. His name was Joseph, he was a Levite from Cyprus, but the apostles called him Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement) Acts 4:36. Barnabas spent time with Paul teaching others about Christ. After I knew the story of Barnabas I didn't mind being called Barnabette.
We are called to encourage one another. Hebrews 13:3 says, "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness." And I Thessalonians 5:11 says, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
Words....they can build up or tear down. Have you considered whether your words build up or tear down? I have to be honest, I have a teenage daughter; I lover her dearly but in the heat of an argument I saw very hurtful words....words that I cannot take back and that she remembers. I do strive to encourage and build up my daughter and everyone that I am around but on some days I fail miserably.
Paul and Barnabas were great encouragers during their missionary journies. Paul wrote to the church at Phililppi in Philippians 4:4-9 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
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. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. What encouragement!
Do you know a Barnabas? Are you a Barnabas? Strive to be a source of encouragement for others.
We are called to encourage one another. Hebrews 13:3 says, "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness." And I Thessalonians 5:11 says, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
Words....they can build up or tear down. Have you considered whether your words build up or tear down? I have to be honest, I have a teenage daughter; I lover her dearly but in the heat of an argument I saw very hurtful words....words that I cannot take back and that she remembers. I do strive to encourage and build up my daughter and everyone that I am around but on some days I fail miserably.
Paul and Barnabas were great encouragers during their missionary journies. Paul wrote to the church at Phililppi in Philippians 4:4-9 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
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. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. What encouragement!
Do you know a Barnabas? Are you a Barnabas? Strive to be a source of encouragement for others.
Monday, November 12, 2012
I Will Not Be Moved
Are you firm in your Christian walk or does it waver like the wind blowing? You may be quick to respond with an affirmation that your walk is solid but stop and answer a few questions. When you or a family member is diagnosed with cancer how do you respond? When your spouse is unfaithful and divorces you do you cling to Christ or leave Him behind in anger? When you have suffered from horrific abuse or a rape what do you do? All of these are very difficult circumstances and I am sure as you read them that you had something in your own life that came to mind. Think of that situation, the circumstances and how you responded.
My sweet brothers and sisters, God's Word is full of promises but He never promised that this life would be free from pain and sorrow. On the contrary, He warns us, following Him will cost and we will suffer.
I Peter 4:12-13 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
Jesus told Peter that He would establish his church. Peter means rock. Matthew 16:18 says, And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I find it interesting that God chose the disciple that denied Him three times. Peter had taken a deep fall when he saw Jesus face to face and realized that he did deny His Savior. (Matthew 26) Take heart, Christ restored Peter and He restores us. Just as Peter stood firm on the rock so can we -Christ is our Rock. We can never be shaken once we stand firm on the Rock. By standing firm you will gain life. Luke 21:19
I Peter 5:10 has always given me great comfort during trials. 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. He promises to restore us and make us strong and His promises are sure.
Natalie Grant has a song "I Will Not Be Moved" part of the chorus says, "On Christ, the Solid Rock, I stand All other ground is sinking sand I will not be moved..."
Psalm 40:2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
No matter what comes your way may you not be moved from THE ROCK.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyEMJBhCtU8
Natalie Grant - I Will Not Be Moved
My sweet brothers and sisters, God's Word is full of promises but He never promised that this life would be free from pain and sorrow. On the contrary, He warns us, following Him will cost and we will suffer.
I Peter 4:12-13 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
Jesus told Peter that He would establish his church. Peter means rock. Matthew 16:18 says, And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I find it interesting that God chose the disciple that denied Him three times. Peter had taken a deep fall when he saw Jesus face to face and realized that he did deny His Savior. (Matthew 26) Take heart, Christ restored Peter and He restores us. Just as Peter stood firm on the rock so can we -Christ is our Rock. We can never be shaken once we stand firm on the Rock. By standing firm you will gain life. Luke 21:19
I Peter 5:10 has always given me great comfort during trials. 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. He promises to restore us and make us strong and His promises are sure.
Natalie Grant has a song "I Will Not Be Moved" part of the chorus says, "On Christ, the Solid Rock, I stand All other ground is sinking sand I will not be moved..."
Psalm 40:2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
No matter what comes your way may you not be moved from THE ROCK.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyEMJBhCtU8
Natalie Grant - I Will Not Be Moved
Tomorrow
"The sun will come up tomorrow, tomorrow...". Most of you recognize these words from the song in Annie titled "Tomorrow". The story is of an orphan who finds a home and the song is her way with coping with difficult days. Although you may not be an orphan I am sure you have difficult days.
The truth is we are not promised a tomorrow. Many of us put off things today intending to do them "tomorrow' Proverbs 27:1 Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.
Earlier this afternoon I found out through a friend that a wife/mother and child would have to go claim their husband/father today. He served our country and lost his life. His child is only two and will grow up not knowing his father. We must learn to treasure every day and seize every opportunity.
James 4:13-14 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Make the most of TODAY.
The truth is we are not promised a tomorrow. Many of us put off things today intending to do them "tomorrow' Proverbs 27:1 Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.
Earlier this afternoon I found out through a friend that a wife/mother and child would have to go claim their husband/father today. He served our country and lost his life. His child is only two and will grow up not knowing his father. We must learn to treasure every day and seize every opportunity.
James 4:13-14 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Make the most of TODAY.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Come As You Are
Come as you are--think about that for a minute. If going on a date you may primp and take extra time to make yourself ready. When attending a wedding as I did this past weekend, we dress up a little bit more than usual. However, if you run to the grocery store (unless you are my friend Lani) do you get dressed up or do you go as you are? How about for work--do you have a uniform? suit and tie? Depending on the situation or circumstance you prepare accordingly. But God, tells us to come as we are. He doesn't expect us to get 'cleaned up' first. He knows who we are at our worst and our best. Even our very best would not come close to being 'good enough'. Matthew 11:28 Jesus tells us “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. We become weary when we try to carry burdens (shame, adultery, failed marriages, abortions, lust, pride,etc.) that Christ has already died for. There is no sin that you have committed (or will commit in the future by the way) that He did not already die for.
Years ago I was under the misconception that I had to get my act together or 'clean up' before I could come to God. The irony of that thinking is that if it were up to my own ability I would have never been saved. Christ dying on the cross would have been in vain. His whole purpose for coming to earth, living a perfect life, dying a horrible death and rising again on the third day was to restore me to relationship with God. There is nothing I can do to restore this relationship on my own but I must humbly come as I am to Christ surrendering all to Him.
As we hold onto things that Christ asks us to give Him our hearts become hardened as stone. Ezekiel 36:26 says, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." Solomon, the king granted wisdom above all others knew the importnace of guarding our hearts. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us how to guard our hearts. 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.
Guarding our heart is crucial for God to make us new and restore us. Whatever is on your heart at this very moment, give it over to God; ask Him to remove it and fill it with His spirit. Ask Him to enlarge your heart. Be willing to come to Him as you are--don't attempt to clean up first.
He makes all things new - including you and I. I now live Psalms 84:2--My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. My you come as you are and yearn for the Lord as never before.
As I sat turning the pages of my Bible recently I was overwhelmed by a thought of how sacred and holy the words were on the pages. It is a privledge and joy to have it to read, to meditate and to understand; it was quite moving.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6U-MSwd6zMU
Come As You Are - Pocket Full of Rocks
Years ago I was under the misconception that I had to get my act together or 'clean up' before I could come to God. The irony of that thinking is that if it were up to my own ability I would have never been saved. Christ dying on the cross would have been in vain. His whole purpose for coming to earth, living a perfect life, dying a horrible death and rising again on the third day was to restore me to relationship with God. There is nothing I can do to restore this relationship on my own but I must humbly come as I am to Christ surrendering all to Him.
As we hold onto things that Christ asks us to give Him our hearts become hardened as stone. Ezekiel 36:26 says, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." Solomon, the king granted wisdom above all others knew the importnace of guarding our hearts. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us how to guard our hearts. 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.
Guarding our heart is crucial for God to make us new and restore us. Whatever is on your heart at this very moment, give it over to God; ask Him to remove it and fill it with His spirit. Ask Him to enlarge your heart. Be willing to come to Him as you are--don't attempt to clean up first.
He makes all things new - including you and I. I now live Psalms 84:2--My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. My you come as you are and yearn for the Lord as never before.
As I sat turning the pages of my Bible recently I was overwhelmed by a thought of how sacred and holy the words were on the pages. It is a privledge and joy to have it to read, to meditate and to understand; it was quite moving.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6U-MSwd6zMU
Come As You Are - Pocket Full of Rocks
Monday, November 5, 2012
DNA
Do you ever just sit in awe of who God is and what He has done? I mean really if you take more than two seconds it is mind-blowing.
I find it fascinating how detail-oriented God is about everything. In my bible study we are going through Genesis. In Genesis 1:27 it says, So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. I've read it many times as I'm sure you have in the past but I am seeing it through new eyes. God creating--bringing things into existence from nothing, from emptiness. And, of all His creations, He CHOSE us to bear His image. Ephesians 1:4-5 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—
Our physical bodies are so complex. Doctors gain new knowledge every day but still don't know how the human body works completely. I've taken a renewed interest in the body, DNA and how it works so that I can better manage my lifestyle changes. I recently learned about laminin. Laminin is defined by the Webster Medical Dictionary as a "glycoprotein that is a component of connective tissue basement membrane and that promotes cell adhesion." In other words, looking at laminin as a kind of glue isn't far from the truth. There are several different laminins. I've put a picture below of what it looks like.
Just as Laminin is essential for our physcial bodies to function and work properly, Christ must be the glue that we cling to so that spiritually we function and work properly. God gave us a body, soul and spirit just as there is the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The Father, the Son and the Spirit are one just as our body, soul and spirit are one. The body is the temple of God according to 1 Corinthians 6:19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; My physical body is just as important to take care of as is my spirit and soul. Each should be aligned. Is your body, soul and spirit in alignment with God? Seems like an easy question however, how much time is spent reading scripture? Meditating on God's Word? Praying? Exercising? Eating right? How we spend our time reflects whether we are in balance or not. My soul has been parched lately. I hunger and thirst for God's Word and can't get enough. I hope you find yourself with a deep hunger and thirst for it too.
Romans 6:13 tells us, Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. The greatest offering that we can give to God is giving back our body, soul and spirit; completely. Is your body an instrument of righteousness?
This body that God intricately designed was created to please Him. In Hebrews 12:1, Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. God gave me the body I have, it is my responsibility to take care of it to the best of my ability and to offer it back to Him.
As you begin (or end) your day I pray you can say that your body is/was an offering to God today.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=fvwp&NR=1&v=qGQaIsEkT4s
Offering Third Day
Perseverance
On my last weekend serving Tres Dias the Lord led me to start blogging again. Since that time I have tried writing daily but have encountered many obstacles. One computer had a hard drive that ran out of memory. The hard drive crashed on a laptop. Another laptop had locked up. Iniatially, I became frustrated and upset...it seemed futile and became increasingly hard to focus. Then, I realized, God has called me to do this. I respond in obedience...the attack begins. There are a numerous places in scripture that reference persevering through circumstances. My computer issues are minor. I know families that are struggling financially, are homeless, have special needs children, currently jobless. All of these are real life challenges that can be overwhelming. God calls us to persevere.
Perseverance is defined as steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success; continuing in a state of grace to the end. Perseverance is pushing through when you want to give up; it is the drive necessary to overcome obstacles to live a life of grace. Romans 5:3-5 says, "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Perseverance is essential ingredient in this life if you desire to live a life that reflects Christs' image.
Christ is our example for everything including perseverance. 2 Thessalonians 3:5 says, "May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance." Christ persevered through horrid circumstances--none of which He deserved and all of which He knew were coming. If we take an honest look at ourselves some of the things that happen to us we could say we deserve (you speed breaking the law and get a ticket you must pay).
In Hebrews 12:1 it says, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Take notice that it says to leave the sin behind and RUN with perseverance. I have the physically fit side of this blog that has been sorely neglected for a while but with my recent diagnosis I have stepped up my exercise. I began walking Matzke park with my best friend again. I love walking with her-we take one entire lap and pray for whatever God leads. It is great physically and spiritually but as I read Hebrews 12:1, Galatians 2:2, Galatians 5:7 and 1 Corinthians 9:24 I have a new desire to take up running. God tells us to run; run to win a prize..THE PRIZE. Each one of us has a purpose, a course for our lives that God has set in motion.
Christ persevered to the cross. We must be prepared to persevere through our circumstances so that we will be complete in Christ. James 1:4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
May you persevere and run the race that God marked out for you when He knit you in your mother's womb (actually before time began). He has a plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11) persevere so that you can see it through to the very end and receive the crown of life. James 1:2 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3CVlv2dz3w
Mandisa He Is With You
Perseverance is defined as steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success; continuing in a state of grace to the end. Perseverance is pushing through when you want to give up; it is the drive necessary to overcome obstacles to live a life of grace. Romans 5:3-5 says, "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Perseverance is essential ingredient in this life if you desire to live a life that reflects Christs' image.
Christ is our example for everything including perseverance. 2 Thessalonians 3:5 says, "May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance." Christ persevered through horrid circumstances--none of which He deserved and all of which He knew were coming. If we take an honest look at ourselves some of the things that happen to us we could say we deserve (you speed breaking the law and get a ticket you must pay).
In Hebrews 12:1 it says, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Take notice that it says to leave the sin behind and RUN with perseverance. I have the physically fit side of this blog that has been sorely neglected for a while but with my recent diagnosis I have stepped up my exercise. I began walking Matzke park with my best friend again. I love walking with her-we take one entire lap and pray for whatever God leads. It is great physically and spiritually but as I read Hebrews 12:1, Galatians 2:2, Galatians 5:7 and 1 Corinthians 9:24 I have a new desire to take up running. God tells us to run; run to win a prize..THE PRIZE. Each one of us has a purpose, a course for our lives that God has set in motion.
Christ persevered to the cross. We must be prepared to persevere through our circumstances so that we will be complete in Christ. James 1:4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
May you persevere and run the race that God marked out for you when He knit you in your mother's womb (actually before time began). He has a plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11) persevere so that you can see it through to the very end and receive the crown of life. James 1:2 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3CVlv2dz3w
Mandisa He Is With You
Friday, November 2, 2012
Life....Happens
How do you see your life? Is it a roller coaster with ups and downs or is more like a merry-go-round? Is it a tornado--full of chaos? Is it militant-very orderly and 'controlled'? Life can be tough but God is good. Sometimes it takes many unexpected turns that you don't plan on. This week I had my Jeep broken into and almost everything stolen and later in the week I started taking shots to help regulate my blood sugar. Did I mention I HATE needles? Then tonight, I attended a wonderful appreciation dinner held by my church and enjoyed music and singing by a very talented group of men. What a blessing to end the week!
There is a movie from 1989 called Parenthood that I often think of a particular scene. The grandmother talks about how she liked the roller coaster. It really sums up life. If you have time, watch it (3 minutes).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z18vJwmxFFY&feature=fvwrel
I never liked the roller coaster when I was younger. Growing up I practically lived at Astroworld. It had roller coasters and thrill rides that are typical of theme parks. I didn't like them but occassionally would be pressured into riding them. Looking back now, I have to laugh. I see my life as one big roller coaster ride not the merry-go-round (grandma's reference in the movie clip).
Through all the ups and downs I've clung to Christ. I've been at the top soaring with God (Isaiah 40:31) and I've plummeted down to the depths (Psalm 139:7-8) and He was still with me. In Deuteronomy 31:8 it says, The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” It gives me great comfort and peace to know that no matter what I go through in this life that God is right there with me.
Isaiah 41:10, 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. Each event whether painful or joyous God has used for His glory. I pray that I and you will remain moldable in the potter's hand. Isaiah 64:8 Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9 As you live your life allow the One who created you to transform you into His image. 2 Cornithians 3:18 says, And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
I am truly encouraged during a trial when I can open up God's Word and find countless times that He is with me, leading me, guiding me and sometimes even carrying me through the storms of this life.
As your life happens and you hit a rough spot (as well as the mountaintops) remember that He is right there with you and will see you through. When I do encounter a trial I am quickly reminded of all the past dips in the roller coaster and that I came through with God leading the way. And as I remember my Ebenezer's I find peace that I was transformed and molded by a Holy God through the event. Whatever you choose to do in this life be changed by a perfect God! By the way, all the twists and turns that our lives make--God turns them into beauty.
Perfect People - Natalie Grant
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7D-ONj8PO8
There is a movie from 1989 called Parenthood that I often think of a particular scene. The grandmother talks about how she liked the roller coaster. It really sums up life. If you have time, watch it (3 minutes).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z18vJwmxFFY&feature=fvwrel
I never liked the roller coaster when I was younger. Growing up I practically lived at Astroworld. It had roller coasters and thrill rides that are typical of theme parks. I didn't like them but occassionally would be pressured into riding them. Looking back now, I have to laugh. I see my life as one big roller coaster ride not the merry-go-round (grandma's reference in the movie clip).
Through all the ups and downs I've clung to Christ. I've been at the top soaring with God (Isaiah 40:31) and I've plummeted down to the depths (Psalm 139:7-8) and He was still with me. In Deuteronomy 31:8 it says, The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” It gives me great comfort and peace to know that no matter what I go through in this life that God is right there with me.
Isaiah 41:10, 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. Each event whether painful or joyous God has used for His glory. I pray that I and you will remain moldable in the potter's hand. Isaiah 64:8 Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9 As you live your life allow the One who created you to transform you into His image. 2 Cornithians 3:18 says, And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
I am truly encouraged during a trial when I can open up God's Word and find countless times that He is with me, leading me, guiding me and sometimes even carrying me through the storms of this life.
As your life happens and you hit a rough spot (as well as the mountaintops) remember that He is right there with you and will see you through. When I do encounter a trial I am quickly reminded of all the past dips in the roller coaster and that I came through with God leading the way. And as I remember my Ebenezer's I find peace that I was transformed and molded by a Holy God through the event. Whatever you choose to do in this life be changed by a perfect God! By the way, all the twists and turns that our lives make--God turns them into beauty.
Perfect People - Natalie Grant
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7D-ONj8PO8
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Purpose
Purpose is defined as the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists. Did you know that God created you for a specific purpose? I am currently studying Genesis in depth in my ladies bible study. In Genesis 1:27 it says "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." First of all, that amazes and overwhelms me that you and I were created in God's image. Have you ever wondered what you were created for? Why are you here? I have.
God created each of us for a purpose. The bible is filled with stories of men and women God created for a specific purpose--including the Pharoh of Egypt. Exodus 4:21 The LORD said to Moses, “When you return to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders I have given you the power to do. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go. Exodus 14:4 And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will pursue them. But I will gain glory for myself through Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD.” So the Israelites did this. Moses was called to lead the Israelites, Noah to build the ark and procreate, Mary to carry the Savior of the world, John the Baptist to prepare the way, the list goes on. All of these were faithful to God and fulfilled their purpose--even though Pharaoh was not faithful to God he did submit to the Almighty!
Even though Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers and wrongly imprisoned he recognized God had a purpose for his life and circumstnaces. Genesis 45:5 And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.
Esther, a Jew brought into exile and brought into the king's palance. She became queen and save her people. Esther 4:14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”
Each of these men and women were created by God for His glory. He created us to glorify Himself as well. Isaiah 43:7 says, "everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” We were created for God's glory. All that we say and do should be to glorify Him. God created some to teach, others to preach, some to work in an office, some to dig ditches but all to glorify His name. I Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. No matter what it is that you do, God has a purpose for you. Are you fulfilling His purpose for you? What image do you reflect?
Psalms 57:2 I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills his purpose for me.
Psalms 38:8 The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever— do not abandon the works of your hands.
God created each of us for a purpose. The bible is filled with stories of men and women God created for a specific purpose--including the Pharoh of Egypt. Exodus 4:21 The LORD said to Moses, “When you return to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders I have given you the power to do. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go. Exodus 14:4 And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will pursue them. But I will gain glory for myself through Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD.” So the Israelites did this. Moses was called to lead the Israelites, Noah to build the ark and procreate, Mary to carry the Savior of the world, John the Baptist to prepare the way, the list goes on. All of these were faithful to God and fulfilled their purpose--even though Pharaoh was not faithful to God he did submit to the Almighty!
Even though Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers and wrongly imprisoned he recognized God had a purpose for his life and circumstnaces. Genesis 45:5 And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.
Esther, a Jew brought into exile and brought into the king's palance. She became queen and save her people. Esther 4:14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”
Each of these men and women were created by God for His glory. He created us to glorify Himself as well. Isaiah 43:7 says, "everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” We were created for God's glory. All that we say and do should be to glorify Him. God created some to teach, others to preach, some to work in an office, some to dig ditches but all to glorify His name. I Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. No matter what it is that you do, God has a purpose for you. Are you fulfilling His purpose for you? What image do you reflect?
Psalms 57:2 I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills his purpose for me.
Psalms 38:8 The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever— do not abandon the works of your hands.
Monday, October 29, 2012
FULL MOON
One of the things that I love is the moon. God made it to reflect the sun and it gives light through the night. The sun's diameter is approximately 400 times bigger than the moon. The new moon fesitval in Old Testament scripture was a time of celebraation. They were required under Mosaic law.
As I was outside tonight in my backyard I couldn't help but marvel at tonight's full moon. This time of year I love to get away and camp over the weekend when the weather is like it is tonight. God speaks to us in many ways--one way for me is to get away and soak up all that He has created.
Over the weekend someone broke into my Jeep and stole a number of things. I have kept it in perspective and not been too upset about it but realized today that the CD case they stole had one of my favorite CD/songs in it. It was a CD by John Elefante "That's Why God Made The Moon". The song says more than I can write here.
Have a blessed night and enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_I33JS0T8E
As I was outside tonight in my backyard I couldn't help but marvel at tonight's full moon. This time of year I love to get away and camp over the weekend when the weather is like it is tonight. God speaks to us in many ways--one way for me is to get away and soak up all that He has created.
Over the weekend someone broke into my Jeep and stole a number of things. I have kept it in perspective and not been too upset about it but realized today that the CD case they stole had one of my favorite CD/songs in it. It was a CD by John Elefante "That's Why God Made The Moon". The song says more than I can write here.
Have a blessed night and enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_I33JS0T8E
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Are You Sick?
If you read my blogs in the beginning (2011 archives) you know that the name of my blog stemmed from my desire to have my physical and spiritual life in balance; both to radiate God's glory. I never realized how much of a 'baby Christian' or milk-fed I was until a few years ago. Hebrews 5:13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. I spent most of my adult life having others teach me and not learning or seeking wisdom through the Holy Spirit in reading scripture and prayer on my own.
As I have grown spiritually and matured God called me to a holier life and leave old habits and unhealthy choices behind. Unfortunately, in my immaturity as a baby Christian, I would surrender one old habit or unhealthy choice and fill it with another. 1 Corinthinas 6:13 says, "Food for the stomach and the stomach for food”—but God will destroy them both. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. In recent years my battle has been a weight problem. There have been several medical issues that have contributed to it but none the less my weight has become out of control.
Recently I was told I have high blood sugar. It has been borderline for the last few years so it wasn't shocking but still upsetting. Part of having a life in balance is knowing that I am sick - physically and spiritually. Believe it or not some of our physical ailments have a direct connection to our spiritual ailments. In Luke 5:31 Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. When I surrender an unhealthy choice I must be willing to allow God and only God to fill that void. Here's something that I missed over the years--God created a God sized-hole that only He can fill. We can fill it with many things but none will satisfy. Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6:35 And in
John 7:37-38 On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.”
The reality is I am not getting any younger and it is important to take care of my physical body. I do want to live a long life and Lord willing marry the man God created for me. But when God created this body, He created it as a temple and resides in it. 1 Corinthians 6:19 "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;" God created our bodies as living temples for the Holy Spirit. As such, we should honor our bodies in what we consume and how we treat it (physical activity). 1 Corinthians 6:12 says “Everything is permissible for me”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me”—but I will not be mastered by anything. I have to laugh every now and then as I recall praying to God that He would make my inner beauty match my outer (I thought the outer looked good so wanted the inner to reflect that as well). 1 Peter 3:4 says Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.
Let me caution you here, there is an opposite extreme as well. When I was younger (20's) I was focused on my looks and appearance. I was very religious about my workout routine, my size, my looks, etc. none of which was to honor God. I also wanted a husband and family to take care of above anything else. I never wanted wealth, possessions or status but a husband and children. I focuesed on the wrong things early in life. The husband and children were not wrong to desire but instead I put them in the wrong place as my focus before God. Matthew 6:33 says, But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Whether it is physical, spiritual, health, husband, children you must be willing to seek God first and put Him before EVERYTHING.
Now, in humor, I tell God thank you for radiating your glory from within but did my outside have to expand when you expanded my heart? (I know some of the women out there are laughing right now). I do know that Christ shines in me now more than ever and I am grateful. Amusingly, it has been my prayer that the first thing my husband sees in me is Christ. I haven't met my husband yet (at least not to my knowledge)but do know that He will see Christ in me first.
I have learned I am sick and need the One who came to heal the sick. I'm not in balance yet but, today, my balance is found in seeking the Lord alone as He directs my spiritual and physical life.
I delight greatly in the Lord;
my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. Isaiah 61:10
As I have grown spiritually and matured God called me to a holier life and leave old habits and unhealthy choices behind. Unfortunately, in my immaturity as a baby Christian, I would surrender one old habit or unhealthy choice and fill it with another. 1 Corinthinas 6:13 says, "Food for the stomach and the stomach for food”—but God will destroy them both. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. In recent years my battle has been a weight problem. There have been several medical issues that have contributed to it but none the less my weight has become out of control.
Recently I was told I have high blood sugar. It has been borderline for the last few years so it wasn't shocking but still upsetting. Part of having a life in balance is knowing that I am sick - physically and spiritually. Believe it or not some of our physical ailments have a direct connection to our spiritual ailments. In Luke 5:31 Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. When I surrender an unhealthy choice I must be willing to allow God and only God to fill that void. Here's something that I missed over the years--God created a God sized-hole that only He can fill. We can fill it with many things but none will satisfy. Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6:35 And in
John 7:37-38 On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.”
The reality is I am not getting any younger and it is important to take care of my physical body. I do want to live a long life and Lord willing marry the man God created for me. But when God created this body, He created it as a temple and resides in it. 1 Corinthians 6:19 "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;" God created our bodies as living temples for the Holy Spirit. As such, we should honor our bodies in what we consume and how we treat it (physical activity). 1 Corinthians 6:12 says “Everything is permissible for me”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me”—but I will not be mastered by anything. I have to laugh every now and then as I recall praying to God that He would make my inner beauty match my outer (I thought the outer looked good so wanted the inner to reflect that as well). 1 Peter 3:4 says Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.
Let me caution you here, there is an opposite extreme as well. When I was younger (20's) I was focused on my looks and appearance. I was very religious about my workout routine, my size, my looks, etc. none of which was to honor God. I also wanted a husband and family to take care of above anything else. I never wanted wealth, possessions or status but a husband and children. I focuesed on the wrong things early in life. The husband and children were not wrong to desire but instead I put them in the wrong place as my focus before God. Matthew 6:33 says, But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Whether it is physical, spiritual, health, husband, children you must be willing to seek God first and put Him before EVERYTHING.
Now, in humor, I tell God thank you for radiating your glory from within but did my outside have to expand when you expanded my heart? (I know some of the women out there are laughing right now). I do know that Christ shines in me now more than ever and I am grateful. Amusingly, it has been my prayer that the first thing my husband sees in me is Christ. I haven't met my husband yet (at least not to my knowledge)but do know that He will see Christ in me first.
I have learned I am sick and need the One who came to heal the sick. I'm not in balance yet but, today, my balance is found in seeking the Lord alone as He directs my spiritual and physical life.
I delight greatly in the Lord;
my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. Isaiah 61:10
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
There is a song by U2 titled "I still haven't found what I'm looking for" part of the lyrics go like this:
I believe in the Kingdom Come
Then all the colors will bleed into one
Bleed into one
But yes I'm still running
You broke the bonds
And you loosed the chains
Carried the cross
Of my shame
Oh my shame
You know I believe it
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
I really liked the beat and the song but wasn't familiar with the lyrics until a few years ago. As I learned the lyrics I began to think about my Christian walk. I asked Jesus into my heart when I was eleven years old but it wasn't until my late 20's that I made Him Lord of my life. My early life as a christian consisted of going to church on Sunday and then spending the rest of the week living my life on my own terms. As you can imagine that didn't work out so well. Praise God He meets us right where we are at our point of need.
King Solomon (given greater wisdome than all others) wrote Eccleiastes 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I have heard it said that when God creates us He puts a "God-sized" hole in our heart that only He can fill. I definitely believe it but know that we can fill it with all sorts of things: money, possessions, children, husbands/wives (even the desire for these), status, etc.
It is interesting to do a study on "all". It encompasses everything--nothing left out. Scripture tells us many times to 'love the Lord with ALL your heart, ALL your soul, ALL your mind and ALL your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5, Deuteronomy 11:13, Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30, Luke 10:27
Little by little God reveals pieces of my heart that I have not turned over to Him. When He gives me this revelation I repent and ask Him to take it over. Deuteronomy 4:29 says But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.
God made us in His image. He urges us in scripture to committing our heart, our soul and our mind (and many times our strength) to Him. If I am honest with myself I would have to admit that I may submit all of my mind to God but may hold onto something in my heart or I'll give Him my heart and soul but not my mind. We are weakened when we do not give God ALL of us.
Joel 2:12 “Even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Daily surrender all that you have and all that you are to His authority and let Him direct your day and steps. He will always lead you on the right path. Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3
Meditate on one of God's promises to you daily. Recite the verse as if God Himself is speaking to you (because He is dear child). And remember, if you haven't found what you are looking for it is because God is calling you to Himself. He wants ALL of you!
Love and peace to you tonight!
I believe in the Kingdom Come
Then all the colors will bleed into one
Bleed into one
But yes I'm still running
You broke the bonds
And you loosed the chains
Carried the cross
Of my shame
Oh my shame
You know I believe it
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
I really liked the beat and the song but wasn't familiar with the lyrics until a few years ago. As I learned the lyrics I began to think about my Christian walk. I asked Jesus into my heart when I was eleven years old but it wasn't until my late 20's that I made Him Lord of my life. My early life as a christian consisted of going to church on Sunday and then spending the rest of the week living my life on my own terms. As you can imagine that didn't work out so well. Praise God He meets us right where we are at our point of need.
King Solomon (given greater wisdome than all others) wrote Eccleiastes 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I have heard it said that when God creates us He puts a "God-sized" hole in our heart that only He can fill. I definitely believe it but know that we can fill it with all sorts of things: money, possessions, children, husbands/wives (even the desire for these), status, etc.
It is interesting to do a study on "all". It encompasses everything--nothing left out. Scripture tells us many times to 'love the Lord with ALL your heart, ALL your soul, ALL your mind and ALL your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5, Deuteronomy 11:13, Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30, Luke 10:27
Little by little God reveals pieces of my heart that I have not turned over to Him. When He gives me this revelation I repent and ask Him to take it over. Deuteronomy 4:29 says But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.
God made us in His image. He urges us in scripture to committing our heart, our soul and our mind (and many times our strength) to Him. If I am honest with myself I would have to admit that I may submit all of my mind to God but may hold onto something in my heart or I'll give Him my heart and soul but not my mind. We are weakened when we do not give God ALL of us.
Joel 2:12 “Even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Daily surrender all that you have and all that you are to His authority and let Him direct your day and steps. He will always lead you on the right path. Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3
Meditate on one of God's promises to you daily. Recite the verse as if God Himself is speaking to you (because He is dear child). And remember, if you haven't found what you are looking for it is because God is calling you to Himself. He wants ALL of you!
Love and peace to you tonight!
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Wrestling with God
Have you ever struggled with something? I know, it seems like a silly question. I looked at the definition of struggle: make forceful or violent efforts to get free of restraint or constriction. So, if I ask the question again it might sound like this: "have you ever violently made an effort to get free of restraint?" Think about that for a minute; not just on a physical realm but on a spiritual. I have struggled with many things over the years. Most of my struggle I am learning is my own will and resistance toward a holy and righteous God. This is not necessarily intentional, however if I don't cling tightly to scripture and prayer my flesh can take over.
When I think of struggle I think of Jacob. Before he could do right or wrong God had told his mother about his life. Interestingly one of the footnotes says, Jacob means he grasps the heel (figuratively he deceives). Genesis 25:23 The Lord said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” We know from Psalm 139:13 that God knits us in our mother's womb. God has a plan for every person he has created Jeremiah 29:11.
In Genesis 25 Jacob had tricked his brother into selling his birthright to him. In Genesis 27 Jacob deceives his father to receive the blessing bestowed on the eldest. Jacob flees his home to escape his brother's wrath but not before coming to his father to receive a blessing to go and take a wife from his mother's clan.
Genesis 28 finds Jacob on the road to Haran and stops to rest for the night. While sleeping he has a dream seeing a stairway leading to heaven with angels ascending and descending. Verse 13-15 "There above it stood the Lord, and he said: “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” I can't even imagine how overwhelming and awesome a dream like that would be not to mention it was a promise from God!
As if all that wasn't Jerry Springer enough, read chapters 29-31 and his time with Laban along with his marriages to Leah and Rachel.
In Genesis 32 Jacob is making the journey to return to his country and his brother Esau. He is very strategic and sends gifts and servants ahead, then Leah and her children, Rachel and her children, etc. in an effort to appease his brother Esau before he arrives. In verse 24-25 it says, So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. In verse 28 it says “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome.” Jacob realizes he has just wrestled with God!
Wow! Jacob wrestled with God--that my friends is a struggle. Can you relate? Do you wrestle with God? I know I do--I am sure I humor Him regularly. I love the Lord but like Jacob I take many detours in my life and sometimes the detours may cause a limp, others may take me to unfamiliar territory but praise God, He is always with me and will never leave me or forsake me! (Hebrews 13:5)
One last thing, did you notice he was given a new name? His name was Jacob (deceiver) and he was given a new name Israel (he struggles with God). Has God given you a new name?
When I think of struggle I think of Jacob. Before he could do right or wrong God had told his mother about his life. Interestingly one of the footnotes says, Jacob means he grasps the heel (figuratively he deceives). Genesis 25:23 The Lord said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” We know from Psalm 139:13 that God knits us in our mother's womb. God has a plan for every person he has created Jeremiah 29:11.
In Genesis 25 Jacob had tricked his brother into selling his birthright to him. In Genesis 27 Jacob deceives his father to receive the blessing bestowed on the eldest. Jacob flees his home to escape his brother's wrath but not before coming to his father to receive a blessing to go and take a wife from his mother's clan.
Genesis 28 finds Jacob on the road to Haran and stops to rest for the night. While sleeping he has a dream seeing a stairway leading to heaven with angels ascending and descending. Verse 13-15 "There above it stood the Lord, and he said: “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” I can't even imagine how overwhelming and awesome a dream like that would be not to mention it was a promise from God!
As if all that wasn't Jerry Springer enough, read chapters 29-31 and his time with Laban along with his marriages to Leah and Rachel.
In Genesis 32 Jacob is making the journey to return to his country and his brother Esau. He is very strategic and sends gifts and servants ahead, then Leah and her children, Rachel and her children, etc. in an effort to appease his brother Esau before he arrives. In verse 24-25 it says, So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. In verse 28 it says “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome.” Jacob realizes he has just wrestled with God!
Wow! Jacob wrestled with God--that my friends is a struggle. Can you relate? Do you wrestle with God? I know I do--I am sure I humor Him regularly. I love the Lord but like Jacob I take many detours in my life and sometimes the detours may cause a limp, others may take me to unfamiliar territory but praise God, He is always with me and will never leave me or forsake me! (Hebrews 13:5)
One last thing, did you notice he was given a new name? His name was Jacob (deceiver) and he was given a new name Israel (he struggles with God). Has God given you a new name?
Restore Broken Things
Sometimes it concerns me with all that our youth are exposed to in today's society. The messages today promote self-indulgence, irresponsibility, and sexual immorality to name just a few. They are bombarded with godless values and encouraged to have whatever they desire.
Ecclesiastes 1:9 says, What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. The truth is these messages are delivered by a different medium than in years past but all are the same. Today's youth deal with the same temptations and sin as in the garden.
Satan began in the garden with Eve and continues with the same method. Genesis 3:6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. We are by nature selfish.
I visited with a friend's son today. He is in college and has hit a bump in life's journey. He is a great young man and has made a few bad choices but God's hand is on him. He is a Christian and has knowledge of the bible. I found it interesting that he had Psalm 34:18 tattooed on his arm. I asked him what the verse said--he quoted it. Psalm 34:17-18 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. While this young may have made a bad choice he knew God was with him and in him.
There are countless stories in scripture of man falling and God's grace restoring him. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3
Psalms 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Until we are broken (at the end of ourselves) God cannot do His work in us. He created us for a purpose and we must get out of our own way (selfish behavior) for Him to restore us.
Ecclesiastes 1:9 says, What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. The truth is these messages are delivered by a different medium than in years past but all are the same. Today's youth deal with the same temptations and sin as in the garden.
Satan began in the garden with Eve and continues with the same method. Genesis 3:6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. We are by nature selfish.
I visited with a friend's son today. He is in college and has hit a bump in life's journey. He is a great young man and has made a few bad choices but God's hand is on him. He is a Christian and has knowledge of the bible. I found it interesting that he had Psalm 34:18 tattooed on his arm. I asked him what the verse said--he quoted it. Psalm 34:17-18 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. While this young may have made a bad choice he knew God was with him and in him.
There are countless stories in scripture of man falling and God's grace restoring him. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3
Psalms 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Until we are broken (at the end of ourselves) God cannot do His work in us. He created us for a purpose and we must get out of our own way (selfish behavior) for Him to restore us.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Credentials
I started blogging in 2011 in response to a season of my life that God broke me and took me to a place of total surrender. It was a very painful time. Through that brokenness God brought beauty from ashes (Isaiah 61:3). If you are interested, the history is in the archives for 2011 on 1/21, 1/24 and 1/25. It provides a point of reference for what I write today.
As I blog, I share my thoughts and scripture references as the Holy Spirit leads. The writing I share is my personal experience through the growth and relationship I have with Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. I do not have the credentials of a seminary degree (although I would love to) nor am I clergy and have no special skills that make me an expert to share God's Word. I am a simple Jesus girl who loves the Lord and enjoys sharing His work in my life with others.
I do my best to share only those things that would glorify God and bring others into a deeper relationship with Him. Each of us are on a journey toward sanctification. Sometimes the message is elementary while others are deeper. I Corinthians 3:2 says, I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. There are times and situations that milk is required--we need to be fed. There are other times that we should be digging a little deepers as mentioned in Hebrews 5:11-14 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
When I was growing up the pastor frequently said from the pulpit not to take him at his word when he delivered a message--instead he directed us to search the scriptures for ourselves and affirm what he was teaching. I so admire that--now more than ever. I didn't quite understand it when I was younger. There are tons of Christian books, religions, rituals, etc. out there today. 2 Peter 2:1 says, But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Be mindful and verify everything you read and hear against scripture--false teaching is all around us.
Here's my point: as you read my blog remember that I am human and on this journey as a Jesus-girl growing in my walk and can make a mistake or misinterpret scripture. While this is not my intention and I pray it does not happen, I urge you to go back to God's Word and let the Holy Spirit speak to you.
I pray that my blog will give you a hunger and thirst for God's Word that you too may be Spiritually FAT.
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
As I blog, I share my thoughts and scripture references as the Holy Spirit leads. The writing I share is my personal experience through the growth and relationship I have with Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. I do not have the credentials of a seminary degree (although I would love to) nor am I clergy and have no special skills that make me an expert to share God's Word. I am a simple Jesus girl who loves the Lord and enjoys sharing His work in my life with others.
I do my best to share only those things that would glorify God and bring others into a deeper relationship with Him. Each of us are on a journey toward sanctification. Sometimes the message is elementary while others are deeper. I Corinthians 3:2 says, I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. There are times and situations that milk is required--we need to be fed. There are other times that we should be digging a little deepers as mentioned in Hebrews 5:11-14 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
When I was growing up the pastor frequently said from the pulpit not to take him at his word when he delivered a message--instead he directed us to search the scriptures for ourselves and affirm what he was teaching. I so admire that--now more than ever. I didn't quite understand it when I was younger. There are tons of Christian books, religions, rituals, etc. out there today. 2 Peter 2:1 says, But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Be mindful and verify everything you read and hear against scripture--false teaching is all around us.
Here's my point: as you read my blog remember that I am human and on this journey as a Jesus-girl growing in my walk and can make a mistake or misinterpret scripture. While this is not my intention and I pray it does not happen, I urge you to go back to God's Word and let the Holy Spirit speak to you.
I pray that my blog will give you a hunger and thirst for God's Word that you too may be Spiritually FAT.
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Back On Track
There is something about going to scripture and finding comfort in knowing that God uses people in spite of their faults and human frailties. This is not intended to diminsh my sin or failures but rather to encourage you and I that no matter what we have done (or will do) God can and will use us as long as we surrender to His will and authority.
In Exodus 2 Moses kills an Egyptian. After committing murder he fled from Egypt to Midian and was there forty years. In Exodus 3 Moses stands in the very presence of God. God calls him to bring the Israelites out of Egypt. God performed many miracles through Moses and not only freed the Israelites but led them into a land of abundance.
David, the man after God's own heart, committed adultery, orchestrated a murder due to his adultery and lost a child due to his actions (2 Samuel 12). He repented and God sought to give him another son, Solomon, who would later become king and be granted wisdom than all others. (I Kings 3 & 4).
Saul (who later became Paul) persecuted the early Christians--he even held coats while Stephen was stoned to death. Acts 7 (by the way Acts 7 is a great summary of Old Testament patriarchs Moses, Joseph, and Abraham as told by Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power.) After Saul's encounter with Christ on the way to Damascus he became Paul and began his missionary journey to spread the gospel. His letters can be found in Galatians, Corinthians, Colossians, Philemon, Ephesians and many others.
I didn't intend for this to be a history lesson on the bible however this only notes four men in scripture that had gotten off track at some point in their life and God still saw fit to use them. Moses knew from a young age God called him, David was anointed to be king as a teenager, Saul was a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; persecuting the church. (Philippians 3)
Each one of them faultered and was shown God's grace and forgiveness. What's amazing to me is that their lessons are still teaching you and I today. I certainly don't want all of my mistakes announced at the pulpit but I have learned that each one of us has a story--a Glory Story. Your Glory Story is your life experience of getting off track and God gently calling you back to Himself and using your life as evidence of His glory, grace and mercy that He extends even today.
It amazes me how patient God is with me. I am sure I give Him a chuckle in my silliness. I'm a slow learner. He usually sends messages in threes (sometimes 4) to get His message across. I tend to turn much more quickly when I get off track but....I still get off track on occassion.
Whether you are a Moses, David, Abraham or EVE (the mother of sin) God forgives it all. Praise God that He knows and forgives the sins that we will commit tomorrow. Repent immediately and get back on track.
I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Philippians 3:10-16
Get back on track today and press on toward the goal!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN_DMuahD5o
In Exodus 2 Moses kills an Egyptian. After committing murder he fled from Egypt to Midian and was there forty years. In Exodus 3 Moses stands in the very presence of God. God calls him to bring the Israelites out of Egypt. God performed many miracles through Moses and not only freed the Israelites but led them into a land of abundance.
David, the man after God's own heart, committed adultery, orchestrated a murder due to his adultery and lost a child due to his actions (2 Samuel 12). He repented and God sought to give him another son, Solomon, who would later become king and be granted wisdom than all others. (I Kings 3 & 4).
Saul (who later became Paul) persecuted the early Christians--he even held coats while Stephen was stoned to death. Acts 7 (by the way Acts 7 is a great summary of Old Testament patriarchs Moses, Joseph, and Abraham as told by Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power.) After Saul's encounter with Christ on the way to Damascus he became Paul and began his missionary journey to spread the gospel. His letters can be found in Galatians, Corinthians, Colossians, Philemon, Ephesians and many others.
I didn't intend for this to be a history lesson on the bible however this only notes four men in scripture that had gotten off track at some point in their life and God still saw fit to use them. Moses knew from a young age God called him, David was anointed to be king as a teenager, Saul was a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; persecuting the church. (Philippians 3)
Each one of them faultered and was shown God's grace and forgiveness. What's amazing to me is that their lessons are still teaching you and I today. I certainly don't want all of my mistakes announced at the pulpit but I have learned that each one of us has a story--a Glory Story. Your Glory Story is your life experience of getting off track and God gently calling you back to Himself and using your life as evidence of His glory, grace and mercy that He extends even today.
It amazes me how patient God is with me. I am sure I give Him a chuckle in my silliness. I'm a slow learner. He usually sends messages in threes (sometimes 4) to get His message across. I tend to turn much more quickly when I get off track but....I still get off track on occassion.
Whether you are a Moses, David, Abraham or EVE (the mother of sin) God forgives it all. Praise God that He knows and forgives the sins that we will commit tomorrow. Repent immediately and get back on track.
I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Philippians 3:10-16
Get back on track today and press on toward the goal!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN_DMuahD5o
Monday, October 15, 2012
Privledge of Prayer
Pray(er) (ing) is mentioned over 500 times in scripture. I must confess that my prayer life is lacking most days. It's not that it is difficult to pray or that you have to say something special or eloquent, it is taking the time to come before a holy God. Prayer is simply talking to God. We do need to remember to listen as well.
What a privledge we have to go to God in prayer. He repeatedly asks us to come to Him in prayer, to seek His kingdom and His righteousness. These are some of my favorite
Pray without ceasing. I Thessalonians 5:17
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8
Luke 11:10 says, For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. James 5:13-15
Knowing and believing all of the above (which I do) why wouldn't I pray? It is very humbling to come before God Almighty. If you aren't familiar with praying or haven't done it in a while the best thing to do is present your requests to God--seriously, that's it--it doesn't have to be complicated or formal. Let me just say that God is NOT a genie in a bottle to grant our every wish. He is the sovereign Lord who loves us immeasurably and desires us to come to Him for all of our needs. It is important to pray for our leaders and country, for the church body and its' leaders, family and friends as well as your personal needs.
When I was growing up I thought that I should only go to God for the 'big' stuff in life. I'm not sure where I drew this perception from but scripturally it is wrong. God wants us to come to Him with EVERYTHING.
I struggled with a situation last night and cried out to God--He knew my hurt and my pain and was there to comfort me. He also provided incredible friends, sisters in Christ that joined me in prayer. As trivial as my situation was in the grand scheme of things God cared and was right there with me. What an amazing God we serve!
Offer up your prayers to God tonight. They are a fragrant offering to the One who hears and cares.
This is a little long (7 minutes) and old but it is awesome.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttS7FH8X4n4
What a privledge we have to go to God in prayer. He repeatedly asks us to come to Him in prayer, to seek His kingdom and His righteousness. These are some of my favorite
Pray without ceasing. I Thessalonians 5:17
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8
Luke 11:10 says, For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. James 5:13-15
Knowing and believing all of the above (which I do) why wouldn't I pray? It is very humbling to come before God Almighty. If you aren't familiar with praying or haven't done it in a while the best thing to do is present your requests to God--seriously, that's it--it doesn't have to be complicated or formal. Let me just say that God is NOT a genie in a bottle to grant our every wish. He is the sovereign Lord who loves us immeasurably and desires us to come to Him for all of our needs. It is important to pray for our leaders and country, for the church body and its' leaders, family and friends as well as your personal needs.
When I was growing up I thought that I should only go to God for the 'big' stuff in life. I'm not sure where I drew this perception from but scripturally it is wrong. God wants us to come to Him with EVERYTHING.
I struggled with a situation last night and cried out to God--He knew my hurt and my pain and was there to comfort me. He also provided incredible friends, sisters in Christ that joined me in prayer. As trivial as my situation was in the grand scheme of things God cared and was right there with me. What an amazing God we serve!
Offer up your prayers to God tonight. They are a fragrant offering to the One who hears and cares.
This is a little long (7 minutes) and old but it is awesome.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttS7FH8X4n4
Sunday, October 14, 2012
FOCUS
Ok, I'll admit it....I'm a little ADD sometimes. The world bombards us with all sorts of things--what you should look like, what to buy, what to where, where to live.....it's endless. It is easy to get caught up in the rat race/keeping up with the Joneses mentality. This is not a new problem; it has existed since time began. God knew how easily we could lose focus and sight of what is important.
In Deuteronomy 6:5 it says, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." In Deuteronomy 11:18 it tells us, Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. God knows we lose focus easily my friends. He stresses that we need to be talking about it continually.
Jesus repeats this message twice in the New Testament. Matthew 22:37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. and again in Mark 12:30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.
When Jesus shared this He had been questioned about the most important commandment. I've always found it interesting that it says HEART, SOUL, MIND and STRENGTH. The message is clear--we are to love the Lord completely.
If I learn to focus on ONE thing it should be God--with all my heart, all my soul, all my mind and all my strength. There was a movie a while back (90's I think) called City Slickers. It had a group of men going on a cattle drive led by a ranch hand. The ranch hand was rugged and menacing-looking and befriended one of the city slickers. On the trip he taught him to focus on ONE thing. I thought that was great--our ONE thing in life--is God-worshiping Him with all that we have/are.
Make God your ONE focus in life.
In Deuteronomy 6:5 it says, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." In Deuteronomy 11:18 it tells us, Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. God knows we lose focus easily my friends. He stresses that we need to be talking about it continually.
Jesus repeats this message twice in the New Testament. Matthew 22:37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. and again in Mark 12:30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.
When Jesus shared this He had been questioned about the most important commandment. I've always found it interesting that it says HEART, SOUL, MIND and STRENGTH. The message is clear--we are to love the Lord completely.
If I learn to focus on ONE thing it should be God--with all my heart, all my soul, all my mind and all my strength. There was a movie a while back (90's I think) called City Slickers. It had a group of men going on a cattle drive led by a ranch hand. The ranch hand was rugged and menacing-looking and befriended one of the city slickers. On the trip he taught him to focus on ONE thing. I thought that was great--our ONE thing in life--is God-worshiping Him with all that we have/are.
Make God your ONE focus in life.
Friday, October 12, 2012
L - O - V - E
Love--such a small word with intense meaning. I went to Webster's for my definition. There were many definitions for love; here are a few: unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another; strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties; a person's adoration of God
So many use I Corinthians 13 in their wedding vows--even those who are not Christian or who have no relationship with Christ. I Corinthians says, If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. We are nothing without love...but we are incapable of loving on our own--truly loving. Then, the part that everyone uses: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. As I said, we cannot possess these qualities on our own--they are only through the Holy Spirit.
True love is sacrificial--so few understand. Our ultimate example of love - is Christ's sacrifice on the cross. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 As a Christian one of the first verses memorized is John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. I don't know about you but I have one daughter and I love her dearly. I can't imagine sacrificing her for another. I learned several years ago that I had to give her back to God as she was His first but to make that sacrifice to another....well I don't think I could do it.
Scripture is laced with sacrifices made to atone for our sins. From the time that God killed the animals to provide covering to Adam and Eve through the cross blood was shed. That, my friends, is intense love. Now I'm not saying that you must shed blood to love but what I am saying is that for us we truly cannot love without God--we are incapable. We love because he first loved us. I John 4:19
Thousands of songs have been written about love. There is one song that I sing that goes like this: "We love you with the love of the Lord.....we see in you the glory of our King, yes we love you with the love of the Lord." It makes my heart soar whenever I sing it.
God's Word is a love story from beginning to end....His great love for us--his children. Respond to Him today with all the love that you have.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iW5O_Z5tMx4
So many use I Corinthians 13 in their wedding vows--even those who are not Christian or who have no relationship with Christ. I Corinthians says, If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. We are nothing without love...but we are incapable of loving on our own--truly loving. Then, the part that everyone uses: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. As I said, we cannot possess these qualities on our own--they are only through the Holy Spirit.
True love is sacrificial--so few understand. Our ultimate example of love - is Christ's sacrifice on the cross. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 As a Christian one of the first verses memorized is John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. I don't know about you but I have one daughter and I love her dearly. I can't imagine sacrificing her for another. I learned several years ago that I had to give her back to God as she was His first but to make that sacrifice to another....well I don't think I could do it.
Scripture is laced with sacrifices made to atone for our sins. From the time that God killed the animals to provide covering to Adam and Eve through the cross blood was shed. That, my friends, is intense love. Now I'm not saying that you must shed blood to love but what I am saying is that for us we truly cannot love without God--we are incapable. We love because he first loved us. I John 4:19
Thousands of songs have been written about love. There is one song that I sing that goes like this: "We love you with the love of the Lord.....we see in you the glory of our King, yes we love you with the love of the Lord." It makes my heart soar whenever I sing it.
God's Word is a love story from beginning to end....His great love for us--his children. Respond to Him today with all the love that you have.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iW5O_Z5tMx4
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Total Surrender-Raise Your White Flag
I recently attended a weekend with a group of incredible women all seeking and serving to be more Christ-like. I relish my time with them and grateful for the ministry that provides the avenue for spiritual growth with my sisters in Christ.
This past weekend's theme was Surrender. As is my habit, I wanted to find out what the bible says about surrender. Each time it is used, it' reference is in battle. At first, I found this odd. It appeared to be a sign of weakness and defeat. Webster defines surrender as "to yield to the power, control, or possession of another upon compulsion or demand. Cease resistance to an enemy or opponent and submit to their authority."
If Christ is Lord of your life you will be compelled to surrender to His authority in your life. What baffles my mind is that there is this ongoing urge to resist submitting to Him. According to Jeremiah 29:11 He has a plan for my life, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. And in Romans 8:28 ...we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Why on earth would I not want to surrender?
Unfortunately my sin nature is right there with me. In Genesis 4:7b it says sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” The only way to overcome sin in our lives is to surrender to the Authority of Christ. Only He can cover the sin. Isn't it marvelous that the One that calls us to surrender to Him is the very One that frees us from our sin/selves?
Surrender must be a daily, moment by moment action. As I aim to put my body and spirit back into balance I think of I Corinthians 9:27 "No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. Physically, mentally and spiritually we must be willing to deny ourselves, to release our body, soul and spirit to the Authority of Christ.
So raise your white flag with me and surrender to the One who is Lord over all!
White Flag Chris Tomlin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1jgD69WzMY
This past weekend's theme was Surrender. As is my habit, I wanted to find out what the bible says about surrender. Each time it is used, it' reference is in battle. At first, I found this odd. It appeared to be a sign of weakness and defeat. Webster defines surrender as "to yield to the power, control, or possession of another upon compulsion or demand. Cease resistance to an enemy or opponent and submit to their authority."
If Christ is Lord of your life you will be compelled to surrender to His authority in your life. What baffles my mind is that there is this ongoing urge to resist submitting to Him. According to Jeremiah 29:11 He has a plan for my life, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. And in Romans 8:28 ...we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Why on earth would I not want to surrender?
Unfortunately my sin nature is right there with me. In Genesis 4:7b it says sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” The only way to overcome sin in our lives is to surrender to the Authority of Christ. Only He can cover the sin. Isn't it marvelous that the One that calls us to surrender to Him is the very One that frees us from our sin/selves?
Surrender must be a daily, moment by moment action. As I aim to put my body and spirit back into balance I think of I Corinthians 9:27 "No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. Physically, mentally and spiritually we must be willing to deny ourselves, to release our body, soul and spirit to the Authority of Christ.
So raise your white flag with me and surrender to the One who is Lord over all!
White Flag Chris Tomlin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1jgD69WzMY
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Sin...ALL have sinned
I attended a bible study tonight and someone brought up different 'degrees of sin' i.e. little sin (white lie) vs. murder (big sin). As you can imagine the discussion was very lively. We had a group of about 20 single men and women, all Christians but with different religious backgrounds and maturity levels.
As I listened I noticed each person had a different perception of sin. As a Christian, the Holy Spirit convicts me when I sin. I know what it is however I like to review definitions when I study. Sin is defined as "a transgression of a religious or moral law, especially when deliberate. Theology. a. deliberate disobedience to the known will of God."
One of the guys in the group, who is an archer, mentioned that the word sin was used in archery to signify missing the mark (or bulls eye). The bulls eye is in the center of the target and the archers' goals is to hit the bulls eye. As God's creation he calls us to live holy and righteous lives. We miss this mark daily due to sin. 2 Corinthians 5:9 says, "So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it."
One lady in the group did not think that everyone sins. Her perception was the different "degrees" or "levels" of sin and that some do not sin. I can't imagine being able to keep all of God's laws. God's Word is clear: Romans 3:23 tells us that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God".
If we go back to Webster's definition of sin it says "deliberate". I believe we can sin unintentionally as well. In Psalms 19:12-13 David says "Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression." David knew about sin--willful and unwillful. He pours His heart out to God in the Psalms. We are told in scripture that David was a man after God's own heart. David was not without sin--however, he was blameless and innocent in God sight as he repented of his transgressions.
One thing that I have found, the closer I stick to the Lord the more clearly I can see the sin in my life and confess immediately. When I lack of prayer, study and reading my sin (transgressions) do not seem so bad (degrees).
Lastly, if we are measuring sin we are doing it by human standards and we will look good to the next guy (or someone else) but the reality is our sin is judged next to a Holy and Righteous God--none can compare or stand up to that. Once we see our sin next to God we will immediately want to rid ourselves of it. Hebrews 12:1 says, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
Father forgive me for not seeing my sin clearly and for comparing myself to others. May I be sensitive to my sin against you and confess immediately.
I am so grateful my God forigves ALL sin!! Jeremiah 33:8 says, "I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me."
I am holy and righteous through the blood of Christ!
As I listened I noticed each person had a different perception of sin. As a Christian, the Holy Spirit convicts me when I sin. I know what it is however I like to review definitions when I study. Sin is defined as "a transgression of a religious or moral law, especially when deliberate. Theology. a. deliberate disobedience to the known will of God."
One of the guys in the group, who is an archer, mentioned that the word sin was used in archery to signify missing the mark (or bulls eye). The bulls eye is in the center of the target and the archers' goals is to hit the bulls eye. As God's creation he calls us to live holy and righteous lives. We miss this mark daily due to sin. 2 Corinthians 5:9 says, "So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it."
One lady in the group did not think that everyone sins. Her perception was the different "degrees" or "levels" of sin and that some do not sin. I can't imagine being able to keep all of God's laws. God's Word is clear: Romans 3:23 tells us that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God".
If we go back to Webster's definition of sin it says "deliberate". I believe we can sin unintentionally as well. In Psalms 19:12-13 David says "Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression." David knew about sin--willful and unwillful. He pours His heart out to God in the Psalms. We are told in scripture that David was a man after God's own heart. David was not without sin--however, he was blameless and innocent in God sight as he repented of his transgressions.
One thing that I have found, the closer I stick to the Lord the more clearly I can see the sin in my life and confess immediately. When I lack of prayer, study and reading my sin (transgressions) do not seem so bad (degrees).
Lastly, if we are measuring sin we are doing it by human standards and we will look good to the next guy (or someone else) but the reality is our sin is judged next to a Holy and Righteous God--none can compare or stand up to that. Once we see our sin next to God we will immediately want to rid ourselves of it. Hebrews 12:1 says, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
Father forgive me for not seeing my sin clearly and for comparing myself to others. May I be sensitive to my sin against you and confess immediately.
I am so grateful my God forigves ALL sin!! Jeremiah 33:8 says, "I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me."
I am holy and righteous through the blood of Christ!
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