Saturday, March 19, 2011
Are We There Yet?
We all remember the long trips when we were young and when we had young ones. The most frequently asked question was "Are We There Yet?" or "How Much Longer?" Sometimes I ask my Heavenly Father the same questions. I know by faith that He is purifying my life. I know that everything in my journey...rough roads, deep water crossings, treacherous mountain passes, etc. are part of the journey. I know also that the destination is awaiting and according to HIS Timepiece we will be on time. I know also that along the way there are "ways to escape,"(1 Cor 10:13), Rest Stops. I just don't want to be in this part of the journey. Character or Compassion? Those are more than souvenirs. They will be lasting treasures. Like Esau and the pot of stew sold for his birthright, those eternal values are dimmed by the weight of the present heartcry of the soul. Am I so shallow that I would trade a chance to "inherit the earth?" (Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Matt 5:3 or 4?) Does anyone know what meekness really is? Gentleness under pressure is one definition. Giving up rights is another. Does it help to gaze into the face of a loving parent? I think so... Our Loving Father/Mother knows when it is time for a break and when we need to push hard to arrive. So this Spring Break is refreshing for many. If we have our eyes fixed on Him..."looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of the Race," we will cross the finish line, arrive on time.
Monday, January 10, 2011
True Love
I've read this story in a collection of Great Stories, so I know it is true. Sometimes a few details might change when someone puts it in an email. I don't remember everything about the church, but the reunion is definitely true.
It speaks volumes on how God orchestrates details throughout our lives. It is a greater story than the love of a man and woman. It is the greatest story of how much God loves us and wants to give us good gifts.
Here's the story that I got in an email.
The brand new pastor and his wife, newly assigned
to their first ministry, to reopen a church
in suburban Brooklyn , arrived in early October
excited about their opportunities. When they saw
their church, it was very run down and needed
much work. They set a goal to have everything
done in time to have their first service
on Christmas Eve.
They worked hard, repairing pews, plastering walls,
painting, etc, and on December 18
were ahead of schedule and just about finished.
On December 19 a terrible tempest - a driving
rainstorm hit the area and lasted for two days.
On the 21st, the pastor went over to the church.
His heart sank when he saw that the roof had
leaked, causing a large area of plaster about
20 feet by 8 feet to fall off the front wall
of the sanctuary just behind the pulpit,
beginning about head high.
The pastor cleaned up the mess on the floor,
and not knowing what else to do but postpone
the Christmas Eve service, headed home.
On the way he noticed that a local business was
having a flea market type sale for charity, so he
stopped in. One of the items was a beautiful,
handmade, ivory coloured, crocheted tablecloth
with exquisite work, fine colours and a Cross
embroidered right in the centre. It was just
the right size to cover the hole in the front
wall. He bought it and headed back to the church.
By this time it had started to snow. An older
woman running from the opposite direction was
trying to catch the bus. She missed it. The pastor
invited her to wait in the warm church for
the next bus 45 minutes later.
She sat in a pew and paid no attention to the pastor
while he got a ladder, hangers, etc., to put
up the tablecloth as a wall tapestry. The pastor
could hardly believe how beautiful it looked and
it covered up the entire problem area.
Then he noticed the woman walking down the centre
aisle. Her face was like a sheet. "Pastor,"
she asked, "where did you get that tablecloth?"
The pastor explained. The woman asked him to check
the lower right corner to see if the initials, EBG were crocheted into
it there. They were. These were the initials of the woman, and she had
made this tablecloth 35 years before, in Austria .
The woman could hardly believe it as the pastor
told how he had just gotten "The Tablecloth". The
woman explained that before the war she and
her husband were well-to-do people in Austria .
When the Nazis came, she was forced to leave.
Her husband was going to follow her the next week.
He was captured, sent to prison and never saw her
husband or her home again.
The pastor wanted to give her the tablecloth;
but she made the pastor keep it for the church..
The pastor insisted on driving her home. That
was the least he could do. She lived on the other
side of Staten Island and was only in Brooklyn
for the day for a housecleaning job.
What a wonderful service they had on Christmas
Eve. The church was almost full. The music and the
spirit were great. At the end of the service, the
pastor and his wife greeted everyone at the door
and many said that they would return.
One older man, whom the pastor recognized
from the neighbourhood continued to sit in one of the
pews and stare, and the pastor wondered why he
wasn't leaving.
The man asked him where he got the tablecloth on
the front wall because it was identical to one
that his wife had made years ago when
they lived in Austria before the war and how
could there be two tablecloths so much alike?
He told the pastor how the Nazis came, how he
forced his wife to flee for her safety and he was
supposed to follow her, but he was arrested and
put in a prison. He never saw his wife or his home
again all the 35 years between.
The pastor asked him if he would allow him to
take him for a little ride. They drove to Staten
Island and to the same house where the pastor
had taken the woman three days earlier.
He helped the man climb the three flights of
stairs to the woman's apartment, knocked on
the door and he saw the greatest Christmas
reunion he could ever imagine.
True Story - submitted by Pastor Rob Reid
It speaks volumes on how God orchestrates details throughout our lives. It is a greater story than the love of a man and woman. It is the greatest story of how much God loves us and wants to give us good gifts.
Here's the story that I got in an email.
The brand new pastor and his wife, newly assigned
to their first ministry, to reopen a church
in suburban Brooklyn , arrived in early October
excited about their opportunities. When they saw
their church, it was very run down and needed
much work. They set a goal to have everything
done in time to have their first service
on Christmas Eve.
They worked hard, repairing pews, plastering walls,
painting, etc, and on December 18
were ahead of schedule and just about finished.
On December 19 a terrible tempest - a driving
rainstorm hit the area and lasted for two days.
On the 21st, the pastor went over to the church.
His heart sank when he saw that the roof had
leaked, causing a large area of plaster about
20 feet by 8 feet to fall off the front wall
of the sanctuary just behind the pulpit,
beginning about head high.
The pastor cleaned up the mess on the floor,
and not knowing what else to do but postpone
the Christmas Eve service, headed home.
On the way he noticed that a local business was
having a flea market type sale for charity, so he
stopped in. One of the items was a beautiful,
handmade, ivory coloured, crocheted tablecloth
with exquisite work, fine colours and a Cross
embroidered right in the centre. It was just
the right size to cover the hole in the front
wall. He bought it and headed back to the church.
By this time it had started to snow. An older
woman running from the opposite direction was
trying to catch the bus. She missed it. The pastor
invited her to wait in the warm church for
the next bus 45 minutes later.
She sat in a pew and paid no attention to the pastor
while he got a ladder, hangers, etc., to put
up the tablecloth as a wall tapestry. The pastor
could hardly believe how beautiful it looked and
it covered up the entire problem area.
Then he noticed the woman walking down the centre
aisle. Her face was like a sheet. "Pastor,"
she asked, "where did you get that tablecloth?"
The pastor explained. The woman asked him to check
the lower right corner to see if the initials, EBG were crocheted into
it there. They were. These were the initials of the woman, and she had
made this tablecloth 35 years before, in Austria .
The woman could hardly believe it as the pastor
told how he had just gotten "The Tablecloth". The
woman explained that before the war she and
her husband were well-to-do people in Austria .
When the Nazis came, she was forced to leave.
Her husband was going to follow her the next week.
He was captured, sent to prison and never saw her
husband or her home again.
The pastor wanted to give her the tablecloth;
but she made the pastor keep it for the church..
The pastor insisted on driving her home. That
was the least he could do. She lived on the other
side of Staten Island and was only in Brooklyn
for the day for a housecleaning job.
What a wonderful service they had on Christmas
Eve. The church was almost full. The music and the
spirit were great. At the end of the service, the
pastor and his wife greeted everyone at the door
and many said that they would return.
One older man, whom the pastor recognized
from the neighbourhood continued to sit in one of the
pews and stare, and the pastor wondered why he
wasn't leaving.
The man asked him where he got the tablecloth on
the front wall because it was identical to one
that his wife had made years ago when
they lived in Austria before the war and how
could there be two tablecloths so much alike?
He told the pastor how the Nazis came, how he
forced his wife to flee for her safety and he was
supposed to follow her, but he was arrested and
put in a prison. He never saw his wife or his home
again all the 35 years between.
The pastor asked him if he would allow him to
take him for a little ride. They drove to Staten
Island and to the same house where the pastor
had taken the woman three days earlier.
He helped the man climb the three flights of
stairs to the woman's apartment, knocked on
the door and he saw the greatest Christmas
reunion he could ever imagine.
True Story - submitted by Pastor Rob Reid
Monday, December 13, 2010
Spurgeon Devo
MORNING AND EVENING
Daily Readings
By
Charles H. Spurgeon
“Salt without prescribing how much.”
- Ezra 7:22
Salt was used in every offering made by fire unto the Lord, and from its preserving and purifying properties it was the grateful emblem of divine grace in the soul. It is worthy of our attentive regard that, when Artaxerxes gave salt to Ezra the priest, he set no limit to the quantity, and we may be quite certain that when the King of kings distributes grace among his royal priesthood, the supply is not cut short by him. Often are we straitened in ourselves, but never in the Lord. He who chooses to gather much manna will find that he may have as much as he desires. There is no such famine in Jerusalem that the citizens should eat their bread by weight and drink their water by measure. Some things in the economy of grace are measured; for instance our vinegar and gall are given us with such exactness that we never have a single drop too much, but of the salt of grace no stint is made, “Ask what thou wilt and it shall be given unto thee.” Parents need to lock up the fruit cupboard, and the sweet jars, but there is no need to keep the salt-box under lock and key, for few children will eat too greedily from that. A man may have too much money, or too much honour, but he cannot have too much grace. When Jeshurun waxed fat in the flesh, he kicked against God, but there is no fear of a man’s becoming too full of grace: a plethora of grace is impossible. More wealth brings more care, but more grace brings more joy. Increased wisdom is increased sorrow, but abundance of the Spirit is fulness of joy. Believer, go to the throne for a large supply of heavenly salt. It will season thine afflictions, which are unsavoury without salt; it will preserve thy heart which corrupts if salt be absent, and it will kill thy sins even as salt kills reptiles. Thou needest much; seek much, and have much.
Daily Readings
By
Charles H. Spurgeon
“Salt without prescribing how much.”
- Ezra 7:22
Salt was used in every offering made by fire unto the Lord, and from its preserving and purifying properties it was the grateful emblem of divine grace in the soul. It is worthy of our attentive regard that, when Artaxerxes gave salt to Ezra the priest, he set no limit to the quantity, and we may be quite certain that when the King of kings distributes grace among his royal priesthood, the supply is not cut short by him. Often are we straitened in ourselves, but never in the Lord. He who chooses to gather much manna will find that he may have as much as he desires. There is no such famine in Jerusalem that the citizens should eat their bread by weight and drink their water by measure. Some things in the economy of grace are measured; for instance our vinegar and gall are given us with such exactness that we never have a single drop too much, but of the salt of grace no stint is made, “Ask what thou wilt and it shall be given unto thee.” Parents need to lock up the fruit cupboard, and the sweet jars, but there is no need to keep the salt-box under lock and key, for few children will eat too greedily from that. A man may have too much money, or too much honour, but he cannot have too much grace. When Jeshurun waxed fat in the flesh, he kicked against God, but there is no fear of a man’s becoming too full of grace: a plethora of grace is impossible. More wealth brings more care, but more grace brings more joy. Increased wisdom is increased sorrow, but abundance of the Spirit is fulness of joy. Believer, go to the throne for a large supply of heavenly salt. It will season thine afflictions, which are unsavoury without salt; it will preserve thy heart which corrupts if salt be absent, and it will kill thy sins even as salt kills reptiles. Thou needest much; seek much, and have much.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Vision
I started this blog with writings on reflections, ripples in the water, etc. Today the ripples are still. The mirror is clear. What may appear one way sometimes can be distorted. Perception and reality mesh and the image is clear. "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." Phil 2:5-8 points us to the perfect perception. 5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
Without this mind the dots connect in patterns that do not exalt Christ. Wrong conclusions are derived from misleading thoughts. "He will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You." Isaiah 26:3 Such incredible peace flows in this place where our mind joins with The Holy Trinity to see as He sees. Through the lens of belief, we actually see what others cannot see. "Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory" 1 Peter 1:8
This is mindboggling to me. There are those people who are close to important people and stars. By being in the inner circle they get to know these celebrities. Even in those circles they do not know the thoughts of their dearest friends. The Most Important Entity/Person existing is so intimate with us that our thoughts join.
Of course, God reserves His Privacy in unpermitted areas. Sin came about in the beginning of time when Adam & Eve ate from the forbidden tree. The Garden was full of wonderful food, perfect living conditions, etc. The temptation was to have it all. If we could just fathom how much is available to us. We don't have to know all of God's secrets. What is revealed is so rich, so deep, and so life-transforming, that we can be totally satisfied without even a glance at forbidden territory.
"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. " Ps 23:5 Overflowing! Our lives can be not only full, but overflowing.
Out of a full cup, the overflow is what reaches to a world stumbling in blindness, groping for a flicker of recognition or light enough to take the next step. It is true that we as Christians are full. We have the answers for starving humanity in a dry and thirsty land. The reason there is no overflow is that our eyes are not "stayed on You." Isaiah 26:3
Without this mind the dots connect in patterns that do not exalt Christ. Wrong conclusions are derived from misleading thoughts. "He will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You." Isaiah 26:3 Such incredible peace flows in this place where our mind joins with The Holy Trinity to see as He sees. Through the lens of belief, we actually see what others cannot see. "Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory" 1 Peter 1:8
This is mindboggling to me. There are those people who are close to important people and stars. By being in the inner circle they get to know these celebrities. Even in those circles they do not know the thoughts of their dearest friends. The Most Important Entity/Person existing is so intimate with us that our thoughts join.
Of course, God reserves His Privacy in unpermitted areas. Sin came about in the beginning of time when Adam & Eve ate from the forbidden tree. The Garden was full of wonderful food, perfect living conditions, etc. The temptation was to have it all. If we could just fathom how much is available to us. We don't have to know all of God's secrets. What is revealed is so rich, so deep, and so life-transforming, that we can be totally satisfied without even a glance at forbidden territory.
"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. " Ps 23:5 Overflowing! Our lives can be not only full, but overflowing.
Out of a full cup, the overflow is what reaches to a world stumbling in blindness, groping for a flicker of recognition or light enough to take the next step. It is true that we as Christians are full. We have the answers for starving humanity in a dry and thirsty land. The reason there is no overflow is that our eyes are not "stayed on You." Isaiah 26:3
Friday, October 1, 2010
Fruits
I'm reminded of names we wrote on the floor of Houston's First Baptist Church during remodeling before they put the carpet down. It is now called Foundations of Prayer and many prayers are being answered, because people pray over the names that are written. We have also experienced answered prayer, but the fruits are unto the Lord at this time. Those people will share their stories without shame, as they cannot keep it to themselves. In the fullness of time there will resounding praise.
I read Spurgeon's devotional for today and had to share.
"Pleasant fruits, new and old; which I have laid up for thee, O my beloved."
Song of Solomon 7:13
"The spouse desires to give to Jesus all that she produces. Our heart has 'all manner of pleasant fruits,' both 'old and new,' and they are laid up for our Beloved. At this rich autumnal season of fruit, let us survey our stores. We have new fruits. We desire to feel new life, new joy, new gratitude; we wish to make new resolves and carry them out by new labors; our heart blossoms with new prayers, and our soul is pledging herself to new efforts. But we have some old fruits too. There is our first love: a choice fruit that! and Jesus delights in it. There is our first faith: that simple faith by which, having nothing, we became possessors of all things. There is our joy when first we knew the Lord: let us revive it. We have our old remembrances of the promises. How faithful has God been! In sickness, how softly did he make our bed! In deep waters, how placidly did he buoy us up! In the flaming furnace, how graciously did he deliver us. Old fruits, indeed! We have many of them, for his mercies have been more than the hairs of our head. Old sins we must regret, but then we have had repentances which he has given us, by which we have wept our way to the cross, and learned the merit of his blood. We have fruits, this morning, both new and old; but here is the point-they are all laid up for Jesus. Truly, those are the best and most acceptable services in which Jesus is the solitary aim of the soul, and his glory, without any admixture whatever, the end of all our efforts. Let our many fruits be laid up only for our Beloved; let us display them when he is with us, and not hold them up before the gaze of men. Jesus, we will turn the key in our garden door, and none shall enter to rob thee of one good fruit from the soil which thou has watered with thy bloody sweat. Our all shall be thine, thine only, O Jesus, our Beloved!
I read Spurgeon's devotional for today and had to share.
"Pleasant fruits, new and old; which I have laid up for thee, O my beloved."
Song of Solomon 7:13
"The spouse desires to give to Jesus all that she produces. Our heart has 'all manner of pleasant fruits,' both 'old and new,' and they are laid up for our Beloved. At this rich autumnal season of fruit, let us survey our stores. We have new fruits. We desire to feel new life, new joy, new gratitude; we wish to make new resolves and carry them out by new labors; our heart blossoms with new prayers, and our soul is pledging herself to new efforts. But we have some old fruits too. There is our first love: a choice fruit that! and Jesus delights in it. There is our first faith: that simple faith by which, having nothing, we became possessors of all things. There is our joy when first we knew the Lord: let us revive it. We have our old remembrances of the promises. How faithful has God been! In sickness, how softly did he make our bed! In deep waters, how placidly did he buoy us up! In the flaming furnace, how graciously did he deliver us. Old fruits, indeed! We have many of them, for his mercies have been more than the hairs of our head. Old sins we must regret, but then we have had repentances which he has given us, by which we have wept our way to the cross, and learned the merit of his blood. We have fruits, this morning, both new and old; but here is the point-they are all laid up for Jesus. Truly, those are the best and most acceptable services in which Jesus is the solitary aim of the soul, and his glory, without any admixture whatever, the end of all our efforts. Let our many fruits be laid up only for our Beloved; let us display them when he is with us, and not hold them up before the gaze of men. Jesus, we will turn the key in our garden door, and none shall enter to rob thee of one good fruit from the soil which thou has watered with thy bloody sweat. Our all shall be thine, thine only, O Jesus, our Beloved!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Mirrors
I put this on our Handles & Bangles site that Rebekah and I own. 'thought it might be meaningful to others.
Standing in front of the mirror, you finish up the makeup, grab the right accessories for the outfit...shoes, handbag, scarf. Toss in the mirror to keep that look all day. Morning meetings, phone calls, checking off the "to do" list, quick break and it is time to check the mirror.A touch of lipcolor is needed. Freshen up the eye shadow. Catch a slight smudge of mascara. Off in a whirl to other meetings, fulfillment of responsibilities, etc and one peek in the magic glass to see if you're presentable for that big presentation. At the end of the day, the face is washed clean, the shoes and accessories are shed, comfy clothes replace the attire of the day. What do you see now? Who are you really? Who do you want to be? What is reality? What is a dream? The eyes staring back are the windows of the soul. What is in the soul? Did the accomplishments of the day reflect the heart of your passion? Possibly so. You look with satisfaction at yourself and those eyes say you were great today. Maybe they looked back at you saying, "Something is missing." Does the mirror lie? It is just a reflection.
There is a verse in the Bible about looking through a glass darkly...where we can't really see very well. Then, face to face we shall know. That face to face is being in the presence of Jesus and knowing everything well. No more reflections, assumptions, delusions. We will know and see reality as reality. For now, we must see reflections. The Bible reveals God as He really is. We can look in the Bible and read to see God as He truly is. To go a measure closer to reality, we can actually have the Spirit of God in our lives explaining truth to us, revealing God's true heart.
To "see" this reality, admit that you are imperfect(not only on the outside, but on the inside) and that you need a perfect Savior. Because God loves you so incredibly much, He sent His only Son, Jesus, to die for your sins and imperfections. Ask God to forgive you of all sin. Trust God's heart and believe that Jesus(equally God) wants to live in your heart and be your most intimate friend and love. Ask Him to come in. He will.
For tomorrow, you'll need that mirror again for the touchups to look your best at work. Each time you peek in, do you see a wink of joy glistening, because Jesus loves you so much.
Look up Rhinestone Heart Mirror on this website. The URL is http://www.handlesandbangles.com/product/EA-GM1271B I'm not so great with links, but more importantly remember that God loves you today!
Standing in front of the mirror, you finish up the makeup, grab the right accessories for the outfit...shoes, handbag, scarf. Toss in the mirror to keep that look all day. Morning meetings, phone calls, checking off the "to do" list, quick break and it is time to check the mirror.A touch of lipcolor is needed. Freshen up the eye shadow. Catch a slight smudge of mascara. Off in a whirl to other meetings, fulfillment of responsibilities, etc and one peek in the magic glass to see if you're presentable for that big presentation. At the end of the day, the face is washed clean, the shoes and accessories are shed, comfy clothes replace the attire of the day. What do you see now? Who are you really? Who do you want to be? What is reality? What is a dream? The eyes staring back are the windows of the soul. What is in the soul? Did the accomplishments of the day reflect the heart of your passion? Possibly so. You look with satisfaction at yourself and those eyes say you were great today. Maybe they looked back at you saying, "Something is missing." Does the mirror lie? It is just a reflection.
There is a verse in the Bible about looking through a glass darkly...where we can't really see very well. Then, face to face we shall know. That face to face is being in the presence of Jesus and knowing everything well. No more reflections, assumptions, delusions. We will know and see reality as reality. For now, we must see reflections. The Bible reveals God as He really is. We can look in the Bible and read to see God as He truly is. To go a measure closer to reality, we can actually have the Spirit of God in our lives explaining truth to us, revealing God's true heart.
To "see" this reality, admit that you are imperfect(not only on the outside, but on the inside) and that you need a perfect Savior. Because God loves you so incredibly much, He sent His only Son, Jesus, to die for your sins and imperfections. Ask God to forgive you of all sin. Trust God's heart and believe that Jesus(equally God) wants to live in your heart and be your most intimate friend and love. Ask Him to come in. He will.
For tomorrow, you'll need that mirror again for the touchups to look your best at work. Each time you peek in, do you see a wink of joy glistening, because Jesus loves you so much.
Look up Rhinestone Heart Mirror on this website. The URL is http://www.handlesandbangles.com/product/EA-GM1271B I'm not so great with links, but more importantly remember that God loves you today!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Goodness
Unfortunately, our world does not really understand what goodness is. Many people resent a good person, because of how uncomfortable it is when there are secret or overt sins. There's a sense of judgment that is perceived even if the person is not actually judging. Some people appear to be good, and yet, it is by sheer determination that they are accomplishing a set of rules. Those people are harsh in judgments of others who are not following the same rules. Goodness is so highly misunderstood. Robert McGee brings such a great word picture to us in Search for Significance. He asks what happens when you squeeze a tube of toothpaste. The answer, "toothpaste." He further explains that in the pressures of life people are "squeezed." Whatever is inside comes out. I'm reminded of the Fruits of the Spirit books & tapes(yes, cassette tapes). The one for goodness dealt with concepts of honey. True goodness is like honey. The more the Lord fills my life with his goodness, I should be full of honey, figuratively speaking. In the squeeze of life, what comes out? honey I repent and apologize for my pharisaical(sp?) judgments, inappropriate venting, etc of the past. I can determine (white knuckle it) to never do that again. However, I am too weak to prevent it. The only way for things to change is if the Holy Spirit fills me with His Goodness. Then when I am squeezed, hopefully all that is in me and all that comes out is honey.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Utopia?
Where is the perfect connection of our will and His? I'm just beginning to learn about my self-determined vows to be the perfect mom, most loving, etc. Even though the vows are consistent with the heart of God, self-determination is no different than an utopian world. Only walking in His vision and His direction with His empowering can I be what He chose me to be, even before the foundations of the earth were laid... Ephesians 1:4-6. ??? According to some very wise biblical scholars, self-determined vows set up stony hearts... quite the opposite of what I had in mind. In yielding all my expectations, desires and dreams to Him, there is the fulfillment of His Heart, which is perfect.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Gratitude
Sometimes in a vortex of circumstances that are overwhelming, we lose sight of those who are precious to us. At times like this, I look for some way to find relief in a tangible person who might possibly understand. However, in reality, we each have specific circumstances that no one else can truly understand. Only the Lord truly understands. In that place, He does the healing. Then our eyes are open to all the relationships that are valuable. Why is it that we always feel so alone when life is overwhelming? It isn't really true, but life can make us feel that way. There are myriads of people who have experienced similar circumstances, or their set of circumstances though different are traumatic in their own way. The Lord is Jehovah Rapha (Our Healer). In Him there is healthy, wholesome life. Once we are able to look up again, we see the faces of faithful friends. There is not the need to find someone else out there who might possibly relieve the pain. "By His stripes we are healed." No other person on earth is capable of reaching down into our inner being and "restoring our soul". In this place, I thank everyone who has prayed for me and my family. He hears and He answers.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Trust
In a place of trust, we gradually unpeel our gripping fingers of unbelief and allow another person to see our vulnerability. Only those who gently pry away the fingers are allowed in this place. I met a total stranger yesterday after church. I was sitting with my husband waiting for our son. This vibrant woman about my age was overloaded with the CDs of sermons from the Jewish man who had spoken previously. She began talking about her passion for Jewish people to recognize their Messiah. The Lord orchestrated our chance meeting. She spoke truths without my mouth opening. She shared deep things of God that filled my tank. Her infectious energy for American freedom, personal freedom, and godly freedom was supernaturally planned. There was a kindred spirit that I had been searching to find. She sat down and joined me spiritually as though it were eternity and there was no such thing as time. Thank you, Lord, for an obedient heart who gave willingly.
Friday, August 13, 2010
A Safe Place
Safe usually refers to physical protection. It can be protection from storms, harm, or evil. A safe is a place where one usually puts their valuables and no one can steal them. Emotionally, it is much more difficult to find that place. The valuables of our heart cry out for a box where there is no harm. Some people have friends who are there and are not judgmental. They accept you as you are. You can say anything, even if it is rambling to them. People pay money for counselors to be that safe place. Counselors are trained, and confidences are safe.
Right now, the only safe place is in the arms of Jesus. In that place He knows all. He holds us and allows the pain and tears to flow. Humans care, but are clouded by their own perceptions. Judgment belongs to God, but people wield the sword thinking they are capable of dividing truth well. John Piper's book, Suffering and the Sovereignty of God, has a chapter, Waiting for the Morning in the Night of Weeping. It is in allowing the pain and not masking it for humanity, that we find a quiet respite of peace and safety. Only in the pain and through our tears do we see our Protector and Shepherd, and feel secure.
Right now, the only safe place is in the arms of Jesus. In that place He knows all. He holds us and allows the pain and tears to flow. Humans care, but are clouded by their own perceptions. Judgment belongs to God, but people wield the sword thinking they are capable of dividing truth well. John Piper's book, Suffering and the Sovereignty of God, has a chapter, Waiting for the Morning in the Night of Weeping. It is in allowing the pain and not masking it for humanity, that we find a quiet respite of peace and safety. Only in the pain and through our tears do we see our Protector and Shepherd, and feel secure.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Woman of Valor
I'm reading So Long, Insecurity by Beth Moore. It encouraged me about what I've always heard as the "virtous woman." Valor is definitely what we women need in today's world. Beth gives the meaning of "valor" where KJV has given it "virtuous." Sometimes we get tired of being courageous. The verse was so timely from the Proverbs 31 passage. "She is clothed with strength and dignity." Again, strength is so needed for the challenges of life. Dignity is a puzzling concept. Pride is a sin. Dignity is how we are crowned. Wow! Queen, not just for a day, but for every day. We walk in the honor bestowed on us by Almighty God. We walk into the day facing our world knowing Who is our Maker, Redeemer and Strength. Belonging to Him, His daughter, His intimate friend, all because of Jesus. How can we thank Jesus enough for the Awesome Sacrifice He gave for us? Each day I discover something more about who I am in Christ. Pride is when I am trying to put myself out there in my own strength. It sure is puny...so weak. Dignity is given to us. We must wear it well.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Attitude
Everyone knows how important attitude is. It is emphasized in the business world, personal relationships, parent/child relationships, etc. Many who are conscious of that need for great customer service and care force themselves to smile and comment to keep the status of a job or the company. What about the one who is going through a divorce, grieving over the death of a relative or friend, or death of a friendship? The charade must go on, or the secret shopper may catch a frown or sour temperament. Is there another way for a good attitude? For those who are not the Tiggers of life(Winnie the Pooh), there is a solution. Whatever our situation there is a verse in Ps 121:1-3 that says "I will lift up my eyes unto the hills from which comes my help." Each morning when I open my eyes, I lift up my spirit to "the hills". In lifting up we are refusing to have a melancholic day. We are lifting it up for God to be God today and handle whatever may come.
Approximately 2000 years ago a man who had done no wrong was "lifted up" on a cross on a hill. What is it about lifting up? How many of us want to lift something. It is not easy, but we put it above our heads. We offer it up to God. Jesus was lifted up where He willingly gave His life as a sacrifice for our sin. "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up." John 3:14 Moses had lifted up a snake on a pole. All of the people who had been bitten by snakes(symbolic of sin) could look up at the pole with the snake on it and be healed. The snake(sin) on a wooden pole(cross) brought freedom and health. Today the snake on a pole is the symbol of the American Medical Association.
For a healthy day, lift up your eyes to a hill far away where sin was conquered. This is my free gift to you today.
Approximately 2000 years ago a man who had done no wrong was "lifted up" on a cross on a hill. What is it about lifting up? How many of us want to lift something. It is not easy, but we put it above our heads. We offer it up to God. Jesus was lifted up where He willingly gave His life as a sacrifice for our sin. "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up." John 3:14 Moses had lifted up a snake on a pole. All of the people who had been bitten by snakes(symbolic of sin) could look up at the pole with the snake on it and be healed. The snake(sin) on a wooden pole(cross) brought freedom and health. Today the snake on a pole is the symbol of the American Medical Association.
For a healthy day, lift up your eyes to a hill far away where sin was conquered. This is my free gift to you today.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Connections
We connect with each other in so many different ways. One attempts to express love to another. Why is that love language foreign in the ears of the receiver? Why is the love not received? It is as though a translator is needed, because attempts to connect fall on deaf ears. Gary Chapman wrote 5 Languages of Love. There's physical contact, words, service, quality time and gifts. You can usually determine the language of the one who is attempting to show love. It becomes complicated in using that language to express love. The one who has the language of love of serving will serve food, laundry needs, housecleaning, etc. Does that same person expect service to be given to feel the love. The one who speaks love thinks it should reach the heart's target and be understood. Possibly service is more difficult. The quality time person would love to spend time without words. The verbal person expects to hear special words.
It is in allowing the Holy Spirit to move and challenge us to communicate in a language that is not natural to us, but triggers the right response in the recipient.
Understanding is not the only key. The real key is obedience to the Holy Spirit.
It is in allowing the Holy Spirit to move and challenge us to communicate in a language that is not natural to us, but triggers the right response in the recipient.
Understanding is not the only key. The real key is obedience to the Holy Spirit.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Acceptance/Approval
The driving force for most people is pleasing people, approval. By striving to do our best, we satisfy the needs of the business and the team goals. That's a great thing, the way to be successful. However, caught up in that mentality for our very existence clouds a vacuum in our lives. We reach the top of the ladder, and there's always another rung. We get the approval of those significant persons, and we are hollow. We are imprisoned in a world where all our energies are spent trying to gratify others.
This happens in the corporate world and in the Christian world. Paul said that "we are accepted in the beloved." Eph 1:6 As I previously blogged using Ephesians 1:4-6, our striving can rest. The acceptance is already there. The more we allow His Spirit to work through us, the more we obey the Spirit's promptings, the more we know we belong. We are at home. We are completely accepted.
There's a club at UT Austin called Koinonia Christian Fellowship. Debbie Fitz wrote "I know that my identity is not defined by what I do or by my title. My true identity is that I am a sinner forgiven by God, a child of God, His servant." http://koinoniatexas.org/2009/12/galatians-5-%E2%80%93-devotional-commentary/ This is the ultimate identity. What we do plays into the picture, but after we are fully aware and enjoying His acceptance and approval.
Somewhere in the Psalms there is a word picture of a child weaned from his mother illustrating how we are satisfied and whole in Christ.
This happens in the corporate world and in the Christian world. Paul said that "we are accepted in the beloved." Eph 1:6 As I previously blogged using Ephesians 1:4-6, our striving can rest. The acceptance is already there. The more we allow His Spirit to work through us, the more we obey the Spirit's promptings, the more we know we belong. We are at home. We are completely accepted.
There's a club at UT Austin called Koinonia Christian Fellowship. Debbie Fitz wrote "I know that my identity is not defined by what I do or by my title. My true identity is that I am a sinner forgiven by God, a child of God, His servant." http://koinoniatexas.org/2009/12/galatians-5-%E2%80%93-devotional-commentary/ This is the ultimate identity. What we do plays into the picture, but after we are fully aware and enjoying His acceptance and approval.
Somewhere in the Psalms there is a word picture of a child weaned from his mother illustrating how we are satisfied and whole in Christ.
Chosen
To choose is to pick out from others. We pick the best fruit or vegetables at the grocery store. Choosing team members involves picking the ones who will play best for the team. The decision is based on what knowledge is available and what our sense of appearance reveals to us. Others are considered inferior in the choice of the finest.
Interesting twist in spiritual things: In Ephesians 1:4-6 it says,"For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he[c] predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves." Wow! The choosing here is with a foreknowledge that we will become The Chosen. Through Him, we will be holy and blameless. This choosing took place before the foundation of the earth.
How is this consistent with the verse that says that God is not willing that any perish (Matt 18:14)? Another verse explains it well. Matt 22:14 says that "many are called, but few are chosen." In this picture the team captain says, "You can all play." Only a few come up to the plate and offer their lives as a player. I would say this to me kids when they were growing up also. I call all of them to do some request. I could predict the ones who would respond and offer to help. My human foreknowledge is flawed. God's is flawless. The fault is not with God. He longs for all to come to Him and be all He created one to be. We are chosen!!! Chosen to be His princess or prince, His ambassador to the world, His arms, legs, eyes, smile, spoken Word to those who need outstretched arms, legs to take them somewhere, eyes to see their need and affirm them as special, smile to encourage their day, spoken Word to reveal the heart of God.
Chosen is significant in the spiritual world when we respond. The heart of our Father aches to leave the others behind. It aches when His Choice remains a vacant seat. It was reserved for that Chosen One. In reality, the choice is ours.
Interesting twist in spiritual things: In Ephesians 1:4-6 it says,"For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he[c] predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves." Wow! The choosing here is with a foreknowledge that we will become The Chosen. Through Him, we will be holy and blameless. This choosing took place before the foundation of the earth.
How is this consistent with the verse that says that God is not willing that any perish (Matt 18:14)? Another verse explains it well. Matt 22:14 says that "many are called, but few are chosen." In this picture the team captain says, "You can all play." Only a few come up to the plate and offer their lives as a player. I would say this to me kids when they were growing up also. I call all of them to do some request. I could predict the ones who would respond and offer to help. My human foreknowledge is flawed. God's is flawless. The fault is not with God. He longs for all to come to Him and be all He created one to be. We are chosen!!! Chosen to be His princess or prince, His ambassador to the world, His arms, legs, eyes, smile, spoken Word to those who need outstretched arms, legs to take them somewhere, eyes to see their need and affirm them as special, smile to encourage their day, spoken Word to reveal the heart of God.
Chosen is significant in the spiritual world when we respond. The heart of our Father aches to leave the others behind. It aches when His Choice remains a vacant seat. It was reserved for that Chosen One. In reality, the choice is ours.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
"New" Verses
"...and put on the new self which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth." Eph 4:24 (New American Standard Version)
"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, He is a new creature; old things passed away; behold new things have come." 2 Cor 5:17 (New American Standard Version)
Read the previous blog for applications to identity in Christ.
"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, He is a new creature; old things passed away; behold new things have come." 2 Cor 5:17 (New American Standard Version)
Read the previous blog for applications to identity in Christ.
New
New embodies the concept of perfection. We expect that when receiving an order by mail. We expect it when purchasing any merchandise. Idealistically we expect it in a new relationship, job, move to another location, etc. Those are our expectations. When the new wears off, we see flaws in people, merchandise and relationships. Some move on to the next "new" experience. You see that in the movie The Perfect Man with Heather Lockyear, Hillary Duff and Chris Noth. The single mom is always packing and moving when things go sour. Finally she comes to a place of reality.
Yes, reality dictates that new things break and people are not perfect. There's a place of acceptance and unconditional love that holds on to relationships when the cracks and stresses appear.
Spiritually, the opposite happens in Christ. We come to Him admitting our faults and weaknesses, our independent spirit unyielding to His Perfect Direction and Will, and our full knowledge that we can't measure up no matter how hard we try. We place trust in those nail-scarred hands, and we are "new." We aren't perfect, it's true. In Lamentations 3:22-23 it says, "The Lord's loving kindnesses indeed never cease for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Here's a place where each "new" day, His love is new. We became new when we asked Him into our life. We keep "new" each time we repeat repentance(sorry for sin) and ask for cleansing. We are renewed every day.
Identity in Christ: We are a new creation. Each day we are new. Someday we will have a new body, a resurrected body, that will never wear out or decay. Wow!!! Quite the opposite of the way the natural world operates.
Yes, reality dictates that new things break and people are not perfect. There's a place of acceptance and unconditional love that holds on to relationships when the cracks and stresses appear.
Spiritually, the opposite happens in Christ. We come to Him admitting our faults and weaknesses, our independent spirit unyielding to His Perfect Direction and Will, and our full knowledge that we can't measure up no matter how hard we try. We place trust in those nail-scarred hands, and we are "new." We aren't perfect, it's true. In Lamentations 3:22-23 it says, "The Lord's loving kindnesses indeed never cease for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Here's a place where each "new" day, His love is new. We became new when we asked Him into our life. We keep "new" each time we repeat repentance(sorry for sin) and ask for cleansing. We are renewed every day.
Identity in Christ: We are a new creation. Each day we are new. Someday we will have a new body, a resurrected body, that will never wear out or decay. Wow!!! Quite the opposite of the way the natural world operates.
Monday, July 12, 2010
A Name
Our name is our identity, what people call us, how they view us and we view ourselves.
In ancient times names held the total meaning of the person. If the person changed, the name changed. Abram was changed to Abraham. Sarai was changed to Sarah. Saul was changed to Paul when his eyes were opened to truth and his life completely redirected.
The meaning of names can steer a person to great fulfillment or disaster. It is in seeing the meaning through God's eyes where true identity blossoms. One of my daughter's has a name with what seems to be a negative meaning. I know it is the name we were to give her. The meaning is "noose" which suggests bondage, and negativity. I have seen personalized items with her meaning being "devoted one." A bond can be good or bad. We can bond to Christ and be so devoted and committed that nothing can break the bond. The negative side can be in bondage to darkness and sin. Our name does not drive us. It is the choice to make the meaning into life and health.
Another daughter has a form of Mary as a middle name. The word "myrrh" comes from it. It is interpreted "bitter." Naomi said, "Don't call me Naomi, but Mara(bitter)" Myrrh was a spice used to preserve the dead. It is a very gloomy possibility. We see Mary at the foot of the cross beholding the Son she raised dying a cruel death. Any mother wants to fix things for their kids and make it better. Any mother would do all in her power to rescue and relieve pain. She stood helplessly agonizing in bitter grief. Bitter, deep pain can drive us to more bitter pain to a point where it seems irredeemable. Deep pain when embraced can "enlarge the heart." Ps 119:32. When we identify with Christ, with find identity with a Suffering Savior. In that place, we are comforted(which means "with strength") Rather than choosing to be a bitter person, the bitter pain can drive us to a deep place of identity with Christ.
In ancient times names held the total meaning of the person. If the person changed, the name changed. Abram was changed to Abraham. Sarai was changed to Sarah. Saul was changed to Paul when his eyes were opened to truth and his life completely redirected.
The meaning of names can steer a person to great fulfillment or disaster. It is in seeing the meaning through God's eyes where true identity blossoms. One of my daughter's has a name with what seems to be a negative meaning. I know it is the name we were to give her. The meaning is "noose" which suggests bondage, and negativity. I have seen personalized items with her meaning being "devoted one." A bond can be good or bad. We can bond to Christ and be so devoted and committed that nothing can break the bond. The negative side can be in bondage to darkness and sin. Our name does not drive us. It is the choice to make the meaning into life and health.
Another daughter has a form of Mary as a middle name. The word "myrrh" comes from it. It is interpreted "bitter." Naomi said, "Don't call me Naomi, but Mara(bitter)" Myrrh was a spice used to preserve the dead. It is a very gloomy possibility. We see Mary at the foot of the cross beholding the Son she raised dying a cruel death. Any mother wants to fix things for their kids and make it better. Any mother would do all in her power to rescue and relieve pain. She stood helplessly agonizing in bitter grief. Bitter, deep pain can drive us to more bitter pain to a point where it seems irredeemable. Deep pain when embraced can "enlarge the heart." Ps 119:32. When we identify with Christ, with find identity with a Suffering Savior. In that place, we are comforted(which means "with strength") Rather than choosing to be a bitter person, the bitter pain can drive us to a deep place of identity with Christ.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Identity lesson 1
Identity is how you see yourself. Sometimes we think of ourselves more highly than we should. Other times we degrade ourselves and don't see clearly. Our identity finds real meaning when we find it in Christ. He values us so much, that he gave His life for us. Some people do give their lives for those they love, in protecting them or fighting for a cause to preserve the lives of those dear to them. Jesus, fully God, died a cruel death, so your identity and true being would be a child of God. As a child of God(our King), we are princesses and princes. We are valued beyond our comprehension.
As women, it is a deep need to be admired and looked on with pleasure. In Psalms 45 it says "The king delights in your beauty." That is what every women desires. If that is not satisfied by a human male know that your Heavenly Father "rejoices over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17 The next time you look in the mirror, see yourself as the daughter of the King.
For men, your Father is Mighty to save. See that also in Zephaniah 3:17. He wants you to "rest in His Love." He rejoices over you with singing in approval and acceptance of all you are and do. Do your best at all times. Know there is always a nod of approval, and a smile on His face. "Well done, my beloved".
As women, it is a deep need to be admired and looked on with pleasure. In Psalms 45 it says "The king delights in your beauty." That is what every women desires. If that is not satisfied by a human male know that your Heavenly Father "rejoices over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17 The next time you look in the mirror, see yourself as the daughter of the King.
For men, your Father is Mighty to save. See that also in Zephaniah 3:17. He wants you to "rest in His Love." He rejoices over you with singing in approval and acceptance of all you are and do. Do your best at all times. Know there is always a nod of approval, and a smile on His face. "Well done, my beloved".
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