On Thursday Dec 16, 2010 my friend Amy took her bike out for an evening ride around the block. As she was riding she was surprised by the flashing lights of a police cruiser. Seems there is a law that bike riders must have a light on their bike. No problem..Amy has a light...oops, battery needs replacing. Who knew?
Amy is a very special young woman. I think she was 17 when I met her for the frst time working in our church office and was taken with the glow that shines from her beautiful face. I soon discovered that Jesus is the power within her that shines through everything she says and does. He keeps her on the right path and alerts her to dangers as she walks with Him.
As I saw the parallels between her bike's light and her life's light I noted that both needed a source of power to create light.
In the case of Amy's bike, the source of power is a battery which eventually will stop providing light...it will lose its charge.
Amy's decision to give her heart to Christ is a once in a lifetime choice. He is with her, at the ready, to provide blazing beautiful light wherever and whenever she needs it. His power never ebbs away.
What about you dear reader? Have you decided to follow Jesus?
Is He your power source?
It's my prayer.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Saturday, December 25, 2010
It's Christmas
The Hallelujah Chorus permeating this quiet home....it's Christmas morning
The aroma of freshly baked muffins filling the air.....and I look around and up and within and catch my breath...grateful that "Sweet Little Jesus Boy" isn't just a song or a story.
No, Jesus is "the real deal"!
Luke 1:26-38
26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David ; and the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And coming in, he said to her, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you." 29 But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was. 30 The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary ; for you have found favor with God. 31 "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. 32 "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High ; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David ; 33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end." 34 Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin ?" 35 The angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God. 36 "And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age ; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. 37 "For nothing will be impossible with God." 38 And Mary said, "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord ; may it be done to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.
Son of God sent by God.....to be born of a virgin...
Luke 2:1-201 Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. 2 This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 5 in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. 6 While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son ; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid ; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people ; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 "This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." 13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." 15 When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us." 16 So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. 17 When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.
"Away in a manger no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head.
The stars in the sky looked down where He lay, the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay."
Son of God sent by God.......His birthing room a stable....His cradle a feeding trough
This moment would change the world.
One heart at a time.
Merry Christmas from my heart to yours.
The aroma of freshly baked muffins filling the air.....and I look around and up and within and catch my breath...grateful that "Sweet Little Jesus Boy" isn't just a song or a story.
No, Jesus is "the real deal"!
Luke 1:26-38
26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David ; and the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And coming in, he said to her, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you." 29 But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was. 30 The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary ; for you have found favor with God. 31 "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. 32 "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High ; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David ; 33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end." 34 Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin ?" 35 The angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God. 36 "And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age ; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. 37 "For nothing will be impossible with God." 38 And Mary said, "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord ; may it be done to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.
Son of God sent by God.....to be born of a virgin...
Luke 2:1-201 Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. 2 This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 5 in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. 6 While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son ; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid ; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people ; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 "This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." 13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." 15 When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us." 16 So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. 17 When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.
"Away in a manger no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head.
The stars in the sky looked down where He lay, the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay."
Son of God sent by God.......His birthing room a stable....His cradle a feeding trough
This moment would change the world.
One heart at a time.
Merry Christmas from my heart to yours.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Don't Just Listen, Do What God Says!
It's December 16th; nine days until Christmas,and in 15 days, before I can turn around it seems, I will be standing at the doorway of a new year and a new direction the Lord has called me too.
I have spent most of 2010 waiting on the Lord only to discover He was waiting on me. When summer came to an end my resistance and rebellion ended as well. I had deluded myself into believing I had heard and was obeying Him.
I went to my journals and read page after page and on every day His Word was His topic. Finally I saw what He was asking me to do and I quietly deferred to Him, the One who rules the universe.
In the weeks since that conversation, this mountain which is my life, is making what feels like a "jack-knife" turn. He is calling me to a deeper level of trust, and the ministry He called me to is getting "an extreme makeover". We're in the demolition phase.
I have looked beyond the moment and have been apprehensive. The now I know. The now is comfortable. I can't "see" what is beyond this moment. Maybe I've misunderstood what God said?
I re-read it in my journal. "Take My Word to the world." Excuse me?
And so it begins. A new chapter, at the age of 68 is spread before me.
He's taken me from behind a podium and invited me to draw ever nearer to His heart.
There will be questions. He has all the answers.
There will be time apart. He wants me all to himself. Not because I have anything to give Him; rather He has much to teach me.
He wants me to write about all of it.
I will be the pen in His hand.
It's His story through the eyes of my heart and life.
"Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.......Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." Colossians 3:1-3; 16-17
I AM listening my King....wth your help I WILL do what you say.
I have spent most of 2010 waiting on the Lord only to discover He was waiting on me. When summer came to an end my resistance and rebellion ended as well. I had deluded myself into believing I had heard and was obeying Him.
I went to my journals and read page after page and on every day His Word was His topic. Finally I saw what He was asking me to do and I quietly deferred to Him, the One who rules the universe.
In the weeks since that conversation, this mountain which is my life, is making what feels like a "jack-knife" turn. He is calling me to a deeper level of trust, and the ministry He called me to is getting "an extreme makeover". We're in the demolition phase.
I have looked beyond the moment and have been apprehensive. The now I know. The now is comfortable. I can't "see" what is beyond this moment. Maybe I've misunderstood what God said?
I re-read it in my journal. "Take My Word to the world." Excuse me?
And so it begins. A new chapter, at the age of 68 is spread before me.
He's taken me from behind a podium and invited me to draw ever nearer to His heart.
There will be questions. He has all the answers.
There will be time apart. He wants me all to himself. Not because I have anything to give Him; rather He has much to teach me.
He wants me to write about all of it.
I will be the pen in His hand.
It's His story through the eyes of my heart and life.
"Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.......Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." Colossians 3:1-3; 16-17
I AM listening my King....wth your help I WILL do what you say.
Friday, December 3, 2010
How was your week??
Another week is drawing to a close. It's not officially over until midnight tomorrow but most of us, I think, divide our week into 2 parts.
There is Monday through Friday which encompasses a work week or a school week followed by Saturday and Sunday: "The Weekend".
I was thinking how absurd we are to lump the first and the last together when I realized that Sunday and Saturday are the bookends that hold the week together. Sunday is designed to help us keep our focus on what is important.
Sundays at our house have been different through different seasons. These days we are up with the birds and in church by 8:30 AM and home by 10:00 AM leaving the remainder of the day to relax, read the paper and even watch 2, 3 or even 4 movies consecutively. A day to reflect on the week that just ended and look forward to a new leg of this journey we're traveling together.
Included in our Sundays is the Lord's provision of His Word for a necessary heart check. Sometimes it may be a scripture He wants us to think on in every life cirumstance we encounter.
Phillipians 4:6-8 is one passage of scripture that again and again reminds me of what God wants his children to think and do - day in and day out -
"Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."
On Saturdays you might allow yourself a lazy morning while catching up on the week's news or maybe it's your catch-up day for "home chores". Saturday may also be the day you spend with your kids on outings or their sporting events, all the while making memories.
Whatever you choose to do, Saturday is always followed by Sunday - the cycle of time continues.
Do you ever feel like you never have enough time?
Are you a time waster or a time treasurer?
I challenge you to evaluate your days using the passage of scripture above as a ruler to find the answers.
I'd love to hear about your findings!!
There is Monday through Friday which encompasses a work week or a school week followed by Saturday and Sunday: "The Weekend".
I was thinking how absurd we are to lump the first and the last together when I realized that Sunday and Saturday are the bookends that hold the week together. Sunday is designed to help us keep our focus on what is important.
Sundays at our house have been different through different seasons. These days we are up with the birds and in church by 8:30 AM and home by 10:00 AM leaving the remainder of the day to relax, read the paper and even watch 2, 3 or even 4 movies consecutively. A day to reflect on the week that just ended and look forward to a new leg of this journey we're traveling together.
Included in our Sundays is the Lord's provision of His Word for a necessary heart check. Sometimes it may be a scripture He wants us to think on in every life cirumstance we encounter.
Phillipians 4:6-8 is one passage of scripture that again and again reminds me of what God wants his children to think and do - day in and day out -
"Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."
On Saturdays you might allow yourself a lazy morning while catching up on the week's news or maybe it's your catch-up day for "home chores". Saturday may also be the day you spend with your kids on outings or their sporting events, all the while making memories.
Whatever you choose to do, Saturday is always followed by Sunday - the cycle of time continues.
Do you ever feel like you never have enough time?
Are you a time waster or a time treasurer?
I challenge you to evaluate your days using the passage of scripture above as a ruler to find the answers.
I'd love to hear about your findings!!
Friday, November 26, 2010
WHERE is our hope ???
Last Sunday morning, as we rode through the quiet streets of our town returning from early church, I found myself humming the melody of a favorite hymn, The Solid Rock -
"My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name.
On Christ the solid rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand..all other ground is sinking sand."
And then when checking my email I found the following from my dear friend Bev -
I HOPE your Sunday is divine.
followed by -
Where is our hope to be ?
In Psalm 42:5 we read- "Why are you in despair, oh my soul and why have you become disturbed within me ? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, for the help of His presence."
Repeated in verse 11, repeated again in Psalm 43:5...
He wants us for Himself, to put our hope in Him totally and first. He does not want us to have anyone more important or in first place before Him. - that is why our soul gets disturbed.
In Psalm 42:1-2 -
He wants us to be like the deer that pants for the water brooks - Our soul to pant for Him. He wants our soul to thirst for God, for the living God. Our soul is in despair when we want someone or something else more than God.
In Psalm 73:25 we read-
"Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth."
We cannot have hope or peace or confidence or trust in anyone but God.
In Psalm 34:8 we also read -
"O taste and see that the Lord is good - how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him."
How can I taste that the Lord is good?
Through the Word.
Jeremiah. 15:16 -
"I found Your words and I ate them and Your words became for me a joy and delight of my heart."
How can I see that the Lord is good ? By looking at who He is in the Word, by looking at Jesus, by looking at creation.
Then I will be blessed for I am then taking refuge in Him.
Oh that we might desire Him more than anything else, Ask Him to change your mind, to change your thinking when it is not in line with His Word and His will.
This calls for surrender totally to the One who bought you with a price (His life) - I Cor 6:20.
And I wonder - are you standing on the edge of your hope? Is life more than you think you can bear? These verses will point you back to our ONLY Hope -
As the contemporary hymn, "In Christ Alone" reverberates in our hearts-
In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid Ground, firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace, when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All, here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone! who took on flesh fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousnes scorned by the ones he came to save:
Till on that cross as Jesus died, the wrath of God was satisfied -
For every sin on Him was laid; here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious day, up from the grave he rose again!
And as He stands in victory, sin’s curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine - Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death, this is the power of Christ in me;
From life’s first cry to final breath. Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home, Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.
Lyrics: Stuart Townend
Music: Keith Getty
Praying for you friends.....
"My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' name.
On Christ the solid rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand..all other ground is sinking sand."
And then when checking my email I found the following from my dear friend Bev -
I HOPE your Sunday is divine.
followed by -
Where is our hope to be ?
In Psalm 42:5 we read- "Why are you in despair, oh my soul and why have you become disturbed within me ? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, for the help of His presence."
Repeated in verse 11, repeated again in Psalm 43:5...
He wants us for Himself, to put our hope in Him totally and first. He does not want us to have anyone more important or in first place before Him. - that is why our soul gets disturbed.
In Psalm 42:1-2 -
He wants us to be like the deer that pants for the water brooks - Our soul to pant for Him. He wants our soul to thirst for God, for the living God. Our soul is in despair when we want someone or something else more than God.
In Psalm 73:25 we read-
"Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth."
We cannot have hope or peace or confidence or trust in anyone but God.
In Psalm 34:8 we also read -
"O taste and see that the Lord is good - how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him."
How can I taste that the Lord is good?
Through the Word.
Jeremiah. 15:16 -
"I found Your words and I ate them and Your words became for me a joy and delight of my heart."
How can I see that the Lord is good ? By looking at who He is in the Word, by looking at Jesus, by looking at creation.
Then I will be blessed for I am then taking refuge in Him.
Oh that we might desire Him more than anything else, Ask Him to change your mind, to change your thinking when it is not in line with His Word and His will.
This calls for surrender totally to the One who bought you with a price (His life) - I Cor 6:20.
And I wonder - are you standing on the edge of your hope? Is life more than you think you can bear? These verses will point you back to our ONLY Hope -
As the contemporary hymn, "In Christ Alone" reverberates in our hearts-
In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid Ground, firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace, when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All, here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone! who took on flesh fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousnes scorned by the ones he came to save:
Till on that cross as Jesus died, the wrath of God was satisfied -
For every sin on Him was laid; here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious day, up from the grave he rose again!
And as He stands in victory, sin’s curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine - Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death, this is the power of Christ in me;
From life’s first cry to final breath. Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home, Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.
Lyrics: Stuart Townend
Music: Keith Getty
Praying for you friends.....
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Leaving The Harbor
Good morning precious friends.
I posted on my Facebook status that today I'm 68 and holding.
True!
I am holding onto God's promises.
I am holding onto God's love.
I am holding onto God's plans for my life -
Holding on as this ship sails out of the harbor and into the unknown spaces that only HE can see at the moment. I have "nailed my colors to the mast". I belong to Christ and I am committed to go ALL the way with my Lord!
The best is yet to come!
The following is a post from Holley Gerth that propels me forward as I sail God's dreams for me.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heart to Heart with Holley
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your dreams matter
Posted: 17 Nov 2010 10:00 PM PST
As we talk of God-sized dreams, it seems we always think about how big they can be. We want a measuring stick to tell us we matter.
But here's a secret...
There's no such thing with God.
All of our big is small to Him, the One who spoke the world into being, who swirled the stars into place, who can hold the seas in His hands.
And all of our small is big to Him, the One who counts every hair on our heads, who places our tears in a bottle, who talks of faith as a mustard seed.
It's not the size of the dream or desire that makes the difference--it's the size of the One made it, who made you, who takes treasures from His heart and places them in yours.
Dream little dreams of a quiet life.
Dream big dreams of the spotlight.
Both matter. Both make a difference.
And YOU do too.
Oh, how you do.
To Him. To me. To us.
To the world waiting for you to give it all.
Big or small.
I posted on my Facebook status that today I'm 68 and holding.
True!
I am holding onto God's promises.
I am holding onto God's love.
I am holding onto God's plans for my life -
Holding on as this ship sails out of the harbor and into the unknown spaces that only HE can see at the moment. I have "nailed my colors to the mast". I belong to Christ and I am committed to go ALL the way with my Lord!
The best is yet to come!
The following is a post from Holley Gerth that propels me forward as I sail God's dreams for me.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heart to Heart with Holley
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your dreams matter
Posted: 17 Nov 2010 10:00 PM PST
As we talk of God-sized dreams, it seems we always think about how big they can be. We want a measuring stick to tell us we matter.
But here's a secret...
There's no such thing with God.
All of our big is small to Him, the One who spoke the world into being, who swirled the stars into place, who can hold the seas in His hands.
And all of our small is big to Him, the One who counts every hair on our heads, who places our tears in a bottle, who talks of faith as a mustard seed.
It's not the size of the dream or desire that makes the difference--it's the size of the One made it, who made you, who takes treasures from His heart and places them in yours.
Dream little dreams of a quiet life.
Dream big dreams of the spotlight.
Both matter. Both make a difference.
And YOU do too.
Oh, how you do.
To Him. To me. To us.
To the world waiting for you to give it all.
Big or small.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Is It True?
Truth!
Tell the truth!
Tell me the truth!
Sometimes when we least expect it an untruth presents itself and instead of refusing to entertain it we throw it the biggest party ever!
Eventually the untruth begins to replace the truth we have been hanging on to.
When that happens our world begins to rock.
Eventually we may not be able to recognize the truth.
I've been there and done that.
A phrase that has been said by many is one that God recently shed His light on. I was having a conversation with someone who finds herself in the middle of what appears to be "a pack of lies". She is feeling battered and bruised and finding it impossible to let the joy of the Lord be her strength. During our conversation she said "I've been praying for the truth to come out".
I think we've probably all said that at one time or another.
This time however the Lord brought this to mind: Where is truth that we would ask it to "come out"? Truth is not hiding. Truth is God's power to prevail over all the lies of the world , the flesh and the devil.
Truth stands strong and no matter the lies that stand in its way, Truth always prevails. Let's thank God for Truth. He is Truth. He, Himself said "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life." (John 14:6)
May we come boldly to the throne of grace asking not for truth "to come out "but rather asking and believing for Truth to prevail!
In every moment of our lives!
Tell the truth!
Tell me the truth!
Sometimes when we least expect it an untruth presents itself and instead of refusing to entertain it we throw it the biggest party ever!
Eventually the untruth begins to replace the truth we have been hanging on to.
When that happens our world begins to rock.
Eventually we may not be able to recognize the truth.
I've been there and done that.
A phrase that has been said by many is one that God recently shed His light on. I was having a conversation with someone who finds herself in the middle of what appears to be "a pack of lies". She is feeling battered and bruised and finding it impossible to let the joy of the Lord be her strength. During our conversation she said "I've been praying for the truth to come out".
I think we've probably all said that at one time or another.
This time however the Lord brought this to mind: Where is truth that we would ask it to "come out"? Truth is not hiding. Truth is God's power to prevail over all the lies of the world , the flesh and the devil.
Truth stands strong and no matter the lies that stand in its way, Truth always prevails. Let's thank God for Truth. He is Truth. He, Himself said "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life." (John 14:6)
May we come boldly to the throne of grace asking not for truth "to come out "but rather asking and believing for Truth to prevail!
In every moment of our lives!
Friday, November 12, 2010
And God Asked: Can You Hear Me?
Excuse me, Lord...I thought I heard you say "write", or was it "right?
Were you making a comment on my choices or asking me to do something?
"I wasn't exclaiming..I was instructing: w-r-i-t-e.
But Lord, there are so many writers. Writers of fiction, mysteries, love stories , devotionals, and more.
Magazines, periodicals, and books of all sizes and topics are within arm's reach it seems everywhere we go.
"Your point"?
My point is - what is the point? Seems like everything has been said in every way possible on almost every topic you can think of.
"You're running ahead of me.
Write for me alone.
I hear the stirrings of your heart.
I see the anticipation shining on your face.
You want to write."
Yes.
"What do you find in my word relative to this conversation?"
Proverbs: 3:5 - 6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path."
"And how will you find your way?"
Follow Your Word - "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path" Psalm 119:105
"Are You ready?"
Yes, Lord!
"Write!"
Were you making a comment on my choices or asking me to do something?
"I wasn't exclaiming..I was instructing: w-r-i-t-e.
But Lord, there are so many writers. Writers of fiction, mysteries, love stories , devotionals, and more.
Magazines, periodicals, and books of all sizes and topics are within arm's reach it seems everywhere we go.
"Your point"?
My point is - what is the point? Seems like everything has been said in every way possible on almost every topic you can think of.
"You're running ahead of me.
Write for me alone.
I hear the stirrings of your heart.
I see the anticipation shining on your face.
You want to write."
Yes.
"What do you find in my word relative to this conversation?"
Proverbs: 3:5 - 6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path."
"And how will you find your way?"
Follow Your Word - "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path" Psalm 119:105
"Are You ready?"
Yes, Lord!
"Write!"
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
It's Wednesday
It's Wednesday and I'm listening to the radio. "Be Thou My Vision" sung by Selah, is rending my heart and turning my eyes toward Jesus.
Now Chuck Colson is speaking to the events of the day.
Lord, have I thanked you recently for the blessing of Christian radio?
There has been a too long break in my listening.
A "boom-box" radio/cassette/cd player in my study, which has been our only radio for some time, rarely or most of the time, isn't able to pick up Moody Radio, my favorite station. I have to admit there has been a void. But like most things, good and bad, as most of us do I have adjusted to its absence.
I've truly been more prone to wander without its constancy in my life I realize today.
You see, 25+ years ago the Lord intervened in my life, and through the difficulties in my marriage turned my face back toward Him. And with His strong and tender hands cupping my upturned face encouraged me with an outpouring of great music of our faith. There were many treasured hymns from childhood flooding my memory and praise music lifting my heart. The popular Christian music of the 80's and 90's, rich with God's word, permeated the spaces in my home, in my automobile and landed in my heart.
Today I stand at the threshold of a new door the Lord has opened and asked me to walk through. I look out and desire all that the Lord has in store for me during this season of my life. If you were standing next to me you would see that it's dark out there. My record with "the dark places" is one of shrinking back more times than I like to admit. During the past 12 months I have tested the path and my progression has been as the time-worn expression - "2 steps forward and 3 steps back". It is a battle of my flesh and a supernatural battle that the enemy is waging.
The great "I Am" is bigger than my enemy; bigger than my fears; bigger than the lusting of my flesh to keep the status quo. He alone knows best how to spur me on and how to encourage me.
Last Monday I returned from a week long visit with my son to find a new "sound system" complete with radio and cd player that picks up my favorite station. One that when turned on for the first time was tuned to Moody radio my husband increduously told me. ( I can see you smiling as you read that)
At the moment Dr. Irwin Lutzer is teaching in the background and I stop in mid-sentence, my heart stirred once more by the total care and love my heavenly father pours in and over his children.
In my life, so far, He's never been early and He's never been late. No, God has always been on time. How I praise Him today for another day to love him.
The sound you hear my friend, is the hinges on this new door the Lord has given...I'm throwing it open..WIDE.. to discover what it really means to walk by faith. Will you join me on my journey?
It's my prayer.
Now Chuck Colson is speaking to the events of the day.
Lord, have I thanked you recently for the blessing of Christian radio?
There has been a too long break in my listening.
A "boom-box" radio/cassette/cd player in my study, which has been our only radio for some time, rarely or most of the time, isn't able to pick up Moody Radio, my favorite station. I have to admit there has been a void. But like most things, good and bad, as most of us do I have adjusted to its absence.
I've truly been more prone to wander without its constancy in my life I realize today.
You see, 25+ years ago the Lord intervened in my life, and through the difficulties in my marriage turned my face back toward Him. And with His strong and tender hands cupping my upturned face encouraged me with an outpouring of great music of our faith. There were many treasured hymns from childhood flooding my memory and praise music lifting my heart. The popular Christian music of the 80's and 90's, rich with God's word, permeated the spaces in my home, in my automobile and landed in my heart.
Today I stand at the threshold of a new door the Lord has opened and asked me to walk through. I look out and desire all that the Lord has in store for me during this season of my life. If you were standing next to me you would see that it's dark out there. My record with "the dark places" is one of shrinking back more times than I like to admit. During the past 12 months I have tested the path and my progression has been as the time-worn expression - "2 steps forward and 3 steps back". It is a battle of my flesh and a supernatural battle that the enemy is waging.
The great "I Am" is bigger than my enemy; bigger than my fears; bigger than the lusting of my flesh to keep the status quo. He alone knows best how to spur me on and how to encourage me.
Last Monday I returned from a week long visit with my son to find a new "sound system" complete with radio and cd player that picks up my favorite station. One that when turned on for the first time was tuned to Moody radio my husband increduously told me. ( I can see you smiling as you read that)
At the moment Dr. Irwin Lutzer is teaching in the background and I stop in mid-sentence, my heart stirred once more by the total care and love my heavenly father pours in and over his children.
In my life, so far, He's never been early and He's never been late. No, God has always been on time. How I praise Him today for another day to love him.
The sound you hear my friend, is the hinges on this new door the Lord has given...I'm throwing it open..WIDE.. to discover what it really means to walk by faith. Will you join me on my journey?
It's my prayer.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
The Desires of My Heart
"Delight yourselves in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart!" Psalm 37:4
When I truly delight in Him His desires become my desires.
Not "pie in the sky" dreams.
Not "happily everafter".
Not "without a care in the world".
In John 4:34 "Jesus said to them, My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to accomplish His Work."
Jesus brought the Glory of the Lord to earth for all to see. It was the Father's desire.
Less of me Lord more of you..that Christ would shine through me.
When I truly delight in Him His desires become my desires.
Not "pie in the sky" dreams.
Not "happily everafter".
Not "without a care in the world".
In John 4:34 "Jesus said to them, My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to accomplish His Work."
Jesus brought the Glory of the Lord to earth for all to see. It was the Father's desire.
Less of me Lord more of you..that Christ would shine through me.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Monday morning musings
Dear ones,
Thinking of each of you as you begin your day and wishing I could reach out and give you a hug!
Wish I could tell you face to face how much you're loved....how encouraging your participation in our conversation here at Heartstrings mean to me.
The typed words on a page will have to suffice. Know that they are from the bottom of my heart.
In about 45 minutes my daughter and I will be on our way to the airport. We're traveling to spend a week with her big brother and his family. To be with both of my children will be such a treat for me.
Pray for me..that my words will be sweet and my heart (filled with the joy of the Lord) will rest in the blessing of family.
I'm praying for you today.
For peace in your heart
For a song on your lips
For a spring in your step
and most importantly
For the joy of the Lord in your heart!
Thinking of each of you as you begin your day and wishing I could reach out and give you a hug!
Wish I could tell you face to face how much you're loved....how encouraging your participation in our conversation here at Heartstrings mean to me.
The typed words on a page will have to suffice. Know that they are from the bottom of my heart.
In about 45 minutes my daughter and I will be on our way to the airport. We're traveling to spend a week with her big brother and his family. To be with both of my children will be such a treat for me.
Pray for me..that my words will be sweet and my heart (filled with the joy of the Lord) will rest in the blessing of family.
I'm praying for you today.
For peace in your heart
For a song on your lips
For a spring in your step
and most importantly
For the joy of the Lord in your heart!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Have You Come To the End of Your Rope ?
It's Friday and God's Word is on my mind and heart.
I've been soaking in Matthew 5 for the past several days; especially verses 1-12. I've been poring over different translations and I share with you below verses 1-3
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved. (The Message Bible Online)
"When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him.
Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said: 'You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule'."
His disciples climb up the hillside with Him, they sit down ready to listen to His Words.
Eugene Peterson has put what is known as The Beatitudes in today's language, and this first one goes right to the heart of the matter:
Less of me is a good thing. Without self trying to reign in my life there is room for God to rule
Confession time - I struggle often with "myself" reigning.
As a little girl I constructed a safe place of "self-protection" . I believed the lie that if I was "in control" of all things in my life I would be safe. And though I asked Jesus into my heart at the age of 17 I still spent the next 20 years continuing to live within those walls of self-protection. During all those years of reinforcing my defenses from who or what might hurt me, I didn't realize I was missing God's best for me.
I didn't know -
He created me for relationship with HIM
He held the answers to my heart's questions
He had a purpose for my life
His unconditional love for me trumps all other love(s)
When I came to the end of my rope just before turning 40, our ever-present, all knowing, all powerful God was waiting, with open arms to welcome this prodigal Home.
Now nearly 28 years later...I say with quivering voice..."Lord, I want You to reign in my life 24/7"..."less of me and more of you".
At those times when I forget what I say I want.....the Holy Spirit, full of grace and mercy, reminds me and once again, for another day, I experience the everlasting love I've discovered I can't live without!
My question is - have YOU come to the end of your rope?
It's my prayer.
I've been soaking in Matthew 5 for the past several days; especially verses 1-12. I've been poring over different translations and I share with you below verses 1-3
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved. (The Message Bible Online)
"When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him.
Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said: 'You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule'."
His disciples climb up the hillside with Him, they sit down ready to listen to His Words.
Eugene Peterson has put what is known as The Beatitudes in today's language, and this first one goes right to the heart of the matter:
Less of me is a good thing. Without self trying to reign in my life there is room for God to rule
Confession time - I struggle often with "myself" reigning.
As a little girl I constructed a safe place of "self-protection" . I believed the lie that if I was "in control" of all things in my life I would be safe. And though I asked Jesus into my heart at the age of 17 I still spent the next 20 years continuing to live within those walls of self-protection. During all those years of reinforcing my defenses from who or what might hurt me, I didn't realize I was missing God's best for me.
I didn't know -
He created me for relationship with HIM
He held the answers to my heart's questions
He had a purpose for my life
His unconditional love for me trumps all other love(s)
When I came to the end of my rope just before turning 40, our ever-present, all knowing, all powerful God was waiting, with open arms to welcome this prodigal Home.
Now nearly 28 years later...I say with quivering voice..."Lord, I want You to reign in my life 24/7"..."less of me and more of you".
At those times when I forget what I say I want.....the Holy Spirit, full of grace and mercy, reminds me and once again, for another day, I experience the everlasting love I've discovered I can't live without!
My question is - have YOU come to the end of your rope?
It's my prayer.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
From a Sister Blogger
Happy Wednesday dear readers. What follows is a post from one of my favorite bloggers. Her posts have been great encouragement as I step out into a new area of ministry. I encourage you to follow her:
Heart To Heart With Holley.
http://holley.dayspring.com/ -
If Fear ever Frays Your Edges
Posted: 18 Oct 2010 05:59 PM PDT
I pull the jeans from my closet, hold them up to the light. I'm about to fold them neatly into my suitcase when I notice the rough cuffs.
I grab scissors and snip at loose ends. They only fray more. I tug and pull. (Did I mention these are my good jeans?)
I sigh and lean back against the wall. And as I do, I realize my jeans aren't the only thing with frayed edges.
My heart has them too.
You see, I'm packing for the Relevant conference this week. I'm looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones, to learning and time with Jesus.
And yet (confession coming) a part of me still feels insecure.
Will I fit in?
Will people like me?
Fear pulls at the edges of our hearts.
My jeans are frayed.
And I am afraid.
Neither of us seem quite good enough at the moment.
And as I stand there, jeans still in hand, a change begins to happen. It seems Jesus lays His hands on those frayed edges, those places I wish were different, and He stiches them up with grace. He tells me again...
Love all. Please One.
Be who I've created you to be.
You are enough because I am enough in you.
Each line is like a thread that mends my heart. I run my fingers along the edges, amazed--they suddenly feel smoother and more whole.
And my jeans?
I put them in my suitcase.
I've decided I'll just wear them anyway.
I'm slowly learning it's not about being perfect...
but being perfectly loved.
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear. 1 John 4:18
- Holley Gerth
Dear friends, This post landed hard on my heart. As I read it and re-read it the peace of Christ fell afresh on my anxious thoughts replacing them with HIs confidence,
May it be so for you.
Heart To Heart With Holley.
http://holley.dayspring.com/ -
If Fear ever Frays Your Edges
Posted: 18 Oct 2010 05:59 PM PDT
I pull the jeans from my closet, hold them up to the light. I'm about to fold them neatly into my suitcase when I notice the rough cuffs.
I grab scissors and snip at loose ends. They only fray more. I tug and pull. (Did I mention these are my good jeans?)
I sigh and lean back against the wall. And as I do, I realize my jeans aren't the only thing with frayed edges.
My heart has them too.
You see, I'm packing for the Relevant conference this week. I'm looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones, to learning and time with Jesus.
And yet (confession coming) a part of me still feels insecure.
Will I fit in?
Will people like me?
Fear pulls at the edges of our hearts.
My jeans are frayed.
And I am afraid.
Neither of us seem quite good enough at the moment.
And as I stand there, jeans still in hand, a change begins to happen. It seems Jesus lays His hands on those frayed edges, those places I wish were different, and He stiches them up with grace. He tells me again...
Love all. Please One.
Be who I've created you to be.
You are enough because I am enough in you.
Each line is like a thread that mends my heart. I run my fingers along the edges, amazed--they suddenly feel smoother and more whole.
And my jeans?
I put them in my suitcase.
I've decided I'll just wear them anyway.
I'm slowly learning it's not about being perfect...
but being perfectly loved.
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear. 1 John 4:18
- Holley Gerth
Dear friends, This post landed hard on my heart. As I read it and re-read it the peace of Christ fell afresh on my anxious thoughts replacing them with HIs confidence,
May it be so for you.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Joy Notes
Last weekend I had the great privilege and joy to have lunch with 40+ former classmates. The occasion was our 50th high school reunion.
Most of the "girls" I hadn't seen in nearly that expanse of time. However, thanks to modern technology I have reconnected with a few on my FaceBook page, and as the time for the event approached, excitement grew. I invited my daughter to accompany me and we had a beautiful day for our roadtrip.
As we drove over the Manatee River from Palmetto into Bradenton my mind was swept back to the late 50's and 1960 and the many events held in this area on the shore of the river. Many of the tenants of buildings have changed but some stay the same. The Manatee Players is in its original spot and lunch was at "Mattison's", housed in the Pier Building of my teens ,which at that time was home to Bradenton's radio station. (top floor of the building)
For 2 hours the restaurant overlooking the river was alive with much conversation and laughter. It was a wonderful time as I visited with dear friends from girl scout days through the first year at Manatee Junior College.
I haven't lived in Bradenton since I was 19; nearly 49 years. There have been many changes as you can imagine in that many years and yet it still retains it's special southern coastal flavor.
Last Saturday for a few hours time stood still and 40 women in their sixties were girls again.
Several of us have promised to stay in touch...its my prayer.
Most of the "girls" I hadn't seen in nearly that expanse of time. However, thanks to modern technology I have reconnected with a few on my FaceBook page, and as the time for the event approached, excitement grew. I invited my daughter to accompany me and we had a beautiful day for our roadtrip.
As we drove over the Manatee River from Palmetto into Bradenton my mind was swept back to the late 50's and 1960 and the many events held in this area on the shore of the river. Many of the tenants of buildings have changed but some stay the same. The Manatee Players is in its original spot and lunch was at "Mattison's", housed in the Pier Building of my teens ,which at that time was home to Bradenton's radio station. (top floor of the building)
For 2 hours the restaurant overlooking the river was alive with much conversation and laughter. It was a wonderful time as I visited with dear friends from girl scout days through the first year at Manatee Junior College.
I haven't lived in Bradenton since I was 19; nearly 49 years. There have been many changes as you can imagine in that many years and yet it still retains it's special southern coastal flavor.
Several of us have promised to stay in touch...its my prayer.
Friday, October 15, 2010
When The Unexpected Derails The Train
I wrote the title for today's blog very early this morning.
Suffice to say when I wrote it I was not prepared for what God would surprise me with two hours later.
Just an inkling of where my head and my heart have been over the last 24+ hours as posted on my FB wall -
Someone once said that interruptions are God's opportunities......well I'm having difficulty with seeing it that way today.....I guess if I look at it as His opportunity to reveal my true heart for Him ... I get it .... and I see that I am failing big time ..... letting my feelings dictate my reactions .... not thinking... with the mind of Christ...argh! Not good! Help me Lord!...... (Yesterday, about 24 hours ago)
Oh precious faces - how personal is our God....He says to call to Him and He will tell us great and mighty things....within minutes of my cry for help, this lands in my in-box -
"Even when we cannot see the why and wherefore of God's dealings, we know that there is love in and behind them, and so we can rejoice always." ... -- J. I. Packer
How Great is our God.... (Yesterday - about 10 minutes after the above)
Hungering and thirsting this morning.....Lord, put your Word in my mouth today....the World's words don't taste so good. "He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna..that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord." Deut. 8:...3 (6:00 AM this morning )
Hummmnn...I see a pattern..almost a path the Lord was putting before me - as if He was saying "keep looking at "ME" not the circumstances. As I told Habakkuk when he cried out to me wondering 'How long Lord, are you listening'? Hear the same words to you my daughter -
'Look at the nations and be amazed! Watch and be astounded at what I will do! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn't believe even if someone told you about it.'
I'll say .
New title - When The Unexpected Keeps The Train On Its Track
Giving thanks with a grateful heart today!
What are you grateful for?
Suffice to say when I wrote it I was not prepared for what God would surprise me with two hours later.
Just an inkling of where my head and my heart have been over the last 24+ hours as posted on my FB wall -
Someone once said that interruptions are God's opportunities......well I'm having difficulty with seeing it that way today.....I guess if I look at it as His opportunity to reveal my true heart for Him ... I get it .... and I see that I am failing big time ..... letting my feelings dictate my reactions .... not thinking... with the mind of Christ...argh! Not good! Help me Lord!...... (Yesterday, about 24 hours ago)
Oh precious faces - how personal is our God....He says to call to Him and He will tell us great and mighty things....within minutes of my cry for help, this lands in my in-box -
"Even when we cannot see the why and wherefore of God's dealings, we know that there is love in and behind them, and so we can rejoice always." ... -- J. I. Packer
How Great is our God.... (Yesterday - about 10 minutes after the above)
Hungering and thirsting this morning.....Lord, put your Word in my mouth today....the World's words don't taste so good. "He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna..that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord." Deut. 8:...3 (6:00 AM this morning )
Hummmnn...I see a pattern..almost a path the Lord was putting before me - as if He was saying "keep looking at "ME" not the circumstances. As I told Habakkuk when he cried out to me wondering 'How long Lord, are you listening'? Hear the same words to you my daughter -
'Look at the nations and be amazed! Watch and be astounded at what I will do! For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn't believe even if someone told you about it.'
I'll say .
New title - When The Unexpected Keeps The Train On Its Track
Giving thanks with a grateful heart today!
What are you grateful for?
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Beyond Bethlehem
Since Monday Peace has been our topic.
On Tuesday I asked the question – “where does Peace begin?”
That question led me to a 2 day look at the birth of Jesus Christ.
Why?
Without Christ I have no peace. He is the sole reason that peace is in my heart.
Sometimes I let the noise of the world creep into my heart and it threatens to push Peace to the furthest recesses of my heart and mind.
Life can get noisy and cloudy at those times. I don’t do well in the dark.
The best way to put light back into my life is to read and digest God’s Word.
These past two days looking in Isaiah and the gospels has reminded me of the creativity and audacity of our good and powerful God.
Come to earth as a babe in an animal stall? Spend 33 years growing in wisdom in order to call a special group of 12 to be up close and personal as the who, what, why ,where and how of The Gospel was revealed? Patiently teaching the multitudes how to love others by His example of love?
For me??????
I am once more put back on “the narrow way” as I fix my eyes on Jesus. He is the author and finisher of my faith.
Only God.
Always God.
HE is my Peace.
On Tuesday I asked the question – “where does Peace begin?”
That question led me to a 2 day look at the birth of Jesus Christ.
Why?
Without Christ I have no peace. He is the sole reason that peace is in my heart.
Sometimes I let the noise of the world creep into my heart and it threatens to push Peace to the furthest recesses of my heart and mind.
Life can get noisy and cloudy at those times. I don’t do well in the dark.
The best way to put light back into my life is to read and digest God’s Word.
These past two days looking in Isaiah and the gospels has reminded me of the creativity and audacity of our good and powerful God.
Come to earth as a babe in an animal stall? Spend 33 years growing in wisdom in order to call a special group of 12 to be up close and personal as the who, what, why ,where and how of The Gospel was revealed? Patiently teaching the multitudes how to love others by His example of love?
For me??????
I am once more put back on “the narrow way” as I fix my eyes on Jesus. He is the author and finisher of my faith.
Only God.
Always God.
HE is my Peace.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
The Angel Paid a Visit
Yesterday we paused after the Angels proclaimed the birth of Jesus to shepherds tending their sheep.
We review the scene so far.
Bethlehem bursting at the seams; overrun with those who claimed it "home". Traveling from near and far to adhere to the decree of Caesar Augustus , that all the people of the Roman Empire were to be registered, each to his own city.
Mary and Joseph were included to be counted and while there the baby due to be born would wait no longer.
When we left the scene Mary had gathered her new son into her arms, wrapped him in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger (an animal feeding trough) and on a hillside the Angel of the Lord comes down and pronounces to the shepherds tending their flocks that He has brought them "great news" .
I read of the glory of the Lord flashing and shining all about them as the angel appeared and I wonder what was going through their minds at that moment. The bible says they were terribly frightened. That tells me that this was not a usual occurrence….angels appearing in the midst of sheep tending.
I wonder how I would have reacted in their place. Would I have been immediately calmed when this visitor said “don’t be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy which will come to all the people. “ ? Or would more information have been necessary…the birth itself perhaps and why “this” baby was reason for God to send His angels to visit shepherds? Would I want a description and location of the event? Would you?
From the account written in Luke the shepherds must have needed the details along with the inclusion of a visit by the heavenly host (God’s angelic army). For at the angelic departure we read that they turned to each other and decided to GO (with haste) and see this “thing” for themselves..this thing that God had purposely informed them of.
They found the little family as the angel described and in turn told others…the Messiah promised by God through the prophets had arrived!
Was there singing and dancing?
Do you think they wondered “why a baby?” “how will he save us?”
What would you have thought or wondered if you were in the shepherd’s shoes (sandals)?
The text continues that those who heard their account were astounded and marveled at what they were told.
Mary quietly kept “all these things” inside and “weighed and pondered them in her heart”.
......and the shepherds? They returned to their sheep all the while glorifying and praising God for all the things they had seen and heard, just as it had been told to them.
Mind boggling.
............….To be continued….
We review the scene so far.
Bethlehem bursting at the seams; overrun with those who claimed it "home". Traveling from near and far to adhere to the decree of Caesar Augustus , that all the people of the Roman Empire were to be registered, each to his own city.
Mary and Joseph were included to be counted and while there the baby due to be born would wait no longer.
When we left the scene Mary had gathered her new son into her arms, wrapped him in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger (an animal feeding trough) and on a hillside the Angel of the Lord comes down and pronounces to the shepherds tending their flocks that He has brought them "great news" .
I read of the glory of the Lord flashing and shining all about them as the angel appeared and I wonder what was going through their minds at that moment. The bible says they were terribly frightened. That tells me that this was not a usual occurrence….angels appearing in the midst of sheep tending.
I wonder how I would have reacted in their place. Would I have been immediately calmed when this visitor said “don’t be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy which will come to all the people. “ ? Or would more information have been necessary…the birth itself perhaps and why “this” baby was reason for God to send His angels to visit shepherds? Would I want a description and location of the event? Would you?
From the account written in Luke the shepherds must have needed the details along with the inclusion of a visit by the heavenly host (God’s angelic army). For at the angelic departure we read that they turned to each other and decided to GO (with haste) and see this “thing” for themselves..this thing that God had purposely informed them of.
They found the little family as the angel described and in turn told others…the Messiah promised by God through the prophets had arrived!
Was there singing and dancing?
Do you think they wondered “why a baby?” “how will he save us?”
What would you have thought or wondered if you were in the shepherd’s shoes (sandals)?
The text continues that those who heard their account were astounded and marveled at what they were told.
Mary quietly kept “all these things” inside and “weighed and pondered them in her heart”.
......and the shepherds? They returned to their sheep all the while glorifying and praising God for all the things they had seen and heard, just as it had been told to them.
Mind boggling.
............….To be continued….
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Where Does Peace Begin
Yesterday I shared how a treasured coffee mug with the inscription : "May Peace Be More than a Season" has moved me to consider Peace and what it looks like in ordinary lives.
Peace in our hearts
Peace in our homes
Peace in our neighborhoods
Peace in our world
Peace is more than the absence of noise or confusion. Peace is more than serenity on the face of a sleeping babe or an engrossed 5 year old.
Peace is more than safe streets, productive families, and countries laying down weapons of destruction.
Where does Peace begin?
Today I leave you with the one visual that changed the world and how we view it forever -
...Bethlehem .... numbers and numbers of people coming to register for the census decreed by Caesar Augustus..including Joseph and his betrothed, Mary, who was great with child. While there, her time to give birth would wait no longer.....no matter the surroundings (a smelly stall) nor the events of the day.
Can you sense the activity? Suddenly a cry and then sweet silence? Mary wrapped her infant son in long strips of cloth according to the culture of the day. These cloths were believed to give his limbs strength and protection. In today's culture wrapping an infant securely in a thin blanket is believed to give comfort and warmth. I imagine a glow filling that place...and peace...unprecedented permeating the hearts of Mary and Joseph. God had kept His promise.
"In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid ; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people ; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. "This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth PEACE among men with whom He is pleased."
Luke 2:8 -14
Then as now there were those who fell at His feet in awe and belief and many others who turned away.
His life on earth was just beginning .... Peace had entered the world and life as it was known untill that moment was now "turned upside down".
What would it mean to Mary and Joseph...their friends..their family?
.....To be continued.....................................
..........................as we spend time with Jesus in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John....
Peace in our hearts
Peace in our homes
Peace in our neighborhoods
Peace in our world
Peace is more than the absence of noise or confusion. Peace is more than serenity on the face of a sleeping babe or an engrossed 5 year old.
Peace is more than safe streets, productive families, and countries laying down weapons of destruction.
Where does Peace begin?
Today I leave you with the one visual that changed the world and how we view it forever -
...Bethlehem .... numbers and numbers of people coming to register for the census decreed by Caesar Augustus..including Joseph and his betrothed, Mary, who was great with child. While there, her time to give birth would wait no longer.....no matter the surroundings (a smelly stall) nor the events of the day.
Can you sense the activity? Suddenly a cry and then sweet silence? Mary wrapped her infant son in long strips of cloth according to the culture of the day. These cloths were believed to give his limbs strength and protection. In today's culture wrapping an infant securely in a thin blanket is believed to give comfort and warmth. I imagine a glow filling that place...and peace...unprecedented permeating the hearts of Mary and Joseph. God had kept His promise.
"In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid ; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people ; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. "This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth PEACE among men with whom He is pleased."
Luke 2:8 -14
Then as now there were those who fell at His feet in awe and belief and many others who turned away.
His life on earth was just beginning .... Peace had entered the world and life as it was known untill that moment was now "turned upside down".
What would it mean to Mary and Joseph...their friends..their family?
.....To be continued.....................................
..........................as we spend time with Jesus in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John....
Monday, October 11, 2010
Peace
I have a coffee mug that was given to me by a friend last Christmas. For most of the past year that mug has been sitting on a top shelf waiting for this Christmas.
A few weeks ago however, my favorite mugs ( the super sized ones) were in the dishwasher. I had almost determined that I would just have to drink out of a normal sized cup when I remembered that I had stored some mugs over the stove, and was delighted to find what has become - my new favorite - sitting on the shelf. I had used this mug as decoration last year but now as I calculated it's size and shape, I determined it to be exactly what my hand was hungering to hold.
It is a pretty mug, decorated with beautiful red cardinals and green holly. It has an interesting curved shape and each time I take a swallow of the dark fragrant liquid that helps wake me each morning, I see inscribed on the inside of the cup - " May Peace Be More Than A Season".
That phrase has been rolling over and over in my head for days now.
Peace. What do I think of when I see or hear the word peace?
For today I leave you with 2 of a number of visuals that make me think of peace:
A baby sleeping in her crib, eyelashes caressing her round cheeks, purses her tiny mouth to utter "coo" and suddenly her rosebud lips curl into a heart-stopping smile.
A classroom of five year olds, who only moments ago were chattering loudly, now sitting "stone still" listening to their beloved teacher read to them from "The Velveteen Rabbit".
It's more than that though.
Where does peace begin?
...........To be continued.
A few weeks ago however, my favorite mugs ( the super sized ones) were in the dishwasher. I had almost determined that I would just have to drink out of a normal sized cup when I remembered that I had stored some mugs over the stove, and was delighted to find what has become - my new favorite - sitting on the shelf. I had used this mug as decoration last year but now as I calculated it's size and shape, I determined it to be exactly what my hand was hungering to hold.
It is a pretty mug, decorated with beautiful red cardinals and green holly. It has an interesting curved shape and each time I take a swallow of the dark fragrant liquid that helps wake me each morning, I see inscribed on the inside of the cup - " May Peace Be More Than A Season".
That phrase has been rolling over and over in my head for days now.
Peace. What do I think of when I see or hear the word peace?
For today I leave you with 2 of a number of visuals that make me think of peace:
A baby sleeping in her crib, eyelashes caressing her round cheeks, purses her tiny mouth to utter "coo" and suddenly her rosebud lips curl into a heart-stopping smile.
A classroom of five year olds, who only moments ago were chattering loudly, now sitting "stone still" listening to their beloved teacher read to them from "The Velveteen Rabbit".
It's more than that though.
Where does peace begin?
...........To be continued.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Who Are You?
Some days I need to refresh my mind by looking into God's Word to affirm who I am.
Can you relate?
Do you have days when you discover you've been wearing 4 or 5 different hats as you've gone through your day and your identity is getting cloudy?
When my vision gets cloudy and my mind becomes cluttered I retreat to my favorite book and find within its pages:
WHO I AM
I am God's child (John 1:12)
I am Christ's friend (John 15:15 )
I am united with the Lord(1 Cor. 6:17 )
I am bought with a price(1 Cor. 6:19-20)
I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ. (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt & light of the earth ( Matt.5:13-14)
I am a member of the body of Christ(1 Cor 12:27)
I am free forever from condemnation ( Rom. 8: 1-2)
I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant ( Phil.3:20)
I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31 -34)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God (2 Cor.5 :17-21)
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)
I am seated with Christ in heavenly places (Eph. 2:6)
I cannot be separated from the love of God ( Rom.8:35-39)
I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor.1:21-22)
I am assured all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose (Rom. 8: 28)
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16 )
I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12 )
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)
I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)
I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16 )
I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)
I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3)
I have been justified (Romans 5:1)
I am God's co-worker (1 Cor.. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1)
I am God's workmanship (Eph. 2:10 )
I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected. (Phil 1: 5)
I have been redeemed and forgiven ( Col.1:14)
I have been adopted as God's child (Eph 1:5)
These verses help me to focus on Whose I am.... oh thank you Jesus!
Do you know who you are? Would you prayerfully consider these verses?
Can you relate?
Do you have days when you discover you've been wearing 4 or 5 different hats as you've gone through your day and your identity is getting cloudy?
When my vision gets cloudy and my mind becomes cluttered I retreat to my favorite book and find within its pages:
WHO I AM
I am God's child (John 1:12)
I am Christ's friend (John 15:15 )
I am united with the Lord(1 Cor. 6:17 )
I am bought with a price(1 Cor. 6:19-20)
I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ. (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt & light of the earth ( Matt.5:13-14)
I am a member of the body of Christ(1 Cor 12:27)
I am free forever from condemnation ( Rom. 8: 1-2)
I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant ( Phil.3:20)
I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31 -34)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God (2 Cor.5 :17-21)
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)
I am seated with Christ in heavenly places (Eph. 2:6)
I cannot be separated from the love of God ( Rom.8:35-39)
I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor.1:21-22)
I am assured all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose (Rom. 8: 28)
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16 )
I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12 )
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)
I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)
I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16 )
I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)
I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3)
I have been justified (Romans 5:1)
I am God's co-worker (1 Cor.. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1)
I am God's workmanship (Eph. 2:10 )
I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected. (Phil 1: 5)
I have been redeemed and forgiven ( Col.1:14)
I have been adopted as God's child (Eph 1:5)
These verses help me to focus on Whose I am.... oh thank you Jesus!
Do you know who you are? Would you prayerfully consider these verses?
Friday, October 1, 2010
Fall in Florida
Cooler mornings with much less humidity - it must be Fall.
Orange, yellow, green and brown colors displayed with abundance wherever you look - it must be Fall.
Pumpkins, pumkins, pumpkins: every size and every material for every decor - it must be Fall.
October 1st, the calendar confirms - it must be Fall.
Lord you made everything beautiful in Your time - It IS Fall - in Florida.
Hallelujah!
Orange, yellow, green and brown colors displayed with abundance wherever you look - it must be Fall.
Pumpkins, pumkins, pumpkins: every size and every material for every decor - it must be Fall.
October 1st, the calendar confirms - it must be Fall.
Lord you made everything beautiful in Your time - It IS Fall - in Florida.
Hallelujah!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Sundays Child
Sunday's child.
Have you seen her face? She glows from the inside out.
When she speaks her words are like the softest blanket - warm and comforting.
She wants to hear all about you..what you've been doing. She doesn't talk about others.
It's been a long time since you've had a conversation yet it's as if the last time was just yesterday..
Words come easy between you and you share much laughter - you giggle and she "snorts"
Oh the joy of a friend of long standing.
When it's time to say good -bye you don't want to go ... it's comfortable and safe in her presence.
You each promise to get together soon...friendship has been called a gift you give yourself
Sunday's child is the friend (s) that the Lord has given.
Treasure her.
Have you seen her face? She glows from the inside out.
When she speaks her words are like the softest blanket - warm and comforting.
She wants to hear all about you..what you've been doing. She doesn't talk about others.
It's been a long time since you've had a conversation yet it's as if the last time was just yesterday..
Words come easy between you and you share much laughter - you giggle and she "snorts"
Oh the joy of a friend of long standing.
When it's time to say good -bye you don't want to go ... it's comfortable and safe in her presence.
You each promise to get together soon...friendship has been called a gift you give yourself
Sunday's child is the friend (s) that the Lord has given.
Treasure her.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Needing Him
I’ve been poring through my notes and conversations with the Lord over the past 10+ years. Along with the aforementioned I have found prayers and devotions that I have written or collected over the years. The following is from past devotions.
“Call to me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things which you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3
..."Because you have prayed to Me...." ~ Isaiah 37:21
Have you ever had your back against the wall so badly that if something didn't happen to change your situation, you were sunk? King Hezekiah was one of Israel's greatest godly kings. One of the greatest challenges to his reign came when the king of Assyria threatened to attack Israel and wipe them out.
The Assyrians were the local bullies of the region and had wiped out all other enemies in their region.
They mocked the idea of having a God who could save them.
"Don’t let Hezekiah deceive you. He can’t deliver you! Don’t let Hezekiah persuade you to trust in the Lord when he says: The Lord will surely deliver us; this city will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria" (Isaiah 36:14b-15).
The world is full of "Assyrian kings" who mock the idea of a living God who delivers. At this particular time without God's help, Israel would not overcome. Their backs were against the wall. They would be destroyed.
King Hezekiah saved Israel because of one act. He prayed; and because he prayed, God moved on his behalf. In fact, God moved so powerfully that Hezekiah didn’t even have to fight the battle.
"Then the angel of the Lord went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand men in the Assyrian camp. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies!" (Isaiah 37:36)
The king of Assyria was even murdered by his own sons. Imagine seeing your enemy totally destroyed without one hand raised in battle!
Another biblical example of God fighting for His people can be found in 2 Chronicles 20. Spend time reading about King Jehosophat. You'll be blessed.
God wants to act on behalf of His children if only they will call on Him. One of the motives Hezekiah had in seeking God's help was "so that all kingdoms on earth may know that You alone, O Lord, are God" (Isaiah 37:20). This is what happened; God was glorified.
God wants to let those in our area of influence (family, friends, co-workers, those we minister to) know that He is a living God. He can deliver. Would you join me in seeking Him today for the spiritual battles that rage around us (in our individual lives, our families, in the families of those He has asked us to serve in His name)? May we keep our motives pure, praying His Word back to Him: His deeds and His promises; all the while watching and waiting for Him to move again on behalf of His people.
Come Lord Jesus.
“Call to me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things which you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3
..."Because you have prayed to Me...." ~ Isaiah 37:21
Have you ever had your back against the wall so badly that if something didn't happen to change your situation, you were sunk? King Hezekiah was one of Israel's greatest godly kings. One of the greatest challenges to his reign came when the king of Assyria threatened to attack Israel and wipe them out.
The Assyrians were the local bullies of the region and had wiped out all other enemies in their region.
They mocked the idea of having a God who could save them.
"Don’t let Hezekiah deceive you. He can’t deliver you! Don’t let Hezekiah persuade you to trust in the Lord when he says: The Lord will surely deliver us; this city will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria" (Isaiah 36:14b-15).
The world is full of "Assyrian kings" who mock the idea of a living God who delivers. At this particular time without God's help, Israel would not overcome. Their backs were against the wall. They would be destroyed.
King Hezekiah saved Israel because of one act. He prayed; and because he prayed, God moved on his behalf. In fact, God moved so powerfully that Hezekiah didn’t even have to fight the battle.
"Then the angel of the Lord went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand men in the Assyrian camp. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies!" (Isaiah 37:36)
The king of Assyria was even murdered by his own sons. Imagine seeing your enemy totally destroyed without one hand raised in battle!
Another biblical example of God fighting for His people can be found in 2 Chronicles 20. Spend time reading about King Jehosophat. You'll be blessed.
God wants to act on behalf of His children if only they will call on Him. One of the motives Hezekiah had in seeking God's help was "so that all kingdoms on earth may know that You alone, O Lord, are God" (Isaiah 37:20). This is what happened; God was glorified.
God wants to let those in our area of influence (family, friends, co-workers, those we minister to) know that He is a living God. He can deliver. Would you join me in seeking Him today for the spiritual battles that rage around us (in our individual lives, our families, in the families of those He has asked us to serve in His name)? May we keep our motives pure, praying His Word back to Him: His deeds and His promises; all the while watching and waiting for Him to move again on behalf of His people.
Come Lord Jesus.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Morning Reflection
Sunshine on the horizon
Puffy blue clouds
and God's flowerpot garden is calling me outside.
A breeze is blowing through the palm trees
The wind chimes are singing in unison
And God Almighty smiles down on His creation.
God saw all that He had made, and it was very good. (Gen. 1.31)
All things Bright and Beautiful
Written by - Anderson and Salsbury
Published by Word Music
"Each little flow'r that opens up, each little bird that sings, He made their tiny wings. The purple headed mountain, the river running by, the sunset and the morning light that brightens up the sky.
Refrain: All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, and all things wise and wonderful; the Lord God made them all."
Thank you Lord for the beautiful brushstrokes of beauty that you have splashed all over Your land.
Puffy blue clouds
and God's flowerpot garden is calling me outside.
A breeze is blowing through the palm trees
The wind chimes are singing in unison
And God Almighty smiles down on His creation.
God saw all that He had made, and it was very good. (Gen. 1.31)
All things Bright and Beautiful
Written by - Anderson and Salsbury
Published by Word Music
"Each little flow'r that opens up, each little bird that sings, He made their tiny wings. The purple headed mountain, the river running by, the sunset and the morning light that brightens up the sky.
Refrain: All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, and all things wise and wonderful; the Lord God made them all."
Thank you Lord for the beautiful brushstrokes of beauty that you have splashed all over Your land.
Friday, September 10, 2010
God moments
As I sit here contemplating those God moments in my life I have to admit that if I want to give credit where credit is due then every moment God has given me is His moment.
Thought provoking isn't it? If you, if I, are disciples of Jesus Christ then how we think, speak and act directly should reflect Christ's light. When I want to remind myself of this truth I turn to Jesus' words found in Matthew chapters 5,6 & 7.
Let's look today at how Eugene Peterson paraphrased chapter 5 in The Message -
1 When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down 2 and taught his climbing companions.
This is what he said: 3 "You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. 4 "You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you. 5 "You're blessed when you're content with just who you are - no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought. 6 "You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat. 7 "You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'carefull,' you find yourselves cared for. 8 "You're blessed when you get your inside world - your mind and heart - put right. Then you can see God in the outside world. 9 "You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family. 10 "You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom. 11 "Not only that - count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. 12 You can be glad when that happens - give a cheer, even! - for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.
13 "Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.
14 "Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. 15 If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. 16 Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand - shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
17 "Don't suppose for a minute that I have come to demolish the Scriptures - either God's Law or the Prophets. I'm not here to demolish but to complete. I am going to put it all together, pull it all together in a vast panorama. 18 God's Law is more real and lasting than the stars in the sky and the ground at your feet. Long after stars burn out and earth wears out, God's Law will be alive and working. 19 "Trivialize even the smallest item in God's Law and you will only have trivialized yourself. But take it seriously, show the way for others, and you will find honor in the kingdom. 20 Unless you do far better than the Pharisees in the matters of right living, you won't know the first thing about entering the kingdom.
21 "You're familiar with the command to the ancients, 'Do not murder.' 22 I'm telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder. Carelessly call a brother 'idiot!' and you just might find yourself hauled into court. Thoughtlessly yell 'stupid!' at a sister and you are on the brink of hellfire. The simple moral fact is that words kill. 23 "This is how I want you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, 24 abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God. 25 "Or say you're out on the street and an old enemy accosts you. Don't lose a minute. Make the first move; make things right with him. After all, if you leave the first move to him, knowing his track record, you're likely to end up in court, maybe even jail. 26 If that happens, you won't get out without a stiff fine.
27 "You know the next commandment pretty well, too: 'Don't go to bed with another's spouse.' 28 But don't think you've preserved your virtue simply by staying out of bed. Your heart can be corrupted by lust even quicker than your body. Those leering looks you think nobody notices - they also corrupt. 29 "Let's not pretend this is easier than it really is. If you want to live a morally pure life, here's what you have to do: You have to blind your right eye the moment you catch it in a lustful leer. You have to choose to live one-eyed or else be dumped on a moral trash pile. 30 And you have to chop off your right hand the moment you notice it raised threateningly. Better a bloody stump than your entire being discarded for good in the dump.
31 "Remember the Scripture that says, 'Whoever divorces his wife, let him do it legally, giving her divorce papers and her legal rights'? 32 Too many of you are using that as a cover for selfishness and whim, pretending to be righteous just because you are 'legal.' Please, no more pretending. If you divorce your wife, you're responsible for making her an adulteress (unless she has already made herself that by sexual promiscuity). And if you marry such a divorced adulteress, you're automatically an adulterer yourself. You can't use legal cover to mask a moral failure.
33 "And don't say anything you don't mean. This counsel is embedded deep in our traditions. 34 You only make things worse when you lay down a smoke screen of pious talk, saying, 'I'll pray for you,' and never doing it, or saying, 'God be with you,' and not meaning it. You don't make your words true by embellishing them with religious lace. In making your speech sound more religious, it becomes less true. 35 36 37 Just say 'yes' and 'no.' When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong.
38 "Here's another old saying that deserves a second look: 'Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.' 39 Is that going to get us anywhere? Here's what I propose: 'Don't hit back at all.' If someone strikes you, stand there and take it. 40 If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. 41 And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. 42 No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.
43 "You're familiar with the old written law, 'Love your friend,' and its unwritten companion, 'Hate your enemy.' 44 I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, 45 for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best - the sun to warm and the rain to nourish - to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. 46 If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. 47 If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.
48 "In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.
Now dear readers those are God moments! Are you in? Ready to live His way? Let's pray for each other..
"Come Holy Spirit, pour your power in and through us so we can be a reflection of Jesus".
Thought provoking isn't it? If you, if I, are disciples of Jesus Christ then how we think, speak and act directly should reflect Christ's light. When I want to remind myself of this truth I turn to Jesus' words found in Matthew chapters 5,6 & 7.
Let's look today at how Eugene Peterson paraphrased chapter 5 in The Message -
1 When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down 2 and taught his climbing companions.
This is what he said: 3 "You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. 4 "You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you. 5 "You're blessed when you're content with just who you are - no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought. 6 "You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat. 7 "You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'carefull,' you find yourselves cared for. 8 "You're blessed when you get your inside world - your mind and heart - put right. Then you can see God in the outside world. 9 "You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family. 10 "You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom. 11 "Not only that - count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. 12 You can be glad when that happens - give a cheer, even! - for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.
13 "Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.
14 "Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. 15 If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. 16 Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand - shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
17 "Don't suppose for a minute that I have come to demolish the Scriptures - either God's Law or the Prophets. I'm not here to demolish but to complete. I am going to put it all together, pull it all together in a vast panorama. 18 God's Law is more real and lasting than the stars in the sky and the ground at your feet. Long after stars burn out and earth wears out, God's Law will be alive and working. 19 "Trivialize even the smallest item in God's Law and you will only have trivialized yourself. But take it seriously, show the way for others, and you will find honor in the kingdom. 20 Unless you do far better than the Pharisees in the matters of right living, you won't know the first thing about entering the kingdom.
21 "You're familiar with the command to the ancients, 'Do not murder.' 22 I'm telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder. Carelessly call a brother 'idiot!' and you just might find yourself hauled into court. Thoughtlessly yell 'stupid!' at a sister and you are on the brink of hellfire. The simple moral fact is that words kill. 23 "This is how I want you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, 24 abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God. 25 "Or say you're out on the street and an old enemy accosts you. Don't lose a minute. Make the first move; make things right with him. After all, if you leave the first move to him, knowing his track record, you're likely to end up in court, maybe even jail. 26 If that happens, you won't get out without a stiff fine.
27 "You know the next commandment pretty well, too: 'Don't go to bed with another's spouse.' 28 But don't think you've preserved your virtue simply by staying out of bed. Your heart can be corrupted by lust even quicker than your body. Those leering looks you think nobody notices - they also corrupt. 29 "Let's not pretend this is easier than it really is. If you want to live a morally pure life, here's what you have to do: You have to blind your right eye the moment you catch it in a lustful leer. You have to choose to live one-eyed or else be dumped on a moral trash pile. 30 And you have to chop off your right hand the moment you notice it raised threateningly. Better a bloody stump than your entire being discarded for good in the dump.
31 "Remember the Scripture that says, 'Whoever divorces his wife, let him do it legally, giving her divorce papers and her legal rights'? 32 Too many of you are using that as a cover for selfishness and whim, pretending to be righteous just because you are 'legal.' Please, no more pretending. If you divorce your wife, you're responsible for making her an adulteress (unless she has already made herself that by sexual promiscuity). And if you marry such a divorced adulteress, you're automatically an adulterer yourself. You can't use legal cover to mask a moral failure.
33 "And don't say anything you don't mean. This counsel is embedded deep in our traditions. 34 You only make things worse when you lay down a smoke screen of pious talk, saying, 'I'll pray for you,' and never doing it, or saying, 'God be with you,' and not meaning it. You don't make your words true by embellishing them with religious lace. In making your speech sound more religious, it becomes less true. 35 36 37 Just say 'yes' and 'no.' When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong.
38 "Here's another old saying that deserves a second look: 'Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.' 39 Is that going to get us anywhere? Here's what I propose: 'Don't hit back at all.' If someone strikes you, stand there and take it. 40 If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. 41 And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. 42 No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.
43 "You're familiar with the old written law, 'Love your friend,' and its unwritten companion, 'Hate your enemy.' 44 I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, 45 for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best - the sun to warm and the rain to nourish - to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. 46 If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. 47 If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.
48 "In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.
Now dear readers those are God moments! Are you in? Ready to live His way? Let's pray for each other..
"Come Holy Spirit, pour your power in and through us so we can be a reflection of Jesus".
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
So It's September
It's September and as I contemplate what to write about I think of a book just finished sitting on my bookshelf. A book written by a best selling Christian author, whose writing style keeps me "turning the pages" for the next word.
Last week I read "Marta's Legacy Part I -Her Mother's Hope" by Francine Rivers. What a wonderful book filled with rich characters and a family saga begun in 1901when the mother of the title was not yet 5 years old.
I tried to take my time reading about Marta's childhood, young adulthood, marriage and motherhood as the story moved from Europe to Canada then California. I was captured by the storyline and after reaching the halfway mark accelerated my speed as I found myself now caught up in the give and take of Marta the mother and her first daughter, Hildemara (Hilde). I was in a hurry for the conclusion. However I will have to wait for Part II, "Her Daughter's Dream" to see how Marta "wins back her daughter" as she promises her friend Rosie she's intent on, God willing.
Though I was hungry to continue the story..right now...as I turned the last page I found "A note from the Author".
Francine Rivers includes personal biographical information about her family that served as the catalyst for "Marta's Legacy". To my surprise it was the "cherry on the sundae" for me. Her notes encouraged me to "open my eyes" to life happening around and within me.
As I continue on this writing journey the Lord has placed before me, and the many questions that sometimes plague me. I'm blown over by the tools and resources that the Lord is placing within my grasp to help me on the way.
Not the least of which are the prayers and words of encouragement of others which the Lord has used to "keep me at it".
I hope these Indian Summer days are finding you hungering for more of what God has planned for you and that with me, you find yourself seeking Him, with all your hearts.
In His grip,
Judy
Last week I read "Marta's Legacy Part I -Her Mother's Hope" by Francine Rivers. What a wonderful book filled with rich characters and a family saga begun in 1901when the mother of the title was not yet 5 years old.
I tried to take my time reading about Marta's childhood, young adulthood, marriage and motherhood as the story moved from Europe to Canada then California. I was captured by the storyline and after reaching the halfway mark accelerated my speed as I found myself now caught up in the give and take of Marta the mother and her first daughter, Hildemara (Hilde). I was in a hurry for the conclusion. However I will have to wait for Part II, "Her Daughter's Dream" to see how Marta "wins back her daughter" as she promises her friend Rosie she's intent on, God willing.
Though I was hungry to continue the story..right now...as I turned the last page I found "A note from the Author".
Francine Rivers includes personal biographical information about her family that served as the catalyst for "Marta's Legacy". To my surprise it was the "cherry on the sundae" for me. Her notes encouraged me to "open my eyes" to life happening around and within me.
As I continue on this writing journey the Lord has placed before me, and the many questions that sometimes plague me. I'm blown over by the tools and resources that the Lord is placing within my grasp to help me on the way.
Not the least of which are the prayers and words of encouragement of others which the Lord has used to "keep me at it".
I hope these Indian Summer days are finding you hungering for more of what God has planned for you and that with me, you find yourself seeking Him, with all your hearts.
In His grip,
Judy
Friday, August 27, 2010
Fresh Bread
I ask you dear reader, when someone coins the expression - "fresh bread" what comes quickly to your mind?
This term has much meaning for me and as I began thinking of the twists and turns this expression has made in the seasons of my life I wondered what it might mean to my friends and family. I posted the question on my Facebook page and sent a request to several of my friends via email.
"Homemade (which I used to make years ago) - yummy, the smell and then spread some butter on a slice of warm, fresh bread."
"My dad letting it rise in a large orange and white plastic bowl (that had a bubble on the side from being on the bottom rack in the dishwasher) on top of the refrigerator"
"Mom used to make the best fresh bread when I was young"
"mother made fresh bread all the time..the fragrance comes first to mind and reminds me of the love and joy that went into her baking for her family.."
"My daughter's yeast rolls are so light and fluffy and so delicious..and they smell so good, too"
"Homemade yeast rolls my friend Sally used to make when we lived in Ft. Campbell"
" I think of my father's insistence that mother always purchase whole wheat bread (As a child, I longed for white bread, thinking it something special, something that rich kids ate. How wrong I was and how right my father was!)"
another friend shared that her husband
"is addicted to it..he will even eat it stale"
and a young friend who has a passion for volunteering shared that -
"Fresh Bread makes me think of Metropolitan Ministries Market, Naomi's Daughters bread give-aways on Tuesdays, or a bakery."
I have special memories of assembling, kneading and baking fresh bread as well.
About 35 years ago when I was a stay at home mom, I had a friend who was known for her cooking and baking skills. A "scratch cook", she made the most delicious breads. One of her specialties was French Bread.
For the past several years this term that stirs many memories in us has described God's Word to me.
I first heard it coined by Rich Miller of Freedom in Christ Ministries during a Freedom weekend I attended. He stepped on the platform, bible in hand, and proclaimed that He was now going to share with us God's Fresh Bread.
To me it describes what I need every day to live victoriously as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
This FRESH BREAD is the ultimate nourishment. There is nothing else like it and without it there would be a "boatload" of "wimpy men and women" unable to be what a Sovereign God has planned for each of us to be. His Word speaks for itself; take a peek -
"How can a young man (woman) keep his(her) way pure? By keeping your Word." Ps 119:9
"I have treasured Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against Thee." Ps 119:11
"Remember Your Word to Your servant; You have given me hope through it." Ps 119:49
"Lord Your Word is forever; it is firmly fixed in heaven." Ps 119:89
"All scripture is inspired (breathed) by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man (woman) of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
2 Timothy 3:16-17
Thank you Lord for Carla, Lucy, Karen, Ben, Paige, Pat, Cynthia, Iraida, Susan, Danielle, Mary Ann and Bev who shared their memories. Thank you that you nourish our bodies with bread fresh from the oven and you nourish our souls with your Word, the written Word and Jesus, the Living Word, who is the Bread of Life. It's my prayer that we ,who know Christ will remember (as Mary Ann shared) to scatter His fragrance of love and joy wherever we go. In His name and for His sake, Amen.
This term has much meaning for me and as I began thinking of the twists and turns this expression has made in the seasons of my life I wondered what it might mean to my friends and family. I posted the question on my Facebook page and sent a request to several of my friends via email.
The responses were as varied and similar as those who replied. Many had memories of homecooking in years gone by.
"That jar of starter my Mom kept in the fridge...it was alive, and you had to feed it.""Homemade (which I used to make years ago) - yummy, the smell and then spread some butter on a slice of warm, fresh bread."
"My dad letting it rise in a large orange and white plastic bowl (that had a bubble on the side from being on the bottom rack in the dishwasher) on top of the refrigerator"
"Mom used to make the best fresh bread when I was young"
"mother made fresh bread all the time..the fragrance comes first to mind and reminds me of the love and joy that went into her baking for her family.."
"My daughter's yeast rolls are so light and fluffy and so delicious..and they smell so good, too"
"Homemade yeast rolls my friend Sally used to make when we lived in Ft. Campbell"
" I think of my father's insistence that mother always purchase whole wheat bread (As a child, I longed for white bread, thinking it something special, something that rich kids ate. How wrong I was and how right my father was!)"
another friend shared that her husband
"is addicted to it..he will even eat it stale"
and a young friend who has a passion for volunteering shared that -
"Fresh Bread makes me think of Metropolitan Ministries Market, Naomi's Daughters bread give-aways on Tuesdays, or a bakery."
I have special memories of assembling, kneading and baking fresh bread as well.
About 35 years ago when I was a stay at home mom, I had a friend who was known for her cooking and baking skills. A "scratch cook", she made the most delicious breads. One of her specialties was French Bread.
One day she conducted a "cooking class" for this novice. Patiently she taught me how to make a golden loaf that looked similar to the photo at the left; as beautiful as it was tasty.
It was fun baking together but on my own difficult and boring, and I soon gave it up. Her recipe has been lost somewhere over the years but I found one that sounds very similar if you want to try it yourself - allrecipes.com/recipe/french-bread/ .
In addition to baking, "Fresh Bread" brings thoughts of Jesus and His Word to mind -
"Manna from Heaven"
" I thought of Christ as the Bread of Life" and the sweet fragrance of His life"
For the past several years this term that stirs many memories in us has described God's Word to me.
I first heard it coined by Rich Miller of Freedom in Christ Ministries during a Freedom weekend I attended. He stepped on the platform, bible in hand, and proclaimed that He was now going to share with us God's Fresh Bread.
To me it describes what I need every day to live victoriously as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
This FRESH BREAD is the ultimate nourishment. There is nothing else like it and without it there would be a "boatload" of "wimpy men and women" unable to be what a Sovereign God has planned for each of us to be. His Word speaks for itself; take a peek -
"How can a young man (woman) keep his(her) way pure? By keeping your Word." Ps 119:9
"I have treasured Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against Thee." Ps 119:11
"Remember Your Word to Your servant; You have given me hope through it." Ps 119:49
"Lord Your Word is forever; it is firmly fixed in heaven." Ps 119:89
"All scripture is inspired (breathed) by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man (woman) of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
2 Timothy 3:16-17
Thank you Lord for Carla, Lucy, Karen, Ben, Paige, Pat, Cynthia, Iraida, Susan, Danielle, Mary Ann and Bev who shared their memories. Thank you that you nourish our bodies with bread fresh from the oven and you nourish our souls with your Word, the written Word and Jesus, the Living Word, who is the Bread of Life. It's my prayer that we ,who know Christ will remember (as Mary Ann shared) to scatter His fragrance of love and joy wherever we go. In His name and for His sake, Amen.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Looking at Time
It's Saturday; the last day of a week that has whizzed by.
With every day on the calendar time seems to pass more quickly than years gone by.
So many paths yet to walk and the hourglass is sifting much too quickly.
Lately the Lord has been talking to me about time - His versus mine.
I've been looking through my study bible at favorite passages; marked verses when the Lord spoke to me through His Word.
In 2001 as I embarked on a new avenue of ministry, I was reading in Acts 1 when Jesus had commanded the Apostles not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for what the Father had promised as He had told them; the promise of the Holy Spirit. When they gathered together they kept questioning Him, particularly in regard to restoring the kingdom to Israel.
He said to them,
"It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." (Acts 1:7-8)
In the right hand margin I had written -
"wait";
timing is the Father's business;
the power belongs to God...the mission is God's;
Proclaim Jesus through word and deed;
He changes hearts.
On the preceeding page's margin I had written 1:8 and circled it, followed by this note:
Jesus says - "Start where you are".
Then I said - yes, Lord! In 2010 I affirm that response: yes, yes, Lord!
His timing is key in everything.
I have to remember to rest in Him as I go. His grace is sufficient for me.
He will never take me where He won't be with me.
He goes before me preparing the way and comes alongside as I go.
I must remember not to run ahead but rather follow Him.
He has given me ALL the time He needs.
What time is it where you are in your journey?
Til next time, Judy
With every day on the calendar time seems to pass more quickly than years gone by.
So many paths yet to walk and the hourglass is sifting much too quickly.
I've been looking through my study bible at favorite passages; marked verses when the Lord spoke to me through His Word.
In 2001 as I embarked on a new avenue of ministry, I was reading in Acts 1 when Jesus had commanded the Apostles not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for what the Father had promised as He had told them; the promise of the Holy Spirit. When they gathered together they kept questioning Him, particularly in regard to restoring the kingdom to Israel.
He said to them,
"It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." (Acts 1:7-8)
In the right hand margin I had written -
"wait";
timing is the Father's business;
the power belongs to God...the mission is God's;
Proclaim Jesus through word and deed;
He changes hearts.
On the preceeding page's margin I had written 1:8 and circled it, followed by this note:
Jesus says - "Start where you are".
Then I said - yes, Lord! In 2010 I affirm that response: yes, yes, Lord!
His timing is key in everything.
I have to remember to rest in Him as I go. His grace is sufficient for me.
He will never take me where He won't be with me.
He goes before me preparing the way and comes alongside as I go.
I must remember not to run ahead but rather follow Him.
He has given me ALL the time He needs.
What time is it where you are in your journey?
Til next time, Judy
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
His Firmament
"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows and proclaims His handiwork ." Psalm 19:1
Whether the sky is -
at first light as the sun appears, rising in the east, proclaiming the start of a new day;
awash with puffy white clouds and a myriad of blue shades;
ominous with shades of gray and black announcing a storm to come;
gorgeous with yellows, oranges and pinks as the sun sinks in the west or transformed as if lit with twinkle lights as night falls upon the earth.
God's masterpiece.
"In the beginning God (prepared, formed, and) created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and an empty waste, and darkness was upon the face of the very great deep. ..and God said let there be light. And God saw that the light was good (suitable, pleasant) and He approved it; and God separated the light from the darkness. And God called the light day and the darkness He called Night. And there was evening and there was morning one day. And God said let there be a firmament (the expanse of the sky)...and God made the firmament (the expanse) and separated the waters which were under the expanse from the waters which were above the expanse. And it was so. And God called the firmament Heavens. And there was evening and there was morning, a second day. (Gen. 1: 1-8)
Amazing Love! How can it be? This partial lyric from Billy James Foote's worship song comes to mind to describe Creation's mind boggling effect on this ordinary woman. Mind boggling and comforting and affirming all in one!
This God, Elohim, El Elyon, is majestic in power and unsurpassed in creativity!
Picking up at the close of day three ...
"And God said, let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be signs and tokens (of God's provident care), and (to mark) seasons, days, and years. And let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light upon the earth. And it was so. And God made the two great lights - the greater light (the sun) to rule the day and the lesser light (the moon) to rule the night. He also made the stars. And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth. To rule over the day and over the night and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good (fitting,pleasant) and He approved it. And there was evening and there was morning, a fourth day. (Gen. 1:14-19)
Purposefully, thoughtfully, lovingly, and perfectly He spoke these things into being.
The wonderous part is He had you and me in mind before He spoke this masterpiece into space.
Tonight I will have a fresh appreciation for the night sky.
Whether the sky is -
at first light as the sun appears, rising in the east, proclaiming the start of a new day;
awash with puffy white clouds and a myriad of blue shades;
ominous with shades of gray and black announcing a storm to come;
gorgeous with yellows, oranges and pinks as the sun sinks in the west or transformed as if lit with twinkle lights as night falls upon the earth.
God's masterpiece.
"In the beginning God (prepared, formed, and) created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and an empty waste, and darkness was upon the face of the very great deep. ..and God said let there be light. And God saw that the light was good (suitable, pleasant) and He approved it; and God separated the light from the darkness. And God called the light day and the darkness He called Night. And there was evening and there was morning one day. And God said let there be a firmament (the expanse of the sky)...and God made the firmament (the expanse) and separated the waters which were under the expanse from the waters which were above the expanse. And it was so. And God called the firmament Heavens. And there was evening and there was morning, a second day. (Gen. 1: 1-8)
Amazing Love! How can it be? This partial lyric from Billy James Foote's worship song comes to mind to describe Creation's mind boggling effect on this ordinary woman. Mind boggling and comforting and affirming all in one!
This God, Elohim, El Elyon, is majestic in power and unsurpassed in creativity!
Picking up at the close of day three ...
"And God said, let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be signs and tokens (of God's provident care), and (to mark) seasons, days, and years. And let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light upon the earth. And it was so. And God made the two great lights - the greater light (the sun) to rule the day and the lesser light (the moon) to rule the night. He also made the stars. And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth. To rule over the day and over the night and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good (fitting,pleasant) and He approved it. And there was evening and there was morning, a fourth day. (Gen. 1:14-19)
Purposefully, thoughtfully, lovingly, and perfectly He spoke these things into being.
The wonderous part is He had you and me in mind before He spoke this masterpiece into space.
Tonight I will have a fresh appreciation for the night sky.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Black and White in our Family
My last post began this series of learning in a cross cultural family.
It began in 1987 and it will continue long after I'm living in my heavenly home. It began with my daughter's marriage, idylically at first, and in time they became the parents of our first grandchild. He lit up our family's world from the moment he drew his first breath. His mom and dad struggled to overcome cultural differences and finally it just came crashing down around them. By that time our second grandson had been born. From then until today (almost 17 years) our lives have been intertwined with T and our boys.
When they were little the reactions of others were sometimes surprising, and sometimes hilarious. There was the woman in the grocery who commented as she approached the cart that held grand #1 in his baby carrier - "my, he has a good tan." (I'll say..a permanent one). There were curious (or rude) folks who just turned around and stared when we were together and there were those well meaning folks who thought there was something special about grandparents who loved these grandchildren. Not so - the grandchildren were and are the special ones. The love they brought to our family cannot be measured. Football games, and basketball games on weekends and during the middle of the week were the norm for nearly 10 years. There were treasured moments riding in the car singing songs, praying together attending church together, kneeling at the altar for communion and most recently 2 high school graduations. There have been moments that they had to deal with being "not black and not white". Children called them names...they wondered why? They've also thrived in situations that the statistics said they'd fail. In addition to their family these boys had wonderful mentors and teachers through the years. Wonderful people who have loved them and encouraged them to be all that God intended them to be.
Through every moment the greatest strength and comfort for our entire family has been and continues to be the love of our Lord Jesus Christ. And isn't that the way it's supposed to be? Whether we're white, brown, black, red, yellow or polka dotted (sorry about that It just came out) we have a Creator who designed us as we are. We are His people...not defined or limited by race or background. He created us for relationship - first with Him and then with each other. His Word tells me that His ways are not my ways nor are His thoughts like my thoughts. Thank goodness!
Because of this great love of our God we have learned that our identity is not to be determined by the world's opinion of us or the color of our skin but rather our identity is in Christ. We are joints heirs with Jesus...sons and daughters of God!
Leaning on His promises today!
Judy
It began in 1987 and it will continue long after I'm living in my heavenly home. It began with my daughter's marriage, idylically at first, and in time they became the parents of our first grandchild. He lit up our family's world from the moment he drew his first breath. His mom and dad struggled to overcome cultural differences and finally it just came crashing down around them. By that time our second grandson had been born. From then until today (almost 17 years) our lives have been intertwined with T and our boys.
When they were little the reactions of others were sometimes surprising, and sometimes hilarious. There was the woman in the grocery who commented as she approached the cart that held grand #1 in his baby carrier - "my, he has a good tan." (I'll say..a permanent one). There were curious (or rude) folks who just turned around and stared when we were together and there were those well meaning folks who thought there was something special about grandparents who loved these grandchildren. Not so - the grandchildren were and are the special ones. The love they brought to our family cannot be measured. Football games, and basketball games on weekends and during the middle of the week were the norm for nearly 10 years. There were treasured moments riding in the car singing songs, praying together attending church together, kneeling at the altar for communion and most recently 2 high school graduations. There have been moments that they had to deal with being "not black and not white". Children called them names...they wondered why? They've also thrived in situations that the statistics said they'd fail. In addition to their family these boys had wonderful mentors and teachers through the years. Wonderful people who have loved them and encouraged them to be all that God intended them to be.
Through every moment the greatest strength and comfort for our entire family has been and continues to be the love of our Lord Jesus Christ. And isn't that the way it's supposed to be? Whether we're white, brown, black, red, yellow or polka dotted (sorry about that It just came out) we have a Creator who designed us as we are. We are His people...not defined or limited by race or background. He created us for relationship - first with Him and then with each other. His Word tells me that His ways are not my ways nor are His thoughts like my thoughts. Thank goodness!
Because of this great love of our God we have learned that our identity is not to be determined by the world's opinion of us or the color of our skin but rather our identity is in Christ. We are joints heirs with Jesus...sons and daughters of God!
Leaning on His promises today!
Judy
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Outrage and Heartbreak Looking at Our History
Oh friends, I'm watching the movie "The Express" It is a movie about Ernie Davis, the outstanding running back from Elmira NY who played at Syracuse University and was the first black american to be awarded the Heisman Trophy. The year was 1961. The movie recounts the difficulties this oustanding young man and outstanding football player faced during the late 1950's through 1962.
Ernie Davis was given an athletic ability that made him stand out in the crowd. He received the attention of many american colleges because of his abilities and was shunned by others because the color of his skin also made him stand out in the crowd and during those years in our history fear and ignorance kept many folks at arms length to young men and women like Ernie Davis.
I was in high school during those years. A white girl living in the south during segregation and ashamed today to admit pretty much oblivious to the heartwrenching injustices experienced by those whose skin was brown or black.
In 1987 my life took a turn that changed my view of "color" forever. Much happened in our country between 1960 and 1987. Battles for freedom for all americans had been waged in Washington, main street America, schools, businesses and homes and finally in individual hearts. Segregation was offically a thing of the past. All races were to have the freedom to obtain an education and a good job. In other words the incidents that Ernie Davis faced were in the past. Or so it seemed.
In 1987 my daughter fell in love and married a young man she had met while working in high school. This handsome, gregarious, young black american man was 6 years older than she and swept her off her feet.
Everything we professed to believe and held deep in our hearts was brought in the light. I really believed at the time, as they did, that God could overcome any cultural or historical differences. They received premarital counseling from our pastor and were married in a small wedding at our church. She never looked more beautiful and my hopes for her future were never higher than on that day. I wanted with all my heart for the naysayers to be wrong. My deepest desire was that somehow the Lord would use this couple without a real clue at what they faced, to be examples of love overcoming years of prejudice.
As I watched Ernie Davis's story last night (I've written this over the course of two days)...every time someone booed him; every time a football player tryed to maim him (just because his skin was not white); every time someone shouted "spook" at him and his 2 fellow players, my heart nearly broke. There was and still is a lump in my throat as I was bombarded again at how humanity can go so wrong that they would rather cripple or even kill someone because they don't look like they do..don't talk like they do...don't eat what they eat....don't dress like they dress..and the list goes on.
My life has been blessed beyond measure and my mind expanded outside my "own little world" since that day in 1987. That was the day we became black and white in our family.
Don't miss my next post for more lessons learned in our cross cultural family.
Ernie Davis was given an athletic ability that made him stand out in the crowd. He received the attention of many american colleges because of his abilities and was shunned by others because the color of his skin also made him stand out in the crowd and during those years in our history fear and ignorance kept many folks at arms length to young men and women like Ernie Davis.
I was in high school during those years. A white girl living in the south during segregation and ashamed today to admit pretty much oblivious to the heartwrenching injustices experienced by those whose skin was brown or black.
In 1987 my life took a turn that changed my view of "color" forever. Much happened in our country between 1960 and 1987. Battles for freedom for all americans had been waged in Washington, main street America, schools, businesses and homes and finally in individual hearts. Segregation was offically a thing of the past. All races were to have the freedom to obtain an education and a good job. In other words the incidents that Ernie Davis faced were in the past. Or so it seemed.
In 1987 my daughter fell in love and married a young man she had met while working in high school. This handsome, gregarious, young black american man was 6 years older than she and swept her off her feet.
Everything we professed to believe and held deep in our hearts was brought in the light. I really believed at the time, as they did, that God could overcome any cultural or historical differences. They received premarital counseling from our pastor and were married in a small wedding at our church. She never looked more beautiful and my hopes for her future were never higher than on that day. I wanted with all my heart for the naysayers to be wrong. My deepest desire was that somehow the Lord would use this couple without a real clue at what they faced, to be examples of love overcoming years of prejudice.
As I watched Ernie Davis's story last night (I've written this over the course of two days)...every time someone booed him; every time a football player tryed to maim him (just because his skin was not white); every time someone shouted "spook" at him and his 2 fellow players, my heart nearly broke. There was and still is a lump in my throat as I was bombarded again at how humanity can go so wrong that they would rather cripple or even kill someone because they don't look like they do..don't talk like they do...don't eat what they eat....don't dress like they dress..and the list goes on.
My life has been blessed beyond measure and my mind expanded outside my "own little world" since that day in 1987. That was the day we became black and white in our family.
Don't miss my next post for more lessons learned in our cross cultural family.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Of Mountains, Ruts in The Road And God's Word
Saturday greetings all! Here on the home turf it's been a memorable month full of unexpected challenges and blessings.
I've had many opportunities over these past 31 days to gauge how I'm doing thanking God for the "hard stuff". Pluses and minuses I find on my tally sheet. Is your life like that?
Why is it we can be traveling along minding our business on this highway to heaven the Lord has put us on and WHAM, out of nowhere either there is a huge "rut in the road" or a "mountain" in what was moments ago a clear path?
It can happen in a second and if we're not ready for it .."watch out".
Fortunately the Creator of the universe, Almighty, Sovereign God has guidelines and roadmaps to help prepare us for these interruptions. His Word is our "Manual for Living". He augments His Word in our lives with teaching through dedicated pastors and bible teachers.
Many times when I'm reading scripture and have a particular decision or dilemma on my mind the verses for that day are just what I need to either stay on track or change course.
There also are those times that I don't consult the Lord and try to make my own way apart from His instruction,,,trust me, not a good move.
As this month draws to a close, I'm reminded that the remaining months of 2010 will bring new decisions and dilemmas for me and for you dear readers.
It's my prayer that we will fix our eyes on Jesus and trust Him to lead us where He knows best!
Blessings all!
Judy
.
I've had many opportunities over these past 31 days to gauge how I'm doing thanking God for the "hard stuff". Pluses and minuses I find on my tally sheet. Is your life like that?
Why is it we can be traveling along minding our business on this highway to heaven the Lord has put us on and WHAM, out of nowhere either there is a huge "rut in the road" or a "mountain" in what was moments ago a clear path?
It can happen in a second and if we're not ready for it .."watch out".
Fortunately the Creator of the universe, Almighty, Sovereign God has guidelines and roadmaps to help prepare us for these interruptions. His Word is our "Manual for Living". He augments His Word in our lives with teaching through dedicated pastors and bible teachers.
Many times when I'm reading scripture and have a particular decision or dilemma on my mind the verses for that day are just what I need to either stay on track or change course.
There also are those times that I don't consult the Lord and try to make my own way apart from His instruction,,,trust me, not a good move.
As this month draws to a close, I'm reminded that the remaining months of 2010 will bring new decisions and dilemmas for me and for you dear readers.
It's my prayer that we will fix our eyes on Jesus and trust Him to lead us where He knows best!
Blessings all!
Judy
.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
HOW WAS YOUR DAY?
Sitting in my "Praise Chaise" re-running the day. It occurs to me that the day is ending better than it began.
Thank you Lord!
Early this morning my bones and joints were aching. Walking seemed to be a chore. As the day progressed (and after 3 Aleeve) aching has lessened and I'm not wobbling at present.
Thank you Lord!
My ADD had me "spinning" just before readying to leave the house. I'm calm and focused as I write this.
Thank you Lord!
A week ago this time of day was usually "the pits" for me. Since last Tuesday I have not been filling up on carbs but eating the South Beach way. Every day I have noticed an improvement!
Thank you Lord!
Looking around the room I'm overwhelmed at this re-decorated & renovated space that Ron and I share.
Thank you Lord!
So very much to be grateful for as I look around my world. I have a God who loves me so much that He sent His Son, Jesus..to die for my sins that I might have etrnal life.
Thank you Lord!
I have a husband who has loved me for 42 years in spite of many life challenges as we've raised a family and lived through inevitable bumps in the road.
Thank you Lord!
I have children and grandchildren I love and they love me back. They even like me.
Thank you Lord!
I have wonderful friends who help me keep my feet on the ground. They love me enough to tell me the truth and forgive me when I mess up! They have laughed with me, cried with me and walked with me through many years and many changes!
Thank you Lord!
Many wonderful pastors and teachers have walked through my life. Through their mentoring and teaching I have fallen more and more in love with God's Word.
Thank you Lord!
So often the ebb and flow of living in this world assualts me and I can fall into keeping a list of "what went wrong today" rather than what went right.
God's Word encourages me to have an "attitude adjustment". God's Word exhorts the reader:
"This is the day which the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it"" in Psalm 118:24 and
"In everything give thanks, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" 1Thessalonians 5:18.
For your Word that draws my focus back where it should be - fixed on Jesus, rather than on the world spinning around me - and for rescuing me from the domain of darkness and transferring me into the kingdom of your dear Son - thank you Lord!
Thank you Lord!
Early this morning my bones and joints were aching. Walking seemed to be a chore. As the day progressed (and after 3 Aleeve) aching has lessened and I'm not wobbling at present.
Thank you Lord!
My ADD had me "spinning" just before readying to leave the house. I'm calm and focused as I write this.
Thank you Lord!
A week ago this time of day was usually "the pits" for me. Since last Tuesday I have not been filling up on carbs but eating the South Beach way. Every day I have noticed an improvement!
Thank you Lord!
Looking around the room I'm overwhelmed at this re-decorated & renovated space that Ron and I share.
Thank you Lord!
So very much to be grateful for as I look around my world. I have a God who loves me so much that He sent His Son, Jesus..to die for my sins that I might have etrnal life.
Thank you Lord!
I have a husband who has loved me for 42 years in spite of many life challenges as we've raised a family and lived through inevitable bumps in the road.
Thank you Lord!
I have children and grandchildren I love and they love me back. They even like me.
Thank you Lord!
I have wonderful friends who help me keep my feet on the ground. They love me enough to tell me the truth and forgive me when I mess up! They have laughed with me, cried with me and walked with me through many years and many changes!
Thank you Lord!
Many wonderful pastors and teachers have walked through my life. Through their mentoring and teaching I have fallen more and more in love with God's Word.
Thank you Lord!
So often the ebb and flow of living in this world assualts me and I can fall into keeping a list of "what went wrong today" rather than what went right.
God's Word encourages me to have an "attitude adjustment". God's Word exhorts the reader:
"This is the day which the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it"" in Psalm 118:24 and
"In everything give thanks, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" 1Thessalonians 5:18.
For your Word that draws my focus back where it should be - fixed on Jesus, rather than on the world spinning around me - and for rescuing me from the domain of darkness and transferring me into the kingdom of your dear Son - thank you Lord!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
More of the Story
My last Post described a rainbow that blessed my life recently as I stood in God's garden worshipping Him early one morning. The recollection of that moment reminded me of God's faithfulness all my life.
I mentioned that God was watching me through many seasons; watching and waiting. Since that day in my 40s when I confessed that I had not been living according to His will and His way, and asked Him to take charge of my life, I have discovered that yes, the Lord was watching and waiting for me to make a choice but he was not waiting only.
I believe, that while I was living as I pleased the first half of my life, not only was He watching and waiting; he was also putting my world into place for the life He purposed for me.
This morning as I was considering this truth I was drawn to Psalm 139. As I read David's cries to the Lord, each word of the following verses fell on me with fresh understanding.
1 O LORD, You have searched me and known me.
It's amazing! Almighty God "knows" me. He has known me. He knew me before I loved Him and He knows me at this moment.
2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar.
Every move I make God sees. Nothing I do takes Him by surprise. If that weren't enough He understands my thoughts...He knows them before I think them.
3 You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are intimately acquainted with all my ways.
He examines carefully and critically where I walk. He understands the how and why of me completely. My God "gets me"!
4 Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O LORD, You know it all.
He knows every word I'm going to speak ahead of time. The good, the bad and the ugly and loves me anyway.
5 You have enclosed me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me.
God is my "safe place". He's in front of me to show the way and to use a current expression He always "has my back"! His hand upon me gives me stability.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high, I cannot attain to it."
He knows me better than I know myself. I don't know what I'm going to do sometimes from one moment to the next. How does He Know? He's God and I'm not!
7 Where can I go from Your Spirit ? Or where can I flee from Your presence ? 8 If I ascend to heaven, You are there ; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. 9 If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, 10 Even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will lay hold of me.
There isn't anywhere I can go that God isn't there. When I wandered off His path in my teens, He was there. When I lived like the world in my 20s and 30s, He was there.
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will overwhelm me, And the light around me will be night," 12 Even the darkness is not dark to You, And the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You.
His light is ALL I have ever needed. He illuminates my mind, my heart and my world.
13 For You formed my inward parts ; You wove me in my mother's womb. 14 I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth ; 16 Your eyes have seen my unformed substance ; And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them.
He decided on my DNA and who my earthly family would be. The words "skillfully wrought" speak to me of great sculpters/designers who take great care in shaping unformed substances into great works of art. That is how God put me together!
17 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God ! How vast is the sum of them! 18 If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand. When I awake, I am still with You.
His words convey His thoughts .... they tell His story .... as they were precious to King David, so they are precious to me, for Jesus assures me in John 17 that I am in God's story and it isn't over yet!!
How does God's Word speak to your heart dear reader? Is the Bible your most read book?
Praying that you will feast on His "Fresh Bread" throughout the coming week.
Judy
I mentioned that God was watching me through many seasons; watching and waiting. Since that day in my 40s when I confessed that I had not been living according to His will and His way, and asked Him to take charge of my life, I have discovered that yes, the Lord was watching and waiting for me to make a choice but he was not waiting only.
I believe, that while I was living as I pleased the first half of my life, not only was He watching and waiting; he was also putting my world into place for the life He purposed for me.
This morning as I was considering this truth I was drawn to Psalm 139. As I read David's cries to the Lord, each word of the following verses fell on me with fresh understanding.
1 O LORD, You have searched me and known me.
It's amazing! Almighty God "knows" me. He has known me. He knew me before I loved Him and He knows me at this moment.
2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar.
Every move I make God sees. Nothing I do takes Him by surprise. If that weren't enough He understands my thoughts...He knows them before I think them.
3 You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are intimately acquainted with all my ways.
He examines carefully and critically where I walk. He understands the how and why of me completely. My God "gets me"!
4 Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O LORD, You know it all.
He knows every word I'm going to speak ahead of time. The good, the bad and the ugly and loves me anyway.
5 You have enclosed me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me.
God is my "safe place". He's in front of me to show the way and to use a current expression He always "has my back"! His hand upon me gives me stability.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high, I cannot attain to it."
He knows me better than I know myself. I don't know what I'm going to do sometimes from one moment to the next. How does He Know? He's God and I'm not!
7 Where can I go from Your Spirit ? Or where can I flee from Your presence ? 8 If I ascend to heaven, You are there ; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. 9 If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, 10 Even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will lay hold of me.
There isn't anywhere I can go that God isn't there. When I wandered off His path in my teens, He was there. When I lived like the world in my 20s and 30s, He was there.
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will overwhelm me, And the light around me will be night," 12 Even the darkness is not dark to You, And the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You.
His light is ALL I have ever needed. He illuminates my mind, my heart and my world.
13 For You formed my inward parts ; You wove me in my mother's womb. 14 I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth ; 16 Your eyes have seen my unformed substance ; And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them.
He decided on my DNA and who my earthly family would be. The words "skillfully wrought" speak to me of great sculpters/designers who take great care in shaping unformed substances into great works of art. That is how God put me together!
17 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God ! How vast is the sum of them! 18 If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand. When I awake, I am still with You.
His words convey His thoughts .... they tell His story .... as they were precious to King David, so they are precious to me, for Jesus assures me in John 17 that I am in God's story and it isn't over yet!!
How does God's Word speak to your heart dear reader? Is the Bible your most read book?
Praying that you will feast on His "Fresh Bread" throughout the coming week.
Judy
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