It's Monday morning and I find that again today as my feet hit the floor I'm at a crossroad. Will I seek God's way or go my way today? Will I react in my flesh as the day moves forward or will my actions and reactions be based on God's word and will for me today?
For the past several weeks 7 sisters in Christ and I have been going "Deeper Still" as we have studied King David and examined the crossroads He faced as a man after God's heart. It has been an affirming journey while reading how and why God chose David over so many others who in appearance and age looked more suitable. It's been affirming and yes, convicting as well, to see again that God sees us inside and out but he judges our hearts. Everything we think say and do reveals the condition of our hearts.
So today while reflecting on the holiness of our Father in heaven I'm struck anew with His grace and mercy lavished upon His children. His arms are reaching out to me upon the path He has laid down for my life. Behind Him I can see some rough and rocky patches to walk through. The other path Is filled with tempting sights and sounds and the way appears smooth but God is not on that path.
I run to His Word for guidance -
"Now if you faithfully obey the Lord your God and are careful to follow HIs commands I am giving to you today, the Lord your God will put you far above all the nations of the earth." Deuteronomy 28:1
"Does the Lord take pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much in obeying the Lord? Look: to obey is better than sacrifice, to pay attention is better than the fat of rams."
1Samuel 15:22
"How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping Your word; I have treasured Your word in my heart so that I may not sin against you; I will walk freely in an open place because I seek your precepts." Psalm 119: 9, 11, 45
I choose your path today Lord...as David declared in Psalm 40:8 so say I -
"I delight to do your will, my God; Your instruction resides within me"
Are you at a crossroad? Which direction will you take?
Seek God and walk with Him....it's always the right way!
Judy
Monday, February 22, 2010
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Hearts, Flowers and Missed Opportunities
Valentine's Day is set aside to celebrate love!! For nearly 2 months (before the last Christmas ornament was put away) candy, flowers, balloons and a sundry of items decorated with or shaped into hearts of all sizes have been appearing everywhere. Reporters sought out couples to share their "love stories" from that first blush of human love to couples who've weathered 70+ years and the music that was heard in malls and offices everywhere proved that Yes, love is definitely "in the air"!!
The Saturday before the big day while driving away from the grocery after making a mad dash for last minute preparation for the weekend I noticed a man crossing the road in front of the exit. He had a large bouquet of flowers in his arms and walking step in step behind him was a small boy clutching a small bouquet of roses. He held them tight to his heart glancing at them with every step. As I watched I found myself thinking of the special someone who would receive these bouquets. I imagined the lump in her throat and the tears welling up in her eyes as she looked with love at the giver. The son or grandson of her love expressing his love so tenderly.
I found myself thinking of all the opportunities we each have every day (not just on "special days") to express our love to others and realized how often I squander those opportunities.
Those opportunities come in all sizes and ages :
the neighbor who might need a special phone call;
the person at work who sits alone during breaks; that little lady in line who looked so forlorn;
your husband or children who need a warm smile after a long day at work or school
and the list goes on.
Our Lord Jesus had a strong Word to us about love. In the gospel of John, the 13th chapter, verses 34 and 35 Jesus says to us - "A new commandment I give you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another."
Thirty-nine words with enormous power dear ones.
We look at our lives and at our churches and critique behavior and programs rather than obey this command of our Lord Jesus! How different the landscape of our lives would be precious ones if we would obey this Word from our King of Kings!
In this Lenten season let us take our failures and our disappointments to the Lord and confess our sins together as members of His Body and commit to "LOVE ONE ANOTHER".
Love you,
Judy
The Saturday before the big day while driving away from the grocery after making a mad dash for last minute preparation for the weekend I noticed a man crossing the road in front of the exit. He had a large bouquet of flowers in his arms and walking step in step behind him was a small boy clutching a small bouquet of roses. He held them tight to his heart glancing at them with every step. As I watched I found myself thinking of the special someone who would receive these bouquets. I imagined the lump in her throat and the tears welling up in her eyes as she looked with love at the giver. The son or grandson of her love expressing his love so tenderly.
I found myself thinking of all the opportunities we each have every day (not just on "special days") to express our love to others and realized how often I squander those opportunities.
Those opportunities come in all sizes and ages :
the neighbor who might need a special phone call;
the person at work who sits alone during breaks; that little lady in line who looked so forlorn;
your husband or children who need a warm smile after a long day at work or school
and the list goes on.
Our Lord Jesus had a strong Word to us about love. In the gospel of John, the 13th chapter, verses 34 and 35 Jesus says to us - "A new commandment I give you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another."
Thirty-nine words with enormous power dear ones.
We look at our lives and at our churches and critique behavior and programs rather than obey this command of our Lord Jesus! How different the landscape of our lives would be precious ones if we would obey this Word from our King of Kings!
In this Lenten season let us take our failures and our disappointments to the Lord and confess our sins together as members of His Body and commit to "LOVE ONE ANOTHER".
Love you,
Judy
Friday, February 12, 2010
Reading Room
Yesterday morning while listening to the progress of my guy's renovated bath (which is on the other side of our bedroom wall) and the sweet sounds of instrumental praise music playing in the background while finishing up my notes for our staff bible study later in the day, my heart and mind were taken up with the pure joy and veracity of the Word of God!
I love how scripture can permeate our hearts in such a way that our entire countenace reflects it's presence!
For instance the woman in bible study whose every breath it seems is an illustration of the verse that tells us that the Word of God is alive and making a difference in her life- "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12
And there is the friend of long duration who holds a precious place in my heart - When you're with her, no matter the circumstances she exhibits Philippians 4:7 - "And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." and Colossians 3:15 - "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body ; and be thankful. "
Having these verses come to mind makes me thankful for listening to mentors and teachers (whether in person or in books) who taught me that without intentional time spent reading and studying God's Word I would be missing God's specific Word, just for me! I had heaven to look forward to but life here would be not all that God had planned.
Over the years I have heard many reasons not to read and study the bible. The #1 reason is TIME. We either have not enough time or our time is filled with continuous activity which leaves us at day's end too tired to think. Many women are mothers with children ranging from babies through high school. When you metion "quiet time" or "devotions" their faces often take on pained expressions. "Are You Kidding" and Easy for her to say" are common responses whether spoken out loud or just spoken to God in their hearts. I believe finding the fit that is right for you is key. I also have found that it changes with the season of life.
When you're a busy mom and mother it takes "thinking outside the box". How about listening to scripture on your IPod while excersicing or working around the house. What about listening to the bible on your CD player in your car as you run your errands?
Another great suggestion I heard some time ago, concerns a young mom with 4 small children living in a very small house. It was this mom's practice every morning to meet with the Lord and the only quiet spot in their home was a tiny bathroom with a pocket door. Her youngest child just beginning to walk wa still in a crib and most mornings he was up before the other children and would climb out of his crib and head for the bathroom. Even at his young age he had learned this was "mommy's time" and through the space between the bottom of the closed door and its threshold this little guy slid his hand onto his mommy's foot, and kept it their until her quiet time came to an end. Talk about making memories!!
When I became serious about intentional time with God I asked Him to multiply my time. He has been answering that prayer for over 20 years now.
I'm sure many of you have found unique ways and locations to get alone with the Lord. Would you take the time to join the dialogue? Let's encourage one another precious gems, for the time is at hand.
Judy
I love how scripture can permeate our hearts in such a way that our entire countenace reflects it's presence!
For instance the woman in bible study whose every breath it seems is an illustration of the verse that tells us that the Word of God is alive and making a difference in her life- "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12
And there is the friend of long duration who holds a precious place in my heart - When you're with her, no matter the circumstances she exhibits Philippians 4:7 - "And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." and Colossians 3:15 - "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body ; and be thankful. "
Having these verses come to mind makes me thankful for listening to mentors and teachers (whether in person or in books) who taught me that without intentional time spent reading and studying God's Word I would be missing God's specific Word, just for me! I had heaven to look forward to but life here would be not all that God had planned.
Over the years I have heard many reasons not to read and study the bible. The #1 reason is TIME. We either have not enough time or our time is filled with continuous activity which leaves us at day's end too tired to think. Many women are mothers with children ranging from babies through high school. When you metion "quiet time" or "devotions" their faces often take on pained expressions. "Are You Kidding" and Easy for her to say" are common responses whether spoken out loud or just spoken to God in their hearts. I believe finding the fit that is right for you is key. I also have found that it changes with the season of life.
When you're a busy mom and mother it takes "thinking outside the box". How about listening to scripture on your IPod while excersicing or working around the house. What about listening to the bible on your CD player in your car as you run your errands?
Another great suggestion I heard some time ago, concerns a young mom with 4 small children living in a very small house. It was this mom's practice every morning to meet with the Lord and the only quiet spot in their home was a tiny bathroom with a pocket door. Her youngest child just beginning to walk wa still in a crib and most mornings he was up before the other children and would climb out of his crib and head for the bathroom. Even at his young age he had learned this was "mommy's time" and through the space between the bottom of the closed door and its threshold this little guy slid his hand onto his mommy's foot, and kept it their until her quiet time came to an end. Talk about making memories!!
When I became serious about intentional time with God I asked Him to multiply my time. He has been answering that prayer for over 20 years now.
I'm sure many of you have found unique ways and locations to get alone with the Lord. Would you take the time to join the dialogue? Let's encourage one another precious gems, for the time is at hand.
Judy
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Watching and waiting
Today began as usual. While silence still hung low over our home I quietly made my way downstairs to turn on the kettle...instant Starbucks for my first cup of the day, then ready the coffeemaker for the remaining cups...one for my guy and another for me.
Today many thoughts were running through my head. The bathroom renovation was to begin with tearing out the tub and surround to the frame; removing the toilet and tear-off of the vinyl floor tile. Additionally the painter was to return to finish up the bedrooom's woodwork. I was still recounting all we accomplished at the furniture store yesterday. I couldn't help smiling as I remembered how we glided through the different areas of the store to select the bedside table/chests and decide between a club chair with ottoman or chaise for reading and TV viewing. I really have to pinch myself.
Our selections are nearly complete. As I returned upstairs to dress for the day I glanced at the areas that are being transformed and my heart grew impatient. Excitement is running high to feast our eyes on the end result. It reminds me of the many life moments that require us to wait. From early childhood until we step into heaven we humans will face waiting. As children we just can't wait until our birthday rolls around because how old we are is so entangled with what mom and dad allow us to do. Do you remember your first roller skates; bike; skateboard; week at camp; date; kiss? These events required much waiting.
Now that we are more mature we find that every day, it seems, new technology brings gadgets and apparatus into our lives that increases our expectation of instant results and/or shortcuts adding to our frustration in waiting anywhere or on anything. Someone once coined the expression .." Good things come to those who wait".
That's what the bible says too.
"Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary". Isaiah 40:31
Have you been waiting for a solution in your life? At times does the struggle seem never ending? Could you use some new strength today? Are you desiring to fly above the humdrum and soar with the eagles?
Oh, sisters, let's wait on the Lord together and fly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Staying the course,
Judy
Today many thoughts were running through my head. The bathroom renovation was to begin with tearing out the tub and surround to the frame; removing the toilet and tear-off of the vinyl floor tile. Additionally the painter was to return to finish up the bedrooom's woodwork. I was still recounting all we accomplished at the furniture store yesterday. I couldn't help smiling as I remembered how we glided through the different areas of the store to select the bedside table/chests and decide between a club chair with ottoman or chaise for reading and TV viewing. I really have to pinch myself.
Our selections are nearly complete. As I returned upstairs to dress for the day I glanced at the areas that are being transformed and my heart grew impatient. Excitement is running high to feast our eyes on the end result. It reminds me of the many life moments that require us to wait. From early childhood until we step into heaven we humans will face waiting. As children we just can't wait until our birthday rolls around because how old we are is so entangled with what mom and dad allow us to do. Do you remember your first roller skates; bike; skateboard; week at camp; date; kiss? These events required much waiting.
Now that we are more mature we find that every day, it seems, new technology brings gadgets and apparatus into our lives that increases our expectation of instant results and/or shortcuts adding to our frustration in waiting anywhere or on anything. Someone once coined the expression .." Good things come to those who wait".
That's what the bible says too.
"Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary". Isaiah 40:31
Have you been waiting for a solution in your life? At times does the struggle seem never ending? Could you use some new strength today? Are you desiring to fly above the humdrum and soar with the eagles?
Oh, sisters, let's wait on the Lord together and fly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Staying the course,
Judy
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Of Birds, Wildflowers and Stinking Thinking
While reading a time worn edition of Apples of Gold I read the following quote -
"When we see the lilies spinning in distress, taking thought to manufacture loveliness - When we see the birds all building barns for store, 'twill be the time for us to worry, not before." The author must have been thinking of the following bible verses found in Matthew, chapter 6 when this was penned.
25."So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life ? whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing?
26.Look at the birds. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are.
27.Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not.
28."And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing,
29.yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.
30.And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith!
31."So don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing.
32.Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs,
33.and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.
34."So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today.
In my search to better understand worry or anxiety I searched Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology. It states that -
The most common words in Scripture translated as "anxious" or "anxiety" are the Hebrew deagaa [hg'a.D] (ten times in either the verbal or noun form) and the Greek merimna [mevrimna] (twelve times in either the verbal or noun form). Older English versions of the Bible often render these words as "thought, " "worry, " or "care."
In the Bible anxiety is frequently depicted as the common human reaction to stressful circumstances. Anxiety is portrayed in the Scripture as being inconsistent with trust in God. David prays: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thought" ( Psalm 139:23 ). Jesus' command, "do not worry, " which occurs six times in the Sermon on the Mount ( Matt 6:25-33 ), is coupled with admonitions to trust in the heavenly Father. Paul urges: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" ( Php 4:6 ). Anxiety frequently manifests itself in ungodly concern about provision, performance, or reputation, and appears to be rooted in incomplete knowledge, lack of control over circumstances, or failure to take an "eternal" perspective on things ( Matt 6:25-34 ; 10:19 ; Mark 13:11 ; Luke 12:11-12 Luke 12:22-34 ).
Worry seems to be in epidemic proportion. Looking at it with the world's perspective we tend to chime right in. Many are without jobs all over our land. Folks have either lost their homes due to foreclosure or are holding their collective breaths waiting to see if they will. There are rumors abounding in regard to social security and medicare benefits for our senior citizens and healthcare is on everyone's minds. These are serious concerns hundreds of years in the making. Additionally there are the ordinary day to day concerns that can overtake and overwhelm us when we allow our "stinking thinking" to take over.
The last sentence above from Baker's...along with the noted verses...has the last Word ...If you and I want to walk in peace when all around us seems to be spinning out of control we need to recognize the root of our anxiety and then get an "eternal" perspective as we align ourselves with the words of Jesus.
A children's song that I love says it all : The B-I-B-L-E now that's the book for me! I stand alone on the Word of God, the B-I-B-L-E! It will never lead us astray!!!
Following Jesus,
Judy
"When we see the lilies spinning in distress, taking thought to manufacture loveliness - When we see the birds all building barns for store, 'twill be the time for us to worry, not before." The author must have been thinking of the following bible verses found in Matthew, chapter 6 when this was penned.
25."So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life ? whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing?
26.Look at the birds. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are.
27.Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not.
28."And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing,
29.yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.
30.And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith!
31."So don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing.
32.Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs,
33.and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.
34."So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today.
In my search to better understand worry or anxiety I searched Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology. It states that -
The most common words in Scripture translated as "anxious" or "anxiety" are the Hebrew deagaa [hg'a.D] (ten times in either the verbal or noun form) and the Greek merimna [mevrimna] (twelve times in either the verbal or noun form). Older English versions of the Bible often render these words as "thought, " "worry, " or "care."
In the Bible anxiety is frequently depicted as the common human reaction to stressful circumstances. Anxiety is portrayed in the Scripture as being inconsistent with trust in God. David prays: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thought" ( Psalm 139:23 ). Jesus' command, "do not worry, " which occurs six times in the Sermon on the Mount ( Matt 6:25-33 ), is coupled with admonitions to trust in the heavenly Father. Paul urges: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" ( Php 4:6 ). Anxiety frequently manifests itself in ungodly concern about provision, performance, or reputation, and appears to be rooted in incomplete knowledge, lack of control over circumstances, or failure to take an "eternal" perspective on things ( Matt 6:25-34 ; 10:19 ; Mark 13:11 ; Luke 12:11-12 Luke 12:22-34 ).
Worry seems to be in epidemic proportion. Looking at it with the world's perspective we tend to chime right in. Many are without jobs all over our land. Folks have either lost their homes due to foreclosure or are holding their collective breaths waiting to see if they will. There are rumors abounding in regard to social security and medicare benefits for our senior citizens and healthcare is on everyone's minds. These are serious concerns hundreds of years in the making. Additionally there are the ordinary day to day concerns that can overtake and overwhelm us when we allow our "stinking thinking" to take over.
The last sentence above from Baker's...along with the noted verses...has the last Word ...If you and I want to walk in peace when all around us seems to be spinning out of control we need to recognize the root of our anxiety and then get an "eternal" perspective as we align ourselves with the words of Jesus.
A children's song that I love says it all : The B-I-B-L-E now that's the book for me! I stand alone on the Word of God, the B-I-B-L-E! It will never lead us astray!!!
Following Jesus,
Judy
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