It's Monday and I need to write.
If you've been reading along, the Lord's directive on March 28 was to spend the following 30 days meditating on n Phillipians 4:1-9. Specifically He asked me to apply verse 8 to my relationship with Him and my role as wife to Ron.
In Heartbeats Part II we peered at "whatever is honorable" as displayed in my husband's life. As I recounted how he lives out this attribute God asked ."what about you?" His questions are recounted in that post. Most of the questions the Lord asked me require a "laying down of self"; to be "others focused". Whew! It's been a time of testing, trials and temptations! Anything and everything it seems, to keep me focused on me; my feelings; my concerns...me, my and mine!!!!
Practicing good manners, being patient; extending kindnesses; listening with my heart; a genuine interest in the lives of others; dependability; responding to others needs; praying for others; all require a heart dedicated to putting others before your "Self".
What does Jesus say about being His disciple :
And He was saying to them all, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, (herself) and take up his (her) cross daily and follow Me. Luke 9:23 NAS
When life starts to take over and we begin reacting rather than acting as Jesus would...Jesus Teachings are what keep me upright.
For the past several days I have had many opportunities to see how many times day to day that I have extreme difficulty putting this word from Jesus into practice in my marriage relationship. To put aside my rights, my wants, and my feelings for the rights, wants and feelings of someone else , especially the man the Lord has given me to share my life with is especially difficult too many times. I'm apalled at what the Lord has let me see!
The bible teaches that woman (that would be me) was created to be man's (that would be my Ronnie) helper. Now I have to admit that I have taught this many times. With a repentant heart I confess that I have not lived it out as God intended.
So, this morning I listened to the news instead of my praise music and gave my husband my attention as he readied himself for another day with deadlines and difficulties that he wishes he didn't have to face. I also bit my tongue when tempted to verbalize a litany of my daily aches & pains. After some bible study I cleaned his newly renovated bathroom. I know that these actions are probably very ordinary for you dear reader and they are not new actions for me. However there is a difference. I have had a heart shift. I have made a commitment to my Lord Jesus to apply His Word to my marriage.
It's a new beginning......I'll keep you posted!
Praising Jesus...He IS the God of second chances!
Hugs,
Judy
Monday, April 19, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Watch Where You're Going!
When I was a child my mom and dad were constantly telling me to "watch where you're going!". Seems at an early age I either didn't pay attention to the path I was on or on my surroundings, and was forever running into things. Can you relate?
Most of the time these warnings were in regard to my physical surroundings. I was born it seems with a propensity to run into things. My sense of direction and balance have always been a bit "out of kilter". This past week I have been reaping the aftershock of not watching where I was going. Not once but twice. During our upstairs renovation in February while many things were not in their usual places, I walked into a large framed print propped up against my husbsand's desk and fractured a toe on my left foot. A week ago, this past Tuesday, after returning from a trip and 8 weeks of waiting for the toe to heal, I was walking across the living room into the kitchen , not looking where I was going and instead of rounding the end if the stairs I slammed right into them with my left foot! And the result??? Since that time I've spent nearly a week favoring my foot, unable to wear a normal shoe and was forced to "be still".
As I considered this warning to "watch where you're going" I was reminded that when God's word addresses how we are to walk , we have come to undertand it to refer to how we live; according to His way or our way.
" Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. " Eph 5:15 - 17
" Be careful how you live among your unbelieving neighbors. Even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will believe and give honor to God when he comes to judge the world." 1Peter 2:12
Not watching where I'm going, as it pertains to the "physical", results in consequences; broken and or sprained toes and feet that keep me from the mobility I have come to expect (and I guess taken for granted).
Taking my eyes (and feet) off of God's way has more serious consequences....for when I don't walk His way...I'm walking in the wrong direction and everything in my life is affected.
Another lesson learned. Oh, Lord may I not forget it!
My prayer for you dear reader is that you are watching where you're going".
Wishing you joy,
Judy
Most of the time these warnings were in regard to my physical surroundings. I was born it seems with a propensity to run into things. My sense of direction and balance have always been a bit "out of kilter". This past week I have been reaping the aftershock of not watching where I was going. Not once but twice. During our upstairs renovation in February while many things were not in their usual places, I walked into a large framed print propped up against my husbsand's desk and fractured a toe on my left foot. A week ago, this past Tuesday, after returning from a trip and 8 weeks of waiting for the toe to heal, I was walking across the living room into the kitchen , not looking where I was going and instead of rounding the end if the stairs I slammed right into them with my left foot! And the result??? Since that time I've spent nearly a week favoring my foot, unable to wear a normal shoe and was forced to "be still".
As I considered this warning to "watch where you're going" I was reminded that when God's word addresses how we are to walk , we have come to undertand it to refer to how we live; according to His way or our way.
" Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. " Eph 5:15 - 17
" Be careful how you live among your unbelieving neighbors. Even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will believe and give honor to God when he comes to judge the world." 1Peter 2:12
Not watching where I'm going, as it pertains to the "physical", results in consequences; broken and or sprained toes and feet that keep me from the mobility I have come to expect (and I guess taken for granted).
Taking my eyes (and feet) off of God's way has more serious consequences....for when I don't walk His way...I'm walking in the wrong direction and everything in my life is affected.
Another lesson learned. Oh, Lord may I not forget it!
My prayer for you dear reader is that you are watching where you're going".
Wishing you joy,
Judy
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Heartbeats Part II
I heard the Lord say " Finally brethren (Judy) whatever is honorable, whatever is true, whatever is right, whatever is pure whatever is of good repute, is there is any excellence and if anything is worthy of praise, let your mind DWELL on THESE things!"
I'm continuing my assignment from the Lord as I look at this verse and my marriage. After nearly 42 years of marriage I am discovering that too often it is not the honorable, true, right, pure, excellent nor praiseworthy things my mind is tempted to "dwell on". As instructed I've got out my maginifying glass. Sooooooo,
What does honor mean in my life?
I love a man who though he is not perfect exemplifies the definition of honor.
He's a man of
integrity
His word is his
promise
He is a man of his word
He adheres to
high values
A quote from him that we, who are his family, treasure is "Don't tell me - show me".
God's Word speaks to the same -
"Therefore however you want people to treat you, so treat them" Matt 7:12 and
"Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth, by our actions. Our actions will show that we bleong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before the Lord" 1 John 3:18-19
411.God put it this way - "Just saying it doesn't cut it. Especially when it comes to love"
I am "bowled over" by how personal and poignant this 30 day journey is as I apply it to this season of my life. As I let God's revelations rest on me, I hear his voice...
"What about you my daughter? Are you a woman of integrity? Do you say what you mean and mean what you say? Do you live a high moral life? Do you? What do you read? Watch on TV and at the movies? How do you spend your free time?
Do you practice Jesus command....doing for others as you would have them do for you?
How are your manners? Are you courteous; patient; kind?
How are your listening skills? (DO you listen?)
Are you genuinely interested in other people?
Do you "show up; go where you're needed; pray for others?
Examination time!!
Running now to ponder and listen. I invite you to do the same....More to come as we continue...."Whatsoever is True" is next.
For love of HIM!!
Judy
I'm continuing my assignment from the Lord as I look at this verse and my marriage. After nearly 42 years of marriage I am discovering that too often it is not the honorable, true, right, pure, excellent nor praiseworthy things my mind is tempted to "dwell on". As instructed I've got out my maginifying glass. Sooooooo,
What does honor mean in my life?
I love a man who though he is not perfect exemplifies the definition of honor.
He's a man of
integrity
His word is his
promise
He is a man of his word
He adheres to
high values
A quote from him that we, who are his family, treasure is "Don't tell me - show me".
God's Word speaks to the same -
"Therefore however you want people to treat you, so treat them" Matt 7:12 and
"Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth, by our actions. Our actions will show that we bleong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before the Lord" 1 John 3:18-19
411.God put it this way - "Just saying it doesn't cut it. Especially when it comes to love"
I am "bowled over" by how personal and poignant this 30 day journey is as I apply it to this season of my life. As I let God's revelations rest on me, I hear his voice...
"What about you my daughter? Are you a woman of integrity? Do you say what you mean and mean what you say? Do you live a high moral life? Do you? What do you read? Watch on TV and at the movies? How do you spend your free time?
Do you practice Jesus command....doing for others as you would have them do for you?
How are your manners? Are you courteous; patient; kind?
How are your listening skills? (DO you listen?)
Are you genuinely interested in other people?
Do you "show up; go where you're needed; pray for others?
Examination time!!
Running now to ponder and listen. I invite you to do the same....More to come as we continue...."Whatsoever is True" is next.
For love of HIM!!
Judy
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Remembering Holy Week
Two days til Resurrection Sunday.
How will you spend the next 65 hours? Tonite all over the country in many churches there will be Maundy Thursday services.
"Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday, Covenant Thursday, Great and Holy Thursday, and Thursday of Mysteries, is the Christian feast or holy day falling on the Thursday before Easter that commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles. It is the fifth day of Holy Week, and is preceded by Holy Wednesday and followed by Good Friday. The date is always between 19 March and 22 April inclusive." Wikipedia
Many churches reinact the last supper inviting the congregation to be part of the scene.
Then there is : Good Friday
Type Christian
Significance Commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ
Date Friday immediately preceding Easter Sunday
2009 date April 10 (Western)
April 17 (Eastern)
2010 date April 2
2011 date April 22
No traditional celebrations
Observances Prayer and vigil services, fasting, almsgiving
Related to Passover, Christmas (which celebrates the birth of Jesus), Septuagesima, Quinquagesima, Shrove Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, Lent, Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday and Holy Saturday which lead up to Easter, Easter Sunday (primarily), Ascension, Pentecost, Whit Monday, Trinity Sunday, and Corpus Christi which follow it
Finally, Easter Sunday arrives -
Easter (Greek: Πάσχα Paskha, from Hebrew: פֶּסַח Pesakh,) is the most important annual religious feast in the Christian liturgical year.[1] According to Christian scripture, Jesus was resurrected from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion. Some Christians celebrate this resurrection on Easter Day or Easter Sunday[2] (also Resurrection Day or Resurrection Sunday), two days after Good Friday and three days after Maundy Thursday. The chronology of his death and resurrection is variously interpreted to be between AD 26 and AD 36. Easter also refers to the season of the church year called Eastertide or the Easter Season. Traditionally the Easter Season lasted for the forty days from Easter Day until Ascension Day but now officially lasts for the fifty days until Pentecost. Easter also marks the end of Lent, a season of fasting, prayer, and penance.
The most attended Church services in our communities.
Whatever your traditions and usual observances my prayer for these next days for each of us is a clearer understanding of Jesus and His sacrifice for each of us.
May these lyrics ring in your hearts -
" Christ has for sin atonement made-What a wonderful Savior! We are redeemed, the price is paid-What a wonderful Savior! What a wonderful Savior is Jesus, my Jesus! What a wonderful Savior is Jesus, my Lord!"
Happy Easter!
Judy
How will you spend the next 65 hours? Tonite all over the country in many churches there will be Maundy Thursday services.
"Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday, Covenant Thursday, Great and Holy Thursday, and Thursday of Mysteries, is the Christian feast or holy day falling on the Thursday before Easter that commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles. It is the fifth day of Holy Week, and is preceded by Holy Wednesday and followed by Good Friday. The date is always between 19 March and 22 April inclusive." Wikipedia
Many churches reinact the last supper inviting the congregation to be part of the scene.
Then there is : Good Friday
Type Christian
Significance Commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ
Date Friday immediately preceding Easter Sunday
2009 date April 10 (Western)
April 17 (Eastern)
2010 date April 2
2011 date April 22
No traditional celebrations
Observances Prayer and vigil services, fasting, almsgiving
Related to Passover, Christmas (which celebrates the birth of Jesus), Septuagesima, Quinquagesima, Shrove Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, Lent, Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday and Holy Saturday which lead up to Easter, Easter Sunday (primarily), Ascension, Pentecost, Whit Monday, Trinity Sunday, and Corpus Christi which follow it
Finally, Easter Sunday arrives -
Easter (Greek: Πάσχα Paskha, from Hebrew: פֶּסַח Pesakh,) is the most important annual religious feast in the Christian liturgical year.[1] According to Christian scripture, Jesus was resurrected from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion. Some Christians celebrate this resurrection on Easter Day or Easter Sunday[2] (also Resurrection Day or Resurrection Sunday), two days after Good Friday and three days after Maundy Thursday. The chronology of his death and resurrection is variously interpreted to be between AD 26 and AD 36. Easter also refers to the season of the church year called Eastertide or the Easter Season. Traditionally the Easter Season lasted for the forty days from Easter Day until Ascension Day but now officially lasts for the fifty days until Pentecost. Easter also marks the end of Lent, a season of fasting, prayer, and penance.
The most attended Church services in our communities.
Whatever your traditions and usual observances my prayer for these next days for each of us is a clearer understanding of Jesus and His sacrifice for each of us.
May these lyrics ring in your hearts -
" Christ has for sin atonement made-What a wonderful Savior! We are redeemed, the price is paid-What a wonderful Savior! What a wonderful Savior is Jesus, my Jesus! What a wonderful Savior is Jesus, my Lord!"
Happy Easter!
Judy
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