Everyday With God

Where Your Heart Is

2011-10-18T11:06:00.001-05:00

Forgive me for not posting "every day" any more. I think of little posts every once in a while, but obviously haven't been putting them down. I plan to write something on occasion, but God's been moving me in a new time consuming direction, and I'm good with that. That's part of living every day with God: The ability to change and adapt to where the Spirit guides you to best glorify Jesus Christ.

I want to tell you about an image that is forever seared in my mind... My husband and I were in Dublin, Ireland the first week of October and loved every moment! We are truly beginning to love the people of that area. As we were exploring the DART line north, we came to Malahide where beautiful Malahide Castle is located on 250 acres. While wandering the park in the late afternoon, we came to a line of toilets on the side of a lush field. There, not 20 feet away, were three men bowing, and worshiping toward Mecca.
This is what I saw: God's creation was showing off all around, from the cool breeze to the multitude of flowers and ancient trees illuminate by the setting sun, while these three men were bowed down in worship facing the toilets.

How often do we ignore God and bow down to the things we love best instead? Putting them first is no different than bowing to toilets: It amounts to the same thing.

I've been meditating on Matthew 6:19-21 for the last week asking God to reveal to me what my treasure truly is.

"Don't collect for yourselves treasures on earth,

where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.

But collect for yourselves treasures in heaven,

where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don't break in and steal.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

I encourage you to do the same. Psalm 139: 23-24
Why, oh why, worship toilets when there's such beauty God created for you all around?

Speeders

2011-08-23T11:19:00.001-05:00

I love speeders.

You know..... the people who fly by you even when you're going 5 mph over the speed limit. True, they get annoying if they tail or cut you off, but that's all worth it. Why? Because I can continue to do my 5-10 over and they are the ones who clear out the cops for me. They get the ticket as I cruse on by..... They are security. I even caught myself the other day speeding up because there was a crazy guy weaving in and out of traffic trying to get ahead. My instincts said he was drawing the ticket-giving attention away so I could go faster! As I followed his quickly fading tail lights, I noticed a pang of disappointment: Not that he didn't get a ticket, but that I could have been zipping along too since there was obviously no cop about.

Whoa, wait a second!!
That's when the Spirit spoke to me. "Isn't it sad so many of you do this with sin too?"

So many times we justify our sins as "not as bad as so-&-so", but the point is, sin is sin. Other times if we hang around those who live daily in the "big sins" we ante-up our sins mentally claiming we're still better.
That's not the point.

Then it means I need to chastise myself and never speed again. Well, yes.....and no. The point isn't speeding/sinning. That's what I use to think it was. The point is, do I love the cop enough not to speed. And if I do slip up and speed, the Cop is not a stranger to me. I know Him. My job is to not get an attitude or start making excuses, but to tell Him I'm truly sorry and ask for forgiveness.

And I know this Cop well enough to know He'll say He's already paid the ticket for me. :)

Not Forgotten

2011-07-30T14:22:00.004-05:00

Our family has been involved in The Voice of the Martyrs, Pastor Sponsorship Program (PSP) for the last several years. We first had a young man in India for two years, then a family in Pakistan, but have been helping a young family in Vietnam for the past few years. Because of the nature of this program, there is very little - if any - actual contact with the family we are helping. We have their picture to pray over and they receive monthly support, but that is usually the extent of it.

This past week, however, I received a letter and updated picture from our family, and they have a new baby!
Their names are omitted for security concerns.

Dear Godbey Family: My family has a rice field that we work in the highland areas. Roads are in very bad condition. Our daily lives are difficult, especially if someone gets sick. My children are small and my wife alone works in the rice field as I serve the church. I accepted Christ as my Savior in 2003. I became a group leader in 2005. Now I lead the church of 164 believers. Of these believers 30 have been baptized. I do many things. I help the church and all the workers. Please pray for me and my family and my ministry that I will have the strength and wisdom to continue serving. The church does not have a chapel or a good place to worship. Pray that God will send more workers to help us. Pray for our members to love God more and to serve others. Thank you for your help and prayers. I am very grateful to you...

As I was reading it, shame came over me. How can I be so caught up in my trivialities when I am so blessed? I am shamed by the strength and commitment to Christ of my brothers and sisters around the world... I am also amazed how I love these people I have never met. And then it occurred to me: I am here so that I may help them there. God is so wise and clever!

"Remember the prisoners, as though you were in prison with them, and the mistreated, as though you yourselves were suffering bodily." Hebrews 13:3

Tail of Woe

2011-06-30T08:04:00.000-05:00

God woke me early this morning.

Ok, so He used my ridiculously sore arms from weed-whacking for over an hour yesterday to do it, but I was up and could certainly use the time with Him. It was so nice to have a hot cup of tea brewed and get a lawn chair on the back deck just before sunrise. Such a peaceful time of the day...

As I sat there sipping, reading the Psalms, and basking in the warm caress of a newly risen sun, my cat excitedly jumped on my lap. We have outdoor cats, and Christy (our oldest black/white kitty) who has been craving attention lately, took full advantage of the opportunity. As she primed and posed to get the best petting position, I was greeted with tail in my face - tail in my tea - cat hair making book marks in the Bible I never intended. Every time I thought she'd finally found a comfortable spot, up came the rear end and tail a-swishing once again. She was driving me nuts!

After about 15 minutes of this - and just before I threw her off my lap - I heard the Spirit whisper to me, "Isn't that how you act so often? Here you are sitting in the Father's lap, but you're so desperate to be in the best position and 'DO' that you are missing just resting in Him. Aren't you glad He'll never throw you off His lap!"

As Christian's we get so busy do-ing and are so result/number driven that we often miss the sweet times of comfort and rest the Lord has for us. Take some time today and 'rest' in His lap. He cherishes time with you too...

Battery or Plug?

2011-06-26T18:09:00.000-05:00

Let's say you have to work on a laptop all week. I'm talking you have to use it for your job, it's connected to your house for heat/air/security, you order your groceries on-line, watch all your shows on it, and even use it for an alarm.
Now, knowing all you'll need it for, you can only have one computer. AND... you can choose to power it by battery or plug only.

Which would you choose?

Oh, and here's another thing: In the purchase contract, there is a guarantee there will always be an outlet available to you at all times.

Kinda makes it a no-brainer doesn't it?

Then why, as Christians, do we think we can fill our Jesus battery up on Sunday's with a quick re-charge on Wednesday - if we're running low? We need to remember that we do nothing on our own power and are to live lives completely dependent on the power of Christ.

Christianity: Batteries not included. Plug in.

Crazy Hindsight

2011-06-24T13:35:00.000-05:00

King David was a man every follower of Yahweh desires to be like. He's known as a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22) and a prophet and premier king of the Jews. King David has certainly been a man to emulate for centuries, and certainly was looked up to during his own life..., right? Well, NO. Listen to David's own words in the first half of Psalm 69:

¹ Save me, God,
for the water has risen to my neck.

    ² I have sunk in deep mud, and there is no footing;
    I have come into deep waters,
    and a flood sweeps over me.

    ³ I am weary from my crying;
    my throat is parched.
    My eyes fail, looking for my God.

    ⁴ Those who hate me without cause
    are more numerous than the hairs of my head;
    my deceitful enemies, who would destroy me,
    are powerful.
    Though I did not steal, I must repay.

⁵ God, You know my foolishness,
and my guilty acts are not hidden from You.

    ⁶ Do not let those who put their hope in You
    be disgraced because of me,
    Lord GOD of Hosts;
    do not let those who seek You
    be humiliated because of me,
    God of Israel.

⁷ For I have endured insults because of You,
and shame has covered my face.

⁸ I have become a stranger to my brothers
and a foreigner to my mother's sons

    ⁹ because zeal for Your house has consumed me,
    and the insults of those who insult You
    have fallen on me.

¹⁰ I mourned and fasted,
but it brought me insults.

¹¹ I wore sackcloth as my clothing,
and I was a joke to them.

¹² Those who sit at the city gate talk about me,
and drunkards make up songs about me.

    ¹³ But as for me, LORD,
    my prayer to You is for a time of favor.
    In Your abundant, faithful love, God,
    answer me with Your sure salvation...

Psalm 69:1-13

David was considered a freak and a zealot. No one seemed to understand why he was so dedicated in such an extreme way to God. He just didn't make sense to those around him. He took that God thing just too far...

But hindsight (and a word from God in the book of Acts) proved that David didn't take it too far- He had it right. Christ never claimed we would fit in with those around us and have the security of normalcy. Why do we insist He must have meant that? Well, because we are scared to be fully His. So often I've chosen to fit in rather than stand up for God. I've wanted others to accept me more than I've wanted to be acceptable to God. I've chosen the wide road over the narrow.

This does not mean I am not a follower of Christ - by any means - I just means I've fail too many times and placed my devotion on self-satisfaction rather than God's glory. What a mercy and blessing He gives grace and forgiveness!!

It's my choice: Do I want to be known as a nice little Christian girl now and forgotten in the years to come, or do I care more about the impact my life can have for God's glory in generations to come than in how many people compliment me now?

What's Up With This Jesus?

2011-05-14T22:30:00.005-05:00

*The following is what I had to write in explaining the essence Gospel for the first time. Let me know what you think!

Do you know about Jesus?

As hard as it seems to understand and believe, there is a God who created everything. In creating humans, His pride and joy and in His image, God gave us free will. This means we get to choose. Just like we want our children to love us by choice, He desires us to love Him by choice. I guess I’ve always seen it as it being like the first time your child gives you a gift or present that cost them something without anyone telling them they needed to or giving them all the supplies for it. They gave it out of love. That’s what God desires of us.

The difficulty came in with the first selfish choice – against what God made as perfect. That was Adam and Eve’s (the first humans) fall. They were thrown out of Eden which was a perfect garden where they could actually walk with God and have a relationship with Him face to face. Because He is perfect, and holy – which means, set apart in that perfection – sin (which is choosing anything over God) could not be in His presence.

So they were kicked out and started living, as humans have ever since, for themselves. Here’s the amazing thing- Because God has true unconditional love for us, He didn’t just let us destroy ourselves or wipe us all out and start again. In fact, He loved us so much, he planned a way for us to still be in fellowship with Him from the very beginning! He loves us so much even when it seems difficult, and because sin had to be punished since He is Just, He had planned for His Son, Jesus – who is also fully God – to take the punishment for us since we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory He deserves. (Romans 3:23)

Throughout the Old Testament times – before 0 A.D. – God told people about this plan of His to stand in and take our place for the punishment we rightly deserve: His redemption of us. This punishment is what we call Hell, and is a separation from Him. While this doesn’t seem so bad on the outside, we just can’t truly comprehend it. It’s like claiming you don’t need a parachute and never will. It makes sense to you standing on solid ground that a parachute seems ridiculous. Imagine the first sensation you’d have though, as the solid floor under your feet drops out to reveal what you thought firm ground was only the floor of a large plane and now you are falling through the air. We need to be made right so we can be in God’s presence again: We need righteousness. This righteousness is the parachute that seems ridiculous, but is necessary for life.

So the question is, “How do we get this righteousness we need?” Well, we can’t. How can a dirty rag clean a dirty rag? We need someone who has never sinned and who doesn’t deserve to be punished, to stand in our place and take that punishment for us. That’s what God planned through His Son Jesus. It’d be like the parachute maker handing you his own and only chute right before the drop even though you laughed at him till then. That’s what Jesus did. He came to earth – born through a miracle and not the lineage of man's sin – to live on this earth for around 33 years without sinning once. Can you imagine having to put up with everyone you know laughing at, scolding, and mocking you and yet not once put yourself above God’s plan? He allowed Himself to be tortured, killed, and then took the punishment for the sins you committed. He, who had never in eternity been separated from God, allowed Himself to be forsaken by God, so that one day you might choose to love Him and desire to be in the presence of God. What's so amazing is that because He is God, Jesus was able to take the punishment for our sins and then still triumph over death: He came back to life after three days and has been alive ever since! (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

That’s what’s so amazing! Once you accept this gift, that’s it. You are no longer condemned to be eternally separated from God in hell. There is no condemnation for you in Jesus. (Romans 8:1) Yes, we still struggle while here on this earth since we still have a fleshly body, but we desire to love Him and put Him above ourselves.(Romans 7:24-25) That is what we strive for…to the glory of God the Father. (Romans 4:20)

Stars

2011-04-29T10:53:00.000-05:00

I love night time in the country - especially after a storm system has passed and cleared the haze from the sky.

Staring up at the crisp points of light twinkling brightly, I thought about how we know the stars are bright balls of gases burning trillions of miles away. How some of them are red giants, large enough to encompass the earth if it were our sun, and of the white dwarfs, so small, yet with unimaginable heat and gravitational pull. I know that the closest start is only a few light years away (that's around 16 trillion miles away) but that most are so distant the light we see today started well before I - or even my parents - we born. That's really far. We've also named an immense number of the stars, though most have a name like what you can find on your calculator, and we've only skimmed the surface of the vast number of them out there.

We know so much about stars, yet really, comprehend so very little.

That's how it is with God.
We know much about Him through the Bible: His name, His character, how close His is, and at times how far. But we, in our finite minds, can not truly comprehend Him. His majesty, holiness, worth, love, passion. We have only begun to skim the surface of who He is.

But one day.... One day we will know.

Like flying to the stars- understanding in the depths of your soul the vastness of space, the immensity of the star, the composition from the tiniest molecule to the full diameter:
We will see Him face to face and behold every aspect of who He is.

Amen. Come soon Lord, Jesus. Amen.

A Toothbrush For Your Soul

2011-04-26T13:52:00.002-05:00

I clicked on a video today that I didn't much care for. It was suggest by a friend and I thought to give it a chance so as not to miss out on something great. Trust me- I wasn't. It wasn't a bad video, but it certainly wasn't moral either. Basically, my life will continue on just fine without seeing anything of the like.

Afterward though I felt....."gross". You know that contaminated, fuzzy feeling your mouth gets after you eat something you don't care for? It was kinda like that. My brain felt like it needed to brush it's teeth. That's when I realized Scripture was like a toothbrush for the soul.

I brush my teeth everyday - who wouldn't want to? Sometimes I'll brush even more often when after eating something that needs to be quickly cleaned away! Why is it then that I struggle so with reading my Bible everyday? It helps to get rid of the left over particles of life that want to cling on and decay the witness Christ desires for me to be. And here again- there are days when even one "brushing" won't do.

Now, most of what we eat it good for us. (Well.... or so we believe till we start reading ingredient lists.) But there are things in life, that if we indulge in too often will stain our soul no matter how often we brush. Like coffee and tea does to our teeth, daily practicing sin will stain our witness and soul.
For I fear that perhaps when I come I will not find you to be what I want, and I may not be found by you to be what you want; there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder. I fear that when I come my God will again humiliate me in your presence, and I will grieve for many who sinned before and have not repented of the uncleanness, sexual immorality, and promiscuity they practiced.
2 Corinthians 12: 20-21 (Emphasis mine)

Take some time today and ask the Lord to reveal what is staining your soul and witness. Psalm 139: 23-24
Then go BRUSH.

Easter Means Nothing

2011-04-16T21:22:00.002-05:00

Easter means....

To some:

Nothing but multi-colored Peeps or Cadbury and Reese's PB Eggs.
Nothing but bunnies, baskets, and cute little babies dresses like flowers.
Nothing but new clothes and egg hunts at Grandma's.
Nothing but the herald of Spring.

To others:

Nothing but appeasing Mom and Grandma by going to their church.

Nothing but a guilt trip of how bad they slipped this year.

Nothing but the knowledge this is the last time they'll have to get along with the whole family till Thanksgiving.

Nothing other than how righteous they can look that day.

Nothing other than this should please God enough for this year...

But to yet others........

Easter means:

Nothing
in the tomb.

Nothing
we can do on our own, but accept His sacrifice.

Nothing
to loose in Christ.

Nothing
of who we were, and everything of who we now are.

Easter means absolutely NOTHING, but Jesus Christ.

I Am NOT Getting Sick!

2011-04-12T12:07:00.003-05:00

I'm not.

That's what I decided this morning as I awoke to a sore throat, runny nose, and sneezes loud & rapid enough to make the cat run for the door. I refuse to get sick....

Now there are two trains of thought in the Sick-Denial group:
1.) I'm not getting sick and I refuse to think or do anything about it.
2.) I'm not getting sick- but these vitamins and chicken broth will help to make sure...

After popping my mega vitamin D's, I'd have to say I'm in the second group and do everything I can.

Minus the chicken broth which you can't buy without carrot juice in it. Grrr...

This started me thinking - since I had the extra time as I ran to the tissue box once again - why in the world do so many of us refuse to believe we are getting sick? Some of it is the fun of trying to convince ourselves. You know: Mind Over Matter... Do we really think we can change it? Some say Yes, and others hope for Yes. Still others are stubborn enough to say, "It doesn't matter if it's 'Yes'. I'm not sick..."

As I was sitting there laughing about "not being sick" while making hot tea to soothe my throat and grabbing another tissue, I heard the Spirit prod me, "You all do this with sin too, don't you?"

Satan loves to let our flesh convince itself that We didn't really sin. The two denial groups are evident here too.

1.) I didn't really sin, so there's nothing I have to do about it.
We all fall for this one every once in a while. The danger is that if you let yourself fall into this too often and don't ask the Lord to show you the offensiveness of your heart (Psalm 139), there becomes a hardening.
Don't let your heart be hardened. Exodus 8:19, Proverbs 28:14, Mark 16:14, Romans 2:5

2.) I didn't really sin, but just in case...
There is nothing more important that daily communication with the Lord your God. When we doubt, fail, are confused, or are just being pure stubborn, He will correct us and guide us. He passionately loves and longs for us to flourish! Ask Him to search your heart. Desperately reach out to the creator of your soul- He knows what is best, and wants you to have it enough so that Jesus Christ died and took the punishment you deserved.

Allow Him to heal you.

For this people's heart has grown callous; their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; ....

...otherwise they might see with their eyes and hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn back— and I would cure them.

Matthew 13:15

Take a hefty dose of Vitamin B^ible

Rejoice! I'm a Slacker...

2011-04-09T16:25:00.001-05:00

I know I planned to take a bit of a break, but it has been too long since I've written.
Sorry!

There have been several things I've wanted to share, but never got around to getting together. I am working on something for Easter, but haven't fully hashed it out like I'd like either. The weather has been nowhere near as foggy and cloudy as my brain as been. I'm getting desperate for some sunny, mental weather!
God has also been teaching me so much recently. I fact, I feel like He's come to the point of totally reworking this flawed clay jar. (Jeremiah 18:1-6) I am raw from it! But it's such a sweet time knowing He cares so to work these things out in me.

One lesson that is shining clear through - and because of - all this has to do with Psalm 139:23-24:

Search me, God, and know my heart;

test me and know my concerns.

See if there is any offensive way in me;

lead me in the everlasting way.

It was said to me this week, "Every time you fail - every time you sin, yet again - thank the Lord. Thank Him that He is answering your prayer to search your heart and reveal your offensive ways. Thank Him for His faithfulness which covers you in His righteousness. Rejoice!"

Rejoice, Tiffany!

Addicted

2011-03-27T12:42:00.000-05:00

Have you ever been addicted to something?

I'm not just talking about drugs, alcohol, porn, or any of the other "bad" stuff. It could be checking the news, caffeine, Facebook, or even a certain routine in your life that brings relief or comfort. What ever it might be, if you've been without for a while, you know what the first sip or look does for you: A big sigh of relief and an internal quiver of calm. Ahhhhh.....

That was me this morning and I never realized I was addicted till that Ahhh-calming moment came: I picked up my Bible and took up reading in 2 Kings. That "calm" came from reading a list of what kings had killed, fought, and seceded whom, must be from the Lord.

Thank you Lord, that I'm addicted to Your Word. I'm sorry that I was gone so long from just Your Words and not stuff about you. I love you. Help me feed my addiction. Every day.

Most Don't Like

2011-03-24T11:09:00.003-05:00

On the way home last night after a 3 day trip, my 7 year old son spoke up out of the blue at about 1 AM...

   "Mom, do you know what the second thing is that I most don't like?"

   "Um...no hunny. What?"

   "Fake sugar."

   "Really???" Long pause...... "What's the first?"

   "The Devil."

   "Good choice."

I think it's important to most not like the things that really matter :)

The Necessity of SALT

2011-03-17T11:39:00.002-05:00

Then the men of the city said to Elisha, "Even though our lord can see that the city's location is good, the water is bad and the land unfruitful."
He replied, "Bring me a new bowl and put salt in it."
After they had brought him one, Elisha went out to the spring of water, threw salt in it, and said, "This is what the LORD says: 'I have healed this water. No longer will death or unfruitfulness result from it.' "Therefore, the water remains healthy to this very day according to the word that Elisha spoke.
2 Kings 2:19-22

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It's no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men."
Matthew 5:13

"For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good, but if the salt should lose its flavor, how can you make it salty? Have salt among yourselves and be at peace with one another."
Mark 9:49-50

"Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person."
Colossians 4:5-6

We are to be salt.

I find it interesting that there is no such thing as an allergy to salt (sodium) itself. Salt is necessary for life, both spiritually and medically. What people have developed, are allergic reactions to the additives or chemical processes in getting pretty, white salt.

Isn't it enlightening to know it's what man adds that become the problem. When someone reacts strongly to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, just remember that it's the sin that man added which is producing the adverse reaction- not the "Salt" itself.

Sow pure salt.

Depart From Me, I Never Knew "Bradford Pears"....

2011-03-15T11:47:00.006-05:00

Ah.... Spring time.
It's the season of new growth and life. The air is crisp, clean, and warming with gentle breezes blowing away dead leaves of fall for a carpet of soft new grass shoots to burst forth....

It's also the season intense storms from warm and cold fronts battle for territorial rights, pollen layering everything under a blanket of yellow stain, and sinus headaches and sneezing from..... well, you know.

Don't get me wrong. I love spring. I think that's why God chose Christ's resurrection to crown the newness of earthly growth with the redemption of spiritual ones. But it's the herald of this season which has been on my mind and sinus cavities recently:
The Bradford Pear Tree.

For those of you who have never experienced this beautiful, white blossomed tree, let me tell you a little:
Developers love to line new housing areas and other large buildings with them because they are fast growing and have a full look to them (thick with branches). The problem is that the angles at which those branches grow tend to be weak and if a strong storm comes along, the limbs often break off. Another issue is their root system is very shallow and they love to pop up "suckers", meaning if you have one, you will have more if you don't mow them quickly, or the entire tree will blow over at high winds. They are also ornamentals, meaning that though they are a "pear tree", they never produce fruit. That's a nice thing if you don't want any, but then why is it called a Pear tree? Finally, is the fact that those beautiful, white blossoms smell like dead fish. A beauty to behold, but not to inhale.

So this has been my thought for the last week or more: Why do so many, so-called, Christians behave like Bradford Pears? They hear the "Gospel" and grow quickly, but their roots are shallow and when trials or strong temptations come, they break apart. They look pretty on the outside, but if you get too close they small like death. Also, they produce no fruit. (Galatians 5:22-23) These people are like the ones Jesus describes in the parable of the sower in Matthew 13. They are the seeds sown on rocky ground and among the thorns:
¹⁸ "You, then, listen to the parable of the sower: ¹⁹ When anyone hears the word about the kingdom and doesn't understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the one sown along the path. ²⁰And the one sown on rocky ground—this is one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy. ²¹ Yet he has no root in himself, but is short-lived. When pressure or persecution comes because of the word, immediately he stumbles. ²²Now the one sown among the thorns—this is one who hears the word, but the worries of this age and the seduction of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. ²³ But the one sown on the good ground—this is one who hears and understands the word, who does bear fruit and yields: some 100, some 60, some 30 times [what was sown]."
Matthew 13:18-23

We all need to take stock of ourselves spiritually:
Do we produce fruit? Through the Spirit.
Can we weather the storms? -Through Christ.
Are our roots deep? -In faith?
Do we smell of the right kind of death?

¹⁴ But thanks be to God, who always puts us on display in Christ, and spreads through us in every place the scent of knowing Him. ¹⁵ For to God we are the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. ¹⁶ To some we are a scent of death leading to death, but to others, a scent of life leading to life. And who is competent for this? ¹⁷ For we are not like the many who make a trade in God's message [for profit], but as those with sincerity, we speak in Christ, as from God and before God.
2 Corinthians 2:14-17

My great passion and concern is that one day, when standing before our Lord, Jesus Christ, these Bradford Pear Christians who have done "many great things" will hear, "I never knew you! Depart from Me..."

¹³ "Enter through the narrow gate.

For the gate is wide and the road is broad that leads to destruction,and there are many who go through it. ¹⁴ How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it.

¹⁵ "Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing

but inwardly are ravaging wolves. ¹⁶ You'll recognize them by their fruit.

Are grapes gathered from thornbushes or figs from thistles?

¹⁷ In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit.

¹⁸ A good tree can't produce bad fruit; neither can a bad tree produce good fruit. ¹⁹ Every tree that doesn't produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

²⁰ So you'll recognize them by their fruit.

²¹ "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord!' will enter the kingdom of heaven,

but [only] the one who does the will of My Father in heaven.

²² On that day many will say to Me,

'Lord, Lord, didn't we prophesy in Your name, drive out demons in Your name, and do many miracles in Your name?

²³ Then I will announce to them, 'I never knew you! Depart from Me, you lawbreakers!

Matthew 7: 13-23

Kimyal Bible10 Minutes

2011-03-07T20:11:00.000-06:00

I cried:

Tears of joy for my brothers and sisters on the Kimyal people.

...And tears of repentance that I struggle to even care enough to pick up His Word everyday to read for myself.

Books To Read

2011-03-05T13:01:00.000-06:00

My husband and I are starting a course in which we will be mentored for the next 8+ months. We are very excited!

Besides for the Sonship material - which is the course itself - we have two required reading books:

From Fear to Freedom: Living as Sons and Daughters of God
and
Counterfeit Gods: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, and the Only Hope that Matters

Have you read one? What did you learn?
If you haven't, perhaps you can join us. This is what I will be doing for the next few weeks. Check them out!

The Body of Christ or a Cheesy Sci-Fi Plot?

2011-03-01T14:02:00.001-06:00

This is not going to be a well written post.

I'm not going to sit back and think of the best way to say this, or research which Scripture would best fit to make it interesting and motivating. My thought process will not be well organized and you're lucky that spell check shows up in bright read- otherwise there would be a lot of those mistakes as well as the grammatical ones I'm sure you'll find. I'm merely going to write from the passion which is erupting from my heart right now...

Why do we, as Christians, not act as though we are one in Christ Jesus?

We have our own little groups (cliques) too much: Denominations, preferences, age groups, interest parties, factions, ethnic, social status, learning style, and minute theological idiosyncrasies. Because we try so desperately to group together with those "like" us as opposed to those in the body of Christ we have found the Christian church to be disabled. Instead of working together for God's greater glory and the spreading of joyous Good News, we are instead licking the wounds of our dis-formed bodies. We look rather like a B-rated sci-fi film: Attached heads rolling around, bodies made of nothing but legs, arms, eyes, and other singular pieces. If we are lucky there might be a body with arms and legs, but no head. One of Head, heart, and eyes, but no legs. We are incomplete. And we suffer for it.

Now don't get me wrong. I love the body of Christ. That is why I'm so distressed. I'm burdened heavily with her well being! I see groups hurting and longing for help that is right there for them- if only they would reach out beyond their "ritual". God is not going to leave you alone to suffer without encouragement and others to gather in prayer around you- But, you have to reach out to them!

Not all churches are completely broken either. There are many healthy ones all around. But many of them still have to struggle with the burden of those who should be helping, not requiring the same basic needs over and over. It makes me think of what Paul said to the Hebrew people in Hebrews 5:11-14 :
¹¹ We have a great deal to say about this, and it's difficult to explain, since you have become slow to understand. ¹² For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of God's revelation. You need milk, not solid food. ¹³ Now everyone who lives on milk is inexperienced with the message about righteousness, because he is an infant. ¹⁴ But solid food is for the mature—for those whose senses have been trained to distinguish between good and evil.

Why do we portray to the world that we despise one another so?

When we refuse to get along, that is what the world sees. Jesus said that the world would know we are His disciples by the love we had for one another. John 13:35 So how does this work together? Does this mean we are not truly His disciples if we don't show love for all our fellow Christians? Not just those in our local body and those in another country we'll never have to meet face to face here on earth?

Are there churches that are Scripturally wrong? Yes. I'm not saying that we assume they love God with all their heart, soul, strength, and mind (Luke 10:27) just because they have Church tagged on to their organization, or happen to be in the same "denomination" as us. We have to actually take the time to listen to them, discern through the Spirit, and care. Then we will know. And this is on a very individual basis. But let me tell you, if many people you talk to from a particular church are very much in love with Jesus Christ and seek to follow Him, OR if they are full of... "...sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar, about which I tell you in advance—as I told you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." Galatians 5: 19-21

We need to care about one another. We need desperately to support, uplift, encourage, correct, and hold one another accountable. This needs to be done both to those you already love and to those around you. Reach out.

⁷ Again, I saw futility under the sun: ⁸ There is a person without a companion, without even a son or brother, and though there is no end to all his struggles, his eyes are still not content with riches. "So who am I struggling for," [he asks,] "and depriving myself from good?" This too is futile and a miserable task.

⁹ Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. ¹⁰ For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up. ¹¹ Also, if two lie down together, they can keep warm; but how can one person alone keep warm? ¹² And if somebody overpowers one person, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:7-12

Seeker Beware

2011-02-27T16:52:00.002-06:00

The Bible is the only written source for God's Word to us.

One of the wonderful privileges of living in today's technological society is the plethora of information available to us. It is also one of the most dangerous aspects. There are so many great teachers, speakers, and writers, that it's hard to keep account of who is saying what and in which fashion. One of the difficulties is when those in these influential positions begins to go astray as well. They may start out with correct teachings only to wander off onto a dead end road of society's preferences over truth. We, as seekers and followers of Christ, must keep all outside teaching (anything not purely Scripture) in it's proper place. It is not Scripture. They are human- and they may fall.

Please take some time to read the following article. It brings to light a case of what can happen. I've seen much of this material in my local LifeWay as well as in other Christian stores. We must remember to take everything we read - no matter where we get it - with a grain of salt. Compare everything you hear and read again Scripture- solely.

Rob Bell: Universalist?

Prayer Proof

2011-02-24T12:06:00.001-06:00

Occam's Razor

Occam's razor (or Ockham's razor^[1]), often expressed in Latin as the lex parsimoniae, translating to law of parsimony, law of economy or law of succinctness, is a principle that generally recommends selecting the competing hypothesis that makes the fewest new assumptions, when the hypotheses are equal in other respects.^[2] For instance, they must both sufficiently explain available data in the first place.

The principle is often incorrectly summarized as "the simplest explanation is most likely the correct one". This summary is misleading, however, since the principle is actually focused on shifting the burden of proof in discussions.^[3] That is, the Razor is a principle that suggests we should tend towards simpler theories (see justifications section below) until we can trade some simplicity for increased explanatory power. Contrary to the popular summary, the simplest available theory is sometimes a less accurate explanation. Philosophers also add that the exact meaning of "simplest" can be nuanced in the first place.^[4]

-Wikipedia

Isn't it interesting that no matter how you look at it - be it the simplest explanation as most likely, or the heaviest shifting to "proof" - whenever something bad happens to a person, they go to the closest Christian they know and ask for prayer or "good wishes/thoughts sent up". Why?

I believe that instinctually humans know there is a God and that when things get serious, He is the only one in charge and able to do something about it. Fear and lack of control, sends us to the root of the issue and forces a prioritization in our lives. And prayer to God tops.

Hmm.... Prayer proof?

What Does It Say.....? #1

2011-02-22T20:43:00.002-06:00

What does it say about a Christian nation that has destitute people and Doggie Spa's in the same city?

Limiting God

2011-02-22T11:53:00.000-06:00

Looking at the Jewish people of Jesus' time, we see a nationality of people who believed in Yahweh with every tithe and tittle. Yet as Jesus stretched their understanding, they held fast to what they knew of God, and not what He could actually do. They limited Him by not allowing Him to work outside of their box.

Isn't that what many of us tend to do even today? We view God through the confines of our past experience and religious denomination. We place Him in box of our expectations and understanding of how He works, and whenever that image or understanding begins to be stretched, we jump back and cry shenanigins.

I ask you just as I ask of myself today: Are you limiting God?

This, Is A Test...

2011-02-19T14:48:00.001-06:00

Judges 2:20-3:4

²⁰ The LORD's anger burned against Israel, and He declared, "Because this nation has violated My covenant that I made with their fathers and disobeyed Me, ²¹ I will no longer drive out before them any of the nations Joshua left when he died. ²² [I did this] to test Israel and to see whether they would keep the LORD' s way by walking in it, as their fathers had." ²³ The LORD left these nations and did not drive them out immediately. He did not hand them over to Joshua.

¹ These are the nations the LORD left in order to test Israel, since none of these Israelites had fought in any of the wars with Canaan. ² This was to teach the future generations of the Israelites [how to fight in] battle, especially those who had not fought before. ³ [These nations included:] the five rulers of the Philistines ^(C) and all of the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites who lived in the Lebanese mountains from Mount Baal-hermon as far as the entrance to Hamath. ⁴ The LORD left them to test Israel, to determine if they would keep the LORD's commands He had given their fathers through Moses.

*Have you ever thought that perhaps a difficulty in your life is a test from God to show your loyalty to Him? God is also able to use these tests to our future benefit as well just as He did for the Israelites. As random and unfair as life may seem, God always has a reason for allowing things to happen.

Are you passing the test?

What Has Your Faith Cost You?

2011-02-17T08:44:00.001-06:00

I heard something interesting on the radio the other day. The DJ was talking about how some people claim Christianity is a cop out - that believing in Jesus Christ and claiming to follow Him is a way to avoid doing anything unpleasant or against your own desires: Basically, to live in denial and la-la land. So he posed the question, "What has your faith personally cost you?"

I'll post mine later today in the comments, but I'd like to know about you. Think about it.

What has your faith in Jesus Christ cost you?

Luke 14: 25-35

Fundraising

2011-02-16T12:47:00.000-06:00

My husband and I are praying about how to get to Ireland this fall. We know we need to go, and are saving as much of our tax refund as possible, but know we will need more. Well, I'd like your opinion. Should we send "support" letters to friends, family, and churches to raise the amount, or try a fundraising drive?

I recently found The Samaritan Card. It looks like a possibility, but have never heard of anyone using it before. I admit, part of me hates the idea of "selling" something to go, but I'm willing to do whatever the Lord requires. We'll continue to pray about it till we get an answer!

I'd love any feed back! Have you used it/sold it? Do you think this is a good idea? Check out the link and let me know.

Time For A Change

2011-02-15T16:32:00.001-06:00

Busy, busy, busy. And, oh yea,.... BUSY!

God is doing a fresh work in my family's lives and that entails change. Now, the one thing I have learned about change is that it never involves "nothing". There is a constant push, pull , shift, and shove, which is necessary to form the change. You can't just sit back and continue in the same old way. Change after all is change.

One of the major changes is this blog. When God started me on the journey of putting my heart online, He was very strict in commitment. It was something I needed to do everyday- Thus the title: Everyday With God. There were certainly times where I was allowed to take off, but over the last two years - Yes, it really has almost been that long! - He burdened my heart with staying faithful to it. When I faltered or outright failed, He never let my heart forget that "Everyday" was what He had called me to do at that time and if I wanted to be committed to Him, I needed to show it through here.

As of late, God is changing what He requires of me for this blog. I will still continue to post, but the format will at times be different. When I have a burden or lesson He's teaching me, it will look much the same as it has before. However, posts may not come as frequently and will often contain just a quote, thought of the day, single Scripture, or question to ponder. I may even post passages that have touched me in books or studies I'm involved with, and I hope you will send me comments and suggestions of your own.

Any way you look at it, I pray you will be even more blessed an encouraged to grow in the Lord than you were before. After all, trying to live Everyday With God, is a journey we share.

Surprise!

2011-02-12T22:49:00.001-06:00

I got quite the surprise today: My brother and his family showed up at my door!

Now, before you smile sweetly thinking, "Aw, isn't that nice!" let me tell you just how big this is. My brother has left the state of Florida twice in the last 20 years. Once to Vegas and once come to my Grandmother's funeral, but never made it all the way up. He had to turn around after crossing the GA border because of car trouble. Not only did he totally shock me today by making it this far, but I didn't even know he was coming till he was a half hour away. Surprise!

As he and his family sat around our table eating dinner, God reminded me of many lessons He's been teaching me:
Stay flexible. You never know what I'll bring to you.
Always be open. I will be putting people in your life you need to share Me with, but may feel a bit uncomfortable.
God will always make time. I thought I'd be busy today, but was amazed how I found time to just sit back and relax with the family.
Nothing is impossible. If God can have my brother and his family show up on my door step, He truly can do anything.

You may not be able to truly comprehend just how unusual - and wonderful - this was for us. But God knows. And let me assure you, He really can do all things!

What Life Looks Like Today

2011-02-10T13:04:00.003-06:00

I came to an interesting realization today: I'm getting comfortable being uncomfortable.

I think that I'm getting so use to the Lord taking me out of my comfort zone that for short periods of time when things seem to be going "normal" it seems.... well, uncomfortable!

What a blessing it is to rely on Him for everything, but often I balk at the process of balancing trust, faith, and personal heart and responsibility.

It does make everyday exciting in a "How does this mystery end" type of way. I look at it like living constantly in the last few chapters of a mystery novel. Everything starts to come together and you see connections and ties you never knew were there, but the final "mystery" hasn't been fully explained.

.....And the dull days are commercials well placed to build suspense!

Sunlight

2011-02-08T10:41:00.003-06:00

This morning as my husband was reading his Bible I decided to take a shower. I love that our bathroom has at least a small window to bring in the sunlight even though it wasn't much on this cold, gray day, so I had the light turned on. After jumping into the warm water, I closed my eyes tightly to scrub my face and then rinsed off. When my eyes opened back up, I jumped- the shower was bright white! It took me a second to realize the sun was actually shining straight in the window and hitting our white shower curtains, illuminating them amazingly. Laughing, I realized just how dark it had been in there earlier, but had never noticed. Within a few moments, the sun was gone once again and we were back to a cloudy day. Funny how much darker it seemed to me, and that I didn't remembered how deeply I longed for it till I saw it shine...

After coming out of the shower, Kevin told me that while reading in the Psalms, a sudden beam of sunlight came just as he was reading a promise God had made to His people. He loved that God was backing that promise up and comforting him through the sunbeam which broke through at just the right moment.

Isn't our God amazing how He can use a ray of sunlight, which started over eight minutes before and traveled 93,000,000 miles to peak through a break in some thickly condensed evaporated water to comfort Kevin with a promise, and remind me how dark this life would be without His presence?

What promise is He comforting you with today through the glory of His creation?

From the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is,

His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood

through what He has made. As a result, people are without excuse.

Romans 1:20

Who can you share the light of Jesus Christ with today- Someone who has never realized just how "bright" He can be?

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said,

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness,

but will have the light of life.”

John 8:12

Holy, Holy, .....Holy???

2011-02-06T15:41:00.001-06:00

While this cute compilation may make us laugh, I wonder if we really do consider so many things "Holy", take holiness for granted?

Lord, who will not fear and glorify Your name? Because You alone are holy....

Revelation 15:4

A Fun Little Lesson

2011-02-03T10:29:00.003-06:00

This is the funniest commercial- mostly because it reminds me so much of my youngest son. Yet as I watched it, two Bible verses/principles came to mind. Watch, read, and enjoy...

Looking at them, Jesus said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God, because all things are possible with God." Mark 10:27

.....for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Philippians 2:13

Go be God's hands and feet in filling the impossible for others today!

A Good Day

2011-02-01T14:19:00.000-06:00

The last few days have been very interesting for me. They have been filled with an intricate weaving of the real and surreal. I have seen many changes come about - both big and small, surprise and expected - that have the feel of "acceptance". My natural tendency is to debate, challenge, and over contemplate anything of the like in order to make sure of the best, or most correct, outcome ensues. But not lately.

It's not that I've given up or given in, but that I've given over.

I trust God. I go to Him with my prayers and concerns and then just go alone for the ride. And sometimes that can be quite a ride! Other times I wonder if the ride has even started I'm so bored. Then point is, I'm finally learning to recognize the sweet blessing in trusting God fully in all things.

No, you can't claim that I've had nothing to really concern myself over- I most certainly have. I'm just not worried. If I believe in God and in His Word, the Bible, then why is it so hard for us to live out what it says?
With God all things are possible. - Mark 10:27
We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.- Romans 8:28

I'm posting this to remind you of these things we know. And to remind myself tomorrow when the Chicken Little surfaces in me again....

The Best Best

2011-01-28T10:56:00.000-06:00

The more I study about people's lives prior to this last century, the more I believe we are WAY too busy. We desperately need to remember that just because we can doesn't mean we should.

Our priorities seem focused on "the best possible thing" at all times: The best organization to support. The best sporting event, college choice, T.V. show, electronic gadget, route to the best restaurant, and web site for what we need/want right then. The best teacher for our children, church for us, Bible study to inspire us, Bible translation, way to clean our house, Pandora station for our mood, and the best meal for our family that factors in the amount of time we have to make it vs. nutritional value.
The best use of our time.

What I've slowly begun to realize is that the best use of my time is not by filling it with the best "stuff". What is best, is relationship. Find the best movie you and you child can have a great discussion over. Visit the coffee house with the best area to have a comfortable conversation with your friend- even if you hate coffee. Find the best route to somewhere that allows you more time to talk with your family in the vehicle. Frequent the restaurant or other establishment where you have the best dialog with those who work there. Attend a Bible study you've already done to enjoy the sweet fellowship with those in your group as you encourage them. Join the church where you see a need that you most want filled- You just may be the best one for the job....

Striving for the best is not wrong. Just make sure it's the best best. The next time you are tempted into "keeping up with the Joneses", try instead to keep up with the Johns...

Do not love the world or the things that belong to the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. Because everything that belongs to the world— the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one's lifestyle—is not from the Father, but is from the world. And the world with its lust is passing away,  but the one who does God's will remains forever.....

....what we have seen and heard
    we also declare to you,
    so that you may have fellowship along with us;
   and indeed our fellowship is with the Father
    and with His Son Jesus Christ.
    We are writing these things
    so that our joy may be complete.
1 John 2:15-17, 1:3-4
*Emphasis mine

Why Facebook (and Your Church) Might Be Making You Sad

2011-01-27T10:42:00.001-06:00

I don't usually just provide links to other blogs, but this one words well what I've been trying to get across: We need to be real with one another. Take some time to reflect and what Dr. Moore is saying, and what you can do about it.

Why Facebook (and Your Church) Might Be Making You Sad

Singing songs to a troubled heart is like taking off clothing on a cold day, or like [pouring] vinegar on soda.

Proverbs 25:20

Life's Snow Bumps

2011-01-26T14:59:00.001-06:00

Difficulties in life are a lot like snow.

Living in the middle Tennessee area is unique. We usually get at least a dusting of snow every year, but every few years will get 3-4 inches at a time. It's warm enough here though that within a few days it's gone- sometimes even by that afternoon.

It's the way in which people react that "intrigues" me. For anyone who has lived in a northern place where the snow not only comes down more regularly, but doesn't melt in between and ends up layering for a few months, the folks around here completely over react.

Yes, I know that we don't have the same equipment for snow removal and that people aren't use to driving in it thus don't know how to drive in it, but it still gets frustrating at times. It cracks me up to see the grocery stores being cleaned out of eggs, milk, toilet paper, and bottled water (I really don't get the last one) when 6 inches of snow in a single night are predicted. Once, I started sliding on the road and was amazed that it was that slick. Then I realized it wasn't ice, but a pile of salt that was dumped to save me from the ice! On the other hand, I remember growing up in Florida and having "cold" days where we got out of school with no snow just because it was freezing outside. (Once again it was an equipment problem as well. Our schools use to not have heat. No reason in sunny Florida!)

That why when school was canceled this morning due to about an inch of snow, it clicked to me that the snow here is a lot like the difficulties one faces in life. If you are use to a lot of problems and they seem to pile up - death in the family, major illness, your only car broke down, in debt, family problems/abuse - something like a rude comment made to you is not going to throw you for that big a loop. On the other hand, if your life has been smooth sailing, a rude comment might become the only thing you can think about for a while. Some even start obsessing over it.

While those may not be the best examples, it should give you a good idea of the point I'm trying to make: While trials in life are never enjoyed, the benefit can be a strong character. You know what needs to be done and which things are truly important. You learn not to sweat the small stuff and how to plow ahead when there are just no other options. And most importantly, you can come along side those who are just beginning to experience it and can help encourage and guide them. Think of it this way: The more you have to deal with personally, the more God equips you to help bring Him glory. You can be a light in their darkness which leads them to the Father.

"You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven."
Matthew 5:14-16

"The Day My God Died"

2011-01-25T05:25:00.008-06:00

The following video is almost an hour long. Please though, take the time to watch it.

I warn you, that while there are no obscene images or language, this video is disturbing. There is no Christian content here and the only god ever mentioned is the one who is said to have died. Yet there is a very important lesson to learn from this:

First- God loves these women - and yes, these men. Jesus Christ died for each one of them no more or less than He died for you. Pray. Pray that they will hear this gospel and believe it.

Second- This is proof yet again that humans are sinful creatures and desperately need to be covered in the righteous blood of Jesus Christ. Now, before you get self-righteous, remember: Sin is sin. Yes, we give degrees to them here on earth, and they seem right to us, but that is not the measure by which we will all be held. We are measured next to God's holiness. And we are all dirty on our own accord.

Third- How can we complain? We are so blessed to live lives relatively free from atrocities. Bad things do happen to us and we are rightly concerned about the circumstances of our lives, but how dare we wallow in self pity when we claim to follow the One who has His hand over us blessing us so?

So, please take the time to view this PBS special.

And pray that the day their god died(s), they realize the Savior has His arms open wide.
Pray they hear.

Healthy Fear?

2011-01-24T12:33:00.000-06:00

Isn't it funny that when we see people who are really good at doing something - whether it be a talent, job, or an amazing ability - we tend to feel "less". Especially if we share a passion or are in the same field.

While we desperately long to be near in order learn something new, or desire for them to acknowledge some of our work, there is that other nagging fear that they are going to look upon our effort as a child's finger painting. It's a push/pull feeling: Like standing in a riptide while bing hit by a wave.

That sensation's a'kin to a healthy fear of God.

"The fear" of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Proverbs 9:10

The phrase "Fear" confuses most. MyStudyBible.com gives us a hint as to what this word truly conveys: "No single English word conveys every aspect of the word fear in this phrase. The meaning includes worshipful submission, reverential awe, and obedient respect to the covenant-keeping God of Israel."

We desperately long to draw near to Him, but are afraid of what He might say. We want Him to be pleased with our efforts, yet know how flawed we are and that He can do so much more. We are pulled to God, knowing we need Christ more than anything, but often are terrified of something: Whether it be His Holiness, confronting our own sin nature through Him, having to possible give up what we love, or any number of sacrificial things.

Proverbs 9:10 tells us that when we have this healthy "fear", it is the beginning of wisdom. The next phrase says that "knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Guess what? There is a sure-fire way to gain this knowledge: Read the Bible. In fact, let me guide you to a great passage to start with- Matthew 6:25-34

.... But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Therefore don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (vs 33-34)

Today's Everyday

2011-01-21T12:10:00.001-06:00

Sorry for the sporadic posts as of late. My goal has always been to do at least five a week unless its a holiday. This past month has just been difficult though. I'd like to blame some of it on the weather- The kids have had 5 snow days and one holiday in the last two weeks of school. In the midst of that I've also began a new Thursday study, and am preparing for a new Tuesday evening/ Wednesday morning study, I've been in a lot of physical pain, and my mind has been heavily on other "future events" as well. All this to say....I've not been as inspired to make sense of what God has been teaching me enough to write it down.

As I was chiding myself for that this morning, I realized something. Even in the midst of these roadblocks - also called, LIFE- I've been able to keep up my daily reading through the Bible, my studying of His Word, and have had many great conversations with people about how God is working in their lives. Not that this blog isn't important to me, but I feel I've gotten my priorities straightened out a bit. I've even taken time to rest and relax some. I know it sounds odd, but I have a hard time doing that. It has always made me feel like I wasn't using my time wisely and I was being lazy, but it hasn't been so bad this time. I know that God wants us to rest. (Remember what God did the 7th day of creation and the Sabbath?) Perhaps I've just always felt I have too much time to make up for!

This morning, (Um, afternoon. God let me sleep in till almost 10!), God has comforted me in all this. That is part, He reminded me, of living everyday with Him too.

A Humbling Reminder

2011-01-19T05:43:00.002-06:00

As soon as my son got in the van yesterday when picking him up from school, he exclaimed in a very loud voice, "Joshua* was being very rude in gym today!"

"What was he doing?" I asked.

"He said he was going to fart up to heaven!!" cried the distraught little voice.

"What?!?"

"I don't really know what he meant by it," my son fumed, "but that is very rude!"

"Did you say anything back to him?"

"No. But I couldn't wait to leave the gym. That is disrespectful to God."

This amazed me. Gym is my active little man's favorite thing at school. That he wanted to leave early said a lot about his frustration.

"Well........," I began "I guess he doesn't know any better. Now we know what to pray for him about."

"I know!" My daughter chimed in. "You can give him a Bible. Here." she said pulling a new Bible out of her backpack.

Oh, Lord. May we all have this passion and devotion to defending Your holy Name and the sharing of Your Word.
I am humbled by my children.

*The child's real name has been changed to a different Biblical name.

Is Your Ear Pierced?

2011-01-17T13:46:00.000-06:00

There is an ordinance the Lord gave Moses when they first came out of the land of Egypt that intrigues me....

Slavery was not condemned in the Old Testament and was considered a natural part of life. One of the reasons this can be good, is that whether you want to admit it or not, we are to be slaves to Christ. Paul and the other apostles often refers to themselves as "a slave of Christ" (Click here for reference list). Slaves do not have control over the major aspects of their life - that is for the Master to decide. This is how we are to live for Christ Jesus.

This is what is intrigued me:
“But if the servant declares, ‘I love my master and my wife and children and do not want to go free,’ then his master must take him before the judges. He shall take him to the door or the doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he will be his servant for life.
Exodus 21:5-6

There was a conscious choice and physical mark for those who chose to serve their master for life. Judges were to witness it as well. Baptism reflects this in that it is an outward symbolism and declaration before others of the choice we have made to follow Christ. Yet the pierced ear - once visible for all the world to see - is now only declared by our actions and love for one another.

So here's the question I ask of myself, and you, today:

Is it obvious to the world your ear is pierced for Christ?

Excited

2011-01-15T13:20:00.000-06:00

I'm so excited today- and I don't know why!

Today the Lord has blessed me with a sense of anticipation, hope, and love for humanity that has in all honesty blind-sided me. Trust me- I'm not complaining! I wish this came more often :)

One thing I have noticed is a sense of community with this. We tend to get so bogged down in our own lives, friends, goals and ambitions that we forget every one of us in this world is really in the same boat. All humans struggle to survive and find a purpose. I am a human, you are a human, and the guy half way around the world is human too. And think about this- all of us were even created for the same reason!
We are here to be given a chance to glorify God.

That is something I know I need help with at times as I sink back into the selfishness of "Me-ism" that plagues the world today. But, that is also something I know you need help with, and so does that guy I'll never meet in some distant land. We can not do it alone. That means we need each other. So why wouldn't I love "him" and everyone else worldwide?

So, we love. We pray for and reach out to one another. I pray for salvation, hope, and purpose in the lives of all. I pray that they may come to know the blessed, personal relationship we can have with Jesus Christ so that they can continue to glorify God for all eternity. I pray they know don't know of Jesus, but know Him in a way that completely transforms their lives. And as I pray.... I'm excited for what I know He will do!

Tidbits

2011-01-14T10:34:00.001-06:00

One great reason to read the Bible all the way through is to gather the tasty tidbits you will find scattered throughout. These are Scriptures that never make their way into typical devotionals, but offer us deep insight and clues that help bring these ancient stories to life. Often, they stand out as a side note, or afterthought by the writer of that passage, but they are certainly a gift from God to remind us these were real people in real situations.

My daily Scripture reading brought me to one of these tidbits today in the Exodus story of the plagues on Egypt as the Israelites tried to leave. Seventh of the ten plagues was hail- Immense hail. In between the warnings from God and threats from Pharaoh, is Exodus 9:31-32:

The flax and barley were destroyed

because the barley was ripe and the flax was budding,

but the wheat and spelt were not destroyed

because they are later crops.

This gives us a few interesting details. First, it gives us a time frame. This plague occurred around the end of February or first of March. (See multiple commentaries here.) We do know that the Passover was established with the last plague and the Jewish year told to begin then with the month of Nisan (Exodus 12), but having this verse about the crops shows us that the plagues were in fairly quick succession. Second, we are told just what crops were important and were grown almost four thousand years ago! As people have excavated throughout the last few hundred years, they have time and again proven the validity of the Bible by matching up what it says by what they have "uncovered". Proof and comfort once again that God really does know what He's doing, and the Bible really is His Word.

As you read your Bible be on the look out for these tasty nuggets of seemingly random information. They give us greater clues into God's Word, His character, and His concern for us to know certain details. Who knows? Perhaps finding them in Scripture is good practice for those He plants in our daily lives!

Examples

2011-01-12T22:17:00.002-06:00

Trust and obey.

I wonder if perhaps Abram (later renamed Abraham) wasn't privy to this old American hymn as he wandered around from Mesopotamia through Canaan to Egypt. Here he was, called out of his homeland who worshiped multiple gods as his family did (Joshua 24:2), to wander through a distant land following the "Start walking " command of a single God. That takes a lot of Trust and Obey.

This has made me start wondering why we think that all of the sudden God is going to start telling us only to do things that are reasonable and, in the end, entail very little trust in Him. Actually, the more I read the Bible the more I realize He asks us to do very little that is reasonable or logical by human standards. How often in Scripture do you see someone respond with, "Oh, yes Lord. That makes perfect sense!" Most the time they are scared to death and completely confused.

I like that... It helps to know I'm in good company.

Doldrums

2011-01-11T13:22:00.000-06:00

You are not going to be passionate for God everyday.

Yes, I really did say that. Does it mean you don't love Him? No. Does it mean you need to question your salvation? No. It means you are human, and are still fighting the good fight (1 Timothy 6:12). It means you are still alive and have work still to do for His glory!

How do I handle days of spiritual doldrums? I'm honest with God about them and I read His Word - the Bible - whether I want to or not: Especially if NOT. I ask God to help me draw closer to Him, and for a mindset that would bring Him glory. Then, I'm honest with those around me - like you, right now - and ask for mercy and grace from you to remember I'm still human as well. There are days I pray you can now come to me when you experience the same. Then, knowing we have all been in the same boat, we can pray for one another and help to keep accountable.

That's how I handle it. I fight the good fight whether I want to or not. It's not the "good fight" for nothing. I take time to remember it's not the "passion fight", "happy fight", or "enthusiastic fight". It's GOOD: True, righteous, genuine, and sound whether I feel like it or not.

Remembering that, and dwelling on it is often the little spark that gets the fire going....

Favorite Books of the Bible

2011-01-09T12:58:00.001-06:00

My Pastor is soon going to begin a lecture series through one of my 3 favorite books of the Bible: 1 John. I have to say 3, because I just can pick between them as to my absolute favorite. It really depends on what I am learning and experiencing at the time.

One of the reasons I adore this book so much is that it shows such a beautiful balance in truth and love. In fact, I would subtitle it, 1 John: Truth and Tough Love. How delighting it is that this book teaches me to have a healthy, tough love from "the disciple whom Jesus loved". You know something interesting about that? It was John himself that wrote that down- 5 times (John 13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7, 20) . No one else did. I imagine he found comfort and the security to be bold for Christ in that knowledge. This is a trait I deeply desire.

What are some of your favorite books of the Bible?

Lessons From a Monk

2011-01-07T10:02:00.000-06:00

My family have begun to love the T.V. show Monk over the last few months. Thanks to instant streaming on Netflix, we can watch all the episodes over the last 9 seasons whenever we have an hour to spare- which I admit we make in order to watch it. The show is about a former detective who is afraid of everything and has an extreme obsessive-compulsive disorder to name but a few of his issues. It's funny to watch him having to deal with life while at the same time being driven by the same issues in order to solve crimes.

We are watching the show in order from the beginning, and last night we found we had made it to Episode 1 of Season 5: Mr. Monk and the Actor. In this episode, an actor begins following Monk around in order to play him in a movie that was being written about a famous case which he had recently solved. Over time, this method actor becomes so engrossed in the personality of Monk that he can no longer separate his own past and personality from those of the man he was sent to imitate, and has a mental breakdown.

It's interesting that I have noticed that about myself. In the past I use to act just like whomever I was hanging around at the time. It got so bad that for a season of my life I didn't even know who I was apart from these different groups. I just so desperately longed to fit in as a teen and young adult that I automatically assumed the personality of those I was near in order to have something in common. It's only been in the last 10 years that I have grown out of that, but it was a real challenge and something I had to watch closely. I still do it to some degree with speech patterns- I pick up accents and dialects very easy. My husband loves to laugh that he can often tell who I'm on the phone with just by the way I'm speaking and with which dialect!

As I thought about this today I realized that this was not a curse, but a gift- when used in the right way. In the Bible, Paul tells us we should be imitators!

Be imitators of me,

as I also am of Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:1

We are to pattern our attitudes and lives after Jesus Christ. (Philippians 2:5, 1 Peter 2:21) The more I started thinking about it, the more I realized how wonderful it would be to become so close to Christ that I loose myself in Him.

Imagine the glory we could bring Him if we were that dedicated!

Believe

2011-01-05T13:44:00.000-06:00

I had an "Ah-ha! CLICK!" moment just now.

For the last few months, we have been waiting on an email from someone. Both my husband and I knew that with the busyness of the holiday season, it would most likely be very long in coming, but that doesn't always help make it any easier. I'm always caught between "Send another email to let them know I'm still interested", and "Don't send anything else to bug them to death."
Patience and Passion don't easily mix together.

This morning, however, I was in Genesis when the Spirit threw some highlighter on a verse I was reading. I had just been talking with Him about knowing I had heard Him about this issue before and believing that He would bring it to pass, but I was beginning to need a little reassurance that I wasn't in the wrong somehow.
Not 10 minutes later I read Genesis 15:6.

Abraham believed the Lord,

and He credited it to him as righteousness.

"Alright," I told Him after pondering the consequences, "I believe. You said it- You'll do it."

When I got home hours later I realized something: The email came less than a hour later.

My God is an amazing weaver of our lives!

Covering

2011-01-04T14:32:00.000-06:00

...the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God

walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze,

and they hid themselves from the Lord God...

Genesis 3:8

It is the nature of the sin within us to hide from the Lord, as it has been since Adam and Eve first ate the forbidden fruit. We have the unnatural desire to run from Him at the first sign of His presence. Just as the evening breeze is a time of relief and respite from the heat of the day, our God comes to us when we most need Him- but still we continue to try and hide from His soothing presence for we know we are "naked" before Him.

Adam and Eve had recently become aware of their nakedness because of the fruit they had eaten. The first thing they did was sew fig leaves together to cover themselves, for it was this nakedness that caused them to hide from God. (Genesis 3:10) They instinctively knew that they needed a covering to be in His presence. But what they were able to create on their own - the fig leaves - was not sufficient. God had to kill a few animals and make skins to cover them, for they couldn't be in His presence knowing the shame of their exposure. The reason we still run from God when He comes to us in "the time of the evening breeze" is we know the shame of our nakedness before Him and instinctively, from the sin nature within us, know we can not stand before Him.

But here is the amazing thing... God has once again given us the perfect covering to be able to stand boldly before Him once again. This time He did not kill some animals, but His beloved Son. Sin can not cover sin, but righteousness and perfection can. This has only ever been found in one man: Jesus the Christ. He died in order to clothe us so that once again we could meet our Father and Creator in the cool of the evening breeze.

We no longer have to try and hide from Him, but can walk with Him side by side basking in His love, glory, and wisdom. What more could we ever desire?

Seperation

2011-01-03T12:45:00.001-06:00

For those of you who don't know, I have two older, teenage children who don't live with me all the time. In fact, they don't for most of the year. They come for a month in the summer and a week at Christmas which are the happiest times of my year. The days counting down to when they come are filled with excitement in our house, and the younger kids give me a day by day reminder of just how long it will be till they are here. Then it's board games, big meals, and wrestling joy!

But the day always comes when they have to go back...

I have to be honest and say that I didn't know a heart could break that often or that much and still survive. For years mine almost didn't. If it weren't for my husband and the little ones, I don't think it would have. The pain has changed over the years depending on their age and understanding of what is going on - ever since they were three and one years old -, but it has never been any semblance of easy. Mother's Day is one of the worst. It's a day which, to me, celebrates my failures and pain while at the same time brings me joy that I have four wonderful children.

However, a gentle whisper from God taught me something yesterday in the midst of my turmoil as they left:

It really hurts, doesn't it?

This is just a little of what it's like when My children leave Me...

I was a bit taken aback. Yes, we know that it grieves Him when His children stray, but I never had put the emotion to it. With as horrid as it is for me, I have the consolation that they are not choosing to leave me, but must. God doesn't. In fact, the pain is worse for Him knowing we don't care enough about Him to stay. Realizing this, how could we ever choose to cause Him this much pain?

Christmas and Easter must be a lot like my Mother's Days. They celebrate all He has done for us, while at the same time bring Him so much sorrow for those who are His but currently have only a care for the Christmas presents and pageants and new Easter clothes for that special appearance in church.

So I beg of you today. Never - never - allow yourself to stray from your Savior and cause Him this pain for you. When you find yourself becoming less dedicated or complacent to Him, throw yourself at His feet and ask Him to help you draw near. I know He will. He loves you so much...

Everyday

2010-12-30T13:09:00.001-06:00

Being a Christian means that you have dedicated your life to following Jesus Christ. In order to do this, you must first believe in Him, what He's done for you, and why it was necessary. Today I want to emphasize something that is crucial: If you have dedicated your life to Him you need to know what He is saying to you. What if I said I had dedicated my life to the homeless, but only visited or thought about them once a week for an hour. Or say I had dedicated my life to playing the violin but picked it up to practice for 30 seconds a day? Is that dedication?

Then why do we as Christians - disciples and followers of Jesus Christ - think we can get away with throwing Him a token prayer once or twice a day and participating in a worship service every week where the only preparation we put into it was ironing our clothing to look acceptable? This is not dedication. It is putting on an appearance or a facade.

God's words to us were made flesh in Jesus Christ, but they were also penned for us to study through the work of the Holy Spirit in men who were dedicated to Him. These Words are our guidance, correction, comfort, and hope: The Bible. It is of utmost importance that we read them.

This doesn't mean you have to spend an hour or two reading everyday - though you sure would learn a lot! Just get into more than someone else's interpretation and same chosen passages. You need to read all of the Bible, not just the sections everyone likes to discuss.

So as this new year begins, dedicate yourself to reading the whole Bible. If you have a very busy schedule or the task seems too daunting, there are plenty of two years plans available as well. I would challenge you though to pick a one year plan and split it in half each day that you don't have time and try to read the full portion when possible. There is nothing to say that it has to be one or two years. You can do it in 1 1/2, 1 1/4, or even in only 9 months! However you choose, dedicate yourself to it in order to listen and learn from the One you have declared your Master, Savior, and Lord.

I've given you a few links to web pages that have different plans to follow. Some are printable so that you can keep it in your Bible and others will email you a section everyday. Enjoy, and may you see God EVERYDAY!

E-Word Today 5 Plans in over 50 Translations
Bible Gateway
ArcaMax Publishing Great Printable Version
Zondervan Bible Reading Plans This one is great with so many options!
Chronological 1 or 2 Year Reading Plan

Sabbath 2010

2010-12-21T16:34:00.000-06:00

At the end of the week, God created a Sabbath day of rest. He - in all His great wisdom and love for our well being - knew we needed a day of rest. We need to fellowship, renew, and relax. Our brains and physical bodies even function better when we have taken this rest.

It's the end of the year and my body, spirit, and mind need that Sabbath. My "everyday" with God is going to be nothing more than praise and thanks for the rest He gives me. I am going to finish my read-through-the-Bible tomorrow, and plan on going back and looking at the verses that spoke to me until January 1st. I have to admit, I'm really looking forward to this!

I plan on posting only whenever the Spirit presses me to do so. This means I may not "see" you till next year! If that is the case, I'd love to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year :)

I'd also like to leave you with the new goodbye I plan on using this next year. Instead of ending my letters/emails with "God Bless" I plan on saying something different. I've learned that while God is always willing and wanting to bless us, we often are not ready for it to give Him the proper glory for it, or it just may not be His will the "bless" us in a way we would consider qualifying as a blessing. So from now on - to both Christian and non-Christian alike - I plan on saying, "May you see God today". I want everyone to have no explanation other than God for the things that happen in life. I want us all to see just how much He cares for us and is involved in every aspect of our daily life.

So, until I write again-
May you see God today.

What's the Difference?

2010-12-19T13:42:00.003-06:00

Is this you?

Good deeds, kindness, charity, and love for our fellow man is admirable- but anyone can do that. As we go - and do these things - we are to teach them about the real and eternal difference: Jesus Christ.

Without Him, this life is the only "heaven" they, even in this state, will ever know...

Make Disciples

2010-12-16T13:37:00.001-06:00

Most anyone who has grown up in the church knows The Great Commission: Matthew 28:19-20...

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations,

baptizing them in the name of the

Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you.

And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

We have rallied behind these verses as the battle cry of spreading the Gospel for centuries. And for good reason- We are suppose to spread the life saving good news of Jesus Christ to all the world. My whole life as I thought of mission work in all the nations, it has been that of the old V.B.S. song my grandma had every year on picturesque cardboard: Tell the Good News that Christ has come! Being a missionary meant telling people that Jesus Christ existed.

Recently I realized that this view was way too narrow.

First, let me say that we are all called to be missionaries of Jesus Christ. The definition of Missionary is, "a person who is sent on a mission", and if you truly follow Jesus Christ your mission is to bring Him glory. We do that by sharing Him with those around us in many different ways- one of which is telling others about Him.

Knowing this, I felt that was what "Missionaries" do, but read the first part of verse 19 again. Jesus said we are to ...make disciples of all nations. Making disciples takes a much longer time, for the one who helps to makes disciples has to invest in people's lives. They have to be there to guide, correct, and encourage.

Paul was preacher of the Good News. Timothy was a disciple maker. He stayed in areas longer than Paul did and helped to mature the people that region. In fact, that's what the letter Paul wrote to Timothy (1 Timothy) was all about. He was encouraging Timothy in which ways to mature the people he was living with at that time. Many knew about Jesus Christ- Timothy was there to help them know Him personally.

I had been wondering how to explain the calling the Lord has placed on my family's life, and these verses have answered that. We have been called to focus on helping others to know Jesus Christ in a vibrant and personal way. Yes, there are millions around the world who have never hear about Him, and we certainly need more to go to those people groups and share. But there are also millions upon millions who have heard, yet have never been taught how to be His disciple.

That is what we are called to do.

Mulling

2010-12-15T14:52:00.000-06:00

Just as cider does this time of the year, I am mulling over a well known Scripture that I'm seeing in a different - perhaps deeper - light. I planned on bringing it to you today, but don't think it's ready yet. That is the beauty of God's Word. It means so much and is so rich, but yet there are still times we are pleasantly surprised by a new richness. What a Master artist and author He is!

What verses have you been mulling over recently? If you don't have one....find one! :)

Here To There

2010-12-13T12:10:00.001-06:00

If I were to say I'm going on a trip to a distant land, what would you say must be done? Some people call a travel agent first while others research it on the internet or call friends who have been there before. Purchasing new luggage of the appropriate size might be a good idea, while using something old and beat up might be as well. Perhaps you think finding maps and tourist destinations is a must, but there are some who believe going with the flow works best. Which ever way you always do it and feel is best, in reality there is only on thing you must do: Get up and go.

Living a Spirit filled life for the glory of God the Father and Jesus Christ is much the same. Some say we are required to do specific things such as tithe 10%, worship in a certain way, or be accepting of some things while disapproving of others.

In reality there is very little that we must do:

He has told you men what is good

and what it is the Lord requires of you:

Only to act justly,

to love faithfulness,

and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8

When we follow these principles of our Savior and Master, it allows Him room to use us in any way He deems best in order to glorify Him. That is how we get from here to There!

Speak Up

2010-12-11T10:42:00.002-06:00

Speak up for those who have no voice,

for the justice of all

who are dispossessed.

Speak up, judge righteously,

and defend the cause

of the oppressed and needy.

Proverbs 31:8-9

Take some time today to check out some of the organizations who are already at work. There are several diffferent venues listed that reach out to those around the world. Join one in their effort through support and/or prayer.

Voice of the Martyr
Bibles Unbound (This is one that is very dear to me)
Compassion International
Soles 4 Souls
People Loving People - This one is a Nashville organization

*Please add a link to any you have a heart for in the comments!!

Joy!

2010-12-10T08:58:00.002-06:00

Joy to the world- The Lord is come! Let earth receive her King...

This popular Christmas hymn is a prayer- And a Revelation song!

Just like so much of the Bible, what was and is, will be even more. Here's an example: King David in the Old Testament was the glorious King of Israel who ushered in the golden age of their earthly kingdom which then flourished under his son Solomon. King David was in fact a shadow of their greater King and kingdom to come: Jesus Christ. That kingdom was temporary. Christ's will be eternal. This is just one of many examples the Bible gives us of foreshadowing events.

In the same way, the old carol Joy to the World does the same thing. It sings joyfully of the birth of the Messiah, His triumph for us, and His reign. Yes, our hearts prepared room for Him, our Savior reigns in our lives, His blessings flow, and He rules with truth and grace.....but how much more so when He returns! Praise God for our Lord who IS come!!

Sing through this hymn today. Praise Him for what He has done and will one day do in perfect completion. Joy! Joy! Joy to the world!

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the world, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.

Christmas Wish

2010-12-09T13:11:00.000-06:00

Christmas is the celebration of the impossible becoming real: God took on flesh and was born a helpless baby for us. If you think about it, that is ridiculous! Why would He do that? Because He desired a relationship with and loved us just that much.

So instead of thinking about Christmas lists, parties, and eggnog, I'm going to dream of the impossible. With God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26) and Jesus said that if I have faith and do not doubt, amazing things can happen! (Matthew 21:21-22). The key is His will: Now this is the confidence we have before Him: whenever we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked Him for. 1 John 5:14-15

So I want you to dream big in this "impossible to reality" season. Leave an anonymous post with your impossible wish....and let's see what happens. You just might see God this Christmas!

Tearing

2010-12-07T10:20:00.000-06:00

We don't make a practice of tearing our clothing when we ask God for forgiveness any more. Though I bet that if we did, we'd take it a little more seriously- or put on something that was worn out.

The Israelites use to come before the Lord when asking God's forgiveness and rip their outer tunic as a symbol of mourning what they had done. Though it started out as being done during a time of strong emotion (Gen 37:29, Ezra 9:3, Isaiah 37:1), it is mostly done today only at funerals for Jews and has been reduced to a small portion of cloth or a black ribbon they wear.

But, why? Why did they do that at all? To show brokenness of self and the need for God to intervene. It was a practice in faith- in essence. Tearing your clothes shows coming to the end of one's self and the need for a greater power - God - to intervene and take care of them: Even to take care of the basic need of covering one's self. It was a great physical reminder of their spiritual state. But man, as we well know, can take anything and forget the true point....

Tear your hearts,
    not just your clothes,
    and return to the LORD your God.
    For He is gracious and compassionate,
    slow to anger, rich in faithful love,
    and He relents from sending disaster.

Joel 2:13

We must never forget the point of why we do what we do: Be it saying the Lord's Prayer, reading our daily devotional, giving to the poor, or taking the Lord's Supper. It is our hearts He wants. Not our routine.

Think about what you are doing with/for the Lord today... and make sure your heart is in it.

When I "Choose To" Think About the Lord

2010-12-06T09:51:00.001-06:00

Following Jesus Christ is a choice.

Everyday you choose to pray to Him....or not.

You choose to read His Word....or not.

You choose to obey Him....or not.

You choose to listen to the Spirit....or not.

You choose to think of Him most....or yourself.

You choose to give Him....or give in.

Today, I felt horrible.....until I chose to think about the Lord.

Eggs

2010-12-02T09:07:00.000-06:00

Do you really believe God works in miraculous ways? I mean to the point you look for it expectantly?

I've found it's rather like a 365 day Easter egg hunt. I'm always looking for Him to do miracles, but have also learned not to be disappointed when I don't find one. At the same time, I've been taught to not just blow off an "egg" I find by saying it just happened to be there. Seriously, how many Easter eggs would you find lying around naturally? None. They are put there on purpose for just the right moment.

God works that way too.

Expect to find an egg soon, placed there for just the right moment by a creative and loving God. Then acknowledge it and thank Him.

Coffee Talk

2010-11-30T09:35:00.000-06:00

OK...it will actually be tea, and I'll mostly be just listening.

Today I get to meet with a friend I have put off way too long in having a good conversation. I'm so excited! We actually keep in touch fairly well, but unfortunately it's usually in the form of a quick message or chat. I've known him since I was a kid, and though I didn't really talk to him much for a few years, we've always been close. He's so amazing that - to be quite honest - he intimidates me quite often. In reality it's a good thing though because I learn so much from him as my mentor.

I had to admit this to him...He's been trying to get together with me for a while now, but it's just been so busy I kept putting him off. Especially with the holiday season approaching. There is just so much to do! I'm so grateful he doesn't just blow me off completely. Friends like that are special.

We love to talk about Spiritual matters, current and past events, and he has the best sense of humor! Why, I wonder, do I keep putting off a good long talk with him?? Who knows.

Yea... Time to meet!!

Tea's ready, house is quiet, and Bible's open.....

Chewing On It

2010-11-28T15:39:00.000-06:00

There is a difficult passage from the book of Luke that recently came up twice in one day. I have to admit I really don't know what to make of it either. I've checked out different commentaries and writings on this passage, but none of them have really satisfied me.

One of the things I have found as most important is to not just look at those few verses - or that single parable - alone, but to read a good section both before and after it. Context can give great clues as to hidden meanings. Next, I'm just going to wait for the Spirit to guide me to a deeper understanding. One possibility is that one way or another I'm just not ready for it, and I need to be ready to accept that. A second possibility is that it's something I need to work out in order to really appreciate or comprehend.

Any way I look at it, ignoring this passage is not an option. So, for the next few days at least, my mind and heart are just going to chew on it.

Want to join me?

The Parable of the Shrewd Servant
Luke 16:1-15 (Particularly verses 8-9)
...The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings... (v.8-9)

Divine Hamburger Helper

2010-11-27T12:07:00.000-06:00

God is making hamburger of me today.

He has reached down through His Word and Spirit, taken the little bits of my heart and soul's brokenness, trimmed off the excess fat, and has proceeded to then stuff them into the MEat grinder of correction and discipline.

It's a good thing I know He can take that jumbled mess and make something good.

The LORD is my strength and my shield;
    my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.
    Therefore my heart rejoices,
    and I praise Him with my song.
Psalm 28:7

Just Be Careful

2010-11-26T12:09:00.000-06:00

The Lord gave me a very interesting passage to read today considering it's Black Friday here in the USA. I have to be honest and say I really didn't want to put this passage up because I was afraid of sounding too judgmental. Then I realized that really I wasn't. These are God's words- not mine. Yes, He brought them to my attention today, but as a reminder and encouragement to me. I am merely sharing.

God bless you all have I hope you found some great deals. There's nothing wrong with being smart in your shopping!!

¹⁵ Do not love the world or the things that belong to the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. Because everything that belongs to the world— ¹⁶ the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one's lifestyle—is not from the Father, but is from the world. ¹⁷ And the world with its lust is passing away, but the one who does God's will remains forever.
1 John 2:15-17

King David's Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T16:11:00.000-06:00

Didn't know King David celebrated "Thanksgiving", did ya?

Psalm 136
¹ Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good.

His love is eternal.

² Give thanks to the God of gods.

His love is eternal.

³ Give thanks to the Lord of lords.

His love is eternal.

⁴ He alone does great wonders.

His love is eternal.

⁵ He made the heavens skillfully.

His love is eternal.

⁶ He spread the land on the waters.

His love is eternal.

⁷ He made the great lights:

His love is eternal.

⁸ the sun to rule by day,

His love is eternal.

⁹ the moon and stars to rule by night.

His love is eternal.

¹⁰ He struck the firstborn of the Egyptians

His love is eternal.

¹¹ and brought Israel out from among them

His love is eternal.

¹² with a strong hand and outstretched arm.

His love is eternal.

¹³ He divided the Red Sea

His love is eternal.

¹⁴ and led Israel through,

His love is eternal.

¹⁵ but hurled Pharaoh and his army
into the Red Sea.

His love is eternal.

¹⁶ He led His people in the wilderness.

His love is eternal.

¹⁷ He struck down great kings

His love is eternal.

¹⁸ and slaughtered famous kings—

His love is eternal.

¹⁹ Sihon king of the Amorites

His love is eternal.

²⁰ and Og king of Bashan—

His love is eternal.

²¹ and gave their land as an inheritance,

His love is eternal.

²² an inheritance to Israel His servant.

His love is eternal.

²³ He remembered us in our humiliation

His love is eternal.

²⁴ and rescued us from our foes.

His love is eternal.

²⁵ He gives food to every creature.

His love is eternal.

²⁶ Give thanks to the God of heaven!

His love is eternal.

May you have a blessed Thanksgiving as well!

Sacrificial:

2010-11-22T12:07:00.000-06:00

What would you consider sacrificial giving?

A. Tithing (10% of your income)
B. Giving above and beyond your tithe
C. Giving until you can't go out to eat/movies/fun activity once or twice a month
D. Giving up the proceeds from one fun activity
E. Giving even if it occasionally cuts into your regular grocery bill
F. Giving even if it means no extra groceries that week (Living on the storehouse of your pantry)
G. Giving only when the Spirit prompts you specifically- no matter the amount or how much it pinches
H. Giving everything once in a while.
I. "Other" or "A combination of some of the above"

Sitting across from the temple treasury, He watched how the crowd dropped money into the treasury. Many rich people were putting in large sums. And a poor widow came and dropped in two tiny coins worth very little. Summoning His disciples, He said to them, " I assure you: This poor widow has put in more than all those giving to the temple treasury. For they all gave out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she possessed —all she had to live on."
Mark 12:41-44

It Hurts

2010-11-20T11:19:00.001-06:00

There is a physical pain I can't imagine not having when I see Jesus face to face for the first time and beyond:

When I love Him so much it hurts.

The Wrong Side of the Bed

2010-11-19T10:05:00.000-06:00

How do you live as a Christian when you wake up to a bad day? I'm not talking about when things go wrong during the day- I mean those days when you not only wake up on the wrong side of the bed, but get up and start you day from there too. How do you give a defense for the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15) without giving offense because the hope within you seemed to drain out during your sleep last night?

I'll be honest- that was today for me. And that has been quite a few days over my lifetime. So what do I do? I've been working on that:

1. Be brutally honest with myself first, and God second. We have to admit to ourselves that we are in a foul, depressed, anxious, or ornery mood first, because we often love to throw that blame elsewhere. Then, we need to go to God* with it: It's not like He doesn't know already. There is something about telling Him that in prayer that is a little healing.
   *Hint: When going to God about your foul mood, don't fuss at Him for it, like it's His fault. (Oh, you know there are times you do...) Instead ask Him to give you the strength to change it because you obviously can't on your own.

2. Read your Bible. This is the difficult part because it takes time and you're not going to want to since your are already cranky. Do it anyway. Let some of that orneriness be directed into making yourself read it because you "won't take no for an answer".

3. Play the right kind of music. No, I'm not going to tell you it has to be a certain style, but it shouldn't have ungodly lyrics. If you're not sure if it does check it against these verses - Galatians 5:19-21 - or just pick something else. In our house we call Barlow Girl, "Music to calm the savage beast" for my youngest son. I lean toward movie scores and sounds like Enya. God created us to be musical and we will be for eternity (Just read Revelation), so know yourself. Pay attention to how music affects you and use it to your advantage. (Otherwise you just might annoy yourself even further! Proverbs 25:20 )

The most important thing, is don't stew in it. Sometimes I just want to be in a bad mood, but that is not who we are to be for the sake of the Gospel. I've had to ask myself, "Is continuing to be in a bad mood worth deliberately disobeying God?" No.

All this is not to say you - and I - still won't have bad days. They will just be fewer and further between. Also, as I struggle to get out of it, I learn even more how desperately I need Him! Remember, He won't leave you there.

The humble will eat and be satisfied;
    those who seek the LORD will praise Him.
    May your hearts live forever!
Psalm 22:26
Happy are those who keep His decrees
    and seek Him with all their heart.
Psalm 119:2

Amazed

2010-11-17T13:19:00.002-06:00

There are some days where I just have to sit back in wonder and amazement at the grace and love of our God the Father, and our Lord, Jesus Christ.

No, nothing unusual has happened. No great "God story" to tell. I am just floored at how mighty and forgiving He is that He could use someone as wretched and weak as me to do so much. Seriously- I know me well. I know what I am capable of and the horrible things I have done: That His glory can shine through in my life is a miracle.

I love that He shows me again and again that He really doesn't think as I do. Just when I believe I've figured out a way in which He works, God switches it up on me! He delights in keeping my faith, not my sight, fresh. How I adore Him for caring enough to do that: Even as I struggle to hang on!

I'm so grateful He allows me to learn lessons at times even before I have to fully endure them. The Spirit is good at chastising my desires and dreams which are being sown in selfish motives. He allows me to ask for forgiveness even before they sprout. I'm just so amazed....

And to think..., He loves you that much too.

Keys

2010-11-16T09:16:00.000-06:00

For the last two years I've had a key to the fellowship hall at our church. This building which has a gym on the top floor and a kitchen with a dining room and small classrooms off to the side on the lower level, is separate from the main church building. The only connection is a covered walkway for those rainy days. So for the last two years, I've enjoyed access to anything I needed to get in kitchen area for my classes in the main building.

Yesterday, as I was setting up for our final Bible study class this year, I asked if the back door was unlocked to the main building so I didn't have to walk all the way around with my arms full. As we were walking to unlock it I mentioned that I didn't need the fellowship hall unlocked since I had a key. That's when my friend told me, "It's the same key that unlocks the doors in the main building too."

All this time I had the key to the main building! I can't tell you how many times I walked all the way around, waited for someone with the key, or went in search for someone to unlock one of those doors: And it was in my pocket the whole time!

Isn't that how we often treat the Spirit within us?

We have full access to God, but we tend to forget that and rely on others to tell us or lead us in Spiritual matters. Books, teachers, and Bible studies are great tools to encourage and challenge us, but we should never rely on them as our main source of hearing from God. We have the Spirit within us! Read His Word and go to Him in prayer- He will guide us. Jesus promised.

If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever......But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit - the Father will send Him in My name - will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.
John 14:15-16, 26

For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.
Ephesians 2:18

Bedtime-N-Bible

2010-11-15T05:31:00.001-06:00

I realized last night that reading God's Word every day is a lot like going to bed on time/early.

They are both something you fully plan to do everyday, but things just keep coming up. Sometimes - quite often in fact - you don't get to it because of that one last thing you wanted to check online, or read, or watch on T.V. Any way you look at it, and before you know it, it's an hour and a half past when you said you wanted to go to sleep, the day has flown by, and/or you didn't have any quality time just reading His Word to you. That is when we will often read a bit sheepishly and then finally lay down...

But you know what the funny thing is? When you lay down to sleep, it feels so good you wonder why you didn't get there sooner? It's the same reading the Bible. You have finally had your Daily Bread and are feeling pleasantly "full" wondering why you didn't read any of it sooner.

Why do I keep putting them off when I love them so much?
Lord, help me to get to bed early after I have feasted on your Word!

Christian Perfection: by Oswald Chambers

2010-11-14T13:13:00.000-06:00

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfect . . . —Philippians 3:12

It is a trap to presume that God wants to make us perfect specimens of what He can do— God’s purpose is to make us one with Himself. The emphasis of holiness movements tends to be that God is producing specimens of holiness to put in His museum. If you accept this concept of personal holiness, your life’s determined purpose will not be for God, but for what you call the evidence of God in your life. How can we say, “It could never be God’s will for me to be sick”? If it was God’s will to bruise His own Son (Isaiah 53:10), why shouldn’t He bruise you? What shines forth and reveals God in your life is not your relative consistency to an idea of what a saint should be, but your genuine, living relationship with Jesus Christ, and your unrestrained devotion to Him whether you are well or sick.

Christian perfection is not, and never can be, human perfection. Christian perfection is the perfection of a relationship with God that shows itself to be true even amid the seemingly unimportant aspects of human life. When you obey the call of Jesus Christ, the first thing that hits you is the pointlessness of the things you have to do. The next thought that strikes you is that other people seem to be living perfectly consistent lives. Such lives may leave you with the idea that God is unnecessary— that through your own human effort and devotion you can attain God’s standard for your life. In a fallen world this can never be done. I am called to live in such a perfect relationship with God that my life produces a yearning for God in the lives of others, not admiration for myself. Thoughts about myself hinder my usefulness to God. God’s purpose is not to perfect me to make me a trophy in His showcase; He is getting me to the place where He can use me. Let Him do what He wants.

My Utmost for His Highest- December 2, by Oswald Chambers

The Goal Of Our Instruction

2010-11-12T05:37:00.002-06:00

I've really been stuck in 1 and 2 Timothy lately. There is just so much richness there! Sometimes I look at the Word and think, "How can I say this any different? There is just no improving it obviously, and any comparison or allusion dulls it!" So today let's just soak in the first few verses of 1 Timothy 1. But instead of reading it as "the Bible", read it as a letter from God to you: It brings it much closer to home. Place your name instead of Timothy's, for the Spirit penned this to you as well. So join me as I read 1 Tiffany...

1 Timothy 1:2-11*

To _________, my true child in the faith.
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

As I urged you.....remain "where you are" so that you may command certain people not to teach other doctrine or to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies. These promote empty speculations rather than God's plan, which operates by faith.

Now the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. Some have deviated from these and turned aside to fruitless discussions. They want to be teachers of the law, although they don't understand what they are saying or what they are insisting on.

Now we know that the law is not meant for the righteous person,
   but for the lawless and rebellious,
   for the ungodly and sinful,
   for the unholy and irreverent,
   for those who kill their fathers and mothers,
   for murderers,
   for the sexually immoral and homosexuals,
   for kidnappers, liars, perjurers,
and for whatever else is contrary to the sound teaching based on the glorious gospel of the blessed God that was entrusted to me (and you).

*Everything which is in quotations, underlined, italicized, and placed in bold is of my own doing and not Scripture. They were placed there for emphasis.

Take Some Time To Just Laugh

2010-11-11T05:49:00.005-06:00

A joyful heart is good medicine,
but a broken spirit dries up the bones.
Proverbs 17:22

Enjoy :-)

This one gets really good starting with the third guy...

This one is somewhat disturbing....but you can't help but laugh :)

Are Your Lemons Sugar Coated?

2010-11-10T05:23:00.000-06:00

Today I found something I wrote about 4 years ago.
What do you think?

Are Your Lemons Sugar Coated?

Have you ever had a fish bone stuck in your throat? Hurts doesn't it? You know it won't kill you that instant, but what if it punctures your throat? Or gets lodged there long enough to become severely infected? Every time you swallow, it sends a searing pain through you body, so you try not to, but instinct has you gulping like a fish out of water. You know you need help, but don't know what to do.

Now imagine someone passes by and offers you a palm-sized yellow object which sparkles. They tell you that it will get the bone out and save you, and they even offer to let you lick it a little to see if you like it. You try a timid taste and realize it is sweet! That, of course, makes you swallow again in pain, but you now have hope. You thank them profusely, and accept the life saving object gratefully. Beaming over your new treasure, you take a small bite and nearly drop it in disgust: It is horribly sour! How could that possibly save you? Reasoning with yourself you begin to think that perhaps you are just supposed to keep licking it. As you do, the pain in your throat becomes gradually less, but deep down you know that the bone is still lodged there and that most likely you are becoming numb with pain. Well, nothing is wrong with that, is there? Perhaps that is all there is to it, and it is welcome enough. There is the nagging thought that you still have to get the bone out, so you decide to try biting it once more, but after all the sugar your mouth is coated in, it tastes even worse than before! Now what? If only that person had told you what to expect! If only you knew if it is suppose to be sour! How will this really save you?

Do we as Western Christians even recognize the full flavor of the gospel anymore?

When we are sharing the gospel with others in industrialized nations, do we tell them what they desperately need to know in order to be saved, or are we so worried that they will not be interested that we sugar coat it? The Lord Jesus Christ never promised it would be easy: In fact, just the opposite. In John 15:20 Jesus says, “Remember the word I spoke to you: 'A slave is not greater that his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you...” ¹It is not all sour however! Jesus also says in Matthew 5:11-12, “Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of Me. Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” What are we truly more concerned of? This “...momentary light affliction...”(2 Corinthians 4:17) or the eternal?

If a person speaks of God, do we wipe the sweat from our brow and check off one more for the kingdom of God? Don't think that because someone believes that Jesus is the Son of God they are saved. Remember “...the demons also believe- and they shudder!”(James 2:19) Jesus said in Matthew 7:21-23, “Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord!' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. On that day many will say to Me, 'Lord, Lord, didn't we prophesy in Your name, drive out demons in Your name, and do many miracles in Your name?' Then I will announce to them, 'I never knew you! Depart from Me, you lawbreakers!'”

How can we know then? The apostle John says in 1 John 2:4-6, “The one who says, 'I have come to know Him,' without keeping His commands is a liar and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly in him the love of God is perfected. This is how we know we are in Him: the one who says he remains in Him should walk just as He walked.” Is the truth in us and in those we are witnessing to? Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

What can we do? We work out our “...own salvation with fear and trembling”, knowing that it is “God who is working in you enabling you both to will and to act for His purpose.” (Philippians 2:12-13) We look forward to the day when we will hear our Master say, “Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your Master's joy!” (Matthew 25:21) Why? Just as Christ, we do this for the joy that lay before us! (Hebrews 12:2)

So, as we share with others that Jesus Christ is the Son of God... “that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures...”(1 Corinthians 15:3-4) are we giving them sugar-coated lemons, or are we allowing God to make the lemonade?

¹ See also: Matthew 10:22, Luke 21:12-19

A Baby Step In Faith

2010-11-09T07:48:00.000-06:00

Now I implore you, brothers, through the Lord Jesus Christ and through the love of the Spirit, to agonize together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf:
Romans 15:28

We ask for your prayers today as we take a baby step step forward in faith.

There are so many things in life I do not feel worthy of in the least. What continues to amaze, dazzle, and terrify me is that the Lord my God is so gracious, loving and giving! I feel as though He's asking me to step into the pot of gold at the end of rainbow of my desires. Pray that we will seek His direction at all times. Pray that we will never detour to the desires of our flesh and selfishness, but that we will always be willing to follow Him fully!

Thank you for lifting us up today.

The Hardest Simple Thing

2010-11-08T10:21:00.000-06:00

Do you know what the biggest deterrent to a vibrant relationship with God is? The one thing that it must have: Faith.

There is no 12 step, 3 main points, 40 day goal, for Dummies book that will acquire faith for us. There is no proof. There is nothing tangible. It makes no logical sense. Now faith is the reality of what is hope for, the proof of what is not seen. Hebrews 11:1

To be forgiven our sins:
   We must have faith. Matthew 9:2, Luke 5:20
To be well:
   We must have faith. Matthew 9:29; Mark 5:32
To do mighty things for the sake of the Gospel and Jesus Christ:
   We must have faith. Matthew 21:21; James 1:6
To be righteous:
   We must have faith. Romans 1:17; Galatians 5:5

Why?
...for we walk by faith, not by sight - 2 Corinthians 5:7

There is, however, a very important element to goes along with faith which we must never forget...

Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

It is one of those things we must just accept: Have faith.
For as Jesus said, ..."But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." Luke 22:32

Some Things Just Fit

2010-11-06T14:38:00.001-05:00

A cold, rainy day and a good book.
Sweet Tarts and a Coke go with Star Wars;
Reese's Pieces go with E.T.;
A pot of tea and shortbread cookies go with Lord of the Rings.
Marshmallows and a campfire.
Popsicles and a hot summer day.
The beach and coconut scented tanning lotion/sunblock.

A Godly life and persecution 2 Timothy 3:12
Dying and Salvation Mark 8:34, John 12:24-25
Love and giving Mark 10:21; 2 Thessalonians 2:16; 1 John 3:1
Hope and Jesus Christ Colossians 1:27; Hebrews 3:6; 1 Peter 1:3

Motion Sick

2010-11-04T13:52:00.003-05:00

Have you ever had motion sickness from swinging? I have, and let me tell you- It's not fun. You can be left queasy for days even after you get off.

Today, my spirit is motion sick: The swing of religion has made me sick to my stomach, but I just can't get off. Why? It's name is Salvation, and the two extremes are Faith Alone and Faith + Works. The problem they have is also the same as a swing's- you can't stay up on either side indefinitely. This debate which has been going on for thousands of years will most certainly not be fully explored in this tiny blog post, but I do want to give you a quick summary:

We are saved by the grace of God through our faith in Jesus Christ alone, but our works are evidence of what we believe.

Ephesians 2:8-9 sums this up easily. If you believe the Bible, you have to believe what it says.
For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God's gift— not from works, so that no one can boast. For we are His creation—created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them. (Emphasis Mine)

Our works do not save us and they never will. Our works should come from the overflowing love and gratitude we have for what Jesus Christ has done for us. If there are no works, the question becomes, Are you not grateful enough to do something about it?

If I told my child I loved them, but never took any time to clean their clothes, cook their food, talk for hours, help with homework, cuddle them, or play Sorry! for the millionth time, would they know that I truly love them? What evidence would they have?

Even Jesus had something to say about this;
⁴³ "A good tree doesn't produce bad fruit; on the other hand, a bad tree doesn't produce good fruit. ⁴⁴ For each tree is known by its own fruit. Figs aren't gathered from thornbushes, or grapes picked from a bramble bush. ⁴⁵ A good man produces good out of the good storeroom of his heart. An evil man produces evil out of the evil storeroom, for his mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart.

⁴⁶ "Why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and don't do the things I say? ⁴⁷ I will show you what someone is like who comes to Me, hears My words, and acts on them: ⁴⁸ He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. When the flood came, the river crashed against that house and couldn't shake it, because it was well built. ⁴⁹ But the one who hears and does not act is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The river crashed against it, and immediately it collapsed. And the destruction of that house was great!"
Luke 6:43-49

The point is, your life needs to be evident to those around you that it belongs to Jesus Christ.

Is it?

*For another great Scripture passage on this read James 2.

The Nerve...

2010-11-03T21:00:00.001-05:00

This is amazing! Watch the video then make sure and read the following verses. How beautiful and intricate is His intelligent design: LIFE. We are a testimony down to our nerves!!

How can we even dare to say our heart and words are not connected?

My words [come from] my upright heart,
    and my lips speak what they know with sincerity.
Job 33:3

May the words of my mouth
    and the meditation of my heart
    be acceptable to You,
    LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14

When I was a son with my father,

    tender and precious to my mother,
    he taught me and said:
    "Your heart must hold on to my words.
    Keep my commands and live.
    Get wisdom, get understanding;
    don't forget or turn away from the words of my mouth.
Proverbs 4:3-5

A wise heart instructs its mouth
    and increases learning with its speech.
Proverbs 16:23

But what comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and this defiles a man. For from the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual immoralities, thefts, false testimonies, blasphemies. These are the things that defile a man, but eating with unwashed hands does not defile a man."
Matthew 15:18-20

People Are Awesome. But God.....!

2010-11-02T13:02:00.000-05:00

I've not been able to stop thinking about this video for the last several days. It is amazing what humans are capable of...even without God. Just think of what we could do with Him...

Looking at them, Jesus said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God, because all things are possible with God."
Mark 10:27

Do we live like we believe that?

Prayer For One Another

2010-11-01T10:25:00.000-05:00

Today I am going to deviate a bit from the normal. This morning I received an email from a a family we recently have made contact with. As I read through it, I was reminded of the parable Jesus told in Luke 11:5-12. He wants us to be persistent in prayer, not that we are to badger God with our requests till we get what we want, but so that we learn to come to Him repeatedly for many thing. He wants us to draw near, and He often uses situations in our lives or those around us to do it.

I have provided a link to the Morgan family blog site below if you are interested in learning more about how God is working in their lives and calling them.

The Morgan Journey
November 1st, 2010

PLEASE CONTINUE to read! This is not your regular monthly prayer letter, but an urgent request for prayer on our behalf.

Let me (Laura) warn you: This may be the strangest prayer letter you ever receive from us - (stateside, at least).

It's not a letter I want to write. Not to say that I haven't thought about writing it - or that I don't think it's a good idea. We need for you to pray. But I'm emotionally fragile as I write it. Weary. Discouraged. Emotionally and physically spent.

For the past six weeks, we have been waging war on head lice in our home. If you've never battled head lice, let me give you a mental picture of the physical toil involved: Daily laundering of every bed linen on every bed. Daily laundering of every towel and every stitch of clothing. Daily drying (1/2 an hour, high heat) of every pillow. Daily vacuuming of every carpet or rug. Daily steamcleaning of every mattress. Daily steaming or vacuuming of the car. Daily cleaning or spraying of furniture. Daily (at least) boiling of every brush, comb and hairclip. And daily picking of nits (which can take as long as 3 hours in one head of hair alone). There are days that we begin at 6:45 a.m. and don't finish until the wee hours of the following morning.

Typically, a week or two of lice eradication treatment solves the problem (as it did with 3 other families in our church). But we've been fighting this battle on and off for six weeks.

The hardest part, though, hasn't been the physical work involved. It's been the emotional toll this has taken on our family - and, to be honest, especially me.

I am so emotionally weary. So weary of worrying who we've accidentally infected. So weary of wondering whether we appear socially irresponsible. So weary of worrying if we've been socially irresponsible. So weary of worrying who might get mad at us. So weary of deciding whether we're "clear" to be involved in social situations. So weary of telling kids they can't do this and can't do that. So weary, conversely, of letting them go when things appear so much better only to discover they weren't as good as we thought. (We have gone to extreme lengths to eradicate the issue, and on several occasions thought we had.) So weary of wondering if I'll ever feel free to hug again. So weary of missing my friends. So weary of not being able to pursue college options with Emma. (There has been no time, and no option of traveling to visit schools.) So weary of not being able to work at raising support. (We had hoped September and October would be fruitful months before the holiday lull.)

And then - so, so terribly weary of thinking about the potentially harmful effects of these pesticides that we've been putting on our children's heads, and our own, as well. (Four times each, we have had some combination of Rid and Malathion lotion on our scalps - and for as long as 12 hours in some cases). So weary of seeing that big, ugly fear of catastrophic health issues raise it's ugly head - especially since I thought I'd seen God bring so much healing in that area.) So weary of negatively impacting my children with my own heavily voiced fears.

I wish I could tell you, dear friends, that I've responded with heroic faith - as one who's worthy of her calling. Oh, I've done a lot of striving. I've mentally reminded myself of all the good things God could be accomplishing through this trial. I've chided myself for being such a wimp when many families I know are going through much more difficult - even tragic - circumstances than this. I've told myself that God is sovereign - that nothing he doesn't ordain can happen as a result of the pesticides. I've battled the frustration of picking nits by praying for a different friend with each 1/8-inch section of hair I picked.

But as I took a few minutes this weekend to read over the e-mailed notes from an Ephesians study I've been attending in Birmingham, I was convicted - saddened - by how unworthy of my calling I have actually lived. In chapters 1-3 of Ephesians, Paul reveals the amazing truths of who we are in Christ and the riches of inheritance which belong to us through that union. And then in chapter 4, he challenges us - based on belief in those truths - to walk in a manner worthy of our calling. (Paraphrasing my wonderful teacher's notes): Paul describes four attributes of walking worthy: Humility (not thinking too highly of yourself); Gentleness/Meekness ("that temper of soul in which we accept His dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting"). Patience/Longsuffering: "the quality that does not surrender to circumstances or succumb under trial; it is the opposite of despondency and is associated with hope). And Bearing with one another in love (which only comes as we are rooted and grounded in love through the power of the Holy Spirit).

If you had observed me during these last few weeks especially - and some of you have - you would know that I have been prideful, angry, frustrated, impatient, despondent, hopeless, and unloving.

Would you please pray that I will trust the loving, sovereign hand of my heavenly father?

New treatment

And would you please pray for our efforts thenceforth?

Ten days ago, we purchased $100 worth of natural enzyme products (recommended by a friend who had had success with them). This past weekend, we realized that these products had not been successful either.

Now, after three conversations with our doctor's office this weekend, we've purchased the first of several $75 bottles of medicated scalp lotion - a new, non-neurotoxic product which has no pesticidle ingredients. The doc on call this weekend had had personal experience with this new medication, and also said that their office has had only had positive feedback from it.

Today, we are starting from the ground up. We have packed up the majority of our clothing and toys, are about to begin recleaning everything in the house as outlined above, and are using the new product with the prayerful expectation that it will effectively kill any live bugs. We will follow this with the careful checking and (where necessary) picking of all nits (eggs) on every head - a process which is likely to take as long as five or six hours (and which we'll have to do every day this week). Finally, we'll follow-up with a reapplication of the new medication in a week to 10 days.

Would you please pray for us today and through this week?

* That this process will work.
* That the medication will kill all live bugs (there was apparently resistance to the other medications, but resistance is not an issue with this lotion).
* That we will effectively clean and treat our environment.
That we'll be able to effectively find all eggs and remove them (crucial to the process, and especially difficult in Emma's curly hair.)
That God will protect anyone we have inadvertently exposed.
That our Father will give us the grace to live as ones worthy of our calling - humbly accepting his dealings with us as good; not despondent, but full of hope; and bearing with one another in love.
That God will enable us (Steven and me) to be the aroma of Christ to our children through the rest of this process.
That we and Emma will have the physical and mental energy to accomplish what can be done with colleges at this time (essays, scholarship aps, etc.), and that we'll trust God's plan in this area.
That we'll trust God's timing to raise our support even when we are hindered from being about the work of support-raising. (We were supposed to attend a missions conference and see dear friends at a supporting church this weekend - looks like Steven will have to attend that one alone - another thing you can pray for.)

Someday, I hope to blog about the spiritual insights God's given me through this situation. For now, though, I have energy only to trust that you'll pray.

His together,

Laura (and Steve)

Living By Faith

2010-10-31T13:52:00.000-05:00

Have you ever really had to live by faith?

Perhaps you gave away all your grocery money on a prompting from the Spirit, or followed a path God set before you that you knew was an impossibility in your own strength. To passionately live on faith alone in a circumstance forces you to the best place possible: Humbled before God in fervent prayer. When we live by faith there is no possible explanation or reason other than, "It's God".

It is an humanly terrifying and spiritually exhilarating place to be. It's where we are suppose to be.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is God's power for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek. For in it God's righteousness is revealed from faith to faith, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith.
Romans 1:16-17

But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him. But we are not those who draw back and are destroyed, but those who have faith and obtain life.

Hebrews 10:37-38

A Thread To Tread Upon

2010-10-28T21:28:00.000-05:00

Where is the line between passionately defending the Truth, and being rude?

Obviously,
I'm sure you realize (or thought), as
Anyone who's rational with
Common sense demands,
That condescending words can hold no love.

¹⁴ God, arrogant people have attacked me;
    a gang of ruthless men seeks my life.
    They have no regard for You.
    ¹⁵ But You, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,
    slow to anger and abundant in faithful love and truth.
    ¹⁶ Turn to me and be gracious to me.
    Give Your strength to Your servant;
    save the son of Your female servant.
    ¹⁷ Show me a sign of Your goodness;
    my enemies will see and be put to shame
    because You, LORD, have helped and comforted me.
Psalm 86:14-17 (Emphasis Mine)

But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head —Christ.
Ephesians 4:15

Listening To Doubt

2010-10-26T21:46:00.000-05:00

We should always listen to our doubts.

Now, before you get too upset, take a moment and listen to what I mean. When we are assailed by doubts from every corner there are some very specific questions we need to answer: Why am I doubting? What are the reasons I doubt? In what way am I doubting? In other words: Is this doubt Scripture based, or self-worth based? In order to combat or take serious the doubt, we need to recognize their root: The Spirit or the Devil.

Listen to your doubts. Assess their origin. Then deal with them appropriately. If they are a discernment from the Spirit, search the Scriptures to find out why. If they are from the enemy, take up the shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16) and cry out to our Savior as a young boy's father once did, "I do believe. Help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24)

A Work - And Word - In Progress

2010-10-25T09:15:00.001-05:00

I think many of you would hardily agree that I am a work in progress- and I concur! I get so frustrated with myself and my Christian walk at times, and one of the things which confound me most is my mouth:

There are times I wish I had not spoken, and knew that I was wrong to say something;
   ...times I could hear myself talking about something that I didn't really want to say, but the Spirit compelled me (Jeremiah 20:9);
   ...times when I knew I should have said something, but chickened out;
   ...times when I have should have meditated on a principle longer before sharing;
   ...times when I meditated too long, and lost an opportunity;
   ...times when I just can't get the right words out, and the point remains veiled;
   ...times when the words are chocked by the burden behind them;
   ...times when the words seem too cold.

Life and death are in the power of the tongue,
    and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Proverbs 18:21

¹ Not many should become teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive a stricter judgment; ² for we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a mature man who is also able to control his whole body.
    ³ Now when we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we also guide the whole animal. ⁴ And consider ships: though very large and driven by fierce winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. ⁵ So too, though the tongue is a small part [of the body], it boasts great things. Consider how large a forest a small fire ignites. ⁶ And the tongue is a fire. The tongue, a world of unrighteousness, is placed among the parts of our [bodies]; it pollutes the whole body, sets the course of life on fire, and is set on fire by hell.
    ⁷ For every creature—animal or bird, reptile or fish—is tamed and has been tamed by man, ⁸ but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. ⁹ With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who are made in God's likeness. ¹⁰ Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things should not be this way. ¹¹ Does a spring pour out sweet and bitter water from the same opening? ¹² Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers, or a grapevine [produce] figs? Neither can a saltwater spring yield fresh water.
James 3:1-12

Lord, I pray today that my words only produce the fruit consistent with being a child of Yours. May my mouth be a spring of purified water blessing You!

Always Learning, But...

2010-10-22T11:41:00.001-05:00

The apostle Paul says something to his child in the faith, Timothy that is very interesting. The Spirit had him warn us that in the last days of something to be aware of:
¹ But know this: difficult times will come in the last days. ² For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, ³ unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, without love for what is good, ⁴ traitors,reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, ⁵ holding to the form of religion but denying its power. Avoid these people!
⁶ For among them are those who worm their way into households and capture idle women burdened down with sins, led along by a variety of passions, ⁷ always learning and never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. ⁸ Just as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so these also resist the truth, men who are corrupt in mind, worthless in regard to the faith. ⁹ But they will not make further progress, for their lack of understanding will be clear to all, as theirs was also. (Emphasis mine)

2 Timothy 3:1-9

This is the information age. We can learn just about anything we want within a few moments of internet searching. There is also a Bible study, or Christian "self-help" book for just about every topic you could imagine and several in the popular topics. Are all of these things bad? No! But be aware that some of them can be.

Are you coming to a knowledge of the Truth? In other words, are you coming to a deeper knowledge, understanding, and relationship with Jesus Christ? "Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6 As you learn more and more about the Truth, there will not be the heavy burden of restrictions and duties (law), but there will be a deep love, passion, and devotion to Him. You will be freed! "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32

Are you free?

Tennessee Fall

2010-10-21T10:41:00.000-05:00

Though the leaves are beautiful this time of year, this Tennessee weather is driving me crazy! It's 39 degrees in the morning and 83 in the afternoon. Dressing the kids for school and wearing comfortable clothes for the day is near impossible, because we are either freezing in the morning or burning up by midday. So many times I have wished it would make up its mind and stay either hot or cold...

..."The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Originator of God's creation says: I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of My mouth.
Revelation 3:14-16

This morning as I was grumping about the temperature in my heart, the Spirit touched me to say that God doesn't really like that hot/cold thing much either. Perhaps He allows it here in the Bible Belt to reminds us just how annoying it can be...

This Is How We Are Sure

2010-10-20T16:45:00.001-05:00

My dear church family near and far, this is my heart's burden: Truth can't be said any better than in Scripture...

This is how we are sure we have come to know Him: by keeping His commands. The one who says, "I have come to know Him," without keeping His commands, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly in him the love of God is perfected. This is how we know we are in Him: the one who says he remains in Him should walk just as He walked.
1 John 2:3-6

...¹⁶ yet we know that no one is justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no human being will be justified. ¹⁷ But if, while seeking to be justified by Christ, we ourselves are also found to be sinners, is Christ then a promoter of sin? Absolutely not! ¹⁸ If I rebuild those things that I tore down, I show myself to be a lawbreaker. ¹⁹ For through the law I have died to the law, that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; ²⁰ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. ²¹ I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing.
Galatians 2:16-21

Organic Christianity

2010-10-19T12:20:00.000-05:00

I shared with my Facebook friends recently that I had created a monster, and once again, it's my youngest son.

While eating an apple the other day, he asked if it was organic. When I told him no, because they weren't on sale, he told me he guessed that was OK, but organic would be healthier for him.
Ouch.

We have been trying to switch to healthier eating for the last few years, but when he recently discovered what organic food really meant, he has not let me forget the benefits and has been very interested in what is available. The only problem is the initial cost. Organic is expensive! I know that in the long run they say it's about the same as eating the regular food and then paying all the extra medical expenses, but I have to admit that the "now" aspect pinches the pocket a little too hard at times for a family of four on a very tight budget.

"Ah!" the Spirit reminded me, "Isn't that much like Christian life?"

I'm not talking about salvation, but how you live the life which you have already claimed to surrender completely to Him. To follow Him they way we should costs a lot up front. It really pinches the pockets we have budgeted for comfortable Christian existence. And much like the cost of organic food now verses medical expenses later, we can pay the price now and become healthy, vibrant, effective children of God, or we can allow ourselves to become sickly. Then we must go before a just and holy God and live eternally with the few measly crowns we have to toss at our Savior's feet.

I don't know about you, but I believe He's worthy enough for me to spend every penny I have and every thing that I am in order to try and bury Him up to His knees in crowns. The high cost of a sacrificial life is worth every cent.

What I Want To Do

2010-10-18T10:39:00.000-05:00

This morning as my husband and I dropped off the kids at school, he asked me what I wanted to do today. I ran down the list of things I needed to get done today: Read my Bible, write a blog, go over my lesson for Tuesday night, clean the bathrooms, sweep, vacuum.... and so on. He paused for a moment and then said, "But what do you want to do today?" After taking a few moments to ponder it, I realized those things I needed to do today were also the things I wanted to do today. That was the moment I was aware God had answered my prayers.

For years my fleshly desires and nature have been fighting God tooth and nail over what He has called me to do for this season in life. In that time, though I tended to physically obeyed Him, my desires have been elsewhere. Over and over I have prayed that He would change my heart to desire what He wants. I knew God's Word promises that if I took "...delight in the Lord," as the Psalmist says, "He would give me my heart's desires." (Psalm 37:4) The problem is that what we tend to desire is far from Him and His ways. "But as for those whose hearts pursue their desire for detestable things and abominations, I will bring their actions down on their own heads." [This is] the declaration of the Lord GOD . Ezekiel 11:21 For me to get the desires of my heart, I knew it was my heart which had to change.

Today was the first true indication that He has accomplished this in me!! For now... I'm sure He'll stretch me again soon. :)

The funny thing is I have also noticed another change of heart He's put in me recently which I know will lead to much greater challenges of my heart and its desires. But you know what? He is faithful and true. He has proven Himself over and over and over again to me. Why wouldn't I trust Him completely in these future desires of my heart as well?

The Rock—His work is perfect;
    all His ways are entirely just.
    A faithful God, without prejudice,
    He is righteous and true.
Deuteronomy 32:4