Sometimes, when we are living on the graces of God solely, and there doesn't seem to be anything to say - I believe it's best to not to try to.
Or, in the words of Thumper.... "If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all."
Or in Biblical terms, "He who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles." Proverbs 21:23
Friday, October 9, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
For I Am Persuaded...
Sometimes we just need to hear this again and be reminded of what we know. Read it aloud and let these truths permeate your heart, mind, and soul today.
Romans 8:35-39
Who can separate us from the love of Christ?
Can affliction or anguish or or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
As it is written: Because of You we are being put to death all day long; we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered.
No, in all these things we are more than victorious through Him who loved us.
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Jesus Christ our Lord!
It's difficult comprehend, but we can be separated from everything else, and need to live that way. It's not that we shouldn't care about other things and people: we just need to remember that it all can be taken from us. God's love can't. Much peace comes when we are secure in that knowledge.
Romans 8:35-39
Who can separate us from the love of Christ?
Can affliction or anguish or or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
As it is written: Because of You we are being put to death all day long; we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered.
No, in all these things we are more than victorious through Him who loved us.
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Jesus Christ our Lord!
It's difficult comprehend, but we can be separated from everything else, and need to live that way. It's not that we shouldn't care about other things and people: we just need to remember that it all can be taken from us. God's love can't. Much peace comes when we are secure in that knowledge.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
The Everyday
What do you do when the everyday seems to get in the way? I've had a great day here, but when it came time to write a blog, I felt I had nothing to say.
I have talked to God a lot today, though. I was thanking Him profusely for helping me to start healing. I've been in pain over the last several days and have not been able to enjoy myself very much. After pleading with the Lord - more than three times - the pain started to subside. Yesterday, every times I was at least comfortable for a half hour, I thanked Him. Today I've been able to thank Him even more, and I hope to soon be able to praise Him all day.
Even though I was praising Him, I felt as though I wasn't learning anything from Him. At first I thought that was a bit of a failing on my part. But we were created to praise and glorify Him. Sometimes in my desire to learn and grow, I forget to take more than a few hours, to worship Him.
I was feeling like my everyday life was getting in my way of learning from God, but He used it to show me that praising Him needs to be the foundation of my everyday. The learning and growing comes after that.
How are you praising God in your everyday today?
I have talked to God a lot today, though. I was thanking Him profusely for helping me to start healing. I've been in pain over the last several days and have not been able to enjoy myself very much. After pleading with the Lord - more than three times - the pain started to subside. Yesterday, every times I was at least comfortable for a half hour, I thanked Him. Today I've been able to thank Him even more, and I hope to soon be able to praise Him all day.
Even though I was praising Him, I felt as though I wasn't learning anything from Him. At first I thought that was a bit of a failing on my part. But we were created to praise and glorify Him. Sometimes in my desire to learn and grow, I forget to take more than a few hours, to worship Him.
I was feeling like my everyday life was getting in my way of learning from God, but He used it to show me that praising Him needs to be the foundation of my everyday. The learning and growing comes after that.
How are you praising God in your everyday today?
Monday, October 5, 2009
Map Quest And Sin
We are in the Washington D.C. Area right now and it's beautiful! The drive up here was very long though and since we don't make the trip that often, we printed out the directions on Map Quest. Knowing how detailed they are, I put my starting point as Murfreesboro instead of my house, but was still given minute turns from the square.
Looking at the map, I realized that were 16 different “directions”. One was for .2 miles, yet another one was for 349.0 miles, but they both counted as one direction. Isn't that just like sin? No matter how big or small the sin is, it still counts. There are longer periods we have to deal with the consequences on the "bigger" ones, but they count as a sin just same.
We have a holy God who can not have sin in presence: No matter how big or small. And we sin. So, without His grace we could not enter into His presence. Just like every .01 miles counts as a direction, every sin counts as well.
Thank you Lord for Your grace. Thank you that my sins won't travel with me to You.
Looking at the map, I realized that were 16 different “directions”. One was for .2 miles, yet another one was for 349.0 miles, but they both counted as one direction. Isn't that just like sin? No matter how big or small the sin is, it still counts. There are longer periods we have to deal with the consequences on the "bigger" ones, but they count as a sin just same.
We have a holy God who can not have sin in presence: No matter how big or small. And we sin. So, without His grace we could not enter into His presence. Just like every .01 miles counts as a direction, every sin counts as well.
Thank you Lord for Your grace. Thank you that my sins won't travel with me to You.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Praise
Sometimes there is nothing that needs to be said more than praises to God.
Psalms 34:1-10
I will praise the Lord at all times;
His praise will always be on my lips.
I will boast in the Lord;
The humble will hear and be glad.
Proclaim with me the Lord's greatness;
Let us exalt his name together.
I sought the Lord the Lord, and he answered me
And delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to Him are radiant with joy;
Their faces will never be ashamed.
This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him
And saved him from all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps
Around those who fear Him, and rescues them.
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
How happy is the man who takes refuge in Him!
Fear the Lord, you saints,
For those who fear Him lack nothing.
Young lions lack food and go hungry,
But those who seek the Lord will not lack any good thing.
You know what else I like about this psalm? It was written by David after he pretended to be insane to keep from being captured or killed by a foreign king. Perhaps we don't praise the Lord in our insane moments enough.
Psalms 34:1-10
I will praise the Lord at all times;
His praise will always be on my lips.
I will boast in the Lord;
The humble will hear and be glad.
Proclaim with me the Lord's greatness;
Let us exalt his name together.
I sought the Lord the Lord, and he answered me
And delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to Him are radiant with joy;
Their faces will never be ashamed.
This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him
And saved him from all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps
Around those who fear Him, and rescues them.
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
How happy is the man who takes refuge in Him!
Fear the Lord, you saints,
For those who fear Him lack nothing.
Young lions lack food and go hungry,
But those who seek the Lord will not lack any good thing.
You know what else I like about this psalm? It was written by David after he pretended to be insane to keep from being captured or killed by a foreign king. Perhaps we don't praise the Lord in our insane moments enough.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Alive
We've all heard and read that the Word of God, the Bible, is alive. Have you ever really taken the time to think that through? God is so beyond our understanding, that He is able to make specific, written words live. They don't come alive - they are alive.
Think of it: Words written 3000 years ago, still teach and speak to us in very real personal and corporate ways. That's mind blowing in and of itself. Another amazing thing to ponder is what John 1:1,14 says. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God...The Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We observed His glory, the glory as the One and Only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."
Think of it. Our God is so powerful that He can make His Words becoming living flesh and then place Himself within them to save us. It's not a metaphor - it's real. So, if we love God, we have to love His Word.
How much have you loved and appreciated Him lately?
Think of it: Words written 3000 years ago, still teach and speak to us in very real personal and corporate ways. That's mind blowing in and of itself. Another amazing thing to ponder is what John 1:1,14 says. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God...The Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We observed His glory, the glory as the One and Only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."
Think of it. Our God is so powerful that He can make His Words becoming living flesh and then place Himself within them to save us. It's not a metaphor - it's real. So, if we love God, we have to love His Word.
How much have you loved and appreciated Him lately?
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Soap Box 101
I heard a statistic the other day on a groundbreaking finding which was presented at prestigious conference. This multi-year study revealed that children who were spanked more in childhood tended to have lower IQ's.
Now, before you use your "spankin' spoon" for kindling, I'd like to pose this thought:
PERHAPS THIS IS BECAUSE THEY ALREADY HAD LOWER IQ'S AND DIDN'T GET IT THE FIRST TIME, AND THUS NEEDED TO BE SPANKED MORE.
Let's use our heads and not let people guilt us into a lack of discipline. I'm not saying you have to spank your children - I have many friends who don't. They choose to discipline by other means. But for those of us who do spank in the loving manner, don't let the world stack the stats in order to belittle you.
Proverbs 13:24
The one who will not use the rod hates his son, but the one who loves him disciplines him diligently.
Hebrews 12:6-7
for the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and punishes every son whom He receives. Endure it as a discipline: God is dealing with you as sons. For what son is there whom a father does not discipline?
*Please understand - this is NOT talking about beating a child or hitting in anger. These are as different Scripturally as sex within a marriage is to sex outside of it. It's still sex: just a different context.
Now, before you use your "spankin' spoon" for kindling, I'd like to pose this thought:
PERHAPS THIS IS BECAUSE THEY ALREADY HAD LOWER IQ'S AND DIDN'T GET IT THE FIRST TIME, AND THUS NEEDED TO BE SPANKED MORE.
Let's use our heads and not let people guilt us into a lack of discipline. I'm not saying you have to spank your children - I have many friends who don't. They choose to discipline by other means. But for those of us who do spank in the loving manner, don't let the world stack the stats in order to belittle you.
Proverbs 13:24
The one who will not use the rod hates his son, but the one who loves him disciplines him diligently.
Hebrews 12:6-7
for the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and punishes every son whom He receives. Endure it as a discipline: God is dealing with you as sons. For what son is there whom a father does not discipline?
*Please understand - this is NOT talking about beating a child or hitting in anger. These are as different Scripturally as sex within a marriage is to sex outside of it. It's still sex: just a different context.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
War
I love Paul in the New Testament. He is just so real to me. I relate with him better than any of the others, because he was passionate yet struggled with how flawed he was constantly. As his relationship with God matured over the years, he saw more and more of his own flaws. Towards the ends of his life he even wrote to Timothy, his spiritual son, that he considered himself to be the worst of all sinners. (1 Timothy 1:15)
I say all this to let you know that even though I know what God has called me to do, and I know the standards He desires for my life, I struggle constantly with actually doing them. One thing I have come to respect in preachers, teachers, and mentors is that they all struggle as well. Just because you know the truth, doesn't mean you don't fall for the lie. We are human in every way.
This was brought to my attention once again last night by the Holy Spirit's guidance as I went to bed late after getting sucked into watching an hour and a half of useless, yet funny, videos. I just talked about learning my lesson in this Sunday! Doesn't take long does it?
Here is the passage the Lord brought to my mind. As you read over what Paul wrote, reflect on one or two things that always tend to get you.
Romans 7:15-25
For I do not understand what I am doing, because I do not practice what I want to do, but I do what I hate. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree with the law that it is good. So now I am no longer the one doing it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For the desire to do what is good is with me, but there is no ability to do it. For I do not do the good that I want to do, but I practice the evil that I do not want to do. Now if I do what I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but it is the sin that lives in me.
So I discover this principle: when I want to do good, evil is with me. For in my inner self I joyfully agree with God's law. But I see a different law in the parts of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and taking me prisoner to the law of sin in the parts of my body. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with my mind I myself am a slave to the law of God, but with my flesh to the law of sin.
Praise Jesus Christ my Savior and Lord! For He said Himself, "The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed," (Luke 4:18)
Just think, as messed up as we are... we are free!
I say all this to let you know that even though I know what God has called me to do, and I know the standards He desires for my life, I struggle constantly with actually doing them. One thing I have come to respect in preachers, teachers, and mentors is that they all struggle as well. Just because you know the truth, doesn't mean you don't fall for the lie. We are human in every way.
This was brought to my attention once again last night by the Holy Spirit's guidance as I went to bed late after getting sucked into watching an hour and a half of useless, yet funny, videos. I just talked about learning my lesson in this Sunday! Doesn't take long does it?
Here is the passage the Lord brought to my mind. As you read over what Paul wrote, reflect on one or two things that always tend to get you.
Romans 7:15-25
For I do not understand what I am doing, because I do not practice what I want to do, but I do what I hate. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree with the law that it is good. So now I am no longer the one doing it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For the desire to do what is good is with me, but there is no ability to do it. For I do not do the good that I want to do, but I practice the evil that I do not want to do. Now if I do what I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but it is the sin that lives in me.
So I discover this principle: when I want to do good, evil is with me. For in my inner self I joyfully agree with God's law. But I see a different law in the parts of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and taking me prisoner to the law of sin in the parts of my body. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with my mind I myself am a slave to the law of God, but with my flesh to the law of sin.
Praise Jesus Christ my Savior and Lord! For He said Himself, "The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed," (Luke 4:18)
Just think, as messed up as we are... we are free!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Prayer Time
What is your prayer time like?
I ask because I'm beginning to wonder if we ever feel like we've prayed enough. Yes, there are times where I get tired of praying for the same thing over and over, but even then I wonder if I'm wimping out on persistence. Or, perhaps I'm not in the will of God with that request and if I was praying more I'd know better. How do I figure that out? Yep. By praying about it.
While looking up some Scripture today about prayer, I was humbled and ashamed seeing all the time Jesus took for it. At times it was early in the morning (Mark 1:35), and at other times He was up all night praying (Luke 6:12). I may have times where I spend more specialized time praying, and at other times I can say I lean towards 1 Thessalonians 5:17 when it tells us to "pray without ceasing". Those are the times I relish, for I basically carry on a conversation with God as I go throughout my entire day. Yet, it never seems to be too long before I've found once again that I'm getting in bed and haven't really spoken with the Lord at all that day.
So I'd like to ask you how your prayer life is right now. So-so? Pretty good? Virtually non-existent?
What are you going to do about it?
I ask because I'm beginning to wonder if we ever feel like we've prayed enough. Yes, there are times where I get tired of praying for the same thing over and over, but even then I wonder if I'm wimping out on persistence. Or, perhaps I'm not in the will of God with that request and if I was praying more I'd know better. How do I figure that out? Yep. By praying about it.
While looking up some Scripture today about prayer, I was humbled and ashamed seeing all the time Jesus took for it. At times it was early in the morning (Mark 1:35), and at other times He was up all night praying (Luke 6:12). I may have times where I spend more specialized time praying, and at other times I can say I lean towards 1 Thessalonians 5:17 when it tells us to "pray without ceasing". Those are the times I relish, for I basically carry on a conversation with God as I go throughout my entire day. Yet, it never seems to be too long before I've found once again that I'm getting in bed and haven't really spoken with the Lord at all that day.
So I'd like to ask you how your prayer life is right now. So-so? Pretty good? Virtually non-existent?
What are you going to do about it?
Sunday, September 27, 2009
A Little Rest
The Lord has been popping a specific Scripture into my head for the last several days, but I couldn't figure out why. Even though I've been very busy and on the edge of sick, He kept repeating it to me over and over:
Proverbs 6:10-11
A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the arms to rest, and your poverty will come like a robber, your need like a bandit.
First of all, even though I wanted to complain to Him that I was too busy, I knew there were times that I did just sit there and rest. Now, don't get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with resting. In fact, I believe that we really need to more often in our modern lives. I'm not, however, talking about cutting corners. I'm talking about cutting out. "Sorry, no. I can't be on that committee." "No. We really don't have time in our schedule for that sport." "I'd love to help you out once a week, but I just can't." Rest from multi-tasking ourselves to death is a good thing.
So what, I wondered, was He talking about? Two different lessons came to me today as I asked Him once again, to please explain:
1. What kind of resting are we doing?
After that question came to me, I realized that the resting I was doing was certainly not profitable in any way except for slowing my metabolism. I was typically watching a movie, a video, or surfing the web. None of these are wrong in moderation, but there was no benefit I was getting from it either. All I was doing was losing sleep and quality time with my family. I suddenly realized that I had not read a book or played a game with my kids in two weeks and was more exhausted than ever. I had been robbed of them both and didn't realize it. The problem was that my mindset was wrong in resting.
2. What about resting a little in the spiritual sense?
That made me stop and think a bit. These verses were also speaking about losing quality time with God. Read Proverbs 6:10-11 again and think about what happens when we put off our quiet time with God because we get too busy or want to relax in another way? We come to a point of spiritual poverty and our need becomes very great. This is not to say we are not busy doing God things or even studying His Word. I have discovered over time that I desperately need time each day to just read the Bible and not study it. To have no agenda or specific verses to read, but to just love it. This is something I had rested from lately. Oh, I was studying for three different Bible classes as well as writing everyday, but I had forgot to love it, just because it's there, and I found I was becoming impoverished.
Have some quality time with God today. Ask Him to let you know if poverty or need is sneaking up on you because of resting in the wrong way. Pray that you will have a heart willing to listen and change anything you might need to. Then praise Him for loving you enough to care in reshaping your heart for Him.
Proverbs 6:10-11
A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the arms to rest, and your poverty will come like a robber, your need like a bandit.
First of all, even though I wanted to complain to Him that I was too busy, I knew there were times that I did just sit there and rest. Now, don't get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with resting. In fact, I believe that we really need to more often in our modern lives. I'm not, however, talking about cutting corners. I'm talking about cutting out. "Sorry, no. I can't be on that committee." "No. We really don't have time in our schedule for that sport." "I'd love to help you out once a week, but I just can't." Rest from multi-tasking ourselves to death is a good thing.
So what, I wondered, was He talking about? Two different lessons came to me today as I asked Him once again, to please explain:
1. What kind of resting are we doing?
After that question came to me, I realized that the resting I was doing was certainly not profitable in any way except for slowing my metabolism. I was typically watching a movie, a video, or surfing the web. None of these are wrong in moderation, but there was no benefit I was getting from it either. All I was doing was losing sleep and quality time with my family. I suddenly realized that I had not read a book or played a game with my kids in two weeks and was more exhausted than ever. I had been robbed of them both and didn't realize it. The problem was that my mindset was wrong in resting.
2. What about resting a little in the spiritual sense?
That made me stop and think a bit. These verses were also speaking about losing quality time with God. Read Proverbs 6:10-11 again and think about what happens when we put off our quiet time with God because we get too busy or want to relax in another way? We come to a point of spiritual poverty and our need becomes very great. This is not to say we are not busy doing God things or even studying His Word. I have discovered over time that I desperately need time each day to just read the Bible and not study it. To have no agenda or specific verses to read, but to just love it. This is something I had rested from lately. Oh, I was studying for three different Bible classes as well as writing everyday, but I had forgot to love it, just because it's there, and I found I was becoming impoverished.
Have some quality time with God today. Ask Him to let you know if poverty or need is sneaking up on you because of resting in the wrong way. Pray that you will have a heart willing to listen and change anything you might need to. Then praise Him for loving you enough to care in reshaping your heart for Him.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Afraid To Ask
Have you ever been afraid to ask God for something in prayer? I have. Often.
I know that God always listens to and answer my prayers. I also know that whatever I ask for in the Name of Jesus Christ for the glory of God the Father will be granted. If only I has faith the size of a mustard seed, I could move mountains, and when I delight in the Lord, He will give me the desires of my heart. (Psalm 37:4, Proverbs 15:29, Matthew 17:20-21; 21:21-22)
I know and believe everyone of these things. So why am I afraid to ask for definites in prayer? Because I also know me.
I know my weaknesses and frailty. I know that I am easily led astray, and my heart is full of selfish ambition. More importantly, I know I don't deserve it.
Then I had an amazing talk with God.
It's been a trying few weeks, but was able to be part of an unexpectedly delightful and emotionally uplifting Bible study class Wednesday morning. It was one of those times where the comfortably polite walls of, “How are you today? Great! And you? Fine!” crashed like Jericho before Joshua, and we were real with one another. We discussed how God blesses us through His mighty hand when we believe and expect it. It really was a true blessing itself.
Later that evening after trying unsuccessfully to post a blog for the umpteenth time amongst other blogging issues, I was beyond frustrated again. So God and I had a meeting in our Holy of Holies: The shower – as any mother knows. There is no better place to cry than in the shower, because it all washes away. I was honest with the Lord and He was honest with me:
Why won't You let this blog post? Because you haven't prayed for that.
But what if I pray and it still won't work? So why don't you ask and find out?
Because I'm afraid You won't allow it after I ask. What is it that makes you afraid?
I'm afraid of being disappointed. In Me?
No. I'm afraid You are disappointed in me, and that will be proof. Do you believe it will?
I don't know. What DO you know?
I know that You told me to write these. Yes, I did.
I know that it is full of Your Words today. Yes, it is.
I know You've made it a desire of my heart to share Your Word. Yes, I have.
I know that I am desperate to please You. Yes, you are. So, now what do you know?
I know I need to jump out of the boat, walk by faith and not by sight, and pray – knowing You will answer it. Thank you for respecting prayer. I'm listening My child...
God and I have shared a special “time” during the day for several years where He reminds me of His presence: 3:33. Look for entries posted at that time. God had a unique hand in those...
I praise my God whom I know moves mountains!
I know that God always listens to and answer my prayers. I also know that whatever I ask for in the Name of Jesus Christ for the glory of God the Father will be granted. If only I has faith the size of a mustard seed, I could move mountains, and when I delight in the Lord, He will give me the desires of my heart. (Psalm 37:4, Proverbs 15:29, Matthew 17:20-21; 21:21-22)
I know and believe everyone of these things. So why am I afraid to ask for definites in prayer? Because I also know me.
I know my weaknesses and frailty. I know that I am easily led astray, and my heart is full of selfish ambition. More importantly, I know I don't deserve it.
Then I had an amazing talk with God.
It's been a trying few weeks, but was able to be part of an unexpectedly delightful and emotionally uplifting Bible study class Wednesday morning. It was one of those times where the comfortably polite walls of, “How are you today? Great! And you? Fine!” crashed like Jericho before Joshua, and we were real with one another. We discussed how God blesses us through His mighty hand when we believe and expect it. It really was a true blessing itself.
Later that evening after trying unsuccessfully to post a blog for the umpteenth time amongst other blogging issues, I was beyond frustrated again. So God and I had a meeting in our Holy of Holies: The shower – as any mother knows. There is no better place to cry than in the shower, because it all washes away. I was honest with the Lord and He was honest with me:
Why won't You let this blog post? Because you haven't prayed for that.
But what if I pray and it still won't work? So why don't you ask and find out?
Because I'm afraid You won't allow it after I ask. What is it that makes you afraid?
I'm afraid of being disappointed. In Me?
No. I'm afraid You are disappointed in me, and that will be proof. Do you believe it will?
I don't know. What DO you know?
I know that You told me to write these. Yes, I did.
I know that it is full of Your Words today. Yes, it is.
I know You've made it a desire of my heart to share Your Word. Yes, I have.
I know that I am desperate to please You. Yes, you are. So, now what do you know?
I know I need to jump out of the boat, walk by faith and not by sight, and pray – knowing You will answer it. Thank you for respecting prayer. I'm listening My child...
God and I have shared a special “time” during the day for several years where He reminds me of His presence: 3:33. Look for entries posted at that time. God had a unique hand in those...
I praise my God whom I know moves mountains!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Blessed Are: You, When...
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.
Matthew 5:11-12
Honestly, this verse makes no sense what-so-ever to a non-believer. Perhaps even those who are weak in their faith believe that it's wrong to think this way, yet time and time again we are told to consider difficulties that come because of our belief as a blessing.
Read through the following verses and decide for yourself. Remember though, we are never instructed to comprehend why it's a blessing. We are just told to know that it is.
Matthew 13:20-21 The Parable of the Sower and the Seeds
“And the one sown on the rocky ground – this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy. Yet he has no root in himself, but is short lived. When pressure or persecution comes because of the word, immediately he stumbles.”
Romans 5:3-5
“And not only that, but we also rejoice in our affliction, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope does not disappoint, because God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
2 Timothy 3:12
“In fact, all those who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
James 1:2-4
“Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trails, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.”
1 Peter 1:6-7
“You rejoice in this, though now for a short time you have had to be distressed by various trials so that the genuineness of your faith – more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire – may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Amen and amen to that! Though I don't understand exactly why, isn't the eternal worth it? I'll end with yet another Scripture I love to cling to:
“Therefore we do not give up; even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day. For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. So that we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen; for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Matthew 5:11-12
Honestly, this verse makes no sense what-so-ever to a non-believer. Perhaps even those who are weak in their faith believe that it's wrong to think this way, yet time and time again we are told to consider difficulties that come because of our belief as a blessing.
Read through the following verses and decide for yourself. Remember though, we are never instructed to comprehend why it's a blessing. We are just told to know that it is.
Matthew 13:20-21 The Parable of the Sower and the Seeds
“And the one sown on the rocky ground – this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy. Yet he has no root in himself, but is short lived. When pressure or persecution comes because of the word, immediately he stumbles.”
Romans 5:3-5
“And not only that, but we also rejoice in our affliction, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope does not disappoint, because God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
2 Timothy 3:12
“In fact, all those who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
James 1:2-4
“Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trails, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.”
1 Peter 1:6-7
“You rejoice in this, though now for a short time you have had to be distressed by various trials so that the genuineness of your faith – more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire – may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Amen and amen to that! Though I don't understand exactly why, isn't the eternal worth it? I'll end with yet another Scripture I love to cling to:
“Therefore we do not give up; even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day. For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. So that we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen; for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Blessed Are: Those Who Are Persecuted
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
Matthew 5:10
Do you remember the definition of the word righteousness? "What is right, justice, the act of doing what is in agreement with God's standards, the state of being in proper relationship with God." (Strong's)
I'd like to ask you take some time to surf a website that is dear to my husband and I. It is always heavy on our hearts. Make sure you take some time to read some of the prayer requests and articles. The links are on the top of the page under "Pray" and "Newsroom".
Voice of the Martyrs
Tomorrow I'll talk more about how it effects our daily lives.
Matthew 5:10
Do you remember the definition of the word righteousness? "What is right, justice, the act of doing what is in agreement with God's standards, the state of being in proper relationship with God." (Strong's)
I'd like to ask you take some time to surf a website that is dear to my husband and I. It is always heavy on our hearts. Make sure you take some time to read some of the prayer requests and articles. The links are on the top of the page under "Pray" and "Newsroom".
Voice of the Martyrs
Tomorrow I'll talk more about how it effects our daily lives.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Blessed Are: The Peacemakers
Blessed are the peacemakers, because they will be called sons of God.
Matthew 5:9
The next verse in the series of the beatitudes is on the blessing to peacemakers. I want to do this verse justice, since there are so many wonderful applications possible. However, they just aren't meshing in my brain well right now. Why? I am not at peace!
It has been a very long week - I know it's just Monday, but I'm counting since last Monday. I'd have to say that it has crescendoed to last night where I left my phone in the rain and I'm fighting getting sick. Some of that said, I decided to go out to get my writing done elsewhere since the Wi-Fi at my house isn't working and I can't really complain since it's not mine anyway... Also, have you ever tried to study or write with a pile of laundry staring at you from right next to a very wonderful and loving, yet talkative husband?
So here I am sitting at a bread place staring down a gentleman eating a warm, crispy baguette and trying to write about peace. God has such a sense of humor.
That's when the Lord seems to speak to me most clearly. Today He reminded me that the kind of peace He gives comes when it really doesn't make any sense to the rest of the world. I should be ornery and frustrated, but deep down, I'm really not. Even Jesus said to His disciples at the last supper, "Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful." John 14:27
Another important lesson He taught me was that Matthew 5:8 says, "Blessed are the peacemakers..." Not 'Blessed are those who are at peace all the time...' We show ourselves as God's children (sons) not by the fact we seem to float around in a state of bliss, but that we strive to make peace - especially when we don't want to. We are to be makers of peace, and in order to do that we have to be in situations where peace needs to be made: Even if it's just acknowledging that it is within ourselves.
Today, take some time to find places to be a peacemaker, and say a pray of thanks for the peace that comes to you in order to do it.
Matthew 5:9
The next verse in the series of the beatitudes is on the blessing to peacemakers. I want to do this verse justice, since there are so many wonderful applications possible. However, they just aren't meshing in my brain well right now. Why? I am not at peace!
It has been a very long week - I know it's just Monday, but I'm counting since last Monday. I'd have to say that it has crescendoed to last night where I left my phone in the rain and I'm fighting getting sick. Some of that said, I decided to go out to get my writing done elsewhere since the Wi-Fi at my house isn't working and I can't really complain since it's not mine anyway... Also, have you ever tried to study or write with a pile of laundry staring at you from right next to a very wonderful and loving, yet talkative husband?
So here I am sitting at a bread place staring down a gentleman eating a warm, crispy baguette and trying to write about peace. God has such a sense of humor.
That's when the Lord seems to speak to me most clearly. Today He reminded me that the kind of peace He gives comes when it really doesn't make any sense to the rest of the world. I should be ornery and frustrated, but deep down, I'm really not. Even Jesus said to His disciples at the last supper, "Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful." John 14:27
Another important lesson He taught me was that Matthew 5:8 says, "Blessed are the peacemakers..." Not 'Blessed are those who are at peace all the time...' We show ourselves as God's children (sons) not by the fact we seem to float around in a state of bliss, but that we strive to make peace - especially when we don't want to. We are to be makers of peace, and in order to do that we have to be in situations where peace needs to be made: Even if it's just acknowledging that it is within ourselves.
Today, take some time to find places to be a peacemaker, and say a pray of thanks for the peace that comes to you in order to do it.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Blessed Are: The Pure In Heart
Blessed are the pure in heart, because they will see God.
Matthew 5:8
Something that struck me while searching for the word pure in the Bible was how many times it was used to describe the construction of the Tabernacle. Everything was to be pure; from the gold and spices of incense, to the candlesticks and the priests. We were being shown from early on that the things which were to be in the presence of God were to be pure.
When Jesus says that those who are pure in heart are the ones to see God, He is opening salvation up to anyone who is willing to go through the refining process of salvation. Before Christ came, only specific priests of the Hebrew race were allowed to enter near to God's presence at the Tabernacle. Now, we who accept redemption through the blood of Jesus Christ are those serving priests with Christ as our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14). We are the only ones chosen out of the human race to come before Him.
Unfortunately, the only way to become pure when there are impurities present is through a refining process - and that involves heat. We must allow God to take the impurities out of our lives so that we may better glorify Him through a pure life. This doesn't happen all at once, or we wouldn't survive the process! There are many different aspect of our lives which need to be cleaned up for God, and as we allow Him to burn one thing off at a time, we turn into beautiful and loved creations of His, who are worthy through His work in us to be in His presence.
Something we also need to remember is that just because you are becoming a pure gold candlestick to shine before the Lord doesn't mean that everyone else is a candle as well. I may be incense or oil with a different set of impurities to be taken in a different manner. The point is that we are being purified.
Praise the Lord of our purification that all you need to do in the process is turn yourself over completely to Him! Then "...He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6) "...who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." (Titus 2:14 NIV)
Matthew 5:8
Something that struck me while searching for the word pure in the Bible was how many times it was used to describe the construction of the Tabernacle. Everything was to be pure; from the gold and spices of incense, to the candlesticks and the priests. We were being shown from early on that the things which were to be in the presence of God were to be pure.
When Jesus says that those who are pure in heart are the ones to see God, He is opening salvation up to anyone who is willing to go through the refining process of salvation. Before Christ came, only specific priests of the Hebrew race were allowed to enter near to God's presence at the Tabernacle. Now, we who accept redemption through the blood of Jesus Christ are those serving priests with Christ as our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14). We are the only ones chosen out of the human race to come before Him.
Unfortunately, the only way to become pure when there are impurities present is through a refining process - and that involves heat. We must allow God to take the impurities out of our lives so that we may better glorify Him through a pure life. This doesn't happen all at once, or we wouldn't survive the process! There are many different aspect of our lives which need to be cleaned up for God, and as we allow Him to burn one thing off at a time, we turn into beautiful and loved creations of His, who are worthy through His work in us to be in His presence.
Something we also need to remember is that just because you are becoming a pure gold candlestick to shine before the Lord doesn't mean that everyone else is a candle as well. I may be incense or oil with a different set of impurities to be taken in a different manner. The point is that we are being purified.
Praise the Lord of our purification that all you need to do in the process is turn yourself over completely to Him! Then "...He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6) "...who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." (Titus 2:14 NIV)
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