You've Seen God, Where?!?!

I truly believe that God is in everything and can teach us lessons through everything. That's not to say that He causes everything - our free will has a great effect on that - but He can use all of it for our benefit if we allow and look for it.

One of my favorite ways to see the lessons of God is though kingdom principles in secular society.  It amazes me when they are so excited about a "new idea" that works wonders. Most of the time it was written as an instruction 2 to 3 thousand years ago in the Bible. Ah well, proof once again that "...there is nothing new under the sun."(Ecclesiastes 1:9)

Where have you found some kingdom principles in secular places? It's fun to see what and whom God has used to speak to us. What's brought this topic up? A favorite one I've found:

"I find your lack of faith - disturbing."    -- Darth Vader

It's A Choice

I've had to make a difficult decision: I can't even turn on the computer until I read my Bible for the day.

Now that we have internet at the house, I found that way too much time is wasted "checking" things. I check the weather, my email, Facebook, the weather, the school lunch menu, my blog hits, research on an interesting idea/topic, the weather... It's amazing how I think the weather is going to change in 10 minutes, but i love it.
I was so close to becoming a meteorologist...


With all this time wasted I realized that reading my Bible was sliding further and further down the list. Not good. The Spirit also reminded me of a verse in Mark that talks about how Jesus dealt with a busy and hectic lifestyle. He had taught in the synagogue all day and then had healed a multitude of sick since sundown - since it had been the Sabbath (Mark 1:21-34). Mark 1:35 is the verse that came to me. "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He got up, went out, and made His way to a deserted place. And He was praying there."

Jesus, after being exhausted from the day and evening before, made sure He put His Father as the first priority during the day. Even if it meant getting up very early and having to go a distance to find a quiet spot. Can't you just see Jesus sneaking past the sleeping masses, stepping carefully and quietly so as not to wake them? Any parent of toddlers knows exactly what that's like. Yet that is the choice He made. Did Jesus have the right to be sleepy and stay on the mat a few extra hours? Couldn't He have just said His prayers lying there? Sure He could, but then His full attention wouldn't have been with His Father.

I want my Father to know I choose to follow Him and hear what He has to say to me each day. That should be my first priority. If not hitting a simple computer button gets me one step closer to that goal, is it really such a difficult choice to make?

Embarrassed

Don't you hate it when something goes terribly wrong? That's what happened to me yesterday. I had planned to play a small joke on someone to lighten their mood since they have had a lot going on in their life recently. However, being a woman, I had not thought of the possible implications, and in front of a group of men at church embarrassed myself and another poor, innocent young lady to no end. Ugh. I don't handle that well. I've been in a wretched mood ever since.

That, of course, is when God spoke to me. There is one aspect recently He had been telling me to give up which I hadn't. That played a part in this. I wouldn't have been there if I listened months ago. The amazing thing about God is that He can use our mistakes, that He warned us about in the first place, to teach us another lesson: I forgot how much I fear being embarrassed. Yes, it was a mistake, but honestly it wasn't that bad. But, boy can I beat myself up about it and give up on other things I shouldn't just to avoid being discombobulated. 

Then a friend posted this on her Facebook page this morning..

"And (if) My people...respond by humbling themselves, praying, seeking My presence, & turning their backs on their wicked lives, I'LL BE THERE ready for YOU: I'll LISTEN from heaven, FORGIVE 
their sins, and RESTORE their land to health."- 2 Chronicles 7:14 (MSG) 

I know this may not seem entirely appropriate for this situation, but I think it works. When we get embarrassed, the first thing we must do is discover the source. "Was I doing something that glorified God or not?" If we were, there is no reason to feel ashamed. We have stood firm for our Lord. "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory and that of the Father and the holy angels." Luke 9:26 

If we were not glorifying God, then there are some changes which need to be made. This is where 2 Chronicles 7:14 comes in. We must humble ourselves before the Lord....and He will forgive and restore us. I take this to mean our fragile egos as well. How amazing that He can cleanse us of embarrassment! 

Being a little embarrassed at times is good for us. It keeps our pride in check. But we must not dwell on it. We ask for forgiveness, learn our lesson, and then let Him keep it. 

It's All French To Me

I am learning French.


The funniest thing to me is I always said that would be the last language I wanted to learn. No particular reason, I just didn't care for the sound of it as much. Gaelic was my first choice, though that doesn't seem to be coming up any time soon unfortunately.


Because of the mission trip my husband and I will be taking in October, our group decided to get some of the basics of the French language down since that is the predominate language. When beginning to listen to the Lesson 1 of 30 CD, I was overwhelmed with the task of learning a whole new language. I felt as though my mouth had been shot full of Novocaine and stuffed full of marbles! However, at the end of the lesson, I could "understand: Je comprends " and say a few simple sentences. Yea! And I had only listened to it 5 times...


As the definition of each phrase was explained to me, I found it interesting that what was a bunch of noises a few moments ago now had meaning. I could hear it and now comprehend. Ah! That is so like the things of the Spirit!



¹³ We also speak these things, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual things to spiritual people. ¹⁴ But the natural man does not welcome what comes from God's Spirit, because it is foolishness to him; he is not able to know it since it is evaluated spiritually. ¹⁵ The spiritual person, however, can evaluate everything, yet he himself cannot be evaluated by anyone. ¹⁶ For:
    who has known the Lord's mind,
    that he may instruct Him? 
    But we have the mind of Christ.
1 Corinthians 2:13-16


It's funny how we expect the world to act like they know Jesus Christ when there is no way they can truly understand without the help of the Spirit. It's really just a bunch of noise to them. It has no meaning. So our goal is not to make them behave in certain ways, but to introduce them to the best "language class" ever: Jesus Christ! Then as we learn together, our Tutor will teach us what to say. 


¹¹ Whenever they bring you before synagogues and rulers and authorities, don't worry about how you should defend yourselves or what you should say. ¹² For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that very hour what must be said.
Luke 12:11-12

Rich

I had a really neat experience the other day. I had gone into my local grocery store to get some forgotten things on the shopping list and decided to get a fancy flavored water I love and a LARABAR which is the only prepackaged bar I can eat. While getting into my "'Check Engine Light' is not on" mini van, chewing on the fruity bar, and popping the freshness seal on my cherry/mint water, I had an overwhelming feeling: I am so rich.

I'll be honest that being able to get those few luxuries doesn't happen very often. We live pay check to paycheck, but are always blessed by God to be able to get everything we need. Yes, there are many times where we do without, but when it gets down to the last clean set of clothing, there is alway enough to get the detergent. And it's usually on sale...

As I sat there feeling so wealthy, I praised God for it: Thank you, thank you, thank you Father that you have taken us so low that we can be appreciative of the little blessings. I never want to take it for granted- no matter the cost.


Shouldn't we feel the same way about salvation? We have to reach the point where we truly realize to the marrow of our soul that we are sinners deserving of eternal punishment and separation from God. (Revelation 3:17-18) We are as poor and wretched as can be. But, by the grace, love, and mercy of God through His Son Jesus Christ we have the option of being completely cleaned up through the blood sacrifice of Jesus. Once we accept His rule over our lives we are so very rich...


 ¹ And you were dead in your trespasses and sins ² in which you previously walked according to this worldly age, according to the ruler of the atmospheric domain, the spirit now working in the disobedient. ³ We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and by nature we were children under wrath, as the others were also. 
⁴ But God, who is abundant in mercy, because of His great love that He had for us, ⁵ made us alive with the Messiah even though we were dead in trespasses. By grace you are saved! ⁶ He also raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavens, in Christ Jesus, ⁷ so that in the coming ages He might display the immeasurable riches of His grace in [His] kindness  to us in Christ Jesus.
⁸ For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God's gift—   Emphasis mine
Ephesians 2:1-8

Second Chances

We serve a God of second chances.

You blew the "I'm perfect" position the first time you sinned (Romans 3:23), so Jesus Christ came to earth - God made flesh - to live out that perfect life for us. He took the punishment for the sins we have committed on Himself as He hung on the cross, had God turn away from Him (Mark 15:34), experienced death for three days, and then rose to conquer death for us! NOW we have our second chance...

Most of us know this. It is the essential essence of our salvation. But did you know He also gives us second to obey Him.

I've heard several stories this week from Christians who felt God leading them to speak to someone or do some task through the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Yet, as so often happens, we've rationalized away that still small voice to carry on with our daily busyness. If we are willing to admit it, what we have done is chosen to disobey God because we were more afraid of being "weird" than of disappointing Him.

Though because of His great love for us and desire to bless us, He gives us second chances. Those are the beautiful stories I heard this week. I truly believe the blessing is not as great when we wait, but at least we still receive a portion. There really is nothing more fulfilling and joyful than giving something in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am so guilty of putting off my own blessings He desires to give me for the sake of excuses.

I'm determined to change that: Though I'm glad He offers it, I don't want to have to use that second chance. Do you?

Blah

What do you do when you're feeling blah? That's where I am.

I've had some health issues for the last two weeks, I can't seem to think straight, and things just seem...well, blah.  (That is such a descriptive word, I know, but when you feel this way the synonyms just aren't coming to you.) Even reading my Bible yesterday didn't cure it. So what do we do?

My first instinct was to go play a game or watch a movie. Do something that could take my mind off the yucky-ness and fact that I've not written a blog in a while since I just couldn't come up with anything: Another "Blah" factor.

That's when I remembered that worship and belief in God is not an emotion. It's a choice. Do I feel like reading my Bible? No. But I will. I certainly don't feel like praising Him with worship songs, but that is the best time to do it. So, pop a CD in and at least listen if you can't actually sing yet. You will eventually. God will honor the effort because that is what we are suppose to be doing.

I choose to love Him because He first loved me. And He even felt like it.

A Real Bible

We are real people trying to serve a real God in a real world. I'm so glad we have a real Bible.

Psalm 58  A cry for God's vengeance
Verse 6: God, knock their teeth out of their mouths;....

The Psalms cover every human emotion and teach us how to deal with them. It's comforting to know the writers experienced so many of the same up and downs, joys and frustration that I do.

Thank you God that your Word is so relevant. 

THE Super Glue

Super Glue and I have a love/hate relationship. It works great for broken toys and knick-knacks. It's also good for paper cuts. Instead of a band-aid, just apply a small amount of super glue to hold the skin together. It works great!

On the other side, there have been countless paper towel pieces and bits of random fuzz which are permanently glued to many of our household items. And just in case you might need to know for future reference- if you glue three of your fingers together and/or to the broken object in question, soaking in professional grade fingernail polish remover works. In about an hour....

Did you know though, that Jesus Christ is the ultimate Super Glue? He brings us together, as brothers and sisters, through the blood He shed for us. We are now attached to Him so well that even acetone can't do the trick. But Christ not only brings Christians together...

 ⁶ When Pilate heard this, he asked if the man was a Galilean. ⁷ Finding that He was under Herod's jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem during those days. ⁸ Herod was very glad to see Jesus; for a long time he had wanted to see Him, because he had heard about Him and was hoping to see some miracle performed by Him. ⁹ So he kept asking Him questions, but Jesus did not answer him. ¹⁰ The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing Him. ¹¹ Then Herod, with his soldiers, treated Him with contempt, mocked Him, dressed Him in a brilliant robe, and sent Him back to Pilate. ¹² That very day Herod and Pilate became friends. Previously, they had been hostile toward each other.
Luke 23:6-12

We need to remember that there are those who will gather together just to oppose Christ: This is spiritual warfare. When everyone seems to be against you, yet you know that what you are standing for is the Gospel, do not grow weary or be afraid. Their acetone is coming, yet you will be one in Christ:


Just one thing: live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, working side by side for the faith of the gospel... (Emphasis mine)
Philippians 1:27

Silly Bandz

You've heard of Silly Bandz, right? No? Then you are not a parent of school aged children in the south eastern USA! They are all the rage...

Kids wear them on their wrists like a bracelet. They bend, stretch, but always bounce back! Silly Bandz come in all shapes and colors, and some even glow in the dark. Everyone wants them, and the stores are always sold out with yet another shipment on perpetual back order. You can get a 12 or 24 pack anywhere from $3.95 to $6.95, depending on the shapes and overall cool-ness factor. Needless to say, they are very much the "in" thing...

Do you know what they are? Fancy rubber bands.

Now if I said I'd sell you a 24 pack of medium sized rubber bands for $7, you'd laugh at me. There's no way you'd pay that much, and I wouldn't blame you! But throw in some color and mold them to always return to the same shape, and we can't buy them up fast enough! Why is that?

Now, I have nothing against these Silly Bandz. We've purchased several packages (and their off-brand versions), without hesitation. They really are neat. But I must always remember that they are really nothing but rubber bands. It's the same thing with clothing or any sort of fashion. A shirt is a shirt. But if you add a little extra color and stick a brand name on it, it's suddenly worth so much more. Honestly, it's the extra time, attention, and who it was made by that makes all the difference.

Why then, do we think it's any different with being a Christian?

Yes, a Christian is a Christian, but I want to be more than just a plain ole' rubber band for the Kingdom. I want to glow in the dark and be in the shape of some really cool object! That takes a little extra work on me. I have to be colored by the Word in my total composition, or daily, level. I'm required to learn to bounce back to my original shape by adding the compound of humility and service to Christ Jesus.

Then, and only then, will I be worth $7 a 24 pack to Him here on earth. I think that's worth the extra effort, don't you?

Happy Mother's Day to ALL Women

Proverbs 31:10-31

In Praise of a Capable Wife

 ¹⁰ Who can find a capable wife?
    She is far more precious than jewels.    
     ¹¹ The heart of her husband trusts in her,
    and he will not lack anything good.
    ¹² She rewards him with good, not evil,
    all the days of her life.
    ¹³ She selects wool and flax
    and works with willing hands.
    ¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships,
    bringing her food from far away.
    ¹⁵ She rises while it is still night
    and provides food for her household
    and portions for her servants.
    ¹⁶ She evaluates a field and buys it;
    she plants a vineyard with her earnings.
    ¹⁷ She draws on her strength
    and reveals that her arms are strong.
    ¹⁸ She sees that her profits are good,
    and her lamp never goes out at night.
    ¹⁹ She extends her hands to the spinning staff,
    and her hands hold the spindle.
    ²⁰ Her hands reach out to the poor,
    and she extends her hands to the needy.
    ²¹ She is not afraid for her household when it snows,
    for all in her household are doubly clothed.
    ²² She makes her own bed coverings;
    her clothing is fine linen and purple.
    ²³ Her husband is known at the city gates,
    where he sits among the elders of the land.
    ²⁴ She makes and sells linen garments;
    she delivers belts to the merchants.
    ²⁵ Strength and honor are her clothing,
    and she can laugh at the time to come.
    ²⁶ She opens her mouth with wisdom,
    and loving instruction is on her tongue.
    ²⁷ She watches over the activities of her household
    and is never idle.
    ²⁸ Her sons rise up and call her blessed.
    Her husband also praises her:
    ²⁹ "Many women are capable,
    but you surpass them all!"
    ³⁰ Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting,
    but a woman who fears the LORD will be praised.
    ³¹ Give her the reward of her labor,
    and let her works praise her at the city gates.
 

For all women are mothers to someone: Either physically or spiritually.

Happy Mothers Day!!

A Question.

What's the hardest thing you do on a fairly regular basis?

If there's nothing, what make you think you are growing/maturing?

Called to Freedom, But...

For you are called to freedom brothers; only don't use this freedom as on opportunity for the flesh, but to serve one another in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself. But if you bite and devour one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another. I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
Galatians 5:13-16


For those of you who do not live in middle Tennessee, we have recently experienced what is considered a 100 year flood. Thousands have been displaced, historic buildings and sights were submerged, and the waters have left many dead with several still missing. What I have been most impressed with is the response of aid from locals. There are now so many organizations and areas to drop of supplies that there really is no excuse. They're everywhere.

As Christians we jump to our feed and are usually among the first to help, as it should be. So take the opportunity to jump in. Now.... continue to do so. Yes, we are called to freedom, but not for selfish gain or self-righteousness. We are called to freedom to serve one another. Doesn't sound like freedom to you? Try it.

Why is it, I ask even of myself, that we are willing to sacrifice to give of finances, time, and love when there is a natural disaster, when we seldom do the rest of the time? This is what we should be doing everyday. Yes, we step it up a notch when there is an abundant need such as this, but we shouldn't be scrambling for places to serve. We should already know about them because we have at least one foot in the door somewhere.

I realize suffering brings something out in us that fuels the desire to give, but we need to realize the greatest "natural disaster" of all is the effects of sin. If we want to help save flood victims, we need to float them over to Jesus Christ. He's the only dry land many will know. Are you worried about the hungry? Jesus is the ultimate bread of life. For those who lack clothing, He will dress them in white robes of righteousness. If they need shelter, He will tuck them safely under His wing. There is nothing that the needy need more than Christ Jesus. And that need is always there.

I truly believe that part of the reason I flesh gets in the way so that we start devouring one another is because we get bored when not serving. We will walk in one way or another: Christian or the World.

How is your walk today?

Are You Trapped?

Have you ever felt trapped?

It may have been a job, a decision you made, or one that was made for you. Whatever the circumstance, you feel like a prisoner. Perhaps even like a wild caged animal fighting to get out, yet only wearing down your claws on the immovable metal bars. Confined, helpless, desperate: Trapped.

As Christians we know about the freedom of salvation. We've learned that we have been set free. Our minds know this, but how often do we take that knowledge to our hearts? Have you ever wept with joy over your freedom? It is possible to feel free. Yes, you are in the same job. Yes, there are still the consequences of past choices. Yes, you still have "X" around to annoy the daylights out of you. But you are free.

Do you believe that?

Christ has liberated us into freedom. Therefore stand firm and son't submit again to a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1


I pray today that the Lord Jesus Christ fills you with the joy of your freedom. We are new creatures in Him. Creatures who have been set free from the yoke of sin, fear of death, judgement, and condemnation. You are free if you have become a slave of Christ Jesus. It sounds messed up, but He knows the essence of how this works, and when you entrust Him with everything, you'll discover how true it is. To gain your life you must loose it. Gain freedom today.

Proof of Rest

Why do we think we still have to accomplish everything even when we are sick?

Today God reminded me of Peter's mother-in-law as encouragement. I was feeling guilty for being sick, to be quite honest, while at the same time was not surprised that I was. That's when He reminded me of Matthew 8:14, "When Jesus went into Peter's house, He saw his mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever."

It doesn't say she was putting around the house trying to get things done, or that she was coughing and sneezing on them while serving: She was in bed.

Thank you Lord for reminding me it's OK to rest when I'm sick. I needed that.