Have you come to Bethlehem?
The deeper meaning of this question has been plaguing me for several days now. Christ came into the world at Bethlehem, but it wasn't just the city- or hamlet. Christ came to us first in the cave of some beasts of burden. Stinking, dumb animals. It was not sanitary. It wasn't even very acceptable back then. So, why did He come there?
Because we need to come to Him first in our stinking, dumb, unsanitary/unworthy, dark humanity. When we come to Him in this manner - acknowledging who we really are - He makes the seemingly impossible possible. Then we can live victoriously through Him. But not until then. Then, in our newborn state, He is our King! He became a newborn so that we could become a newborn again.
Come adore on bended knee, Christ the Lord the newborn King!
Gloria!!!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Slacking
I'll be very honest with you all- I'm slacking. Bad.
Yes, I've read my Bible when looking up something; and yes, the Lord has been speaking to me and blessing me. But I haven't taken the time much in the last few days to really listen to God, and to really read my Bible, so I'm not going to pretend like I have. Don't worry- I feel awful about it.
These are the times when it does not seem like the most wonderful time of the year. I get so busy with the Christmas season that I spend less time with the reason for the season. Part of me has come to realize that I am a creature of schedules. When I'm thrown off my schedule for too long, I let things go - like reading my Bible - too easily. But that's no excuse, really.
Thank you Lord for Zechariah 1:3!
"So tell the people: This is what the LORD of Hosts says: Return to Me" - this is the declaration of the LORD of Hosts - "and I will return to you, says the LORD of Hosts."
Monday, December 21, 2009
Here I Am To Worship
You know what?
Yesterday was a really good day of worship.
Fellowshipping
Singing
Preaching
Serving
Greeting: AM & PM (Yea, God tested me out quick. Remember that one?)
How did you worship?
*Hint- It's not just where you go, or what you say to God, but how you honor Him.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Just Not What I Thought
Yesterday my youngest children watched Old Yeller for the first time, and I was a little apprehensive because Lauren is an animal lover, and Elijah can be very sensitive at times. As a child I remember being devastated when they had to shoot poor Old Yeller -and after he saved them! I almost didn't let them see it because of the aftermath of questions and nightmares I was sure would follow. Yet it didn't quite turn out that way. Instead, about an hour after the movie, there was quite the commotion coming out of the living room: They were pretending they were rabid animals and were attacking each other.
Wasn't I acting like we do sometimes when it comes to sharing the Gospel? We are just so sure we will be turned down, made fun of, and rejected, that we talk ourselves out of telling everyone around us about the Truth. We don't need to concern ourselves about those things because first, it may turn out that the rejection is all in our heads like the kids pity for the dog was in mine. Second, and most important to remember, is that it doesn't matter if we are turned away. They are not rejecting us, but God, as1 Thessalonians 4:8 says: Therefore, the person who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who also gives you His Holy Spirit. In fact, they are not really listening to us at all! Luke 10:16 Whoever listens to you listens to Me. Whoever rejects you rejects Me. And whoever rejects Me rejects the One who sent Me.
Why do we fret so over what the Lord has under control? Our job is just to tell (Acts 1:8) and the rest is up to Him. (1 Corinthians 2:10)
Wasn't I acting like we do sometimes when it comes to sharing the Gospel? We are just so sure we will be turned down, made fun of, and rejected, that we talk ourselves out of telling everyone around us about the Truth. We don't need to concern ourselves about those things because first, it may turn out that the rejection is all in our heads like the kids pity for the dog was in mine. Second, and most important to remember, is that it doesn't matter if we are turned away. They are not rejecting us, but God, as1 Thessalonians 4:8 says: Therefore, the person who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who also gives you His Holy Spirit. In fact, they are not really listening to us at all! Luke 10:16 Whoever listens to you listens to Me. Whoever rejects you rejects Me. And whoever rejects Me rejects the One who sent Me.
Why do we fret so over what the Lord has under control? Our job is just to tell (Acts 1:8) and the rest is up to Him. (1 Corinthians 2:10)
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Honest Prayer
After needing a secondary detox yesterday in two weeks along with a few other tonics, I totally second my sons prayer last night:
Thank you God for stuffed animals to cuddle with - even though we don't really need them.
Honest prayer and gratitude for every good things is a difficult discipline to master. So, what are you grateful for today?
Thank you God for stuffed animals to cuddle with - even though we don't really need them.
Honest prayer and gratitude for every good things is a difficult discipline to master. So, what are you grateful for today?
Friday, December 18, 2009
Julie & Julia.... & Me?
After being told by several people that I needed to see it, I watched the movie Julie & Julia. I think I really liked it!
OK, first positive point is that it didn't have a fairy-tale ending. I was really afraid that the two would meet and become the best of friends till Julia's death. (Which, by the way, I had no idea if she was even still alive. But Hollywood has a way of making the impossible happen, even in an otherwise true story.) Yet, that was not the case. I like that. It's more real.
Negative point number one: Food. God's sense of humor just never ceases.
After watching the movie and staring longingly at my pantry, I just about pulled out every single thing and place it either in the "I can eat" or the "I can eat and die" pile. Grrr. Perhaps I can start a supplementary food contest blog where I give you aspiring cooks a list/picture of the very limited things I can eat and have you figure out a recipe for me.
OK. I've steamed my lobster. Next.
That's the other thing I really enjoyed. Julie just looses it sometimes, and as sadistic as it sounds, we all need to know that. I believe that's why the Bible is filled with so many people who fail. We need the encouragement that if they can make it, we can make it. The funny thing is that as I watched the movie, I related so well with Julie's different milestones: The good, the bad, and the ugly. Why? Because Christian or not, male or female, we are all still human, and God created us to learn and relate to one another. So look around and learn!
Over all, Julie & Julia inspired me. (I'll have to make it part of my library for when serving a pity party.)
1. Just because you feel you have nothing to say doesn't mean you have nothing to say.
2. Even if she never meets Julia and I impact only one person's walk with Christ, it's worth it.
3. All the time she spent cooking made me feel better about all the time I spend writing and researching.
Perhaps that's the key. Passion.
I just wish the Bread of Life came with a little Brie...
OK, first positive point is that it didn't have a fairy-tale ending. I was really afraid that the two would meet and become the best of friends till Julia's death. (Which, by the way, I had no idea if she was even still alive. But Hollywood has a way of making the impossible happen, even in an otherwise true story.) Yet, that was not the case. I like that. It's more real.
Negative point number one: Food. God's sense of humor just never ceases.
After watching the movie and staring longingly at my pantry, I just about pulled out every single thing and place it either in the "I can eat" or the "I can eat and die" pile. Grrr. Perhaps I can start a supplementary food contest blog where I give you aspiring cooks a list/picture of the very limited things I can eat and have you figure out a recipe for me.
OK. I've steamed my lobster. Next.
That's the other thing I really enjoyed. Julie just looses it sometimes, and as sadistic as it sounds, we all need to know that. I believe that's why the Bible is filled with so many people who fail. We need the encouragement that if they can make it, we can make it. The funny thing is that as I watched the movie, I related so well with Julie's different milestones: The good, the bad, and the ugly. Why? Because Christian or not, male or female, we are all still human, and God created us to learn and relate to one another. So look around and learn!
Over all, Julie & Julia inspired me. (I'll have to make it part of my library for when serving a pity party.)
1. Just because you feel you have nothing to say doesn't mean you have nothing to say.
2. Even if she never meets Julia and I impact only one person's walk with Christ, it's worth it.
3. All the time she spent cooking made me feel better about all the time I spend writing and researching.
Perhaps that's the key. Passion.
I just wish the Bread of Life came with a little Brie...
Thursday, December 17, 2009
My And Mary's Magnificat
I have been overwhelmed by the lavish blessings of my LORD. When He gives beyond what is anticipated, I always want to make sure it is honored as best as possible. But always first - and then continuously - is to praise Him!
Perhaps the season guided my mind along with the Spirit as my heart was reminded of these verses today. I pray you will be as blessed by them as I have been. Please take the time to read them as worship to Yahweh.
Luke 1:45-55
"She who had believed is blessed because what was spoken to her by the Lord will be fulfilled!"
And Mary said:
Perhaps the season guided my mind along with the Spirit as my heart was reminded of these verses today. I pray you will be as blessed by them as I have been. Please take the time to read them as worship to Yahweh.
Luke 1:45-55
"She who had believed is blessed because what was spoken to her by the Lord will be fulfilled!"
And Mary said:
My soul proclaims
the greatness of hte Lord,
and my spirit has rejoiced
in God my Savior,
because He has looked
with favor
on the humble condition
of His slave.
Surely, from now on
all generations
will call me blessed,
because the Mighty One
has done great things
for me,
and His name is holy.
His mercy is from generation
to generation
on those who fear Him.
He has done a mighty deed
with His arm;
He has scattered the proud
because of the thoughts
of their hearts;
He has toppled the mighty
from their thrones
and exalted the lowly.
He has satisfied the hungry
with good things
and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped
His servant Israel,
mindful of His mercy,
just as He spoke
to our ancestors,
to Abraham and his
descendants forever."
Amen and Amen! Come soon, again, Lord Jesus!
ZB48FVWKEWK6
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Are You A Christian Fobbit?
No, it's not a typo. Fobbit - not Hobbit.
I was reading a very interesting Fox News article yesterday on military slang words that are brought into everyday use. Words and their definitions have always interested me, especially when their meanings have come through difficult circumstances. Those words just seem richer.
One that piqued my interest has been coined from Operation Iraqi Freedom. Fobbit. This is how it was described in the article:
Now, it seems to be that the Fobbit's job requires them to stay on base, but what about their free time? Amusingly, this term is already in Wikipedia and answers that question:
I was reading a very interesting Fox News article yesterday on military slang words that are brought into everyday use. Words and their definitions have always interested me, especially when their meanings have come through difficult circumstances. Those words just seem richer.
One that piqued my interest has been coined from Operation Iraqi Freedom. Fobbit. This is how it was described in the article:
Maj. Liam Kingdon, who works for the Reserve Officers' Training Corps at the University of Maryland in College Park,
said he has heard fellow service members referred to as "fobbits." The word is a contraction of Forward Operating Base (FOB) and "hobbit," a creature from The Lord of the Rings known for its sedentary habits.
"It's basically a soldier, sailor or airman who never leaves the base," Kingdon said. "You've got people there
who leave the base all the time to go on patrol, and you've got people who literally just stay on the base."
Now, it seems to be that the Fobbit's job requires them to stay on base, but what about their free time? Amusingly, this term is already in Wikipedia and answers that question:
Fobbit is a derogatory term used by coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan to describe
base working personnel at a Forward Operating Base (FOB). It derives from the mixing of the acronym FOB,
with the name Hobbit from J. R. R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" universe.
The implication of the term is that the individual is scared to leave the relative safety of the FOB,
by way of analogy to Hobbits that had no inclination to leave the Shire and face danger.
This started me thinking about the Church. How many of us are scared to leave the safety of our church building/complex? I have to say that getting into safety groups and singing at the nursing home is nice, but doesn't count. Making shoe boxes for impoverished children around the world is awesome, but what about the impoverished kids who need to be read to at the school in town? Going on group visitation is encouraging, but what about sharing the love of Christ with the frazzled cashier at Walmart?
We are not to be of this world (Romans 12:2), but are most certainly to be in it (Romans 10:14-17). Staying inside of our comfort zones will make our presence known to some, but we are to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8), not the ends of our pews. It's time to be Frodo...
Search your actions today, and ask the Spirit to reveal it to you: "Am I a Christian Fobbit?"
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Psalm Of Encouragement
I love that there is Scripture for every moment of our lives.
Yesterday was rough. As I sat there trying to decide what to post today, all I could think of was that I was the one needing encouragement. That's when I remembered Psalm 116. About a year ago this Psalm touched me while thinking of someone else, so I wrote a note next to it in my Bible that this was an excellent Psalm to give to people with some extra words of encouragement added around or after it as well.
Who knew I would be talking about myself?
Psalm 116
1. I love the LORD because He has heard my appeal for mercy.
2. Because He has turned His ear to me, I will call out to Him, as long as I live.
3. The ropes of death were wrapped around me, and the torments of Sheol overcame me; I encountered trouble and sorrow.
4. Then I called on the name of the LORD: "LORD, save me!"
5. The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is compassionate.
6. The LORD guards the inexperienced; I was helpless and He saved me.
7. Return to your rest, my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.
8. For You, LORD, rescued me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling.
9. I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
10. I believed, even when I said, "I am severely afflicted."
11. In my alarm I said, "Everyone is a liar."
12. How can I repay the LORD all the good He has done for me?
13. I will take the cup of salvation and worship the LORD.
14. I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of His people.
15. The death of His faithful ones is valuable in the LORD's sight.
16. LORD, I am indeed Your servant; I am Your servant, the son of Your female servant. You have loosened my bonds.
17. I will offer You a sacrifice of thanksgiving and will worship the LORD.
18. I will fulfill my vows to the LORD, in the very presence of all His people,
19. In the courts of the LORD's house - within you, Jerusalem. Hallelujah!
The gratitude of the redeemed is in salvation from our Lord. Not in the pleasantries of this lifetime. Praise Him for His faithfulness to us!
Yesterday was rough. As I sat there trying to decide what to post today, all I could think of was that I was the one needing encouragement. That's when I remembered Psalm 116. About a year ago this Psalm touched me while thinking of someone else, so I wrote a note next to it in my Bible that this was an excellent Psalm to give to people with some extra words of encouragement added around or after it as well.
Who knew I would be talking about myself?
Psalm 116
1. I love the LORD because He has heard my appeal for mercy.
2. Because He has turned His ear to me, I will call out to Him, as long as I live.
3. The ropes of death were wrapped around me, and the torments of Sheol overcame me; I encountered trouble and sorrow.
4. Then I called on the name of the LORD: "LORD, save me!"
5. The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is compassionate.
6. The LORD guards the inexperienced; I was helpless and He saved me.
7. Return to your rest, my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.
8. For You, LORD, rescued me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling.
9. I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
10. I believed, even when I said, "I am severely afflicted."
11. In my alarm I said, "Everyone is a liar."
12. How can I repay the LORD all the good He has done for me?
13. I will take the cup of salvation and worship the LORD.
14. I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of His people.
15. The death of His faithful ones is valuable in the LORD's sight.
16. LORD, I am indeed Your servant; I am Your servant, the son of Your female servant. You have loosened my bonds.
17. I will offer You a sacrifice of thanksgiving and will worship the LORD.
18. I will fulfill my vows to the LORD, in the very presence of all His people,
19. In the courts of the LORD's house - within you, Jerusalem. Hallelujah!
The gratitude of the redeemed is in salvation from our Lord. Not in the pleasantries of this lifetime. Praise Him for His faithfulness to us!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Family
This weekend I visited family in Kentucky. Not only was I blessed in fellowshipping with my own flesh and blood, but the Spirit reminded me of more family to visit.
My mother recently moved back up to Kentucky (In case you missed THAT story!), and thus has been attending a new church. I planned my trip this weekend to make sure I could stay for Sunday morning service and meet those she's been worshiping with. Now, as it always seems to happen when visiting a new church, there was a special service, so I was not able to hear the preacher. Yet, I was able to meet several people during Sunday School and the fellowship time.
It was at the beginning of the service though that the Spirit spoke to me. The Pastor opened up with one of my favorite Scriptures. Yes, I know I say that often, but this is one that I've even chosen to describe the women's ministry at my church. Hebrews 10:24-25 Let us... not forsake the assembling of ourselves together as some do but encouraging one another... (apx)
There were two things I learned. The first was a brief glimpse at the reality of my brothers and sisters who gather together all over the world to worship our Lord with one heart and one mind (Acts 2:46-47). I was reminded of how small the box of corporate worship I comprehend is. Though at times we may often feel alone, there are millions who join to worship Him every week. These all are my brothers and sisters. How blessed we are to have such family: What an amazing and awesome God we serve!
The second thing I learned was actually a reminder. Every Christian should visit a church for the first time at least once a year. Why? It's a good reminder. We get so busy fellowshipping with those of our local body that we love and doing our service duties that we often overlook visitors. Now, I'm not saying anything against the church I visited yesterday! They were all very sweet. However, I had forgotten how uncomfortable it is to sit there alone with so many milling around. Every minute feels like ten. I remember this being a passion of mine when joining our church because the memory was fresh. However, as time has passed, I've grown horrible at welcoming people I don't recognize.
It really doesn't take a massive number of people to make a visitor feel welcome either. In fact, if everyone would have spoke to me, I'd have been frazzled and overwhelmed. Really, just one or two people spending their time before worship talking to me with most others waving hello would have been perfect.
Honestly, I think the Lord had these people lovingly remind me of that, because I could see their love for the Lord written all over them!
When was the last time you visited a church where there was no one you knew? Have you ever? Take some time today to pray for the Spirit's prompting to be strong to you the next time you see a visitor at church. Then, make sure to take all the time you can to say hello. If you truly don't have the time, find someone who does and ask them to go chat for a while. For those who are still seeking Christ, that act of love may make all the difference.
My mother recently moved back up to Kentucky (In case you missed THAT story!), and thus has been attending a new church. I planned my trip this weekend to make sure I could stay for Sunday morning service and meet those she's been worshiping with. Now, as it always seems to happen when visiting a new church, there was a special service, so I was not able to hear the preacher. Yet, I was able to meet several people during Sunday School and the fellowship time.
It was at the beginning of the service though that the Spirit spoke to me. The Pastor opened up with one of my favorite Scriptures. Yes, I know I say that often, but this is one that I've even chosen to describe the women's ministry at my church. Hebrews 10:24-25 Let us... not forsake the assembling of ourselves together as some do but encouraging one another... (apx)
There were two things I learned. The first was a brief glimpse at the reality of my brothers and sisters who gather together all over the world to worship our Lord with one heart and one mind (Acts 2:46-47). I was reminded of how small the box of corporate worship I comprehend is. Though at times we may often feel alone, there are millions who join to worship Him every week. These all are my brothers and sisters. How blessed we are to have such family: What an amazing and awesome God we serve!
The second thing I learned was actually a reminder. Every Christian should visit a church for the first time at least once a year. Why? It's a good reminder. We get so busy fellowshipping with those of our local body that we love and doing our service duties that we often overlook visitors. Now, I'm not saying anything against the church I visited yesterday! They were all very sweet. However, I had forgotten how uncomfortable it is to sit there alone with so many milling around. Every minute feels like ten. I remember this being a passion of mine when joining our church because the memory was fresh. However, as time has passed, I've grown horrible at welcoming people I don't recognize.
It really doesn't take a massive number of people to make a visitor feel welcome either. In fact, if everyone would have spoke to me, I'd have been frazzled and overwhelmed. Really, just one or two people spending their time before worship talking to me with most others waving hello would have been perfect.
Honestly, I think the Lord had these people lovingly remind me of that, because I could see their love for the Lord written all over them!
When was the last time you visited a church where there was no one you knew? Have you ever? Take some time today to pray for the Spirit's prompting to be strong to you the next time you see a visitor at church. Then, make sure to take all the time you can to say hello. If you truly don't have the time, find someone who does and ask them to go chat for a while. For those who are still seeking Christ, that act of love may make all the difference.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Why Do We Sing Christmas Songs?
I've had a thought brewing off and on since around Thanksgiving: Why is there so much Christmas music? Think about it. There is no other holiday that has anywhere near that much music devoted to it - combining both religious and secular - yet year after year artists come out with new Christmas albums.
Why? Why do we sing about chestnuts roasting on an open fire, having ourselves a merry little Christmas, and grandma getting run over by a reindeer? And we love it! (By we, I am including myself.) Nearly everyone goes to some sort of Christmas concert whether they are celebrating the birth of Jesus or not because music just goes with the season.
The first question I feel must be answered is why music in itself so important. Music is truly universal. Technically we don't need it, but we all crave and desire it. Here is an excellent article by pianist Dr. Karl Paulnack which explains beautifully the need for music from a purely human standpoint. Even those who do not recognize God as our Creator understand that music is a intricate part of who we are. Scientists realizing it's importance even came up with a title for the science of human music in the mid 1990's: Biomusicology.
So, we see that music is not just recognized as uniquely human by religious groups but by humanity as a whole: But how does God view it? Singing has been around since the dawn of creation. God is speaking to, or rather fussing at, Job in Job 38:4-7 and mentions the morning stars sang while He laid the cornerstone of the earth! We are also told over and over throughout the Bible to sing praises to God and are given examples of those who do. Psalm 47:6, Colossians 3:16, 1 Chronicles 15:27, 29. And there is even a whole book of the Bible - Psalms - dedicated to praises sung to the Lord. The book of Revelation tells us of songs yet to be sung in Revelation 5:9, 14:3, and (this is my personal opinion) will be sung by Jesus, the Bright Morning Star! (Revelation 22:16 in reference back to Job 38:7)
It is just the way God wired our souls to speak. Emotions run so strong in song that a single measure can conjure images and emotions long forgotten. Music can bring us to the heights and depths of the indescribable longings of our spirit. Often when words fail us, music will not.
What does this have to do with Christmas music? Christmas is the celebration of the birth of our Salvation. The Creator of this world. The Word. I believe it is wired into our DNA to sing about it, or like Jesus said in Luke 19:40, "He answered, 'I tell you, if they were to keep silent, the stones would cry out!'"
Now Satan can't have that can he? So what does he do? He encourages humans to write as many X-mas songs as possible. Please understand that these songs aren't a sin. I love singing the 12 Days of Christmas and Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer. It's just that they allow us to sing the praises of the season instead of the Savior. When the God shaped hole in all of us is longing to find Him during the celebration of Jesus birth, we are now given much silly putty to choose from instead. In fact, I think the fact that there is so much secular Christmas music attests to the reality of God.
How would its popularly stand the test of time otherwise?
Why? Why do we sing about chestnuts roasting on an open fire, having ourselves a merry little Christmas, and grandma getting run over by a reindeer? And we love it! (By we, I am including myself.) Nearly everyone goes to some sort of Christmas concert whether they are celebrating the birth of Jesus or not because music just goes with the season.
The first question I feel must be answered is why music in itself so important. Music is truly universal. Technically we don't need it, but we all crave and desire it. Here is an excellent article by pianist Dr. Karl Paulnack which explains beautifully the need for music from a purely human standpoint. Even those who do not recognize God as our Creator understand that music is a intricate part of who we are. Scientists realizing it's importance even came up with a title for the science of human music in the mid 1990's: Biomusicology.
So, we see that music is not just recognized as uniquely human by religious groups but by humanity as a whole: But how does God view it? Singing has been around since the dawn of creation. God is speaking to, or rather fussing at, Job in Job 38:4-7 and mentions the morning stars sang while He laid the cornerstone of the earth! We are also told over and over throughout the Bible to sing praises to God and are given examples of those who do. Psalm 47:6, Colossians 3:16, 1 Chronicles 15:27, 29. And there is even a whole book of the Bible - Psalms - dedicated to praises sung to the Lord. The book of Revelation tells us of songs yet to be sung in Revelation 5:9, 14:3, and (this is my personal opinion) will be sung by Jesus, the Bright Morning Star! (Revelation 22:16 in reference back to Job 38:7)
It is just the way God wired our souls to speak. Emotions run so strong in song that a single measure can conjure images and emotions long forgotten. Music can bring us to the heights and depths of the indescribable longings of our spirit. Often when words fail us, music will not.
What does this have to do with Christmas music? Christmas is the celebration of the birth of our Salvation. The Creator of this world. The Word. I believe it is wired into our DNA to sing about it, or like Jesus said in Luke 19:40, "He answered, 'I tell you, if they were to keep silent, the stones would cry out!'"
Now Satan can't have that can he? So what does he do? He encourages humans to write as many X-mas songs as possible. Please understand that these songs aren't a sin. I love singing the 12 Days of Christmas and Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer. It's just that they allow us to sing the praises of the season instead of the Savior. When the God shaped hole in all of us is longing to find Him during the celebration of Jesus birth, we are now given much silly putty to choose from instead. In fact, I think the fact that there is so much secular Christmas music attests to the reality of God.
How would its popularly stand the test of time otherwise?
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Labor Pains
There is a blog I have been wanting to write for a few weeks now, but the time was not right. It's nothing earth shattering - just something that occurred to me, yet I have not been able to bring it to fruition. Yesterday, however, I began on it and hope to have it posted tomorrow.
I found this Psalm today which I thought was excellent for explaining the importance of waiting and reflecting on the Lord to get it right: Even if it's induced by Him. This Psalm reflects my moods lately as well, and our need to praise Him for who He is. Pay particular attention to verses 6 and 12, they stood out to me specifically. I pray they are an encouragement to you as well.
Psalm 77:1-20
1. I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and He will hear me.
2. In my day of trouble I sought the Lord. My hands were lifted up all night long; I refused to be comforted.
3. I think of God; I groan; I meditate; my spirit becomes weak.
4. You have kept me from closing my eyes; I am troubled and can not speak.
5. I consider days of old, years long past.
6. At night I remember my music; I meditate in my heart, and my spirit ponders.
7. "Will the Lord reject forever and never again show favor?
8. Has His faithful love ceased forever? Is His promise at an end for all generations?
9. Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has He in anger withheld His compassion?"
10. So I say, "It is my sorrow that the right hand of the Most High has changed."
11. I will remember the LORD's works; yes, I will remember Your ancient wonders.
12. I will reflect on all You have done and meditate on Your actions.
13. God, Your way is holy. What god is great like God?
14. You are the God who works wonders; You revealed Your strength among the peoples.
15. With Your power You redeemed Your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.
16. The waters saw You, God. The waters saw You; they trembled. Even the depths shook.
17. The clouds poured down water. The storm clouds thundered; Your arrows flashed back and forth.
18. The sound of Your thunder was in the whirlwind; lightening lit up the world. The earth shook and quaked.
19. Your way went through the sea, and Your path through the great waters, but Your footprints were unseen.
20. You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Those Who Enjoy Unrighteousness
2 Thessalonians 2:10-12
"...They perish because they did not accept the love of the truth in order to be saved. For this reason God sends them a strong delusion so that they will believe what is false, so that all will be condemned - those who did not believe the truth but enjoyed unrighteousness."
Those who didn't believe the truth.
Those who enjoyed unrighteousness.
I'll be honest, I have nothing to say about this other than it breaks my heart.
Have you ever wept over the lost? If not, is your passion for reaching them near what it should be?
Oh Father, break my heart so that I have the passion to be bold in spreading the truth of the Gospel to a world who desperately needs to accept the love of the Truth.
"...They perish because they did not accept the love of the truth in order to be saved. For this reason God sends them a strong delusion so that they will believe what is false, so that all will be condemned - those who did not believe the truth but enjoyed unrighteousness."
Those who didn't believe the truth.
Those who enjoyed unrighteousness.
I'll be honest, I have nothing to say about this other than it breaks my heart.
Have you ever wept over the lost? If not, is your passion for reaching them near what it should be?
Oh Father, break my heart so that I have the passion to be bold in spreading the truth of the Gospel to a world who desperately needs to accept the love of the Truth.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Striving To Be Like King Nebuchadnezzar
Many of us know the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the book of Daniel, and how King Nebuchadnezzar of the Babylonians sent them into the fiery furnace for refusing to bow down and worship the 90 foot golden statue he made of himself. When seeing four men walking around in the fire and calling the three back out, the King showed respect and awe for the "Most High God" (Daniel 3:26), "the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego" (Daniel 3:28). However, this respect hadn't turned into his own personal faith - yet. So the Lord got his attention.
For now, I'd like to focus on verses 1 & 2 of chapter 4, but take some today to read all of Daniel 4:1-37. (It's one of my favorite chapters in the Old Testament because of the unique way God works to bring to Him the ones He desires.) "King Nebuchadnezzar, To those of every people, nation, and language, who live in all the earth: May your prosperity increase. I am pleased to tell you about the miracles and wonders the Most High God has done for me." Now, if you've read the rest of the chapter, you might wonder why the King doesn't say "what the Most High God has done to me" instead of "for me". Why? Because Nebuchadnezzar recognizes a principle the write of Hebrews shares with us; "For the Lord disciplines the one He loves..." Hebrews12:6, 10. Too often we become so focused on what has happened to us, we miss the blessing of what has happened for us.
King Nebuchadnezzar is willing to tell everyone what happened to him as well; all for the glory of God. He could have just told the world that he had been restored to power, that he had had a little illness, or even that he got a little too big for his britches, but that he now had it under control. But that's not what he did. The King humbled himself before all for the love and glory of The Most High King. Not only that, but he was pleased to tell all.
How often are we willing to lay our lives open before the masses to bring glory to God? We should, for we are here to glorify Him in everything. Do you love Him enough and your pride little enough to do so?
Jeremiah 13:16 "Give glory to the Lord your God before He brings darkness, before your feet stumble on the mountains at dusk. You wait for light, but He brings darkest gloom and makes thick darkness."
Monday, December 7, 2009
No, I'm Not Perfect... I'm Just Always Right.
How often to do you ask God if you are wrong?
I'm not talking about whether you are in sin or not. I'm talking about an attitude of the heart. When you are obeying what God has called you to do for a season, is your heart in the right season as well? I ask this because we are always asking God what we should do: How often do we ask Him what we should feel, or how we should act? Trust me when I say I am stepping on my own toes on this one as well.
Recently, I was in a situation where no matter what I told someone, they believed it was a totally different scenario. They believed what they wanted to believe I was saying, no matter what angle I came at it. Why? It most likely was easier for them to accept, but I can't really say for sure. They assumed something that wasn't true so that they didn't have to deal with a bigger issue. It's not just me either- others have confided the same.
So how do we make sure we don't fall into this trap? I think the first step is prayer. David says to the Lord in 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." We must ask God to reveal it to us. Remember: That's the point of needing to be searched- we don't realize it's there.
The next thing is to practice humility. The best way I've found to do this is by serving others- FIRST. This isn't easy, but when we are serving others in righteousness, we seldom have time for self-serving righteousness. As Christians, we often need to pray for the Spirit to keep us righteous on the inside as well as the out (Matthew 23:28). It would be so easy to become like the religious leaders in Jesus' time if we did not humble ourselves before the Lord and before others often (Matthew 23:13-33).
Please take some time today to listen to the Spirit's guidance as you ask God to search your heart for any offensive way. Ask His forgiveness and then make it right-eous again.
I'm not talking about whether you are in sin or not. I'm talking about an attitude of the heart. When you are obeying what God has called you to do for a season, is your heart in the right season as well? I ask this because we are always asking God what we should do: How often do we ask Him what we should feel, or how we should act? Trust me when I say I am stepping on my own toes on this one as well.
Recently, I was in a situation where no matter what I told someone, they believed it was a totally different scenario. They believed what they wanted to believe I was saying, no matter what angle I came at it. Why? It most likely was easier for them to accept, but I can't really say for sure. They assumed something that wasn't true so that they didn't have to deal with a bigger issue. It's not just me either- others have confided the same.
So how do we make sure we don't fall into this trap? I think the first step is prayer. David says to the Lord in 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." We must ask God to reveal it to us. Remember: That's the point of needing to be searched- we don't realize it's there.
The next thing is to practice humility. The best way I've found to do this is by serving others- FIRST. This isn't easy, but when we are serving others in righteousness, we seldom have time for self-serving righteousness. As Christians, we often need to pray for the Spirit to keep us righteous on the inside as well as the out (Matthew 23:28). It would be so easy to become like the religious leaders in Jesus' time if we did not humble ourselves before the Lord and before others often (Matthew 23:13-33).
Please take some time today to listen to the Spirit's guidance as you ask God to search your heart for any offensive way. Ask His forgiveness and then make it right-eous again.
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