Why do we, in essence, demand God explain to us what He is doing?
...and then get huffy when He doesn't?
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. Think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Remember..., it says nothing about understanding the right paths either.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
It's Impossible Not To Please
I've been talking to several people lately about what it is to please. You know what I mean: To give pleasure or satisfaction; be agreeable. -dictionary.com We get so frustrated when it seems we can't please anyone. However, I've found that pleasing no one is impossible, for there are one of three that you will please:
"But," you might be thinking, "I'm not happy, those around me aren't happy, and I know I didn't make God happy! So who was pleased?" Satan. (And by the way, I consider him victorious in the "other" and "self" category.)
"So," you might ask, "what about the verse in Isaiah 64:6? I was told that we can't please God with even our righteous acts." It's true. Our flesh makes it impossible, but check out Romans 8:8-10, 12-13:
"Those whose lives are in the flesh are unable to please God. You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God lives in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. Now if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness... So then, brothers, we are not obligated to the flesh to live according to the flesh, for if you live according to the flesh, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." (Emphasis mine)
"So how do I do this by the Spirit when I don't seem to have the strength?" You don't. Philippians 2:12-13 says, "... work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to will and act for His good purpose." All we do is make the choice to allow Him to work in us or not.
Once we make the choice to please God and allow Him to work within us, we are told by Paul what to do next in Ephesians 5: 8-10, "...Walk as children of the light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord." (ESV)
So. Those are the options. You must choose one.
"For am I now trying to win the favor of people, or God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still striving to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ." Galatians 1:10
1 - Others
2 - Self
3 - God
"So," you might ask, "what about the verse in Isaiah 64:6? I was told that we can't please God with even our righteous acts." It's true. Our flesh makes it impossible, but check out Romans 8:8-10, 12-13:
"Those whose lives are in the flesh are unable to please God. You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God lives in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. Now if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness... So then, brothers, we are not obligated to the flesh to live according to the flesh, for if you live according to the flesh, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." (Emphasis mine)
"So how do I do this by the Spirit when I don't seem to have the strength?" You don't. Philippians 2:12-13 says, "... work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to will and act for His good purpose." All we do is make the choice to allow Him to work in us or not.
Once we make the choice to please God and allow Him to work within us, we are told by Paul what to do next in Ephesians 5: 8-10, "...Walk as children of the light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord." (ESV)
So. Those are the options. You must choose one.
"For am I now trying to win the favor of people, or God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still striving to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ." Galatians 1:10
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
To Do HOW Many Things?
Every child I know in Sunday School learns Philippians 4:13, "I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me." It's one of those verses we love to quote when we lack the strength to get through the day or accomplish a task. We know that we can do all things through the strength He gives us, but I've had another thought running through my mind I think we should all ask ourselves: Do I want to.
Really stop to think and ask yourself this: How many things am I willing to do for Christ? Now, if we truly believe this verse in Philippians, we must realize that God can do all things. By 'all things', this doesn't mean just the 'things' we like, can be comfortable with, or at least make sense to us. These 'things' means, ALL THINGS.
The phrase "all things" is translated from the Greek word, pas, and is defined by Strong's as, "Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole: - all (manner of, means) alway (-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no (-thing), X throughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever."
The one I like best is "X throughly". You can't leave it more open than that.
Are you really willing to do all things for Christ who is able and waiting to strengthen you? It won't be easy. But it will be worth it!
Really stop to think and ask yourself this: How many things am I willing to do for Christ? Now, if we truly believe this verse in Philippians, we must realize that God can do all things. By 'all things', this doesn't mean just the 'things' we like, can be comfortable with, or at least make sense to us. These 'things' means, ALL THINGS.
The phrase "all things" is translated from the Greek word, pas, and is defined by Strong's as, "Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole: - all (manner of, means) alway (-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no (-thing), X throughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever."
The one I like best is "X throughly". You can't leave it more open than that.
Are you really willing to do all things for Christ who is able and waiting to strengthen you? It won't be easy. But it will be worth it!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Suffering
I hate to say this because I know it's going to come back to bite me - it always does - but, I don't think we tend to recognize the value of suffering. Most of us believe that if we are suffering it needs to be fixed and over with as quickly as possible, and if it isn't, then something is really wrong. What do I mean by that? Really wrong as in believing we are horrible people who have done a heinous and unforgivable sin, that God doesn't care/ listen to us, or that He doesn't really exist at all.
I was reading a Davidic Psalm the other day about the intense suffering of this man after God's own heart. (Acts 13:22) David does not have a quick hissy-fit one night nor does he question God's righteousness and love. He is in turmoil night after night, but trusts in God to take care of him.
Good can be had from suffering.
Look at Job. He went through intense pain and suffering without ever knowing why. What was the point of it? To prove to those around him, including Satan, that Job was "...a man of perfect integrity, who fears God and turns away from evil." (Job 2:3)
Paul was shown to suffer with a presumably life-long physical pain. 2 Corinthians 12:7-8 "...Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so that I would not exalt myself. Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times to take it away from me."
So why did God allow a messenger of Satan to follow around and torment His outspoken evangelist? Continue on in verses 9-10 "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may reside in me. So because of Christ, I am pleased in weaknesses, in insults, in catastrophes, in persecutions, and in pressures. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Jesus Christ also suffered greatly for us! Acts 17:2-3 tells us concerning the Jewish synagogue that, "As usual, Paul went with them, and on three Sabbath days reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and showing that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead, and saying: 'This is the Messiah, Jesus, whom I am proclaiming to you.'"
If our Savior considers suffering worthy, then how can we not? In fact, we are expected to suffer. "For it has been given to you on Christ's behalf not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him" Philippians 1:29
To be honest, none of this really makes sense to us. Yet, that's the point of faith: If it did make sense, we would be following our logic, but it doesn't- so we must follow God.
"For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out 'Abba, Father!' The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God's children, and if children, also heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ - seeing that we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. For we consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revelaed to us." Romans 8:15-18
Amen and Amen!!
I was reading a Davidic Psalm the other day about the intense suffering of this man after God's own heart. (Acts 13:22) David does not have a quick hissy-fit one night nor does he question God's righteousness and love. He is in turmoil night after night, but trusts in God to take care of him.
I am weary from my groaning;
with my tears I dampen my pillow and drench my bed every night.
My eyes are swollen from grief;
they grow old because of all my enemies.
Depart from me, all evildoers,
for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping.
The Lord has heard my plea for help;
the Lord accepts my prayer.
All my enemies will be ashamed and shake with terror;
they will turn back and suddenly be disgraced.
Psalm 6:6-10
Good can be had from suffering.
Look at Job. He went through intense pain and suffering without ever knowing why. What was the point of it? To prove to those around him, including Satan, that Job was "...a man of perfect integrity, who fears God and turns away from evil." (Job 2:3)
Paul was shown to suffer with a presumably life-long physical pain. 2 Corinthians 12:7-8 "...Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so that I would not exalt myself. Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times to take it away from me."
So why did God allow a messenger of Satan to follow around and torment His outspoken evangelist? Continue on in verses 9-10 "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may reside in me. So because of Christ, I am pleased in weaknesses, in insults, in catastrophes, in persecutions, and in pressures. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Jesus Christ also suffered greatly for us! Acts 17:2-3 tells us concerning the Jewish synagogue that, "As usual, Paul went with them, and on three Sabbath days reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and showing that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead, and saying: 'This is the Messiah, Jesus, whom I am proclaiming to you.'"
If our Savior considers suffering worthy, then how can we not? In fact, we are expected to suffer. "For it has been given to you on Christ's behalf not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him" Philippians 1:29
To be honest, none of this really makes sense to us. Yet, that's the point of faith: If it did make sense, we would be following our logic, but it doesn't- so we must follow God.
"For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out 'Abba, Father!' The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God's children, and if children, also heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ - seeing that we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. For we consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revelaed to us." Romans 8:15-18
Amen and Amen!!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Sometimes In Life You Just Have To Bop-It
This year for Christmas we got the kids the game Bop-It. The goal is to quickly follow the directions that it gives concerning the different buttons and knobs that are sticking out of the hand held game. On the first level you are told to either bop it, twist it, pull it, or shout it. If you can keep up for 100 turns then you open up the next level: Master. Here, you still have the same commands as before, but they also add the sound effects from each task. So you might either be given the command, "Bop it" or hear a drum, and they both mean to do the same thing.
Now, if you can keep that up for another 100 turns, you open the final level: Expert. This level has the same commands as the previous two level, but adds the color for the button or knob. So you can be told to "Bop it", hear a drum, or be told "White", and they all mean to hit the same button. And yes, the goal is to get 100 on that level as well. Confusing, yet addicting.
Last night, after becoming overwhelmed with the challenges of last week, I picked up the game to try a single round. I've never been able to get 100 on the expert level, but figured why not take another whack at it? Within the first 10 commands I could tell my brain and hands weren't connecting with each other, so in my frustration I said to God, "See? This is what everything has been feeling like. What am I suppose to do?"
A peace then came over me which seemed to say, "Trust Me that I can do anything. Even when you are getting it and don't seem to be working right. What you're suppose to do is just keep going."
Now, I wasn't throwing my fleece out, but jokingly said, "Well fine. If I make to 100 this time I know You were talking to me!"
I made it to 100.
Usually it takes all my concentration to score high. I even face away from any movement or music to place my full attention on the game. There was now way that I could do that while having a conversation with God at the same time. But I did. Because He did.
As soon as I put it down I thought, "Isn't that so like life?" Here we are getting all kinds of directions and information to accomplish the tasks set before us. We'll give our full attention to the task, but will so often slip up and fail. Don't beat yourself up for it- we're human! That's what it is to have a sinful nature.
What we are to do as Christians is rely on the power of the Spirit that is freely given to us. (Acts 1:8) We are never called to understand how we are doing what we are doing for Christ, we are just called to do it. We are to "...walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7) For isn't it comforting to know that "...God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength." (1 Corinthians 1:25)
Now, if you can keep that up for another 100 turns, you open the final level: Expert. This level has the same commands as the previous two level, but adds the color for the button or knob. So you can be told to "Bop it", hear a drum, or be told "White", and they all mean to hit the same button. And yes, the goal is to get 100 on that level as well. Confusing, yet addicting.
Last night, after becoming overwhelmed with the challenges of last week, I picked up the game to try a single round. I've never been able to get 100 on the expert level, but figured why not take another whack at it? Within the first 10 commands I could tell my brain and hands weren't connecting with each other, so in my frustration I said to God, "See? This is what everything has been feeling like. What am I suppose to do?"
A peace then came over me which seemed to say, "Trust Me that I can do anything. Even when you are getting it and don't seem to be working right. What you're suppose to do is just keep going."
Now, I wasn't throwing my fleece out, but jokingly said, "Well fine. If I make to 100 this time I know You were talking to me!"
I made it to 100.
Usually it takes all my concentration to score high. I even face away from any movement or music to place my full attention on the game. There was now way that I could do that while having a conversation with God at the same time. But I did. Because He did.
As soon as I put it down I thought, "Isn't that so like life?" Here we are getting all kinds of directions and information to accomplish the tasks set before us. We'll give our full attention to the task, but will so often slip up and fail. Don't beat yourself up for it- we're human! That's what it is to have a sinful nature.
What we are to do as Christians is rely on the power of the Spirit that is freely given to us. (Acts 1:8) We are never called to understand how we are doing what we are doing for Christ, we are just called to do it. We are to "...walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7) For isn't it comforting to know that "...God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength." (1 Corinthians 1:25)
Friday, January 15, 2010
What's The Difference?
A few days ago I was reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan, and he was talking about what lukewarm Christians look like. There was a statement he made that I've had to mull over and slowly digest in the last few days time. It truly pierced my heart. Chan says, "The truth is, their lives wouldn't look much different if they suddenly stopped believing in God."
Think about that for a bit.
OK, so no church on Sundays (or Wednesdays if you are really good). That can easily be replaced by sleeping in and a ball game or two. That also means not reading your Bible and the extra (meal time, before bed, etc) prayers. That can be replaced by a sitcom and a little extra Farmville. Can't all the time we spend with other Christians easily be transfered to a Club setting?
Seriously. Think about it. How different would your life be if you stopped believing in God? I'm not saying you would have to stop believing in your morals. Non-Christians can have those. You wouldn't have to stop being a productive member of society. Again, non-Christians - especially Americans - can do this just fine. Giving to charitable organizations and helping to make the world a better place can be a wonderful religion. There's no need to believe in God to do good and make yourself feel better.
Why do you need God? Do you even depend on Him?
Would your life change very much at all?
...The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Originator of God's creation says: I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, 'I am rich; I have become wealthy and need nothing,' and you don't know that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked, I advise you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire so that you may be rich, and white clothes so that you may be dressed and your shameful nakedness not be exposed, and ointment to spread on your eyes so that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be committed and repent.
Revelation 3:14-19
Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord!' will enter to kingdom of heaven, by only the one who does the will of My Father in heaven. On that day many will say to Me, 'Lord, Lord, didn't we prophesy in Your name, drive out demons in Your name, and do many miracles in Your name?' Then I will announce to them, 'I never knew you! Depart from Me you lawbreakers!'
Matthew 7:21-23
Oh Father, forgive us our complacency. Help us to rely on You in everything we do, and may bringing You glory be our hearts desire and way of life!
Think about that for a bit.
OK, so no church on Sundays (or Wednesdays if you are really good). That can easily be replaced by sleeping in and a ball game or two. That also means not reading your Bible and the extra (meal time, before bed, etc) prayers. That can be replaced by a sitcom and a little extra Farmville. Can't all the time we spend with other Christians easily be transfered to a Club setting?
Seriously. Think about it. How different would your life be if you stopped believing in God? I'm not saying you would have to stop believing in your morals. Non-Christians can have those. You wouldn't have to stop being a productive member of society. Again, non-Christians - especially Americans - can do this just fine. Giving to charitable organizations and helping to make the world a better place can be a wonderful religion. There's no need to believe in God to do good and make yourself feel better.
Why do you need God? Do you even depend on Him?
Would your life change very much at all?
...The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Originator of God's creation says: I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, 'I am rich; I have become wealthy and need nothing,' and you don't know that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked, I advise you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire so that you may be rich, and white clothes so that you may be dressed and your shameful nakedness not be exposed, and ointment to spread on your eyes so that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be committed and repent.
Revelation 3:14-19
Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord!' will enter to kingdom of heaven, by only the one who does the will of My Father in heaven. On that day many will say to Me, 'Lord, Lord, didn't we prophesy in Your name, drive out demons in Your name, and do many miracles in Your name?' Then I will announce to them, 'I never knew you! Depart from Me you lawbreakers!'
Matthew 7:21-23
Oh Father, forgive us our complacency. Help us to rely on You in everything we do, and may bringing You glory be our hearts desire and way of life!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
How To Live Today
You've heard the saying, "Live today as though it's your last"? I don't really like that one. There are too many people who would throw caution to the wind and just be wild: Eat, drink and be merry.
No matter how hard we try, we are selfish creatures and want what we think is best. If this really was your last day to live, you wouldn't go to school, go grocery shopping for the week, pay your bills, and certainly not clean your house! Yet in reality, we can't live that way. True, the thought is a good motivator to straighten your priorities, but it's little more than that.
So why not use our selfishness to our advantage? They say that everyone wants their 5 minutes of fame. (I think all the reality TV shows and the balloon boy's parents proved that notion.) So let's change that phrase around a little bit...
Live today as though it's the one you will be remembered for.
It's the ultimate reality show! We will all be remembered for something. No, not forever, but at least for our 5 minutes. So why not live like we know it. Honestly, very, very few people get to choose the moment they will be remembered for. It is usually through hindsight that we recognize it. So live the now as though it's the defining moment of your life.
Will you be remembered as the one who... always complained? ...was always joyful? ...did anything to get ahead? ...truly showed love to others? ...told the Truth? ...did just enough to get by? ...was passionate about Jesus- even on Tuesday afternoons?
Who will they say you truly worshiped? God? Sports? Religion? Your kids? Your free time?
Think about what you talk most about in an average day - the day for which you will be remembered. That is who/what you will be remembered for worshiping.
Who will you be today?
No matter how hard we try, we are selfish creatures and want what we think is best. If this really was your last day to live, you wouldn't go to school, go grocery shopping for the week, pay your bills, and certainly not clean your house! Yet in reality, we can't live that way. True, the thought is a good motivator to straighten your priorities, but it's little more than that.
So why not use our selfishness to our advantage? They say that everyone wants their 5 minutes of fame. (I think all the reality TV shows and the balloon boy's parents proved that notion.) So let's change that phrase around a little bit...
Live today as though it's the one you will be remembered for.
It's the ultimate reality show! We will all be remembered for something. No, not forever, but at least for our 5 minutes. So why not live like we know it. Honestly, very, very few people get to choose the moment they will be remembered for. It is usually through hindsight that we recognize it. So live the now as though it's the defining moment of your life.
Will you be remembered as the one who... always complained? ...was always joyful? ...did anything to get ahead? ...truly showed love to others? ...told the Truth? ...did just enough to get by? ...was passionate about Jesus- even on Tuesday afternoons?
Who will they say you truly worshiped? God? Sports? Religion? Your kids? Your free time?
Think about what you talk most about in an average day - the day for which you will be remembered. That is who/what you will be remembered for worshiping.
Who will you be today?
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Forget the Right Answer: Are You Asking the Right Question?
Yesterday I was reading a devotional that quoted minister John Lancaster from Cardiff, South Wales, in his article entitled, “Where on Earth is God?” There he asks the question, “Given a choice between attending a seminar, say, on the 'Glory of God in Isaiah' and one on 'The Christian and Sex,' to which would you go?” Take a moment to be honest with yourself about it and why. Lancaster “'makes the point also that although the church often answers the questions people are asking, the real problem may be that people are not asking the right questions.' In today's church we are far too man-centered and not God-centered.”
What Christian books do you read? Which studies or classes do you take? Have you taken/studied anything that tells you nothing about you but is all about God?
Recently a person I have prayed will find salvation for years has come back to mind and also more into the picture. As I've thought about new ways to approach the subject and dreamed about the responses after they accept, I found that my mind has shifted gears. Before, I had a list of churches they could attend, people who could take them under their wing, studies they could read, and devotionals that I thought would interest them most in mind. But I was wrong. None of those things are bad- they can all be very helpful! Yet, when this person comes to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, there is only one thing I can think to tell them of uttermost importance:
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. (Matthew 22:37
After that everything else will fall in place.
Why do we teach new Christians – and convince ourselves – that we need do the right things and find the most motivational material we can to keep us interested in God. Shouldn't He be enough? What more influential mentor is there than the Holy Spirit? Who can be a better brother than Christ? Which book can be more helpful than the Bible?
Please don't get me wrong. We need all the other stuff too (Hebrews 10:24-25), but we should never place it above God. See, that's the amazing thing about Him. When we seek and desire nothing but Him, all the rest comes as a joy. We then desire to worship together, read in-depth materials, encourage and be encouraged by fellow brothers and sister in Christ. We just need not forget: We are there for Him. Not us.
What Christian books do you read? Which studies or classes do you take? Have you taken/studied anything that tells you nothing about you but is all about God?
Recently a person I have prayed will find salvation for years has come back to mind and also more into the picture. As I've thought about new ways to approach the subject and dreamed about the responses after they accept, I found that my mind has shifted gears. Before, I had a list of churches they could attend, people who could take them under their wing, studies they could read, and devotionals that I thought would interest them most in mind. But I was wrong. None of those things are bad- they can all be very helpful! Yet, when this person comes to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, there is only one thing I can think to tell them of uttermost importance:
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. (Matthew 22:37
After that everything else will fall in place.
Why do we teach new Christians – and convince ourselves – that we need do the right things and find the most motivational material we can to keep us interested in God. Shouldn't He be enough? What more influential mentor is there than the Holy Spirit? Who can be a better brother than Christ? Which book can be more helpful than the Bible?
Please don't get me wrong. We need all the other stuff too (Hebrews 10:24-25), but we should never place it above God. See, that's the amazing thing about Him. When we seek and desire nothing but Him, all the rest comes as a joy. We then desire to worship together, read in-depth materials, encourage and be encouraged by fellow brothers and sister in Christ. We just need not forget: We are there for Him. Not us.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Avatar Is Proving That We Are All Aliens
This is truly amazing.
Audiences Experience 'Avatar" Blues
When I read this, the first thing that came to mind was, "Yes! Halleluia and Amen! Come quickly Lord Jesus!"
Even those who do not believe in a deity of any sort can recognize the soul-sickening desire for more: More beauty, more honor, more love, more of everything that is right and good in this world. The Creator of all has so much more in store for us and we are created to long for it. Just look at the descriptions of heaven and the new earth in Revelation 4, 5, 21, & 22. Yes, James Cameron has a vivid imagination, but Who do you think created him that way?
Did I long to travel to Pandora after watching the film? Yes. Several times. But what got me so much more excited was knowing the the real thing will be so much better. This is how we can witness to those around us who express the same longing after watching the film: And our new world will never be invaded!
2 Corinthians 5:1-3, 5
For we know that if our earthly house, a tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. And in fact, we groan in this one, longing to put on our house from heaven,... And the One who prepared us for this very thing is God, who gave us the Spirit for a down payment.
Hebrews 11:13-16
These all died in faith without having received the promises, but they saw them from a distance, greeted them, and confessed that they were foreigners and temporary residents on the earth. Now those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been remembering that land they came from, they would have had the opportunity to return. But they now aspire to a better land - a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God. for He has prepared a city for them.
Don't be fooled. People long for better. Are you going to deny telling them about Him who will create it anew?
OK, perhaps not quite in the way you are initially thinking, but it's true none the less. The following article is from CNN about people's response to James Cameron's movie sensation Avatar.
Audiences Experience 'Avatar" Blues
When I read this, the first thing that came to mind was, "Yes! Halleluia and Amen! Come quickly Lord Jesus!"
Even those who do not believe in a deity of any sort can recognize the soul-sickening desire for more: More beauty, more honor, more love, more of everything that is right and good in this world. The Creator of all has so much more in store for us and we are created to long for it. Just look at the descriptions of heaven and the new earth in Revelation 4, 5, 21, & 22. Yes, James Cameron has a vivid imagination, but Who do you think created him that way?
Did I long to travel to Pandora after watching the film? Yes. Several times. But what got me so much more excited was knowing the the real thing will be so much better. This is how we can witness to those around us who express the same longing after watching the film: And our new world will never be invaded!
2 Corinthians 5:1-3, 5
For we know that if our earthly house, a tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. And in fact, we groan in this one, longing to put on our house from heaven,... And the One who prepared us for this very thing is God, who gave us the Spirit for a down payment.
Hebrews 11:13-16
These all died in faith without having received the promises, but they saw them from a distance, greeted them, and confessed that they were foreigners and temporary residents on the earth. Now those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been remembering that land they came from, they would have had the opportunity to return. But they now aspire to a better land - a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God. for He has prepared a city for them.
Don't be fooled. People long for better. Are you going to deny telling them about Him who will create it anew?
Monday, January 11, 2010
What To Do When Your're Off
I have not been able to get back on a schedule and it's killing me. Christmas? OK, enough said. Then the whole week after was playing games with the boys, and while that was a wonderful time that I wouldn't trade, it's still not a schedule. Last week was suppose to get back to normal. It didn't. The kids didn't go back to school until Tuesday, and of course, I got sick Monday night and was miserable until Friday. Kevin was also on vacation all week.
So Tuesday and Wednesday I was busy cleaning up after the Christmas chaos, and trying to breath. Thursday and Friday were snow days and the kids stayed home sliding and having a grand ole' time. It was so cold and icy that even our Sunday service was cut back to only morning worship. No Life Group (Sunday School) and no evening service. Oh, and today?... and it's Kevin's day off.
Now, I really am not complaining. I wouldn't trade any of those things – except being sick – because they were all blessings. They just weren't a schedule. Yes, some were in my schedule, but that's not quite the same. I always forget what a creature of habit I am until my habits are thrown by the wayside. I miss being alone in the house. Desperately. I forget how bad I am at forcing myself to stop what I'm doing while others are around to read my Bible, take a few moments listening to God, or be still and productive; not just being still and being lazy. (Such as watching a movie or playing video games as opposed to studying or writing) Honestly, these last few weeks have been a great reminder... of how weak I am.
So I pray a portion of my favorite Psalm:
Amen and Amen!
So Tuesday and Wednesday I was busy cleaning up after the Christmas chaos, and trying to breath. Thursday and Friday were snow days and the kids stayed home sliding and having a grand ole' time. It was so cold and icy that even our Sunday service was cut back to only morning worship. No Life Group (Sunday School) and no evening service. Oh, and today?... and it's Kevin's day off.
Now, I really am not complaining. I wouldn't trade any of those things – except being sick – because they were all blessings. They just weren't a schedule. Yes, some were in my schedule, but that's not quite the same. I always forget what a creature of habit I am until my habits are thrown by the wayside. I miss being alone in the house. Desperately. I forget how bad I am at forcing myself to stop what I'm doing while others are around to read my Bible, take a few moments listening to God, or be still and productive; not just being still and being lazy. (Such as watching a movie or playing video games as opposed to studying or writing) Honestly, these last few weeks have been a great reminder... of how weak I am.
So I pray a portion of my favorite Psalm:
Psalm 51:10-13, 15-17
God create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not banish me from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore the joy of Your salvation to me and give me a willing spirit.
Then I will teach Your ways, and sinners will return to You...
Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise.
You do not want a sacrifice, or I would give it; You are not pleased with a burnt offering.
The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. God,
You will not despise a broken and humbled heart.
Amen and Amen!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Such A Beautiful Place
Yesterday we took Lauren and Elijah to see the 3D version of Avatar. It's a stunningly beautiful film whether you like the story line or not- which we did. Not only was it fun to see the kids be enthralled with 3D effects, but as the movie progressed, to watch them get involved in it.
About a third of the way through the film two of the main characters get to fly to a new location called the Halleluia mountain range on the alien world Pandora. It is a surprisingly, spectacular location since parts of the mountains actually float in the air. During the scene one of the people in response to the beauty says a curse word, and I heard Elijah say aloud to himself, "Why are they saying bad words in such a beautiful place?"
That pierced my heart.
Here I had been earlier that morning praising God for the beauty and majesty of His creation. What He has made beautiful for us in this world, and yet I take it so much for granted. We all do: With the words that we say, the impatience that we express, and the annoyance with which we pridefully snub what He has created for us to enjoy and take pleasure in.
Psalm 139:14
I will praise You, because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, and I know this very well.
The point isn't that everything seems beautiful all the time, but to see the beauty in all things at least some of the time. Was the movie Avatar a great, Godly movie? No. In fact, if anything it teaches to worship Mother Nature. But that doesn't mean that I can't see the beauty and value in portions of it. I learned a great lesson from God through my son even though that was not James Cameron's intent.
How are you treating the beauty around you? Have you seen it lately?
Luke 12:27-28
Consider how the wildflowers grow: they don't labor or spin thread. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these! If that's how God clothes the grass, which is in the field today and is thrown in the furnace tomorrow, how much more will He do for you - you of little faith?
About a third of the way through the film two of the main characters get to fly to a new location called the Halleluia mountain range on the alien world Pandora. It is a surprisingly, spectacular location since parts of the mountains actually float in the air. During the scene one of the people in response to the beauty says a curse word, and I heard Elijah say aloud to himself, "Why are they saying bad words in such a beautiful place?"
That pierced my heart.
Here I had been earlier that morning praising God for the beauty and majesty of His creation. What He has made beautiful for us in this world, and yet I take it so much for granted. We all do: With the words that we say, the impatience that we express, and the annoyance with which we pridefully snub what He has created for us to enjoy and take pleasure in.
Psalm 139:14
I will praise You, because I have been remarkably and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, and I know this very well.
The point isn't that everything seems beautiful all the time, but to see the beauty in all things at least some of the time. Was the movie Avatar a great, Godly movie? No. In fact, if anything it teaches to worship Mother Nature. But that doesn't mean that I can't see the beauty and value in portions of it. I learned a great lesson from God through my son even though that was not James Cameron's intent.
How are you treating the beauty around you? Have you seen it lately?
Luke 12:27-28
Consider how the wildflowers grow: they don't labor or spin thread. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these! If that's how God clothes the grass, which is in the field today and is thrown in the furnace tomorrow, how much more will He do for you - you of little faith?
Friday, January 8, 2010
Snow Day
Yesterday was a snow day here!
It was funny how there was so much concern about the whopping 4 inches of snow we were going to get. On Wednesday, talk of it consumed the long grocery store lines and Facebook statuses. School was canceled and provisions were stored.
We finally received a dusting around noon.
Our family prepared in a different way. The kids were allowed to stay up late and watch a movie in their sleeping bags so they could camp in the living room afterward. Kevin and I – well, mostly Kevin – poured gallon after gallon of water onto the sidewalk so that the kids could skate on it the next day. Waking up late on the Snow Day, the kids went sliding on the snow-less ice while Kevin and I made breakfast: Hot chocolate, cut up apples, bananas, cheese, crackers, and a bowl full of homemade cinnamon crunch popcorn. (It can't be any worse than Cinnamon Toast Crunch!) Then we all sat in front of the TV and watched Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs that I had secretly rented the day before.
The rest of the day was filled with more sliding, munching, movie watching, and game playing. It was a great day. But- it was suppose to be a SNOW day, and it was not what we had really expected. It was better.
Isn't that the way it works sometimes with how we understand God? There are so many times that I've felt Him moving me in a particular direction for a reason I assumed was correct. Then, when I get there, the outcome was so much better than I could have ever imagined. The amazing thing about how God works is that if I hadn't planned for what I had originally thought would happen, then what did happen, never could have occurred even though not initially anticipated. (Read that again. It actually does make sense.)
God blows our mind with the “Better” when we give Him our best.
It was funny how there was so much concern about the whopping 4 inches of snow we were going to get. On Wednesday, talk of it consumed the long grocery store lines and Facebook statuses. School was canceled and provisions were stored.
We finally received a dusting around noon.
Our family prepared in a different way. The kids were allowed to stay up late and watch a movie in their sleeping bags so they could camp in the living room afterward. Kevin and I – well, mostly Kevin – poured gallon after gallon of water onto the sidewalk so that the kids could skate on it the next day. Waking up late on the Snow Day, the kids went sliding on the snow-less ice while Kevin and I made breakfast: Hot chocolate, cut up apples, bananas, cheese, crackers, and a bowl full of homemade cinnamon crunch popcorn. (It can't be any worse than Cinnamon Toast Crunch!) Then we all sat in front of the TV and watched Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs that I had secretly rented the day before.
The rest of the day was filled with more sliding, munching, movie watching, and game playing. It was a great day. But- it was suppose to be a SNOW day, and it was not what we had really expected. It was better.
Isn't that the way it works sometimes with how we understand God? There are so many times that I've felt Him moving me in a particular direction for a reason I assumed was correct. Then, when I get there, the outcome was so much better than I could have ever imagined. The amazing thing about how God works is that if I hadn't planned for what I had originally thought would happen, then what did happen, never could have occurred even though not initially anticipated. (Read that again. It actually does make sense.)
God blows our mind with the “Better” when we give Him our best.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
The Greatest Joy
I've been discovering the greatest joy recently. One of my children has been hungering and thirsting for the Word on their own and I have had the privilege of guiding him through it. There is an amazing joy when you get to experience someone come to salvation and seek God, but when it's a child of your own the joy is exponential; Especially since I have not been able to raise him as much as I like. I've had to trust God completely in this matter, and He has proven Himself faithful and loving once again.
Praise You Father for Your faithful love to us all! May we always strive to seek You with all our heart, soul, and mind. Please plant a passion for You and sharing Your Great News with those around us. We are all Your children. May we give You the greatest joy by hungering and thirsting for You and Your Word.
Praise You Father for Your faithful love to us all! May we always strive to seek You with all our heart, soul, and mind. Please plant a passion for You and sharing Your Great News with those around us. We are all Your children. May we give You the greatest joy by hungering and thirsting for You and Your Word.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Surprise Treasures
Sometimes we just don't expect what we find.
I've been reading through the book of 2 Chronicles recently. I know it's not right, but I never expect to glean a lot of useful information for daily living out of certain books of the Old Testament. Oh, I know they're there, but some of it can be so dry with all the genealogies. While it's useful in other ways, and interesting to discover, the daily life aspect isn't top on my list while reading.
Once again though, God has shown me how wrong I am. Here are some wonderful verses I've found that are very applicable to my daily life though. Take some time today to reflect on them and understand how they can impact you as well. I pray they bless you as much and more as they did me.
2 Chronicles 12:7-8
“...' They have humbled themselves; I will not destroy them but will grant them a little deliverance. My wrath will not be poured out on Jerusalem through Shishak. However, they will become his servants so that they may recognize the difference between serving Me and serving the kingdoms of the land'”
2 Chronicles 13:18
“The Israelites were subdued at that time. The Judahites succeeded because they depended on the Lord, the God of their ancestors.”
2 Chronicles 15:7
“But as for you, be strong; don't be discouraged, for your work has a reward.”
2 Chronicles 16:9
“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to show Himself strong for those whose hearts are completely His...”
I've been reading through the book of 2 Chronicles recently. I know it's not right, but I never expect to glean a lot of useful information for daily living out of certain books of the Old Testament. Oh, I know they're there, but some of it can be so dry with all the genealogies. While it's useful in other ways, and interesting to discover, the daily life aspect isn't top on my list while reading.
Once again though, God has shown me how wrong I am. Here are some wonderful verses I've found that are very applicable to my daily life though. Take some time today to reflect on them and understand how they can impact you as well. I pray they bless you as much and more as they did me.
2 Chronicles 12:7-8
“...' They have humbled themselves; I will not destroy them but will grant them a little deliverance. My wrath will not be poured out on Jerusalem through Shishak. However, they will become his servants so that they may recognize the difference between serving Me and serving the kingdoms of the land'”
2 Chronicles 13:18
“The Israelites were subdued at that time. The Judahites succeeded because they depended on the Lord, the God of their ancestors.”
2 Chronicles 15:7
“But as for you, be strong; don't be discouraged, for your work has a reward.”
2 Chronicles 16:9
“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to show Himself strong for those whose hearts are completely His...”
Monday, January 4, 2010
Getting Sick
I have a cold.
These past few weeks were so fun filled that I wore myself out. Thinking back on it, I've realized that this happens every Christmas. There is so much build up to the season itself, and then the whole week after we play games, stay up very late, and eat a lot of sweets while the boys are here. All that combined means I crash afterward: They left last night and I got sick tonight. Or as I say- God hit my reset button.
It's interesting that after we have pushed ourselves too hard, too fast, that we need a rest whether it fits into our schedule or not. The only choice we have then is whether to heed the warnings and slow down or plunge ahead with a hand full of pills to cover the symptoms while we continue to over do it.
It's the same thing with listening to the Spirit. God gives us warnings but it is up to us to pay attention to them- even when it's not in our schedule. If we ignore or rationalize what we are being told to do we become more and more sick, but this time it's not a runny nose and stuffy head. It's a hardened heart.
Hebrews 3:7-15
Therefore, the Holy Spirit says:
These past few weeks were so fun filled that I wore myself out. Thinking back on it, I've realized that this happens every Christmas. There is so much build up to the season itself, and then the whole week after we play games, stay up very late, and eat a lot of sweets while the boys are here. All that combined means I crash afterward: They left last night and I got sick tonight. Or as I say- God hit my reset button.
It's interesting that after we have pushed ourselves too hard, too fast, that we need a rest whether it fits into our schedule or not. The only choice we have then is whether to heed the warnings and slow down or plunge ahead with a hand full of pills to cover the symptoms while we continue to over do it.
It's the same thing with listening to the Spirit. God gives us warnings but it is up to us to pay attention to them- even when it's not in our schedule. If we ignore or rationalize what we are being told to do we become more and more sick, but this time it's not a runny nose and stuffy head. It's a hardened heart.
Hebrews 3:7-15
Therefore, the Holy Spirit says:
Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the desert, where your fathers tested Me, tried Me, and saw my works for 40 years.
Therefore I was provoked with this generation and said, “They always go astray in their hearts, and they have not known My ways.” So I swore in My anger, “They will not enter My rest.”
Watch out, brothers, so that there won't be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart that departs from the living God. But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin's deception. For we have become companions of the Messiah if we hold firmly until the end the reality that we had at the start.
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