There is something that really struck me for the first time the other day when reading Genesis 41:53-57
Then the seven years of abundance in the land of Egypt came to an end,
and the seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had said. There was famine in every country, but throughout the land of Egypt there was food.
Extreme hunger came to all the land of Egypt, and the people cried out to Pharaoh for food. Pharaoh told all Egypt, "Go to Joseph and do whatever he tells you."
Because the famine had spread across the whole country, Joseph opened up all the storehouses, and sold grain to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe in the land of Egypt.
The whole world came to Joseph in Egypt to buy grain, for the famine was severe over all the earth.
(Emphasis mine)
Sometimes we have to endure suffering which has nothing to do with us personally, in order for God's glory to be shown and His will to be done.
Do you love Him enough to be willing without complaint?
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
...And That's How I Handle It
I'll be honest with you: Some days are so good they're bad. God has been teaching me so much lately and there has been so much going on that my nerves are raw.
There are a hundred different things I want to say to you, but I can't think of how to put a single one of them. Why? Who knows. Besides God, I mean....
My busy season is coming and I can see the Lord working in my life through the Bible studies I have with different groups of ladies, those I meet with, and a number of different aspects of my life. The funny thing is a have a peace about it all. Granted it's a raw nerves, running around like a chicken with my head cut off, exhausted even with two shots of vitamin D, type peace, but it's there. And it's prevalent. I know how to handle the ups and downs, but what about this? Complete peace and trust in the midst of chaos. It's kinda cool....and kinda not.
You know what I'm going to do about it? How I plan to calm down and focus?
I'm gonna go spend some time with God.
See ya later...
There are a hundred different things I want to say to you, but I can't think of how to put a single one of them. Why? Who knows. Besides God, I mean....
My busy season is coming and I can see the Lord working in my life through the Bible studies I have with different groups of ladies, those I meet with, and a number of different aspects of my life. The funny thing is a have a peace about it all. Granted it's a raw nerves, running around like a chicken with my head cut off, exhausted even with two shots of vitamin D, type peace, but it's there. And it's prevalent. I know how to handle the ups and downs, but what about this? Complete peace and trust in the midst of chaos. It's kinda cool....and kinda not.
You know what I'm going to do about it? How I plan to calm down and focus?
I'm gonna go spend some time with God.
See ya later...
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
How Do We Hear God?
My youngest and I had an interesting conversation the other night while putting him to bed. He asked me if it would be OK to take two stuffed animals to class instead of just one while learning about how God created the animals, so I told him to pray about it and see what God says. He then asked me the question we all would love the exact answer for: How do I hear God and know what He's saying?
I told him that the first, and best way, is by seeing if it is in the Bible. Many of our questions can be answered if we search throughout the entire Bible with a thorough concordance, a detailed topical reference, and decent cross referencing. (Don't worry- I just told my six year old to look all through the Bible. I'll save the rest of that for when he's 12...)
However, there are many other things that are not specifically mentioned in there. Which coffee shop should I go to today? Which of my friends needs encouraging most? Should I help with the children's choir or participate in adult choir? Which Beth Moore study should I do next....? Some things have to be discerned, and that concept can be intimidating. If it isn't, remember: You are made of sinful flesh and must stand before the Righteous and Holy God. A little fear and trembling is good for the soul.
So how do we discern? First, go back to the best way: You must be in the Word. Even if the answer is not there, Jesus - the Word made flesh (John 1:14), must be fresh in our hearts and mind. You also must develop your line of communication with Him. That means prayer. Not the wish-list, vending machine with happy pills, kinds of prayer, but honest talking and listening. The more you listen, the better you get at hearing. Remember 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, "Pray constantly." It is possible, but it takes practice and discipline.
Now comes the hardest thing of all: Just have faith and step out. If you are in the Word and listening to God with the best of your ability, trust Him that He won't let you go astray. Because He won't. Give Him permission to do whatever it takes to stop you from straying from His will, and be honest with Him when your confused. He already knows.
If you've done all the above and still haven't felt that "special feeling", just trust Him! Because most of the time we won't. Oh, we will have a peace, but don't expect the goose-bumpy stuff as the only affirmation. Remember, "We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28) So let's act like we truly believe that.
So did God tell my son he could bring two stuffed animals? There wasn't a yes or a no...
There was a fever.
I told him that the first, and best way, is by seeing if it is in the Bible. Many of our questions can be answered if we search throughout the entire Bible with a thorough concordance, a detailed topical reference, and decent cross referencing. (Don't worry- I just told my six year old to look all through the Bible. I'll save the rest of that for when he's 12...)
However, there are many other things that are not specifically mentioned in there. Which coffee shop should I go to today? Which of my friends needs encouraging most? Should I help with the children's choir or participate in adult choir? Which Beth Moore study should I do next....? Some things have to be discerned, and that concept can be intimidating. If it isn't, remember: You are made of sinful flesh and must stand before the Righteous and Holy God. A little fear and trembling is good for the soul.
So how do we discern? First, go back to the best way: You must be in the Word. Even if the answer is not there, Jesus - the Word made flesh (John 1:14), must be fresh in our hearts and mind. You also must develop your line of communication with Him. That means prayer. Not the wish-list, vending machine with happy pills, kinds of prayer, but honest talking and listening. The more you listen, the better you get at hearing. Remember 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, "Pray constantly." It is possible, but it takes practice and discipline.
Now comes the hardest thing of all: Just have faith and step out. If you are in the Word and listening to God with the best of your ability, trust Him that He won't let you go astray. Because He won't. Give Him permission to do whatever it takes to stop you from straying from His will, and be honest with Him when your confused. He already knows.
If you've done all the above and still haven't felt that "special feeling", just trust Him! Because most of the time we won't. Oh, we will have a peace, but don't expect the goose-bumpy stuff as the only affirmation. Remember, "We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28) So let's act like we truly believe that.
So did God tell my son he could bring two stuffed animals? There wasn't a yes or a no...
There was a fever.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Yikes!
I've been reading in Genesis about Joseph recently. We all remember the story of his early years; Dreams, his coat of many colors, being sold as a slave by his brother, Potiphar house in Egypt, being thrown into prison, and then interpreting Pharaoh's dreams to ascend to second in command over all the land. But there's one person in all of this that we forget about. In fact, we don't really even know her name: Potiphar's wife.
OK, we do know her attraction to Joseph grew over time and she begged him to sleep with her. When he refused time and again, she make the household believe that he had tried to rape her after tearing his garment off of him while he fled. She used this robe to 'prove' to Potiphar when he returned that Joseph tried to rape her. Thus, Joseph went to jail. From there, over a long period of time, he became second only to Pharaoh.
But what about Potiphar's wife? Can you imagine the terror she felt when she realized that this man she framed and had thrown in jail for years suddenly had that kind of power? Did she live for years imprisoned by the stress of knowing that today could be the day he became bored and vindictive enough to have her exposed?
Or... through the grace shown her by Joseph and his God, did she begin to believe? Did that peace ever come to her?
I ask this because we have all been Potiphar's wife at some point and we all can be Joseph. Do we allow the consequences of our past sins, who have suddenly found us again, to keep us cowering in shame and fear? Do we accept the grace available and live victoriously through the power of Christ in our lives, acknowledging that it is only through Him we are able?
We also have the chance to be Joseph. When others wrong us, will we get back at them when the chance presents itself - for it always will -,or will you show the love and grace of God to them so that they may desire to know Him as well?
When the choice comes to you, remember this: Joseph's name we know.
OK, we do know her attraction to Joseph grew over time and she begged him to sleep with her. When he refused time and again, she make the household believe that he had tried to rape her after tearing his garment off of him while he fled. She used this robe to 'prove' to Potiphar when he returned that Joseph tried to rape her. Thus, Joseph went to jail. From there, over a long period of time, he became second only to Pharaoh.
But what about Potiphar's wife? Can you imagine the terror she felt when she realized that this man she framed and had thrown in jail for years suddenly had that kind of power? Did she live for years imprisoned by the stress of knowing that today could be the day he became bored and vindictive enough to have her exposed?
Or... through the grace shown her by Joseph and his God, did she begin to believe? Did that peace ever come to her?
I ask this because we have all been Potiphar's wife at some point and we all can be Joseph. Do we allow the consequences of our past sins, who have suddenly found us again, to keep us cowering in shame and fear? Do we accept the grace available and live victoriously through the power of Christ in our lives, acknowledging that it is only through Him we are able?
We also have the chance to be Joseph. When others wrong us, will we get back at them when the chance presents itself - for it always will -,or will you show the love and grace of God to them so that they may desire to know Him as well?
When the choice comes to you, remember this: Joseph's name we know.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Forget "Be Happy", I'm Thrilled To Get "Don't Worry"!
I've been experiencing a wonderful sensation lately: Lack of worry. Aka- peace. Typically this is the most stressful time of the year for our family. At least for the last seven years. There are many legitimate concerns we have January through April, and stress always accompanies it. This year is no different: Same circumstances, same needs, same time frame. Yet, there is one big difference this year. I'm just not concerned.
I think Matthew 6:25-34 has finally sunk in.
"This is why I tell you: Don't worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn't life more than food and the body more than clothing?....But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Therefore, don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Matthew 6:25, 33-34
For the first time I can say that I'm starting to truly practice that. I don't know if I could have in any other situation than the one we are in.
Thank you Father for taking whatever means necessary to help us truly understand Your Word. Thank you for blessing me so.
I think Matthew 6:25-34 has finally sunk in.
"This is why I tell you: Don't worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn't life more than food and the body more than clothing?....But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Therefore, don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Matthew 6:25, 33-34
For the first time I can say that I'm starting to truly practice that. I don't know if I could have in any other situation than the one we are in.
Thank you Father for taking whatever means necessary to help us truly understand Your Word. Thank you for blessing me so.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Glad I'm Not God
It's a good thing God doesn't say this to us about some of our "prayer requests", .... because I think I would.
Even to myself at times.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Why Wait?
You know what I look forward to most about heaven/new earth? OK, besides getting to see & worship God, hug Jesus, and have a good conversation with the Holy Spirit? The fellowship. (I know you thought I was going to say the food, didn't you? That's one thing Baptists do have right: Food is part of the definition.)
What I'm craving is more than the occasional potluck, or once a week gathering. It's living everyday together as a community. I want it so bad, that I numb myself from remembering the desire for it until I'm reminded again. Yesterday I had lunch with one of my closest friends who just came back from a whirlwind trip. She was talking about the beauty of the fellowship she saw in both Bolivia and the Dominican Republic. Here we were in Brentwood, TN - a very clean, affluent, high cost of living area - being waited on at a nice restaurant with a cold rain drizzling out of mind outside, yet we were longing for what they had in the poorest of areas. (If you get a chance, read her blog about one of them.) They, have community.
These people spend their days together. They don't plan to get together every other Friday. There is no hiring sitters to so the adults can have grownup time. None of that is bad, but none of that is a true community either. These are people who spend their lives together. They pray together, worship together, cook together, laugh together, console each other, tag-team the kids, and tick each other off every once in a while. Why is there so little of this here? I think we, as Americans, have outwitted ourselves. Yes, we have more - bigger, better, faster - but at what cost?
Before I get comments saying that we all have it here in America, I want you to ask yourself something: Do you work with, have your children attend school with, worship with, live next to, and depend on the same group of people? Not the same ones for each group, but it's the same people for every group. That's the type of comradery I'm talking about. I believe it would help us to encourage each other better. We could not hide our sins as easily because we would know each other. Talk about having accountability partners!
So what do we do about this? Is this something you even desire? Are we even able to in "civilization's" fast lane?
Now all the believers were together and had everything in common... And every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple complex, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all people. And every day the Lord added to them those who were being saved.
Acts 2: 44, 46-47
What I'm craving is more than the occasional potluck, or once a week gathering. It's living everyday together as a community. I want it so bad, that I numb myself from remembering the desire for it until I'm reminded again. Yesterday I had lunch with one of my closest friends who just came back from a whirlwind trip. She was talking about the beauty of the fellowship she saw in both Bolivia and the Dominican Republic. Here we were in Brentwood, TN - a very clean, affluent, high cost of living area - being waited on at a nice restaurant with a cold rain drizzling out of mind outside, yet we were longing for what they had in the poorest of areas. (If you get a chance, read her blog about one of them.) They, have community.
These people spend their days together. They don't plan to get together every other Friday. There is no hiring sitters to so the adults can have grownup time. None of that is bad, but none of that is a true community either. These are people who spend their lives together. They pray together, worship together, cook together, laugh together, console each other, tag-team the kids, and tick each other off every once in a while. Why is there so little of this here? I think we, as Americans, have outwitted ourselves. Yes, we have more - bigger, better, faster - but at what cost?
Before I get comments saying that we all have it here in America, I want you to ask yourself something: Do you work with, have your children attend school with, worship with, live next to, and depend on the same group of people? Not the same ones for each group, but it's the same people for every group. That's the type of comradery I'm talking about. I believe it would help us to encourage each other better. We could not hide our sins as easily because we would know each other. Talk about having accountability partners!
So what do we do about this? Is this something you even desire? Are we even able to in "civilization's" fast lane?
Now all the believers were together and had everything in common... And every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple complex, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all people. And every day the Lord added to them those who were being saved.
Acts 2: 44, 46-47
Thursday, January 21, 2010
A Reminder To Live What We Know
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.
...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.
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.
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