Passions.
These are my passions. Aren't they random? I've always wondered why I have such a desire and pull for certain things, have you? As I have grown spiritually as a slave to Christ Jesus, these passions of mine have not diminished as I thought some would, but have increased. How uniquely made we all are!
Alaska is my home. No, I was not born there but it's where my heart resides. The funny thing is that growing up in Florida I always wanted to go to Alaska. Everyone told me that I just thought I'd like it, but when I experienced the cold it would change my mind. They were wrong. I lived there for 3 years in my 20's and loved every bit of it. My first year was a record for cold and lack of snow, they almost had to canceled the Fur Rondy Fesitval, and still I love it. Just as much and even more than the beauty, I love the people of Alaska and pray for them. They are a hearty breed all to themselves!
I have never been to India, but for some God has laid the people of that country on my heart. Particularly the women/girls. We have prayed for several years that perhaps one day we might be able to adopt a daughter from there, and I believe from the bottom of my heart that my daughter is over there. Whether I ever get to meet her in this life or not, I pray for her all the time. It may be that's all the connection I will have with her, but I hope not. We also have sponsored children over there through Compassion International, and a pastor and his family through a Pastor Sponsorship Program.
Adventure! I love wild, daring things, but am very cautious and safe. I love hiking, traveling, skiing, kayaking, bungee jumping, white water rafting, scuba diving and anything of the like. My next goal is sky diving and eventually base jumping with what I call a squirrel suit (wingsuit). I remember as a child one of the first things I ever wanted to be was a truck driver, because I thought they saw the world! I love adventure. It calls to me...
The persecuted church: This is more than a command to remember my brothers and sisters who endure trails for our faith around the world (Hebrews 13:3). I think and pray for them often. We keep a constant reminder of their love and sacrifice on our kitchen wall through a number of pictures we cut out from a free monthly publication from The Voice of the Martyrs. If you have never heard of them take a few moments to click on the link and check them out. It is good for us to be aware not only of what goes on in other countries, but of how blessed we are here and how we take the freedom of religion for granted.
So why such a hodgepodge of things? I have no idea. That's just they way God made me. I realize my work here on this earth is not done and perhaps someday I will see how all these things will work together. Until then, I'll just have to trust Him that He knows what He's doing!
What are some of your passions? How can you see them being used to glorify God?
Remember, if He made you that way, there is a way in which to bring Him glory through it!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
How Do We Love?
How do you show the love of Christ to the lost?
Think about what Jesus did. He ate with, walked with, and had extreme patience in dealing with the sinners of His time. Christ knew how to love them where they were while never sacrificing the message of the Gospel: We are all sinners deserving of death and condemnation, but placing our lives and faith in Jesus Christ who endured God's wrath as a substitute for us, will cleanse us for eternity.
How do we communicate that?
We have all heard the Lord's Prayer: "Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name..." But do you know what the very next thing Jesus said to the disciples who had asked him to teach them how to pray? "For if you forgive people their wrongdoing, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well. But if you don't forgive people, Your Father will not forgive your wrongdoing." Matthew 6:14-15 (Mark 11:25-26)
We must remember sin is sin; wrong is wrong; and truth is truth. It doesn't matter what we have done or what has been done to us- God can forgive all, and we are called to do the same. Please hear me that forgiving someone does not mean placing yourself in harms way. Even Jesus told his disciples, "Look, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be shrewd as serpents and harmless as doves." Matthew 10:16
So the question I ask of you today is how do you be shrewd, harmless, bearers of the love of Jesus Christ?
Think about what Jesus did. He ate with, walked with, and had extreme patience in dealing with the sinners of His time. Christ knew how to love them where they were while never sacrificing the message of the Gospel: We are all sinners deserving of death and condemnation, but placing our lives and faith in Jesus Christ who endured God's wrath as a substitute for us, will cleanse us for eternity.
How do we communicate that?
We have all heard the Lord's Prayer: "Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name..." But do you know what the very next thing Jesus said to the disciples who had asked him to teach them how to pray? "For if you forgive people their wrongdoing, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well. But if you don't forgive people, Your Father will not forgive your wrongdoing." Matthew 6:14-15 (Mark 11:25-26)
We must remember sin is sin; wrong is wrong; and truth is truth. It doesn't matter what we have done or what has been done to us- God can forgive all, and we are called to do the same. Please hear me that forgiving someone does not mean placing yourself in harms way. Even Jesus told his disciples, "Look, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be shrewd as serpents and harmless as doves." Matthew 10:16
So the question I ask of you today is how do you be shrewd, harmless, bearers of the love of Jesus Christ?
Monday, August 16, 2010
The Devil, Demons, and Deception
When the Lord brings a particular topic up several times from different sources in a single day, it is wise to take heed. Especially one like this: Satan, demons, and temptation. My Pastor preached an amazing and informative sermon entitled We Believe... God Wars; I received a text from someone in another state about Satan, demons, and temptation; my devotional just happened to be on that subject that afternoon; and the X-Files I watched dealt with it too.
OK, God. I'm listening.
What's the point? First, we need to neither give them too much, nor too little, thought. Here is a great passage from C.S. Lewis' book The Joyful Christian:
"The commonest question [I am asked about The Screwtape Letters] is whether I really "believe in the Devil".
The proper question is whether I believe in devils. I do. That is to say, I believe in angels, and I believe that some of these, by the abuse of their free will, have become enemies to God and, as a corollary, to us. These we may call devils. They do not differ in nature from good angels, but their nature is depraved. Devil is the opposite of angel only as Bad Man is the opposite of Good Man. Satan, the leader or dictator or devils, is the opposite, not of God, but of Michael." (Emphasis mine)
I love the reminder that Satan is not the opposite of God, but of Michael, the arch angel. God created both and has full power and authority over both. Satan is just really ticked off about his final end and is taking as many as he can with him- both angel and human.
What is our role in this already won war? To win some battles through the power of Jesus Christ. There is a war going on. Ephesians 6:10-20 gives us a great synopsis of this. However, there is one other seldom used passage I love on this topic.
When the servant of the man of God got up early and went out, he discovered an army with horses and chariots surrounding the city. So he asked Elisha, "Oh, my master, what are we to do?"
Elisha said, "Don't be afraid, for those who are with us outnumber those who are with them."
Then Elisha prayed, "LORD, please open his eyes and let him see." So the LORD opened the servant's eyes. He looked and saw that the mountain was covered with horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
2 Kings 6:15-17
There is a constant battle around us, and the way in which Elisha handled is a great example. He knew it was there, he gave it thought and credit, but he did not dwell on it. You didn't hear him always talking about the unseen realm. He focused on doing God's will.
As for Christians being tempted by demons/ the Devil we must remember that Satan- the accuser - is not omnipresent. He can not be everywhere at once like God. Thus most people have to deal with his demons. Honestly though, what difference does it make? Temptation is temptation, and the blood of Christ covers them all no matter who incited it.
As for the "strength" of the temptation, we need only to remember His Word to us in 1 Corinthians 10:13. "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape, so that you are able to bear it."
He will always prove a way of escape- if we are willing to look to Him for it.
There really is nothing else to this. Yes, it is here. Yes, we need to know about it. And NO, we shouldn't let it consume our thoughts. We should let only Christ and Him crucified have that honor.
OK, God. I'm listening.
What's the point? First, we need to neither give them too much, nor too little, thought. Here is a great passage from C.S. Lewis' book The Joyful Christian:
"The commonest question [I am asked about The Screwtape Letters] is whether I really "believe in the Devil".
Now, if by "the Devil" you mean a power opposite to God and, like God, self-existent from all eternity, the answer is No. There is no uncreated being except God. God has no opposite. No being could attain a "perfect badness" opposite to the perfect goodness of God; for when you have every kind of good thing (intelligence, will, memory, energy, and existence itself), there would be none left of him.
The proper question is whether I believe in devils. I do. That is to say, I believe in angels, and I believe that some of these, by the abuse of their free will, have become enemies to God and, as a corollary, to us. These we may call devils. They do not differ in nature from good angels, but their nature is depraved. Devil is the opposite of angel only as Bad Man is the opposite of Good Man. Satan, the leader or dictator or devils, is the opposite, not of God, but of Michael." (Emphasis mine)
I love the reminder that Satan is not the opposite of God, but of Michael, the arch angel. God created both and has full power and authority over both. Satan is just really ticked off about his final end and is taking as many as he can with him- both angel and human.
What is our role in this already won war? To win some battles through the power of Jesus Christ. There is a war going on. Ephesians 6:10-20 gives us a great synopsis of this. However, there is one other seldom used passage I love on this topic.
When the servant of the man of God got up early and went out, he discovered an army with horses and chariots surrounding the city. So he asked Elisha, "Oh, my master, what are we to do?"
Elisha said, "Don't be afraid, for those who are with us outnumber those who are with them."
Then Elisha prayed, "LORD, please open his eyes and let him see." So the LORD opened the servant's eyes. He looked and saw that the mountain was covered with horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
2 Kings 6:15-17
There is a constant battle around us, and the way in which Elisha handled is a great example. He knew it was there, he gave it thought and credit, but he did not dwell on it. You didn't hear him always talking about the unseen realm. He focused on doing God's will.
As for Christians being tempted by demons/ the Devil we must remember that Satan- the accuser - is not omnipresent. He can not be everywhere at once like God. Thus most people have to deal with his demons. Honestly though, what difference does it make? Temptation is temptation, and the blood of Christ covers them all no matter who incited it.
As for the "strength" of the temptation, we need only to remember His Word to us in 1 Corinthians 10:13. "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape, so that you are able to bear it."
He will always prove a way of escape- if we are willing to look to Him for it.
There really is nothing else to this. Yes, it is here. Yes, we need to know about it. And NO, we shouldn't let it consume our thoughts. We should let only Christ and Him crucified have that honor.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
What Do You Make Of That?
Over the last several days I've been slowly reading the book of Job. As I've listened to Job and his three friends argue, I came to realize that as they are speaking I generally agreed with whomever was talking. To me, I can understand each side. Granted, I was never there and so can't really comprehend what it was like having not seen what truly went on. I can only go by what Scripture gives me: And it states that Job was a "...man of perfect integrity, who feared God and turned away from evil." (Job 1:1)
It's interesting as well, that everything they claimed and/or fussed about was general. It was never a "remember that time when you did ____?" His friends were just throwing blame. Yes, most of what they said rang true, but that wasn't the case here. Their bickering goes on and on... for 28 chapters! Then another, younger man finally speaks up and says his peace for 5 chapters. That's a lot of "OK, what do I make of these?" questions.
That's when God spoke up.
Job 38-41 are some of my absolute favorite chapters in the Bible. God describes Himself and what He has done. It is so beautiful, humbling, and reassuring. This is His point:
There are times when we have many good questions which go unanswered. There are many times when justice seems to not be served and the wicked get away while the just suffer. When someone is enduring much, we "just know" that they are really being punished for something they, or their family, did wrong. When there is suffering, we just don't know how to respond or comfort.
But, God is God.
He is worthy... whether we feel it or not.
He is able... even when we haven't received the answer we want.
He is holy... and well above our reproach.
He is wise... He has it figured out.
He is faithful... otherwise we would have all returned to dust long ago.
He is love... and has our best eternal interest in mind.
He is merciful... and knows what we can handle.
He is gracious... drawing us near to Him, and allowing us to come into His presence with our prayers.
So, what do we do with all the questions and concerns which don't make sense and never seem to be answered?
We trust in God. That's called FAITH.
For it is by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God's gift--
Ephesians 2:8
It's interesting as well, that everything they claimed and/or fussed about was general. It was never a "remember that time when you did ____?" His friends were just throwing blame. Yes, most of what they said rang true, but that wasn't the case here. Their bickering goes on and on... for 28 chapters! Then another, younger man finally speaks up and says his peace for 5 chapters. That's a lot of "OK, what do I make of these?" questions.
That's when God spoke up.
Job 38-41 are some of my absolute favorite chapters in the Bible. God describes Himself and what He has done. It is so beautiful, humbling, and reassuring. This is His point:
There are times when we have many good questions which go unanswered. There are many times when justice seems to not be served and the wicked get away while the just suffer. When someone is enduring much, we "just know" that they are really being punished for something they, or their family, did wrong. When there is suffering, we just don't know how to respond or comfort.
But, God is God.
He is worthy... whether we feel it or not.
He is able... even when we haven't received the answer we want.
He is holy... and well above our reproach.
He is wise... He has it figured out.
He is faithful... otherwise we would have all returned to dust long ago.
He is love... and has our best eternal interest in mind.
He is merciful... and knows what we can handle.
He is gracious... drawing us near to Him, and allowing us to come into His presence with our prayers.
So, what do we do with all the questions and concerns which don't make sense and never seem to be answered?
We trust in God. That's called FAITH.
For it is by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God's gift--
Ephesians 2:8
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Are You Awake?
My daughter Lauren has a difficult time waking up. If her alarm is set across the room and she has to get out of bed to turn it off, she does fine. It's when we try and wake her the problem comes in. This morning after I went over and gently shook her, she said she was getting up.
Two minutes later she was still in bed.
Talking loudly to her and turning the lights on she began to stretch and sit up so I went to make breakfast, though after about ten minutes I realized she hadn't come out yet. Opening her bedroom door, there she was curled back up and sound asleep. "Lauren!" I fussed. "Get your body out of that bed and get dressed!" She sprung into a sitting position and said, "I am out of bed and dressed!" Then looking around rather dazed, she slumped. "Oh. It was just a dream. I thought I already got up."
Have you ever found that though you thought you had grasped a spiritual concept or had been serving God in particular way, that you had in fact never even "gotten out of bed"? Sometimes we learn things that we know in our mind, but have just never reached our heart.
The Spirit is constantly working in our lives to wake us up: Our job is to realize where we have been dreaming.
Ask God today to allow your heart to accept the truths the Spirit has revealed to you. I believe we all have some area where we haven't let the full truth sink in allowing us to live awake and fully aware of the power Jesus Christ can have in our lives. Think of how effective our life would be in glorifying God and witnessing for His kingdom if we were fully awake!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Not My Sift, But Thine
I often think of when Jesus told Peter to look out, because Satan had asked to sift him like wheat. (Luke 22:31-32) "But," Jesus said, "I have prayed for you..."
I have become accustom to the sifting process over the last several years. There is just so much there to sift! There are good days where I overcome readily through the power of Christ alone, and there certainly are bad ones where I bemoan and feel the world around me is crashing down with little hope. Either way, I know I am being sifted and what I can and can not do about it.
But what do we do when our loved ones are being sifted?
It's so painful when someone close to us is enduring a powerful sifting- especially when it's a spouse. To me, that's harder than suffering through my own sifting. We can not make choices for those we love which truly affect their character. Only they can do that before God. So what do we do? Once again, let's follow Christ's example: We pray for them...over, and over, and over again. Knowing that we can't change anyones heart leads us to the only place we can do any good- On our knees before God.
Another thing to remember is that Jesus didn't harp on Peter telling him what he should have done or be doing. He just told him to look out and that the issue was a spiritual not merely physical one. Jesus let Peter know, "I'm praying for you."
And that's what we should do too.
I have become accustom to the sifting process over the last several years. There is just so much there to sift! There are good days where I overcome readily through the power of Christ alone, and there certainly are bad ones where I bemoan and feel the world around me is crashing down with little hope. Either way, I know I am being sifted and what I can and can not do about it.
But what do we do when our loved ones are being sifted?
It's so painful when someone close to us is enduring a powerful sifting- especially when it's a spouse. To me, that's harder than suffering through my own sifting. We can not make choices for those we love which truly affect their character. Only they can do that before God. So what do we do? Once again, let's follow Christ's example: We pray for them...over, and over, and over again. Knowing that we can't change anyones heart leads us to the only place we can do any good- On our knees before God.
Another thing to remember is that Jesus didn't harp on Peter telling him what he should have done or be doing. He just told him to look out and that the issue was a spiritual not merely physical one. Jesus let Peter know, "I'm praying for you."
And that's what we should do too.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Your Blessing's Awaiting
Sorry I am so late in posting a blog for today, but I was busy getting a blessing that we all can receive: I did some heavy duty cleaning at my church.
Wherever you go to do some corporate worshiping most likely has someone who cleans. Larger churches tend to have staff for it or at least has a hired cleaning person. Smaller churches usually have a person or two that has taken it on to be their ministry. All churches, however, could use a good deep cleaning now and again. This is where you come in...
Have you ever noticed that really dusty/dirty spot on Sunday morning? Perhaps there is a coffee or kool-aid stain on the carpet that keeps drawing your attention. Have you ever tried to find a pen in the back of the pew during a sermon and wished you hadn't stuck your hand in the hymnal holder?
If so, you have been called to be blessed.
Think of it this way...
Before Jesus Christ came, whomever wanted to worship God could come into His presence at the tabernacle. Depending on your race, lineage, and gender, there were limits as to how far you could go and were many areas completely restricted to but a few. Now, that the curtain has been torn in two and we are allowed to come into the presence of God through Jesus Christ our mediator and the Spirit that dwells within us, we may enter into any area of the church building that our church body uses. How could we not honor the One who cleaned all our stain-stubborn sins by not cleaning the building we use as dedicated to worshiping Him?
Clean-up day at your church can be any day you chose to humble yourself before Him. Take a peek this Sunday/Wednesday to see where you can be blessed.
Wherever you go to do some corporate worshiping most likely has someone who cleans. Larger churches tend to have staff for it or at least has a hired cleaning person. Smaller churches usually have a person or two that has taken it on to be their ministry. All churches, however, could use a good deep cleaning now and again. This is where you come in...
Have you ever noticed that really dusty/dirty spot on Sunday morning? Perhaps there is a coffee or kool-aid stain on the carpet that keeps drawing your attention. Have you ever tried to find a pen in the back of the pew during a sermon and wished you hadn't stuck your hand in the hymnal holder?
If so, you have been called to be blessed.
Think of it this way...
Before Jesus Christ came, whomever wanted to worship God could come into His presence at the tabernacle. Depending on your race, lineage, and gender, there were limits as to how far you could go and were many areas completely restricted to but a few. Now, that the curtain has been torn in two and we are allowed to come into the presence of God through Jesus Christ our mediator and the Spirit that dwells within us, we may enter into any area of the church building that our church body uses. How could we not honor the One who cleaned all our stain-stubborn sins by not cleaning the building we use as dedicated to worshiping Him?
Clean-up day at your church can be any day you chose to humble yourself before Him. Take a peek this Sunday/Wednesday to see where you can be blessed.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
[Earth : What Is Seen] as [Heaven : ???]
I love to imagine what heaven will be like.
There will be lots of food I can eat without gaining a ton of weight...or going into anaphylactic shock. I can fly whenever I want and even visit the stars when so inspired. I'll always be learning and discovering new things, and there will be no dust. Trust me, I looked it up. The only benefit of dust in the air is for water molecules to gather on in order to form rain droplets. God's going to water it all from the ground like He originally intended. (Genesis 2:5-6) Though, that does mess up my hope for a good thunder storm...
However you see heaven - or the new earth - to be like, it won't even compare. Honestly, we can only begin to dream of the wonders which are in store for those of us who love Him:
What no eye has seen
and no ear has hear,
and what has never come
into a man's heart,
is what God has prepared
for those who love Him.
1 Corinthians 2:9
So go ahead and spend some time dreaming with God. (1 Corinthians 2:10)
For the Spirit, who searches the deep things of God, just might infuse those dreams with what He knows.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Points To Ponder
Verses 9 and 10 of Galatians 6 were given to me this morning by a dear sister in Christ. Luckily, I was in a position where I had to sit for two hours - not even being able to use my hands - and was able to meditate on the healing, comforting, and encouraging power of that passage.
When I got home, I went back a read the verses just prior and was instructed even more. Galatians 6:1-10 is a great section of the Bible we really should ponder anew every once in a while. Not only will it keep us humble, but willing to serve as well.
Take a few minutes today to search this Scripture with the Spirit and your heart.
1 Brothers, if someone is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual should restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so you won't be tempted also. 2 Carry one another's burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone considers himself to be something when he is nothing, he is deceiving himself. 4 But each person should examine his own work, and then he will have a reason for boasting in himself alone, and not in respect to someone else. 5 For each person will have to carry his own load.
6 The one who is taught the message must share his goods with the teacher. 7 Don't be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows he will also reap, 8 because the one who sows to his flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. 9 So we must not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don't give up. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, we must work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith.
Galatians 6:1-10
When I got home, I went back a read the verses just prior and was instructed even more. Galatians 6:1-10 is a great section of the Bible we really should ponder anew every once in a while. Not only will it keep us humble, but willing to serve as well.
Take a few minutes today to search this Scripture with the Spirit and your heart.
1 Brothers, if someone is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual should restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so you won't be tempted also. 2 Carry one another's burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone considers himself to be something when he is nothing, he is deceiving himself. 4 But each person should examine his own work, and then he will have a reason for boasting in himself alone, and not in respect to someone else. 5 For each person will have to carry his own load.
6 The one who is taught the message must share his goods with the teacher. 7 Don't be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows he will also reap, 8 because the one who sows to his flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. 9 So we must not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don't give up. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, we must work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith.
Galatians 6:1-10
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Taboo Too
Recently I heard a discussion on the issue of Christian men and women who are involved in Internet pornography. Not surprisingly, a study done in 2006 showed the percentage of men is much higher than women: 50% of men and 20% of women. One 2007 survey done in Australia even had it as high as 75% in men.
We are all aware of this issue and know- whether we follow it or not - that it is a sin. But I tell you, everyone who looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5:28 We know about pornography. I want to discuss something even more subtle, yet just as destructive: Romance novels.
I realize I might get some flack about this, but I believe from the bottom of my heart this is true. Men tend to find pleasure from sight. That's why scantily dressed women and porn attract them so easily and the percentage of men involved in pornography is higher. Women, on the other hand, are attracted through emotions.
Ladies, I say this with the utmost love and concern. Is what you are reading in any way compromising, replacing, or affecting your emotional relationship with your husband. Are you creating unrealistic scenarios and desires that are not respectful to and do not honor the husband God gave you? If you have ever even once wished your husband were more like Mr. X in such-n-such novel, then you need to reconsider what you look at. If so, this is just as destructive as him looking at pornography.
Single ladies, are you relying on reading material to "substitute" and fulfill the desires you have for your husband to be? Have you considered that you are setting the emotional bar so high that no man could ever compete with the fictional thrills you have created. The danger here is that even though what God has planned for you will ultimately be better and satisfy you more, you may never give it the chance because he doesn't fit the image you have created in the seed of your emotions.
Sisters, we have to take this seriously. If we are to honor our God, husbands, and families we must not read any fictional material that can compromise our desires. Ladies, this is war and it's your choice if you want to win the battle or concede.
7 For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. 8 If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9 Christ died and came to life for this: that He might rule over both the dead and the living. 10 But you, why do you criticize your brother? Or you, why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. 11 For it is written:
As I live, says the Lord,
every knee will bow to Me,
and every tongue will give praise to God.
12 So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.
13 Therefore, let us no longer criticize one another, but instead decide not to put a stumbling block or pitfall in your brother's way.
Romans 14:7-13
Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things.
Philippians 4:8
We are all aware of this issue and know- whether we follow it or not - that it is a sin. But I tell you, everyone who looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5:28 We know about pornography. I want to discuss something even more subtle, yet just as destructive: Romance novels.
I realize I might get some flack about this, but I believe from the bottom of my heart this is true. Men tend to find pleasure from sight. That's why scantily dressed women and porn attract them so easily and the percentage of men involved in pornography is higher. Women, on the other hand, are attracted through emotions.
Ladies, I say this with the utmost love and concern. Is what you are reading in any way compromising, replacing, or affecting your emotional relationship with your husband. Are you creating unrealistic scenarios and desires that are not respectful to and do not honor the husband God gave you? If you have ever even once wished your husband were more like Mr. X in such-n-such novel, then you need to reconsider what you look at. If so, this is just as destructive as him looking at pornography.
Single ladies, are you relying on reading material to "substitute" and fulfill the desires you have for your husband to be? Have you considered that you are setting the emotional bar so high that no man could ever compete with the fictional thrills you have created. The danger here is that even though what God has planned for you will ultimately be better and satisfy you more, you may never give it the chance because he doesn't fit the image you have created in the seed of your emotions.
Sisters, we have to take this seriously. If we are to honor our God, husbands, and families we must not read any fictional material that can compromise our desires. Ladies, this is war and it's your choice if you want to win the battle or concede.
7 For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. 8 If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9 Christ died and came to life for this: that He might rule over both the dead and the living. 10 But you, why do you criticize your brother? Or you, why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. 11 For it is written:
As I live, says the Lord,
every knee will bow to Me,
and every tongue will give praise to God.
12 So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.
13 Therefore, let us no longer criticize one another, but instead decide not to put a stumbling block or pitfall in your brother's way.
Romans 14:7-13
Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things.
Philippians 4:8
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Let's Talk
OK. Enough for now. My toes have been smarting for a week now, and I think yours have too. Funny how I've received fewer and fewer hits every day. :-)
I want to hear from you today.
What are you doing today? What is on your heart? Are you mad, frustrated, bored....?
What's getting your goat right now?
Did you read something interesting, or a Scripture that's piqued your interest?
Do you have any questions about God- either serious of whimsical? I'm always questioning God about stuff -as I think you can tell - but I want to know about you.
Post a comment either with your name or anonymously, but either way...
Let's talk.
I want to hear from you today.
What are you doing today? What is on your heart? Are you mad, frustrated, bored....?
What's getting your goat right now?
Did you read something interesting, or a Scripture that's piqued your interest?
Do you have any questions about God- either serious of whimsical? I'm always questioning God about stuff -as I think you can tell - but I want to know about you.
Post a comment either with your name or anonymously, but either way...
Let's talk.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
How Willing?
How dedicated are we to maturing ourselves as Christians?
When it comes to self-help topics, I admit we do fairly well. We love to know how we can benefit. Our hearts are usually even in the right place in that we want to do it for God's glory and not just satisfy our personal needs.
But this is where we fail: How willing are we to help mature others?
I'm not talking about lambasting them with the rights and wrongs. We are called to encourage, support, and correct one another out of love: Love for them and a common love of our Savior Jesus Christ. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35 When we truly love someone, we want them to grow in the Lord and be satisfied as well.
How much time are you willing to dedicate to others in this way?
Don't make the excuse that you don't know enough. The Lord will be with you as you seek Him together. We are never called to stop mentoring or being mentored. Honestly, I have learned more since I started ministering to others than I ever did before, and you will too.
Please prayerful consider how you can help in maturing your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
We need each other.
We need you.
When it comes to self-help topics, I admit we do fairly well. We love to know how we can benefit. Our hearts are usually even in the right place in that we want to do it for God's glory and not just satisfy our personal needs.
But this is where we fail: How willing are we to help mature others?
I'm not talking about lambasting them with the rights and wrongs. We are called to encourage, support, and correct one another out of love: Love for them and a common love of our Savior Jesus Christ. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35 When we truly love someone, we want them to grow in the Lord and be satisfied as well.
How much time are you willing to dedicate to others in this way?
Don't make the excuse that you don't know enough. The Lord will be with you as you seek Him together. We are never called to stop mentoring or being mentored. Honestly, I have learned more since I started ministering to others than I ever did before, and you will too.
Please prayerful consider how you can help in maturing your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
We need each other.
We need you.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Your Narrow Path
Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it.
Matthew 7:13
We all know this. Though it may be difficult at times to discern or choose, we know that the gate to eternal life - Jesus Christ - is narrow and there are few who enter through it. But what about your steps on that path?
I truly believe that God has planned a very specific path for each of us. (Jeremiah 29:11) It is the life He created for you, and only you, to live. There is no one else who can walk it: It is yours alone.
There will be many times in your walk with Him on this path that it may take a sharp turn, drop suddenly down, or take a leap up. It is often confusing, terrifying, or even lonely, but we are not to fear, for He is with us. His rod and His staff will comfort you. (Psalm 23:4) Our job is to keep stepping, not concerning ourselves to much with what the path will bring (Matthew 6:34). When we stay near to Him, listening and being guided by His Word, just enough of the path will be lit at our feet (Psalm 119:105).
Take heart! This is the path made just for you!
He is clothing you, His bride, with a designer gown which no one else can wear.
And you will be beautiful in His eyes... (Song of Solomon 4:7)
Matthew 7:13
We all know this. Though it may be difficult at times to discern or choose, we know that the gate to eternal life - Jesus Christ - is narrow and there are few who enter through it. But what about your steps on that path?
I truly believe that God has planned a very specific path for each of us. (Jeremiah 29:11) It is the life He created for you, and only you, to live. There is no one else who can walk it: It is yours alone.
There will be many times in your walk with Him on this path that it may take a sharp turn, drop suddenly down, or take a leap up. It is often confusing, terrifying, or even lonely, but we are not to fear, for He is with us. His rod and His staff will comfort you. (Psalm 23:4) Our job is to keep stepping, not concerning ourselves to much with what the path will bring (Matthew 6:34). When we stay near to Him, listening and being guided by His Word, just enough of the path will be lit at our feet (Psalm 119:105).
Take heart! This is the path made just for you!
He is clothing you, His bride, with a designer gown which no one else can wear.
And you will be beautiful in His eyes... (Song of Solomon 4:7)
Sunday, August 1, 2010
My Prayer Of Praise
Praise You Lord for stirring my heart! (1 John 3:1) I am so excited to get to worship You today with my local brothers and sisters. (Hebrews 10:24-25) How I long to take the bread and cup, once again, in remembrance of what You did for me Jesus. (Luke 22:19-20) Thank you for the privileged of worshiping You. Thank You for calling me - the greatest of sinners - to be Your precious child. (1 Timothy 1:15) May Your glory be shown great through my weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
Friday, July 30, 2010
According To Flesh Or Spirit
Join me in getting out the steel-toed shoes today.
We're both going to need them.
For those whose lives are according to the flesh think about the things of the flesh, but those whose lives are according to the Spirit, about the things of the Spirit....Those whose lives are in the flesh are unable to please God.
Romans 8:5, 8
OK. That's tough to digest, but vague enough not to feel too guilty, right? So let's read the next set of verses defining the things of the flesh and of the Spirit:
Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar about which I tell you in advance - as I told you before - that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:19-23
Please take some time on the following, as I am.
I'm going list those again. As you read it, I ask that you first define each one. Then ask the Spirit to help you be completely honest and open with yourself about whether it is something that you "think on". After that, compare what the Spirit has shown you about what you dwell on which is of the flesh and which is of the Spirit.
Of the Flesh:
Sexual Immorality
Moral Impurity
Promiscuity
Idolatry
Sorcery
Hatreds
Strife
Jealousy
Outbursts of Anger
Selfish Ambitions
Dissensions
Factions
Envy
Drunkenness
Carousing
Anything Similar
Of the Spirit:
Love
Joy
Peace
Patience
Kindness
Goodness
Faith
Gentleness
Self-Control
I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
Galatians 5:16
We're both going to need them.
For those whose lives are according to the flesh think about the things of the flesh, but those whose lives are according to the Spirit, about the things of the Spirit....Those whose lives are in the flesh are unable to please God.
Romans 8:5, 8
OK. That's tough to digest, but vague enough not to feel too guilty, right? So let's read the next set of verses defining the things of the flesh and of the Spirit:
Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar about which I tell you in advance - as I told you before - that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:19-23
Please take some time on the following, as I am.
I'm going list those again. As you read it, I ask that you first define each one. Then ask the Spirit to help you be completely honest and open with yourself about whether it is something that you "think on". After that, compare what the Spirit has shown you about what you dwell on which is of the flesh and which is of the Spirit.
Of the Flesh:
Sexual Immorality
Moral Impurity
Promiscuity
Idolatry
Sorcery
Hatreds
Strife
Jealousy
Outbursts of Anger
Selfish Ambitions
Dissensions
Factions
Envy
Drunkenness
Carousing
Anything Similar
Of the Spirit:
Love
Joy
Peace
Patience
Kindness
Goodness
Faith
Gentleness
Self-Control
I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
Galatians 5:16
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