With so much love talk in the books of John, I find it interesting, yet refreshing, to hear what we are not to love. 1 John 2:15-17 tells us, “Do not love the world or the things that belong to the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything that belongs to the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one's lifestyle – is not from the Father, but is from the world. And the world with its lust is passing away, but the one who does God's will remians forever.”
Isn't it amazing how things never seem to change at the core. Two thousand years ago the people were being told not to fall for the lust of the flesh or the eyes, and not to have pride in one's lifestyle. Sounds just like today, doesn't it? Only God could write a Book that is as relevant today as it was during Moses' time over 3000 years ago.
Let's put it in a slightly different context than what we typically think of.
The lust of the flesh: We usually think of sexual sins when we hear this phrase. Let's take it further than that though. How about lusting after too much food or drink? How obsessed have we become with our own clothing or upkeep? Personally, I think we could insert most diet plans into this catergory. We are consumed by how our own flesh appeals to others. Now don't take me wrong. I think having a healthy diet is great and we need to be concerned about our physical bodies well being, but don't you think we have taken it to the exteme in the Western world? That is a lust of the flesh.
The lust of the eyes: Once again, we tend to think of sexual sins here, but this too can have a broader meaning. How much time do we spend in even one day watching T.V., movies, computer stuff, video games, or reading books? No. These things are not wrong in and of themselves, but how have we been influenced by them? I have to admitt, there are a good many movies and shows that Kevin and I love to watch. There is one in particular that we adore and were so entertained by, but the Lord started speaking to us that we needed to throw it away. We fought the conviction for a while, until the pressure was so strong everytime we thought about watching it, that we might as well toss it. We just couldn't watch it! Why? It had become a lust to our eyes. It confronted us with many of the worlds issues that we just didn't need any extra of. There are other shows we have that bring up some of the same topics, but we have not been convicted of those. I don't know why. All I do know is that if something of the like becomes a worldly lust to your eyes, it's best to get rid of it rather than eventually have your conscience seared.
Pride in one's lifestyle: This one can go in so many directions. Do you have pride that you can get away with more junk than other Christians? Perhaps you have been blessed by the Lord in some area and you want to make sure everyone you meet knows it, not for God's glory, but so that they can see what you think God feels you deserve. Here's one that cracks me up, yet get's all of us at times – What about pride in our humility? Do you feel you deserve to live in America and be given every liberty? That's pride in your lifestyle. Pride is certainly a roaring, shape-shifting beast we can not kill on our own. We need the Lord's strength for that.
Honestly, what we focus on most is what we love. Take some time today to make sure it is not things of the world, but of the Spirit.
Let's get a Spiritual eye exam and get things focused right.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
This Is How We Know
I think all Christians have questioned their salvation at some point. Not as to whether it is all true, but if they had really acctepted Christ as their Savior. If they really meant it, or perhaps took the right steps. It goes back to that saying, “Do you know that you know that you know.” While I agree we need to come to God daily and confess our sins to Him, I also know that Christ only had to die for our sins once. He was the perfect sacrifice which need not be repeated. So why do we think that we can lose the gift of grace given to us? Did that grace not cover us perfectly so that we must crucify Christ again? Certainly not.
With the assurance of that, we need to be reminded that just because we “say the right words and get baptized” doesn't mean we are His. I love my pastor's twist on the old Baptist saying, “Once saved, always saved.” He claims, “IF saved, always saved.” I couldn't agree more. (Read Hebrews 6:1-8 on this matter if you get a chance today.)
So, how do we know for sure?
1 John 2:3-6 “This is how we know for sure that we have come to know Him: by keeping His commands. The one who says, 'I have come to know Him,' without keeping His commands, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly in him the love of God is perfected. This is how we know we are in Him: the one who says he remains in Him should walk just as He walked.”
There are a few things we must understand when reading this passage. The first is we are human and can never be perfect. We will make mistakes, and just because we do sin, or even have a season of sin, does not mean we were never saved. The differnece is repentance. Were we convicted by the Spirit while in the midst of the sinning season? Did you return, or can you feel the overwhelming burden to return to following Him now? That is the work of the Spirt who lives within you; The promised Seal from Christ (Ephesians 1:13).
Second, in order to walk like Him and keep His commands we have to know what they are. That means reading the Bible and spending time with God in prayer- not just prayer requests. Unfortunatley, we tend to think of the Bible as the same old thing and go to books about the Bible instead. While many of these are a wonderful tool in helping us understand principles of the Bible, we can not substitute them completley. Try asking God what His opinion is about a certain matter or subject before you fill your mind with what others think.
How do we know if we are keeping His commands? A lawyer asked Jesus which of the commands was the greatest. Jesus replied in Matthew 22:37-40, “...Love the Lord you God with all you heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important commandment. The second is like it: Love you neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commandments.” If we concern ourself with nothing but these two commands, we can not go astray. God loves us and wants the best for us. We must keep our hearts focused on Him, then He will lead us on the right path (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Take time today to just love the Lord your God with all that is within you.
With the assurance of that, we need to be reminded that just because we “say the right words and get baptized” doesn't mean we are His. I love my pastor's twist on the old Baptist saying, “Once saved, always saved.” He claims, “IF saved, always saved.” I couldn't agree more. (Read Hebrews 6:1-8 on this matter if you get a chance today.)
So, how do we know for sure?
1 John 2:3-6 “This is how we know for sure that we have come to know Him: by keeping His commands. The one who says, 'I have come to know Him,' without keeping His commands, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly in him the love of God is perfected. This is how we know we are in Him: the one who says he remains in Him should walk just as He walked.”
There are a few things we must understand when reading this passage. The first is we are human and can never be perfect. We will make mistakes, and just because we do sin, or even have a season of sin, does not mean we were never saved. The differnece is repentance. Were we convicted by the Spirit while in the midst of the sinning season? Did you return, or can you feel the overwhelming burden to return to following Him now? That is the work of the Spirt who lives within you; The promised Seal from Christ (Ephesians 1:13).
Second, in order to walk like Him and keep His commands we have to know what they are. That means reading the Bible and spending time with God in prayer- not just prayer requests. Unfortunatley, we tend to think of the Bible as the same old thing and go to books about the Bible instead. While many of these are a wonderful tool in helping us understand principles of the Bible, we can not substitute them completley. Try asking God what His opinion is about a certain matter or subject before you fill your mind with what others think.
How do we know if we are keeping His commands? A lawyer asked Jesus which of the commands was the greatest. Jesus replied in Matthew 22:37-40, “...Love the Lord you God with all you heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important commandment. The second is like it: Love you neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commandments.” If we concern ourself with nothing but these two commands, we can not go astray. God loves us and wants the best for us. We must keep our hearts focused on Him, then He will lead us on the right path (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Take time today to just love the Lord your God with all that is within you.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
1 John- Tough Love
I think a great synoptic title for the book of 1 John is Tough Love. If we truly love someone we do what is best for them, no matter how it may hurt them, or us, at the time. The trick is in the way we do it though. We can stand our ground firmly with a smug look, or we can do it with tears in our eyes. That is why I believe the passage we looked at yesterday in Matthew 7 goes so well with this book. We need to make particularly sure this kind of love is done from with the right and humbled heart. Then, we need to remember, the point of true love is to stand and not back down.
The first verse of tough love comes early on. 1 John 1:6 says, “If we say, 'We have fellowship with Him,' and walk in darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth.”
Where do I walk? I ask this of myself less frequently than I should. What about you? Is there any darkness in our walk?
One thing I know for certain is that it is our duty as children of God to grow in maturity and not be satisfied with any aspect of our sin nature. When was the last time you felt the Holy Spirit convicting you to walk more in the light? If it has been a long time, you need to go to the Father and ask Him to show you where you have become too comfortable in the sins of this world. Trust me, unless you are dead, you are not perfected.
Perhaps you still think you've gotten it all together though. Take a look at 1 John 1:8. “If we say, 'We have no sin,' we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”
Take some time today to go over the areas in which you tend to walk in darkness. Ask the Lord to strengthen you once again, in order for you to turn to the light and stay there. I know I am. If you need to, find another Christian with whom you can be completely honest and ask them to keep you accountable. It really does help keep you straight knowing you will have to admit a lapse to another person.
The first verse of tough love comes early on. 1 John 1:6 says, “If we say, 'We have fellowship with Him,' and walk in darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth.”
Where do I walk? I ask this of myself less frequently than I should. What about you? Is there any darkness in our walk?
One thing I know for certain is that it is our duty as children of God to grow in maturity and not be satisfied with any aspect of our sin nature. When was the last time you felt the Holy Spirit convicting you to walk more in the light? If it has been a long time, you need to go to the Father and ask Him to show you where you have become too comfortable in the sins of this world. Trust me, unless you are dead, you are not perfected.
Perhaps you still think you've gotten it all together though. Take a look at 1 John 1:8. “If we say, 'We have no sin,' we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”
Take some time today to go over the areas in which you tend to walk in darkness. Ask the Lord to strengthen you once again, in order for you to turn to the light and stay there. I know I am. If you need to, find another Christian with whom you can be completely honest and ask them to keep you accountable. It really does help keep you straight knowing you will have to admit a lapse to another person.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
The Apostle John- No Longer #1
We are studying 1 John in my Life Group (Sunday School) this month, and I'd like to talk about it over the next few days.
When we think of the Apostle John, we tend to first think of him as “the one who Jesus loved” (John 13:23). His writings are full of talk about love. The problem is that our society often tends to view love as lacking strength or boldness. It's just being super nice to people no matter the consequences. The most well known verse, up until recently, has been John 3:16. “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” This niceness we've been taught to show has been taken to the extreme so that now the most quoted verse is Matthew 7:1. “Do not judge, so that you won't be judged.” They problem is that most tend take them out of context.
Please take some time to read John 3:16-21 and Matthew 7:1-6 below. It is still not the full text around these verses, but it gives one a better understanding of their context. First, ask God to open your heart to what He would have you glean from these Scriptures today. There is always something He wants to teach us. Then, read them slowly with some pencil and paper. See if there is something you need to jot down in order to look up later. It might be a thought or question that occurs to you. Make sure to take the time to explore it over the next few days.
John 3:16-21 “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condem the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the One and Only Son of God. This, then, is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and the people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. For everyone who practices wicked things hates the light and avoids it, so that his deeds may not be exposed. But anyone who lives by the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.”
Matthew 7:1-6 “Do not judge, so that you won't be judged. For with the judgment you use, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye but don't notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and look, there's a log in your eye? Hypocrite! First take the log out of your eye, then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. Don't give what is holy to dogs or toss you pearls before pigs, or they will trample them with their feet, turn, and tear you to pieces.”
Do you see a connection between these two passages? With these verses as a base, we'll take a look at 1 John tomorrow.
When we think of the Apostle John, we tend to first think of him as “the one who Jesus loved” (John 13:23). His writings are full of talk about love. The problem is that our society often tends to view love as lacking strength or boldness. It's just being super nice to people no matter the consequences. The most well known verse, up until recently, has been John 3:16. “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” This niceness we've been taught to show has been taken to the extreme so that now the most quoted verse is Matthew 7:1. “Do not judge, so that you won't be judged.” They problem is that most tend take them out of context.
Please take some time to read John 3:16-21 and Matthew 7:1-6 below. It is still not the full text around these verses, but it gives one a better understanding of their context. First, ask God to open your heart to what He would have you glean from these Scriptures today. There is always something He wants to teach us. Then, read them slowly with some pencil and paper. See if there is something you need to jot down in order to look up later. It might be a thought or question that occurs to you. Make sure to take the time to explore it over the next few days.
John 3:16-21 “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condem the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the One and Only Son of God. This, then, is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and the people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. For everyone who practices wicked things hates the light and avoids it, so that his deeds may not be exposed. But anyone who lives by the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.”
Matthew 7:1-6 “Do not judge, so that you won't be judged. For with the judgment you use, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye but don't notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and look, there's a log in your eye? Hypocrite! First take the log out of your eye, then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. Don't give what is holy to dogs or toss you pearls before pigs, or they will trample them with their feet, turn, and tear you to pieces.”
Do you see a connection between these two passages? With these verses as a base, we'll take a look at 1 John tomorrow.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Are You Living In Neverland?
I get to return to the Magic Kingdom this Wednesday! We haven't been since Elijah, who is now 6, was just a few months old. Unfortunatley, Kevin won't get to go with us since he has to stay home and work. The kids and I are actually going down to help my mother move from Florida to Kentucky, and we figured as long as we were there, we'd make one last swing over to the Mouse House with both of their grandmothers.
It seems weird though. Kevin and I use to go over to Epcot every Sunday afternoon after church when we were first married. That's the nice thing about being a Florida resident and having season passes. Now, we haven't been in six years. How times change. How our reality has changed! I've tried telling people who have never lived in central Florida how it really is another world. Especially if you go to Disney all the time. It just isn't reality.
It began making me think recently: That is how it is being an American. It's like living in Disney World. The rest of the world doesn't work that way in general, but we just can't comprehand that people don't really have a Zip-a-dee-doo-da time everywhere else. Is that how we are as American Christians?
Many of you know our family has a passion for those of our brothers and sisters in other countries who are persecuted, or looked down upon because of their relationship with Jesus Christ. We are amazingly blessed to live in a country where there is even the pretense of a nationwide Christianity, though this is beginning to change. Let's not take it for granted. Sadly, many Christians in other parts of the world view American Christians as weak, and, in general, I think they are right.
Take a few moments today to pray for the endurance of the saints around the world. Also, thank God for how easy Christians have it here in the United States. They day will come when we do not.
Take a moment, if you will, to check out an organization that Kevin and I love and support. They have a free newsletter which you can request if interested.
The Voice of the Martyrs
http://www.persecution.com/
It seems weird though. Kevin and I use to go over to Epcot every Sunday afternoon after church when we were first married. That's the nice thing about being a Florida resident and having season passes. Now, we haven't been in six years. How times change. How our reality has changed! I've tried telling people who have never lived in central Florida how it really is another world. Especially if you go to Disney all the time. It just isn't reality.
It began making me think recently: That is how it is being an American. It's like living in Disney World. The rest of the world doesn't work that way in general, but we just can't comprehand that people don't really have a Zip-a-dee-doo-da time everywhere else. Is that how we are as American Christians?
Many of you know our family has a passion for those of our brothers and sisters in other countries who are persecuted, or looked down upon because of their relationship with Jesus Christ. We are amazingly blessed to live in a country where there is even the pretense of a nationwide Christianity, though this is beginning to change. Let's not take it for granted. Sadly, many Christians in other parts of the world view American Christians as weak, and, in general, I think they are right.
Take a few moments today to pray for the endurance of the saints around the world. Also, thank God for how easy Christians have it here in the United States. They day will come when we do not.
Take a moment, if you will, to check out an organization that Kevin and I love and support. They have a free newsletter which you can request if interested.
The Voice of the Martyrs
http://www.persecution.com/
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Sunday Worship
I have truly come to love Sundays. On Saturday, I start gearing up for Sunday morning worship, and just can't wait. The wonderfully, amazing thing is that my preparation is totally different from what it use to be.
Saturday afternoon, I use to debate over what I was going to wear and how to dress the kids, thus I would usually start a load of “Church Laundry”. Next, I would look over the lesson and study it. The length of time I spent, honestly, was connected to whether I was teaching a lesson the next day or not. Then, waking early the next morning, we would rush around and get there just in time for me to hurry to each person and thing I needed to talk to or accomplish. After the service, I would talk to the people I couldn't get to before, and we would run home just in time for Kevin to get ready for work as I shed myself of my Sunday fixings! (...I hate dressing up.) Whew!
Things have changed a bit though. Now, I just make sure we have something clean to wear. I've given up dressin' up. It's not that I'm being disrespectful, in fact, I'm being even less so now. I use to sit there miserable in my dress clothes, and often in pain for various reasons. Now, the time I spent rearranging my attire is spent rearranging my heart. I know that not everyone feels that way when dressing up, but I did, and I'm grateful to attend a church where they are accepting of my jeans and flip-flops every Sunday.
I also love the worship music! I use to lead music at a small church we attended, and while I am truly blessed to have done so, I love just getting to participate now. I was raised in a church where we clapped for a few songs, but never lifted our hands before the Lord in praise. Though not many in my current church do, there are enough people who lift their hands to the Lord, that I have felt comfortable in doing so when prompted by the Spirit. As I've told some of my friends, I may lift my hands, but seldom do I show my armpits. I just haven't made it that high and lifted up....yet.
I still read over the lesson- occasionally. Actually, I have found that when I am current in the Word of God and have been doing what He has asked of me, I get more, and am able to contribute more, to the lesson. That's the wonderful thing about the Bible. Genesis to Revelation, it all points to Jesus, and all Scripture is relevant to any other portion.
There are still things I need to do and people I may need to see when at church, but they have become a blessing to me instead of a list of things to do. A large part of that is due to the fact that I spend time in prayer every Saturday, asking for the next day of worship to be a blessing to myself and my family. I desire for us all to love worshiping there, to love the people, and to love spending time together in corporate worship with them.
Am I human? Yes. That means that this doesn't happen every Sunday, but it happens so much more often than it use to.
And I LOVE it.
Saturday afternoon, I use to debate over what I was going to wear and how to dress the kids, thus I would usually start a load of “Church Laundry”. Next, I would look over the lesson and study it. The length of time I spent, honestly, was connected to whether I was teaching a lesson the next day or not. Then, waking early the next morning, we would rush around and get there just in time for me to hurry to each person and thing I needed to talk to or accomplish. After the service, I would talk to the people I couldn't get to before, and we would run home just in time for Kevin to get ready for work as I shed myself of my Sunday fixings! (...I hate dressing up.) Whew!
Things have changed a bit though. Now, I just make sure we have something clean to wear. I've given up dressin' up. It's not that I'm being disrespectful, in fact, I'm being even less so now. I use to sit there miserable in my dress clothes, and often in pain for various reasons. Now, the time I spent rearranging my attire is spent rearranging my heart. I know that not everyone feels that way when dressing up, but I did, and I'm grateful to attend a church where they are accepting of my jeans and flip-flops every Sunday.
I also love the worship music! I use to lead music at a small church we attended, and while I am truly blessed to have done so, I love just getting to participate now. I was raised in a church where we clapped for a few songs, but never lifted our hands before the Lord in praise. Though not many in my current church do, there are enough people who lift their hands to the Lord, that I have felt comfortable in doing so when prompted by the Spirit. As I've told some of my friends, I may lift my hands, but seldom do I show my armpits. I just haven't made it that high and lifted up....yet.
I still read over the lesson- occasionally. Actually, I have found that when I am current in the Word of God and have been doing what He has asked of me, I get more, and am able to contribute more, to the lesson. That's the wonderful thing about the Bible. Genesis to Revelation, it all points to Jesus, and all Scripture is relevant to any other portion.
There are still things I need to do and people I may need to see when at church, but they have become a blessing to me instead of a list of things to do. A large part of that is due to the fact that I spend time in prayer every Saturday, asking for the next day of worship to be a blessing to myself and my family. I desire for us all to love worshiping there, to love the people, and to love spending time together in corporate worship with them.
Am I human? Yes. That means that this doesn't happen every Sunday, but it happens so much more often than it use to.
And I LOVE it.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
My Journal
Ever since I was in the 6th grade I have tried keeping a journal. Unfortunatley, I am very sporatic in my drive to do so. As I sat here today deciding and praying on what to write about, I began looking through some old entries I had written and forgotten about. When I came across this one, it just seemed right. It was written when I was part of a small home church, and I was feeling the call of the Lord to do more than I ever thought possible. I pray this blesses you in some way. Perhaps it is here just for you.
January 30, 2006
Mark 7:34 'Then, looking up into heaven, He sighed deeply and said to him. “Ephphatha!” (that is “Be opened!”)' As I read this and breathed deeply myself, the Holy Spirit came over me so powerfully. How beautiful it was (is)!
“Be opened!” He said to me.
“In what way?” I asked.
“Teach.” He replied.
“But I am a woman, My Lord.” I reasoned.
“But you are My woman!” He proclaimed.
Tears spill from my eyes at the beauty of His declaration; The joy of His Word to me. As I sit here there is a peace, but also a battle. I know what He is telling me, I have confidence in that, however, it will not be easy.
“Don't worry about it. Declare the truth and believe.”
Thank You my God;
Thank You my Master;
Thank You my Savior;
Thank You my Father;
Thank You my Friend.
January 30, 2006
Mark 7:34 'Then, looking up into heaven, He sighed deeply and said to him. “Ephphatha!” (that is “Be opened!”)' As I read this and breathed deeply myself, the Holy Spirit came over me so powerfully. How beautiful it was (is)!
“Be opened!” He said to me.
“In what way?” I asked.
“Teach.” He replied.
“But I am a woman, My Lord.” I reasoned.
“But you are My woman!” He proclaimed.
Tears spill from my eyes at the beauty of His declaration; The joy of His Word to me. As I sit here there is a peace, but also a battle. I know what He is telling me, I have confidence in that, however, it will not be easy.
“Don't worry about it. Declare the truth and believe.”
Thank You my God;
Thank You my Master;
Thank You my Savior;
Thank You my Father;
Thank You my Friend.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Happy Anniversary
Today is my 10 year wedding anniversary.!
It made me start thinking though. Why do we celebrate anniversaries? There are all kinds of celebrations too. Some are happy remembrances of a day, such as a wedding or a birth. Others are somber reflections of someone's life on the day of their death, or of a time gone by. No matter the emotion, we tend to remember things that happen on particular days.
I believe it boils down to the fact that God just created us that way. He tells us throughout His Word to remember. We are to remember what He has done, and is doing, for us. God tells Moses to remember the sabbath because it is holy.(Exodus 20:8) He also promises to remember His people and His promises to them.(Leviticus 26:42) Jesus tells His disciples at the last supper to continue to “Do this in remembrance of Me.” (Luke 22:19) We are made to remember.
As Kevin and I reflect today on the last 10 years, I know we will most be thinking about all the Lord has done for us as a married couple. It still blows us away. Won't you celebrate with us?
It made me start thinking though. Why do we celebrate anniversaries? There are all kinds of celebrations too. Some are happy remembrances of a day, such as a wedding or a birth. Others are somber reflections of someone's life on the day of their death, or of a time gone by. No matter the emotion, we tend to remember things that happen on particular days.
I believe it boils down to the fact that God just created us that way. He tells us throughout His Word to remember. We are to remember what He has done, and is doing, for us. God tells Moses to remember the sabbath because it is holy.(Exodus 20:8) He also promises to remember His people and His promises to them.(Leviticus 26:42) Jesus tells His disciples at the last supper to continue to “Do this in remembrance of Me.” (Luke 22:19) We are made to remember.
As Kevin and I reflect today on the last 10 years, I know we will most be thinking about all the Lord has done for us as a married couple. It still blows us away. Won't you celebrate with us?
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Shaving Knee Hairs
I have to admit that I'm a bit of a perfectionist. It really does annoy me at times, because I have the tendency to want to forget or give something up because I can't get it done just right. I'm constantly striving to get things perfect in an imperfect world, with a far from perfect body.
I was asking God the other day why I keep failing so miserably when I so desperately want to do things right for Him. I realize that none of us ever will reach perfection here on this earth, and that Jesus is the only one who has or will ever be able to do it. That is why He was the acceptable propitiation for our sins. I'm just tired of what seems to be a constant cycle of getting myself in the right spot and doing the right thing, only to find myself suddenly realizing some time later that I've been missing or forgetting some aspect.
I happened to be talking to God about this frustration of mine in the shower since that's the only quite, alone time a mom tends to get. At the same time, I was shaving my legs very carefully since we were having a pool party that afternoon. You ladies know what I mean. One doesn't want a big ol' patch of hairy leg when in a bathing suit in front of every one you go to church with. Later that afternoon while driving to the party I looked down at my knees. There were little hairs sticking out everywhere! It looked like I hadn't shaved that spot in a month or more. Why, of all times, did I now finally see them?
That's when God spoke to me. "It's because you have exposed them to the light of My sun and you were finally looking for them."
Oh. That made sense- For all those questions. That is why it is so important to keep bringing the things we are doing before God. Some hairs may have grown in. Now I had a choice. Did I ignore them, forget about them, or shave them? You have a choice too. Little things will keep popping up in this world. We don't need to give up or just ignore them. We need to constantly thank God He showed them to us and then shave them.
Perhaps I should keep a small razor next to the Bible in my purse...
I was asking God the other day why I keep failing so miserably when I so desperately want to do things right for Him. I realize that none of us ever will reach perfection here on this earth, and that Jesus is the only one who has or will ever be able to do it. That is why He was the acceptable propitiation for our sins. I'm just tired of what seems to be a constant cycle of getting myself in the right spot and doing the right thing, only to find myself suddenly realizing some time later that I've been missing or forgetting some aspect.
I happened to be talking to God about this frustration of mine in the shower since that's the only quite, alone time a mom tends to get. At the same time, I was shaving my legs very carefully since we were having a pool party that afternoon. You ladies know what I mean. One doesn't want a big ol' patch of hairy leg when in a bathing suit in front of every one you go to church with. Later that afternoon while driving to the party I looked down at my knees. There were little hairs sticking out everywhere! It looked like I hadn't shaved that spot in a month or more. Why, of all times, did I now finally see them?
That's when God spoke to me. "It's because you have exposed them to the light of My sun and you were finally looking for them."
Oh. That made sense- For all those questions. That is why it is so important to keep bringing the things we are doing before God. Some hairs may have grown in. Now I had a choice. Did I ignore them, forget about them, or shave them? You have a choice too. Little things will keep popping up in this world. We don't need to give up or just ignore them. We need to constantly thank God He showed them to us and then shave them.
Perhaps I should keep a small razor next to the Bible in my purse...
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
In Ten Years
This Friday is my tenth wedding anniversary. I can't believe it's been that long, but at the same time, it feels like so much longer since we've know each other since childhood. The funny thing is that several of our friends have also recently had their 10th anniversaries or will be very soon. A lot was going on 10 years ago! I've realized how much we've changed in the last 10 years: And believe me, it's for the better! Kevin and I have really grown in our relationship with God and thus with each other. We are amazed at how far He's brought us!
Last Saturday, we were blessed to be able to go to part of a Ted Dekker conference called The Gathering (I use the term, conference, loosely. It was hard to describe, but amazing!) Dekker is a fiction writer I love to read who is also a Christian. His writings all have Christian elements and allusions, but I wouldn't call him a Christian author really, and I was glad to see he felt the same way about his writing. As he was talking about the over 25 books he has published I realized that he was first published less that 10 years ago. Wow! What a ride he has been on!
Dekker then said something about how God will use the people in that very room over the next 10 years. That really hit me hard, because that is exactly what God has been talking to me about. What will be my reality in 10 years? Where will God lead Kevin and I? We just need to be willing to follow. I have to admit, we are really nervous and a little scared about it, but we trust that it will be the best for God's kingdom and that is what we are here for: To glorify Him. I don't think He'll mind if we have to close our eyes every once in a while and scream while He takes us on the roller coaster He built for us. At least we got on!
Think about where and who you were 10 years ago. How far has God brought you? Has He been speaking to you about where your going? Where do you think He'll have you in 10 years?
Last Saturday, we were blessed to be able to go to part of a Ted Dekker conference called The Gathering (I use the term, conference, loosely. It was hard to describe, but amazing!) Dekker is a fiction writer I love to read who is also a Christian. His writings all have Christian elements and allusions, but I wouldn't call him a Christian author really, and I was glad to see he felt the same way about his writing. As he was talking about the over 25 books he has published I realized that he was first published less that 10 years ago. Wow! What a ride he has been on!
Dekker then said something about how God will use the people in that very room over the next 10 years. That really hit me hard, because that is exactly what God has been talking to me about. What will be my reality in 10 years? Where will God lead Kevin and I? We just need to be willing to follow. I have to admit, we are really nervous and a little scared about it, but we trust that it will be the best for God's kingdom and that is what we are here for: To glorify Him. I don't think He'll mind if we have to close our eyes every once in a while and scream while He takes us on the roller coaster He built for us. At least we got on!
Think about where and who you were 10 years ago. How far has God brought you? Has He been speaking to you about where your going? Where do you think He'll have you in 10 years?
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Questions
Sometimes I just like to sit and ponder questions about how God works or things about heaven. There are no solid answers, they are just fun to think about. Here are a few I've thought of lately. Feel free to make comments about them, or post some questions of your own.
*Do you think angels yawn? And if so, do they catch them from us at times?
*Why did God create sleep, and will we still need to for eternity?
*When was God the most pleased / frustrated with me?
*When Adam and Eve realized they were naked in the Garden of Eden, I doubt God thought, “Oh man, now I have to go get my robe on!” So, had they ever asked God about His coverings before that time as they walked in the garden in the cool of the day? (Genesis 3:8)
*What's the 90% of our brains we supposedly don't use, really for?
*Was the original language before the tower of Babel Hebrew, or did He change them all?
*Why is Hallelujah an international word?
*Why were we created to love stories so much?
*Does all of God's creation ask questions? Or just humans, angels, and donkeys (Numbers 22:28-32)?
What do you ponder?
Monday, June 8, 2009
Due To Technical Difficulties...
I'm sorry there has not been a blog for the last two days. I have two things to say about this:
The other problem is my lack of PC savy. I've forgotten how to do everything I once knew how, but I did discover that really doesn't matter. They do it different now anyway! I spent over an hour of my precious Internet time the other day just trying to get one video to come up on this blog. I have no idea if it's something I'm doing wrong or if it's my laptop which has become quite snarky lately. Either way, I'm having technical difficulties.
This morning after having to close yet another program that was not responding and restart my computer, I realized something. I'm so very, very thankful to God that He allows me to “restart” when my “program” is not responding. Perhaps my focus is off kilter and I need to clear my head and focus on Christ alone again: RESTART! It could be that I've been going along with what God has told me, but have begun adding too much of me and not enough Him: RESTART! There have also been times when I have gone against the Word and grown “weary of doing good” (2 Thessalonians 3:13): RESTART!
Hey, I know that there will not be any memory chips added. I've got to run on whatever capacity the Good Lord has given me till He upgrades me to that new body. Oh, the possibilities! So until that day I will praise the Lord for the grace He has given me to RESTART.
- Yes, I know writing one everyday may seem a bit much at times for me to write and for you to read, but God has really been on my case for missing two days in a row. He's not allowed me a peace about it, so I'll try not to let it happen again.
- Technology and I are in a love/hate relationship.
The other problem is my lack of PC savy. I've forgotten how to do everything I once knew how, but I did discover that really doesn't matter. They do it different now anyway! I spent over an hour of my precious Internet time the other day just trying to get one video to come up on this blog. I have no idea if it's something I'm doing wrong or if it's my laptop which has become quite snarky lately. Either way, I'm having technical difficulties.
This morning after having to close yet another program that was not responding and restart my computer, I realized something. I'm so very, very thankful to God that He allows me to “restart” when my “program” is not responding. Perhaps my focus is off kilter and I need to clear my head and focus on Christ alone again: RESTART! It could be that I've been going along with what God has told me, but have begun adding too much of me and not enough Him: RESTART! There have also been times when I have gone against the Word and grown “weary of doing good” (2 Thessalonians 3:13): RESTART!
Hey, I know that there will not be any memory chips added. I've got to run on whatever capacity the Good Lord has given me till He upgrades me to that new body. Oh, the possibilities! So until that day I will praise the Lord for the grace He has given me to RESTART.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Vacation Bible School
I love VBS, though I think it's for different reasons than most people.
Today is the last day of it at our church this year, and I'm so sad that it's over. We do ours from 9-12 in the morning Monday – Friday, and being that it is during typical business hours, we have an amazing number of workers. Our church has been averaging a little over 200 kids each day and 100 workers. That's a lot of dedication, and that's what I love best.
I see VBS, not as just an outreach and learning time for the children, but a time where the church body shines as it should. We get to see each other everyday for nearly a week, and thus become closer. The people are happy and cheerful. Perhaps it's because we feel we can act more child-like and not put on the “church-y” demeanor we usually do. I love seeing the elderly serving snacks and refreshments, the passion of the teachers, the energy of the recreation leaders, the dedication of the music leaders, the willingness of the youth to help where needed, and the humility of our pastoral staff (I'll post some proof/blackmail later!).
I love it all- and it makes me long for more! My heart aches, and wistfully I am reminded of the young church in Acts 2:46-47. “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 the people. And every day the Lord added to them those who were being saved.” That sounds like a really good VBS...
Vacation Bible School, to me, is tiny glimpse of what our heavenly worship with one another to our God will be. And by the way, the theme will be Paradise!
Today is the last day of it at our church this year, and I'm so sad that it's over. We do ours from 9-12 in the morning Monday – Friday, and being that it is during typical business hours, we have an amazing number of workers. Our church has been averaging a little over 200 kids each day and 100 workers. That's a lot of dedication, and that's what I love best.
I see VBS, not as just an outreach and learning time for the children, but a time where the church body shines as it should. We get to see each other everyday for nearly a week, and thus become closer. The people are happy and cheerful. Perhaps it's because we feel we can act more child-like and not put on the “church-y” demeanor we usually do. I love seeing the elderly serving snacks and refreshments, the passion of the teachers, the energy of the recreation leaders, the dedication of the music leaders, the willingness of the youth to help where needed, and the humility of our pastoral staff (I'll post some proof/blackmail later!).
I love it all- and it makes me long for more! My heart aches, and wistfully I am reminded of the young church in Acts 2:46-47. “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 the people. And every day the Lord added to them those who were being saved.” That sounds like a really good VBS...
Vacation Bible School, to me, is tiny glimpse of what our heavenly worship with one another to our God will be. And by the way, the theme will be Paradise!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Please Pray
Today is a very big day.
There are several very important things going on in my life today as well of some of my closest friends. A family member will find out what stage of cancer they are in, as well as if there are other factors or illnesses to deal with. I have a friend who is making some major changes in her life, and today is a key day. Another friend's one year old son is having surgery. Yet, another friend is hoping to hear if she got a job she interviewed for and really needs. And, I just found out some disturbing news last night about one of my children as well.
There is nothing better to do today than pray. Will you please join me? God knows the details better than I, so just lay it all before Him.
Here are a few verses on prayer. There is nothing like praying the Word, by the power and encouragement of the Word.
Psalm 18:6 “I called to the Lord in my distress, and I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry reached His ear.”
Matthew 18:19-20 “Again I assure you: If two of you on earth agree about any matter that you pray for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there among them.”
Luke 18:1 “He then told them a parable on the need for them to pray always and not become discouraged.”
2 Corinthians 1:11 “And you can join in helping with prayer for us, so that thanks may be given by many on our behalf for the gift that came to us through the prayers of many.”
James 5:16 “Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The intense prayer of the righteous is very powerful.”
Thank you all.
There are several very important things going on in my life today as well of some of my closest friends. A family member will find out what stage of cancer they are in, as well as if there are other factors or illnesses to deal with. I have a friend who is making some major changes in her life, and today is a key day. Another friend's one year old son is having surgery. Yet, another friend is hoping to hear if she got a job she interviewed for and really needs. And, I just found out some disturbing news last night about one of my children as well.
There is nothing better to do today than pray. Will you please join me? God knows the details better than I, so just lay it all before Him.
Here are a few verses on prayer. There is nothing like praying the Word, by the power and encouragement of the Word.
Psalm 18:6 “I called to the Lord in my distress, and I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry reached His ear.”
Matthew 18:19-20 “Again I assure you: If two of you on earth agree about any matter that you pray for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there among them.”
Luke 18:1 “He then told them a parable on the need for them to pray always and not become discouraged.”
2 Corinthians 1:11 “And you can join in helping with prayer for us, so that thanks may be given by many on our behalf for the gift that came to us through the prayers of many.”
James 5:16 “Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The intense prayer of the righteous is very powerful.”
Thank you all.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Dreaming
Why do we ask children what they want to be when they grow up? Because they are good at dreaming and making long term goals. Now, I know adults do as well, but there is something special about the way in which children do it. My friend and I were talking about the difference, and agreed that it was because children are not jaded by reality and "can not"s. They are free to dream. They have no preconceived notions about how the world works and what is acceptable or expected. They are invincible.
As a child, I use to dream of being a truck driver. Don't laugh. Well, not too much. To me, truck drivers were people who saw the world. They traveled everywhere. That desire and dream for me to travel is still there. I have the feeling that one day it will be fulfilled, though not in the way I first imagined it.
What do we as adults do though, when the dreams we had as a child have been fulfilled, perhaps even completed, and we are left wondering, “Now what?” Well, we know that God knows the plans He has for us (Jeremiah 29:11), and that His goal for us is not complete until we have breathed our last.
As I started thinking this over today, a few Scriptures came to mind.
“Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4
Perhaps when we have fulfilled the goals set before us by the Lord, and we are still alive, it is time to rest and delight in Him. The amazing thing is that as we are focused solely on God, He begins to fill our heart with the desires that please Him, and make them our own. We then begin to have new dreams and goals, I think, as God plants those new desires in our hearts. Remember, He wants to give us the desires of our heart, so He'll put them there if we leave it open to Him. This most likely won't happen very quickly, so keep delighting in Him. You'll wake up one day and know.
It's really hard to get over being an adult. We know too much, to be honest. We don't have the bliss of ignorance. Some of the other verses that came to mind were Matthew 18:2-5. This is the passage where Jesus takes a small child and says that we must become like children, and welcome children. I believe it is also good to think of this in reference to our dreams and goals too. Believe me, it takes a child-like faith to dream as big as we know God can bless and use us!
Think about your aspirations today. Do they match up with what God is doing in your life? Are you still waiting with a child-like faith, or have you seen them completed? Read Matthew 18:2-5 and Philippians 3:12-14, then go over your dreams, or being planning them, with God today.
As a child, I use to dream of being a truck driver. Don't laugh. Well, not too much. To me, truck drivers were people who saw the world. They traveled everywhere. That desire and dream for me to travel is still there. I have the feeling that one day it will be fulfilled, though not in the way I first imagined it.
What do we as adults do though, when the dreams we had as a child have been fulfilled, perhaps even completed, and we are left wondering, “Now what?” Well, we know that God knows the plans He has for us (Jeremiah 29:11), and that His goal for us is not complete until we have breathed our last.
As I started thinking this over today, a few Scriptures came to mind.
“Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4
Perhaps when we have fulfilled the goals set before us by the Lord, and we are still alive, it is time to rest and delight in Him. The amazing thing is that as we are focused solely on God, He begins to fill our heart with the desires that please Him, and make them our own. We then begin to have new dreams and goals, I think, as God plants those new desires in our hearts. Remember, He wants to give us the desires of our heart, so He'll put them there if we leave it open to Him. This most likely won't happen very quickly, so keep delighting in Him. You'll wake up one day and know.
It's really hard to get over being an adult. We know too much, to be honest. We don't have the bliss of ignorance. Some of the other verses that came to mind were Matthew 18:2-5. This is the passage where Jesus takes a small child and says that we must become like children, and welcome children. I believe it is also good to think of this in reference to our dreams and goals too. Believe me, it takes a child-like faith to dream as big as we know God can bless and use us!
Think about your aspirations today. Do they match up with what God is doing in your life? Are you still waiting with a child-like faith, or have you seen them completed? Read Matthew 18:2-5 and Philippians 3:12-14, then go over your dreams, or being planning them, with God today.
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