It doesn't happen all that often. But when it does, BOY does it get your attention! My morning walk and my morning reading had those similarites that make you sit and say, "Okay, God, You have my attention!"
So I was walking my last block before home...feet hurting and sunburn pinching...ready to be home but knowing I could make this last measly block. And he sat there staring. This little chipmunk, up to no good on someone's front stoop. When he saw me coming, he panicked and took off for shelter. This little chipmunk looked ridiculous running into a downspout to hide. But the funny part was what surprised him in there---apparently a bird had already sought that same place for shelter and the two of them had it out for their territory. Chirping, barking, scratching and fluttering...fighting for where they shouldn't be in the first place! A good, heavy rain and they'd both be out of luck for a safe harbor.
Then my reading landed in I Samuel 4. The story was about the Israelites preparing for a second battle against the Philistines. They were so stunned from their last battle, losing 4,000 soldiers, that they decided it would benefit them to have the ark of the covenant with them. They figured if God resided between the cherubim, they would be protected by bringing Him into battle with them. However, their false hope caused not only 30,000 soldiers' lives to be lost, but also the ark to be taken captive and never found again.
Both of these "episodes" have reminded me that I can't take my faith for granted. The Israelites chose to use their faith as a talisman--hoping that other religions' superstitions would work for them here by having the ark "on their side." What they failed to realize was that God would have been with them if the ark would have remained in Shiloh! God isn't a god of ritual and superstition. He desires a personal relationship with us on a heart-level...not just by ritual and routine.
And in that personal relationship, we need to be careful not to put false hope in what we do to grow closer to Him. I can't have my worship time with God in the morning and expect it to "work" all day. Granted, it gives a GREAT start to my day and I'm lost without it! But I can't forget everything He's taught me throughout the rest of the day. When evening comes, am I quick to anger? Forgetful of where I get my strength? Frustrated at little things? Irritated with the people around me? Have I taken a false shelter where I only find competition, fighting, and no real safety at all?
I guess watching that chipmunk reminded me of myself. I see something that makes me nervous, so I run to what I think is the nearest "shelter of His wings." Really, it's some other false shelter--my home, my "safezone", knitting, an old movie, food, etc... I will never find peace in those shelters because the covers are transparent. They offer no protection from the sun.
I can only get real protection from The Son. And that is where I need to rest all throughout the day...
Monday, June 15, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Finally Finished Something!
Yup...I did. For the first time in a LONG time, I finished a book. A real one... full of complete sentences and devoid of illustrations! I've always admired you moms who can read. I enjoy it, but I've not figured out how to finish a book with kids hanging on me and interrupting every thought. Keeping up with this blog is enough of a challenge as two kids are asking "Can I watch TV?" and "Is it 5:00 yet?" even as I type.
So this morning I completed Day 90 of my Jesus: 90 Days With the One and Only by Beth Moore. Granted, it took longer than 90 days, for reasoned already mentioned. But the devotional was amazing. And if there were just one thing I wanted to pull away with me from the entire book, it would have to be how faithful our God is. From Jesus' "Day 1" on this planet, everything He did pointed to His final day. His teaching, His prayers, His actions, His companions, His dinner partners, His controversy....every little (and big) thing He did or said while on this earth gave way to the real reason He came...His death and resurrection.
And it's even more than that. Because of the ministry Christ had on this earth, we can have fellowship with Him and ministry with others. We are all spiritual descendants of Peter, John, Luke. As as children of God, that makes us church planters and beloved sons and doctors and teachers and writers.
So am I living on this earth like Jesus did? Is everything I do and say pointing to that day when Christ will return and stake His claim on His earth? Am I teaching my children to look up? Are my prayers future-focused? Are my actions showing others that there is a God who loves them more than His only Son and that He is sending that Son back for us?
We've also been doing a small group Bible study in the book of Philippians. We've been learning to be goal-focused---that goal being the gift of heaven and the rewards that follow. It's also been a study in choosing joy. This has had me thinking in a variety of notions, all of which I hope will make sense when my fingers rest here...
Life will hand us a myriad of circumstances--some in our control, most out of it. And when parents die and dogs get sick and kids backtalk and laundry piles itself in the basement, what will be my reaction of choice? If I let one thing drag me down, it's likely the next (which will be just around the corner) will have an easier time pulling me lower. And what will I be showing those around me? On the road to Emmaus, the two men Jesus encountered after His resurrection were discussing the events of that weekend. Luke records that the men "were discouraged." Is that what my statement of faith will look like on my face? Does my faith in Christ look like a discouraged, stressed, overworked mom? Or can I choose joy and trust that God will send the help I need and the rest my body craves?
It's not easy and I'm far from saying I've got it figured out. But it is a question I will continue to pose to myself throughout today. What will be my reaction of choice?
What will be yours?
So this morning I completed Day 90 of my Jesus: 90 Days With the One and Only by Beth Moore. Granted, it took longer than 90 days, for reasoned already mentioned. But the devotional was amazing. And if there were just one thing I wanted to pull away with me from the entire book, it would have to be how faithful our God is. From Jesus' "Day 1" on this planet, everything He did pointed to His final day. His teaching, His prayers, His actions, His companions, His dinner partners, His controversy....every little (and big) thing He did or said while on this earth gave way to the real reason He came...His death and resurrection.
And it's even more than that. Because of the ministry Christ had on this earth, we can have fellowship with Him and ministry with others. We are all spiritual descendants of Peter, John, Luke. As as children of God, that makes us church planters and beloved sons and doctors and teachers and writers.
So am I living on this earth like Jesus did? Is everything I do and say pointing to that day when Christ will return and stake His claim on His earth? Am I teaching my children to look up? Are my prayers future-focused? Are my actions showing others that there is a God who loves them more than His only Son and that He is sending that Son back for us?
We've also been doing a small group Bible study in the book of Philippians. We've been learning to be goal-focused---that goal being the gift of heaven and the rewards that follow. It's also been a study in choosing joy. This has had me thinking in a variety of notions, all of which I hope will make sense when my fingers rest here...
Life will hand us a myriad of circumstances--some in our control, most out of it. And when parents die and dogs get sick and kids backtalk and laundry piles itself in the basement, what will be my reaction of choice? If I let one thing drag me down, it's likely the next (which will be just around the corner) will have an easier time pulling me lower. And what will I be showing those around me? On the road to Emmaus, the two men Jesus encountered after His resurrection were discussing the events of that weekend. Luke records that the men "were discouraged." Is that what my statement of faith will look like on my face? Does my faith in Christ look like a discouraged, stressed, overworked mom? Or can I choose joy and trust that God will send the help I need and the rest my body craves?
It's not easy and I'm far from saying I've got it figured out. But it is a question I will continue to pose to myself throughout today. What will be my reaction of choice?
What will be yours?
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Following at a Distance
Well, good morning!
The biggest realization God has smacked me in the head with lately is that dropping a bunch of "little" things of my proverbial plate will not do near as much good as dropping the plate. So, as of the last Wednesday in May, I will no longer be employed at the local coffee shop/Christian bookstore. Knowing, even now, that in a few weeks my schedule will be my own is quite freeing! My health, my family and my time have all been so affected by working part-time that I can't even walk straight anymore...seriously....my feet are killing me.
That being said, one of the things I look forward to gaining back is this time online. I miss getting my morning thoughts on "paper" and as I said to a friend last night, if I want quiet, I have to go to cyberspace to get it!!!
I went back into that "Jesus: 90 Days with the One and Only" book a few weeks ago. I'm itching to get into the next one, "David: 90 Days with the One After God's Heart" (I think that's the title). I would love to know what life is like post-forgiveness...and I figure David had a clue. However, I need to, as my mother would say, "Start one thing before I finish another." :)
As much as the first 90% of the book took the tollway through Christ's earthly life and ministry, these last 10 days-worth are taking the scenic route through His crucifixion, farewell to His disciples, last prayers, etc... It's such a wonderful thing to meet each morning with the Savior who spent His last earthly moments thinking of me!
I was so encouraged by a few sections in Luke 22. At the Passover, the disciples started to bicker over who was the greatest among them. Jesus gently reminded them that to be considered "great" in the kingdom of God, they must first consider themselves "lowest" on earth. He continued with this poignant note to Peter:
"Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." (Luke 22:31-32)
According to Beth Moore's commentary in the book, Satan had asked permission of God to sift the disciples like wheat. That 'you' was a collective one. However, Jesus is speaking specifically of and to Peter when He says, "I have prayed for you....when you have turned again..." Jesus knows our every thought before we mistakenly put it into action. And better yet, He knows full-well that WHEN we return---not IF---we will live out the purpose He has set beforehand for us (Ephesians 2:10). The providence and confidence found in this passage are so refreshing to me. But it gets better....
But he said to Him, "Lord, with You I am ready to go both to prison and to death!"And He said, "I say to you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me." (Luke 22:33-34)
In the VERY NEXT VERSE, Jesus calls Peter on what will happen and how he will be directly put to the test by the enemy. So He already knows the sin we'll commit. Despite our free will, He knows the foolish choices we'll make every time. And when that happens...
But Peter said, "Man, I do not know what you are talking about." Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked at Peter And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had told him, "Before a rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times." And he went out and wept bitterly. (Luke 22:60-62)
Jesus is right there, through an open window, making eye contact with us and reminding us that not only did He know this would happen, but He is there to help us get back up again. I don't believe for a second that there was condemnation in Christ's eyes as He connected with His beloved disciple. Knowing that only hours before, Jesus was praying for this very moment in Peter's life, assures me that in His eyes there was only encouragement and love. Maybe there was even a bit of, "Now, use this to strengthen your brothers. This is what I meant and this was for your good. All of this...is for you."
When we trip...and we will...we can take comfort in the fact that Jesus is already there, with His pierced hands lying open, ready to break our fall. He will gently lift us to our feet and point us in the direction of that path He has set before us. Then we can take our confidence in Him, boast in His strength and "lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us..." (Hebrews 12:1)
The biggest realization God has smacked me in the head with lately is that dropping a bunch of "little" things of my proverbial plate will not do near as much good as dropping the plate. So, as of the last Wednesday in May, I will no longer be employed at the local coffee shop/Christian bookstore. Knowing, even now, that in a few weeks my schedule will be my own is quite freeing! My health, my family and my time have all been so affected by working part-time that I can't even walk straight anymore...seriously....my feet are killing me.
That being said, one of the things I look forward to gaining back is this time online. I miss getting my morning thoughts on "paper" and as I said to a friend last night, if I want quiet, I have to go to cyberspace to get it!!!
I went back into that "Jesus: 90 Days with the One and Only" book a few weeks ago. I'm itching to get into the next one, "David: 90 Days with the One After God's Heart" (I think that's the title). I would love to know what life is like post-forgiveness...and I figure David had a clue. However, I need to, as my mother would say, "Start one thing before I finish another." :)
As much as the first 90% of the book took the tollway through Christ's earthly life and ministry, these last 10 days-worth are taking the scenic route through His crucifixion, farewell to His disciples, last prayers, etc... It's such a wonderful thing to meet each morning with the Savior who spent His last earthly moments thinking of me!
I was so encouraged by a few sections in Luke 22. At the Passover, the disciples started to bicker over who was the greatest among them. Jesus gently reminded them that to be considered "great" in the kingdom of God, they must first consider themselves "lowest" on earth. He continued with this poignant note to Peter:
"Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." (Luke 22:31-32)
According to Beth Moore's commentary in the book, Satan had asked permission of God to sift the disciples like wheat. That 'you' was a collective one. However, Jesus is speaking specifically of and to Peter when He says, "I have prayed for you....when you have turned again..." Jesus knows our every thought before we mistakenly put it into action. And better yet, He knows full-well that WHEN we return---not IF---we will live out the purpose He has set beforehand for us (Ephesians 2:10). The providence and confidence found in this passage are so refreshing to me. But it gets better....
But he said to Him, "Lord, with You I am ready to go both to prison and to death!"And He said, "I say to you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me." (Luke 22:33-34)
In the VERY NEXT VERSE, Jesus calls Peter on what will happen and how he will be directly put to the test by the enemy. So He already knows the sin we'll commit. Despite our free will, He knows the foolish choices we'll make every time. And when that happens...
But Peter said, "Man, I do not know what you are talking about." Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked at Peter And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had told him, "Before a rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times." And he went out and wept bitterly. (Luke 22:60-62)
Jesus is right there, through an open window, making eye contact with us and reminding us that not only did He know this would happen, but He is there to help us get back up again. I don't believe for a second that there was condemnation in Christ's eyes as He connected with His beloved disciple. Knowing that only hours before, Jesus was praying for this very moment in Peter's life, assures me that in His eyes there was only encouragement and love. Maybe there was even a bit of, "Now, use this to strengthen your brothers. This is what I meant and this was for your good. All of this...is for you."
When we trip...and we will...we can take comfort in the fact that Jesus is already there, with His pierced hands lying open, ready to break our fall. He will gently lift us to our feet and point us in the direction of that path He has set before us. Then we can take our confidence in Him, boast in His strength and "lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us..." (Hebrews 12:1)
Monday, March 23, 2009
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Money Troubles
Yup...that's the name of today's reading...Money Troubles. My reading continued yesterday's discourse between Jesus and this rich young ruler. After the young man informed Jesus that he had kept all those commandments and that he was a "good person," he was readily taught that he only had to give away all he had to the poor and follow Christ. Well, he didn't stick around much longer. And that's too bad because when Jesus noticed the man's sadness (interesting that the man had so much, yet he couldn't buy the one thing he didn't know he always needed), He taught that as much as we lay down here on earth, we will be rewarded with 10 times that much in heaven.
It's so easy to say, "Oh, that's not my problem. I don't have too much. Sheesh...I don't have much at all! Money isn't my focus." But I was gently reminded this morning that money can be so much of a focus whether we have it or not. In today's world, when people have money, they often want more. When people don't have money, they want more. It becomes such a focus, such a top priority, that all else is lost.
And a chunk of our faith goes with it. God constantly reminds us throughout His Word that we are to trust Him for all our needs. The Psalmists sing it. The Gospels teach it. The apostles Paul and Peter preach it. We are never without encouragement to put our trust in our Provider. When we take away that trust and put it in ourselves, our abilities at work, our new job application, our chance for a raise, etc..., we fall farther away from "our first love." (Rev. 2:4-5)
Let's be encouraged today to keep placing our faith in the One who cares for the birds of the air and knows the number of grains of sand on the seashore! He cares for us and He knows our needs. "Financial Stress" is not one of the Fruits of the Spirit!!!
It's so easy to say, "Oh, that's not my problem. I don't have too much. Sheesh...I don't have much at all! Money isn't my focus." But I was gently reminded this morning that money can be so much of a focus whether we have it or not. In today's world, when people have money, they often want more. When people don't have money, they want more. It becomes such a focus, such a top priority, that all else is lost.
And a chunk of our faith goes with it. God constantly reminds us throughout His Word that we are to trust Him for all our needs. The Psalmists sing it. The Gospels teach it. The apostles Paul and Peter preach it. We are never without encouragement to put our trust in our Provider. When we take away that trust and put it in ourselves, our abilities at work, our new job application, our chance for a raise, etc..., we fall farther away from "our first love." (Rev. 2:4-5)
Let's be encouraged today to keep placing our faith in the One who cares for the birds of the air and knows the number of grains of sand on the seashore! He cares for us and He knows our needs. "Financial Stress" is not one of the Fruits of the Spirit!!!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Living out God's plan
Good morning!
I've been wanting to get back to these devotional thoughts in the morning, but summer was so hard to get up before the kids did! Now with school in full swing, my morning routine is back and I'm working to get back on here. I've had a few requests for it and I really like the idea of getting these thoughts out of my head. (I only process written information---is that bad?!)
We're starting a new book at our Ladies' Bible Study. So far, it's just 'okay.' I'm still a bit wrapped up in my 90-Day Study in the Person of Christ. (Day 67) I'm planning to finish that as we start this other study about personal revival and seeking God.
Today's reading took me to Luke 18:18-21. This is the first half of the story of the rich young ruler who asks Jesus what he can do to inherit eternal life. Jesus kindly responds that he needs to keep the commandments. The young man claims, "All these things I have kept from my youth." Now, my reading just dug into this first half of the conversation. And for me, it was a good reminder of how we so often claim to "be good" and expect that will be enough for eternity.
And isn't the concept of "being good" a very subjective one? I mean, if I do something that I think is good, but it may be a little self-serving and someone else views it as selfish, how does that fit in? "Being good" is a process that we design ourselves and give ourselves the "All Clear" sign when we deem we're finished. One commandment Jesus reminds this man of is, "Honor your father and your mother." Well, sure, we honor them to their face as young children. But what is in our hearts? At age 6, my daughter knows there is a line to be crossed with what she says to me. But she is quickly learning that how she says it and how she storms upstairs in a hissy fit is just as dishonoring as if she would have told me, "I don't care what you think, I'm doing it anyway!"
The section of my reading entitled, "Praying God's Word Today" was great. I'd love to share it with you as it not only utilizes my favorite verses in Scripture, but also puts them in a new way so that I was reminded that God is in charge of my days. I may follow His commandments, but my heart needs to be in the right place at all times. For that to happen, I need to be always looking to Him for strength and guidance through my day as He is the One who is orchestrating my day!
"Lord Jesus, I know that You created me for good works, which You prepared ahead of time so that I would walk in them. But I am more aware than ever each day that it is by Your grace I have been saved through faith -- not from works, so that I have no reason to boast (Eph. 2:8-10). May I never boast in anything except the cross of Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world (Gal. 6:14)." (Jesus: 90 Days with the One and Only, Beth Moore)
I've been wanting to get back to these devotional thoughts in the morning, but summer was so hard to get up before the kids did! Now with school in full swing, my morning routine is back and I'm working to get back on here. I've had a few requests for it and I really like the idea of getting these thoughts out of my head. (I only process written information---is that bad?!)
We're starting a new book at our Ladies' Bible Study. So far, it's just 'okay.' I'm still a bit wrapped up in my 90-Day Study in the Person of Christ. (Day 67) I'm planning to finish that as we start this other study about personal revival and seeking God.
Today's reading took me to Luke 18:18-21. This is the first half of the story of the rich young ruler who asks Jesus what he can do to inherit eternal life. Jesus kindly responds that he needs to keep the commandments. The young man claims, "All these things I have kept from my youth." Now, my reading just dug into this first half of the conversation. And for me, it was a good reminder of how we so often claim to "be good" and expect that will be enough for eternity.
And isn't the concept of "being good" a very subjective one? I mean, if I do something that I think is good, but it may be a little self-serving and someone else views it as selfish, how does that fit in? "Being good" is a process that we design ourselves and give ourselves the "All Clear" sign when we deem we're finished. One commandment Jesus reminds this man of is, "Honor your father and your mother." Well, sure, we honor them to their face as young children. But what is in our hearts? At age 6, my daughter knows there is a line to be crossed with what she says to me. But she is quickly learning that how she says it and how she storms upstairs in a hissy fit is just as dishonoring as if she would have told me, "I don't care what you think, I'm doing it anyway!"
The section of my reading entitled, "Praying God's Word Today" was great. I'd love to share it with you as it not only utilizes my favorite verses in Scripture, but also puts them in a new way so that I was reminded that God is in charge of my days. I may follow His commandments, but my heart needs to be in the right place at all times. For that to happen, I need to be always looking to Him for strength and guidance through my day as He is the One who is orchestrating my day!
"Lord Jesus, I know that You created me for good works, which You prepared ahead of time so that I would walk in them. But I am more aware than ever each day that it is by Your grace I have been saved through faith -- not from works, so that I have no reason to boast (Eph. 2:8-10). May I never boast in anything except the cross of Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world (Gal. 6:14)." (Jesus: 90 Days with the One and Only, Beth Moore)
Friday, August 29, 2008
Then You Rock Out the Show...
Okay, scratch that. Blogger wouldn't let me post this video (maybe too big?). So, if you'd like to see Julia's Hannah Montana impersonation, go to Facebook and check her out on my page there.
:)
See, Erin...there's more than one way to skin a new account. or cat.
:)
See, Erin...there's more than one way to skin a new account. or cat.
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