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!!!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
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.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Daily Denials
Well, I wasn't kidding about my busy July! I looked at the calendar and just realized it's the first of August! The last month flew by, but the kids & I had a great time up north and I had a fantastic visit with my sister. It was too short, of course, but we had a great time and they have a great place out East.
And now with school starting only a month away, I'm trying hard to get back into my routine. The last thing I need is to be staring at Labor Day Weekend and realizing that I'm not at all ready to start my mornings. It's hard to believe this fall I'll have a first grader and a kid in 4K...sheesh...
Anyway, I had an interesting read this morning. The passage was Luke 9:23-27:
23And He was saying to them all, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.
24"For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it.
25"For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself?
26"For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
27"But I say to you truthfully, there are some of those standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God." (NAS www.biblegateway.com)
So, two things here...denying ourselves and taking up our cross daily. The second, I think I get. Taking up our cross = Christ never promised that this life would be easy. On the contrary, He said it would be filled with struggles and persecution because we belong to Him. To take up our cross means (I think anyway) to take the good with the bad and press on toward our final goal, serving Him and living eternally with Him in heaven. It means accepting Him as our Savior and realizing that His plan is perfect, even when we don't understand His timing.
But denying ourselves...that one stumped me this morning. My head sort of gets it--denying the things of man and putting ourselves aside. My question is simple and is put out there for anyone to help answer...
How in the world do we deny ourselves?????
Literally, HOW do we do this? How do you rid yourself of your selfish desires and natural inclinations to give in to what you want on this earth? How do you help yourself remember that it's not what you want that counts, but what our Savior wants of you? I'm actually looking for practical answers here. I understand that we all must need reset buttons as even Christ reminds us to do this "daily." Even He knows we couldn't just "set it and forget it." We need to do this on a daily basis.
But how? This, to me, seems like one of those phrases that goes in the same category with, "Trust Him." How? Not why or when, but HOW?
I appreciate any insight you have on this matter...in the meantime, I'll be taking up my cross in the form of laundry, kids, dinner and clutter on my dining room floor....
And now with school starting only a month away, I'm trying hard to get back into my routine. The last thing I need is to be staring at Labor Day Weekend and realizing that I'm not at all ready to start my mornings. It's hard to believe this fall I'll have a first grader and a kid in 4K...sheesh...
Anyway, I had an interesting read this morning. The passage was Luke 9:23-27:
23And He was saying to them all, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.
24"For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it.
25"For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself?
26"For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
27"But I say to you truthfully, there are some of those standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God." (NAS www.biblegateway.com)
So, two things here...denying ourselves and taking up our cross daily. The second, I think I get. Taking up our cross = Christ never promised that this life would be easy. On the contrary, He said it would be filled with struggles and persecution because we belong to Him. To take up our cross means (I think anyway) to take the good with the bad and press on toward our final goal, serving Him and living eternally with Him in heaven. It means accepting Him as our Savior and realizing that His plan is perfect, even when we don't understand His timing.
But denying ourselves...that one stumped me this morning. My head sort of gets it--denying the things of man and putting ourselves aside. My question is simple and is put out there for anyone to help answer...
How in the world do we deny ourselves?????
Literally, HOW do we do this? How do you rid yourself of your selfish desires and natural inclinations to give in to what you want on this earth? How do you help yourself remember that it's not what you want that counts, but what our Savior wants of you? I'm actually looking for practical answers here. I understand that we all must need reset buttons as even Christ reminds us to do this "daily." Even He knows we couldn't just "set it and forget it." We need to do this on a daily basis.
But how? This, to me, seems like one of those phrases that goes in the same category with, "Trust Him." How? Not why or when, but HOW?
I appreciate any insight you have on this matter...in the meantime, I'll be taking up my cross in the form of laundry, kids, dinner and clutter on my dining room floor....
Friday, July 4, 2008
Self-Indulgent July
This is just too good and I had to share...
Well, July is turning out to be the most self-indulgent month of my life! This past week I was hired at our Christian Bookstore and Coffee Shop in town. Not only will I work 2-3 nights a week (and be home at kids' bedtimes), but I'll also get to write! The owner is looking to put together a newsletter and brochures and was praying for the Lord to send a writer on board! Chooo-Choooo!
Then next week we have our huge craft fair which is renowned around the state for its "greatness." My aunt and I have a booth and I'll see if any of my wire-wrap jewelry goes.
The next day I take myself and all three kids up to our friends' cabin in Rhinelander where we can spend the week doing just about anything we want--fishing, frogging, laughing... This friend is actually a friend of my mom's, and her kids are the same age as mine, only in high school now. I look to her for spiritual encouragement and she'll be there when we go. I'm really looking forward to spending time with her and her daughter.
A few days after I get back, my mom is sweeping me (and herself, of course) off to Maryland to visit my sister! It's starting to sink in that she's gone. Since we moved an hour away, I didn't see her every week anymore. But now we're at the point where I would have seen her and I'm not! I can't wait to see her and where she's living now.
I'm so thankful to the Lord for this little bit of "self-indulgency." It may appear chaotic on my calendar, but He's planned this all for a reason and maybe this is His way of giving me the little boost I've been needing!
Well, July is turning out to be the most self-indulgent month of my life! This past week I was hired at our Christian Bookstore and Coffee Shop in town. Not only will I work 2-3 nights a week (and be home at kids' bedtimes), but I'll also get to write! The owner is looking to put together a newsletter and brochures and was praying for the Lord to send a writer on board! Chooo-Choooo!
Then next week we have our huge craft fair which is renowned around the state for its "greatness." My aunt and I have a booth and I'll see if any of my wire-wrap jewelry goes.
The next day I take myself and all three kids up to our friends' cabin in Rhinelander where we can spend the week doing just about anything we want--fishing, frogging, laughing... This friend is actually a friend of my mom's, and her kids are the same age as mine, only in high school now. I look to her for spiritual encouragement and she'll be there when we go. I'm really looking forward to spending time with her and her daughter.
A few days after I get back, my mom is sweeping me (and herself, of course) off to Maryland to visit my sister! It's starting to sink in that she's gone. Since we moved an hour away, I didn't see her every week anymore. But now we're at the point where I would have seen her and I'm not! I can't wait to see her and where she's living now.
I'm so thankful to the Lord for this little bit of "self-indulgency." It may appear chaotic on my calendar, but He's planned this all for a reason and maybe this is His way of giving me the little boost I've been needing!
Friday, June 27, 2008
Standing on the Promises
Hebrews 6:11-13 (New American Standard Bible) (www.biblegatweway.com)
And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. For when God made the promise to Abraham, since He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself
I love this passage. I think it gives such hope and assurance of God's faithfulness. The best part of it is the reminder to myself.....God doesn't expect me to sit around, waiting for His promises to show up on my front porch. I need to be up and moving "through faith and patience." I still need to do what my day calls me to do. I need to have that "same diligence" as those the author of Hebrews talks about...Abraham, Sarah, Noah, Moses, Rahab, Jacob...all people who thought they didn't have any chances left. But God saw their diligence and rewarded them with His promises.
Which is also amazing here.....there are no conditions. No ultimatums, no 'maybe', no false hope. God has already made these promises to us and He longs for us to seek after Him and them! He made promises to us long before we were born that we could be content, prosperous, fruitful and filled with eternal life. So often we assume that once we start looking for Him and His promises, we'll find them. Truth is, they've been sitting there all along and God will reward our diligence and faithfulness to Him.
Which brings me to my point..........................
CONGRATULATIONS, MICHAEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am so happy for you, my dear brother, that God has rewarded your faithfulness with a job. And not just 'any' job...He's given you the desire of your heart in the type of job you've been praying for all along! As much as we hated watching you all move away, we had to believe that it was a part of God's plan for you. I'm so thrilled that this new job has brought joy back to your spirit and a spring in your step!
Congratulations, and I love you!
And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. For when God made the promise to Abraham, since He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself
I love this passage. I think it gives such hope and assurance of God's faithfulness. The best part of it is the reminder to myself.....God doesn't expect me to sit around, waiting for His promises to show up on my front porch. I need to be up and moving "through faith and patience." I still need to do what my day calls me to do. I need to have that "same diligence" as those the author of Hebrews talks about...Abraham, Sarah, Noah, Moses, Rahab, Jacob...all people who thought they didn't have any chances left. But God saw their diligence and rewarded them with His promises.
Which is also amazing here.....there are no conditions. No ultimatums, no 'maybe', no false hope. God has already made these promises to us and He longs for us to seek after Him and them! He made promises to us long before we were born that we could be content, prosperous, fruitful and filled with eternal life. So often we assume that once we start looking for Him and His promises, we'll find them. Truth is, they've been sitting there all along and God will reward our diligence and faithfulness to Him.
Which brings me to my point..........................
CONGRATULATIONS, MICHAEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am so happy for you, my dear brother, that God has rewarded your faithfulness with a job. And not just 'any' job...He's given you the desire of your heart in the type of job you've been praying for all along! As much as we hated watching you all move away, we had to believe that it was a part of God's plan for you. I'm so thrilled that this new job has brought joy back to your spirit and a spring in your step!
Congratulations, and I love you!
Monday, June 16, 2008
yeah, yeah...
Okay, being in a funk is overrated. Life isn't easy and I need to get over it! Just because I don't like the work involved doesn't mean I get to check out, right?! Right.
Our area has been one of the regions inundated with flooding lately. It's all anyone talks about. And our "little" town is like one big group of tourists, driving around downtown, waiting for the dam to break or a building to collapse. I don't know...maybe this generation of people raised on "America's Funniest Home Videos" takes too much interest in other people's demise...or we're just too curious for our own good?
Basements get flooded. Power goes out. Homes get hit by tornadoes. People lose jobs. Cars die. Animals run away. Kids disobey. Wives nag. Husbands don't get it. Vacations get cancelled. Sisters move away. Parents get sick.
This is part of life. We learn to take the good with the bad. There are even some of us who only ever see bad. But where is our focus?
Do we check out and refuse to do anything of any positive consequence because we're "in a funk?"
Do we only focus on the regional tragedy and forget to offer a helping hand?
And above all, does everything we do point to Christ?
It's more than just, "God allows these things to happen." I think He wants to see what we'll do with the information He gives us and the situations He places us in. Some may think this is "easier said than done" but I believe that we need to take that Blessings Memory, remember all the ways God has provided in the past, and use it to help others get through tough situations now--regardless of what personal tragedy may be clouding their vision.
Jeremiah 32:16-27 (NAS; www.biblegateway.com)
"After I had given the deed of purchase to Baruch the son of Neriah, then I prayed to the LORD, saying,
'Ah Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You, who shows lovingkindness to thousands, but repays the iniquity of fathers into the bosom of their children after them, O great and mighty God.
The LORD of hosts is His name; great in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men, giving to everyone according to his ways and according to the fruit of his deeds; who has set signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, and even to this day both in Israel and among mankind; and You have made a name for Yourself, as at this day.
You brought Your people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs and with wonders, and with a strong hand and with an outstretched arm and with great terror; and gave them this land, which You swore to their forefathers to give them, a land flowing with milk and honey.
They came in and took possession of it, but they did not obey Your voice or walk in Your law; they have done nothing of all that You commanded them to do; therefore You have made all this calamity come upon them.
Behold, the siege ramps have reached the city to take it; and the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans who fight against it, because of the sword, the famine and the pestilence; and what You have spoken has come to pass; and behold, You see it. You have said to me, O Lord GOD, "Buy for yourself the field with money and call in witnesses"--although the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans.'"
Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, saying,
"Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for Me?"
Let's work to take comfort in the God of all flesh and remember that He has created all and is in all. Regardless of what this life may bring us, He hs created us and is more than capable to get us through!
Our area has been one of the regions inundated with flooding lately. It's all anyone talks about. And our "little" town is like one big group of tourists, driving around downtown, waiting for the dam to break or a building to collapse. I don't know...maybe this generation of people raised on "America's Funniest Home Videos" takes too much interest in other people's demise...or we're just too curious for our own good?
Basements get flooded. Power goes out. Homes get hit by tornadoes. People lose jobs. Cars die. Animals run away. Kids disobey. Wives nag. Husbands don't get it. Vacations get cancelled. Sisters move away. Parents get sick.
This is part of life. We learn to take the good with the bad. There are even some of us who only ever see bad. But where is our focus?
Do we check out and refuse to do anything of any positive consequence because we're "in a funk?"
Do we only focus on the regional tragedy and forget to offer a helping hand?
And above all, does everything we do point to Christ?
It's more than just, "God allows these things to happen." I think He wants to see what we'll do with the information He gives us and the situations He places us in. Some may think this is "easier said than done" but I believe that we need to take that Blessings Memory, remember all the ways God has provided in the past, and use it to help others get through tough situations now--regardless of what personal tragedy may be clouding their vision.
Jeremiah 32:16-27 (NAS; www.biblegateway.com)
"After I had given the deed of purchase to Baruch the son of Neriah, then I prayed to the LORD, saying,
'Ah Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You, who shows lovingkindness to thousands, but repays the iniquity of fathers into the bosom of their children after them, O great and mighty God.
The LORD of hosts is His name; great in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men, giving to everyone according to his ways and according to the fruit of his deeds; who has set signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, and even to this day both in Israel and among mankind; and You have made a name for Yourself, as at this day.
You brought Your people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs and with wonders, and with a strong hand and with an outstretched arm and with great terror; and gave them this land, which You swore to their forefathers to give them, a land flowing with milk and honey.
They came in and took possession of it, but they did not obey Your voice or walk in Your law; they have done nothing of all that You commanded them to do; therefore You have made all this calamity come upon them.
Behold, the siege ramps have reached the city to take it; and the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans who fight against it, because of the sword, the famine and the pestilence; and what You have spoken has come to pass; and behold, You see it. You have said to me, O Lord GOD, "Buy for yourself the field with money and call in witnesses"--although the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans.'"
Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, saying,
"Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for Me?"
Let's work to take comfort in the God of all flesh and remember that He has created all and is in all. Regardless of what this life may bring us, He hs created us and is more than capable to get us through!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Standing Strong
It's been a while since my last post. I've allowed daily distractions to get in the way of having anything close to an "inspired" or "original" thought. I went to a Ladies' Retreat this past weekend and was convicted about a couple of things. Now those issues are at the forefront of my mind and they're huge to deal with. So I'm not.
But I ran into a friend today and was reminded of something. Our "little" town is soon to be a ghost town. We recently found out that our Home Depot is closing. This morning I found out another strong store is closing, too. The reasons for closing must be corporate loss, but I'm drawn to look at the local impact it will have--especially in terms of employment.
I'm grateful that my friend is a believer and that she can put her trust in Christ. But it's still hard. What do you do when you just move into a new place, and find out you don't have a job for much longer?
I remember when we first moved to Beaver Dam. We moved an hour from our families and the childhood homes we knew. My husband was still working an hour away and we moved here for housing-cost and cost-of-living reasons, along with a desire to get out of Milwaukee & MPS. We moved here and I was 8 months pregnant with our third. Two weeks after moving in, we got notice that Brad was losing his job. Fortunately, they gave him a few months notice. But we still had to get looking.
We couldn't help but feel like Abraham--moving around in tents, waiting for the city to be built. We had no idea why God had moved us to Beaver Dam and what we were supposed to do now. Where was he supposed to get a job? Were we supposed to move back?
Trusting in God doesn't mean we don't have questions. We are human and He expects us to have those questions. I think its when we try to answer them for ourselves that we cross a line. God wants us to trust in His plan, even when we don't know what it it. Maybe especially when we don't know! Just because we can't SEE His hand working doesn't mean that it isn't.
Staying strong in trusting Him doesn't mean there won't be questions, tears, moments of anger and frustration, or mistakes. But losing jobs, not getting hired, dealing with life changes---all of these give us amazing opportunities to thank our Savior for getting us this far. I'm convinced that the enemy is trying to distract us to the point of destruction. Even he knows our weaknesses---the difference is that he will try to exploit them, whereas God wants to help us work through them.
Trust yourself to let go of the answers and hand the questions over to God.
Matthew 6 (NAS; www.biblegateway.com)
26"Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?
27"And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?
28"And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin,
29yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these.
30"But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith!
31"Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?'
32"For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
33"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
34"So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
But I ran into a friend today and was reminded of something. Our "little" town is soon to be a ghost town. We recently found out that our Home Depot is closing. This morning I found out another strong store is closing, too. The reasons for closing must be corporate loss, but I'm drawn to look at the local impact it will have--especially in terms of employment.
I'm grateful that my friend is a believer and that she can put her trust in Christ. But it's still hard. What do you do when you just move into a new place, and find out you don't have a job for much longer?
I remember when we first moved to Beaver Dam. We moved an hour from our families and the childhood homes we knew. My husband was still working an hour away and we moved here for housing-cost and cost-of-living reasons, along with a desire to get out of Milwaukee & MPS. We moved here and I was 8 months pregnant with our third. Two weeks after moving in, we got notice that Brad was losing his job. Fortunately, they gave him a few months notice. But we still had to get looking.
We couldn't help but feel like Abraham--moving around in tents, waiting for the city to be built. We had no idea why God had moved us to Beaver Dam and what we were supposed to do now. Where was he supposed to get a job? Were we supposed to move back?
Trusting in God doesn't mean we don't have questions. We are human and He expects us to have those questions. I think its when we try to answer them for ourselves that we cross a line. God wants us to trust in His plan, even when we don't know what it it. Maybe especially when we don't know! Just because we can't SEE His hand working doesn't mean that it isn't.
Staying strong in trusting Him doesn't mean there won't be questions, tears, moments of anger and frustration, or mistakes. But losing jobs, not getting hired, dealing with life changes---all of these give us amazing opportunities to thank our Savior for getting us this far. I'm convinced that the enemy is trying to distract us to the point of destruction. Even he knows our weaknesses---the difference is that he will try to exploit them, whereas God wants to help us work through them.
Trust yourself to let go of the answers and hand the questions over to God.
Matthew 6 (NAS; www.biblegateway.com)
26"Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?
27"And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?
28"And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin,
29yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these.
30"But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith!
31"Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?'
32"For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
33"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
34"So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Turning a new page
Well, Daniel is over.
This second half was completely overwhelming and downright convicting. The intensity that Daniel's prayer life displays is one that I wish I could claim. Daniel was so consistent and urgent with his prayers that he received such preferrential treatment as Michael (the angel) leaving a battle to come and answer his questions. I was convicted about my own prayer life through this study. Reading a bit each morning is great. I want to stay in His Word. But how often do I really pray? Meals, bedtime, frustrating moments, yes. But throughout the day? Urgently? For others? For wisdom? What kind of prayer life can I claim? When I get to heaven, will I be surprised at God's nature or will I already have a hint of it because of my close relationship with Him here on earth?
And this morning, I started a new study. It's a 90-day study into the life and Person of Jesus Christ. I'm so excited. I was in tears this morning at the prospect of falling in love all over again with my Savior. My head knows that He loves me. But I want my heart to start feeling it again. I want to feel intentionally loved with every ounce of my being.
And most of all, I want my kids to look at my relationship with Jesus and covet it for themselves.
I'm anxious for Jesus to open my eyes in this study and I'd encourage anyone reading this to find a great study for the summer time. What great opportunities now to sit outside and commune with Jesus while your kids are playing at the park. Or bring His Word down to the lake and talk with Him. Use the spring weather to your advantage as a jumpstart to a new relationship with Him!
This second half was completely overwhelming and downright convicting. The intensity that Daniel's prayer life displays is one that I wish I could claim. Daniel was so consistent and urgent with his prayers that he received such preferrential treatment as Michael (the angel) leaving a battle to come and answer his questions. I was convicted about my own prayer life through this study. Reading a bit each morning is great. I want to stay in His Word. But how often do I really pray? Meals, bedtime, frustrating moments, yes. But throughout the day? Urgently? For others? For wisdom? What kind of prayer life can I claim? When I get to heaven, will I be surprised at God's nature or will I already have a hint of it because of my close relationship with Him here on earth?
And this morning, I started a new study. It's a 90-day study into the life and Person of Jesus Christ. I'm so excited. I was in tears this morning at the prospect of falling in love all over again with my Savior. My head knows that He loves me. But I want my heart to start feeling it again. I want to feel intentionally loved with every ounce of my being.
And most of all, I want my kids to look at my relationship with Jesus and covet it for themselves.
I'm anxious for Jesus to open my eyes in this study and I'd encourage anyone reading this to find a great study for the summer time. What great opportunities now to sit outside and commune with Jesus while your kids are playing at the park. Or bring His Word down to the lake and talk with Him. Use the spring weather to your advantage as a jumpstart to a new relationship with Him!
Friday, April 11, 2008
Ever have one of those weeks?
It's been one of "those" weeks. You know...the ones where everything seems to happen and everything has to get done and you wonder how you'll get it all done on Monday, but by Friday you realize it's almost over and....................... And the weather certainly hasn't helped. Cold, raining, sleet, overcast, snowing.--just general yuk. And April is long this year---no Easter break, no long weekends. And a five-week month to top it off.
Overwhelmed? Yup. We've all been there. "Those" weeks are the ones that can really challenge our faith. Do we get caught up in the busy and forget about our time with Him? Do we place all responsibility of our tasks at our own feet and forget to ask Him for strength and patience? I know it's difficult. On Monday, I was so exhausted already that I wondered if Friday would ever get here. Now that I'm here, I wonder why I worried in the first place.
This morning found me in Psalm 142. My Bible labels it as a Psalm that David had written while he was hiding in a cave. Armies surrounded him and he was sitting alone in a cave. Talk about overwhelmed!
1I cry aloud with my voice to the LORD;
I make supplication with my voice to the LORD.
2I pour out my complaint before Him;
I declare my trouble before Him.
3When my spirit was overwhelmed within me,
You knew my path
In the way where I walk
They have hidden a trap for me.
4Look to the right and see;
For there is no one who regards me;
There is no escape for me;
No one cares for my soul.
(www.biblegateway.com) NAS
First, David cries to God for help with his voice. Literally. Not just in his head or his heart. But aloud. I believe there's something to be said for saying things out loud. For me, something isn't real until it's spoken. You can feel like you love someone, but until you say "I love you," it doesn't seem real. Maybe David feels this way, too. I need help from God, I'll ask Him outloud!
Secondly, it's comforting to know that when we feel overwhelmed, when we have "those" weeks, God already knows our path. He knows how we'll get things done around the house. He knows what we'll deem as unimportant and cross off our lists. He knows the kind of refreshing sleep we'll get at night.
Lastly, for those of us who might feel we're doing this stuff on our own, take comfort that God is holding a shield next to us to protect us. I love what my Bible notes say about verse 4:
"With enemies on every path, David screams aloud to God that he is defenseless. The armed soldier in ancient Israel probably would have had his spear or sword in his right hand and his shield in his left. The shield of one man would protect the right side of his neighbor. David cries that there is no one on his right side; He expects to find God there."
Do you ever look to your right and find no one there? I know I do. But this passage was a reminder that He is protecting me (even if only from myself!). And when things get overwhelming---and they will---that I can tell Him I need His help. It's already there---He doesn't always sit and wait for me to ask before providing. He is a constant Shield and Refuge and is incapable of failing us!
Overwhelmed? Yup. We've all been there. "Those" weeks are the ones that can really challenge our faith. Do we get caught up in the busy and forget about our time with Him? Do we place all responsibility of our tasks at our own feet and forget to ask Him for strength and patience? I know it's difficult. On Monday, I was so exhausted already that I wondered if Friday would ever get here. Now that I'm here, I wonder why I worried in the first place.
This morning found me in Psalm 142. My Bible labels it as a Psalm that David had written while he was hiding in a cave. Armies surrounded him and he was sitting alone in a cave. Talk about overwhelmed!
1I cry aloud with my voice to the LORD;
I make supplication with my voice to the LORD.
2I pour out my complaint before Him;
I declare my trouble before Him.
3When my spirit was overwhelmed within me,
You knew my path
In the way where I walk
They have hidden a trap for me.
4Look to the right and see;
For there is no one who regards me;
There is no escape for me;
No one cares for my soul.
(www.biblegateway.com) NAS
First, David cries to God for help with his voice. Literally. Not just in his head or his heart. But aloud. I believe there's something to be said for saying things out loud. For me, something isn't real until it's spoken. You can feel like you love someone, but until you say "I love you," it doesn't seem real. Maybe David feels this way, too. I need help from God, I'll ask Him outloud!
Secondly, it's comforting to know that when we feel overwhelmed, when we have "those" weeks, God already knows our path. He knows how we'll get things done around the house. He knows what we'll deem as unimportant and cross off our lists. He knows the kind of refreshing sleep we'll get at night.
Lastly, for those of us who might feel we're doing this stuff on our own, take comfort that God is holding a shield next to us to protect us. I love what my Bible notes say about verse 4:
"With enemies on every path, David screams aloud to God that he is defenseless. The armed soldier in ancient Israel probably would have had his spear or sword in his right hand and his shield in his left. The shield of one man would protect the right side of his neighbor. David cries that there is no one on his right side; He expects to find God there."
Do you ever look to your right and find no one there? I know I do. But this passage was a reminder that He is protecting me (even if only from myself!). And when things get overwhelming---and they will---that I can tell Him I need His help. It's already there---He doesn't always sit and wait for me to ask before providing. He is a constant Shield and Refuge and is incapable of failing us!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Safekeeping from Wickedness
Man, I sure am glad I'm not David. I glazed over Psalm 140 this morning, and expected to do the same with 141. Poor guy. Throughout the Psalms, he is generally hiding in a cave, running from armies with his "Wanted" poster in their fists. He prays for strength to fight, courage to stand and safety in hiding. These were real enemies he was up against.
Yup...glad I'm not him. I don't have any armies chasing me down. No angry kings out for revenge. No plunder, no wreakage. Lucky me.
except............
Then I read verse 3.
Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth;
Keep watch over the door of my lips.
Satan knows I don't have to fight armies. But I do have to fight against my natural instinct. We all do!
In our homes with our kids.
In our place of work.
In our place of worship.
In the restaurant with friends.
At our kids' school.
At our husband's office.
Though David's circumstances may be foreign to us, his words certainly are not. He prays for God to protect him from himself. No matter what.
Maybe we have a right to be angry. Maybe our frustration is justified. But like I tell my daughter, "Everything you do reflects your Savior...good or bad."
It can be all too easy to get caught up in our anger or frustraton. That becomes our focus and everything else tunes into that. Everything reflects those feelings. But look at verse 8:
For my eyes are toward You, O GOD, the Lord;
In You I take refuge; do not leave me defenseless.
Our eyes have to be not on our situation, but on our Savior. I love how the notes in my Bible work this verse.
"In light of the wicked's strength, it is easy for us to fix our eyes on, or worry about, the wicked. It is also natural to focus on ourselves; we either become self-absorbed in our difficulties or exalt ourselves in our victories. But David fixes his eyes only on the Lord."
The "wicked" here needs to be our own natural tendencies. Our human nature. The "old man" that Christ's death and resurrection have done away with. We need to look at that as the enemy that we battle each and every day.
And in that battle, when we take our eyes off the Commander-in-Chief, we will surely fall.
Father, we want our prayer to be set before You as incense. (vs.2) Let our words be from You and our hands be lifted up as the evening sacrifice. To live for You means we give it all to You and let you guide our paths. Help us to trust that You are capable. You remember we are dust and you know our weaknesses. But You love us anyway and want us to succeed in You.
Yup...glad I'm not him. I don't have any armies chasing me down. No angry kings out for revenge. No plunder, no wreakage. Lucky me.
except............
Then I read verse 3.
Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth;
Keep watch over the door of my lips.
Satan knows I don't have to fight armies. But I do have to fight against my natural instinct. We all do!
In our homes with our kids.
In our place of work.
In our place of worship.
In the restaurant with friends.
At our kids' school.
At our husband's office.
Though David's circumstances may be foreign to us, his words certainly are not. He prays for God to protect him from himself. No matter what.
Maybe we have a right to be angry. Maybe our frustration is justified. But like I tell my daughter, "Everything you do reflects your Savior...good or bad."
It can be all too easy to get caught up in our anger or frustraton. That becomes our focus and everything else tunes into that. Everything reflects those feelings. But look at verse 8:
For my eyes are toward You, O GOD, the Lord;
In You I take refuge; do not leave me defenseless.
Our eyes have to be not on our situation, but on our Savior. I love how the notes in my Bible work this verse.
"In light of the wicked's strength, it is easy for us to fix our eyes on, or worry about, the wicked. It is also natural to focus on ourselves; we either become self-absorbed in our difficulties or exalt ourselves in our victories. But David fixes his eyes only on the Lord."
The "wicked" here needs to be our own natural tendencies. Our human nature. The "old man" that Christ's death and resurrection have done away with. We need to look at that as the enemy that we battle each and every day.
And in that battle, when we take our eyes off the Commander-in-Chief, we will surely fall.
Father, we want our prayer to be set before You as incense. (vs.2) Let our words be from You and our hands be lifted up as the evening sacrifice. To live for You means we give it all to You and let you guide our paths. Help us to trust that You are capable. You remember we are dust and you know our weaknesses. But You love us anyway and want us to succeed in You.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Booster Chair
This morning's reading led me to one of my favorite Psalms. When I was young and struggled with self-esteem issues, my mother had me read it. When my brother-in-law was sick, he clung to the comfort of its words. When he passed away, his dear friend put the lyrics to beautiful music. So, a simple thought this morning as the time is going by, kids are up, breakfast needs to be made, but I, for one, need a little pick-me-up:
Psalm 139 (NAS)
1O LORD, You have searched me and known me.
2You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
You understand my thought from afar.
3You scrutinize my path and my lying down,
And are intimately acquainted with all my ways.
4Even before there is a word on my tongue,
Behold, O LORD, You know it all.
5You have enclosed me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
6Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is too high, I cannot attain to it.
7Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
8If I ascend to heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there.
9If I take the wings of the dawn,
If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea,
10Even there Your hand will lead me,
And Your right hand will lay hold of me.
11If I say, "Surely the darkness will overwhelm me,
And the light around me will be night,"
12Even the darkness is not dark to You,
And the night is as bright as the day
Darkness and light are alike to You.
13For You formed my inward parts;
You wove me in my mother's womb.
14I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.
15My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;
16Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;
And in Your book were all written
The days that were ordained for me,
When as yet there was not one of them.
17How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand
When I awake, I am still with You.
19O that You would slay the wicked, O God;
Depart from me, therefore, men of bloodshed.
20For they speak against You wickedly,
And Your enemies take Your name in vain.
21Do I not hate those who hate You, O LORD?
And do I not loathe those who rise up against You?
22I hate them with the utmost hatred;
They have become my enemies.
23Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me and know my anxious thoughts;
24And see if there be any hurtful way in me,
And lead me in the everlasting way
David says it all so beautifully here. So, take it to heart...
...if you need a little boost this morning.
...if you're feeling defeated by your surroundings.
...if you need to feel God's presence.
...if you look in the mirror and don't recognize yourself anymore.
...if you need to be reminded that He is close and that He loves you.
And have a wonderful day in Him!
Psalm 139 (NAS)
1O LORD, You have searched me and known me.
2You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
You understand my thought from afar.
3You scrutinize my path and my lying down,
And are intimately acquainted with all my ways.
4Even before there is a word on my tongue,
Behold, O LORD, You know it all.
5You have enclosed me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
6Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is too high, I cannot attain to it.
7Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
8If I ascend to heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there.
9If I take the wings of the dawn,
If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea,
10Even there Your hand will lead me,
And Your right hand will lay hold of me.
11If I say, "Surely the darkness will overwhelm me,
And the light around me will be night,"
12Even the darkness is not dark to You,
And the night is as bright as the day
Darkness and light are alike to You.
13For You formed my inward parts;
You wove me in my mother's womb.
14I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.
15My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;
16Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;
And in Your book were all written
The days that were ordained for me,
When as yet there was not one of them.
17How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand
When I awake, I am still with You.
19O that You would slay the wicked, O God;
Depart from me, therefore, men of bloodshed.
20For they speak against You wickedly,
And Your enemies take Your name in vain.
21Do I not hate those who hate You, O LORD?
And do I not loathe those who rise up against You?
22I hate them with the utmost hatred;
They have become my enemies.
23Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me and know my anxious thoughts;
24And see if there be any hurtful way in me,
And lead me in the everlasting way
David says it all so beautifully here. So, take it to heart...
...if you need a little boost this morning.
...if you're feeling defeated by your surroundings.
...if you need to feel God's presence.
...if you look in the mirror and don't recognize yourself anymore.
...if you need to be reminded that He is close and that He loves you.
And have a wonderful day in Him!
Monday, March 31, 2008
A Mediocre Life
Good morning!
It's a rainy Monday morning and on my way to the gym earlier, I was thinking that the gloominess felt comfortable. It's sad, I know, but I've been starting to feel pretty "blah" in the normal-everyday-ness of life. Every day seems the same and to stray from it only means there's more catching up to do later (i.e., laundry, dishwasher, etc...). But the cloudy skies and drizzling rain felt right at home. I didn't complain. I didn't even notice it at first. Then I came home and read Psalm 138 and was caught off guard by a couple of words David chooses to use here. Here's the passage for you:
Psalm 138 (New King James Version)
A Psalm of David.
1 I will praise You with my whole heart;
Before the gods I will sing praises to You.
2 I will worship toward Your holy temple,
And praise Your name
For Your lovingkindness and Your truth;
For You have magnified Your word above all Your name.
3 In the day when I cried out, You answered me,
And made me bold with strength in my soul.
4 All the kings of the earth shall praise You, O LORD,
When they hear the words of Your mouth.
5 Yes, they shall sing of the ways of the LORD,
For great is the glory of the LORD.
6 Though the LORD is on high,
Yet He regards the lowly;
But the proud He knows from afar.
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me;
You will stretch out Your hand
Against the wrath of my enemies,
And Your right hand will save me.
8 The LORD will perfect that which concerns me;
Your mercy, O LORD, endures forever;
Do not forsake the works of Your hands.
(http://www.biblegateway.com/)
I've highlighted in red the words that struck me this morning. I've been feeling so "normal," so routine, so run-of-the-mill lately that I've been forgetting to live. I've been forgetting to take hold of what my Savior promises me in terms of a life lived in Him!
David doesn't just tell the Lord that he'll acknowledge Him in his morning devotions....he wants to praise Him with his whole heart.
God hasn't just been loyal to us...He has magnifed His love, made it greater toward us, and backed it with His own Great Name!
When we've needed Him in the past, He hasn't just shown us the steps to get through...He has made us bold with strength.
When we're in the middle of a struggle and feel defeated, He won't just sit on the sidelines and be there with a drink of water...He revives us with new life and a refreshed heart and mind.
And God won't just get us through the day on a string...He promises to perfect in us the things concerning us. (Note: He won't perfect in us things concerning others!)
Wouldn't it be great to live a life filled with feelings of revival, refreshment and bold strength? I don't want the rain to feel comfortable. I don't want to be up early and not notice that the sun hasn't risen. I want to trust my day to the One who promises that I won't ever have a mediocre day if I place it in Him. Then I can welcome the rain as refreshment and renewal.
It's a rainy Monday morning and on my way to the gym earlier, I was thinking that the gloominess felt comfortable. It's sad, I know, but I've been starting to feel pretty "blah" in the normal-everyday-ness of life. Every day seems the same and to stray from it only means there's more catching up to do later (i.e., laundry, dishwasher, etc...). But the cloudy skies and drizzling rain felt right at home. I didn't complain. I didn't even notice it at first. Then I came home and read Psalm 138 and was caught off guard by a couple of words David chooses to use here. Here's the passage for you:
Psalm 138 (New King James Version)
A Psalm of David.
1 I will praise You with my whole heart;
Before the gods I will sing praises to You.
2 I will worship toward Your holy temple,
And praise Your name
For Your lovingkindness and Your truth;
For You have magnified Your word above all Your name.
3 In the day when I cried out, You answered me,
And made me bold with strength in my soul.
4 All the kings of the earth shall praise You, O LORD,
When they hear the words of Your mouth.
5 Yes, they shall sing of the ways of the LORD,
For great is the glory of the LORD.
6 Though the LORD is on high,
Yet He regards the lowly;
But the proud He knows from afar.
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me;
You will stretch out Your hand
Against the wrath of my enemies,
And Your right hand will save me.
8 The LORD will perfect that which concerns me;
Your mercy, O LORD, endures forever;
Do not forsake the works of Your hands.
(http://www.biblegateway.com/)
I've highlighted in red the words that struck me this morning. I've been feeling so "normal," so routine, so run-of-the-mill lately that I've been forgetting to live. I've been forgetting to take hold of what my Savior promises me in terms of a life lived in Him!
David doesn't just tell the Lord that he'll acknowledge Him in his morning devotions....he wants to praise Him with his whole heart.
God hasn't just been loyal to us...He has magnifed His love, made it greater toward us, and backed it with His own Great Name!
When we've needed Him in the past, He hasn't just shown us the steps to get through...He has made us bold with strength.
When we're in the middle of a struggle and feel defeated, He won't just sit on the sidelines and be there with a drink of water...He revives us with new life and a refreshed heart and mind.
And God won't just get us through the day on a string...He promises to perfect in us the things concerning us. (Note: He won't perfect in us things concerning others!)
Wouldn't it be great to live a life filled with feelings of revival, refreshment and bold strength? I don't want the rain to feel comfortable. I don't want to be up early and not notice that the sun hasn't risen. I want to trust my day to the One who promises that I won't ever have a mediocre day if I place it in Him. Then I can welcome the rain as refreshment and renewal.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
A Picture of Jesus
A question was posed to me yesterday that has had me thinking since then. The discussion revolved around Daniel 10 and prayer. While Daniel was praying, he saw a vision of a man so glorious, so majestic, that it made him fall prostrate and fall asleep. Soon after, the hand of an angel woke him and gave him the strength to stand. Many scholars believe that first vision was a heavenly-arrayed Gabriel. But the idea was also posed that maybe, just maybe, it was a preincarnate appearance of Jesus Himself.
After looking it over and thinking about it, I think I might agree. Looking through Scripture, there have been very few other visions or appearances to make a man react this way. Ezekiel fell when he saw what could only be a vision of Christ. Wasn't it Moses who could only look at God's feet? Saul fell in the middle of the road when God's light and voice came from heaven. When God makes Himself/His Son visible to man, it is too much for them to withstand.
Then the question was asked. "Have you ever thought about how you'd react if Jesus suddenly appeared to you while you were praying? How do you picture your reaction?"
I admitted that I have never given that any thought. But it did get me thinking then. How do I picture Jesus?
Is He the gentle figure in a white robe and blue sash from Sunday School?
Is He the Risen Savior, gloriously new, with scars in His feet and hands?
Is He an obscure Helper, giving us daily strength from where He sits enthroned in the heavenlies?
Is He the forgiving and gracious One, sitting down to dinner with taxpayers and sinners, making it logical that He would commune with me?
Is He beaten and bruised, carrying His own fate on His shoulders?
Is He still hanging on that cross, looking up to His Father with a question on His heart?
Is He the stranger down the street that you just showed kindness to?
Is He present in your home everyday, a welcome guest at every meal?
Or is He so bright and majestic in stature that the very thought of Him coming around the corner would be enough to make us fall into a coma?
Your background may determine how you physically picture Jesus today. Some religions choose to crucify Him again every Sunday, so you may have no choice but to see Him still on that cross. Some are so ingrained in their childhood church days that Jesus is never pictured without the dark hair and blue sash.
But regardless of how you were trained to see Him as a child, He is your Savior today. He is all of these things and more. He is "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Fater, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end." (Isa. 9:6)
That same man who hung on that cross, calling out to His Father for relief, is the very same One who rose three days later to prove His love for you. See Him how you must. But see Him. Feel His presence every day and know that He is near to you, guiding you, loving you, and promising that He will never leave.
After looking it over and thinking about it, I think I might agree. Looking through Scripture, there have been very few other visions or appearances to make a man react this way. Ezekiel fell when he saw what could only be a vision of Christ. Wasn't it Moses who could only look at God's feet? Saul fell in the middle of the road when God's light and voice came from heaven. When God makes Himself/His Son visible to man, it is too much for them to withstand.
Then the question was asked. "Have you ever thought about how you'd react if Jesus suddenly appeared to you while you were praying? How do you picture your reaction?"
I admitted that I have never given that any thought. But it did get me thinking then. How do I picture Jesus?
Is He the gentle figure in a white robe and blue sash from Sunday School?
Is He the Risen Savior, gloriously new, with scars in His feet and hands?
Is He an obscure Helper, giving us daily strength from where He sits enthroned in the heavenlies?
Is He the forgiving and gracious One, sitting down to dinner with taxpayers and sinners, making it logical that He would commune with me?
Is He beaten and bruised, carrying His own fate on His shoulders?
Is He still hanging on that cross, looking up to His Father with a question on His heart?
Is He the stranger down the street that you just showed kindness to?
Is He present in your home everyday, a welcome guest at every meal?
Or is He so bright and majestic in stature that the very thought of Him coming around the corner would be enough to make us fall into a coma?
Your background may determine how you physically picture Jesus today. Some religions choose to crucify Him again every Sunday, so you may have no choice but to see Him still on that cross. Some are so ingrained in their childhood church days that Jesus is never pictured without the dark hair and blue sash.
But regardless of how you were trained to see Him as a child, He is your Savior today. He is all of these things and more. He is "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Fater, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end." (Isa. 9:6)
That same man who hung on that cross, calling out to His Father for relief, is the very same One who rose three days later to prove His love for you. See Him how you must. But see Him. Feel His presence every day and know that He is near to you, guiding you, loving you, and promising that He will never leave.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Challenge
So, how did it go? Did you take me up on my challenge? Did you find a time this week that you could devote to communicating with God?
Yeah, I didn't either. And I think it stinks. The "busies" of life get in the way all too often. Why is it that I can have a great morning with the Lord and I can be diligent in His Word (some mornings, not every , mind you). I can ask for patience and wisdom throughout the day and I can believe that He will grant it. But by the time lunch rolls around, I've taken it all back upon myself and I'm running aground. I have verses posted all over my kitchen--strategically placed so that when I'm doing a task or looking for something, His Word will hit me first. Have they been there long enough to have blended into the background and I dont' notice them now? Maybe I just take His Words for granted?
This post must be short as the day is whizzing by already. But my challenge isn't for a week this time and it isn't for those reading (although you're welcome to join if you'd like). My challenge is for today. No, my challenge is for this morning---that I wouldn't let the morning take over my focusing on the One who created the day.
Yeah, I didn't either. And I think it stinks. The "busies" of life get in the way all too often. Why is it that I can have a great morning with the Lord and I can be diligent in His Word (some mornings, not every , mind you). I can ask for patience and wisdom throughout the day and I can believe that He will grant it. But by the time lunch rolls around, I've taken it all back upon myself and I'm running aground. I have verses posted all over my kitchen--strategically placed so that when I'm doing a task or looking for something, His Word will hit me first. Have they been there long enough to have blended into the background and I dont' notice them now? Maybe I just take His Words for granted?
This post must be short as the day is whizzing by already. But my challenge isn't for a week this time and it isn't for those reading (although you're welcome to join if you'd like). My challenge is for today. No, my challenge is for this morning---that I wouldn't let the morning take over my focusing on the One who created the day.
Psalm 113
The LORD Exalts the Humble.
The LORD Exalts the Humble.
1Praise the LORD!
Praise, O servants of the LORD,
Praise the name of the LORD.
2Blessed be the name of the LORD
From this time forth and forever.
3From the rising of the sun to its setting
The name of the LORD is to be praised.
4The LORD is high above all nations;
His glory is above the heavens.
5Who is like the LORD our God,
Who is enthroned on high,
6Who humbles Himself to behold
The things that are in heaven and in the earth?
7He raises the poor from the dust
And lifts the needy from the ash heap,
8To make them sit with princes,
With the princes of His people.
9He makes the barren woman abide in the house
As a joyful mother of children.
Praise the LORD!
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Prayer Challenge
Good morning!
Yesterday in Bible study, our Small Group Leader suggested that we all take on the challenge of prayer this week. I don't mean, making-sure-I-get-up-on-time-to-say-hi kind of prayer. I mean the kind like Daniel presented before our Savior in Daniel 9. I would encourage you to read Daniel 9:1-18 and really look at his prayer. He first went before the Lord with fasting, sackcloth and ashes because he believed that what God had prophesied through Jeremiah was at the verge of being fulfilled. He went fervently before His God, waiting for his place in that next step in history. Are we going before the Lord even close to fervently? We all claim these times are getting harder and they are obviously part of the "end times." And what are we doing as we wait?
Daniel also recited Jeremiah's words in his own prayer. I have been trying to do this for quite some time now and it has really made a difference in my prayer life. Try reading part of the Psalms and inserting your own name or "I" into parts. You'll be amazed how the Scriptures come to life for you.
I encourage you all as well, to be a part of our prayer challenge for the week. To really make prayer time matter and to work to remember to talk with Him constantly throughout your day!
Let me get you started with this reading from Praying God's Word Day by Day by Beth Moore:
The freedom of Christ is worth the surrender of absolutely anything. Relief, not remorse, awaits the repentant.
Father, Your Word says that a person who lacks self-control is like a city whose walls are broken down (Prov. 25:28).
Sometimes I feel like there is so much rubble, I can't rebuild the wall (Neh. 4:10). But Your Word claims that You are the Repairer of Broken Walls, and the Restorer of Streets with Dwellings (Isa. 58:12). Please introduce Yourself to me by these wonderful names and rebuild the rubble in my life.
I confess to You that I am overwhelmed by the task ahead, but I am thankful that You have authority over all things. Heaven is Your throne; earth is Your footstool (Matt. 5:35). Therefore, anything over my head is under Your feet!
Yesterday in Bible study, our Small Group Leader suggested that we all take on the challenge of prayer this week. I don't mean, making-sure-I-get-up-on-time-to-say-hi kind of prayer. I mean the kind like Daniel presented before our Savior in Daniel 9. I would encourage you to read Daniel 9:1-18 and really look at his prayer. He first went before the Lord with fasting, sackcloth and ashes because he believed that what God had prophesied through Jeremiah was at the verge of being fulfilled. He went fervently before His God, waiting for his place in that next step in history. Are we going before the Lord even close to fervently? We all claim these times are getting harder and they are obviously part of the "end times." And what are we doing as we wait?
Daniel also recited Jeremiah's words in his own prayer. I have been trying to do this for quite some time now and it has really made a difference in my prayer life. Try reading part of the Psalms and inserting your own name or "I" into parts. You'll be amazed how the Scriptures come to life for you.
I encourage you all as well, to be a part of our prayer challenge for the week. To really make prayer time matter and to work to remember to talk with Him constantly throughout your day!
Let me get you started with this reading from Praying God's Word Day by Day by Beth Moore:
The freedom of Christ is worth the surrender of absolutely anything. Relief, not remorse, awaits the repentant.
Father, Your Word says that a person who lacks self-control is like a city whose walls are broken down (Prov. 25:28).
Sometimes I feel like there is so much rubble, I can't rebuild the wall (Neh. 4:10). But Your Word claims that You are the Repairer of Broken Walls, and the Restorer of Streets with Dwellings (Isa. 58:12). Please introduce Yourself to me by these wonderful names and rebuild the rubble in my life.
I confess to You that I am overwhelmed by the task ahead, but I am thankful that You have authority over all things. Heaven is Your throne; earth is Your footstool (Matt. 5:35). Therefore, anything over my head is under Your feet!
Monday, March 3, 2008
Simple Trust in the Lord
Good morning! This has been a busy weekend. Not so much with things to do, but with things to be thought of, decisions to be made and conclusions to be drawn. This has been a weekend filled with the thought, "What am I supposed to do here?"
My reading this morning fell onto Psalm 131. Three little verses talking about trusting in the Lord. It first caught my eye that these three verses really were titled (in my NKJV) "Simple Trust in the Lord." Now, I don't know about you, but sometimes that "task" seems so far from simple that I can't recognize it through the snow.
Thankfully, David here reminds us that when our mind is in the right place, trusting Him is not as daunting as we might think. He comes before the Lord with a humble heart. He then points out that he is not concerning himself "with great matters, nor with things too profound for me."
Isn't that where the majority of our stresses come from? I can't count how many times I've worried and stressed over something I don't have any control over. I mean, I think I can control it, just because I have something to do with it (or vice versa). But the reality of it is that there is nothing in my power to make it turn out the exact way I want it to turn out. David reminds us that trust first starts with humbling ourselves before God and leaving our troubles with Him.
The next step to really trustng is shown in verse 2. "Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul." He compares this to a child who is weaned from his mother. My Bible's notes put it clearly:
"The image is that of a child who is no longer unsettled and discontented, but one who is at peace and trusting in his mother, who is there to comfort and to meet his needs." (Nelson's NKJV)
When we are at peace with our surroundings and decisions, we can trust that God will comfort us and meet our every need. It's human nature to worry about things--especially the big things! My in-laws are looking at retiring and moving to our community--an hour away from where they've lived for almost 30 years. This is a huge change for them-major life changes, in fact. And it is so hard for them to know which house is the right one to place an offer on, when they should sell their current home, how to pack. And with all of this, we're praying for strength for dad who is just getting through this last month of tough, physical work. Anyone would be overwhelmed by this many major issues on top of each other.
And I admire their ability to put "Simple Trust in the Lord." I'm sure it's taking everything they have (I know it would for me!) to remind themselves that God knows their plans before they do. It's hard to not get excited about a house when you don't yet know if it's the house God has for you.
"Simple Trust" never seems simple. But I'm going to take today and make that my goal.
My reading this morning fell onto Psalm 131. Three little verses talking about trusting in the Lord. It first caught my eye that these three verses really were titled (in my NKJV) "Simple Trust in the Lord." Now, I don't know about you, but sometimes that "task" seems so far from simple that I can't recognize it through the snow.
Thankfully, David here reminds us that when our mind is in the right place, trusting Him is not as daunting as we might think. He comes before the Lord with a humble heart. He then points out that he is not concerning himself "with great matters, nor with things too profound for me."
Isn't that where the majority of our stresses come from? I can't count how many times I've worried and stressed over something I don't have any control over. I mean, I think I can control it, just because I have something to do with it (or vice versa). But the reality of it is that there is nothing in my power to make it turn out the exact way I want it to turn out. David reminds us that trust first starts with humbling ourselves before God and leaving our troubles with Him.
The next step to really trustng is shown in verse 2. "Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul." He compares this to a child who is weaned from his mother. My Bible's notes put it clearly:
"The image is that of a child who is no longer unsettled and discontented, but one who is at peace and trusting in his mother, who is there to comfort and to meet his needs." (Nelson's NKJV)
When we are at peace with our surroundings and decisions, we can trust that God will comfort us and meet our every need. It's human nature to worry about things--especially the big things! My in-laws are looking at retiring and moving to our community--an hour away from where they've lived for almost 30 years. This is a huge change for them-major life changes, in fact. And it is so hard for them to know which house is the right one to place an offer on, when they should sell their current home, how to pack. And with all of this, we're praying for strength for dad who is just getting through this last month of tough, physical work. Anyone would be overwhelmed by this many major issues on top of each other.
And I admire their ability to put "Simple Trust in the Lord." I'm sure it's taking everything they have (I know it would for me!) to remind themselves that God knows their plans before they do. It's hard to not get excited about a house when you don't yet know if it's the house God has for you.
"Simple Trust" never seems simple. But I'm going to take today and make that my goal.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Irony
My dad and I always fought over the definition of the word "irony." (And I was always right, by the way.) Years ago there was a joke-rumor going around that Rosa Parks was hit by a bus and killed. I told him that was ironic.
"No," he replied. "Now, if she had been sitting at the front of the bus and got shot by a drive-by, THAT would have been ironic."
No offense to Ms. Rosa Parks, but we fought over you for years.
The day before yesterday I was feeling bored and stuck in the house in the middle of an overdone routine with these two toddlers. Living vicariously through my mother (who had a day off work), I called her, fishing for "fun" information. After a good chuckle, I hung up and asked the kids, "So, what should we do today?"
Without blinking, my 2-year old daughter put up her hands, said, "I dunno," then vomitted all over the living room carpet.
ironic.
My Psalms reading for this morning fell into Psalm 127.
2 It is vain for you to rise up early,
To sit up late,
To eat the bread of sorrows;
For so He gives His beloved sleep.
3 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
The fruit of the womb is a reward
Very ironic. How interesting that Solomon sees fit to remind us of the blessings of children right after reminding us that "He gives to His beloved sleep."
But I encourage you to read into the first part of that Psalm. It was a good reminder that no matter what I do around here in my current chosen occupation, nothing good will come of it if it's not done in the Lord. So much of my focus is on the "here and now." My attention needs to on my kids ability to direct their focus to Him.
And my focus? Well, I told you we were studying the second half of Daniel. My head is spinning each time I finish a homework lesson. Last night's was no exception. In looking through Daniel 8, we learned that the focus of that beast is not Antichrist, but Antiochus IV Epiphanes. The prophecy of his dreadful ruling was a foreshadowing of what Antichrist will do in the end times. And we were directed to look into I Thessalonians 4:18.
18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
All the things Paul had listed in regard to end times events were downright frightening and/or jaw-dropping. But he ended by reminding us of the purpose of his writing them.
To comfort one another. Encourage. Give Hope. Redirect Focus.
Yup, that's the one I liked, too. My focus needs to be on my Savior and showing my kids how to do the same. Once I can do that, maybe I won't be so bored during the day.
And maybe He'll consider me His beloved and grant me sleep.
"No," he replied. "Now, if she had been sitting at the front of the bus and got shot by a drive-by, THAT would have been ironic."
No offense to Ms. Rosa Parks, but we fought over you for years.
The day before yesterday I was feeling bored and stuck in the house in the middle of an overdone routine with these two toddlers. Living vicariously through my mother (who had a day off work), I called her, fishing for "fun" information. After a good chuckle, I hung up and asked the kids, "So, what should we do today?"
Without blinking, my 2-year old daughter put up her hands, said, "I dunno," then vomitted all over the living room carpet.
ironic.
My Psalms reading for this morning fell into Psalm 127.
2 It is vain for you to rise up early,
To sit up late,
To eat the bread of sorrows;
For so He gives His beloved sleep.
3 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
The fruit of the womb is a reward
Very ironic. How interesting that Solomon sees fit to remind us of the blessings of children right after reminding us that "He gives to His beloved sleep."
But I encourage you to read into the first part of that Psalm. It was a good reminder that no matter what I do around here in my current chosen occupation, nothing good will come of it if it's not done in the Lord. So much of my focus is on the "here and now." My attention needs to on my kids ability to direct their focus to Him.
And my focus? Well, I told you we were studying the second half of Daniel. My head is spinning each time I finish a homework lesson. Last night's was no exception. In looking through Daniel 8, we learned that the focus of that beast is not Antichrist, but Antiochus IV Epiphanes. The prophecy of his dreadful ruling was a foreshadowing of what Antichrist will do in the end times. And we were directed to look into I Thessalonians 4:18.
18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
All the things Paul had listed in regard to end times events were downright frightening and/or jaw-dropping. But he ended by reminding us of the purpose of his writing them.
To comfort one another. Encourage. Give Hope. Redirect Focus.
Yup, that's the one I liked, too. My focus needs to be on my Savior and showing my kids how to do the same. Once I can do that, maybe I won't be so bored during the day.
And maybe He'll consider me His beloved and grant me sleep.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Interesting
Yesterday I made it back to Bible study. This study is great. We're currently in the 8th chapter of Daniel and my head is still spinning from yesterday's work.
But what's interesting is what was read during worship. Some other women were glad to take over leading worship for me as I wasn't ready to commit back yet. And the dear woman who normally sings with me was left to read something in between songs. She was nervous, but she did great. And what I find interesting in my own little life struggles here is what the Lord gave her to read:
"When asked if I find the glass half full or half empty, I just reply that I'm thankful to have a cup."
I can't remember the name of the famous person she quoted as having said this, but it hit home for me. Looking at life isn't a matter of black and white, optimist or pessimist, half full or half empty. It requires being thankful for the things we have and not complaining about the way we have them or the lack of what we think we need.
interesting....any thoughts???
But what's interesting is what was read during worship. Some other women were glad to take over leading worship for me as I wasn't ready to commit back yet. And the dear woman who normally sings with me was left to read something in between songs. She was nervous, but she did great. And what I find interesting in my own little life struggles here is what the Lord gave her to read:
"When asked if I find the glass half full or half empty, I just reply that I'm thankful to have a cup."
I can't remember the name of the famous person she quoted as having said this, but it hit home for me. Looking at life isn't a matter of black and white, optimist or pessimist, half full or half empty. It requires being thankful for the things we have and not complaining about the way we have them or the lack of what we think we need.
interesting....any thoughts???
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Glass Half-Full
It's hard to determine whether the glass is half full or half empty. I never much bought into the "it's-all-in-how-you-look-at-it" ideal. Isn't it one or the other? Or just "half occupied?"
I got up early enough to get back to the gym today, but I chose not to go since I was already hurting at 5:00 am. Okay. Gym. Bad idea still. So I'm disappointed I didn't go, but glad I didn't go and hurt myself in the process.
So I slept till hubby got out of the shower and got up, took a shower and came down here with enough time to enjoy my coffee and spend some time with Jesus. Great! The loud kid woke up, which woke the light sleeper and I couldn't retain a single thought I tried to read. So I'm bummed I have to move my reading time to later this morning, but glad I at least got up with plenty of time this morning.
I'm glad I can still take a few moments here and there to sit (since my body is still trying to heal) but I feel guilty if my kids are in front of the tv too much or my husband has to do too much around the house.
Last night I made dinner. First time in almost a month. I was glad to do it and I wanted to see it through and actually feel like I accomplished something. So, chili was simmering and I thought I could return videos, drive through the bank and pick up chinchilla food before it would be time to make some breadsticks and serve dinner. I got home and hubby had his revised chili (without my breadsticks--which he didn't know I wanted to make) served on the table, waiting for me. Glad he helped to get something done around here? yes. Disappointed I couldn't see one thing through? absolutely.
These are all little things, I know. Most wives would kill for their husbands to just pick it up in the middle and get it done. Most people I know can easily make themselves stay down and take the time they need to recover from something major like surgery.
So why is this so hard for me? Why do I choose to look at things "half-empty?" Is it just that I'm tired of having to depend on everyone else for things? I can only do things halfway these days. Have Julia stand on the stairs so I can carry her, but I can't pick her up. Have Brad bring the laundry baskets up and down, but I can fold them. Go to the grocery store, but have him bring in the heavy bags.
I think maybe I'm starting to feel helpless. Or halfway helpless. I want to do for myself---I'm very used to that. But I'm stuck. And it stinks.
Maybe there's something to this "how-you-look-at-it" thing after all? Maybe I'm doing more damage than good by looking at things this way.
Maybe I just need more coffee.
I got up early enough to get back to the gym today, but I chose not to go since I was already hurting at 5:00 am. Okay. Gym. Bad idea still. So I'm disappointed I didn't go, but glad I didn't go and hurt myself in the process.
So I slept till hubby got out of the shower and got up, took a shower and came down here with enough time to enjoy my coffee and spend some time with Jesus. Great! The loud kid woke up, which woke the light sleeper and I couldn't retain a single thought I tried to read. So I'm bummed I have to move my reading time to later this morning, but glad I at least got up with plenty of time this morning.
I'm glad I can still take a few moments here and there to sit (since my body is still trying to heal) but I feel guilty if my kids are in front of the tv too much or my husband has to do too much around the house.
Last night I made dinner. First time in almost a month. I was glad to do it and I wanted to see it through and actually feel like I accomplished something. So, chili was simmering and I thought I could return videos, drive through the bank and pick up chinchilla food before it would be time to make some breadsticks and serve dinner. I got home and hubby had his revised chili (without my breadsticks--which he didn't know I wanted to make) served on the table, waiting for me. Glad he helped to get something done around here? yes. Disappointed I couldn't see one thing through? absolutely.
These are all little things, I know. Most wives would kill for their husbands to just pick it up in the middle and get it done. Most people I know can easily make themselves stay down and take the time they need to recover from something major like surgery.
So why is this so hard for me? Why do I choose to look at things "half-empty?" Is it just that I'm tired of having to depend on everyone else for things? I can only do things halfway these days. Have Julia stand on the stairs so I can carry her, but I can't pick her up. Have Brad bring the laundry baskets up and down, but I can fold them. Go to the grocery store, but have him bring in the heavy bags.
I think maybe I'm starting to feel helpless. Or halfway helpless. I want to do for myself---I'm very used to that. But I'm stuck. And it stinks.
Maybe there's something to this "how-you-look-at-it" thing after all? Maybe I'm doing more damage than good by looking at things this way.
Maybe I just need more coffee.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
I'm Trying to Welcome Myself Back
So, it's a pretty sad state when my last post was LAST YEAR. I feel like I've lost a whole year since I've not been feeling well since last April (at least). In the past few months, I've hit rock bottom with my health and had to have a hysterectomy. The surgery was just last week and things went well. Now I'm looking forward to getting back into my routine....into good health...into some sort of "normalcy." It's amazing to see how lousy one can feel when you're thrown out of your routine.
So I'm welcoming myself back into my routine and into good health. I appreciate your encouragement as I start from scratch in getting back to normal.
Oh---and we started the second half of the book of Daniel, so be prepared for some great stuff coming up...from Daniel...not from me. :)
So I'm welcoming myself back into my routine and into good health. I appreciate your encouragement as I start from scratch in getting back to normal.
Oh---and we started the second half of the book of Daniel, so be prepared for some great stuff coming up...from Daniel...not from me. :)
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