Our church records one of our three weekend services each week so you can access them from the church website.
In January, we started a Reaching Farther focus with an emphasis on hunger, both physical and spiritual hunger. The sermons each week have been preparing our hearts for this task. Each week our family feels challenged to do more and to love deeper. The sermons have been so moving, and we find ourselves watching them on-line another two or three times during the week from home. In fact, we just finished watching the one from last week again, and it hit me, the world at large needs to hear these messages, too. So, I'm including the website address and highly encourage anyone who reads my blog to check it out for themselves.
Last week, Bob Lenz was our guest speaker. Bob is the brother of our senior Pastor. Both are compelling speakers, each with their own unique style. Bob is president and founder of Life Promotions, a non-profit ministry whose mission is to reach young people with the gospel before they turn 18 years old. He has also published a book this year titled, Grace.
Bob's message is full of compassion and intensity. His message to the church is 'the job is not done' and he challenges us to open our eyes and see the dying world who doesn't know Jesus.
So, here's the website for the church and for Life Promotions! I hope you visit the site and are moved as we are each week.
www.christtherock.org
(click on icon in the horizontal orange stripe that says Sermon Archives and then pick a week and click on video/audio).
www.lifepromotions.com
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Worldy Acceptance VS Heavenly Importance
I read another blog titled A Wise Woman Builds Her Home. Recently, she wrote about women taking back their rightful positions in the home. I posted a comment on her blog about how I had abandoned my post in the home but have since claimed it back. The writer than posted another blog entry titled True Liberation which was sparked by my comments.
Comments are now being posted on her sight asking how one might respond to the world about one's decision to stay home. I can relate to those questions because I do go through the same things.
In January, I wrote the following piece for my Church and it was posted in our church bulletin. We have a writers and storytellers group that shares, in written form, the stories of fellow Christians, in the hopes of bringing inspiration and support to others. Our individual stories are a ministry in themselves. So here's my entry. Hope it helps anyone who might struggle with how they see themselves in the world when they choose to stay at home.
In 2006, I quit my job to be a full-time mother and wife. At the time, all of my children were already in school and many could not understand my decision.
I soon realized that the world has a very narrow view on what constitutes someone as ‘important’ and motherhood does not always fit the bill. My old title and position in business had made me someone important to the world, and in the first few months without the security of those things, I really struggled. I found myself making up titles for myself like Residential CEO or Legacy Builder, so I could sound more important when someone asked me what I did. I even considered having business cards made to add to the illusion. People still want to know if I am ready to go back to work yet.
I had felt God’s gentle nudge to make this lifestyle change and He is where I turned to for help in adjusting to my new situation and in finding the worth in it all. Over time, I noticed I started filling my days with praying, bible reading, listening to Christian radio, and reading Christian books. I began to see my place in the world differently. My desire to please the world became less, as I embraced the heavenly importance of what God had called me to do.
My availability to my husband and children is so crucial in the nurturing of who they will be in Christ. Our home atmosphere has changed so drastically. Instead of constant chaos and hurry, we have order and time. Time to pursue the ‘things’ of God. Time to mentor our daughters and their friends. Time to combat the worldly views our children are bombarded with on a daily basis. Time to allow God to influence and shape us so that we can influence and shape them. We have all grown in our faith and knowledge of God as a result.
Could I have done all these things while pursuing my own career? For me the answer was no. I was so scared to give up the security of what I had worked so hard to achieve but God showed me that when He ordains something, He also provides the grace to do it. He held me up when I struggled to redefine my role in the world. Following His will for my life has filled me up in ways I never could have imagined. The heavenly importance of what I do today, and its benefits, far exceed any form of acceptance this world can offer. Last year, God blessed us with another child, and so my days take on another new dimension in this journey of life. I cannot wait to see the outcome of it all!
Comments are now being posted on her sight asking how one might respond to the world about one's decision to stay home. I can relate to those questions because I do go through the same things.
In January, I wrote the following piece for my Church and it was posted in our church bulletin. We have a writers and storytellers group that shares, in written form, the stories of fellow Christians, in the hopes of bringing inspiration and support to others. Our individual stories are a ministry in themselves. So here's my entry. Hope it helps anyone who might struggle with how they see themselves in the world when they choose to stay at home.
In 2006, I quit my job to be a full-time mother and wife. At the time, all of my children were already in school and many could not understand my decision.
I soon realized that the world has a very narrow view on what constitutes someone as ‘important’ and motherhood does not always fit the bill. My old title and position in business had made me someone important to the world, and in the first few months without the security of those things, I really struggled. I found myself making up titles for myself like Residential CEO or Legacy Builder, so I could sound more important when someone asked me what I did. I even considered having business cards made to add to the illusion. People still want to know if I am ready to go back to work yet.
I had felt God’s gentle nudge to make this lifestyle change and He is where I turned to for help in adjusting to my new situation and in finding the worth in it all. Over time, I noticed I started filling my days with praying, bible reading, listening to Christian radio, and reading Christian books. I began to see my place in the world differently. My desire to please the world became less, as I embraced the heavenly importance of what God had called me to do.
My availability to my husband and children is so crucial in the nurturing of who they will be in Christ. Our home atmosphere has changed so drastically. Instead of constant chaos and hurry, we have order and time. Time to pursue the ‘things’ of God. Time to mentor our daughters and their friends. Time to combat the worldly views our children are bombarded with on a daily basis. Time to allow God to influence and shape us so that we can influence and shape them. We have all grown in our faith and knowledge of God as a result.
Could I have done all these things while pursuing my own career? For me the answer was no. I was so scared to give up the security of what I had worked so hard to achieve but God showed me that when He ordains something, He also provides the grace to do it. He held me up when I struggled to redefine my role in the world. Following His will for my life has filled me up in ways I never could have imagined. The heavenly importance of what I do today, and its benefits, far exceed any form of acceptance this world can offer. Last year, God blessed us with another child, and so my days take on another new dimension in this journey of life. I cannot wait to see the outcome of it all!
. . . and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth.
This morning I read Mark 1:1-8 in my personal bible study. Eight simple verses that have taken me down a path that leads to interesting thoughts and questions. An unexpected path. I invite you to stay with me as I lay out the journey I took this morning and see if you come to the same conclusions.
Mark begins by acknowledging Jesus as the Son of God. He then goes on to quote Isaiah's words of a messenger that would be sent to prepare the way for Jesus. He briefly fills us in on John (And so John came...) by telling us that he was in the desert and he preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. He describes what he wears and what he eats. Which by the way, was nothing fancy - no fancy clothes, no fancy food, no fancy venue to preach in, no fancy accommodations to stay in if you chose to go hear him preach. It was all quite inconvenient, to say the least. But, they came to hear his message, a message of the One more powerful than him, who would come and baptize with the Holy Spirit.
This is where I start to ask questions. Isaiah prophesied that a messenger would be sent to prepare the way. How did Isaiah know? How did John know he was the one Isaiah spoke of? So, I look at my bible cross references and am led to the story of John the Baptist' birth in Luke chapter one.
Well, the angel, Gabriel, announces to Zechariah, in the Holy Temple, that his prayer has been answered. His wife, Elizabeth, will have a son, and they shall name him John. The angel tells Zechariah that John will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. Then the angel says this...(and here is where my real questions start) he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth.
Now, this challenged me because up until this point, I thought the first indwelling of the Holy Spirit had been at Pentecost. As I began to research this, I discover that the Holy Spirit was given temporarily to people in the old testament for a specific purpose to be accomplished.
I, also, discover the text in Luke 2:25-35 that speaks of the Holy Spirit being upon a man called Simeon. The Holy Spirit revealed to Simeon that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. The Holy Spirit helped Simeon recognized Jesus as the Son of God, when his parents brought him into the temple. So, I learned something new there.
Here's another challenging thought. I believe the Holy Spirit is a gift that is given to new believers - who are forgiven of their sins. God cannot dwell in a sinful body. Therefore, I believe the Holy Spirit cannot be present in a sinful, unrepentant, unbeliever. However, in Luke 1:15b says...and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit EVEN from birth.
Here's my question. Did John believe in Jesus and confess his need for a Savior in the womb?
The people of the old testament and even Simeon were believers in God the Father, and believed that Jesus would come as their Savior some day. So, they fit the criteria that we are taught is needed to have the Holy Spirit dwell in us.
So, I have to believe that John would have had to meet the same criteria. Right? Am I being led to believe this took place in the womb? Again, the bible verse says... and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit EVEN from birth.
The word EVEN is what leads me to believe it happened in the womb. It doesn't say FROM birth, it says EVEN from birth, as if it happened prior to the day of birth. The Holy Spirit was present there already - at birth! (Are you following me in this?)
My point is not if God is powerful enough to accomplish that task in a person in the womb, but rather that He did do it in the womb!
If we believe that God worked in John BEFORE he was born, then it is evidence that God considers life to start prior to birth!
I don't know for sure if the Holy Spirit came to John on the day of conception, or in the first, second, or third trimester, or at birth. God didn't share the details of when and how with us. But, it is possible, at least the way I am being led to understand the text today, that it did happen prior to birth.
If so, then the big question is, how can we risk defining LIFE at any starting point other than at the very beginning (conception)!
So, there it is. Eight simple verses led me down a path I didn't expect. I thought I'd be in thought about the work of John the Baptist, but God wanted to show me something else. So, now you have food for thought today, too!
Mark begins by acknowledging Jesus as the Son of God. He then goes on to quote Isaiah's words of a messenger that would be sent to prepare the way for Jesus. He briefly fills us in on John (And so John came...) by telling us that he was in the desert and he preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. He describes what he wears and what he eats. Which by the way, was nothing fancy - no fancy clothes, no fancy food, no fancy venue to preach in, no fancy accommodations to stay in if you chose to go hear him preach. It was all quite inconvenient, to say the least. But, they came to hear his message, a message of the One more powerful than him, who would come and baptize with the Holy Spirit.
This is where I start to ask questions. Isaiah prophesied that a messenger would be sent to prepare the way. How did Isaiah know? How did John know he was the one Isaiah spoke of? So, I look at my bible cross references and am led to the story of John the Baptist' birth in Luke chapter one.
Well, the angel, Gabriel, announces to Zechariah, in the Holy Temple, that his prayer has been answered. His wife, Elizabeth, will have a son, and they shall name him John. The angel tells Zechariah that John will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. Then the angel says this...(and here is where my real questions start) he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth.
Now, this challenged me because up until this point, I thought the first indwelling of the Holy Spirit had been at Pentecost. As I began to research this, I discover that the Holy Spirit was given temporarily to people in the old testament for a specific purpose to be accomplished.
I, also, discover the text in Luke 2:25-35 that speaks of the Holy Spirit being upon a man called Simeon. The Holy Spirit revealed to Simeon that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. The Holy Spirit helped Simeon recognized Jesus as the Son of God, when his parents brought him into the temple. So, I learned something new there.
Here's another challenging thought. I believe the Holy Spirit is a gift that is given to new believers - who are forgiven of their sins. God cannot dwell in a sinful body. Therefore, I believe the Holy Spirit cannot be present in a sinful, unrepentant, unbeliever. However, in Luke 1:15b says...and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit EVEN from birth.
Here's my question. Did John believe in Jesus and confess his need for a Savior in the womb?
The people of the old testament and even Simeon were believers in God the Father, and believed that Jesus would come as their Savior some day. So, they fit the criteria that we are taught is needed to have the Holy Spirit dwell in us.
So, I have to believe that John would have had to meet the same criteria. Right? Am I being led to believe this took place in the womb? Again, the bible verse says... and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit EVEN from birth.
The word EVEN is what leads me to believe it happened in the womb. It doesn't say FROM birth, it says EVEN from birth, as if it happened prior to the day of birth. The Holy Spirit was present there already - at birth! (Are you following me in this?)
My point is not if God is powerful enough to accomplish that task in a person in the womb, but rather that He did do it in the womb!
If we believe that God worked in John BEFORE he was born, then it is evidence that God considers life to start prior to birth!
I don't know for sure if the Holy Spirit came to John on the day of conception, or in the first, second, or third trimester, or at birth. God didn't share the details of when and how with us. But, it is possible, at least the way I am being led to understand the text today, that it did happen prior to birth.
If so, then the big question is, how can we risk defining LIFE at any starting point other than at the very beginning (conception)!
So, there it is. Eight simple verses led me down a path I didn't expect. I thought I'd be in thought about the work of John the Baptist, but God wanted to show me something else. So, now you have food for thought today, too!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Proverbs 2:1-5
In Proverbs 2:1-5, it says the following,
IF YOU...
1. Accept my words
2. Store up my commands within you
3. Turn your ear to wisdom
4. Apply your heart to understanding
5. Call out for insight
6. Cry aloud for understanding
7. Look for it as silver
8. Search for it as for hidden treasure
THEN YOU ...
1. Will understand the fear of the Lord
2. Find the knowledge of God
It's true!
When I first started reading the bible, I found myself reading it as a book of historical information. I tried to learn the stories of the bible and get to know the characters, similar to reading a novel. I had heard others talk of King David or Abraham, and by reading about them for myself, I was catching up to what I thought they knew.
To my great surprise, the more I read and re-read, the more I discovered the layers of depth to the stories I was reading. It wasn't just a 'story' to remember. There is deep meaning and symbolism in the stories. The Old Testament points to the need and to the promise of the New Testament. It's all intertwined and it's a beautiful love story.
As I read a verse today, I am able to connect it in my mind to others I have already read, and between all the connections, it begins to make sense on a level that is deeply satisfying and fulfilling for me.
As I consistently put forth the effort of making time to read God's Word, He takes the time to build for me a knowledge and understanding of Him, as my Lord and Savior! Through His divine help, I can see my great need for Him, I can appreciate His great love for me (even when I don't deserve it), and I can grasp the extent of how He demonstrated that love for me through the suffering and death of Jesus Christ.
The more you read the bible, the more you will come to love God's Word! You will desire to be in the Word every day. You will know if you have been away from it for any length of time, as it beckons in your soul to return to it. It will take a hold of your mind and heart and it will change you!
Believing in Jesus and confessing your need for Him is salvation gained. However, taking that belief farther and making an effort to really get to know God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit produces life transformation here in this world, and it is a most precious gift!
Don't overlook or bypass the gift of really getting to know the God who loves you so richly and deeply! May your faith journey be one full of knowledge and understanding in the One that saves, and truly be life transforming for you!
IF YOU...
1. Accept my words
2. Store up my commands within you
3. Turn your ear to wisdom
4. Apply your heart to understanding
5. Call out for insight
6. Cry aloud for understanding
7. Look for it as silver
8. Search for it as for hidden treasure
THEN YOU ...
1. Will understand the fear of the Lord
2. Find the knowledge of God
It's true!
When I first started reading the bible, I found myself reading it as a book of historical information. I tried to learn the stories of the bible and get to know the characters, similar to reading a novel. I had heard others talk of King David or Abraham, and by reading about them for myself, I was catching up to what I thought they knew.
To my great surprise, the more I read and re-read, the more I discovered the layers of depth to the stories I was reading. It wasn't just a 'story' to remember. There is deep meaning and symbolism in the stories. The Old Testament points to the need and to the promise of the New Testament. It's all intertwined and it's a beautiful love story.
As I read a verse today, I am able to connect it in my mind to others I have already read, and between all the connections, it begins to make sense on a level that is deeply satisfying and fulfilling for me.
As I consistently put forth the effort of making time to read God's Word, He takes the time to build for me a knowledge and understanding of Him, as my Lord and Savior! Through His divine help, I can see my great need for Him, I can appreciate His great love for me (even when I don't deserve it), and I can grasp the extent of how He demonstrated that love for me through the suffering and death of Jesus Christ.
The more you read the bible, the more you will come to love God's Word! You will desire to be in the Word every day. You will know if you have been away from it for any length of time, as it beckons in your soul to return to it. It will take a hold of your mind and heart and it will change you!
Believing in Jesus and confessing your need for Him is salvation gained. However, taking that belief farther and making an effort to really get to know God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit produces life transformation here in this world, and it is a most precious gift!
Don't overlook or bypass the gift of really getting to know the God who loves you so richly and deeply! May your faith journey be one full of knowledge and understanding in the One that saves, and truly be life transforming for you!
What's This?
My daughter has a children's book called, What's This?, by Caroline Mockford.
It's a story of a seed, that is first found by a bird, then a girl, than a marmalade cat. All three ask the question, "what's this?". Together, they discover it should be planted and watered. They do so, and then wait and watch for the results. The seed sprouts out of the ground, then becomes taller than the bird, then taller than the cat, and then taller than the girl.
As they watch in wonder at the changes the seed goes through, they also care for it. Then one day the girl goes out to the plant and discovers that it turned into a magnificent sunflower. Everyday, she goes out to the sunflower just to be near it.
When Fall comes, the sunflower head droops down, and the girl discovers all of the seeds in the sunflower. She takes them to school to her teacher and they keep the seeds in a special place. In Spring, all the children in the class plant the seeds, and by summer, they each had a magnificent sunflower of their very own.
It's been said that faith the size of a mustard seed is enough to get you into heaven, which is true.
However, imagine if that seed of faith is planted deep, nurtured, and watered, consistently in you, through bible reading, prayer, experience, trial, correction, christian fellowship, and solitude with God.
Just imagine how you would change and how the world would look at you differently if your 'faith seed' exploded into a magnificent sunflower inside of you!
What if the process of morphing from that seed to the sunflower begins to plant seeds of faith in your friends, family, and the world because they see the changes taking place in you, and in those changes, they find the beauty of purpose?
Imagine the love and order in the world, if we all had the exploding faith of a sunflower inside of us!
May you guard your faith as precious, nurture and carefully grow it, and may you plant seeds of faith in others! May you become a beautiful sunflower that points the way to God for others.
It's a story of a seed, that is first found by a bird, then a girl, than a marmalade cat. All three ask the question, "what's this?". Together, they discover it should be planted and watered. They do so, and then wait and watch for the results. The seed sprouts out of the ground, then becomes taller than the bird, then taller than the cat, and then taller than the girl.
As they watch in wonder at the changes the seed goes through, they also care for it. Then one day the girl goes out to the plant and discovers that it turned into a magnificent sunflower. Everyday, she goes out to the sunflower just to be near it.
When Fall comes, the sunflower head droops down, and the girl discovers all of the seeds in the sunflower. She takes them to school to her teacher and they keep the seeds in a special place. In Spring, all the children in the class plant the seeds, and by summer, they each had a magnificent sunflower of their very own.
It's been said that faith the size of a mustard seed is enough to get you into heaven, which is true.
However, imagine if that seed of faith is planted deep, nurtured, and watered, consistently in you, through bible reading, prayer, experience, trial, correction, christian fellowship, and solitude with God.
Just imagine how you would change and how the world would look at you differently if your 'faith seed' exploded into a magnificent sunflower inside of you!
What if the process of morphing from that seed to the sunflower begins to plant seeds of faith in your friends, family, and the world because they see the changes taking place in you, and in those changes, they find the beauty of purpose?
Imagine the love and order in the world, if we all had the exploding faith of a sunflower inside of us!
May you guard your faith as precious, nurture and carefully grow it, and may you plant seeds of faith in others! May you become a beautiful sunflower that points the way to God for others.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
They Shall Become One
The small group I am a part of through my church has been going through The Truth Project DVD series put out by Focus On The Family. Last night, we discussed the social order of marriage. We learned that God did not just create the social order of marriage but in fact it has always existed because it mimics the very nature of God himself. It is an eternal structure that has always been and always will be.
We reviewed the Trinity and how the three parts of God interact with each other. God is the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit comes from both the Father and the Son. We saw how the Father was the head or the authority and how Jesus submits to the Father and does His will. They live as one in perfect unity but yet diverse.
We then compared those relationships and actions to the family. The husband is like the Father and is to love his wife. The wife is like Jesus and is to submit and respect the authority of the husband. They shall leave their mothers and fathers and cleave to each other and become one. We are to live in perfect unity in our family as a reflection of the Trinity and God's very nature as a witness to the rest of the world. When we break that bond it is as if we are crushing God himself.
Wow! Marriage was never explained to me like that before. I wondered where this information was 25 years ago because it would have been helpful prior to marriage. However, then I caught myself, and I knew even if it would have been available, I probably wouldn't have listened. I was too caught up in the world to have cared much about what God thought.
Nevertheless, I caught a glimpse of how God must have grieved over the destruction and break of my first marriage, and shame hit me again. To be in the place I am today, as a child of God who seeks to please Him, and then have to face Him again on this subject was hard. As I sat there quietly withdrawing inward, God spoke to me through the words of my friend sitting next to me. She said, "God is a gracious God who forgives BIG and we can learn from our mistakes and move on." That's grace!
In those moments, Satan probably would have loved to rewind that video in my head that tells me I am unworthy, I am not acceptable, my sins are too big! However, God intervened, and through my friend I was reminded of how God has forgiven me. I am receptive to His work within me now. I am trying to seek God's will and live within the roles He has designed for our family in the blessing of my second marriage. I am forgiven and I can move on because grace has allowed me another chance.
I am grateful today for second chances, for grace that prevents us from being completely crushed by our sins forever and allows us to try again, and for friends that can help restore and build up our relationship with God through words of encouragement rather than judgment!
We reviewed the Trinity and how the three parts of God interact with each other. God is the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit comes from both the Father and the Son. We saw how the Father was the head or the authority and how Jesus submits to the Father and does His will. They live as one in perfect unity but yet diverse.
We then compared those relationships and actions to the family. The husband is like the Father and is to love his wife. The wife is like Jesus and is to submit and respect the authority of the husband. They shall leave their mothers and fathers and cleave to each other and become one. We are to live in perfect unity in our family as a reflection of the Trinity and God's very nature as a witness to the rest of the world. When we break that bond it is as if we are crushing God himself.
Wow! Marriage was never explained to me like that before. I wondered where this information was 25 years ago because it would have been helpful prior to marriage. However, then I caught myself, and I knew even if it would have been available, I probably wouldn't have listened. I was too caught up in the world to have cared much about what God thought.
Nevertheless, I caught a glimpse of how God must have grieved over the destruction and break of my first marriage, and shame hit me again. To be in the place I am today, as a child of God who seeks to please Him, and then have to face Him again on this subject was hard. As I sat there quietly withdrawing inward, God spoke to me through the words of my friend sitting next to me. She said, "God is a gracious God who forgives BIG and we can learn from our mistakes and move on." That's grace!
In those moments, Satan probably would have loved to rewind that video in my head that tells me I am unworthy, I am not acceptable, my sins are too big! However, God intervened, and through my friend I was reminded of how God has forgiven me. I am receptive to His work within me now. I am trying to seek God's will and live within the roles He has designed for our family in the blessing of my second marriage. I am forgiven and I can move on because grace has allowed me another chance.
I am grateful today for second chances, for grace that prevents us from being completely crushed by our sins forever and allows us to try again, and for friends that can help restore and build up our relationship with God through words of encouragement rather than judgment!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Will You Pay Attention?
Jeremiah 11 8a, 9-10
8a "But they did not listen or pay attention; instead, they followed the stubbornness of their evil hearts."
9 Then the LORD said to me, "There is a conspiracy among the people of Judah and those who live in Jerusalem. 10 They have returned to the sins of their forefathers, who refused to listen to my words. They have followed other gods to serve them. Both the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken the covenant I made with their forefathers.
These are God's words to Jeremiah about both the House of Israel and Judah. God is angry because His people have not kept the requirements of the covenant made between God and Abraham. The people refused to listen to God, to obey Him, and to have no other God but Him. Even now, as God is threatening destruction, they do not heed his warnings and turn back to Him in repentance.
Are you listening to God? Are you paying attention to Him? Do you have an unobstructed view of your Creator?
Do you ever stop and really give thought to the fact that you were created by God? Do you ever pondered the fact that your Creator knows what is best for you and knows the best way for you to live your life? Do you know how much He loves you and wants to be your God? Do you understand His power and majesty? Do you really trust Him to provide and protect you?
He is your Creator and He is trying to communicate with you. He wants you to listen to Him, to pay attention to His words. He has truth and wisdom to share with you. He has corrections and warnings to tell you about so you will stay safe. He requires obedience and a heart for Him alone.
However, we don't listen most of the time. We get too busy to pay attention. We follow our own wicked heart and ways. We even create idols out of stuff to serve our own selfish desires. We let sin accumulate and don't take the time to clean out our hearts through repentance and it starts to cloud our perspective of God. We catch ourselves drifting further and further away from the God who created us and we fill that void with all kinds of other things that don't do anything eternal for us.
We don't act like we know where we came from. Our behavior is not consistent with that of a child of God. We fail to seek our Father's advice or wisdom. We decide not to heed correction. We bypass the important details that we should be paying attention to. We forget our Father!
Would you continue to reach out to someone who continually forgets you or continually rejects all the good you have to share with them? Probably not. Our tolerance for this kind of behavior toward us would be very short. How much more for the God who created us and invested His very own Son for us? How long should He be expected to wait for us to behave properly? How long should He be expected to wait for us to acknowledge and worship Him? How long should He be expected to put up with our rejection and misplaced adoration?
Oh, that God's patience with us may be longer than we would be willing to wait ourselves! Thank God for the work of Jesus who did what we could not, obey God!
May you acknowledge today from whom you have come and in whom sustains you all the days of your life. May you remember all that He has done for His people, especially the sacrifice of His very own Son for our salvation. May you be forever changed as you come to know your Father in heaven, and be inclined to act as His child, and as an heir to the Kingdom of Heaven.
8a "But they did not listen or pay attention; instead, they followed the stubbornness of their evil hearts."
9 Then the LORD said to me, "There is a conspiracy among the people of Judah and those who live in Jerusalem. 10 They have returned to the sins of their forefathers, who refused to listen to my words. They have followed other gods to serve them. Both the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken the covenant I made with their forefathers.
These are God's words to Jeremiah about both the House of Israel and Judah. God is angry because His people have not kept the requirements of the covenant made between God and Abraham. The people refused to listen to God, to obey Him, and to have no other God but Him. Even now, as God is threatening destruction, they do not heed his warnings and turn back to Him in repentance.
Are you listening to God? Are you paying attention to Him? Do you have an unobstructed view of your Creator?
Do you ever stop and really give thought to the fact that you were created by God? Do you ever pondered the fact that your Creator knows what is best for you and knows the best way for you to live your life? Do you know how much He loves you and wants to be your God? Do you understand His power and majesty? Do you really trust Him to provide and protect you?
He is your Creator and He is trying to communicate with you. He wants you to listen to Him, to pay attention to His words. He has truth and wisdom to share with you. He has corrections and warnings to tell you about so you will stay safe. He requires obedience and a heart for Him alone.
However, we don't listen most of the time. We get too busy to pay attention. We follow our own wicked heart and ways. We even create idols out of stuff to serve our own selfish desires. We let sin accumulate and don't take the time to clean out our hearts through repentance and it starts to cloud our perspective of God. We catch ourselves drifting further and further away from the God who created us and we fill that void with all kinds of other things that don't do anything eternal for us.
We don't act like we know where we came from. Our behavior is not consistent with that of a child of God. We fail to seek our Father's advice or wisdom. We decide not to heed correction. We bypass the important details that we should be paying attention to. We forget our Father!
Would you continue to reach out to someone who continually forgets you or continually rejects all the good you have to share with them? Probably not. Our tolerance for this kind of behavior toward us would be very short. How much more for the God who created us and invested His very own Son for us? How long should He be expected to wait for us to behave properly? How long should He be expected to wait for us to acknowledge and worship Him? How long should He be expected to put up with our rejection and misplaced adoration?
Oh, that God's patience with us may be longer than we would be willing to wait ourselves! Thank God for the work of Jesus who did what we could not, obey God!
May you acknowledge today from whom you have come and in whom sustains you all the days of your life. May you remember all that He has done for His people, especially the sacrifice of His very own Son for our salvation. May you be forever changed as you come to know your Father in heaven, and be inclined to act as His child, and as an heir to the Kingdom of Heaven.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Satan Testifies to the Truth of Jesus
Humanity struggles with tough questions. Is there really a God? Which God is real? Who is Jesus? Is He really the Son of God? Did Jesus really come to save us?
Christianity hinges on the belief in Jesus Christ and what He did on the cross to save us. Out of all the religions of the world, Christianity is the only religion that includes Jesus.
Some have never heard of Jesus. Others have heard of Jesus but refuse to acknowledge Him as the Son of God and Savior to those who believe in Him. Others, like myself, believe wholeheartedly that Jesus was fully God and fully man, and that He died on the cross to forgive our sins and provide a path to the Father and to eternal life. However, that belief comes with a struggle. A daily struggle. "Do I really believe what I believe is really real?"
There is one, though, who I believe never struggled with who Jesus was, whom He came from, or why He came. I believe Satan knew exactly who Jesus was and why He came.
Satan was a 'being' created by God himself. Satan thought he was better than God and tried to steal the devotion of humanity away from God and claim it for himself. Throughout the ages, Satan has been successful at times in doing just that. He continues to do it today.
God, through the Old Testament prophets, told us how He would provide salvation for His people in the form of a sacrificial lamb; Jesus, God's very own Son. The scriptural scholars have studied these promises ever since they were written. I believe Satan also studied them, maybe more so than men, because it greatly affected him and His claim to humanity.
When I read the gospel accounts of Jesus on the cross and see how the Roman soldiers and the high priests and teachers of the law mocked Jesus, I cannot help but see Satan's hand in their words. Listen to their words.
"If you really are the Son of God come down from the cross."
"He saved others; but He can't save Himself."
"He is the King of Israel. Let Him come down from the cross and we will believe in Him."
"He trust in God. Let God rescue Him now if He wants Him."
Satan wasn't confused about who Jesus was, he knew without a doubt Jesus was the Son of God. He did everything in his power to stop Jesus from obeying the Father, but just in case he wasn't successful, he created doubt. If he couldn't win and claim us all as his, then he would do what he could to get as many of us as he could. If He couldn't get Jesus to rethink His desire to obey God by convincing Him through pain and suffering or ego, then he would try to convince the world to question the authority and the validity of Christ himself.
This is the cosmic battle we have been in since the fall of man in the garden and continue to be in today. Good vs evil. God's Truth vs Satan's lie. God's reality vs Satan's illusion. Satan continues to point to the truth of Jesus though his own deceptive plans to turn us away from the very One he wishes us not to know. Satan, even in all his deception, arrogance, and self-absorption is really a testimony and witness to the authority and truth of Jesus Christ. If Satan believes in Jesus why doesn't all of humanity?
Christianity hinges on the belief in Jesus Christ and what He did on the cross to save us. Out of all the religions of the world, Christianity is the only religion that includes Jesus.
Some have never heard of Jesus. Others have heard of Jesus but refuse to acknowledge Him as the Son of God and Savior to those who believe in Him. Others, like myself, believe wholeheartedly that Jesus was fully God and fully man, and that He died on the cross to forgive our sins and provide a path to the Father and to eternal life. However, that belief comes with a struggle. A daily struggle. "Do I really believe what I believe is really real?"
There is one, though, who I believe never struggled with who Jesus was, whom He came from, or why He came. I believe Satan knew exactly who Jesus was and why He came.
Satan was a 'being' created by God himself. Satan thought he was better than God and tried to steal the devotion of humanity away from God and claim it for himself. Throughout the ages, Satan has been successful at times in doing just that. He continues to do it today.
God, through the Old Testament prophets, told us how He would provide salvation for His people in the form of a sacrificial lamb; Jesus, God's very own Son. The scriptural scholars have studied these promises ever since they were written. I believe Satan also studied them, maybe more so than men, because it greatly affected him and His claim to humanity.
When I read the gospel accounts of Jesus on the cross and see how the Roman soldiers and the high priests and teachers of the law mocked Jesus, I cannot help but see Satan's hand in their words. Listen to their words.
"If you really are the Son of God come down from the cross."
"He saved others; but He can't save Himself."
"He is the King of Israel. Let Him come down from the cross and we will believe in Him."
"He trust in God. Let God rescue Him now if He wants Him."
Satan wasn't confused about who Jesus was, he knew without a doubt Jesus was the Son of God. He did everything in his power to stop Jesus from obeying the Father, but just in case he wasn't successful, he created doubt. If he couldn't win and claim us all as his, then he would do what he could to get as many of us as he could. If He couldn't get Jesus to rethink His desire to obey God by convincing Him through pain and suffering or ego, then he would try to convince the world to question the authority and the validity of Christ himself.
This is the cosmic battle we have been in since the fall of man in the garden and continue to be in today. Good vs evil. God's Truth vs Satan's lie. God's reality vs Satan's illusion. Satan continues to point to the truth of Jesus though his own deceptive plans to turn us away from the very One he wishes us not to know. Satan, even in all his deception, arrogance, and self-absorption is really a testimony and witness to the authority and truth of Jesus Christ. If Satan believes in Jesus why doesn't all of humanity?
WORLD Magazine | Today's News, Christian Views
WORLD Magazine | Today's News, Christian Views
My friend, Heather, pointed me in the direction of this article titled, Lethal Law, which is speaking on the Freedom of Choice Act. Thanks Heather. The magazine can be found at www.worldmag.com if you would like to check it out yourself. It's now one of my favorites.
My friend, Heather, pointed me in the direction of this article titled, Lethal Law, which is speaking on the Freedom of Choice Act. Thanks Heather. The magazine can be found at www.worldmag.com if you would like to check it out yourself. It's now one of my favorites.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Arrogance Vs Humility
Matthew 27:27-31 (KJV)
27Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.
28And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.
29And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!
30And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.
31And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.
The scene of these verses: Jesus was on trial and had just been sentenced to death by the Jews. The Governor has handed Him over to the soldiers to be crucified and the soldiers mock Jesus.
I've read this many times before but never the way I did this morning. In the back of my mind, I am recalling other verses to mind that help me see these Matthews recollection of events in a different light.
John 8:42-47 (NIV)
42Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. 43Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. 44You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! 46Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't you believe me? 47He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God."
The soldiers were men who did not believe in Jesus thus their father was the devil. They wanted to carry out their father's desire.
However, I don't focus on the men today but on the devil behind the scene. Satan is the one who wanted to mock Jesus. Satan wanted to gloat, to rub it in, to kick Jesus when He was down, to act victorious over His long time rival. Just imagine the arrogance of Satan actually believing he was very close to winning this cosmic battle, blinded by his own power and ambition, to the awe of who Christ really is.
I'd say he jumped the gun and under-estimated his opponent. Just imagine Satan's surprise when Jesus meets him in hell to deliver the news of God's plan. The plan where Christ is the victor, the rewarded One in the end because He obeyed His Father and brought Him glory. Satan was so wrapped up in himself and his own power that he couldn't see that he is NOTHING compared to the Creator of the Universe! What arrogance! This arrogance is displayed through the actions of the soldiers, doing the will of the one they call father.
Did these men ever come to realize the great sin against their Lord and Savior?
As I contemplate that question, I am led to see my own sins, and realize I, too, have sinned in the same way against my Lord and Savior. I wasn't there the day of the trial, but I mock, spat, and torture my Lord every time I choose the way of Satan, the world, or the flesh. In my lifetime, I have denied Christ as the King of the Universe, as my Creator, as my Savior, as my greatest need, as the most powerful person in all the realms of this universe. I have followed Satan into sin by believing his lies and allowing him little mini 'wins' on a daily basis. My sin put Christ to the cross just as much as the chants of the Jews that day.
What a great a glorious Lord we serve! A Lord that can turn the other cheek and forgive the most grievous of sins. A Lord that gives grace freely to all those that seek it. A Lord that claims me as His own although I do not deserve it. Knowing who God is and what He has done for me brings me to my knees, that He would love such a one as me.
Lord, forgive me for not acting as one of your own and teach me how to behave so that the world will know that I serve you, and you alone! Thank you for your precious gift of Jesus and the grace that saves me daily.
27Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.
28And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.
29And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!
30And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.
31And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.
The scene of these verses: Jesus was on trial and had just been sentenced to death by the Jews. The Governor has handed Him over to the soldiers to be crucified and the soldiers mock Jesus.
I've read this many times before but never the way I did this morning. In the back of my mind, I am recalling other verses to mind that help me see these Matthews recollection of events in a different light.
John 8:42-47 (NIV)
42Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. 43Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. 44You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! 46Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't you believe me? 47He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God."
The soldiers were men who did not believe in Jesus thus their father was the devil. They wanted to carry out their father's desire.
However, I don't focus on the men today but on the devil behind the scene. Satan is the one who wanted to mock Jesus. Satan wanted to gloat, to rub it in, to kick Jesus when He was down, to act victorious over His long time rival. Just imagine the arrogance of Satan actually believing he was very close to winning this cosmic battle, blinded by his own power and ambition, to the awe of who Christ really is.
I'd say he jumped the gun and under-estimated his opponent. Just imagine Satan's surprise when Jesus meets him in hell to deliver the news of God's plan. The plan where Christ is the victor, the rewarded One in the end because He obeyed His Father and brought Him glory. Satan was so wrapped up in himself and his own power that he couldn't see that he is NOTHING compared to the Creator of the Universe! What arrogance! This arrogance is displayed through the actions of the soldiers, doing the will of the one they call father.
Did these men ever come to realize the great sin against their Lord and Savior?
As I contemplate that question, I am led to see my own sins, and realize I, too, have sinned in the same way against my Lord and Savior. I wasn't there the day of the trial, but I mock, spat, and torture my Lord every time I choose the way of Satan, the world, or the flesh. In my lifetime, I have denied Christ as the King of the Universe, as my Creator, as my Savior, as my greatest need, as the most powerful person in all the realms of this universe. I have followed Satan into sin by believing his lies and allowing him little mini 'wins' on a daily basis. My sin put Christ to the cross just as much as the chants of the Jews that day.
What a great a glorious Lord we serve! A Lord that can turn the other cheek and forgive the most grievous of sins. A Lord that gives grace freely to all those that seek it. A Lord that claims me as His own although I do not deserve it. Knowing who God is and what He has done for me brings me to my knees, that He would love such a one as me.
Lord, forgive me for not acting as one of your own and teach me how to behave so that the world will know that I serve you, and you alone! Thank you for your precious gift of Jesus and the grace that saves me daily.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Grief or Singing
4 “Jeremiah, say to the people, ‘This is what the Lord says:
“‘When people fall down, don’t they get up again?
When they discover they’re on the wrong road, don’t they turn back?
5 Then why do these people stay on their self-destructive path?
Why do the people of Jerusalem refuse to turn back?
They cling tightly to their lies
and will not turn around.
6 I listen to their conversations
and don’t hear a word of truth.
Is anyone sorry for doing wrong?
Does anyone say, “What a terrible thing I have done”?
No! All are running down the path of sin
as swiftly as a horse galloping into battle!
Jeremiah 8:4-6 New Living Translation
Truth Vs Lies - God's Reality Vs Satan's Illusion - The Cosmic Battle between Good and Evil.
Up until this past year, I never really gave much thought to the cosmic battle that rages around us. By the grace of God, He opened my eyes to His truth, and exposed the sin, lies, and illusion that Satan tries to blind us with daily to keep us from knowing the truth.
My heart grieves for all the years that I bought into those lies and turned my back on God's truth. My heart grieves now when I catch myself backsliding into the culture and wanting to be of this world. My heart grieves for all my friends and family who have bought into the lies wholeheartedly and refuse to see the error in that, just as I once did. My heart grieves for all the teachers and protectors of God's Word that have been deceived themselves, and as a result, teach deception to others.
However, my heart sings when I see God's truth and discover the love, compassion, and sovereignty that is God! My heart sings when I realize the path to forgiveness He has provided for me, for you! My heart sings when I see His provisional plan for the world! My heart sings when I see His historical perspective and future prophecy for humanity and the world that will bring all glory to Him alone!
What contrast, grief and singing, but that really is the difference between what God has to offer and what Satan has to offer. However, Satan has successfully bound up the hearts of so many people and these captives cannot 'SEE' the other side of the battle. They are content to stay where they are, not knowing they are on the wrong side. Never searching for anything more. Satisfied with what they have even though none of it is fulfilling or lasting.
Lord, you have paid the price! You have bought me with your own blood! I am forever grateful for your grace and that you have called me to be one of your own. I am aware of the battle of Your truth vs Satan's lie and know I am called to help others see it, too. I feel the burden on my heart from You to tell others. I see the foundations you have been laying down in my life and know that you are leading me toward living out Your plan for my life. I pray with a humble heart, knowing my weaknesses and fears, that I will step up to the challenges ahead by fulling resting in your promises and provision. I pray that others may come to know You and Your truth and make the decision to be on the side of Grace.
“‘When people fall down, don’t they get up again?
When they discover they’re on the wrong road, don’t they turn back?
5 Then why do these people stay on their self-destructive path?
Why do the people of Jerusalem refuse to turn back?
They cling tightly to their lies
and will not turn around.
6 I listen to their conversations
and don’t hear a word of truth.
Is anyone sorry for doing wrong?
Does anyone say, “What a terrible thing I have done”?
No! All are running down the path of sin
as swiftly as a horse galloping into battle!
Jeremiah 8:4-6 New Living Translation
Truth Vs Lies - God's Reality Vs Satan's Illusion - The Cosmic Battle between Good and Evil.
Up until this past year, I never really gave much thought to the cosmic battle that rages around us. By the grace of God, He opened my eyes to His truth, and exposed the sin, lies, and illusion that Satan tries to blind us with daily to keep us from knowing the truth.
My heart grieves for all the years that I bought into those lies and turned my back on God's truth. My heart grieves now when I catch myself backsliding into the culture and wanting to be of this world. My heart grieves for all my friends and family who have bought into the lies wholeheartedly and refuse to see the error in that, just as I once did. My heart grieves for all the teachers and protectors of God's Word that have been deceived themselves, and as a result, teach deception to others.
However, my heart sings when I see God's truth and discover the love, compassion, and sovereignty that is God! My heart sings when I realize the path to forgiveness He has provided for me, for you! My heart sings when I see His provisional plan for the world! My heart sings when I see His historical perspective and future prophecy for humanity and the world that will bring all glory to Him alone!
What contrast, grief and singing, but that really is the difference between what God has to offer and what Satan has to offer. However, Satan has successfully bound up the hearts of so many people and these captives cannot 'SEE' the other side of the battle. They are content to stay where they are, not knowing they are on the wrong side. Never searching for anything more. Satisfied with what they have even though none of it is fulfilling or lasting.
Lord, you have paid the price! You have bought me with your own blood! I am forever grateful for your grace and that you have called me to be one of your own. I am aware of the battle of Your truth vs Satan's lie and know I am called to help others see it, too. I feel the burden on my heart from You to tell others. I see the foundations you have been laying down in my life and know that you are leading me toward living out Your plan for my life. I pray with a humble heart, knowing my weaknesses and fears, that I will step up to the challenges ahead by fulling resting in your promises and provision. I pray that others may come to know You and Your truth and make the decision to be on the side of Grace.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
A Hero in Grandpa
This weekend our family traveled out of state to attend the funeral of my husband's Grandfather. The Catholic memorial service and eulogy were so inspiring and moving.
Grandpa was a WWII veteran and so the priest talked about hero's, but not just hero's in the sense of fighting for our country. He talked about every day hero's. The kind that made commitments and promises and kept them. The kind that stayed married for 62 years through the good and the bad. The kind that stayed present in his children's lives and took the shaping of their character seriously. The kind that provided for his family and taught them the value of hard work. Our country needs hero's like that, too. It was inspiring to see the culmination of one's life summed up as someone who kept his promises.
Grandpa had a stroke six years ago but with the help of Grandma he was able to stay living in the comfort of his own home, the one he built for his family. So, Grandma too, was mentioned as a hero for unselfishly caring for her husband and giving the children those additional 'bonus' years with their father.
How will we be remembered at the end of our days? We don't think about this very often but we should take the time to do so. Decisions we have to make today may be decided differently when we take the time to think about what kind of legacy we want to leave our children and grandchildren. Maybe we can stand stronger today, maybe we can give our marriage another shot, or maybe we decide to live for tomorrow instead of today.
May you take the time today to give thought to the things you would like said about you at your funeral, and then may you find the courage and perseverance to live up to those words every day!
Grandpa was a WWII veteran and so the priest talked about hero's, but not just hero's in the sense of fighting for our country. He talked about every day hero's. The kind that made commitments and promises and kept them. The kind that stayed married for 62 years through the good and the bad. The kind that stayed present in his children's lives and took the shaping of their character seriously. The kind that provided for his family and taught them the value of hard work. Our country needs hero's like that, too. It was inspiring to see the culmination of one's life summed up as someone who kept his promises.
Grandpa had a stroke six years ago but with the help of Grandma he was able to stay living in the comfort of his own home, the one he built for his family. So, Grandma too, was mentioned as a hero for unselfishly caring for her husband and giving the children those additional 'bonus' years with their father.
How will we be remembered at the end of our days? We don't think about this very often but we should take the time to do so. Decisions we have to make today may be decided differently when we take the time to think about what kind of legacy we want to leave our children and grandchildren. Maybe we can stand stronger today, maybe we can give our marriage another shot, or maybe we decide to live for tomorrow instead of today.
May you take the time today to give thought to the things you would like said about you at your funeral, and then may you find the courage and perseverance to live up to those words every day!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Presidential Quote
“I was clear throughout this campaign, and have been clear throughout this transition, that under my administration, the United States does not torture, we will abide by the Geneva conventions, that we will uphold our highest values and ideals.” President-Elect, Barak Obama
Wouldn't it be nice if we saw a Presidential quote that read:
Under my administration, the United States will abide by the Word of God, divinely given to us in the Bible, so that we will uphold the values and ideals of our Saviour, and look to Him as our ultimate authority.
Wouldn't it be nice if we saw a Presidential quote that read:
Under my administration, the United States will abide by the Word of God, divinely given to us in the Bible, so that we will uphold the values and ideals of our Saviour, and look to Him as our ultimate authority.
Fight FOCA » Sign the Fight FOCA Petition
Fight FOCA » Sign the Fight FOCA Petition
Fellow Christians and Right to Life proponents,
Please read the article link and view the video clip within the article.
Next week our new President will take office. He needs our prayers. Prayers for wisdom - God's wisdom. After reading this article, I believe more than ever that President-Elect Obama needs our prayers to do what is right in the eyes of the Lord and not in the eyes of the world!
Pray that God's will be done in this matter!
Fellow Christians and Right to Life proponents,
Please read the article link and view the video clip within the article.
Next week our new President will take office. He needs our prayers. Prayers for wisdom - God's wisdom. After reading this article, I believe more than ever that President-Elect Obama needs our prayers to do what is right in the eyes of the Lord and not in the eyes of the world!
Pray that God's will be done in this matter!
Believe in Truth
At one time the people of the world thought the world was flat until someone went out and actually discovered for themselves that it was round. Upon discovering the truth, it was taught to the world so that they would be informed and no longer continue to believe and teach something that wasn't true.
I believe the same is true for Christians. Once we discover Truth, we can no longer believe the lies of the world. We should feel compelled to tell others so they too can be informed and no longer cling to a lie.
However, not everyone wants to buy into this truth as readily as the world bought into the new concept of a round earth. They call us intolerant, insensitive, or fundamentalist for telling the truth. As if names and labels can cover up the truth they don't want to see.
The people of Judah in the days of Jeremiah did not want to see the truth. In fact, God said they 'cling to deceit' and are 'deceivers' themselves!
"Their tongue is a deadly arrow; it speaks with deceit. With his mouth each speaks cordially to his neighbor, but in his heart he sets a trap for him." Jeremiah 9:8
What the world would like us to believe about who we are, who God is, and what God requires of us leads to death (deadly arrow). However, the truth will set you free and leads to eternal life.
Where do you find God's truth? In creation, in the Bible, in prayer to Him, in the quiet of your heart if you ask Him to enter. The Holy Spirit will teach you who God is and help you to understand His nature, His love for you, His promises for you, and His requirements of you. Trust in Him alone! He is worthy of your full trust.
May you embrace the trusted truth of Christ's redemptive love for you so that you no longer believe the lies of the world. May you come to understand and know Him completely!
I believe the same is true for Christians. Once we discover Truth, we can no longer believe the lies of the world. We should feel compelled to tell others so they too can be informed and no longer cling to a lie.
However, not everyone wants to buy into this truth as readily as the world bought into the new concept of a round earth. They call us intolerant, insensitive, or fundamentalist for telling the truth. As if names and labels can cover up the truth they don't want to see.
The people of Judah in the days of Jeremiah did not want to see the truth. In fact, God said they 'cling to deceit' and are 'deceivers' themselves!
"Their tongue is a deadly arrow; it speaks with deceit. With his mouth each speaks cordially to his neighbor, but in his heart he sets a trap for him." Jeremiah 9:8
What the world would like us to believe about who we are, who God is, and what God requires of us leads to death (deadly arrow). However, the truth will set you free and leads to eternal life.
Where do you find God's truth? In creation, in the Bible, in prayer to Him, in the quiet of your heart if you ask Him to enter. The Holy Spirit will teach you who God is and help you to understand His nature, His love for you, His promises for you, and His requirements of you. Trust in Him alone! He is worthy of your full trust.
May you embrace the trusted truth of Christ's redemptive love for you so that you no longer believe the lies of the world. May you come to understand and know Him completely!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Oprah's Spirituality Segemt
My friend called me yesterday and said Oprah was going to have a show on spirituality. We agreed to both tune in but normally we don't watch Oprah. But the topic of the show peeked our interest.
My 10-year old daughter wanted to watch too, but I said no, because I don't always agree with the things that happen on Oprah. Well, I'm glad I did because soon after one of the guest panelist, an Episcopalian Rector from California, told a young, gay man that 'being gay is a gift from God'.
I couldn't turn the TV off fast enough, but I did hear even Oprah say 'That's the first time I ever heard that being gay was a gift from God". I think she too may have been shocked by that statement.
We shouldn't be surprised though. That's the direction our culture is fulling embracing. A culture of 'if you can conceive of it then it must be good' or 'If it exists it must be from God'. Well, God clearly states in His Word that homosexual behavior is not acceptable.
As God would will, my husband happened to be reading in Romans Chapter 1 last night before bed. Verses 24 -27 speak to this exact topic. His reference bible than points him to Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13. You can go and read them for yourself, but God describes these acts first in Romans through the Apostle Paul as . . .
1. degrading
2. exchanging the truth of God for a lie
3. worshipping and serving created things rather than the Creator
4. shameful lusts
5. abandoning natural relations for unnatural relations
6. indecent acts
7. perversion
and then in Leviticus as. . .
1. detestable
My husband found it amazing that these topics had to be addressed way back in biblical times, but it shows this is not just a culture thing today. Man's depravities have been an issue since the fall of man in the garden. God has not been silent on this either, so there should be no ambiguity about what God's stance is.
Now, don't get me wrong. I believe every PERSON is a creation of God and every one's life is sacred and precious. I believe we all receive gifts, talents, characteristic, and imperfections from God. I believe we should love everyone just as God loves us.
But, I also believe we are all sinners! Sin is not from God! Murder is not from God. Lying is not from God and neither is the desire to have sexual relations in any context other than how God ordained it to happen, between a married man and woman.
We are exchanging God's Truth for Satan's lie if we believe anything different. Satan's lie is that we don't need a Savior because we are 'good' and we cannot do 'evil'. So, he gets in our head and tells us it's OK to give ourselves over to our hearts desire because we are 'good' and we 'deserve' to be happy. We take action on a lie and fool ourselves into thinking it is truth.
The truth is God created us, and He created us with purpose and structure. Although God does want to bless us, our purpose in life is not to be happy, but rather to serve Him, the Living God. We serve Him by being obedient to His Word and putting Him above all else in our life, including our heart's desires.
Sadly, many people watching Oprah yesterday do not have a biblical view of God and man, and will be left with the impression that it is God's desire for homosexuality to be present in the world. Many people will base future decisions and actions on that belief and we will continue down a path of destruction and disobedience.
My question to Oprah is this. Are you prepared to stand before God some day and claim your responsibility in the influencing of this nation away from God's principles without the cover of Christ blood?
Lord, I pray for all of us, myself included, for all the ways we have been disobedient and traded your Truth for Satan's lie. I pray that Oprah will come to know you and repent, and begin to influence for you just as the Apostle Paul was able to switch sides. I pray for America and your hand in bringing about revival in our hearts. Amen
My 10-year old daughter wanted to watch too, but I said no, because I don't always agree with the things that happen on Oprah. Well, I'm glad I did because soon after one of the guest panelist, an Episcopalian Rector from California, told a young, gay man that 'being gay is a gift from God'.
I couldn't turn the TV off fast enough, but I did hear even Oprah say 'That's the first time I ever heard that being gay was a gift from God". I think she too may have been shocked by that statement.
We shouldn't be surprised though. That's the direction our culture is fulling embracing. A culture of 'if you can conceive of it then it must be good' or 'If it exists it must be from God'. Well, God clearly states in His Word that homosexual behavior is not acceptable.
As God would will, my husband happened to be reading in Romans Chapter 1 last night before bed. Verses 24 -27 speak to this exact topic. His reference bible than points him to Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13. You can go and read them for yourself, but God describes these acts first in Romans through the Apostle Paul as . . .
1. degrading
2. exchanging the truth of God for a lie
3. worshipping and serving created things rather than the Creator
4. shameful lusts
5. abandoning natural relations for unnatural relations
6. indecent acts
7. perversion
and then in Leviticus as. . .
1. detestable
My husband found it amazing that these topics had to be addressed way back in biblical times, but it shows this is not just a culture thing today. Man's depravities have been an issue since the fall of man in the garden. God has not been silent on this either, so there should be no ambiguity about what God's stance is.
Now, don't get me wrong. I believe every PERSON is a creation of God and every one's life is sacred and precious. I believe we all receive gifts, talents, characteristic, and imperfections from God. I believe we should love everyone just as God loves us.
But, I also believe we are all sinners! Sin is not from God! Murder is not from God. Lying is not from God and neither is the desire to have sexual relations in any context other than how God ordained it to happen, between a married man and woman.
We are exchanging God's Truth for Satan's lie if we believe anything different. Satan's lie is that we don't need a Savior because we are 'good' and we cannot do 'evil'. So, he gets in our head and tells us it's OK to give ourselves over to our hearts desire because we are 'good' and we 'deserve' to be happy. We take action on a lie and fool ourselves into thinking it is truth.
The truth is God created us, and He created us with purpose and structure. Although God does want to bless us, our purpose in life is not to be happy, but rather to serve Him, the Living God. We serve Him by being obedient to His Word and putting Him above all else in our life, including our heart's desires.
Sadly, many people watching Oprah yesterday do not have a biblical view of God and man, and will be left with the impression that it is God's desire for homosexuality to be present in the world. Many people will base future decisions and actions on that belief and we will continue down a path of destruction and disobedience.
My question to Oprah is this. Are you prepared to stand before God some day and claim your responsibility in the influencing of this nation away from God's principles without the cover of Christ blood?
Lord, I pray for all of us, myself included, for all the ways we have been disobedient and traded your Truth for Satan's lie. I pray that Oprah will come to know you and repent, and begin to influence for you just as the Apostle Paul was able to switch sides. I pray for America and your hand in bringing about revival in our hearts. Amen
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Politics and God
Exodus 7:3 And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and multiply My signs and My wonders in the land of Egypt.
When we look at the world stage today and see how leaders of nations are operating, do we ever stop to consider God's hand in all of this?
What glory does God want the world to see through the events that are taking place today?
What is God allowing or orchestrating, and why?
When we look at the world stage today and see how leaders of nations are operating, do we ever stop to consider God's hand in all of this?
What glory does God want the world to see through the events that are taking place today?
What is God allowing or orchestrating, and why?
What the Bible Says About the Beginning of Life
What the Bible Says About the Beginning of Life
January 18-25 is Sanctity of Human Life Week. Focus on the Family's website Family.org has many resources posted in observance of this week.
January 18-25 is Sanctity of Human Life Week. Focus on the Family's website Family.org has many resources posted in observance of this week.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Life is Sacred
Life is Sacred
Here's a very courageous story on abortion that made me cry.
This young lady's story shows there is bondage in secrets and freedom in sharing your story. Along with her message that every life is sacred, there is also the messages of hope in a broken world and the lesson that suffering alone because of shame prevents us from healing.
Feeling remorse for an action is good but shame tells us that we have been forever damaged. Shame is the tool of Satan who wants to keep us separated from everyone so he alone can influence us. Satan's influence leads to further destruction and pain.
I am so glad this woman found the forgiveness of Jesus through the love of others willing to hold her close in her darkest hours. May we all have hearts like theirs.
Here's a very courageous story on abortion that made me cry.
This young lady's story shows there is bondage in secrets and freedom in sharing your story. Along with her message that every life is sacred, there is also the messages of hope in a broken world and the lesson that suffering alone because of shame prevents us from healing.
Feeling remorse for an action is good but shame tells us that we have been forever damaged. Shame is the tool of Satan who wants to keep us separated from everyone so he alone can influence us. Satan's influence leads to further destruction and pain.
I am so glad this woman found the forgiveness of Jesus through the love of others willing to hold her close in her darkest hours. May we all have hearts like theirs.
Pray for President-Elect Obama » Home
Pray for President-Elect Obama » Home
Please see this website and join thousands in praying for our new President on Jan. 20th.
Your prayers matter!
Please see this website and join thousands in praying for our new President on Jan. 20th.
Your prayers matter!
Imperfections
Exodus 10-12 NKJV
10 Then Moses said to the LORD, “O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.”
11 So the LORD said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the LORD? 12 Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.”
Two things popped out at me when I read these verses.
1. God can work with all of our imperfections because He is God!
2. Our imperfections were given to us by God.
It's number 2 that I'd like to speak to today because I never thought of my imperfections as coming from God until I read this passage. I find great beauty and irony in this fact.
We, as a people, want to be perfect. We want to be the smartest, the best, the brightest. We want the perfect look. Just look at the amount of money spent on plastic surgery and cosmetics each year chasing a vision of perfection. Scientist are trying to figure out how to clone and recreate and you know once they master it there will be a standard by which cloning will be initiated. I don't know many people that would want to recreate something they deem imperfect or of no use to mankind.
I believe we were perfect once, before the fall, and we will be perfect again in eternity, according to God's vision of perfection. Until then, we each have faults or imperfections to deal with. But they don't have to be debilitating or ugly to us. They can be beautiful because we are uniquely created by a God himself and He alone chose what we would look like, sound like, and how our bodies would function in this life. There's beauty in just knowing that God knew you intimately before you came into existence and He can use all of us, the good and bad.
Of course, there's always things we do to ourselves that God didn't intend for us to do like overeating, bodily alterations, or any type of bodily abuse. I'm not speaking to those instances but rather the ones you were born with. Maybe it's a birthmark in the wrong location according to you. Or, maybe it's an physical or mental handicap. These things were given by God and just like everything He does, there is a purpose and beauty in them.
If nothing else, these imperfections draw us closer to Him as the world around us rejects us. When someone overcomes a handicap it can point to God's glory and power. There is a higher purpose, a divine plan, and beauty in all of us.
The next time I catch myself judging or feeling pity for myself or someone else, I hope I stop and try to see the beauty and purpose in God's creation. I hope I can see as God sees!
10 Then Moses said to the LORD, “O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.”
11 So the LORD said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the LORD? 12 Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.”
Two things popped out at me when I read these verses.
1. God can work with all of our imperfections because He is God!
2. Our imperfections were given to us by God.
It's number 2 that I'd like to speak to today because I never thought of my imperfections as coming from God until I read this passage. I find great beauty and irony in this fact.
We, as a people, want to be perfect. We want to be the smartest, the best, the brightest. We want the perfect look. Just look at the amount of money spent on plastic surgery and cosmetics each year chasing a vision of perfection. Scientist are trying to figure out how to clone and recreate and you know once they master it there will be a standard by which cloning will be initiated. I don't know many people that would want to recreate something they deem imperfect or of no use to mankind.
I believe we were perfect once, before the fall, and we will be perfect again in eternity, according to God's vision of perfection. Until then, we each have faults or imperfections to deal with. But they don't have to be debilitating or ugly to us. They can be beautiful because we are uniquely created by a God himself and He alone chose what we would look like, sound like, and how our bodies would function in this life. There's beauty in just knowing that God knew you intimately before you came into existence and He can use all of us, the good and bad.
Of course, there's always things we do to ourselves that God didn't intend for us to do like overeating, bodily alterations, or any type of bodily abuse. I'm not speaking to those instances but rather the ones you were born with. Maybe it's a birthmark in the wrong location according to you. Or, maybe it's an physical or mental handicap. These things were given by God and just like everything He does, there is a purpose and beauty in them.
If nothing else, these imperfections draw us closer to Him as the world around us rejects us. When someone overcomes a handicap it can point to God's glory and power. There is a higher purpose, a divine plan, and beauty in all of us.
The next time I catch myself judging or feeling pity for myself or someone else, I hope I stop and try to see the beauty and purpose in God's creation. I hope I can see as God sees!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Open to Beautiful Blessings
My OB/GYN once told me that after having four children he didn't believe I would be become pregnant again because of the changes my body had gone through. God showed him differently though when we did in fact conceive our fifth child a year later.
At my six week follow up with him, he actually told us he would have to retire if I became pregnant again. I guess we really challenged his ability to ensure we had a healthy child and a healthy mother at the end of the day.
At a recent checkup, he cautioned me on the dangers of becoming pregnant at my age and when I didn't necessarily heed his advice he said he would have a heart attack if I were to become pregnant again. I told him then that I would pray for him if that happened. See, I didn't think I needed to pray for myself but rather pray for the man who didn't have a trust in God. Pray for the man who had put his trust in himself and not in God. I thought about changing doctors but I can witness to this one through the work God does through me.
I've come to trust in God's provision. If God wants to bless us with another child, I believe God will provide and care for us. I'm not worried.
In fact, my husband and I just had 'date night' a few days ago and we talked about the past. When we looked back together we saw how beautiful everything has turned out.
Yes, the year of unknowing if we would conceive a child together was hard on us, but it developed a trust in God in us. Yes, the pregnancy was tougher on me at 41 than in my 20's, but I still survived and eventually got back to feeling myself. Yes, the first few months when our daughter wouldn't sleep through the night was extremely challenging for both of us, but she eventually found her rhythm and we eventually regained our sanity. Yes, the other children went through a period of adjustment, but they eventually embraced and bonded with their new sister too. We have all grown through the challenges and I wouldn't change any of that for anything in the world.
God is faithful and He is good. I want to be open to any blessing He may want to grant to us. I cannot know what is ultimately best for us but I trust that God does.
In the historical account of the Israelites under oppressive Egyptian rule in the book of Exodus, we find an environment that is very hostile to the people, especially newborn males. The Egyptians were so worried about the multitude of the Israelites (as God had increased their numbers tremendously)that they worked them as slaves and enacted laws to kill the newborn males in an effort to limit the power this people may have.
As I contemplate what it would be like to be a wife and mother in these times, I cannot compare it to any hardships we face here in the United States as wives and mothers, but I am sure there are those who can. Those that have the fear of harm, trial, or death for themselves or their child if they were to become pregnant. The rate of birth control use and abortion in our country speaks to this fear.
Where is the hope in a faithful God that he can deliver us from any evil or fear? Where is the hope that God can turn what we view as a tough time around and make it beautiful? Where is the hope that God holds all events in His trusted hands? I believe in this hope and I rest in His will for me despite any fears or second guesses I may have.
So, Mr. OB/GYN, I trust in a higher power than you, and you will not make me feel bad for placing my faith elsewhere and not heeding your advice. Maybe God has something to show you through our story.
At my six week follow up with him, he actually told us he would have to retire if I became pregnant again. I guess we really challenged his ability to ensure we had a healthy child and a healthy mother at the end of the day.
At a recent checkup, he cautioned me on the dangers of becoming pregnant at my age and when I didn't necessarily heed his advice he said he would have a heart attack if I were to become pregnant again. I told him then that I would pray for him if that happened. See, I didn't think I needed to pray for myself but rather pray for the man who didn't have a trust in God. Pray for the man who had put his trust in himself and not in God. I thought about changing doctors but I can witness to this one through the work God does through me.
I've come to trust in God's provision. If God wants to bless us with another child, I believe God will provide and care for us. I'm not worried.
In fact, my husband and I just had 'date night' a few days ago and we talked about the past. When we looked back together we saw how beautiful everything has turned out.
Yes, the year of unknowing if we would conceive a child together was hard on us, but it developed a trust in God in us. Yes, the pregnancy was tougher on me at 41 than in my 20's, but I still survived and eventually got back to feeling myself. Yes, the first few months when our daughter wouldn't sleep through the night was extremely challenging for both of us, but she eventually found her rhythm and we eventually regained our sanity. Yes, the other children went through a period of adjustment, but they eventually embraced and bonded with their new sister too. We have all grown through the challenges and I wouldn't change any of that for anything in the world.
God is faithful and He is good. I want to be open to any blessing He may want to grant to us. I cannot know what is ultimately best for us but I trust that God does.
In the historical account of the Israelites under oppressive Egyptian rule in the book of Exodus, we find an environment that is very hostile to the people, especially newborn males. The Egyptians were so worried about the multitude of the Israelites (as God had increased their numbers tremendously)that they worked them as slaves and enacted laws to kill the newborn males in an effort to limit the power this people may have.
As I contemplate what it would be like to be a wife and mother in these times, I cannot compare it to any hardships we face here in the United States as wives and mothers, but I am sure there are those who can. Those that have the fear of harm, trial, or death for themselves or their child if they were to become pregnant. The rate of birth control use and abortion in our country speaks to this fear.
Where is the hope in a faithful God that he can deliver us from any evil or fear? Where is the hope that God can turn what we view as a tough time around and make it beautiful? Where is the hope that God holds all events in His trusted hands? I believe in this hope and I rest in His will for me despite any fears or second guesses I may have.
So, Mr. OB/GYN, I trust in a higher power than you, and you will not make me feel bad for placing my faith elsewhere and not heeding your advice. Maybe God has something to show you through our story.
Hopes and Dreams
When you look around your neighborhood what do you see today that wasn't present a few years ago? A few new gas stations or restaurants? A new subdivision? A new store?
When you look around your family what do you see today that wasn't present a few years ago? A new child? A new son or daughter-in-law? A new wife or husband?
When you look inside of you what do you see today that wasn't present a few years ago? Maturity? Wisdom? Character?
I ask you first to look back and experience the wonder of what has happened-good or bad, in and around us, in the past few years. Then look forward. What is to come?
Our Pastor gave a message of HOPE yesterday in his sermon. He challenged us to envision what God may want to breathe into existence in us, in our families, in our city, in our state, in our nation, in our world in the upcoming year.
He challenged us to dream big because we worship a BIG God who is all powerful. A God who can create something from what we think is dead or create something from nothing. What an awesome thought!
As Creator of this universe, God knows what is needed, exactly at what point it is needed, and has the power to make it happen! He has a plan and He wants to accomplish that plan through us. He's inviting us to converse with Him on what those plans might be and let us in on how to go about accomplishing them. If we seek His heavenly perspective and ask to share in His dreams, just imagine what He can breathe into existence through us!
The world desperately needs His vision of Hope. Yes, our President-Elect talks about 'change and hope' but you will not find in him, or in his plans for our country, the kind of life transformation needed to set this world on fire. However, you will find it in the plans of our Almighty God.
Our greatest hope lies in the fact the Jesus is coming back! We have an eternal home that is being prepared for us by Him. However, in the meantime, there is much to do here. Will you spend your time in the upcoming year pursuing your own hopes and dreams? Or, will you ask to be aligned with the most perfect plan in the universe? We cannot even begin to phantom the possibilities God has in store for us!
May you dream an eternal dream in 2009 and may you be a part of changing the course of events in our world for the Glory of God!
When you look around your family what do you see today that wasn't present a few years ago? A new child? A new son or daughter-in-law? A new wife or husband?
When you look inside of you what do you see today that wasn't present a few years ago? Maturity? Wisdom? Character?
I ask you first to look back and experience the wonder of what has happened-good or bad, in and around us, in the past few years. Then look forward. What is to come?
Our Pastor gave a message of HOPE yesterday in his sermon. He challenged us to envision what God may want to breathe into existence in us, in our families, in our city, in our state, in our nation, in our world in the upcoming year.
He challenged us to dream big because we worship a BIG God who is all powerful. A God who can create something from what we think is dead or create something from nothing. What an awesome thought!
As Creator of this universe, God knows what is needed, exactly at what point it is needed, and has the power to make it happen! He has a plan and He wants to accomplish that plan through us. He's inviting us to converse with Him on what those plans might be and let us in on how to go about accomplishing them. If we seek His heavenly perspective and ask to share in His dreams, just imagine what He can breathe into existence through us!
The world desperately needs His vision of Hope. Yes, our President-Elect talks about 'change and hope' but you will not find in him, or in his plans for our country, the kind of life transformation needed to set this world on fire. However, you will find it in the plans of our Almighty God.
Our greatest hope lies in the fact the Jesus is coming back! We have an eternal home that is being prepared for us by Him. However, in the meantime, there is much to do here. Will you spend your time in the upcoming year pursuing your own hopes and dreams? Or, will you ask to be aligned with the most perfect plan in the universe? We cannot even begin to phantom the possibilities God has in store for us!
May you dream an eternal dream in 2009 and may you be a part of changing the course of events in our world for the Glory of God!
Friday, January 2, 2009
Christmas Vacation, A Sick Mom, and as always - Questions
I have had the great fortune of having my husband and children home on vacation for two whole weeks over the holidays!
Unfortunately, I was sick most of the time (just the most terrible sinus cold ever, nothing serious) which kept us at home instead of out pursuing those activities we normally would have done to fill that time.
But that's where God's blessings were found for our family this year. In the quiet of our home, together as a family, gathered around the kitchen table playing board games and talking to each other. In time to read a book and expand our thoughts. In time to take a long, hot bath and converse with God. In time to reconnect with my husband and plan for the new year. In time to rediscover the really important things in life.
How blessed I am to have a husband and children to spend that time with. How blessed I am to have a friend who called me daily to check in on how my health was progressing. How blessed I am to be touched by my Creator who seeks to be with me! I am grateful for the heart to hearts we (God and I) have had the past few days.
I also had some deep thoughts during my wakefulness due to stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing, and nose blowing bouts. Thoughts like - What did Adam and Eve do when they got kicked out of the Garden of Eden?
Seriously, what did they do to fill their days? They had no home to lounge around in or clean. They had no children yet to chase after. They had no cars to drive around or maintain. They had no restaurants to go to, or night clubs, movie theaters, or shopping malls. No TV, video games, stereos, or computers. No family to visit. No finances to budget or checkbooks to balance. No books, magazines, or newspapers to read. No grocery shopping to do. No library or movie store. No gym to work out in. No job to go to requiring a time clock to punch. No homework. No sporting events to attend or participate in. All they had was time and maybe some fig leaf clothing.
I assume they quickly established a home base (safe, secure, protected, somewhat sheltered from the elements). I assume they quickly discovered how to find food and water. I assume they quickly discovered a different form of fashion wear so they could ditch the fig leaves. I assume they relied on each other heavily for comfort, companionship, problem solving, creative ideas and expression, and conversation. I assume they desperately sought out the God they had become accustomed to communing with on a daily basis. (Imagine the loss you feel when a loved one dies and compare that now on a grander scale to the loss they felt at being separated from their Creator.) I assume they sought God's approval or advice when they had to make decisions. I assume they consulted with God on how to get along with each other. I assume they remembered how good they once had it and regretted the decision to put themselves above God and were careful to try, try not to let it become a habit with them.
As I compared the options I have to fill my days with the options Adam and Eve had, I wonder who was/is better off. They, had great loss, having tasted what a perfect walk with God was like and now having that stripped away from them but always wanting it back. We, have great distraction, that keeps us from walking as close as we possibly can with God this side of heaven but still always longing to fill that void even when we don't understand what we are seeking.
I am grateful to not have the challenges Adam and Eve had but saddened too that my life has the potential to be filled up with so many things that don't matter. Maybe this year, I'll be able to strip away some of that clutter that keeps me too busy to seek God and to be found by Him.
My 2009 wish for anyone who reads this blog is that you too may be able to set aside some of the distraction in your life and find time to connect with your Creator and be transformed by His vision for you! May God bless and keep you this year!
Unfortunately, I was sick most of the time (just the most terrible sinus cold ever, nothing serious) which kept us at home instead of out pursuing those activities we normally would have done to fill that time.
But that's where God's blessings were found for our family this year. In the quiet of our home, together as a family, gathered around the kitchen table playing board games and talking to each other. In time to read a book and expand our thoughts. In time to take a long, hot bath and converse with God. In time to reconnect with my husband and plan for the new year. In time to rediscover the really important things in life.
How blessed I am to have a husband and children to spend that time with. How blessed I am to have a friend who called me daily to check in on how my health was progressing. How blessed I am to be touched by my Creator who seeks to be with me! I am grateful for the heart to hearts we (God and I) have had the past few days.
I also had some deep thoughts during my wakefulness due to stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing, and nose blowing bouts. Thoughts like - What did Adam and Eve do when they got kicked out of the Garden of Eden?
Seriously, what did they do to fill their days? They had no home to lounge around in or clean. They had no children yet to chase after. They had no cars to drive around or maintain. They had no restaurants to go to, or night clubs, movie theaters, or shopping malls. No TV, video games, stereos, or computers. No family to visit. No finances to budget or checkbooks to balance. No books, magazines, or newspapers to read. No grocery shopping to do. No library or movie store. No gym to work out in. No job to go to requiring a time clock to punch. No homework. No sporting events to attend or participate in. All they had was time and maybe some fig leaf clothing.
I assume they quickly established a home base (safe, secure, protected, somewhat sheltered from the elements). I assume they quickly discovered how to find food and water. I assume they quickly discovered a different form of fashion wear so they could ditch the fig leaves. I assume they relied on each other heavily for comfort, companionship, problem solving, creative ideas and expression, and conversation. I assume they desperately sought out the God they had become accustomed to communing with on a daily basis. (Imagine the loss you feel when a loved one dies and compare that now on a grander scale to the loss they felt at being separated from their Creator.) I assume they sought God's approval or advice when they had to make decisions. I assume they consulted with God on how to get along with each other. I assume they remembered how good they once had it and regretted the decision to put themselves above God and were careful to try, try not to let it become a habit with them.
As I compared the options I have to fill my days with the options Adam and Eve had, I wonder who was/is better off. They, had great loss, having tasted what a perfect walk with God was like and now having that stripped away from them but always wanting it back. We, have great distraction, that keeps us from walking as close as we possibly can with God this side of heaven but still always longing to fill that void even when we don't understand what we are seeking.
I am grateful to not have the challenges Adam and Eve had but saddened too that my life has the potential to be filled up with so many things that don't matter. Maybe this year, I'll be able to strip away some of that clutter that keeps me too busy to seek God and to be found by Him.
My 2009 wish for anyone who reads this blog is that you too may be able to set aside some of the distraction in your life and find time to connect with your Creator and be transformed by His vision for you! May God bless and keep you this year!
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