A four day business/vacation/anniversary trip my husband and I were to take was cancelled a mere 16 hours before our plane was scheduled to leave the ground.
A quality problem at work - a big one - requires my husband to stay in town and see the fix through. That what leaders do.
So, instead of seeing to last minute details before flying out we are unpacking suitcases, calling off the babysitter, etc.
Yes, it's disappointing. It's even harder on my husband because the problem at work is a big one and he will not be having fun the next several days.
Life keeps piling on.
There is a purpose - God knows - we wait to see what it is.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Spirit of Truth
As we continue to Seek Christ this year and for the rest of our lives, we’ll hear the voice of lies that says we were made to be happy. I’m not buying it y’all. I know that we were made to Glorify God and to make Him known. We need to Seek Christ first and then joy will come. He’s so worth it, and I pray that our youth will understand this and live it. May we at the end of our lives say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith!” – 2 Timothy 4:7
These words were part of an email my husband received this morning. The sender is the youth leader at our church where my husband is a small group leader for sixth grade boys. The email is to prepare the small group leaders for the material that will be taught this week.
I found it so ironic that this week's topic is about listening to the Voice of Truth and how the 'pursuit of Jesus' is better than the 'pursuit of happiness', considering my own personal struggle with this idea the past two weeks.
It goes to show none of us are immune to the lies or competing voices. We need to fill ourselves up with the Word of God, hear the Voice of Truth, so we can discern the lies from the truth ourselves.
Pursue Christ instead of earthly treasure and you will find pure joy and lasting happiness!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Kept By the Spirit
My last blog post titled, Do the Lives of Others Look Good To You? was not really about who other people are or are not but had to do more with the state of my own heart at the time. I was being real about what I was struggling with at the moment.
For those of you who read my posts, this is what I want you to know about my last post:
My own heart was trying to deceive me and turn me from the path of God. My own heart was lying to me about what I need. My own heart was trying to destroy me. I was wrestling with my own heart.
But,
I was kept by the Spirit!
The world under Satan's control lies to us all the time. But, do we realize that our own hearts do the same? Our natural self is evil because of sin. We naturally want the things opposite of God. So, we are in a constant spiritual battle between our will and God's will.
Sometimes we give in to our own wills and begin to turn our backs to God. If we turn completely away and begin walking in the opposite direction, we will soon find ourselves wandering in the far off land - lost.
Christians do turn once in awhile. I believe they even begin walking and sometimes do get lost in the far off land.
However, the Holy Spirit living in us, sends us warning signals, convicts us of the fact that we have chosen the wrong direction, and will steer us back on course if we cooperate.
Cooperation = heeding the warning, turning back, and asking for forgiveness.
If we choose to ignore the prompting of the Holy Spirit and continue on our merry way, I am confident God will orchastrate a grand rescue to bring us back home. It says in the bible that not one of his can be snatched from his hand. So, whether it is Satan, the world, or our own hearts that lead us astray it is only temporary; God will prevail in the end because Jesus has paid the price for us and we are his treasured people.
So, I was turning.
The Holy Spirit used my husband's words to convict me.
I cooperated. I heeded the warning. I realized what I was walking towards was a lie, a fake substitute, a fleeting fulfillment. I had turned away from the truth, from the power to overcome, and from the only true source of peace and joy because I beleived a lie. I realized it only because of the power of the Holy Spirit to convict who lives in me.
I turned back to God. I repented of my sin and he restored me unto him.
I believe it's important for Christians to be real with other Christians. To be honest that we all struggle, that we're not perfect yet, and we all still need a Savior! It's even more important to point out the power of the Holy Spirit to keep us.
My bible verse for this blog is Psalm 66:16 Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.
I'm letting you know what he has done for me.
He has saved me from my own heart by his perfect truth. I have been kept by the Spirit!
Thank you Lord Jesus for your gift of salvation and for the gift of the Holy Spirit that continues to keep us until you return to gather us home!
For those of you who read my posts, this is what I want you to know about my last post:
My own heart was trying to deceive me and turn me from the path of God. My own heart was lying to me about what I need. My own heart was trying to destroy me. I was wrestling with my own heart.
But,
I was kept by the Spirit!
The world under Satan's control lies to us all the time. But, do we realize that our own hearts do the same? Our natural self is evil because of sin. We naturally want the things opposite of God. So, we are in a constant spiritual battle between our will and God's will.
Sometimes we give in to our own wills and begin to turn our backs to God. If we turn completely away and begin walking in the opposite direction, we will soon find ourselves wandering in the far off land - lost.
Christians do turn once in awhile. I believe they even begin walking and sometimes do get lost in the far off land.
However, the Holy Spirit living in us, sends us warning signals, convicts us of the fact that we have chosen the wrong direction, and will steer us back on course if we cooperate.
Cooperation = heeding the warning, turning back, and asking for forgiveness.
If we choose to ignore the prompting of the Holy Spirit and continue on our merry way, I am confident God will orchastrate a grand rescue to bring us back home. It says in the bible that not one of his can be snatched from his hand. So, whether it is Satan, the world, or our own hearts that lead us astray it is only temporary; God will prevail in the end because Jesus has paid the price for us and we are his treasured people.
So, I was turning.
The Holy Spirit used my husband's words to convict me.
I cooperated. I heeded the warning. I realized what I was walking towards was a lie, a fake substitute, a fleeting fulfillment. I had turned away from the truth, from the power to overcome, and from the only true source of peace and joy because I beleived a lie. I realized it only because of the power of the Holy Spirit to convict who lives in me.
I turned back to God. I repented of my sin and he restored me unto him.
I believe it's important for Christians to be real with other Christians. To be honest that we all struggle, that we're not perfect yet, and we all still need a Savior! It's even more important to point out the power of the Holy Spirit to keep us.
My bible verse for this blog is Psalm 66:16 Come and listen, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.
I'm letting you know what he has done for me.
He has saved me from my own heart by his perfect truth. I have been kept by the Spirit!
Thank you Lord Jesus for your gift of salvation and for the gift of the Holy Spirit that continues to keep us until you return to gather us home!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Do the Lives of Others Look Too Good To You?
As a stay at home, homeschooling mom, I don't get out much.
This wasn't always the case, but, in recent years my life has gravitated away from a full time work schedule, a full time social schedule, and a full time 'me' schedule. Most days, I am very happy with my life as it evolves into what God has in store for me. But, I admit there are days I think I am missing out on something.
These feelings came out this past weekend as I talked with others at a funeral, of all places. While we waited for the family to return from the burial for the lunch that was to be served, we caught up with friends we hadn't seen in quite sometime. Former colleagues of mine, and their spouses. As I listened to their exciting stories and escapades, I started to feel a little envious.
It seems as my husband and I were trudging along raising children, everyone else was having the time of their life doing all sorts of things. Needless to say, most of my peers are ready to become empty nesters in the next few years, while our youngest is only two. They are beginning the process of pulling away from their children (or children pulling away from them - depending on whom you are talking to) and discovering what they like to do as a couple free from the daily routine of child rearing.
I used the phrase earlier, "trudging along" because it just seems like for the last few years it's been a tough road. Teenagers can make life difficult at times and so can a 2 year old. There always seems to be a temper tantrum going on, a rebellion that has to be squashed, or all our energy is needed to prevent someone from doing something too bad or getting too hurt. Sometimes life can feel overwhelming.
Apparently, life was feeling a little burdensome on my end this weekend but as I talked with my long lost friends, Oh, I sensed they didn't experience any burden. Envy set in. The entire ride home all I talked about was how good they had it.
My husband was very patience with me as I pointed out things.
"Did you see her designer purse?
"Do you know they go out to eat every Friday night and meet three other couples for drinks after their kids sporting events?"
"They go upnorth for the weekend and leave their teenagers home alone."
Later in the day, I was still talking about them. I noted how happy and carefree they seemed. They seemed to have so many friends. They seemed to have whatever they wanted and didn't seem to have any problems.
Now, my husband, a discerning christian man, calming points out to me that these very people I am so envious of, and want to aspire to be like (even if temporarily), are dead! "What is there to envy about death?"
I knew he was right. They were not saved individuals. They did not know Christ as their Savior. They seemed more carefree because they followed their own desires and fleshy wills. They did what they wanted, when they wanted, and however they wanted to do it because they answered to no one but themselves. I knew he was right but I still needed to wrestle with it in my mind a little longer. Maybe I just didn't want to let the fantasy go. Maybe I was trying to figure out a way to have Christ as my Lord and still have what they have.
God, as he always does, convicts me and then gently leads me to repentance. Then, after I have yielded my will back to him and humbly ask to be restored, he gives me an explanation. A piece of wisdom or understanding to reinforce what he is teaching me through the situation. For me, it usually happens when I am reading his word.
I have been reading a chapter a day in the Psalms. Today, Chapter 73 was up. By verse 2, I knew this was God's timing and God's personal words for me.
2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;
I had nearly lost my foothold.
3 For I envied the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 They have no struggles;
their bodies are healthy and strong. [a]
5 They are free from the burdens common to man;
they are not plagued by human ills.
That's exactly how I was feeling. I almost, almost was willing to walk away from my faith for something that appeared to look better to me.
21 When my heart was grieved
and my spirit embittered,
22 I was senseless and ignorant;
I was a brute beast before you.
I had acted bitterly toward God and my thinking was skewed and stupid. How awful of me to have forgotten what the love of a beautiful Lord is worth.
23 Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
27 Those who are far from you will perish;
you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
What humility I felt knowing God did not hold my stupidity against me. He didn't leave me or forsake me even though I contemplated doing it to him. He gently reminded me of who he is, what he's done for me, and what it is worth. It is worth EVERYTHING!
28 But as for me, it is good to be near God.
I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds
It is good to be near the Sovereign Lord!
It is easy to get enticed by the world and the things of the world, especially during a difficult time. I wanted to escape the current situation our family finds itself in at the moment. I wanted relief. I wanted to be someone else. I got tangled up and saw an escape route. I thought I'd take it instead of sticking it out like God wanted me to do.
I've discovered it's hot here in the fire of refinement but God has reminded me it is worth it!
He has kept me, restored me, renewed me, guided me, showed me the permanent relief yet to come, and the glory yet to be revealed!
I will tell of all your deeds!
This wasn't always the case, but, in recent years my life has gravitated away from a full time work schedule, a full time social schedule, and a full time 'me' schedule. Most days, I am very happy with my life as it evolves into what God has in store for me. But, I admit there are days I think I am missing out on something.
These feelings came out this past weekend as I talked with others at a funeral, of all places. While we waited for the family to return from the burial for the lunch that was to be served, we caught up with friends we hadn't seen in quite sometime. Former colleagues of mine, and their spouses. As I listened to their exciting stories and escapades, I started to feel a little envious.
It seems as my husband and I were trudging along raising children, everyone else was having the time of their life doing all sorts of things. Needless to say, most of my peers are ready to become empty nesters in the next few years, while our youngest is only two. They are beginning the process of pulling away from their children (or children pulling away from them - depending on whom you are talking to) and discovering what they like to do as a couple free from the daily routine of child rearing.
I used the phrase earlier, "trudging along" because it just seems like for the last few years it's been a tough road. Teenagers can make life difficult at times and so can a 2 year old. There always seems to be a temper tantrum going on, a rebellion that has to be squashed, or all our energy is needed to prevent someone from doing something too bad or getting too hurt. Sometimes life can feel overwhelming.
Apparently, life was feeling a little burdensome on my end this weekend but as I talked with my long lost friends, Oh, I sensed they didn't experience any burden. Envy set in. The entire ride home all I talked about was how good they had it.
My husband was very patience with me as I pointed out things.
"Did you see her designer purse?
"Do you know they go out to eat every Friday night and meet three other couples for drinks after their kids sporting events?"
"They go upnorth for the weekend and leave their teenagers home alone."
Later in the day, I was still talking about them. I noted how happy and carefree they seemed. They seemed to have so many friends. They seemed to have whatever they wanted and didn't seem to have any problems.
Now, my husband, a discerning christian man, calming points out to me that these very people I am so envious of, and want to aspire to be like (even if temporarily), are dead! "What is there to envy about death?"
I knew he was right. They were not saved individuals. They did not know Christ as their Savior. They seemed more carefree because they followed their own desires and fleshy wills. They did what they wanted, when they wanted, and however they wanted to do it because they answered to no one but themselves. I knew he was right but I still needed to wrestle with it in my mind a little longer. Maybe I just didn't want to let the fantasy go. Maybe I was trying to figure out a way to have Christ as my Lord and still have what they have.
God, as he always does, convicts me and then gently leads me to repentance. Then, after I have yielded my will back to him and humbly ask to be restored, he gives me an explanation. A piece of wisdom or understanding to reinforce what he is teaching me through the situation. For me, it usually happens when I am reading his word.
I have been reading a chapter a day in the Psalms. Today, Chapter 73 was up. By verse 2, I knew this was God's timing and God's personal words for me.
2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;
I had nearly lost my foothold.
3 For I envied the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 They have no struggles;
their bodies are healthy and strong. [a]
5 They are free from the burdens common to man;
they are not plagued by human ills.
That's exactly how I was feeling. I almost, almost was willing to walk away from my faith for something that appeared to look better to me.
21 When my heart was grieved
and my spirit embittered,
22 I was senseless and ignorant;
I was a brute beast before you.
I had acted bitterly toward God and my thinking was skewed and stupid. How awful of me to have forgotten what the love of a beautiful Lord is worth.
23 Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
27 Those who are far from you will perish;
you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
What humility I felt knowing God did not hold my stupidity against me. He didn't leave me or forsake me even though I contemplated doing it to him. He gently reminded me of who he is, what he's done for me, and what it is worth. It is worth EVERYTHING!
28 But as for me, it is good to be near God.
I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds
It is good to be near the Sovereign Lord!
It is easy to get enticed by the world and the things of the world, especially during a difficult time. I wanted to escape the current situation our family finds itself in at the moment. I wanted relief. I wanted to be someone else. I got tangled up and saw an escape route. I thought I'd take it instead of sticking it out like God wanted me to do.
I've discovered it's hot here in the fire of refinement but God has reminded me it is worth it!
He has kept me, restored me, renewed me, guided me, showed me the permanent relief yet to come, and the glory yet to be revealed!
I will tell of all your deeds!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Answer to Prayer
Our family is working through a difficult time. One day I broke down before my Lord and asked why. Why our family? Why now? Why us? I poured my heart out to him and laid my burden at his feet but I still wanted answers. I still wanted to know if there was a purpose in all of this. If there was a reason the circumstances will play out this particular way.
God was faithful and provided an answer to my prayer in the story of the blind man found in the book of John, chapter 9, of the bible. It came to me in two parts. The first part was for me. I knew it was God's answer as soon as I read it.
The second part was for another person in my family and it came as I read this story to a family member out loud. As I read, I expected the same revelation of understanding to be given (found in verses 1-3) that gave me so much peace but it wasn't until the end of the story that the revelation of peace came to the other person. I knew, too, as soon as I read verses 35-38 that this is the part of the message God wanted this person to have.
John 9:1-3
1As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"
3"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.
There was a purpose! God was going to take a life and change it through these circumstances! As a result, God's work would be displayed in this person's life for others to see and marvel at the transformation. This process may be quick, but I am more inclined to think, it will be a long process. But, it started here, in this circumstance, at this point in time. This is the defining moment that will bring about the work of God in this life.
I, also, believe how I handle the situation will display the work of God already taken place in my own life. He has prepared me for this time. He gives me strength now. He holds me up and gives me joy and peace in the midst of the difficult time. The work of God in me will be evident to those around me as they see me rise above the circumstance with hope and grace. Thank you Lord.
John 9:35-38
35Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?"
36"Who is he, sir?" the man asked. "Tell me so that I may believe in him."
37Jesus said, "You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you."
38Then the man said, "Lord, I believe," and he worshiped him.
I believe that Jesus wants to reveal himself through these circumstances in a very intimate way to some who have never thought to look for him or have not yet found him. I don't believe he caused the situation but he allowed it, and there is heavenly purpose. Souls will meet the life source of our Living Lord and Savior and be saved and transformed! These very souls, made alive in Christ, will testify to the goodness of God's grace to others. It's all part of the great story of how God draws men onto himself.
How can I rebel against the work of God? I can't. I must rely on him for strength and continued grace to see us through. I trust in his promises and his love, but more importantly, in his power to turn this around for his purpose.
God was faithful and provided an answer to my prayer in the story of the blind man found in the book of John, chapter 9, of the bible. It came to me in two parts. The first part was for me. I knew it was God's answer as soon as I read it.
The second part was for another person in my family and it came as I read this story to a family member out loud. As I read, I expected the same revelation of understanding to be given (found in verses 1-3) that gave me so much peace but it wasn't until the end of the story that the revelation of peace came to the other person. I knew, too, as soon as I read verses 35-38 that this is the part of the message God wanted this person to have.
John 9:1-3
1As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"
3"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.
There was a purpose! God was going to take a life and change it through these circumstances! As a result, God's work would be displayed in this person's life for others to see and marvel at the transformation. This process may be quick, but I am more inclined to think, it will be a long process. But, it started here, in this circumstance, at this point in time. This is the defining moment that will bring about the work of God in this life.
I, also, believe how I handle the situation will display the work of God already taken place in my own life. He has prepared me for this time. He gives me strength now. He holds me up and gives me joy and peace in the midst of the difficult time. The work of God in me will be evident to those around me as they see me rise above the circumstance with hope and grace. Thank you Lord.
John 9:35-38
35Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?"
36"Who is he, sir?" the man asked. "Tell me so that I may believe in him."
37Jesus said, "You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you."
38Then the man said, "Lord, I believe," and he worshiped him.
I believe that Jesus wants to reveal himself through these circumstances in a very intimate way to some who have never thought to look for him or have not yet found him. I don't believe he caused the situation but he allowed it, and there is heavenly purpose. Souls will meet the life source of our Living Lord and Savior and be saved and transformed! These very souls, made alive in Christ, will testify to the goodness of God's grace to others. It's all part of the great story of how God draws men onto himself.
How can I rebel against the work of God? I can't. I must rely on him for strength and continued grace to see us through. I trust in his promises and his love, but more importantly, in his power to turn this around for his purpose.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Blueberries or M&M's?
Have you ever noticed that foods that are naturally blue, red, and yellow are all good for you and encouraged to be a huge part of your daily diet but foods that are artificially colored blue, red, and yellow are usually very bad for you?
Compare blueberries and blue M&M's. One is a super food that improves your health and increases your energy. The other is a deceiving calorie packed, energy depleting snack that looks pretty but isn't at all good for us.
This reminds me that sometimes as Christians we settle for worldly things that appear to be life affirming but turn out to disappoint us in the end and are actually not good for us at all, instead of choosing the things of God which can be trusted to be exactly what we need, every time.
Don't be deceived by the shiny package of lies that the world uses to lure us away from God and his true life affirming gifts.
Compare blueberries and blue M&M's. One is a super food that improves your health and increases your energy. The other is a deceiving calorie packed, energy depleting snack that looks pretty but isn't at all good for us.
This reminds me that sometimes as Christians we settle for worldly things that appear to be life affirming but turn out to disappoint us in the end and are actually not good for us at all, instead of choosing the things of God which can be trusted to be exactly what we need, every time.
Don't be deceived by the shiny package of lies that the world uses to lure us away from God and his true life affirming gifts.
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