2 Timothy 4: 2-4 says, "Preach the word of God. Be persistent, whether the time is favorable or not. . . . For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to right teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever they want to hear. They will reject the truth and follow strange myths."
Now is that time. Past ... present ... future, failure to listen to right teaching has been consistently present down through the ages.
The Lord knows all, is all. Who are we, what are we doing, when we follow our own desires?
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Insight ... understanding ... wisdom
We may think we know so much about this and that, but until we seek God's wisdom by listening, studying, praying, doing, what we know is so very shallow.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Thoughtful ramblings on God's leading
If God leads us to an unfamiliar place of obedience, He accompanies us and provides for our every need.
God is faithful when we are obedient to His will. We must act on that realization, not be fearful. Not do something because of our fear, but do it because God said so. When we are fearful, our faith is damaged. We are not believing what God has said --- "With God, all things are possible."
Fear is fueled when we focus on the limited information gained from our perceptions about a situation.
God is with us when we are following His commands, pursuing His will. When we rebell against Him and do our "own thing," we must not assume God will be there with us, helping us.
Wait on God. Trust His timing.
When we defy God's directive, thinking we know what's best for ourselves, we risk forfeiting or delaying the blessings God has reserved for us.
When we are impulsive, we go round and round and get no where.
God is faithful when we are obedient to His will. We must act on that realization, not be fearful. Not do something because of our fear, but do it because God said so. When we are fearful, our faith is damaged. We are not believing what God has said --- "With God, all things are possible."
Fear is fueled when we focus on the limited information gained from our perceptions about a situation.
God is with us when we are following His commands, pursuing His will. When we rebell against Him and do our "own thing," we must not assume God will be there with us, helping us.
Wait on God. Trust His timing.
When we defy God's directive, thinking we know what's best for ourselves, we risk forfeiting or delaying the blessings God has reserved for us.
When we are impulsive, we go round and round and get no where.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
The Lighthouse
It was rather small,
snug to the coastline,
This Lighthouse,
with a tiny window near the top
to view the skyline.
Not many ship's captains
nor boaters near.
Off the beaten path
It was
With only birds and animal critters roaming.
Traveling up above,
zooming along the highway,
high overhead,
Like an airplane
Cars, vehicles of all descript, whizzing by.
Look down. Look to the right.
See the magical, the imaginary fixture
in swirls of black and dull white ...
guarding its lone section
of earth against would-be attackers.
Birds - so generic
sunning themselves
on a slim section of beachfront property
smack dab in the middle ....
of a lake,
where people fish around its perimeter.
snug to the coastline,
This Lighthouse,
with a tiny window near the top
to view the skyline.
Not many ship's captains
nor boaters near.
Off the beaten path
It was
With only birds and animal critters roaming.
Traveling up above,
zooming along the highway,
high overhead,
Like an airplane
Cars, vehicles of all descript, whizzing by.
Look down. Look to the right.
See the magical, the imaginary fixture
in swirls of black and dull white ...
guarding its lone section
of earth against would-be attackers.
Birds - so generic
sunning themselves
on a slim section of beachfront property
smack dab in the middle ....
of a lake,
where people fish around its perimeter.
Cathy Orrick Luders
5.23.2007
Monday, May 21, 2007
Purpose - Glorifying God
Today's Scripture reading was II Corinthians 3: 11-18 and 4: 3-4.
If I understand it right, the Old Covenant is known as the Mosaic, with laws and rules set forth to follow in obedience to God. With Jesus' coming, death and resurrection, we have the New Covenant.
When you live within the confines of the Old Covenant, a veil covers your mind so you cannot understand the truth. But when we believe in Jesus Christ, accept Him as our Savior, that veil is lifted, removed.
Freedom. With the veil removed, with our minds opened, we can follow Christ more fully. We can reflect the glory of Christ more and more as His spirit works within us.
Having the New Covenant doesn't mean the veil is removed from everybody. The key is "when we believe in Jesus Christ, when we accept Him as Savior."
When that has happened, then our life begins anew and we glorify God by putting His character, His will, His ways into action in everything we do.
Satan is always present, always at work. See what II Corinthians 4 : 3-4 has to say:
"If the Good News we preach is veiled from anyone, it is a sign that they are perishing. Satan, the god of the evil world, has blinded the minds of those who don't believe, so they are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News that is shining upon them. They don't understand the message we preach about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God."
If I understand it right, the Old Covenant is known as the Mosaic, with laws and rules set forth to follow in obedience to God. With Jesus' coming, death and resurrection, we have the New Covenant.
When you live within the confines of the Old Covenant, a veil covers your mind so you cannot understand the truth. But when we believe in Jesus Christ, accept Him as our Savior, that veil is lifted, removed.
Freedom. With the veil removed, with our minds opened, we can follow Christ more fully. We can reflect the glory of Christ more and more as His spirit works within us.
Having the New Covenant doesn't mean the veil is removed from everybody. The key is "when we believe in Jesus Christ, when we accept Him as Savior."
When that has happened, then our life begins anew and we glorify God by putting His character, His will, His ways into action in everything we do.
Satan is always present, always at work. See what II Corinthians 4 : 3-4 has to say:
"If the Good News we preach is veiled from anyone, it is a sign that they are perishing. Satan, the god of the evil world, has blinded the minds of those who don't believe, so they are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News that is shining upon them. They don't understand the message we preach about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God."
Friday, May 18, 2007
Resolving Conflict
Scripture for Jesus' process for resolving conflict with another believer is found in Matthew 18:15-17:
"If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the fault. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. If that person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. If the church decides you are right, but the other person won't accept it, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector."
Step 1 - confront the person by yourself
Step 2 - confront him or her with one or two other believers
Step 3 - bring the situation before the church
Step 4 - remove the person from church leadership/fellowship
I think sometimes we skip some of these steps. An individual may be afraid to confront another, even though they are a believer, so goes immediately to step 2. A group of believers, such as deacons, may decide its better not to bring the situation before the entire church, so skips step 3 and goes immediately to step 4.
I think it is very unfortunate when the church is not involved in the decision making. Except for a few, we have no idea why someone in our midst is ostracized and are often told, its of no concern. Doesn't this open up a whole new can of worms?
"If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the fault. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. If that person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. If the church decides you are right, but the other person won't accept it, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector."
Step 1 - confront the person by yourself
Step 2 - confront him or her with one or two other believers
Step 3 - bring the situation before the church
Step 4 - remove the person from church leadership/fellowship
I think sometimes we skip some of these steps. An individual may be afraid to confront another, even though they are a believer, so goes immediately to step 2. A group of believers, such as deacons, may decide its better not to bring the situation before the entire church, so skips step 3 and goes immediately to step 4.
I think it is very unfortunate when the church is not involved in the decision making. Except for a few, we have no idea why someone in our midst is ostracized and are often told, its of no concern. Doesn't this open up a whole new can of worms?
Monday, May 7, 2007
Love
Love is an attitude, Love is a prayer,
For a soul in sorrow, a heart in despair;
Love is good will for the gain of another
Love suffers long with the fault of a brother.
-- Anonymous
Give to the Winds Your Fears
Words to this song were written by Paul Gerhardt in 1653 and translated by John Wesley in 1739. Here it is:
"Give to the winds your fears;
In hope be undismayed;
God hears your sighs and counts your tears,
God shall lift up your head.
To him commit your griefs.
Your ways put in His hands --
To his sure truth and tender care
Who earth and heav'n commands
Who earth and heav'n commands.
O put your trust in God;
In duty's path go on.
Walk in his strength with faith and hope,
So shall your work be done.
Leave to his sov'reign sway
To choose and to com-mand;
So you shall, faithful, seek His way --
How wise, how strong His hand,
How wise, how stroong His hand!"
"Give to the winds your fears;
In hope be undismayed;
God hears your sighs and counts your tears,
God shall lift up your head.
To him commit your griefs.
Your ways put in His hands --
To his sure truth and tender care
Who earth and heav'n commands
Who earth and heav'n commands.
O put your trust in God;
In duty's path go on.
Walk in his strength with faith and hope,
So shall your work be done.
Leave to his sov'reign sway
To choose and to com-mand;
So you shall, faithful, seek His way --
How wise, how strong His hand,
How wise, how stroong His hand!"
Looking back
It's hard to believe, but its been nearly 2 months since I have written anything in my blog. That's not to say I haven't done any journaling. I write every day - about what has gone on or hasn't in my life, about what God has said to me, about anything and everything.
Tonight while looking in my journal, I came across what I wrote Feb. 25. That day was when snow and ice bombarded Iowa and most churches across the state did not hold services.
The Scripture reading that morning was Hebrews 3:12-14. What I gleaned was ..... Today I must listen to His voice. Today I must not harden my heart. I must not turn away from the Lord.
Looking back is good when it is to recall what God has done on our behalf.
Looking ahead is good when we remember God is ever present. When we follow Him and obey His commands, He is always with us.
But when we see only obstacles and react to them out of fear we have taken God out of the picture.
Fear hinders faith, but trust kindles confidence.
Tonight while looking in my journal, I came across what I wrote Feb. 25. That day was when snow and ice bombarded Iowa and most churches across the state did not hold services.
The Scripture reading that morning was Hebrews 3:12-14. What I gleaned was ..... Today I must listen to His voice. Today I must not harden my heart. I must not turn away from the Lord.
Looking back is good when it is to recall what God has done on our behalf.
Looking ahead is good when we remember God is ever present. When we follow Him and obey His commands, He is always with us.
But when we see only obstacles and react to them out of fear we have taken God out of the picture.
Fear hinders faith, but trust kindles confidence.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Christian vs. Christian
So what does it mean? Christian vs. Born-Again Christian.
To me, a Christian is a follower of Christ. If you are following Christ you are born-again. You turned away from your old self, past mistakes, your sins, and turned to Jesus. If you haven't done that, how can you make any claim to be a Christian?
Unfortunately, however, there are many people who profess to be a Christian simply because they believe in God.
But a Real Christian
an Authenic Christian
a True Christian ....
.... believes in, accepts and follows God the Father
Jesus Christ the Son
and The Holy Spirit
as One.
To me, a Christian is a follower of Christ. If you are following Christ you are born-again. You turned away from your old self, past mistakes, your sins, and turned to Jesus. If you haven't done that, how can you make any claim to be a Christian?
Unfortunately, however, there are many people who profess to be a Christian simply because they believe in God.
But a Real Christian
an Authenic Christian
a True Christian ....
.... believes in, accepts and follows God the Father
Jesus Christ the Son
and The Holy Spirit
as One.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Power
We have to turn to God, to Jesus, to have the full power to destroy the enemy Satan.
When we do not believe all God says He is and can do and has done, when we do not believe Jesus is the son of God or God himself, we do not have the power.
THOUGHT TO PONDER: ... The Lord decided long ago what now He has caused to happen.
When we do not believe all God says He is and can do and has done, when we do not believe Jesus is the son of God or God himself, we do not have the power.
THOUGHT TO PONDER: ... The Lord decided long ago what now He has caused to happen.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
This 'n That
When we trust in what Jesus has done for us, a relationship with God begins and sin no longer has control over us.
~~~~~~~~~
God always stands between the Christian and the enemy.
~~~~~~~~~
Our new life begins the moment we accept Christ died for us. Our sinful self died, was crucifed with Christ, so sin no longer has power over us. Unfortunately, so many of us fail to realize this and continue to allow Satan the controlling hand of influence. If we would only realize that God is the controlling power, not Satan, we would, could live as Christ desires us to live.
Negativity is not part of Christ's legacy, nor is fear of unknowns. Thoughts that you're not good enough, you'll fail, the church by-laws say no, all this and more get in the way of living for Christ and in Him.
~~~~~~~~~~
Romans 6:12a in New Living translation says "Do not let sin control the way you live."
v. 13 "...Give yourselves completely to God since you have been given new life. And use your whole body as a tool to do what is right for the glory of God."
~~~~~~~~~~
If you say you love God, then why would you not believe Jesus is the son of God? Why would Jesus lie? Why would those he miraculously healed lie?
John 8:42 says "Jesus told them, 'If God were your Father, you would love me, because I have come to you from God.' "
~~~~~~~~~~
Individuals born with disabilities .....
John 9:3 says "It was not because of his sins or his parents' sins,' Jesus answered. 'He was born (blind) so the power of God could be seen in him.' "
Seeing and being blind is not always about "sight."
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Isaiah 35
When Jerusalem / Zion / The Holy City is restored, all will be rejoicing, singing, abundance of beautiful flowers, green lushness everywhere - the Lord's splendor will abound.
A main road through that once deserted land - called Highway of Holiness:
Only for those who walk in God's ways,
Only the redeemed,
Only those who have been ransomed by the Lord will return to Jerusalem.
A main road through that once deserted land - called Highway of Holiness:
Only for those who walk in God's ways,
Only the redeemed,
Only those who have been ransomed by the Lord will return to Jerusalem.
My dad's birthday
Today is my dad's birthday - 97 years ago he was born. Nearly a century. So long, so very long, and I didn't know him really at all. The family unit of four lasted until I was 8 and my sister was 5. I did converse with him from time to time over the years -- when I was in my first year of college we talked on the phone. In 1972, the year my sister graduated from high school and I had finished my junior year in college, he died. And that was 35 years ago.
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Temptation
My devotion this morning was from Matthew 4: 1-11 and although only three temptations are actually listed, the Devil tempted Jesus way more times in those 40 days and 40 nights.
Temptation ... distracting enticements ... destructive lifestyle
Its more than ... its less than ... drugs and gangs, alcohol and drunken driving, obesity, anorexia, bulima, smoking cigarettes or marijuana or crack cocaine, swearing, robbery/stealing, pornography, abuse -- maiming, killing.
When the powers of darkness comes in like a flood (and it is all around us), the Battle belongs to the Lord!
To conquer sin, nip it in the bud of temptation.
Temptation ... distracting enticements ... destructive lifestyle
Its more than ... its less than ... drugs and gangs, alcohol and drunken driving, obesity, anorexia, bulima, smoking cigarettes or marijuana or crack cocaine, swearing, robbery/stealing, pornography, abuse -- maiming, killing.
When the powers of darkness comes in like a flood (and it is all around us), the Battle belongs to the Lord!
To conquer sin, nip it in the bud of temptation.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Tiredness
Well, for crying out loud. You get tired, and then you say things you regret. Your bad side shows up. Who you really are comes out in what you say or don't say. Will I never be the person God wants me to be? It's an ongoing growth experience, and I often have failing moments, when my growth is stunted. Such as tonight, after I got home. Worked nearly 2 hours later than usual, and both my husband and I were owly, putting in mildly.
I'm really sorry Lord. The moment I said what I said, I regretted it. Really should think before I act, instead of the other way. Emotions should not get the best of you. But it did, it does. And I am sorry Lord. I can't say it won't happen again. But I can say I don't want it to happen again and I will strive for that not to happen. Please forgive me. Help me to learn from my mistakes and not make them repeatedly. Help me to be your faithful daughter. In your name I pray. Amen.
I'm really sorry Lord. The moment I said what I said, I regretted it. Really should think before I act, instead of the other way. Emotions should not get the best of you. But it did, it does. And I am sorry Lord. I can't say it won't happen again. But I can say I don't want it to happen again and I will strive for that not to happen. Please forgive me. Help me to learn from my mistakes and not make them repeatedly. Help me to be your faithful daughter. In your name I pray. Amen.
We can live!
The Lord - He is God,
The mighty King
The Prince of Peace
The Holy One
The Only One
We are but dust - like that found in corners
or underneath beds
Our life span is limited
Tomorrow may or may not come
We are destined to die
But through the grace of the Lord's son Jesus
We can live!
The mighty King
The Prince of Peace
The Holy One
The Only One
We are but dust - like that found in corners
or underneath beds
Our life span is limited
Tomorrow may or may not come
We are destined to die
But through the grace of the Lord's son Jesus
We can live!
By Cathy Orrick Luders
2.19.2007
Friday, February 16, 2007
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Those who truly believe in God also believe in His son Jesus Christ
This week's Bible study is from John 5: 16-47 "Like Father, Like Son."
Question: Why can't I believe in God without accepting Jesus as His Son?
Answer: Because the two are one.
God rested on the seventh day, after creating the world, animals, humans. He rested, yet he still was at work.
That is what we have heard for centuries - we are to rest on the Sabbath, the 7th day. No work. Keep it holy, sacred.
God's intentions were for people to focus on Him, celebrate Him and His work. Not about rules and regulations as the Jewish leaders determined it to be.
Focusing on God / Jesus should be a day-to-day thing, not just one day a week. Because of how the Jews interpreted the law, albeit wrongly, they looked for anything (and everything) that violated that interpretation and declared punishment. They were blinded by self-righteousness and misconceptions of God. Felt God was an entity above all; no one could claim to be equal to Him. When Jesus professed to be His Son, the Jews considered this blasphemy and consequently condemned Him.
So it is really, the Jews who took it upon themselves to sentence Jesus to death - death on the cross - God allowed this to make a point on just who Jesus was and is and is to come. And to show us the way to heaven - only through His son Jesus.
If you believe not in Jesus and what He has done, you do not believe in God Almighty. It is not one without the other. They come together. And when Jesus the human died and rose again and ascended into heaven it was as God designed it. It was God / Jesus who sent to Holy Spirit. His holy spirit, to be with all those who believe(d) in and followe(d) Jesus His Son and the Father.
The Trinity - God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Hard to understand, yet very clear.
We must come to Jesus, not just read the words of Scripture or attend Bible study. If we believe what the words say, if we say we believe the Bible, we must also believe in Jesus and God. They are a package deal. Not one without the other. The Bible points to how we are to live the Christian faith.
Question: Why can't I believe in God without accepting Jesus as His Son?
Answer: Because the two are one.
God rested on the seventh day, after creating the world, animals, humans. He rested, yet he still was at work.
That is what we have heard for centuries - we are to rest on the Sabbath, the 7th day. No work. Keep it holy, sacred.
God's intentions were for people to focus on Him, celebrate Him and His work. Not about rules and regulations as the Jewish leaders determined it to be.
Focusing on God / Jesus should be a day-to-day thing, not just one day a week. Because of how the Jews interpreted the law, albeit wrongly, they looked for anything (and everything) that violated that interpretation and declared punishment. They were blinded by self-righteousness and misconceptions of God. Felt God was an entity above all; no one could claim to be equal to Him. When Jesus professed to be His Son, the Jews considered this blasphemy and consequently condemned Him.
So it is really, the Jews who took it upon themselves to sentence Jesus to death - death on the cross - God allowed this to make a point on just who Jesus was and is and is to come. And to show us the way to heaven - only through His son Jesus.
If you believe not in Jesus and what He has done, you do not believe in God Almighty. It is not one without the other. They come together. And when Jesus the human died and rose again and ascended into heaven it was as God designed it. It was God / Jesus who sent to Holy Spirit. His holy spirit, to be with all those who believe(d) in and followe(d) Jesus His Son and the Father.
The Trinity - God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Hard to understand, yet very clear.
We must come to Jesus, not just read the words of Scripture or attend Bible study. If we believe what the words say, if we say we believe the Bible, we must also believe in Jesus and God. They are a package deal. Not one without the other. The Bible points to how we are to live the Christian faith.
Monday, January 22, 2007
The Lord rules
In the future, the future of yesterday, of today, of tomorrow, in the future, as in the present and the past, the Lord rules. Not people. International disputes will be settled by the Lord, not You, not Me. Wars will stop. Alliances made with people from other countries that are out to destroy will meet their own destruction. The Lord rules. The Lord has the final say. Idol worship will end. Idols will be destroyed.
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