The land
lays
like death ...
bleak
desolate
naked and bare.
The hills
are not alive
like
in the
"Sound of Music."
Alas,
it is still winter
with patches
of ice
lakes and rivers
still frozen over
with trees
like sticks
protruding
white birch trees
add
but slight coloration
to the
stark dullness
of the
landscape.
Even the
sun's
shining rays
do not
filter
through the
cloudy skies.
But still,
God is.
... above, beyond, over
all.
I must remember.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Rock-a-bye baby
Remember this tune --
Rock-a-bye baby
in the tree top
When the wind blows
the cradle will rock
When the bough breaks
the cradle will fall
And down will fall baby
cradle and all.
That's what I thought of this morning. Then I re-wrote it to apply to the business world and to God's world.
Rock-a-bye baby
in the work place
When finances slow
business worries increase
When there is no money coming in
business with lock its doors
And down will fall baby
business and all.
Rock-a-bye baby
in God's holy word
When we abide in Him
We are safe and secure
When we bathe our day in prayer and praise,
thanksgiving and love,
obedience too
God enables us
to accomplish His will
And down we won't fall.
I need to rely totally on God. Stop dwelling on the circumstances around me. Like that's easy. So hard to get work done when the circumstances around you bring you down, down, down. Sadness and dismay. Every little thing seems bigger and affects you all ways.
I came across this verse in Philippians 2:14 -- "Do all things without murmuring and disputing." Perhaps I should print this out in very big letters so I will see it every day, every minute.
No grumbling, no arguing, no complaining.
"Be hospitable to one another without grumbling" 1 Peter 4:9 tells us.
Trials come. Not unusual. We should not think it is only you individually who is going through them. All of us are. Jesus suffered. He endured many trials. Can we do any less?
Lord, tell me achieve what you desire of me. Help me be obedient. Help me be grateful always. In your name I pray. Amen.
Rock-a-bye baby
in the tree top
When the wind blows
the cradle will rock
When the bough breaks
the cradle will fall
And down will fall baby
cradle and all.
That's what I thought of this morning. Then I re-wrote it to apply to the business world and to God's world.
Rock-a-bye baby
in the work place
When finances slow
business worries increase
When there is no money coming in
business with lock its doors
And down will fall baby
business and all.
Rock-a-bye baby
in God's holy word
When we abide in Him
We are safe and secure
When we bathe our day in prayer and praise,
thanksgiving and love,
obedience too
God enables us
to accomplish His will
And down we won't fall.
I need to rely totally on God. Stop dwelling on the circumstances around me. Like that's easy. So hard to get work done when the circumstances around you bring you down, down, down. Sadness and dismay. Every little thing seems bigger and affects you all ways.
I came across this verse in Philippians 2:14 -- "Do all things without murmuring and disputing." Perhaps I should print this out in very big letters so I will see it every day, every minute.
No grumbling, no arguing, no complaining.
"Be hospitable to one another without grumbling" 1 Peter 4:9 tells us.
Trials come. Not unusual. We should not think it is only you individually who is going through them. All of us are. Jesus suffered. He endured many trials. Can we do any less?
Lord, tell me achieve what you desire of me. Help me be obedient. Help me be grateful always. In your name I pray. Amen.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Solid ground
Wednesday. Another black day.
One thing that gave me pause to think was during an employee meeting an editor made the comment that those who have been told they have jobs are not really safe. None of us are. We are not on solid ground ... as in financial stability.
Solid ground. I immediately thought of Jesus and what we have in Him.
Christ's foundation is rock solid, forever secure.
"Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; mercy and truth go before your face."
(Psalm 89:14)
"The Lord has established His throne in heaven, And His Kingdom rules over all." (Psalm 103:19)
"Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of your hands." (Psalm 102:25)
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." (Genesis 1:1)
Our days are numbered ... our human lives, our jobs, are numbered ... we flourish one day, we are gone the next.
"But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting." (Psalm 103:17)
In the midst of pain and suffering, which is where we are, affecting us ourselves or affecting friends and family, we must stay focused on God, we must continually pray, seek His guidance, meditate on His words of wisdom found throughout the Bible.
It is horrible watching friends and colleagues being walked out the door of their place of employment, "their job security" for many years. We think we are glad its not me. But being "left behind" is another trauma all its own.
So much to be gleaned from the Scriptures. Must stay in them. Once you flounder and fall away from abiding continually with Christ, you struggle to return.
This troubling world we are in affects everyone. Even when you lose your "job security" or your home or your health, you don't have to also lose your life.
God will provide. He will. He has in times past. He will enable you to pass through these troubling days with dignity. Wait on Him. Patience wears thin. But it is in waiting that we see the answers to what we seek.
God is.
I am, only through Him, with Him.
Are you?
One thing that gave me pause to think was during an employee meeting an editor made the comment that those who have been told they have jobs are not really safe. None of us are. We are not on solid ground ... as in financial stability.
Solid ground. I immediately thought of Jesus and what we have in Him.
Christ's foundation is rock solid, forever secure.
"Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; mercy and truth go before your face."
(Psalm 89:14)
"The Lord has established His throne in heaven, And His Kingdom rules over all." (Psalm 103:19)
"Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of your hands." (Psalm 102:25)
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." (Genesis 1:1)
Our days are numbered ... our human lives, our jobs, are numbered ... we flourish one day, we are gone the next.
"But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting." (Psalm 103:17)
In the midst of pain and suffering, which is where we are, affecting us ourselves or affecting friends and family, we must stay focused on God, we must continually pray, seek His guidance, meditate on His words of wisdom found throughout the Bible.
It is horrible watching friends and colleagues being walked out the door of their place of employment, "their job security" for many years. We think we are glad its not me. But being "left behind" is another trauma all its own.
So much to be gleaned from the Scriptures. Must stay in them. Once you flounder and fall away from abiding continually with Christ, you struggle to return.
This troubling world we are in affects everyone. Even when you lose your "job security" or your home or your health, you don't have to also lose your life.
God will provide. He will. He has in times past. He will enable you to pass through these troubling days with dignity. Wait on Him. Patience wears thin. But it is in waiting that we see the answers to what we seek.
God is.
I am, only through Him, with Him.
Are you?
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Life isn't fair
Yesterday was what I would call Black Tuesday, at least at my place of employment. Thirteen of my colleagues in The Gazette newsroom were walked out the door. So so sad. (For story on reorganization, click here.)
It's just not fair.
It is not written anywhere that life would always be fair or justice would always prevail. We know its not. Not in the world we live in today. When humans are in charge, as we strive to accomplish justice, to make things fair for all, we often do not succeed, and many, unfortunately, are not spared. We accomplish nothing but bad vibes.
Only in God's world will justice prevail. Only in His timing. Only in God is there perfect justice. Only will God grant true justice. Only God will always do and be what is right. In reading Genesis 18, we see, as Abraham speaks to God about the degree of wickedness in Sodom and Gomorrah, that no matter how much sin prevails, God will spare the righteous.
God is always faithful when life is not always fair.
It's just not fair.
It is not written anywhere that life would always be fair or justice would always prevail. We know its not. Not in the world we live in today. When humans are in charge, as we strive to accomplish justice, to make things fair for all, we often do not succeed, and many, unfortunately, are not spared. We accomplish nothing but bad vibes.
Only in God's world will justice prevail. Only in His timing. Only in God is there perfect justice. Only will God grant true justice. Only God will always do and be what is right. In reading Genesis 18, we see, as Abraham speaks to God about the degree of wickedness in Sodom and Gomorrah, that no matter how much sin prevails, God will spare the righteous.
God is always faithful when life is not always fair.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
More thoughts on the Sabbath
In Biblical Israel, the Jewish Sabbath began at sunset on Friday and ended at sunset on Saturday.
However, today, the hour is not the same, the day is not the same the world over. There are time zones. What is Friday in one place may be Saturday in another.
The Sabbath was made for mankind. A day of rest, reflection in the Lord. Not a day of fun and games or partying. God rested after all His work was done. Six days He labored, and on the seventh day He rested. He made us to all rest ... in Him. Labor however many days, then rest.
I don't believe there is an established rule that the Sabbath is on one specific day of the week.
If you work on Sunday, you can't be reflecting too. If you work seven days a week, you must take your Sabbath when you can.
Exodus 35:2 says "Work shall be done for six days, but the seventh day shall be a holy day for you, a Sabbath of rest to the Lord."
Exodus 31: 12-17 tells us that keeping the Sabbath was a sign, a reminder, of the perpetual covenant between Himself and His people, the Jews. But it is not for the Jews only. For in Isaiah 56, we are told Gentiles, all who are not Jews, are also not to defile the Sabbath, to hold fast to His covenant, to do no work, to not carry a burden.
I do not believe there is one pat answer. Determine for yourself as you study the Scriptures. Meditate and listen closely to what the Lord may say to you. Abide with Him and He will never steer you wrong.
For previous posts on the Sabbath: click here.
However, today, the hour is not the same, the day is not the same the world over. There are time zones. What is Friday in one place may be Saturday in another.
The Sabbath was made for mankind. A day of rest, reflection in the Lord. Not a day of fun and games or partying. God rested after all His work was done. Six days He labored, and on the seventh day He rested. He made us to all rest ... in Him. Labor however many days, then rest.
I don't believe there is an established rule that the Sabbath is on one specific day of the week.
If you work on Sunday, you can't be reflecting too. If you work seven days a week, you must take your Sabbath when you can.
Exodus 35:2 says "Work shall be done for six days, but the seventh day shall be a holy day for you, a Sabbath of rest to the Lord."
Exodus 31: 12-17 tells us that keeping the Sabbath was a sign, a reminder, of the perpetual covenant between Himself and His people, the Jews. But it is not for the Jews only. For in Isaiah 56, we are told Gentiles, all who are not Jews, are also not to defile the Sabbath, to hold fast to His covenant, to do no work, to not carry a burden.
I do not believe there is one pat answer. Determine for yourself as you study the Scriptures. Meditate and listen closely to what the Lord may say to you. Abide with Him and He will never steer you wrong.
For previous posts on the Sabbath: click here.
always learning, never knowing
2 Timothy 3: 7 says, "always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."
I think of those who don't understand, don't believe Jesus is the only way to gain entrance to heaven, His eternal home.
If you don't know Jesus and accept Him as the son of God who died for You, but instead think a little bit of Buddhism and a little bit of Muslim and whatever else will bring you peace, how very mistaken you are.
There is no other god greater. God the Father created the world -- the heavens, the earth, the seas, the planets, the grasses, the animals and birds, humans. Everything that was created came from the Almighty God. (Genesis 1)
God the Father sent His son, Jesus Christ, to earth to be the eternal sacrifice for all. (Luke 1:26-35; 2; 22:39 - 24:53)
He is Alive today. Every person who has truly accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, has the Holy Spirit living within them. To learn more about how to become born again and accept Christ as your Savior, click here.
And then, as a new creation, the journey begins.
I think of those who don't understand, don't believe Jesus is the only way to gain entrance to heaven, His eternal home.
If you don't know Jesus and accept Him as the son of God who died for You, but instead think a little bit of Buddhism and a little bit of Muslim and whatever else will bring you peace, how very mistaken you are.
There is no other god greater. God the Father created the world -- the heavens, the earth, the seas, the planets, the grasses, the animals and birds, humans. Everything that was created came from the Almighty God. (Genesis 1)
God the Father sent His son, Jesus Christ, to earth to be the eternal sacrifice for all. (Luke 1:26-35; 2; 22:39 - 24:53)
He is Alive today. Every person who has truly accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, has the Holy Spirit living within them. To learn more about how to become born again and accept Christ as your Savior, click here.
And then, as a new creation, the journey begins.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Loving, focusing, pursuing, following, obeying, abiding -- in God alone
My thoughts
scattered
today.
This here
and there
and
yet another.
Takes my mind off
front and center ....
Jesus!
Can not focus
Is it Satan
who brings
these things
to mind now?
They are not bad things
Is it Satan
too perhaps
who hides them
from me
when the
desire is
near?
Things that must get done
Must see to its end
God will enable me to
accomplish my desires
but I must
abide with Him
walk with Him
Can not be
walking
on my own
doing my own thing.
Must focus.
Only on God.
I made my list of all that needs to be done soon and very soon and over the next several months. And then I began. So here are my thoughts today, somewhat jumbled, but perhaps you will see what I am trying to say.
Sometimes books are bought to accompany, to bring an added dimension to our understanding of the Bible. The Bible contains every thing we need, but we don't always see it. Two such examples I have been reading are "Loving God with All Your Mind" by Elizabeth George and "Pursue Your God-given Dream" by Daniel Ekhaifo.
God is the central theme -- loving ... focusing ... pursuing ... following .... obeying ... abiding ... finding fulfillment.
George talks about purpose. Ekhaifo talks about dreams or our calling.
Are they not the same or similar?
What is God's purpose for you? What is God's dream for you?
What you think is your calling may not be what God has called you to do.
Perhaps you believed you were called to be a preacher of the gospel and you pursued that calling. But perhaps also you had a desire to help others, but you didn't see that desire as a calling or as a dream until many years later. Perhaps you've always liked to write, but ...
Shouldn't let the buts stop you.
God determines our purpose, not us. It is however, up to us to discover and recognize what is God's purpose for us.
God gives us dreams too. Not all dreams are from God, but that is not to say none of our dreams can come from Him.
I remind myself what Philippians 3:14 says, "I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Pressing on. Keeping on. Continuing to keep our focus on God, talking, abiding in Him, listening, being obedient to His teachings, following through.
My purpose -- to serve; to share the Gospel, to provide Biblical insights to others
My dream, my calling, my heart's desire -- to write
Ekhaifo says God's dream stands out from the rest because we know in our spirit that it is what we are meant to do. Until we have that deep longing, perhaps we don't even realize we have a God-given dream.
God knows you. He knows us much better, much more intensely that we know ourselves. He did create us. If God has given you a desire and you sort of sense it, talk to Him about it. If it is indeed from Him, He will confirm it within your heart.
My husband is an ordained Southern Baptist minister and a home health aide to dying men. His calling, his dream, his heart's desire is to be a hospice chaplain and that is what he is pursuing.
I write, edit obituaries for a daily newspaper. I have always enjoyed writing and within the newspaper organization had thought writing news obits to be my heart's desire.
Sometimes, things that we think are our calling, because that is where we are, are not. I mean we may have a vocation due to an interest somewhere in our life, but that vocation is not necessarily God's purpose for us, it is not necessarily our God-given dream.
It is maybe a stopping place for a length of time -- some of us ever so short, others many years. It's when we stay in that stopping place for a long time that maybe we don't see God's plans for us, because our fears are greater than our heart's desire.
God enables us to accomplish His purpose, our God-given dream, His calling for us. Resources will become available. When in God's will, He will ultimately provide everything we need. But we must stay focused on Him.
When we get off course, lose our primary focus, Satan digs in, heaping doubt and discouragement upon us.
God makes us passionate about our dream, Ekhaifo says. That passion will keep us going. It will continue to grow and flourish despite the opposition and resentment we find along the way.
I found a bookmark, "Take Time," written by an unknown author, to share with you.
Take Time
Take time to think;
it is the source of power.
Take time to read;
it is the foundation of wisdom.
Take time to play;
it is the secret of staying young.
Take time to be quiet;
it is the opportunity to seek God.
Take time to be aware;
it is the opportunity to help others.
Take time to love and be loved;
it is God's greatest gift.
Take time to laugh;
it is the music of the soul.
Take time to be friendly;
it is the road to happiness.
Take time to dream;
it is what the future is made of.
Take time to pray;
it is the greatest power on earth.
I also thought of the song "Follow That Dream," sung by Elvis Presley in 1961.
scattered
today.
This here
and there
and
yet another.
Takes my mind off
front and center ....
Jesus!
Can not focus
Is it Satan
who brings
these things
to mind now?
They are not bad things
Is it Satan
too perhaps
who hides them
from me
when the
desire is
near?
Things that must get done
Must see to its end
God will enable me to
accomplish my desires
but I must
abide with Him
walk with Him
Can not be
walking
on my own
doing my own thing.
Must focus.
Only on God.
I made my list of all that needs to be done soon and very soon and over the next several months. And then I began. So here are my thoughts today, somewhat jumbled, but perhaps you will see what I am trying to say.
Sometimes books are bought to accompany, to bring an added dimension to our understanding of the Bible. The Bible contains every thing we need, but we don't always see it. Two such examples I have been reading are "Loving God with All Your Mind" by Elizabeth George and "Pursue Your God-given Dream" by Daniel Ekhaifo.
God is the central theme -- loving ... focusing ... pursuing ... following .... obeying ... abiding ... finding fulfillment.
George talks about purpose. Ekhaifo talks about dreams or our calling.
Are they not the same or similar?
What is God's purpose for you? What is God's dream for you?
What you think is your calling may not be what God has called you to do.
Perhaps you believed you were called to be a preacher of the gospel and you pursued that calling. But perhaps also you had a desire to help others, but you didn't see that desire as a calling or as a dream until many years later. Perhaps you've always liked to write, but ...
Shouldn't let the buts stop you.
God determines our purpose, not us. It is however, up to us to discover and recognize what is God's purpose for us.
God gives us dreams too. Not all dreams are from God, but that is not to say none of our dreams can come from Him.
I remind myself what Philippians 3:14 says, "I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Pressing on. Keeping on. Continuing to keep our focus on God, talking, abiding in Him, listening, being obedient to His teachings, following through.
My purpose -- to serve; to share the Gospel, to provide Biblical insights to others
My dream, my calling, my heart's desire -- to write
Ekhaifo says God's dream stands out from the rest because we know in our spirit that it is what we are meant to do. Until we have that deep longing, perhaps we don't even realize we have a God-given dream.
God knows you. He knows us much better, much more intensely that we know ourselves. He did create us. If God has given you a desire and you sort of sense it, talk to Him about it. If it is indeed from Him, He will confirm it within your heart.
My husband is an ordained Southern Baptist minister and a home health aide to dying men. His calling, his dream, his heart's desire is to be a hospice chaplain and that is what he is pursuing.
I write, edit obituaries for a daily newspaper. I have always enjoyed writing and within the newspaper organization had thought writing news obits to be my heart's desire.
Sometimes, things that we think are our calling, because that is where we are, are not. I mean we may have a vocation due to an interest somewhere in our life, but that vocation is not necessarily God's purpose for us, it is not necessarily our God-given dream.
It is maybe a stopping place for a length of time -- some of us ever so short, others many years. It's when we stay in that stopping place for a long time that maybe we don't see God's plans for us, because our fears are greater than our heart's desire.
God enables us to accomplish His purpose, our God-given dream, His calling for us. Resources will become available. When in God's will, He will ultimately provide everything we need. But we must stay focused on Him.
When we get off course, lose our primary focus, Satan digs in, heaping doubt and discouragement upon us.
God makes us passionate about our dream, Ekhaifo says. That passion will keep us going. It will continue to grow and flourish despite the opposition and resentment we find along the way.
I found a bookmark, "Take Time," written by an unknown author, to share with you.
Take Time
Take time to think;
it is the source of power.
Take time to read;
it is the foundation of wisdom.
Take time to play;
it is the secret of staying young.
Take time to be quiet;
it is the opportunity to seek God.
Take time to be aware;
it is the opportunity to help others.
Take time to love and be loved;
it is God's greatest gift.
Take time to laugh;
it is the music of the soul.
Take time to be friendly;
it is the road to happiness.
Take time to dream;
it is what the future is made of.
Take time to pray;
it is the greatest power on earth.
I also thought of the song "Follow That Dream," sung by Elvis Presley in 1961.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Protective shelter
With the April "Our Daily Bread" came an insert by Mart De Haan about coneys or rock badgers. It wasn't so much 'about' them as it was about the wisdom they possess in the face of danger and the human similarities. Rocks are a place of refuge for the coney. They know where to go for protective shelter. God instilled in them this knowledge; thus they don't wander around when danger is lurking wondering what to do. They know what to do and do it.
We humans could learn a thing or two from this "feeble" animal (Proverbs 30:26). As Christians, God has instilled in us the knowledge of where to go, yet we, unfortunately, do wander around and do wonder. We know what to do, yet we do not do it. As De Haan says, for Christians, our protective shelter is "in Christ."
Because of His death and resurrection for all of mankind, those who seek His protection are:
1. forgiven of their sins (Ephesians 1:7)
2. declared to be right with God through justification (Romans 3:24) and reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18)
3. hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3)
4. forever protected by the love of God (Romans 8:39)
5. recipients of God's consolation, comfort, fellowship and mercy (Philippians 2:1)
He is the One who is our rock, our refuge, our stronghold. In Him alone lies our power. Without Him, we are nothing.
We may think we can do great things, but in the end, anything and all is only with and through the Lord.
God knows all that is in the world. He knows what every single person is doing, going to do or has done. He has allowed trauma in our midst -- natural catastrophes like tornado/hurricane/typhoon, floods, earthquakes, mudslides, volcanic eruptions; economic woes; health.
Being "in Christ" doesn't mean the traumas we face go away. It does mean, however, that by abiding with Christ, living for Him, making Him top dog (so to speak), the concerns, traumas we face will be easier to deal with, because we have Christ in control, not us.
The coney goes to the rocks for its protection, its refuge. Our safety net is Christ.
'In Christ,' De Haan says, "we are in the best possible position to weather the financial, social and medical storms of life. We have the assurance of God's presence and love regardless of our circumstances. We are in the best place to hear Jesus tell us not to worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things?"
David's cry from Psalm 61: 1-4 (NKJ) can be your cry too.
"Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to you, when my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been a shelter for me, And a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings."
We humans could learn a thing or two from this "feeble" animal (Proverbs 30:26). As Christians, God has instilled in us the knowledge of where to go, yet we, unfortunately, do wander around and do wonder. We know what to do, yet we do not do it. As De Haan says, for Christians, our protective shelter is "in Christ."
Because of His death and resurrection for all of mankind, those who seek His protection are:
1. forgiven of their sins (Ephesians 1:7)
2. declared to be right with God through justification (Romans 3:24) and reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18)
3. hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3)
4. forever protected by the love of God (Romans 8:39)
5. recipients of God's consolation, comfort, fellowship and mercy (Philippians 2:1)
He is the One who is our rock, our refuge, our stronghold. In Him alone lies our power. Without Him, we are nothing.
We may think we can do great things, but in the end, anything and all is only with and through the Lord.
God knows all that is in the world. He knows what every single person is doing, going to do or has done. He has allowed trauma in our midst -- natural catastrophes like tornado/hurricane/typhoon, floods, earthquakes, mudslides, volcanic eruptions; economic woes; health.
Being "in Christ" doesn't mean the traumas we face go away. It does mean, however, that by abiding with Christ, living for Him, making Him top dog (so to speak), the concerns, traumas we face will be easier to deal with, because we have Christ in control, not us.
The coney goes to the rocks for its protection, its refuge. Our safety net is Christ.
'In Christ,' De Haan says, "we are in the best possible position to weather the financial, social and medical storms of life. We have the assurance of God's presence and love regardless of our circumstances. We are in the best place to hear Jesus tell us not to worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things?"
David's cry from Psalm 61: 1-4 (NKJ) can be your cry too.
"Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to you, when my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been a shelter for me, And a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings."
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Focus and pursue excellence
Yesterday I talked about recognizing God's purpose for your life. Today, it is keeping our focus sharp by pursuing excellence.
Keep in mind what Philippians 3: 13a-14 says: "...forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Keeping our focus sharp -- pointed, in one direction, not scattered, continually abiding with Jesus, looking always to Him for answers sought, by being obedient to His instruction.
God is all excellence.
Job 37: 23 tells us God is excellent in power, judgment, abundance justice. He does not oppress.
Isaiah 28: 29 says God is excellent in guidance.
Daniel 5: 12 says when the Spirit of God abides in you, God's understanding, discernment, wisdom can be found
Philippians 1: 9-11 tells us to show love to overflowing, continually, being sincere, without offense, being filled with fruits of righteousness
Hebrews 11: 3 tells us about faith. Believing without a doubt that that which has happened (and will happen) occurred without seeing. "By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible." Jesus became the sacrifice for our sins. Faith is believing He was, He is, He did, He forever will be.
2 Peter 1: 17 tells us God the Father is well pleased with His beloved Son. He is majestic, full of glory. Pursue God, pursue His son. There is no one without the other. You can not know God, abide with Him and be obedient to His teachings if you do not also know His beloved Son, Jesus.
Pursue - "reaching forward to those things which are ahead"; not faltering at the running gate, but giving 100 percent of our entire being, all of our energy - mental, emotional and physical, to reach forward, to serve God wherever we are.
In Job 13: 25, it says "... And will You pursue dry stubble?" Will you reach for the upward call of Christ, His prize that is offered you for eternity, eternal peace, or will you just seek for the moment something that has no eternal value?
I Corinthians 14: 1 says to "pursue love." I Corinthians 12:31 indicates love is "the best gifts ... a more excellent way." Loving another with no thought of receiving anything in return, as Christ did for us when He went to the cross in our place.
1 Timothy 6: 11 tells us to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Among these are fruits of the spirit, which as listed in Galatians 5: 22-23 are love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
1 Peter 3: 11 tells us to seek and pursue peace.
Do not focus on outside influences, not lusts of the flesh or temptation or greed, for when you do, the sword, danger, Satan shall pursue you. Be wary, beware. Satan is the enemy.
Keep your focus sharp by pursuing excellence. .... Pursue God the Father, Jesus the Son, abide with Him, focus on all He is, focus on Him alone, and the Lord will enable you to accomplish much for Him.
Keep in mind what Philippians 3: 13a-14 says: "...forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Keeping our focus sharp -- pointed, in one direction, not scattered, continually abiding with Jesus, looking always to Him for answers sought, by being obedient to His instruction.
God is all excellence.
Job 37: 23 tells us God is excellent in power, judgment, abundance justice. He does not oppress.
Isaiah 28: 29 says God is excellent in guidance.
Daniel 5: 12 says when the Spirit of God abides in you, God's understanding, discernment, wisdom can be found
Philippians 1: 9-11 tells us to show love to overflowing, continually, being sincere, without offense, being filled with fruits of righteousness
Hebrews 11: 3 tells us about faith. Believing without a doubt that that which has happened (and will happen) occurred without seeing. "By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible." Jesus became the sacrifice for our sins. Faith is believing He was, He is, He did, He forever will be.
2 Peter 1: 17 tells us God the Father is well pleased with His beloved Son. He is majestic, full of glory. Pursue God, pursue His son. There is no one without the other. You can not know God, abide with Him and be obedient to His teachings if you do not also know His beloved Son, Jesus.
Pursue - "reaching forward to those things which are ahead"; not faltering at the running gate, but giving 100 percent of our entire being, all of our energy - mental, emotional and physical, to reach forward, to serve God wherever we are.
In Job 13: 25, it says "... And will You pursue dry stubble?" Will you reach for the upward call of Christ, His prize that is offered you for eternity, eternal peace, or will you just seek for the moment something that has no eternal value?
I Corinthians 14: 1 says to "pursue love." I Corinthians 12:31 indicates love is "the best gifts ... a more excellent way." Loving another with no thought of receiving anything in return, as Christ did for us when He went to the cross in our place.
1 Timothy 6: 11 tells us to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Among these are fruits of the spirit, which as listed in Galatians 5: 22-23 are love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
1 Peter 3: 11 tells us to seek and pursue peace.
Do not focus on outside influences, not lusts of the flesh or temptation or greed, for when you do, the sword, danger, Satan shall pursue you. Be wary, beware. Satan is the enemy.
Keep your focus sharp by pursuing excellence. .... Pursue God the Father, Jesus the Son, abide with Him, focus on all He is, focus on Him alone, and the Lord will enable you to accomplish much for Him.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Recognizing God's purpose for your life
There is a reason, a purpose, God has allowed you to be where you are at present.
"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven." (Ecclesiastes 3: 1)
As long as we abide with Him, stay focused on Him and not the outside influences we are inundated with, the Lord will enable us to accomplish something for Him.
"... forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3: 13a-14)
Once we (1) recognize God's purpose for our life, we keep our focus sharp by (2) pursuing excellence as we serve Him even when (3) circumstances are difficult and painful.
Recognizing God's purpose for our lives
Who am I?
Where did I come from?
Why am I here?
Where am I going?
I am a born-again follower of Jesus Christ, a Christian woman and wife, a child of the King chosen by the Lord God almighty "before the foundation of the world" (Ephesians 1: 4ab), to give my life in service to God and His people -- sharing the gospel, providing Biblical insights to others through my writings (blogs, books, poetry, devotionals). My destination is heaven, when that last final breath is taken. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) I accepted the Lord as my Savior in 1982.
How about you? Do you know God's purpose for your life? Do you know who you are? Where you came from? Why you are here? Where you are going?
"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven." (Ecclesiastes 3: 1)
As long as we abide with Him, stay focused on Him and not the outside influences we are inundated with, the Lord will enable us to accomplish something for Him.
"... forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3: 13a-14)
Once we (1) recognize God's purpose for our life, we keep our focus sharp by (2) pursuing excellence as we serve Him even when (3) circumstances are difficult and painful.
Recognizing God's purpose for our lives
Who am I?
Where did I come from?
Why am I here?
Where am I going?
I am a born-again follower of Jesus Christ, a Christian woman and wife, a child of the King chosen by the Lord God almighty "before the foundation of the world" (Ephesians 1: 4ab), to give my life in service to God and His people -- sharing the gospel, providing Biblical insights to others through my writings (blogs, books, poetry, devotionals). My destination is heaven, when that last final breath is taken. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) I accepted the Lord as my Savior in 1982.
How about you? Do you know God's purpose for your life? Do you know who you are? Where you came from? Why you are here? Where you are going?
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Endings and Beginnings
The same,
but different
The end.
The beginning.
All in one 24-hour
period
.
Changes -
some good
some not
changes
nevertheless
Location
changes
for
me
now
Maybe
other
changes
later
.
How do I feel
How should I feel?
Glad
to have
a job
Sad
it is
away from
familiar
faces
Miss
the
connection
with
journalisty-types
Oh
who
are
they
A
different
breed
Still,
I will
see them
from
time to time
They
are not
gone
forever.
Not yet
I
am not
gone
forever.
The end
July 27, 1987 - Feb. 16, 2009
Gazette newsroom
The beginning
Feb. 17, 2009 -
Gazette classified
Someday,
there
will be
a
new
beginning.
Jesus
is
the
beginning
and
the
end.
The Alpha
and
The Omega.
Even
within
Jesus
I am different
I am
one of His
No matter
where I am
James 4: 8a
in
The Bible
says:
"Draw near
to God
and He
will draw near
to you."
Without Him
my precious Lord
I could not
have
come
this
far.
Without Him
I can not
continue on
Without Him
there
is
no
tomorrow
Only
many
yesterdays
Oh
Yes
why
should
I
be
sad?
Without
my Jesus
nothing
would
really
matter
"With God
all
things
are
possible."
(Matthew 19:26)
Not
so
with
mankind.
Every
thing
in the
world
is
useless
IF God
is
not
your world.
but different
The end.
The beginning.
All in one 24-hour
period
.
Changes -
some good
some not
changes
nevertheless
Location
changes
for
me
now
Maybe
other
changes
later
.
How do I feel
How should I feel?
Glad
to have
a job
Sad
it is
away from
familiar
faces
Miss
the
connection
with
journalisty-types
Oh
who
are
they
A
different
breed
Still,
I will
see them
from
time to time
They
are not
gone
forever.
Not yet
I
am not
gone
forever.
The end
July 27, 1987 - Feb. 16, 2009
Gazette newsroom
The beginning
Feb. 17, 2009 -
Gazette classified
Someday,
there
will be
a
new
beginning.
Jesus
is
the
beginning
and
the
end.
The Alpha
and
The Omega.
Even
within
Jesus
I am different
I am
one of His
No matter
where I am
James 4: 8a
in
The Bible
says:
"Draw near
to God
and He
will draw near
to you."
Without Him
my precious Lord
I could not
have
come
this
far.
Without Him
I can not
continue on
Without Him
there
is
no
tomorrow
Only
many
yesterdays
Oh
Yes
why
should
I
be
sad?
Without
my Jesus
nothing
would
really
matter
"With God
all
things
are
possible."
(Matthew 19:26)
Not
so
with
mankind.
Every
thing
in the
world
is
useless
IF God
is
not
your world.
Monday, February 16, 2009
God will reveal
Do you ever feel your opinions, your thoughts, even your questions are worthless? Nobody wants to know, they've got it right, so what possibly could you add?
All sin is great in the eyes of God. Lying is not less a sin than murder to God, although it certainly is in the eyes of mankind.
I feel so good when I'm in His word, reading, studying, meditating on what it says, how it pertains to me. God has said He will be near me always when I abide with Him.
Mankind does not have your best interests at heart, only God does. Mankind can draw you downward. Satan can protrude its ugly head in the midst of best intentions. No matter how mature a Christian - a Christ-like follower you think you are or profess to be, Satan can still sneak in.
None of us have known Jesus. We learn more about Him within our hearts, deep within our souls, and our minds, but seeing Him face to face won't happen until our death.
Jesus is our best teacher, our best friend, our confidante. Others teach too and befriend us. Beware. Not everything that is taught is pure, is true. Not every friendship forged is pure and true.
Seek out the answers to the questions that pound within you, questions that make you doubt where you are, what you are.
If you have indeed become a child of the King, if you have accepted Jesus as your master and Lord, if you believe wholeheartedly that Jesus is the son of God and that He went to the cross to die for your sins and mine, every single human being past, present and future, and that He was buried and after three days, He rose again, if you believe this and accept this, you know He is the one you have sought. He is the answer to all your questions.
If you are searching the Holy Scriptures, when you are abiding, walking totally, completely with the Lord, God will reveal Himself to you. He will give you all you need, when you need it, when He determines you will need it. We are not alike. Some of us are babes in Christ, some are quite mature. A lot are in between.
"Every branch in Me (Jesus) that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit." (John 15: 2)
The journey continues. No matter how mature you think you are, you don't know all until we meet Him face to face.
"For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am know." (I Corinthians 13: 12)
I ask dear Lord to know the road to travel, to follow your path for me, to be able to discern your truths for me, to obey you fully. Wherever I am to go, whoever I am to meet, whatever I am to do, guide me along the way. Help me to know the words to speak, to write. Help me to know without any doubt your will for my life and how I might inspire others to follow you, to commune with you, to be one with you. Help me too Lord to not be like those who do things for you, so they say, only to be seen by others. Help me to worship and praise you, be respectful of you always, for you only. Not for others. Show me Lord the desires you have for me and how to accomplish them. I thank you. Amen.
All sin is great in the eyes of God. Lying is not less a sin than murder to God, although it certainly is in the eyes of mankind.
I feel so good when I'm in His word, reading, studying, meditating on what it says, how it pertains to me. God has said He will be near me always when I abide with Him.
Mankind does not have your best interests at heart, only God does. Mankind can draw you downward. Satan can protrude its ugly head in the midst of best intentions. No matter how mature a Christian - a Christ-like follower you think you are or profess to be, Satan can still sneak in.
None of us have known Jesus. We learn more about Him within our hearts, deep within our souls, and our minds, but seeing Him face to face won't happen until our death.
Jesus is our best teacher, our best friend, our confidante. Others teach too and befriend us. Beware. Not everything that is taught is pure, is true. Not every friendship forged is pure and true.
Seek out the answers to the questions that pound within you, questions that make you doubt where you are, what you are.
If you have indeed become a child of the King, if you have accepted Jesus as your master and Lord, if you believe wholeheartedly that Jesus is the son of God and that He went to the cross to die for your sins and mine, every single human being past, present and future, and that He was buried and after three days, He rose again, if you believe this and accept this, you know He is the one you have sought. He is the answer to all your questions.
If you are searching the Holy Scriptures, when you are abiding, walking totally, completely with the Lord, God will reveal Himself to you. He will give you all you need, when you need it, when He determines you will need it. We are not alike. Some of us are babes in Christ, some are quite mature. A lot are in between.
"Every branch in Me (Jesus) that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit." (John 15: 2)
The journey continues. No matter how mature you think you are, you don't know all until we meet Him face to face.
"For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am know." (I Corinthians 13: 12)
I ask dear Lord to know the road to travel, to follow your path for me, to be able to discern your truths for me, to obey you fully. Wherever I am to go, whoever I am to meet, whatever I am to do, guide me along the way. Help me to know the words to speak, to write. Help me to know without any doubt your will for my life and how I might inspire others to follow you, to commune with you, to be one with you. Help me too Lord to not be like those who do things for you, so they say, only to be seen by others. Help me to worship and praise you, be respectful of you always, for you only. Not for others. Show me Lord the desires you have for me and how to accomplish them. I thank you. Amen.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Don't forget
Struggle to remember. Why is it so hard to remember what the Lord tells us, what He does for us. If I abide in Him, trust in Him, follow His every direction, He is there for us. We see how things come together. Yet it is so hard. So much easier to forget. Forgetting is not good. Forgetting the past of your own life is one thing, but forgetting God - Jesus is not something we should do.
The Lord my God will not, does not forget the covenant forged with me on the day I accepted Jesus, the son of God, as my Savior.
Meditate, delight myself, immerse myself in the Lord's commands, instructions, guidelines. Be mindful of them always. Surround myself with God thoughts, His words to keep me mindful of Him always, at all times.
It is dwelling on the "what if's and whys and what nows" that stop us in our tracks, that hinder our growth, that stagnate us and move us backward. It is easy. Harder to remember God's truths, harder to be obedient to His ways, easier to do what we want, easier to forget who God is, what God is, who we are in relation to Him.
The way, God's way, was never intended to be easy. How can we learn, grow if all is easy. But too, having it all hard doesn't mean its God's way either. All in all, it still boils down to abiding with Him, your journey through life, good times, bad times, plentiful or lean, as in Ecclesiastes 3:1: "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose (every desire) under heaven."
"My son, do not forget my law,
But let your heart keep my commands;
For length of days and long life
And peace they will add to you.
Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart,
And so find favor and high esteem
In the sight of God and man.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord and depart from evil.
It will be health to your flesh,
And strength to your bones.
Honor the Lord with your possessions,
And with the firstfruits of all your increase;
So your barns will be filled with plenty,
And your vats will overflow with new wine.
My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,
Nor detest His correction;
For whom the Lord loves He corrects,
Just as a father the son in whom he delights." (Proverbs 3: 1-12)
The Lord my God will not, does not forget the covenant forged with me on the day I accepted Jesus, the son of God, as my Savior.
Meditate, delight myself, immerse myself in the Lord's commands, instructions, guidelines. Be mindful of them always. Surround myself with God thoughts, His words to keep me mindful of Him always, at all times.
It is dwelling on the "what if's and whys and what nows" that stop us in our tracks, that hinder our growth, that stagnate us and move us backward. It is easy. Harder to remember God's truths, harder to be obedient to His ways, easier to do what we want, easier to forget who God is, what God is, who we are in relation to Him.
The way, God's way, was never intended to be easy. How can we learn, grow if all is easy. But too, having it all hard doesn't mean its God's way either. All in all, it still boils down to abiding with Him, your journey through life, good times, bad times, plentiful or lean, as in Ecclesiastes 3:1: "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose (every desire) under heaven."
"My son, do not forget my law,
But let your heart keep my commands;
For length of days and long life
And peace they will add to you.
Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart,
And so find favor and high esteem
In the sight of God and man.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord and depart from evil.
It will be health to your flesh,
And strength to your bones.
Honor the Lord with your possessions,
And with the firstfruits of all your increase;
So your barns will be filled with plenty,
And your vats will overflow with new wine.
My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,
Nor detest His correction;
For whom the Lord loves He corrects,
Just as a father the son in whom he delights." (Proverbs 3: 1-12)
Friday, February 13, 2009
Stay focused
I need to keep my mindset on what God deems important for me. What He reveals to me can not be only for one day, but for a lifetime. It can be so easy to forget; it is easy to forget.
I again think of the connection. A few weeks ago a newsroom picture was taken. I think I shall have it printed and framed -- to help keep me connected.
Yesterday I talked about staying focused on the present. The present soon becomes the past. The future is full of uncertainty and trepidation, yet also enthusiasm and excitement. But if we keep God with us, if we abide with Him, He will abide with us, and our steps into uncharted waters will be less troubling; more calm and peaceful. Another connection.
The future will very soon be the present.
I again think of the connection. A few weeks ago a newsroom picture was taken. I think I shall have it printed and framed -- to help keep me connected.
Yesterday I talked about staying focused on the present. The present soon becomes the past. The future is full of uncertainty and trepidation, yet also enthusiasm and excitement. But if we keep God with us, if we abide with Him, He will abide with us, and our steps into uncharted waters will be less troubling; more calm and peaceful. Another connection.
The future will very soon be the present.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
a revelation
My Sunday school class continues its Bible book study on "Loving God With All Your Mind" by Elizabeth George. Last week we discussed "reaching forward ..."
"... forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3: 13a-14)
To choose to forget the things of the past - good and bad - that keep us from growing spiritually.
To choose to focus on the present.
A focused woman knows where she is going. She has a sense of God's call on her life.
I believe my calling to be writing. To reach the lost, share the gospel through my writings. To read, to decipher, to study God's word, to respond, to publish it through blogs, books, poetry.
I have thought for many years that writing news obituaries was my life goal. Not that I was doing it of course, but that that was where I wanted to be. Now I'm thinking its not. Writing is, but not necessarily journalistic writing.
It has dawned on me too that it is the connection we want to keep, that we miss when its gone, that we hunger for. People are afraid, fearful of the outcome of an unknown future, whether we are born-again followers of Christ or not, and when we lose any kind of continuity, specifically in the work place, we are more and more distracted and at lose ends. We are concerned about our futures, but we are also concerned about the futures of our peers, because of how we are connected to them.
When we know God's call for our life, all of our focus is on that goal: how to attain it, how to reach it, with God directing our steps. Our life up to that point of revelation is not of as much importance if our mindset is not on God's plan for us. When we are caught up with self - what we perceive as our needs, our wants, me, me, me, then we can't see where we are going, where God is calling us to.
"... let us lay aside every weight (hindrance), and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." (Hebrews 12: 1a-c)
When a runner is focused, all their energy -- mental, emotional and physical - is committed to the race.
"... endures afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4: 5a, 7)
"... forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3: 13a-14)
To choose to forget the things of the past - good and bad - that keep us from growing spiritually.
To choose to focus on the present.
A focused woman knows where she is going. She has a sense of God's call on her life.
I believe my calling to be writing. To reach the lost, share the gospel through my writings. To read, to decipher, to study God's word, to respond, to publish it through blogs, books, poetry.
I have thought for many years that writing news obituaries was my life goal. Not that I was doing it of course, but that that was where I wanted to be. Now I'm thinking its not. Writing is, but not necessarily journalistic writing.
It has dawned on me too that it is the connection we want to keep, that we miss when its gone, that we hunger for. People are afraid, fearful of the outcome of an unknown future, whether we are born-again followers of Christ or not, and when we lose any kind of continuity, specifically in the work place, we are more and more distracted and at lose ends. We are concerned about our futures, but we are also concerned about the futures of our peers, because of how we are connected to them.
When we know God's call for our life, all of our focus is on that goal: how to attain it, how to reach it, with God directing our steps. Our life up to that point of revelation is not of as much importance if our mindset is not on God's plan for us. When we are caught up with self - what we perceive as our needs, our wants, me, me, me, then we can't see where we are going, where God is calling us to.
"... let us lay aside every weight (hindrance), and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." (Hebrews 12: 1a-c)
When a runner is focused, all their energy -- mental, emotional and physical - is committed to the race.
"... endures afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4: 5a, 7)
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
God wants us to come to Him
God wants us to come to Him ... with our complaints, our burdens, our aspirations, our deep longings, our heart desires, our fears, our anxieties, our anger, our frustration, our discontentment, our needs for understanding, for love, for listening, our questions.
Communication -- something seemingly absent from much of life. At home, at work, at church, everywhere. Why is that so? It is not God's desire that it is lacking.
Why is it so prevalent? Why is it so hard to commune with another?
We think we know what communication is. I wonder if we really do.
God created us in His image and blessed us. But sin entered the picture. Perhaps sin is why our communication abilities are so lacking.
God wants a one-on-one relationship with each of us. But we do not necessarily want one with him. We want everything our way. Our way or No way.
Sometimes God grants it our way. So we can see what that means...
God is at the Top. He is. No one is greater than He. Not you. Not me. Not Satan.
His way is best. And when His way becomes our way, we have achieved a degree of communication we could never have imagined.
Communication with God -- silently talking, speaking out loud, writing, singing, praising.
Philip Yancey, author of "Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference?," says, "If we march through life pretending to smile while instead we bleed, we dishonor the relationship."
Communication -- something seemingly absent from much of life. At home, at work, at church, everywhere. Why is that so? It is not God's desire that it is lacking.
Why is it so prevalent? Why is it so hard to commune with another?
We think we know what communication is. I wonder if we really do.
God created us in His image and blessed us. But sin entered the picture. Perhaps sin is why our communication abilities are so lacking.
God wants a one-on-one relationship with each of us. But we do not necessarily want one with him. We want everything our way. Our way or No way.
Sometimes God grants it our way. So we can see what that means...
God is at the Top. He is. No one is greater than He. Not you. Not me. Not Satan.
His way is best. And when His way becomes our way, we have achieved a degree of communication we could never have imagined.
Communication with God -- silently talking, speaking out loud, writing, singing, praising.
Philip Yancey, author of "Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference?," says, "If we march through life pretending to smile while instead we bleed, we dishonor the relationship."
Monday, February 9, 2009
Is anything too hard for the Lord?
"Is anything too hard for the Lord?" (Genesis 18:14a)
I think not. No, I'm positive nothing is too hard for the Lord.
And, if we:
Trust in Him
Believe in Him
Put our Hope in Him
Pray in His name
Abide in Him
Follow in His footsteps
Stay in His word
Focus on His truths
Remember His promises,
it won't be too hard for us either,
because
"With God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26)
It's when we leave Him out of the picture, when He isn't in the center of our lives, that we are in a vast world of lostness.....
I think not. No, I'm positive nothing is too hard for the Lord.
And, if we:
Trust in Him
Believe in Him
Put our Hope in Him
Pray in His name
Abide in Him
Follow in His footsteps
Stay in His word
Focus on His truths
Remember His promises,
it won't be too hard for us either,
because
"With God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26)
It's when we leave Him out of the picture, when He isn't in the center of our lives, that we are in a vast world of lostness.....
Thank you Lord Jesus
Yesterday in church we sang "Thank You for Loving Me" by David Crowder. It is a beautiful, worshipful song. Today, when searching for it on the internet however, I found the title to be "Thank You for Hearing Me" and the original words are not quite the same as what we sing in church. On the David Crowder Band Web site, the lyrics are:
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for finding me
Thank you for finding me
Thank you for finding me
Thank you for finding me
Thank you for hearing me
Thank you for hearing me
Thank you for hearing me
Thank you for hearing me
Thank you for healing me
Thank you for healing me
Thank you for healing me
Thank you for healing me
La la la la la la
La la la la la la
La la la la la la
La la la la la la
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for saving me
Thank you for saving me
Thank you for saving me
Thank you for saving me...
La la la la la laa
My Jesus, I love thee
I know Thou art mine
The words we sing in church are:
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for finding me
Thank you for finding me
Thank you for finding me
Thank you for finding me
Thank you for healing me
Thank you for healing me
Thank you for healing me
Thank you for healing me
Thank you for saving me
Thank you for saving me
Thank you for saving me
Thank you for saving me
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for finding me
Thank you for healing me
Thank you for saving me
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for loving me.
No matter.
Thank you Lord for loving me, always, continually.
Thank you Lord for finding me.
Thank you Lord for healing me.
Thank you Lord for saving me.
Thank you so so much. I can never repay you. But I am so grateful, so appreciative. So joyful to be one of your children.
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for finding me
Thank you for finding me
Thank you for finding me
Thank you for finding me
Thank you for hearing me
Thank you for hearing me
Thank you for hearing me
Thank you for hearing me
Thank you for healing me
Thank you for healing me
Thank you for healing me
Thank you for healing me
La la la la la la
La la la la la la
La la la la la la
La la la la la la
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for saving me
Thank you for saving me
Thank you for saving me
Thank you for saving me...
La la la la la laa
My Jesus, I love thee
I know Thou art mine
The words we sing in church are:
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for finding me
Thank you for finding me
Thank you for finding me
Thank you for finding me
Thank you for healing me
Thank you for healing me
Thank you for healing me
Thank you for healing me
Thank you for saving me
Thank you for saving me
Thank you for saving me
Thank you for saving me
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for finding me
Thank you for healing me
Thank you for saving me
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for loving me.
No matter.
Thank you Lord for loving me, always, continually.
Thank you Lord for finding me.
Thank you Lord for healing me.
Thank you Lord for saving me.
Thank you so so much. I can never repay you. But I am so grateful, so appreciative. So joyful to be one of your children.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Have you seen... do you know
"Have the gates of death been revealed (opened) to you? Or have you seen the doors of the shadow of death?" (Job 38:17)
The gates of death could be the place of your soul's no return. Many are there. All die. Everyone's physical body dies. Everyone's soul goes somewhere upon death. Everyone spends eternity somewhere -- in heaven or in hell.
It is your choice. Make the choice while you yet breathe. The last breath you take leaves no recourse. No amount of praying by another will transport you from one eternal place to another. If you are not heaven-bound before you die, you are forever doomed to hell.
You think there are many roads to travel to arrive at the same place? You are mistaken. Only 1 road. Only 1 way. Only 1 God. Only Jesus.
The gates of death could be the place of your soul's no return. Many are there. All die. Everyone's physical body dies. Everyone's soul goes somewhere upon death. Everyone spends eternity somewhere -- in heaven or in hell.
It is your choice. Make the choice while you yet breathe. The last breath you take leaves no recourse. No amount of praying by another will transport you from one eternal place to another. If you are not heaven-bound before you die, you are forever doomed to hell.
You think there are many roads to travel to arrive at the same place? You are mistaken. Only 1 road. Only 1 way. Only 1 God. Only Jesus.
Twenty-one years ago
Twenty-one
years
ago.
A
young
man
a
most
handsome
young
man
in
a
3
p
i
e
c
e
suit
and
a
young
lady
met.
The place?
the
church
library
The time?
between
9
a.m.
and
9:30
a.m.
The date?
Sunday,
Feb. 7
1988,
one
week
before
Valentine's
Day
The result?
a
wedding
3
years
2
months
20
days
later.
We
He and I
as one
renewed
our vows
in
2006
for our
15th
anniversary
It's now
2009
On
April 27
He and I
and
Jesus
celebrate
18
years
Together
years
ago.
A
young
man
a
most
handsome
young
man
in
a
3
p
i
e
c
e
suit
and
a
young
lady
met.
The place?
the
church
library
The time?
between
9
a.m.
and
9:30
a.m.
The date?
Sunday,
Feb. 7
1988,
one
week
before
Valentine's
Day
The result?
a
wedding
3
years
2
months
20
days
later.
We
He and I
as one
renewed
our vows
in
2006
for our
15th
anniversary
It's now
2009
On
April 27
He and I
and
Jesus
celebrate
18
years
Together
Friday, February 6, 2009
Today's Walk - Joy in the Furnace
How timely ... In checking out the hundreds of emails, I find this one from Jim Reynolds, former pastor of First Baptist/LaGrange, Mo., who writes the Walk with Jesus column. He and his family have recently moved to a new pastorate in Illinois, but ties remain to LaGrange in more ways than one.
PERSONAL NOTE from Jim: I apologize for the lack of activity lately. I am currently living out of 2 homes as we continue to make this transition to a new place of ministry. And I do not have computer access in my new home yet. Heck, I don’t really even have a new home yet! But, hopefully the decision on a house will be made soon after this weekend.
The February issue of Heartbeat went up last Monday. Click the link to read all kinds of good articles.
My sister-in-law, Debbie Guinn, first offered me the opportunity to write for the magazine. I think she has been with them – as a writer and editor -- since the beginning. Please check out her insight as well; her column is called “Healing The Wounded Heart.” Until things settle in for me a little more – and to give you a taste of Debbie’s powerful testimony -- I’ll be reprinting (in several parts) what I believe to be one of her best articles.
Joy In The Furnace
James 1:2-4 -- Consider it ALL joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be PERFECT and COMPLETE, lacking in NOTHING.”
I don’t know about you, but finding joy in any trial – even the “little” ones – was never an easy task for me. I knew that as a Christian, I “should” look at things that way, but it just seemed to be one of those things that I would never accomplish during my life here on earth.
That all began to change last winter, when I found myself dealing with a debilitating illness. For four months, I was unable to do much of anything from a physical standpoint. However, God used that time to do a work in my spiritual life…mainly teaching me how to find joy in my trials. It was more than simply choosing to be happy IN SPITE OF my trials. It was a time of truly learning to thank God FOR the trials. It was a process of discovering that it IS possible to rejoice in – yes, get excited about – even the toughest, most painful trials.
One day, I was telling God how tired I was of being sick. I was completely overwhelmed with my circumstances. I had so many things that needed done; I couldn’t do anything because of my health; I had nobody to help me with things; I was afraid; I was lonely; I wanted it all to end…. Honesty, I was just having a good pity party that day. I had put on a CD to listen to, hoping to lift my spirits.
A song started playing and two lines from that song really got my attention. It says, “If you lead us to the fire, you will not withdraw your hand; We’ll gaze into the flames and look for you.” God just stopped me in my tracks right there and said, “Debbie, I am IN the flames but you never look for me there.”
He was so right – but then again, He always is. I tend to do one of two things when I am going through trials in my life. Either I look at the “stuff” (situations, circumstances, people) going on in my life – or I decide to ignore all that “stuff” and focus instead on all the good things that God has done/is doing in my life. There is nothing wrong with looking at the good. In fact, God’s Word tells us that we ARE to think on good things. It says in Phil. 4:8, ”Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
It IS good to think on the good – we need to have our thoughts on those things. However, I believe God was telling me that I needed to look to HIM wherever HE is. He doesn’t want me to forget or ignore the good things He has done, but He wants me to follow Him and see Him IN the trials too. If I am looking at the “stuff” – even the good “stuff” -- I can’t focus on HIM and see what He longs to do in and through the trial.
I began to think of trials as being in the fire, comparing the “stuff” to the flames. I was drawn to the story in Daniel of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego – the three men who were thrown into the fiery furnace. I began an in-depth study of that story and God showed me so much about what He does during the trials of our lives. I discovered six key principles in this story that have totally changed my outlook on trials. These principles have given me reason to rejoice in the trials and suffering that God brings into my life.
For sake of time and space, I am not going to cite the entire story, but I highly encourage you to read the first three chapters of Daniel. The first two chapters give a little background as to who these three men were, where they came from, and their roles in Babylon. They were of the royal family of Judah – worthy of high honor; they were “perfect” from a physical standpoint, handsome, highly intelligent, and “qualified to serve in the king’s palace”. (Daniel 1:3-4). They were highly respected by the king, so much that he appointed them administrators over the province of Babylon. (Daniel 1:19-20; 2:49)
More importantly, though, is the fact that they were men who loved and served God – and ONLY God. When commanded to bow down and worship the king’s golden image, they refused. Even when threatened with death, they stood firm in their convictions, certain that one way or another God would deliver them. (Daniel 3:17-18)
The first principle from this story is that I WILL have trials in my life. It is easy to think that trials only affect certain people – those from a certain social or economic class, race, etc. Many times, we think that trials only come to people who “deserve” them due to sin or “poor choices” in life. Therefore, if I am going through a trial, I must have done something wrong to deserve it. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had everything going for them – or so we tend to think. They were high class, smart, had found favor with the king, AND lived their lives committed to God. Yet, they were still thrown into the furnace.
The truth of the matter is that EVERYBODY has trials. NOBODY is exempt from them. It does not matter how wealthy we are; how high up on the socio-economical ladder we are; how good or bad we are. It doesn’t even matter how little or great our faith in God is. Jesus says, “In this world you WILL have trouble.” (John 16:33) He is talking to His disciples here – those who have given up everything to follow Him. This tells me that even if I am totally, 100% sold out to Jesus, I will still have trials in my life. They are simply part of life for EVERYONE.
PERSONAL NOTE from Jim: I apologize for the lack of activity lately. I am currently living out of 2 homes as we continue to make this transition to a new place of ministry. And I do not have computer access in my new home yet. Heck, I don’t really even have a new home yet! But, hopefully the decision on a house will be made soon after this weekend.
The February issue of Heartbeat went up last Monday. Click the link to read all kinds of good articles.
My sister-in-law, Debbie Guinn, first offered me the opportunity to write for the magazine. I think she has been with them – as a writer and editor -- since the beginning. Please check out her insight as well; her column is called “Healing The Wounded Heart.” Until things settle in for me a little more – and to give you a taste of Debbie’s powerful testimony -- I’ll be reprinting (in several parts) what I believe to be one of her best articles.
Joy In The Furnace
James 1:2-4 -- Consider it ALL joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be PERFECT and COMPLETE, lacking in NOTHING.”
I don’t know about you, but finding joy in any trial – even the “little” ones – was never an easy task for me. I knew that as a Christian, I “should” look at things that way, but it just seemed to be one of those things that I would never accomplish during my life here on earth.
That all began to change last winter, when I found myself dealing with a debilitating illness. For four months, I was unable to do much of anything from a physical standpoint. However, God used that time to do a work in my spiritual life…mainly teaching me how to find joy in my trials. It was more than simply choosing to be happy IN SPITE OF my trials. It was a time of truly learning to thank God FOR the trials. It was a process of discovering that it IS possible to rejoice in – yes, get excited about – even the toughest, most painful trials.
One day, I was telling God how tired I was of being sick. I was completely overwhelmed with my circumstances. I had so many things that needed done; I couldn’t do anything because of my health; I had nobody to help me with things; I was afraid; I was lonely; I wanted it all to end…. Honesty, I was just having a good pity party that day. I had put on a CD to listen to, hoping to lift my spirits.
A song started playing and two lines from that song really got my attention. It says, “If you lead us to the fire, you will not withdraw your hand; We’ll gaze into the flames and look for you.” God just stopped me in my tracks right there and said, “Debbie, I am IN the flames but you never look for me there.”
He was so right – but then again, He always is. I tend to do one of two things when I am going through trials in my life. Either I look at the “stuff” (situations, circumstances, people) going on in my life – or I decide to ignore all that “stuff” and focus instead on all the good things that God has done/is doing in my life. There is nothing wrong with looking at the good. In fact, God’s Word tells us that we ARE to think on good things. It says in Phil. 4:8, ”Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
It IS good to think on the good – we need to have our thoughts on those things. However, I believe God was telling me that I needed to look to HIM wherever HE is. He doesn’t want me to forget or ignore the good things He has done, but He wants me to follow Him and see Him IN the trials too. If I am looking at the “stuff” – even the good “stuff” -- I can’t focus on HIM and see what He longs to do in and through the trial.
I began to think of trials as being in the fire, comparing the “stuff” to the flames. I was drawn to the story in Daniel of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego – the three men who were thrown into the fiery furnace. I began an in-depth study of that story and God showed me so much about what He does during the trials of our lives. I discovered six key principles in this story that have totally changed my outlook on trials. These principles have given me reason to rejoice in the trials and suffering that God brings into my life.
For sake of time and space, I am not going to cite the entire story, but I highly encourage you to read the first three chapters of Daniel. The first two chapters give a little background as to who these three men were, where they came from, and their roles in Babylon. They were of the royal family of Judah – worthy of high honor; they were “perfect” from a physical standpoint, handsome, highly intelligent, and “qualified to serve in the king’s palace”. (Daniel 1:3-4). They were highly respected by the king, so much that he appointed them administrators over the province of Babylon. (Daniel 1:19-20; 2:49)
More importantly, though, is the fact that they were men who loved and served God – and ONLY God. When commanded to bow down and worship the king’s golden image, they refused. Even when threatened with death, they stood firm in their convictions, certain that one way or another God would deliver them. (Daniel 3:17-18)
The first principle from this story is that I WILL have trials in my life. It is easy to think that trials only affect certain people – those from a certain social or economic class, race, etc. Many times, we think that trials only come to people who “deserve” them due to sin or “poor choices” in life. Therefore, if I am going through a trial, I must have done something wrong to deserve it. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had everything going for them – or so we tend to think. They were high class, smart, had found favor with the king, AND lived their lives committed to God. Yet, they were still thrown into the furnace.
The truth of the matter is that EVERYBODY has trials. NOBODY is exempt from them. It does not matter how wealthy we are; how high up on the socio-economical ladder we are; how good or bad we are. It doesn’t even matter how little or great our faith in God is. Jesus says, “In this world you WILL have trouble.” (John 16:33) He is talking to His disciples here – those who have given up everything to follow Him. This tells me that even if I am totally, 100% sold out to Jesus, I will still have trials in my life. They are simply part of life for EVERYONE.
Who do you listen to?
Must wait upon the Lord
for all we do.
Do as the Lord bids
Do not eat sweets
Do not
Do not
Do not
and Satan says
Go ahead
Eat it.
Listen to the Lord
Oh yes
Listen to the Lord
Only He knows
He knows you
Don't you want to
Know Him
Don't you want
to be whole
and Satan says
Go ahead
Eat it.
Too much of even a good thing
can make you sick.
Do you want to be sick
Do you want to spend
your days in misery
wearing the path thin
between the bedroom and the bathroom?
Do not give in.
Listen to me
I have your best interest
at heart the Lord says
and still, there is
Satan, saying
Go ahead. Eat it.
Who do you listen to?
for all we do.
Do as the Lord bids
Do not eat sweets
Do not
Do not
Do not
and Satan says
Go ahead
Eat it.
Listen to the Lord
Oh yes
Listen to the Lord
Only He knows
He knows you
Don't you want to
Know Him
Don't you want
to be whole
and Satan says
Go ahead
Eat it.
Too much of even a good thing
can make you sick.
Do you want to be sick
Do you want to spend
your days in misery
wearing the path thin
between the bedroom and the bathroom?
Do not give in.
Listen to me
I have your best interest
at heart the Lord says
and still, there is
Satan, saying
Go ahead. Eat it.
Who do you listen to?
Everlasting God
Last Sunday in church among the songs sung was "Everlasting God" (2005), with words and music by Brenton Brown and Ken Riley. Here is the video, followed by the lyrics.
(A) Strength will rise as we
wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
(repeat)
(B) Our God
You reign forever
Our hope
Our strong Deliv'rer
You are
the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary
You're the defender of
the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings
like
eagles.
(Repeat A)
(Repeat B twice)
(A) Strength will rise as we
wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
(repeat)
(B) Our God
You reign forever
Our hope
Our strong Deliv'rer
You are
the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary
You're the defender of
the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings
like
eagles.
(Repeat A)
(Repeat B twice)
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Without God, it is all meaningless
Another long week is winding down. Another week of stress, distress, frustration.
I can't be disposed to straddling the fence. I have to know where I'm going, who I'm going with, whatever the consequences, have to determine which road I'm staying on - the high road with Jesus or the low road with the world.
The world holds so much, but its all vanity. As Solomon has learned in Ecclesiastes, all of life is futile if Jesus is not in it, if your walk, your life's journey isn't with Him.
*Knowledge apart from God is meaningless
* Pleasures and possessions apart from God are meaningless
... We are "not to think of (ourselves) more highly than (we) ought to think, ... for as we have many members in one body, all the members do not have the same function." (Romans 12: 3-4)
"And He (Jesus) said to them, 'Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.' "
What does worry add? Jesus asks in Luke 12:25. Since My Father takes care of those less than you -- the birds -- the flowers -- the grass, why would He not also take care of you? You do not care for them, He does. Worrying doesn't produce what you need; it only increases your anxiety, which if you (abide with Me, with God) "but seek the Kingdom of God, all these things shall be added to you." (Luke 12: 31) All that you need. "...Your Father knows that you need these things." (Luke 12: 30)
*Worldly wisdom apart from God is meaningless
* Work not done for God's glory is meaningless
Still, still and always,
I must pray. I must abide with the Lord. I must trust. I must act, take that step of faith. I must believe. I must.
Help me Lord to achieve your will for me.
I can't be disposed to straddling the fence. I have to know where I'm going, who I'm going with, whatever the consequences, have to determine which road I'm staying on - the high road with Jesus or the low road with the world.
The world holds so much, but its all vanity. As Solomon has learned in Ecclesiastes, all of life is futile if Jesus is not in it, if your walk, your life's journey isn't with Him.
*Knowledge apart from God is meaningless
* Pleasures and possessions apart from God are meaningless
... We are "not to think of (ourselves) more highly than (we) ought to think, ... for as we have many members in one body, all the members do not have the same function." (Romans 12: 3-4)
"And He (Jesus) said to them, 'Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.' "
What does worry add? Jesus asks in Luke 12:25. Since My Father takes care of those less than you -- the birds -- the flowers -- the grass, why would He not also take care of you? You do not care for them, He does. Worrying doesn't produce what you need; it only increases your anxiety, which if you (abide with Me, with God) "but seek the Kingdom of God, all these things shall be added to you." (Luke 12: 31) All that you need. "...Your Father knows that you need these things." (Luke 12: 30)
*Worldly wisdom apart from God is meaningless
* Work not done for God's glory is meaningless
Still, still and always,
I must pray. I must abide with the Lord. I must trust. I must act, take that step of faith. I must believe. I must.
Help me Lord to achieve your will for me.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Pray, aim high, stay focused
Pray. Aim high. Stay focused.
Do not look to man for your blessings but look to the Lord. He can open doors for you that only He is able to do. Doors that you will not slip through but doors that only He has prepared in advance for you in your favor. Wait, and be still, patient: keep God first and everything else will follow.
So hard to do.
So easy
to become entangled
and end up
carrying a heavy load
of fear
with you every day.
God
does not want you
to become, to be
fearful.
He wants us to
trust in Him.
TRUST
He will provide
all we need.
Only He knows.
We second guess.
We look at those around
and see what we
think we're missing. We
become dissatisfied,
dismal, very sad, remorseful,
depressed.
We do things ...
yesterday, at the
work place,
I took down
pictures,
cleaned files.
Must be ready
for what I'm hearing
is coming soon.
Still, God knows.
He has come through
before.
Why
does it seem
to be so hard
Every time
to trust
He will provide?
He said He would.
He told me to
Pursue.
He told me to
stay focused, to
abide with Him.
To
Trust.
"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." (James 4: 8a)
"For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing will be there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy." (James 3: 16-17)
"Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." (James 4: 4b)
"Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." (James 4: 7)
"Do not speak evil of one another, brethren." (James 4: 11a)
"If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that." (James 4: 15a)
"Therefore be patient... You also be patient ... Do not grumble against one another, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!" (James 5: 7-9)
Remember the perseverance of Job.
"Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray." (James 5: 13)
Do not look to man for your blessings but look to the Lord. He can open doors for you that only He is able to do. Doors that you will not slip through but doors that only He has prepared in advance for you in your favor. Wait, and be still, patient: keep God first and everything else will follow.
So hard to do.
So easy
to become entangled
and end up
carrying a heavy load
of fear
with you every day.
God
does not want you
to become, to be
fearful.
He wants us to
trust in Him.
TRUST
He will provide
all we need.
Only He knows.
We second guess.
We look at those around
and see what we
think we're missing. We
become dissatisfied,
dismal, very sad, remorseful,
depressed.
We do things ...
yesterday, at the
work place,
I took down
pictures,
cleaned files.
Must be ready
for what I'm hearing
is coming soon.
Still, God knows.
He has come through
before.
Why
does it seem
to be so hard
Every time
to trust
He will provide?
He said He would.
He told me to
Pursue.
He told me to
stay focused, to
abide with Him.
To
Trust.
"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." (James 4: 8a)
"For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing will be there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy." (James 3: 16-17)
"Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." (James 4: 4b)
"Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." (James 4: 7)
"Do not speak evil of one another, brethren." (James 4: 11a)
"If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that." (James 4: 15a)
"Therefore be patient... You also be patient ... Do not grumble against one another, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!" (James 5: 7-9)
Remember the perseverance of Job.
"Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray." (James 5: 13)
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Everything has its consequences
Everything has its consequences ... wrong choices ... good choices ... living for selfish pleasure .... living for Jesus. ... All consequences may indirectly affect another, not just ourselves. ... Change is a choice. Not changing is also a choice. All we do has consequences. Consider your ways.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Contemplation
What good things in your past have you accomplished or achieved that might prevent you from achieving great things for the Lord in the present?
Well, I can't think of any. There may be, there probably is, but they don't come to my mind.
Since becoming a Christian I do not recall any personal great triumphs or God's blessings upon me that prevented me from marching forward, continuing to seek and do His will for me. It is easier to think on that which traumatized me or brings sadness and pain within.
... that which we are to forget.
We are only to remember God's role in it.
Elizabeth George in "Loving God With All Your Mind" provides three steps for forgetting the past.
How can you think back on the bad things in your life without dwelling on them? How can you find the positive in the middle of all the negative? Finding the gold could take a long time.
But not always is the bad a result of your own personal sin. Sometimes the sin is a result of poor choices made by others.
When we fail to forgive others we sentence ourselves to a life of bitterness. We stop growing in our faith and we compromise our service and witness for Jesus.
I don't much dwell on the past anymore. Sometimes an event or unpleasant moment from history past creeps into my thoughts and I think on it momentarily. But it is best to remove myself. If I can't, then my writings turn to prayer in the form of loosely written poetry. Pouring out my soul to my Lord, who only He, He alone came enable me to overcome life's many hurdles, past and present, and future as well.
Do not become anxious ... certainly easier said than accomplished. ... Earnestly pray with the Lord your God to remove your fears, thankful for what you have and are to receive ... abide with Him always ... even when your own understanding is topsy-turvy ... God's peace will come to you.
Prayer relieves you from stress. I wrote that a long time ago in my Bible. Remembering God's truths, staying focused on Him.
Well, I can't think of any. There may be, there probably is, but they don't come to my mind.
Since becoming a Christian I do not recall any personal great triumphs or God's blessings upon me that prevented me from marching forward, continuing to seek and do His will for me. It is easier to think on that which traumatized me or brings sadness and pain within.
... that which we are to forget.
We are only to remember God's role in it.
Elizabeth George in "Loving God With All Your Mind" provides three steps for forgetting the past.
- Find the Gold -- the hidden blessing, the lesson to be learned, the character trait being forged
How can you think back on the bad things in your life without dwelling on them? How can you find the positive in the middle of all the negative? Finding the gold could take a long time.
- Find Forgiveness for the bad that resulted from your sin.
But not always is the bad a result of your own personal sin. Sometimes the sin is a result of poor choices made by others.
- Forgive those who have hurt you.
When we fail to forgive others we sentence ourselves to a life of bitterness. We stop growing in our faith and we compromise our service and witness for Jesus.
I don't much dwell on the past anymore. Sometimes an event or unpleasant moment from history past creeps into my thoughts and I think on it momentarily. But it is best to remove myself. If I can't, then my writings turn to prayer in the form of loosely written poetry. Pouring out my soul to my Lord, who only He, He alone came enable me to overcome life's many hurdles, past and present, and future as well.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." -- Philippians 4: 6-7Do not become anxious ... certainly easier said than accomplished. ... Earnestly pray with the Lord your God to remove your fears, thankful for what you have and are to receive ... abide with Him always ... even when your own understanding is topsy-turvy ... God's peace will come to you.
Prayer relieves you from stress. I wrote that a long time ago in my Bible. Remembering God's truths, staying focused on Him.
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