Today my post is on quality. What it is and whether we have given it up at the cost of just getting things done. I read numerous books, magazines, newspapers, articles on the Internet, and I wonder if mediocrity has become the norm and quality left in the gutter. I would prefer to think not, but my readings lead me to think otherwise.
I question what one is striving for in this day and age. The economy is poor, businesses lay off people right and left, but still, life moves on. But at what expense? At whose expense? Is a finished product important, is a well-made, put-together product important to the consumer ... to the buyer ... to the advertiser ... to the worker? Or did quality leave by the same door so many former colleagues have left in current and former times?
God holds us accountable ... in everything we do. As Romans 14: 12 says, "So then each of us shall give account of himself to God."
There is always a job to be done. Always a need to be filled. Choosing to do whatever is needed is one thing. Equally important, if not more so, is choosing to do it well, the best you know how.
Sometimes, unfortunately, that best for one is not always the best for another, nor the best in the final product produced.
The best you know how is not always good enough. Anything that is done at the expense of quality and consistency is not my idea of the best.
Perhaps we are to teach ways another could improve. Education and experience are important in accomplishing your best. Some people have not attended college and earned a degree, but that alone doesn't need to be a hindrance. If we have the desire to produce a great product, one that is well-written, and well put-together, then quality hasn't been lost.
How do you teach another to write well? How do you show someone what makes a quality product?
I earned a bachelor's degree in journalism in 1974 and have worked on weekly and daily newspapers most of the time since, including two years as a publisher. I learned through reading, hands-on writing, workshops, and editors instilling in me not to settle for second best, not to settle for mediocre, not to settle for just enough to get by, not to settle for just getting it done, but to do your very best. So, I will strive to do the very best I know how.
In Romans 14, the apostle Paul tells us not to judge another. Christians, just like everyone else, are at different levels in their life walk. Some are beginners, others are old-timers and still others are in between. Verse 1 says, "Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things." So, I ask, even though what we do may not be the same across the board, if there is clearly nothing absolutely wrong with the process, then should we just leave it alone? We should not judge another for their inconsistencies. Verse 13 says, "Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way." We should not be obnoxious when pointing out inconsistencies. We should be respectful of another in all aspects, be patient, be kind, as you go about presenting a better way.
Romans 14: 19 says, "Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another."
New question -- how do we build another up to work toward and accomplish a desire for excellency? How do we get past mere work and become goal-oriented? Not just getting it done but caring about producing a quality product?
"Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus." (Colossians 3: 17)
The effect of my influence on another depends on my faithfulness to the Savior, therefore, I continue to strive, if for no other reason than to glorify God and to perhaps hear Him say to me, "You have done well my child."
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Being a Christian
Are you a Christian?
The first time the word "Christian" is used in the Holy Scriptures is in Acts 11: 26. The disciple Barnabas traveled from Jerusalem to Antioch, a distance of 300 miles, where he had heard the Good News was being preached everywhere. Barnabas then traveled to Tarsus to find Paul and together they returned to Antioch, where they preached the Gospel for a year.
"And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch."
What does being a Christian mean to you? Does it tell others who Jesus is? Are you hungry for His word? Do your actions bring honor or shame to Christ's name?
"Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God." (1 Peter 4: 16)
A Christian is not someone who merely follows the rules and regulations of the Catholic Church handed down by the Pope, or attends church or belongs to a particular denomination.
Being a Christian is a big responsibility. We shouldn't treat it lightly.
A Christian is a follower of Jesus Christ. Jesus, the person.
"As fellow believers, we are co-laborers with Christ to spread the Gospel," says Phil Winfield, senior pastor of Grace Church, Des Moines.
When we are one with Him, the Son of Man, "we cannot fail," said Winfield, who presented the morning message Saturday, March 28, at an evangelism conference in Cedar Rapids. His message was from Matthew 13: 36-43 where Jesus is explaining the parable of the wheat and the tares.
Verses 37-43 follow: "He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one. The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age and the reapers are the angels. Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteousness will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!"
"The very gates of hell will not hinder the word of God," Winfield says.
God is mightier than any act of Satan, and when we are one with Jesus, we will never fail.
Jesus Christ is He, the Son of Man, who sows the Good News into the hearts of mankind. Some receive and grow and so do not. Those who do are the good seeds, the sons of the kingdom, the workers, the co-laborers. Those who do not are the tares, the sons of the wicked one, Satan.
God places workers where He wants them. It may not be where we think, but our ways are not God's ... we are imperfect. Only God... only Jesus is perfect. God knows where the best place is for us.
If we profess to be a Christian, a follower of Christ, then we must pursue as God leads, we must grow wherever the Lord puts us.
Winfield noted that only those who are fruitful ... growing and reaping ... may be sent, moved, transplanted elsewhere.
If we're not being fruitful where we are, moving elsewhere will not accomplish it either. We may want to move, we may think because job opportunities are lacking where we are we need to move, but if we are only to move when God says so, then our only recourse is to wait. No matter what.
Sometimes, Winfield said, even when we are fruitful, God wants us to stay put.
Sometimes we can follow Christ and be fruitful, yet still have a door shut because God doesn't want us to go down that particular path. He has something else in mind. We have to trust that He knows what is best for us. We have to believe. We have to have Faith.
In Acts 16: 6-10 the apostle Paul was instructed by the Holy Spirit not to go to certain places on his second missionary journey. Verses 6 and 7 say, "Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them."
We must follow Jesus, not our feelings.
When we become a Christian, a follower of Christ, a believer in Christ, God's purpose for us becomes clearer ... to love Him with all of our being, to trust and follow Him wherever He leads, to be obedient to Him alone.
Being a Christian means the promise given in Romans 8: 28 is ours to claim. "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."
Do you claim it?
Are you a Christian?
The first time the word "Christian" is used in the Holy Scriptures is in Acts 11: 26. The disciple Barnabas traveled from Jerusalem to Antioch, a distance of 300 miles, where he had heard the Good News was being preached everywhere. Barnabas then traveled to Tarsus to find Paul and together they returned to Antioch, where they preached the Gospel for a year.
"And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch."
What does being a Christian mean to you? Does it tell others who Jesus is? Are you hungry for His word? Do your actions bring honor or shame to Christ's name?
"Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God." (1 Peter 4: 16)
A Christian is not someone who merely follows the rules and regulations of the Catholic Church handed down by the Pope, or attends church or belongs to a particular denomination.
Being a Christian is a big responsibility. We shouldn't treat it lightly.
A Christian is a follower of Jesus Christ. Jesus, the person.
"As fellow believers, we are co-laborers with Christ to spread the Gospel," says Phil Winfield, senior pastor of Grace Church, Des Moines.
When we are one with Him, the Son of Man, "we cannot fail," said Winfield, who presented the morning message Saturday, March 28, at an evangelism conference in Cedar Rapids. His message was from Matthew 13: 36-43 where Jesus is explaining the parable of the wheat and the tares.
Verses 37-43 follow: "He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one. The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age and the reapers are the angels. Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteousness will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!"
"The very gates of hell will not hinder the word of God," Winfield says.
God is mightier than any act of Satan, and when we are one with Jesus, we will never fail.
Jesus Christ is He, the Son of Man, who sows the Good News into the hearts of mankind. Some receive and grow and so do not. Those who do are the good seeds, the sons of the kingdom, the workers, the co-laborers. Those who do not are the tares, the sons of the wicked one, Satan.
God places workers where He wants them. It may not be where we think, but our ways are not God's ... we are imperfect. Only God... only Jesus is perfect. God knows where the best place is for us.
If we profess to be a Christian, a follower of Christ, then we must pursue as God leads, we must grow wherever the Lord puts us.
Winfield noted that only those who are fruitful ... growing and reaping ... may be sent, moved, transplanted elsewhere.
If we're not being fruitful where we are, moving elsewhere will not accomplish it either. We may want to move, we may think because job opportunities are lacking where we are we need to move, but if we are only to move when God says so, then our only recourse is to wait. No matter what.
Sometimes, Winfield said, even when we are fruitful, God wants us to stay put.
Sometimes we can follow Christ and be fruitful, yet still have a door shut because God doesn't want us to go down that particular path. He has something else in mind. We have to trust that He knows what is best for us. We have to believe. We have to have Faith.
In Acts 16: 6-10 the apostle Paul was instructed by the Holy Spirit not to go to certain places on his second missionary journey. Verses 6 and 7 say, "Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them."
We must follow Jesus, not our feelings.
When we become a Christian, a follower of Christ, a believer in Christ, God's purpose for us becomes clearer ... to love Him with all of our being, to trust and follow Him wherever He leads, to be obedient to Him alone.
Being a Christian means the promise given in Romans 8: 28 is ours to claim. "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."
Do you claim it?
Are you a Christian?
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Declutter ... be more like Jesus
What an interesting concept -- to clean out the clutter in our minds and hearts. I had never thought of the correlation between house clutter and personal clutter. But its there. Every day -- people we come in contact with -- what they say or how they act or even what they don't say. We hear things day in and day out. Also what we read -- in magazines and newspapers, on the internet, e-mails; and what we watch -- on television or even interaction between other people.
The dissatisfaction and frustration that can overwhelm us because of various blows we are dealt everywhere and anywhere -- at work, at home with our spouse, children, parents or siblings, health, death, housing, finances, transportation.
We get short with people. We say what we feel. We are ready to explode, and whoever is right there at that moment may get the brunt of that explosion. Those feelings are clutter. Having to wait for others to get things done before you can go further -- we clutter our minds with complaining about them, about the situation.
What do we do?
God wants us to be more like Christ.
In I Corinthians 6: 19-20, the apostle Paul writes, "... do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's."
More like Jesus. ... who do you .... what do you perceive ... how do you?
I thought of the song "I want to be more like Jesus" by Keith Green.
Jesus says in Matthew 15: 17-20 ... "Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man,..."
More like Christ ... less like we are ... more like the One who is our Shepherd, less like we are ... more like our Sovereign Lord. More like Jesus. The longer I serve Him the sweeter He grows. ... as we become more like Him.
The dissatisfaction and frustration that can overwhelm us because of various blows we are dealt everywhere and anywhere -- at work, at home with our spouse, children, parents or siblings, health, death, housing, finances, transportation.
We get short with people. We say what we feel. We are ready to explode, and whoever is right there at that moment may get the brunt of that explosion. Those feelings are clutter. Having to wait for others to get things done before you can go further -- we clutter our minds with complaining about them, about the situation.
What do we do?
God wants us to be more like Christ.
In I Corinthians 6: 19-20, the apostle Paul writes, "... do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's."
More like Jesus. ... who do you .... what do you perceive ... how do you?
I thought of the song "I want to be more like Jesus" by Keith Green.
Jesus says in Matthew 15: 17-20 ... "Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man,..."
More like Christ ... less like we are ... more like the One who is our Shepherd, less like we are ... more like our Sovereign Lord. More like Jesus. The longer I serve Him the sweeter He grows. ... as we become more like Him.
Friday, March 27, 2009
To Be or Not To Be
To Be .... alive, living life
or
Not To Be ... dead
That is the question. ... the state of affairs.
There are still some, a handful or two at my workplace who continue to have jobs, yet their careers are on hold ... waiting day-to-day for that new job offer or the pink slip that confirms their greatest nightmare / fear.
Every person has (or will have) been in this type of dillemma sometime during their lifetime.
Focusing on "what if I lose my job" only leads to despair, desperation, distrust, depression. Might as well focus on "what if I die tomorrow." Well, we might. You never know what may happen. But turn the tables -- "what if you received $1,000 in the mail?" "What if all your bills were paid in full?"
We never know about the "what if's," so you might as well not go there. God alone knows where you are right now and where you are headed and the road you will take. Best to keep it all with Him.
The more we know, the more we think we need to know, is not always satisfying. As children of God, our faith and trust must rest solely in Him. He will sustain us. He is all-sufficient. God will provide for our every need.
What can we do? We have nothing. We can grapple within our minds, thinking of the best way to do things, but is it the best way? Sometimes, we simply must wait. Pray, talk with the Lord, share with Him your feelings. Then wait for His response. But we must wait, reassured God will answer, will show us the way we are to go. We must not worry or become distraught, but rely on God's promises.
"Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything, as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God." (2 Corinthians 3: 5)
or
Not To Be ... dead
That is the question. ... the state of affairs.
There are still some, a handful or two at my workplace who continue to have jobs, yet their careers are on hold ... waiting day-to-day for that new job offer or the pink slip that confirms their greatest nightmare / fear.
Every person has (or will have) been in this type of dillemma sometime during their lifetime.
Focusing on "what if I lose my job" only leads to despair, desperation, distrust, depression. Might as well focus on "what if I die tomorrow." Well, we might. You never know what may happen. But turn the tables -- "what if you received $1,000 in the mail?" "What if all your bills were paid in full?"
We never know about the "what if's," so you might as well not go there. God alone knows where you are right now and where you are headed and the road you will take. Best to keep it all with Him.
The more we know, the more we think we need to know, is not always satisfying. As children of God, our faith and trust must rest solely in Him. He will sustain us. He is all-sufficient. God will provide for our every need.
What can we do? We have nothing. We can grapple within our minds, thinking of the best way to do things, but is it the best way? Sometimes, we simply must wait. Pray, talk with the Lord, share with Him your feelings. Then wait for His response. But we must wait, reassured God will answer, will show us the way we are to go. We must not worry or become distraught, but rely on God's promises.
"Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything, as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God." (2 Corinthians 3: 5)
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Invest and live
A new day. A new journal - book 3 actually. I have determined to no longer publish the obits blog I started in early February. I hear God saying to me to follow my dream and I no longer believe that dream revolves around "The Gates of Death." He is directing me in other directions. Wherever it is, I must go.
At church we have nearly finished our Sunday morning series on Ecclesiastes. This past week the study brought us to Chapter 11. The main points made were to invest and live life to the fullest.
Invest and diversify -- we're not talking stock market here. We're talking about your life, specifically, your life you gave to the Lord when you accepted Him as your personal Lord and Savior. Your new life. Not the old life you had before. Your life ... the life you have because of Jesus Christ, because of all He did just for you.
As you abide in Jesus, studying His word, meditating, praying, seeking His guidance and following through, your level of knowledge increases. Not just head smarts, but heart. Deep within your very soul, the more you abide with Christ, live life through Him, with Him, in Him, you see the wisdom of His ways for yourself. You embrace life! You see purpose and you pursue His will for your life.
Live life -- God has given us the gift of life and we should enjoy it fully while we can and as we deem best, because eventually, death will come.
"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself; unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." (John 15: 4-5)
At church we have nearly finished our Sunday morning series on Ecclesiastes. This past week the study brought us to Chapter 11. The main points made were to invest and live life to the fullest.
Invest and diversify -- we're not talking stock market here. We're talking about your life, specifically, your life you gave to the Lord when you accepted Him as your personal Lord and Savior. Your new life. Not the old life you had before. Your life ... the life you have because of Jesus Christ, because of all He did just for you.
As you abide in Jesus, studying His word, meditating, praying, seeking His guidance and following through, your level of knowledge increases. Not just head smarts, but heart. Deep within your very soul, the more you abide with Christ, live life through Him, with Him, in Him, you see the wisdom of His ways for yourself. You embrace life! You see purpose and you pursue His will for your life.
Live life -- God has given us the gift of life and we should enjoy it fully while we can and as we deem best, because eventually, death will come.
"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself; unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." (John 15: 4-5)
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
"The Cross"
Last night when I got home from work my husband was telling me about a new Christian movie coming to theaters this Friday. The premier showing of "The Cross" was last night at Grauman's / Mann's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, Calif. It is all about Jesus, yet also the true story of Arthur Blessitt who spent 40 years walking the continent carrying the cross of Jesus and sharing the love of Jesus, with everyone. It is about God's gift of salvation to you and me.
To read more: Arthur Blessitt
The Cross
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Help me Lord
Help me Lord to be joyful in all circumstances. Help me Lord to trust you will provide for my every need. Show me those things I do not need. Help me Lord to abide in you and with you in all things at all times. Help me Lord to keep my mind from thinking things that can only cause hardship. Help me Lord to stay focused on you. Help me Lord to remember you alone have all the power I will ever need. Help me Lord to remember your promises. Help me Lord to rest in your promises and not dwell on what I think I must do to make everything work and come together. It must be your will for things to come together. Help me Lord I pray. Amen.
Who are you?
"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them." (Romans 8:28)
All that goes on God knows about and He will cause all things to work together for good to those who love Him. It is a struggle to see that. I find myself mired in a sea of mud as I strive to stay focused on Him.
Today I read about our calling. Sometimes what we are to do and /or to be has nothing whatsoever to do with our occupation or location. It has more to do with the fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control as noted in Galatians 5:22) and those we can possess wherever and whenever.
When we have become part of the family of God and are one with Christ, we are to walk worthy of our calling.
"have a walk worthy of the calling with which you were called" (Ephesians 4: 1a)
We are to "Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each others' faults because of your love. Always keep yourselves united in the Holy Spirit, and bind yourselves together with peace.'' (Ephesians 4: 2-3) We are to possess and produce the fruits of the Spirit.
"If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit's leading in every part of our lives." Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another."
(Galatians 5: 25-26)
Galatians 5: 16 tells us to "walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh."
Sometimes though we do fall into temptation, away from what we know is righteous living, and follow our fleshly nature -- because we are human. We struggle to not get caught up in the evil of this world. Galatians 5: 19-21 provides a list of some of those evils:
sexual immorality
impure thoughts
eagerness for lustful pleasure
idolatry
participation in demonic activities
hostility
quarreling
jealousy
divisions
feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group
envy
drunkenness
wild parties
and other kinds of sin
When we are of the family of God, our goal is to become more like Christ.
"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all." (Galatians 6: 9-10b)
It is not
what you do
or
where you are
But
who you are
Who are you?
All that goes on God knows about and He will cause all things to work together for good to those who love Him. It is a struggle to see that. I find myself mired in a sea of mud as I strive to stay focused on Him.
Today I read about our calling. Sometimes what we are to do and /or to be has nothing whatsoever to do with our occupation or location. It has more to do with the fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control as noted in Galatians 5:22) and those we can possess wherever and whenever.
When we have become part of the family of God and are one with Christ, we are to walk worthy of our calling.
"have a walk worthy of the calling with which you were called" (Ephesians 4: 1a)
We are to "Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each others' faults because of your love. Always keep yourselves united in the Holy Spirit, and bind yourselves together with peace.'' (Ephesians 4: 2-3) We are to possess and produce the fruits of the Spirit.
"If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit's leading in every part of our lives." Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another."
(Galatians 5: 25-26)
Galatians 5: 16 tells us to "walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh."
Sometimes though we do fall into temptation, away from what we know is righteous living, and follow our fleshly nature -- because we are human. We struggle to not get caught up in the evil of this world. Galatians 5: 19-21 provides a list of some of those evils:
sexual immorality
impure thoughts
eagerness for lustful pleasure
idolatry
participation in demonic activities
hostility
quarreling
jealousy
divisions
feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group
envy
drunkenness
wild parties
and other kinds of sin
When we are of the family of God, our goal is to become more like Christ.
"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all." (Galatians 6: 9-10b)
It is not
what you do
or
where you are
But
who you are
Who are you?
Monday, March 23, 2009
Changes ... stay focused
Today is March 23. Today I go in to work at 10:30 a.m., which is about 2-1/2 to 3 hours earlier than it has been for more than 20 years. Today obituary changes at The Gazette take affect. Today we'll see how obit training proceeds. Today could be a long day.
"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them." (Romans 8:28, New Living Translation)
We are to give thanks to God for everything that comes along -- the good, the bad and the ugly.
When we belong to Jesus, His promise to us is that for everything that comes in our path, He will cause it come together for good. It may not seem like it, for we are usually caught up in the midst of the moment. It is often hindsight when we see the power of God working around us.
The choice is ours. How will we respond?
Ask God for His strength to follow His ways, His commands as we go through our day.
Have faith, complete faith that God will enable us to accomplish what is necessary.
That is hard. You see the reality in front of you. But perhaps it's a past reality. God always sees the whole picture. He alone knows the past, the present, and the future. Not any other.
Stay focused on Him and His truths, not your feelings. Feelings mess up things. Feelings prevent you from seeing the whole picture. We can never see it all.
When God wants to tell you something, be sure you are tuned in and listening. Be sure He has your full attention, that you're not distracted by your feelings. If and when you are not focused on God, you won't hear; it will be a mass of words all jumbled together.
God's purpose for us, as believers, is good. Never bad, never mediocre. We must pursue God, follow His commandments, love Him wholeheartedly to become all He wants for us.
"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them." (Romans 8:28, New Living Translation)
We are to give thanks to God for everything that comes along -- the good, the bad and the ugly.
When we belong to Jesus, His promise to us is that for everything that comes in our path, He will cause it come together for good. It may not seem like it, for we are usually caught up in the midst of the moment. It is often hindsight when we see the power of God working around us.
The choice is ours. How will we respond?
Ask God for His strength to follow His ways, His commands as we go through our day.
Have faith, complete faith that God will enable us to accomplish what is necessary.
That is hard. You see the reality in front of you. But perhaps it's a past reality. God always sees the whole picture. He alone knows the past, the present, and the future. Not any other.
Stay focused on Him and His truths, not your feelings. Feelings mess up things. Feelings prevent you from seeing the whole picture. We can never see it all.
When God wants to tell you something, be sure you are tuned in and listening. Be sure He has your full attention, that you're not distracted by your feelings. If and when you are not focused on God, you won't hear; it will be a mass of words all jumbled together.
God's purpose for us, as believers, is good. Never bad, never mediocre. We must pursue God, follow His commandments, love Him wholeheartedly to become all He wants for us.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Ramblings, musings, etc.
Ramblings, musings, etc. These writings may take you nowhere, but then again you may arrive at some profound thought meant only for you. Herein lies a conglomeration of thoughts from yesterday and today.
God's holy word is hidden in my heart so I have Him always with me, so that I won't sin against Him. Being aware of Him always.
Since we became children of the light -- Jesus is the light -- we should not scurry away like fearful little mice and hide ourselves under the blanket to escape or avoid whatever may develop. When we profess to be children of the light, we must walk as such. We are among those called out of that darkness that surrounds us. Darkness is everywhere. Even in broad daylight darkness abounds. It is in the evilness of others -- their deeds -- by speech or action. Darkness is also within our minds, when we are drawn to "woe is me" thinking and stay there for days, weeks, months. Darkness can take over the best of intentions if we allow it. Every day, every moment we have the choice to turn our lives around, to seek after God or follow in the steps of Satan.
"The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple." (Psalm 119:130)
What does that mean? Might it mean God's word provides meaning to those who are undecided? We have all been undecided at one time or another and some of us still are. To me, Jesus, God is Light, The Word. To walk in the light, to walk with Jesus, to walk in the Word, is to live in obedience to His commandments. But what do you think it means?
God's commandments are more than the Ten. More than merely doing what they say. Must have a relationship, must see a need to have a relationship, must realize you are a sinner and that Jesus died for your sins. Must desire deep within your soul the spirit of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost to penetrate your every being.
"Let no one deceive you with empty words." Therefore do not be partakers with them. ... have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. ... see then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming* the time. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is." (Ephesians 5: 6-7, 11, 15-17) (*Make the most of every opportunity because the days are evil.)
~~~~~
My job
My future
My goal
My dream.
Much insecurity.
Must trust,
have faith
Believe God will do
ALL
He said He would.
I too must be committed.
Listen to me,
He says.
Do your work,
BUT
Follow your dream.
Stay focused
on ME
and
on
the
Dream.
~~~~~
God tells us in Psalm 37: 7-8 to wait patiently, to cease from anger, to forsake wrath, to not fret because of the harm it causes. Well yes, there is much harm caused by not doing those things. Increased anxiety, sickness.
He tells us in Ecclesiastes 7: 8-9, "The end of a thing is better than its beginning, And the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry. For anger rests in the bosom of fools."
And in Proverbs 14: 15-17, are these words of wisdom:
"The prudent man considers well his steps. A wise man fears and departs from evil, But a fool rages and is self-confident. He who is quick-tempered acts foolishly."
"A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. " The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness." (Proverbs 15: 1-2)
"Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established." (Proverbs 16: 3)
"When a man's way pleases the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be a peace with him." (Proverbs 16: 7)
"A man's heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps." (Proverbs 16: 9)
"... let us lay aside every weight (hindrance), and the sin (of unbelief) which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance (patience) the race that is set before us." (Hebrews 12: 1)
"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate (practices self-discipline) in all things ... therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty (not aimlessly) ... But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest ... I myself should become disqualified." (I Corinthians 9: 24-27)
God's holy word is hidden in my heart so I have Him always with me, so that I won't sin against Him. Being aware of Him always.
Since we became children of the light -- Jesus is the light -- we should not scurry away like fearful little mice and hide ourselves under the blanket to escape or avoid whatever may develop. When we profess to be children of the light, we must walk as such. We are among those called out of that darkness that surrounds us. Darkness is everywhere. Even in broad daylight darkness abounds. It is in the evilness of others -- their deeds -- by speech or action. Darkness is also within our minds, when we are drawn to "woe is me" thinking and stay there for days, weeks, months. Darkness can take over the best of intentions if we allow it. Every day, every moment we have the choice to turn our lives around, to seek after God or follow in the steps of Satan.
"The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple." (Psalm 119:130)
What does that mean? Might it mean God's word provides meaning to those who are undecided? We have all been undecided at one time or another and some of us still are. To me, Jesus, God is Light, The Word. To walk in the light, to walk with Jesus, to walk in the Word, is to live in obedience to His commandments. But what do you think it means?
God's commandments are more than the Ten. More than merely doing what they say. Must have a relationship, must see a need to have a relationship, must realize you are a sinner and that Jesus died for your sins. Must desire deep within your soul the spirit of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost to penetrate your every being.
"Let no one deceive you with empty words." Therefore do not be partakers with them. ... have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. ... see then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming* the time. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is." (Ephesians 5: 6-7, 11, 15-17) (*Make the most of every opportunity because the days are evil.)
~~~~~
My job
My future
My goal
My dream.
Much insecurity.
Must trust,
have faith
Believe God will do
ALL
He said He would.
I too must be committed.
Listen to me,
He says.
Do your work,
BUT
Follow your dream.
Stay focused
on ME
and
on
the
Dream.
~~~~~
God tells us in Psalm 37: 7-8 to wait patiently, to cease from anger, to forsake wrath, to not fret because of the harm it causes. Well yes, there is much harm caused by not doing those things. Increased anxiety, sickness.
He tells us in Ecclesiastes 7: 8-9, "The end of a thing is better than its beginning, And the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry. For anger rests in the bosom of fools."
And in Proverbs 14: 15-17, are these words of wisdom:
"The prudent man considers well his steps. A wise man fears and departs from evil, But a fool rages and is self-confident. He who is quick-tempered acts foolishly."
"A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. " The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness." (Proverbs 15: 1-2)
"Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established." (Proverbs 16: 3)
"When a man's way pleases the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be a peace with him." (Proverbs 16: 7)
"A man's heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps." (Proverbs 16: 9)
"... let us lay aside every weight (hindrance), and the sin (of unbelief) which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance (patience) the race that is set before us." (Hebrews 12: 1)
"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate (practices self-discipline) in all things ... therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty (not aimlessly) ... But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest ... I myself should become disqualified." (I Corinthians 9: 24-27)
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Visual Art
I recently received an email from a contemporary visual artist in Seoul, Korea, who came across this blog. Soojung Cho creates beautiful art, simple yet insightful. Her Web site is www.soojungcho.com She gave me permission to share her work. So please enjoy.
Peach Blossoms Under the Full Moon
Falling Cherry Blossoms
Moon River
Azalea Road
Tears From Heaven
Peach Blossoms Under the Full Moon
Falling Cherry Blossoms
Moon River
Azalea Road
Tears From Heaven
Struggles abound; Light chases away darkness and gloom
My new work week hours begin next week. Obituary changes begin next week too. ... earlier deadlines, cost increases, etc.
Looking on the bright side, God knew this. So there's something good to come out of having Monday and Tuesday off and working weekends. I can't imagine what it is, but He knows.
So, instead of complaining, which I've been prone to do, I should, as has been pointed out, be grateful I have a job no matter what the hours.
Enough said.
However, talking, sharing about what's going on in your life can be beneficial in reducing the stress. By keeping your feelings within, things are merely building up until eventually you explode and every bit of pain you're feeling rears its ugly head and spews forth.
Also interesting, sort of, is the number of people who have current jobs but don't know if they have future jobs with a given company. Being offered a job and accepting the job offer does not mean their future is secure. It might be for a few months or a year or longer. It might be. It might not be as well.
The world is a scary place right now. How we get through it shows others much about ourselves. We are all human. We all have struggles. One struggle is just as important as another. It is not fair to think your struggles are more important than another. You don't know what another is going through, what blows they've been dealt. My struggles are just as important to me as your struggles are to you. You may think your struggles are bigger, insurmountable, but there is always someone somewhere whose struggles top yours.
It is not about who can get to the top of the empire of despair. It is easy to fall into a depression. It is much harder to lift your eyes upward ... to the Lord and wait on Him, praying He will enable you to see this through, that He will be with you every step of the way.
Of course, if you do not know the Lord, if you have not accepted the Lord as your personal Savior, then looking up doesn't show you anything - you just see darkness all around you.
Jesus is the light.
"I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." (John 8: 12)
Light chases away darkness and gloom.
Have you ever taken a cave tour? The lights are turned out and it is pitch black. Can't see a thing, not even your hand in front of your face. Then someone turns on a flashlight and the darkness vanishes.
There is light at the end of every tunnel. But you must seek it to find it.
Click here for interactive flash presentation of the Gospel.
Looking on the bright side, God knew this. So there's something good to come out of having Monday and Tuesday off and working weekends. I can't imagine what it is, but He knows.
So, instead of complaining, which I've been prone to do, I should, as has been pointed out, be grateful I have a job no matter what the hours.
Enough said.
However, talking, sharing about what's going on in your life can be beneficial in reducing the stress. By keeping your feelings within, things are merely building up until eventually you explode and every bit of pain you're feeling rears its ugly head and spews forth.
Also interesting, sort of, is the number of people who have current jobs but don't know if they have future jobs with a given company. Being offered a job and accepting the job offer does not mean their future is secure. It might be for a few months or a year or longer. It might be. It might not be as well.
The world is a scary place right now. How we get through it shows others much about ourselves. We are all human. We all have struggles. One struggle is just as important as another. It is not fair to think your struggles are more important than another. You don't know what another is going through, what blows they've been dealt. My struggles are just as important to me as your struggles are to you. You may think your struggles are bigger, insurmountable, but there is always someone somewhere whose struggles top yours.
It is not about who can get to the top of the empire of despair. It is easy to fall into a depression. It is much harder to lift your eyes upward ... to the Lord and wait on Him, praying He will enable you to see this through, that He will be with you every step of the way.
Of course, if you do not know the Lord, if you have not accepted the Lord as your personal Savior, then looking up doesn't show you anything - you just see darkness all around you.
Jesus is the light.
"I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." (John 8: 12)
Light chases away darkness and gloom.
Have you ever taken a cave tour? The lights are turned out and it is pitch black. Can't see a thing, not even your hand in front of your face. Then someone turns on a flashlight and the darkness vanishes.
There is light at the end of every tunnel. But you must seek it to find it.
Click here for interactive flash presentation of the Gospel.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
How significant are the jobs we do?
That is the question. My question. Yesterday I pondered about the significance, the importance of what we do or don't do, the importance of our life. I questioned whether we actually know what we need, if we're on the path to obtain those needs, of if we discover what we thought is not really our needs after all. How do you determine what is ... and what is not?
I had no answers, only questions, and they were in abundance. I had speculations, but we shouldn't go there. Thinking about what if is not a place to go or be.
We need. To acquire, we work. Is it ever enough? We have to make a living. But at what price? Is more the answer? Is the status quo the way to go? Is what you have ever too much? Should you have less? Should you give it away or should you set high prices on an item to make more?
"... your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him." (Matthew 6: 8)
Once you reach the cross of Jesus, don't turn from it, don't return to your previous lifestyle. The journey is full of twists and turns, but the reward is worth the effort you make. Jesus ... the son of God -- He is the answer to all of our questions.
Fulfillment.
God is all sufficient. In Him we find all we need, all we will ever need.
Last night, my husband Jim was given notice that all private duty and IV nurses through St. Luke's Home Care department would lose their jobs effective April 18. The home care agency would be no more. Talk about dismal news.
This morning. ... feed on God's faithfulness to find the strength you need. I read Psalm 37.
Do not fret
nor be envious
Trust in the Lord
do good
feed on His faithfulness
Delight yourself in the Lord
Commit your way to the Lord
Trust
Rest in the Lord
wait patiently for Him
Do not fret
Cease from anger
forsake wrath
Do not fret
Depart from evil
do good
Wait on the Lord
Keep His way.
Stay faithful in the Lord.
I had no answers, only questions, and they were in abundance. I had speculations, but we shouldn't go there. Thinking about what if is not a place to go or be.
We need. To acquire, we work. Is it ever enough? We have to make a living. But at what price? Is more the answer? Is the status quo the way to go? Is what you have ever too much? Should you have less? Should you give it away or should you set high prices on an item to make more?
"... your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him." (Matthew 6: 8)
Once you reach the cross of Jesus, don't turn from it, don't return to your previous lifestyle. The journey is full of twists and turns, but the reward is worth the effort you make. Jesus ... the son of God -- He is the answer to all of our questions.
Fulfillment.
God is all sufficient. In Him we find all we need, all we will ever need.
Last night, my husband Jim was given notice that all private duty and IV nurses through St. Luke's Home Care department would lose their jobs effective April 18. The home care agency would be no more. Talk about dismal news.
This morning. ... feed on God's faithfulness to find the strength you need. I read Psalm 37.
Do not fret
nor be envious
Trust in the Lord
do good
feed on His faithfulness
Delight yourself in the Lord
Commit your way to the Lord
Trust
Rest in the Lord
wait patiently for Him
Do not fret
Cease from anger
forsake wrath
Do not fret
Depart from evil
do good
Wait on the Lord
Keep His way.
Stay faithful in the Lord.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Preparation, planning, praying ... an important part of waiting
When I started writing this morning and getting into God's word, I wasn't quite sure where I was headed. Sometimes I have a hint of where God is leading me and sometimes I end up pondering for days what he is trying to teach me. Today it seemed to be more about pursuing dreams and getting out of comfort zones, not being okay with the status quo and not going off on tangents that may lead to places we are not supposed to go.
In "Pursue Your God-Given Dream," Daniel Ekhaifo says God seems to be preparing us and positioning us gradually for something better.
I agree with that thought. All along our journey with God we travel through peaks and valleys, good times and bad times, learning ... God is preparing us for something better. Our whole trip or journey in life is one big preparation for something better. And when God has in place what needs to be in place, then He sets us down, often abruptly, in the midst to proceed and pursue.
As we abide with God -- praying, meditating, studying, obeying, following -- He abides with us. Abiding with Him does not mean we won't have trials and tests. It does mean He will be with us as we go though them, enabling us to remain at peace and confident that God knows what He is doing even though we ourselves do not.
God will change our situation suddenly. You might think when you are laid off your job or fired it was a God thing, and it could be, but that's not always the case. God knows about every situation and He may allow things to happen, but just because He allows it, does not mean that was His plan all along.
Depending upon your personal relationship with Jesus Christ, you may know if this is (or is not) the Lord's plan and where to go from that point onward. But you have to wait, be patient, seek out what God is saying to you and proceed.
Sometimes we wait a very long time. We are not to just sit back and wait for God to make things happen. We are to prepare and plan and pray as we await God's instructions, then proceed, trusting God to provide.
God will change our situation suddenly. We must be alert to the Lord's presence everywhere and at all times ... where we least expect to see Him.
We must not become attached to the status quo -- our comfort zone. When we settle for less it is to our disadvantage wherever we are.
For every opportunity that comes our way we should attribute it to God. Give Him all the glory and honor for everything. Through Him we can be a blessing to another, we can be anothers' opportunity. When we abide with Christ, His demeanor will shine upon us as we seek to fulfill His purpose for us.
Where does God want me to go ... with everything? I think about my dream, my purpose, my plan of action. I must remember to always keep God at the helm to accomplish any desire God has given me, big and small.
Like I've said before, alternative ideas can thwart your God-given dream, causing you to lose sight of where it is God wants you. Even if the alternative is a good idea ... that doesn't mean you should go there. If you feel pulled in different directions, talk about it with God. He will never steer you wrong. He will never fail you.
El-Shaddai ... God Almighty ... God All Sufficient. Be Thou My Vision.
"Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God." (2 Corinthians 3: 5)
So true. No reason to fret whatever the situation, the circumstance. God is All Sufficient. He is everything we need. When we are one with Him, what have we to fear? He will make us strong for the journey, the pilgrimage of our life.
In today's Gazette, Steve Buttry, former editor and now Information Content conductor, wrote a commentary, "No room for smugness as Gazette experiments." (You can read it on his blog: stevebuttry.wordpress.com) He reminds us the newspaper is "just a delivery system, not the actual product. Our true product is news, information, meaning, context, connection to the community and connection to the marketplace.
The newspaper is a vehicle, one of many ways to spread news and other information to the public. It is not the actual product.
The Bible is also a vehicle, one of many ways to spread the word of God to millions of people. The Bible is not the actual product. The Gospel is.
The written word is a vehicle, as is the spoken word, sign language, radio, television, the internet, palm-held computers, and undoubtedly many more. All a vehicle -- a way to effectively and efficiently deliver, transport, spread, communicate the end product ... whether it be news and information or the gospel of Jesus Christ. If one method is faltering, then we try another. If we stop trying, death is just around the corner. ... at the next light perhaps.
In "Pursue Your God-Given Dream," Daniel Ekhaifo says God seems to be preparing us and positioning us gradually for something better.
I agree with that thought. All along our journey with God we travel through peaks and valleys, good times and bad times, learning ... God is preparing us for something better. Our whole trip or journey in life is one big preparation for something better. And when God has in place what needs to be in place, then He sets us down, often abruptly, in the midst to proceed and pursue.
As we abide with God -- praying, meditating, studying, obeying, following -- He abides with us. Abiding with Him does not mean we won't have trials and tests. It does mean He will be with us as we go though them, enabling us to remain at peace and confident that God knows what He is doing even though we ourselves do not.
God will change our situation suddenly. You might think when you are laid off your job or fired it was a God thing, and it could be, but that's not always the case. God knows about every situation and He may allow things to happen, but just because He allows it, does not mean that was His plan all along.
Depending upon your personal relationship with Jesus Christ, you may know if this is (or is not) the Lord's plan and where to go from that point onward. But you have to wait, be patient, seek out what God is saying to you and proceed.
Sometimes we wait a very long time. We are not to just sit back and wait for God to make things happen. We are to prepare and plan and pray as we await God's instructions, then proceed, trusting God to provide.
God will change our situation suddenly. We must be alert to the Lord's presence everywhere and at all times ... where we least expect to see Him.
We must not become attached to the status quo -- our comfort zone. When we settle for less it is to our disadvantage wherever we are.
For every opportunity that comes our way we should attribute it to God. Give Him all the glory and honor for everything. Through Him we can be a blessing to another, we can be anothers' opportunity. When we abide with Christ, His demeanor will shine upon us as we seek to fulfill His purpose for us.
Where does God want me to go ... with everything? I think about my dream, my purpose, my plan of action. I must remember to always keep God at the helm to accomplish any desire God has given me, big and small.
Like I've said before, alternative ideas can thwart your God-given dream, causing you to lose sight of where it is God wants you. Even if the alternative is a good idea ... that doesn't mean you should go there. If you feel pulled in different directions, talk about it with God. He will never steer you wrong. He will never fail you.
El-Shaddai ... God Almighty ... God All Sufficient. Be Thou My Vision.
"Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God." (2 Corinthians 3: 5)
So true. No reason to fret whatever the situation, the circumstance. God is All Sufficient. He is everything we need. When we are one with Him, what have we to fear? He will make us strong for the journey, the pilgrimage of our life.
~~~~~~~~~~
In today's Gazette, Steve Buttry, former editor and now Information Content conductor, wrote a commentary, "No room for smugness as Gazette experiments." (You can read it on his blog: stevebuttry.wordpress.com) He reminds us the newspaper is "just a delivery system, not the actual product. Our true product is news, information, meaning, context, connection to the community and connection to the marketplace.
The newspaper is a vehicle, one of many ways to spread news and other information to the public. It is not the actual product.
The Bible is also a vehicle, one of many ways to spread the word of God to millions of people. The Bible is not the actual product. The Gospel is.
The written word is a vehicle, as is the spoken word, sign language, radio, television, the internet, palm-held computers, and undoubtedly many more. All a vehicle -- a way to effectively and efficiently deliver, transport, spread, communicate the end product ... whether it be news and information or the gospel of Jesus Christ. If one method is faltering, then we try another. If we stop trying, death is just around the corner. ... at the next light perhaps.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Comfort zones
Comfort zones. I know about them. It's trying to keep things the way they are or were regardless of what may or may not be the future. Like I didn't want to leave the comfort of the newsroom because of my singular perception of what classified (new department now called customer care) would be like. I didn't really have a clue what it would be like, but fear of and for the unknown was nearly greater than any possibilities God might have in mind for my good.
Well, it has been nearly a month since my move one floor down. Much has changed and more changes are coming. Many people have been moved out of their comfort zones and not all by choice. Economic necessity has prompted most if not all of it.
Between studying God's word, the Bible, Daniel Ekhaifo's book, "Pursue Your God-Given Dream," and Elizabeth George's book, "Loving God With All Your Mind," I've decided we should not settle for where we are or what we have and think that is good enough. What if God wants us to go beyond our comfort zone? What if He has some higher plane for us to travel? What if God has in mind a new job, a new task, a new challenge? We will never know if our goal is to retain what was. And what does it matter about the benefits? We talk about our needs. We need a certain salary or hourly wage, we need benefits, medical, dental, life insurance. We need. We must meet our expectations.
But do we? Must we? God knows what is going on. If you are His child, you know He knows. You know He always has your best interests at heart. You know He knows all things and He knows what He's doing.
Think back to God's purpose for you. Is it, "What can I get out of life?" No. It's about abiding with the Lord Jesus, in His word through study, meditation, obedience, learning how to live through Christ and teaching others to do the same, showing His love through us.
Jesus stepped out of His comfort zone ... for US, because He loved us, loves us still, because He knew it was His Father's will.
"With God all things are possible." (Matthew 19: 26a)
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8: 28)
Everything in life is touched first by the hands of God. Everything that comes -- good, bad, big, small -- is used by God for our good.
Only God can show you where He wants you to be. There is not any one other person who can give you the answers you seek. Only God is fully trustworthy, fully fail-proof. Input received from family, friends, co-workers, can be beneficial. But for the best insight, seek out God.
'This is what the Lord says: "Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans and turn their hearts away from the Lord. They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future. They will live in the barren wilderness on the salty flats where no one lives. But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they go right on producing delicious fruit." '(Jeremiah 17: 5-8)
Go beyond the comfort zone, abide with Christ for every occasion, in every situation. God will lead you and you will be content because of your one-to-one relationship with The One who truly matters. Be a blessing ... find opportunities to bring good to another. Move beyond ... meet challenges ... pursue dreams.
Well, it has been nearly a month since my move one floor down. Much has changed and more changes are coming. Many people have been moved out of their comfort zones and not all by choice. Economic necessity has prompted most if not all of it.
Between studying God's word, the Bible, Daniel Ekhaifo's book, "Pursue Your God-Given Dream," and Elizabeth George's book, "Loving God With All Your Mind," I've decided we should not settle for where we are or what we have and think that is good enough. What if God wants us to go beyond our comfort zone? What if He has some higher plane for us to travel? What if God has in mind a new job, a new task, a new challenge? We will never know if our goal is to retain what was. And what does it matter about the benefits? We talk about our needs. We need a certain salary or hourly wage, we need benefits, medical, dental, life insurance. We need. We must meet our expectations.
But do we? Must we? God knows what is going on. If you are His child, you know He knows. You know He always has your best interests at heart. You know He knows all things and He knows what He's doing.
Think back to God's purpose for you. Is it, "What can I get out of life?" No. It's about abiding with the Lord Jesus, in His word through study, meditation, obedience, learning how to live through Christ and teaching others to do the same, showing His love through us.
Jesus stepped out of His comfort zone ... for US, because He loved us, loves us still, because He knew it was His Father's will.
"With God all things are possible." (Matthew 19: 26a)
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8: 28)
Everything in life is touched first by the hands of God. Everything that comes -- good, bad, big, small -- is used by God for our good.
Only God can show you where He wants you to be. There is not any one other person who can give you the answers you seek. Only God is fully trustworthy, fully fail-proof. Input received from family, friends, co-workers, can be beneficial. But for the best insight, seek out God.
'This is what the Lord says: "Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans and turn their hearts away from the Lord. They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future. They will live in the barren wilderness on the salty flats where no one lives. But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they go right on producing delicious fruit." '(Jeremiah 17: 5-8)
Go beyond the comfort zone, abide with Christ for every occasion, in every situation. God will lead you and you will be content because of your one-to-one relationship with The One who truly matters. Be a blessing ... find opportunities to bring good to another. Move beyond ... meet challenges ... pursue dreams.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Be Thou My Vision
Be Thou My Vision, O Lord of my heart --
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art;
Thou my best thought, by day or by night --
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
An ancient Irish hymn, this is my prayer this day. No matter what befalls me, keep me ever mindful of you, my Lord always.
"... Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 5: 18-20)
Another song comes to mind, that of "Jesus is the Song," with words and music by David Denver, 1979. Here are the lyrics:
(1) My Savior is the Lord and King
He has control of everything,
He loves me and
He bids me sing,
He gives His song to me.
Jesus is ... the song of life
Jesus is ... the song of joy
Jesus is ... the song of love
Jesus gives His song to me.
(2) He calms my hurts
and dries my tears
He gives me strength
to face my fears
He sends His grace
thro' all my years
He gives His song to me.
Jesus is ... the song of life
Jesus is ... the song of joy
Jesus is ... the song of love
Jesus gives His song to me.
(3) My Savior, Jesus, I'll adore
My weary soul
He will restore
I'll praise His name
forevermore
He'll give His song to me.
Jesus is ... the song of life
Jesus is ... the song of joy
Jesus is ... the song of love
Jesus gives His song to me.
"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: 6-7)
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art;
Thou my best thought, by day or by night --
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
An ancient Irish hymn, this is my prayer this day. No matter what befalls me, keep me ever mindful of you, my Lord always.
"... Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 5: 18-20)
Another song comes to mind, that of "Jesus is the Song," with words and music by David Denver, 1979. Here are the lyrics:
(1) My Savior is the Lord and King
He has control of everything,
He loves me and
He bids me sing,
He gives His song to me.
Jesus is ... the song of life
Jesus is ... the song of joy
Jesus is ... the song of love
Jesus gives His song to me.
(2) He calms my hurts
and dries my tears
He gives me strength
to face my fears
He sends His grace
thro' all my years
He gives His song to me.
Jesus is ... the song of life
Jesus is ... the song of joy
Jesus is ... the song of love
Jesus gives His song to me.
(3) My Savior, Jesus, I'll adore
My weary soul
He will restore
I'll praise His name
forevermore
He'll give His song to me.
Jesus is ... the song of life
Jesus is ... the song of joy
Jesus is ... the song of love
Jesus gives His song to me.
"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: 6-7)
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Love and do good
"Let love be without hypocrisy. (be genuine) Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good." (Romans 12: 9b)
"Bless those who persecute you ... do not curse." (Romans 12: 14)
"Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men." (Romans 12: 17)
"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12: 21)
God allowed Barack Obama to be elected president of the United States. That doesn't mean that was His true desire nor that he didn't hear the cries of His children.
"Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves." (Romans 13: 1-2)
Government is ordained by God ... the office of ... not necessarily the individual in office. We are to respect the governing body. Government is established by God. The principles of government is to be upheld even though some governments do not fulfill His desires.
If we resist our own government, disobey the laws made thereof, we are being disobedient to the Lord God, who has established it. All the way down through history there have been governments that were evil - not every government is good. Every person has individual choices to make and every choice often affects another in some way.
Our current president is repealing laws made by a former president.
Anyone who professes to be in Christ will stand before Him in that final day and be judged. If the Lord judges you unrighteous, then all the so-called good you claimed you were doing was in vain and your reward will be hell and damnation.
If w oppose the government's actions, God's word tells us we are to do so with love.
"Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law." (Romans 13: 8)
"Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law." (Romans 13: 10)
"Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles (non-believers), that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good words which they observe, glorify God ... Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the King as supreme, or to governors, ... For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men -- (I Peter 2: 11-15)
"Bless those who persecute you ... do not curse." (Romans 12: 14)
"Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men." (Romans 12: 17)
"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12: 21)
God allowed Barack Obama to be elected president of the United States. That doesn't mean that was His true desire nor that he didn't hear the cries of His children.
"Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves." (Romans 13: 1-2)
Government is ordained by God ... the office of ... not necessarily the individual in office. We are to respect the governing body. Government is established by God. The principles of government is to be upheld even though some governments do not fulfill His desires.
If we resist our own government, disobey the laws made thereof, we are being disobedient to the Lord God, who has established it. All the way down through history there have been governments that were evil - not every government is good. Every person has individual choices to make and every choice often affects another in some way.
Our current president is repealing laws made by a former president.
Anyone who professes to be in Christ will stand before Him in that final day and be judged. If the Lord judges you unrighteous, then all the so-called good you claimed you were doing was in vain and your reward will be hell and damnation.
If w oppose the government's actions, God's word tells us we are to do so with love.
"Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law." (Romans 13: 8)
"Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law." (Romans 13: 10)
"Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles (non-believers), that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good words which they observe, glorify God ... Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the King as supreme, or to governors, ... For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men -- (I Peter 2: 11-15)
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Victory will come, justice will prevail
"Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift a way." (Hebrews 2: 1)
"You shall not oppress..." (Deuteronomy 24: 14)
"You shall not pervert justice." (Deuteronomy 24:17)
"But you shall remember ... the Lord your God redeemed you..." (Deuteronomy 24:18, 22)
Standing for justice means fighting against injustice.
This is what I read and contemplated on yesterday. I didn't know what in particular it referred to. I thought maybe it was about President Obama's reversal on allowing federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. But I doubt God has one lone instant in mind, but rather many, all. Abortion. Murder. Adultery. Robbery.
Reminds me of The Ten Commandments. In Deuteronomy 5: 6 it says, "I am the Lord your God who brought you ... out of the house of bondage."
He brings us out of bondage, and the world, things of the world, individuals, leaders, send us back into bondage.
The demands of the few, the righteous, mean nothing to government leaders when confronted by the demands of the many, the worldly, who have no regard for what is truly right -- God's laws, only for "their right."
"You shall not bow down to them (other gods) nor serve them." (Deuteronomy 5: 9)
We are to pay what's due our leaders and also what's due to the Lord.
"Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." (Matthew 22: 23)
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." (I Peter 5: 8)
"Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. ..." (James 5: 13)
God's way may get no respect by the many unrighteous in the world who live by their own laws, but someday God's way will win out ... because "the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." (James 5: 16a)
"For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world -- our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" (1 John 5: 4-5)
"You shall not oppress..." (Deuteronomy 24: 14)
"You shall not pervert justice." (Deuteronomy 24:17)
"But you shall remember ... the Lord your God redeemed you..." (Deuteronomy 24:18, 22)
Standing for justice means fighting against injustice.
This is what I read and contemplated on yesterday. I didn't know what in particular it referred to. I thought maybe it was about President Obama's reversal on allowing federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. But I doubt God has one lone instant in mind, but rather many, all. Abortion. Murder. Adultery. Robbery.
Reminds me of The Ten Commandments. In Deuteronomy 5: 6 it says, "I am the Lord your God who brought you ... out of the house of bondage."
He brings us out of bondage, and the world, things of the world, individuals, leaders, send us back into bondage.
The demands of the few, the righteous, mean nothing to government leaders when confronted by the demands of the many, the worldly, who have no regard for what is truly right -- God's laws, only for "their right."
"You shall not bow down to them (other gods) nor serve them." (Deuteronomy 5: 9)
We are to pay what's due our leaders and also what's due to the Lord.
"Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." (Matthew 22: 23)
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." (I Peter 5: 8)
"Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. ..." (James 5: 13)
God's way may get no respect by the many unrighteous in the world who live by their own laws, but someday God's way will win out ... because "the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." (James 5: 16a)
"For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world -- our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" (1 John 5: 4-5)
Monday, March 9, 2009
Dwelling in Beulah Land
This is my husband's favorite song, with words and music by C. Austin Miles. It is on rare occasions sung at church on Sunday mornings.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
It is your choice
Happiness is not based solely on circumstances. Joy is not based on happiness. Love is more than a feeling. Life is more than being born.
We will never understand why people choose to do what they do. Since the very beginning of time, we have all been given a choice to do, to be, to say ... or not.
A choice to react, a choice to get even, a choice to be angry, a choice to be despondent, a choice to be upset, a choice to not forgive, a choice to forget, a choice to remember. All the choices in the world are yours and mine and every day we make new ones, dredge up old ones and or just choose to stay in the middle. Choosing to stay put, going nowhere.
One minute your choice may be for the Lord, because ultimately, IT IS about HIM.
But the next minute, someone says something or stops you in mid-sentence or interrupts you and you choose to wonder why you bother to even share your thoughts, your ideals, your plans for a different tomorrow.
Your choice when you stop and think how you might be able to help another see how the Lord is working in their life.
Your choice when you close your mind to one and reach toward another. Your choice when you've forgotten how your actions, your words might affect another.
Your choice to put your fears and hurts and pain and dissatisfaction with events in your life on a shelf and leave it there, never to remove.
Your choice to complain. Your choice to dwell on those things you put on that shelf.
Your choice to ignore those who forgot how to be human for even that one minute. You too have forgotten.
Your choice to remember God forgave you. Surely we could choose to forgive another, couldn't we?
"For God so loved the world He gave His only Son that whosoever believed on Him, would not perish, but would have eternal life." (John 3:16) His choice was to send His son to mankind to save them from their sins, to save us, you and me, from our sins.
Your choice. It is your choice. Always your choice. Whether one with Christ or one alone, all that unfolds is a choice. When you are one with Christ, God will cause all things that happen in the course of time to come together for our good.
Your choice, good or bad or indifferent.
We will never understand why people choose to do what they do. Since the very beginning of time, we have all been given a choice to do, to be, to say ... or not.
A choice to react, a choice to get even, a choice to be angry, a choice to be despondent, a choice to be upset, a choice to not forgive, a choice to forget, a choice to remember. All the choices in the world are yours and mine and every day we make new ones, dredge up old ones and or just choose to stay in the middle. Choosing to stay put, going nowhere.
One minute your choice may be for the Lord, because ultimately, IT IS about HIM.
But the next minute, someone says something or stops you in mid-sentence or interrupts you and you choose to wonder why you bother to even share your thoughts, your ideals, your plans for a different tomorrow.
Your choice when you stop and think how you might be able to help another see how the Lord is working in their life.
Your choice when you close your mind to one and reach toward another. Your choice when you've forgotten how your actions, your words might affect another.
Your choice to put your fears and hurts and pain and dissatisfaction with events in your life on a shelf and leave it there, never to remove.
Your choice to complain. Your choice to dwell on those things you put on that shelf.
Your choice to ignore those who forgot how to be human for even that one minute. You too have forgotten.
Your choice to remember God forgave you. Surely we could choose to forgive another, couldn't we?
"For God so loved the world He gave His only Son that whosoever believed on Him, would not perish, but would have eternal life." (John 3:16) His choice was to send His son to mankind to save them from their sins, to save us, you and me, from our sins.
Your choice. It is your choice. Always your choice. Whether one with Christ or one alone, all that unfolds is a choice. When you are one with Christ, God will cause all things that happen in the course of time to come together for our good.
Your choice, good or bad or indifferent.
More on dependency
On March 7, I wrote about dependency on God like babies / children are to their parents. This morning, my husband suggested I take a look at 1 Peter 2: 1-3. Verse 2 says, "as newborn babes desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby."
From there I went to Matthew 18: 2-6, especially verse 4 which says, "Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
A small child exhibits trust, an openness, an eagerness to learn that practically disappears as the child grows. God wants each and everyone of us to continue to have these childlike qualities in Him as we grow spiritually. Our knowledge is useful if we remember who we really are, whose we are and who among us is the greatest.
"But Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.' " (Matthew 19:14)
"Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." (Mark 10:15 and Luke 18:17)
"do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature."
"And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people, but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able." (I Corinthians 3: 1-2)
"that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men." (Ephesians 4:14)
"For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God (truth); and you have to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use (or practice) have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." (maturity) (Hebrews 5: 12-14)
Be like children, dependent on another for shelter, for all our needs, fulfillment, and eager to learn, but being careful what you learn.
A parent will teach you to look both ways at the crosswalk before stepping off the curb. He/she will show you why it is important. This is what Jesus teaches. To avoid getting hit, injured, killed. Discernment. Learn what is evil, causes trouble for you. Learn the difference, be obedient to His teachings. Grow spiritually. Be as a babe in Christ, trusting, open, eager, excited, but also mature, having the knowledge of right and wrong, knowing how to discern between the two, determining the right course of action ... in Christ.
From there I went to Matthew 18: 2-6, especially verse 4 which says, "Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
A small child exhibits trust, an openness, an eagerness to learn that practically disappears as the child grows. God wants each and everyone of us to continue to have these childlike qualities in Him as we grow spiritually. Our knowledge is useful if we remember who we really are, whose we are and who among us is the greatest.
"But Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.' " (Matthew 19:14)
"Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." (Mark 10:15 and Luke 18:17)
"do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature."
"And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people, but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able." (I Corinthians 3: 1-2)
"that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men." (Ephesians 4:14)
"For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God (truth); and you have to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use (or practice) have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." (maturity) (Hebrews 5: 12-14)
Be like children, dependent on another for shelter, for all our needs, fulfillment, and eager to learn, but being careful what you learn.
A parent will teach you to look both ways at the crosswalk before stepping off the curb. He/she will show you why it is important. This is what Jesus teaches. To avoid getting hit, injured, killed. Discernment. Learn what is evil, causes trouble for you. Learn the difference, be obedient to His teachings. Grow spiritually. Be as a babe in Christ, trusting, open, eager, excited, but also mature, having the knowledge of right and wrong, knowing how to discern between the two, determining the right course of action ... in Christ.
All can be set free in Christ
On Jan. 31 I wrote of my impressions of the true story, "Prayers for Bobby," shown on TV just days earlier. It was about a gay teen who committed suicide.
On March 4, I came across this article on Baptist Press: "Ex-gay 'free indeed' because of Christ" which is posted below in its entirety.
by Brittany N. Howerton
OPELIKA, Ala. (BP)--Meet Kim Cowen. Raised in north Alabama, Cowen has led a life filled with alcohol and drug addictions and has been arrested on three occasions. She has struggled with homosexuality for 43 years.
As Cowen shared her story with pastors and ministry leaders in Alabama's Tuskegee Lee Baptist Association, she recounted that when she was arrested for drug trafficking the third time, she cried out in desperation, "Lord, if You'll help me with this mess I've made of my life, I'll do whatever You want me to do."
When Cowen was released four days later, she knew her life was different. "I knew I had met Jesus Christ that day," she said.
She subsequently met Rick Hagans, a member of First Baptist Church in Opelika, Ala., and founding president of Harvest Evangelism, a nearly 30-year-old ministry dedicated to reaching the hurting with Christ's love.
Cowen immediately enrolled in Harvest Evangelism's women's rehabilitation program, and within a year she knew there was nothing Christ couldn't do.
"It took something that huge in my life to make me believe He could set me free from homosexuality," Cowen said. "Every day, my prayer was 'Take this homosexuality away from me.'" Quoting John 8:36, she added: "and if the Son sets you free, you shall be free indeed."
That was six years ago.
Cowen now leads Hi-way Ministries, a Monday night support group in Opelika for men and women struggling with homosexuality.
"The goal is not for them [just] to be set free from homosexuality but to be free to receive all God has for them, to be holy in Christ," she said. "It's a safe place for them to come -- to keep them from going through struggles alone."
Joe and Marion Allen, members of First Baptist in Opelika, know those struggles well. Eight years ago, their 26-year-old son was killed at a time when he was attempting to retreat from a homosexual lifestyle. Now the Allens are on a mission to share their story with others and help support people going through the same struggles.
The Allens host a family support group the second Thursday night of each month for parents, friends and other relatives of people struggling with homosexuality.
Hagans said it is the church's responsibility to show Christ's love to these individuals.
"We have been silent and we have been self-serving," he said. "And the truth of the matter is there could be 100 Kim Cowens, but instead of their name being written on the Lamb's Book of Life, it is written on some tombstone because the church did not put their money and time and pulpit where it belongs."
--30--
Brittany N. Howerton is a staff writer for The Alabama Baptist (www.thealabamabaptist.com), newsjournal of the Alabama Baptist Convention.
On March 4, I came across this article on Baptist Press: "Ex-gay 'free indeed' because of Christ" which is posted below in its entirety.
by Brittany N. Howerton
OPELIKA, Ala. (BP)--Meet Kim Cowen. Raised in north Alabama, Cowen has led a life filled with alcohol and drug addictions and has been arrested on three occasions. She has struggled with homosexuality for 43 years.
As Cowen shared her story with pastors and ministry leaders in Alabama's Tuskegee Lee Baptist Association, she recounted that when she was arrested for drug trafficking the third time, she cried out in desperation, "Lord, if You'll help me with this mess I've made of my life, I'll do whatever You want me to do."
When Cowen was released four days later, she knew her life was different. "I knew I had met Jesus Christ that day," she said.
She subsequently met Rick Hagans, a member of First Baptist Church in Opelika, Ala., and founding president of Harvest Evangelism, a nearly 30-year-old ministry dedicated to reaching the hurting with Christ's love.
Cowen immediately enrolled in Harvest Evangelism's women's rehabilitation program, and within a year she knew there was nothing Christ couldn't do.
"It took something that huge in my life to make me believe He could set me free from homosexuality," Cowen said. "Every day, my prayer was 'Take this homosexuality away from me.'" Quoting John 8:36, she added: "and if the Son sets you free, you shall be free indeed."
That was six years ago.
Cowen now leads Hi-way Ministries, a Monday night support group in Opelika for men and women struggling with homosexuality.
"The goal is not for them [just] to be set free from homosexuality but to be free to receive all God has for them, to be holy in Christ," she said. "It's a safe place for them to come -- to keep them from going through struggles alone."
Joe and Marion Allen, members of First Baptist in Opelika, know those struggles well. Eight years ago, their 26-year-old son was killed at a time when he was attempting to retreat from a homosexual lifestyle. Now the Allens are on a mission to share their story with others and help support people going through the same struggles.
The Allens host a family support group the second Thursday night of each month for parents, friends and other relatives of people struggling with homosexuality.
Hagans said it is the church's responsibility to show Christ's love to these individuals.
"We have been silent and we have been self-serving," he said. "And the truth of the matter is there could be 100 Kim Cowens, but instead of their name being written on the Lamb's Book of Life, it is written on some tombstone because the church did not put their money and time and pulpit where it belongs."
--30--
Brittany N. Howerton is a staff writer for The Alabama Baptist (www.thealabamabaptist.com), newsjournal of the Alabama Baptist Convention.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Dependency
Dependency ... learning to be like a baby, who relies completely on its parents for anything and everything. That's what we are to relearn ... to rely on God, who is willing and able to give us all the protection and provision we need.
Dependency we grow out of - we learn independence. And once we learn that, we want more.
It's hard to go back to where we were in the very beginning, because we know too much. We've become educated, through school, our parents, friends, the world around us. There's really nothing wrong with knowledge; it's how it is used that contributes to who we are.
I doubt God really wants us to go back per se. He wants our knowledge to be a stepping stone to a realization that God is and we should rely solely on that.
He wants us to be dependent on Him like a baby, a child is with its parents, to look to Him for our everything.
But it isn't easy. You have to work at it daily -- pray, meditate, study, listen, follow, obey.
Psalm 131 illustrates what David learned:
"Lord, my heart is not haughty,
Nor my eyes lofty.
Neither do I concern myself with great matters,
Nor with things too profound for me.
Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul,
Like a weaned child with his mother;
Like a weaned child is my soul within me.
O Israel, hope in the Lord
From this time forth and forever."
Dependency we grow out of - we learn independence. And once we learn that, we want more.
It's hard to go back to where we were in the very beginning, because we know too much. We've become educated, through school, our parents, friends, the world around us. There's really nothing wrong with knowledge; it's how it is used that contributes to who we are.
I doubt God really wants us to go back per se. He wants our knowledge to be a stepping stone to a realization that God is and we should rely solely on that.
He wants us to be dependent on Him like a baby, a child is with its parents, to look to Him for our everything.
But it isn't easy. You have to work at it daily -- pray, meditate, study, listen, follow, obey.
Psalm 131 illustrates what David learned:
"Lord, my heart is not haughty,
Nor my eyes lofty.
Neither do I concern myself with great matters,
Nor with things too profound for me.
Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul,
Like a weaned child with his mother;
Like a weaned child is my soul within me.
O Israel, hope in the Lord
From this time forth and forever."
Friday, March 6, 2009
When God has given you a dream ...
When God has given you a dream, He is committed to fulfilling it in your life, assuming you are committed to keeping the dream.
That, I believe is the central theme in the book, "Pursuing Your God-Given Dream" by Daniel Ekhaifo.
Of course, you have to know what your dream is.
Let's assume you do. Let's assume you have prayed about it, talked to God about it, meditated on it, thought about it some more and waited for God's wisdom to rest upon you.
When God has given you a dream,
* He brings the right kind of people our way. Our circles of influence widen.
* You must have faith - believe in the dream and that God will enable you to achieve it.
* You must be obedient - to God, to His leadership
When God has given you a dream and someone else doesn't have one, you may find those others putting you down because of jealousy or envy. They won't encourage you, but instead discourage you, attack your dream at every turn.
When God has given you a dream, you must stand firm. You must not listen to those who will discourage you nor see the distractions that steal away your dream. You must not look at alternate dreams, but stay focused on the dream God has given you.
Are you ignoring a dream? Are you afraid of failure? Take a step of faith and pursue your dream.
"If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." (Mark 9:23)
"Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles (schemes) of the devil." (Ephesians 6:10-11)
When God has given you a dream, don't doubt. We're not supposed to allow the circumstances surrounding us to dictate our attitudes. Yet we do. If co-workers are being laid off or / and we wonder if we're going to be next, our disposition moves downhill and its so hard to see what might be good come out of it. God provides a solution to every dilemma we face. The problem is we are not always aware - we often fail to remember God is on top of things and we need to just let Him take charge and not we ourselves.
Have a dream or calling? Pursue it.
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord. (Isaiah 55:8)
When God has given you a dream, don't become complacent. Don't settle for where you are and think that's well enough.
When God has given you a dream, if you truly believe in the dream and all it entails, God will enable you to fulfill it ... to move past your comfort zone at whatever the cost. Trials come into our lives whether or not we have a God-given, God-driven dream. How we handle the trials that hit us will help determine our future endeavors. Trials can strengthen our resolve to stay focused on God, at least they do for me, because it is Him alone who has brought me through them, and gives us the character traits needed for the next level.
That, I believe is the central theme in the book, "Pursuing Your God-Given Dream" by Daniel Ekhaifo.
Of course, you have to know what your dream is.
Let's assume you do. Let's assume you have prayed about it, talked to God about it, meditated on it, thought about it some more and waited for God's wisdom to rest upon you.
When God has given you a dream,
* He brings the right kind of people our way. Our circles of influence widen.
* You must have faith - believe in the dream and that God will enable you to achieve it.
* You must be obedient - to God, to His leadership
When God has given you a dream and someone else doesn't have one, you may find those others putting you down because of jealousy or envy. They won't encourage you, but instead discourage you, attack your dream at every turn.
When God has given you a dream, you must stand firm. You must not listen to those who will discourage you nor see the distractions that steal away your dream. You must not look at alternate dreams, but stay focused on the dream God has given you.
Are you ignoring a dream? Are you afraid of failure? Take a step of faith and pursue your dream.
"If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." (Mark 9:23)
"Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles (schemes) of the devil." (Ephesians 6:10-11)
When God has given you a dream, don't doubt. We're not supposed to allow the circumstances surrounding us to dictate our attitudes. Yet we do. If co-workers are being laid off or / and we wonder if we're going to be next, our disposition moves downhill and its so hard to see what might be good come out of it. God provides a solution to every dilemma we face. The problem is we are not always aware - we often fail to remember God is on top of things and we need to just let Him take charge and not we ourselves.
Have a dream or calling? Pursue it.
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord. (Isaiah 55:8)
When God has given you a dream, don't become complacent. Don't settle for where you are and think that's well enough.
When God has given you a dream, if you truly believe in the dream and all it entails, God will enable you to fulfill it ... to move past your comfort zone at whatever the cost. Trials come into our lives whether or not we have a God-given, God-driven dream. How we handle the trials that hit us will help determine our future endeavors. Trials can strengthen our resolve to stay focused on God, at least they do for me, because it is Him alone who has brought me through them, and gives us the character traits needed for the next level.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Just thoughts
Decided to share some of my thoughts (and of others too) gained through Bible and devotional study the past few months.
*Talking to Christ about others helps us to talk to others about Christ.
*God's peace comes to us when we talk to God about everything that comes in our lives -- our needs, our wants, our fears, our desires, Everything! We experience His peace when we do not stray from focusing on Him alone. Some of you may remember the phrase, "Don't worry, be happy." Well, how about instead, "Don't worry ... tell God, thank God, praise God, be at peace with God."
* The fears you have may be Satan's darts, but they can come true. Then what!? God still knows -- the beginning, the end and the middle. Even when your fear becomes reality, the devil hasn't won. God is aware -- follow Him and He will guide you out of the struggle, the burden you are striving to overcome by yourself. No one person can do it alone! But God can.
* You're headed in the right direction when you walk with God.
*Thoughts that are not true or real are mere speculations.
*Jesus Himself showed us that without God we won't accomplish anything of lasting value.
*God's gift of Himself to us is a present we will always be unwrapping ... 365 days a year.
*The birth of Christ brought God to mankind. The cross of Christ brings mankind to God.
*We should be alert for the Lord's presence when we least expect to see Him.
*Faith in Christ will keep us steady in the stormy sea of change.
*God can turn any difficulty into an opportunity.
*Quiet times with God store up power for future emergencies.
"Just as the winter turns to spring,
Our lives have changing seasons too;
So when a gloomy forecast comes,
Remember -- God has plans for you."
(David Sper, editor with RBC Ministries/Our Daily Bread)
Our lives have changing seasons too;
So when a gloomy forecast comes,
Remember -- God has plans for you."
(David Sper, editor with RBC Ministries/Our Daily Bread)
The Thoughts of the Unborn
Pain is so real and it's easy to see
It all happens to you and me
I know we are born to die
But at such a young age I don't understand why
I was so young and didn't understand
God would allow a change that I had not planned
I had no control over when I would go
But this I know I love you so
I live in your heart I am happy to say
Always there no matter what you think or pray
I love you and want you to love me
That's the way it should be
You weren't perfect I know quite well
God gave us each other I am happy to tell
Our hearts are melted together and its easy to see why
Our love will never die
For you are special to me
And always will be
Thank God for giving to me
An opportunity for life you see
Mom and dad please don't be too sad
You can learn from your mistakes for which I am glad
And if another child should come your way
Do what is right is all I can say
You didn't steal eternity from me
For I am a creation of God you see
No one is righteous before our dear Savior
Our thoughts are wrong including our behavior
Because of everything we do or say
That only leaves us one option---to pray
Dear God because I am guilty of not doing right
I ask you to save me today or tonight
Only Jesus can save me from my sin
I think of the unborn and wish I had let life begin
I am crushed and heart broken
No comfort my soul has ever been spoken
The blood of Jesus is all that can cleanse me
I want to do what is right and please God within me
All wrongs have equal weight on God's judgment scale
Even stealing a pencil can send us to hell
All of us do wrong and compare ourselves with others
We are not more righteous* than hysterical pregnant mothers
And if most women-with-child was loved by the child's father
She would smile and happily say "No abortion" why bother
You have hidden or damaged emotions buried in a sea of pain
Release them and you have everything to gain
Ask God and the person you mated with to forgive you
Forgive yourself and live the abundant life.
*Romans 3:10,12
© 2008 ArthurTrafford.com Arthur@ArthurTrafford.com
Reprinted with permission
It all happens to you and me
I know we are born to die
But at such a young age I don't understand why
I was so young and didn't understand
God would allow a change that I had not planned
I had no control over when I would go
But this I know I love you so
I live in your heart I am happy to say
Always there no matter what you think or pray
I love you and want you to love me
That's the way it should be
You weren't perfect I know quite well
God gave us each other I am happy to tell
Our hearts are melted together and its easy to see why
Our love will never die
For you are special to me
And always will be
Thank God for giving to me
An opportunity for life you see
Mom and dad please don't be too sad
You can learn from your mistakes for which I am glad
And if another child should come your way
Do what is right is all I can say
You didn't steal eternity from me
For I am a creation of God you see
No one is righteous before our dear Savior
Our thoughts are wrong including our behavior
Because of everything we do or say
That only leaves us one option---to pray
Dear God because I am guilty of not doing right
I ask you to save me today or tonight
Only Jesus can save me from my sin
I think of the unborn and wish I had let life begin
I am crushed and heart broken
No comfort my soul has ever been spoken
The blood of Jesus is all that can cleanse me
I want to do what is right and please God within me
All wrongs have equal weight on God's judgment scale
Even stealing a pencil can send us to hell
All of us do wrong and compare ourselves with others
We are not more righteous* than hysterical pregnant mothers
And if most women-with-child was loved by the child's father
She would smile and happily say "No abortion" why bother
You have hidden or damaged emotions buried in a sea of pain
Release them and you have everything to gain
Ask God and the person you mated with to forgive you
Forgive yourself and live the abundant life.
*Romans 3:10,12
© 2008 ArthurTrafford.com Arthur@ArthurTrafford.com
Reprinted with permission
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
IF
I wonder how I would act IF ...
The real IF I mean
Not imaginings amidst the turmoil
Not the questions that come,
that came
and left us with more
of the same.
I wonder ...
Friends, former colleagues
and others I'll never know
are now in the IF.
Pondering how
and why --
Because of the national recession
Because of the nearly statewide natural disasters
-- the flood of '08
-- the tornadoes
Because of decreased sales
Just because
All good reasons, yet
No good reason.
We seek peace
We seek joy
We seek life.
I can say
I can suggest
I can be
As can you
and you
and you.
There is no peace
Not in the world
Only in Jesus Christ
There is no joy
No exuberance
Only despondency
and dismay
in this world
"under the sun."
But in Jesus
there is joy.
Through Him
we can overcome.
He did! He rose from the dead! He's alive!
There is life.
But of what does it consist?
"and you, being dead in your trespasses, ... He has made alive together with Him"
(Colossians 2:13)
Jesus' resurrection renews in us hope and joy and life.
The IF we have coming or are in the midst of now
is NOT The End.
It is an opportunity for new life, a chance to rebuild ... with Jesus at the helm.
The real IF I mean
Not imaginings amidst the turmoil
Not the questions that come,
that came
and left us with more
of the same.
I wonder ...
Friends, former colleagues
and others I'll never know
are now in the IF.
Pondering how
and why --
Because of the national recession
Because of the nearly statewide natural disasters
-- the flood of '08
-- the tornadoes
Because of decreased sales
Just because
All good reasons, yet
No good reason.
We seek peace
We seek joy
We seek life.
I can say
I can suggest
I can be
As can you
and you
and you.
There is no peace
Not in the world
Only in Jesus Christ
There is no joy
No exuberance
Only despondency
and dismay
in this world
"under the sun."
But in Jesus
there is joy.
Through Him
we can overcome.
He did! He rose from the dead! He's alive!
There is life.
But of what does it consist?
"and you, being dead in your trespasses, ... He has made alive together with Him"
(Colossians 2:13)
Jesus' resurrection renews in us hope and joy and life.
The IF we have coming or are in the midst of now
is NOT The End.
It is an opportunity for new life, a chance to rebuild ... with Jesus at the helm.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
more words
Words.
Yesterday a co-worker sent out a Web address link to the question, "What words, phrases do journalists use?" Something the public would have no knowledge of its meaning.
I thought of the word "dateline."
Dateline has nothing to do with the date, but rather the town of origin within a point of reference.
Words everywhere. Their meanings without understanding unless you have knowledge of that particular arena of study.
When you don't know, don't understand, you make up things, or don't care.
The Bible and knowledge thereof is often like that, especially among the many who have no understanding of God or Jesus.
Head knowledge is one thing. Heart knowledge is something else.
In Matthew 13: 3a - 8, Jesus tells us of the sower.
"Behold, a sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell by the (1) wayside; and the birds came and devoured them.
Some fell on (2) stony places, where they did not have much earth, and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away.
And some fell among (3) thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them.
But others fell on (4) good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty."
In verses 19 - 23, Jesus explains.
(1) "When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart.
(2) But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.
(3) Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.
(4) But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty."
My thinking on each of these points:
(1) As the word of God is preached to the masses, some hear, but because they do not understand, others come along, perhaps you have considered them friends, and convince you what you have heard is worthless, effectively taking away what the Lord has planted in your heart.
(2) The word is preached, you hear, you receive, but you have not cultivated what you have. You have not joined a Bible-believing church, you have not engaged yourself in a Bible study with others. Therefore when troubles and trials come, you are at a loss, you don't know what to do, where to turn.
(3) Living in and of the world consumes more of you than living in and of the word of God.
(4) The word is preached, it is received, accepted, cultivated through Bible study alone and with other believers, worship, Christian fellowship, obedience to God's commandments, and your spiritual growth continues.
Words. Just words. Letters come together to form words that form thoughts. What words will you use today?
Yesterday a co-worker sent out a Web address link to the question, "What words, phrases do journalists use?" Something the public would have no knowledge of its meaning.
I thought of the word "dateline."
Dateline has nothing to do with the date, but rather the town of origin within a point of reference.
Words everywhere. Their meanings without understanding unless you have knowledge of that particular arena of study.
When you don't know, don't understand, you make up things, or don't care.
The Bible and knowledge thereof is often like that, especially among the many who have no understanding of God or Jesus.
Head knowledge is one thing. Heart knowledge is something else.
In Matthew 13: 3a - 8, Jesus tells us of the sower.
"Behold, a sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell by the (1) wayside; and the birds came and devoured them.
Some fell on (2) stony places, where they did not have much earth, and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away.
And some fell among (3) thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them.
But others fell on (4) good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty."
In verses 19 - 23, Jesus explains.
(1) "When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart.
(2) But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.
(3) Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.
(4) But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty."
My thinking on each of these points:
(1) As the word of God is preached to the masses, some hear, but because they do not understand, others come along, perhaps you have considered them friends, and convince you what you have heard is worthless, effectively taking away what the Lord has planted in your heart.
(2) The word is preached, you hear, you receive, but you have not cultivated what you have. You have not joined a Bible-believing church, you have not engaged yourself in a Bible study with others. Therefore when troubles and trials come, you are at a loss, you don't know what to do, where to turn.
(3) Living in and of the world consumes more of you than living in and of the word of God.
(4) The word is preached, it is received, accepted, cultivated through Bible study alone and with other believers, worship, Christian fellowship, obedience to God's commandments, and your spiritual growth continues.
Words. Just words. Letters come together to form words that form thoughts. What words will you use today?
Monday, March 2, 2009
words
Words.
Sunday I came across this verse in 2 Timothy 2: 14 -- "Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers."
I thought some more ... about words.
In 2 Timothy chapters 1 and 2, the Scriptures tell us to "be diligent ... rightly dividing the word of truth, but shun profane and vain babblings," to "hold fast the pattern of sound words," ... "the word of God is not chained."
Words ...
the written word
the spoken word
the word of truth
and lies
the word
God's Holy Word
an obituary
a news article
an imaginary story
a life
There is much to say about words
Every day everyone says or writes something. Perhaps useful, perhaps not. Perhaps an encouragement to another. Perhaps a painful reminder.
Words. What do your words say? Where do your words take you?
Perhaps you will take time to think before that next word comes out of your mouth or is written down.
Sunday I came across this verse in 2 Timothy 2: 14 -- "Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers."
I thought some more ... about words.
In 2 Timothy chapters 1 and 2, the Scriptures tell us to "be diligent ... rightly dividing the word of truth, but shun profane and vain babblings," to "hold fast the pattern of sound words," ... "the word of God is not chained."
Words ...
the written word
the spoken word
the word of truth
and lies
the word
God's Holy Word
an obituary
a news article
an imaginary story
a life
There is much to say about words
Every day everyone says or writes something. Perhaps useful, perhaps not. Perhaps an encouragement to another. Perhaps a painful reminder.
Words. What do your words say? Where do your words take you?
Perhaps you will take time to think before that next word comes out of your mouth or is written down.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
A weekend get-a-way
A weekend get-a-way.
a three-day retreat
traveling paths
not quite forgotten
gathering with friends
to share laughter,
good eats,
shelter,
games,
worship.
Such a pleasant time.
One day
the bleakness seems to
overwhelm you
and the next day
the sun's shining rays
peak through
brightening
straight to the core of
your inner being.
Childhood memories
even if
you grew up
elsewhere
bring a smile
like baby chicks
underneath
a heat lamp
Dreams
and possibilities,
visions of a brighter
tomorrow
A weekend
long coming
arrives
and now,
is soon gone.
Need to hold on
to all
those pleasant moments.
Relive them
over and over
and over again.
a three-day retreat
traveling paths
not quite forgotten
gathering with friends
to share laughter,
good eats,
shelter,
games,
worship.
Such a pleasant time.
One day
the bleakness seems to
overwhelm you
and the next day
the sun's shining rays
peak through
brightening
straight to the core of
your inner being.
Childhood memories
even if
you grew up
elsewhere
bring a smile
like baby chicks
underneath
a heat lamp
Dreams
and possibilities,
visions of a brighter
tomorrow
A weekend
long coming
arrives
and now,
is soon gone.
Need to hold on
to all
those pleasant moments.
Relive them
over and over
and over again.
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