Jesus
Emmanuel--God with us
Jesus was God in flesh, God "with skin on" is what I tell little kids in church. God robed himself in flesh. He made himself needy, hungry and small. He made himself as needy as any newborn. The Christ-child was born as any baby is born.
The moment air filled his little lungs for the first time, he let out a painful cry and shivered in the cold night air that must have been in that stable. Soon his mother wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in the manger. He needed his mother and he needed Joseph.
By being born of a woman God infused himself so much with humanity that he could not have stayed alive as a human without milk! He fully entrusted himself to a young Jewish girl named Mary.
Do you realize the power that is in this story?
God lived among us and will forever be a part of his creation. His intense love for us is proven over and over through Scripture.
When we say the name of Jesus we are saying Jehovah has become my Savior. The Messiah!
Ponder this for awhile....when we are baptized in Jesus' name, we have the blood of the God that became a Man who purchased our salvation washing our sins away.
Even Mary knew who her unborn child was......Luke 1:46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
"God my Savior" is another way of saying the Christ child or Emmanuel. Isaiah, whose writings Mary understood declared,
I, [even] I, [am] the LORD; and beside me [there is] no saviour. (Isa. 43:11)
She knew what she was a part of; she knew who the babe was!
The Jews knew there was but one God and she knew that she was with child of that one God. Duet. 6:4
Glory to God in the Highest and on Earth Peace, Good will toward men!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
What do you do when your head and your heart don't agree?
When we know in our head that our decision is reasonable, but our heart is putting up quite a fuss, we need to step back and really wait on God. Or, when our heart is large and in charge, and has shut reason in the closet and locked the door. We need to stop and weigh things out. Where is the balance? Where do you we go for wise counsel? How do we make the right choices?
God loves all of us: the rational,logical people that are predictable and dependable, and those that think with their hearts and rush into actions without much forethought. He loves those that are a little bit of both and those that are too timid to make any decisions. But of all personality types, I believe God loves those that have a heart like King David. For the shepherd boy-turned king was a "man after God's own heart".
God was so much in love with humanity that he robed himself in flesh and "walked" his love. He was an irrational lover of our souls. His plan of redemption was reckless and fearless. He seemed to have stumbled into the first miracle and never looked back until he was being chased by those that wanted his life to be snuffed out. It was all prophesied and planned by God, but as Jesus moved throughout the countryside teaching and preaching he didn't seem to have a plan. In fact, when the people grew so hungry after listening to his teaching, the only food that would be found was the lunch of a little boy whose mother must have been one of those "planners". Jesus did a miraculous thing; he fed everyone (and their uncle) with just one little lunch.
I know those that never seem to plan ahead and those that are so thoughtful that they have trouble with deviation or transition of any kind.
Jesus understand all of these things.
If we are going to error, it's best to err on the side of the heart-led decisions. Jesus rewarded all those that used their talents to make more, but the one who counted the costs and found that there was too much risk in doing anything with the talents was judged harshly.
In first-aid and life saving techniques it's rarely a problem legally for someone who is trying to save your life if they make a mistake in the process. But to not try and help someone, there can be a potential lawsuit. The judges know the intent was to save a life.
Follow your heart. Let reason counsel with you, but let your heart believe and trust and act.
God loves all of us: the rational,logical people that are predictable and dependable, and those that think with their hearts and rush into actions without much forethought. He loves those that are a little bit of both and those that are too timid to make any decisions. But of all personality types, I believe God loves those that have a heart like King David. For the shepherd boy-turned king was a "man after God's own heart".
God was so much in love with humanity that he robed himself in flesh and "walked" his love. He was an irrational lover of our souls. His plan of redemption was reckless and fearless. He seemed to have stumbled into the first miracle and never looked back until he was being chased by those that wanted his life to be snuffed out. It was all prophesied and planned by God, but as Jesus moved throughout the countryside teaching and preaching he didn't seem to have a plan. In fact, when the people grew so hungry after listening to his teaching, the only food that would be found was the lunch of a little boy whose mother must have been one of those "planners". Jesus did a miraculous thing; he fed everyone (and their uncle) with just one little lunch.
I know those that never seem to plan ahead and those that are so thoughtful that they have trouble with deviation or transition of any kind.
Jesus understand all of these things.
If we are going to error, it's best to err on the side of the heart-led decisions. Jesus rewarded all those that used their talents to make more, but the one who counted the costs and found that there was too much risk in doing anything with the talents was judged harshly.
In first-aid and life saving techniques it's rarely a problem legally for someone who is trying to save your life if they make a mistake in the process. But to not try and help someone, there can be a potential lawsuit. The judges know the intent was to save a life.
Follow your heart. Let reason counsel with you, but let your heart believe and trust and act.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
just ask.....
Maybe we think he cannot get it for us..but just ask....ask anyway...
Can you imagine a doting father not wanting to know the desires
of his child's heart?
Then couple your request with, "if it's your will, Lord...."
Ask your heavenly Father! I dare you. Try him. Luke 12:32
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
How's that for a short and sweet devotion?
Can you imagine a doting father not wanting to know the desires
of his child's heart?
Then couple your request with, "if it's your will, Lord...."
Ask your heavenly Father! I dare you. Try him. Luke 12:32
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
How's that for a short and sweet devotion?
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Is it a circle or a straight line?
As I was teaching school recently, our class was discussing some native American stories where life is explained by the use of circles. Many have heard the term the "circle of life". One thing that I enjoyed very much was the teaching that if one fails at a task or ability whether social or physical, they will stay stagnant and unable to proceed until that task is achieved. Hence, we can easily find 50 year old teenagers; the Peter Pan syndrome in our society.
In a chemical dependency class I took during college we learned that once a person is depending on a chemical they stop the process of maturation. So you can find a 31 year old woman who suddenly has to deal with issues that she had when she was 16. For at the age of 16 she began to depend on chemicals to live her life. Dealing with issues that a teenager faces when one is an adult can be very difficult and embarrassing. But, to never face the tasks is to be stuck in limbo.
Naturally, I think of scriptures that I have read that certainly shed light on this subject. I think of Jacob, who had to come to terms with his deceptive nature as an older man. He limped the rest of his life after his personal encounter with God, but he limped with a peaceful and matured heart. Now he could proceed on to REAL LIVING. God even gave him a new name as a result of that wrestling match: Israel.
Esther faced the the biggest test imaginable but passed with flying colors on her first try. Had she failed the test, she most likely would have had to deal with her "true" identity at some later date. But by the time she again would be challenged as to her Hebrew upbringing, most of her Hebrew family would have been killed.
I don't agree with all of the teaching of the circle of life theories, for there are non-biblical teachings embedded in them about reincarnation, but I see why the old storytellers began to see the world from the "circle of life" perspective. Our water is provided to us using the hydrological cycle. We watch it rain and then it evaporates, only to rain or snow again.
Genesis 3:19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou [art], and unto dust shalt thou return.
We may be made of dust but God breathed into man and he became a living soul. Now we were made in the image of God, not just dust and not to ever truly die. We were elevated from the other creation by the act of God's breath.
So, do you think that life is a circle or a straight line? Let me know....
In a chemical dependency class I took during college we learned that once a person is depending on a chemical they stop the process of maturation. So you can find a 31 year old woman who suddenly has to deal with issues that she had when she was 16. For at the age of 16 she began to depend on chemicals to live her life. Dealing with issues that a teenager faces when one is an adult can be very difficult and embarrassing. But, to never face the tasks is to be stuck in limbo.
Naturally, I think of scriptures that I have read that certainly shed light on this subject. I think of Jacob, who had to come to terms with his deceptive nature as an older man. He limped the rest of his life after his personal encounter with God, but he limped with a peaceful and matured heart. Now he could proceed on to REAL LIVING. God even gave him a new name as a result of that wrestling match: Israel.
Esther faced the the biggest test imaginable but passed with flying colors on her first try. Had she failed the test, she most likely would have had to deal with her "true" identity at some later date. But by the time she again would be challenged as to her Hebrew upbringing, most of her Hebrew family would have been killed.
I don't agree with all of the teaching of the circle of life theories, for there are non-biblical teachings embedded in them about reincarnation, but I see why the old storytellers began to see the world from the "circle of life" perspective. Our water is provided to us using the hydrological cycle. We watch it rain and then it evaporates, only to rain or snow again.
Genesis 3:19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou [art], and unto dust shalt thou return.
We may be made of dust but God breathed into man and he became a living soul. Now we were made in the image of God, not just dust and not to ever truly die. We were elevated from the other creation by the act of God's breath.
So, do you think that life is a circle or a straight line? Let me know....
Friday, October 22, 2010
seven years of waiting ....
It broke my heart to leave South Minneapolis.
But....we had an incredible opportunity to own a church building that we really needed, the only trouble was it was near Lake Minnetonka and that is pretty far from Minneapolis. Without a doubt God had moved miraculously on our behalf and provided a lovely church building for us to purchase. So, we began to work in our new area. For one year we continued to hold weekly meetings in our home in South Minneapolis. But those services ended when we moved closer to the church. We had no where to hold services any longer in our old neighborhood.
I can't tell you how many times I have been in anguish just thinking that we had left the work God had called us to do.... I felt that I had failed God so many times.
Then to our surprise, our grown children shared with us their burden some months ago. They both felt God calling them to go back and re-start the Minneapolis work. After they had prayed and fasted, their calling was confirmed in a very supernatural way this summer. They waited until they had returned from the General Conference in Houston, TX. to hold the first service. The spirit of the Lord certainly was in their first meeting!
Seven years after we had to quit holding services in Minneapolis, on Oct. 7, 2010, the first service was held right back where we had started in 1996. Now I realize that the Lord was not saying "no", to us but he certainly was saying, "wait".
I never would have dreamed how God would answer these deep plaguing questions of ours. At the time we left Minneapolis, our older kids were only teenagers. I never thought that this was how God would work, but all along God was preparing them for the ministry.
Psalms 27:13-14 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Forgive me, Lord for not trusting you. Help me to learn to wait. You do all things well.
But....we had an incredible opportunity to own a church building that we really needed, the only trouble was it was near Lake Minnetonka and that is pretty far from Minneapolis. Without a doubt God had moved miraculously on our behalf and provided a lovely church building for us to purchase. So, we began to work in our new area. For one year we continued to hold weekly meetings in our home in South Minneapolis. But those services ended when we moved closer to the church. We had no where to hold services any longer in our old neighborhood.
I can't tell you how many times I have been in anguish just thinking that we had left the work God had called us to do.... I felt that I had failed God so many times.
Then to our surprise, our grown children shared with us their burden some months ago. They both felt God calling them to go back and re-start the Minneapolis work. After they had prayed and fasted, their calling was confirmed in a very supernatural way this summer. They waited until they had returned from the General Conference in Houston, TX. to hold the first service. The spirit of the Lord certainly was in their first meeting!
Seven years after we had to quit holding services in Minneapolis, on Oct. 7, 2010, the first service was held right back where we had started in 1996. Now I realize that the Lord was not saying "no", to us but he certainly was saying, "wait".
I never would have dreamed how God would answer these deep plaguing questions of ours. At the time we left Minneapolis, our older kids were only teenagers. I never thought that this was how God would work, but all along God was preparing them for the ministry.
Psalms 27:13-14 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Forgive me, Lord for not trusting you. Help me to learn to wait. You do all things well.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
even though he didn't have to.....
Jack Cunningham, the crusade evangelist asked the preachers to repent first. At General Conference we saw an unprecedented move of the Holy Ghost (Spirit). Close to 3,500 attendees were baptized with the Holy Spirit speaking with tongues (Acts 2:4) in the arena in Houston, TX this last Sunday evening.
Are there words to describe this night? Many things touched my heart, but one in particular was that Bro. Cunningham asked the leaders to sincerely model repentance. It was so beautiful to hear the choir of preachers raising their voices in prayer to God for repentance. Then others joined in, pretty soon the whole place was crying out to God for a clean heart.
Jesus didn't NEED to be baptized but he modeled that humble act for us. He fulfilled all righteousness. Matt.3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer [it to be so] now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.
Maybe some preachers didn't really need to repent, but when the unsaved saw the example of preachers with outstretched hands to God asking for mercy, it was a little easier for the others to soften their hearts to God and admit their need for a Savior to forgive them of their sins.
I'm still convinced that repentance is the first essential part of salvation.
Are there words to describe this night? Many things touched my heart, but one in particular was that Bro. Cunningham asked the leaders to sincerely model repentance. It was so beautiful to hear the choir of preachers raising their voices in prayer to God for repentance. Then others joined in, pretty soon the whole place was crying out to God for a clean heart.
Jesus didn't NEED to be baptized but he modeled that humble act for us. He fulfilled all righteousness. Matt.3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer [it to be so] now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.
Maybe some preachers didn't really need to repent, but when the unsaved saw the example of preachers with outstretched hands to God asking for mercy, it was a little easier for the others to soften their hearts to God and admit their need for a Savior to forgive them of their sins.
I'm still convinced that repentance is the first essential part of salvation.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Back from the dead...
Recently, someone very dear to our family was restored to us. It was incredible, I am overwhelmed with joy. Though it was by no fault of this person, divorce and distance had separated them from our family. Now after literal decades, a miraculous restoration has happened.
I am so amazed at how God performed this miracle. Tears streamed down my cheeks over and over at the healing joy I felt. Some did not understand why I was so moved; they may in time understand.
God can do it; he can restore our lost loved ones. God sent this person dreams in the night. The troublesome dreams were the gentle hand that led them back, and opened their blinded eyes.
God can and he will use whatever means necessary to bring about restoration. Leave "them" in God's hands. Never stop believing!
And whatever you do, don't get bitter. Bitterness may prevent the miracle from happening. Keep the door open to your heart. As the old preacher said, "God has been God a real long time and he's really good at being God". God is good at restoring the lost..that is why we call him our Savior.
I am so amazed at how God performed this miracle. Tears streamed down my cheeks over and over at the healing joy I felt. Some did not understand why I was so moved; they may in time understand.
God can do it; he can restore our lost loved ones. God sent this person dreams in the night. The troublesome dreams were the gentle hand that led them back, and opened their blinded eyes.
God can and he will use whatever means necessary to bring about restoration. Leave "them" in God's hands. Never stop believing!
And whatever you do, don't get bitter. Bitterness may prevent the miracle from happening. Keep the door open to your heart. As the old preacher said, "God has been God a real long time and he's really good at being God". God is good at restoring the lost..that is why we call him our Savior.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Either God is in charge or he is not.....
Recently employment questions and issues have weighed heavily on my mind. Convinced by prior experiences to just let things take their natural course, I was quiet and waited. (That is so not my usual manner). It was weeks and weeks of waiting. Other teachers had been given their assignments back in May and June and now in the middle of August things were getting a bit ridiculous. Children come back to school Aug.30 and teachers report for duty August 20.
"Either God is in charge or He's not; either the Bible is true or it is not!"
It's that simple. So, if we go to church and sing and praise the Lord and listen to the Word being preached, we might "act" like Christians and TRUST that we have not followed cleverly written deceptive stories.
Apostle Paul stated it like this, "For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty." II Peter 1:16.
We serve a KING. He is well able to meet our needs and well takes pleasure in doing so. Speak your faith right now about your need! Tell someone else that you choose to believe. Tell the enemy that you believe that God is good.
Ps. 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
"Either God is in charge or He's not; either the Bible is true or it is not!"
It's that simple. So, if we go to church and sing and praise the Lord and listen to the Word being preached, we might "act" like Christians and TRUST that we have not followed cleverly written deceptive stories.
Apostle Paul stated it like this, "For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty." II Peter 1:16.
We serve a KING. He is well able to meet our needs and well takes pleasure in doing so. Speak your faith right now about your need! Tell someone else that you choose to believe. Tell the enemy that you believe that God is good.
Ps. 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
Monday, August 9, 2010
One of our most important jobs....
I've heard it so many times and now that I have walked down different roads I can see even more the importance of the advice I received as a young person: WE NEED TO REALLY PRAY FOR OUR PASTORS.
Anointed preaching of the Word is the very life blood of a church and if a pastor gets overly discouraged, it will show in no time from the pulpit. If you have had a pastor who was used of God at one time and has lost something along the way, begin to build him up with a special time of prayer just for him. He needs to know that his ministry is making a difference. The enemy loves to see our pastors lose their faith and lose their fire.
As a teen, I can recall being so excited to hear our pastor and evangelists preach. We knew that they had heard from God and that we would be moved by the life changing words that came forth. Preachers brought the Bible to life for us. Visitors hearts were changed.
We need our preachers to deliver the Word to us.
Romans 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed?
and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?
and how shall they hear without a preacher? KJV
Now read this in the NIV version of the Bible:
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in?
And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?
And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?
Churches can have great music, children's programs, outreach programs, but without a preacher who will preach the Word with the fire of the Holy Ghost...we have little.
I attend a church where my husband is the pastor, so I may have an unusual vantage point, but if I have ever seen the need to "Amen" our pastors, it is NOW.
It's God's job to call, equip and correct pastors; our most important job is to pray and support them.
Anointed preaching of the Word is the very life blood of a church and if a pastor gets overly discouraged, it will show in no time from the pulpit. If you have had a pastor who was used of God at one time and has lost something along the way, begin to build him up with a special time of prayer just for him. He needs to know that his ministry is making a difference. The enemy loves to see our pastors lose their faith and lose their fire.
As a teen, I can recall being so excited to hear our pastor and evangelists preach. We knew that they had heard from God and that we would be moved by the life changing words that came forth. Preachers brought the Bible to life for us. Visitors hearts were changed.
We need our preachers to deliver the Word to us.
Romans 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed?
and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?
and how shall they hear without a preacher? KJV
Now read this in the NIV version of the Bible:
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in?
And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?
And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?
Churches can have great music, children's programs, outreach programs, but without a preacher who will preach the Word with the fire of the Holy Ghost...we have little.
I attend a church where my husband is the pastor, so I may have an unusual vantage point, but if I have ever seen the need to "Amen" our pastors, it is NOW.
It's God's job to call, equip and correct pastors; our most important job is to pray and support them.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Have you ever broken or lost something that you had borrowed?
When the borrowed axe head flew into the river, the workers hearts sank with it. How were they ever going to replace it? Tools made of iron were highly valued and hard to come by. We have read of villages even in recent history that shared one scissor for an entire community.
Elisha knew that to God gravity was not an issue. Elisha merely threw in a stick near where the axe head fell in, soon the axe head rose to the stick as if it were a magnet and it floated in the water! Really? Did that really happen? Yes!
Why is it so hard for us to believe stories like this in the Bible? Our world is suspended in the atmosphere and never fails to provide stability to our world? We see nature in action every day so we do not think of it as unusual. God loves it when we trust him to defy his laws of nature.
I want God to do something for me today; not because I like to be "wowed" but because I know that He is able and willing to show his power to deliver and save and supply our needs.
A dear friend of mine was invited to a revival meeting and came addicted. After God did what he does so well,(forgive, set free, fill with his Spirit) my friend never experienced any withdrawal symptoms. That defied nature.
Which was that greatest miracle? The redemption or the deliverance from addiction? It's all got the signature of a Great big wonderful God.
God can stretch our income when we trust him with the first fruits (10%).
God can give us an undying love for our sweetheart that does not die.
God can give us a new mouth and take the cuss words out of our vocabulary that have been ingrained in our minds and habits.
God can impart spiritual gifts, and the fruit of the Spirit where doubt, fear and bitterness dwelt before.
I could go on but.....you already know these things....
What do you need God to do for you today?
Does the need defy natural laws? With God nothing is impossible.
Ask him for help. Read this passage to build your faith. 2 Kings 6:1-7
Elisha knew that to God gravity was not an issue. Elisha merely threw in a stick near where the axe head fell in, soon the axe head rose to the stick as if it were a magnet and it floated in the water! Really? Did that really happen? Yes!
Why is it so hard for us to believe stories like this in the Bible? Our world is suspended in the atmosphere and never fails to provide stability to our world? We see nature in action every day so we do not think of it as unusual. God loves it when we trust him to defy his laws of nature.
I want God to do something for me today; not because I like to be "wowed" but because I know that He is able and willing to show his power to deliver and save and supply our needs.
A dear friend of mine was invited to a revival meeting and came addicted. After God did what he does so well,(forgive, set free, fill with his Spirit) my friend never experienced any withdrawal symptoms. That defied nature.
Which was that greatest miracle? The redemption or the deliverance from addiction? It's all got the signature of a Great big wonderful God.
God can stretch our income when we trust him with the first fruits (10%).
God can give us an undying love for our sweetheart that does not die.
God can give us a new mouth and take the cuss words out of our vocabulary that have been ingrained in our minds and habits.
God can impart spiritual gifts, and the fruit of the Spirit where doubt, fear and bitterness dwelt before.
I could go on but.....you already know these things....
What do you need God to do for you today?
Does the need defy natural laws? With God nothing is impossible.
Ask him for help. Read this passage to build your faith. 2 Kings 6:1-7
Friday, July 2, 2010
The NDJ club?
It is so trendy of a message; a preacher could preach it TODAY in any pulpit.
Ezekiel, (in chapter 14) linked Noah, Daniel and Job together several times as examples of how we may have to stand alone in our faith at times.
I literally shouted out, "Wow!", each time I read the verses with these men named together. It caused me to ponder and be amazed that Ezekiel looked to them as heroes of faith just as we do.
Noah stood alone.
Daniel stood alone.
Job stood alone.
We may have to at times too.
Noah was greatly rewarded.
Daniel was greatly rewarded.
Job was greatly rewarded.
God sees when we choose to stand for Him in spite of the odds.
I am sure all three of these men had their times of sadness and fear, but yet they stood.....
"Wow!" That is all I can think to respond to this message from Ezekiel.
Do you want to join the club? The meetings are all in that secret place with God.
Ezekiel, (in chapter 14) linked Noah, Daniel and Job together several times as examples of how we may have to stand alone in our faith at times.
I literally shouted out, "Wow!", each time I read the verses with these men named together. It caused me to ponder and be amazed that Ezekiel looked to them as heroes of faith just as we do.
Noah stood alone.
Daniel stood alone.
Job stood alone.
We may have to at times too.
Noah was greatly rewarded.
Daniel was greatly rewarded.
Job was greatly rewarded.
God sees when we choose to stand for Him in spite of the odds.
I am sure all three of these men had their times of sadness and fear, but yet they stood.....
"Wow!" That is all I can think to respond to this message from Ezekiel.
Do you want to join the club? The meetings are all in that secret place with God.
Friday, June 25, 2010
I really shouldn't tell this story but.....
I can't resist! Our son Tim is being mentored by a missionary who is starting a church in Mexico as well as pastoring a US TX/MEX border church. The room that they supplied for him to sleep in has a nice love seat couch in it, but no bed, nor mattress.
Right away Tim told us he had found some padding and was going to make a makeshift mattress and lay it on the concrete floor. He was pretty miserable but he didn't say anything to the missionary. He did call home and tell us, so we suggested he go buy some sort of cot and he could get by for a month using that. He looked at them at a market but decided not to buy one (they were sort of expensive). So more than a week went by before he realized that the love seat was a HIDE-A-BED!!
I know I should not have laughed, but I could not help it; it had never occurred to him that next to him was his answer. He really began to laugh too when he realized how "blind" he had been.
I am so guilty of not recognizing God's provisions right at my fingertips. The answers to my prayers often are right in front of me.
I am reminded of the couple that ate cold sandwiches out of a cooler the whole time they were on a once-in-a lifetime oceanic cruise, not knowing that the most sumptuous gourmet foods were included in the purchase ticket price.
Are you agonizing over a need in your life? Look in the room you are in, or in your own heart. You may be going without what you deserve due to your lack of faith in God's ability to provide.
Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
And remember this wonderful old adage:
The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God will not keep you.(author Jim Wallis).
If you are a believer and have followed Jesus, you can bank on your provisions. God knows exactly what we need and he has already planned it out.
A very dear friend passed away from breast cancer some years ago. She and her husband had two young sons. I could hardly work one day because I knew her hours were drawing to a close. I went in to see my principal about some issue and he asked me how I was and I began to sob. It was so unprofessional but I could not help myself. I hurt for her and her husband and children so much.
I will never forget what this wise principal told me: If God takes her home, then he has already written the plan for those boys' lives. He has a plan for them, they would be alright. Oh, what a revelation to me. I lack faith so many times. God help me to recognize that you have it all in control and that you are the best Father anyone could ever dream of. Jesus is my el shaddai!
Right away Tim told us he had found some padding and was going to make a makeshift mattress and lay it on the concrete floor. He was pretty miserable but he didn't say anything to the missionary. He did call home and tell us, so we suggested he go buy some sort of cot and he could get by for a month using that. He looked at them at a market but decided not to buy one (they were sort of expensive). So more than a week went by before he realized that the love seat was a HIDE-A-BED!!
I know I should not have laughed, but I could not help it; it had never occurred to him that next to him was his answer. He really began to laugh too when he realized how "blind" he had been.
I am so guilty of not recognizing God's provisions right at my fingertips. The answers to my prayers often are right in front of me.
I am reminded of the couple that ate cold sandwiches out of a cooler the whole time they were on a once-in-a lifetime oceanic cruise, not knowing that the most sumptuous gourmet foods were included in the purchase ticket price.
Are you agonizing over a need in your life? Look in the room you are in, or in your own heart. You may be going without what you deserve due to your lack of faith in God's ability to provide.
Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
And remember this wonderful old adage:
The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God will not keep you.(author Jim Wallis).
If you are a believer and have followed Jesus, you can bank on your provisions. God knows exactly what we need and he has already planned it out.
A very dear friend passed away from breast cancer some years ago. She and her husband had two young sons. I could hardly work one day because I knew her hours were drawing to a close. I went in to see my principal about some issue and he asked me how I was and I began to sob. It was so unprofessional but I could not help myself. I hurt for her and her husband and children so much.
I will never forget what this wise principal told me: If God takes her home, then he has already written the plan for those boys' lives. He has a plan for them, they would be alright. Oh, what a revelation to me. I lack faith so many times. God help me to recognize that you have it all in control and that you are the best Father anyone could ever dream of. Jesus is my el shaddai!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
A girlfriend or a bride-to-be? Proverbs 1
A girlfriend or a bride-to-be? I taught our church class many years ago that God is not looking for a girlfriend but a BRIDE. A bride has made up her mind. A girlfriend is keeping her options open. She is waiting to see if this is Mr. Right or not. A girlfriend as a lot of questions to get answers for. A bride is focusing on the BIG DAY. Her questions have mostly been answered and she is "sold out" and "in love". A bride is anxious to find out what HE loves and to relinquish any self-centered plans. Love does crazy things to people actually. It's humorous to hear love stories sometimes.
Life is so heavy. I am beginning to abhor negative chatter, but yet I almost cringe when I hear some preachers who never discuss God's "other" side. God is not just love, love, love. He is just, jealous, all-knowing, and all-seeing. Think about it: Jeus knew that the widow woman had given more than all those wealthy worshipers, though she gave only two coins. God knows the little details of our lives!!
God is a jealous God; he expects loyalty. His first commandment is that we shall have no other God's before him, and the NT rendition is that we love the Lord our God with all our hearts, soul, mind, and strength...and our neighbor as ourselves.
I am glad God demands my whole heart; that means he loves me wholeheartedly as well.
So, when we ignore the persistent prodding of the spirit of God, we anger and disappoint the Lord. The following passage from Proverbs 1 was written long ago by Solomon, King David's son. It sounds like a God-blog to me....
Proverbs 1:24 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
I have ignored the Lord so many times, I am ashamed to say. It's not that I don't want to do the work of the Lord, but like anyone else, I am bossed around by my flesh.
Last night we learned that a neighbor to our church died of alcoholism. He was a younger man; a roofer. I felt sick inside when I learned this news. Yes, we had been friendly to him. His teenage daughter had once come to service and I gave her little gift, I heard that she was not permitted to attend again. I know that the Lord had prodded us to visit their home and invite them again. Lord, wake me up...help me to say "yes" to your spirit and climb over my flesh to act upon your word.
I want to be a wise person. Proverb 2 is chocked full of promises for those that listen! God is so ready to pour out his favor upon us if we just listen to his voice. I want to act like the Bride of Christ, sold out, totally invested in His work. Wake me up Lord!
Life is so heavy. I am beginning to abhor negative chatter, but yet I almost cringe when I hear some preachers who never discuss God's "other" side. God is not just love, love, love. He is just, jealous, all-knowing, and all-seeing. Think about it: Jeus knew that the widow woman had given more than all those wealthy worshipers, though she gave only two coins. God knows the little details of our lives!!
God is a jealous God; he expects loyalty. His first commandment is that we shall have no other God's before him, and the NT rendition is that we love the Lord our God with all our hearts, soul, mind, and strength...and our neighbor as ourselves.
I am glad God demands my whole heart; that means he loves me wholeheartedly as well.
So, when we ignore the persistent prodding of the spirit of God, we anger and disappoint the Lord. The following passage from Proverbs 1 was written long ago by Solomon, King David's son. It sounds like a God-blog to me....
Proverbs 1:24 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
I have ignored the Lord so many times, I am ashamed to say. It's not that I don't want to do the work of the Lord, but like anyone else, I am bossed around by my flesh.
Last night we learned that a neighbor to our church died of alcoholism. He was a younger man; a roofer. I felt sick inside when I learned this news. Yes, we had been friendly to him. His teenage daughter had once come to service and I gave her little gift, I heard that she was not permitted to attend again. I know that the Lord had prodded us to visit their home and invite them again. Lord, wake me up...help me to say "yes" to your spirit and climb over my flesh to act upon your word.
I want to be a wise person. Proverb 2 is chocked full of promises for those that listen! God is so ready to pour out his favor upon us if we just listen to his voice. I want to act like the Bride of Christ, sold out, totally invested in His work. Wake me up Lord!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
We can be imprisoned by our unwillingness to forgive. Job 42:10
My hope is that this blog entry will transform or set someone free.
Job 42:10
And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.
Deep, deep hurts occur in church! Because we are usually relaxed around our fellow church family, we are more vulnerable to unexpected and unintended attacks.
I know what I am talking about.
The last place one would expect to incur further injuries is a hospital! Our churches have often been likened to a hospital. Jesus even said "They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance" Mark 2:17
Our world is packed with people carrying around a myriad of hurts and regrets.
So, what is the answer, avoid church? The enemy would sure like it if we made that decision. Many have, many very dear people have just quit going. But that is not the answer. The answer is to keep a forgiving spirit flowing like a river at all times. Walk continually in forgiveness and understanding. That is the way God is...continually HIS MERCY ENDURETH FOREVER.
Job's friends said many hurtful and accusatory things to him. He realized that their words were keeping him from his healing and from the freedom he longed for.
His health was almost gone, his family were either deceased or blaming him for their circumstances; his sorrow was drowning him.
In his most God-like moment, he made a conscious decision to forgive. He did not want to take resentment to his grave which he fully expected to be visiting shortly. But when he forgave, he did not die, the very opposite happened.
NEW LIFE CAME STREAMING THROUGH THE DARK CLOUDS LIKE A SHOT OF THE BRIGHTEST SUNSHINE EVER TO PIERCE THE SKY.
A miracle happened. The chains of illness fell off. He was made whole, he was restored, he got his life back even better than before.
It's time to forgive my friend, yes, I am talking to you! Let it go...lay it down..leave it there and seek no revenge ever again. Speak of it no longer.
Let the Lord bring your miracle to pass.
I praise you Jesus for opening the door to my soul once again.
Job 42:10
And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.
Deep, deep hurts occur in church! Because we are usually relaxed around our fellow church family, we are more vulnerable to unexpected and unintended attacks.
I know what I am talking about.
The last place one would expect to incur further injuries is a hospital! Our churches have often been likened to a hospital. Jesus even said "They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance" Mark 2:17
Our world is packed with people carrying around a myriad of hurts and regrets.
So, what is the answer, avoid church? The enemy would sure like it if we made that decision. Many have, many very dear people have just quit going. But that is not the answer. The answer is to keep a forgiving spirit flowing like a river at all times. Walk continually in forgiveness and understanding. That is the way God is...continually HIS MERCY ENDURETH FOREVER.
Job's friends said many hurtful and accusatory things to him. He realized that their words were keeping him from his healing and from the freedom he longed for.
His health was almost gone, his family were either deceased or blaming him for their circumstances; his sorrow was drowning him.
In his most God-like moment, he made a conscious decision to forgive. He did not want to take resentment to his grave which he fully expected to be visiting shortly. But when he forgave, he did not die, the very opposite happened.
NEW LIFE CAME STREAMING THROUGH THE DARK CLOUDS LIKE A SHOT OF THE BRIGHTEST SUNSHINE EVER TO PIERCE THE SKY.
A miracle happened. The chains of illness fell off. He was made whole, he was restored, he got his life back even better than before.
It's time to forgive my friend, yes, I am talking to you! Let it go...lay it down..leave it there and seek no revenge ever again. Speak of it no longer.
Let the Lord bring your miracle to pass.
I praise you Jesus for opening the door to my soul once again.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
My Long Hair I Cor 11:15
I found a website about long hair that was really fun to read today after a friend asked me last night if I had any good hairstyles for long hair. Since I am the LAST person she should have asked, it was sort of a fun challenge for me to come up with an answer. I'm not very clever with new hairstyles as many of you know. I was delighted at what I found on the internet about long hair. Wow, there are so many women with long long hair. It was encouraging; where I live it is not too popular for a woman to have long hair.
I choose to not cut my hair for several reasons. Namely, I find that there is spiritual power connected to hair. I know that sounds strange, but strange or not, I have often been reminded that the spirit world responds to our actions in the flesh, and for some reason the Lord connects uncut hair on women with submission. And this is the powerful, honorable kind of submission; not the fearful, forced sort of submission that is so disgusting that we hear about in many cultures.
If the fallen angels (demons) were not granted as much power as a woman with her head "covered", then I hold in high esteem those that grow their hair long for spiritual reasons.
Our hair was given to us as a spiritual protection or "covering" and for us to have glory, not shame, not degradation. That is another gift from God.
I Corinthians 11:15 ---But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.
I hope this is not a distasteful article to you, I certainly am not intending to alienate anyone. But I just felt like sharing some of my personal thoughts on this subject.
There are Jewish, Hindi, Apostolic Pentecostal, nature lovers and many others posting on this site, so it is a fun read....http://www.longhaircommunity.com
I choose to not cut my hair for several reasons. Namely, I find that there is spiritual power connected to hair. I know that sounds strange, but strange or not, I have often been reminded that the spirit world responds to our actions in the flesh, and for some reason the Lord connects uncut hair on women with submission. And this is the powerful, honorable kind of submission; not the fearful, forced sort of submission that is so disgusting that we hear about in many cultures.
If the fallen angels (demons) were not granted as much power as a woman with her head "covered", then I hold in high esteem those that grow their hair long for spiritual reasons.
Our hair was given to us as a spiritual protection or "covering" and for us to have glory, not shame, not degradation. That is another gift from God.
I Corinthians 11:15 ---But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.
I hope this is not a distasteful article to you, I certainly am not intending to alienate anyone. But I just felt like sharing some of my personal thoughts on this subject.
There are Jewish, Hindi, Apostolic Pentecostal, nature lovers and many others posting on this site, so it is a fun read....http://www.longhaircommunity.com
Friday, April 23, 2010
Craigslist and me. Matt. 5:14-16
Lately, I have been relying on Craigslist for so many things: selling, buying, giving away free stuff; it's just the best tool that has come around in a long time! I couldn't help but notice under the discussion groups one night that there is an ATHEIST discussion group on Craigslist. Now, I do not recommend visiting this site, the profanity and ugliness of the entries is not "whatsoever things are pure", HOWEVER, compelled to reach out to a few of the writers, I entered the "room" to bring light. I was amazed at the responses. They called me names, terrible names at first and commanded that I leave their hallowed grounds, but their ridicule and profanity did not scare me off, nor offend me.
Choosing to teach school to city kids for years has taught me to look past the profanity, crazy hair and clothes and see into the eyes and the hearts of very hurting and lonely souls. These MASKS they wear are used for protection; to hide behind. It reminds me of some of God's creatures I see at the zoo. They have these crazy spines and colors given to them to scare off predators. It's kind of funny when you think that humans do the same things to ward or scare others off.
Old time preachers used to (and some still do) enter into bars to preach to those nursing their hurting and broken lives with alcohol. Some preachers were kicked and punched and thrown out of these establishments. I'm sure all received verbal abuse, but they were reaching for lost souls. This "virtual bar room" was pretty rough, but worth reading the disgusting entries in search of a soul willing to listen.
There WAS someone willing to listen! And discovering that his mother attends some type of Christian church regularly, did not surprise me. She was, most likely, praying for him that very moment. Because his experience with "church" left a bad taste in his mouth, he deduced that there must not be God. He had encountered religion, but not God.
God forbid that we offer people religion and not introduce them to the Almighty, powerful, wonderful, incredible, mysterious, loving, personal, all-knowing Savior. Remember, there is just one tiny little letter in between the words atheist and theist. Look past those masks into hearts and BE LIGHT in this dark world and help me pray for this soon to be "theist". Matt. 5:14-16: "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
Choosing to teach school to city kids for years has taught me to look past the profanity, crazy hair and clothes and see into the eyes and the hearts of very hurting and lonely souls. These MASKS they wear are used for protection; to hide behind. It reminds me of some of God's creatures I see at the zoo. They have these crazy spines and colors given to them to scare off predators. It's kind of funny when you think that humans do the same things to ward or scare others off.
Old time preachers used to (and some still do) enter into bars to preach to those nursing their hurting and broken lives with alcohol. Some preachers were kicked and punched and thrown out of these establishments. I'm sure all received verbal abuse, but they were reaching for lost souls. This "virtual bar room" was pretty rough, but worth reading the disgusting entries in search of a soul willing to listen.
There WAS someone willing to listen! And discovering that his mother attends some type of Christian church regularly, did not surprise me. She was, most likely, praying for him that very moment. Because his experience with "church" left a bad taste in his mouth, he deduced that there must not be God. He had encountered religion, but not God.
God forbid that we offer people religion and not introduce them to the Almighty, powerful, wonderful, incredible, mysterious, loving, personal, all-knowing Savior. Remember, there is just one tiny little letter in between the words atheist and theist. Look past those masks into hearts and BE LIGHT in this dark world and help me pray for this soon to be "theist". Matt. 5:14-16: "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Surgery without a knife? Yes! Hebrews 4:12
Yes, I just did surgery on someone and I did not use a knife. The surgery involved the repair of a sister in the Lord that had incurred a terrible injury. The injury happened when one strong spirited Christian ran into her (also strong spirited Christian). It was an ugly accident and it almost cost the life of my sister-friend. Unbelievable things happen when we ask God for help, for grace and for truth to be manifest. The Bible says in Hebrews 4:12, "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." So, see, the Word is the scalpel, or knife, and it is quick, so quick that it hardly even brings much pain as it works. It repairs injuries in a hurry. Next time you are trying to repair an injury between two parties or between yourself and another, use the Word and use it in love. Jesus is the Word, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." and John 1:14 continues to show us more...."And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." Don't run from conflicts, get the Word-scalpel and the surgery will be a success. To God be the Glory!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
In His Footsteps Ps. 37:23
"The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way."
Last winter, my husband Jeff took me for a snowmobile ride on a lake. Riding and driving on the frozen lake to me is preferable since it is generally flat and more dependable than riding alongside the roads where an unexpected dip can happen at any time. Some people LOVE to get scared and love to be surprised but after being raised with four older brothers who liked to hear me scream, sudden scary things are not my cup of tea. Well, along we went until the sled came to a choking stop. The engine died, and we were stranded. It was a pretty funny experience actually and laughing about our predicament made it more bearable. But, we had to walk back in the deep snow to the cabin on the other side of the lake; which was rather challenging. Jeff trudged along ahead of me and I tried my best to walk right in his footsteps. It was so much less effort to step where he had already stepped. When trying to make my own path, I quickly grew tired and fell far behind. It didn't take long for me to see what the Lord wanted to show me. The Bible is filled with passages that mention the term "path". In Bible days people walked wherever they had to go! We can easily misunderstand the meaning in our society where we drive on paved roads with directional signs everywhere. Ps. 1:1 "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly.." Jesus knew that if we would simply follow in HIS footsteps, and listen to his directions, we would not be led astray and we would get where He wanted us to go. Lead on Lord Jesus! I will follow.
Last winter, my husband Jeff took me for a snowmobile ride on a lake. Riding and driving on the frozen lake to me is preferable since it is generally flat and more dependable than riding alongside the roads where an unexpected dip can happen at any time. Some people LOVE to get scared and love to be surprised but after being raised with four older brothers who liked to hear me scream, sudden scary things are not my cup of tea. Well, along we went until the sled came to a choking stop. The engine died, and we were stranded. It was a pretty funny experience actually and laughing about our predicament made it more bearable. But, we had to walk back in the deep snow to the cabin on the other side of the lake; which was rather challenging. Jeff trudged along ahead of me and I tried my best to walk right in his footsteps. It was so much less effort to step where he had already stepped. When trying to make my own path, I quickly grew tired and fell far behind. It didn't take long for me to see what the Lord wanted to show me. The Bible is filled with passages that mention the term "path". In Bible days people walked wherever they had to go! We can easily misunderstand the meaning in our society where we drive on paved roads with directional signs everywhere. Ps. 1:1 "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly.." Jesus knew that if we would simply follow in HIS footsteps, and listen to his directions, we would not be led astray and we would get where He wanted us to go. Lead on Lord Jesus! I will follow.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
A "PLACE" TO WORSHIP : FREEDOM OF WORSHIP EXODUS 8
Pharaoh could not understand why the Hebrews insisted on worshiping "three days" (Exodus 8:27) away from the Egyptians. The Hebrews had been slaves for many generations and one of their dreams was to be able to worship and sacrifice to God without reserve. True worship is very personal, and often loathed by those that are not Christians. Our God desires to be personally involved in our lives and we all communicate to the Lord directly. At times we express tremendous joy and exuberance, other times we weep in God's presence. When in the presence of God we are free to react without being mocked and ridiculed if we have freedom of worship. Often in worship time, we express tremendous emotions that we normally withhold in public. Worshiping God is between ourselves and God alone. However, when we observe the worship of other believers we are greatly encouraged and often find ourselves joining in.
I recall as a relatively shy young girl the very night I broke through my self-consciousness and began to allow myself to worship freely. I had fought it for a long time, but I realized that I was only hurting myself and aligning myself with those that were not willing to let go and let God "have his way" as the old preachers used to say. I wanted the Lord to know I loved him more than I loved myself. The freedom it brought was wonderful; I was never the same after that service.
Back to the Hebrew slaves dream-when Pharaoh FINALLY let them go, they were so anxious to get away from slavery. And they longed to "have church" without reserve. We Americans generally are able to worship freely, but many places in our world people are not permitted to freely worship. I remember hearing of a foreign country where the persecuted underground church had to meet in a gymnasium where a raucous game was being played on one side of the gym, so that the players could drown out the worshipers on the other side of the gym. Just to be able to praise God without being heard and subsequently arrested!
Next time we are in our place of worship let us praise God even more freely, for the blessed freedom to express our praise to our wonderful Lord.
I recall as a relatively shy young girl the very night I broke through my self-consciousness and began to allow myself to worship freely. I had fought it for a long time, but I realized that I was only hurting myself and aligning myself with those that were not willing to let go and let God "have his way" as the old preachers used to say. I wanted the Lord to know I loved him more than I loved myself. The freedom it brought was wonderful; I was never the same after that service.
Back to the Hebrew slaves dream-when Pharaoh FINALLY let them go, they were so anxious to get away from slavery. And they longed to "have church" without reserve. We Americans generally are able to worship freely, but many places in our world people are not permitted to freely worship. I remember hearing of a foreign country where the persecuted underground church had to meet in a gymnasium where a raucous game was being played on one side of the gym, so that the players could drown out the worshipers on the other side of the gym. Just to be able to praise God without being heard and subsequently arrested!
Next time we are in our place of worship let us praise God even more freely, for the blessed freedom to express our praise to our wonderful Lord.
Monday, April 12, 2010
EVER ASK GOD, "WHY?" EXODUS 5
Ever asked God, "why?", I sure have. When we confront our enemy, things may get way worse before we see any victory at all. The devil has enslaved many of our loved ones, we want them freed. So we confront the forces of evil in Jesus' name. We pray, we fast, we cry out to God for his divine intervention. We claim victory though we see none on the horizon. Sound familiar? We are believers! That's what we do. But instead of freedom for our loved ones, we hear reports of more problems and attacks in their lives. Moses and Aaron approached the king of Egypt, "Let my people go". They wanted freedom to worship their God. Instead, they were beaten and required to make bricks and gather their own straw to make them! Things grew more and more grievous.
Moses felt so responsible for the further mistreatment of his people, we find him asking God, "Why?". He doubted; he feared for his people. It's actually comforting to relate with Bible characters like this, we always hear of these incredible heroes of faith, but when we see how human they were and how God used them in spite of their weaknesses, it gives us much hope.
But God answered Moses' cries. And when we ask God for guidance and courage, He will answer us! Moses simply had to be reminded of what God had done in the past! If we just stop and speak aloud the great victories and miracles we have seen in the past, our feeble hearts will be strengthened very quickly. I love anointed testimony services! They're the real thing; the body of Christ at work giving strength to each member. Even little children are so blessed when they hear the saints giving God praise for everyday things.
We know that eventually the children of Israel were freed, but Moses did not know what was to happen. All he had was hope and a word from the Lord. But that is all we really need! We need a renewal of hope and fresh Word. Preaching is so valuable, I think I'd shrivel up and die without preaching.
We cannot give up! We must continue to hold onto our promises. God is the one who will bring the victory. Be courageous and bold. We must not be intimidated by the enemy. Our victory may be right around the corner.
Moses felt so responsible for the further mistreatment of his people, we find him asking God, "Why?". He doubted; he feared for his people. It's actually comforting to relate with Bible characters like this, we always hear of these incredible heroes of faith, but when we see how human they were and how God used them in spite of their weaknesses, it gives us much hope.
But God answered Moses' cries. And when we ask God for guidance and courage, He will answer us! Moses simply had to be reminded of what God had done in the past! If we just stop and speak aloud the great victories and miracles we have seen in the past, our feeble hearts will be strengthened very quickly. I love anointed testimony services! They're the real thing; the body of Christ at work giving strength to each member. Even little children are so blessed when they hear the saints giving God praise for everyday things.
We know that eventually the children of Israel were freed, but Moses did not know what was to happen. All he had was hope and a word from the Lord. But that is all we really need! We need a renewal of hope and fresh Word. Preaching is so valuable, I think I'd shrivel up and die without preaching.
We cannot give up! We must continue to hold onto our promises. God is the one who will bring the victory. Be courageous and bold. We must not be intimidated by the enemy. Our victory may be right around the corner.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
BETTER VACATIONS AND RETREATS
While on our recent trip, a dear friend of our family told me that her Mom never seemed to be at peace while visiting her. This was troubling to my friend since she rarely got to see her Mom. She was always nervous about how things were back home. She was tense and ill at ease while on vacation. I related to this woman. I am guilty of this behavior. I remember while vacationing some years ago, calling home for my phone messages. I listened to a message from one of the new Christians in our church. She was very distraught over something. It ruined the rest of my much needed vacation. I prayed and fretted over her condition and it really robbed my joy and peace. I still remember how heavy-hearted I felt for the rest of our trip.
Getting away occasionally from the daily "grind" is vital. Jesus, our great example got away regularly. Even though he was Emmanuel (God with us) he could only take so much. Matthew 14:23 "After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone." I am so glad it is OK to get away. Christians are often taught that it is up to us to keep people from losing out with God. I have learned that we need to put people in God's hands and TRUST. We will always care for others because we are Christ-like, it just comes naturally with followers of Jesus. But to occasionally lay it all down is the right thing to do.
There is a term called co-dependency which as a rookie I picture as two people trying to use one life vest to float. One cannot take off the life vest for fear of the other person drowning. So you are stuck wearing the life vest for your own survival and for the other's survival as well. It gets pretty sickening when the shore seems to never appear. We forget that we can swim on our own but we are so conditioned into helping others that we float along miserably tethered by this burden. God wants us to trust him. On this last trip I seriously tried to not worry and it worked! It was a much better vacation.
Getting away occasionally from the daily "grind" is vital. Jesus, our great example got away regularly. Even though he was Emmanuel (God with us) he could only take so much. Matthew 14:23 "After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone." I am so glad it is OK to get away. Christians are often taught that it is up to us to keep people from losing out with God. I have learned that we need to put people in God's hands and TRUST. We will always care for others because we are Christ-like, it just comes naturally with followers of Jesus. But to occasionally lay it all down is the right thing to do.
There is a term called co-dependency which as a rookie I picture as two people trying to use one life vest to float. One cannot take off the life vest for fear of the other person drowning. So you are stuck wearing the life vest for your own survival and for the other's survival as well. It gets pretty sickening when the shore seems to never appear. We forget that we can swim on our own but we are so conditioned into helping others that we float along miserably tethered by this burden. God wants us to trust him. On this last trip I seriously tried to not worry and it worked! It was a much better vacation.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
God knows where all the puzzle pieces are.
Genesis 45-46 Of all of the stories of the Bible none may be as intricately accounted as the story of Joseph. It has all the makings that authors look for in a bestseller, every facet: intrigue, spies, deceit, hatred, cruelty, tenderness, climax. It has enough plot for three books. Why is this highly detailed recounting in the Scriptures? Joseph’s life is mirrored in the life of Jesus Christ. God wants us to see how much he is aware of each detail of our lives, how he feels the feelings of our infirmities and our broken hearts. When joy comes at the end of Jacob's life (Joseph's father) with the reuniting and reconciliation of all his sons, he can go to his grave in tremendous peace. God knows where all the missing pieces are. God is writing the story of our lives, he has not forgotten where we are and what we are facing. He makes no mistakes and he does not lose pieces of our puzzle.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
FIRST THINGS FIRST
Romans 14:17 Ever feel that your day was rather empty or worthless? Sometimes we are too busy on our treadmill of life to even notice how we lack peace and joy? It could be that we have rushed into our day without even a moment of reflection and prayer. Busy mornings are common among us. Long commutes to work, fighting rush hour traffic, trying to remember everything needed for the day, trying to keep up on bills, relationships, it’s a “mad, mad world” as someone once said. Believers must take time to connect with God, and unless we do, we will not feel that peace and joy in the Holy Ghost that we long for. Notice how Paul gets things in the right order: “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” Righteousness, or a right heart and subsequent right decision making is required before we feel that peace and joy. I heard a preacher once tell of his hard working successful father. He said to his son, “always start your day doing the hardest thing first, then your day will go so much better”. For some of us, a bended knee and taking time to read the Word can be hard because our flesh fights against it. It is foreign to our flesh and will be until we have our flesh under control, which is a daily struggle. Even Paul said, “I die daily”. It may never be real easy to put God first, but the things that we desire so deeply in our hearts cannot be attained unless we do.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
ALWAYS READY
Genesis 40--When Pharaoh called Joseph out of the prison to interpret his troubling dream, Joseph had little time to prepare. He "hastily" shaved and changed his clothes. Joseph had no warning to be physically or spiritually prepared, but he was ready. All he had to do was clean up a bit. We are to be like that, always ready, always just a few minutes from being presentable to be used on God's behalf. Pharaoh knew Joseph was extraordinary, for he exclaimed to his servants,” can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?" Though a heathen, Pharaoh sensed this man was truly from God. Again with us, those that may not know God at all will sense that we are not ordinary but filled with the Spirit of God Almighty. Joseph went from being a prisoner in the morning to being placed in a high command in Pharaoh’s kingdom by the evening. An incredible "rapture" took place in his life. We are to be ready for the coming of the Lord at all times. One of these days we will take one step here and the next in the NEW JERSUALEM! Always be ready for in an hour that you think not, the Son of Man cometh.
DREAMS OF YOUR YOUTH
Genesis 40 --Though Joseph was given the ability to interpret dreams of his fellow prisoners and even of the Pharaoh, he was not given any new dreams or understandings of his own dilemma. He expressed his confusion and frustration to his cellmate, the butler in Gen. 40:15. He had to rely on the dreams of his youth, which made no sense at the time. I'm sure he longed to be given dreams again, but alas, silence prevailed from heaven. We must sometimes hang on to the dreams God gave us in the past and doubt not! As the psalmist wrote in Ps. 23, "though I walk though the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil." David had been called by God to be a king in his youth; he still remembered the feeling of oil dripping from his head as Samuel anointed him. But now he was a hunted man by the current king, Saul. David clung on to the promise and calling he received in his youth. So must we.
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