Last week, we talked through goal setting for the new year with our boys. One specific thing we talked through was service projects that our family could do. Small tangible things that would impact our boys and impact our community. We are only one family, so we are starting small. The idea we have came from a YouTube video we watched together as a family. We can't take any credit for the idea and we think it's a wonderful way for families to impact the community they live in.
Our boys have always been sensitive towards homeless people and my husband and I have always tried to stash cash to hand out as we encounter homeless or needy people throughout our town.
Well, after watching this video and asking our boys what they would like to do to serve others this year, they all suggested helping homeless people in our county. We showed this video to our boys and they were so excited!
So we've set a goal of how many backpacks we would like to hand out over the year. It's going to take time and preparation. We are going to hunt for some inexpensive backpacks and fill them with some or all of the items on the list in the video. The gist of the video is filling a backpack with hygiene items, food items and other items that are helpful or hard to find on the streets for the homeless.
Please take the time to watch the video. It is only three minutes. The video is a short compilation of what one couple does and provides a website from where they got the idea. It will give you an idea of how easy it is to put together a care package for a homeless person in our area. You can keep the backpack in your car ready to hand out as you encounter people around your town. It may seem small or it may seem like a sacrifice to put together a $20 backpack. Either way, it will make an impact. People will be blessed by what you give.
If you are interested in getting involved with our family doing this, contact me. I'd love to chat with you about how you can help.
**Please note, I am not trying to 'steal' anyone's idea, just following the example of others giving to make a difference. This backpack idea is not mine originally.
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label love. Show all posts
1.07.2014
10.22.2013
Which Doormat are You?
This morning, I found myself again in the battle of, "I am NOT a doormat." I AM a believer in Christ. I do love my Lord, I believe in returning good for evil, I believe that I should do what is right and do my best to live at peace with all men.
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I'll be honest, I'm a California girl through and through, and shortly after the Lord saved me, He began dealing with my arrogance of the culture I had been raised in. I would say what I thought when I thought it, after all, that was honesty. It's a different culture where I was raised, if you didn't like someone, you just told them...and that was 'okay.' Not everyone has to be friends, it was respected. Differences were embraced, almost idolized in the culture I grew up in.
The arrogance isn't a mentality of "I'm better than you so there." But rather, "I am who I am and you have to accept it or move on cause I don't care anyway."
But the Lord graciously began to work in my heart showing me (some things more quickly than others) that yes I am who I am, but part of who I am is sinful and needed a loving Savior to transform the depths of my soul. Not to fit a societal mold...but to be more like Christ.
I believe that part of the boldness that comes with that upbringing, led me into years of passivity as a believer. Now, I am NOT saying that being passive is bad, it can be right depending on the situation.
What I am being set free from is the misconception that all Christians should be doormats. We should not silently sit by in fear of acting in our society because of a deeply rooted fear of man, or for any other reason for that matter.
There will be times when God calls us to act.
When He does we must obey.
God called Moses to bring the Israelites out of Egypt. He didn't just sit there in the middle of the desert waiting for the Lord to bring them to him. Rather, in the strength God provided, Moses acted mightily.
God called Joseph to be in a position of authority in Egypt during a famine. Joseph did not sit in prison idly. No, seeing the opportunity for release he took it.
God called Paul to take the gospel to the Gentiles (and Praise His Name, for I am one!). Paul didn't just stay in Damascus waiting for the Lord to drop some Gentiles in his lap. He went throughout the known world spreading the gospel of Christ to the gentiles.
I'm learning that although there are times when I most definitely could be perceived as a doormat, that label is okay if in receiving it I am honoring the Lord in what He has called me to do. I am also learning that there are times when I am called to speak out. When I am called to stand up for something because if I don't I may not be being a good steward of what the Lord has entrusted to my care.
Through the past six years that the Lord has been impressing this truth on my heart, He has shown me over and over that speaking up means speaking words tempered with grace and love.
Ephesians 4:15 says, "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ."
If I am in fact to speak words that give grace to those who hear me, my first position has to be one of fervent prayer. In fact, speaking the truth in love requires a tremendous amount of prayer.
We can trust in our Father to grant us the words we need when and as we need them. The Lord spoke to Moses in Exodus, and this has always encouraged my soul, "The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” Exodus 4:10-12.
Sometimes the Lord calls us to speak up, and sometimes the Lord calls us to be silent. Again in Exodus 14:14, we are encouraged by, "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
The key I've found is discernment. Speaking when He wants us to and what He wants us to.
Guess what? I'm not the only one who struggles with this, it's as old as the writer of James reflecting on the ability to control the tongue. That man is perfect if he can do so. James 3:2, "We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check."
So, maybe instead of being the silent doormat consistently, I can choose to be the doormat the exudes grace to those who walk across me....
.jpg)
I'll be honest, I'm a California girl through and through, and shortly after the Lord saved me, He began dealing with my arrogance of the culture I had been raised in. I would say what I thought when I thought it, after all, that was honesty. It's a different culture where I was raised, if you didn't like someone, you just told them...and that was 'okay.' Not everyone has to be friends, it was respected. Differences were embraced, almost idolized in the culture I grew up in.
The arrogance isn't a mentality of "I'm better than you so there." But rather, "I am who I am and you have to accept it or move on cause I don't care anyway."
But the Lord graciously began to work in my heart showing me (some things more quickly than others) that yes I am who I am, but part of who I am is sinful and needed a loving Savior to transform the depths of my soul. Not to fit a societal mold...but to be more like Christ.
I believe that part of the boldness that comes with that upbringing, led me into years of passivity as a believer. Now, I am NOT saying that being passive is bad, it can be right depending on the situation.
What I am being set free from is the misconception that all Christians should be doormats. We should not silently sit by in fear of acting in our society because of a deeply rooted fear of man, or for any other reason for that matter.
There will be times when God calls us to act.
When He does we must obey.
God called Moses to bring the Israelites out of Egypt. He didn't just sit there in the middle of the desert waiting for the Lord to bring them to him. Rather, in the strength God provided, Moses acted mightily.
God called Joseph to be in a position of authority in Egypt during a famine. Joseph did not sit in prison idly. No, seeing the opportunity for release he took it.
God called Paul to take the gospel to the Gentiles (and Praise His Name, for I am one!). Paul didn't just stay in Damascus waiting for the Lord to drop some Gentiles in his lap. He went throughout the known world spreading the gospel of Christ to the gentiles.
I'm learning that although there are times when I most definitely could be perceived as a doormat, that label is okay if in receiving it I am honoring the Lord in what He has called me to do. I am also learning that there are times when I am called to speak out. When I am called to stand up for something because if I don't I may not be being a good steward of what the Lord has entrusted to my care.
Through the past six years that the Lord has been impressing this truth on my heart, He has shown me over and over that speaking up means speaking words tempered with grace and love.
Ephesians 4:15 says, "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ."
If I am in fact to speak words that give grace to those who hear me, my first position has to be one of fervent prayer. In fact, speaking the truth in love requires a tremendous amount of prayer.
We can trust in our Father to grant us the words we need when and as we need them. The Lord spoke to Moses in Exodus, and this has always encouraged my soul, "The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” Exodus 4:10-12.
Sometimes the Lord calls us to speak up, and sometimes the Lord calls us to be silent. Again in Exodus 14:14, we are encouraged by, "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
The key I've found is discernment. Speaking when He wants us to and what He wants us to.
Guess what? I'm not the only one who struggles with this, it's as old as the writer of James reflecting on the ability to control the tongue. That man is perfect if he can do so. James 3:2, "We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check."
So, maybe instead of being the silent doormat consistently, I can choose to be the doormat the exudes grace to those who walk across me....
9.16.2013
Celebrating our Inspirations: Enter to Win a FREE Book!
Alright Ladies, we all have that
special woman we know who inspired us to be the wife we are today.
She may still be inspiring you now!! I want to celebrate the God
given role of “wife” and the release of “Chicken Soup for
the Soul Devotional Stories for Wives”
I am a contributing
writer in the book, and am excited to share it with you!
Here are the rules (I will stop taking Comments/Entries on Wednesday September 18th at midnight):
- Leave a short comment on this blog entry saying who inspires you as a wife and why. Something short, 2-3 sentences.
- Then share this blog post with your friends.
- For each comment you will be entered in the drawing once and for each share you will be entered once.
- The winner will receive not one but TWO free copies of “Chicken Soup for the Soul Devotional for Wives”
- One copy is yours to keep! The other is a gift for you to give to that precious woman who inspires you, or someone you want to inspire, if your inspiration is no longer with us.
- I will announce the winners on my blog, and get your contact information to mail your copies directly to you!
Get to it!! This is
a great devotional filled with true stories of how the Lord has
worked in the lives of wives. It will encourage you and inspire you
to grow in your marriage!
5.30.2013
Especially the Broken Pieces
It was so neat to watch our four year old discover shells in the sand! Everything he found was precious to him. Each shell, was greeted with such pleasure. "OH! Look Mommy, here is another one!!" His excitement was contagious, and his innocence was refreshing.
I found a few, really nice 'complete' shells that I rinsed off in the waves and kept. All the while my sweet Eli was handing me shells. Some where really pretty while others were not. They were broken pieces, fragments. The first few pieces he handed me, I held onto for a moment, and then tossed back in the sea. About the fourth piece he gave me I said, "You know Eli we are looking for the really nice ones...." Thank God he interrupted me, he said, "Mommy they are all so nice."
I thought to myself, yeah you know what...good thing I didn't get to finish that sentence. Here I am wanting only the nice shells, the pretty ones with no cracks, or chips. Whole and complete. I'm tossing aside the pieces as if they are unworthy. To be honest, I was wanting to have some cute shells to make a project for my home. Do I really want cracked, chipped pieces of unidentifiable shells?
Well..yes..yes I do. And why you might ask? Because as I was talking to Eli, the Lord graciously whispered to my heart, 'don't teach him to disregard the pieces dear child..." So, yes I've got pieces and fragments because I need that reminder.
We're like those shells, without the Lord we are in a million unidentifiable pieces. A mess, unworthy for display. Yet, when the Lord gets ahold of our hearts, His mercy and His restoration cause His grace to spring up within us and He radiates to others (at least that is my prayer)...that people would see that I am far from perfect, but there is a difference, in how I love my husband, how I love my family, how I serve in our community. Whatever the difference they notice, I pray it stirs people towards my Savior.
I didn't want to teach my son to toss aside broken pieces of something the Lord has made. After all, He made those shells and even they matter to Him. Just as, God made each one of us, and no matter the mess we may be or the pile of pieces we feel we are, we are all important to Him. So important He sent Christ to die on the cross for us. I think that we can not fathom the depths of the love of God. I just don't think we can grasp that this side of heaven. Without the love of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, we are a mess...searching far and near for meaning and purpose. Trying to be 'complete' all the while the Lord beckons. Our hearts were created to need Him, we need Him whether we want to admit it or not. He completes us. He takes the pieces and molds them together, they don't all match, some are in worse shape than others, yet when He gets them all together it's a Master's craft project! In His eyes, we are made into a beautiful new creation that cost Him His Son.
"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly" Romans 5:6
5.02.2013
A Green Thumb
A few weeks ago, I was sitting in my living room looking at my two plants that sit on the ground by the fireplace. One is flourishing, and the other...well not so much. I keep watering them both faithfully and keep waiting. But nothing is happening to the small one.
So finally my ever so green thumb and I decide maybe I should move the plant to another room, where it can get more sunlight. I moved it to the dining room, which seems to get more consistent natural light. Funny thing is, I'm so concerned about this plant growing, each morning I wonder through the dining room and open the blinds to aim the sunlight right at the plant.
Guess what? It's growing!! Yeah, that's right! Finally!! I feel like it's grown at least 30%. I have no way of telling because I didn't measure it. But I know for sure it is growing, and not only is it growing but it's stretching towards the sun...just like plants do.
Been feeling kind of down lately...spiritually. It's like I look around at these ladies doing so much, some with way more children than I have and I wonder, what is my deal? Why am I not getting more done. I have goals I want to reach, things I desperately want to do...and yet they remain undone.
You know what, I'm like that little plant. Sitting in the same spot, not getting near enough light and sitting in soggy soil.
Faithfully I have my quiet time, daily...I'm asking God to speak to my heart...and yet...I feel like I'm not hearing from Him.
And this afternoon as I wondered into the dining room to check on my sweet little spider plant, it was as the Lord said, "sweet girl, you are this plant." See, I may be doing the right things, like staying in His word and praying, but maybe just maybe...my position is off. Maybe I'm in the wrong room. Just like my little plant.
That plant had the same soil, same amount of sunlight, same water and even the same pot as it's "big brother" and yet it wasn't growing.
Maybe I need to change what I'm asking the Lord for...maybe I need to fast from something or for something. I'm not sure yet...but what I am sure of is this:
"Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever." Hebrews 13:8
He never changes. A popular song sings, "His love never fails, never gives up, never runs out on me." But our hearts do don't they? Jeremiah 17:9 is piercing to me in more ways than I can count,
"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?"
So, what do these two verses and a stagnant plant have to do with anything? Well, ever feel spiritually stuck? Just like you want to do something for God, you want to serve Him where you are...but maybe your situation or circumstances seem to be limiting you. You may even have prepared yourself (or so you think) to do something great...and then you sit and wait on the Lord and nothing comes. Nothing changes. You feel stuck.
That's when His word has to be such a part of every fiber of your being that truth just oozes forth from your soul. It's not just a quick fix, that special verse that's your go-to pick me up (Although those are pertinent to our lives), but like James 1:21 says, "Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls."
Implanted. Meaning "implanted by others instruction" or "engrafted" As in God's word is implanted into who you are.
Truthfully, Jesus is the same, He does not change. So if I don't feel like I'm hearing from God and I know He hasn't changed...then I can conclude that I have. Maybe I need to move positions (not physically...but in my heart). Something is not where it needs to be, His word tells us our hearts are deceitful above all else. We've got to be careful dear sister, guarding our hearts in Him. Cultivating faithfulness. Stay the course, clinging to His word, and yet asking for an open heart and open ears to hear Him whisper "move child...pick up your things and get into a different room, you need more light."
So now I'm walking through my dining room, and I'm singing every time I see that plant. "Your love never fails, never gives up, never runs out on me.."
God is good....He is faithful and He is love.
So finally my ever so green thumb and I decide maybe I should move the plant to another room, where it can get more sunlight. I moved it to the dining room, which seems to get more consistent natural light. Funny thing is, I'm so concerned about this plant growing, each morning I wonder through the dining room and open the blinds to aim the sunlight right at the plant.
Guess what? It's growing!! Yeah, that's right! Finally!! I feel like it's grown at least 30%. I have no way of telling because I didn't measure it. But I know for sure it is growing, and not only is it growing but it's stretching towards the sun...just like plants do.
Been feeling kind of down lately...spiritually. It's like I look around at these ladies doing so much, some with way more children than I have and I wonder, what is my deal? Why am I not getting more done. I have goals I want to reach, things I desperately want to do...and yet they remain undone.
You know what, I'm like that little plant. Sitting in the same spot, not getting near enough light and sitting in soggy soil.
Faithfully I have my quiet time, daily...I'm asking God to speak to my heart...and yet...I feel like I'm not hearing from Him.
And this afternoon as I wondered into the dining room to check on my sweet little spider plant, it was as the Lord said, "sweet girl, you are this plant." See, I may be doing the right things, like staying in His word and praying, but maybe just maybe...my position is off. Maybe I'm in the wrong room. Just like my little plant.
That plant had the same soil, same amount of sunlight, same water and even the same pot as it's "big brother" and yet it wasn't growing.
Maybe I need to change what I'm asking the Lord for...maybe I need to fast from something or for something. I'm not sure yet...but what I am sure of is this:
"Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever." Hebrews 13:8
He never changes. A popular song sings, "His love never fails, never gives up, never runs out on me." But our hearts do don't they? Jeremiah 17:9 is piercing to me in more ways than I can count,
"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?"
So, what do these two verses and a stagnant plant have to do with anything? Well, ever feel spiritually stuck? Just like you want to do something for God, you want to serve Him where you are...but maybe your situation or circumstances seem to be limiting you. You may even have prepared yourself (or so you think) to do something great...and then you sit and wait on the Lord and nothing comes. Nothing changes. You feel stuck.
That's when His word has to be such a part of every fiber of your being that truth just oozes forth from your soul. It's not just a quick fix, that special verse that's your go-to pick me up (Although those are pertinent to our lives), but like James 1:21 says, "Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls."
Implanted. Meaning "implanted by others instruction" or "engrafted" As in God's word is implanted into who you are.
Truthfully, Jesus is the same, He does not change. So if I don't feel like I'm hearing from God and I know He hasn't changed...then I can conclude that I have. Maybe I need to move positions (not physically...but in my heart). Something is not where it needs to be, His word tells us our hearts are deceitful above all else. We've got to be careful dear sister, guarding our hearts in Him. Cultivating faithfulness. Stay the course, clinging to His word, and yet asking for an open heart and open ears to hear Him whisper "move child...pick up your things and get into a different room, you need more light."
So now I'm walking through my dining room, and I'm singing every time I see that plant. "Your love never fails, never gives up, never runs out on me.."
God is good....He is faithful and He is love.
4.08.2013
It's all level ground
It's all about me! You hear this all the time, and honestly it's an easy trap to fall into isn't it? Marketing departments across the world dump billions of dollars into marketing the idea that we are to look after ourselves. Take care of yourself! Live for yourself, focus on yourself....have some "ME TIME."
Would you think I was nuts if I were to agree? What? How is that biblical at all?
Well....roll with me on this one. What I'm suggesting is a biblical approach to taking care of yourself...not necessarily emptying the bank account to buy the prefect pair of jeans....or ignoring all those around you just to live a carefree happy life....but rather I'm talking about the "me" time that is just you, by yourself....with no devices attached, no distractions...but just you...and the Lord.
There are several scriptures that the Lord has used to emphasize and re-emphasize the importance of bathing myself in prayer and in the word in order to be ready to teach others over the years, but this morning in 1 Samuel was such a tremendous blessing to me, and I pray it is for you as well.
"Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and right way." 1 Samuel 12:23
He says, "As for me" and "far be it from me" and "that I should sin." Notice he doesn't say "as for you" or "Far be it from you" or "That you should not sin against the LORD." The example to us, is that our first priority is our personal relationship with the LORD. Our relationship with the LORD must be prioritized and nourished. We have to pursue Him first.
Keep reading in the verse, he says, "and I will instruct you in the good and right way." First it is about him and his relationship with God. How can a man or woman....be prepared to instruct (or correct) others in the ways of God if they themselves are not in His word, seeking His will, His face...and asking how they might live first. So first he tends to his relationship with the Lord, his heart...his motives, his sin, his struggles...not those of others around him. Then, then he is filled with the Lord and ready to go and minister....either by teaching, loving, correcting or encouraging...whatever capacity he is called to serve...he is first filled by God and directed by His word because he was pursuing God himself.
It is just as in Ezra 7:10 (oh how this is my favorite...it just resonates to the very depths of my soul)....
"For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel."
It is the same example from Ezra. First Ezra humbled himself before the Lord for teaching and instruction and then he sought to teach others.
And again confirmed in Matthew and Luke, I'll use Luke's text today,
"How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye." Luke 6:42
See dear friend, it's all level ground. We are all sinners. We are all saved by the same grace...that glorious grace of the Lord Jesus. The one and only Jesus, the one we are to "fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2
This Jesus who compassionately loves us, graciously saves us, and daily sanctifies us. This Jesus who is above all and who gave more than we would ever deserve so we could know and serve a God who is beyond human comprehension.
Humbling? Yeah.....I'd say so.
Freeing? Absolutely.
Empowering? Without doubt...my God has no end and He is never exhausted by my great need for Him.
Would you think I was nuts if I were to agree? What? How is that biblical at all?
Well....roll with me on this one. What I'm suggesting is a biblical approach to taking care of yourself...not necessarily emptying the bank account to buy the prefect pair of jeans....or ignoring all those around you just to live a carefree happy life....but rather I'm talking about the "me" time that is just you, by yourself....with no devices attached, no distractions...but just you...and the Lord.
There are several scriptures that the Lord has used to emphasize and re-emphasize the importance of bathing myself in prayer and in the word in order to be ready to teach others over the years, but this morning in 1 Samuel was such a tremendous blessing to me, and I pray it is for you as well.
"Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and right way." 1 Samuel 12:23
He says, "As for me" and "far be it from me" and "that I should sin." Notice he doesn't say "as for you" or "Far be it from you" or "That you should not sin against the LORD." The example to us, is that our first priority is our personal relationship with the LORD. Our relationship with the LORD must be prioritized and nourished. We have to pursue Him first.
Keep reading in the verse, he says, "and I will instruct you in the good and right way." First it is about him and his relationship with God. How can a man or woman....be prepared to instruct (or correct) others in the ways of God if they themselves are not in His word, seeking His will, His face...and asking how they might live first. So first he tends to his relationship with the Lord, his heart...his motives, his sin, his struggles...not those of others around him. Then, then he is filled with the Lord and ready to go and minister....either by teaching, loving, correcting or encouraging...whatever capacity he is called to serve...he is first filled by God and directed by His word because he was pursuing God himself.
It is just as in Ezra 7:10 (oh how this is my favorite...it just resonates to the very depths of my soul)....
"For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel."
It is the same example from Ezra. First Ezra humbled himself before the Lord for teaching and instruction and then he sought to teach others.
And again confirmed in Matthew and Luke, I'll use Luke's text today,
"How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye." Luke 6:42
See dear friend, it's all level ground. We are all sinners. We are all saved by the same grace...that glorious grace of the Lord Jesus. The one and only Jesus, the one we are to "fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2
This Jesus who compassionately loves us, graciously saves us, and daily sanctifies us. This Jesus who is above all and who gave more than we would ever deserve so we could know and serve a God who is beyond human comprehension.
Humbling? Yeah.....I'd say so.
Freeing? Absolutely.
Empowering? Without doubt...my God has no end and He is never exhausted by my great need for Him.
12.11.2012
Just what am I afraid of then..
Over and over again I seem to be learning a different dimension of lessons on love. It seems it's been a theme that the Lord has been working on me with for over a decade now. Perhaps because love is so complicated and demands much more of ourselves than we often want to give...or perhaps because a life of studying who God really is will be centered in learning what His love really looks like lived out because God is love. (1 John 4:16).
I was reading in Revelation yesterday morning and was so challenged by this: " But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first." Rev 2:4.
It is so easy to start off strong. First thing in the morning we are refreshed ready to tackle the day...first day of a new job, first day of the school year...and on and on. Loving people. Loving the lost. Loving the family of God. Always easy......at first. But then what? Often....we have unmet expectations. Sometimes in our minds we expect certain things, be it results based on our contributions to various people causes or events...or behavior changes in the lives of those we invest in...or maybe even sometimes we just simply expect the same loving attitude in return.
I was reading through Revelation and it's interesting as the Lord was commending the churches...suddenly He says, "but...I have this against you...that you abandoned the love you had at first.."
There's a song, by Addison Road and one of the lines goes like this, "If everything comes down to love...then just what am I afraid of."
I think if I'm honest....because of Christ in me, it can be very easy to extend love towards others especially when my heart is focused on the Lord, on doing what He wants...on pleasing Him....and because I know the depths of my own sin...I was there. I know how I've sinned against the Lord...and so there is this overwhelming gratitude to Christ for His forgiveness, because it is 'much' in my life..
"Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” Luke 7:47
How can I not love out of the overflow of what the Lord has done for me? Honestly...this is what we should ask ourselves when we feel we are in a position where we simply can not extend the love that we are biblically called to extend.
But what happens...judgement creeps in, fear of man creeps in, self-righteousness creeps in...comparision creeps in...all sorts of behaviors and attitudes creep into our minds and battle for our hearts to follow after them rather than after the Lord we love so.
We become afraid...if I love too much will people think I'm weird? If I extend love to her...will others reject me too? Perhaps....those thoughts may be true...people might judge you, they may shun you...but I know based on Scripture that the Lord Himself will never leave you and you will never be able to out-love God. His love for us is life changing.
Could you imagine the impact the church would have it we would come together in love? Honestly...if the body of Christ...not just Baptists or Lutherans or Community Churches...but if the true body of Christ would lay aside doctrinal strife...and come together in love and unity and love on a lost world?
Sweet sojourner, "Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8
I encourage you to faithfully ask the Lord to increase and overflow His love in your heart for His glory. Let's impact our world by oozing the love of the One who loves us without limit.
I was reading in Revelation yesterday morning and was so challenged by this: " But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first." Rev 2:4.
It is so easy to start off strong. First thing in the morning we are refreshed ready to tackle the day...first day of a new job, first day of the school year...and on and on. Loving people. Loving the lost. Loving the family of God. Always easy......at first. But then what? Often....we have unmet expectations. Sometimes in our minds we expect certain things, be it results based on our contributions to various people causes or events...or behavior changes in the lives of those we invest in...or maybe even sometimes we just simply expect the same loving attitude in return.
I was reading through Revelation and it's interesting as the Lord was commending the churches...suddenly He says, "but...I have this against you...that you abandoned the love you had at first.."
There's a song, by Addison Road and one of the lines goes like this, "If everything comes down to love...then just what am I afraid of."
I think if I'm honest....because of Christ in me, it can be very easy to extend love towards others especially when my heart is focused on the Lord, on doing what He wants...on pleasing Him....and because I know the depths of my own sin...I was there. I know how I've sinned against the Lord...and so there is this overwhelming gratitude to Christ for His forgiveness, because it is 'much' in my life..
"Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” Luke 7:47
How can I not love out of the overflow of what the Lord has done for me? Honestly...this is what we should ask ourselves when we feel we are in a position where we simply can not extend the love that we are biblically called to extend.
But what happens...judgement creeps in, fear of man creeps in, self-righteousness creeps in...comparision creeps in...all sorts of behaviors and attitudes creep into our minds and battle for our hearts to follow after them rather than after the Lord we love so.
We become afraid...if I love too much will people think I'm weird? If I extend love to her...will others reject me too? Perhaps....those thoughts may be true...people might judge you, they may shun you...but I know based on Scripture that the Lord Himself will never leave you and you will never be able to out-love God. His love for us is life changing.
Could you imagine the impact the church would have it we would come together in love? Honestly...if the body of Christ...not just Baptists or Lutherans or Community Churches...but if the true body of Christ would lay aside doctrinal strife...and come together in love and unity and love on a lost world?
Sweet sojourner, "Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8
I encourage you to faithfully ask the Lord to increase and overflow His love in your heart for His glory. Let's impact our world by oozing the love of the One who loves us without limit.
11.28.2012
I just can't go another step
“Mommy I can't make it I need your help..” the sweet words of my four year old called to me from somewhere in the house...so I started out to find him...and there he was laying down halfway up the stairs. When I asked him how I could help...he just told me he really wanted to play with his Lego Batman, but Batman was upstairs...and he was too tired to go all the way up. He just couldn't go another step. He woke up with a cold or something, and he's been hanging out in his jammies all day. So of course, I ran up to his room found the Lego Batman and took it to him. As I looked down the stairs at him, I thought....how much his actions parallel our lives.
We often begin something with great passion. Full force...we dive into something, perhaps even hearing the warnings of others, but thinking... “It'll be different for me..I won't grow weary...I'll finish the race..” Often pride sneaks in, even when our initial intentions are pure.
As I handed sweet Eli the Batman, he asked if I would pray for him...and so I stopped and held him and prayed for him. This sweet object lesson comes on a tough day for my family. Today, my precious Father in Law is in the hospital having his second open heart surgery in under 6 months. My husband is there in the waiting room....and I can not be. I am caring for our sweet boys. It pains my heart not to be able to physically be with my husband as he waits through something of this magnitude. My husband is my gift from God. I love him and appreciate him even more as the years pass.
But what I can do is pray. Just like Eli getting halfway up the stairs and needing help because his strength gave out....every moment my emotions try to get the best of me in this situation...I need only to stand still and let the Lord fight for me (Ex. 14:14). I need only to lay my husband, my father in law, and my mother in law....at the Lord's feet.
So many times...we grow weary. Sometimes the fight has countless battles. Sometimes we will not see earthly victory in the battles....but we know Who wins the war. So we rest in that.
Instead of starting strong and getting halfway through and realizing our need, we ought first to lay down our strengths before the Lord, and ask Him to take them, and our weaknesses and use them both for His glory. We just might see a powerful work of God in our lives...if we were to slow down and pray...fervently asking God to direct each step...to guide....to bless.
I believe that the Lord allowed my sweet Eli to stop there and pause so I could grasp the depths of His love for us...for my husband as he sits in the waiting room..waiting and praying.....for me...as I navigate through homeschooling three sweet and strong willed boys....for my son...as he without strength runs to his mommy...because he trusts me to protect him...just as we...trust God to protect us.
Can you just picture the Lord waiting...reaching forth His mighty hand to guide you? Can you just imagine the love of the Father as He carries us each and every day just because of Who He is!?!
Remember when it seems impossible to go even one more step...it is The Lord who carries each step...and His power is without end and His strength without limit.
We often begin something with great passion. Full force...we dive into something, perhaps even hearing the warnings of others, but thinking... “It'll be different for me..I won't grow weary...I'll finish the race..” Often pride sneaks in, even when our initial intentions are pure.
As I handed sweet Eli the Batman, he asked if I would pray for him...and so I stopped and held him and prayed for him. This sweet object lesson comes on a tough day for my family. Today, my precious Father in Law is in the hospital having his second open heart surgery in under 6 months. My husband is there in the waiting room....and I can not be. I am caring for our sweet boys. It pains my heart not to be able to physically be with my husband as he waits through something of this magnitude. My husband is my gift from God. I love him and appreciate him even more as the years pass.
But what I can do is pray. Just like Eli getting halfway up the stairs and needing help because his strength gave out....every moment my emotions try to get the best of me in this situation...I need only to stand still and let the Lord fight for me (Ex. 14:14). I need only to lay my husband, my father in law, and my mother in law....at the Lord's feet.
So many times...we grow weary. Sometimes the fight has countless battles. Sometimes we will not see earthly victory in the battles....but we know Who wins the war. So we rest in that.
Instead of starting strong and getting halfway through and realizing our need, we ought first to lay down our strengths before the Lord, and ask Him to take them, and our weaknesses and use them both for His glory. We just might see a powerful work of God in our lives...if we were to slow down and pray...fervently asking God to direct each step...to guide....to bless.
I believe that the Lord allowed my sweet Eli to stop there and pause so I could grasp the depths of His love for us...for my husband as he sits in the waiting room..waiting and praying.....for me...as I navigate through homeschooling three sweet and strong willed boys....for my son...as he without strength runs to his mommy...because he trusts me to protect him...just as we...trust God to protect us.
Can you just picture the Lord waiting...reaching forth His mighty hand to guide you? Can you just imagine the love of the Father as He carries us each and every day just because of Who He is!?!
Remember when it seems impossible to go even one more step...it is The Lord who carries each step...and His power is without end and His strength without limit.
5.05.2012
I confess...I love to listen to my kids eat!
Tonight, it took my youngest a little extra time to finish his corn. So there we sat, just him and I as he finished. He's three and was seriously chowing down on the corn on the cob. It was so quiet I could hear every bite.
It may be weird. Okay..it is weird. But ever since my babies were born I have always been absolutely smitten with the sound of them eating. From the beginning, when they were nursing even until now, with my oldest at eight.
So in the silence as Eli enjoyed his corn...I began to wonder if the Lord enjoys hearing His children "eat."
And then ever so sweetly the Lord brought these to my heart:
Matthew 4:4 But he answered, "It is written, "'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
and
"for the Lord takes pleasure in His people." Ps. 149:4
Can you just imagine the Lord as he takes pleasure in us as we feed on his word.
"Live" in Matthew 4:4 means: to enjoy real life, to have true life worthy of the name, active and blessed, endless in the kingdom of God.
To truly live and enjoy life we must feast on His word.
And sometimes the sounds, the praises offered to His name as his word penetrates and satiates the hunger of our souls, I believe, honors and blesses God and strengthens our spiritual health for His glory!!!
So go ahead, dear sister...feast on His word...take your time, be the last at the table....enjoy the feast! The depths of the Lord are unfathomable.
"For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish". Jeremiah 31:25
It may be weird. Okay..it is weird. But ever since my babies were born I have always been absolutely smitten with the sound of them eating. From the beginning, when they were nursing even until now, with my oldest at eight.
So in the silence as Eli enjoyed his corn...I began to wonder if the Lord enjoys hearing His children "eat."
And then ever so sweetly the Lord brought these to my heart:
Matthew 4:4 But he answered, "It is written, "'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
and
"for the Lord takes pleasure in His people." Ps. 149:4
Can you just imagine the Lord as he takes pleasure in us as we feed on his word.
"Live" in Matthew 4:4 means: to enjoy real life, to have true life worthy of the name, active and blessed, endless in the kingdom of God.
To truly live and enjoy life we must feast on His word.
And sometimes the sounds, the praises offered to His name as his word penetrates and satiates the hunger of our souls, I believe, honors and blesses God and strengthens our spiritual health for His glory!!!
So go ahead, dear sister...feast on His word...take your time, be the last at the table....enjoy the feast! The depths of the Lord are unfathomable.
"For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish". Jeremiah 31:25
4.24.2012
But God
I am so excited. The sweet ladies at my church and I are starting a Bible study about love. I have been waiting to start this for some time now. I've been praying for each lady fervently that the Lord would prepare their hearts and overwhelm them with His love and just bless them abundantly.
I honestly didn't include myself in these prayers. Instead rather I've been praying that I would honor the Lord and point these sweet ladies to Jesus and His word.
And as one of my favorite sayings in scripture...
But God!
So I'm in the midst of a crazy transition with our move, closing and all the details. God knew that all this would be happening while I am in the midst of this study. He knew all the details of it all. He knew he frustrations I've had and am having before they even started.
He knew that I would need to immerse myself in His word so intensely and consistently....and yet I was so busy praying for others...I think a little bit of my heart thought since I had done the study before I was good. Ha!
Last night was our first night, we are going through "Loving Well" by Beth Moore. It was great, I've done the devotional before...but there is so much blessing in community. It was so sweet to sit with sisters in Christ, listen, read, pray and grow together!
So on my drive home...the Lord kept speaking to my heart about how I was so busy praying for others...I was being too prideful to stop and pray for myself.
I think sometimes it's easy to go through an intense time of learning and growing with the Lord and think you've got that specific 'thing' be it worry, anxiety, gossip, stress...whatever it is....under control.
But the Lord graciously reminds us in 1 Cor 10:12, "Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall."
I do believe that in somethings God gives continuous victory, but I've also seen how sometimes sin that I've thought was completely beaten in my life has crept back in.
God is good and faithful and gives us situations to grow in! Thank God for it!!
Sometimes I have to learn the same lesson a few times...or more.
But our God.....He gives a greater grace! He consistently pursues our hearts and overflows His perfect love towards us.
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers." Ro 8:28-29
I honestly didn't include myself in these prayers. Instead rather I've been praying that I would honor the Lord and point these sweet ladies to Jesus and His word.
And as one of my favorite sayings in scripture...
But God!
So I'm in the midst of a crazy transition with our move, closing and all the details. God knew that all this would be happening while I am in the midst of this study. He knew all the details of it all. He knew he frustrations I've had and am having before they even started.
He knew that I would need to immerse myself in His word so intensely and consistently....and yet I was so busy praying for others...I think a little bit of my heart thought since I had done the study before I was good. Ha!
Last night was our first night, we are going through "Loving Well" by Beth Moore. It was great, I've done the devotional before...but there is so much blessing in community. It was so sweet to sit with sisters in Christ, listen, read, pray and grow together!
So on my drive home...the Lord kept speaking to my heart about how I was so busy praying for others...I was being too prideful to stop and pray for myself.
I think sometimes it's easy to go through an intense time of learning and growing with the Lord and think you've got that specific 'thing' be it worry, anxiety, gossip, stress...whatever it is....under control.
But the Lord graciously reminds us in 1 Cor 10:12, "Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall."
I do believe that in somethings God gives continuous victory, but I've also seen how sometimes sin that I've thought was completely beaten in my life has crept back in.
God is good and faithful and gives us situations to grow in! Thank God for it!!
Sometimes I have to learn the same lesson a few times...or more.
But our God.....He gives a greater grace! He consistently pursues our hearts and overflows His perfect love towards us.
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers." Ro 8:28-29
3.07.2012
Understanding
I think I've been straightening my hair for about six years. It takes time about 10-15 minutes each day. Every once in awhile I see others with stick straight hair, I have to check my heart. It's easy to be a little envious. It's dumb I know, I mean honestly...I have the physical ability to straighten my hair each day, by myself. I have nice comfortable home to do it in, and I have a sweet spouse who loves me whether my hair is wildly curly or perfectly straight. So I have every reason to be thankful....and no reason to be envious or to get caught up in the comparison game. But why do I straighten my hair? Well you may think I'm crazy, but I honestly prayed about it before I did it, because I didn't want to do it for the wrong reasons...like vanity or seeking the approval of others...I wanted to make sure that my heart was right about this before I did it. When I got to the end of my self, I realized....it's a little thing that makes me happy and I enjoy the straight hair a little more than the curly hair....so why not.
Straight hair or curly hair really isn't the question though. Rather, it's the constant struggle of getting caught up in the comparison game. It's way too easy. Wow, nice house (it sure is bigger than mine) or nice car (boy my car is old) and on and on. Or how about this, "look at those well behaved children" (sure wish mine would act like that). Or, after you've just had a disagreement with your spouse and you see a couple being sweet and compassionate towards one another...it's easy to think your marriage is the worst on earth.
But, if we're honest...and biblical...EVERY single one of us are sinners. Which means we all have issues. Which also means we all struggle in certain areas.
In my bible reading I am in 2 Corinthians and I absolutely adored this verse this morning:
"Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding." 2 Corinthians 10:12
To God be the glory, because honestly the Lord did a miraculous work in my heart years ago, and I don't struggle with comparison of "things" with others, but I do struggle with other forms of comparison. It's not right. The fight to not compare ourselves is tough. But worth the fight. Because I do believe living in freedom from comparison honors the Lord. I believe it requires living out a sweet verse that comes just before verse twelve. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, "We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ" Refusing to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to one another and instead choosing to focus on the One who alone is worthy. The One who restores, refines, and redeems.
God's word says, we are without understanding if we are comparing ourselves to one another and that sounds kind of harsh. But if you dig into His word, you realize....it's not really. God calls us to a standard. It's His standard. The standard of Christ. Following Him, trusting Him, living in the power of His Spirit.
In Proverbs 16:16, "How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver."
It means understanding that as you see others that have things you don't or can do things you can't that God is the giver of all things, and His name is to be praised! Often, we are blessed by those who can sing well. God grants gifts and talents differently to each of us, and it's beautiful!!! But focusing on what others have and we don't takes our hearts places they don't need to go. It robs us of a joy, and captivates our minds. We have to chose to believe that our God is all we need and has given us exactly what we need to bring Him the most glory.
Straight hair or curly hair really isn't the question though. Rather, it's the constant struggle of getting caught up in the comparison game. It's way too easy. Wow, nice house (it sure is bigger than mine) or nice car (boy my car is old) and on and on. Or how about this, "look at those well behaved children" (sure wish mine would act like that). Or, after you've just had a disagreement with your spouse and you see a couple being sweet and compassionate towards one another...it's easy to think your marriage is the worst on earth.
But, if we're honest...and biblical...EVERY single one of us are sinners. Which means we all have issues. Which also means we all struggle in certain areas.
In my bible reading I am in 2 Corinthians and I absolutely adored this verse this morning:
"Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding." 2 Corinthians 10:12
To God be the glory, because honestly the Lord did a miraculous work in my heart years ago, and I don't struggle with comparison of "things" with others, but I do struggle with other forms of comparison. It's not right. The fight to not compare ourselves is tough. But worth the fight. Because I do believe living in freedom from comparison honors the Lord. I believe it requires living out a sweet verse that comes just before verse twelve. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, "We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ" Refusing to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to one another and instead choosing to focus on the One who alone is worthy. The One who restores, refines, and redeems.
God's word says, we are without understanding if we are comparing ourselves to one another and that sounds kind of harsh. But if you dig into His word, you realize....it's not really. God calls us to a standard. It's His standard. The standard of Christ. Following Him, trusting Him, living in the power of His Spirit.
In Proverbs 16:16, "How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver."
It means understanding that as you see others that have things you don't or can do things you can't that God is the giver of all things, and His name is to be praised! Often, we are blessed by those who can sing well. God grants gifts and talents differently to each of us, and it's beautiful!!! But focusing on what others have and we don't takes our hearts places they don't need to go. It robs us of a joy, and captivates our minds. We have to chose to believe that our God is all we need and has given us exactly what we need to bring Him the most glory.
2.23.2012
The blessing of an open mind.
An open mind. Depending on the culture around you, or how you were raised that can be a good thing or a bad thing. I'm not going to offer my two cents on the phrase. I don't believe in stirring up strife. But I will say, I didn't always think of being called open-minded as a compliment.
The older I get the more I experience the reality of God's work in my life. "For the wisdom of the world is folly with God." 1 Corinthians 3:19
So, how fitting it is that the Lord impressed on my heart to pray for an open mind for myself, my husband and our boys.
Every time I read through Luke 24, I am overwhelmed with awe. Can you even imagine walking along the road, only to have Jesus, the Son of God, walk along side you and explain the Scriptures personally to you? I can not. It seems to unfathomable. Yet because of the cross and by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit...we can readily call to Him, and He will answer us and teach us great and unsearchable things that we do not know (Jer. 33:3). We can come before His word and ASK Him to speak to us. We can expect that He will.
So, as I was reading through Luke this morning, I stopped and confessed to the Lord that I do not passionately pray enough for an open mind. I want Him to open my mind to His word. I want my boys to have open minds and hearts to His word. I (we) can pray His word back to Him....I honestly believe it is so powerful to pray Scripture back to our Heavenly Father. This morning, during our Bible study I was sharing this verse with the boys:
"Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures" Luke 24:45
My sweet six year old, who at four, asked Christ to save his soul, looked at me and said, "Mommy...do you think God actually opens our minds? Or really He probably just hides His word in us? If He actually opened our brains it might hurt."
I love how the Lord uses my children. Constantly and in more ways than I deserve...and silly me thought that just actually having them was the blessing....I think it goes far beyond their physical presence in our families.
I looked in the original Greek to get a better grasp on an "open mind" I found two definitions that truly blessed my soul. In this verse, when Luke tells us that Christ opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, it can mean: "to open one's soul or to rouse in one the faculty of understanding or the desire of learning."
The desire to study, to learn, to memorize God's word...is a stirring deep within our soul from our Creator. It is God Himself meeting a need that He created within us. So when or if you look around at others and get discouraged and think that they must be "super spiritual" because they are in God's word constantly...or they pray constantly. They aren't. They are no better than you. Rather, they are simply relying on God for the passion and desire for His word. They are relying and trusting God to open their minds to His word.
Over the years the Lord has richly blessed me as I've prayed His word back to Him. Specifically, when I pray over studying His word, I often cry out these verses (I hope it blesses you today):
"Call to Me and I will answer you and teach you great and unsearchable things you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3
"Show me your ways LORD, teach me Your paths." Psalm 25:4
"Keep me from deceitful ways, be gracious to me and teach me your ways." Psalm 119:29
This morning I discovered this one:
"Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.” Ex. 33:13
The older I get the more I experience the reality of God's work in my life. "For the wisdom of the world is folly with God." 1 Corinthians 3:19
So, how fitting it is that the Lord impressed on my heart to pray for an open mind for myself, my husband and our boys.
Every time I read through Luke 24, I am overwhelmed with awe. Can you even imagine walking along the road, only to have Jesus, the Son of God, walk along side you and explain the Scriptures personally to you? I can not. It seems to unfathomable. Yet because of the cross and by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit...we can readily call to Him, and He will answer us and teach us great and unsearchable things that we do not know (Jer. 33:3). We can come before His word and ASK Him to speak to us. We can expect that He will.
So, as I was reading through Luke this morning, I stopped and confessed to the Lord that I do not passionately pray enough for an open mind. I want Him to open my mind to His word. I want my boys to have open minds and hearts to His word. I (we) can pray His word back to Him....I honestly believe it is so powerful to pray Scripture back to our Heavenly Father. This morning, during our Bible study I was sharing this verse with the boys:
"Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures" Luke 24:45
My sweet six year old, who at four, asked Christ to save his soul, looked at me and said, "Mommy...do you think God actually opens our minds? Or really He probably just hides His word in us? If He actually opened our brains it might hurt."
I love how the Lord uses my children. Constantly and in more ways than I deserve...and silly me thought that just actually having them was the blessing....I think it goes far beyond their physical presence in our families.
I looked in the original Greek to get a better grasp on an "open mind" I found two definitions that truly blessed my soul. In this verse, when Luke tells us that Christ opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, it can mean: "to open one's soul or to rouse in one the faculty of understanding or the desire of learning."
The desire to study, to learn, to memorize God's word...is a stirring deep within our soul from our Creator. It is God Himself meeting a need that He created within us. So when or if you look around at others and get discouraged and think that they must be "super spiritual" because they are in God's word constantly...or they pray constantly. They aren't. They are no better than you. Rather, they are simply relying on God for the passion and desire for His word. They are relying and trusting God to open their minds to His word.
Over the years the Lord has richly blessed me as I've prayed His word back to Him. Specifically, when I pray over studying His word, I often cry out these verses (I hope it blesses you today):
"Call to Me and I will answer you and teach you great and unsearchable things you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3
"Show me your ways LORD, teach me Your paths." Psalm 25:4
"Keep me from deceitful ways, be gracious to me and teach me your ways." Psalm 119:29
This morning I discovered this one:
"Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.” Ex. 33:13
2.21.2012
Choosing to Forgive
This morning in our Bible study with the boys, we were talking about forgiveness. Since the boys are getting older I am able to share more of the things that the Lord has brought me through by His grace. I think that is so very powerful. I know that I love to hear what the Lord does in the lives of His people. Having not grown up in a Christian home, I can only imagine how powerful it would be to see your parents seek Jesus.
So today, I shared an experience with my boys that sometimes I still struggle with. Very personal. Very real. Yet at the same time, God, who is rich in mercy...continues to heal my heart even now.
Our verse was "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another just as God in Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4:32
We talked through this verse, reading it and rereading it. Then as we were closing in prayer, the Lord blessed my soul with this.
For us to give forgiveness to others who have wronged us or hurt us doesn't require us to die on a cross. It just requires us to trust God.
This is so powerful to me. I hope it blesses your heart as well. Honestly. When we forgive, all we have to do is trust the Lord for the outcome. Forgiveness is a command. We are told to forgive. It is not strongly suggested that we forgive others. We are told: forgive, just as in Christ God forgave you.
God's forgiveness towards us is perfect and cleansing. Because not only does He forgive us, He removes our sins. He forgives the depths of our sinfulness for His glory...because of Christ's accomplishment on Calvary.
Christ laid His life down. He endured the Cross. Crucifixion. For the sake of our souls.
When God says forgive...He knows it won't be easy. Forgiveness isn't easy...I think forgiveness is a refining process for believers, at least in my life it is. Yet when you think on the Cross, and what Jesus did, certainly "easy" is not a word that would describe it.
I must choose to forgive, and sometimes I have to choose it repeatedly. It's a matter of obedience. Sometimes you'll have a dear friend come to you in crisis....going through a trial that you've been through...God brought you through it, so that He could use you for His glory. Many times over the years, I've been able to minister and encourage dear sisters in Christ through trials that the Lord has brought me through already. It's all for His glory. He allowed things in my life so that I would testify to His goodness and help others through the same issue. Sometimes those trials bring back old hurt, past pain. I've forgiven the one who hurt me or broke my trust, but when confronted with someone who is fresh in the midst of the same pain I went through, often that pain is revived in my own life.
It's in those moments that I must again choose forgiveness. I choose to trust that God's word is right and true and His command to forgive is absolutely without doubt for my own good.
Forgiving someone often has very little to do with that other person. It's simply about having your heart right before the Lord. Obeying His command to forgive others. Refusing to forgive doesn't usually hurt the other person. It hurts you. The bitterness and anger harbored in your heart debilitates you, not the one who did wrong to you.
Choosing to trust God that when I extend forgiveness as He commands me to, believing that He will work out all the details for my own good. Remember, we are being conformed to the image of His own Son.
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers." Romans 8:28-29
My soul is blessed by the simplicity of His truth.
Obey.
Forgive.
Trust.
So today, I shared an experience with my boys that sometimes I still struggle with. Very personal. Very real. Yet at the same time, God, who is rich in mercy...continues to heal my heart even now.
Our verse was "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another just as God in Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4:32
We talked through this verse, reading it and rereading it. Then as we were closing in prayer, the Lord blessed my soul with this.
For us to give forgiveness to others who have wronged us or hurt us doesn't require us to die on a cross. It just requires us to trust God.
This is so powerful to me. I hope it blesses your heart as well. Honestly. When we forgive, all we have to do is trust the Lord for the outcome. Forgiveness is a command. We are told to forgive. It is not strongly suggested that we forgive others. We are told: forgive, just as in Christ God forgave you.
God's forgiveness towards us is perfect and cleansing. Because not only does He forgive us, He removes our sins. He forgives the depths of our sinfulness for His glory...because of Christ's accomplishment on Calvary.
Christ laid His life down. He endured the Cross. Crucifixion. For the sake of our souls.
When God says forgive...He knows it won't be easy. Forgiveness isn't easy...I think forgiveness is a refining process for believers, at least in my life it is. Yet when you think on the Cross, and what Jesus did, certainly "easy" is not a word that would describe it.
I must choose to forgive, and sometimes I have to choose it repeatedly. It's a matter of obedience. Sometimes you'll have a dear friend come to you in crisis....going through a trial that you've been through...God brought you through it, so that He could use you for His glory. Many times over the years, I've been able to minister and encourage dear sisters in Christ through trials that the Lord has brought me through already. It's all for His glory. He allowed things in my life so that I would testify to His goodness and help others through the same issue. Sometimes those trials bring back old hurt, past pain. I've forgiven the one who hurt me or broke my trust, but when confronted with someone who is fresh in the midst of the same pain I went through, often that pain is revived in my own life.
It's in those moments that I must again choose forgiveness. I choose to trust that God's word is right and true and His command to forgive is absolutely without doubt for my own good.
Forgiving someone often has very little to do with that other person. It's simply about having your heart right before the Lord. Obeying His command to forgive others. Refusing to forgive doesn't usually hurt the other person. It hurts you. The bitterness and anger harbored in your heart debilitates you, not the one who did wrong to you.
Choosing to trust God that when I extend forgiveness as He commands me to, believing that He will work out all the details for my own good. Remember, we are being conformed to the image of His own Son.
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers." Romans 8:28-29
My soul is blessed by the simplicity of His truth.
Obey.
Forgive.
Trust.
2.17.2012
Forsake the Craziness
I was reading in Galatians this morning, and it seems lately every time I read Chapter 3, I get stuck on the same verse. Which is obviously the Lord speaking to my heart. He is so gracious though, because each time, it's not "in your face...." It's simply the burden of trusting in Him that as He tugs at my heart with His word He wants to change me for His glory.
"Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?" Galatians 3:3 (ESV)
or in the Message Translation:
"Are you going to continue this craziness? For only crazy people would think they could complete by their own efforts what was begun by God. If you weren't smart enough or strong enough to begin it, how do you suppose you could perfect it?" Gal. 3:3
Often in circles of believers we can hear trivial things being debated such as, "are you reformed...are you Calvinist?" and so on. Honestly, it burdens my heart. I'm neither. I simply believe God's word.
That's it. I'm not trying to rewrite the Scriptures to fit into terminology that makes me look smarter than I am. I'm not jumping on one side of the fence or the other. I don't need to use "big words" to make me feel confident in my faith. I'm just going to stand on the Word, and trust Him for the outcome. I'm going to give grace to others, because I know that I could never give as graciously as my Savior did when He gave His life a ransom for mine.
Let me say, I am thankful for those who are very intellectual believers and communicate effectively and for God's glory to the super intelligent. I do believe as Paul said, we need to be all things to all people that we may win some.
From the beginning of time there has been a trend to rename or relabel things to try make them more appealing. But when it comes to the simplicity, beauty and perfection of the gospel our our Lord. Simply put...there is NO need. God's word it just that. HIS word. Think on that for a moment. This word came directly from God. He wanted us to have it and He tells us to hide it in our hearts. For our own good. He doesn't need us to have His word in our hearts. We need it! "Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth!" John 17:17
It's almost too easy for us modern believers to forget that the word wasn't always available at fingertips. It wasn't mass produced, it wasn't bound in copy after copy or translated into several different versions in one language....it wasn't electronically available in a quick Google search. I think we even forget that the Lord chose a period of silence between the Old and New Testament. God's silence is tough. Imagine 400 years of it.
We are beyond blessed with the availability of the word...and yet we take it for granted. I think on the message translation of this verse, and I love the beginning, "are you going to continue in this craziness?"
I love it. Honestly, why do we chase the craziness? Why do we in the flesh try to obtain what we first received from the Spirit? Why do we think, "Oh......I got this.." or "I can take care of this sin." Are you crazy? Am I? No we can't. Nothing in us can "take care" of any sin.
Nothing in us can effectively communicate the gospel of Christ, except by the power of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12:3).
Stop the craziness! Go to His word expectantly. Expect that His word will be a mirror to your heart. He will show you what is in your heart, the depths of it. Be prepared for a myriad of emotions. Surprise. Disgust. Gratitude. Humility. Thankfulness. "The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately sick, who can understand it?" Jeremiah 17:9. He will show us through His word what should be in our hearts. He will transform us, bless us and sanctify us with His word. Remember dear one, His word is living and ACTIVE. (Heb 4:12) His word has the power to change lives.
Embrace God's word and His power in your life.
We aren't strong enough on our own, we aren't smart enough on our own. That's the beauty of it all. God is all things for us!
So go ahead, forsake the craziness...it's worth it!
"Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?" Galatians 3:3 (ESV)
or in the Message Translation:
"Are you going to continue this craziness? For only crazy people would think they could complete by their own efforts what was begun by God. If you weren't smart enough or strong enough to begin it, how do you suppose you could perfect it?" Gal. 3:3
Often in circles of believers we can hear trivial things being debated such as, "are you reformed...are you Calvinist?" and so on. Honestly, it burdens my heart. I'm neither. I simply believe God's word.
That's it. I'm not trying to rewrite the Scriptures to fit into terminology that makes me look smarter than I am. I'm not jumping on one side of the fence or the other. I don't need to use "big words" to make me feel confident in my faith. I'm just going to stand on the Word, and trust Him for the outcome. I'm going to give grace to others, because I know that I could never give as graciously as my Savior did when He gave His life a ransom for mine.
Let me say, I am thankful for those who are very intellectual believers and communicate effectively and for God's glory to the super intelligent. I do believe as Paul said, we need to be all things to all people that we may win some.
From the beginning of time there has been a trend to rename or relabel things to try make them more appealing. But when it comes to the simplicity, beauty and perfection of the gospel our our Lord. Simply put...there is NO need. God's word it just that. HIS word. Think on that for a moment. This word came directly from God. He wanted us to have it and He tells us to hide it in our hearts. For our own good. He doesn't need us to have His word in our hearts. We need it! "Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth!" John 17:17
It's almost too easy for us modern believers to forget that the word wasn't always available at fingertips. It wasn't mass produced, it wasn't bound in copy after copy or translated into several different versions in one language....it wasn't electronically available in a quick Google search. I think we even forget that the Lord chose a period of silence between the Old and New Testament. God's silence is tough. Imagine 400 years of it.
We are beyond blessed with the availability of the word...and yet we take it for granted. I think on the message translation of this verse, and I love the beginning, "are you going to continue in this craziness?"
I love it. Honestly, why do we chase the craziness? Why do we in the flesh try to obtain what we first received from the Spirit? Why do we think, "Oh......I got this.." or "I can take care of this sin." Are you crazy? Am I? No we can't. Nothing in us can "take care" of any sin.
Nothing in us can effectively communicate the gospel of Christ, except by the power of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12:3).
Stop the craziness! Go to His word expectantly. Expect that His word will be a mirror to your heart. He will show you what is in your heart, the depths of it. Be prepared for a myriad of emotions. Surprise. Disgust. Gratitude. Humility. Thankfulness. "The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately sick, who can understand it?" Jeremiah 17:9. He will show us through His word what should be in our hearts. He will transform us, bless us and sanctify us with His word. Remember dear one, His word is living and ACTIVE. (Heb 4:12) His word has the power to change lives.
Embrace God's word and His power in your life.
We aren't strong enough on our own, we aren't smart enough on our own. That's the beauty of it all. God is all things for us!
So go ahead, forsake the craziness...it's worth it!
1.18.2012
My rest isn't quiet....and I'm thankful!
Today I had the privilege of working for my husband. His job is very stressful. By 3:00 I was so overwhelmed with gratitude for all he shoulders with no complaint.
He always asks how my day was. Every day without fail. He is so thoughtful and concerned for me. I give him a breakdown on our day, school. The challenges of the kids and whatnot. I then ask him about his day. He always says, "busy but good."
I honestly believe had no real appreciation for his stress level until today. He doesn't complain when he gets disrespected, he doesn't recount every instance to me. Instead, he bears it and keeps on going.
He told me early in our marriage how strongly he felt about providing for us and how he supported me in raising our children, and thereby not earning any income to help our family.
Today i was just so lovingly reminded by God that i am so busy with "me" i'm not nearly as appreciative as i should be for him.
I want to encourage all the married folks out there, no matter what your situation...try to look at your life and your marriage through the eyes of your spouse. It might just hang your perspective on things!
I think we would all be blessed to remember that a husband is a blessing (and a wife too!)
God is good! I think before I start to grumble in my heart that I have a "tougher job than he does...". I'll remember this day.
I am ever so grateful for the rest God has given me with my spouse. Ruth 1:9 says, "The LORD grant that you may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband!"
Rest means quietness and/or resting place. What's so funny about this right now for me, there isn't a lot of quiet....and I sure don't sit around idle with three young boys and a sweet husband to care for. BUT, I am loved, cared for and protected by a man I know loves Jesus and who would willingly lay down his life for me. Who provides without complaint no matter the stress on his shoulders, who bears my burdens and stresses with love and who genuinely loves our children!!
He always asks how my day was. Every day without fail. He is so thoughtful and concerned for me. I give him a breakdown on our day, school. The challenges of the kids and whatnot. I then ask him about his day. He always says, "busy but good."
I honestly believe had no real appreciation for his stress level until today. He doesn't complain when he gets disrespected, he doesn't recount every instance to me. Instead, he bears it and keeps on going.
He told me early in our marriage how strongly he felt about providing for us and how he supported me in raising our children, and thereby not earning any income to help our family.
Today i was just so lovingly reminded by God that i am so busy with "me" i'm not nearly as appreciative as i should be for him.
I want to encourage all the married folks out there, no matter what your situation...try to look at your life and your marriage through the eyes of your spouse. It might just hang your perspective on things!
I think we would all be blessed to remember that a husband is a blessing (and a wife too!)
God is good! I think before I start to grumble in my heart that I have a "tougher job than he does...". I'll remember this day.
I am ever so grateful for the rest God has given me with my spouse. Ruth 1:9 says, "The LORD grant that you may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband!"
Rest means quietness and/or resting place. What's so funny about this right now for me, there isn't a lot of quiet....and I sure don't sit around idle with three young boys and a sweet husband to care for. BUT, I am loved, cared for and protected by a man I know loves Jesus and who would willingly lay down his life for me. Who provides without complaint no matter the stress on his shoulders, who bears my burdens and stresses with love and who genuinely loves our children!!
1.01.2012
No distinction
Happy New Year!! I love a new year. It's such a neat time of year. People start thinking about things they want to change..my kids start thinking about their birthdays...honestly for me I am usually getting geared up to start my bible reading plan all over again.
Last year I did something drastic for a type A+ like myself...I changed up my reading plan...from through the Bible in a year...to follow along with what my church was reading. Sounds silly that it took me a while to adjust, but it did. Finishing it this December and looking back on all the Lord has taught me this year...I am so incredibly blessed by His word, His faithfulness and His grace. His goodness is all around, and all over my family...I am so grateful.
So, I started praying a few weeks ago what Bible plan the Lord would have me read this year...I didn't just want to default back to what I read through the previous six years. I want God's word to be alive and fresh to me each and every day. I am so continually encouraged by friends on facebook posting Scripture in versions I don't normally read, or blogs that I follow that are rich in Scripture.
I'm so very excited, because what my husband and I are going to try and do together, is read through the New Testament in 90 days, (a plan I found on www.intothyword.org) and then alternate with 5 Psalms and a Proverb....every three months. I am super SUPER excited about this! First because I am reading through Scripture in a new and fresh way. I love the NT. Just love it....particularly the Pauline Epistles and the Gospels....but I also LOVE the Psalms..........it's just such an amazing combination, that I am just honestly not that creative to think of....but God's amazing grace always guides us.
Last year I did something drastic for a type A+ like myself...I changed up my reading plan...from through the Bible in a year...to follow along with what my church was reading. Sounds silly that it took me a while to adjust, but it did. Finishing it this December and looking back on all the Lord has taught me this year...I am so incredibly blessed by His word, His faithfulness and His grace. His goodness is all around, and all over my family...I am so grateful.
So, I started praying a few weeks ago what Bible plan the Lord would have me read this year...I didn't just want to default back to what I read through the previous six years. I want God's word to be alive and fresh to me each and every day. I am so continually encouraged by friends on facebook posting Scripture in versions I don't normally read, or blogs that I follow that are rich in Scripture.
I'm so very excited, because what my husband and I are going to try and do together, is read through the New Testament in 90 days, (a plan I found on www.intothyword.org) and then alternate with 5 Psalms and a Proverb....every three months. I am super SUPER excited about this! First because I am reading through Scripture in a new and fresh way. I love the NT. Just love it....particularly the Pauline Epistles and the Gospels....but I also LOVE the Psalms..........it's just such an amazing combination, that I am just honestly not that creative to think of....but God's amazing grace always guides us.
I started today in Matthew. Rich in history and full of truth. Today, I was so immensely blessed by the genealogy detailed in chapter 1. I particularly loved in Matthew 1:16, "and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called the Christ." Mary married into Joseph's line. She wasn't "born" into that family line. I love how scripture shows us there is no distinction. Family is family. Married into, adopted into, born into.....no distinction. The family God puts you in...that's your family....because ultimately God through Christ, adopts us into His family. No distinction......in Romans 10:12, "For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him."
One of our family goals is to give our children a strong family identity. We strive to teach them that our family is much more than just one member. That we've been put together for a purpose...to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and to make Him known.
This year, I'm looking forward to growing in Christ, with my spouse and my kids...and serving Him as a family. I'm excited to be transformed by His word...and to watch His word transform the hearts and lives of those around me.
I'd like to lovingly challenge you to pick a bible reading plan and ask the Lord to give you the grace to stick with it. It's not about checking it off, it's about intentionally being before your Savior daily in His word, to be transformed, to hear His voice, to worship Him, to make Him known by sharing His word. You will richly be blessed by faithfully being in His word!!! I think your heart will be blessed as you read and study just Who your Father is as you study His word!!!
10.19.2011
Filtering the Noise
I was reading through Isaiah this morning and am still absolutely just stuck on these verses:
“Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; how blessed are all those who long for Him. O people in Zion, inhabitant in Jerusalem, you will weep no longer. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when He hears it, He will answer you. Although the Lord has given you bread of privation and water of oppression, He, your Teacher will no longer hide Himself, but your eyes will behold your Teacher. Your ears will hear a word behind you, "This is the way, walk in it," whenever you turn to the right or to the left.” Isaiah 30:18-21
I wonder sometimes....do I allow all the "noise" of the world to muffle God's voice..so that it is a a very faint whisper? I have to listen carefully. If one of my children talks to me from behind me, it is harder to hear them than if they are in front of me. Why? Well, first I'm usually focused on the task directly in FRONT of me. Then because I am not looking at them and I'm a visual learner, it helps me to see what is going on to process it. So when they are behind me, I have to make myself be more focused on their words than if I were looking them right in the eye as they speak. So when I think about trying to hear direction from the Lord from behind me, I just keep thinking how focused I must be to hear His direction.
I love how the beginning of this passage (v. 18) we read, "but the LORD longs to be gracious to you." His love is so perfect and He longs to be gracious to us. Wow. Honestly there are days I wake up and I am not longing to be gracious to the kids, my spouse or anyone outside of my four walls. I'm tired or irritable or some other emotion that can easily bring out the 'best' of my sinful nature. For example, the other day when I was up all night because one of my sweet boys was up sick all night. I was very tired...not feeling like being super gracious. But God calls me to love my kids as He loves me. So being a loving and gracious teacher was a challenge. But in that challenge...the Lord was so gracious, leading my heart and mind to graciously parent these boys.
Often I am distracted with the 'noise' and fail to hear the direction. Or sometimes I hastily act...without prayer...trying to self navigate. I'm not called to lead, but rather follow. Sometimes that's a tough pill to swallow. But I think the older I get the more I realize, no better place to be than following where the Lord wants me to be. I do NOT need to lead...I don't make the best decisions. It seems the fight we face is often for our focus. Our position is secure....if you are a follower of Christ and have believed in Him for salvation, that is settled. But....keeping our hearts focused on the Lord...that's a lot of the battle in this life.
I wish I had a remote to mute the noise. But it's not that easy, so instead, I must continue to fight for a steadfast focus. One that is rooted in the word and prayer so that as the Lord gives direction...I'll hear it...even if I can't 'see' it. Just like Ezra who went before us: "For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel." Ezra 7:10. He was determined to have a steadfast heart...steadfast on studying the Word, doing the Word and teaching the Word.
The more I'm in the word and the more consistent my prayer life, the easier it is to decipher between noise that needs my attention and noise that does not. All the 'noise' in life is not bad....it's the grip we allow it to have on us. I want to keep my filter clean and ready to go!
10.11.2011
Just the meat....really?
I got to take my sweet five year old on a date tonight. Grocery shopping! He is such a great helper and I just adore having special Mommy time with each of my boys. On the way home, he asked for a hamburger. He is in a McDonald's hamburger phase. Pains me to think about it really, can't stand them myself...but sometimes...you just gotta feed them what they'll eat.
I handed him his burger, and proceeded to drive home. About five minutes into his hamburger, he says to me, "Mommy..you know why I only eat the meat and not the bread? Because God says, 'Man doesn't live on bread alone, but by obeying His word.' So, I just don't need the bread...just the meat...that's all...and to obey God."
I was . . . . speechless.
Did I mention he is FIVE?
One sweet autumn day last year while we were driving he asked me to pull over and explain what salvation was, and after reading through Romans 10 together, he asked if he could pray for Jesus to save him, because he believed everything the Bible said. He was four then. Jesus has no age limit on accepting His salvation, though at times our 'church culture' makes us question if they really know what they are doing then. Maybe they don't fully...but God does, always. At four...or at eighty four. He knows.
Sometimes, I wonder...I teach my children day in and day out. I am hanging on for dear life with them some days. I mean, I am correcting them with the word of God, teaching them His word, praying for them and over them...and yet they still disobey. Then....in His mercy the Lord gives me glimpses of His work in their hearts. Just like tonight. I'm trusting God with everything I've got that He will accomplish His purpose in the lives of these boys, afterall....before they are mine...they are His.
Sweet sweet Braden, just wanting the meat. Oh do I know how he feels. I just want the meat....just the word. That's it. Just give me the word. So many mornings as I wonder downstairs to be in the word before the rest of my family awakens...I am literally on my face begging God for a fresh revelation from His word.
I can't live without it. I love the way His word is so fresh. So applicable, so satisfying.
As I drove home, I kept thinking, man....I just want the meat...but so often I need to bread too. I need to be eased into things sometimes with the Lord. Or sometimes I can read the same scripture numerous times and have it apply in so many different ways. Fresh eyes, a willing heart...a HUNGRY soul. That's what I need. Really, I think that's what we all need.
So, I did respond to him, probably not the most awe-inspiring answer, but I explained that he was right....we do live on the word of God, but we can eat bread..all in moderation. To which he responded, "well yeah, little kids can eat more bread than adults because adults get bigger than kids if they eat too much."
I am blessed beyond measure by my boys!
I handed him his burger, and proceeded to drive home. About five minutes into his hamburger, he says to me, "Mommy..you know why I only eat the meat and not the bread? Because God says, 'Man doesn't live on bread alone, but by obeying His word.' So, I just don't need the bread...just the meat...that's all...and to obey God."
I was . . . . speechless.
Did I mention he is FIVE?
One sweet autumn day last year while we were driving he asked me to pull over and explain what salvation was, and after reading through Romans 10 together, he asked if he could pray for Jesus to save him, because he believed everything the Bible said. He was four then. Jesus has no age limit on accepting His salvation, though at times our 'church culture' makes us question if they really know what they are doing then. Maybe they don't fully...but God does, always. At four...or at eighty four. He knows.
Sometimes, I wonder...I teach my children day in and day out. I am hanging on for dear life with them some days. I mean, I am correcting them with the word of God, teaching them His word, praying for them and over them...and yet they still disobey. Then....in His mercy the Lord gives me glimpses of His work in their hearts. Just like tonight. I'm trusting God with everything I've got that He will accomplish His purpose in the lives of these boys, afterall....before they are mine...they are His.
Sweet sweet Braden, just wanting the meat. Oh do I know how he feels. I just want the meat....just the word. That's it. Just give me the word. So many mornings as I wonder downstairs to be in the word before the rest of my family awakens...I am literally on my face begging God for a fresh revelation from His word.
I can't live without it. I love the way His word is so fresh. So applicable, so satisfying.
As I drove home, I kept thinking, man....I just want the meat...but so often I need to bread too. I need to be eased into things sometimes with the Lord. Or sometimes I can read the same scripture numerous times and have it apply in so many different ways. Fresh eyes, a willing heart...a HUNGRY soul. That's what I need. Really, I think that's what we all need.
So, I did respond to him, probably not the most awe-inspiring answer, but I explained that he was right....we do live on the word of God, but we can eat bread..all in moderation. To which he responded, "well yeah, little kids can eat more bread than adults because adults get bigger than kids if they eat too much."
I am blessed beyond measure by my boys!
10.04.2011
...standing in the council of God and proclaiming His word...
Currently as I am reading through Jeremiah this month I am being so blessed by the Lord. Morning after morning He is using His word to refresh my soul. Honestly, my soul had been weary at a few points over the last few months. I can testify to the Lord's grace and goodness...His refining work is never done. He is constantly after my heart. How I praise Him for that!!
This morning, I was reading chapter 23, and this verse kept penetrating my heart for numerous reasons.
"But if they had stood in my council, then they would have proclaimed my words to my people, and they would have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their deeds." Jeremiah 23:22
The overall theme of why this verse kept penetrating my heart is that lately I am experiencing the Lord challenging my every 'thought' of church. What it is and what that means to our family as followers of Christ. I think it's very easy to just plow through the Christian life...so hungry for God's word you just want to be fed all the time. Very, very easy. Especially...dare I say...in America.
Feed me, feed me, feed me. All the time. That tends to be the cultural mindset, and yet the biblical mindset is different. Jesus said, "Come follow ME, and I will make you fishers of men." (Mt. 4:19, Mk. 1:17)
Now please do not misunderstand what I am saying, I believe wholeheartedly we are to disciple and be discipled. After all, Jesus also said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.." Matthew 28:19. So we desperately need discipleship in churches to grow mature believers, but we unapologetically need to be "fishing." Going to the lost and sharing Jesus with them. I'm not saying we are cramming God's word down the throats of unbelievers, what I think is that we just need to follow the example of loving others like Jesus did. Ministering to them the way He did.
The Lord has been doing a work in both me and my husband for some time...about why we go to church. Is it really for the Lord? Is it truly in obedience to His command not to forsake the assembling together. Or are we going looking for satisfaction in something, and not someone..JESUS!
So...this Sunday, we visited a local church, I'll be honest. I was so uncomfortable. It was totally different than anything I had ever been to. The whole time my critical spirit is thinking, 'oh my what have we done?'
So what do you think happened next? Well, we worshiped, and then...out comes the Pastor. Let me tell you dear sister...he broke out the word and preached it. . . truthfully. It wasn't heresy, it wasn't unbiblical...and we were glad we stayed. Because as bad as it sounds to admit...I think we both entertained the thought of walking out.
After I had contemplated leaving, I was confronted with this man, who had very obviously "stood in the council of the Lord" Obviously. See, no one can proclaim God's word....His truth, without first having sat at the feet of Jesus. We are all students. He is the Teacher. How I LOVE this verse, John 13:13, "You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am." He is our teacher. Not just mine, I am not the only one the Lord teaches. He teaches HIS children. Each one of us. This particular morning, He had given this Pastor a strong biblical message.
While my husband and I agreed that this was probably not where the Lord was leading us, we were both incredibly challenged by the Word. We were confronted with an opportunity to be changed by the Spirit of God. No one can change themselves....sure we can all alter behavior...but true heart change...that is a miracle...a gift from God..His abundant grace pouring His perfect love into our imperfect hearts to accomplish what is impossible with men, but not with God.
I urge you, friend, stand in the council...the word of God. Draw near to Him, He will draw near to you. He promises that, not I. But stay steadfast in His word...that way as you journey through life...you can compare your experiences to His word, and know where you need Him to change you....and for what and/or whom you need to be praying. God is FAITHFUL!!! He will fill you with His word to proclaim to those in your life...as needed.
This morning, I was reading chapter 23, and this verse kept penetrating my heart for numerous reasons.
"But if they had stood in my council, then they would have proclaimed my words to my people, and they would have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their deeds." Jeremiah 23:22
The overall theme of why this verse kept penetrating my heart is that lately I am experiencing the Lord challenging my every 'thought' of church. What it is and what that means to our family as followers of Christ. I think it's very easy to just plow through the Christian life...so hungry for God's word you just want to be fed all the time. Very, very easy. Especially...dare I say...in America.
Feed me, feed me, feed me. All the time. That tends to be the cultural mindset, and yet the biblical mindset is different. Jesus said, "Come follow ME, and I will make you fishers of men." (Mt. 4:19, Mk. 1:17)
Now please do not misunderstand what I am saying, I believe wholeheartedly we are to disciple and be discipled. After all, Jesus also said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.." Matthew 28:19. So we desperately need discipleship in churches to grow mature believers, but we unapologetically need to be "fishing." Going to the lost and sharing Jesus with them. I'm not saying we are cramming God's word down the throats of unbelievers, what I think is that we just need to follow the example of loving others like Jesus did. Ministering to them the way He did.
The Lord has been doing a work in both me and my husband for some time...about why we go to church. Is it really for the Lord? Is it truly in obedience to His command not to forsake the assembling together. Or are we going looking for satisfaction in something, and not someone..JESUS!
So...this Sunday, we visited a local church, I'll be honest. I was so uncomfortable. It was totally different than anything I had ever been to. The whole time my critical spirit is thinking, 'oh my what have we done?'
So what do you think happened next? Well, we worshiped, and then...out comes the Pastor. Let me tell you dear sister...he broke out the word and preached it. . . truthfully. It wasn't heresy, it wasn't unbiblical...and we were glad we stayed. Because as bad as it sounds to admit...I think we both entertained the thought of walking out.
After I had contemplated leaving, I was confronted with this man, who had very obviously "stood in the council of the Lord" Obviously. See, no one can proclaim God's word....His truth, without first having sat at the feet of Jesus. We are all students. He is the Teacher. How I LOVE this verse, John 13:13, "You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am." He is our teacher. Not just mine, I am not the only one the Lord teaches. He teaches HIS children. Each one of us. This particular morning, He had given this Pastor a strong biblical message.
While my husband and I agreed that this was probably not where the Lord was leading us, we were both incredibly challenged by the Word. We were confronted with an opportunity to be changed by the Spirit of God. No one can change themselves....sure we can all alter behavior...but true heart change...that is a miracle...a gift from God..His abundant grace pouring His perfect love into our imperfect hearts to accomplish what is impossible with men, but not with God.
I urge you, friend, stand in the council...the word of God. Draw near to Him, He will draw near to you. He promises that, not I. But stay steadfast in His word...that way as you journey through life...you can compare your experiences to His word, and know where you need Him to change you....and for what and/or whom you need to be praying. God is FAITHFUL!!! He will fill you with His word to proclaim to those in your life...as needed.
9.27.2011
I want a soft face
As I was reading through Jeremiah this morning, the word of God was so fresh! So new. Which I have to say, I LOVE that when that happens!! I only got through the first five chapters and I had to stop...not because of time...but honestly because I felt like my head would explode! I knew it was so rich I couldn't take much more! I had to stop and focus and just meditate on the scripture.
I came to this in Jeremiah 5:3, and I just was in awe.
"O LORD, do not your eyes look for truth? You have struck them down, but they felt no anguish; you have consumed them, but they refused to take correction. They have made their faces harder than rock; they have refused to repent."
I kept thinking about our society, we live in a society that idolizes a youthful appearance. Including our skin, women (and some men) are under pressure to botox those wrinkles, spend lots of money on fancy creams..all in an effort to maintain that youthful 'hard' appearance.
In this scripture God is not literally saying the people of Jerusalem had hard faces, but He was speaking of their hearts, which honestly...I believe shows in our countenance. Many times you can take notice of a friends' face and tell when its' been a hard day for her. Same goes for an unrepentant heart. It tends to show in the hardness of our faces.
I want a soft face, give me those wrinkles...it's okay. I want to have a heart that is tuned into the Holy Spirit and following God's kindness in repenting for what I need to repent of. I want my posture towards God to be "soft" I want to be open to hear what He is speaking to me....even when it is hard. Often it is. Love the unloving...pray for the lost...witness to them...tell people about Jesus. I've been running errands around town lately and praying as I go, Lord..is there someone I need to show your love to? Sweet friends...trust me...there IS! All over town there are people who just need to see the love of Jesus!
I've seen over and over in my life the kindness of the Lord in leading me to repentance. I pray that the Lord would overwhelm me with His kindness...as in Romans 2:4, "Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?" that in the areas I need to repent...I would follow Him in that. I pray this constantly for my children as well. I want them in the depths of their hearts to see the kindness of the Lord in repenting and apologizing for their wrongs. I want them to connect the sin in their life to the reality of Scripture in our lives. I want them to actively pursue a lifestyle of repentance which is so often complimented by an attitude of gratitude. How I pray that the worldly misconception that apologizing makes you less of a person would not impact my children and they would realize that humbling themselves and offering an apology when appropriate does honor God.
So, I'll take a soft face any day. It might look a little tired or wrinkled...but I pray it radiates God's love and Spirit to those around, for His glory!!
I came to this in Jeremiah 5:3, and I just was in awe.
"O LORD, do not your eyes look for truth? You have struck them down, but they felt no anguish; you have consumed them, but they refused to take correction. They have made their faces harder than rock; they have refused to repent."
I kept thinking about our society, we live in a society that idolizes a youthful appearance. Including our skin, women (and some men) are under pressure to botox those wrinkles, spend lots of money on fancy creams..all in an effort to maintain that youthful 'hard' appearance.
In this scripture God is not literally saying the people of Jerusalem had hard faces, but He was speaking of their hearts, which honestly...I believe shows in our countenance. Many times you can take notice of a friends' face and tell when its' been a hard day for her. Same goes for an unrepentant heart. It tends to show in the hardness of our faces.
I want a soft face, give me those wrinkles...it's okay. I want to have a heart that is tuned into the Holy Spirit and following God's kindness in repenting for what I need to repent of. I want my posture towards God to be "soft" I want to be open to hear what He is speaking to me....even when it is hard. Often it is. Love the unloving...pray for the lost...witness to them...tell people about Jesus. I've been running errands around town lately and praying as I go, Lord..is there someone I need to show your love to? Sweet friends...trust me...there IS! All over town there are people who just need to see the love of Jesus!
I've seen over and over in my life the kindness of the Lord in leading me to repentance. I pray that the Lord would overwhelm me with His kindness...as in Romans 2:4, "Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?" that in the areas I need to repent...I would follow Him in that. I pray this constantly for my children as well. I want them in the depths of their hearts to see the kindness of the Lord in repenting and apologizing for their wrongs. I want them to connect the sin in their life to the reality of Scripture in our lives. I want them to actively pursue a lifestyle of repentance which is so often complimented by an attitude of gratitude. How I pray that the worldly misconception that apologizing makes you less of a person would not impact my children and they would realize that humbling themselves and offering an apology when appropriate does honor God.
So, I'll take a soft face any day. It might look a little tired or wrinkled...but I pray it radiates God's love and Spirit to those around, for His glory!!
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