Isn't it funny how God makes us each SO different? Isn't it funny how satan makes us each feel SO much like failures.
I was reading what one women thought as she read Lamentations 2. Especially verse 11-My eyes fail because of tears, My spirit is greatly troubled;My heart is poured out on the earth, because of the destruction of the daughter of my people, When little ones and infants faint in the streets of the city.
She was feeling bad because instead of her heart being broken for people in need, she gives financially, or physically.
When I was reading it, I was feeling bad because I can't give financially when there is a need. But I think I told you before about this overactive empathetic heart of mine.
If we let the devil have a foothold, and believe the lie he tells us, she and I both will be useless. If we do everything with a heart for God, He can use her physical gifts with my heart gifts and there is a huge blessing. The devil loses this one, too! Each part of the body working together!
Here we are again, talking about focus. If we focus on ourselves and what things mean for us, satan can get in and mess with us. If we focus on the scriptures and what God says about our situations, satan doesn't have a chance to tell us any lies and render us useless!
If we spend our time fretting because we don't fill a need the way we think we should, everyone loses. Well, everyone except satan.
God is showing me how to use this heart He gave me, and I'm listening to Him. What is God trying to show you? Are you listening? Are you focusing on His words, or letting satan lie to you?
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Who Guides Your Steps?
It's hard to break old habits. I wasn't raised with a biblical worldview, so I spend alot of time asking God to help me break some old habits. Recently I've been reading Psalm 119, and there are many verses that I love. I'm drawn to the scriptures--they take the place of sinful thoughts.
Verse 133 says "Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil."
Today I didn't spend much time in His word, and it was very obvious to me and my family that my steps were not guided by His word. This is one mistake that I can guarantee I won't make again. How can God guide our steps by His word if we don't read it?
Overcome by evil? That sounds so dramatic. I was a little mean and paid too much attention to the email, and was a little jealous of my parents, and a little nasty about a neighbor, I wouldn't call any of it "evil".
BUT, when God calls to me and leads me to His word, He shows me that I WAS overcome by evil today. I made an idol of the email, I coveted the path my parents are on, I spoke words that tear down instead of edify. These things are evil. Maybe not to the world, but to God and anyone who loves Him, they are evil.
Old habits die hard, but if you stay in the scriptures and let God guide your steps, pretty soon the old habit is gone and the Holy Spirit shines through. I thank God that He is merciful. I thank Jesus that His blood covers even the ugly sins from this afternoon. I thank the Holy Spirit for living in me and fighting for my soul.
Lord, please guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil.
Verse 133 says "Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil."
Today I didn't spend much time in His word, and it was very obvious to me and my family that my steps were not guided by His word. This is one mistake that I can guarantee I won't make again. How can God guide our steps by His word if we don't read it?
Overcome by evil? That sounds so dramatic. I was a little mean and paid too much attention to the email, and was a little jealous of my parents, and a little nasty about a neighbor, I wouldn't call any of it "evil".
BUT, when God calls to me and leads me to His word, He shows me that I WAS overcome by evil today. I made an idol of the email, I coveted the path my parents are on, I spoke words that tear down instead of edify. These things are evil. Maybe not to the world, but to God and anyone who loves Him, they are evil.
Old habits die hard, but if you stay in the scriptures and let God guide your steps, pretty soon the old habit is gone and the Holy Spirit shines through. I thank God that He is merciful. I thank Jesus that His blood covers even the ugly sins from this afternoon. I thank the Holy Spirit for living in me and fighting for my soul.
Lord, please guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Psalm 20:7
Today mom and the girls and I went grocery shopping. Exciting, I know!! The exciting moment came on the way home while waiting at a red light. A semi-truck was heading straight toward us and turned at the last minute. Of course we weren't worried about it hitting us, this happens all day long at this particular intersection. I do have to say that there's always a brief second where I hold my breath and wait for the impact--sometimes it's that close! Especially if you get carried away and pull up too far!
As I was staring at the headlights bearing down on me, my attention was pulled just a little further over toward the fender. I read the words Psalm 20:7. Oh good, maybe he's praying, like I am, that he doesn't smash me!! He obviously knows God if he has scripture plastered on his truck. (At least that's what I prayed!)
Once we were on the road again, we were intrigued. None of us knew off the top of our heads what the verse said. Both mom and I carry bibles in our purses, but don't ya know, we didn't have access to them at the moment. Never fear! This girl, who has a bible in every room in the house, also has one in the car.
Psalm 20 :7 says--Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. We went on to read the rest of Psalm 20. "May the Lord answer you when you are in distress;may the name of the God of Jacob protect you."(verse 1)
Now, we weren't ever really in any danger (I don't think!) but what an awesome chapter! I know a lot of people that are struggling with a lot of different issues right now. Read Psalm 20. Read it again. I'll be reading it and praying for all of these people. You can do the same. Sometimes it is the most powerful thing we can do-pray. Don't underestimate the impact you can make with this simply sacred act. And if you say you're going to pray for someone, DO it!!
As I was staring at the headlights bearing down on me, my attention was pulled just a little further over toward the fender. I read the words Psalm 20:7. Oh good, maybe he's praying, like I am, that he doesn't smash me!! He obviously knows God if he has scripture plastered on his truck. (At least that's what I prayed!)
Once we were on the road again, we were intrigued. None of us knew off the top of our heads what the verse said. Both mom and I carry bibles in our purses, but don't ya know, we didn't have access to them at the moment. Never fear! This girl, who has a bible in every room in the house, also has one in the car.
Psalm 20 :7 says--Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. We went on to read the rest of Psalm 20. "May the Lord answer you when you are in distress;may the name of the God of Jacob protect you."(verse 1)
Now, we weren't ever really in any danger (I don't think!) but what an awesome chapter! I know a lot of people that are struggling with a lot of different issues right now. Read Psalm 20. Read it again. I'll be reading it and praying for all of these people. You can do the same. Sometimes it is the most powerful thing we can do-pray. Don't underestimate the impact you can make with this simply sacred act. And if you say you're going to pray for someone, DO it!!
Monday, August 24, 2009
True Devotion
1 Thessalonians 5:16 tells us to "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." There are many situations where this could be a little difficult, right? Money problems, lost job, lost hair, troubled relationships, divorce, illness.
What about the loss of a child? Could we be joyful in the loss of a child? Could we give thanks in that circumstance? Could we believe that this could be God's will for us? Would we still trust Him and love Him? Could we praise Him while enduring this kind of tragedy?
This week I'm asking you to keep a family in your prayers that is living this life. A year ago this week, their 3.5 year old boy went home to be with Jesus. He had somehow removed his life jacket and wandered back to the pond they had been swimming in. No one (on earth) saw it happen. They discovered him too late.
His name was Christian! Mom, Marsha, is part of Heart of the Matter and has her own blog, www.othersuchhappenings.com . God has His arms firmly around Marsha, and is using this situation in ways that are amazing. I have learned soo much from reading her posts. Of course she is heartbroken, desperately misses her littlest man, but she brings life to the scripture I quoted above!
God has used her to make me a better mom. Anytime I let the stress of the day start to get to me, and I get frustrated with my girls, (especially my blonde haired, blue eyed 3.5 year old,) He brings Christian and Marsha to my mind. That's all it takes for the love and appreciation to pour out of my heart, not to mention some serious prayers for Marsha, David, Austin and Noah.
So please, take some time to pray for them this week. Take a trip to her blog to see what relying fully on God looks like. You'll be a better person for it, I guarantee.
What about the loss of a child? Could we be joyful in the loss of a child? Could we give thanks in that circumstance? Could we believe that this could be God's will for us? Would we still trust Him and love Him? Could we praise Him while enduring this kind of tragedy?
This week I'm asking you to keep a family in your prayers that is living this life. A year ago this week, their 3.5 year old boy went home to be with Jesus. He had somehow removed his life jacket and wandered back to the pond they had been swimming in. No one (on earth) saw it happen. They discovered him too late.
His name was Christian! Mom, Marsha, is part of Heart of the Matter and has her own blog, www.othersuchhappenings.com . God has His arms firmly around Marsha, and is using this situation in ways that are amazing. I have learned soo much from reading her posts. Of course she is heartbroken, desperately misses her littlest man, but she brings life to the scripture I quoted above!
God has used her to make me a better mom. Anytime I let the stress of the day start to get to me, and I get frustrated with my girls, (especially my blonde haired, blue eyed 3.5 year old,) He brings Christian and Marsha to my mind. That's all it takes for the love and appreciation to pour out of my heart, not to mention some serious prayers for Marsha, David, Austin and Noah.
So please, take some time to pray for them this week. Take a trip to her blog to see what relying fully on God looks like. You'll be a better person for it, I guarantee.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
K.I.S.S.
Today I'm half nuts trying to prepare for next week. (Already scriptures are flying through my mind. ) School starts on Monday for us. My daughter asked why it's called school. I told her that was a good question and suggested she come up with a name for it.
We can do that, call it whatever we want, because we are learning at home. God has called us to it and most days we all love it. I can't see sending her off to complete strangers, to a place God is not allowed, for 7-8 hours a day.....I won't get on that soapbox, today anyway.
Here's why I'm half-nuts: I have found several homeschool websites and blogs that have wonderful suggestions and ideas and products and blah blah blah. I sat down to start lesson plans with grand expectations, excited to implement many of the ideas I'd gleaned from others. At first I was excited, that quickly turned into feeling overwhelmed and then I shut down altogether. My poor husband dared to asked what was wrong. He won't do that again! Actually, he will because that's the kind of man God gave me. Anyway, I let him into the craziness of my head and it didn't take him long to basically say K.I.S.S. Most people know that as Keep It Simple Stupid. In my world it's Keep It Simply Sacred. How did I not see the mistake I was making? The best laid plans are absolutely worthless without God. I was looking to all sorts of influences for our education, because they are all "Christian" I felt comfortable.
Then He reminded me what my priorities are. So, I went where I should have gone in the beginning--to Him, in prayer and then scriptures. That's actually where I started. How I ended up immersed in all the other stuff...Thankfully He always pulls me back in when I get a little wayward. I'm spending my time in Titus and Proverbs and a few other places, and then I'll sit down with our lesson plans again.
And He reminds me that He's not a God of disorder, but of peace. (1Cor 14:33) I will cast all my anxieties on Him, because He cares for me. (1 Peter 5:7) With this knowledge, we will peacefully begin a new official year of learning.
We can do that, call it whatever we want, because we are learning at home. God has called us to it and most days we all love it. I can't see sending her off to complete strangers, to a place God is not allowed, for 7-8 hours a day.....I won't get on that soapbox, today anyway.
Here's why I'm half-nuts: I have found several homeschool websites and blogs that have wonderful suggestions and ideas and products and blah blah blah. I sat down to start lesson plans with grand expectations, excited to implement many of the ideas I'd gleaned from others. At first I was excited, that quickly turned into feeling overwhelmed and then I shut down altogether. My poor husband dared to asked what was wrong. He won't do that again! Actually, he will because that's the kind of man God gave me. Anyway, I let him into the craziness of my head and it didn't take him long to basically say K.I.S.S. Most people know that as Keep It Simple Stupid. In my world it's Keep It Simply Sacred. How did I not see the mistake I was making? The best laid plans are absolutely worthless without God. I was looking to all sorts of influences for our education, because they are all "Christian" I felt comfortable.
Then He reminded me what my priorities are. So, I went where I should have gone in the beginning--to Him, in prayer and then scriptures. That's actually where I started. How I ended up immersed in all the other stuff...Thankfully He always pulls me back in when I get a little wayward. I'm spending my time in Titus and Proverbs and a few other places, and then I'll sit down with our lesson plans again.
And He reminds me that He's not a God of disorder, but of peace. (1Cor 14:33) I will cast all my anxieties on Him, because He cares for me. (1 Peter 5:7) With this knowledge, we will peacefully begin a new official year of learning.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Persecutor or Persecuted?
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. (Matthew 5:11)
Are you a persecutor or are you persecuted? Chances are, if you don't like to hear the truth about your sin, then you're a persecutor. Of course, you'd probably claim to be persecuted, because you can't (won't) see the truth.
In Matthew 4:18-22, we're told about Jesus calling the first disciples. He says to Simon (Peter) and his brother Andrew, "Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Verse 20 says "At once they left their nets and followed him."!!!! AT ONCE!
Next he sees James and his brother John. "Jesus called to them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him."!!! IMMEDIATELY!
The first disciples dropped everything at once and immediately! Not after they did what they wanted to do, not after Jesus talked them into it, but right now! All Jesus had to do was say "come".
Are you that eager to follow Jesus? Are you that eager to hear His word and learn how you can be a better disciple? Are you being persecuted for the sake of Christ and His truth?
Maybe you're a persecutor. Too full of pride and offended by the truth. Choking the voice of the truth so that you feel good and look good.
Jesus said He didn't come to call the righteous, but the sinners. We are all sinners. That's why He came, that's why he died on the cross. If we don't want to admit to our sins we are disrespecting Jesus. Do you want to stand face to face with God and have that conversation? I'd rather be persecuted here on earth, my sins exposed, begging God's mercy and seeking to be a better disciple, than explaining to the one who gave everything up for me why I was so worried about looking good.
Are you a persecutor or are you persecuted? Chances are, if you don't like to hear the truth about your sin, then you're a persecutor. Of course, you'd probably claim to be persecuted, because you can't (won't) see the truth.
In Matthew 4:18-22, we're told about Jesus calling the first disciples. He says to Simon (Peter) and his brother Andrew, "Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Verse 20 says "At once they left their nets and followed him."!!!! AT ONCE!
Next he sees James and his brother John. "Jesus called to them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him."!!! IMMEDIATELY!
The first disciples dropped everything at once and immediately! Not after they did what they wanted to do, not after Jesus talked them into it, but right now! All Jesus had to do was say "come".
Are you that eager to follow Jesus? Are you that eager to hear His word and learn how you can be a better disciple? Are you being persecuted for the sake of Christ and His truth?
Maybe you're a persecutor. Too full of pride and offended by the truth. Choking the voice of the truth so that you feel good and look good.
Jesus said He didn't come to call the righteous, but the sinners. We are all sinners. That's why He came, that's why he died on the cross. If we don't want to admit to our sins we are disrespecting Jesus. Do you want to stand face to face with God and have that conversation? I'd rather be persecuted here on earth, my sins exposed, begging God's mercy and seeking to be a better disciple, than explaining to the one who gave everything up for me why I was so worried about looking good.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
God Is In Control
I love how personal the scriptures are. No matter what is going on at any time in one's life, there is a scripture that relates. Right now I'm especially enjoying Psalm 143:8. "Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You."
Of course, first of all, you have to be talking to the Lord to hear His lovingkindness. Then you have to trust Him. Then you have to sit back and let Him work His magic.
My husband and I were talking tonight about a few things that are going on right now. We know God is doing something, we just don't know what, yet. So, we have a choice. We can either drive ourselves crazy trying to figure out what He's doing, and "help" Him. Or we can be still and know that He is God.
I'm actually very excited to see how He's going to handle some of the things that our human minds can't fathom. If we can give up control and really trust God to do what needs to be done, what a story we'll have to tell!
My hubby, on the other hand, is a pro-active planner. I just know God is laughing at the thought of him squirming in wonder as to how it will all play out! God DOES have a sense of humor.
For now I will sing the song God has put in my heart--Trust and Obey--and I will sit back and enjoy the ride. One day I will have a good story to tell. And maybe my hubby will relax and enjoy this God-watch with me.
Of course, first of all, you have to be talking to the Lord to hear His lovingkindness. Then you have to trust Him. Then you have to sit back and let Him work His magic.
My husband and I were talking tonight about a few things that are going on right now. We know God is doing something, we just don't know what, yet. So, we have a choice. We can either drive ourselves crazy trying to figure out what He's doing, and "help" Him. Or we can be still and know that He is God.
I'm actually very excited to see how He's going to handle some of the things that our human minds can't fathom. If we can give up control and really trust God to do what needs to be done, what a story we'll have to tell!
My hubby, on the other hand, is a pro-active planner. I just know God is laughing at the thought of him squirming in wonder as to how it will all play out! God DOES have a sense of humor.
For now I will sing the song God has put in my heart--Trust and Obey--and I will sit back and enjoy the ride. One day I will have a good story to tell. And maybe my hubby will relax and enjoy this God-watch with me.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Reality
This morning the girls and I were doing our devotions and talking about how much God loves us. I was explaining to them how God sent Jesus, not just to die for us, but to be beaten, ridiculed, tortured and nailed (still alive) to a cross, even though he had done NOTHING wrong. I ended up in tears. I was overwhelmed (not for the first time) by the thought that God loved us enough to allow it to happen. Can you imagine if it had been your child? Do you love anyone enough to allow your only child tobe tortured, even though he was completely innocent, to save the other person?! I gave the girls an example of letting my oldest pay the ultimate penalty, in order for others to live. My youngest ended up tearfully saying "I would miss her".
You've heard the saying "what would Jesus do", well, we know what he would do. We know what He DID do. The next time we think things are bad, or we aren't being treated right, or we deserve better....what if we thought about what Jesus did? What if we thought about how God felt? That would be a reality check, wouldn't it?
Jesus died on a cross to pay a penalty He didn't deserve, His Father allowed it--to provide a way for us to be with him.
If I keep that in mind, I can handle just about anything. Most of us won't go through anything nearly as bad as that, thank God. If we can keep our situations in perspective, and seek God first, then what He did for us will not have been in vain. I heard it said once that every time we sin, we are nailing Jesus back on that cross. There's a visual for you to keep in mind!
You've heard the saying "what would Jesus do", well, we know what he would do. We know what He DID do. The next time we think things are bad, or we aren't being treated right, or we deserve better....what if we thought about what Jesus did? What if we thought about how God felt? That would be a reality check, wouldn't it?
Jesus died on a cross to pay a penalty He didn't deserve, His Father allowed it--to provide a way for us to be with him.
If I keep that in mind, I can handle just about anything. Most of us won't go through anything nearly as bad as that, thank God. If we can keep our situations in perspective, and seek God first, then what He did for us will not have been in vain. I heard it said once that every time we sin, we are nailing Jesus back on that cross. There's a visual for you to keep in mind!
Monday, August 17, 2009
An Attitude of Gratitude
Mary Ann Vincent said, "An atheist's most embarrassing moment is when he feels profoundly thankful for something, but can't think of anybody to thank for it."
The Bible says, "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name."
I thank God that he has opened my eyes to His truth. How pathetic life is without having Him to run to with thanks. I should think an atheist would not just be embarrassed, but desperately sad and empty. I have a hard time understanding that people don't believe in God. I have an even harder time understanding that people DO believe in Him, and still don't live for Him.
There is nothing sweeter than when my girls share what they know of Jesus with others. They are bold enough to just say it. My youngest saw a cross the other day and said to the woman standing near us, "Do you know who hung on a cross? Jesus!" Oh, to have the words come out as naturally as they do from a 3 year old who has only known a life with Jesus.
My oldest was having some quality time with her papa when I heard her ask him if he reads a Bible. How I've wanted to ask, yet it didn't feel right. I know, you've read some of my posts and I certainly don't sound like I'm afraid to talk God with anyone. Somehow this is different. There's too much between us. At least that's the lie that has hold of me right now. I know it's the enemy trying to choke me so I don't speak the words that need to be said.
For now, I'll let the enemy think he's won. He doesn't know the power of God through precious children.
I'm thankful for my girls and their innocent boldness. I'm thankful for open eyes. I'm thankful for a God that is everywhere, even the places we're afraid to go. I'm thankful that no matter where we've been or what we've done, there is a God who knows it all and still loves us. I'm thankful that even when we drop the ball and miss a chance to "talk God" with someone, He knows and always has a backup plan. I will give thanks to Him and praise His name.
The Bible says, "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name."
I thank God that he has opened my eyes to His truth. How pathetic life is without having Him to run to with thanks. I should think an atheist would not just be embarrassed, but desperately sad and empty. I have a hard time understanding that people don't believe in God. I have an even harder time understanding that people DO believe in Him, and still don't live for Him.
There is nothing sweeter than when my girls share what they know of Jesus with others. They are bold enough to just say it. My youngest saw a cross the other day and said to the woman standing near us, "Do you know who hung on a cross? Jesus!" Oh, to have the words come out as naturally as they do from a 3 year old who has only known a life with Jesus.
My oldest was having some quality time with her papa when I heard her ask him if he reads a Bible. How I've wanted to ask, yet it didn't feel right. I know, you've read some of my posts and I certainly don't sound like I'm afraid to talk God with anyone. Somehow this is different. There's too much between us. At least that's the lie that has hold of me right now. I know it's the enemy trying to choke me so I don't speak the words that need to be said.
For now, I'll let the enemy think he's won. He doesn't know the power of God through precious children.
I'm thankful for my girls and their innocent boldness. I'm thankful for open eyes. I'm thankful for a God that is everywhere, even the places we're afraid to go. I'm thankful that no matter where we've been or what we've done, there is a God who knows it all and still loves us. I'm thankful that even when we drop the ball and miss a chance to "talk God" with someone, He knows and always has a backup plan. I will give thanks to Him and praise His name.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Like Iron
"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."(Proverbs 27:17)
In this world of ever- decreasing morality, it's more important than ever to know what God says about things. It's even more important to share that knowledge with others. Not everyone is interested in learning the Truth, I'm discovering that. Not everyone takes it seriously. When confronted with the Truth, people tend to get defensive and either laugh as though it's entertainment, or get offended and accuse the truth teller of being a know-it-all.
I am neither entertainment, nor a know-it-all. I am simply a pilgrim learning the ways of my Father and desiring to do His will above all else. He calls us to tell others about Him and His ways. I am not afraid to "sharpen" another man, and I'm not afraid to be sharpened. We're accountable for knowing and obeying God's word. Knowing that, how can we not dive into our Bibles and learn all God wants us to know? When our children are sick, don't we search out everything possible to fix it? We don't pretend everything is okay and ignore the situation.
There is a Heaven and a Hell. We will answer to God for the life we have lived. If you haven't thought about it before, picture the day you answer to God for all the things you've done (and not done). He holds us accountable for EVERYTHING. That means thoughts and attitudes, besides actions. He can read our minds and our hearts. Doesn't that make you want to be more Christ-like?
Just like iron sharpens iron to improve it, we are to sharpen one another to make us more Christ-like. That takes humility and love for one another. Imagine the impact we could have if we took God's word more seriously, and ourselves less seriously. We would be wise to heed God's directions. Do some sharpening, allow some sharpening. If it's done on the foundation of God's Truth, with the right motive, you will be rewarded for it.
In this world of ever- decreasing morality, it's more important than ever to know what God says about things. It's even more important to share that knowledge with others. Not everyone is interested in learning the Truth, I'm discovering that. Not everyone takes it seriously. When confronted with the Truth, people tend to get defensive and either laugh as though it's entertainment, or get offended and accuse the truth teller of being a know-it-all.
I am neither entertainment, nor a know-it-all. I am simply a pilgrim learning the ways of my Father and desiring to do His will above all else. He calls us to tell others about Him and His ways. I am not afraid to "sharpen" another man, and I'm not afraid to be sharpened. We're accountable for knowing and obeying God's word. Knowing that, how can we not dive into our Bibles and learn all God wants us to know? When our children are sick, don't we search out everything possible to fix it? We don't pretend everything is okay and ignore the situation.
There is a Heaven and a Hell. We will answer to God for the life we have lived. If you haven't thought about it before, picture the day you answer to God for all the things you've done (and not done). He holds us accountable for EVERYTHING. That means thoughts and attitudes, besides actions. He can read our minds and our hearts. Doesn't that make you want to be more Christ-like?
Just like iron sharpens iron to improve it, we are to sharpen one another to make us more Christ-like. That takes humility and love for one another. Imagine the impact we could have if we took God's word more seriously, and ourselves less seriously. We would be wise to heed God's directions. Do some sharpening, allow some sharpening. If it's done on the foundation of God's Truth, with the right motive, you will be rewarded for it.
Friday, August 7, 2009
I Am Not Ashamed
"One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving. Surely you will reward each person according to what he has done." (Psalm 62:11-12)
Those verses suggest God will reward you by what you do. You aren't saved by what you do, but you prove your salvation by what you do. I don't want people to wonder if I love God, I want it to be perfectly clear. I especially want God to know that I am what I claim to be--a wretched sinner who gets through each day only by the grace of God and the knowledge that He loves me.
Recently a local man died and I was overcome with the realization that he may very well be in hell. I don't know if he knew Jesus Christ. The obituaries (not just his) list all sorts of accomplishments, club memberships, relatives, hobbies, etc., but they don't mention Jesus Christ. They don't mention what the person has done to further the Kingdom, how they have loved, or encouraged others in the Lord, if they even know Jesus.
This blog is the mission ground the Lord has given me. This is one way I can spread the word about Jesus Christ and His place in your life. I don't want my obituary to list worldly success, I want it to say I tried to tell people the Truth--whether they like it or not. I love my heavenly Father and I'm not ashamed to talk about Him. I'm not afraid to read my Bible and find out what He thinks is important. And I'm not afraid to share what I learn from Him. My reward for obeying Him and sharing His Truth with others will be in heaven. He said his followers wouldn't be popular with the world, he even said we'd be hated by the world. That's a chance I'm willing to take, for your sake as well as my own.
Those verses suggest God will reward you by what you do. You aren't saved by what you do, but you prove your salvation by what you do. I don't want people to wonder if I love God, I want it to be perfectly clear. I especially want God to know that I am what I claim to be--a wretched sinner who gets through each day only by the grace of God and the knowledge that He loves me.
Recently a local man died and I was overcome with the realization that he may very well be in hell. I don't know if he knew Jesus Christ. The obituaries (not just his) list all sorts of accomplishments, club memberships, relatives, hobbies, etc., but they don't mention Jesus Christ. They don't mention what the person has done to further the Kingdom, how they have loved, or encouraged others in the Lord, if they even know Jesus.
This blog is the mission ground the Lord has given me. This is one way I can spread the word about Jesus Christ and His place in your life. I don't want my obituary to list worldly success, I want it to say I tried to tell people the Truth--whether they like it or not. I love my heavenly Father and I'm not ashamed to talk about Him. I'm not afraid to read my Bible and find out what He thinks is important. And I'm not afraid to share what I learn from Him. My reward for obeying Him and sharing His Truth with others will be in heaven. He said his followers wouldn't be popular with the world, he even said we'd be hated by the world. That's a chance I'm willing to take, for your sake as well as my own.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
What Do You Worship?
Yesterday I mentioned putting down the magazines and turning off the television. I should have included all the "wonderful" technology that should be used for good, but so often is used for evil. What started out as modern convenience has become a new way of life. The amount of time and money and desire devoted to these items is out of control. The really sad part is that so many people are blind to the fact that there is a problem. You can assume from the title of this blog, simply sacred, that we have next to none of these items. Obviously we have a computer. We have television and DVD. Believe it or not, we actually survive without a cell phone!
"Be careful, or you will be enticed to turn away and worship other gods and bow down to them." (Deuteronomy 11:16) The Bible warns us that if we aren't careful, we will be "enticed" away and worship other gods and "bow down" to them. Wow. Those are strong words. But isn't that exactly what advertisers are counting on when they invade our homes with their messages? What you have is never good enough, there is always something better to be had. You never look young enough, pretty enough, thin enought, tan enough. You never have enough hair, a firm enough stomach. You have to have the latest fashions or you're a loser. You must have the right phone, you know, the one with the all the people that come with it.
My oldest said the funniest thing one day. She saw someone that had a certain type of phone and said "I thought she would have hundreds of people following her!"
That's the greatest thing about our God. You don't need hundreds of people following behind to make you acceptable. You only need Jesus Christ.
For the sake of your marriage, your family, your eternal destiny; rid yourself of the things that are getting in the way of God and what He wants for you. Don't worship technology, worship the Creator. He will give you the desires of your heart, as long as you are desiring His will. How can you do that if you're wrapped up in everything but Him?
"Be careful, or you will be enticed to turn away and worship other gods and bow down to them." (Deuteronomy 11:16) The Bible warns us that if we aren't careful, we will be "enticed" away and worship other gods and "bow down" to them. Wow. Those are strong words. But isn't that exactly what advertisers are counting on when they invade our homes with their messages? What you have is never good enough, there is always something better to be had. You never look young enough, pretty enough, thin enought, tan enough. You never have enough hair, a firm enough stomach. You have to have the latest fashions or you're a loser. You must have the right phone, you know, the one with the all the people that come with it.
My oldest said the funniest thing one day. She saw someone that had a certain type of phone and said "I thought she would have hundreds of people following her!"
That's the greatest thing about our God. You don't need hundreds of people following behind to make you acceptable. You only need Jesus Christ.
For the sake of your marriage, your family, your eternal destiny; rid yourself of the things that are getting in the way of God and what He wants for you. Don't worship technology, worship the Creator. He will give you the desires of your heart, as long as you are desiring His will. How can you do that if you're wrapped up in everything but Him?
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Confession Time
My husband and I have been married a little more than 8 years. We have been blessed with 2 beautiful girls that I have the honor and priveledge of staying home with and raising. My husband is a faithful, hardworking, loving, bible-believing, sometimes grumpy, honest man.
Here comes the confession: Since the moment we said "I do", there has been someone else!
He came between us then, and has stayed there for our entire marriage. He is the one I go to first, before I even speak to my husband. He is the one I do everything for. He is my reason for living. He gives me what my husband can't give me. He says the things I need to hear. He can read my mind, and knows my heart. He loves me in a way no one on earth possibly could. He is the reason my marriage is as good as it is. Without him, I know my marriage would fall apart.
Have you guessed who the other man is? It's God. He is the only other man you should have--and you SHOULD have Him in your marriage.
When you read Ephesians 5 (the whole chapter), you see how to make sure you have a successful marriage. Each of us needs to look only to God and our spouse. When you start feeling unhappy, restless, unappreciated, undesirable, bored, etc...then you look no where else but to God and your own heart. Read Ephesians 5 a few times until it sinks in your head and your heart. God tells us what to do, and not do, for a fulfilling marriage.
One of the many reasons that I avoid most television shows and movies, is the way they portray relationships. The more you see that garbage, the more you think you have a raw deal and there is something better and more exciting out there. I spent years looking for the right guy that treated me the way I wanted to be treated and you know what I discovered? He doesn't live on earth! The best way to have the spouse you want is to turn off the television, put down the magazines, pick up the Bible, and look to God. He is the only role model worth having.
If your spouse isn't making you happy, then have an affair! Just make sure "the other man" is God.
Here comes the confession: Since the moment we said "I do", there has been someone else!
He came between us then, and has stayed there for our entire marriage. He is the one I go to first, before I even speak to my husband. He is the one I do everything for. He is my reason for living. He gives me what my husband can't give me. He says the things I need to hear. He can read my mind, and knows my heart. He loves me in a way no one on earth possibly could. He is the reason my marriage is as good as it is. Without him, I know my marriage would fall apart.
Have you guessed who the other man is? It's God. He is the only other man you should have--and you SHOULD have Him in your marriage.
When you read Ephesians 5 (the whole chapter), you see how to make sure you have a successful marriage. Each of us needs to look only to God and our spouse. When you start feeling unhappy, restless, unappreciated, undesirable, bored, etc...then you look no where else but to God and your own heart. Read Ephesians 5 a few times until it sinks in your head and your heart. God tells us what to do, and not do, for a fulfilling marriage.
One of the many reasons that I avoid most television shows and movies, is the way they portray relationships. The more you see that garbage, the more you think you have a raw deal and there is something better and more exciting out there. I spent years looking for the right guy that treated me the way I wanted to be treated and you know what I discovered? He doesn't live on earth! The best way to have the spouse you want is to turn off the television, put down the magazines, pick up the Bible, and look to God. He is the only role model worth having.
If your spouse isn't making you happy, then have an affair! Just make sure "the other man" is God.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Singing and Shouting
One of my favorite scriptures is Zephaniah 3:17. "The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Singing, in Hebrew, can also mean shouting with joy or laughing cheerfully.
Can you imagine God actually cheering you on? Whether you are struggling or succeeding, our Heavenly Father is shouting with joy for you! How much easier does that make your journey? When you feel like you can't do it anymore, you're just plain tired; hold onto these words. When you're following His will and being obedient to Him and others don't understand and are critical of you; hold onto these words.
There is no opinion on earth that matters more than the Lord's. You will never have peace until you realize that His opinion is the only one you should seek.
My husband and I are teaching our girls this--to only seek God's approval. The way they dress, the things they read, listen to, watch, the attitude with which they handle things. God's approval is the ONLY one that matters. If we all teach our children Zephaniah 3:17, they will have a much better road ahead of them. If we can learn, (and teach our children ) to rely completely on God, to listen for His singing, we'd be a glorious example of His love.
Can you imagine God actually cheering you on? Whether you are struggling or succeeding, our Heavenly Father is shouting with joy for you! How much easier does that make your journey? When you feel like you can't do it anymore, you're just plain tired; hold onto these words. When you're following His will and being obedient to Him and others don't understand and are critical of you; hold onto these words.
There is no opinion on earth that matters more than the Lord's. You will never have peace until you realize that His opinion is the only one you should seek.
My husband and I are teaching our girls this--to only seek God's approval. The way they dress, the things they read, listen to, watch, the attitude with which they handle things. God's approval is the ONLY one that matters. If we all teach our children Zephaniah 3:17, they will have a much better road ahead of them. If we can learn, (and teach our children ) to rely completely on God, to listen for His singing, we'd be a glorious example of His love.
Monday, August 3, 2009
"Forget About It"
"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, " (Phillipians 3:12-13)
Did you catch that? Forgetting what is behind.
I am far from perfect. I don't claim to be even close. That's why I cling to God's word. I'm not alone in this and His word is a constant reminder to me that He is with me. That is worth remembering.
Paul tells us to forget what is behind. Our success in being more Christ-like is dependent on forgetting the garbage that is behind, or in the past. If what you are thinking about and remembering is not helping in your growth toward Christ, then forget it! It's that simple. Train yourself (and your children) to just "let it go". If your thoughts are not causing growth, they are from satan. Remember the Bible says to take every thought captive and make it obedient to the word of Christ. If you do this, your growth in Christ will skyrocket!
When I start thinking about what someone said to me, the way they said it, the look they gave, etc. I grab that thought right away. I compare it with what God says in His word, and go from there. Maybe I'll find I'm being dramatic, maybe there is truth in it, but as long as I take the thought captive and make it obedient to Christ's word then I can forget what's behind and strain toward what is ahead!
Afterall, it's not about me. It's about the Creator of all things and fulfilling His purpose. The only way I can do that is if I know what He expects and be obedient to Him.
Did you catch that? Forgetting what is behind.
I am far from perfect. I don't claim to be even close. That's why I cling to God's word. I'm not alone in this and His word is a constant reminder to me that He is with me. That is worth remembering.
Paul tells us to forget what is behind. Our success in being more Christ-like is dependent on forgetting the garbage that is behind, or in the past. If what you are thinking about and remembering is not helping in your growth toward Christ, then forget it! It's that simple. Train yourself (and your children) to just "let it go". If your thoughts are not causing growth, they are from satan. Remember the Bible says to take every thought captive and make it obedient to the word of Christ. If you do this, your growth in Christ will skyrocket!
When I start thinking about what someone said to me, the way they said it, the look they gave, etc. I grab that thought right away. I compare it with what God says in His word, and go from there. Maybe I'll find I'm being dramatic, maybe there is truth in it, but as long as I take the thought captive and make it obedient to Christ's word then I can forget what's behind and strain toward what is ahead!
Afterall, it's not about me. It's about the Creator of all things and fulfilling His purpose. The only way I can do that is if I know what He expects and be obedient to Him.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Do I Offend?
My step-dad mentioned this blog from the pulpit today. Satan has already started his pathetic attack on me. Apparently he doesn't know that I belong to the Lord and I know all about his wicked little lies. I started to fall for them. I was worried about offending someone. My goal is NOT to offend anyone. If you get offended while reading this, I lovingly ask you to pray and see if it's not conviction.
"...for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me, but the world must know that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me."
Jesus said this in John 14:30. The prince of this world is satan. He rules the earth, but I take Jesus words as my own. Satan wants me to worry about offending someone. Jesus tells me the world must know that I love the Father and do exactly what He has commanded me.
The purpose of this blog is to be bold in Christ and hopefully have a contagious effect on those who read it. We can't be afraid to do what's right, to teach our children to do what's right, and to let other people know what we're doing and why we're doing it!
"...for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me, but the world must know that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me."
Jesus said this in John 14:30. The prince of this world is satan. He rules the earth, but I take Jesus words as my own. Satan wants me to worry about offending someone. Jesus tells me the world must know that I love the Father and do exactly what He has commanded me.
The purpose of this blog is to be bold in Christ and hopefully have a contagious effect on those who read it. We can't be afraid to do what's right, to teach our children to do what's right, and to let other people know what we're doing and why we're doing it!
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