Monday Morning Fight

Often times when I need a bit of encouragement I enjoy reading through the book or sermon notes that I have recorded. Printed words have always had a great impact on me. As much as possible I try to take notes or write lengthy blog posts about God's word in my life. It becomes a map of the way that God has been shaping me and leading me, as well as a reference to go back to the truths that have impacted me. It gives me a way to process and ponder something that so often is heard or read, then nearly immediately forgotten because of all the other demands of life.
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When I had nearly a whole week to myself in a hotel room while Rob was at the World Dairy Expo in September I had read a book of Alexis' called Battle Cry for my Generation, by Ron Luce. The book was as powerful the second time around as it was the first time I read it. It is mainly directed at a teenage audience and is a wake up call to what shapes the minds and decisions of this generation. It is a battle cry to the Christian teen to wake up and look around at what is happening right in their midst. It reveals the subtle yet immense power of media in our lives, and especially the lives of young people as they grow up with the messages always being heard and seen on TV, movies, radio, and magazines, not to mention the Internet.
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As conservative as we are in our home with these outside sources I realize just how much the scales are still off when we balance the influence of scripture verses computer and movie time. Think of it... how many days a week do you sit down with your children (or by yourself) and read the Bible for 1 1/2 hours straight, the duration of a normal movie? Ron Luce states in his book that "When we exalt someone, we allow them to influence us and give them authority in our lives." So when we see Ariel swimming around for the umpteenth time in nothing but a bikini top, then she trades her whole species for the promise of a ring, what does that say to my girls? When the radio blares "You've got me and Jesus!", what kind of theology does that teach my children? Or when they hear again that Little Foot lived with his fellow dinosaurs millions of years ago, how does that shape their beliefs on creation and evolution?
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The subtleness is, well, so subtle. "Satan is not able to force you to sin, instead he goes to work on your mind, introducing tiny deceptions, one at a time. Then, little by little, when he has enough influence in your life, you begin following through on temptation. He is successful because he has been invited to do it. Media, TV, Internet, video games, and movies have provided him with more than enough means to dupe us a little at a time." "You may be surprised to find that you have become desensitized to what's out there- just because it is so common."
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While reading the Bible do you try to justify your life by it, or do you let it be God's measuring rod, taking it at face value for what it really says? It is His word. Unbelievable effort has been taken in translation to keep it true to what was originally written by inspired men of God. Countless tests have been run to test it's authenticity and accuracy. It is the heart of man that has insisted on changing it's meaning.
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After pointing out the enemy and his tactics, Ron Luce calls us to decide how we are going to fight this battle that is waging right outside our doors. The battle that longs to consume our children and our very souls, all for the exchange of a few trifling moments of pleasure. He says "It's time to wake up and realize there is a war going on for your generation. Your enemy is not playing games. It's time for us to take a stand and fight back." Do you believe that? That there is a war going on? Do you feel the pull? Do you see the battles? Do you see how easy it is to be sucked into this culture and it's beliefs, rather than draw near to God? It is very subtle, and we are experts at masquerading a Sunday Smile and justifying our very own sins and complacency. "If we have that attitude we will lose out and pay the price for our inactivity. You have a lot more influence than you know. It's time for us to take a stand and fight back. While the enemy hates us with every fiber of his being, he is not so strong, nor the battle so large, for us to be defeated. We have the living God on our side~ If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31"
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"The question is, what will you do? Are you ready for a fight?" He encourages us to know our enemy, and even more to know ourselves. The fight within us, Christian brother and sister, will not end until death. Even though we are saved, the battle for sin still rages right within our very own soul. The sin of the devil, pride, is so deep and so subtle that we easily overlook it in our own lives. Our first desire is not to glorify God ultimately but to make ME happy. Praise the Lord, we do have the Holy Spirit to guide us on that walk, but it is a practiced art to allow him to guide us. "If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle. What are my weak points? Do I see the enemies attacks coming? 2 Corinthians 11:14 Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. We become easy prey because we voluntarily let Lucifer into our minds. After seeing and listening to so much bad stuff... what's right and what's wrong start to become a little hazy. 83% of this generation believes that truth is relative to the situation!" Those are our children lumped into that percentage mark, unless we choose to fight. "Almost like a herd of cattle, so many just fall in line and allow themselves to be led into the fuzzy world of moral relativism. The devil's offers look freeing, but they always lead to bondage." God wasn't kidding when He wrote the Bible, my friends.
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"It is time to wake up and stop playing into the devil's hands by pretending everything's okay. Col 3:2 Set your hearts on the things above rather than earthly things. Romans 12:9 Love what is pure, hate what is evil, cling to what is good. And let's stop telling ourselves that we are not being affected. You must wake up and fight. God never creates someone with a small destiny. To finish we need: devotion [to the word], defiance [to sin], courage [to live it], and endurance [to finish the race]. Where is God calling [you] to live more courageously? If it is in God's word, we need to uphold His code."
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And, more encouraging words from my notebook by Todd Friel, "People are sick of silly, they want serious, holy, deep." In the direction that everything is headed people are seeing that these lies of peace, joy, happiness, and comfort are crumbling right before their eyes. There has to be something more; there is something more, and it's found in God. And... "If you question whether something in scripture applies to you~ if it is wrote in scripture, it applies to you.
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So what does all that look like in practice? In my life it has encouraged me to go deeper in the word, both myself and with my children. To memorize that word, uphold it against all else, teach it where possible, live it as best I can. Another area in my life that I am trying to develop is regular, purposeful prayer for my husband and children, as well as myself. I long to see God's hand work to grow them deep in the word, to have a desire to obey that word, to love their God, purity, future spouses, opportunities for growth, for Godly teachers who will encourage them. In my own life that God would change the areas of my heart that are not yet submitted to Him, to know His word more, and to love it, that I would be quick to obey, to be joyful, to constantly seek the Lord, to be so passionately in love with Jesus that it is contagious. I have to admit, it has brought both condemnation and joy as we hold unswervingly to His word.
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Again, in the words of Ron Luce "There will be times when you may have to endure personal turmoil while God is changing you. You will have to endure the attacks of the enemy as he becomes more and more irritated with you and the damage you are doing to his shrinking kingdom." In the end, I want to stand before my savior and hear Him say "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Coffee and a Bible

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. ~ 3 John :4

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And like RedGateFarm just recently posted, children don't just happen to start walking in the truth all on their own ~ they follow their example and respond to the teaching of dedicated parents. Although I am far from perfect, or even close to fully resembling Christ, I always find it great joy when God allows the kids to witness nearly every morning my quiet time with a cup of coffee and a Bible. Our primary relationship with Christ is through the word. To walk in the truth we have to know the truth. My prayer and my goal is that I, too, would have no greater joy as I hear that my children are walking in the truth. For there is no greater joy than walking in the truth with your Savior.

More Minor Prophets

The Lord will care for them; the Lord will be awesome to them; the Lord is righteous; the Lord is mighty to save; the Lord has taken away your punishment; the Lord is with you.
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The Lord will punish those who are complacent; the Lord will bring great distress on the people; the cry on the day of the Lord will be bitter; the Lord will sweep away everything from the face of the earth; in the fire of the Lord's jealousy the whole world will be consumed; the great day of the Lord is near~ near and coming quickly. ~ The Prophet Zephaniah
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Happy Monday Morning! The coffee's strong and the Lord is good! Whew! I have to say, working my way through the minor prophets has been challenging. It is hard to wake up every morning knowing that, again, I have to see myself in the very same place as many of the nations that these prophets warned. She obeys no one, she accepts no correction, she does not trust in the Lord, she does not draw near to her God (Zephaniah 3:2). In the depths of my soul that is still me.
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How many times do I cringe at obedience, even (especially?) to the word; how many times do I refuse to accept correction (from my husband, pastor, loved ones); how many times do I whine, worry, and complain rather than just trusting God for even the small things (like toilet paper, let alone my salvation); how many times do I let the world (the internet) consume me rather than drawing near to my God?
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My immediate justification is to only focus on God's goodness to me. Yes, yes, yes, I know, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, but I do not want to forget who I am, lest I leave a legacy of apathy to my children. This great salvation of God came to even me. Throughout all the ages He has required His children to walk in His ways. He has given us numerous prophets and warnings, and yet we stray. Like the Israelites in Exodus we claim "Just tell us what to do God, and we will obey!". Yet, at the first test, we fail Him. In the easy things, we fail Him. It's not about saving the world, signing up for every project at church, or following the law to a T. God requires that we act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him. Proclaiming his statutes by our lives and obedience.
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Let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows [the Lord].

Loving the Word

Working my way through the Minor Prophets has been a bit depressing. It is hard to see the continuous rebellion in the Lords people (maybe it hits a little too close to home??) and the constant hurt this brings to them and God. I have started to balance things out a bit by spending time in the Psalms. Today, Psalm 119 was such an encouragement to me in so many ways. The 176 verses of this long Psalm reflect on the truth of God's word. It is thought that Ezra wrote the psalm, honoring the God whose word He loved. It resonates with my struggles today, thousands of years later.

In my life, as a Christian, I love the Word. The Bible is a daily part of my life. Either by reading it, hearing it, or meditating on the promises of it. Scripture is the only perfect revelation that God has left to his people until He returns. It is His love letter to His future bride. I read it in longing for Him to come. I love it because I love Him. I strive to obey it, because He wrote it. What encouragement He gave me today to stay steadfast in it.

Don't take my word for it. Read it for yourselves, and see what God has to say to you.

Would the Real Christian Please Stand Up?

I can look back over the past few years and really see where God has been leading me; removing my grip on this world and the things of it, and looking to Him for my joy, provision, comfort, and satisfaction. In many ways it has been a journey that I would not have chosen to go myself, but do we ever really seek and long for spiritual growth that is hard aside from the Lord bringing it? One of the things that I have noticed over the course of this time has been the various distinctions between people who are truly seeking God, and those who are just going with the flow of the Christian heritage of our culture. The "nice" people who really have not been transformed, but don't want to offend you. Or the one's who have sat in the same church pew for years, but have not been touched by God. The one's who make up their own God, and insist I follow him. It has caused me to evaluate, from the point of Scripture, just what the true Christian would look like. Not to judge outwardly, but to judge myself inwardly. Do I know, that I know, that I know that I am saved? If so, then what should my life look like, not work based, but heart based.
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John points out in 1st John 4:7 that those who love have been born of God. Which, in my brain, only tends to confuse things more. Our society has deemed love as making people happy, primarily ME! We have been taught by commercial adds, psychiatrists, even churches, that if I am not happy, then somebody doesn't love me. But what is love? Love is not making somebody happy at any cost, but rather seeking the good for that person at any cost. Is it greater love to let a child go undisciplined and let him have his way, or is it the greater love to discipline them for their own good? Is it greater love to watch somebody go astray in the name of love, or is it the greater love to share with them your concerns? And what is the greatest "good" for a person? Scripture tells us that we are all sinners, and apart from Christ we are all headed to Hell. Therefor, the greatest good of a person is to tell them of the saving grace that came from the shedding of blood on the cross, for their very own sins. But who wants to hear that? And who calls that love?
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John points out in 5:1 that everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God. This is a continuous belief, an ongoing belief that never ends. It comes with an understanding that not only do we profess Jesus is the Christ with our mouths, but with our whole lives as well. It does not imply just mouthing the words, but living the words. The life that is transformed because they know that Jesus is the Christ, born of God, and all that implies.
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John says in 5:3 that to love God is to obey his commands, and His commands are not burdensome. This love is an action word. It is not mearly a mushy, gushy feeling deep down in our hearts, like when we see the Folger's coffee commercials, but it has an underlying depth that does not come without sacrifice. It will cost us to love God, but it will not be burdensome, but rather a joy to serve our King. To obey the commands, tho, the Christian would need to know the commands. If we reveal that we love God by obeying His commands, and we do it with joy, then we reveal that we are truly His.
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God has used the passage of Acts 10, the story of Cornelius and Peter, as a measuring rod in my life the past few weeks. Both of these men were devout and God fearing, and that is when God spoke to them. As we claim revelations from God without the first part, we best be checking where these revelations come from. Is our life devout and God fearing? Do we commit ourselves to Scripture, the reading of it, the true interpretation (not our hearts desire of what we want it to say) of it? Are we in a constant battle to rid ourselves of the sin that longs to rule, and seek to live righteously in honor of our King? Are His commands burdensome? Do we know His commands? Do we know Him?
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As the kids and I have been reading through Exodus we see again and again the Israelites' grumbling and unbelief against God. In chapter 18 Moses' father in law, Jethro, pays a visit. His wisdom and instruction to Moses is to teach the people the decrees and laws of the Lord, to show them the way that they are to live. Back in chapter 16:4 God tells Moses that He will test them and see whether they will follow His instructions. In a home with several children it is easy to see this "testing" around here; not so easy to always follow His instructions. As we know His decrees and laws, and if we are truly saved, then the Holy Spirit will begin to cause our hearts to gladly obey Him; and His commands will not be burdensome. As we learn to obey Him in the small things, it becomes easier to obey Him in the big things. Check your heart! What commands are burdensome in your life? Are you willing to take Scripture for whatever it says and just obey?
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But, how many people do we truly see living this way? How many churches are preaching salvation, sin, obedience, knowing the word, heart transformation rather than outward conformity? As we have gone through a couple of Bible studies lately I have taken a role of mostly observing. I find it interesting to see what peoples beliefs really are, and am saddened to see some of these young people, who were brought up in the church, with so little knowledge and desire for God and His word. Satan's first deceit in the Garden of Eden was to twist the word of God enough that Eve questioned it. Have we not become masters at twisting the Word ourselves, so it pleases us, rather than glorifying God in it's entirety?
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I don't think that God was kidding when He said one day He is coming back to judge the nations. The hearts and lives of everyone will be revealed. God says in Amos 7 that He is setting a plumb line among His people [Israel]. He is the plumb line, His word is the standard, His people will follow it and gladly obey it. Oh, that He would raise them up to be bold and courageous in a time such as this.

The Glorious Role of Woman

I have been itching to get my thoughts down about this subject ever since that quilting retreat I went to. A girls weekend full of crafting, drinking lots of coffee, and talking about God is a good inspiration. Real life and home school and a farm often get in the way, tho, of having 5 straight minutes to put coherent thoughts down on paper. My journey through the minor prophets (plus that convicting bathroom book) has reminded me again of this glorious role of woman, some of the pitfalls, and the opportunities it holds to glorify God.
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In this day of women's lib, equal rights for women, and throw in some post-modernism for an extra boost, our culture seems to have created the kind of women that God was talking about in Amos 4:1. Women who are so busy climbing the corporate ladder that they oppress the poor and crush the needy (their own children? hurting neighbors?their husbands?) in their greed to get to the top of the proverbial hill in a futile attempt to gain all this world claims to offer. Women who have belittled men and their positions along the way, including their own husbands and their positions as men. It is pretty hard to ignore a verse where God calls these women "cows" and not take a serious look at what He was trying to make clear to them. I know from experience. Once buying into the lie that women can and should have it all- a job, children, thinking that fancy cars and clothes and houses will make us happy, and not having to submit to a man's authority along the way to get there. Throw in a new baby, a home in disorder because of my rebellion, and a sovereign God, and I realized a little of what God was saying.
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We as women long to rule. It was a curse handed down long ago in the Garden of Eden. It runs deep, and even after salvation is a temptation that continually needs to be bridled. Our generations' role models in society have not been primarily of Godly women caring for their homes, but more of scantly dressed females in positions of power on the stage, in politics, and particularly over men. Am I wrong in my assessment? To take a good, hard look at ourselves is the first step in seeing just who we are. Knowing our weaknesses helps us to be aware of them. Breaking free from what the world calls a successful woman and what the Lord calls a successful woman is a long, hard journey. One led by the Holy Spirit, and one worth pursuing. We, as Christian women, owe it to our daughters to leave a legacy and a role model for them to follow.
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God's first role for woman was to be a help mate for her husband. Primarily, after our relationship to God, our first concern should be for the well being of our husbands. As a prayer warrior, encourager, and homemaker we can assist our husbands with the duties that God has given him, which (in Genesis) God says is to bear the image of God, subdue the land and provide for his family. God has set man up as the head of the household, and called women to respect him as such.
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I find the verse in Amos 4:1 to clearly reveal some of the women of our times. Women who have bought into "equal" roles of men and women. We are all equal in God's sight, but He has given us different roles. Not better, not worse, just different. God does not call the husband to be the helpmate to his wife, but the other way around. Yes, the man out of simple love for his wife helps her with duties, but the Godly wife will not request consistently that her husband steal her joy in serving him and their home by completing her tasks. He should not have to come home after a long day and take over her home-making jobs as well. He has enough work to do on his own without having to come home and think about what is for supper. A Godly wife handles those sometimes mundane, behind the scene jobs with joy so that her husband can focus on his work (primarily leading the family spiritually, providing for them, advancing the kingdom). Scientifically God has created women to be much better at multitasking and handling those little details than men. Do we despise this role that God has given us? I admit, I often times buy into the attitude that he should just cook supper sometimes, or sweep the floor, or pick up the dirty clothes. But why would I deny myself the joy of fulfilling my God given role, bringing great happiness to my husband, and simply honoring scripture by complaining?
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A submissive wife also allows her husband to protect her. I have found that by placing myself physically in my Godly role of serving my husband, it is easier to place myself spiritually under his Godly headship. Women have an overwhelming tendency to let their emotions control them. Our poor husbands have to face women who have been taught to belittle men and their positions in the first place, then have their wives try every emotional tactic to control them (tears, anger, etc.), and then they have the hard job of trying to shape these wild tigresses into submissive, God honoring women who are raising the next generation. Outside of an act of God they have a huge job on their hands. As Christian mothers we owe it to our daughters to set a better example to follow so that our daughters can immediately enter marriage as help mates to their husbands, rather than potential home destroyers because they insist on their own ways. And, we owe it to our boys to raise strong Godly men who can handle leading a Godly home.
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God's next role to woman was to be a mother. This precious gift of bearing children and nurturing was given to her alone. Again, a great distinction in the roles of men and women and how God created them. To the woman he gave the overwhelming maternal instinct to love and protect her child. He gave her only a few short years to nurture these little lives and shape and mold them into adults who will go out to make their own decisions. What a tremendous opportunity we have been given!
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Women are called to be keepers of the home in Titus 2:4-5. In our day and age a full-time, working mother is the norm. Our God given role is to take care of the home first. Understanding that some women have no choice but to work, others do have a choice. The choice may be giving up a lifestyle, but it is still a choice. God is glorified when moms stay home and be moms. It is the way He designed it. Think back to your childhood. I cannot think of hardly one time when I came home and my Mom wasn't there. Often with good food to eat, or a project she was working on, or just simply being there. There is a great sense of comfort in knowing that Mom will be there.
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Mothers play a huge role of training their children in righteousness in the home as well. Are we setting an example for our daughters to follow in marriage? In our dress, talk, actions, attitudes? How about for our sons? Would you want your son to marry a woman like you? That is exactly the kind of woman he will be seeking in just a few short years. She will be the kind of woman that is raising your grandchildren. Do our children see us following and honoring God in all we do? Do they see us in the Word? Do they see us serving? Do they see our hearts?
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The last, and final thought, is in women in leadership, primarily in the church. I have been accused of having too high of opinions and even being judgemental on a few certain topics that I feel the Bible is clear on. Women in ministry is one of them. I see clearly in scripture that God has called men to be the leaders in the home and in the church. It does not mean that women don't hold specific roles as well, or that they cannot minister or teach in other ways. 1st Timothy 2:12-14 clearly states that a woman should not be in a teaching position in authority over a man. He goes on to clearly explain that it is because the woman is easily deceived. Ouch! How can we glorify God even in this? By accepting what He has said, understanding that His way is the only way, trusting and praying that God would rise up Godly men who will stand up and teach. If you have followed any of the falling away of the church, then you are clearly aware of the movement to accept women as pastors and leaders in the church. How many other "little" things have we denied in scripture to get to this point? Are we willing as women to accept even this, without calling it denying our rights as women, and trust God to again glorify His name as we honor it? Has he really withheld anything from us in putting men into this position? I often tell my girls when they try that tactic that that is just a "woman's excuse". Remember Eve in the garden? Satan deceived her by tricking her that God was withholding something from her by not allowing her to eat from the tree.
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Stand up Christian woman and rise to the mighty calling that God has for you! It is a time in history, a pivotal time, to decide just who you are in Christ. Go to the word. Cling to it, and obey it. It will cost you your life, all your preconceived ideas of what will make you happy, and bring eternal rewards. God created woman, and He called it good!

Words of the Wise

God gives us pain because it is the only way we can see the times He catches us when we stumble. God gives us hardship and suffering because it helps us understand His true love.
~Alexis, age 13

Delving into the Minor Prophets

After finishing reading Revelation I contemplated just where to start reading next. Several years ago I decided to read through the Bible chronologically, starting with the New Testament. My intention was to read straight through, each book of the Bible, and wound up taking a 4 year journey into the Word of God. What I thought would be a quick process turned into a lot of soul searching and spiritual growth that has made me love the word of God even more. So, now that the kids and I are working through Genesis I really wanted to start somewhere else in the Old Testament. The Lord led me to study the Minor Prophets, starting with Joel. Here we go...

The first thing I realized was how much of John's Revelation was being spoken of through Joel, as well. We serve a God who is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. A God who has this all planned out from the beginning, so it is reassuring to us nearsighted sheep to be reminded of this again. The other thing I realized was that there was no opening to the book. It is as if the urgency of the message was so heavy to Joel that he just delves into the prophesy without much introduction or explanation. I often wonder about how, when, and where these prophecies took place in these men's lives. I wonder if anyone believed them. Or if people just thought "There he goes again", "Why does he think God is talking to him?", "Crazy guy!".

But Joel found this worthy to tell not just his listeners, but the coming generations of the great and mighty deeds of God.The land appears to be under attack by locust. I think of how God uses locust elsewhere in scripture as a judgement after warning his children to repent. I think of the "locust" in our culture that are destroying our land. Joel warns these people to "Wake up, you drunkard, and weep!". It is as if these people are oblivious to what is happening right under their noses. But as they ignore it, God makes it unavoidably obvious to them. Causing the locust to be so great in number that they destroy all that is before them; the crops of wheat and barley, the fruit trees and crops of the field. They are so many in number that they are compared to charging warriors, scaling the walls like soldiers, rushing upon the city, climbing into the houses like thieves through the windows. And it is the Lord that thunders at the head of his army. The day of the Lord is great; it is dreadful. Who can endure it?

But what is the Lord's intent with this attack? It is to turn His people, His called and chosen people, back to Him. To rend their hearts, and not their garments. His desire is that they would return to God with all their hearts, with fasting and weeping and mourning over their sins. For God is gracious, and slow to anger and abounding in love for His people. For it is not God's desire to harm His people, but neither will He contend with being made a mockery of. His righteousness and justice go before Him.

When the people do repent, God will once again be jealous for His land and take pity on His people. He will open the floodgates and pour out on them Himself and His blessings. God will make all things right through His judgement. And the people of God will praise His name, for He has worked wonders. He will be a refuge and a stronghold for His people.

Multitudes, multitudes are in the valley of decision! Choose this day whom you will serve. Being indifferent is a choice. Either be hot or cold. For the day of the Lord is near.

Just a Nuggett

Just a nugget from God's word that really encouraged me this morning:

Psalm 89:14Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.

As I have been contemplating just how the two go together (love and doctrine) God has shown me how he combines them.

Love or Doctrine?

Or.... Doctrine or Love? Which one matters most? What is "Love"? Has it become so inflated that we don't even understand the meaning of it anymore? How much do we risk to stand on doctrine? Jesus, as our example, came and loved, but He never faltered on keeping and upholding His Father's standard. Over and over again I seem to be bombarded with these continuing thoughts.

Recently I have been reading about the ELCA's decision to accept openly gay and lesbian pastors (no surprise there). I was amazed at the comments made such as "this was a decision that Jesus himself would have supported because He loved everybody", how God has "accomplished something wonderful by this decision", that "homosexuality in the human family was natural and acceptable to God". I just about cried. Anybody wonder why judgement is knocking at the door?

Doctrine teaches us why and how we should love. When we base everything on loving each other we turn each other into self centered love seekers, rather than God centered servants. Without doctrine we don't know who we are or who God is. What is our greatest need? It is to be reconciled to God. Not to find joy and happiness in this life.

How lightly we handle the word of God. How easily we malign it to say what we want it to say. How careless we are to obey it. How long will God tolerate it? What a pie in the sky God we have created. I pray that He will open our eyes and reveal Himself. Rise up Christian and stand. Now is the time. Go deep in the word, teach it to your children, be brave enough to live it for Him, preach it in your churches. I don't think He's kidding.

And now, dear children (some translations use little children), continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before His coming. 1 John 2:28

A great response to the ELCA decision by Pastor John Piper here.

Wearing the Scarlett Letter

I have again been reminded of my own sinfulness by the way I have handled being confronted with a wrong doing. I find myself justifying my actions, rather than admitting my wrong. I find myself wanting to be the one in the right, make myself look good, rather than see God glorified. Rather than learning by running into this brick wall, I want to tear down the brick wall so as to silence it. How deep my pride goes. I want to cover up my past evil doing and make it go away without dealing with it. I realize how deep my own desires are for myself to be content with me, rather than to see Christ grow in me. My prayer is that God would break this self centeredness in me, and turn it into a Christ-centeredness. But as He is doing that painful work I rebel against it. Ouch, it hurts! May my heart truly be for Him and His truths. Not my own.

Know Your Enemy

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Know Your Enemy
I have been reading through Revelation in my Bible. Years ago when I first read of John's experience I have to admit it scared the heebie-jeebies out of me. I couldn't read it after dark. Now being this is the 3rd of 4th time studying it I am discovering that I can read it without (a lot of) fear. After all, God does remind us that He is in control of even this. If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity he will go. If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sword he will be killed. This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints (Rev. 13:10). Which to my limited understanding clearly shows that the saints will have to endure the trials and tribulations that are layed out, as much as I am still looking up and waiting for that trumpet call before it all begins.

I have been reading, and re-reading, chapter 12. It is heaven's side of the birth of Jesus, the devil's rebellion, man's walk on earth, and salvation through the blood of Christ on the cross. I have been pondering for some time how our lives (the way we live them, the choices we make, the beliefs we believe, etc.) and Christ's atoning blood sacrifice go together. It is only by the blood of Jesus as a perfect sacrifice that we are saved, but yet because of that the Holy Spirit begins a work of righteousness that is revealed in the believers life. That work of righteousness is the mark of our salvation. It is a response to salvation; a result of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will only do what glorifies Christ, therefor in a Christians life He will only prompt us to that which glorifies the Lord. Which is why there is such a transformation in a person's life when they are saved. If we are not continually being put in line by the Spirit (according to scripture) it would be wise to reconsider again where we are with God.

But on the other side of that, in Revelation 12:9, is the devil. Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He is called the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night. He is filled with fury because he knows his time is short. Elsewhere in scripture he is described as an angel of light, the prince of the earth, the sower of weeds (false doctrine, beliefs) the serpent, a lion that prowls around seeking to destroy. I don't know what your beliefs are about the devil, but I have seen and experienced enough in my own life to know that he is real. If nothing else that he has done he has made me realize how real God is. I don't think we begin to understand the battle that is ensuing, even right now, for the souls of the world. God knows those who are His and their names will never be taken from the book, but the devils whole job is to lead the world astray. I would say he is doing a pretty good job at it.

How then can a Christian stand? I think of Noah who lived in a time (maybe not so different than ours?) when all the thoughts of man where evil all the time. God could only find Noah and his family as faithful. How popular do you think he was? Or Abraham and Lot. When God was going to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and Abraham begged him to spare it for the sake of 10 faithful people. They could not be found, yet Lot and his family stood for the Lord in these wicked cities. Or Elijah, who thought he was the last one left of the faithful. I am fully convinced that one day we will come before God and give an account for our lives. Our actions, thoughts, deeds, and beliefs will be brought before him for reconciling. Our lives have a ripple effect on all those around us. Things that appear to be small and insignificant really become the pattern for something huge that has eternal consequences. If it is the devils primary goal to lead us astray, how much more than shall we cling to the Word and the Saviour of our souls? If we are inclined to sin and to our own selfish ways and desires how much is too much to give in to? What is a little sin to tolerate? And, let's just bring it up again, why are our churches not preaching like Hell could be somebodies tomorrow? For eternity! Why have we watered down the Scriptures and the gospel? Could it just be because Satan's primary goal is to lead the whole world astray?

Although these are the times set for the world and the way God chose to show His glory, in the end He promises He is the one who triumphs. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Revelation 7:17. He promises.

$3 Worth, Please

Thursday, October 15, 2009

$3 Worth, Please
I would like to buy $3 worth of God, please.
Not enough to explode my soul or disturb my sleep,
but just enough to equal a cup of warm milkor a snooze in the sunshine.

I don't want enough of God to make me love a black man
or pick beets with a migrant.
I want ecstasy, not transformation.
I want warmth of the womb, not a new birth.

I want a pound of the Eternal in a paper sack.
I would like to buy $3 worth of God, please.
~
Wilbur Rees
~
Wow. I haven't quite put into thought just how that reveals my life yet. I like to think I am living somehow radically for God, but the reality is that I usually want just enough to be comfortable, too. Whatever excuses I make for it, they're still just excuses.

May God make me bold enough to step out of my comfort zone and want more than just $3 worth; enough to explode my soul and disturb my sleep.

King of Our Own Hills

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

King of our Own Hills
With the few spare moments I have to ponder things lately (that homeschooling really gets in the way sometimes:), here's something that has been most prevalent the last couple of days, it comes from a bit of a daily devotional (Slice of Infinity)that I get...

"Everybody wants to be the king of a hill," he concluded. "But the number of aspiring kings always dwarfs the number of available hills, so in this country we build more hills."

It has made me consider what hills I am building. Why are they so important? Why do I feel that I need to be the king of them? What's wrong with being humble, huh, Yertle? Which are the important hills to be working on? It does seem to me that we are all pretty occupied building our own hills to be the king of that we forget who really is the King of the Hill.
~
And, totally not related, the kid's and I have been having "heart checks". Umm, sweetie-pie, better check your heart on that one. So, as I was still perturbed at the washer repair guy for not showing up on my schedule for the past 3 weeks, I turned my frustration into blessings and sent him home with some squash. Along with praying for him, which changed my heart as much as God hopefully worked on his. Had it not been for the motor housing being destroyed by a loose nickel we would have never even met this guy in the first place, if you really want to put things into perspective. Plus I got out of a few days of washing laundry.

Reading Genesis

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Reading Genesis
With school back in session life is beginning to take on a bit of a routine again. We have slacked on our marathon Bible reading over the summer so it is nice to be back intensely in the word again with the kids. We are working our way through Genesis. Have you ever noticed how much scandal is in Genesis??! Wowsa! It reads like a novel! I'm a little scared to get to Song of Solomon. We have not been able to read quite as much at a time like we did the New Testament as there is just so much to retain with all the genealogies. It's nice to know that God has it all planned out even when it all looks like a mess from this end. His sovereignty is seen from the beginning of time.

The Writing on the Wall

Friday, October 2, 2009

The Writing on the Wall
, or another title "What do we expect out of Jesus?". The Dairy sent Rob on a week long trip to Madison to represent them at the World Dairy Expo and budgeted in a weeks vacation for me too. Unfortunately they would not cover the expenses for the kids, which means I have to endure a week of quiet, reading, shopping, eating out, and swimming all by myself. I am missing the little buggers tho:) Which brings me to my point...

On the wall of the bathroom in the Goodwill store there was a long lamenting from a 13 year old girl about how horrible her life was and therefor there was no God. In the course of time several responses were wrote back, and it has made me ponder for 2 days just what do we expect of Jesus? Cotton candy and pony rides? I can't find in my Bible any evidence for that. It has burdened my heart, and caused me to pray for this young lady that God would reveal the true Him to her, and send somebody into her life to show her the truths of who He is. I also have pondered just what kind of response I would give her.

As a young Christian we do tend to see God for what He can give us... the power, the gifts, the joy. But in the midst of the long haul of the trials of this world He becomes so much more. Our rock, our hope, our salvation. The truth amongst confusing beliefs. But ultimately He is our Savior. Our atoning sacrifice between us and God. He never offered us the cotton candy and pony rides, only Himself.

There is not much logic in thinking that things are bad, therefor there is no God. I might just go back and write on the wall myself. Wait, is that illegal??!!

Sunday Debate

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Sunday Debate
I am officially back on line~ the computers up and running! So, here's my question for the day... Is the Bible enough for teaching and discipling young christians (talking twenty somethings, but really any age)? Seriously! Do we need more than the word? Fancy movies and books and programs? Hmmm.... give me your feed back!
~
So, here's my general frustration... the Bible seems to play such a small part in our churches (and, dare I even say, our Christian homes) and has taken second place to movies and the newest books on the market. We have gotten so caught up in the newest national pastor, author, publication that we forget about teaching the Bible even in Sunday School classes and Bible studies. Supplements are great, but not at the expense of the Bible itself in our churches. How do we expect to raise a generation of children who will make a difference in the kingdom if we don't first teach them how to use their swords? How will we know how to decipher the bombardment of false beliefs that are constantly being thrown at us by the enemy if we haven't armed ourselves first? Why is the Bible not the first obvious choice for small group studies in a christian setting, rather than deciding on some book or movie? I agree that these supplements are great, but let's put the word of God first.

Something's Missing (besides that piece to my bread machine)

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Something's Missing (besides that piece to my bread machine)
A little conviction, plus some food for thought this morning as I read through the latest Christian Aid's Christian Mission magazine. Quotes like " Burning with zeal to see the Lord's name established in Senagal..." "...bringing many to the Lord and discipling them intensely." "Hundreds have come to the Lord..." "Suleman is committed to seeing that the Lord's purpose is fulfilled in every believer's life, and that takes discipleship." "They do so with conviction, courage and at great personal cost."

Hmmm... I haven't noticed that in too many lives around here. I'm not sure that my life even reflects that at this point. I am a bit more teetering on the exhausted end of summer stage, rather than burning with desire to see my loved one's and neighbors come to a knowledge of God's salvation and seeing that His purpose is fulfilled in their lives by discipling them. What's the difference between us in America and a man in Africa? Have we made Christianity such of a common, luke-warm thing here that people don't realize eternity is on the line? I heard once that if every pastor were dipped in Hell just up to his ankles, his preaching and zeal would be transformed to a higher level. Have we forgotten what it's all about? How does one display that in their lives?

I think a part of that answer lies in another quote from the magazine "Suleman prayed for a strategy to affect the entire nation". The kids and I were reading in Revelation the other day about how our prayers come before God in heaven, with an assembly of angelic hosts surrounding God, in a sense, to see how He will respond and bring glory to His own name. If God savors our prayers, longs to glorify His name through them, bottles up every tear we cry out to Him, promises to lead and guide, then why are we not on our knees more? Have we exchanged His glory for cotton candy and pony rides?

Then, there's discipleship. Do we know and obey the word of God ourselves? We live in a society of "christians" that do not know what the word of God says. We go to churches that do not require to even bring or open our Bibles. Are we training our families in the word? To be warriors for Christ, who will run to the battle line for His sake, to pick up their swords, fully equipped for the battle. Or, are we still playing pattycake with the devil?

Another quote "From the beginning Suleman understood the importance of raising up a generation of children who know the Lord." May the Lord raise up willing workers who give all to raise up a generation of children to know Him here. May He raise up strong leaders and teachers who will uphold the importance of training in the truth.

Okay, okay, I'll go find some cute kid pictures to post. These are just the things that continue to roll around in my head and won't stop. Better go find my own little warriors and equip them for the battle.

Choose This Day Whom You Will Serve

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Choose This Day Whom You Will Serve
Not to beat a dead horse or anything, but the issue of divorce and remarriage has come up so many times in the past couple of weeks that I have been left feeling like I am the only one (well, besides that wonderful sister of mine, and my husband) who is willing to take a stand on what the word of God says. What saddens me is the way that it is justified by believers to actually appear that God is for remarriage after divorce. That we as His chosen are not willing to trust Him in this as well. That our churches celebrate remarriages, and everyone rejoices for the new couple. That we look so much like the rest of society even in this area. That the word of God is not uplifted above all else.

I watched just this past week as a couple who had no prior reason to take a stand either way, and were confronted with a situation where they needed to see what God had to say, were shown scripture to back up that Christians should not remarry after divorce. They rejoiced in the revelation of the word that was made so clear to them! But, within literally days, I saw that word snatched from them as they talked to a pastor and a deacon at two different churches, and then read books justifying other positions.

The common, always heard reasoning's being: the person wasn't saved when they were married the first time therefor they are a new creation in Christ and the first marriage was not a commitment before God (and what about those children from that first marriage? Are they then too considered null and void?). It was their spouse who left them therefor they did everything to save the marriage so they are free to remarry (if they go on to remarry they did not do everything to save themselves for God to reunite them). Aren't we all sinners? How can I condemn him if I do such and such? Has God really said thou shall not remarry after divorce? (Clearly, all those verses can't be that He really meant it). I don't feel convicted (are we therefor basing our beliefs on our feelings, or the word of God?). It is better to remarry than to lust after women (as my dear husband pointed out, men are going to struggle with lust whether they are married or not ~ poor excuse). There was adultery involved, therefor scripture says it is okay to divorce (Scripture also says forgive, that divorce was given because of the hardness of our hearts, and it does not say that remarriage is fine for reasons of adultery).

When will we start standing for the word of God? This grieves my heart. To watch my fellow brothers and sisters justify this is so sad. To see most of them unwilling to even take a stand. What is of utmost importance? The word of God, or our temporary comfort and happiness? Again, how do we preach to our children the importance of a Godly marriage that lasts a life time (like God ordained) while our churches and fellow Christians are celebrating remarriages in our sanctuaries?

Personally, we could not attend a wedding this past weekend of very good friends of ours for this very reason. My heart is so sad and heavy to watch this being celebrated amongst our body of believers.

Choose this day whom you will serve. If He is Lord, then follow Him.

Fearing God

Friday, July 31, 2009

Fearing God
Do you ever fear God? In my early morning ponderings, with over an hour to myself to pray, think and consider life, my thoughts come back to where I am with God. I find myself fearful to come into his presence at times. Fearful that He really sees through the games that I play with myself and others. Fearful that I cannot fool Him. Fearful that I might hear something that I don't want to hear, something that I have so brilliantly justified and made excuses for in my life. But, when I do come near, there He is. Open arms. Beckoning me to love the me I hide and just rest in Him. Remembering again that it is by His grace that I am able to do any of the things that He Himself has called me to in the first place. Why do I insist on running away, rather than running immediately to my Heavenly Father?