Monday, January 12, 2009
Ephesians 1:17-19
The other day at work I was talking with a couple of people and the topic turned to religion. One of the nurses made the comment how she didn't understand why people (her parents especially), who claimed to be saved, still clung to this world so much. Why their lives didn't look much different, and how they feared death, even though the scriptures they believed in gave such hope. It turned into discussion of varying religions, and the benefits of believing in them. With the world at our fingertips, so to speak, we now have a smorgasbord of even religions to pick from. As a kid I don't recall anybody being anything but a Christian, or maybe Jehovah's Witness, in our small community. Now anything is possible.
~
So, as I was reading in Ephesians this morning, that conversation came back to my mind. Paul writes:I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance of the saints, and his incomparable great power for us who believe.
~
Wow! I want that! Wisdom and revelation so that I may know God better. I want the eyes of my heart enlightened in order that I may know the hope to which He has called me. To see the riches of His glorious inheritance to me, and His great power for me because I believe.
~
John and Stasi Eldridge, in their book Captivating, talk about people in church. (This won't turn into a church thing, I promise!) Take a look around at the people in church, or even in your Christian circle. Do they look like people who are enthralled by God? Seeking for his wisdom and revelation that they may know him more. Trusting and obeying Him? Living just for Him? It is interesting to watch people in Christian circles just to watch for this. I'm not talking about who has perfected the outside appearance, or who has the least sin showing, but who is truly seeking and found that great joy and power that is promised. I haven't found too many, sad to say. Most of them are too busy squabbling about who said what, or who is on the nursery schedule, or who has to clean up after potluck.
~
I find myself truly wanting those things in my life. I want to daily, every moment actually, walk so close to God that I can feel Him by my side. To pray and trust and live in such a way that it is evident. That people wonder what in the world is wrong with me! But, mostly I am a coward and enjoy sulking in my own self concerns.
I have been reading a book from a friend called First We Have Coffee, by Margaret Jensen. She tells the story of her mother, who was a pastor's wife, and the legacy she left her children, with the simple acts of walking close to God and in that touching every life she encountered. The way that God rewarded that, in the immediate sense, was by fulfilling his Word in being faithful. She tells of a time when they were traveling through Canada to her father's new post, and her mother asked to stop for a cup of coffee. Her father stopped at a little restaurant, and having only enough money for coffee for her mother, the family was surprised when he came back to the car telling them all to come in, the Oriental owner was going to treat them all to lunch, for free. Well, as if that wasn't enough answer to prayer, months later the father went back to the same place in his travels, intending to pay the man and thank him again for his hospitality. There was nothing in the place of the restaurant but an empty field. After inquiring, he discovered that there never had been a building of any sort there, nor an Oriental man who ever lived there. God had provided in a way unimaginable. I want stories like that to tell in heaven. Here was a simple woman who was given these gifts, of seeing God work, that she may know him better.
~
I want to live out the hope that He has called me to. I want to reveal, through my life, the riches of his glorious inheritance. Again, I am at His throne, on my knees, asking for His will.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
2 Corinthians 4
Sunday, December 28, 2008
2 Corinthians 4
I am loving reading through Second Corinthians. It reveals so much of who God is, and gives such a hope to His children of eternity to come. I find myself pondering a lot about God's glory, and just what that is. I can relate it to geometry, nothing you can touch, yet very real. I never did understand why they were always measuring those angles and shapes somewhere out there in outer space. Nothing tangible, just at random trying to figure out some equation. Glory appears that way sometimes, too. Nothing you can touch or see clearly, but all the same, it is who God is. After being saved for many years, I seem to come back to these very simple truths of God, which, really, defines just who God is.
~
Verses 10-12 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
~
My brain seems to be in a constant struggle to make the fruits of the spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control) to rule in my life. Not just to outwardly be able to act those things out, but to truly feel them in my heart and actions. I do not want to be an impostor, but to truly see God do these things through me. Talking with Alexis and that wonderful sister of mine about sanctification, we have discovered how God puts the very things in our life that drive us crazy to use for sanctifying us. For Alexis it is little brothers. Daily she has lots and lots of opportunities to choose to die to self, so that the life of Jesus may be revealed in her; even to her brothers. Sometimes I drive myself crazy, always having this measuring rod of Christ in my life. Many times I indulge in my own selfish ways. Always having to come back in repentance.
~
Paul reminds us how our daily deaths, given to God, is for the sake of Jesus, that he may be revealed in our mortal body. So, my happily being a Dish Dawg on my dish days, repeating the verse mounted in front of me (whoever wants to be greatest among you must be a slave to all) is a death to self, revealing Christ to my family. They all know how just me myself would grumble and complain about it. As I woke this morning, to not 5 but 8 little people, I rethought again what a great impact my obedience will one day have on these children. At least I hope and trust God that it will. There is nothing greater in this lifetime than to know Jesus, and to reveal that.
~
Verse 16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.~So, day by day, moment by moment, as God continues to make me eternally minded, I will continue to fix my eyes on Him, rather than what is here, unseen. Not always understanding what He is doing in situations out of my control, but trusting and waiting. Renewed daily by the Word of God, and encouraged that one day it will all be revealed. An eternal glory that far outweighs anything of this lifetime is His reward. As if He wasn't enough in Himself.
~
On that note, and being that the major holidays have passed, I am off to quilt away the next few days. Taking my mom's advice to take some time for myself, I am going to indulge in messy houses, fend for yourself, and non-stop quilting! Can't wait!
2 Corinthians 4
I am loving reading through Second Corinthians. It reveals so much of who God is, and gives such a hope to His children of eternity to come. I find myself pondering a lot about God's glory, and just what that is. I can relate it to geometry, nothing you can touch, yet very real. I never did understand why they were always measuring those angles and shapes somewhere out there in outer space. Nothing tangible, just at random trying to figure out some equation. Glory appears that way sometimes, too. Nothing you can touch or see clearly, but all the same, it is who God is. After being saved for many years, I seem to come back to these very simple truths of God, which, really, defines just who God is.
~
Verses 10-12 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
~
My brain seems to be in a constant struggle to make the fruits of the spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control) to rule in my life. Not just to outwardly be able to act those things out, but to truly feel them in my heart and actions. I do not want to be an impostor, but to truly see God do these things through me. Talking with Alexis and that wonderful sister of mine about sanctification, we have discovered how God puts the very things in our life that drive us crazy to use for sanctifying us. For Alexis it is little brothers. Daily she has lots and lots of opportunities to choose to die to self, so that the life of Jesus may be revealed in her; even to her brothers. Sometimes I drive myself crazy, always having this measuring rod of Christ in my life. Many times I indulge in my own selfish ways. Always having to come back in repentance.
~
Paul reminds us how our daily deaths, given to God, is for the sake of Jesus, that he may be revealed in our mortal body. So, my happily being a Dish Dawg on my dish days, repeating the verse mounted in front of me (whoever wants to be greatest among you must be a slave to all) is a death to self, revealing Christ to my family. They all know how just me myself would grumble and complain about it. As I woke this morning, to not 5 but 8 little people, I rethought again what a great impact my obedience will one day have on these children. At least I hope and trust God that it will. There is nothing greater in this lifetime than to know Jesus, and to reveal that.
~
Verse 16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.~So, day by day, moment by moment, as God continues to make me eternally minded, I will continue to fix my eyes on Him, rather than what is here, unseen. Not always understanding what He is doing in situations out of my control, but trusting and waiting. Renewed daily by the Word of God, and encouraged that one day it will all be revealed. An eternal glory that far outweighs anything of this lifetime is His reward. As if He wasn't enough in Himself.
~
On that note, and being that the major holidays have passed, I am off to quilt away the next few days. Taking my mom's advice to take some time for myself, I am going to indulge in messy houses, fend for yourself, and non-stop quilting! Can't wait!
2 Corinthians 3:7-18
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
2 Corinthians 3:7-18
Wow! Has God been doing a work in my life. I have not necessarily enjoyed it the past year, but it has been necessary.
More and more I am realizing who He is, who I am not, and am learning, slowly and painfully, to yield all to His plan and glory. In all my ramblings I hope to at least reveal that. Second Corinthians has been such a breath of fresh air. Daily God speaking straight to me. Just the thought of that alone. God speaks to me, and to you, if we will just listen.
~
Paul starts out the passage talking about the Law, basically the 10 Commandments given to Moses. He says in verse 7-9 "Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, fading though it was, will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? If the ministry than condemns men is glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness!"
My first thoughts go to the glory of God. It is something that I can talk about, but I don't think it is something I will fully understand until after an eternity with God. It is not a tangible thing. Like air, you can not see it, but you also cannot live without it. Everything is for God's glory. Everything. The good, the bad, it all will bring Him glory. It all points back to the Creator, and says He is good, He is worthy, He is the all in all.
I don't know about you, but for me the focus is usually all about me. Even as a Christian, we are so easily consumed with ourselves at the core. The Holy Spirit will spend a life time pointing us to the truth of God's glory, and making it all about Him.
~
So, again, Paul is comparing the Law and Jesus. Salvation will never be attained by what we do, what we consider good works, what we think is good enough. The Law was given to prove that point. The very thing that was thought to bring acceptance by God, was actually to be their death sentence. No one ever can, or ever will be able to keep the Law perfectly. Since God is holy and righteous, He cannot look upon sin, therefor as sinful creatures, we cannot be in God's presence due to our sins. The only way to be in His presence, then, is to be without sin. The Israelites took this Law and thought by it they could please God and enter His presence. They exchanged the Law for God's grace, and ultimately Jesus himself. In doing so, they denied their own sinful nature, and need for a Savior.
~
Even the law revealed God's glory, to the point that they could not even look at Moses after he was in the presence of God's backside. Verse 10-11 goes on to say "For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. And if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!" But the shine on Moses' face faded. Just as the glory of the Law faded. The surpassing glory is Jesus himself. His glory will never fade. The Law was a step in God's plan to show people their wickedness, and to reveal Jesus as the Savior. There is no comparison to Him. He took our sins upon Himself, something the Law could never do. In doing so, we are forgiven, covered by the blood and able to be in God's presence. He was the required sacrifice, free of blemish, slain for his people. He alone kept the Law perfectly for our sake.
~
Now the challenge-Verse 12"Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold."
As I sat on my couch, hiding out from the world in a sense, I had to ponder "Bold in what?". I certainly have not been feeling very bold in my walk. The whining and self pity I have enjoyed harboring over the past year certainly isn't bold. The slothfulness, and anger, and disobedience isn't bold. The flat out disrespect I have for my husband at times, the frustration I feel over my kids and my attitude towards them, the fear I have in witnessing, the lack of graciousness to others, my apathetic prayer life, etc, etc. It caused me to think upon Gods ultimate plan. That this will one day be His kingdom and domain, His glory will ultimately be revealed in a clearer way to all. How does my life reflect who He is, and what He has done? Wherever He has chosen to put me. Why do I deny by my thoughts and actions what I know. Why do I fear to be bold? Why do I not cry out to God for it? In a way I have fallen captive to the same thing as the Israelites. I have been looking at my works, the Law in my life, rather than the power and glory of God in it. Rather than choosing to look for God in everything and reveal him in everything, I have become content to just stay where I am at, grumbling about the same things. I want to be bold.
~
Verses 13-16 are glorious verses about salvation. About God, through Jesus, removing the veil that covers hearts before salvation. It totally denies any "free will" we may presume to have in regards to controlling our own salvation and destiny. They clearly reveal God's sovereignty and plan of election in our lives. Since I am clearly going on and on, I will save those topics for another day.
~
Verses 17-18. Sweet victory! "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." It's not about me, and it is not me who will bring about this transformation of becoming like Christ. God himself promises, through the Spirit, to transform us into God's likeness with ever-increasing glory. First of all, tho, I guess that means less of me. Getting rid of some really ugly things in my life. Letting go, so God can fill it back up with Him. In the Lord there is freedom! Glorious Freedom! The kind Mel Gibson portrayed in worthy as fighting for in Braveheart. I want to fight like that in my life, for God's glory. I want the devil to shutter as my feet hit the floor in the morning. I want to stand one day before my Savior and hear Him say, well done, good and faithful servant. This is obviously the path He is taking me down to get me there. I will continue to trust Him in it.
2 Corinthians 3:7-18
Wow! Has God been doing a work in my life. I have not necessarily enjoyed it the past year, but it has been necessary.
More and more I am realizing who He is, who I am not, and am learning, slowly and painfully, to yield all to His plan and glory. In all my ramblings I hope to at least reveal that. Second Corinthians has been such a breath of fresh air. Daily God speaking straight to me. Just the thought of that alone. God speaks to me, and to you, if we will just listen.
~
Paul starts out the passage talking about the Law, basically the 10 Commandments given to Moses. He says in verse 7-9 "Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, fading though it was, will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? If the ministry than condemns men is glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness!"
My first thoughts go to the glory of God. It is something that I can talk about, but I don't think it is something I will fully understand until after an eternity with God. It is not a tangible thing. Like air, you can not see it, but you also cannot live without it. Everything is for God's glory. Everything. The good, the bad, it all will bring Him glory. It all points back to the Creator, and says He is good, He is worthy, He is the all in all.
I don't know about you, but for me the focus is usually all about me. Even as a Christian, we are so easily consumed with ourselves at the core. The Holy Spirit will spend a life time pointing us to the truth of God's glory, and making it all about Him.
~
So, again, Paul is comparing the Law and Jesus. Salvation will never be attained by what we do, what we consider good works, what we think is good enough. The Law was given to prove that point. The very thing that was thought to bring acceptance by God, was actually to be their death sentence. No one ever can, or ever will be able to keep the Law perfectly. Since God is holy and righteous, He cannot look upon sin, therefor as sinful creatures, we cannot be in God's presence due to our sins. The only way to be in His presence, then, is to be without sin. The Israelites took this Law and thought by it they could please God and enter His presence. They exchanged the Law for God's grace, and ultimately Jesus himself. In doing so, they denied their own sinful nature, and need for a Savior.
~
Even the law revealed God's glory, to the point that they could not even look at Moses after he was in the presence of God's backside. Verse 10-11 goes on to say "For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. And if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!" But the shine on Moses' face faded. Just as the glory of the Law faded. The surpassing glory is Jesus himself. His glory will never fade. The Law was a step in God's plan to show people their wickedness, and to reveal Jesus as the Savior. There is no comparison to Him. He took our sins upon Himself, something the Law could never do. In doing so, we are forgiven, covered by the blood and able to be in God's presence. He was the required sacrifice, free of blemish, slain for his people. He alone kept the Law perfectly for our sake.
~
Now the challenge-Verse 12"Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold."
As I sat on my couch, hiding out from the world in a sense, I had to ponder "Bold in what?". I certainly have not been feeling very bold in my walk. The whining and self pity I have enjoyed harboring over the past year certainly isn't bold. The slothfulness, and anger, and disobedience isn't bold. The flat out disrespect I have for my husband at times, the frustration I feel over my kids and my attitude towards them, the fear I have in witnessing, the lack of graciousness to others, my apathetic prayer life, etc, etc. It caused me to think upon Gods ultimate plan. That this will one day be His kingdom and domain, His glory will ultimately be revealed in a clearer way to all. How does my life reflect who He is, and what He has done? Wherever He has chosen to put me. Why do I deny by my thoughts and actions what I know. Why do I fear to be bold? Why do I not cry out to God for it? In a way I have fallen captive to the same thing as the Israelites. I have been looking at my works, the Law in my life, rather than the power and glory of God in it. Rather than choosing to look for God in everything and reveal him in everything, I have become content to just stay where I am at, grumbling about the same things. I want to be bold.
~
Verses 13-16 are glorious verses about salvation. About God, through Jesus, removing the veil that covers hearts before salvation. It totally denies any "free will" we may presume to have in regards to controlling our own salvation and destiny. They clearly reveal God's sovereignty and plan of election in our lives. Since I am clearly going on and on, I will save those topics for another day.
~
Verses 17-18. Sweet victory! "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." It's not about me, and it is not me who will bring about this transformation of becoming like Christ. God himself promises, through the Spirit, to transform us into God's likeness with ever-increasing glory. First of all, tho, I guess that means less of me. Getting rid of some really ugly things in my life. Letting go, so God can fill it back up with Him. In the Lord there is freedom! Glorious Freedom! The kind Mel Gibson portrayed in worthy as fighting for in Braveheart. I want to fight like that in my life, for God's glory. I want the devil to shutter as my feet hit the floor in the morning. I want to stand one day before my Savior and hear Him say, well done, good and faithful servant. This is obviously the path He is taking me down to get me there. I will continue to trust Him in it.
Job 33-34
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Job 33-34
I love how God's word speaks to his children. Verse 33:14 "For God does speak- now one way, now another-though man may not perceive it." Morning's are hard for me, as I have inherited a night owl disposition. I love the quiet of the house after everyone has gone to bed, but pay for it in the mornings by missing that quiet time I need with God to get the day started. After a couple cups of coffee, and being able to think, pray and read my Bible, I am ready to deal with the world and talk to people. But, in a home with 5 young children, that rarely happens. What you get is one crabby Mom, fighting to control her tongue.
~
But, after even a snippet of the Word, I am usually ready to go. Verse 33:26 "he sees God's face and shouts for joy"!! Maybe it's cabin fever already, maybe it's being tired, or maybe it's just me, but lately the tongue's been harder to control. I long for that joy of being in God's presence, to shout for joy for who He is, and what He has created, and what He is doing. I struggle with wanting my own way, and not being able to be obedient or submit. I whine because I want things restored in our life to how they used to be. I don't want to struggle through church issues, financial issues, everything breaking down, anger, and selfishness. Verse 34:33 Should God then reward you on your terms, when you refuse to repent?
~
So, again, I admit my wrong doings, beg for God's grace and mercy, and remember His Son. God graciously reminds me, again, of his love and provision. Verse 33:23-25 Yet if there is an angel on his side as a mediator, one out of a thousand, to tell a man what is right for him, to be gracious to him and say, 'Spare him from going down to the pit; I have found a ransom for him'- then his flesh is renewed like a child's; it is restored as in the days of his youth. Jesus is that mediator, and has paid the ransom, that I might be restored with God. Verse 33:28 He redeemed my soul from going down to the pit, and I will live to enjoy the light.
~
Then, it is much easier to control the tongue, and to see how my life can bring glory to God by my attitude, actions and obedience. It kind of puts it all in perspective again. So I am ready again to find the joy in pouring myself into 5 young people with the simple acts of cooking, cleaning, teaching and even wiping noses and bottoms. To create a haven for my husband to come home to and enjoy. To brave the elements for the sake of these animals and this farm. And know that somehow even this is a high calling worth being obedient to. That this is a special privilege from God that He chose me to fulfill. That these years are going fast, and even now I am seeing the results from how I choose to fill my days and use my tongue. I can continue to fight my own deceiving heart and battle to turn all my thoughts to one's that glorify Christ. The battle lines are drawn, and I find myself my own worst enemy. Good thing the battle belongs to the Lord. He is the one who has the final victory.
Job 33-34
I love how God's word speaks to his children. Verse 33:14 "For God does speak- now one way, now another-though man may not perceive it." Morning's are hard for me, as I have inherited a night owl disposition. I love the quiet of the house after everyone has gone to bed, but pay for it in the mornings by missing that quiet time I need with God to get the day started. After a couple cups of coffee, and being able to think, pray and read my Bible, I am ready to deal with the world and talk to people. But, in a home with 5 young children, that rarely happens. What you get is one crabby Mom, fighting to control her tongue.
~
But, after even a snippet of the Word, I am usually ready to go. Verse 33:26 "he sees God's face and shouts for joy"!! Maybe it's cabin fever already, maybe it's being tired, or maybe it's just me, but lately the tongue's been harder to control. I long for that joy of being in God's presence, to shout for joy for who He is, and what He has created, and what He is doing. I struggle with wanting my own way, and not being able to be obedient or submit. I whine because I want things restored in our life to how they used to be. I don't want to struggle through church issues, financial issues, everything breaking down, anger, and selfishness. Verse 34:33 Should God then reward you on your terms, when you refuse to repent?
~
So, again, I admit my wrong doings, beg for God's grace and mercy, and remember His Son. God graciously reminds me, again, of his love and provision. Verse 33:23-25 Yet if there is an angel on his side as a mediator, one out of a thousand, to tell a man what is right for him, to be gracious to him and say, 'Spare him from going down to the pit; I have found a ransom for him'- then his flesh is renewed like a child's; it is restored as in the days of his youth. Jesus is that mediator, and has paid the ransom, that I might be restored with God. Verse 33:28 He redeemed my soul from going down to the pit, and I will live to enjoy the light.
~
Then, it is much easier to control the tongue, and to see how my life can bring glory to God by my attitude, actions and obedience. It kind of puts it all in perspective again. So I am ready again to find the joy in pouring myself into 5 young people with the simple acts of cooking, cleaning, teaching and even wiping noses and bottoms. To create a haven for my husband to come home to and enjoy. To brave the elements for the sake of these animals and this farm. And know that somehow even this is a high calling worth being obedient to. That this is a special privilege from God that He chose me to fulfill. That these years are going fast, and even now I am seeing the results from how I choose to fill my days and use my tongue. I can continue to fight my own deceiving heart and battle to turn all my thoughts to one's that glorify Christ. The battle lines are drawn, and I find myself my own worst enemy. Good thing the battle belongs to the Lord. He is the one who has the final victory.
Thoughts on Corinthians
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Thoughts on Corinthians
Still working my way through the New Testament. Lots of good wisdom to ponder in there. A few years ago we were in a Bible study on 1st Corinthians. It is nice to review it yet again.
Some of the things I underlined:8:1-3...Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. But the man who loves God is known by God.I am struggling in my walk with balancing the lovin' and the learnin'. The church we are at is a learnin' church, with virtually no lovin'. Which is worse? Knowledge without love, or love without solid teaching?
8:6...there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.So, we live for God, but live through Jesus Christ.
9:1 Are you not the result of my work in the Lord?I don't think there are too many sweeter things in life for a Christian, than to see those you have discipled and loved walk in the way of the Lord.
10:13 God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.And I have to add to this one Genesis 4:7, which Rob read last night..if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door;it desires to have you, but you must master it.These are my new prayers back to God as I struggle with all the sins that long to master me. All those little things that turn into big things if not kept in check. There are plenty of them, but God promises to provide a way for us to stand up under them. Not to remove them, but stand up under them.
10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.This was the first verse I memorized with the kids, when Lexi was just 3, Trent 1. It pretty much applies to all of life.
Now on to verse 11:3-16. Paul talks about women covering their heads. I thought at first that Paul was talking about long hair, but he goes on to make a distinct difference between head coverings and hair. Is this then one of those customs for that time period, or one for a Christian to follow? I don't know. Does it change salvation? No. Is it an obedience issue? I don't know.
Back to school and goat watch.
Thoughts on Corinthians
Still working my way through the New Testament. Lots of good wisdom to ponder in there. A few years ago we were in a Bible study on 1st Corinthians. It is nice to review it yet again.
Some of the things I underlined:8:1-3...Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. But the man who loves God is known by God.I am struggling in my walk with balancing the lovin' and the learnin'. The church we are at is a learnin' church, with virtually no lovin'. Which is worse? Knowledge without love, or love without solid teaching?
8:6...there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.So, we live for God, but live through Jesus Christ.
9:1 Are you not the result of my work in the Lord?I don't think there are too many sweeter things in life for a Christian, than to see those you have discipled and loved walk in the way of the Lord.
10:13 God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.And I have to add to this one Genesis 4:7, which Rob read last night..if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door;it desires to have you, but you must master it.These are my new prayers back to God as I struggle with all the sins that long to master me. All those little things that turn into big things if not kept in check. There are plenty of them, but God promises to provide a way for us to stand up under them. Not to remove them, but stand up under them.
10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.This was the first verse I memorized with the kids, when Lexi was just 3, Trent 1. It pretty much applies to all of life.
Now on to verse 11:3-16. Paul talks about women covering their heads. I thought at first that Paul was talking about long hair, but he goes on to make a distinct difference between head coverings and hair. Is this then one of those customs for that time period, or one for a Christian to follow? I don't know. Does it change salvation? No. Is it an obedience issue? I don't know.
Back to school and goat watch.
1 Corinthians 7
Thursday, December 4, 2008
1 Corinthians 7
In my study of 1 Corinthians I came to the passages on Marriage. Specifically, the ones about divorce and remarriage. It was my intent to pass over them without expressing my opinion, hoping no one would notice. I have gotten into trouble several times before on this issue. But, since delving into the subject with a certain somebody, I am convicted to write about it. I'm sure many will be offended, and being Christmas is coming I'll expect the lump of coal this year rather than the sugar, but nevertheless it is the word of God.
1Corinthians 7:10-11To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.
Aahh! Plain and simple. Black and white. On to chapter 8. That is until you enter the kids, the loneliness, the bills to pay, the security and love of a spouse.
I think at this point we need to look again at our foundation before we can start framing the windows. God is the God of the Universe. It was Him who created this world, and Him who laid down the laws. We really don't get much of a choice. Before we are saved we are ruled by sin. Many things happen in our lives (even as Christians) where sin rules. But, sin always has consequences whether we are saved or not. Just because we are saved does not mean that our previous sins do not carry with them consequences. Yes, we are forgiven, but the consequences remain. A newly saved Christian on death row for murder should still expect the electric chair for his past crimes.
When we are saved, we acquire a new master: Jesus. For the rest of our lives there will be a battle of wills, tho, as to who we serve. The old nature does not go away. We still sin. But, in a Christian, the new nature perseveres. Through the Holy Spirit our eyes are open to God and His ways which are revealed through the Bible. We are allowed to see it as if from God's perspective rather than our own. As Americans we don't like to be told what to do, but that is exactly what the Bible does. It tells us God's way. Whether we like it or not.
I do not see anywhere in scripture that allows for remarriage. I do see places where divorce is allowed, but not remarriage. This is not a light subject for me. I have had many years to come to an understanding on it, and have seen it from about every angle. The child of divorced parents, friends and family experiencing divorce, fighting with my husband entertaining divorce. I know that I have hurt many people with my stand on divorce, not intentionally, but because the word of God is all that I have to stand on. We don't have to like what scripture says, or even feel like it's right. The word of God is God himself. As we learn to stand on it we learn to put God in His correct position, and we humbly take ours. To say we don't fully understand it, but yet we will trust God for what it says. To put Him first.
This, as any other issue, becomes an obedience issue.What makes me upset about this issue is what is revealed in a lot of people's lives who call them selves Christians. How easily we crumble under our own ways and desires. Because it doesn't feel good, the word of God is dismissed.
Romans 8:18 says I consider our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Will God not be faithful to those suffering through the pain of divorce and the commitment of staying single until being reunited with their spouse? What legacy do we want to leave to our children. One that the word of God is worth obeying? Or one that says we get to pick and choose which part of the word of God is worth obeying?
Yes, God does forgive all sins. Even divorce and remarriage. But as Paul says again in Romans, should we sin so grace may abound? If you look at the statistics, Christians do not look much different than the world on this issue. Are we supposed to look like the world? If the world accepts something, that is usually a big red flag to me that it is not Christ glorifying, and makes me delve into scripture all the more on the subject. Divorce and remarriage does not work even in a pagan society, so how do we use that to justify it in a Christian's life?
Satan seems to be viciously attacking the family, and he seems to be winning. Christians seem to be laying down and letting him have his victory. Isn't it time to fight back with the word of God, and make our lives reflect that? What if that was done by obedience, even to the little things? Even to the hard things. They may not seem to make a difference now, but even obedience has consequences. Eternal, glorifying ones.
To those divorced and remarried, make your peace with God on it. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. His blood atones for it all. We must go on from where we are in life. To those divorced, trust God in His plan for this. If it is all for our good to be obedient, don't you trust Him for this too? He promises to never leave us or forsake us. I'm sure he meant even in this. Paul says in verses 32-35 how the unmarried are able to commit their time and work to God in a way the married are not able to. Commit this to Him, and see in eternity if He doesn't prove himself faithful.
Okay, in scripture God says: I hate divorce. A woman has become defiled if she remarries. Divorce causes adultery. Divorce was given because of the hard hearts of people refusing to obey God. The bond of marriage is only released by death. If divorced, only remarriage to your spouse if acceptable, given she has not been defiled.
God loves marriage. He created it for His glory, and our enjoyment. More glory to Him. His words, not mine.
And, if your longing for more:
Romans 7:1-3
Deuteronomy 24:1-4
Malachi 2:13-16
Matthew 19:1-12
Mark 10:2-121
Corinthians 7:10-16
1 Corinthians 7
In my study of 1 Corinthians I came to the passages on Marriage. Specifically, the ones about divorce and remarriage. It was my intent to pass over them without expressing my opinion, hoping no one would notice. I have gotten into trouble several times before on this issue. But, since delving into the subject with a certain somebody, I am convicted to write about it. I'm sure many will be offended, and being Christmas is coming I'll expect the lump of coal this year rather than the sugar, but nevertheless it is the word of God.
1Corinthians 7:10-11To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.
Aahh! Plain and simple. Black and white. On to chapter 8. That is until you enter the kids, the loneliness, the bills to pay, the security and love of a spouse.
I think at this point we need to look again at our foundation before we can start framing the windows. God is the God of the Universe. It was Him who created this world, and Him who laid down the laws. We really don't get much of a choice. Before we are saved we are ruled by sin. Many things happen in our lives (even as Christians) where sin rules. But, sin always has consequences whether we are saved or not. Just because we are saved does not mean that our previous sins do not carry with them consequences. Yes, we are forgiven, but the consequences remain. A newly saved Christian on death row for murder should still expect the electric chair for his past crimes.
When we are saved, we acquire a new master: Jesus. For the rest of our lives there will be a battle of wills, tho, as to who we serve. The old nature does not go away. We still sin. But, in a Christian, the new nature perseveres. Through the Holy Spirit our eyes are open to God and His ways which are revealed through the Bible. We are allowed to see it as if from God's perspective rather than our own. As Americans we don't like to be told what to do, but that is exactly what the Bible does. It tells us God's way. Whether we like it or not.
I do not see anywhere in scripture that allows for remarriage. I do see places where divorce is allowed, but not remarriage. This is not a light subject for me. I have had many years to come to an understanding on it, and have seen it from about every angle. The child of divorced parents, friends and family experiencing divorce, fighting with my husband entertaining divorce. I know that I have hurt many people with my stand on divorce, not intentionally, but because the word of God is all that I have to stand on. We don't have to like what scripture says, or even feel like it's right. The word of God is God himself. As we learn to stand on it we learn to put God in His correct position, and we humbly take ours. To say we don't fully understand it, but yet we will trust God for what it says. To put Him first.
This, as any other issue, becomes an obedience issue.What makes me upset about this issue is what is revealed in a lot of people's lives who call them selves Christians. How easily we crumble under our own ways and desires. Because it doesn't feel good, the word of God is dismissed.
Romans 8:18 says I consider our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Will God not be faithful to those suffering through the pain of divorce and the commitment of staying single until being reunited with their spouse? What legacy do we want to leave to our children. One that the word of God is worth obeying? Or one that says we get to pick and choose which part of the word of God is worth obeying?
Yes, God does forgive all sins. Even divorce and remarriage. But as Paul says again in Romans, should we sin so grace may abound? If you look at the statistics, Christians do not look much different than the world on this issue. Are we supposed to look like the world? If the world accepts something, that is usually a big red flag to me that it is not Christ glorifying, and makes me delve into scripture all the more on the subject. Divorce and remarriage does not work even in a pagan society, so how do we use that to justify it in a Christian's life?
Satan seems to be viciously attacking the family, and he seems to be winning. Christians seem to be laying down and letting him have his victory. Isn't it time to fight back with the word of God, and make our lives reflect that? What if that was done by obedience, even to the little things? Even to the hard things. They may not seem to make a difference now, but even obedience has consequences. Eternal, glorifying ones.
To those divorced and remarried, make your peace with God on it. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. His blood atones for it all. We must go on from where we are in life. To those divorced, trust God in His plan for this. If it is all for our good to be obedient, don't you trust Him for this too? He promises to never leave us or forsake us. I'm sure he meant even in this. Paul says in verses 32-35 how the unmarried are able to commit their time and work to God in a way the married are not able to. Commit this to Him, and see in eternity if He doesn't prove himself faithful.
Okay, in scripture God says: I hate divorce. A woman has become defiled if she remarries. Divorce causes adultery. Divorce was given because of the hard hearts of people refusing to obey God. The bond of marriage is only released by death. If divorced, only remarriage to your spouse if acceptable, given she has not been defiled.
God loves marriage. He created it for His glory, and our enjoyment. More glory to Him. His words, not mine.
And, if your longing for more:
Romans 7:1-3
Deuteronomy 24:1-4
Malachi 2:13-16
Matthew 19:1-12
Mark 10:2-121
Corinthians 7:10-16
Waiting
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Waiting
1 Corinthians 7:29-31What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed by them. For this world in its present form is passing away.
This was an interesting passage for me this morning. As much as I think I put Christ first in my life, it reveals again how worldly I am. We are called to be eternity minded in all we do. This world, and all that is in it, will be gone one day. The things we consider treasure here, will be burnt up. Our true treasure should be found in Christ; everything else should pale in comparison.
But honestly, I don't see too many people living as if that were their treasure; me included. It is easy to blame it on being American, and I do think there is a lot of good reasoning behind that. But, we are called to be in this world, not of the world. I struggle to separate the two. God has given us so many things here that are meant to be enjoyed. Late yesterday afternoon the kids and I went ice skating on the pond, and I had to stop and just stand in awe of God for bringing us here. For the gift of these kids and this farm, even the struggles that go along with it. In this sense, God was glorified. This world, after all, is His creation.
But overall, I find myself consumed with wanting more, and bigger and better. This is especially a nasty habit as we are remodeling. Every direction I look there is something else that needs to be done. I think if just the entry way were done, or the barn done, or this or that, then I could be happy and start living as if Christ was my first desire. What a trap! It is my pride that would be content. How would it look to live as if we were eternally minded?
I think of the account of Anna and of Simeon in the gospel of Luke. She was an old lady, daily going to the temple, just waiting to see the Messiah. Simeon had longed and waited for the promise to be fulfilled that he would see the Messiah, then he was content to die. I am sure they were considered fools for investing all their time and hopes on this one event.Is Christ enough for me? Do I live as if He is? It's time to start living with eternity in mind.
Waiting
1 Corinthians 7:29-31What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed by them. For this world in its present form is passing away.
This was an interesting passage for me this morning. As much as I think I put Christ first in my life, it reveals again how worldly I am. We are called to be eternity minded in all we do. This world, and all that is in it, will be gone one day. The things we consider treasure here, will be burnt up. Our true treasure should be found in Christ; everything else should pale in comparison.
But honestly, I don't see too many people living as if that were their treasure; me included. It is easy to blame it on being American, and I do think there is a lot of good reasoning behind that. But, we are called to be in this world, not of the world. I struggle to separate the two. God has given us so many things here that are meant to be enjoyed. Late yesterday afternoon the kids and I went ice skating on the pond, and I had to stop and just stand in awe of God for bringing us here. For the gift of these kids and this farm, even the struggles that go along with it. In this sense, God was glorified. This world, after all, is His creation.
But overall, I find myself consumed with wanting more, and bigger and better. This is especially a nasty habit as we are remodeling. Every direction I look there is something else that needs to be done. I think if just the entry way were done, or the barn done, or this or that, then I could be happy and start living as if Christ was my first desire. What a trap! It is my pride that would be content. How would it look to live as if we were eternally minded?
I think of the account of Anna and of Simeon in the gospel of Luke. She was an old lady, daily going to the temple, just waiting to see the Messiah. Simeon had longed and waited for the promise to be fulfilled that he would see the Messiah, then he was content to die. I am sure they were considered fools for investing all their time and hopes on this one event.Is Christ enough for me? Do I live as if He is? It's time to start living with eternity in mind.
1 Corinthians 3:19-15
Monday, December 1, 2008
1 Corinthians 3:10-15
By the Grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.
What timely words this morning from the Lord. As I had to fight my temper and emotions all day yesterday, then spent the night justifying them, I am sweetly reminded of what foundation I am trying to build my life upon. The fire only reveals what is at the core. A well of sweet water will only spill out sweet water. All that will be left is the gold.
Again, I am reminded to ponder what I am building my life with. Back up; I must first consider the foundation. I am only building upon it as God allows. Do I know, that I know, that I know that Jesus is my Savior. That it is only his blood shed on the cross that atones for all of my sins. Yes! With all that I am, I am sure of this. If nothing else, the convictions of sin confirm it. He disciplines those He loves doesn't he?
What, then, am I building with? What gold, silver and costly stones am I using? The hay and straw that will so quickly burn are easy to see-my temper, my slothfulness, my distrust of where God has us at times, my money, my disrespect (again) towards my husband, my sharp tongue against my children, etc. The gold- savoring the word of God, prayers lifted in repentance, prayers for those I love, obedience, trust. If I struggle to withstand the fire of today, how do I think I will withstand the fire of The Day? A building is not built in a day, and it also does not crumble in a day.
1 Corinthians 3:10-15
By the Grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.
What timely words this morning from the Lord. As I had to fight my temper and emotions all day yesterday, then spent the night justifying them, I am sweetly reminded of what foundation I am trying to build my life upon. The fire only reveals what is at the core. A well of sweet water will only spill out sweet water. All that will be left is the gold.
Again, I am reminded to ponder what I am building my life with. Back up; I must first consider the foundation. I am only building upon it as God allows. Do I know, that I know, that I know that Jesus is my Savior. That it is only his blood shed on the cross that atones for all of my sins. Yes! With all that I am, I am sure of this. If nothing else, the convictions of sin confirm it. He disciplines those He loves doesn't he?
What, then, am I building with? What gold, silver and costly stones am I using? The hay and straw that will so quickly burn are easy to see-my temper, my slothfulness, my distrust of where God has us at times, my money, my disrespect (again) towards my husband, my sharp tongue against my children, etc. The gold- savoring the word of God, prayers lifted in repentance, prayers for those I love, obedience, trust. If I struggle to withstand the fire of today, how do I think I will withstand the fire of The Day? A building is not built in a day, and it also does not crumble in a day.
Fools
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Fools
1 Corinthians 1:18-3118~For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
I often think, especially while talking to an unbeliever about God, how the gospel appears to be foolish. The blank look on their face certainly reveals that they think so too. I was talking with a lady last week, and heard all the expected responses. "It's just an old book. That's just someones view of the Bible. I know God, and am fine with him. They teach people to submit to their husbands, I could never believe a God like that."
The Bible teaches that there is a veil that covers a persons understanding of scripture until God reveals it. I clearly remember reading my Bible before I was saved and not at all being able to understand it. As a Christian it is now a love letter from my God, no longer foolish, but truly the power of God for salvation.21~For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
I have learned so much of this concept through home school. In the beginning my main focus was to keep up with the public schools and all the national testing standards so my kids could be like all the rest of the kids their age. Over the past 6 years my focus is changing. I still strive for academic excellence, but my focus is shifting to character excellence as well. Especially in America we have all the knowledge at our fingertips.
But look around. What good is that doing us. What is missing? My children will learn how to read, but I want them to learn to read so they can read the Bible to know the true source of joy. I want them to learn obedience to me, so they can one day learn to savor obedience to the king. I want them to steer clear of the many sins that entangle, and strive for the things that honor God. I don't want to spend their whole childhood with them, and miss telling and showing them the real purpose in life.
If this looks like foolishness, so be it.25~For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.I see many areas of "God's foolishness" in my life, and often find that I am trying to defend them in my own mind, if not to the people around me. The reason why we have so many children in a culture where 2 are acceptable; the reason why we home school (crazy people!); why we teach our kids the Bible and to obey and respect; why we don't have television (of all the crazy things!) or all the new fangled gadgets out there;etc., etc.
One thing that I am learning is how to be weak. It is a hard lesson for me. I have inherited a strong headed, do it for yourself attitude. For me to admit weakness and failure is tough. But the sweet side of this is that it allows God's strength room to work. He lets us have what we want sometimes, and in this area I am learning that his strength and provision are far better than any of my attempts at solving things. When I let go, He moves.
27&29~But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong...so that no one may boast before him.These verses always make me think of Grace, and all the other special needs orphans out there. God chose for this little girl to have club feet, which in her culture meant she was nothing. Left under a bridge, and only found and rescued by the grace of God. For His glory she was cared for at an orphanage for 14 months, until finally she came home to us. Our testimony of God in Grace's adoption certainly shame's the strong. Disability is often seen as someone who is not worthy. The overall response we got while in India with Grace was one of pity and amazement that we would want this untouchable little girl, to even pure shock at the appearance of her feet. When she came home her feet were so twisted that when she tried to walk she was walking on the tops of her feet. God glorified himself in so many ways over the next year, even through a long bout of fighting parasites, to answer our prayer that her feet would not need surgery for correction. I look forward to seeing what God has in store for the rest of Grace's life, and hope that she never forgets how God has set her apart so His glory may be seen in her life.
30b~It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus.Only because of Him.
Fools
1 Corinthians 1:18-3118~For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
I often think, especially while talking to an unbeliever about God, how the gospel appears to be foolish. The blank look on their face certainly reveals that they think so too. I was talking with a lady last week, and heard all the expected responses. "It's just an old book. That's just someones view of the Bible. I know God, and am fine with him. They teach people to submit to their husbands, I could never believe a God like that."
The Bible teaches that there is a veil that covers a persons understanding of scripture until God reveals it. I clearly remember reading my Bible before I was saved and not at all being able to understand it. As a Christian it is now a love letter from my God, no longer foolish, but truly the power of God for salvation.21~For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
I have learned so much of this concept through home school. In the beginning my main focus was to keep up with the public schools and all the national testing standards so my kids could be like all the rest of the kids their age. Over the past 6 years my focus is changing. I still strive for academic excellence, but my focus is shifting to character excellence as well. Especially in America we have all the knowledge at our fingertips.
But look around. What good is that doing us. What is missing? My children will learn how to read, but I want them to learn to read so they can read the Bible to know the true source of joy. I want them to learn obedience to me, so they can one day learn to savor obedience to the king. I want them to steer clear of the many sins that entangle, and strive for the things that honor God. I don't want to spend their whole childhood with them, and miss telling and showing them the real purpose in life.
If this looks like foolishness, so be it.25~For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.I see many areas of "God's foolishness" in my life, and often find that I am trying to defend them in my own mind, if not to the people around me. The reason why we have so many children in a culture where 2 are acceptable; the reason why we home school (crazy people!); why we teach our kids the Bible and to obey and respect; why we don't have television (of all the crazy things!) or all the new fangled gadgets out there;etc., etc.
One thing that I am learning is how to be weak. It is a hard lesson for me. I have inherited a strong headed, do it for yourself attitude. For me to admit weakness and failure is tough. But the sweet side of this is that it allows God's strength room to work. He lets us have what we want sometimes, and in this area I am learning that his strength and provision are far better than any of my attempts at solving things. When I let go, He moves.
27&29~But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong...so that no one may boast before him.These verses always make me think of Grace, and all the other special needs orphans out there. God chose for this little girl to have club feet, which in her culture meant she was nothing. Left under a bridge, and only found and rescued by the grace of God. For His glory she was cared for at an orphanage for 14 months, until finally she came home to us. Our testimony of God in Grace's adoption certainly shame's the strong. Disability is often seen as someone who is not worthy. The overall response we got while in India with Grace was one of pity and amazement that we would want this untouchable little girl, to even pure shock at the appearance of her feet. When she came home her feet were so twisted that when she tried to walk she was walking on the tops of her feet. God glorified himself in so many ways over the next year, even through a long bout of fighting parasites, to answer our prayer that her feet would not need surgery for correction. I look forward to seeing what God has in store for the rest of Grace's life, and hope that she never forgets how God has set her apart so His glory may be seen in her life.
30b~It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus.Only because of Him.
Trusting God
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Trusting God
It is never good when your husband calls you on the rare day that you work and asks "You know how God is always in control, and nothing ever goes beyond what He wants?" Uh-oh! To make a short story long, Rob has taken a couple of days off work to get the rest of the wood cut for winter. We were blessed by a man that Rob works with offering to come cut as much wood as we wanted from his land. All day Wednesday the boys cut and split, then Thursday I helped. I worked Friday, so Rob took the boys and a couple friends who were over to pick up the last of the wood. About 3 miles from home there was a terrible noise. Rob thought the trailer had somehow come off, but after inspection found the noise had come from the engine. A few weeks past we found out the pinion gear had gone out, but the mechanic said it would be fine to drive as long as we didn't use four-wheel-drive. Well, it appears that someone accidentally pushed the button to ignite the four-wheel-drive, and now all we know at this point is that the truck is leaking lots of oil, and the prospect does not look good. They had to walk 3 miles home in the cold. And the truck and trailer full of wood is still sitting alongside the road. We are counting our blessings that at least we got the wood nearly all home before this happened, and will just have to wait and trust God for the provision to fix it. Even this will be used for our sanctification, even if it sits all winter as a reminder of learning how to wait on God and his perfect timing.
Trusting God
It is never good when your husband calls you on the rare day that you work and asks "You know how God is always in control, and nothing ever goes beyond what He wants?" Uh-oh! To make a short story long, Rob has taken a couple of days off work to get the rest of the wood cut for winter. We were blessed by a man that Rob works with offering to come cut as much wood as we wanted from his land. All day Wednesday the boys cut and split, then Thursday I helped. I worked Friday, so Rob took the boys and a couple friends who were over to pick up the last of the wood. About 3 miles from home there was a terrible noise. Rob thought the trailer had somehow come off, but after inspection found the noise had come from the engine. A few weeks past we found out the pinion gear had gone out, but the mechanic said it would be fine to drive as long as we didn't use four-wheel-drive. Well, it appears that someone accidentally pushed the button to ignite the four-wheel-drive, and now all we know at this point is that the truck is leaking lots of oil, and the prospect does not look good. They had to walk 3 miles home in the cold. And the truck and trailer full of wood is still sitting alongside the road. We are counting our blessings that at least we got the wood nearly all home before this happened, and will just have to wait and trust God for the provision to fix it. Even this will be used for our sanctification, even if it sits all winter as a reminder of learning how to wait on God and his perfect timing.
Righteousness Part II
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Righteousness Part II
Romans 9:30-32My concluding thoughts on Righteousness...
There are 2 forms of righteousness. One that is attained by faith, and one that is attempted to gain by works (the law). The righteousness that is acceptable to God is only by faith, and at the core is only given by God. We cannot obtain it by ourselves. In this world, many will try to attain it by works, fooling the rest of us by their outward appearance that they have obtained it. The rest of us screwed up people are only holding on to Christ and the faith he gives freely. As scripture says, God has chosen the foolish to shame the wise. That would be me.
Righteousness Part II
Romans 9:30-32My concluding thoughts on Righteousness...
There are 2 forms of righteousness. One that is attained by faith, and one that is attempted to gain by works (the law). The righteousness that is acceptable to God is only by faith, and at the core is only given by God. We cannot obtain it by ourselves. In this world, many will try to attain it by works, fooling the rest of us by their outward appearance that they have obtained it. The rest of us screwed up people are only holding on to Christ and the faith he gives freely. As scripture says, God has chosen the foolish to shame the wise. That would be me.
Righteousness
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Righteousness
Job 35:6-7If you sin, how does that affect him? If your sins are many, what does that do to him?If you are righteous, what do you give to him, or what does he receive from your hand?God obviously is trying to get something through to me, as I a have been pondering and trying to understand this "righteousness" concept lately. He continues to bring it from every angle, and it appears in scripture every time I open it up. Follow my thought process, as I try to sort it out.
God is God and is not swayed or changed by man. Whether we sin or do righteous acts, what does that matter to him? Does it change Him? What determines righteous acts and sinful acts? Is it the action, the attitude, the heart? Why should it matter than how we live?Job 34:12 It is unthinkable that God would do wrong, that the Almighty would pervert justice.
God has to punish sin, it will not go unpunished. He is righteousness itself. His character is unchanging, He is just, therefor no sin will or can go unpunished. Which begs the question, what is sin? The definition of sin is "A transgression of a religious or moral law, especially when deliberate." But scripture indicates that before salvation we are sinful in nature. Our only choice is to be slaves to sin. We know no other way. It is inherited from Adam.
Wikipedia definition of righteous: an English term meaning "right ways". Also, a theological concept in [Christianity] "an attribute that implies that a person's actions are justified, and can have the connotation that the person has been judged or reckoned as leading a life that is pleasing to God." Also "used as an attribute for God".
So, God is righteous in character. He can never not be righteous. Job 34:12b It is unthinkable that God would do wrong. We are sinful by nature. Only by the grace of God, through Christ, will we be presented as righteous before Him. Scripture says that one day we will give account for our lives. Those who love God will obey Him. We are only justified by the blood, yet somehow our actions count, too. God is just, and has no other option but to punish sin. So, in his sovereign plan, Jesus was allowed to take the punishment on the cross (a perfect lamb slain) for our transgressions.A Christian's life, therefor, is a testimony to what Christ did. It is evidence of the work of the Holy Spirit working in one's life. God cannot even look upon sin, so without this transformation we are cast away from him forever.
My mind sometimes has a hard time understanding it, but my heart knows. God has saved me. He continues to show me the depths of my own sin, which makes me acknowledge more and more his grace and mercy. My life is to be a testimony to Him, revealing what I know of His glory that will go on for eternity. Somehow, that is transformed into righteousness, not by my doing, but His.
Righteousness
Job 35:6-7If you sin, how does that affect him? If your sins are many, what does that do to him?If you are righteous, what do you give to him, or what does he receive from your hand?God obviously is trying to get something through to me, as I a have been pondering and trying to understand this "righteousness" concept lately. He continues to bring it from every angle, and it appears in scripture every time I open it up. Follow my thought process, as I try to sort it out.
God is God and is not swayed or changed by man. Whether we sin or do righteous acts, what does that matter to him? Does it change Him? What determines righteous acts and sinful acts? Is it the action, the attitude, the heart? Why should it matter than how we live?Job 34:12 It is unthinkable that God would do wrong, that the Almighty would pervert justice.
God has to punish sin, it will not go unpunished. He is righteousness itself. His character is unchanging, He is just, therefor no sin will or can go unpunished. Which begs the question, what is sin? The definition of sin is "A transgression of a religious or moral law, especially when deliberate." But scripture indicates that before salvation we are sinful in nature. Our only choice is to be slaves to sin. We know no other way. It is inherited from Adam.
Wikipedia definition of righteous: an English term meaning "right ways". Also, a theological concept in [Christianity] "an attribute that implies that a person's actions are justified, and can have the connotation that the person has been judged or reckoned as leading a life that is pleasing to God." Also "used as an attribute for God".
So, God is righteous in character. He can never not be righteous. Job 34:12b It is unthinkable that God would do wrong. We are sinful by nature. Only by the grace of God, through Christ, will we be presented as righteous before Him. Scripture says that one day we will give account for our lives. Those who love God will obey Him. We are only justified by the blood, yet somehow our actions count, too. God is just, and has no other option but to punish sin. So, in his sovereign plan, Jesus was allowed to take the punishment on the cross (a perfect lamb slain) for our transgressions.A Christian's life, therefor, is a testimony to what Christ did. It is evidence of the work of the Holy Spirit working in one's life. God cannot even look upon sin, so without this transformation we are cast away from him forever.
My mind sometimes has a hard time understanding it, but my heart knows. God has saved me. He continues to show me the depths of my own sin, which makes me acknowledge more and more his grace and mercy. My life is to be a testimony to Him, revealing what I know of His glory that will go on for eternity. Somehow, that is transformed into righteousness, not by my doing, but His.
Romans Part II
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Romans Part II
On my way to Romans this morning, God brought me to Ezekiel. I love to see what the Lord has to say as I open the word, but again the message was solemn. As God often does, He used it to reinforce what He's been teaching me about, Righteousness. Ezekiel chapters 14-18. First of all, I could not even imagine the power and grace that Ezekiel must have been given to even be able to receive a message like this and then pass it on to Israel. I am sure that he was not a popular guy in his time. To list the many sins of Israel and it's people, and reveal God's anger and plan for wrath against her. To liken her to a prostitute of the worst kind.
Righteousness is the outward actions of our faith [my definition]. The proof that the Holy Spirit is working in our lives. Even as the nations fall, God will still judge and spare the righteous individually (Ez14:12-23). Whether this means heaven or physical protection is up to Him. The theme seems to be that we are all going to be held accountable for ourselves. Mothers cannot save their daughters, Fathers cannot save their sons.
Verse 18:20b The righteousness of the righteous man will be credited to him, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against him. Ez18:30-31 Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each one according to his ways, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, O house of Israel? But again, we are given hope. Even in the midst of His anger towards sin, and because of His righteousness and just nature to atone for sin, we are given a promise. To the righteous God says vs18:21 None of the offenses he has committed will be remembered against him. But to the wicked vs18:4b The soul who sins is the one who will die. The plan of redemption through Jesus appears to be veiled in these passages, yet the hope of salvation is offered.
The gospel accounts give a clearer view of God's plan. For now, the opportunity to understand what sin really looks like to God, his detest for it, and a glimpse of His wrath being poured out is scary at best. I think a healthy fear in this area is good. We are not playing with a Santa Clause in the sky kind of God.It is not very fun to ponder these types of things. One can only decide for themselves what they will do with God's message. It is a view of God that would much rather be ignored, but without it we cannot know all of Him. I think once I have had my fill of myself and my sin, then I will be ready, again, to hear of God's grace and mercy to those He has called according to His purpose. It will be seen in a new light after so much soul searching.
Romans Part II
On my way to Romans this morning, God brought me to Ezekiel. I love to see what the Lord has to say as I open the word, but again the message was solemn. As God often does, He used it to reinforce what He's been teaching me about, Righteousness. Ezekiel chapters 14-18. First of all, I could not even imagine the power and grace that Ezekiel must have been given to even be able to receive a message like this and then pass it on to Israel. I am sure that he was not a popular guy in his time. To list the many sins of Israel and it's people, and reveal God's anger and plan for wrath against her. To liken her to a prostitute of the worst kind.
Righteousness is the outward actions of our faith [my definition]. The proof that the Holy Spirit is working in our lives. Even as the nations fall, God will still judge and spare the righteous individually (Ez14:12-23). Whether this means heaven or physical protection is up to Him. The theme seems to be that we are all going to be held accountable for ourselves. Mothers cannot save their daughters, Fathers cannot save their sons.
Verse 18:20b The righteousness of the righteous man will be credited to him, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against him. Ez18:30-31 Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each one according to his ways, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, O house of Israel? But again, we are given hope. Even in the midst of His anger towards sin, and because of His righteousness and just nature to atone for sin, we are given a promise. To the righteous God says vs18:21 None of the offenses he has committed will be remembered against him. But to the wicked vs18:4b The soul who sins is the one who will die. The plan of redemption through Jesus appears to be veiled in these passages, yet the hope of salvation is offered.
The gospel accounts give a clearer view of God's plan. For now, the opportunity to understand what sin really looks like to God, his detest for it, and a glimpse of His wrath being poured out is scary at best. I think a healthy fear in this area is good. We are not playing with a Santa Clause in the sky kind of God.It is not very fun to ponder these types of things. One can only decide for themselves what they will do with God's message. It is a view of God that would much rather be ignored, but without it we cannot know all of Him. I think once I have had my fill of myself and my sin, then I will be ready, again, to hear of God's grace and mercy to those He has called according to His purpose. It will be seen in a new light after so much soul searching.
More Romans
Saturday, November 1, 2008
More Romans
If I write it, I can make sense of it. Therefor, I launch full force into Romans chapter 2.
Ouch, another tough chapter. God's Righteous Judgment. I have come to the realization, if nothing else, that the further I get to know of God the more I realize how little I thought I knew. I went through an adolescent period in my Christian life where, because of good teaching, I thought I knew it all. Luckily, God has been using that solid foundation to help weed out areas of sin in my life, and bring me to see things from a different perspective. His perspective.
God has had me for the past year with no "outside" ministry, meaning I have not been involved in church. This freaks my husband out, and causes much strife in our home. I LOVE to teach, and it has been very painful for me to not be working with children (yes, I have 5 of my own, and love them dearly, but there is another special joy of children's ministry with other peoples children with my children involved) and to see the relationships I had to give up. It has thrown me into a time of depression and confusion, where I am just trusting God to glorify his name through it. This kind of learning is by far harder than book work. God has been gracious in it and as much as I long to be done with it, I am asking to be refined by it rather than be hardened by it.
One of the best parts about the past couple of years has been knowing that it is God himself who is teaching, leading, encouraging, and disciplining me. With no church head over me, I am at God's mercy for keeping the fire lit to stay in prayer and scripture and perseverance. He has done that and more, leading me to passages with messages from him, causing my spirit to trust Him even more.
Which all brings me to Romans 2. God's Righteous Judgment. The passage talks about how the Jews were so caught up in The Law, both in their own lives and others', that they totally missed the Savior and God's plan for salvation. There is a fine line here, because yes, we do have to obey God, but the sin comes when we start trusting that obedience for our salvation.
Verse 16 scared me. This [judgment] will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares. Even our motives for what we do will be brought into account. In our hearts is where Christianity is revealed. At the core, what are we depending on? Who are we trusting in for our salvation? Are we ready for eternity? It's tough to take a real look at one's life held up to the standard of the Bible. I fall miserably short. But, Good News is yet to come. God's kindness leads you toward repentance.
More Romans
If I write it, I can make sense of it. Therefor, I launch full force into Romans chapter 2.
Ouch, another tough chapter. God's Righteous Judgment. I have come to the realization, if nothing else, that the further I get to know of God the more I realize how little I thought I knew. I went through an adolescent period in my Christian life where, because of good teaching, I thought I knew it all. Luckily, God has been using that solid foundation to help weed out areas of sin in my life, and bring me to see things from a different perspective. His perspective.
God has had me for the past year with no "outside" ministry, meaning I have not been involved in church. This freaks my husband out, and causes much strife in our home. I LOVE to teach, and it has been very painful for me to not be working with children (yes, I have 5 of my own, and love them dearly, but there is another special joy of children's ministry with other peoples children with my children involved) and to see the relationships I had to give up. It has thrown me into a time of depression and confusion, where I am just trusting God to glorify his name through it. This kind of learning is by far harder than book work. God has been gracious in it and as much as I long to be done with it, I am asking to be refined by it rather than be hardened by it.
One of the best parts about the past couple of years has been knowing that it is God himself who is teaching, leading, encouraging, and disciplining me. With no church head over me, I am at God's mercy for keeping the fire lit to stay in prayer and scripture and perseverance. He has done that and more, leading me to passages with messages from him, causing my spirit to trust Him even more.
Which all brings me to Romans 2. God's Righteous Judgment. The passage talks about how the Jews were so caught up in The Law, both in their own lives and others', that they totally missed the Savior and God's plan for salvation. There is a fine line here, because yes, we do have to obey God, but the sin comes when we start trusting that obedience for our salvation.
Verse 16 scared me. This [judgment] will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares. Even our motives for what we do will be brought into account. In our hearts is where Christianity is revealed. At the core, what are we depending on? Who are we trusting in for our salvation? Are we ready for eternity? It's tough to take a real look at one's life held up to the standard of the Bible. I fall miserably short. But, Good News is yet to come. God's kindness leads you toward repentance.
The Top Ten
Thursday, October 30, 2008
The Top Ten
I have started Romans, and honestly have to say that I have been procrastinating. I love the word of God, and try to read it every day. But...I know what's coming. I have gone through a couple of Bible studies on Romans in the past, and know how tough it can be to get through. Chapter 1 "God's Wrath Against Mankind". Kind of hard to enjoy your coffee with that kind of title.
The first thing that struck me this morning was verse 1:17. ...For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last... Our actions and how we live our lives do matter, but in the end it is going to be this righteousness that God will be looking for. It is a righteousness that was only attained on the cross. There is nothing we as man can do to attain it on our own. None of our striving will bring it. Our lives lived for God will be a testimony to this righteousness that was given as a gift. I can stop trying to earn it.
Then on to the real nitty-gritty. How we, as man, have totally denied God even while surrounded by all the evidence that He is God. Referring back to Acts28:26-27, Paul also talks about our calloused hearts. This hardening is what causes God to turn us over to our own sinful ways. We begin to see God as the fool, and make ourselves as the wise and learned, thinking we know better. Verse 28 says that since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. As we, even as Christians, neglect the word of God, it is easy to stray. I long to be a fool to my ways if it means God is glorified in it.There continues a list of how ones life (and country?) looks like when they deny God. I find myself in many of these places, and could make a list of my own.
The top ten, in no specific order:
1~Selfishness. Always me first.
2~Greed. Wanting more of the worlds pleasures, when my life is so full of clutter.
3~Laziness. Being very undisciplined in many areas of my life.
4~Bitterness. At people I think I have a right to hold grudges against for whatever offense I have built up against them.
5~Fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of the dark, fear of the future....
6~Lack of trust. Not trusting where God has me as being the right place. I would rather have the cotton candy and pony rides, than this struggle of growth in my life.
7~Disrespect. Not properly putting my husband in the position that God has ordained he should be.
8~Whining. Wah-wah-wah!
9~Grumbling. About nearly everything.
10~My tongue. What a nasty, evil muscle that reveals the true heart.
The list could go on, and on, but I'm already depressed and overwhelmed, so won't continue! Good thing I know that Romans eventually offers the hope of the Savior after all this soul searching. There is good news in the end, but first this road must be traveled. Without sin, there would be no need for a Savior.
The Top Ten
I have started Romans, and honestly have to say that I have been procrastinating. I love the word of God, and try to read it every day. But...I know what's coming. I have gone through a couple of Bible studies on Romans in the past, and know how tough it can be to get through. Chapter 1 "God's Wrath Against Mankind". Kind of hard to enjoy your coffee with that kind of title.
The first thing that struck me this morning was verse 1:17. ...For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last... Our actions and how we live our lives do matter, but in the end it is going to be this righteousness that God will be looking for. It is a righteousness that was only attained on the cross. There is nothing we as man can do to attain it on our own. None of our striving will bring it. Our lives lived for God will be a testimony to this righteousness that was given as a gift. I can stop trying to earn it.
Then on to the real nitty-gritty. How we, as man, have totally denied God even while surrounded by all the evidence that He is God. Referring back to Acts28:26-27, Paul also talks about our calloused hearts. This hardening is what causes God to turn us over to our own sinful ways. We begin to see God as the fool, and make ourselves as the wise and learned, thinking we know better. Verse 28 says that since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. As we, even as Christians, neglect the word of God, it is easy to stray. I long to be a fool to my ways if it means God is glorified in it.There continues a list of how ones life (and country?) looks like when they deny God. I find myself in many of these places, and could make a list of my own.
The top ten, in no specific order:
1~Selfishness. Always me first.
2~Greed. Wanting more of the worlds pleasures, when my life is so full of clutter.
3~Laziness. Being very undisciplined in many areas of my life.
4~Bitterness. At people I think I have a right to hold grudges against for whatever offense I have built up against them.
5~Fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of the dark, fear of the future....
6~Lack of trust. Not trusting where God has me as being the right place. I would rather have the cotton candy and pony rides, than this struggle of growth in my life.
7~Disrespect. Not properly putting my husband in the position that God has ordained he should be.
8~Whining. Wah-wah-wah!
9~Grumbling. About nearly everything.
10~My tongue. What a nasty, evil muscle that reveals the true heart.
The list could go on, and on, but I'm already depressed and overwhelmed, so won't continue! Good thing I know that Romans eventually offers the hope of the Savior after all this soul searching. There is good news in the end, but first this road must be traveled. Without sin, there would be no need for a Savior.
Quotes
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Quotes
"The only way for ones weak points to become strong or erased is to expose them to the true strength." ~Jeff
What an interesting way to look at our struggles. In my life I tend to hold on to my weak points and struggles and it is easy to turn them into pets, indulging in them in a sense, fooling myself that even God wants me to be so consumed by them in the name of repentance. Yes, I need to repent of these things, but not be consumed by them. It is God that should consume me. As I take my weak points before the Almighty, and stand in his true strength, the liberty is given to turn them into strength or totally erase them, and then go on. I'll have to try to wrap my brain around that concept today.
Quotes
"The only way for ones weak points to become strong or erased is to expose them to the true strength." ~Jeff
What an interesting way to look at our struggles. In my life I tend to hold on to my weak points and struggles and it is easy to turn them into pets, indulging in them in a sense, fooling myself that even God wants me to be so consumed by them in the name of repentance. Yes, I need to repent of these things, but not be consumed by them. It is God that should consume me. As I take my weak points before the Almighty, and stand in his true strength, the liberty is given to turn them into strength or totally erase them, and then go on. I'll have to try to wrap my brain around that concept today.
Acts 17:24-27
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Acts 17:24-27
The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. Acts 17:24-27
Well, that about sums it up for me! To keep in perspective who is in charge here, who has it all under His control, who it is that really gives my family all that we need, who it is that has me exactly where He wants me to be for the time being both physically and spiritually, and all for the purpose of His glory to be seen clearer. In these troubling times, it is God who has determined who, and why, and when we should be here. All for His glory. As I go about my busy day, let me remember that what he really wants is that I would seek Him. He is not far, if we would just slow down and look.
Acts 17:24-27
The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. Acts 17:24-27
Well, that about sums it up for me! To keep in perspective who is in charge here, who has it all under His control, who it is that really gives my family all that we need, who it is that has me exactly where He wants me to be for the time being both physically and spiritually, and all for the purpose of His glory to be seen clearer. In these troubling times, it is God who has determined who, and why, and when we should be here. All for His glory. As I go about my busy day, let me remember that what he really wants is that I would seek Him. He is not far, if we would just slow down and look.
Stephen or Tin Punch, More Ramblings and Revelations
Monday, October 6, 2008
Stephen or Tin Punch, More Ramblings and Revelations
Get your coffee first, because I'm really on a roll! Getting up at 6:00 to load cattle will do that to a woman, plus the thought that I have a whole hour and a half (almost guaranteed) of just quiet time to reflect, read, pray and actually be able to finish a thought, which means I have to deal with some icky things sometimes. Especially when I woke up, again, with the thoughts of real joy and how to obtain it and contentment in my life. Maybe it is closer than I know, and I am too busy whining and chasing the "American dream" to realize it.
I am now on to Acts, and to one of my favorite accounts in the Bible. The story of Stephen. As I started to read, I flipped back a couple of pages to Acts 2:28 to a passage I have been pondering a few days "you will fill me with joy in your presence". Does this mean, then, that as we go deeper with God, essentially being in His presence, is when we will discover joy. Maybe it is not just a feeling, but something deeper, something that can't be compared with a trip to Walmart? That's what I want. That joy. To be in His presence.
The reference went back to Psalm 16. What sweet words from the Lord this morning. I obviously have read the passage before, as I had underlined some things, but how it spoke to me again."Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge." Translation, keep me from my own sinfulness, my own wicked heart which is beyond compare, from my own run-away emotions that determine to destroy good things. I am my own worst enemy sometimes."You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing." No good thing? Then why do I still seek the world's "good" things? Why do I not seek God for His good things?"Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places." What a mighty God I serve. He also knows how my heart deceives and leads me astray so quickly, and He Himself has set the boundary lines. He Himself has laid out the path for my life. My lot is secure, in Him. The boundary lines are good. My shortcomings are good, they lead me back to Him. Constantly.
"You have made known to me the path of life; you WILL fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." What a promise from a God who will not disappoint.(Are you still with me?)
So where am I going with all this, only to my own shallowness, because in the midst of all this my mind still went to "Hmmm... I wonder what color of tin punch I should pick when the time comes that I can order my cabinets, and who could build them for me, and how much would it cost, and how could I work that much to get that much money?" Shallow, shallow, shallow! Does the Bible describe Stephens kitchen? Or what color his tin punch cabinets were? No! It describes his spirit and his wisdom, and how his face looked like that of an angel as he spoke. Even as they were stoning him, his heart was intent on God. How I long for a taste of what he had. How I long for joy in His presence! As a wise and learned friend encouraged me the other day, she said that as we grow in our faith it only gets harder. It makes heaven look all the sweeter.Here they all come. Time to get back to real life. I need another cup of coffee!
Stephen or Tin Punch, More Ramblings and Revelations
Get your coffee first, because I'm really on a roll! Getting up at 6:00 to load cattle will do that to a woman, plus the thought that I have a whole hour and a half (almost guaranteed) of just quiet time to reflect, read, pray and actually be able to finish a thought, which means I have to deal with some icky things sometimes. Especially when I woke up, again, with the thoughts of real joy and how to obtain it and contentment in my life. Maybe it is closer than I know, and I am too busy whining and chasing the "American dream" to realize it.
I am now on to Acts, and to one of my favorite accounts in the Bible. The story of Stephen. As I started to read, I flipped back a couple of pages to Acts 2:28 to a passage I have been pondering a few days "you will fill me with joy in your presence". Does this mean, then, that as we go deeper with God, essentially being in His presence, is when we will discover joy. Maybe it is not just a feeling, but something deeper, something that can't be compared with a trip to Walmart? That's what I want. That joy. To be in His presence.
The reference went back to Psalm 16. What sweet words from the Lord this morning. I obviously have read the passage before, as I had underlined some things, but how it spoke to me again."Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge." Translation, keep me from my own sinfulness, my own wicked heart which is beyond compare, from my own run-away emotions that determine to destroy good things. I am my own worst enemy sometimes."You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing." No good thing? Then why do I still seek the world's "good" things? Why do I not seek God for His good things?"Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places." What a mighty God I serve. He also knows how my heart deceives and leads me astray so quickly, and He Himself has set the boundary lines. He Himself has laid out the path for my life. My lot is secure, in Him. The boundary lines are good. My shortcomings are good, they lead me back to Him. Constantly.
"You have made known to me the path of life; you WILL fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." What a promise from a God who will not disappoint.(Are you still with me?)
So where am I going with all this, only to my own shallowness, because in the midst of all this my mind still went to "Hmmm... I wonder what color of tin punch I should pick when the time comes that I can order my cabinets, and who could build them for me, and how much would it cost, and how could I work that much to get that much money?" Shallow, shallow, shallow! Does the Bible describe Stephens kitchen? Or what color his tin punch cabinets were? No! It describes his spirit and his wisdom, and how his face looked like that of an angel as he spoke. Even as they were stoning him, his heart was intent on God. How I long for a taste of what he had. How I long for joy in His presence! As a wise and learned friend encouraged me the other day, she said that as we grow in our faith it only gets harder. It makes heaven look all the sweeter.Here they all come. Time to get back to real life. I need another cup of coffee!
Revelations, Ramblings
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Revelations, Ramblings
After checking out Gina's blog, I came across this new blog, Letters from Kamp Krusty (check out the blog list on the right). It was such a hilarious, honest breath of fresh air from a guy God is using to debunk the modern church and to bring people to a closer, real walk with God. I laughed harder than I have for days, maybe even weeks! It also brought me nearly to tears, as I recognized things in my own life that I have allowed the church to indoctrinate into me. My own personal struggle with submitting to my husband in going back to our old church was finally given words as to what was happening and why my spirit is crying out to get away from it. The American church has, for the most part, Americanized church to the point that it hardly looks like Christianity, and I see God pulling so many people away from it so that they can have an authentic relationship with Him. Honestly, it scares me, because going to church on Sunday morning is the only way I have ever known to be a Christian. The past 2 years God is slowly showing me the hypocrisy that I have been denying, and putting up with, just to belong. I rather like the God I have gotten to know the past 2 years, rather than the one that was preached but not lived in the previous 10 years. To be back in an environment where you have to jump through all those hoops just to be accepted on Sunday morning is not what following God is about. But, throw in the whole submission issue, and I am only confused more. I am praying for my husband for wisdom in leading His family, and waiting on God. At the same time, I struggle with seeing what this certain group calls Christianity, and don't want to be any part of it. So many of Kamp Krusty's post's hit home, now I have to figure out what to do with it. Warning: Only read it if you are open to what God is doing in His people. It is not for the faint of heart who are protecting their image of the church. Let God sanctify you through it.
Revelations, Ramblings
After checking out Gina's blog, I came across this new blog, Letters from Kamp Krusty (check out the blog list on the right). It was such a hilarious, honest breath of fresh air from a guy God is using to debunk the modern church and to bring people to a closer, real walk with God. I laughed harder than I have for days, maybe even weeks! It also brought me nearly to tears, as I recognized things in my own life that I have allowed the church to indoctrinate into me. My own personal struggle with submitting to my husband in going back to our old church was finally given words as to what was happening and why my spirit is crying out to get away from it. The American church has, for the most part, Americanized church to the point that it hardly looks like Christianity, and I see God pulling so many people away from it so that they can have an authentic relationship with Him. Honestly, it scares me, because going to church on Sunday morning is the only way I have ever known to be a Christian. The past 2 years God is slowly showing me the hypocrisy that I have been denying, and putting up with, just to belong. I rather like the God I have gotten to know the past 2 years, rather than the one that was preached but not lived in the previous 10 years. To be back in an environment where you have to jump through all those hoops just to be accepted on Sunday morning is not what following God is about. But, throw in the whole submission issue, and I am only confused more. I am praying for my husband for wisdom in leading His family, and waiting on God. At the same time, I struggle with seeing what this certain group calls Christianity, and don't want to be any part of it. So many of Kamp Krusty's post's hit home, now I have to figure out what to do with it. Warning: Only read it if you are open to what God is doing in His people. It is not for the faint of heart who are protecting their image of the church. Let God sanctify you through it.
Congratulations Ritchard!
Friday, September 19, 2008
Congratulations Ritchard!
We have had the privilege of watching God at work for the past 2 years. He has taken a man and totally transformed his life, in a way that could only glorify God. Many times along the path to get to this point, I'm sure many of us wondered just what God was doing, how could good come out of what was happening? But God's perfect plan for Ritchard's life is bearing the fruit that could only come from such heartache and trials. Only salvation and the work of the Spirit could do what has been done in his life.
In my prayers this morning the verses God gave me for your life, Ritchard, were these....
Psalms 57:2I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills his purpose for [you].
Psalms 59:13Then it will be known to the ends of the earth that God rules over [Ritchard].
Congratulations on your big day! Didn't somebody tell you that God wanted you doing prison ministry? I'm sure one day we'll see eye-to-eye on all our other issues, too! I'm glad I'll get to spend eternity with you, praising God for all He has done!
Congratulations Ritchard!
We have had the privilege of watching God at work for the past 2 years. He has taken a man and totally transformed his life, in a way that could only glorify God. Many times along the path to get to this point, I'm sure many of us wondered just what God was doing, how could good come out of what was happening? But God's perfect plan for Ritchard's life is bearing the fruit that could only come from such heartache and trials. Only salvation and the work of the Spirit could do what has been done in his life.
In my prayers this morning the verses God gave me for your life, Ritchard, were these....
Psalms 57:2I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills his purpose for [you].
Psalms 59:13Then it will be known to the ends of the earth that God rules over [Ritchard].
Congratulations on your big day! Didn't somebody tell you that God wanted you doing prison ministry? I'm sure one day we'll see eye-to-eye on all our other issues, too! I'm glad I'll get to spend eternity with you, praising God for all He has done!
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