Recently I watch my great niece as her daddy placed her on his shoulders. She was so comfortable. She loved being that high and giggled as he twirled her around. They went up and down, turned around, swayed and danced all while she sat on his shoulders.
During one of those times, she became too comfortable and leaned back unable to bring herself back up. Her father had her by the legs and we all knew that she would not fall. The incident left her uncomfortable and she began to whine. Her dad responded "Why are you whining? You're the one that went too far back, I was holding you. I wasn't going to let go."
It reminded of how I am so happy, joyful, smiling when all is good. I'm thanking God for being so good to me and yes, I might even twirl around in gratefulness. Today however, I found myself whining. "Why all these attacks? Why was my dad injured in this accident? Why is a job situation so challenging? Why are we being tested? Why all this spiritual warfare?" All the while remembering the verse Do not be anxious about anything [Philippians 4:6]
This morning when I read that, I read the message God intended me to read. First was rejoice [v4].
In your dancing, rejoice. Although things may be tough through your eyes....rejoice! Then it tells us something very important The Lord is near [V5]. Just like her daddy was holding little Victoria, our God is holding us. Even when we feel like we are falling, He has a hold on us and will not let go. Dads don't let go because they love us and our Father will not let because He loves us too. Then comes verse 6-the one everyone quotes "Do not be anxious about anything-but..." It is what follows that "but" that is important also. But...in everything, be prayerful and with thanksgiving present your requests to God.
Don't be anxious, be prayerful, present your requests to God. He will not let go. Not only that, when you truly trust him, you'll receive a peace that transcends all understanding. Our struggles may sometimes feel so heavy but God offers a peace beyond all other simply because he won't let go.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4: 4-7
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Thursday, December 17, 2015
I want Jesus
Recently I visited my niece in Miami, Florida. We attended church Sunday morning with her husband and her two and a half year old daughter, Victoria. It was a wonderful service and wonderful time. Afterwards, we stopped to partake of the festivities including photo ops throughout the church.
After lunch, we went to her sister-in-law's house to visit a brand new baby and to take more photos, this time for the family Christmas card. Of course, you know that when you have a plan, if a child is involved, it may not come to be. Victoria was suddenly taken by the Christmas tree but more distracted by a baby in a cradle lying under the Christmas tree. She picked it up and was quickly told that it was baby Jesus. We also learned that it had been in the family for many, many years and had been passed down to my niece's brother-in-law.
In order to protect the precious heirloom, we attempted to take it from Victoria to no avail. She immediately began saying "I want Jesus, I want Jesus!" We would of course return it to her to calm the shouts but we found ourselves delicately following her around so that she would not drop it. When the time came for the family to pose for the Christmas picture, momma told Victoria that she would have to put Jesus down. "No momma, I want Jesus-I want Jesus!"
Daddy took his turn again, with no success. Brother-in-law explained that it was fragile and that it was old and that it was special but Victoria kept insisting "I want Jesus." Just about that time, our greatest fear came true. Victoria got off her chair and ran to another room clutching her Jesus.
We finally took Jesus from Victoria and with large tears and a sorrowful voice she cried "I waaaaaaaant Jesus." The only way to pacify her was to give her Jesus. Of course by now with the crooked bow and red eyes, there was no chance of taking a photo and the Christmas cards would just be late. However, there was no greater joy than watching Victoria's desire to hold Jesus. Watching her adore the Jesus triggered a thought...what if we wanted Jesus as much as Victoria wanted him.
We often pass through trials, failures, challenges and yet we don't hold on to Jesus. We don't cry out for him, we don't long to just sit and spend time with him. Jesus said "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" [Matthew 19:14]. I was learning a great lesson from Victoria. I wanted Jesus as much as Victoria did. I longed to be with him and talk to him and spend time with him. The difference was that we were all trying to prevent Victoria from doing that. The only one stopping me is me.
So this week, as you travel to your days counting down the days of celebrating our Savior's birth, I pray that you too will say "I want Jesus."
Oh God, you are my God, earnestly I will seek you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Psalms 63:1
After lunch, we went to her sister-in-law's house to visit a brand new baby and to take more photos, this time for the family Christmas card. Of course, you know that when you have a plan, if a child is involved, it may not come to be. Victoria was suddenly taken by the Christmas tree but more distracted by a baby in a cradle lying under the Christmas tree. She picked it up and was quickly told that it was baby Jesus. We also learned that it had been in the family for many, many years and had been passed down to my niece's brother-in-law.
In order to protect the precious heirloom, we attempted to take it from Victoria to no avail. She immediately began saying "I want Jesus, I want Jesus!" We would of course return it to her to calm the shouts but we found ourselves delicately following her around so that she would not drop it. When the time came for the family to pose for the Christmas picture, momma told Victoria that she would have to put Jesus down. "No momma, I want Jesus-I want Jesus!"
Daddy took his turn again, with no success. Brother-in-law explained that it was fragile and that it was old and that it was special but Victoria kept insisting "I want Jesus." Just about that time, our greatest fear came true. Victoria got off her chair and ran to another room clutching her Jesus.
We finally took Jesus from Victoria and with large tears and a sorrowful voice she cried "I waaaaaaaant Jesus." The only way to pacify her was to give her Jesus. Of course by now with the crooked bow and red eyes, there was no chance of taking a photo and the Christmas cards would just be late. However, there was no greater joy than watching Victoria's desire to hold Jesus. Watching her adore the Jesus triggered a thought...what if we wanted Jesus as much as Victoria wanted him.
We often pass through trials, failures, challenges and yet we don't hold on to Jesus. We don't cry out for him, we don't long to just sit and spend time with him. Jesus said "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" [Matthew 19:14]. I was learning a great lesson from Victoria. I wanted Jesus as much as Victoria did. I longed to be with him and talk to him and spend time with him. The difference was that we were all trying to prevent Victoria from doing that. The only one stopping me is me.
So this week, as you travel to your days counting down the days of celebrating our Savior's birth, I pray that you too will say "I want Jesus."
Oh God, you are my God, earnestly I will seek you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Psalms 63:1
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Someone paid the price
Yesterday my husband and I were driving home through the back roads. He simply asked "Should we go by?" Of course I said yes. Yes, let's drive by dad's house. Today, as I drove back from Huntsville, I stopped at the stop sign on Hamblen Road and asked myself the same question "Should I drive by?" We ask ourselves if we should drive by my father-in-law's house. We finally sold it a couple of weeks ago so I guess in essence, it's no longer paw paw's house...or ours.
When I asked myself that question I heard a resounding "No!" I heard in my mind "Let it go." Why do we keep going back there? We just drive by to see the new boxes and the unfamiliar cars parked in our driveway. We go by to see new furniture through the undraped windows and trailer that hauls the boxes and we realize we no longer have the freedom to just walk in, we no longer have the right to call it our own anymore.
We do the same thing with our past. Instead of moving on like God would have us do, we want to keep going back to the past, back to what was comfortable. We don't want to move on. That place was comfortable. We want to see what would have happened if we had stayed there. We just want to take a peek and remember how comfortable we were there. We have to remember that some one paid for that house and it's not ours anymore.
Over two thousand years ago God paid the price for our sins. He paid the price and he took it. It is no longer ours. Our sins are our own...our darkness, our faults, our failures-the price was paid and they no longer belong to us. So let go. Like me and my husband, some of you keep wanting to go back, maybe just to take a look, maybe just to wallow in memories of times past but God has taught that it is no longer ours. Someone paid the price.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
When I asked myself that question I heard a resounding "No!" I heard in my mind "Let it go." Why do we keep going back there? We just drive by to see the new boxes and the unfamiliar cars parked in our driveway. We go by to see new furniture through the undraped windows and trailer that hauls the boxes and we realize we no longer have the freedom to just walk in, we no longer have the right to call it our own anymore.
We do the same thing with our past. Instead of moving on like God would have us do, we want to keep going back to the past, back to what was comfortable. We don't want to move on. That place was comfortable. We want to see what would have happened if we had stayed there. We just want to take a peek and remember how comfortable we were there. We have to remember that some one paid for that house and it's not ours anymore.
Over two thousand years ago God paid the price for our sins. He paid the price and he took it. It is no longer ours. Our sins are our own...our darkness, our faults, our failures-the price was paid and they no longer belong to us. So let go. Like me and my husband, some of you keep wanting to go back, maybe just to take a look, maybe just to wallow in memories of times past but God has taught that it is no longer ours. Someone paid the price.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Hiding Place
Sunday, I got a call from my father. It was around 3:30pm. He stated that a lady was at their house and she explained that she was a victim of domestic violence. My father is a deacon at his church and my mom was home. I told him that I would be there in ten minutes. We had already settled in and were watching the game but I had to go help dad.
When I arrived I spoke to the lady who I knew from the neighborhood. Her injuries were serious. She explained the situation, I called for medical attention and the proper authorities. Her son was with her and she explained the fear of trying to protect her children. She stated "I didn't know where to go....the only place I knew I would be safe is with your parents."
It was a draining two hours. Once she was checked out and the police did their thing, she drove herself to urgent care. I told my parents I was leaving and they headed to Sunday night services. As I drove back home, I began thinking of where we go to hide when we need a hiding place. She drove to my parents house because she knew they are God fearing people. She knew where she would be safe.
When I need a hiding place, I go to the cross. I hide my face in the place where I find my comfort, security, and solace. I thank God that he sent his son to die on the cross so that I might have a hiding place. What is your hiding place?
You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7
When I arrived I spoke to the lady who I knew from the neighborhood. Her injuries were serious. She explained the situation, I called for medical attention and the proper authorities. Her son was with her and she explained the fear of trying to protect her children. She stated "I didn't know where to go....the only place I knew I would be safe is with your parents."
It was a draining two hours. Once she was checked out and the police did their thing, she drove herself to urgent care. I told my parents I was leaving and they headed to Sunday night services. As I drove back home, I began thinking of where we go to hide when we need a hiding place. She drove to my parents house because she knew they are God fearing people. She knew where she would be safe.
When I need a hiding place, I go to the cross. I hide my face in the place where I find my comfort, security, and solace. I thank God that he sent his son to die on the cross so that I might have a hiding place. What is your hiding place?
You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7
Friday, October 16, 2015
First Question
I have often heard of individuals looking for a biological parent or siblings. They are often asked "What will be your first question to them?" That's fair. I would also wonder what one's first question would be when they located their biological family.
Today, I was driving to the store when my thoughts went to a magazine. It is a magazine that I have been receiving for about a year. It comes with a 20% coupon or some promotional item for free. I did not order this magazine but it arrived at my house every month. In fact, it didn't even come to ME! It came under a different individual's name. When I first received it and I saw the name on it, I thought "Why would anyone do that?"
It was a woman's magazine and every time I received it, I ripped it in pieces and threw it away. Month after month I would shake my head in disgust and tear up the magazine. I recognized the name on the magazine but it was sent to my address. I just didn't understand someone's meanness in doing that. I eventually called the company and asked them not to send any more magazines to my home. I could have given them the address of the person whose name was on the label but that is not me. I cancelled it weeks ago.
Today, as I drove to the store that came to my mind. I thought to myself "When I get to heaven, my first question to God is going to be 'why did that person do that to me?"' I just wanted God to tell me why someone would be so mean spirited? The more I thought of it, the more it ruled me. My attitude changed and I found myself actually saying "I'm gonna ask God....I sure am!"
Then the gravity of what I was saying hit me. I thought of that song I Bowed on My Knees and Cried Holy. It talks of the artist seeing Abraham, Jacob and Isaac, he saw Paul and Timothy-but he said I want to see Jesus, the one who died for me.
Really? I finally get to see the one who died for me and my first question is "Who sent those magazines to my house?" It is amazing how we can be humbled when reality hits. How superficial of me. Does it matter who did that? Not when I'm standing in the presence of my Savior. Instead of asking that question, I am sure I will revel in the majesty of being surrounded by holiness.
It doesn't matter who did it or what their intent was, it's done, it's cancelled, it's over. So in re-grouping and thinking of a "first question" I thought of this. If I have a first question for anyone it should be "Do you know our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and will you meet Him when your life is over?" Now that's an important first question!
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is? They replied "Some say John the Baptist others say Elijah: and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." "But what about you?" he asked, "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Matthew 16:13-16
(c) 2001, Steve Emerson Music-I Bowed on My Knees and Cried Holy/Gaither Vocal
Today, I was driving to the store when my thoughts went to a magazine. It is a magazine that I have been receiving for about a year. It comes with a 20% coupon or some promotional item for free. I did not order this magazine but it arrived at my house every month. In fact, it didn't even come to ME! It came under a different individual's name. When I first received it and I saw the name on it, I thought "Why would anyone do that?"
It was a woman's magazine and every time I received it, I ripped it in pieces and threw it away. Month after month I would shake my head in disgust and tear up the magazine. I recognized the name on the magazine but it was sent to my address. I just didn't understand someone's meanness in doing that. I eventually called the company and asked them not to send any more magazines to my home. I could have given them the address of the person whose name was on the label but that is not me. I cancelled it weeks ago.
Today, as I drove to the store that came to my mind. I thought to myself "When I get to heaven, my first question to God is going to be 'why did that person do that to me?"' I just wanted God to tell me why someone would be so mean spirited? The more I thought of it, the more it ruled me. My attitude changed and I found myself actually saying "I'm gonna ask God....I sure am!"
Then the gravity of what I was saying hit me. I thought of that song I Bowed on My Knees and Cried Holy. It talks of the artist seeing Abraham, Jacob and Isaac, he saw Paul and Timothy-but he said I want to see Jesus, the one who died for me.
Really? I finally get to see the one who died for me and my first question is "Who sent those magazines to my house?" It is amazing how we can be humbled when reality hits. How superficial of me. Does it matter who did that? Not when I'm standing in the presence of my Savior. Instead of asking that question, I am sure I will revel in the majesty of being surrounded by holiness.
It doesn't matter who did it or what their intent was, it's done, it's cancelled, it's over. So in re-grouping and thinking of a "first question" I thought of this. If I have a first question for anyone it should be "Do you know our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and will you meet Him when your life is over?" Now that's an important first question!
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is? They replied "Some say John the Baptist others say Elijah: and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." "But what about you?" he asked, "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Matthew 16:13-16
(c) 2001, Steve Emerson Music-I Bowed on My Knees and Cried Holy/Gaither Vocal
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Wait for it....Wait for it....BAM
These past few weeks I have been so excited. I have been so close to an A in my Leadership Class of my doctorate program. The first class I completly bombed it. I was fortunate enough to walk away from that class with a C. This week I had a presentation due and I was so excited. My average was 89.56 and this project was what was going to kick me into that ever elusive A.
I woke up this morning and for some reason my phone was dinging that I had a message. It was a not yet 5 AM for heaven's sake. I opened the message and discovered my grade. It was not at all what I wanted or expected. My heart sank. Once again, my A alluded me. My 89 average had dropped to an 85 and with this being the last week, there was no way I could make it up.
Bummed. B-U-M-M-E-D! One might ask "Why is this so important?" It is important to me because I have attached my grade to my worth. Isn't that silly? Silly but true. The greater my grade, the greater my worth - in my mind. I have had friends be really supportive through this venture but none of that can erase my insecurities. Is it because I never had a high GPA in school? Is it because I graduated with honors in my Master's Program therefore I have high expectations? I don't know the answer to that. I only know that I feel like this is the path God called me to and this is the path I'll take. This I do know, God would never attach my worth to a grade yet I continue to do so.
With this class behind me, I can only wait to see what the next one brings. Waiting...such a difficult process. It can be no coincidence that my devotions this week have been on waiting. Isaiah 40:31 "Those who wait on the Lord...." wait, wait, wait. How long do I have to wait. That is one of my primary downfalls-impatience. The rest of that verse says "...shall renew their strength. They shall soar on wings like eagles. They shall run and not grow weary."
You may have to wait for something you are praying about but in the end, your strength will be renewed. God has really spoken to me this week about this subject. Like most of us, I want it now. Wait for it, for at the appointed time, God will reveal it to you. Don't give up. Just wait for it.
For the revelation awaits an appointed time, it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. Habakkuk 2:3
I woke up this morning and for some reason my phone was dinging that I had a message. It was a not yet 5 AM for heaven's sake. I opened the message and discovered my grade. It was not at all what I wanted or expected. My heart sank. Once again, my A alluded me. My 89 average had dropped to an 85 and with this being the last week, there was no way I could make it up.
Bummed. B-U-M-M-E-D! One might ask "Why is this so important?" It is important to me because I have attached my grade to my worth. Isn't that silly? Silly but true. The greater my grade, the greater my worth - in my mind. I have had friends be really supportive through this venture but none of that can erase my insecurities. Is it because I never had a high GPA in school? Is it because I graduated with honors in my Master's Program therefore I have high expectations? I don't know the answer to that. I only know that I feel like this is the path God called me to and this is the path I'll take. This I do know, God would never attach my worth to a grade yet I continue to do so.
With this class behind me, I can only wait to see what the next one brings. Waiting...such a difficult process. It can be no coincidence that my devotions this week have been on waiting. Isaiah 40:31 "Those who wait on the Lord...." wait, wait, wait. How long do I have to wait. That is one of my primary downfalls-impatience. The rest of that verse says "...shall renew their strength. They shall soar on wings like eagles. They shall run and not grow weary."
You may have to wait for something you are praying about but in the end, your strength will be renewed. God has really spoken to me this week about this subject. Like most of us, I want it now. Wait for it, for at the appointed time, God will reveal it to you. Don't give up. Just wait for it.
For the revelation awaits an appointed time, it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. Habakkuk 2:3
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Be Bold
The other day I was listening to a sermon by Dr. Tony Evans. He was on a roll. He was putting it out there. In the middle of his sermon he said this "The word says 'For without God......'" and he awaited a response from the congregation. There was silence but as I was driving, I meekly replied "I can do nothing??????" That was my response. Actually it was voiced like a question. It's like I was asking "Is that right?" I knew that verse and yet I was forming it in a question that indicated I was very unsure.
Years ago at Vacation Bible School I learned the pledge to the Bible.
I pledge allegiance to the Bible,
God's Holy Word.
I will make it a lamp unto my feet
and a light unto my path,
I will hide its word in my heart
that I may not sin against God.
Portions of this come from Psalm 119:11. The specific verse that strikes home is "I will hide its word in my heart." That is the only place one can not penetrate. You know what you know and no one can go there. So how do you put God's word in your heart? You study, you memorize and you live it. No xray can see it hidden there. I was so hesitant in completing the verse because who wants to be wrong? We can not be afraid to be wrong. We have to be bold. If we hesitate and we don't speak the word, there will be those that distort it and put their own spin on it. Paul wrote letters and in not understanding them, the people interpreted them and spread the message in a manner that was destructive [2 Peter 3:16].
So when you have your quiet time, when you study the word, when you commit it to memory, hide it in your heart. The next time someone challenges you with a scripture or question, be bold!
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Joshua 1:8 I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit for apart from me, you can do nothing. John 15:5
Years ago at Vacation Bible School I learned the pledge to the Bible.
I pledge allegiance to the Bible,
God's Holy Word.
I will make it a lamp unto my feet
and a light unto my path,
I will hide its word in my heart
that I may not sin against God.
Portions of this come from Psalm 119:11. The specific verse that strikes home is "I will hide its word in my heart." That is the only place one can not penetrate. You know what you know and no one can go there. So how do you put God's word in your heart? You study, you memorize and you live it. No xray can see it hidden there. I was so hesitant in completing the verse because who wants to be wrong? We can not be afraid to be wrong. We have to be bold. If we hesitate and we don't speak the word, there will be those that distort it and put their own spin on it. Paul wrote letters and in not understanding them, the people interpreted them and spread the message in a manner that was destructive [2 Peter 3:16].
So when you have your quiet time, when you study the word, when you commit it to memory, hide it in your heart. The next time someone challenges you with a scripture or question, be bold!
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Joshua 1:8 I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit for apart from me, you can do nothing. John 15:5
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