Yesterday I taught our Bible Study class out of Romans 12. It was great scripture reference and gave me plenty to think about. I spoke of my love for football and how I live for weekends when there is a game. Of course I have my "favs" but the idea is that I just love the game. There is only one problem....I don't really understand it. Oh I know the terminology but I dont really know what it means. For instance, a yellow flag means penalty but what does holding mean? My son plays football and I can tell you when he plays because I know his number but I can't tell you much else. I don't know "what position he plays" but I do know that if they throw the ball to him he runs with it and I cheer!
I told my class that if I put on a helmet and a jersey, I could look like a football player but I can assure you, I wouldn't do any team anygood. Merely looking like a football player would not or enhance my knowledge, thought process or ability to play football.
So it is with conforming and transforming. Paul tells us in Romans that we are not to conform to this world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds. We should be a reflection of Jesus Christ and that takes a change in thought process, a change in daily living and eventually a permanent life change. Being transformed does not happen over night, I can't just put on a helmet and become a football star. Oh I could memorize the plays alright but just memorizing the plays would not amount to much.
Paul tells us to renew our minds and we do that when we are continually in God's word and when we live it out. We should not only read God's Word for information but for transformation! It is a continual, growing process and we must be willing to allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives. A real football player steps on to the field prepared to win because he knows the plays and what is expected, so should we step into to life everyday prepared for what is to come because we have been transformed and are strong enough in the Holy Spirit to not conform to the expectations of the world.
A "transformation" that we put on and take off can also be called a costume. Transformation is not a change on the surface, transformation goes deep. Let your transformation be real, let it be genuine and let it be lived out daily.
Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2
Monday, October 31, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Mexican Train
A dear friend of mine pointed something out to me last night. She complimented me on this blog and then jokingly pointed out that I am a different person when we play a dominos game called "Mexican Train." We have played for several years and only recently began playing again. I can honestly say that I have a competitive spirit and have found my match with her. We don't like to lose and will use whatever tactic it takes to win. We make faces, taunt and may even chuckle at ones bad luck. I even have a hilarious video of my friend when she is losing. We are the quite the pair and I would say entertainment for the rest of the group. My friend jokingly reminded me last night that I am a different person at that game.
It honestly made me think. It made me take a second look at myself and it emphasized how we as followers of Christ are often seen by others. Yes this is fun, yes we act up and yes it's great fun to fellowship with others who love Christ however, when we leave the confines of our place of worship and we enter into the real world, do we reflect the love of Christ. Are we showing more of us or of Him?
One of my favorite scriptures speaks of this specific issue. I know that in following Christ, there must be less of me and more of Him yet competition has a way of bringing out another side of me. My friend and I bring the perfect blend to the rest of the group who is milder and have gentler spirits because in the end, we all want to win! In striving towards that, I must reflect the fruits of the spirit...gentleness, goodness, joy, love, self-control, faith, peace, patience and kindness...that's just hard to do when playing dominos. I consider myself blessed to have such dear friends that understand our competitive spirit. I will strive to reflect less of me and more of Him.
Thank you dear friend for the reminder. I have only one more thing to say....bring on the train!!!
He must become greater; I must become less. John 3:30
Thank you to my dear friends Tracy Vetitoe and Kelly Baily for their friendship and Godly influence in my life-love you girls!
It honestly made me think. It made me take a second look at myself and it emphasized how we as followers of Christ are often seen by others. Yes this is fun, yes we act up and yes it's great fun to fellowship with others who love Christ however, when we leave the confines of our place of worship and we enter into the real world, do we reflect the love of Christ. Are we showing more of us or of Him?
One of my favorite scriptures speaks of this specific issue. I know that in following Christ, there must be less of me and more of Him yet competition has a way of bringing out another side of me. My friend and I bring the perfect blend to the rest of the group who is milder and have gentler spirits because in the end, we all want to win! In striving towards that, I must reflect the fruits of the spirit...gentleness, goodness, joy, love, self-control, faith, peace, patience and kindness...that's just hard to do when playing dominos. I consider myself blessed to have such dear friends that understand our competitive spirit. I will strive to reflect less of me and more of Him.
Thank you dear friend for the reminder. I have only one more thing to say....bring on the train!!!
He must become greater; I must become less. John 3:30
Thank you to my dear friends Tracy Vetitoe and Kelly Baily for their friendship and Godly influence in my life-love you girls!
Friday, October 28, 2011
The Scarlet Cord
I was in my closet organizing my numerous scarves. I have every color, fabric, style....I have many. In the midst of the scarves that I was putting away, I encountered a long, red, silky ribbon. It was not very thick but it did feel nice. I love red ribbons. They take me back to Joshua 2. Joshua sent the two spies to scope out Jericho. Once they arrived, they "entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab" and they stayed there. When the King of Jericho asked Rahab about them, she redirected them away from her house because she had hidden them. Having completed their mission, the spies then wanted to leave Jericho safely and needed Rahab's assistance. She agrees.
In exchange, Rahab asked that her life and the life of her family be spared as she acknowledged "the Lord your God is God in Heaven above and on the earth below." She wanted safety, she wanted assurance, she wanted the protection of being under the one true God. Having come to a verbal agreement the spies respond with this "This oath you made us swear will not be binding on us unless....you have tied this scarlet cord in the window..." [Joshua 2:17]
That scarlet cord represented safety, salvation, protection and was going to liberate Rahab and her family. It was going to identify them. Over two-thousand years ago, God sent his Son to die on the cross so that we could be spared. He did this out of love for you and me. He shed his blood on that cross and because I believe through faith that he died and was resurrected on the third day, I am covered by that blood. "In him, we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins in accordance with God's grace." [Ephesians 1:7]
Just like that scarlet cord identified Rahab, my identity is in Jesus Christ through the blood of the Lamb. Rahab may have seen herself as a "prostitute that needing saving" but God had a bigger plan for her. Because of her act of faith, God used her in His plan and she is listed in Matthew 1:5 as the mother of Boaz, in the genealogy of Jesus Christ.
It all began with an act of faith and a display of that scarlet cord.
"Agreed," she replied. "Let it be as you say." So she sent them away and they departed. And she tied the scarlet cord in the window." Joshua 2:21
In exchange, Rahab asked that her life and the life of her family be spared as she acknowledged "the Lord your God is God in Heaven above and on the earth below." She wanted safety, she wanted assurance, she wanted the protection of being under the one true God. Having come to a verbal agreement the spies respond with this "This oath you made us swear will not be binding on us unless....you have tied this scarlet cord in the window..." [Joshua 2:17]
That scarlet cord represented safety, salvation, protection and was going to liberate Rahab and her family. It was going to identify them. Over two-thousand years ago, God sent his Son to die on the cross so that we could be spared. He did this out of love for you and me. He shed his blood on that cross and because I believe through faith that he died and was resurrected on the third day, I am covered by that blood. "In him, we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins in accordance with God's grace." [Ephesians 1:7]
Just like that scarlet cord identified Rahab, my identity is in Jesus Christ through the blood of the Lamb. Rahab may have seen herself as a "prostitute that needing saving" but God had a bigger plan for her. Because of her act of faith, God used her in His plan and she is listed in Matthew 1:5 as the mother of Boaz, in the genealogy of Jesus Christ.
It all began with an act of faith and a display of that scarlet cord.
"Agreed," she replied. "Let it be as you say." So she sent them away and they departed. And she tied the scarlet cord in the window." Joshua 2:21
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Send someone else
In life, there are probably times when we might respond just like that. I can remember reporting to work and getting an assignment that took me off my regular duties and me thinking..."Can't you send someone else?" It does not change in the real world. Perhaps God is calling us to lead a group, teach a bible study class, or host a meeting at our house with neighbors. Decisions like that are difficult especially if we feel inadequate to handle it or if there are others with exceptional qualities that have preceeded us.
When God called on Moses to lead His people, initially, Moses wasn't very willing. In fact he began by handing out excuses much like I do 1) Who am I that I should go? 2) What if they question me, what do I say to them? 3) I am not eloquent and I am slow of speech or "not a good communicator." There will always be an excuse for some. Moses not only gave excuses and he not only said send someone else...he said it in a pleading, tone please....send someone else to do it. As a last resort even I may beg.
Despite any shortcomings I may think I have, I pray that I will be willing to submit to God's plan with the faith that He will see me through. God told Moses "I will help you speak and will teach you what to say" and still Moses plead for God to send someone else. What happens when there is no one else to send? What if you are the one God chose for this purpose? What will your response be? Will it be one of faith and belief in His Word or will you ask Him to send someone else?
But Moses said, "O Lord, please send someone else to do it. Exodus 4:13
When God called on Moses to lead His people, initially, Moses wasn't very willing. In fact he began by handing out excuses much like I do 1) Who am I that I should go? 2) What if they question me, what do I say to them? 3) I am not eloquent and I am slow of speech or "not a good communicator." There will always be an excuse for some. Moses not only gave excuses and he not only said send someone else...he said it in a pleading, tone please....send someone else to do it. As a last resort even I may beg.
Despite any shortcomings I may think I have, I pray that I will be willing to submit to God's plan with the faith that He will see me through. God told Moses "I will help you speak and will teach you what to say" and still Moses plead for God to send someone else. What happens when there is no one else to send? What if you are the one God chose for this purpose? What will your response be? Will it be one of faith and belief in His Word or will you ask Him to send someone else?
But Moses said, "O Lord, please send someone else to do it. Exodus 4:13
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Change of the seasons
This weekend we were in Boston at College Family Weekend. It was nostalgic to see our oldest enter her freshman year at college. The landscape indicated that the season was changing as the trees were beautiful colors, the weather was cooler and surroundings were picturesque. I also noticed a change in season as we arrived to stronger hugs, more conversation and a greater value of time together. We don't really want to "send our children off" but Ecclesiastes 3 speaks of seasons. We may enter some seasons with reservations, other seasons we may welcome with open arms. At some point we may reminisce at seasons past and perhaps speak of seasons to come.
I see friends with seniors this year and wonder what happened to the little toothless child. Having one of my own, I wonder where the years went. This is what we prepare them for and as the seasons change for them, they change for us as well. Do not fret...it is a season and in time to come, there will be another.
A time to be born and a time to die;
A time to weep and a time to laugh.
A time to mourn and a time to dance,
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them.
A time to embrace and a time to refrain,
A time to search and a time to give up.
A time to be silent and a time to speak.
Ecclesiastes 3: 2,4-7
We place our children in the hands of our Lord and Savior believing that we have worked towards this day of letting go-just a change of seasons.
I see friends with seniors this year and wonder what happened to the little toothless child. Having one of my own, I wonder where the years went. This is what we prepare them for and as the seasons change for them, they change for us as well. Do not fret...it is a season and in time to come, there will be another.
A time to be born and a time to die;
A time to weep and a time to laugh.
A time to mourn and a time to dance,
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them.
A time to embrace and a time to refrain,
A time to search and a time to give up.
A time to be silent and a time to speak.
Ecclesiastes 3: 2,4-7
We place our children in the hands of our Lord and Savior believing that we have worked towards this day of letting go-just a change of seasons.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
He always answers
In today's world of instant communication, we have become a society that is spoiled to "quick answers" with a low tolerance for waiting. On this particular day, I needed an answer from a member of my family. I called my niece on her cell phone because I had just spoken with her. I go no answer....so I called again. No answer. Come on! "I just spoke wtih you...will you please answer." With no answer from my niece, I called my sister who was with her...no answer! After numerous attempts and getting no answer, I thought "I'll call my father...he always answers."
It is true. I have never called my father on his cell phone that he has not answered. Likewise, I have never called my heavenly Father that he has not answered. In fact, His word says to call on him and in His power, he will show us great and mighty things...because He always answers!
Call unto me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things which you do not know.
Jeremiah 33:3
It is true. I have never called my father on his cell phone that he has not answered. Likewise, I have never called my heavenly Father that he has not answered. In fact, His word says to call on him and in His power, he will show us great and mighty things...because He always answers!
Call unto me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things which you do not know.
Jeremiah 33:3
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
I want my house....
Several years ago my husband and I made the rounds in this community looking for a house. We searched and searched. We toured various homes and some were spectacular. Some had large yards, with small homes, others small yards with larger homes. We just could not decide. We did however, commit it to prayer and knew that God would bring the right house.
Then we found it! It was perfect and I loved it! The yard was huge, the den was great and would accomodate my family and then some. I just loved it. I told my husband I had to have it. We went home and prayed about it and I did pray confidently because I just knew this was the house.
Two days later we went back with the realtor and in my mind, I was placing my furniture in that house. It was great. As we were walking out, my husband noticed some water on the dining room floor. "Condensation" the realtor called it. We later discovered that it was seeping in from the foundation. That was not good news. I asked if it could be fixed and it was disclosed that it had also had a mold problem....that was a definite no! I was sad, very, very sad. I just knew this house was for us. I did not want to look anymore, I did not want any more choices, I wanted that house and I would often drive by it just to see what I was missing.
Eventually, we did locate another house. It was going to be a "flip" with a total make-over but at a super price. Once again, God had taken care of us and years later, we recognize that in this economy we are blessed to have made that deal. The other day, I drove through my subdivision and saw a familiar house. I looked at it and realized it was the model of the one I "wanted" I also realized that there was no "feeling" for it as I drove away.
Being in Christ, I do not miss my past life, I do not long to go back, I don't regret leaving it behind. I am grateful that Christ pulled me out of that life and into a relationship with Him. Just like that house I once longed for, I do not miss it. I have found that I long to be in the house of the Lord...that is where I find happiness.
I love the house where you live, O Lord, the place where your glory dwells. Psalm 26:8
Then we found it! It was perfect and I loved it! The yard was huge, the den was great and would accomodate my family and then some. I just loved it. I told my husband I had to have it. We went home and prayed about it and I did pray confidently because I just knew this was the house.
Two days later we went back with the realtor and in my mind, I was placing my furniture in that house. It was great. As we were walking out, my husband noticed some water on the dining room floor. "Condensation" the realtor called it. We later discovered that it was seeping in from the foundation. That was not good news. I asked if it could be fixed and it was disclosed that it had also had a mold problem....that was a definite no! I was sad, very, very sad. I just knew this house was for us. I did not want to look anymore, I did not want any more choices, I wanted that house and I would often drive by it just to see what I was missing.
Eventually, we did locate another house. It was going to be a "flip" with a total make-over but at a super price. Once again, God had taken care of us and years later, we recognize that in this economy we are blessed to have made that deal. The other day, I drove through my subdivision and saw a familiar house. I looked at it and realized it was the model of the one I "wanted" I also realized that there was no "feeling" for it as I drove away.
Being in Christ, I do not miss my past life, I do not long to go back, I don't regret leaving it behind. I am grateful that Christ pulled me out of that life and into a relationship with Him. Just like that house I once longed for, I do not miss it. I have found that I long to be in the house of the Lord...that is where I find happiness.
I love the house where you live, O Lord, the place where your glory dwells. Psalm 26:8
Monday, October 17, 2011
Things don't "just happen"....Great is the Lord
I woke up this morning and read my devotion. I waited on my prayers because I had an urgency about my Ladies Bible Study tomorrow morning and I felt like I had to take care of it. Tomorrow's lesson requires a powerpoint presentation that I completed months ago and I was just going to review it. I looked for my flash drive with the material on it and could not locate it. I did not panic, I merely looked through my other flash drives and my hard drive to see if I had saved it somewhere else. You guessed it....I had not! So now I begin to panic a little. I remove all my books, materials, supplies and everything else from my computer hutch looking for that flash drive. I found pictures I had lost, my favorite pen, un-used ink cartridges but no flash drive. I did find a "paper-copy" of the presentation but that does me no good. Frustrated, and way behind on time, I decide to move on to my prayer time.
I put in my favorite CD, get on my knees and remember a time when a co-worker came to me as his supervisor and said "Sarge, I lost my ID." In the police world, that is a major issue. He had looked for hours and retraced his steps before telling me. I remember going to his office and praying "God give me eyes to see that ID if it is in this room." Two seconds later, I saw the ID. The magnet portion of it was attached to a metal suitcase handle on the floor. I can assure you I gave God all the glory when I told him I found it. Today, I was praying for the same kind of revelation.
On my knees, I began by praying for the needs and prayer requests of the bible study members in my class. I gradually moved into praying for "God to give me eyes to locate the flash drive" for class tomorrow. You may think that I just had a "senior" moment but I can assure you I did not. Immediately upon voicing those words, I heard my husband's voice in my head saying "I am going to hang this flash drive on this door so you don't lose it." I froze. Being in the middle of a prayer, I did not dare open my eyes to look. I chose to believe that God had revealed to me where it was and that it would be there when I was finished with my prayer time.
When I got up and looked, there it was. The flash drive hanging on the knob. We have to believe that our God is faithful. Even when things look grim...I was already to begin a monumental task from scratch...we have to believe that our God is faithful.
I once heard a pastor ask "Is prayer your first response or your last resort?" Think about it then make your move.
You will see it with your own eyes and say "Great is the Lord-even beyond the borders of Israel!"
Malachi 1:5
I put in my favorite CD, get on my knees and remember a time when a co-worker came to me as his supervisor and said "Sarge, I lost my ID." In the police world, that is a major issue. He had looked for hours and retraced his steps before telling me. I remember going to his office and praying "God give me eyes to see that ID if it is in this room." Two seconds later, I saw the ID. The magnet portion of it was attached to a metal suitcase handle on the floor. I can assure you I gave God all the glory when I told him I found it. Today, I was praying for the same kind of revelation.
On my knees, I began by praying for the needs and prayer requests of the bible study members in my class. I gradually moved into praying for "God to give me eyes to locate the flash drive" for class tomorrow. You may think that I just had a "senior" moment but I can assure you I did not. Immediately upon voicing those words, I heard my husband's voice in my head saying "I am going to hang this flash drive on this door so you don't lose it." I froze. Being in the middle of a prayer, I did not dare open my eyes to look. I chose to believe that God had revealed to me where it was and that it would be there when I was finished with my prayer time.
When I got up and looked, there it was. The flash drive hanging on the knob. We have to believe that our God is faithful. Even when things look grim...I was already to begin a monumental task from scratch...we have to believe that our God is faithful.
I once heard a pastor ask "Is prayer your first response or your last resort?" Think about it then make your move.
You will see it with your own eyes and say "Great is the Lord-even beyond the borders of Israel!"
Malachi 1:5
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Open the eyes of my heart!
I have always prayed that God would begin to prepare my son's future wife for him. I prayed that God would "write the name of that girl" on his heart. He would hear that prayer daily when he was younger so he was getting used to the idea that God was at work preparing that special girl. When He was five years old, we were riding our bikes through the greenbelts. I openly began singing the lyrics:
Open the eyes of my heart Lord,
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see you...I want to see you.
At that point, my son turned to me and said "Mom, I wish I had eyes in my heart" confused at the statement, I asked "Why Honey?" His response was "To see the name of the little girl God has written on my heart."
There is something about the innocence of a child and yet, we are all inquisitive about the plan God would have for us. We want to see what God has in store for us...many times we don't want to wait to discover it. The idea is for us to seek out God first! My prayer is that I would listen to what God has laid on my heart and that I would be obedient to what He has prepared for me. I pray that His commands would be on my heart and that I would "open the eyes of my heart" so that I may see Him as He moves in my life.
My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you. Keep my commands and you will live, guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. Proverbs 7:1-3
Open the eyes of my heart Lord,
Open the eyes of my heart
I want to see you...I want to see you.
At that point, my son turned to me and said "Mom, I wish I had eyes in my heart" confused at the statement, I asked "Why Honey?" His response was "To see the name of the little girl God has written on my heart."
There is something about the innocence of a child and yet, we are all inquisitive about the plan God would have for us. We want to see what God has in store for us...many times we don't want to wait to discover it. The idea is for us to seek out God first! My prayer is that I would listen to what God has laid on my heart and that I would be obedient to what He has prepared for me. I pray that His commands would be on my heart and that I would "open the eyes of my heart" so that I may see Him as He moves in my life.
My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you. Keep my commands and you will live, guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. Proverbs 7:1-3
Saturday, October 15, 2011
What's the catch?
Ever notice how things have a catch? Things like "must be present to win" or "employees not eligible to participate." You have to be very careful to read the fine print. Some people have stood in line for a sale for hours only to discover that they did not qualify, their coupon didn't work on a specific product, or there was a limited supply...always a catch.
I am humbled that Christ does not have a fine print, he does not have conditions, in fact, He doesn't even expect you to change before you come to Him. He willingly went to the cross to ensure my salvation knowing the person I was. While I was a sinner, He loved me enough to say "she is my child." With that said, he went to the cross and demonstrated his love for me...no catch!
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
I am humbled that Christ does not have a fine print, he does not have conditions, in fact, He doesn't even expect you to change before you come to Him. He willingly went to the cross to ensure my salvation knowing the person I was. While I was a sinner, He loved me enough to say "she is my child." With that said, he went to the cross and demonstrated his love for me...no catch!
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
Friday, October 14, 2011
Get up and Do It!
As I type this you know I have a smile on my face! I have a smile on my face because I'm just like many that I know. I own a treadmill...yes I do. I like to run, it "gets me away" but I don't like to run in 104 degree weather so I could use my treadmill right? Well, it's in my extra bedroom with everything else "I will get to one day!"
However, today's devotion brought it home! We know we live in a society where we have easy access to fast food, immediate food and immediate gratification. Everything from candy to speciality ice cream. We can not however, go on eating and having a large intake and then just relax with no exercise. Today's scripture reminded me that we can't just listen or read the Word and not do anything with it. It is no better than a treadmill that sits in another room with no use.
We can not open God's Word and "just read" and we can not hear a sermon and "just hear it." Growing in the Word requires action. You do not know how I wish I could just go stand on the treadmill and hope it worked...unfortunately, it does not operate that way. I have to do my part, I have to put forth some effort. If I am willing to do that, if I am willing to make the sacrifice, if I am willing to live up to the challenge, I will see a change.
I pray that I do not "merely listen" to the word but that I will "do what it says." I pray that I will not only read or listen for education; but do what it says for transformation!!
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22
However, today's devotion brought it home! We know we live in a society where we have easy access to fast food, immediate food and immediate gratification. Everything from candy to speciality ice cream. We can not however, go on eating and having a large intake and then just relax with no exercise. Today's scripture reminded me that we can't just listen or read the Word and not do anything with it. It is no better than a treadmill that sits in another room with no use.
We can not open God's Word and "just read" and we can not hear a sermon and "just hear it." Growing in the Word requires action. You do not know how I wish I could just go stand on the treadmill and hope it worked...unfortunately, it does not operate that way. I have to do my part, I have to put forth some effort. If I am willing to do that, if I am willing to make the sacrifice, if I am willing to live up to the challenge, I will see a change.
I pray that I do not "merely listen" to the word but that I will "do what it says." I pray that I will not only read or listen for education; but do what it says for transformation!!
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Follow in His footsteps...
Today I took my mom in to have eye surgery. Her vision was severely impaired as was evident by her actions. I told her "mom, hold my arm and walk directly behind me, I will lead you." I noticed that when I released her arm, she was completely lost and would stand still so as not to lose her balance or run into things. The safest place for her with no assistance was to stand still. If she wanted to move, she had to follow me. I thought it strange and commented to my husband that we have come full circle. We are now taking care of those who cared for us.
I thought of all the times I have been completly lost in life...no guidance, no direction and no one to lead. I soon discovered that I was only lost because I had "let go." God was there all along leading the way, He was there taking care of me when I thought there was no hope, and He was there, walking step by step to ensure that His daughter would not lose her balance, run into things or lose her way. Until I walked in the footsteps of my Father, I could not see what he had planned for me.
God has a plan for me, He called me and he wants me to be the example of following in His footsteps.
To this you were called, because Christ sufferred for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his footsteps. 1 Peter 2:21
I thought of all the times I have been completly lost in life...no guidance, no direction and no one to lead. I soon discovered that I was only lost because I had "let go." God was there all along leading the way, He was there taking care of me when I thought there was no hope, and He was there, walking step by step to ensure that His daughter would not lose her balance, run into things or lose her way. Until I walked in the footsteps of my Father, I could not see what he had planned for me.
God has a plan for me, He called me and he wants me to be the example of following in His footsteps.
To this you were called, because Christ sufferred for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his footsteps. 1 Peter 2:21
Monday, October 10, 2011
Surviving the drought!
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is in the Lord. For he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit.
Jeremiah 17:17-18
We have had a tough summer in Houston, Texas. The temperatures rose to over 100 several times and we broke records for most consecutive days 100 degrees and higher. We saw our little San Jacinto River and Lake Houston go from capacity bodies of water to dry land with overgrowth. Our numbers continued to grow as we were well over 20 inches behind in rain. The weather was hot, it was uncomfortable, and with every passing day, we lost our lake. Our boat collected dust, the fish lost their home and weeds and tall grass took the place of the water. The trees died, many became brittle and just snapped, and some became so dry that there is no way they will survive. And then one day it rained.
We are like that at times...we go through a drought. We feel like we can't talk to God, like the line is severed, there's no communication and we just can't get close to him. Perhaps we go through a tough time in our life, maybe we lost a loved one, or our finances hit bottom or we got laid off. God's word says that "the man who trusts in the Lord will be like a tree planted by the water." It is comforting to trust in the Lord completely regardless of the situation. When things are beyond our control and we can not see a solution, the one who trusts in the Lord has no fears. What a wonderful thing to flourish in adversity and to survive the drought because we trust Him!
Jeremiah 17:17-18
We have had a tough summer in Houston, Texas. The temperatures rose to over 100 several times and we broke records for most consecutive days 100 degrees and higher. We saw our little San Jacinto River and Lake Houston go from capacity bodies of water to dry land with overgrowth. Our numbers continued to grow as we were well over 20 inches behind in rain. The weather was hot, it was uncomfortable, and with every passing day, we lost our lake. Our boat collected dust, the fish lost their home and weeds and tall grass took the place of the water. The trees died, many became brittle and just snapped, and some became so dry that there is no way they will survive. And then one day it rained.
We are like that at times...we go through a drought. We feel like we can't talk to God, like the line is severed, there's no communication and we just can't get close to him. Perhaps we go through a tough time in our life, maybe we lost a loved one, or our finances hit bottom or we got laid off. God's word says that "the man who trusts in the Lord will be like a tree planted by the water." It is comforting to trust in the Lord completely regardless of the situation. When things are beyond our control and we can not see a solution, the one who trusts in the Lord has no fears. What a wonderful thing to flourish in adversity and to survive the drought because we trust Him!
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Drawing blood...the tourniquet
I went to have blood drawn the other day and was allowed to keep the tourniquet. It was just a blue piece of elastic material about an inch wide. The technician merely tied it around my arm until the pressure caused my vein to make it easier to draw blood. It made me think of how we react under pressure. When we are put under pressure to either say things or behave in ways that go against our beliefs, can we break when the tourniquet is tightened? That's what happened to Samson [Judges 16]. Samson married a woman outside of his faith and she became his tourniquet. She pressed and pressed to know the secret of his strength until he finally gave in. Delilah fell to bribes "See if you can lure him to the secret of his strength and we will pay you eleven hundred skeleks of silver [v5]." When that didn't work, she whined "You have made a fool of me come on tell me [v10], then she tried the "how can you say you love me when you won't confide in me [v15]" and finally she applied the last bit of pressure neeed "With such nagging, she prodded him day after day until he was tired to death [v16]" That did it. She tightened the tourniquet to the point that "blood was drawn" and Samson broke. All along, the "Spirit of the Lord" had come upon Samson. Unfortunately, he allowed the pressure to get to him and before he knew it, the enemy came upon him and and "he did not know that the Lord had left him [v20]"
We can not allow others to do that to us. We must stand our ground in our walk. Others will make every effort to tighten the tourniquet until we break. We must stand strong and believe that the Spirit of the Lord is with us and if we feel the band around us tighten, remember...In Christ, we have the power to release the hold!
We can not allow others to do that to us. We must stand our ground in our walk. Others will make every effort to tighten the tourniquet until we break. We must stand strong and believe that the Spirit of the Lord is with us and if we feel the band around us tighten, remember...In Christ, we have the power to release the hold!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
What brings us to our knees?
Wow! What a morning. Woke up with a headache feeling bad with allergies but I knew it was Ladies Bible Study Day and I had to find the energy to get going. Every Tuesday some of the bible study teachers meet to pray prior to class. This morning we waited for one more to get there before we began. As we were talking and waiting, my friend and teacher yelled out "Oh no, I lost my diamond." She realized that the diamond in her wedding ring was missing. We got on our knees to look for it just as the other lady arrived and she arrived with a story...."someone almost backed in to me in the parking lot." We all had stories of our own but before we began to pray, we each got on our knees to search for that diamond. We looked left, we looked right, we put our faces to the carpet....still no diamond.
As we were on our knees, I realized that there are some things that will just bring us to our knees. What is it for you? The prodigal child, the terminal patient, the burden of finances? What does it take to bring us to our knees. I can say about me, they are issues of the heart. Issues that hit the very heart of me, things I am passionate about.
In Ephesians, Paul was passionate about the people and praying for them. Paul stated "For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith." [Ephesians 3:14-17]
My prayer today is that I will hear God's voice, that I will obey his commands, and that I will have a love for him that will bring me to my knees!
As we were on our knees, I realized that there are some things that will just bring us to our knees. What is it for you? The prodigal child, the terminal patient, the burden of finances? What does it take to bring us to our knees. I can say about me, they are issues of the heart. Issues that hit the very heart of me, things I am passionate about.
In Ephesians, Paul was passionate about the people and praying for them. Paul stated "For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith." [Ephesians 3:14-17]
My prayer today is that I will hear God's voice, that I will obey his commands, and that I will have a love for him that will bring me to my knees!
Monday, October 3, 2011
When you go through hell.....dont stop!
I saw that sign on a marquee as I was driving my mom to her doctor's appointment and I pointed it out to her. When I had time to reflect on it, it hit home. I thought of Job and all he sufferred and all he experienced. "Why have you made me your target? Have I become a burden to you?" [Job 7:20] He had so many questions many of which we read and can often relate to. When we are going through that valley of darkness, fear, uncertainty, or worry, we can often ask why and not really get an answer. God does not waste a hurt. A friend once told me "God does not allow things to happen so that you will pull out of his work...don't give up!"
While we may think we are passing a "hell" on earth, that is the time for us to keep on marching. Keep on working, though your legs may feel weak and your spirit worn, don't stop. The effects of stopping can be much more detrimental. As Job walked through it, he acknowledged "I know my Savior lives and in the end, He will stand upon the earth!" [Job 19:25] Don't Stop!
While we may think we are passing a "hell" on earth, that is the time for us to keep on marching. Keep on working, though your legs may feel weak and your spirit worn, don't stop. The effects of stopping can be much more detrimental. As Job walked through it, he acknowledged "I know my Savior lives and in the end, He will stand upon the earth!" [Job 19:25] Don't Stop!
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