Yesterday I called my mom just to chat. We chatted about things, I told her I was running errands and that I had to take my father-in-law to the dentist. She asked if I had heard from my niece and I said "no." She went on to explain that my niece was sick and she was feeling a little down. I immediately texted my niece with this message "Want to have dinner?" the problem is that I was in Houston and she is in Dallas!
I could tell she welcomed the company. So....with a 30 minute notice, I packed my bags and was on my way. Oh sure, there were things to do: clear it with my husband, keep the dental appointment -but the minute that was done, I was on my way. I have to tell you, the minute I saw her face I was relieved. I was here! I would take care of her! I texted my sister ( her mom) and told her that I was here.
No one had any idea I was coming except for my niece and my husband. Four hours is a long time to wonder if she is okay. Her mom's response was one of relief to know I was with her.
This girl, my niece is the first born of the third generation of our family. We all cuddled her, watched her, directed her, led her and loved her. She is as if she belonged to each of us. Each aunt/uncle would tell you she is their daughter but for me....she is super special. You see, I had my son later in life. She would always say "I hope he's born on my birthday Tia Dee." Who would have imagined that 15 years after she was born, my son was born on that same date? So we have a close bond to the point that my son believed for years that she was his sister.
This girl belongs to each of us and we love her as our own. When I got in the truck to begin my drive, I thought of how our Father just waits for us to call him. Not "call on Him" but call him! Don't you know if you called God and told him you were sick, or you were hurting, or you were worried, He would drop everything to get to you? That's the kind of God we serve. So if you're holding back from calling God, don't! Go ahead, make that call. He loves you because you are His child.
So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
Luke 15:20
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Watch your step
My mom suffers from a disease that can often prompt her to lose her step causing her to take a fall. My father-in-law suffers from Vertigo which can leave one dizzy causing imbalance and possible falls. My father-in-law has only fallen once while my mother has fallen many times. They can fall often without warning. In life, we may not have those issues however, we often fall also. We fall every time we get out of the will of God.
Consider how many warning signs you see on a daily basis. Don't litter, don't speed, don't trespass, don't steal and so on. I ran across one in Galveston that simply read Caution-Drop Off. It was very clear to me that I was on the seawall and higher than beach level so why would anyone walking on the seawall need that warning sign?
Of course once I saw the sign, I just had to get closer to take a look. Yup! It might hurt if I went off the edge so it would be to my benefit to stay away from it. I have to tell you though, once I saw the sign and I got closer, something happened inside me...I was mesmerized. It's like that steep drop was calling my name and I literally had to pull away! I don't know why but it took me in.
That's how it is in life. Often we know the warning signs and we drift to the situation anyway. Why? Do we want to confirm that "yup, it might hurt us" or "I'll test it." Warnings are given for a reason.
Often when we read the Bible, we might ask "why do we continue to read about the Isrealites and their disobedience?" Well, probably because they wouldn't learn their lessons. Despite the warnings from God, they continued in their disobedient ways.
Moses interceeded on their behalf stating "...although this is a stiff-necked people, forgive our wickedness and our sin..." Exodus 33:9 They kept going back to their sin and their wickedness and like me with the steep drop, they may have been taken in.
The Isrealites worshiped false gods, they had idols, they disobeyed God's servant and ultimately disobeyed God. Does that all sound familiar? Regardless of whether it happened thousands of years ago or today-going against God's word still has the same name...disobedience.
When my son was much younger, I would tell him "Don't get close to the edge it's a steep drop and you will surely suffer." I would caution him often because I wanted to spare him the pain of a fall. God also sends His warnings to us today. He uses the example of those that came before us.
The warning signs are there for a reason. Staying in God's Word and being obedient is all the direction you will need. God will provide the path He wants you to follow....you only need to watch your step!
We should not test the Lord as some of them did and were killed by snakes*. And do not grumble, as some of them did and were killed by the destroying angel. These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall. 1 Corinthians 10: 9-12 *Numbers 21:6
Consider how many warning signs you see on a daily basis. Don't litter, don't speed, don't trespass, don't steal and so on. I ran across one in Galveston that simply read Caution-Drop Off. It was very clear to me that I was on the seawall and higher than beach level so why would anyone walking on the seawall need that warning sign?
Of course once I saw the sign, I just had to get closer to take a look. Yup! It might hurt if I went off the edge so it would be to my benefit to stay away from it. I have to tell you though, once I saw the sign and I got closer, something happened inside me...I was mesmerized. It's like that steep drop was calling my name and I literally had to pull away! I don't know why but it took me in.
That's how it is in life. Often we know the warning signs and we drift to the situation anyway. Why? Do we want to confirm that "yup, it might hurt us" or "I'll test it." Warnings are given for a reason.
Often when we read the Bible, we might ask "why do we continue to read about the Isrealites and their disobedience?" Well, probably because they wouldn't learn their lessons. Despite the warnings from God, they continued in their disobedient ways.
Moses interceeded on their behalf stating "...although this is a stiff-necked people, forgive our wickedness and our sin..." Exodus 33:9 They kept going back to their sin and their wickedness and like me with the steep drop, they may have been taken in.
The Isrealites worshiped false gods, they had idols, they disobeyed God's servant and ultimately disobeyed God. Does that all sound familiar? Regardless of whether it happened thousands of years ago or today-going against God's word still has the same name...disobedience.
When my son was much younger, I would tell him "Don't get close to the edge it's a steep drop and you will surely suffer." I would caution him often because I wanted to spare him the pain of a fall. God also sends His warnings to us today. He uses the example of those that came before us.
The warning signs are there for a reason. Staying in God's Word and being obedient is all the direction you will need. God will provide the path He wants you to follow....you only need to watch your step!
We should not test the Lord as some of them did and were killed by snakes*. And do not grumble, as some of them did and were killed by the destroying angel. These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall. 1 Corinthians 10: 9-12 *Numbers 21:6
Monday, June 25, 2012
Goodness and Glory
Normally I have a story to tell based one something that has caught my attention. I didn't have an incident today. Perhaps that is my delay in posting. As I sit at my computer and consider what I will write, God brings it right to me.
I had lunch with a pretty special lady today. One that has been a guide, mentor and true friend. I met her years ago at my church and I have always thought she was pretty special. As I cherish the time I enjoyed with her, I contemplate God's goodness. Thirteen years ago, God knew the friend I would need to walk my journey and He sent her to me.
My friend and I spoke about dreams. What dreams we might have, what direction we would like to go in life, and how we would go about it. I told her before I had a dream...I had to live a nightmare. Today, God has been so good to help me make that dream become a reality.
You ever hear people say things like "God opened doors" or "God provided" or "God made it happen?" Well, it's true. All of the above are true. Recently I was asked to lead a Bible Study class for ladies. This is not new-I have been doing this for a while and I do it because I love The Lord and I love doing it.
The challenge in this one? I have to teach it in Spanish! Yay! I'm excited. God is good and I know that whatever deficiency I may have in teaching in my native language God will handle... God's Goodness and He gets the Glory.
We recently finalized plans on a place to fulfill our dream and vision and we have been spared some costly additions that would have slowed us down and taken up alot of our time...God's Goodness and He gets the Glory.
It has been an awesome day with an awesome friend and I can tell you God is good and God is faithful. While there may be storms, there may be detours and there may be naysayers I say "stay the course." Nothing can stand in the way of God's will for you.
I am overwhelmed with God's goodness and grace and I know that it is not because of anything I have done but it is all because of who He is. To God be the glory!
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. Titus 3:4-5
I had lunch with a pretty special lady today. One that has been a guide, mentor and true friend. I met her years ago at my church and I have always thought she was pretty special. As I cherish the time I enjoyed with her, I contemplate God's goodness. Thirteen years ago, God knew the friend I would need to walk my journey and He sent her to me.
My friend and I spoke about dreams. What dreams we might have, what direction we would like to go in life, and how we would go about it. I told her before I had a dream...I had to live a nightmare. Today, God has been so good to help me make that dream become a reality.
You ever hear people say things like "God opened doors" or "God provided" or "God made it happen?" Well, it's true. All of the above are true. Recently I was asked to lead a Bible Study class for ladies. This is not new-I have been doing this for a while and I do it because I love The Lord and I love doing it.
The challenge in this one? I have to teach it in Spanish! Yay! I'm excited. God is good and I know that whatever deficiency I may have in teaching in my native language God will handle... God's Goodness and He gets the Glory.
We recently finalized plans on a place to fulfill our dream and vision and we have been spared some costly additions that would have slowed us down and taken up alot of our time...God's Goodness and He gets the Glory.
It has been an awesome day with an awesome friend and I can tell you God is good and God is faithful. While there may be storms, there may be detours and there may be naysayers I say "stay the course." Nothing can stand in the way of God's will for you.
I am overwhelmed with God's goodness and grace and I know that it is not because of anything I have done but it is all because of who He is. To God be the glory!
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. Titus 3:4-5
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Pushing or Pulling?
Today I went shopping for some journals. I was with my husband and son Josh and I knew they were doing me a favor by going with me. "Just a few minutes" I said. "I know exactly what I want and I will go right to the aisle and get it."
As the three of us walked into the store, I took my cart, I sped away leaving them behind. I went straight to the journals but could not really find what I needed. I figured that since I was already there and with the boys nowhere in sight, I would make the rounds.
I "turned" my cart with every ounce of energy I had and headed out. There was only one problem...the cart wouldn't come. I starting thinking "Come on! I need to make the best of my time while the boys are not looking." So I attempted the turn again and the cart would not budge.
It would go forward with no problem but it just would not turn around. By now I am frustrated that I can't get this cart to do what I want. Why is it stuck, why won't it go at my direction, why is it taking up my time when I have a mission to fulfill?
Then it hit me. That is so like me. With God at the helm, He wants me to go forward and depend on Him but there are times when I just won't budge. There are times when I will only go backward and gain no ground and there are definitely times that I just want to turn around and go the other direction. God continues to say "Go Forward because forward will get you to what I have planned for you." Yet I insist on doing it my way.
As I look up, I see my husband coming toward me....I quickly realize that if I want to accomplish my purpose for being there, I must move and I quickly push my cart forward. It moves with speed and ease.
Wouldn't it be nice if I was that obedient and just let God carry me forward to fulfull his plan? I need to decide whether I am going to move forward pushing or pulling.
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears ears will hear a vioce behind you, saying "This is the way; walk in it." Isaiah 30:21
As the three of us walked into the store, I took my cart, I sped away leaving them behind. I went straight to the journals but could not really find what I needed. I figured that since I was already there and with the boys nowhere in sight, I would make the rounds.
I "turned" my cart with every ounce of energy I had and headed out. There was only one problem...the cart wouldn't come. I starting thinking "Come on! I need to make the best of my time while the boys are not looking." So I attempted the turn again and the cart would not budge.
It would go forward with no problem but it just would not turn around. By now I am frustrated that I can't get this cart to do what I want. Why is it stuck, why won't it go at my direction, why is it taking up my time when I have a mission to fulfill?
Then it hit me. That is so like me. With God at the helm, He wants me to go forward and depend on Him but there are times when I just won't budge. There are times when I will only go backward and gain no ground and there are definitely times that I just want to turn around and go the other direction. God continues to say "Go Forward because forward will get you to what I have planned for you." Yet I insist on doing it my way.
As I look up, I see my husband coming toward me....I quickly realize that if I want to accomplish my purpose for being there, I must move and I quickly push my cart forward. It moves with speed and ease.
Wouldn't it be nice if I was that obedient and just let God carry me forward to fulfull his plan? I need to decide whether I am going to move forward pushing or pulling.
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears ears will hear a vioce behind you, saying "This is the way; walk in it." Isaiah 30:21
Friday, June 22, 2012
What does "new" look like
The other morning a friend of mine posted a picture of the "new" look for police cars. It was definitely different. To me, it looked more like a Department of Public Safety [DPS] car.
I'm not against change but it looks so much like DPS. As a city, we are accustomed to the baby blue and white patrol cars. Sort of the "Houston Oiler" colors. In my tenure we went from the solid blue cars to baby blue and white to solid white. I might add that in 1982 when I joined, my model was probably a 78 Plymouth Fury!
To my recollection, our cars have never been dark. When he posted the picture and when I re-posted the picture the first comment was Adam 12. To those of us who remember, that was a television series in the early 70's that featured Kent McCord and Martin Milner. Two of the best TV cops of the day.
The cars were black and white and they zoomed in and out of communties solving crimes and keeping order. In today's technology those guys were rookies all the way.
As I gave thought to the new colors, I thought about this. We often make trips and are on the road alot. My primary concern is DPS. They are on the highways and they are serious so we should watch for the black and white. The other day while travelling on the 59 service road, I saw Humble PD stop a vehicle for speeding. Guess what color their cars are...black and white. So when I saw this proposal for the new color cars, again... black and white. While I welcome the new look, I have to admit that now, all I have to look for is black and white...if I'm stopped, the agency that stopped me is irrelevant.
It got me to thinking, when we live in sin, we all look the same. Sinners without hope, with no mercy or grace, we just all look the same.
However, when we come to Christ and we receive his gift of salvation and mercy we are made new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says we are a new creation. So, if we are "new" shouldn't we look different?
Shouldn't our attitude, our look, our actions be different? What does the "new" look like in my life? In your life? What did you have to re-evaluate, change or perhaps give up? If we have become "new" our colors should reflect that.
We don't come to Christ and change to conform but to be transformed. The "new" look inside us should be different from everybody else. When others see us, they should recognize us for who we are..."new" creations in Christ. They should see humility, compassion, gentleness, kindness, and a love for our Savior. That's what "new" looks like.
PS: Watch out for those black and whites!
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 12:2
I'm not against change but it looks so much like DPS. As a city, we are accustomed to the baby blue and white patrol cars. Sort of the "Houston Oiler" colors. In my tenure we went from the solid blue cars to baby blue and white to solid white. I might add that in 1982 when I joined, my model was probably a 78 Plymouth Fury!
To my recollection, our cars have never been dark. When he posted the picture and when I re-posted the picture the first comment was Adam 12. To those of us who remember, that was a television series in the early 70's that featured Kent McCord and Martin Milner. Two of the best TV cops of the day.
The cars were black and white and they zoomed in and out of communties solving crimes and keeping order. In today's technology those guys were rookies all the way.
As I gave thought to the new colors, I thought about this. We often make trips and are on the road alot. My primary concern is DPS. They are on the highways and they are serious so we should watch for the black and white. The other day while travelling on the 59 service road, I saw Humble PD stop a vehicle for speeding. Guess what color their cars are...black and white. So when I saw this proposal for the new color cars, again... black and white. While I welcome the new look, I have to admit that now, all I have to look for is black and white...if I'm stopped, the agency that stopped me is irrelevant.
It got me to thinking, when we live in sin, we all look the same. Sinners without hope, with no mercy or grace, we just all look the same.
However, when we come to Christ and we receive his gift of salvation and mercy we are made new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says we are a new creation. So, if we are "new" shouldn't we look different?
Shouldn't our attitude, our look, our actions be different? What does the "new" look like in my life? In your life? What did you have to re-evaluate, change or perhaps give up? If we have become "new" our colors should reflect that.
We don't come to Christ and change to conform but to be transformed. The "new" look inside us should be different from everybody else. When others see us, they should recognize us for who we are..."new" creations in Christ. They should see humility, compassion, gentleness, kindness, and a love for our Savior. That's what "new" looks like.
PS: Watch out for those black and whites!
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 12:2
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Patience please
A couple of weeks ago we were in Fredericksburg with some friends from church. We opted to stay for the church service but another couple left early. After the service we left and the third couple stayed just a little longer.
We headed out and as luck would have it, we got stuck in traffic around San Antonio. I called our friends already on the road and asked if they had encountered the traffic. She explained that they took another route and were not stuck in traffic.
I took note of the time and it was 12:32! I don't know why I looked at the clock but I did. It seemed that traffic was just not moving. We called our friends behind us and warned them. They said they had also taken the other route. By now I was really upset. Why did we take this route?
When I say traffic was not moving I mean exactly that. It was "inching" up the road and after I had my say, I looked at the clock again....1:00! We had been in almost the same spot for almost 30 minutes. I just didn't understand why. I gave up. I became engaged in something on my ipad and just gave up.
When we finally began moving, we were forced into the service road and to a red light. Once we got past the light we were on our way. I looked at the clock again and it was exactly 1:32! Once again I asked the question "why?" Our friends had both missed this mess and yet we were stuck there and wasted an hour of drive time.
I have to believe that my friends did not need a lesson in patience. For some reason, I was made to endure this "detour" and I dont mind telling you....my patience was tested. I don't know why the delay but I can tell you this, when I got lost in my ipad, I was really talking to God and asking Him if there was a lesson for me in this delay. I asked Him to forgive me and thanked Him for safety during the drive. It gave me an opportunity to re-evaluate my attitude and my selfishness of time.
I believe that when I learned that lesson, God allowed the traffic to move and just to prove it, it was exactly one hour to the minute! Man couldn't have been that precise to the very minute.
God will use whatever He has to in order to get our attention. I needed the time to reflect on His goodness and not the situation. As one of God's children, my attitude should have reflected more of Him and less of me. To that I say to God "patience please."
Therefore, as God's chosen people, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12
We headed out and as luck would have it, we got stuck in traffic around San Antonio. I called our friends already on the road and asked if they had encountered the traffic. She explained that they took another route and were not stuck in traffic.
I took note of the time and it was 12:32! I don't know why I looked at the clock but I did. It seemed that traffic was just not moving. We called our friends behind us and warned them. They said they had also taken the other route. By now I was really upset. Why did we take this route?
When I say traffic was not moving I mean exactly that. It was "inching" up the road and after I had my say, I looked at the clock again....1:00! We had been in almost the same spot for almost 30 minutes. I just didn't understand why. I gave up. I became engaged in something on my ipad and just gave up.
When we finally began moving, we were forced into the service road and to a red light. Once we got past the light we were on our way. I looked at the clock again and it was exactly 1:32! Once again I asked the question "why?" Our friends had both missed this mess and yet we were stuck there and wasted an hour of drive time.
I have to believe that my friends did not need a lesson in patience. For some reason, I was made to endure this "detour" and I dont mind telling you....my patience was tested. I don't know why the delay but I can tell you this, when I got lost in my ipad, I was really talking to God and asking Him if there was a lesson for me in this delay. I asked Him to forgive me and thanked Him for safety during the drive. It gave me an opportunity to re-evaluate my attitude and my selfishness of time.
I believe that when I learned that lesson, God allowed the traffic to move and just to prove it, it was exactly one hour to the minute! Man couldn't have been that precise to the very minute.
God will use whatever He has to in order to get our attention. I needed the time to reflect on His goodness and not the situation. As one of God's children, my attitude should have reflected more of Him and less of me. To that I say to God "patience please."
Therefore, as God's chosen people, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Be the example
Yesterday my son called me with a situation that was really upsetting to him. Wow....sometimes it's difficult to stick to your guns when someone you love with every beat of your heart is trying to convince you otherwise.
I have come to the conclusion that at 17, he must make decisions where he will carry responsibility for the end result. My main message is this....regardless of other people's behavior, God still expects US to be the example.
Sometimes that's tough. When others betray you...be the example; when you're wrongly accused...be the example; when others talk about you...be the example. I am reminded of the movie BraveHeart starring Mel Gibson. He stood for what he believed in and did not give up.
So one might ask "why should I?" to which I responded "Because that individual might not know Christ and your example could be the key." The next reason and perhaps the biggest is because that's what God has called us to do and by any other name, it's called obedience.
Of all people, I can tell you how difficult that is. Doing what is right is easy when it benefits you but obedience can require some sacrifice and there are times we just don't want to do that. I can still call the shots and "demand" my son make the right decision but what I found yesterday was that once the smoke cleared, I had his listening ears, "being the example" prevailed.
As adults, how many times do we say "I just don't like that girl" or "that guy drives me nuts with his stories" or "Here comes motor mouth, I'm going the other way" and purposely ignore people? How many times do we speak kindly of others and as soon as they're out of the room we "dog" them? Our kids see this and think it is perfectly fine if our mom or dad does it.
That is a lesson we could all learn. For a long time I chose my words carefully and made sure that I did not say anything negative against others in the presence of my son, why? Because he held me accountable! He would ask about my comment and then ask me to explain how that was a "godly example." While he was much younger, the premise has not changed.
Furthermore, I am still accountable to my Father. Hebrews 4:13 says "...nothing in all creation is hidden from his sight...." that includes words! The worst part of not being the example is that one wrong word, or one thing spoken in anger, betrayal, or hurt can last a lifetime. Restoration and reconcilation are much slower to come that a quick word spoken in anger.
So I cautioned my son to take a deep breath, and address the issue respecting authority and being a godly example. I was prepared with scripture for every argument I anticipated from him. While that might not have been the way he wanted to handle it, in the end....God calls us to be obedient and he was. There is no greater validation for a parent than to see a child pursue the will and word of God.
Do not let unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling, and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one anther, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you. Ephesians 4:29-32
I have come to the conclusion that at 17, he must make decisions where he will carry responsibility for the end result. My main message is this....regardless of other people's behavior, God still expects US to be the example.
Sometimes that's tough. When others betray you...be the example; when you're wrongly accused...be the example; when others talk about you...be the example. I am reminded of the movie BraveHeart starring Mel Gibson. He stood for what he believed in and did not give up.
So one might ask "why should I?" to which I responded "Because that individual might not know Christ and your example could be the key." The next reason and perhaps the biggest is because that's what God has called us to do and by any other name, it's called obedience.
Of all people, I can tell you how difficult that is. Doing what is right is easy when it benefits you but obedience can require some sacrifice and there are times we just don't want to do that. I can still call the shots and "demand" my son make the right decision but what I found yesterday was that once the smoke cleared, I had his listening ears, "being the example" prevailed.
As adults, how many times do we say "I just don't like that girl" or "that guy drives me nuts with his stories" or "Here comes motor mouth, I'm going the other way" and purposely ignore people? How many times do we speak kindly of others and as soon as they're out of the room we "dog" them? Our kids see this and think it is perfectly fine if our mom or dad does it.
That is a lesson we could all learn. For a long time I chose my words carefully and made sure that I did not say anything negative against others in the presence of my son, why? Because he held me accountable! He would ask about my comment and then ask me to explain how that was a "godly example." While he was much younger, the premise has not changed.
Furthermore, I am still accountable to my Father. Hebrews 4:13 says "...nothing in all creation is hidden from his sight...." that includes words! The worst part of not being the example is that one wrong word, or one thing spoken in anger, betrayal, or hurt can last a lifetime. Restoration and reconcilation are much slower to come that a quick word spoken in anger.
So I cautioned my son to take a deep breath, and address the issue respecting authority and being a godly example. I was prepared with scripture for every argument I anticipated from him. While that might not have been the way he wanted to handle it, in the end....God calls us to be obedient and he was. There is no greater validation for a parent than to see a child pursue the will and word of God.
Do not let unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling, and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one anther, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you. Ephesians 4:29-32
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
God is good.....all the time
Yesterday, I was prepared for a somber day. My husband and I attended the memorial service of one of his co-worker's dad. Keith is actually more than a co-worker. He is often Mark's partner on a daily basis and has become a dear friend.
As we entered the church for the service, my husband's co-workers sat as a group and the only seats left with the group were the seats on the front row and that is where we were directed. The front row turned out to be the best seat in the house.
The flyer in his memory read "God is good all the time....All the time God is good." While I thought it was neat, I really thought it was just part of the flyer. I thought it was from some "memorial service template" that is often used in these type of services. What I came to realize, and everyone else did too, was that this was Mr. Wilkie's mantra.
This was his theme, his belief, his proclaimation. Although we did not know him personally, by the time we left the memorial service, I wished I had known him. What a life he lived. They began the service with that statement and invited the congregation to participate so that everytime the pastor said "God is good" the congregation would say "All the time" and when he said "All the time" the congregation would say "God is good"
It felt good because it took me back to a time when we used to do that in church years ago. So many times, we forget how good God is and this man lived it and believed it daily! We were told of Mr. Wilkie's faithfulness in his church, in his home, with his children and grandchildren. What a rock. What a testimony.
We heard a friend tell of his faithfulness and how he and his wife made countless visits to hospitals to visit congregation members. When asked how many had received a visit from him and his wife at a hospital, at least half of the congration raised their hands. This is in a period of 30 years or so. He was extremely active in his church and a great part of his son's lives.
The idea of the service was that regardless of the times, regardless of the circumstances, regardless of the prognosis, Mr. Wilkie truly believed that God is good all the time!
We ended the service with a song from my childhood and it was all too familiar. The service ended upbeat and with smiling faces as we sang:
God is good, all the time,
He put a song of praise in this heart of mine,
God is good all the time
Through the darkest night
His light will shine,
God is good....God is good....all the time!
I walked into that church expecting a somber, sad service. Instead, I walked into a celebration of a man who had lived his life to the fullest believing daily, regardless of the circumstances that "God is good....all the time."
Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man that takes refuge in him. Psalms 34:8
In Memory of Mr. Gayle Wilkie
1933-2012
As we entered the church for the service, my husband's co-workers sat as a group and the only seats left with the group were the seats on the front row and that is where we were directed. The front row turned out to be the best seat in the house.
The flyer in his memory read "God is good all the time....All the time God is good." While I thought it was neat, I really thought it was just part of the flyer. I thought it was from some "memorial service template" that is often used in these type of services. What I came to realize, and everyone else did too, was that this was Mr. Wilkie's mantra.
This was his theme, his belief, his proclaimation. Although we did not know him personally, by the time we left the memorial service, I wished I had known him. What a life he lived. They began the service with that statement and invited the congregation to participate so that everytime the pastor said "God is good" the congregation would say "All the time" and when he said "All the time" the congregation would say "God is good"
It felt good because it took me back to a time when we used to do that in church years ago. So many times, we forget how good God is and this man lived it and believed it daily! We were told of Mr. Wilkie's faithfulness in his church, in his home, with his children and grandchildren. What a rock. What a testimony.
We heard a friend tell of his faithfulness and how he and his wife made countless visits to hospitals to visit congregation members. When asked how many had received a visit from him and his wife at a hospital, at least half of the congration raised their hands. This is in a period of 30 years or so. He was extremely active in his church and a great part of his son's lives.
The idea of the service was that regardless of the times, regardless of the circumstances, regardless of the prognosis, Mr. Wilkie truly believed that God is good all the time!
We ended the service with a song from my childhood and it was all too familiar. The service ended upbeat and with smiling faces as we sang:
God is good, all the time,
He put a song of praise in this heart of mine,
God is good all the time
Through the darkest night
His light will shine,
God is good....God is good....all the time!
I walked into that church expecting a somber, sad service. Instead, I walked into a celebration of a man who had lived his life to the fullest believing daily, regardless of the circumstances that "God is good....all the time."
Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man that takes refuge in him. Psalms 34:8
In Memory of Mr. Gayle Wilkie
1933-2012
Sunday, June 17, 2012
I have a Father
Today we celebrated Father's Day. My husband's partner lost his dad this week so today was a sad day for him.
My family gathered with the two fathers that represent our household. Mr. Barfield is now 97 years old and my own father is 78. We have quite a spread of quesadillas, flautas, chicken wings, guacamole, tacos and on and on and it was topped off with a huge cake from our favorite bakery.
What do you get someone who has lived 97 years? How do you honor him? This is the man that still mows his yard with a push mower. It was great to see my "fathers" in the same room sharing stories and laughs. Also present was an uncle of mine. He has five children of his own but none of them called, came by or offerred to have him over.
I know that there are many who today honored the memory of their father....some didn't even acknowledge the day.
Today in church, we saw a video of highlights from Beach Retreat. That is a getaway for our high school kids. One of them spoke of his earthly father and how he had not been a good dad. He also spoke about his father dying due to the abuse he put his body through with illegal drugs.
The young man went to beach retreat where he came to Christ and stated that the day he came to Christ, He became his father.
Today, if you are in the family of Christ, you have a father! Lift your head and know the truth...you have a father.
Happy Father's Day-everyday is a day to celebrate.
I will proclaim the decree of the Lord; He said to me, "You are my son, today I have become your Father." Psalms 2:7
My family gathered with the two fathers that represent our household. Mr. Barfield is now 97 years old and my own father is 78. We have quite a spread of quesadillas, flautas, chicken wings, guacamole, tacos and on and on and it was topped off with a huge cake from our favorite bakery.
What do you get someone who has lived 97 years? How do you honor him? This is the man that still mows his yard with a push mower. It was great to see my "fathers" in the same room sharing stories and laughs. Also present was an uncle of mine. He has five children of his own but none of them called, came by or offerred to have him over.
I know that there are many who today honored the memory of their father....some didn't even acknowledge the day.
Today in church, we saw a video of highlights from Beach Retreat. That is a getaway for our high school kids. One of them spoke of his earthly father and how he had not been a good dad. He also spoke about his father dying due to the abuse he put his body through with illegal drugs.
The young man went to beach retreat where he came to Christ and stated that the day he came to Christ, He became his father.
Today, if you are in the family of Christ, you have a father! Lift your head and know the truth...you have a father.
Happy Father's Day-everyday is a day to celebrate.
I will proclaim the decree of the Lord; He said to me, "You are my son, today I have become your Father." Psalms 2:7
Friday, June 15, 2012
Can't have it both ways!
The other day as I was driving back from Dallas, son slept in the back and I was just listening to soft music. There's not much of a view between Corsicana and Huntsville but I did the best I could.
I was approaching some trees when one caught my eye on the side of the road. It was a large beautiful tree. So you might ask "Really? A tree?" This one was different. of course I had all of 10 seconds to look at it but when I really looked at it, it was dead.
Yeah....it was dead on one side and flourishing with a beautiful green color on the other side. How does that happen? Is that even possible? I couldn't believe my eyes but had very little time to confirm this. So, as I went past it, I did alot of thinking.
First, it is virtually impossible to have a living tree and a dead tree coming from the same root. Yet to the passing eye, that's how it appeared. So many times in our Christian life, we want to do the same thing. We want to serve God and worship God and keep one foot in the world worried about status and prestige, perhaps even giving up church for an extra shift to impress the boss. So if you took a picture of our life, it might look like that tree....half green and half brown and we are feeding them both hoping that no one notices.
Second, it is possible that the live tree was flourishing and beautiful and the tree next to it was dead and leaning into it giving the appearance of one tree. At any rate, in this case the finished picture is one of two halves and we're not giving God or anything else one hundred percent and everyone suffers.
With last year's drought, we lost many trees. The did not survive without water just like we don't survive without God's word. These dead trees begin to crack and break and often latch themselves on to the solid green trees. If we are not careful, we allow that to happen to us as well until soon, we question whether we are dead or alive.
In our walk with God, we must offer one hundred percent. Unlike like the illusion of that half and half tree, we can not flourish and be dead at the same time. We have to give God all of it so that we can grow and be healthy in our walk. We can't have it both ways.
No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love th other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. Matthew 6:24
I was approaching some trees when one caught my eye on the side of the road. It was a large beautiful tree. So you might ask "Really? A tree?" This one was different. of course I had all of 10 seconds to look at it but when I really looked at it, it was dead.
Yeah....it was dead on one side and flourishing with a beautiful green color on the other side. How does that happen? Is that even possible? I couldn't believe my eyes but had very little time to confirm this. So, as I went past it, I did alot of thinking.
First, it is virtually impossible to have a living tree and a dead tree coming from the same root. Yet to the passing eye, that's how it appeared. So many times in our Christian life, we want to do the same thing. We want to serve God and worship God and keep one foot in the world worried about status and prestige, perhaps even giving up church for an extra shift to impress the boss. So if you took a picture of our life, it might look like that tree....half green and half brown and we are feeding them both hoping that no one notices.
Second, it is possible that the live tree was flourishing and beautiful and the tree next to it was dead and leaning into it giving the appearance of one tree. At any rate, in this case the finished picture is one of two halves and we're not giving God or anything else one hundred percent and everyone suffers.
With last year's drought, we lost many trees. The did not survive without water just like we don't survive without God's word. These dead trees begin to crack and break and often latch themselves on to the solid green trees. If we are not careful, we allow that to happen to us as well until soon, we question whether we are dead or alive.
In our walk with God, we must offer one hundred percent. Unlike like the illusion of that half and half tree, we can not flourish and be dead at the same time. We have to give God all of it so that we can grow and be healthy in our walk. We can't have it both ways.
No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love th other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. Matthew 6:24
Thursday, June 14, 2012
What changed?
While we were with my family Sunday, we began talking about events that took place when we were younger. We shared some pretty good laughs.
We have always been a "close" family although in adulthood, some of us distanced ourselves from the area we grew up in. My mom often comments on how "we moved so far away" although some might not consider Katy and Conroe too far.
Those boundaries are expanding even further as we speak. I have to ask, what changed? Not my parents. They are still at the same house we grew up in. They have survived hurricanes, storms, hail, even snow days. They are set...they are not going anywhere.
In looking at my relationship with Christ, there are times when I feel overwhelmed or I may feel alone or even insignificant. I have to ask myself "What Changed?" I know that like my parents, Christ has not changed...I have. I have either failed to communicate with Him, failed to be in His word or failed to feed the relationship with Him.
God does not pull away from us, we pull away from Him. One of my siblings lives in the vicinity of mom and dad however, that is the one mom says she sees the least. The others are scattered. So in your relationship with God, are you still close but not seeking Him; or are you far away and not meeting with Him due to inconvienence?
Our family meets every Sunday at my sister's home for lunch. Everyone goes there after their church services. We enjoy a time of fellowship, laughter and good food. We leave there full and content. It would be nice if we could do that more than once a week. It would be nice to all meet around the table to share our day and have a meal like we used to do growing up. Unfortunately, someone is always missing. Someone can't come because "it's to far to go" or "they already have plans" or some other excuse.
So it is with God. We need to meet with Him more than once a week. We need to leave the comforts of our schedule and move into a time with Him. That is the only way we will be "full" and that is the only way we will be content.
So today, if you're feeling alone, overwhelmed, worried, stressed, anxious, or unfulfilled because you don't feel like God is near ask your self this...."What Changed?" and you will discover that God is in the same place. He has not moved.
I the Lord do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. "Return to me, and I will return to ou" syas the Lord Almighty. Malachi 3:6-7
We have always been a "close" family although in adulthood, some of us distanced ourselves from the area we grew up in. My mom often comments on how "we moved so far away" although some might not consider Katy and Conroe too far.
Those boundaries are expanding even further as we speak. I have to ask, what changed? Not my parents. They are still at the same house we grew up in. They have survived hurricanes, storms, hail, even snow days. They are set...they are not going anywhere.
In looking at my relationship with Christ, there are times when I feel overwhelmed or I may feel alone or even insignificant. I have to ask myself "What Changed?" I know that like my parents, Christ has not changed...I have. I have either failed to communicate with Him, failed to be in His word or failed to feed the relationship with Him.
God does not pull away from us, we pull away from Him. One of my siblings lives in the vicinity of mom and dad however, that is the one mom says she sees the least. The others are scattered. So in your relationship with God, are you still close but not seeking Him; or are you far away and not meeting with Him due to inconvienence?
Our family meets every Sunday at my sister's home for lunch. Everyone goes there after their church services. We enjoy a time of fellowship, laughter and good food. We leave there full and content. It would be nice if we could do that more than once a week. It would be nice to all meet around the table to share our day and have a meal like we used to do growing up. Unfortunately, someone is always missing. Someone can't come because "it's to far to go" or "they already have plans" or some other excuse.
So it is with God. We need to meet with Him more than once a week. We need to leave the comforts of our schedule and move into a time with Him. That is the only way we will be "full" and that is the only way we will be content.
So today, if you're feeling alone, overwhelmed, worried, stressed, anxious, or unfulfilled because you don't feel like God is near ask your self this...."What Changed?" and you will discover that God is in the same place. He has not moved.
I the Lord do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. "Return to me, and I will return to ou" syas the Lord Almighty. Malachi 3:6-7
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Karina, Karina
Sunday as I taught my lesson, I told a Beach Retreat story. You see, my son had just returned from our church's annual beach retreat for High Schoolers.
I told the story of having a heavy burden for these kids all week. Particularly on Wednesday. My husband and I were travelling and I woke up with such a burden to pray for them. I prayed that morning during devotion, I prayed for them as I was getting dressed and I prayed for them on the road.
It is not too often that I feel this way but when I do, I listen. I prayed for my son Matthew and the two boys that I thought he was rooming with....Bryce and Michael. I prayed all morning and also included a little girl. Her name is Karina Butchee.
You see, I have never met Karina, never seen her....don't know who she is. I shared this in my Bible Study Class telling them that I prayed for these three boys and Karina. I explained that the reason I prayed for Karina is because I had been given her name on a bracelet that our church distributes. Each bracelet has an attendees' name so I know someone got my son's name as well. As for me, I was praying for Karina.
I explained to the class that I did not know her. When I completed my story telling of how God worked in my son during the week, a man sitting way at the back of our class raised his hand. I called on him and he told me that he knew Karina. What are the chances of that. This big church and someone who knows Karina is in this very class.
He explained that Karina is a friend of his daughters. She lives in the Woodlands and was adopted from Croatia. His daughter invivte her to Beach Retreat and that's how she got there.
I felt blessed to be able to pray for this child during this week. I am also thankful that she was invited to attend beach retreat and continue to pray that this experience made a difference in her life.
I had not heard from my son so concern was creeping in related to this "feeling." In the early afternoon my phone rang and it was my son. He explained how he had just had this awesome service with the North group and how God had really spoken to him. I could tell he was "full" then, I rested. I once again prayed a prayer of thanks for our leaders and all our kids.
Sometimes we see prayer requests or we hear of a prayer request and say we will pray. Often times we may forget. It is so important to follow through with our prayers as enevitably someone will be affected.
I am thankful God gave me this child and I am thankful for the opportunity he and Karina had to attend Beach Retreat. I thank God that our church offers such an opportunity to pray for these kids by name. Hope to meet you soon Karina, Karina!
He answered their prayers because they trusted Him. 1 Chronicles 5:20
I told the story of having a heavy burden for these kids all week. Particularly on Wednesday. My husband and I were travelling and I woke up with such a burden to pray for them. I prayed that morning during devotion, I prayed for them as I was getting dressed and I prayed for them on the road.
It is not too often that I feel this way but when I do, I listen. I prayed for my son Matthew and the two boys that I thought he was rooming with....Bryce and Michael. I prayed all morning and also included a little girl. Her name is Karina Butchee.
You see, I have never met Karina, never seen her....don't know who she is. I shared this in my Bible Study Class telling them that I prayed for these three boys and Karina. I explained that the reason I prayed for Karina is because I had been given her name on a bracelet that our church distributes. Each bracelet has an attendees' name so I know someone got my son's name as well. As for me, I was praying for Karina.
I explained to the class that I did not know her. When I completed my story telling of how God worked in my son during the week, a man sitting way at the back of our class raised his hand. I called on him and he told me that he knew Karina. What are the chances of that. This big church and someone who knows Karina is in this very class.
He explained that Karina is a friend of his daughters. She lives in the Woodlands and was adopted from Croatia. His daughter invivte her to Beach Retreat and that's how she got there.
I felt blessed to be able to pray for this child during this week. I am also thankful that she was invited to attend beach retreat and continue to pray that this experience made a difference in her life.
I had not heard from my son so concern was creeping in related to this "feeling." In the early afternoon my phone rang and it was my son. He explained how he had just had this awesome service with the North group and how God had really spoken to him. I could tell he was "full" then, I rested. I once again prayed a prayer of thanks for our leaders and all our kids.
Sometimes we see prayer requests or we hear of a prayer request and say we will pray. Often times we may forget. It is so important to follow through with our prayers as enevitably someone will be affected.
I am thankful God gave me this child and I am thankful for the opportunity he and Karina had to attend Beach Retreat. I thank God that our church offers such an opportunity to pray for these kids by name. Hope to meet you soon Karina, Karina!
He answered their prayers because they trusted Him. 1 Chronicles 5:20
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Take This Land
Well it has been a whirlwind journey of searching for property. As many of you know, my husband and I have been in search of property for almost a year. Our search has been a long one but alas has come to an end.
On January 7, 2012, I wrote a post called So Many "Ache"ers. It dealt with a piece of property that my husband and I just knew would be ours but unfortunately, it would not come to be. We have looked for property and the one thing at the top of my husband's list was to have a nice view.
After all that heartache, God led us to a place that had a for sale sign on it but we refused to call on. Then, after all else failed, we decided to call. Of course, on the first call there was no answer and I did not leave a message. What kind of realtor doesn't have an answering machine? Our next trip up, I decided to call again....still no answer. By this time, I wasn't really interested but now it was the principle of the thing. On our third trip and third call, a man answered because of course, the realtor listed was not there.
From that day on, the man named Mike helped us. He took us to the property, showed us around and gave us all the information we needed. Of course, when he told us the price, it was way out of our league. So we told him we would have to think about it. We went home and prayed about it with my our prayer being one we had learned from one of our ministers.
Father, if this is to be, let this be something nobody can take credit for and something that only you could do.
Almost two weeks later, we pulled up the MLS listing and discovered that the price had dropped by a huge chunk. To our surprise, it put the property in our price range but still required a little more that we wanted to pay.
We continued to pray and discuss the property and price with our "heads of state" our fathers. Each of them has the wisdom that we lack and they were not thinking with their hearts as we were. With discussions over, we decided that we would come in with a contract that was half of the original asking price.
Really? Half price....now that would be something only God could do! Are you kidding me? Who in their right mind would submit a contract at half of the original asking price especially with them having already dropped it once?
Well, we did it and know what? They accepted the very first offer! I was completely shocked because we had negotiated amongst ourselves setting up parameters as to how high we would go and how many times we would counter their counter offers. No need! God had done what only He could do and only what He could get credit for. Oh and did I mention all this, the price drop and the accepting of our offer, all took place within three weeks?
So we give God all the glory and praise for what He has done and continues to do in our life. We had chosen a couple of others where the door was clearly closed. As much as we wanted those, God wanted us to have this one. We don't know why but we do know that God has a purpose for this property and we have a vision. We are estatic about this purchase we got everything we wanted except for one thing....a view! I had to remind my husband of Isaiah 55:8 because God's ways and thoughts are not ours. His plan for us did not include a view from our bay window.
I can not wait to begin making plans for what this is to become. I pray that we will be able to minister to couples in a way that will change marriages. Thank you to all who prayed and we hope to some day move in and take this land for what it was intended.
Go through the camp and tell the people "Get your supplies ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving your for your own. Joshua 1:11
On January 7, 2012, I wrote a post called So Many "Ache"ers. It dealt with a piece of property that my husband and I just knew would be ours but unfortunately, it would not come to be. We have looked for property and the one thing at the top of my husband's list was to have a nice view.
After all that heartache, God led us to a place that had a for sale sign on it but we refused to call on. Then, after all else failed, we decided to call. Of course, on the first call there was no answer and I did not leave a message. What kind of realtor doesn't have an answering machine? Our next trip up, I decided to call again....still no answer. By this time, I wasn't really interested but now it was the principle of the thing. On our third trip and third call, a man answered because of course, the realtor listed was not there.
From that day on, the man named Mike helped us. He took us to the property, showed us around and gave us all the information we needed. Of course, when he told us the price, it was way out of our league. So we told him we would have to think about it. We went home and prayed about it with my our prayer being one we had learned from one of our ministers.
Father, if this is to be, let this be something nobody can take credit for and something that only you could do.
Almost two weeks later, we pulled up the MLS listing and discovered that the price had dropped by a huge chunk. To our surprise, it put the property in our price range but still required a little more that we wanted to pay.
We continued to pray and discuss the property and price with our "heads of state" our fathers. Each of them has the wisdom that we lack and they were not thinking with their hearts as we were. With discussions over, we decided that we would come in with a contract that was half of the original asking price.
Really? Half price....now that would be something only God could do! Are you kidding me? Who in their right mind would submit a contract at half of the original asking price especially with them having already dropped it once?
Well, we did it and know what? They accepted the very first offer! I was completely shocked because we had negotiated amongst ourselves setting up parameters as to how high we would go and how many times we would counter their counter offers. No need! God had done what only He could do and only what He could get credit for. Oh and did I mention all this, the price drop and the accepting of our offer, all took place within three weeks?
So we give God all the glory and praise for what He has done and continues to do in our life. We had chosen a couple of others where the door was clearly closed. As much as we wanted those, God wanted us to have this one. We don't know why but we do know that God has a purpose for this property and we have a vision. We are estatic about this purchase we got everything we wanted except for one thing....a view! I had to remind my husband of Isaiah 55:8 because God's ways and thoughts are not ours. His plan for us did not include a view from our bay window.
I can not wait to begin making plans for what this is to become. I pray that we will be able to minister to couples in a way that will change marriages. Thank you to all who prayed and we hope to some day move in and take this land for what it was intended.
Go through the camp and tell the people "Get your supplies ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving your for your own. Joshua 1:11
Monday, June 11, 2012
Red Tape or Red Cord
Yesterday I taught a Bible Study Class out of Joshua 2. I love to teach but hesitate in making a total commitment through the summer so I am grateful for every opportunity.
The lesson was on a woman in the Bible named Rahab. It speaks of her faith and standing against the common belief of the land. She asks for salvation for her and her family during a time of impending takeover.
She provides a favor for spies sent by Joshua by hiding them in her home. In return she requests that they favor her when they come in to take the city. She is told to tie a scarlet or "red" cord in the window so she and her family can be identified. Without hesitation, Rahab proceeds to do so and she and her family are spared.
As I was preparing the lesson, I thought of the takeover and what is usually involved in a war for a city, territory or anything else. There is alot of red tape involved in an undertaking this big. Weapons, manpower, funding, timing....where was this coming from? Who would provide? Would anyone volunteer? Who would lead the charge?
I have to say that in this takeover, there was no red tape....God just spoke. Stop and think about it. I provided a roll of red duct tape. I then unrolled it and displayed how it can hinder us when we wrap that red tape around our hand, or how we can "tape" things together making it difficult to pull apart, but the biggest thing about this red tape was that things would adhere to it.
As I tried to unroll it, the adhesive pulled on the tape itself causing it to stick together. What a challenge to pull it apart! Can you imagine if we had "red tape" faith rather than red cord faith? With red tape faith, we would allow stress, worry, concern, issues and so many other things to attach itself to our faith. What kind of faith is that?
Rahab heard, believed and then acted on her faith. She followed instructions to a tee and tied that red cord to her window as she was instructed. Her actions were immediate, precise, and with expectation. No surprise there....God saved her.
So if you're in a situation that is testing your faith, consider how your will respond. You have a choice. Will you display red tape faith or red cord faith.
The men said to her, this oath you made us swear will not be binding unless when we enter the land, you have tied this scarlet cord in the window through whivh you let us down...
"Agreed" she replied. "Let be as you say." So she sent them away and they departed and she tied the scarlet cord in the window. Joshua 2:17 & 21
The lesson was on a woman in the Bible named Rahab. It speaks of her faith and standing against the common belief of the land. She asks for salvation for her and her family during a time of impending takeover.
She provides a favor for spies sent by Joshua by hiding them in her home. In return she requests that they favor her when they come in to take the city. She is told to tie a scarlet or "red" cord in the window so she and her family can be identified. Without hesitation, Rahab proceeds to do so and she and her family are spared.
As I was preparing the lesson, I thought of the takeover and what is usually involved in a war for a city, territory or anything else. There is alot of red tape involved in an undertaking this big. Weapons, manpower, funding, timing....where was this coming from? Who would provide? Would anyone volunteer? Who would lead the charge?
I have to say that in this takeover, there was no red tape....God just spoke. Stop and think about it. I provided a roll of red duct tape. I then unrolled it and displayed how it can hinder us when we wrap that red tape around our hand, or how we can "tape" things together making it difficult to pull apart, but the biggest thing about this red tape was that things would adhere to it.
As I tried to unroll it, the adhesive pulled on the tape itself causing it to stick together. What a challenge to pull it apart! Can you imagine if we had "red tape" faith rather than red cord faith? With red tape faith, we would allow stress, worry, concern, issues and so many other things to attach itself to our faith. What kind of faith is that?
Rahab heard, believed and then acted on her faith. She followed instructions to a tee and tied that red cord to her window as she was instructed. Her actions were immediate, precise, and with expectation. No surprise there....God saved her.
So if you're in a situation that is testing your faith, consider how your will respond. You have a choice. Will you display red tape faith or red cord faith.
The men said to her, this oath you made us swear will not be binding unless when we enter the land, you have tied this scarlet cord in the window through whivh you let us down...
"Agreed" she replied. "Let be as you say." So she sent them away and they departed and she tied the scarlet cord in the window. Joshua 2:17 & 21
Saturday, June 9, 2012
No Identification required
A few years ago I was given a user name and password by the Humble Independent School District. Of course as many of you know, the purpose of this is to gain access into the system that gives us information on our children. Their grades, schedules, report cards and other information.
Today, as I entered the words that identify me, I realized that after this year, I will no longer need them. Those words will be useless to me and anyone else. They are merely to identify me now...for this day and time. When my son leaves that school, that means of identification will mean nothing.
In life we all have some type of identification assigned to us. Whether its a driver license, school ID, medical insurance card or something else, and each of them is necessary. How would we drive with no license? How would we prove who we are? How could we recover damages on our vehicles or home or gain access to medical attention without such identification?
The issue with each of these is that they are not eternal. One day they will each end. We may drop coverage, stop driving or leave school. No one will care how we were identified and you know why? Because the burden is on you! It's up to you to prove who you are, and while we're talking about identification, let me ask "what about your identity? Who do you represent? What do you stand for?
I recall the bottom falling out of my world several years ago and me having to take a stand. I specifically remember saying "My identity is not in that, my identity is in Jesus Christ." He requires no user name, no password...only a belief that He died for you and is your personal savior.
The day, known to no one, will come when Christ will return to carry His people home [Matthew 24:36]. You will not have to have an identification card, you will not need a user name or password, but you will have to be a child of the King.
That comes only with confessing your sin, believing in the Lord Jesus Christ and accepting Him as your personal savior. Then, your identity is in Christ....no other identification required!
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God; by loving God and carrying out his commands. 1 John 5:1-2
Today, as I entered the words that identify me, I realized that after this year, I will no longer need them. Those words will be useless to me and anyone else. They are merely to identify me now...for this day and time. When my son leaves that school, that means of identification will mean nothing.
In life we all have some type of identification assigned to us. Whether its a driver license, school ID, medical insurance card or something else, and each of them is necessary. How would we drive with no license? How would we prove who we are? How could we recover damages on our vehicles or home or gain access to medical attention without such identification?
The issue with each of these is that they are not eternal. One day they will each end. We may drop coverage, stop driving or leave school. No one will care how we were identified and you know why? Because the burden is on you! It's up to you to prove who you are, and while we're talking about identification, let me ask "what about your identity? Who do you represent? What do you stand for?
I recall the bottom falling out of my world several years ago and me having to take a stand. I specifically remember saying "My identity is not in that, my identity is in Jesus Christ." He requires no user name, no password...only a belief that He died for you and is your personal savior.
The day, known to no one, will come when Christ will return to carry His people home [Matthew 24:36]. You will not have to have an identification card, you will not need a user name or password, but you will have to be a child of the King.
That comes only with confessing your sin, believing in the Lord Jesus Christ and accepting Him as your personal savior. Then, your identity is in Christ....no other identification required!
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God; by loving God and carrying out his commands. 1 John 5:1-2
Friday, June 8, 2012
Your Comfort
Well, here I am. I am sorry about not posting yesterday but I went on a retreat of sorts. I felt like Moses and the burning bush, Joshua being called to take the city and Isaiah saying "Here am I send me" all at once.
It is difficult to post from iPad because I have a system and when that system is disturbed, I have difficulty managing posts. I think there's a word for that.....
At any rate, the full story of this trip will be posted at a later date but for now, I want to say this: Today, on our way home, we made a stop at a restaurant. As we were pulling out, I saw a plumbing truck. Being completely satisfied at just being in God's presence, I misread their slogan.
Their slogan was "Our goal is your comfort." I read "Our God is your comfort." You see, there may be times that we can not find comfort in anything. When we see that burning bush we run; when we're called to take the city we doubt; and the last thing on our mind is "send me."
But if you are there let me say this, "My God is your comfort." Your goal should be to find that comfort. Don't listen to the naysayers who ridicule and doubt. Rest on the Word of the Living God. Whatever it is....my God is your comfort!
My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. The arrogant mock me unmercifully, but I do not turn from your law. I remember Lord your ancient laws and I find comfort in them. Psalms 119: 50-52
It is difficult to post from iPad because I have a system and when that system is disturbed, I have difficulty managing posts. I think there's a word for that.....
At any rate, the full story of this trip will be posted at a later date but for now, I want to say this: Today, on our way home, we made a stop at a restaurant. As we were pulling out, I saw a plumbing truck. Being completely satisfied at just being in God's presence, I misread their slogan.
Their slogan was "Our goal is your comfort." I read "Our God is your comfort." You see, there may be times that we can not find comfort in anything. When we see that burning bush we run; when we're called to take the city we doubt; and the last thing on our mind is "send me."
But if you are there let me say this, "My God is your comfort." Your goal should be to find that comfort. Don't listen to the naysayers who ridicule and doubt. Rest on the Word of the Living God. Whatever it is....my God is your comfort!
My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. The arrogant mock me unmercifully, but I do not turn from your law. I remember Lord your ancient laws and I find comfort in them. Psalms 119: 50-52
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Spread the word
I imagine alot of you are like me. You probably have some sort of devotion book that you read from daily. We wake up, pull open our Bible and read the portion of scripture designated and maybe a small caption or story.
Many don't go past the daily scripture often and they probably don't pick up the Bible again until the next day when once again it's time to do our daily devotion. Why do we do that? Well, I would venture to guess one reason is time.
I would support that it is worth taking the time when we discover that we might learn a thing or two. I always do but are we really going to reap the benefits of growth if we dont dig deep into the Word? How can we gain any knowledge if we just read a verse or two a day? Don't get me wrong, I do not want to discourage anyone and I certainly don't want to give the enemy an advantage but let's look at it this way.
If my favorite department store (I won't mention names but it begins with an M) offered me 30 minutes to take any items I wanted free of charge, do yo think I'm going to go ten minutes and then stop? Don't think so. I am going to soak up every minute, every second getting things I can use, or offer to others less fortunate. So it is with the Word of God. Why would I only give God ten minutes if I had thirty?
I should want to use the time get information that is beneficial to me, information that will grow me but also information that I can share with others who may not know Christ. It is up to us to be in the word, to learn the word, to spread the word.
Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word about Christ. Romans 10:17
Many don't go past the daily scripture often and they probably don't pick up the Bible again until the next day when once again it's time to do our daily devotion. Why do we do that? Well, I would venture to guess one reason is time.
I would support that it is worth taking the time when we discover that we might learn a thing or two. I always do but are we really going to reap the benefits of growth if we dont dig deep into the Word? How can we gain any knowledge if we just read a verse or two a day? Don't get me wrong, I do not want to discourage anyone and I certainly don't want to give the enemy an advantage but let's look at it this way.
If my favorite department store (I won't mention names but it begins with an M) offered me 30 minutes to take any items I wanted free of charge, do yo think I'm going to go ten minutes and then stop? Don't think so. I am going to soak up every minute, every second getting things I can use, or offer to others less fortunate. So it is with the Word of God. Why would I only give God ten minutes if I had thirty?
I should want to use the time get information that is beneficial to me, information that will grow me but also information that I can share with others who may not know Christ. It is up to us to be in the word, to learn the word, to spread the word.
Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word about Christ. Romans 10:17
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
A wife with no name
The story of Joseph and Potiphar's wife is not new. It is one that often commends Joseph for "doing the right thing." Joseph was strong in his faith and in his love for God. This story is not about Joseph.
This is about Potiphar's wife. The story is very clear in Genesis 39. Joseph was put in charge of Potiphar household and everything he owned. It goes on to say that Joseph was well-built and handsome, and after a while his master's wife took notice of him and said "Come to bed with me" [v7]. This is not a problem exclusive to any gender or age. Greed and lust are products of the enemy and they can be destructive.
This is a woman who is married to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh's officials, the captain of the guard and instead of honoring her marriage and her husband, she pursues Joseph. She not only pursues him, it says she spoke to him day after day but Joseph refused to dishonor his God.
Joseph was strong enough to say "My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God." [v9] She just doesn't get it. She continues in her pursuit until she finally when no one is around, she gets him alone again. In an attempt to get away, she grabs his cloak and is left holding it as he gets away.
Now comes the lie. Because if she can't have him, she may as well destroy him right? That is what she sets out to do. Upon Potiphar's return, she tells him the lie that Joseph tried to seduce her and Potiphar puts Joseph in prison.
What would drive Potiphar's wife to want to seduce Joseph? Was it his good looks? His nice build? Her need to conquer? Today's society is not much different. We are driven by looks, prestige, status...but a man or woman of God has an obligation to walk away.
A friend of mine has a nice brand new Mercedes. It is the right color, it has leather seats, it talks to him and guides him to where he is going. I love it and would love to have it....but it's his! I wouldn't go to his garage and take it. That would land me in jail! Friend or not. We would often hesitate in doing that because of the consequence yet we don't give God's commands a second thought. It's the same principle: A violation will have consequences!
I don't want you to miss the main point of this story [from my point of view]. Joseph went to prison for a crime he did not commit. "But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden." [V21]
The Lord was with him...He did not leave Joseph. She on the other hand is a wife with no name. She is simply known as Potiphar's wife. I don't believe this is because of her sin and allegations. I believe this is because she failed to repent.
God's forgiveness extends to all who ask. An example of this is Rahab. Rahab was a prostitute; but because of her repentance and calling out to God, she important in the lineage of Jesus Christ. Everyone knows the role she played and God's purpose for her and everyone knows her by name.
Ladies when we marry, we carry our husband's name but more than that, we carry the name of Christ. Don't be distracted by a mercedes that is not yours, don't be a wife with no name.
A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
Proverbs 22:1
This is about Potiphar's wife. The story is very clear in Genesis 39. Joseph was put in charge of Potiphar household and everything he owned. It goes on to say that Joseph was well-built and handsome, and after a while his master's wife took notice of him and said "Come to bed with me" [v7]. This is not a problem exclusive to any gender or age. Greed and lust are products of the enemy and they can be destructive.
This is a woman who is married to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh's officials, the captain of the guard and instead of honoring her marriage and her husband, she pursues Joseph. She not only pursues him, it says she spoke to him day after day but Joseph refused to dishonor his God.
Joseph was strong enough to say "My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God." [v9] She just doesn't get it. She continues in her pursuit until she finally when no one is around, she gets him alone again. In an attempt to get away, she grabs his cloak and is left holding it as he gets away.
Now comes the lie. Because if she can't have him, she may as well destroy him right? That is what she sets out to do. Upon Potiphar's return, she tells him the lie that Joseph tried to seduce her and Potiphar puts Joseph in prison.
What would drive Potiphar's wife to want to seduce Joseph? Was it his good looks? His nice build? Her need to conquer? Today's society is not much different. We are driven by looks, prestige, status...but a man or woman of God has an obligation to walk away.
A friend of mine has a nice brand new Mercedes. It is the right color, it has leather seats, it talks to him and guides him to where he is going. I love it and would love to have it....but it's his! I wouldn't go to his garage and take it. That would land me in jail! Friend or not. We would often hesitate in doing that because of the consequence yet we don't give God's commands a second thought. It's the same principle: A violation will have consequences!
I don't want you to miss the main point of this story [from my point of view]. Joseph went to prison for a crime he did not commit. "But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden." [V21]
The Lord was with him...He did not leave Joseph. She on the other hand is a wife with no name. She is simply known as Potiphar's wife. I don't believe this is because of her sin and allegations. I believe this is because she failed to repent.
God's forgiveness extends to all who ask. An example of this is Rahab. Rahab was a prostitute; but because of her repentance and calling out to God, she important in the lineage of Jesus Christ. Everyone knows the role she played and God's purpose for her and everyone knows her by name.
Ladies when we marry, we carry our husband's name but more than that, we carry the name of Christ. Don't be distracted by a mercedes that is not yours, don't be a wife with no name.
A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
Proverbs 22:1
Monday, June 4, 2012
Fire Spreads
The other day I was "bargain book shopping." That's one of my favorite things to do. My husband has promised me a library and believe me, I have the books to fill it.
I found one small 130 page book. I thought "this is great" it could be a book club book except for one thing...the topic.
You see, the title is 30 days to Taming Your Tongue. I purchased it because I thought it would be good conversation and I might use some information from it. Then I look at the chapters. I'm expecting the book to be something like refrain from gossip; or speak kindly; or pray before you speak...etc. Because you know, in my "self pride" I think at least one chapter will apply to me. I proceed to read the index:
The Lying Tongue
The Flattering Tongue
The Manipulating Tongue
The Hasty Tongue
The Divisive Tongue
The Argumentative Tongue
The Boasting Tongue
The Self-Depreciating Tongue
The Slandering Tongue
The Gossiping Tongue
The Meddling Tongue
The Betraying Tongue
The Belittling Tongue
The Cynical Tongue
The Know-it-All Tongue
The Harsh Tongue
The Tactless Tongue
The Intimidating Tongue
The Rude Tongue
Whew! I was convicted just reading the Chapter Titles. So I'm thinking "Wow God, you really want me to learn something from this book!" Just when I think it's over, I turn the page and to my surprise, there are eleven more chapters listed on the next page. The Judgmental, Self-Absorbed, Cursing, Complaining, Retaliating, Accusing, Discouraging, Doubting, Loquacious, Indiscreet, and Silent tongues.
I don't know about you but I found myself in everyone of these chapters. It truly brought me to reflect the areas that I practice each chapter of these tongues in my life. While I love the Word of God and I love sharing the Word of God, I fall victim to these areas. So how can one speak of God's Word and yet fall in each of these categories? I believe that is what this book is all about.
That's what God's Word is all about too. Proverbs 10:19 says When words are many, sin is not absent but he who holds his tongue is wise. Words have more power to kill than the sharpest weapon. Words can kill the spirit. While spewing out venemous words may make us feel better, they do not represent who God called us to be. We are to encourage others with words that build up rather than tear down.
Ephesians 4:29
All my life I grew up hearing the story of my grandmother who died at age 58. She and two of her sons were killed in a fire when my mother was just 8 years old. They lived on the second floor of a two story structure. The young woman on the first floor was heating a bottle for her baby in the middle of the night when the curtain caught fire and quickly spread to the second floor claiming the lives of my grandmother and two uncles. That is how quickly rumors, gossip, slander, rudness, boasting, complaining and all the others can destroy lives.
Yep, this is a small book with a large lesson....fire spreads quickly and so does an untamed tongue!
Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire and is itself set on fire by hell. James 3:5-6
I found one small 130 page book. I thought "this is great" it could be a book club book except for one thing...the topic.
You see, the title is 30 days to Taming Your Tongue. I purchased it because I thought it would be good conversation and I might use some information from it. Then I look at the chapters. I'm expecting the book to be something like refrain from gossip; or speak kindly; or pray before you speak...etc. Because you know, in my "self pride" I think at least one chapter will apply to me. I proceed to read the index:
The Lying Tongue
The Flattering Tongue
The Manipulating Tongue
The Hasty Tongue
The Divisive Tongue
The Argumentative Tongue
The Boasting Tongue
The Self-Depreciating Tongue
The Slandering Tongue
The Gossiping Tongue
The Meddling Tongue
The Betraying Tongue
The Belittling Tongue
The Cynical Tongue
The Know-it-All Tongue
The Harsh Tongue
The Tactless Tongue
The Intimidating Tongue
The Rude Tongue
Whew! I was convicted just reading the Chapter Titles. So I'm thinking "Wow God, you really want me to learn something from this book!" Just when I think it's over, I turn the page and to my surprise, there are eleven more chapters listed on the next page. The Judgmental, Self-Absorbed, Cursing, Complaining, Retaliating, Accusing, Discouraging, Doubting, Loquacious, Indiscreet, and Silent tongues.
I don't know about you but I found myself in everyone of these chapters. It truly brought me to reflect the areas that I practice each chapter of these tongues in my life. While I love the Word of God and I love sharing the Word of God, I fall victim to these areas. So how can one speak of God's Word and yet fall in each of these categories? I believe that is what this book is all about.
That's what God's Word is all about too. Proverbs 10:19 says When words are many, sin is not absent but he who holds his tongue is wise. Words have more power to kill than the sharpest weapon. Words can kill the spirit. While spewing out venemous words may make us feel better, they do not represent who God called us to be. We are to encourage others with words that build up rather than tear down.
Ephesians 4:29
All my life I grew up hearing the story of my grandmother who died at age 58. She and two of her sons were killed in a fire when my mother was just 8 years old. They lived on the second floor of a two story structure. The young woman on the first floor was heating a bottle for her baby in the middle of the night when the curtain caught fire and quickly spread to the second floor claiming the lives of my grandmother and two uncles. That is how quickly rumors, gossip, slander, rudness, boasting, complaining and all the others can destroy lives.
Yep, this is a small book with a large lesson....fire spreads quickly and so does an untamed tongue!
Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire and is itself set on fire by hell. James 3:5-6
Sunday, June 3, 2012
So glad to see you again
Today we made a trip to Alvin. It is the second trip we have made this week. We have relatives in Alvin however, since we are all now adults having our own families, it has been years since we have gone to visit.
Today, we went to a graduation party. One of our cousins graduated from Stephen F. Austin University this week. Friday we were at a viewing. Another cousin passed away. While Friday's visit was sad, today's was joyous.
We went to the home of my Uncle Ike. He is the only uncle on my dad's side and of course, he was my "favorite." We shared a love of football and a sibling rivalry between the two brothers [he and my dad] that loved the Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Oilers. I don't have to tell you how that ended.
Today however, we were greeted by my Aunt Angie as my uncle Ike passed away several years ago. Very little had changed. My cousins were a little older like us and a third and fourth generation was present. We had such a good time. It was great to learn new things from them, challenges life had dealt them and the direction they had taken. We shared so many laughs.
I was immediately taken back to the day of my uncle's funeral. You see for years.....and I do mean years, my grandmother had prayed for him. My grandmother passed away without seeing the fruits of her prayers. My uncle came to know Christ and was actively serving in a church when he passed away.
I disctinctly remember a young lady singing "I Bowed on My Knees and Cried Holy." I remember thinking how good it would be to see my uncle again.
Today I saw my living relatives but I await the day when I get to see my uncle again. God has promised eternal life to those who accept the gift and having accepted it, I will see him again. Like today's reunion, I can't wait to tell my uncle "so glad to see you again!"
Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
Today, we went to a graduation party. One of our cousins graduated from Stephen F. Austin University this week. Friday we were at a viewing. Another cousin passed away. While Friday's visit was sad, today's was joyous.
We went to the home of my Uncle Ike. He is the only uncle on my dad's side and of course, he was my "favorite." We shared a love of football and a sibling rivalry between the two brothers [he and my dad] that loved the Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Oilers. I don't have to tell you how that ended.
Today however, we were greeted by my Aunt Angie as my uncle Ike passed away several years ago. Very little had changed. My cousins were a little older like us and a third and fourth generation was present. We had such a good time. It was great to learn new things from them, challenges life had dealt them and the direction they had taken. We shared so many laughs.
I was immediately taken back to the day of my uncle's funeral. You see for years.....and I do mean years, my grandmother had prayed for him. My grandmother passed away without seeing the fruits of her prayers. My uncle came to know Christ and was actively serving in a church when he passed away.
I disctinctly remember a young lady singing "I Bowed on My Knees and Cried Holy." I remember thinking how good it would be to see my uncle again.
Today I saw my living relatives but I await the day when I get to see my uncle again. God has promised eternal life to those who accept the gift and having accepted it, I will see him again. Like today's reunion, I can't wait to tell my uncle "so glad to see you again!"
Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
Friday, June 1, 2012
Sombody's Watching
The mornings have been hot. Even Thursday when we were supposed to get heavy rain, it was hot. Even so, I have gone on my daily runs.
Years ago when I trained with my father, I would say "Dad, it's so hot!" and he would reply with "it's hot for everyone else too."
Those days are long gone and I'm on my own now. I don't have him at my side to answer to. He's not watching me to make sure I do what I'm supposed to do. That is good news. I can run as slow as I want or as fast as I want or quit whenever I want!
So, the other day I was running and as luck would have it, I run past an apartment complex. It is right at the beginning of my run or on my way back, at the very end of my run. At any rate, there is the possiblitiy of foot traffic through that area.
As I ran, I was getting really winded and tired. The heat was getting the best of me and it was only around nine o'clock. I decided that I was just going to stop. All my life my motto for running has been "You can do anything but stop!" I didn't care. I was hurting, I was tired and I was stopping! That is until I saw a man walking his dog. I decided that I could muster enough energy to get past him. I did and then continued running.
Again, I was slowing down and decided to stop. Unfortunately, I noticed a person on the balcony of an apartment in that complex. Darn! I can't stop....so I keep going. I am almost to the final leg and just can not go any more. I begin to slow down when I see an elderly lady walking. She is about taking her daily stroll with her hair made up and her 2" heels and shorts. I can't stop! I keep going...all the way to my destination.
So you might ask "why?" Why couldn't she stop? Well the reason is "sombody was watching." The man with the dog, the person on the balcony, the elderly lady all greeted me and watched me as I ran by. I just couldn't stop. I didn't want these people to think I was a "quitter." I don't know what happened but it was the same principle as my father being there. I wouldn't dare stop in front of my father. He was training me, he was watching me, he was preparing me and I couldn't disappoint him.
So it is with our heavenly Father. Sometimes we sneak around in attempt to hide thinking no one will see us. We sneak around and grin the sweet grin of success when we realize no one has discovered us. Like my run, we may slow down but when we discover somebody's watching, we straighten up and fly right.
We can not hide from God. There is nothing we can do, nowhere we can go, nothing we can say that will not be seen or heard by God. Secrecy is a crutch that will eventually break. The thing to consider is how we will justify our actions when we think no one is watching.
I have found new energy in running. You see, even though my earthly father is not physically present and watching, I know that my Heavenly Father is. I should live my life remembering that when I feel like giving up, when I feel I've been defeated, when I think no one will know....somebody's watching!
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:13
Years ago when I trained with my father, I would say "Dad, it's so hot!" and he would reply with "it's hot for everyone else too."
Those days are long gone and I'm on my own now. I don't have him at my side to answer to. He's not watching me to make sure I do what I'm supposed to do. That is good news. I can run as slow as I want or as fast as I want or quit whenever I want!
So, the other day I was running and as luck would have it, I run past an apartment complex. It is right at the beginning of my run or on my way back, at the very end of my run. At any rate, there is the possiblitiy of foot traffic through that area.
As I ran, I was getting really winded and tired. The heat was getting the best of me and it was only around nine o'clock. I decided that I was just going to stop. All my life my motto for running has been "You can do anything but stop!" I didn't care. I was hurting, I was tired and I was stopping! That is until I saw a man walking his dog. I decided that I could muster enough energy to get past him. I did and then continued running.
Again, I was slowing down and decided to stop. Unfortunately, I noticed a person on the balcony of an apartment in that complex. Darn! I can't stop....so I keep going. I am almost to the final leg and just can not go any more. I begin to slow down when I see an elderly lady walking. She is about taking her daily stroll with her hair made up and her 2" heels and shorts. I can't stop! I keep going...all the way to my destination.
So you might ask "why?" Why couldn't she stop? Well the reason is "sombody was watching." The man with the dog, the person on the balcony, the elderly lady all greeted me and watched me as I ran by. I just couldn't stop. I didn't want these people to think I was a "quitter." I don't know what happened but it was the same principle as my father being there. I wouldn't dare stop in front of my father. He was training me, he was watching me, he was preparing me and I couldn't disappoint him.
So it is with our heavenly Father. Sometimes we sneak around in attempt to hide thinking no one will see us. We sneak around and grin the sweet grin of success when we realize no one has discovered us. Like my run, we may slow down but when we discover somebody's watching, we straighten up and fly right.
We can not hide from God. There is nothing we can do, nowhere we can go, nothing we can say that will not be seen or heard by God. Secrecy is a crutch that will eventually break. The thing to consider is how we will justify our actions when we think no one is watching.
I have found new energy in running. You see, even though my earthly father is not physically present and watching, I know that my Heavenly Father is. I should live my life remembering that when I feel like giving up, when I feel I've been defeated, when I think no one will know....somebody's watching!
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:13
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