Earlier this month my niece graduated. The ceremony was held at Hofienz Pavillion. It was crazy! One large school had just completed their ceremony, her school was next and another large school was behind us. When the ceremony was over it was quite the challenge to locate my niece in such a large class.
We are quite a large family and the family is larger on her mom's side. We exited the building and tried to stay together as a family so that we would not get lost in the crowd. My husband got caught in the crowd but I continued to move with the group.
At one point, I looked up and could see my sister, brother-n-law and dad moving away from me. I thought to myself "I have to keep my eye on them." The next time I looked up I saw my father's all familiar hand. His skin so brown, reflective of all the years he held it out the window as he drove his dump truck and my sister's petite hand, nails trimmed reflective of cleanliness as a nurse should be. My sister had taken his hand and clasped it holding it above the crowd.
My sister was going to make sure she did not lose my dad, she was going to make certain that he walked hand in hand with her until they reached the destination. To say that the picture tugged at my heart is an understatement. My heart melted at this sight.
Today, many of my friends are suffering major trials. We are also on challenging journies. I think of how we could very easily give up and get lost in the crowd. We could go different directions and lose sight of God's promises.
Instead, God tells us "Give me your hand, I will lead you." If we just take that hand and not let go, He will get us to the other side. God will cradle us and hold us and carry us so that we are not alone. You may look up and see no one around but He is saying "Hold my hand."
Don't let go. This too shall pass. God has offerred us eternal life and when we accept that gift, no one can take it away from us and no one can take us away from him. So keep holding His hand, He will get you through!
"...I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one." John 10:28-30
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
The President's Coming?
Yesterday as I drove, I pulled an old choir CD that I found in my console. The CD was from years past and contained songs that I sang with the choir back then. Both were so touching. First I sang Lord, You're Holy then I sang Something Happens. To my surprise I remembered all the words. Perhaps it's because that is one way that we were taught to memorize the music and not use folders as we sang. We learned it through repetition.
I was so touched and so felt God's presence after I repeatedly sang those songs back to Him. I removed the CD and listened to the sermon that was on. It was one of my favorite pastors. Adrian Rogers has long been deceased but I was introduced to him by my father-in-law. Rogers has always been a favorite of his because he tells it like it is. He does not water down the word of God or the message.
Sometimes we need to hear it just like he presents it. No excuses, no covering up the truth, no sugar coating. Rogers got my attention when he told a story about the President of the United States coming to a local church. He said that there had been much hype about the President being in town and since it was an election year, the possibility existed that he would be at this church to address the members.
This particular pastor received a call from a woman. She was arrogant and abrasive in her question to the pastor asking if the president was coming to their church. She asked "Pastor, is the President of the United States coming to your church and do I need to reserve a seat?" The pastor replied "The President of the United States will not be here Sunday but the King of Kings will be and that ought to be good enough for you."
How many times do we do to church just to be seen; or to see who is there? What others are wearing, what others are doing, in what capacity are they working, or are they participating at all? The worst question, like this woman....if they are at church "can they see that I'm here too and what can they do for me!"
It loses the point of being in His presence. It loses the idea of Lord, You're Holy, it loses the idea of worship with the King of Kings. Where is the integrity of worship and who do you worship? My question would be "If the President of the United States was coming, what would change?" Would this woman want a seat next to him, would she sing better, carry a big bible or pray louder?
The President may be impressed with her but I guarantee you, the King of Kings would not be. I must remember much like this blog, that I follow His footsteps. I must guard my steps when I go to the house of God and go in with an attitude of worship.
Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. Ecclesiastes 5:1-2
I was so touched and so felt God's presence after I repeatedly sang those songs back to Him. I removed the CD and listened to the sermon that was on. It was one of my favorite pastors. Adrian Rogers has long been deceased but I was introduced to him by my father-in-law. Rogers has always been a favorite of his because he tells it like it is. He does not water down the word of God or the message.
Sometimes we need to hear it just like he presents it. No excuses, no covering up the truth, no sugar coating. Rogers got my attention when he told a story about the President of the United States coming to a local church. He said that there had been much hype about the President being in town and since it was an election year, the possibility existed that he would be at this church to address the members.
This particular pastor received a call from a woman. She was arrogant and abrasive in her question to the pastor asking if the president was coming to their church. She asked "Pastor, is the President of the United States coming to your church and do I need to reserve a seat?" The pastor replied "The President of the United States will not be here Sunday but the King of Kings will be and that ought to be good enough for you."
How many times do we do to church just to be seen; or to see who is there? What others are wearing, what others are doing, in what capacity are they working, or are they participating at all? The worst question, like this woman....if they are at church "can they see that I'm here too and what can they do for me!"
It loses the point of being in His presence. It loses the idea of Lord, You're Holy, it loses the idea of worship with the King of Kings. Where is the integrity of worship and who do you worship? My question would be "If the President of the United States was coming, what would change?" Would this woman want a seat next to him, would she sing better, carry a big bible or pray louder?
The President may be impressed with her but I guarantee you, the King of Kings would not be. I must remember much like this blog, that I follow His footsteps. I must guard my steps when I go to the house of God and go in with an attitude of worship.
Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. Ecclesiastes 5:1-2
Monday, June 24, 2013
The jewel
This weekend was much a blur. We "existed." We have had many challenges and have justified all of them as "being refined" in Christ. We understand that this is a long, ardous journey and God must be needing to teach us something. Are we that hard-headed that we are just not getting it?
We have prayed and cried and submitted and just "don't get it." Our biggest question this week "Why did our dog have to die?" We walked around droopy and sad and teary. I sought refuge in the Word of God and in sermons I often listen to daily.
This week, we have gone through some of my mother-in-law's things. She has been gone six years and her things are as she left them back then. We have found some true jewels that have at least brought a smile to our face. We found a graduation ring from Bartlett High School that belonged to my husband's aunt. The graduation year on the ring was 1925. That's a jewel.
We found a prescription container that was dated 1934-it was in a small box, not a pill bottle. To someone like me who treasures antiques and dated items, it was a jewel.
We also found some cards that my husband had given her when he was a young child, still in his writing sent to his mommy....a jewel.
As I thought of it, through our sentiments and tears, I thought of how we are God's jewels. He fashioned each one of us. If I had it my way, I would want to be a pretty pink jewel. If I was that jewel, today I would need to be polished and refined to regain my pretty color as in life, that jewel has been chipped, stained, dropped and is in need of attention.
When we left the house, I went to an appointment and I was a bit early. I sat in my car and continued to listen to a program called Reviving Our Hearts. The speaker made a statement that truly spoke to me and was much needed. The statement was:
"God refines his jewels on the roads of trials and sufferring."
Wow! I needed to hear that. I needed to hear that these roads of trials and suffering are not in vain. I needed to hear that with each trial and with our suffering, God is polishing, re-fashioning and refining us because we are his jewels. He treasures us and through this time, he will not leave us.
So if you're on that road of trial and suffering, remember this...God is not through with us. All those questions, all those situations, all that pain- God will use to his glory as He prepares us to accomplish His purpose.
I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say "They are my people," and they will say "The Lord is our God." Zechariah 13:9
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." Isaiah 43: 2-3
We have prayed and cried and submitted and just "don't get it." Our biggest question this week "Why did our dog have to die?" We walked around droopy and sad and teary. I sought refuge in the Word of God and in sermons I often listen to daily.
This week, we have gone through some of my mother-in-law's things. She has been gone six years and her things are as she left them back then. We have found some true jewels that have at least brought a smile to our face. We found a graduation ring from Bartlett High School that belonged to my husband's aunt. The graduation year on the ring was 1925. That's a jewel.
We found a prescription container that was dated 1934-it was in a small box, not a pill bottle. To someone like me who treasures antiques and dated items, it was a jewel.
We also found some cards that my husband had given her when he was a young child, still in his writing sent to his mommy....a jewel.
As I thought of it, through our sentiments and tears, I thought of how we are God's jewels. He fashioned each one of us. If I had it my way, I would want to be a pretty pink jewel. If I was that jewel, today I would need to be polished and refined to regain my pretty color as in life, that jewel has been chipped, stained, dropped and is in need of attention.
When we left the house, I went to an appointment and I was a bit early. I sat in my car and continued to listen to a program called Reviving Our Hearts. The speaker made a statement that truly spoke to me and was much needed. The statement was:
"God refines his jewels on the roads of trials and sufferring."
Wow! I needed to hear that. I needed to hear that these roads of trials and suffering are not in vain. I needed to hear that with each trial and with our suffering, God is polishing, re-fashioning and refining us because we are his jewels. He treasures us and through this time, he will not leave us.
So if you're on that road of trial and suffering, remember this...God is not through with us. All those questions, all those situations, all that pain- God will use to his glory as He prepares us to accomplish His purpose.
I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say "They are my people," and they will say "The Lord is our God." Zechariah 13:9
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." Isaiah 43: 2-3
Friday, June 21, 2013
Daisy's by the tree
Today, as I sit at my desk to write, I realize it has been two weeks since my last post. I sit to write, with a sad heart. For weeks, I have been praying along with other ladies in a team that is specifically praying for an event. I have come to love these ladies. I have found them to be faithful and committed.
I have also found that enemy loves to make us targets. We have prayed for ailing fathers, adoption of children, husbands leading, newborn preemies, cousins, nieces, endurance, mission trips.....and the list goes on. Oh and we have prayed those things along with praying for our event.
Our family, like some of the others, has sufferred much. It is difficult to teach Bible Study with so much going on. It is difficult because it requires much preparation and we have had many trials lately.
Yesterday when we arrived home, my husband found our four year old dog [pom] dead by our fence. She had been sick the day before and he immediately got her to the vet. The vet gave her a shot for nausea and told us if she was not better to bring her back in 24 hours. Daisy did not have 24 hours. Unbeknownst to any of us it was discovered that she had blood clots in her kidneys and an enlarged heart.
We just lived this with our 14 year old chihuahua that we lost in January. Sammy had been with us since our son was 4 and we expected he would leave us but we lost Daisy so suddenly. Today, Daisy's next to Sammy by our large tree. I do not have to tell you that there were many tears. I remember telling my husband that I had been quoting John 10:10 alot lately but that was little comfort.
In Sunday Bible Study we are covering the book of Job. Next week in Ladies Bible Study I will cover the book of Job, today....we feel like Job. My husband left for work earlier than usual this morning for an assignment and I received an early text that simply said "I am so sad, please pray for me." Of course I immediately prayed and completely understood his heart. We have had had several friends and family members lose a pet and have so felt their pain. Pets truly do love unconditionally.
Daisy was our comfort, but she loved my husband. She would go to him before she even knew I was in the room. The reason for that is that he would get on the floor with her, he would play with her, he would let her pounce on him in bed, he would let her lick his face, he would pet her and hold her for hours, and he would let her help tie his boots without shooing her away. I would not, my biggest enemy being time.
I woke up this morning expecting to hear the ding, ding of her collar and I was sad when I did not. I expected the daily "race" of going down the stairs and Daisy always winning, I expected to see the throw rug moving when she landed so hard at the foot of the stairs that it slid from under her, but none of those things happened today. This was going to be our "country" dog, she was going to lead us into retirement, she was going to run the acres of the hill country but it was not to be.
As I thought of Daisy I thought of how God is much the same way. He wants us to spend time with him, he wants us to make him a priority in our life, he wants us to be joyful at being in his presence, and he wants us to smile when we think back and remember the time we spent with Him, instead, many shoo him away-especially during trying times.
The enemy is a liar, he has come to kill steal and destroy. He will use whatever tools, tactics, weapons, individuals, circumstances, he does not care because his goal is to destroy! If he can destroy the spirit then he has accomplished a great victory, if he can destroy the will and the soul even better. But I have news for that enemy....the God we serve is no wimp and He will not only take him on, He will take him on and win! We are God's children and although we may hurt and we may lose things or loved ones, God will not leave us and no one can take us from Him!
Do not let that broken heart override what God's word says...You are a child of God and no one regardless of what tactic they use, can snatch you out of His hand!
"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life and they shall never perish: no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father who has given them to me is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one."
John 10:27-29
I have also found that enemy loves to make us targets. We have prayed for ailing fathers, adoption of children, husbands leading, newborn preemies, cousins, nieces, endurance, mission trips.....and the list goes on. Oh and we have prayed those things along with praying for our event.
Our family, like some of the others, has sufferred much. It is difficult to teach Bible Study with so much going on. It is difficult because it requires much preparation and we have had many trials lately.
Yesterday when we arrived home, my husband found our four year old dog [pom] dead by our fence. She had been sick the day before and he immediately got her to the vet. The vet gave her a shot for nausea and told us if she was not better to bring her back in 24 hours. Daisy did not have 24 hours. Unbeknownst to any of us it was discovered that she had blood clots in her kidneys and an enlarged heart.
We just lived this with our 14 year old chihuahua that we lost in January. Sammy had been with us since our son was 4 and we expected he would leave us but we lost Daisy so suddenly. Today, Daisy's next to Sammy by our large tree. I do not have to tell you that there were many tears. I remember telling my husband that I had been quoting John 10:10 alot lately but that was little comfort.
In Sunday Bible Study we are covering the book of Job. Next week in Ladies Bible Study I will cover the book of Job, today....we feel like Job. My husband left for work earlier than usual this morning for an assignment and I received an early text that simply said "I am so sad, please pray for me." Of course I immediately prayed and completely understood his heart. We have had had several friends and family members lose a pet and have so felt their pain. Pets truly do love unconditionally.
Daisy was our comfort, but she loved my husband. She would go to him before she even knew I was in the room. The reason for that is that he would get on the floor with her, he would play with her, he would let her pounce on him in bed, he would let her lick his face, he would pet her and hold her for hours, and he would let her help tie his boots without shooing her away. I would not, my biggest enemy being time.
I woke up this morning expecting to hear the ding, ding of her collar and I was sad when I did not. I expected the daily "race" of going down the stairs and Daisy always winning, I expected to see the throw rug moving when she landed so hard at the foot of the stairs that it slid from under her, but none of those things happened today. This was going to be our "country" dog, she was going to lead us into retirement, she was going to run the acres of the hill country but it was not to be.
As I thought of Daisy I thought of how God is much the same way. He wants us to spend time with him, he wants us to make him a priority in our life, he wants us to be joyful at being in his presence, and he wants us to smile when we think back and remember the time we spent with Him, instead, many shoo him away-especially during trying times.
The enemy is a liar, he has come to kill steal and destroy. He will use whatever tools, tactics, weapons, individuals, circumstances, he does not care because his goal is to destroy! If he can destroy the spirit then he has accomplished a great victory, if he can destroy the will and the soul even better. But I have news for that enemy....the God we serve is no wimp and He will not only take him on, He will take him on and win! We are God's children and although we may hurt and we may lose things or loved ones, God will not leave us and no one can take us from Him!
Do not let that broken heart override what God's word says...You are a child of God and no one regardless of what tactic they use, can snatch you out of His hand!
"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life and they shall never perish: no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father who has given them to me is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one."
John 10:27-29
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
I don't know temptation
The other day I was driving and had my radio set on a station. I listened as the song I Need thee every Hour played. It is an old hymn that I grew up singing in the small community church where I worshipped with my family.
I was so taken by the words as I sang "I need thee O I need thee, every hour I need thee, O bless me now my savior I come to thee." Every hour I need thee. That so discribes my life right now. As I continue listening, I hear a verse that I am not familiar with. I need thee every hour, stay though nearby, temptations lose their power when thou art neigh.
Wow! Temptations lose their power when thou art neigh. What a wonderful message-to know that when He is near, temptations are not a match! I decide I am going to document the verse so that I can use it for future reference. Not having a pen, I pull out my iphone as I'm going to capture the words in my notes.
Instead of physically typing the words, I call on Suri. Suri is activated by pressing a button on the phone that then follows your voice directions. I tell Suri "Suri, take a note." Suri says "taking a note." I tell Suri, "Suri type temptations lose their power" and she types "ten tons lose their power." I then say change ten tons to temptations and Suri replies "I don't know what that is."
I thought "lucky you!" Suri did not know the word temptation....Oh if I only didn't know temptation. The analogy I will use relative to temptation is red velvet cake. I love red velvet cake. Rarely do I pass it up and when I see it, I am so tempted to just take a little bite. Of course you know that if I have just a bite, I have to have a piece and if I have a piece, it has to be a big one. I can not just go with a little bit. The frosting is so delicious and the flavors are like none other.
Of course, with this temptation come consequences. For every piece I eat I have to run about four miles. Hardly a compromise. There is a price to pay for succumbing to temptation and often the consequences far outweigh the pleasure. Temptation is not always the same for everyone. If you don't care for red velvet cake, it won't be a problem for you to resist. Like Suri, someone who does not like this cake does not know this temptation.
That is how life is. There are things that draw us away from God, things that are truly a temptation for us, things that take us from a walk with Christ. There are some areas where I wish I could say "I don't know temption" but unfortunately, it exists.
I go back to the verse in the song: I need Him every hour and having Christ in my life every hour gives me power. It gives me power to resist temptation. I can't say "I don't know temptation" but I can say "I know the power of Christ which can help me overcome temptation."
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41
I Need Thee Every Hour-Words by Annie Hawks-1872, Music Robert Lowry
I was so taken by the words as I sang "I need thee O I need thee, every hour I need thee, O bless me now my savior I come to thee." Every hour I need thee. That so discribes my life right now. As I continue listening, I hear a verse that I am not familiar with. I need thee every hour, stay though nearby, temptations lose their power when thou art neigh.
Wow! Temptations lose their power when thou art neigh. What a wonderful message-to know that when He is near, temptations are not a match! I decide I am going to document the verse so that I can use it for future reference. Not having a pen, I pull out my iphone as I'm going to capture the words in my notes.
Instead of physically typing the words, I call on Suri. Suri is activated by pressing a button on the phone that then follows your voice directions. I tell Suri "Suri, take a note." Suri says "taking a note." I tell Suri, "Suri type temptations lose their power" and she types "ten tons lose their power." I then say change ten tons to temptations and Suri replies "I don't know what that is."
I thought "lucky you!" Suri did not know the word temptation....Oh if I only didn't know temptation. The analogy I will use relative to temptation is red velvet cake. I love red velvet cake. Rarely do I pass it up and when I see it, I am so tempted to just take a little bite. Of course you know that if I have just a bite, I have to have a piece and if I have a piece, it has to be a big one. I can not just go with a little bit. The frosting is so delicious and the flavors are like none other.
Of course, with this temptation come consequences. For every piece I eat I have to run about four miles. Hardly a compromise. There is a price to pay for succumbing to temptation and often the consequences far outweigh the pleasure. Temptation is not always the same for everyone. If you don't care for red velvet cake, it won't be a problem for you to resist. Like Suri, someone who does not like this cake does not know this temptation.
That is how life is. There are things that draw us away from God, things that are truly a temptation for us, things that take us from a walk with Christ. There are some areas where I wish I could say "I don't know temption" but unfortunately, it exists.
I go back to the verse in the song: I need Him every hour and having Christ in my life every hour gives me power. It gives me power to resist temptation. I can't say "I don't know temptation" but I can say "I know the power of Christ which can help me overcome temptation."
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41
I Need Thee Every Hour-Words by Annie Hawks-1872, Music Robert Lowry
Monday, June 10, 2013
Oh the sting!
Have you ever done the Fancy Wasp Run? It has similar steps as the Scary Snake Shuffle. I am not fond of either of these. In fact, I don't like pain. While a snake has the potential to cause a serious medical situation, I can't get past the fact of two fangs burying themselves in my leg or any other body part.
A wasp on the other hand is just going to sting....but oh what a sting. The other day I got in my car like any other day, oblivious to anything but my mission at the time. I started the car and got to steppin'. I pulled out of my driveway and down the main road when I see it-a wasp.
I could not help it, I "immediately and suddenly applied my brakes" and began waving at the wasp with a flyer I had in my car. Fortunately, I was at a traffic light that quickly turned red. I was trying to roll my window down and shoo it out. At the same time, I was trying to swat with one hand and cover my face with my arm. I did not want to get stung!
Who does? After all my rucus and antics, I decided I would get out of the car. I put the flyer down, stopped fighting the wasp and quickly discovered that it wasn't even in my car. The wasp was on the outside of my windshield. Of course then I became superman. I straightened up, cocked my head a little and said to myself "I wasn't afraid of that wasp, what harm could it do me-it's on the outside!"
We are like that in life. For some of us, me included, we fear the enemy so much that it has the tendency to paralyze us. We want to run from it, hide from it, swat it away, open the door so it can leave us alone and many other things. Sometimes we may think we can not rid ourselves of it. In doing so, it wins. I believe that often the enemy just wants to succeed in frightening us. When I am frightened, I can't think, I can't function, I can't move and if I can't do any of those things, what am I accomplishing?
I am an individual conditioned to maintain calm, think things through, analyze the situation and often make split second decisions. There is no time to fear. Fear came after the fact, after you had an opportunity to brief the scenario. I do not understand how I could do those things and make life changing decisions and yet let a wasp dictate my level of fear.
The enemy operates like that in many ways. Because we allow it, the enemy taunts us. We fear the sting of his word like "you're unworthy" or "if people only knew" or "who are you trying to kid?" We swat at it hoping it will go away only to discover the more we swat the more our fear intensifies because the enemy is too close.
God's word says "...he has not given us the spirit of fear" [2 Timothy 1:7] yet we allow that fear to overtake us and make us ineffective. I do the fancy wasp run. I don't want anything to do with being this insect's target. But in my fear, I become the enemy's target. That happens because I fail to remember that "I am a child of God and that I did not receive a spirit that makes me a slave again to fear but I received the Spirit of sonship." [Romans 8:15]
The biggest thing that we forget is this...God is mighty [Jeremiah 10:6], God is powerful [Matthew 3:11], God is a living God [Joshua 3:10] whose arm is not to short to save! The enemy is a liar [John 8:44] , the enemy has come to kill, steal and destroy, [John 10:10]and the enemy is on the outside of that windshield! Nothing can come up against the mighty power of God!
So when you fear the sting of the enemy, know that God has given us weapons more than a piece of paper to swat with! Be strong in the Lord.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground... Ephesians 6:12-13
A wasp on the other hand is just going to sting....but oh what a sting. The other day I got in my car like any other day, oblivious to anything but my mission at the time. I started the car and got to steppin'. I pulled out of my driveway and down the main road when I see it-a wasp.
I could not help it, I "immediately and suddenly applied my brakes" and began waving at the wasp with a flyer I had in my car. Fortunately, I was at a traffic light that quickly turned red. I was trying to roll my window down and shoo it out. At the same time, I was trying to swat with one hand and cover my face with my arm. I did not want to get stung!
Who does? After all my rucus and antics, I decided I would get out of the car. I put the flyer down, stopped fighting the wasp and quickly discovered that it wasn't even in my car. The wasp was on the outside of my windshield. Of course then I became superman. I straightened up, cocked my head a little and said to myself "I wasn't afraid of that wasp, what harm could it do me-it's on the outside!"
We are like that in life. For some of us, me included, we fear the enemy so much that it has the tendency to paralyze us. We want to run from it, hide from it, swat it away, open the door so it can leave us alone and many other things. Sometimes we may think we can not rid ourselves of it. In doing so, it wins. I believe that often the enemy just wants to succeed in frightening us. When I am frightened, I can't think, I can't function, I can't move and if I can't do any of those things, what am I accomplishing?
I am an individual conditioned to maintain calm, think things through, analyze the situation and often make split second decisions. There is no time to fear. Fear came after the fact, after you had an opportunity to brief the scenario. I do not understand how I could do those things and make life changing decisions and yet let a wasp dictate my level of fear.
The enemy operates like that in many ways. Because we allow it, the enemy taunts us. We fear the sting of his word like "you're unworthy" or "if people only knew" or "who are you trying to kid?" We swat at it hoping it will go away only to discover the more we swat the more our fear intensifies because the enemy is too close.
God's word says "...he has not given us the spirit of fear" [2 Timothy 1:7] yet we allow that fear to overtake us and make us ineffective. I do the fancy wasp run. I don't want anything to do with being this insect's target. But in my fear, I become the enemy's target. That happens because I fail to remember that "I am a child of God and that I did not receive a spirit that makes me a slave again to fear but I received the Spirit of sonship." [Romans 8:15]
The biggest thing that we forget is this...God is mighty [Jeremiah 10:6], God is powerful [Matthew 3:11], God is a living God [Joshua 3:10] whose arm is not to short to save! The enemy is a liar [John 8:44] , the enemy has come to kill, steal and destroy, [John 10:10]and the enemy is on the outside of that windshield! Nothing can come up against the mighty power of God!
So when you fear the sting of the enemy, know that God has given us weapons more than a piece of paper to swat with! Be strong in the Lord.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground... Ephesians 6:12-13
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Fingertips or heart?
Last week I began teaching a Ladies Bible study class. I overwhelmed myself with just the book of Genesis. I learned so much from that book. I have been studying the bible for a while now and wanted to teach every detail of Genesis....in one hour.
I just wanted to share with the ladies everything I learned and wanted them to learn some of the impacting verses. During the week, I spoke with a dear friend who made a poignant statement that I have carried with me this week. She said "I fear learning scripture has become a lost art due to technology." Opps! I have fallen victim to that statement.
I have always loved that in alot of situations I can go to "my heart" and pull up a scripture that will help me pray my way through. Unfortunately, there are times when I go to my phone and type a word and it pulls up the appropriate scripture for me. However, I have learned so much in preparing for this study.
First, it is not only the content of the verse itself but also the surrounding verses. With technology you get the verse that addresses your issue but by going to the Bible, you get the entire story. For instance, if you search the word "courageous" on a bible app, it might lead you to Joshua 1:6
Be strong and corageous, because you will lead the people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them.
Good verse but you miss verse 5 that is so impacting No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so will I be with you; I will never leave you or forsake you. That's great stuff!
Even as I write I feel that power of that verse. He will never leave you or forsake you! He brought Moses through, He brought Joshua through, He will bring us through!
This week as I study Joshua I am overwhelmed with the idea that God would use me, you, or any one of us to teach others.
My challenge this week to my bible study class is the same one I give you, memorize Joshua 1:8. Don't rely on your phone and your fingertips....pull it up from your heart!
Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law deaprt from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:7-8
I just wanted to share with the ladies everything I learned and wanted them to learn some of the impacting verses. During the week, I spoke with a dear friend who made a poignant statement that I have carried with me this week. She said "I fear learning scripture has become a lost art due to technology." Opps! I have fallen victim to that statement.
I have always loved that in alot of situations I can go to "my heart" and pull up a scripture that will help me pray my way through. Unfortunately, there are times when I go to my phone and type a word and it pulls up the appropriate scripture for me. However, I have learned so much in preparing for this study.
First, it is not only the content of the verse itself but also the surrounding verses. With technology you get the verse that addresses your issue but by going to the Bible, you get the entire story. For instance, if you search the word "courageous" on a bible app, it might lead you to Joshua 1:6
Be strong and corageous, because you will lead the people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them.
Good verse but you miss verse 5 that is so impacting No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so will I be with you; I will never leave you or forsake you. That's great stuff!
Even as I write I feel that power of that verse. He will never leave you or forsake you! He brought Moses through, He brought Joshua through, He will bring us through!
This week as I study Joshua I am overwhelmed with the idea that God would use me, you, or any one of us to teach others.
My challenge this week to my bible study class is the same one I give you, memorize Joshua 1:8. Don't rely on your phone and your fingertips....pull it up from your heart!
Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law deaprt from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:7-8
Thursday, June 6, 2013
What's the password
Long ago when we were kids we often played a game, any game it didn't matter, where in order to gain entrance you needed a password. You would often hear me or one of my siblings yell out "what's the password?" We usually shouted out something so obvious like "Abra-cadabra" which of course was almost always wrong. It didn't really matter what you said because there was no real answer. The correct response was in our mind and even if you did get it correct, you might not get in because the power was in our hands to change it without you ever knowing it. That seems hardly fair but if we wanted to keep you out, we could do it.
Today, as I approach this blog and go to sign in, I am asked for a password. I begin to type it and realize that it is not the password for this particular site. I re-group and ask myself "What is the password?" For just a split second I seem to have forgotten that. I type in my email password, my bank password and then get the cobwebs out of my head before I finally get it right. A cup of coffee seems to help in clearing my mind.
Unlike our childhood game, if you don't type the correct password into a site or account, you will not get in. That site will be locked out to you and anyone else who does not have the correct password. It's funny because on some of my accounts, the password is never the same. My contact, user name, and other information remain the same but the passwords are all different making it difficult if you don't use an account often. What is that password!
The bad news, if you don't get it right, you won't get in. Worse than that, if you don't get it right you have to start all over again. You have to answer security questions and in some cases start all over. Yesterday, I attempted to gain access to an account that I haven't used in almost a year. For almost a year I had no need to go there and that was fine but yesterday, I needed to go there. Of course, I couldn't remember the password so I click on the button Forgot Password. It asks me questions like enter my PIN....hello! If I can't remember my password, I surely can not remember my PIN so I just give up and decide I'll call them today.
Passwords are a necessary protection. I agree one hundred percent that they are needed but it is so frustrating to need an account and not have access to it. To be locked out is a terrible thing when you need immediate access.
So I started thinking...what if someone needed immediate access to eternal life in Jesus Christ. What is the password? Do they have it etched in their heart? Will they have time to click the Forgot Password Button, will they be denied access? Will they have time to "Start over again?"
God's word tells us that there is only one way to eternal life and that is believing in the Lord Jesus Christ. Pretty simple...believe!
Romans 10:9 says "If you declare with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
This is not a cheap ticket into heaven, this is a life change that begins with believing. It is not merely claiming "I believe" it is living it. It begins not solely with words but with believing it in your heart. What a beautiful way to gain entrance to eternal life. No one can keep you out because no one can change the password, you can't forget the password, and you always know where to go to get the password.
What's the password to eternal life? I believe! and nobody can change that!
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Romans 10:11
Today, as I approach this blog and go to sign in, I am asked for a password. I begin to type it and realize that it is not the password for this particular site. I re-group and ask myself "What is the password?" For just a split second I seem to have forgotten that. I type in my email password, my bank password and then get the cobwebs out of my head before I finally get it right. A cup of coffee seems to help in clearing my mind.
Unlike our childhood game, if you don't type the correct password into a site or account, you will not get in. That site will be locked out to you and anyone else who does not have the correct password. It's funny because on some of my accounts, the password is never the same. My contact, user name, and other information remain the same but the passwords are all different making it difficult if you don't use an account often. What is that password!
The bad news, if you don't get it right, you won't get in. Worse than that, if you don't get it right you have to start all over again. You have to answer security questions and in some cases start all over. Yesterday, I attempted to gain access to an account that I haven't used in almost a year. For almost a year I had no need to go there and that was fine but yesterday, I needed to go there. Of course, I couldn't remember the password so I click on the button Forgot Password. It asks me questions like enter my PIN....hello! If I can't remember my password, I surely can not remember my PIN so I just give up and decide I'll call them today.
Passwords are a necessary protection. I agree one hundred percent that they are needed but it is so frustrating to need an account and not have access to it. To be locked out is a terrible thing when you need immediate access.
So I started thinking...what if someone needed immediate access to eternal life in Jesus Christ. What is the password? Do they have it etched in their heart? Will they have time to click the Forgot Password Button, will they be denied access? Will they have time to "Start over again?"
God's word tells us that there is only one way to eternal life and that is believing in the Lord Jesus Christ. Pretty simple...believe!
Romans 10:9 says "If you declare with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
This is not a cheap ticket into heaven, this is a life change that begins with believing. It is not merely claiming "I believe" it is living it. It begins not solely with words but with believing it in your heart. What a beautiful way to gain entrance to eternal life. No one can keep you out because no one can change the password, you can't forget the password, and you always know where to go to get the password.
What's the password to eternal life? I believe! and nobody can change that!
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Romans 10:11
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Restore it!
I have been a mediator for several years now. I began with my organization through Harris County and was able to participate in cases within my department. Initially I did not think this was a process that would work. I quickly discovered the many benefits of mediation.
While I saw it work in many cases, I was intrigued as to what the long term results might be. My interest extended to reconcilation and restoration of relationships. I pursued my Master's Degree in Conflict Resolution and Reconcilation. Reconcilation, now there's a word. We can reconcile and we can shake hands at the end but what about the relationship?
So many times, relationships are fragmented due to the most simple issues. Barriers are built, walls are erected and relationships are broken. It has to go beyond settling the conflict. There are family members that have not spoken in years, friends that have turned their backs on each other over "words" and marriages that are no more for the slightest reasons. This affects not only the two parties involved but also children, alliances and family members. This is not the way God intended things to be.
Oh don't get me wrong....settling and agreeing are good things but too many of us give up there walking away with sour hearts. What about restoring the relationship?
My garage is full of things that I am going to "restore" one day. Some of those things are precious. I have a beautiful wooden doll chair that needs paint striping and new paint. I also have a couple of baby rocking chairs that need to be sanded and re-stained. As soon as I can get to it they will be for my little niece. That, unfortunately will take weeks for me, but I will do it. I want to see the new product, I want to see new life in these items, I want to enjoy them.
So yesterday as I'm driving along, I heard a pastor say "We will spend hundreds of hours restoring an antique but won't give 10 minutes to restoring a relationship." Oops....and you know we say "oops" because those words ring true. "I can't talk to my mother she's impossible" or "That man does not deserve 10 minutes of my time" or "My daughter quit school-she made her bed let her lie in it."
Sometimes we may have the attitude that I have with the items in my garage....one day! One day I will get to it, one day I will work on restoring it. The difference is that those things don't breathe, they don't have life. If we put "restoring relationships" on the shelf, we may not get a second chance.
Many walk around in life with broken and heavy hearts knowing in their own mind that things will never change yet the God of the universe has deomonstrated His power over and over again in relationships. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying we should stay in a relationship that is destructive and damaging but I am saying that too many times the enemy works on the family structure that God ordained. It is God who restores, it is He who heals, it is He who can do great and mighty things.
If there is a relationship that you need to work on restoring, rely on God's hand, His mercy, His direction and His power. He showed Joshua that He was able to take down the Jericho wall, He can surely tear down the walls we build. God not only delivered Jericho into their hands but also it's king and the fighting men. For us, the benefit will be more than a torn down wall, it will also be relationship.
Go ahead....take it to it's original state-restore it!
Then the Lord said to Joshua, "See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men." When the trumpet sounded, the people shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the people gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so every man charged straight and they took the city. Joshua 6:2; 20
While I saw it work in many cases, I was intrigued as to what the long term results might be. My interest extended to reconcilation and restoration of relationships. I pursued my Master's Degree in Conflict Resolution and Reconcilation. Reconcilation, now there's a word. We can reconcile and we can shake hands at the end but what about the relationship?
So many times, relationships are fragmented due to the most simple issues. Barriers are built, walls are erected and relationships are broken. It has to go beyond settling the conflict. There are family members that have not spoken in years, friends that have turned their backs on each other over "words" and marriages that are no more for the slightest reasons. This affects not only the two parties involved but also children, alliances and family members. This is not the way God intended things to be.
Oh don't get me wrong....settling and agreeing are good things but too many of us give up there walking away with sour hearts. What about restoring the relationship?
My garage is full of things that I am going to "restore" one day. Some of those things are precious. I have a beautiful wooden doll chair that needs paint striping and new paint. I also have a couple of baby rocking chairs that need to be sanded and re-stained. As soon as I can get to it they will be for my little niece. That, unfortunately will take weeks for me, but I will do it. I want to see the new product, I want to see new life in these items, I want to enjoy them.
So yesterday as I'm driving along, I heard a pastor say "We will spend hundreds of hours restoring an antique but won't give 10 minutes to restoring a relationship." Oops....and you know we say "oops" because those words ring true. "I can't talk to my mother she's impossible" or "That man does not deserve 10 minutes of my time" or "My daughter quit school-she made her bed let her lie in it."
Sometimes we may have the attitude that I have with the items in my garage....one day! One day I will get to it, one day I will work on restoring it. The difference is that those things don't breathe, they don't have life. If we put "restoring relationships" on the shelf, we may not get a second chance.
Many walk around in life with broken and heavy hearts knowing in their own mind that things will never change yet the God of the universe has deomonstrated His power over and over again in relationships. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying we should stay in a relationship that is destructive and damaging but I am saying that too many times the enemy works on the family structure that God ordained. It is God who restores, it is He who heals, it is He who can do great and mighty things.
If there is a relationship that you need to work on restoring, rely on God's hand, His mercy, His direction and His power. He showed Joshua that He was able to take down the Jericho wall, He can surely tear down the walls we build. God not only delivered Jericho into their hands but also it's king and the fighting men. For us, the benefit will be more than a torn down wall, it will also be relationship.
Go ahead....take it to it's original state-restore it!
Then the Lord said to Joshua, "See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men." When the trumpet sounded, the people shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the people gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so every man charged straight and they took the city. Joshua 6:2; 20
Monday, June 3, 2013
He saved my life
We have been knee deep in issues with little time to come up for air. This week however, when we finally settled in and turned on the television, we heard the devastating news of the four fighters that perished in a fire.
Coming from our background, it was chilling to watch the four "escorted" out of the location by ambulance. It is a scene all to often repeated in my 30 year career. You never get use to it. The bagpipe tunes, the wall of honor, the salutes, the badge cover, the finality and of course the family. So many times I heard the statement "Well that's what they chose to do." You're right. That is a calling it is not "just a job."
It takes heart to run into danger. We don't wake up and say "today is my last day." Those four heros had no control of that fire and the descruction that took their life, just like we have no control over our days. God called them to their eternal home.
These four individuals saved many lives. I have seen several interviews where individuals said "they saved my life." I have heard some say "they put their life on the line for me."
While these firefighters went into the fire, they were not alone. Many may question why they did not make it out. My response to that is simply that our ways are not God's ways [Isaiah 55:9]. God has a plan and while the future may look bleak or our hearts may be broken, God will never leave us or forsake us [Deuteronomy 37:8].
While our society idolizes singers, performers, rock stars, millionaires, and athletes, these four figherfighters are true heros. They gave the ultimate sacrifice to the city they serve and a community they were a part of. There is no greater gift. Our prayers are with their families.
Two thousand years ago, Christ gave his life so that we might live. His love for us held him to that cross. This week, he held these four in his arms.
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13
Coming from our background, it was chilling to watch the four "escorted" out of the location by ambulance. It is a scene all to often repeated in my 30 year career. You never get use to it. The bagpipe tunes, the wall of honor, the salutes, the badge cover, the finality and of course the family. So many times I heard the statement "Well that's what they chose to do." You're right. That is a calling it is not "just a job."
It takes heart to run into danger. We don't wake up and say "today is my last day." Those four heros had no control of that fire and the descruction that took their life, just like we have no control over our days. God called them to their eternal home.
These four individuals saved many lives. I have seen several interviews where individuals said "they saved my life." I have heard some say "they put their life on the line for me."
While these firefighters went into the fire, they were not alone. Many may question why they did not make it out. My response to that is simply that our ways are not God's ways [Isaiah 55:9]. God has a plan and while the future may look bleak or our hearts may be broken, God will never leave us or forsake us [Deuteronomy 37:8].
While our society idolizes singers, performers, rock stars, millionaires, and athletes, these four figherfighters are true heros. They gave the ultimate sacrifice to the city they serve and a community they were a part of. There is no greater gift. Our prayers are with their families.
Two thousand years ago, Christ gave his life so that we might live. His love for us held him to that cross. This week, he held these four in his arms.
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13
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