Our choir at our church sings a song titled "I am not ashamed of the Gospel". The soloist delivers it with passion and conviction. This morning my devotion was on Romans 1:16, it is a verse that I learned early in my life with Christ. When we learned this song, it quickly became one of my favorites. As I write, I am inspired by the words of the song playing in the background.
Everytime I read it, it speaks to me with authority. We sell what we believe in. If we believe in a product, we try to sell it to others. I don't literally mean sell, I mean sell as in "share the find" or promote. "Try this product it's awesome." or "I can not do without this brand-it's the best." Yet when it comes to our faith and belief, it can be a little harder to "sell." Why is that? Are we afraid that someone might criticize us? Do we fear standing out, standing alone?
Christ did not hesitate to take that walk, he did not hesitate to show His love for us. He was mocked, beaten, criticized and still He took that walk for you...for me.
While I love the portion of this verse that says "I am not ashamed of the gospel" the more important part of this verse to me is what follows "...because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes."
The gospel is the power of God for salvation to all who believe...but how can they know if I don't share and how can I share if I am afraid or ashamed to speak out? Our bible study lesson this week was on being different. What will you do to demonstrate how you are different? Are you ready to take a stand? Are you ready to say "I am not ashamed of the gospel?"
I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for salvation of everyone who believes both the Jew and the Gentile. Romans 1:16
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Celebrate your birthday
Yesterday was my birthday. We have a "tradition" in our family where it is your birthday from the actual day until the end of the month. It's a winning deal for me but since my son's birthday is the 28th of February, not so much.
For years, I have always "shared" my birthday with that of Ronald Regan. Everytime someone mentioned my birthday, I would say "Ronald Reagan was born today also." Unfortunately, yesterday was not a happy day. We lost several family members and friends in 2011 and most of them fell on a family member's birthday or close to it. I have now joined that group.
Several years ago, my son lost his precious papa two days before his birthday....something he will never forget. Yesterday, instead of celebrating life, I was celebrating new life. You see, a matriarch of my childhood community passed away. As I sang at her funeral service last night, it was a celebration of her eternal life. A life that is just beginning and will never end.
She was known for her love of missions. A modest woman and single mother, had a love for Christ and her five boys. She was widowed when her boys were very small and yet she continued the path God had laid out for her. Week after week, she could be seen raising money for missions and serving in her church. She was lovingly referred to as one of the three "Golden Ladies" of the church.
There was standing room only last night and the attendees poured into the foyer. I saw many individuals that were impacted by her obvious love for God and many individuals that she had lifted in prayer for many, many years. As I look back on the legacy that she left, I believe her memory will live for ever and those of us fortunate to have known her rejoice that true life is just beginning.
Happy Birthday to me and Happy Birthday to my beloved sister in Christ. A birthday celebration indeed.
Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:10
In Memory of Mrs. Virginia Basquez 1923-2012
For years, I have always "shared" my birthday with that of Ronald Regan. Everytime someone mentioned my birthday, I would say "Ronald Reagan was born today also." Unfortunately, yesterday was not a happy day. We lost several family members and friends in 2011 and most of them fell on a family member's birthday or close to it. I have now joined that group.
Several years ago, my son lost his precious papa two days before his birthday....something he will never forget. Yesterday, instead of celebrating life, I was celebrating new life. You see, a matriarch of my childhood community passed away. As I sang at her funeral service last night, it was a celebration of her eternal life. A life that is just beginning and will never end.
She was known for her love of missions. A modest woman and single mother, had a love for Christ and her five boys. She was widowed when her boys were very small and yet she continued the path God had laid out for her. Week after week, she could be seen raising money for missions and serving in her church. She was lovingly referred to as one of the three "Golden Ladies" of the church.
There was standing room only last night and the attendees poured into the foyer. I saw many individuals that were impacted by her obvious love for God and many individuals that she had lifted in prayer for many, many years. As I look back on the legacy that she left, I believe her memory will live for ever and those of us fortunate to have known her rejoice that true life is just beginning.
Happy Birthday to me and Happy Birthday to my beloved sister in Christ. A birthday celebration indeed.
Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:10
In Memory of Mrs. Virginia Basquez 1923-2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
You can't take it
This weekend I woke up on a mission. I decided that I wanted to memorize Psalm 1:1. Don't ask me why, I don't know. I just decided I wanted to know it.
A few years ago, a very dear friend of mine came up to me at the workplace and asked "Hey, what does Psalm 1:1 say?" I didn't know. I had to look it up. I knew that he came to me because I had established my position as a Christian and he thought since I would quote scripture, I knew the entire Bible.
While it may not be necessary to memorize the entire Bible, on of my favorite verses is Joshua 1:8 "Do not let this book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night." I think of the dark worlds that do not have access to the Word of God and I am thankful that I live in a free country. In a day and time when so many concern themselves with their "rights" I have the priviledge to open my Bible and read it anywhere, anytime.
I woke up and immediately began writing Psalm 1:1. Those who know me know that I keep my stash of 3 X 5 cards for times like this. I must have written that verse twenty times...until I learned it by heart.
The day may come when my freedom is taken away, but you can never take what is in my heart or mind. Learn the Word of God so that no one can take it away from you.
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, stand in the way of sinners, or sit at the seat of mockers but whose delight is in the Law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:1
A few years ago, a very dear friend of mine came up to me at the workplace and asked "Hey, what does Psalm 1:1 say?" I didn't know. I had to look it up. I knew that he came to me because I had established my position as a Christian and he thought since I would quote scripture, I knew the entire Bible.
While it may not be necessary to memorize the entire Bible, on of my favorite verses is Joshua 1:8 "Do not let this book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night." I think of the dark worlds that do not have access to the Word of God and I am thankful that I live in a free country. In a day and time when so many concern themselves with their "rights" I have the priviledge to open my Bible and read it anywhere, anytime.
I woke up and immediately began writing Psalm 1:1. Those who know me know that I keep my stash of 3 X 5 cards for times like this. I must have written that verse twenty times...until I learned it by heart.
The day may come when my freedom is taken away, but you can never take what is in my heart or mind. Learn the Word of God so that no one can take it away from you.
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, stand in the way of sinners, or sit at the seat of mockers but whose delight is in the Law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:1
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Beyond Belief
I received a text yesterday from my son. It simply read "Josh Hamilton relapsed." Josh Hamilton is an outfielder with the Major League Baseball team Texas Rangers. This hit close to home because I am a huge fan.
On a trip to Dallas a while back, I purchased tickets to see the Rangers and my son commented on how the score didn't matter as long as I got to see Hamilton play. Due to unfortunate circumstances, Hamilton, once dubbed The Natural, fell to addictions that overtook his life. His career in baseball was all but lost. His choices left him out of baseball, out of touch with his family and out of the will of God.
Thanks to a God-Loving grandmother and God's grace, Hamilton returned to a life with Christ in 2005. He got a second chance in his career and eventually landed with the Texas Rangers. His career skyrocketed and his life with Christ restored his relationships. He wrote a book titled Beyond Belief.
On the eve of Josh Hamilton speaking to a group of men at an event sponsored by a local radio station, the news of his relapse was released. The enemy works like that. He will do anything to steal God's glory.
In response to my son, I simply wrote this "I know honey. The world has a strong pull. Just remember to pray for him and not join in criticizing him. I prayed for him this morning. Remember, 'Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Ephesians 6:10'".
Yes, Josh Hamilton wrote a book and several years later, it is beyond belief how much our Lord and Savior loves us....enough to continuously take us back.
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23
Beyond Belief: Finding the Strength to Come Back-Josh Hamilton
On a trip to Dallas a while back, I purchased tickets to see the Rangers and my son commented on how the score didn't matter as long as I got to see Hamilton play. Due to unfortunate circumstances, Hamilton, once dubbed The Natural, fell to addictions that overtook his life. His career in baseball was all but lost. His choices left him out of baseball, out of touch with his family and out of the will of God.
Thanks to a God-Loving grandmother and God's grace, Hamilton returned to a life with Christ in 2005. He got a second chance in his career and eventually landed with the Texas Rangers. His career skyrocketed and his life with Christ restored his relationships. He wrote a book titled Beyond Belief.
On the eve of Josh Hamilton speaking to a group of men at an event sponsored by a local radio station, the news of his relapse was released. The enemy works like that. He will do anything to steal God's glory.
In response to my son, I simply wrote this "I know honey. The world has a strong pull. Just remember to pray for him and not join in criticizing him. I prayed for him this morning. Remember, 'Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Ephesians 6:10'".
Yes, Josh Hamilton wrote a book and several years later, it is beyond belief how much our Lord and Savior loves us....enough to continuously take us back.
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23
Beyond Belief: Finding the Strength to Come Back-Josh Hamilton
Friday, February 3, 2012
The Liar
Yesterday I went to my Thursday morning Bible Study Class. I was setting up my table when a lady came to me and handed me a card. Being that my birthday is soon, I thought it was a birthday card so I tucked it in my binder and continued to prepare for class.
When I opened the card, it was not a birthday card. In fact, it was a blank card that she had written herself. The letter began "Dee, this is a prayer for you..." She then proceeded to write a prayer for me and I loved it! I particularly like this line I pray she not listen to the enemy, because he is a liar.
The prayer is what I call "scripture prayer" where every line comes from scripture. It really touched me that she would think of me. The premise of the prayer was for support as I teach class this week.
One thing I have discovered in my life, my occupation, my family, is that people do not like change! Many of us want things status quo, no interruptions, no new rules, don't want to change things...leave well enough alone. Yet God calls us to be something more. He wants us stand out and be different! The prayer was right on track as this may be a tough lesson to teach because people like fitting in rather than being different.
Sometimes, the enemy will portray our options in a way that is enticing and pleasing to the eye just like he did at the Garden of Eden. The reality is regardless of how good the option looks, the enemy is a liar. The optical illusion of of a beautiful woman changes to display the word "liar" when you turn it on its side. So it is with the enemy when you fall for his tricks. He stops at nothing even tempting Jesus himself [Luke 4].
My prayer is that I will remember that the enemy will try to attack, manipulate, and distort what God has planned. However, in the end, he is still a liar and has no power against Almighty God.
Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but He sent me. Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
John 8:42-44
Thank you Darlene Spivey for your prayer.
When I opened the card, it was not a birthday card. In fact, it was a blank card that she had written herself. The letter began "Dee, this is a prayer for you..." She then proceeded to write a prayer for me and I loved it! I particularly like this line I pray she not listen to the enemy, because he is a liar.
The prayer is what I call "scripture prayer" where every line comes from scripture. It really touched me that she would think of me. The premise of the prayer was for support as I teach class this week.
One thing I have discovered in my life, my occupation, my family, is that people do not like change! Many of us want things status quo, no interruptions, no new rules, don't want to change things...leave well enough alone. Yet God calls us to be something more. He wants us stand out and be different! The prayer was right on track as this may be a tough lesson to teach because people like fitting in rather than being different.
Sometimes, the enemy will portray our options in a way that is enticing and pleasing to the eye just like he did at the Garden of Eden. The reality is regardless of how good the option looks, the enemy is a liar. The optical illusion of of a beautiful woman changes to display the word "liar" when you turn it on its side. So it is with the enemy when you fall for his tricks. He stops at nothing even tempting Jesus himself [Luke 4].
My prayer is that I will remember that the enemy will try to attack, manipulate, and distort what God has planned. However, in the end, he is still a liar and has no power against Almighty God.
Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but He sent me. Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
John 8:42-44
Thank you Darlene Spivey for your prayer.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Hoarder
Okay-it's official I'm a hoarder. I picked up my Bible yesterday and realized it is about three times thicker than the binding permits so...I decided I'd go through it and see if there was anything I just "couldn't do without."
The important stuff is adhered to the inside binder like a penny used in a lesson and my son's picture. As I open it, there is a napkin with the names of three ladies I met at church in Fredericksburg and a bulletin from the last service we attended there. I found a prayer request from my friend Jo from 2007-that's to continue to remind me to pray for her daughter, son-in-law and grandson [she now has two].
I love to write special verses on index cards and I now have over 30 in my Bible. There is a "collision group" handout from lending my son my Bible for collision groups a couple of weeks ago. oops, another napkin with a song written on it and an advertisement for "Skinny Cow" ice cream that was given to me by a lady at church who thought it might be useful in a lesson I was preparing. Someone else gave me a "Dear Abby" article related to proper dress, again, an article for possible use in a lesson.
I found a three page handout from a Bible Study lesson on Romans from Fredericksburg, a page from one of my journals with Numbers 14:3 and some notes, a devotion from Charles Swindol titled Tough Spots, a photograph of me with my husband, some business cards and more index cards with quotes from my pastor, a bookmark from the Bible Study class RX for Life, last week's prayer request list from my bible study class Seekers, numerous post it notes, a fortune from a fortune cookie that reads "Talents that are not shared are not talents" again, a lesson. I could go on and on.
I also found two purple pens [my favorite color and the only color I use in my Bible]. That can not be good for the binding as it pulls it open. And what would my Bible be without a Kleenex?
Yes, I'm afraid I would classify myself as a Bible Hoarder. Much too soon I will need a new one again as the maps have detached from this one, the binding is stretched and pages are starting to pull apart. That is not good news for me as I am a creature of habit and love going right to the verse I am looking for. Perhaps I should prepare myself to let go of this one and begin anew. Not a pleasant thought as I still often refer to the Bible I carried prior to this one for scripture and notes. Now I will have two Bibles to refer back to. My question now is "do I transfer the things to my new Bible?" or do I start all over again?
How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:9-11
The important stuff is adhered to the inside binder like a penny used in a lesson and my son's picture. As I open it, there is a napkin with the names of three ladies I met at church in Fredericksburg and a bulletin from the last service we attended there. I found a prayer request from my friend Jo from 2007-that's to continue to remind me to pray for her daughter, son-in-law and grandson [she now has two].
I love to write special verses on index cards and I now have over 30 in my Bible. There is a "collision group" handout from lending my son my Bible for collision groups a couple of weeks ago. oops, another napkin with a song written on it and an advertisement for "Skinny Cow" ice cream that was given to me by a lady at church who thought it might be useful in a lesson I was preparing. Someone else gave me a "Dear Abby" article related to proper dress, again, an article for possible use in a lesson.
I found a three page handout from a Bible Study lesson on Romans from Fredericksburg, a page from one of my journals with Numbers 14:3 and some notes, a devotion from Charles Swindol titled Tough Spots, a photograph of me with my husband, some business cards and more index cards with quotes from my pastor, a bookmark from the Bible Study class RX for Life, last week's prayer request list from my bible study class Seekers, numerous post it notes, a fortune from a fortune cookie that reads "Talents that are not shared are not talents" again, a lesson. I could go on and on.
I also found two purple pens [my favorite color and the only color I use in my Bible]. That can not be good for the binding as it pulls it open. And what would my Bible be without a Kleenex?
Yes, I'm afraid I would classify myself as a Bible Hoarder. Much too soon I will need a new one again as the maps have detached from this one, the binding is stretched and pages are starting to pull apart. That is not good news for me as I am a creature of habit and love going right to the verse I am looking for. Perhaps I should prepare myself to let go of this one and begin anew. Not a pleasant thought as I still often refer to the Bible I carried prior to this one for scripture and notes. Now I will have two Bibles to refer back to. My question now is "do I transfer the things to my new Bible?" or do I start all over again?
How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:9-11
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Why ask?
Why...that three letter word that asks a bold question. Stop and think how insulted you are when your work is questioned, a decision is questioned or your position is questioned. When we tell our child they need to do something and they respond "why?" how does that set with us?
When the Israelites were being led out of Egypt, Moses had to put up with their constant whining and complaining. In fact, when Moses spoke with God, his conversation began something like this..."Why have you brought this trouble on your servant?" [Numbers 11:11]
Why me? What have I done to displease you? Where can I get what these people want? Why, Why, Why? "I can not carry these people by myself!" Then Moses ended it with words I have shouted out many times. "...the burden is too heavy for me." [Numbers 11:14]
Sometimes, when I find my self asking why, it is in a state of deep pain or rejection. Why would a God that loves me so much let me go through this valley, why would he put such a heavy load on me? Doesn't He know that THIS burden is too heavy for me?
That's when I remember who stands with me through the tough times, who sustains me through the pain, who carries me when I can go no more. The burden is only too heavy for me when I fail to give it to him. We live in a time of economic hardships. He is with you. Lost your job? He is with you. Family struggles? He is with you. Health issues? He is with you.
While it is easy to ask why, I find my comfort in His Word. He knows your burden. Many times we do not choose the circumstances in our life and even more times, we don't understand them. I have come to know that God comforts me in those times. I do not understand the "whys" but I do know that He comforts me. I have recently experienced situations where friends are going through what I have survived. While they don't understand why, I understand.
I understand that God allowed me to pass through the experience so that He could comfort me and I in turn am able to comfort others. We can not change the valley we may have to walk through, and the burden may feel too heavy for us to carry but I have the faith that when we emerge on the other side, we will be much better for it. No need to ask why.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When the Israelites were being led out of Egypt, Moses had to put up with their constant whining and complaining. In fact, when Moses spoke with God, his conversation began something like this..."Why have you brought this trouble on your servant?" [Numbers 11:11]
Why me? What have I done to displease you? Where can I get what these people want? Why, Why, Why? "I can not carry these people by myself!" Then Moses ended it with words I have shouted out many times. "...the burden is too heavy for me." [Numbers 11:14]
Sometimes, when I find my self asking why, it is in a state of deep pain or rejection. Why would a God that loves me so much let me go through this valley, why would he put such a heavy load on me? Doesn't He know that THIS burden is too heavy for me?
That's when I remember who stands with me through the tough times, who sustains me through the pain, who carries me when I can go no more. The burden is only too heavy for me when I fail to give it to him. We live in a time of economic hardships. He is with you. Lost your job? He is with you. Family struggles? He is with you. Health issues? He is with you.
While it is easy to ask why, I find my comfort in His Word. He knows your burden. Many times we do not choose the circumstances in our life and even more times, we don't understand them. I have come to know that God comforts me in those times. I do not understand the "whys" but I do know that He comforts me. I have recently experienced situations where friends are going through what I have survived. While they don't understand why, I understand.
I understand that God allowed me to pass through the experience so that He could comfort me and I in turn am able to comfort others. We can not change the valley we may have to walk through, and the burden may feel too heavy for us to carry but I have the faith that when we emerge on the other side, we will be much better for it. No need to ask why.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
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