Summer is always hard for me as far as being consistent in my Bible reading. I am not usually in a Bible study and so I tend to just read random sections of the Bible with out a real "plan". I don't particularly like this but it's been good for me to be more random rather than rigid. Today I landed in Deuteronomy. I was enjoying reading as Moses encourages God's people to say on His path, to follow His ways, and to be blessed. As I was reading it I was praying for my own children. I want nothing more than for them to always have hearts like this, that they might fear God and obey all His commands and then they and their descendants prosper forever. (5:29) For them to Stay on the path that the Lord God has commanded they follow. Then for them to live long and prosperous lives in the land they are about to enter and occupy. (5:33) and most of all for them to love the Lord God with all their heart, all their soul, and all their strength. And to commit themselves wholeheartedly to His commands. (6:5-7)
I have prayed for many years these prayer for my children, but then often struggle to understand why my desire to bring them to that place of blessing seems so hard and so unfruitful. Why I seem to run into so many trials and heartaches on the way there. I want to believe with all my heart that God will fulfill my desires for my children, that he will one day bring them into the promise land, but because of the bumps along the road I often feel like we will wonder in the desert forever. Then today he gave me a vision about the day when he does bless them. It came from these verses in Deuteronomy 8.
For when you have become full and prosperous and have built fine homes to live in, and when your flocks and herds have become very large and your silver and gold have multiplied along with everything else, be careful! Do not become proud at that time and forget the Lord your God, who rescued you from slavery in the land of Egypt. Do not forget that he led you through the great and terrifying wilderness with its poisonous snakes and scorpions, where it was so hot and dry. He gave you water from the rock! He fed you with manna in the wilderness, a food unknown to your ancestors. He did this to humble you and test you for your own good. He did all this so you would never say to yourself, ‘I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.’ Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, in order to fulfill the covenant he confirmed to your ancestors with an oath.
So when my children to grow up and have families of their own and I am blessed as I seem them walking in the ways of the Lord and being blessed by all He has given them, it says......be careful! I must remember not to become proud and forgot the Lord God and all He did to get us there. I am in the thick of it now. I am in the dessert. I am in the place where it seems we will roam forever.
The promise land seems so far and too hard to ever get to, but God has promised and I must not only trust Him but also remember ever single poisonous snake and scorpion I encounter along my journey to get there. I must remember how God brings me through this place where it is hot and dry. He will give me water and feed me manna. He is doing all this to humble me and to test me for my own good. He is doing all this so that I will never say to myself "I have achieved all this on my own strength and energy" but instead I will remember the Lord my God and that HE is the one who gives me power to be successful!
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Monday, July 8, 2013
staying attached to the vine
“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing........But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!"
At first glance this verse looks like a magic Jeanie lamp. Ask and your wish is my command! Look a little closer and you see that it reveals another example of God encouraging us to surrender to Him and let Him make our desired His desires. A branch that is attached to the vine does not have plans of it's own. It simply thrives on what the vine provides it. It follows the direction the vine leads it's growth. If it goes it's own way and wants to be apart from the vine it has to be cut off. Once cut off it can't go anywhere. It can't produce anything. "apart from me you can do nothing..." Go out to your yard and cut of a branch from a bush or a vine. What will happen to that branch? There it will lay on the ground. After a couple of days it will die. If you never pick it up it will lay there forever, never do a thing. I know I sure don't want to be that branch. Cut off from my father.
If I remain in Him and he remains in me then my desires will be His desires. The things I ask of Him will be the desires He has put in my heart. I will only long for what he wants for me not the thing that I THINK I want. The best part about this is that it then says we will produce fruit. MUCH fruit!
Thank you Lord for your grace which has allowed me to be a part of your vine. Thank you for your mercy which prevents me from ever being cut off from you. May I remain in you and your words remain in me. I want to produce much fruit. I want to please you and honor you in all that I do. If I am living with a desire to be 100% surrendered to your desires then I will never be disappointed. I will never long for anything else.
At first glance this verse looks like a magic Jeanie lamp. Ask and your wish is my command! Look a little closer and you see that it reveals another example of God encouraging us to surrender to Him and let Him make our desired His desires. A branch that is attached to the vine does not have plans of it's own. It simply thrives on what the vine provides it. It follows the direction the vine leads it's growth. If it goes it's own way and wants to be apart from the vine it has to be cut off. Once cut off it can't go anywhere. It can't produce anything. "apart from me you can do nothing..." Go out to your yard and cut of a branch from a bush or a vine. What will happen to that branch? There it will lay on the ground. After a couple of days it will die. If you never pick it up it will lay there forever, never do a thing. I know I sure don't want to be that branch. Cut off from my father.
If I remain in Him and he remains in me then my desires will be His desires. The things I ask of Him will be the desires He has put in my heart. I will only long for what he wants for me not the thing that I THINK I want. The best part about this is that it then says we will produce fruit. MUCH fruit!
Thank you Lord for your grace which has allowed me to be a part of your vine. Thank you for your mercy which prevents me from ever being cut off from you. May I remain in you and your words remain in me. I want to produce much fruit. I want to please you and honor you in all that I do. If I am living with a desire to be 100% surrendered to your desires then I will never be disappointed. I will never long for anything else.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
the answers to my contentment
I've been reading this book for the past few weeks called Anything by Jennie Allen. It is an amazing book about completely surrendering to a life serving God. About giving up our own desires for more of God's and agreeing to do anything. It has been really challenging me and through it the Lord has been digging deep inside of me exposing areas of my life where I have been self seeking and empty. Challenging me to let him take hold, fearlessly agreeing to let him do anything in me and with me. This means giving up comfortable, safe and happy. It means giving up my own desires for His desires for me. Its been a hard read but a life changing one for me.
In the book Anything Jennie mentions several times another book called Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis the funny thing about this is that one of my best friends has been reading that book and just told me a few weeks ago that I really have to read it. For me that was confirmation that I was meant to read that next.
I read most of my books on my tablet through either Nook or Kindle apps, but because my husband has been a little less than happy with my money management lately I decided to honor him and not jump right on and buy it like I normally do when I am super excited about a book. We have a wonderful library system in the county we live in and by just going on line and searching their data base I can almost always find any book I'm looking for and even if its at another library miles away in Michigan I can have it delivered right to my own library for me to pick up. So that's what I did and yesterday the library notified me that my book was in. I was so excited. The only thing I DONT like about this is that now I can't highlight and mark up all the pages like I do in my own books or on my tablet. I am only past the first chapter and already if this was MY book it would be tore up with ink and highlighter!
As you know yesterday I wrote about just one of my life's disappointments I have been struggling through. And when I say just one.....trust me, the Lord has been pulling out all kinds of junk out of me over the past few weeks. The one I wrote about yesterday really is just a drop in the bucket, but I am trusting that the Lords mercy is just peeling away one little layer at a time as to not let it hurt to much all at once. So after I wrote out my struggle and some of the honest questions I had about how I was to be content with whatever God has given me, I just prayed for the Lord to show me how to deal with it all. Asking Him to speak to my heart and help me to understand. Well I prayed that yesterday morning about this time, and he didn't even let me go to bed that night without an answer. He is so faithful.
As I started my new book Kisses from Katie, a girl over a decade younger than me had the answer at the young age of just 19. I didn't even make it through the introduction before my questions about my contentment were answered. This is what she said..."For as long as I can remember my favorite Bible verse has been Psalm 37:4 'Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart' I used to believe it meant that if I did what the Lord asked of me, followed his commandments, and was a "good girl", He would grant me all my desires and make my dreams come true. Today it is still one of my favorite passages of scripture, but I have learned to interpret it in a totally different way. It is not about God making my dreams come true but about God changing my dreams into His dreams for my life."
There is was....my answer. All this time I have been holding on to my own dreams. Longing for the things I want. Fantasizing about my ideal place to live, my perfect family, my lovely Christ like children, a picture book marriage, my happy life, just the way I want it. Yearning for the desires of my heart. Desires that I put there. Instead of asking the Lord to put His desires in my heart.
His desires for me will always prevail whether I am lined up with them or not. But if His desires and my desires are not lined up, then that is where there is disappointment. That is where I will find discontent. I'm ashamed of my selfish desire for my plan. As I read this book I am seeing a young girl who let God change her dreams into His dreams for her life. She is filled with joy and watching God work as she "delights herself in the Lord" by doing what He asks of her. Can I do the same thing? Can I accept where God has me and trust him for every single step I take every single day of my life. Can I give up my own wants and my own "vision" for my life? It is so hard. But I am trusting him. And from this day forward I am delighting myself in him, not in my own dreams.
I know God did not place me here on this earth to enjoy myself, to have fun and to be comfortable. If I truly am a believer in God's Word then I know that I was placed here to fulfill God's purposes. To love Him and love others through Him. I need to strip all that is entangling me and run this race. I have been so far behind and I didn't even know it.
In the book Anything Jennie mentions several times another book called Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis the funny thing about this is that one of my best friends has been reading that book and just told me a few weeks ago that I really have to read it. For me that was confirmation that I was meant to read that next.
I read most of my books on my tablet through either Nook or Kindle apps, but because my husband has been a little less than happy with my money management lately I decided to honor him and not jump right on and buy it like I normally do when I am super excited about a book. We have a wonderful library system in the county we live in and by just going on line and searching their data base I can almost always find any book I'm looking for and even if its at another library miles away in Michigan I can have it delivered right to my own library for me to pick up. So that's what I did and yesterday the library notified me that my book was in. I was so excited. The only thing I DONT like about this is that now I can't highlight and mark up all the pages like I do in my own books or on my tablet. I am only past the first chapter and already if this was MY book it would be tore up with ink and highlighter!
As you know yesterday I wrote about just one of my life's disappointments I have been struggling through. And when I say just one.....trust me, the Lord has been pulling out all kinds of junk out of me over the past few weeks. The one I wrote about yesterday really is just a drop in the bucket, but I am trusting that the Lords mercy is just peeling away one little layer at a time as to not let it hurt to much all at once. So after I wrote out my struggle and some of the honest questions I had about how I was to be content with whatever God has given me, I just prayed for the Lord to show me how to deal with it all. Asking Him to speak to my heart and help me to understand. Well I prayed that yesterday morning about this time, and he didn't even let me go to bed that night without an answer. He is so faithful.
As I started my new book Kisses from Katie, a girl over a decade younger than me had the answer at the young age of just 19. I didn't even make it through the introduction before my questions about my contentment were answered. This is what she said..."For as long as I can remember my favorite Bible verse has been Psalm 37:4 'Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart' I used to believe it meant that if I did what the Lord asked of me, followed his commandments, and was a "good girl", He would grant me all my desires and make my dreams come true. Today it is still one of my favorite passages of scripture, but I have learned to interpret it in a totally different way. It is not about God making my dreams come true but about God changing my dreams into His dreams for my life."
There is was....my answer. All this time I have been holding on to my own dreams. Longing for the things I want. Fantasizing about my ideal place to live, my perfect family, my lovely Christ like children, a picture book marriage, my happy life, just the way I want it. Yearning for the desires of my heart. Desires that I put there. Instead of asking the Lord to put His desires in my heart.
His desires for me will always prevail whether I am lined up with them or not. But if His desires and my desires are not lined up, then that is where there is disappointment. That is where I will find discontent. I'm ashamed of my selfish desire for my plan. As I read this book I am seeing a young girl who let God change her dreams into His dreams for her life. She is filled with joy and watching God work as she "delights herself in the Lord" by doing what He asks of her. Can I do the same thing? Can I accept where God has me and trust him for every single step I take every single day of my life. Can I give up my own wants and my own "vision" for my life? It is so hard. But I am trusting him. And from this day forward I am delighting myself in him, not in my own dreams.
I know God did not place me here on this earth to enjoy myself, to have fun and to be comfortable. If I truly am a believer in God's Word then I know that I was placed here to fulfill God's purposes. To love Him and love others through Him. I need to strip all that is entangling me and run this race. I have been so far behind and I didn't even know it.
Monday, July 1, 2013
back to the blog
It's been so long since I have been on here that I actually had to think real hard to remember my password. But all in all here I am feeling the pull to pursue this journey again of writing the things God is showing me on my path to Seeking Him First. Truth is I have been in a bit of a funk. I have been wrestling with God about my life. About where he has me and what he is doing with me. I moved here to Michigan because my husband wanted to go back to where he was from. It is not my place of choice. I am a laid back Southern girl at heart who enjoys warm weather. Michigan is obviously no in the south, it's not warm, and I would not quite call it laid back. I have just struggled terribly ever since we got here. It is just a place like none other I have ever been. You almost can't explain it unless you have experienced it. People here are always in a hurry, very often grumpy, they are over worked, over spent and while many are very nice, many are not. There are Christians here, but something about this place just never seems to feel like home to me.
If I had the choice I would be out of here in a second. Where would I go? Well honestly I don't know but it would definitely be somewhere sunny. warm and with water. I think my first pick would be Virginia. I love that area. It is the one place that feels like home. My husband and I actually met there. I then left and followed him around during his Air Force Career. We lived in some really great places and I wouldn't give back that experience for the world, but always felt like I would end up back in Virginia again one day. But I didn't. My husband retired form the Air Force and here in Michigan is where we stayed.
Is my husband happy here? I think so. Is the rest of my family happy? Well, they are resilient so I think they would be happy anywhere. Which is I guess how I should be. Am I happy here? Unfortunately I would have to say no. In fact it is a CONSTANT battle for me that just never seems to get any better. My heart just longs to be somewhere else. I know that feeling is wrong. Or at least I think it is. I know God calls me to be content, but then on the other hand I don't understand how to be content and yet deal with the desires of my heart. Should I follow the desires of my heart? Well in this case I guess I can't unless it means I sinfully go against my husband. So that leaves me where? I guess I am still trying to figure that out.
Maybe I am supposed to die to this dream of how my life should be. After all, if I am living for Christ shouldn't I be laying down my life anyway? Dying to myself and my own desires? I'm just not there. I want to be though. Am I really seeking God first? If I am then why can I not be content with where he has placed me? I need His help, that's the only thing I know for sure.
If I had the choice I would be out of here in a second. Where would I go? Well honestly I don't know but it would definitely be somewhere sunny. warm and with water. I think my first pick would be Virginia. I love that area. It is the one place that feels like home. My husband and I actually met there. I then left and followed him around during his Air Force Career. We lived in some really great places and I wouldn't give back that experience for the world, but always felt like I would end up back in Virginia again one day. But I didn't. My husband retired form the Air Force and here in Michigan is where we stayed.
Is my husband happy here? I think so. Is the rest of my family happy? Well, they are resilient so I think they would be happy anywhere. Which is I guess how I should be. Am I happy here? Unfortunately I would have to say no. In fact it is a CONSTANT battle for me that just never seems to get any better. My heart just longs to be somewhere else. I know that feeling is wrong. Or at least I think it is. I know God calls me to be content, but then on the other hand I don't understand how to be content and yet deal with the desires of my heart. Should I follow the desires of my heart? Well in this case I guess I can't unless it means I sinfully go against my husband. So that leaves me where? I guess I am still trying to figure that out.
Maybe I am supposed to die to this dream of how my life should be. After all, if I am living for Christ shouldn't I be laying down my life anyway? Dying to myself and my own desires? I'm just not there. I want to be though. Am I really seeking God first? If I am then why can I not be content with where he has placed me? I need His help, that's the only thing I know for sure.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
wisdom
If I have a one word goal for this New Year it would be WISDOM.
I want to seek God's wisdom consistently and by the end of 2013 be even closer to God than ever before. Proverbs 2:4 says that wisdom is something we should search for as if is a hidden treasure. As I read through Proverbs 2 looking at the treasures that come from gaining God's wisdom here are a few word's that I discovered :
Knowledge of God, common sense, shield, guards, protects, right, just, fair, the right way to go, joy, wise choices, keep you safe, save you from evil people, righteousness
Those are just a few that popped off the page at me, yet when I look at that list I believe that anything that I may encounter in this new year could probably be covered by one of the above treasures.....simply seeking "WISDOM". Gods wisdom IS a treasure. May my 2013 be dedicated to seeking it above all else.
I want to seek God's wisdom consistently and by the end of 2013 be even closer to God than ever before. Proverbs 2:4 says that wisdom is something we should search for as if is a hidden treasure. As I read through Proverbs 2 looking at the treasures that come from gaining God's wisdom here are a few word's that I discovered :
Knowledge of God, common sense, shield, guards, protects, right, just, fair, the right way to go, joy, wise choices, keep you safe, save you from evil people, righteousness
Those are just a few that popped off the page at me, yet when I look at that list I believe that anything that I may encounter in this new year could probably be covered by one of the above treasures.....simply seeking "WISDOM". Gods wisdom IS a treasure. May my 2013 be dedicated to seeking it above all else.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Happy New Year
Well its a new year and one of my goals for the new year was to start writing on my blog again. Already day one of a new year and I'm wondering how well I will do at that! For one thing I read so many other great things online now with my new Tablet. I have the new google reader app that streams all my favorite blog posts in one place. After reading all the great things other people have written it's hard to come up with my own interesting things to write about! Which is why for today instead of writing my own post, I will just share with you my favorite read today. :)
FilledWithChrist Billy Graham's Daily Devotion 1 Jan 2013 . . . Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. –Philippians 3:13 (TLB) As we flick the calendar to a new year, we come face to face with the fact that our days on earth are numbered. As the Psalmist wrote, “Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” No thoughtful person can approach New Year’s Day without some introspection. We are reminded of the brevity of time. We also look back over our failures, mistakes, and missed opportunities, and vow that we will make better use of our time during the coming year. We should take time to be pleasant, to smile, to extend the small courtesies we often omit—to show love to our family. Psychiatrists tell us that most people are starved for love. Take time for the goodbye kiss; we shall go to work with a sweeter spirit. Let us take time to get acquainted with our families. We are not machines. We are not robots. The secret of a happy home is that members of the family learn to give and receive love. Let us take time to express our love in a thousand ways.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY As I begin a new year, Lord Jesus, I pray that my walk through the days ahead will be filled with Your love for others, a love that does not count the cost.
FilledWithChrist Billy Graham's Daily Devotion 1 Jan 2013 . . . Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. –Philippians 3:13 (TLB) As we flick the calendar to a new year, we come face to face with the fact that our days on earth are numbered. As the Psalmist wrote, “Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” No thoughtful person can approach New Year’s Day without some introspection. We are reminded of the brevity of time. We also look back over our failures, mistakes, and missed opportunities, and vow that we will make better use of our time during the coming year. We should take time to be pleasant, to smile, to extend the small courtesies we often omit—to show love to our family. Psychiatrists tell us that most people are starved for love. Take time for the goodbye kiss; we shall go to work with a sweeter spirit. Let us take time to get acquainted with our families. We are not machines. We are not robots. The secret of a happy home is that members of the family learn to give and receive love. Let us take time to express our love in a thousand ways.
PRAYER FOR THE DAY As I begin a new year, Lord Jesus, I pray that my walk through the days ahead will be filled with Your love for others, a love that does not count the cost.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Resisting Temptations
My kids love their i-pods. They each have i-pod touches that my husband bought them as gifts when he retired from the Air Force. (With the exception of Tori who got a NOOK color instead) They have many games, apps and even books on them that keep them intrigued. The only problem is that they struggle to have the self control to turn them off when necessary.
Last night my 8 year old Brady asked if he could charge his in his room since the "charging station" (the outlets next to the desk in the kitchen) was full with other charging electronic devices. I knew this wasn't a good idea, but somehow he got the go ahead to take it upstairs and I saw it laying on the floor next to his dresser. He sleeps in the top bunk of the bunk bed so it was quite a ways away from him but just in case I did remind him that he was not to get down and get his i-pod while in bed or in the morning before "free time" which is when our kids are typically allowed to play them. I asked him if I could trust him and he assured me "yes mom...I won't touch it. I know you're trusting me." I smiled and assured him that I knew I could.
A little while late my younger son wanted his water refilled (remember my post from yesterday and know that I am still working on my responding like Jesus in this situation! :) ) When I returned with Max's re-filled cup of water Brady said from u-top the bunk bed....."Man mom....it is such a hard temptation to see my ipod over there charging and not want to go play it!"
What a lesson for an 8 year old! Yes my love, sometimes God takes away our temptations to help us resist, but sometimes he also leaves them right there within our reach and calls us to have self control. A fruit that can only be produced with the help of the holy spirit. I prayed for Brady, and I pray for myself, that the Holy Spirit will always lead us to resist temptation.
1 Cor 10:13 NO TEMPTATION has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Last night my 8 year old Brady asked if he could charge his in his room since the "charging station" (the outlets next to the desk in the kitchen) was full with other charging electronic devices. I knew this wasn't a good idea, but somehow he got the go ahead to take it upstairs and I saw it laying on the floor next to his dresser. He sleeps in the top bunk of the bunk bed so it was quite a ways away from him but just in case I did remind him that he was not to get down and get his i-pod while in bed or in the morning before "free time" which is when our kids are typically allowed to play them. I asked him if I could trust him and he assured me "yes mom...I won't touch it. I know you're trusting me." I smiled and assured him that I knew I could.
A little while late my younger son wanted his water refilled (remember my post from yesterday and know that I am still working on my responding like Jesus in this situation! :) ) When I returned with Max's re-filled cup of water Brady said from u-top the bunk bed....."Man mom....it is such a hard temptation to see my ipod over there charging and not want to go play it!"
What a lesson for an 8 year old! Yes my love, sometimes God takes away our temptations to help us resist, but sometimes he also leaves them right there within our reach and calls us to have self control. A fruit that can only be produced with the help of the holy spirit. I prayed for Brady, and I pray for myself, that the Holy Spirit will always lead us to resist temptation.
1 Cor 10:13 NO TEMPTATION has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Responding like Jesus
I decided with the New Year to try and get my focus back on the things in life that are most important to me. That being above all else.... my family. Not that they ever were not my main focus, but I just want to intentionally be joyful about the job that has been placed before me as a wife and a mom. It is so easy to get frustrated when so many people want your attention all the time. There are so many demands from laundry to school work, to activities and meals that sometimes the temptation is there to become agitated or short with the ones I love the most. There isn't a whole lot of time for "me". Balancing kids, husband, chores, school and self can seem like a daunting task.
I teach a 2nd grade Sunday school class every other Sunday at my church. When I first signed up for the job it was more to fulfill that "requirement" to serve with in the church. It was just checking off the box in the area of stewardship but it ended up being a huge blessing to me. I am amazed each week at what teaching those guys teaches me. I love those sweet kids and each week our lesson speaks to me personally more than I ever thought a 2nd grade lesson could!
This past week we learned about how Jesus fed 5,000. In the story Jesus' 12 disciples had just returned from a missionary journey he had sent them on. After they told him all they had done and taught, he took them with him in a boat on the Sea of Galilee to a remote place, for rest and prayer.
The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught. Then Jesus said,"Let's go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile." He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn't even have time to eat. So they left by boat for a quiet place, where they could be alone. Mark 6:30-32
In my life this would equate to.....I have just spent ALL day "ministering" to my kids (with barely enough time to eat!) and now it is 9:00 at night and I am ready to retreat to the remote place of my couch to rest and relax for the night! Here is where my biggest temptation to be frustrated and annoyed comes in.....one kid wants a cup of water, another forgot to pray for something, another wants me to scratch his back, someone has something REALLY important they need to remind me of before tomorrow.....ect. ect. This is "MY" time I say to myself. I have spent ALL day taking care of these guys why can't they just go to sleep and let me RELAX!! Well listen to what happened to Jesus and his disciples when they went away for "their" time. Make note of how Jesus responds. It certainly isn't with frustration and anger like I normal tend to respond.
But many people recognized them and saw them leaving, and people from many towns ran ahead along the shore and got there ahead of them. Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. Matt 6:33-34
He "HAD COMPASSION" He didn't snap at them. He didn't say "come on people!! Can I not have 30 minutes to myself!!!!??" No Jesus simply had compassion. He knew that they needed him and attended to them in love. I need to work on this. It is so easy to think that we deserve "me" time. So easy to get aggravated when our "quiet time" is interrupted. Yet another example of how I need to follow Jesus...in how I react and how I respond.
I teach a 2nd grade Sunday school class every other Sunday at my church. When I first signed up for the job it was more to fulfill that "requirement" to serve with in the church. It was just checking off the box in the area of stewardship but it ended up being a huge blessing to me. I am amazed each week at what teaching those guys teaches me. I love those sweet kids and each week our lesson speaks to me personally more than I ever thought a 2nd grade lesson could!
This past week we learned about how Jesus fed 5,000. In the story Jesus' 12 disciples had just returned from a missionary journey he had sent them on. After they told him all they had done and taught, he took them with him in a boat on the Sea of Galilee to a remote place, for rest and prayer.
The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught. Then Jesus said,
In my life this would equate to.....I have just spent ALL day "ministering" to my kids (with barely enough time to eat!) and now it is 9:00 at night and I am ready to retreat to the remote place of my couch to rest and relax for the night! Here is where my biggest temptation to be frustrated and annoyed comes in.....one kid wants a cup of water, another forgot to pray for something, another wants me to scratch his back, someone has something REALLY important they need to remind me of before tomorrow.....ect. ect. This is "MY" time I say to myself. I have spent ALL day taking care of these guys why can't they just go to sleep and let me RELAX!! Well listen to what happened to Jesus and his disciples when they went away for "their" time. Make note of how Jesus responds. It certainly isn't with frustration and anger like I normal tend to respond.
But many people recognized them and saw them leaving, and people from many towns ran ahead along the shore and got there ahead of them. Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. Matt 6:33-34
He "HAD COMPASSION" He didn't snap at them. He didn't say "come on people!! Can I not have 30 minutes to myself!!!!??" No Jesus simply had compassion. He knew that they needed him and attended to them in love. I need to work on this. It is so easy to think that we deserve "me" time. So easy to get aggravated when our "quiet time" is interrupted. Yet another example of how I need to follow Jesus...in how I react and how I respond.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Keeping the focus
I have been a mom for almost 17 years. Sometimes I get tired and think to myself...."is this really ALL I am going to do with my life?" Sometimes I do feel like I have been doing this FOREVER!! Even being the joy that it is, life as a stay at home mom, wife and homeschooler can seem mundane and often feel like its not worth anything compared to the other "more useful" things I could be doing with my life. I have struggled lately with a constant temptation to look else where for better "more important" places to put my efforts and abilities.
Not to long ago I was talking to an older woman who made a comment about mothering at my stage in life and it really got me thinking. She said..
"being a mom is such a commendable job. For some woman it feels like a life long task that never ends. There aren't a lot of stay at home moms anymore because the world tells us that we can do bigger and better things. Stay at home moms now a days aren't even stay at home moms like we were in my day. In my day we stayed at home and that was that. If you got together with other women you got together with your children and then you went home and prepared dinner for your family. There were no side jobs, no working from home, no trying to be a mom and do 100 other jobs on top of that. There comes a time when I think women start looking for something "more" when they aren't yet finished with the job God has given them. If your children aren't grown yet ...you aren't finished yet. They may get older but they don't get easier. I commend women who stick with it until the end. Women who don't slack off half way to the finish line looking for "something else" Those woman will be the ones to finish well and they will hear from the Lord one day that they have been good and faithful and rewarded as such"
Now some may look at this older woman and thing "wow what an old-school grump!" I may have thought that at one time in my life too. but as I get older I treasure more and more the wisdom of older women. This lady is no exception. I think there is great wisdom in what she shared with me that day and I also think was a perfectly timed message to me from the Lord. She didn't know this, but I was struggling with exactly what she spoke about. I have been a mom for SO long, and honestly was starting to feel somewhat burnt out and wondering if maybe it was time for me to look for more in my life. A job? more ministry? something??
I know this is not the case for everyone and this was definitely a personal conviction for me. It is by no means meant to discourage those moms who are working or finding other important things to do while also still raising children. Some women can balance it all and they do it well, but for me and for me alone...I know that God is calling me to keep my focus here at home. To raise my children, school my children, serve my husband, and not look to much else where my time and attention will be divided. I do still have ministy and activities that I'm involved in but they are centered around my one main focus.....My family. As I hone in more on that focus I will be writing more about what God is sharing with me about it including the things He is calling me to fucus more on as well as the things He's calling me to give up.
"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.’ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." Proverbs 31:28-31
Not to long ago I was talking to an older woman who made a comment about mothering at my stage in life and it really got me thinking. She said..
"being a mom is such a commendable job. For some woman it feels like a life long task that never ends. There aren't a lot of stay at home moms anymore because the world tells us that we can do bigger and better things. Stay at home moms now a days aren't even stay at home moms like we were in my day. In my day we stayed at home and that was that. If you got together with other women you got together with your children and then you went home and prepared dinner for your family. There were no side jobs, no working from home, no trying to be a mom and do 100 other jobs on top of that. There comes a time when I think women start looking for something "more" when they aren't yet finished with the job God has given them. If your children aren't grown yet ...you aren't finished yet. They may get older but they don't get easier. I commend women who stick with it until the end. Women who don't slack off half way to the finish line looking for "something else" Those woman will be the ones to finish well and they will hear from the Lord one day that they have been good and faithful and rewarded as such"
Now some may look at this older woman and thing "wow what an old-school grump!" I may have thought that at one time in my life too. but as I get older I treasure more and more the wisdom of older women. This lady is no exception. I think there is great wisdom in what she shared with me that day and I also think was a perfectly timed message to me from the Lord. She didn't know this, but I was struggling with exactly what she spoke about. I have been a mom for SO long, and honestly was starting to feel somewhat burnt out and wondering if maybe it was time for me to look for more in my life. A job? more ministry? something??
I know this is not the case for everyone and this was definitely a personal conviction for me. It is by no means meant to discourage those moms who are working or finding other important things to do while also still raising children. Some women can balance it all and they do it well, but for me and for me alone...I know that God is calling me to keep my focus here at home. To raise my children, school my children, serve my husband, and not look to much else where my time and attention will be divided. I do still have ministy and activities that I'm involved in but they are centered around my one main focus.....My family. As I hone in more on that focus I will be writing more about what God is sharing with me about it including the things He is calling me to fucus more on as well as the things He's calling me to give up.
"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.’ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." Proverbs 31:28-31
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Immanuel
Every year at Christmas I say that I am not going to let the Christmas season go by with out really focusing on what the season is all about. I really try my best to keep that focus but with all the shopping, baking, parties, lights and festivities, before I know it the season is over and I find myself exhausted and completely off track from the real meaning of Christmas. This year was no exception. As I have been working to put all the Christmas decorations away this week it has crossed my mind several times that I can't even really believe it's over all ready. I don't even feel like I experienced Christmas. It all seems like a blur. I wish I could do it all again now that everything is calmed down and it's peaceful again!!
Today as I started my year of reading through the Bible again I was in my New Testament reading in Matthew. At the end of Chapter 1 in v. 23 it says...she will give birth to a son and they will call him Immanuel which means "God is with us"
As I read this I was overwhelmed by that simple little phrase. That IS what the whole season is all about. God gave us Christ so he could "be with us" not just at Christmas but always! Maybe I don't celebrate Christmas in December like everyone else. Maybe December for me is a month of service and giving. Giving to my family, my friends, my neighbors, my church. I bake and I shop, I wrap and I create. This year I even ran a little business and helped my family financially with my Christmas earnings. It was busy yes, but others were blessed. My family got (almost) all the special treats that they love so much, we full filled all the traditions that they look forward to, we spent time with neighbors and with family. We delivered treats, we received treats, we taught Sunday school, we had a big Christmas dinner with ham and all our favorite fixings.
Yes, maybe December is a time of service for me. Maybe I celebrate Christmas on Jan. 4th. as I sit by my fire place with my Bible in my lap and a sweet 5 word reminder.....Immanuel-God is with us. All December during the hustle and bustle....and today by the quiet fireplace with my Bible and a cup of coffee....He is with us.
Today as I started my year of reading through the Bible again I was in my New Testament reading in Matthew. At the end of Chapter 1 in v. 23 it says...she will give birth to a son and they will call him Immanuel which means "God is with us"
As I read this I was overwhelmed by that simple little phrase. That IS what the whole season is all about. God gave us Christ so he could "be with us" not just at Christmas but always! Maybe I don't celebrate Christmas in December like everyone else. Maybe December for me is a month of service and giving. Giving to my family, my friends, my neighbors, my church. I bake and I shop, I wrap and I create. This year I even ran a little business and helped my family financially with my Christmas earnings. It was busy yes, but others were blessed. My family got (almost) all the special treats that they love so much, we full filled all the traditions that they look forward to, we spent time with neighbors and with family. We delivered treats, we received treats, we taught Sunday school, we had a big Christmas dinner with ham and all our favorite fixings.
Yes, maybe December is a time of service for me. Maybe I celebrate Christmas on Jan. 4th. as I sit by my fire place with my Bible in my lap and a sweet 5 word reminder.....Immanuel-God is with us. All December during the hustle and bustle....and today by the quiet fireplace with my Bible and a cup of coffee....He is with us.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Looking forward to what lies ahead
After a month off from writing (or doing anything else of leisure for that matter!) Its a New Year and a new beginning. As much as I absolutely LOVE Christmas, this year was overly busy and for the first time ever I was a little happy to see it go! I was eager to get life back to normal and relax!! How ironic that a time that is meant to remind us of Peace becomes a time of total chaos!!!
Most people approach the new year with a bit of introspection. We look at what we accomplished this year, what we failed at, and then look at ways we can do better in the up and coming year. The whole idea of Jesus (the main reason we celebrate Christmas!) represents a new beginning. He came so that we all could lay down our old sinful selves and become New creations before God. The old is GONE the new has COME!! Praise God for that. Has your 2011 been a year of loss? a year of sorrow? a year of failure? If we all look closely we will find one of theses somewhere I am sure! REJOICE in it!! We can't have NEW unless there is OLD that can be trimmed away! Pruned!
This new year lets remember to forget the past and look FORWARD to what lies ahead! Philippians 3:13
Lord, as I begin a new year help me to keep my head up eagerly looking forward to what you have for me. I am excited to see what you have in store for me, my family and for those close to me this new year. I know it is going to be good because you are good and your intentions are always good for those who love you! Amen
Most people approach the new year with a bit of introspection. We look at what we accomplished this year, what we failed at, and then look at ways we can do better in the up and coming year. The whole idea of Jesus (the main reason we celebrate Christmas!) represents a new beginning. He came so that we all could lay down our old sinful selves and become New creations before God. The old is GONE the new has COME!! Praise God for that. Has your 2011 been a year of loss? a year of sorrow? a year of failure? If we all look closely we will find one of theses somewhere I am sure! REJOICE in it!! We can't have NEW unless there is OLD that can be trimmed away! Pruned!
This new year lets remember to forget the past and look FORWARD to what lies ahead! Philippians 3:13
Lord, as I begin a new year help me to keep my head up eagerly looking forward to what you have for me. I am excited to see what you have in store for me, my family and for those close to me this new year. I know it is going to be good because you are good and your intentions are always good for those who love you! Amen
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
This is how I should pray
I didn't have to go far in my Bible reading today before the Lord spoke to my heart. I read Luke 11 and within just a few verses the Lord was stopping me to reflect on what He wanted me to see.
It starts out with Jesus praying and his disciples asking him to help them learn to pray. He then gives them an example in verse 2-4 of how they can pray that reflects the acknowledgment of God's holiness, His ability to provide all they need, His power to forgive us, and his willingness to help us forgive others and then resist the temptation to do it (sin) all over again.
As I read this I prayed it for myself today. He is the great and Holy God who will one day again return to bring me home to His Kingdom. Until then he will provide me with all that I need to make it through even just THIS day. He will forgive me when I screw it up today. He will help me forgive my children or anyone else I'm with today that will sin as well. He will help me to turn from the enemy and his evil ways and stand firmly in righteousness......therefore (just like the disciples!) that is how I will pray.
For this is how Jesus says I should pray:
Father, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. Give me each day all that I need, forgive me of my sins, as I forgive those who sin against me. And don’t let me yield to temptation.
Luke 11:2-4
It starts out with Jesus praying and his disciples asking him to help them learn to pray. He then gives them an example in verse 2-4 of how they can pray that reflects the acknowledgment of God's holiness, His ability to provide all they need, His power to forgive us, and his willingness to help us forgive others and then resist the temptation to do it (sin) all over again.
As I read this I prayed it for myself today. He is the great and Holy God who will one day again return to bring me home to His Kingdom. Until then he will provide me with all that I need to make it through even just THIS day. He will forgive me when I screw it up today. He will help me forgive my children or anyone else I'm with today that will sin as well. He will help me to turn from the enemy and his evil ways and stand firmly in righteousness......therefore (just like the disciples!) that is how I will pray.
For this is how Jesus says I should pray:
Father, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. Give me each day all that I need, forgive me of my sins, as I forgive those who sin against me. And don’t let me yield to temptation.
Luke 11:2-4
Monday, November 28, 2011
Only one thing matters
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3
This verse reminded me today that God has called me to a life goodness and righteousness before Him. Sometimes this can be an overwhelming thought as we look at all of our short comings and sin, but if we truly love God and we are genuinely seeking Him and His goodness above all else (just as my blog is named!) then we have all that we need. Nothing else really matters.
the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives .....we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. 2Peter 3:10-13
As we are tempted to worry about many things. Let us not loose that one simple focus. Jesus is coming back. We are to live righteous and fruitful lives FOR him until that day comes. Everything else is rubbish in comparison. Unfortunately thought, the rubbish....that argument with my husband.....the misbehavior of my children.....my messy and disorganized house.....laundry......Christmas shopping.....all this rubbish overshadows the one good thing. Jesus will return. Am I making every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him? 2Peter 3:14 or am I overwhelmed and worried and letting other things take over?
This verse reminded me today that God has called me to a life goodness and righteousness before Him. Sometimes this can be an overwhelming thought as we look at all of our short comings and sin, but if we truly love God and we are genuinely seeking Him and His goodness above all else (just as my blog is named!) then we have all that we need. Nothing else really matters.
the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives .....we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. 2Peter 3:10-13
As we are tempted to worry about many things. Let us not loose that one simple focus. Jesus is coming back. We are to live righteous and fruitful lives FOR him until that day comes. Everything else is rubbish in comparison. Unfortunately thought, the rubbish....that argument with my husband.....the misbehavior of my children.....my messy and disorganized house.....laundry......Christmas shopping.....all this rubbish overshadows the one good thing. Jesus will return. Am I making every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him? 2Peter 3:14 or am I overwhelmed and worried and letting other things take over?
Monday, September 19, 2011
Dull and Boring Book of Kings
My CBS Bible study this year is on the books of 1&2 Kings and the minor prophets. Other times when reading through the books of Kings I have always thought of it as a historical book of time tables with battles, ancient kings and other uninteresting accounts. All the strange names and kingdoms seem so far removed from everyday situations that I seem to find common ground with in other parts of the Bible. This time though, the study is helping me to see Kings in a new way.
Today I saw something interesting in the historical perspective of the books. The author always seems to evaluate the kings on their walk (or lack of) with God. Instead of really focusing on military, architectural, or geographic achievements, the kings lives are summarized by their spiritual walk. Even today our presidents, CEO's, political figures and Military officials are mostly evaluated on things such as economic well being of our country, the effectiveness of our health care or social systems, the ability to win votes, please people, and even war strategies. But the Kings these books were judged entirely on their Spiritual walk. Could you imagine if we did that with the authority figures in our nation today? Oh my!!
Eventually we will all be evaluated and judged this way. Our perfectly clean homes will do us no good, our lovely wardrobe and jewelry will be worthless. Even how our children turned out will be of little importance.
How would I live differently if I truly believed that my spiritual health was the most important aspect of my life? How would my priorities change if I really grasped the idea that nothing but my walk with God really matters? Maybe there is more in the books of Kings than I thought in the beginning. I suspect that I am going to learn a whole lot more than I had originally thought in this study. :)
Today I saw something interesting in the historical perspective of the books. The author always seems to evaluate the kings on their walk (or lack of) with God. Instead of really focusing on military, architectural, or geographic achievements, the kings lives are summarized by their spiritual walk. Even today our presidents, CEO's, political figures and Military officials are mostly evaluated on things such as economic well being of our country, the effectiveness of our health care or social systems, the ability to win votes, please people, and even war strategies. But the Kings these books were judged entirely on their Spiritual walk. Could you imagine if we did that with the authority figures in our nation today? Oh my!!
Eventually we will all be evaluated and judged this way. Our perfectly clean homes will do us no good, our lovely wardrobe and jewelry will be worthless. Even how our children turned out will be of little importance.
How would I live differently if I truly believed that my spiritual health was the most important aspect of my life? How would my priorities change if I really grasped the idea that nothing but my walk with God really matters? Maybe there is more in the books of Kings than I thought in the beginning. I suspect that I am going to learn a whole lot more than I had originally thought in this study. :)
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
He's not finished with me yet
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old is gone the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17
I started a new memory verse system this week and this is the first verse that I have to memorize. I have been carrying this verse in my pocket, reviewing it and pondering its meaning over the last day. At first it gave me such hope. To be reminded that we are a new creation and made NEW is exciting and encouraging but then just as quickly as I found joy in this idea I also began to see my old self still crouching right around the corner. In the very day that I was memorizing this verse about being in Christ and walking as his new creation I found my self struggle with anger and an outburst of wrath! What IS this? If I am a new creation and the old is gone why in the world did I just get angry with my own child and have a sudden outburst of wrath with out any warning! I thought my old self was gone and the NEW was here??
I went to bed last night discouraged and praying that God would give me wisdom in this. This morning as I sat in my quiet time He did just that. While we are a new creation sin is still here. Romans 6:6 says :We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. What this verse says is that sin loses it's power over our lives, what it does NOT say is that sin is GONE. While we are a new creation, we still have the “old man” that must be put to death.
This will not happen over night (or in 15 years in my case!!) It will take God's Word and the Holy Spirit in unison to experience that new nature. Our partis to submit in this daily process so that Jesus becomes greater while we become less. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. John 3:30
This is a long process and we have to be patient and hopeful not allowing the enemy to feed us the lies in the process.Today I set aside my failings from yesterday and press on toward a new day. A new day is yet one more opportunity to become less so He can become greater. It all comes back to humility. The greatest thing God is teaching me right now.
God sees us already as a finished product. I am SO thankful for that!
I started a new memory verse system this week and this is the first verse that I have to memorize. I have been carrying this verse in my pocket, reviewing it and pondering its meaning over the last day. At first it gave me such hope. To be reminded that we are a new creation and made NEW is exciting and encouraging but then just as quickly as I found joy in this idea I also began to see my old self still crouching right around the corner. In the very day that I was memorizing this verse about being in Christ and walking as his new creation I found my self struggle with anger and an outburst of wrath! What IS this? If I am a new creation and the old is gone why in the world did I just get angry with my own child and have a sudden outburst of wrath with out any warning! I thought my old self was gone and the NEW was here??
I went to bed last night discouraged and praying that God would give me wisdom in this. This morning as I sat in my quiet time He did just that. While we are a new creation sin is still here. Romans 6:6 says :We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. What this verse says is that sin loses it's power over our lives, what it does NOT say is that sin is GONE. While we are a new creation, we still have the “old man” that must be put to death.
This will not happen over night (or in 15 years in my case!!) It will take God's Word and the Holy Spirit in unison to experience that new nature. Our partis to submit in this daily process so that Jesus becomes greater while we become less. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. John 3:30
This is a long process and we have to be patient and hopeful not allowing the enemy to feed us the lies in the process.Today I set aside my failings from yesterday and press on toward a new day. A new day is yet one more opportunity to become less so He can become greater. It all comes back to humility. The greatest thing God is teaching me right now.
God sees us already as a finished product. I am SO thankful for that!
Friday, September 9, 2011
King Rehoboam
In my Old Testament reading I am in the book of 2 Chronicles. Today I was reading in chapter 12 and came across the story of King Rehoboam. He was the son of Soloman and the grandson of David. With a lineage like that you would think he would automatically inherit success, but along the way he made quite a few mistakes that caused him to fall out of the favor of the Lord.
His first pitfall was rejecting the council of older men (in 10:8) and instead consulting with younger men who had grown up with him. Dispite this he still became strong and established a great kingdom. The most profound thing to me about Rehoboams story though was found in the beginning of chapter 12. It says when Rehoboam was firmly established and strong, he abandoned the Law of the Lord, and all Israel followed him in this sin. (12:1)
This verse reminded me of my post yesterday! Isn't it funny that right when he was strong (obviously in his OWN strength!) he became prideful and abandoned the Law of the Lord! Not only did he fall into sin but he caused all the people of Israel to follow in his sin! And just as the verse I wrote about yesterday says: Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall. And sure enough: Because they were unfaithful to the Lord, King Shishak of Egypt came up and attacked Jerusalem in the fifth year of King Rehoboam’s reign. (12:2) But here comes the great part: Because Rehoboam humbled himself, the Lord’s anger was turned away, and he did not destroy him completely. (12:12) Whooooo hooo!!! Praise God for his loving MERCY!!! Because Rehoboam humbled himself...that is the part of this verse that I love the most. Another lesson to me today about the importance of being humble!!
His first pitfall was rejecting the council of older men (in 10:8) and instead consulting with younger men who had grown up with him. Dispite this he still became strong and established a great kingdom. The most profound thing to me about Rehoboams story though was found in the beginning of chapter 12. It says when Rehoboam was firmly established and strong, he abandoned the Law of the Lord, and all Israel followed him in this sin. (12:1)
This verse reminded me of my post yesterday! Isn't it funny that right when he was strong (obviously in his OWN strength!) he became prideful and abandoned the Law of the Lord! Not only did he fall into sin but he caused all the people of Israel to follow in his sin! And just as the verse I wrote about yesterday says: Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall. And sure enough: Because they were unfaithful to the Lord, King Shishak of Egypt came up and attacked Jerusalem in the fifth year of King Rehoboam’s reign. (12:2) But here comes the great part: Because Rehoboam humbled himself, the Lord’s anger was turned away, and he did not destroy him completely. (12:12) Whooooo hooo!!! Praise God for his loving MERCY!!! Because Rehoboam humbled himself...that is the part of this verse that I love the most. Another lesson to me today about the importance of being humble!!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
In His strength
I have been finding myself so discouraged lately with all that I have to do and how little I am accomplishing in a day. I feel like I used to be so on top of things and get so much more done. It has made me do a lot of grumbling and complaining! I realized this morning that maybe being a little more tired and a feeling overwhelmed at times is God's way of humbleing me.
When I used to be the "doer" and never tired or got behind I think I might have been a little prideful. I never would have admitted it but at times I would look at other people and think...."man you need to get it together..or...why is she not as productive as I am?" It's been a long time since I had silly thoughts like that but it's true. Well, about 2 or 3 kids later, a crazy busy schedule, an over worked husband and a few health issues later, I find myself very much humbled. I used to think I did all those things in God's strength, but the truth is I was doing it in my own. I was proud of how fast I was and how much I could do in a day. Now I realize more than ever that I can do NOTHING with out the help of God's and in his strength.
Being humbled begins with realizing that I NEED Christ everyday in every way. I can not do anything with out His help. I can not be a good mother- a loving wife- a thoughtful friend - a caring neighbor - I cannot do anything without the help and encouragement of the one who gives me strength. I have learned after many times of trying to do all these things on my own strength that I will always fail. I will grow weary over time and fall. Even "thinking" I can do any of these things on my own strength is Pride. Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall. Proverbs 16:18
When I used to be the "doer" and never tired or got behind I think I might have been a little prideful. I never would have admitted it but at times I would look at other people and think...."man you need to get it together..or...why is she not as productive as I am?" It's been a long time since I had silly thoughts like that but it's true. Well, about 2 or 3 kids later, a crazy busy schedule, an over worked husband and a few health issues later, I find myself very much humbled. I used to think I did all those things in God's strength, but the truth is I was doing it in my own. I was proud of how fast I was and how much I could do in a day. Now I realize more than ever that I can do NOTHING with out the help of God's and in his strength.
Being humbled begins with realizing that I NEED Christ everyday in every way. I can not do anything with out His help. I can not be a good mother- a loving wife- a thoughtful friend - a caring neighbor - I cannot do anything without the help and encouragement of the one who gives me strength. I have learned after many times of trying to do all these things on my own strength that I will always fail. I will grow weary over time and fall. Even "thinking" I can do any of these things on my own strength is Pride. Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall. Proverbs 16:18
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
He cares for the humble, keeps his distance from the proud
Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble,but he keeps his distance from the proud. Psalm 138:6
My first lesson as I seek the Lord to transform me is to be humbled. Just as Psalm 138:6 says, if I am not humble He will keep his distance. Pride is a sin and the great God we serve can not draw close to sin. If I want to be closer to God I must rid myself of my sin. I can only do that through Jesus and his cleansing power. My heart is full of sin- but for today I know the Lord is drawing me to look at my sin of pride-fullness. I look forward to seeing how he plans to transform me from being proud to being humble- like Him.
My first lesson as I seek the Lord to transform me is to be humbled. Just as Psalm 138:6 says, if I am not humble He will keep his distance. Pride is a sin and the great God we serve can not draw close to sin. If I want to be closer to God I must rid myself of my sin. I can only do that through Jesus and his cleansing power. My heart is full of sin- but for today I know the Lord is drawing me to look at my sin of pride-fullness. I look forward to seeing how he plans to transform me from being proud to being humble- like Him.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Transformation
Until we get to heaven we are all in the process of a transformation. For some reason that word has been standing out to me lately....transformation. The dictionary defines the word transform: a. to change in composition or structure b : to change the outward form or appearance of c : to change in character or condition
That last part "c:" is what I want to see in my life. A change in my character and condition. The condition of my heart, my attitude, and my character. When we are Seeking God first in all things we will automatically be transformed. Our hearts and minds will be transformed, but I also bet that our outside appearance will change as well just as "b:" says. Joy will radiate in our faces and and something about us will just "look" different.
I want to be continually transformed. I am asking God today to help me be transformed into more of His likeness. I am not even sure what areas he wants to transform and so I take a risk in even asking him that! But I want it no matter what it takes. I want to seek Him first in all things and allow His holy Spirit to change me as he sees fit. The goal is to change me....no one else. To see my own sin.....no one else's. To be humbly transformed by the only one who really matters. My Lord and my Savior.
So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are transformed into his glorious image. 2 Corinthians 3:18
That last part "c:" is what I want to see in my life. A change in my character and condition. The condition of my heart, my attitude, and my character. When we are Seeking God first in all things we will automatically be transformed. Our hearts and minds will be transformed, but I also bet that our outside appearance will change as well just as "b:" says. Joy will radiate in our faces and and something about us will just "look" different.
I want to be continually transformed. I am asking God today to help me be transformed into more of His likeness. I am not even sure what areas he wants to transform and so I take a risk in even asking him that! But I want it no matter what it takes. I want to seek Him first in all things and allow His holy Spirit to change me as he sees fit. The goal is to change me....no one else. To see my own sin.....no one else's. To be humbly transformed by the only one who really matters. My Lord and my Savior.
So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are transformed into his glorious image. 2 Corinthians 3:18
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Dealings with my heart
For my Birthday a sweet friend sent me a new book. Its a little book that at first glance looks like a mini Bible bound in black leather. It's called The Valley of Vision. It's a collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions. The Puritans were a group of Christians in the 16 and 1700's that broke away from the church of England and came to America in hopes of dedicating themselves to a life of purity and devotion to God. They believed that every individual must be reformed by God’s grace to fight against sin, and to do what is best for him/her and right before the Lord. Their strength in this came from their practice of prayer and meditation. Many of them who clung to doctrines of grace wrote down a record of God's intimate dealings with their souls, not with an eye to publication, but as a test of their spiritual growth, and to encourage themselves and others in their quest to purity and holiness.
As I am reading this collection of prayers and writings it is a sweet reminder to me of why I started this Blog several years ago. I started it so that I could keep a journal of all the things God was doing my heart and how he was changing me as I sought to Seek Him First in my my family, in my marriage, in my relationships, and in my life as a whole. I did not write it for publication and certainly not with motives of self boasting for if anything it has shown my weakness and my lack of ability to do or write anything that makes a bit of sense outside the grace of God on my finger tips as I peck away on the key board.
I do know though that it does test my spiritual growth and almost helps me to stay accountable to myself as I seek to be learning something new all the time. I notice that during the times in the past that I have been able to write consistently it has made for times of great spiritual growth and inspiration with in myself. If anyone else gets anything out of what I write then that will be another added miracle only possible by the grace of God. My influence on others would only be for encouragement and personal reflection on the lives of those who read it. My prayer would be that they too would join me in a quest for purity and holiness. For if we are still on this earth walking, breathing, and living our lives then it is only by the grace of God so that we can bring Glory to His Great Name and do his good works until the day of Jesus return.
"For me, living means living for Christ....." Philippians 1:21
"for we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior." Philippians 3:20
As I am reading this collection of prayers and writings it is a sweet reminder to me of why I started this Blog several years ago. I started it so that I could keep a journal of all the things God was doing my heart and how he was changing me as I sought to Seek Him First in my my family, in my marriage, in my relationships, and in my life as a whole. I did not write it for publication and certainly not with motives of self boasting for if anything it has shown my weakness and my lack of ability to do or write anything that makes a bit of sense outside the grace of God on my finger tips as I peck away on the key board.
I do know though that it does test my spiritual growth and almost helps me to stay accountable to myself as I seek to be learning something new all the time. I notice that during the times in the past that I have been able to write consistently it has made for times of great spiritual growth and inspiration with in myself. If anyone else gets anything out of what I write then that will be another added miracle only possible by the grace of God. My influence on others would only be for encouragement and personal reflection on the lives of those who read it. My prayer would be that they too would join me in a quest for purity and holiness. For if we are still on this earth walking, breathing, and living our lives then it is only by the grace of God so that we can bring Glory to His Great Name and do his good works until the day of Jesus return.
"For me, living means living for Christ....." Philippians 1:21
"for we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior." Philippians 3:20
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