There are just some days where I wake up singing in my heart. Saturdays tend to be that day right now. I love Saturdays. Abigail is home from school, Andy is home from work, and we all get to spend the day together. We try really hard to not make plans on Saturday's because we love to spend it all together. Sometimes we actually go do something special, but most often it's just being at home, interacting and having a good time being a family.
"Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. "Romans 12:10
"Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God." Ephesians 5:2
Today we will be taking delight in each other. Later Andy and I have a few things to do at church, and Abigail has asked that she be allowed to walk around outside of church with a plastic bag to pick up litter. Who can argue with that? Together as a family we will take care of God's House and get everything ready for our day of worship tomorrow. It brings me such joy to know that we are setting a wonderful example for our children, and that they also enjoy serving in whatever way they can. Last night we had dinner at Grandma and Grandpa's house. When it came time to set the table, both of my children were eager and asking to help. They love to help in any way they can. Yet I clearly remember growing up where setting the table was a daily chore and grumbling about it. May the Lord continue to bless my children and help them to delight in their service.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Friday, May 04, 2007
Clutter
7 How priceless is your unfailing love!
Both high and low among men
find refuge in the shadow of your wings.
God provides. He provides everything we need. And for some, that can mean a miraculous provision. A bag of groceries magically appears. A box of clothing shows up on someone's doorstep- or a gift card for a clothing store arrives in the mailbox. Sometimes though, that provision is the result of labor and toil. Someone works 50 hours a week to earn enough to put food on the table. While technically, yes, the person doing the working is providing, it is God who provides the job in the first place. His provision is endless. He provides our needs, and many times he provides our wants, because he wants us to be happy and enjoy our life here.
Clutter for us has been the result of not trusting in God's provision. We'll tuck away old clothes or shoes "just in case" we need them again at some point. Our baby things are an excellent example. We've kept them and kept them for two reasons- one being that we didn't know if we were going to need them again. And secondly, we thought if it came down to it, we could always sell some of it in a time of need for a little extra cash. But through God's lesson for us of provision, we've slowly been able to rid ourselves of the clutter. All our old "just in case" stuff has been gone through and donated to people in need. Most of our baby things have been passed on to someone else who will treasure them and use them. All because God provides!! If we were to find ourselves in need of baby things again, God would provide the things we need- or the means to produce them. If we find ourselves in need of old clothing again, God will provide. Even food. Yes, I plan to do some preserving and freezing of food-stuff over the late summer and fall this year, but I have no intention of hoarding it. If I see someone who needs it, I will gladly share what God has blessed us with.
By ridding ourselves of the clutter we've taken a great statement of faith. God will always provide for us. Another thing we've done is opened ourselves up to be his tools. To be the tools of provision for someone else. The verse above states that he is the fountain of life. And it is our job to help bring that fountain to those in need. I just pray that God will keep us focused and in a state of non-clutter.
Both high and low among men
find refuge in the shadow of your wings.
8 They feast on the abundance of your house;
you give them drink from your river of delights.
9 For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light we see light. Psalm 36:7-9
God provides. He provides everything we need. And for some, that can mean a miraculous provision. A bag of groceries magically appears. A box of clothing shows up on someone's doorstep- or a gift card for a clothing store arrives in the mailbox. Sometimes though, that provision is the result of labor and toil. Someone works 50 hours a week to earn enough to put food on the table. While technically, yes, the person doing the working is providing, it is God who provides the job in the first place. His provision is endless. He provides our needs, and many times he provides our wants, because he wants us to be happy and enjoy our life here.
Clutter for us has been the result of not trusting in God's provision. We'll tuck away old clothes or shoes "just in case" we need them again at some point. Our baby things are an excellent example. We've kept them and kept them for two reasons- one being that we didn't know if we were going to need them again. And secondly, we thought if it came down to it, we could always sell some of it in a time of need for a little extra cash. But through God's lesson for us of provision, we've slowly been able to rid ourselves of the clutter. All our old "just in case" stuff has been gone through and donated to people in need. Most of our baby things have been passed on to someone else who will treasure them and use them. All because God provides!! If we were to find ourselves in need of baby things again, God would provide the things we need- or the means to produce them. If we find ourselves in need of old clothing again, God will provide. Even food. Yes, I plan to do some preserving and freezing of food-stuff over the late summer and fall this year, but I have no intention of hoarding it. If I see someone who needs it, I will gladly share what God has blessed us with.
By ridding ourselves of the clutter we've taken a great statement of faith. God will always provide for us. Another thing we've done is opened ourselves up to be his tools. To be the tools of provision for someone else. The verse above states that he is the fountain of life. And it is our job to help bring that fountain to those in need. I just pray that God will keep us focused and in a state of non-clutter.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Respecting My Husband
Often times, when I am in a conversation with another woman, the talk turns to complaining about the husband. Or not necessarily complaining, but sharing something that said hubby did that wasn't so smart. That kind of thing. A while back I decided that wasn't going to be me anymore. I decided that I was going to watch what I said to others about my husband. I decided that my mouth would no longer bring dishonor to my husband. Because God placed my husband at the head of my household, and by not honoring him with my words, I was actually dishonoring God.
"She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life." Proverbs 31:12 (KJV)
Who knows who my words could affect. What I do know, is that what I say can affect my children. The last thing I want them to hear is Mommy complaining about Daddy. That tells them it's okay. And it's not okay. Part of marriage is discovering intimacy, and it's that intimacy that allows me to tell Andy directly when he's doing something to annoy or anger me. By complaining to outside sources I was not allowing that intimacy to flourish. In effect, I was putting up a wall by voicing my complaints other than where they should go.
"Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage." Hebrews 13:4 (NIV)
My words can honor or dishonor my husband. When I speak to others, I want them to know what a wonderful husband he is! I want every man to know how great of a husband Andy is, and know that he is someone worth modeling after. I want my son to watch Andy as a husband and have a perfect example of what a husband should be. And I want my daughter to strive to find the very best man for her future husband- and what better example than her father. I also want them to see me lifting up my husband in kind and positive words to others. I want them to see that when I have a complaint about my husband I take it to him, not to the neighbors or our friends.
"So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." Ephesians 5:33 (NLT)
Respect for my husband has been a wonderful gift from God. It has brought us closer together in our marriage. We each know what the other person wants without even giving voice to the want. I now find myself eager to share with others all the good things that Andy does for me and for the kids. Instead of sharing the bad with other people, I want to share the good. And I think by me honoring my husband appropriately, others will respect him even more than they do already.
"She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life." Proverbs 31:12 (KJV)
Who knows who my words could affect. What I do know, is that what I say can affect my children. The last thing I want them to hear is Mommy complaining about Daddy. That tells them it's okay. And it's not okay. Part of marriage is discovering intimacy, and it's that intimacy that allows me to tell Andy directly when he's doing something to annoy or anger me. By complaining to outside sources I was not allowing that intimacy to flourish. In effect, I was putting up a wall by voicing my complaints other than where they should go.
"Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage." Hebrews 13:4 (NIV)
My words can honor or dishonor my husband. When I speak to others, I want them to know what a wonderful husband he is! I want every man to know how great of a husband Andy is, and know that he is someone worth modeling after. I want my son to watch Andy as a husband and have a perfect example of what a husband should be. And I want my daughter to strive to find the very best man for her future husband- and what better example than her father. I also want them to see me lifting up my husband in kind and positive words to others. I want them to see that when I have a complaint about my husband I take it to him, not to the neighbors or our friends.
"So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." Ephesians 5:33 (NLT)
Respect for my husband has been a wonderful gift from God. It has brought us closer together in our marriage. We each know what the other person wants without even giving voice to the want. I now find myself eager to share with others all the good things that Andy does for me and for the kids. Instead of sharing the bad with other people, I want to share the good. And I think by me honoring my husband appropriately, others will respect him even more than they do already.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
A Complete Change
"Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." Romans 12:2
Just a week ago I was discussing this very verse. And I was discussing my everyday life and how God has changed my attitude towards each and every day. And I've come to realize over the last day or two that he hasn't just changed my attitude about daily life. I've also had a life-changing revelation about our money. This week Andy will get paid for the first time in several months. We've been looking forward to this- we have a day all planned to do some shopping and go out to dinner. I've been planning on going to the grocery store and literally filling my cart with anything and everything. And you know what? I don't want to do any of it.
I do want to go get my children some of the things that they need. But I don't want to wander through the mall, waiting for something to jump off the shelf into my cart, something we really don't need. This is a really strange feeling to me. I think that part of it is that I've asked God for some time to change my attitude about money and shopping, and I daresay that's been done for me. I am certain that I will still enjoy the occasional shopping trip as it comes up, but I don't have the desire to spend, spend, spend. Even though we will be able to. I am so excited about this! It means that we will be able to save accordingly! It means that our house is getting closer every day. It means that when a need comes up in our community, we will be able to help take care of it, and not just wish that we could.
I will still need to be mindful of the traps that will be laid out before me. But this right here is cold hard proof that God gives us what we ask for. I've desired so much to honor my husbands hard work by not spending all that he brings in, and I'm looking forward to the test. I thank God wholeheartedly for this new attitude, this new view. And I pray that I am able to maintain it indefinitely, and that I will be open to hearing when I am supposed to be generous. It would be very easy to become miserly, and that would be a terrible thing as well. May God keep me mindful of where our money is going and help me to manage it according to his purposes.
Just a week ago I was discussing this very verse. And I was discussing my everyday life and how God has changed my attitude towards each and every day. And I've come to realize over the last day or two that he hasn't just changed my attitude about daily life. I've also had a life-changing revelation about our money. This week Andy will get paid for the first time in several months. We've been looking forward to this- we have a day all planned to do some shopping and go out to dinner. I've been planning on going to the grocery store and literally filling my cart with anything and everything. And you know what? I don't want to do any of it.
I do want to go get my children some of the things that they need. But I don't want to wander through the mall, waiting for something to jump off the shelf into my cart, something we really don't need. This is a really strange feeling to me. I think that part of it is that I've asked God for some time to change my attitude about money and shopping, and I daresay that's been done for me. I am certain that I will still enjoy the occasional shopping trip as it comes up, but I don't have the desire to spend, spend, spend. Even though we will be able to. I am so excited about this! It means that we will be able to save accordingly! It means that our house is getting closer every day. It means that when a need comes up in our community, we will be able to help take care of it, and not just wish that we could.
I will still need to be mindful of the traps that will be laid out before me. But this right here is cold hard proof that God gives us what we ask for. I've desired so much to honor my husbands hard work by not spending all that he brings in, and I'm looking forward to the test. I thank God wholeheartedly for this new attitude, this new view. And I pray that I am able to maintain it indefinitely, and that I will be open to hearing when I am supposed to be generous. It would be very easy to become miserly, and that would be a terrible thing as well. May God keep me mindful of where our money is going and help me to manage it according to his purposes.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Jehovah Rapha - The Lord Who Heals
We are surrounded by sickness in this world - physical, mental, and, the most deadly, spiritual. But we have hope through our Lord God as one of His names is the Healer. There is a balm in Gilead and He is the physician. I think that when we think of God as healer, the first thing we think of is physical healing, miraculous healing and sometimes, God does choose to heal in this manner. But I think that the most important and significant way He heals is through spiritual healing.
HOw are we sick spiritually? Well, in Exodus 15:26 God tells the people that He will protect them from disease if they obey His commands and do what is right in His sight. Does this mean that if someone gets sick, that is directly correlated to their sin? I don't think so, but there is a correlation to sin and sickness. You see, there was no sickness in the world until man chose to disobey God and introduced sin into the world. So, sickness is directly related to the sinful nature of man but not every illness is a direct consequence of personal sin.
Even in the Old Testament Jesus was identified as our healer through His death and suffering on the cross. Isaiah 53:5 says that by Christ's scourging we are healed. In Jeremiah 30:15-17, Israel was suffering because of their sins - but God was merciful and promised to "restore you to health and heal you of your wounds." In Psalm 147:3 God heals the brokenhearted and binds their wounds. In Matthew 8:16-17 we see Christ physically healing people and learn straight from Jesus in Luke 4:18 that He was SENT to heal. He healed physically to bring attention to His power and might.
However, the most complete healing we can obtain is through repentence and belief in Jesus as the sacrifice for our sins, the ultimate disease. Without His sacrifice we are dead in sin, separated forever from God. Praise God He is Jehovah Rapha, for "He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed." (1 Peter 2:24-25) We can look to physicians in hospitals to heal physical wounds, we can look to therapists to help heal psychological wounds, but there is only ONE Physician who can heal the deepest and most deadly illness and wounds we have...that Physician is God. So, if you are sick - in any way - seek God. If you are anxious and don't know why pray to God "Search me and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; see if there be any hurtful way in me and lead me in the everlasting way (Psalm 139:23o-24)." If you find sin, deal with it through God - He is faithful to forgive ALL unrighteousness. He WANTS us to be healed. Psalm 103:3 - He pardons all you iniquities and heals all your diseases - notice the order!
Jeremiah 17:14 "Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for Thou art my praise."
HOw are we sick spiritually? Well, in Exodus 15:26 God tells the people that He will protect them from disease if they obey His commands and do what is right in His sight. Does this mean that if someone gets sick, that is directly correlated to their sin? I don't think so, but there is a correlation to sin and sickness. You see, there was no sickness in the world until man chose to disobey God and introduced sin into the world. So, sickness is directly related to the sinful nature of man but not every illness is a direct consequence of personal sin.
Even in the Old Testament Jesus was identified as our healer through His death and suffering on the cross. Isaiah 53:5 says that by Christ's scourging we are healed. In Jeremiah 30:15-17, Israel was suffering because of their sins - but God was merciful and promised to "restore you to health and heal you of your wounds." In Psalm 147:3 God heals the brokenhearted and binds their wounds. In Matthew 8:16-17 we see Christ physically healing people and learn straight from Jesus in Luke 4:18 that He was SENT to heal. He healed physically to bring attention to His power and might.
However, the most complete healing we can obtain is through repentence and belief in Jesus as the sacrifice for our sins, the ultimate disease. Without His sacrifice we are dead in sin, separated forever from God. Praise God He is Jehovah Rapha, for "He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed." (1 Peter 2:24-25) We can look to physicians in hospitals to heal physical wounds, we can look to therapists to help heal psychological wounds, but there is only ONE Physician who can heal the deepest and most deadly illness and wounds we have...that Physician is God. So, if you are sick - in any way - seek God. If you are anxious and don't know why pray to God "Search me and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; see if there be any hurtful way in me and lead me in the everlasting way (Psalm 139:23o-24)." If you find sin, deal with it through God - He is faithful to forgive ALL unrighteousness. He WANTS us to be healed. Psalm 103:3 - He pardons all you iniquities and heals all your diseases - notice the order!
Jeremiah 17:14 "Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for Thou art my praise."
Sleep
Oh how I love to sleep in. I remember before we had kids, a great day began with sleeping in until 10:00 am or so. Of course, now I can't even imagine sleeping in so late. For us, sleeping in is now 7:00 am. Which I'm sure to some, that is definitely not sleeping in. I know at first it was really hard for us to give up the ritual of sleeping in. When Abigail was a baby Andy and I would take turns getting up with her in the morning. She's always been an early riser- so she would wake around 6:oo am, and one of us would get up while the other slept away until around 9:00. Gradually though, things began changing. We both started realizing that we enjoyed that early morning time with our daughter. And then life happened, and Andy's job started having him get up earlier, so without him at home, I had to get up.
Who knew we could end up finding morning such a joyful time. It's amazing how much we've discovered that we can accomplish in the morning hours. We can have our quiet time with God before the bustle of the day. It's early in the day yet, and I already have two loads of laundry finished, and my house is clean from company yesterday. Zander is just coming out of his morning fog, and now that I don't have anything to get done, I can focus on playing with him and having a great time with him today. And wouldn't you know, there is a scripture to go along with the idea of sleeping in.
" Do not love sleep or you will grow poor;
stay awake and you will have food to spare." Proverbs 20:13
Do not love sleep. When you really think about it, of course it makes sense. We have just one lifetime to make a difference, why would we want to spend it in bed asleep? That is such a waste. In the Broadway musical Rent there is a song called "No Day But Today." And taken out of the context it was written for, it's not a bad idea to think on. What if there was no day but today? Would you sleep it away? I think not. Stay awake and be productive, and you will have food to spare. Stay awake and sleep less, and think about how many more opportunities you may have to reach out to someone. How many more opportunities there may be to see your child smile, or how many more opportunities to tell someone you love them. The morning has become a precious time to me, and I take such joy in seeing the world that God created come to life. Stop sleeping. It's a waste of this precious life that God gave us.
Who knew we could end up finding morning such a joyful time. It's amazing how much we've discovered that we can accomplish in the morning hours. We can have our quiet time with God before the bustle of the day. It's early in the day yet, and I already have two loads of laundry finished, and my house is clean from company yesterday. Zander is just coming out of his morning fog, and now that I don't have anything to get done, I can focus on playing with him and having a great time with him today. And wouldn't you know, there is a scripture to go along with the idea of sleeping in.
" Do not love sleep or you will grow poor;
stay awake and you will have food to spare." Proverbs 20:13
Do not love sleep. When you really think about it, of course it makes sense. We have just one lifetime to make a difference, why would we want to spend it in bed asleep? That is such a waste. In the Broadway musical Rent there is a song called "No Day But Today." And taken out of the context it was written for, it's not a bad idea to think on. What if there was no day but today? Would you sleep it away? I think not. Stay awake and be productive, and you will have food to spare. Stay awake and sleep less, and think about how many more opportunities you may have to reach out to someone. How many more opportunities there may be to see your child smile, or how many more opportunities to tell someone you love them. The morning has become a precious time to me, and I take such joy in seeing the world that God created come to life. Stop sleeping. It's a waste of this precious life that God gave us.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
The Lost Sheep
"Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. 2 This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people—even eating with them!
3 So Jesus told them this story: 4
When I read this passage I think about our friends and who we hang out with in general. I think as Christians we tend to get caught up in the "Christianity" of people. Our child comes home from school talking about a new friend, and we ask if that person is a Christian- to determine if they are worthy of our child's friendship. Or when was the last time you invited a neighbor or unsaved co-worker to dinner? We tend to stay in our Christian circles, and break bread with our brothers and sisters in Christ. This is not a bad thing- and I'm certainly not saying it is on any level. But how can we reach the lost sheep if we don't leave our circle. How can we be a witness to our unsaved community if we are not a part of it?
The work of the Kingdom involves spending time outside of it. In the Bible we read of the Pharisees, who spent so much time being worried about "contamination" that they stuck to their own little cloistered group. Then Jesus came along and chose to go where the sinners are. He ate and drank with them, and listened to their sad stories and prayed for them and with them. He is the perfect example for us. We need to be like Jesus and go out among the lost sheep and do what we can to bring them into the fold. We can't do that if we hide in our homes and in our fellowship communities. "Go ye into all the world..."
Friday, April 27, 2007
Unfailing Love
"Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord,
who have no confidence in the proud
or in those who worship idols.
5 O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us.
Your plans for us are too numerous to list.
You have no equal.
If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds,
I would never come to the end of them.
who have no confidence in the proud
or in those who worship idols.
5 O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us.
Your plans for us are too numerous to list.
You have no equal.
If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds,
I would never come to the end of them.
6 You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings.
Now that you have made me listen, I finally understand—
you don’t require burnt offerings or sin offerings.
7 Then I said, “Look, I have come.
As is written about me in the Scriptures:
8 I take joy in doing your will, my God,
for your instructions are written on my heart.”
9 I have told all your people about your justice.
I have not been afraid to speak out,
as you, O Lord, well know.
10 I have not kept the good news of your justice hidden in my heart;
I have talked about your faithfulness and saving power.
I have told everyone in the great assembly
of your unfailing love and faithfulness.
11 Lord, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me.
Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me." Psalm 40:4-11
This verse makes me think about my husband this morning. During the past four months he has really grown in his faith. His trust in God has deepened his relationship with God in such an amazing way, and these verses remind me of the fire he has burning in his heart right now. It's fierce. He wants everyone he meets to hear about how the Lord has provided for him and his family. He wants everyone to know how much God loves them, and he is not afraid to tell them. He is not afraid of anyone mocking him or making fun of what he says, he want to shout it from the rooftops- he is so excited right now!
What a wonderful example for my children. To see their father talk openly about his faith is an example that I wish every child had. Our daughter's heart is already full of joy- as she always has a song in her heart to sing to Jesus, and she does it with all her heart no matter where she is and what she is doing. She has her Daddy's outgoing personality, and to see him sharing Jesus with everyone he knows is a great example for her as she heads to school every day. I don't worry about her going to school with unsaved people anymore- instead I wonder, how many of them she is going to be a witness to. How many of her little friends is she going to introduce to Jesus? I can tell there will be many in that little girl's life. And I think it's because of the wonderful example she has with her Daddy. That he is bursting at the seams with the good news and wants to share it. So to will she. The unfailing love our God has for all of us is being shown through my husband who truly cares- and wants everyone to know that they can have it too! They can have the same provision- all they have to do is trust and let God do it.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
God Is Light
" This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. 6 So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. 7 But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.
So then I was thinking about sin, and how do I sin? You know, I really had to think about it. I don't sin, I don't do anything wrong- do I? Then I tried thinking of sin in a different light. Sin is something that makes you feel uncomfortable. Something you know you shouldn't be doing, but you're doing it anyway. To some, sin can be as simple as sleeping in. To others, something more serious like drinking to excess or swearing can be a sin. There are certainly plenty of days I'm guilty of doing something I think I shouldn't. Like shopping for one (although that has gotten much better). Or when I look the other way because I see someone out of the corner of my eye that I'd rather not talk to. Or when I allow someone to share a bit of gossip instead of cutting them off, and asking them to stop.
Thankfully, even though I am a sinner, and I have found that sin is a frequent occurrence, I have forgiveness for that sin. I am forgiven every day for doing the wrong thing, for not being the person I want to be. Because of grace I am fully pardoned and living in God's light. Yet I want to feel convicted about those sins so that I don't do them again. I want that to change. I don't want "Sin Management", instead I want "Sin Banishment."
"For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more." Jeremiah 31:34
"I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more. Isaiah 43:25
8 If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. 9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts." 1 John 1:5-10
This is a passage to think on today. I'm still thinking on it, so that's why I thought I'd share it. I'm thinking specifically right now about sin. My husband has been listening to some CD's during his work commute this week, and every day he's brought home something to think about. This week one of the things he mentioned was how so often in today's churches and messages we hear encouraging things about sin. About how when we sin, it's okay, we can always get back up and try again. And that's good... but at the same time isn't it bad? Isn't it (as Andy put it) a sort of "Sin Management"? Wouldn't it be better to feel convicted about sinning instead of feeling encouraged about trying again?So then I was thinking about sin, and how do I sin? You know, I really had to think about it. I don't sin, I don't do anything wrong- do I? Then I tried thinking of sin in a different light. Sin is something that makes you feel uncomfortable. Something you know you shouldn't be doing, but you're doing it anyway. To some, sin can be as simple as sleeping in. To others, something more serious like drinking to excess or swearing can be a sin. There are certainly plenty of days I'm guilty of doing something I think I shouldn't. Like shopping for one (although that has gotten much better). Or when I look the other way because I see someone out of the corner of my eye that I'd rather not talk to. Or when I allow someone to share a bit of gossip instead of cutting them off, and asking them to stop.
Thankfully, even though I am a sinner, and I have found that sin is a frequent occurrence, I have forgiveness for that sin. I am forgiven every day for doing the wrong thing, for not being the person I want to be. Because of grace I am fully pardoned and living in God's light. Yet I want to feel convicted about those sins so that I don't do them again. I want that to change. I don't want "Sin Management", instead I want "Sin Banishment."
"For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more." Jeremiah 31:34
"I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more. Isaiah 43:25
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Time with Jesus
"The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus." Acts 4:13
Fellowship is such an important part of being a Christian. We need fellowship- we need those fellow Christians that we can rely on, and who can rely on us. One of the way that fellow Christians can be described is as a "friend of Jesus." It's very true- we all are friends of Jesus aren't we? And it makes it even easier to get to know someone- or meet someone from another country or culture. If you both love Jesus- you immediately have something in common.
Sometimes I wonder though if being friends with friends of Jesus can get in the way of being friends with Jesus? We can spend so much time with our friends and in the spirit of fellowship, that we forget that Jesus wants some of our time too. He wants us to have one-on-one time with him- he's our friend too. And in order to be friends with someone, you have to maintain that friendship. The disciples had been true friends with Jesus. They were men who "had been with Jesus." That has more than one meaning. Yes, they had spent time with him while he was here on earth- and they were his closest friends. But they had also experienced Jesus. They had spent time with him one-on-one- personally. That's what Jesus wants from us. He wants us to spend one-on-one time with him so that we can get to know him better. I think he does not want us to enjoy fellowship more than friendship with him.
Just something to keep in mind. Fellowship is important and it is a wonderful thing to have, but we need to make sure we're keeping our eye on the reason for the fellowship. To be friends with Jesus, to give him a portion of our time. As with the disciples years ago, we want the world to be in awe that we've "been with Jesus" and then want that for themselves. I love to be with people, with Christian friends, but I need to be careful to not love that more than being with Christ.
Fellowship is such an important part of being a Christian. We need fellowship- we need those fellow Christians that we can rely on, and who can rely on us. One of the way that fellow Christians can be described is as a "friend of Jesus." It's very true- we all are friends of Jesus aren't we? And it makes it even easier to get to know someone- or meet someone from another country or culture. If you both love Jesus- you immediately have something in common.
Sometimes I wonder though if being friends with friends of Jesus can get in the way of being friends with Jesus? We can spend so much time with our friends and in the spirit of fellowship, that we forget that Jesus wants some of our time too. He wants us to have one-on-one time with him- he's our friend too. And in order to be friends with someone, you have to maintain that friendship. The disciples had been true friends with Jesus. They were men who "had been with Jesus." That has more than one meaning. Yes, they had spent time with him while he was here on earth- and they were his closest friends. But they had also experienced Jesus. They had spent time with him one-on-one- personally. That's what Jesus wants from us. He wants us to spend one-on-one time with him so that we can get to know him better. I think he does not want us to enjoy fellowship more than friendship with him.
Just something to keep in mind. Fellowship is important and it is a wonderful thing to have, but we need to make sure we're keeping our eye on the reason for the fellowship. To be friends with Jesus, to give him a portion of our time. As with the disciples years ago, we want the world to be in awe that we've "been with Jesus" and then want that for themselves. I love to be with people, with Christian friends, but I need to be careful to not love that more than being with Christ.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
How Are Your Thoughts?
"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." Philippians 4:8 (NLT)
This is one of those verse that I memorized so long ago, and when I did memorize it, it was in the King James version, so I'll put that one here also- it is a little different than the above translation.
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8 (KJV)
Either way though, it mentions eight things that we should think on. Eight "characters" of thought. We can use these eight characters as our thought gatekeepers. As we go about our day we can use these gatekeepers as our moral guidelines. All day long, our brains our taking in information. And there are several questions we can ask ourselves about all the little bits that come in.
First of all, is what we've just learned true? God IS truth, and we can use him to help us measure up with the truthfulness of what we've heard, seen, or are thinking.
Is what we are thinking honorable? Are you thinking impure thoughts, or are you having a not-so-nice internal dialogue about a specific person?
Is what we are about to do right or just? Are we about to do something out of spite or because that person isn't our favorite person right now? What are our motives?
As we sit and watch a movie or a TV show- is this movie pure and lovely? What impure thoughts will it place in my mind? Will it inspire me to take action on something good?
Are our conversations admirable? Or are we gossiping? Do we ask someone how they are doing just to feed the gossip mill? Or is it out of genuine concern for their well-being.
And finally- are our thoughts or actions excellent or worthy of praise? Are we thinking about helping that neighbor who is struggling, or are we sitting back, watching them struggle, and inwardly laughing at their struggles?
As Christians and followers of Christ, our thoughts and actions should be above the world's thoughts and actions. Yet so often that is not the case. we can use Philippians 4:8 as a tool to help ourselves be better people. We can use it to help us become more Christ-like and be an example to those around us. And most importantly. we can use it to seek out God's approval. If God's approval is our goal, than we would all do well to "think on these things."
This is one of those verse that I memorized so long ago, and when I did memorize it, it was in the King James version, so I'll put that one here also- it is a little different than the above translation.
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8 (KJV)
Either way though, it mentions eight things that we should think on. Eight "characters" of thought. We can use these eight characters as our thought gatekeepers. As we go about our day we can use these gatekeepers as our moral guidelines. All day long, our brains our taking in information. And there are several questions we can ask ourselves about all the little bits that come in.
First of all, is what we've just learned true? God IS truth, and we can use him to help us measure up with the truthfulness of what we've heard, seen, or are thinking.
Is what we are thinking honorable? Are you thinking impure thoughts, or are you having a not-so-nice internal dialogue about a specific person?
Is what we are about to do right or just? Are we about to do something out of spite or because that person isn't our favorite person right now? What are our motives?
As we sit and watch a movie or a TV show- is this movie pure and lovely? What impure thoughts will it place in my mind? Will it inspire me to take action on something good?
Are our conversations admirable? Or are we gossiping? Do we ask someone how they are doing just to feed the gossip mill? Or is it out of genuine concern for their well-being.
And finally- are our thoughts or actions excellent or worthy of praise? Are we thinking about helping that neighbor who is struggling, or are we sitting back, watching them struggle, and inwardly laughing at their struggles?
As Christians and followers of Christ, our thoughts and actions should be above the world's thoughts and actions. Yet so often that is not the case. we can use Philippians 4:8 as a tool to help ourselves be better people. We can use it to help us become more Christ-like and be an example to those around us. And most importantly. we can use it to seek out God's approval. If God's approval is our goal, than we would all do well to "think on these things."
Monday, April 23, 2007
Delighting To Do The Will of God
I love the title of today's post. I saw it in my devotional and I new it was for me today. Just think about it. To delight in doing God's will. What great idea- and a great feeling that is! Last night at our group we were discussing that very thing. About how sometimes the will of God is right in front of your face, and sometimes, you don't realize you've done God's will until you already did it.
But for the most part- you can find God's will in a book specially made just for you, and that of course, is your Bible. And look at this verse that I found in it today!
"Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." Romans 12:2
That's really an incredible verse in the Bible. It has many things to say to me this morning. The first being to not copy the customs and behavior of this world. I think that for the most part I've always marched to a different drummer, but often times I get caught up in what other people are doing. For example. Today Andy went back to work (I know- that is enough for me to leap for joy today!) and I could certainly spend the day lounging- not doing much, and doing those things a housewife is "known to do". I could spend some time watching talk shows and TV or soap operas. Or I could sit around- maybe play with Zander a bit, but mostly do my own thing. I could pull out a book or scrap booking things that I haven't touched in years. Instead though, God has totally changed my way of thinking. Today is all about enjoying time with my son. Everyday is about spending time with my children and helping mold them into little people for God. And I delight in that every single day. Every day.
So I have also understood the next part of the verse- allow God to change the way you think.
Changing the way you think can be really hard!! It's like developing a habit- or trying to rid yourself of one. It doesn't often happen overnight. But that's where God comes in. He can change it overnight. He can change your mind for you if you just let him. I used to think that my time was so important. It was a big deal that I be allowed my time to get something done, or see to a hobby of my own. I remember lamenting the loss of Abigail's nap time so many years ago- because that was my only free time. And again when Zander lost his nap a few months back. But now... I guess I just don't view my hobby time as important anymore. I used to record TV shows to watch during his nap time. I'd do that and do some cross-stitch or read, or something. And it has been difficult, but over the last several months, I've given up most of my TV viewing. No really. I watch very little TV anymore. It never goes on during the day for myself- only for the kids to watch something on occasion. In the evenings there are a few nights a week that Andy and I enjoy something together, but it is only after the kids are in bed. As a result of this change in mindset, my kids place less importance on TV and movie viewing. We're playing more games together and cooking together and being silly. We have so much more time together- all because I allowed God to change my way of thinking.
And after God's changed your mindset for you- you will know, with all your heart- that you are doing God's will for your life. I know that God's will for me is these two precious children. Spending as much time as possible with Zander, preparing him for the school days that are just two years away. And preparing both children to be children of God- to be little lights while at school every day. That is God's will. And it is delightful, and I delight in it. Allow God to transform you and your way of thinking, and you will find God's will for your life.
He is a truly wonderful and amazing God!
But for the most part- you can find God's will in a book specially made just for you, and that of course, is your Bible. And look at this verse that I found in it today!
"Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." Romans 12:2
That's really an incredible verse in the Bible. It has many things to say to me this morning. The first being to not copy the customs and behavior of this world. I think that for the most part I've always marched to a different drummer, but often times I get caught up in what other people are doing. For example. Today Andy went back to work (I know- that is enough for me to leap for joy today!) and I could certainly spend the day lounging- not doing much, and doing those things a housewife is "known to do". I could spend some time watching talk shows and TV or soap operas. Or I could sit around- maybe play with Zander a bit, but mostly do my own thing. I could pull out a book or scrap booking things that I haven't touched in years. Instead though, God has totally changed my way of thinking. Today is all about enjoying time with my son. Everyday is about spending time with my children and helping mold them into little people for God. And I delight in that every single day. Every day.
So I have also understood the next part of the verse- allow God to change the way you think.
Changing the way you think can be really hard!! It's like developing a habit- or trying to rid yourself of one. It doesn't often happen overnight. But that's where God comes in. He can change it overnight. He can change your mind for you if you just let him. I used to think that my time was so important. It was a big deal that I be allowed my time to get something done, or see to a hobby of my own. I remember lamenting the loss of Abigail's nap time so many years ago- because that was my only free time. And again when Zander lost his nap a few months back. But now... I guess I just don't view my hobby time as important anymore. I used to record TV shows to watch during his nap time. I'd do that and do some cross-stitch or read, or something. And it has been difficult, but over the last several months, I've given up most of my TV viewing. No really. I watch very little TV anymore. It never goes on during the day for myself- only for the kids to watch something on occasion. In the evenings there are a few nights a week that Andy and I enjoy something together, but it is only after the kids are in bed. As a result of this change in mindset, my kids place less importance on TV and movie viewing. We're playing more games together and cooking together and being silly. We have so much more time together- all because I allowed God to change my way of thinking.
And after God's changed your mindset for you- you will know, with all your heart- that you are doing God's will for your life. I know that God's will for me is these two precious children. Spending as much time as possible with Zander, preparing him for the school days that are just two years away. And preparing both children to be children of God- to be little lights while at school every day. That is God's will. And it is delightful, and I delight in it. Allow God to transform you and your way of thinking, and you will find God's will for your life.
He is a truly wonderful and amazing God!
Friday, April 20, 2007
Do Not Worry
25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" Matthew 6:25-27
This is one of those passages in the Bible that doesn't need much discussion. Look! It says right in the Bible-" do not worry". And while it is human nature to worry- I think, we don't have to do it. We can look worry straight in the eye and say "Be gone! I have no need to worry, the Lord is on my side." I love watching the birds in our backyard. We have a large open area, and it is full of birds. On warmer mornings I love to sit on the patio with my coffee while Zander plays and watch the birds interact with each other. And I always think about this verse when I do that. I think about how God watches every single one of these birds- and there is always plenty of food. Whether it be from one of the many feeders in the area, or from the plethora of worms plucked from the ground. The birds always have plenty, and are always full of songs of joy.
Right now I liken Andy and myself to the birds. We have plenty. We have an abundance that only God could have provided. And like the songbirds, we want to announce that to everyone who will listen. That God does provide!!! There is no reason to worry, because he is watching over us and will make sure that our needs are met. It is a beautiful day! The Lord does provide- and not only has he provided our basic needs, but today he has provided the most beautiful day! The sun is bright and shining, and we will be spending the next day or so outdoors in his splendor. God is great!
This is one of those passages in the Bible that doesn't need much discussion. Look! It says right in the Bible-" do not worry". And while it is human nature to worry- I think, we don't have to do it. We can look worry straight in the eye and say "Be gone! I have no need to worry, the Lord is on my side." I love watching the birds in our backyard. We have a large open area, and it is full of birds. On warmer mornings I love to sit on the patio with my coffee while Zander plays and watch the birds interact with each other. And I always think about this verse when I do that. I think about how God watches every single one of these birds- and there is always plenty of food. Whether it be from one of the many feeders in the area, or from the plethora of worms plucked from the ground. The birds always have plenty, and are always full of songs of joy.
Right now I liken Andy and myself to the birds. We have plenty. We have an abundance that only God could have provided. And like the songbirds, we want to announce that to everyone who will listen. That God does provide!!! There is no reason to worry, because he is watching over us and will make sure that our needs are met. It is a beautiful day! The Lord does provide- and not only has he provided our basic needs, but today he has provided the most beautiful day! The sun is bright and shining, and we will be spending the next day or so outdoors in his splendor. God is great!
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Asking Why
"Why do you make me look at injustice?
Why do you tolerate wrong?
Destruction and violence are before me;
there is strife, and conflict abounds." Habakkuk 1:3
Frequently people find themselves asking why. Why did I have to go through this? Or why did this happen to me? Or to them? Habakkuk asked those same questions of God. His people sinned greatly, and they needed to be punished, but Habakkuk did not like God's choice of punisher. Israel had been given plenty of chances to repent for their sins, and always refused God. So God sent in their enemies- the Babylonians to deal his swift punishment. Habakkuk understood this, but that didn't mean he wanted to see it or experience it himself. Habakkuk knew that God had to let the people make their own choices, and then deal with the consequences of their choices.
God does not force us to live his way. He also does not enjoy causing people sorrow or times of hurt. But all those dark times, the times where you feel as though you are under attack are designed to bring you closer to him. God's "discipline" is always meant to lead us back to him. Later on in Habakkuk, God gave the Israelites promises for the future. God always answers us. Habakkuk lamented to God, and God heard him, and he answered. We may not like the answers he gives us, but if we listen carefully, we will see that there is always a rainbow at the end of the trial. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel, and that light is our Lord, waiting patiently for us to make it through just one more trial.
Why do you tolerate wrong?
Destruction and violence are before me;
there is strife, and conflict abounds." Habakkuk 1:3
Frequently people find themselves asking why. Why did I have to go through this? Or why did this happen to me? Or to them? Habakkuk asked those same questions of God. His people sinned greatly, and they needed to be punished, but Habakkuk did not like God's choice of punisher. Israel had been given plenty of chances to repent for their sins, and always refused God. So God sent in their enemies- the Babylonians to deal his swift punishment. Habakkuk understood this, but that didn't mean he wanted to see it or experience it himself. Habakkuk knew that God had to let the people make their own choices, and then deal with the consequences of their choices.
God does not force us to live his way. He also does not enjoy causing people sorrow or times of hurt. But all those dark times, the times where you feel as though you are under attack are designed to bring you closer to him. God's "discipline" is always meant to lead us back to him. Later on in Habakkuk, God gave the Israelites promises for the future. God always answers us. Habakkuk lamented to God, and God heard him, and he answered. We may not like the answers he gives us, but if we listen carefully, we will see that there is always a rainbow at the end of the trial. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel, and that light is our Lord, waiting patiently for us to make it through just one more trial.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Joyful, Joyful
1 Praise the Lord, who is my rock.
He trains my hands for war
and gives my fingers skill for battle.
2 He is my loving ally and my fortress,
my tower of safety, my rescuer.
He is my shield, and I take refuge in him.
He makes the nations submit to me.
He trains my hands for war
and gives my fingers skill for battle.
2 He is my loving ally and my fortress,
my tower of safety, my rescuer.
He is my shield, and I take refuge in him.
He makes the nations submit to me.
3 O Lord, what are human beings that you should notice them,
mere mortals that you should think about them?
4 For they are like a breath of air;
their days are like a passing shadow.
5 Open the heavens, Lord, and come down.
Touch the mountains so they billow smoke.
6 Hurl your lightning bolts and scatter your enemies!
Shoot your arrows and confuse them!
7 Reach down from heaven and rescue me;
rescue me from deep waters,
from the power of my enemies.
8 Their mouths are full of lies;
they swear to tell the truth, but they lie instead.
9 I will sing a new song to you, O God!
I will sing your praises with a ten-stringed harp.
10 For you grant victory to kings!
You rescued your servant David from the fatal sword.
11 Save me!
Rescue me from the power of my enemies.
Their mouths are full of lies;
they swear to tell the truth, but they lie instead.
12 May our sons flourish in their youth
like well-nurtured plants.
May our daughters be like graceful pillars,
carved to beautify a palace.
13 May our barns be filled
with crops of every kind.
May the flocks in our fields multiply by the thousands,
even tens of thousands,
14 and may our oxen be loaded down with produce.
May there be no enemy breaking through our walls,
no going into captivity,
no cries of alarm in our town squares.
15 Yes, joyful are those who live like this!
Joyful indeed are those whose God is the Lord.
Psalm 144
This past week Andy was doing some extra work to try and bring in some money to pay the bills. It's amazing how when the finances get dangerously low, someone asks Andy to do some work for them. His provision is endless! He had two jobs lined up this past weekend, and after he finished the first, he didn't receive anything for the work. We both were a little disappointed in that, but Andy just said that no good deed goes unpunished and said that he was helping someone out. So then he did the second job, and while he was up in a tree, the person left, but not before putting a check in his car. What he didn't expect, was the amount on the check. It was double what we had expected. So now we have an abundance! It's completely crazy! For the first time in a long time we have extra and we are praying that God will help us use it wisely. It's partially tempting to be a little frivolous and pick up some of the things that we've been missing. But after nearly five months of being careful, that urge isn't so strong anymore.
That right there is a victory for me. It's huge that I don't want to run out and spend this excess that we have. I am a shopper, and when I glanced at the check Andy had in his hands, my first thought was a quick prayer to help me spend it wisely. I am sure it will be put to use- but in a good way. It IS joyful to live like this, and it IS joyful to have Our God as Lord.
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