"When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives." ~Matthew
Ahhh... music. Have you ever stopped and thought about what an intricate creation it is? Our brains are wired to respond to it. It's a powerful weapon of influence. It comes as no surprise to me then that the longest book in the Bible is the Psalms. It has 150 songs. The longest of these songs is 176 verses. ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY SIX! That is one loooong song! These words had been written down and preserved for centuries but none of the tunes survived. Interesting.
It seems that tunes are only vehicles for delivering a message. They massage the mind and heart of people into grabbing the words and then they silently slip back into eternity. You can speak directly to someone's heart as well as reveal your own through music. You can use it to inspire, teach and intimidate.
I like to believe that Jesus wanted to sing a hymn after his last meal as comfort. Comfort for both himself and the men that would flee when he was arrested. I can imagine the song ran through thier head all of thier lives. I wonder how many verses it had!
Today, I'm praying for those that need to change thier tune...
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Gone Fishing
"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."
I love the calling of the first disciples, Andrew and Peter. Here comes this carpenter down the beach and he snags two fishermen right away. They just jump off thier boats and take off. They were to be made fishers of men.
There are stories of Peter returning to his nets dotted throughout scripture. He made his living off the sea. It's a hard, uncertain and dangerous way to make a living but I imagine there were times when he ached from the beauty of a sunset or marveled at the carpet of stars. I'm sure there had to have been times when he could see his reflection in the calm of the water as well as times when he feared for his life in a roiling storm. He loved to fish.
The third time Jesus appeared to the disciples after coming back to life, Jesus changed his calling. He told Peter three times that He wanted him to be a shepherd. I can almost hear the urgency in the Lord when He tells him to "Feed my lambs", "Take care of my sheep", and "Feed my sheep". Then he repeats the command, "Follow me!" Once again, he was to leave his nets and follow Jesus.
Lord, help me to know when it's time to fish and when it's time to farm!
I love the calling of the first disciples, Andrew and Peter. Here comes this carpenter down the beach and he snags two fishermen right away. They just jump off thier boats and take off. They were to be made fishers of men.
There are stories of Peter returning to his nets dotted throughout scripture. He made his living off the sea. It's a hard, uncertain and dangerous way to make a living but I imagine there were times when he ached from the beauty of a sunset or marveled at the carpet of stars. I'm sure there had to have been times when he could see his reflection in the calm of the water as well as times when he feared for his life in a roiling storm. He loved to fish.
The third time Jesus appeared to the disciples after coming back to life, Jesus changed his calling. He told Peter three times that He wanted him to be a shepherd. I can almost hear the urgency in the Lord when He tells him to "Feed my lambs", "Take care of my sheep", and "Feed my sheep". Then he repeats the command, "Follow me!" Once again, he was to leave his nets and follow Jesus.
Lord, help me to know when it's time to fish and when it's time to farm!
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Acts of God
"He (the Lord) does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities." ~David
"Mom, there's a woman sitting in our driveway. She looks hurt." My teenage son was staring out the window, his face reflecting uncertainty and disbelief. "Who is it?" I asked while heading for the door. "I don't know" he squinted, "There's no car."
Her shirt was covered in blood and she was still bleeding from a gash on her head. A cast on her leg showed signs of having been dragged through the forest. "What do you want me to do?" I asked, "Call the police? An ambulance? What? Who did this to you?" Her beautiful blue eyes sparkled with tears. "Can I get a washcloth? I'm so embarassed." She sobbed. I held her close and helped her inside. "Who did this to you?!" I repeated. "My husband," She wailed from a heart in the depth of despair. My tears joined hers but mine were angry ones.
I brought her in the house and talked to her for over an hour while we cleaned her wounds. We sipped glasses of wine, prayed and cried. I gave her a new shirt and threw away her bloodstained one. My husband joined the conversation. He and I pleaded with her to let us do something. We both felt helpless. She did let me take pictures just in case something really bad happens to her. She also let me drive her home but she wouldn't let me in the door. Love your neighbor as yourself kept replaying in my head. I may not have been able to do anything but I knew someone that could! I began to pray vehemently and watch to see how the Lord would answer.
If I pray for vengence or out of anger, I trust that God will be just in his dealings with the target of my fury. Knowing that whatever happened to this man would affect his wife, I was curious just how God was going to deal with him. Personally, I thought a broken leg would've been appropriate or some other physical malady. You know, slip in the shower or something... Muah, ha, ha... God is so much kinder than I am. For that, I am eternally grateful!
Vengence came in the form of a tree. A huge tree fell and took out his shed with his mower inside. It tore through the roof of his garage and damaged his prize possession. Insurance called it "An act of God". Indeed. I found I was relieved that no one was hurt. I was also relieved that I serve a God that doesn't treat me the way others think I should be treated. I pray for this couple several times a day. I don't know just how or what to pray for for them so I trust the Spirit to lead me. He knows everything.
Today, I am praying for the silent sufferers of abuse. Give them courage, Lord.
"Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord." Romans 12:19
"Mom, there's a woman sitting in our driveway. She looks hurt." My teenage son was staring out the window, his face reflecting uncertainty and disbelief. "Who is it?" I asked while heading for the door. "I don't know" he squinted, "There's no car."
Her shirt was covered in blood and she was still bleeding from a gash on her head. A cast on her leg showed signs of having been dragged through the forest. "What do you want me to do?" I asked, "Call the police? An ambulance? What? Who did this to you?" Her beautiful blue eyes sparkled with tears. "Can I get a washcloth? I'm so embarassed." She sobbed. I held her close and helped her inside. "Who did this to you?!" I repeated. "My husband," She wailed from a heart in the depth of despair. My tears joined hers but mine were angry ones.
I brought her in the house and talked to her for over an hour while we cleaned her wounds. We sipped glasses of wine, prayed and cried. I gave her a new shirt and threw away her bloodstained one. My husband joined the conversation. He and I pleaded with her to let us do something. We both felt helpless. She did let me take pictures just in case something really bad happens to her. She also let me drive her home but she wouldn't let me in the door. Love your neighbor as yourself kept replaying in my head. I may not have been able to do anything but I knew someone that could! I began to pray vehemently and watch to see how the Lord would answer.
If I pray for vengence or out of anger, I trust that God will be just in his dealings with the target of my fury. Knowing that whatever happened to this man would affect his wife, I was curious just how God was going to deal with him. Personally, I thought a broken leg would've been appropriate or some other physical malady. You know, slip in the shower or something... Muah, ha, ha... God is so much kinder than I am. For that, I am eternally grateful!
Vengence came in the form of a tree. A huge tree fell and took out his shed with his mower inside. It tore through the roof of his garage and damaged his prize possession. Insurance called it "An act of God". Indeed. I found I was relieved that no one was hurt. I was also relieved that I serve a God that doesn't treat me the way others think I should be treated. I pray for this couple several times a day. I don't know just how or what to pray for for them so I trust the Spirit to lead me. He knows everything.
Today, I am praying for the silent sufferers of abuse. Give them courage, Lord.
"Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord." Romans 12:19
Monday, February 25, 2013
Real Piece of Work
"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." ~Paul of Tarsus
I like to examine the life of Ananias. There he was in Damascus probably trying to figure out how he was going to protect his family, and the Lord calls him. He tells him to walk right up to the very man responsible for the persecution and heal him. Sometimes, I imagine what it must've been like to be his wife! If my husband told me that he was told to go to Straight Street and give sight to a violent man with authority to arrest him, how would I react? I'd probably say something stupid like, "Can't you give old Barnabas sight instead? Are you SURE that's what God said?"
Ananias protests until the Lord said, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name." If my husband told me that this guy would suffer, I may be inclined to say, "GOOD!" I'll bet when he left the house, she was on her face before God. Then he brings him home!
What rich fellowship must've taken place at thier house as the men combed the scriptures. What a surprise it must've been when he stood up and preached about Jesus in the synagogues! What a risk they took to sneak him out of the city. How they must've missed him when he left. I'm sure I would've.
You can read this great story in Acts 9.
I like to examine the life of Ananias. There he was in Damascus probably trying to figure out how he was going to protect his family, and the Lord calls him. He tells him to walk right up to the very man responsible for the persecution and heal him. Sometimes, I imagine what it must've been like to be his wife! If my husband told me that he was told to go to Straight Street and give sight to a violent man with authority to arrest him, how would I react? I'd probably say something stupid like, "Can't you give old Barnabas sight instead? Are you SURE that's what God said?"
Ananias protests until the Lord said, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name." If my husband told me that this guy would suffer, I may be inclined to say, "GOOD!" I'll bet when he left the house, she was on her face before God. Then he brings him home!
What rich fellowship must've taken place at thier house as the men combed the scriptures. What a surprise it must've been when he stood up and preached about Jesus in the synagogues! What a risk they took to sneak him out of the city. How they must've missed him when he left. I'm sure I would've.
You can read this great story in Acts 9.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Eternal Flow
"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end." ~Solomon
Eternity. I think of it as a spiritual river flowing through the ages, flooding the universe and dropped into the hearts of men. No wonder Solomon says elsewhere to "Gaurd your heart. It is the wellspring of life." Like a river absorbs a droplet, eternity encompasses the entire timeline of humanity. Eternity touches the world at our hearts. Eternity is set in my heart. AWESOME! How beautiful is that?
""Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." ~Jesus
Together those streams become a raging river. Alone those steams water thirsty lands. Meditating on the properties of water, while keeping in mind that God's invisible qualities can be clearly seen by what has been made, has been a joyful waterslide! It's raining again...
Today, I'm praying that the thirsty will go to Jesus and drink!
Eternity. I think of it as a spiritual river flowing through the ages, flooding the universe and dropped into the hearts of men. No wonder Solomon says elsewhere to "Gaurd your heart. It is the wellspring of life." Like a river absorbs a droplet, eternity encompasses the entire timeline of humanity. Eternity touches the world at our hearts. Eternity is set in my heart. AWESOME! How beautiful is that?
""Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." ~Jesus
Together those streams become a raging river. Alone those steams water thirsty lands. Meditating on the properties of water, while keeping in mind that God's invisible qualities can be clearly seen by what has been made, has been a joyful waterslide! It's raining again...
Today, I'm praying that the thirsty will go to Jesus and drink!
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Final Foot Washing
"Now that I , your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet." ~Jesus
This always reminds me of being allowed to work alongside a hospice nurse to wash the feet of an elderly friend of mine just before she passed through the veil into glory. She was fragile and her skin was translucent and dry as parchment. I knew that touching her brought pain and I so desperately didn't want to hurt her. I lifted her leg and drew the washcloth gently across her foot. She kept jerking her foot back over and over again. I looked with pleading eyes at the hospice nurse, certain I was doing more harm than good. "Oh, I'm soooo sorry I'm hurting you!" I cried. She chuckled softly, "You're not hurting me, child! You're tickling me!" We burst into giggles. Leave it to me to tickle someone on thier deathbed... sheesh.
"Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." ~Jesus
This always reminds me of being allowed to work alongside a hospice nurse to wash the feet of an elderly friend of mine just before she passed through the veil into glory. She was fragile and her skin was translucent and dry as parchment. I knew that touching her brought pain and I so desperately didn't want to hurt her. I lifted her leg and drew the washcloth gently across her foot. She kept jerking her foot back over and over again. I looked with pleading eyes at the hospice nurse, certain I was doing more harm than good. "Oh, I'm soooo sorry I'm hurting you!" I cried. She chuckled softly, "You're not hurting me, child! You're tickling me!" We burst into giggles. Leave it to me to tickle someone on thier deathbed... sheesh.
"Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." ~Jesus
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Urban Renewal
"When they arrived at the house of the Lord in Jerusalem, some of the heads of the families gave freewill offerings toward the rebuilding of the house of God on its site." ~Ezra
Imagine a group of 42,360 people with 7,337 servants and 200 singers come riding into town on 736 horses, 245 mules, 435 camels and 6,720 donkeys! These were people that had been captives in Babylon for 70 years. They had counted the years until they could return to the land of thier fathers and now they were there! They set to work right away. I love to think about the revitalizing effect that these people had on a desolate, poverty-stricken city.
The sounds of carpenters, singers and joy returned to the streets. They traded with thier neighbors to get building materials and set up and worked out plans for the reconstruction. The city was having new life breathed into it and it vibrated with activity. It thrills me to think of the effect this would have on the children of Jersalem!
"No one could distinguish the sound of the shouts of joy from the sound of weeping, because the people made so much noise. And the sound was heard far away." ~Ezra
Praying for all those working hard today to make the world a brighter place!
Imagine a group of 42,360 people with 7,337 servants and 200 singers come riding into town on 736 horses, 245 mules, 435 camels and 6,720 donkeys! These were people that had been captives in Babylon for 70 years. They had counted the years until they could return to the land of thier fathers and now they were there! They set to work right away. I love to think about the revitalizing effect that these people had on a desolate, poverty-stricken city.
The sounds of carpenters, singers and joy returned to the streets. They traded with thier neighbors to get building materials and set up and worked out plans for the reconstruction. The city was having new life breathed into it and it vibrated with activity. It thrills me to think of the effect this would have on the children of Jersalem!
"No one could distinguish the sound of the shouts of joy from the sound of weeping, because the people made so much noise. And the sound was heard far away." ~Ezra
Praying for all those working hard today to make the world a brighter place!
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Thirsty Kids
"These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." ~Deuteronomy 6:6,7
God's commandments are to be upon our hearts, not just on plaques or monuments or even t-shirts but in thoughts and speech. Thinking about the scriptures, talking about the implications and sharing revelations freely with children is a gift. The next generation is thirsty for living water.
I've had a scripture board for over twenty years now. If something caught my attention while I was doing my daily reading, I would write the scripture on the board. It amazed me to see how many times the people coming in and out of my house would ask me about it. I had some really deep conversations with eight-year-olds and extremely spirited conversations with sixteen-year-olds. Each one contributed to my deeper understanding of who Jesus is and I'd fall in love with Him all over again.
Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."
God's commandments are to be upon our hearts, not just on plaques or monuments or even t-shirts but in thoughts and speech. Thinking about the scriptures, talking about the implications and sharing revelations freely with children is a gift. The next generation is thirsty for living water.
I've had a scripture board for over twenty years now. If something caught my attention while I was doing my daily reading, I would write the scripture on the board. It amazed me to see how many times the people coming in and out of my house would ask me about it. I had some really deep conversations with eight-year-olds and extremely spirited conversations with sixteen-year-olds. Each one contributed to my deeper understanding of who Jesus is and I'd fall in love with Him all over again.
Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."
Monday, February 18, 2013
Parent Pride
"Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of thier children." ~Solomon
Parents are the pride of their children. Hmmm... I started to examine the times in my life when my children expressed pride in thier father and I. It took me back to thier kindergarten pictures. I was always drawn dressed in a puffy sleeved princess gown with high heels and a crown. Everyone was told I was the prettiest Mom in the whooooole world. Makes me smile.
One day trudging through the woods as a family, my husband was pushing over rotted out trees to make the path safe for the kids to play. He must've pushed over seven big trees like they were styrofoam. The children watched in awe. "Push this one over, Dad!" my son said with enthusiasm. He had his little hand on a healthy, 200-year-old, cedar tree. My husband backed up and looked at it thoughtfully, stroked his beard and said, "Naah, Kevin, I want that one there." Everyone was told, "My Dad is the strongest man in the world."
On a thirty-six hour train ride with the three kids ages five and under, everyone was told that "My Dad is building a house as big as that mountain! My Mom grows roses, she has a red one for the blood of Christ, a white one for His purity, a purple one for His royality, and a Peace one, well, you know, for the peace that Jesus gives."
My children have children now. I think I'll plant a rose garden and put on my crown.
Parents are the pride of their children. Hmmm... I started to examine the times in my life when my children expressed pride in thier father and I. It took me back to thier kindergarten pictures. I was always drawn dressed in a puffy sleeved princess gown with high heels and a crown. Everyone was told I was the prettiest Mom in the whooooole world. Makes me smile.
One day trudging through the woods as a family, my husband was pushing over rotted out trees to make the path safe for the kids to play. He must've pushed over seven big trees like they were styrofoam. The children watched in awe. "Push this one over, Dad!" my son said with enthusiasm. He had his little hand on a healthy, 200-year-old, cedar tree. My husband backed up and looked at it thoughtfully, stroked his beard and said, "Naah, Kevin, I want that one there." Everyone was told, "My Dad is the strongest man in the world."
On a thirty-six hour train ride with the three kids ages five and under, everyone was told that "My Dad is building a house as big as that mountain! My Mom grows roses, she has a red one for the blood of Christ, a white one for His purity, a purple one for His royality, and a Peace one, well, you know, for the peace that Jesus gives."
My children have children now. I think I'll plant a rose garden and put on my crown.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Reflecting on Light
"You are the light of the world." ~Jesus
Well, Jesus says I'm the light of the world. Nice! Being who I am, I wanted to know just what that meant. I don't want to miss out on any of the benefits of being light, you know. I began to meditate on the properties of light.
Light dispels darkness. It is the presense of all color. It illuminates everything in it's path and reveals what's in the darkness without prejudice or partiality. It makes things sparkle without drawing attention to itself. Light draws everything from bugs to weary travellers to itself. Light is eternal.
Together we are a city on a hill that cannot be hidden. Seperately we are single lamps placed on stands to light the house.
"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." ~Jesus
Today, I'm so grateful for eyes that were made to see light!
Well, Jesus says I'm the light of the world. Nice! Being who I am, I wanted to know just what that meant. I don't want to miss out on any of the benefits of being light, you know. I began to meditate on the properties of light.
Light dispels darkness. It is the presense of all color. It illuminates everything in it's path and reveals what's in the darkness without prejudice or partiality. It makes things sparkle without drawing attention to itself. Light draws everything from bugs to weary travellers to itself. Light is eternal.
Together we are a city on a hill that cannot be hidden. Seperately we are single lamps placed on stands to light the house.
"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." ~Jesus
Today, I'm so grateful for eyes that were made to see light!
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Thinning Food
"He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for man to cultivate- bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread that sustains his heart." ~David, King of Israel
There is something spiritual about being able to walk out your back door and pick a fresh salad straight off the land. I marvel at the way our bodies are designed to work and feel a kinship with centuries of humanity when I'm working in the garden for food.
The most painful part of cultivating food for me is thinning the rows to get plants the correct distance apart. It hurts me to pull a taller, healthier plant and choose a smaller one to continue growing simply because it grew too close to it's neighbor or not where it belonged. I know it has to be done. I've been compassionate before and had some pretty twisted carrots! After the holocaust, the garden always looks weak and unhealthy to me but it's then that I know I can look forward to the harvest. I wonder if Eve ever felt that way...
Today, I'm thanking God for wine that gladdens my heart, oil that makes my face shine and the bread that sustains me!
There is something spiritual about being able to walk out your back door and pick a fresh salad straight off the land. I marvel at the way our bodies are designed to work and feel a kinship with centuries of humanity when I'm working in the garden for food.
The most painful part of cultivating food for me is thinning the rows to get plants the correct distance apart. It hurts me to pull a taller, healthier plant and choose a smaller one to continue growing simply because it grew too close to it's neighbor or not where it belonged. I know it has to be done. I've been compassionate before and had some pretty twisted carrots! After the holocaust, the garden always looks weak and unhealthy to me but it's then that I know I can look forward to the harvest. I wonder if Eve ever felt that way...
Today, I'm thanking God for wine that gladdens my heart, oil that makes my face shine and the bread that sustains me!
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Battle Stations
"You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you". ~Jahaziel
This battle is one of my favorites in the old testament simply because I like Jehoshaphat. When confronted with a vast army, he resolves to inquire of the Lord and proclaim a fast for all Judah. Then, he goes to the Lord before all his people and prays honestly, "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." He was told, to take up your positions, stand firm, watch what God can do and don't be afraid or discouraged! You can read the whole story in 2 Chronicles 20.
After reading this, I began to really do some deep self-examination. What was the position I was to take up? I looked at my life and saw that I was a wife and mother. I needed to take up that position and stand firm and watch what God would do. Believe me, there were times when the kids were teenagers that it was hard to not be afraid or discouraged. There were plenty of times where I went to the Lord and said, "I don't know what to do, but my eyes are on you." I found comfort in taking up my position, strength in standing firm and joy in seeing the Lord's deliverance! Just like Jehoshaphat!
Today, I'm praying for those that need the joy of the Lord!
This battle is one of my favorites in the old testament simply because I like Jehoshaphat. When confronted with a vast army, he resolves to inquire of the Lord and proclaim a fast for all Judah. Then, he goes to the Lord before all his people and prays honestly, "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." He was told, to take up your positions, stand firm, watch what God can do and don't be afraid or discouraged! You can read the whole story in 2 Chronicles 20.
After reading this, I began to really do some deep self-examination. What was the position I was to take up? I looked at my life and saw that I was a wife and mother. I needed to take up that position and stand firm and watch what God would do. Believe me, there were times when the kids were teenagers that it was hard to not be afraid or discouraged. There were plenty of times where I went to the Lord and said, "I don't know what to do, but my eyes are on you." I found comfort in taking up my position, strength in standing firm and joy in seeing the Lord's deliverance! Just like Jehoshaphat!
Today, I'm praying for those that need the joy of the Lord!
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Preparing for Battle
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified: do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." ~Joshua 1:9
Reading through the first chapter of Joshua, God told the man to be strong and courageous FOUR times! He must've been terrified and in need of encouragement. Indeed, what God was asking him to do was going to need faith. Faith that God really was with him and that the land across the Jordan really was thier inheritance. Faith that the battle really did belong to the Lord.
There have been times in my life when I struggle with discouragement. It's then that the Lord takes me aside for awhile just to remind me that He's commanded me to be strong and courageous. He hides me in the shadow of his wings and whispers His love to me with the wind. He reminds me that I can rest in His care. That there is nothing that will happen to me that He doesn't control. The battle is His and I get to celebrate the victory every day... just watch! *Sigh*... How can anyone NOT love a King like that?
Today, I'm praying for all those stuggling to overcome fear and discouragement!
Reading through the first chapter of Joshua, God told the man to be strong and courageous FOUR times! He must've been terrified and in need of encouragement. Indeed, what God was asking him to do was going to need faith. Faith that God really was with him and that the land across the Jordan really was thier inheritance. Faith that the battle really did belong to the Lord.
There have been times in my life when I struggle with discouragement. It's then that the Lord takes me aside for awhile just to remind me that He's commanded me to be strong and courageous. He hides me in the shadow of his wings and whispers His love to me with the wind. He reminds me that I can rest in His care. That there is nothing that will happen to me that He doesn't control. The battle is His and I get to celebrate the victory every day... just watch! *Sigh*... How can anyone NOT love a King like that?
Today, I'm praying for all those stuggling to overcome fear and discouragement!
Monday, February 11, 2013
Meaningless Money
"Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless." ~Solomon
There was a time in my life when all of my thoughts were centered around money. If I had some, I was focused on spending it. If I didn't have any, I was focused on making some. My devotions consisted of looking through a "Christian" wishbook and scheming for money to purchase that T-shirt that would surely be instrumental in leading the public to the knowledge of Jesus. My prayers were more of an appeal for money. "Oh Lord, if you would just let me win the lottery, I would use the winnings to buy... and of course, I would give ten percent to the church!"
God never accepted my bargain. Instead, He started taking away income. I was laid off and my husband chose to take a huge decrease in pay and go back to an hourly position from his managerial one. Things got tight. Of course, I went to the Lord with my complaints. It was then that He commanded me to keep my life free from the love of money and be content with what I have, because He will never leave or forsake me. An attitude of gratitude had to replace my striving. I began to thank Him for everything I had instead of begging Him for the things I didn't have. It's amazing how just that tweek in my thought life produced joy and self control. It even opened up the floodgates of Heaven and I've been blessed beyond all I could imagine.
There was a time in my life when all of my thoughts were centered around money. If I had some, I was focused on spending it. If I didn't have any, I was focused on making some. My devotions consisted of looking through a "Christian" wishbook and scheming for money to purchase that T-shirt that would surely be instrumental in leading the public to the knowledge of Jesus. My prayers were more of an appeal for money. "Oh Lord, if you would just let me win the lottery, I would use the winnings to buy... and of course, I would give ten percent to the church!"
God never accepted my bargain. Instead, He started taking away income. I was laid off and my husband chose to take a huge decrease in pay and go back to an hourly position from his managerial one. Things got tight. Of course, I went to the Lord with my complaints. It was then that He commanded me to keep my life free from the love of money and be content with what I have, because He will never leave or forsake me. An attitude of gratitude had to replace my striving. I began to thank Him for everything I had instead of begging Him for the things I didn't have. It's amazing how just that tweek in my thought life produced joy and self control. It even opened up the floodgates of Heaven and I've been blessed beyond all I could imagine.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Sparkles and Treasure
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." ~Jesus
Jewelry. It flashes in the light, draws the eye and gives any outfit a touch more class. For many years, my family would give me gold, diamonds and gems for every occasion. Each piece held a special place in my affections. I love watching the rings flash as I work in the garden or hear the bracelets softly chime while I scrub the bathroom. I was devastated when I came home from work one day to find that we'd been robbed. All my memories, all my jewels. Gone.
I wanted vengence. So I went to the Lord and told Him that. I said, "Okay, you know who did this and you can hit them hard! I want them squished! I want them dead and burning!" Oh, I can be very dramatic when angry. The Lord was quiet during my rants but He reassured me several times.
"Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but give place to wrath; for it is written, 'Vengence is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord. (Romans 12:19) Oh, they were in for it. It wasn't long though before He quieted my ire and showed me that this had to be done for MY growth.
"... lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. ~Jesus
To Jesus, these thieves were treasure. He knew them, loved them and was allowing them to reap what they'd sown. The treasures of heaven are not gold, diamonds and gems but repentant sinners. I pray for those thieves a different prayer now. I pray they get a new life in Christ. It amazed me how fast my jewelry collection grew again. In a matter of months I had pearls, gold, diamonds and emeralds to adorn my t-shirts and jeans. More important though, I had a new focus on what true treasure really is.
Jewelry. It flashes in the light, draws the eye and gives any outfit a touch more class. For many years, my family would give me gold, diamonds and gems for every occasion. Each piece held a special place in my affections. I love watching the rings flash as I work in the garden or hear the bracelets softly chime while I scrub the bathroom. I was devastated when I came home from work one day to find that we'd been robbed. All my memories, all my jewels. Gone.
I wanted vengence. So I went to the Lord and told Him that. I said, "Okay, you know who did this and you can hit them hard! I want them squished! I want them dead and burning!" Oh, I can be very dramatic when angry. The Lord was quiet during my rants but He reassured me several times.
"Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but give place to wrath; for it is written, 'Vengence is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord. (Romans 12:19) Oh, they were in for it. It wasn't long though before He quieted my ire and showed me that this had to be done for MY growth.
"... lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. ~Jesus
To Jesus, these thieves were treasure. He knew them, loved them and was allowing them to reap what they'd sown. The treasures of heaven are not gold, diamonds and gems but repentant sinners. I pray for those thieves a different prayer now. I pray they get a new life in Christ. It amazed me how fast my jewelry collection grew again. In a matter of months I had pearls, gold, diamonds and emeralds to adorn my t-shirts and jeans. More important though, I had a new focus on what true treasure really is.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Building Something Big
"And He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom and understanding, in knowledge and all manner of workmanship." Exodus 35:31
If there was ever an artist that I would've liked to have worked with, or just watched him work, it would be this guy. Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. Exodus goes into intimate detail of all the work he did and for a long time I would slog my way through the numbers and yawn my way through all the weavings. Yeah, yeah, fifty loops on the outer edge.. blah, blah, blah... until one day, it came alive.
Sometimes just a small tweek in my lenses, so to speak, can make a big diffence in the way I perceive things. When I was reading all the details of his craftmanship, I had focused on the articles he was making. I always tried to imagine the tent, curtains, lamps, and altar but have been bogged down by the itsy bitsy details. Obviously, Moses was fascinated with them. What I chose to do was reread the passage and focus on the people. The community that pulled together to build a place to worship.
The women weaving together, the men pounding gold and cutting wood. The sounds of work. I'll bet they sang, gossiped, laughed and cried together during those times. I can imagine the joy these artisans felt when they saw the cloud covering the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filling it.
Today, I'm praying for the carpenters and artists! May they be inspired.
If there was ever an artist that I would've liked to have worked with, or just watched him work, it would be this guy. Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. Exodus goes into intimate detail of all the work he did and for a long time I would slog my way through the numbers and yawn my way through all the weavings. Yeah, yeah, fifty loops on the outer edge.. blah, blah, blah... until one day, it came alive.
Sometimes just a small tweek in my lenses, so to speak, can make a big diffence in the way I perceive things. When I was reading all the details of his craftmanship, I had focused on the articles he was making. I always tried to imagine the tent, curtains, lamps, and altar but have been bogged down by the itsy bitsy details. Obviously, Moses was fascinated with them. What I chose to do was reread the passage and focus on the people. The community that pulled together to build a place to worship.
The women weaving together, the men pounding gold and cutting wood. The sounds of work. I'll bet they sang, gossiped, laughed and cried together during those times. I can imagine the joy these artisans felt when they saw the cloud covering the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filling it.
Today, I'm praying for the carpenters and artists! May they be inspired.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Body of Light
"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness." ~Jesus
This verse forced me to look at the way I was seeing things. It was natural for me to look for the flaws in everything and everybody. Oh, my motives were always good, I mean, who wouldn't want my honest opinion on how to improve themselves? Right? Everyone can use "constuctive" critism. Right? I was surprised to discover that this type of attitude left me dwelling on the negative in everything and everybody. How darkness had crept into my body and threatened to snuff out the smoldering wick of my faith. "Oh Lord! How can I change?! I want my eyes to be good and my body filled with light. Make my eyes shine like so many other Christians I know. I want the love, joy and peace that comes from having you in my life. Show me how!"
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- THINK ABOUT SUCH THINGS." ~Philippians 4:8
That was the key to training my mind to see good and lighting the lamp of my body! I thought it would be hard and it was. I took baby steps and began with my husband. Okay... let's see... what is true about him... It really made me see how far I had fallen. Then onto each child. It kept getting easier and easier. It didn't take long before I was seeing the light in my eyes if I looked real hard. I didn't have to look hard to see it in my childrens eyes though!
"If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" ~Jesus
Today, I'm praying for everyone who needs to ask for the Holy Spirit to light them up!
This verse forced me to look at the way I was seeing things. It was natural for me to look for the flaws in everything and everybody. Oh, my motives were always good, I mean, who wouldn't want my honest opinion on how to improve themselves? Right? Everyone can use "constuctive" critism. Right? I was surprised to discover that this type of attitude left me dwelling on the negative in everything and everybody. How darkness had crept into my body and threatened to snuff out the smoldering wick of my faith. "Oh Lord! How can I change?! I want my eyes to be good and my body filled with light. Make my eyes shine like so many other Christians I know. I want the love, joy and peace that comes from having you in my life. Show me how!"
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- THINK ABOUT SUCH THINGS." ~Philippians 4:8
That was the key to training my mind to see good and lighting the lamp of my body! I thought it would be hard and it was. I took baby steps and began with my husband. Okay... let's see... what is true about him... It really made me see how far I had fallen. Then onto each child. It kept getting easier and easier. It didn't take long before I was seeing the light in my eyes if I looked real hard. I didn't have to look hard to see it in my childrens eyes though!
"If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" ~Jesus
Today, I'm praying for everyone who needs to ask for the Holy Spirit to light them up!
Friday, February 1, 2013
A Place For Me
"In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." ~Jesus
There is only one me and there is only one you. Each of us has our own unique makeup, personality, and place in this world. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. No two the same. God determined the times set for us and the exact places where we should live. He did this so that we would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. So why do I so often imagine heaven as being the same for everyone?
Jesus has prepared a place for me. Just for me. He's coming back for me too so I can be with him. I want to hear his laughter. I long to sing with him. Until he does come for me though, I can get a glimpse of his glory by listening to my grandchildren's laughter and my husband's singing. Indeed, he isn't far from me. Just one heartbeat away!
Today, I am praying for wide open eyes to see His glory.
There is only one me and there is only one you. Each of us has our own unique makeup, personality, and place in this world. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. No two the same. God determined the times set for us and the exact places where we should live. He did this so that we would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. So why do I so often imagine heaven as being the same for everyone?
Jesus has prepared a place for me. Just for me. He's coming back for me too so I can be with him. I want to hear his laughter. I long to sing with him. Until he does come for me though, I can get a glimpse of his glory by listening to my grandchildren's laughter and my husband's singing. Indeed, he isn't far from me. Just one heartbeat away!
Today, I am praying for wide open eyes to see His glory.
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