"The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill Him, and the third day He will be raised up." ~Jesus
Even knowing that Jesus was going to be raised up from death would not have made it easier for the disciples to watch Him die a public and torturous death. My mother's heart grieves with Mary as she must've watched helplessly as her firstborn son was murdered. I wonder if I had been alive at that time, if I would've been at that execution to begin with. What would've captured my attention? Would it have been the smell of drying blood? Would it be justice served to the thieves? Perhaps, the agony or anger of the people as they watched. Would I have been drawn by the dice game the soldiers played or admired the weaving of the robe they were gambling for? The cries of the condemned, the violence of the crowd and the overall bloody outcome would've been overwhelming. After such an ordeal, it's no wonder they forgot about the "raised up" part!
"Behold my hands and my feet, that is is I myself. Handle me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have." ~Jesus
Friday, March 29, 2013
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Eternally Unique
"And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgement, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation." ~Hebrews
There is a speck of time in eternity that no one will be able to avoid. Their own death. We can theorize around it, fear it, embrace it, long for it and fight it but we cannot avoid it. Everyone alive today will one day be dead. Death doesn't care if you're Catholic, Atheist, Mormon or Humanist. In fact, it doesn't care what label you give yourself or title bestowed you by men. Just as inevitable and impartial as death is judgement. Again; we can theorize around it, fear it, embrace it, long for it and fight it, but it too, cannot be avoided. God is no respecter of men. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
God's own son also was appointed to die once and then face judgement. His death was unique just as my death will be. No one is born the same, no one will die the same. He rose from the dead and took His place on the throne of heaven just as I will rise and take up the place that He has prepared just for me in His kingdom. He appeared to me once and forgave me my sin and caused me to be born into that kingdom. He will appear to me again and take me with Him to where He is. How exciting! But still a little scary.
"My beloved spoke, and said to me; 'Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. for lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land!"' ~Solomon *sigh...*
There is a speck of time in eternity that no one will be able to avoid. Their own death. We can theorize around it, fear it, embrace it, long for it and fight it but we cannot avoid it. Everyone alive today will one day be dead. Death doesn't care if you're Catholic, Atheist, Mormon or Humanist. In fact, it doesn't care what label you give yourself or title bestowed you by men. Just as inevitable and impartial as death is judgement. Again; we can theorize around it, fear it, embrace it, long for it and fight it, but it too, cannot be avoided. God is no respecter of men. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
God's own son also was appointed to die once and then face judgement. His death was unique just as my death will be. No one is born the same, no one will die the same. He rose from the dead and took His place on the throne of heaven just as I will rise and take up the place that He has prepared just for me in His kingdom. He appeared to me once and forgave me my sin and caused me to be born into that kingdom. He will appear to me again and take me with Him to where He is. How exciting! But still a little scary.
"My beloved spoke, and said to me; 'Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. for lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land!"' ~Solomon *sigh...*
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Sown in Peace
"Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." ~James
Make peace. Now there's a concept. How many times have I been at war with myself when all I had to do was make peace with the circumstances and people in my life? There have been times when I've struggled with the past and realized that I can't change it. Therefore, I have two options. I could make peace with it or I could continue beating myself up and planting seeds of guilt and self-doubt in my present. What kind of fruit is sown in strife? I know the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace! That's what I want.
How does one make peace with the past? I suppose it starts with faith. When I asked God to forgive me for all the crap I'd done, I believe with all my heart that He did! The hard part was forgiving myself for the things I'd done. I'm eternally grateful that God is capable of forgiving and forgetting my sin. I'm also extremely thankful that, although I am capable of forgiving, I am not yet capable of forgetting. I don't want to ever forget any of the lessons I learned from having to make peace.
"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." ~Jesus
Make peace. Now there's a concept. How many times have I been at war with myself when all I had to do was make peace with the circumstances and people in my life? There have been times when I've struggled with the past and realized that I can't change it. Therefore, I have two options. I could make peace with it or I could continue beating myself up and planting seeds of guilt and self-doubt in my present. What kind of fruit is sown in strife? I know the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace! That's what I want.
How does one make peace with the past? I suppose it starts with faith. When I asked God to forgive me for all the crap I'd done, I believe with all my heart that He did! The hard part was forgiving myself for the things I'd done. I'm eternally grateful that God is capable of forgiving and forgetting my sin. I'm also extremely thankful that, although I am capable of forgiving, I am not yet capable of forgetting. I don't want to ever forget any of the lessons I learned from having to make peace.
"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." ~Jesus
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Living King
"...that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." ~Paul to the Romans
I can easily wrap my mind around the idea of God. I could see the intricacies of His creation in the mirror. Calling a man "Lord" was harder and required a step of faith in the creator. Believing that the man was raised from the dead required total trust in that Lord. I know He died for me and that the death was a horrible way to go. I've been at the foot of the cross. You know though, I want to live in His resurrection. I want to be on the beach with the risen Jesus having fresh bread and fish for breakfast. He's alive, he's not on that cross anymore! He's reigning in Heaven. That's where I want to be.
"But concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God, saying, 'I am the God of Abraham, the God Of Isaac and the God of Jacob'? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living." ~Jesus
I can easily wrap my mind around the idea of God. I could see the intricacies of His creation in the mirror. Calling a man "Lord" was harder and required a step of faith in the creator. Believing that the man was raised from the dead required total trust in that Lord. I know He died for me and that the death was a horrible way to go. I've been at the foot of the cross. You know though, I want to live in His resurrection. I want to be on the beach with the risen Jesus having fresh bread and fish for breakfast. He's alive, he's not on that cross anymore! He's reigning in Heaven. That's where I want to be.
"But concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God, saying, 'I am the God of Abraham, the God Of Isaac and the God of Jacob'? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living." ~Jesus
Monday, March 25, 2013
Mouthing Off
"Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows and death, is the man who deceives his neighbor, and says, 'I was only joking!"' ~Solomon
Several years ago I noticed a shift in humor. Sarcasm slowly became the entertainment of the hour and the meaner the statement, the bigger the laugh. Comedy was devolving into nothing more than verbal abuse and lies disguised as jokes. Families were portrayed as groups of people doing thier best to tear each other down. Love was being diluted into friendship and even that was modeled for chuckles and gasps. More arrows and death. It was becoming open season for madmen!
It was with a jolt that I woke up to the fact that I was just as guilty of throwing those firebrands, arrows and death as the rest of society. I can't count how many times I have let fly a zinger with the motive to get laughs when in actuality, it was a lie that planted seeds of destruction in a hungry heart. I'm so grateful that the Lord is capable of causing crop failures! I'm also grateful that God forgives me.
"... For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." ~Jesus
Today, I pray that the Holy Spirit will gaurd my heart so that what comes out my mouth will build others up and not tear them down.
Several years ago I noticed a shift in humor. Sarcasm slowly became the entertainment of the hour and the meaner the statement, the bigger the laugh. Comedy was devolving into nothing more than verbal abuse and lies disguised as jokes. Families were portrayed as groups of people doing thier best to tear each other down. Love was being diluted into friendship and even that was modeled for chuckles and gasps. More arrows and death. It was becoming open season for madmen!
It was with a jolt that I woke up to the fact that I was just as guilty of throwing those firebrands, arrows and death as the rest of society. I can't count how many times I have let fly a zinger with the motive to get laughs when in actuality, it was a lie that planted seeds of destruction in a hungry heart. I'm so grateful that the Lord is capable of causing crop failures! I'm also grateful that God forgives me.
"... For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." ~Jesus
Today, I pray that the Holy Spirit will gaurd my heart so that what comes out my mouth will build others up and not tear them down.
Friday, March 22, 2013
Joyfully Alone
"And when Jesus had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there." ~Matthew 14
This glimpse into the person of Jesus has always warmed my heart. He sends the disciples away by boat so he can dismiss the crowd that had gathered. They had all just had a sit-down dinner of bread and fish and were heading home, possibly with left-overs. What a meal that must've been!
What warms my heart the most though is the image of Jesus going from group to group personally dismissing the crowd. I'll bet He heard all thier names and not a family had been left untouched. I imagine He tousled children's hair and hugged gangly teenagers. I'll bet He talked fishing, farming, and carpentry as easily as the deep mysteries of eternal life, prophecy and parables. Indeed, He wove them together as object lessons for future generations. As an observer, I would've been taken by His laugh and drawn strength from His joy. For I doubt that it was with a heavy heart that He went up the mountain to pray!
"These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and your joy may be full." ~Jesus
This glimpse into the person of Jesus has always warmed my heart. He sends the disciples away by boat so he can dismiss the crowd that had gathered. They had all just had a sit-down dinner of bread and fish and were heading home, possibly with left-overs. What a meal that must've been!
What warms my heart the most though is the image of Jesus going from group to group personally dismissing the crowd. I'll bet He heard all thier names and not a family had been left untouched. I imagine He tousled children's hair and hugged gangly teenagers. I'll bet He talked fishing, farming, and carpentry as easily as the deep mysteries of eternal life, prophecy and parables. Indeed, He wove them together as object lessons for future generations. As an observer, I would've been taken by His laugh and drawn strength from His joy. For I doubt that it was with a heavy heart that He went up the mountain to pray!
"These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and your joy may be full." ~Jesus
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Word!
"Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?" ~Jesus
When I first became Christian, there was much ado about which translation of the Bible was the "real" word of God. The question of the day was a smug, "You don't read thaaaat version of the Bible do you?" I still remember the sting of being told that I should desire the "pure milk" of the word that was only found in one particular translation of the scriptures. When I read those translations (and I did) I spent more time trying to make out the meanings of the archaic words than I did living them. Simple stories became excruciating exercises of exegesis. All joy was lost in the muddle of verbiage. How was I ever going to be able to read this to children? It was then that I grabbed onto the above verse.
I asked my heavenly Father for bread and trusted that He wouldn't give me a stone. He desires me to have the pure milk of the word just as much as I desire not to be deceived by the teachings of men or led astray by the empty ceremony and tradition of religion. When I question the meaning and translation behind the words I read, the resources are there for me to take it back to the original languages if I feel the need. It's such a relief to read the Bible in a language I can relate to though. The Word comes to life!
"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." ~John 1:14
When I first became Christian, there was much ado about which translation of the Bible was the "real" word of God. The question of the day was a smug, "You don't read thaaaat version of the Bible do you?" I still remember the sting of being told that I should desire the "pure milk" of the word that was only found in one particular translation of the scriptures. When I read those translations (and I did) I spent more time trying to make out the meanings of the archaic words than I did living them. Simple stories became excruciating exercises of exegesis. All joy was lost in the muddle of verbiage. How was I ever going to be able to read this to children? It was then that I grabbed onto the above verse.
I asked my heavenly Father for bread and trusted that He wouldn't give me a stone. He desires me to have the pure milk of the word just as much as I desire not to be deceived by the teachings of men or led astray by the empty ceremony and tradition of religion. When I question the meaning and translation behind the words I read, the resources are there for me to take it back to the original languages if I feel the need. It's such a relief to read the Bible in a language I can relate to though. The Word comes to life!
"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." ~John 1:14
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Hope For Harvest
And Jesus said, "The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how."
Seeds fascinate me. Every year when I prepare my soil for the seeds, it causes me to ponder this verse in Mark. I know that if I plant a lettuce seed, lettuce will grow. I know that if I plant carrot seeds too deep, they won't grow. I've learned that zucchini seeds do best planted on a mound. Seeds need soil, sun and water in the right proportions. They need to be planted at specific times of the year to be fruitful. I know a lot about cultivation but one thing I marvel at is how can those little seeds contain all that material? Food for me from God.
Jesus compares the kingdom of God to scattering seeds. Indeed, I can see the truth in that. Just as when I plant my garden, it takes time before I see those sprouts. I don't know how the seeds grow but I can definitely see the growth and I rejoice with the angels!
"And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together." ~Jesus
Today, I'm rejoicing and singing, "Bringing in the Sheaves"...
Seeds fascinate me. Every year when I prepare my soil for the seeds, it causes me to ponder this verse in Mark. I know that if I plant a lettuce seed, lettuce will grow. I know that if I plant carrot seeds too deep, they won't grow. I've learned that zucchini seeds do best planted on a mound. Seeds need soil, sun and water in the right proportions. They need to be planted at specific times of the year to be fruitful. I know a lot about cultivation but one thing I marvel at is how can those little seeds contain all that material? Food for me from God.
Jesus compares the kingdom of God to scattering seeds. Indeed, I can see the truth in that. Just as when I plant my garden, it takes time before I see those sprouts. I don't know how the seeds grow but I can definitely see the growth and I rejoice with the angels!
"And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together." ~Jesus
Today, I'm rejoicing and singing, "Bringing in the Sheaves"...
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Wisdom and Happiness
He who heeds the word wisely will find good, and whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he." ~Solomon
The book of Proverbs is the most read book in my Bible. Years ago I developed a habit of reading one chapter of it a day every month. Since there are 31 chapters, I read the chapter that corresponds to the calendar date. It takes about 5 minutes to read and often times, I'll read it aloud. I challenge everyone reading this to pick up the habit. Start today by reading the 19th chapter.
I find each verse to be a potent seed of wisdom. Sometimes I'll puzzle over a verse for hours after I've read it. There are days when a familiar verse will jump off the page and shake off any built up layers of complacency. There are days when it feels like the same food every day and I don't remember what I read at all. But I trust the Lord to bring them to mind when I need them. I have seen what happens in my life and the life of others when they are not heeded. I trust the Lord to tell me where the traps and pitfalls are in this world and He does that in the book of Proverbs. He loves me and that makes me happy!
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." ~James
Today, I'm praying for those who desire to be happy. I pray they ask for wisdom so they can heed the word and find good and trust the Lord and find true happiness.
The book of Proverbs is the most read book in my Bible. Years ago I developed a habit of reading one chapter of it a day every month. Since there are 31 chapters, I read the chapter that corresponds to the calendar date. It takes about 5 minutes to read and often times, I'll read it aloud. I challenge everyone reading this to pick up the habit. Start today by reading the 19th chapter.
I find each verse to be a potent seed of wisdom. Sometimes I'll puzzle over a verse for hours after I've read it. There are days when a familiar verse will jump off the page and shake off any built up layers of complacency. There are days when it feels like the same food every day and I don't remember what I read at all. But I trust the Lord to bring them to mind when I need them. I have seen what happens in my life and the life of others when they are not heeded. I trust the Lord to tell me where the traps and pitfalls are in this world and He does that in the book of Proverbs. He loves me and that makes me happy!
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." ~James
Today, I'm praying for those who desire to be happy. I pray they ask for wisdom so they can heed the word and find good and trust the Lord and find true happiness.
Monday, March 18, 2013
Forgiving Lies
Forgiveness is a strange concept. Just to let go and accept that you've been forgiven isn't easy. I wonder why it's hard to receive something that is so vital to love. I know that my creator has forgiven me for my sins but often times, I mope around as if I don't believe Him. God has forgiven me so why can't I forgive myself? I began to realize that by not accepting the fact that God has forgiven and forgotten my sins, I was calling Him a liar.
It's funny how something like forgiveness can be a trap for my attention. My focus becomes my sin and my thoughtlife no longer dwells on whatever is true, noble, just, pure, lovely or praiseworthy. My mind gets bogged down in the mire of shame, guilt and personal reproach. I begin to quench the Spirit and my prayers feel like they're bouncing off the ceiling and back at me. To feel unforgiven is lonely and depressing. Hopeless... A lie!
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." ~John
Today, I am praying for those who need to confess and accept the forgiveness of God!
It's funny how something like forgiveness can be a trap for my attention. My focus becomes my sin and my thoughtlife no longer dwells on whatever is true, noble, just, pure, lovely or praiseworthy. My mind gets bogged down in the mire of shame, guilt and personal reproach. I begin to quench the Spirit and my prayers feel like they're bouncing off the ceiling and back at me. To feel unforgiven is lonely and depressing. Hopeless... A lie!
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." ~John
Today, I am praying for those who need to confess and accept the forgiveness of God!
Friday, March 15, 2013
Hide or Seek
"One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to see him in his temple." ~David
Seeking something requires looking for it. I know that sounds absurdly obvious but so often I find myself saying that I seek God when in actuality, I'm not looking for Him at all. My focus and thoughts become the flaws and errors of myself and those around me. Grace dims and love grows cold. Daily devotions become dry history lessons and joy vanishes. It's those times that the Holy Spirit will use a verse like the one above to snap my mind back to the eternal. Back to the man sitting on the throne in the temple in heaven. Oh, how I love Jesus.
Right now I dwell in the house of the Lord. I gaze upon his beauty when I look at the mountains, stars and oceans. I see Him in his temple when I read the descriptions of it in the Bible. I look for Him in others and myself. I'm grateful for His promises. What an awesome God I serve!
Today, I'm praying for all those that need to turn thier eyes towards heaven and know that the King of Kings loves them.
Seeking something requires looking for it. I know that sounds absurdly obvious but so often I find myself saying that I seek God when in actuality, I'm not looking for Him at all. My focus and thoughts become the flaws and errors of myself and those around me. Grace dims and love grows cold. Daily devotions become dry history lessons and joy vanishes. It's those times that the Holy Spirit will use a verse like the one above to snap my mind back to the eternal. Back to the man sitting on the throne in the temple in heaven. Oh, how I love Jesus.
Right now I dwell in the house of the Lord. I gaze upon his beauty when I look at the mountains, stars and oceans. I see Him in his temple when I read the descriptions of it in the Bible. I look for Him in others and myself. I'm grateful for His promises. What an awesome God I serve!
Today, I'm praying for all those that need to turn thier eyes towards heaven and know that the King of Kings loves them.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Lighting the Way
"This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light: in him there is no darkness at all." ~John
It thrills me to think of God as light without darkness. The world is so dark and death is glorified in everything from entertainment to skulls on apparel. It can be extremely discouraging if I focus on the encroaching darkness. I need to keep in mind that light shines brightest the darker it gets. I need to be walking in the light, it's the only way I can see where I'm going!
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house." ~Jesus
When the Holy Spirit filled me with His presence, I became light too. What an awesome image. I've come to understand that I don't have to try to shine the light, I am the light. When He lit me up God didn't put me under a bowl, He set me on a stand! Sometimes, I feel like a candle in the dark but that's okay. Even the smallest of flames dispels darkness and lights the path for others.
Today, I pray that I'm given an opportunity to let the light of God shine forth. Now I'm off to sing "This Little Light of Mine". Why don't you join me!
It thrills me to think of God as light without darkness. The world is so dark and death is glorified in everything from entertainment to skulls on apparel. It can be extremely discouraging if I focus on the encroaching darkness. I need to keep in mind that light shines brightest the darker it gets. I need to be walking in the light, it's the only way I can see where I'm going!
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house." ~Jesus
When the Holy Spirit filled me with His presence, I became light too. What an awesome image. I've come to understand that I don't have to try to shine the light, I am the light. When He lit me up God didn't put me under a bowl, He set me on a stand! Sometimes, I feel like a candle in the dark but that's okay. Even the smallest of flames dispels darkness and lights the path for others.
Today, I pray that I'm given an opportunity to let the light of God shine forth. Now I'm off to sing "This Little Light of Mine". Why don't you join me!
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Called By Name
Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?" (John 20)
The horror of watching someone you love being crucified must've been fresh in the mind of this woman. Here was a man that she had felt safe with. One that understood the anguish of her being and had cleansed and healed the very wounds of her heart. She had quietly poured his wine and worked with the others to provide for his needs. She had rejoiced at the miracles and been filled with joy at his teaching. Now she stood faced with an empty tomb and a man she assumed was the gardener asking her why she was crying and whom she was looking for. It's interesting that she doesn't tell him. She must've assumed the gardener would know. She says, "Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away." Basically, give Him to me!
For awhile, I wondered why she didn't recognize that it was Jesus speaking. Then I recalled that he'd been beaten, had his beard pulled out, a crown of thorns shoved on his head and scourged beyond recognition. What she was seeing was a scarred-faced man and I'm sure there were many of them in Jerusalem at that time.
Jesus said to her, "Mary!" That was it. She knew His voice when He said her name. I can just feel the excitement as she exclaims, "TEACHER!" I would be inclined to follow that with hugs, laughter and joyful tears if I had been her and I think that's what she did. I find the fact that she didn't recognize Him when He called her "woman", or the sound of His voice when He asked her why she was weeping and whom she was seeking, something to puzzle over. Perhaps it was the WAY He said her name that was so familiar. I like to think that He always said it sincerely pleased to see her!
Today, I'm praying for those who need to recognize the voice of Jesus calling thier name.
The horror of watching someone you love being crucified must've been fresh in the mind of this woman. Here was a man that she had felt safe with. One that understood the anguish of her being and had cleansed and healed the very wounds of her heart. She had quietly poured his wine and worked with the others to provide for his needs. She had rejoiced at the miracles and been filled with joy at his teaching. Now she stood faced with an empty tomb and a man she assumed was the gardener asking her why she was crying and whom she was looking for. It's interesting that she doesn't tell him. She must've assumed the gardener would know. She says, "Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away." Basically, give Him to me!
For awhile, I wondered why she didn't recognize that it was Jesus speaking. Then I recalled that he'd been beaten, had his beard pulled out, a crown of thorns shoved on his head and scourged beyond recognition. What she was seeing was a scarred-faced man and I'm sure there were many of them in Jerusalem at that time.
Jesus said to her, "Mary!" That was it. She knew His voice when He said her name. I can just feel the excitement as she exclaims, "TEACHER!" I would be inclined to follow that with hugs, laughter and joyful tears if I had been her and I think that's what she did. I find the fact that she didn't recognize Him when He called her "woman", or the sound of His voice when He asked her why she was weeping and whom she was seeking, something to puzzle over. Perhaps it was the WAY He said her name that was so familiar. I like to think that He always said it sincerely pleased to see her!
Today, I'm praying for those who need to recognize the voice of Jesus calling thier name.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Captivating Woman
"Who can find a wife of valor? For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life." ~King Lemuel's Mother (Proverbs 31)
I can almost hear the sigh of a mother's heart after the question, "Who can find a wife of valor?" There she was raising a future King and she knew all too well what destroyed even the strongest of men. Women. The first man, the strongest man, the wisest man, even the man after God's own heart all succumbed to the lust of the eyes. "Don't give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings," she plead.
As a mother, she set about teaching her son what to value in a woman. Usually I read this poem from the inside out by looking at the characterstics of my life and trying to measure how I'm doing as a wife. This time, I approached it from the outside in. I decided to be an observer of this woman's day. I imagined how she carried herself through the market place. How she kept busy. I admired her interactions with the people of every station in life. I couldn't help but thinking, "Wow, what a beautiful lady!" I could easily see a man being captivated by her love. Truly a treasure worth more than rubies.
"Listen, my son, to your father's instuction and do not forsake your mother's teaching." ~Solomon
I can almost hear the sigh of a mother's heart after the question, "Who can find a wife of valor?" There she was raising a future King and she knew all too well what destroyed even the strongest of men. Women. The first man, the strongest man, the wisest man, even the man after God's own heart all succumbed to the lust of the eyes. "Don't give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings," she plead.
As a mother, she set about teaching her son what to value in a woman. Usually I read this poem from the inside out by looking at the characterstics of my life and trying to measure how I'm doing as a wife. This time, I approached it from the outside in. I decided to be an observer of this woman's day. I imagined how she carried herself through the market place. How she kept busy. I admired her interactions with the people of every station in life. I couldn't help but thinking, "Wow, what a beautiful lady!" I could easily see a man being captivated by her love. Truly a treasure worth more than rubies.
"Listen, my son, to your father's instuction and do not forsake your mother's teaching." ~Solomon
Monday, March 11, 2013
Binding Hope
"...And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:13
I've studied 1 Corinthians 13 in search of clues about how to love people the way God loves me. I wanted to know what true love was because I was tired of the twisted love that the world was spewing at me. I just revisited that journey this morning when another little four letter word caught my attention. HOPE.
Hebrews tells me that faith is being sure of what I hope for and certain of what I don't see. Tidy definition of faith, right? Corinthians tells me what love is. It's a little more complicated it takes four verses instead of just one. Within those verses I'm told that love always protects, always trusts, always hopes and always perseveres. There is no tidy verse that sums up hope but in the very definitions of faith and love I'm told to hope. The Holy Spirit nudged me, as he often does, with a question. "Marie, what is your hope in? Where is your hope?"
I realized with a start that my hope really is in God. As I pray for my friends, family and neighbors I hope that God will bless them. I hope they'll see the light of God in thier lives and turn to Him by faith so they can receive the hope that comes with His love. I hope God goes before them and behind them and surrounds them. I hope they remember just how much Jesus loves them!
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you." ~Jeremiah
Today, I'm praying for those that need to grab on to the hope that's been given them!
I've studied 1 Corinthians 13 in search of clues about how to love people the way God loves me. I wanted to know what true love was because I was tired of the twisted love that the world was spewing at me. I just revisited that journey this morning when another little four letter word caught my attention. HOPE.
Hebrews tells me that faith is being sure of what I hope for and certain of what I don't see. Tidy definition of faith, right? Corinthians tells me what love is. It's a little more complicated it takes four verses instead of just one. Within those verses I'm told that love always protects, always trusts, always hopes and always perseveres. There is no tidy verse that sums up hope but in the very definitions of faith and love I'm told to hope. The Holy Spirit nudged me, as he often does, with a question. "Marie, what is your hope in? Where is your hope?"
I realized with a start that my hope really is in God. As I pray for my friends, family and neighbors I hope that God will bless them. I hope they'll see the light of God in thier lives and turn to Him by faith so they can receive the hope that comes with His love. I hope God goes before them and behind them and surrounds them. I hope they remember just how much Jesus loves them!
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you." ~Jeremiah
Today, I'm praying for those that need to grab on to the hope that's been given them!
Friday, March 8, 2013
Current Blessings
"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalms 46:10
I remember a time when our family was down at the river throwing rocks and watching them skip across to the other side. It was a beautiful sunny day and we were seeking out the whitest rocks we could find to take home. We did that every where we went. I sat on the beach watching my husband toss our children around in the water and I should've been filled with content, yet I wasn't.
I was filled with fear for my children and the earth that they would inherit. I had allowed the horror stories on the pages of the newspaper to paralyze me with dread. What would become of my precious offspring? My babies.
The current in the river tumbled over the rocks and around fallen trees. I spotted movement on the opposite shore and there stood a doe. She was casually nibbling while keeping a weary eye on where the rocks were splashing in the water. Otherwise, she seemed totally unfazed by our prescence.
We watched each other for a good ten minutes before a canoe with two frazzled riders came around the riverbend. The boaters navigated thier vessel through the rapids and into the calm current but still maintained thier frantic pace. They passed within a foot of that deer and didn't even see her. One of them almost hit her with an oar- she was that close. Wow. What a huge blessing they missed out on, I thought.
That's when that still small voice of God whispered to me that I was like those boaters. He said, "You are so busy needlessly fighting the current that you have been missing the blessings. Be still and know I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
Today, I pray for all those who need a reminder that God WILL be exalted, so don't sweat it. Relax and look for the blessings that surround you!
I remember a time when our family was down at the river throwing rocks and watching them skip across to the other side. It was a beautiful sunny day and we were seeking out the whitest rocks we could find to take home. We did that every where we went. I sat on the beach watching my husband toss our children around in the water and I should've been filled with content, yet I wasn't.
I was filled with fear for my children and the earth that they would inherit. I had allowed the horror stories on the pages of the newspaper to paralyze me with dread. What would become of my precious offspring? My babies.
The current in the river tumbled over the rocks and around fallen trees. I spotted movement on the opposite shore and there stood a doe. She was casually nibbling while keeping a weary eye on where the rocks were splashing in the water. Otherwise, she seemed totally unfazed by our prescence.
We watched each other for a good ten minutes before a canoe with two frazzled riders came around the riverbend. The boaters navigated thier vessel through the rapids and into the calm current but still maintained thier frantic pace. They passed within a foot of that deer and didn't even see her. One of them almost hit her with an oar- she was that close. Wow. What a huge blessing they missed out on, I thought.
That's when that still small voice of God whispered to me that I was like those boaters. He said, "You are so busy needlessly fighting the current that you have been missing the blessings. Be still and know I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
Today, I pray for all those who need a reminder that God WILL be exalted, so don't sweat it. Relax and look for the blessings that surround you!
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Teaching Women
"Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to thier husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God." ~Titus 2:4
As an (ahem) older woman, this verse was what I used when I was teaching an all-girls Sunday school class of 3rd-6th graders. Since obviously these girls were neither married nor had children, I used thier parents' relationships as examples and encouraged them to be looking for these traits in thier mothers. I was both amazed and amused by some of thier stories.
I asked the class once, "How does your Mom show love to your Dad?" One eager little girl got this disgusted look on her face and said, "She kisssses him eeeeeverywhere!" "Oh!" I squeaked, not sure where this was going. "Yeah!" she explained dramatically, "She kisses him in the KIT-chen and in the livingroooom and out on the patioooo..." She rolled her eyes, "Just EVERYWHERE!" The other little girls bobbed thier heads in agreement and exclaimed in unison, "Mine too!"
I went home that day and kissed my husband... just everywhere!
Today, I'm praising God for the parents of all those beauiful young women!
As an (ahem) older woman, this verse was what I used when I was teaching an all-girls Sunday school class of 3rd-6th graders. Since obviously these girls were neither married nor had children, I used thier parents' relationships as examples and encouraged them to be looking for these traits in thier mothers. I was both amazed and amused by some of thier stories.
I asked the class once, "How does your Mom show love to your Dad?" One eager little girl got this disgusted look on her face and said, "She kisssses him eeeeeverywhere!" "Oh!" I squeaked, not sure where this was going. "Yeah!" she explained dramatically, "She kisses him in the KIT-chen and in the livingroooom and out on the patioooo..." She rolled her eyes, "Just EVERYWHERE!" The other little girls bobbed thier heads in agreement and exclaimed in unison, "Mine too!"
I went home that day and kissed my husband... just everywhere!
Today, I'm praising God for the parents of all those beauiful young women!
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Consuming Fire
"For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God." Deuteronomy 4:24
I find myself mulling over the attributes of fire every day as I heat my house and cook my food with flames. This verse and it's parallel passage in Hebrews are always brought to mind. The element demands respect. Use it wisely and carefully or pay the consequences. It amazes me that unseen heat can take form into such a spectacular dance of dangerous color. You can never get complacent with fire, you will get burnt.
I'm facinated by the imagery of my God being a consuming fire. It makes me think about Moses and the burning bush that wasn't being consumed and about Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah dancing around in the furnace with the Lord until Nebuchandnezzar called them out. They didn't even smell like smoke. It's comforting to know that God is in control of what is consumed and what isn't. (Exodus 3), (Daniel 3)
The imagery of Elijah taunting the Baal priests always comes to mind too. How awe-inspiring it must've been to see fire come down out of heaven and consume the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil as well as lick up 12 large jars of water that had filled a trench after being poured over the sacrifice... Poof, gone! (1Kings 18)
Today, I'm asking the Lord to teach me what it means to fear Him.
I find myself mulling over the attributes of fire every day as I heat my house and cook my food with flames. This verse and it's parallel passage in Hebrews are always brought to mind. The element demands respect. Use it wisely and carefully or pay the consequences. It amazes me that unseen heat can take form into such a spectacular dance of dangerous color. You can never get complacent with fire, you will get burnt.
I'm facinated by the imagery of my God being a consuming fire. It makes me think about Moses and the burning bush that wasn't being consumed and about Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah dancing around in the furnace with the Lord until Nebuchandnezzar called them out. They didn't even smell like smoke. It's comforting to know that God is in control of what is consumed and what isn't. (Exodus 3), (Daniel 3)
The imagery of Elijah taunting the Baal priests always comes to mind too. How awe-inspiring it must've been to see fire come down out of heaven and consume the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil as well as lick up 12 large jars of water that had filled a trench after being poured over the sacrifice... Poof, gone! (1Kings 18)
Today, I'm asking the Lord to teach me what it means to fear Him.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Deaf Ears
"To whom can I speak and give warning? Who will listen to me? Their ears are closed so they cannot hear. The word of the Lord is offensive to them; they find no pleasure in it." ~Jeremiah
This verse is so sad. It saddens me because I take such great pleasure in the word of God. People that are offended by it miss out on so much. They will never feel thier heart sing with the Psalms or cry with the prophets. They will never feel the passion of the Song of Solomon or the gentle rythme of the Proverbs. They cannot hear his voice in the desert. They refuse to drink from the abundant peace that flows right past them every day. So sad.
Like Jeremiah, I can't be quiet about it. I long for other people to have the Holy Spirit in thier lives. I risk offending them but I have to remember that the word of God is a double-edged sword and it never goes back to the Father without accomplishing what He sent it to do. I want others to know the eternal pleasure that pours forth from the scriptures!
"He who has ears, let him hear." ~Jesus
This verse is so sad. It saddens me because I take such great pleasure in the word of God. People that are offended by it miss out on so much. They will never feel thier heart sing with the Psalms or cry with the prophets. They will never feel the passion of the Song of Solomon or the gentle rythme of the Proverbs. They cannot hear his voice in the desert. They refuse to drink from the abundant peace that flows right past them every day. So sad.
Like Jeremiah, I can't be quiet about it. I long for other people to have the Holy Spirit in thier lives. I risk offending them but I have to remember that the word of God is a double-edged sword and it never goes back to the Father without accomplishing what He sent it to do. I want others to know the eternal pleasure that pours forth from the scriptures!
"He who has ears, let him hear." ~Jesus
Monday, March 4, 2013
Person Behind the Name
"You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name." ~Deuteronomy 5:11
I've often meditated on what God meant when He commanded us not to use His name in vain or misuse His name. I've attacked this from a few angles, one being my taking of my husband's name without it making a change in my life or behavior. When I was born-again as a child of God, I was given His name in much the same way. If there is no fruit of the Spirit in my life, no change of my life and behavior because I've taken His name, Perhaps that was what it meant to take it in vain.
There was, of course, the more common way to look at it. Why does it prick me when someone uses "Jesus Christ" as a swear word? I've started to say, "You should talk about someone you know..." It makes them think about the person behind the name.
I've also thought about ways people misuse it for financial gain or influencing and controlling others. I guess it boils down to motive. What is my motive for using the Lord's name?
Today, I'm praising the Lord's name! In the sunshine~ no less... :D
I've often meditated on what God meant when He commanded us not to use His name in vain or misuse His name. I've attacked this from a few angles, one being my taking of my husband's name without it making a change in my life or behavior. When I was born-again as a child of God, I was given His name in much the same way. If there is no fruit of the Spirit in my life, no change of my life and behavior because I've taken His name, Perhaps that was what it meant to take it in vain.
There was, of course, the more common way to look at it. Why does it prick me when someone uses "Jesus Christ" as a swear word? I've started to say, "You should talk about someone you know..." It makes them think about the person behind the name.
I've also thought about ways people misuse it for financial gain or influencing and controlling others. I guess it boils down to motive. What is my motive for using the Lord's name?
Today, I'm praising the Lord's name! In the sunshine~ no less... :D
Friday, March 1, 2013
No Angel, Thanks!
"Yet to all who received him (Jesus), to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." ~John
I have been called an angel several times. It just didn't sit well with my spirit for some reason. It was only a compliment and I've learned how to accept those so what was it about being called an angel that caused my spirit to shrink back? Maybe because Satan is an angel and not all of them are good? Perhaps. They were created about five days before us so maybe... Wait! My spirit hopped. That's it! They're entirely different creations! They are servants. I'm a child!
So now when someone calls me an angel, I laugh and say, "Oooh no! They're whole different creations... I'm a child of God! Thank you though, for the wonderful compliment. My Father will be pleased."
Today, I'm praying for all us kids!
I have been called an angel several times. It just didn't sit well with my spirit for some reason. It was only a compliment and I've learned how to accept those so what was it about being called an angel that caused my spirit to shrink back? Maybe because Satan is an angel and not all of them are good? Perhaps. They were created about five days before us so maybe... Wait! My spirit hopped. That's it! They're entirely different creations! They are servants. I'm a child!
So now when someone calls me an angel, I laugh and say, "Oooh no! They're whole different creations... I'm a child of God! Thank you though, for the wonderful compliment. My Father will be pleased."
Today, I'm praying for all us kids!
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