"Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first." ~Jesus
The Christians in Ephesus were hard workers. They had ferretted out false teachers and kicked out wicked men. They had learned to test the Spirits to see if they were of God and had persevered through hardships for Jesus' name. Fervently serving the Lord without growing weary, these people suddenly reminded me of the story of Martha and Mary. Martha was so distracted that she forgot to take time to listen to the one she was serving. She had left her first love. She needed restoration.
It's so easy to get off on the Ephesian path. To be looking for the evil in each other instead of worshiping Jesus creates silly arguments that drive wedges between people. Tensions build at each "Aha!". It sure doesn't sound like a very joyful group of people to be around. Restoration was needed and healing would only begin if they remembered, repented and returned.
"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed." ~Luke
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Adding Forget to Forgiveness
"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." ~Jesus
I struggled with forgiveness for a long time. I could forgive but I just couldn't forget. I felt defeated and questioned my salvation. My countenance fell and even walking felt like slogging through fog. The more I tried to forget the more I remembered and the cycle would gain speed. In the midst of this self perpetuated storm the Holy Spirit stepped in and asked, "Why are you adding to my word?"
My spirit quickened. It was like a smoldering wick had been blown into flame as I read what the Bible had to say about forgetting. Most of it had to do with NOT forgetting. I was confused though. Weren't we to "forgive and forget" because God forgives us and forgets our sins? Isn't that part of loving others? I reread the attributes of love paying close attention to the word or concept of "forgetting". It says, "Love keeps no record of wrong." It does not say, "Love always forgets". I had bought into the world's idea of forgiveness and it had nothing to do with forgetting.
Forgive me, Lord! Thank you for showing me that I had heaped onto myself chains that I didn't need to carry!
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
I struggled with forgiveness for a long time. I could forgive but I just couldn't forget. I felt defeated and questioned my salvation. My countenance fell and even walking felt like slogging through fog. The more I tried to forget the more I remembered and the cycle would gain speed. In the midst of this self perpetuated storm the Holy Spirit stepped in and asked, "Why are you adding to my word?"
My spirit quickened. It was like a smoldering wick had been blown into flame as I read what the Bible had to say about forgetting. Most of it had to do with NOT forgetting. I was confused though. Weren't we to "forgive and forget" because God forgives us and forgets our sins? Isn't that part of loving others? I reread the attributes of love paying close attention to the word or concept of "forgetting". It says, "Love keeps no record of wrong." It does not say, "Love always forgets". I had bought into the world's idea of forgiveness and it had nothing to do with forgetting.
Forgive me, Lord! Thank you for showing me that I had heaped onto myself chains that I didn't need to carry!
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Solid Foundation
"For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." ~Paul
When my husband and I marked out the foundation for our house, we carefully used the instruments to make sure it would be level and we dug down to hard pan for stability. The footings had to be just so and we were well aware that any mistakes would be magnified at the time of building. If the foundation was strong, the house could withstand earthquakes and storms. Even if fire swept away the rest, the foundation would remain and the house reconstructed on it.
I'm grateful for this illustration of Paul's. Jesus is a firm foundation that has passed the test of time. I can trust that if I build my life with him as the center, I can withstand the earthquakes and storms that life deals out. Even when the fiery trials come, my foundation is firm and any reconstructing can begin.
So this is what the Sovereign Lord says; "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trust will never be dismayed." ~Isaiah
Friday, October 25, 2013
Two are One
"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy..." ~Paul
I asked the Lord to open my eyes to the love that he has for the church. I was considerably taken aback when the Spirit washed over my mind with this verse. Random memories of my husband's patience with me and the kindness he's always had came rushing through my spirit. Every morning when the alarm sounds and he drags himself out of bed to shower and go to work, he's giving his life for me. Love always perseveres, one day at a time. He thinks I'm worth it even though there are a lot of people that would disagree. He is captivated by my love and I have no idea why. He chose me, gave me his name, proclaimed me his, and has been protecting me for over thirty years. What a wonderful example of the love that Christ has for the church. Thank you Lord, for opening my eyes to it!
"...As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you." ~Isaiah
I asked the Lord to open my eyes to the love that he has for the church. I was considerably taken aback when the Spirit washed over my mind with this verse. Random memories of my husband's patience with me and the kindness he's always had came rushing through my spirit. Every morning when the alarm sounds and he drags himself out of bed to shower and go to work, he's giving his life for me. Love always perseveres, one day at a time. He thinks I'm worth it even though there are a lot of people that would disagree. He is captivated by my love and I have no idea why. He chose me, gave me his name, proclaimed me his, and has been protecting me for over thirty years. What a wonderful example of the love that Christ has for the church. Thank you Lord, for opening my eyes to it!
"...As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you." ~Isaiah
Thursday, October 24, 2013
All Leaves
"May you never bear fruit again!" ~Jesus
Jesus was hungry and the fig tree was in leaf but there was no fruit. It was not the season for figs. He cursed it and it withered from the roots. I can't help but feel sorry for that fig tree. It's hard for me to get past the seemingly unfair curse. A shimmer of understanding has me mulling over the seasons and hints at a warning.
I've felt like a tree out of season lately. It's not the first time and I'm aware that just as the seasons change, my life changes in cycles also. The planting of Spring, the watering of Summer, the harvest of Fall and the quiet cold of Winter have woven themselves into the pattern of my life. Like that fig tree, I can be all leaves and no fruit though. Jesus said if I remain in him I will bear much fruit. I must preach the Word whether in season or out of season. How horrid to think of never bearing the fruit of the Spirit!
"But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither." ~David
Jesus was hungry and the fig tree was in leaf but there was no fruit. It was not the season for figs. He cursed it and it withered from the roots. I can't help but feel sorry for that fig tree. It's hard for me to get past the seemingly unfair curse. A shimmer of understanding has me mulling over the seasons and hints at a warning.
I've felt like a tree out of season lately. It's not the first time and I'm aware that just as the seasons change, my life changes in cycles also. The planting of Spring, the watering of Summer, the harvest of Fall and the quiet cold of Winter have woven themselves into the pattern of my life. Like that fig tree, I can be all leaves and no fruit though. Jesus said if I remain in him I will bear much fruit. I must preach the Word whether in season or out of season. How horrid to think of never bearing the fruit of the Spirit!
"But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither." ~David
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Daddy's Home
He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. ~John
I was meditating on the return of Jesus and reminded of a prayer I said long ago. My daughter was around three years old and very much a Daddy's girl. She eagerly awaited his homecoming from work every day and would dance around, giggle and squeal when he opened the door. He would empty his arms and she would fly into them and they would twirl around together, completely captivated by each other. I remember praying, "Jesus when you return, please give me the same enthusiasm and love for you that my baby girl has for her Daddy! When you come back, I want to be so joyful that I dance, giggle and squeal until I am enveloped in your arms."
"Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." ~Paul
I was meditating on the return of Jesus and reminded of a prayer I said long ago. My daughter was around three years old and very much a Daddy's girl. She eagerly awaited his homecoming from work every day and would dance around, giggle and squeal when he opened the door. He would empty his arms and she would fly into them and they would twirl around together, completely captivated by each other. I remember praying, "Jesus when you return, please give me the same enthusiasm and love for you that my baby girl has for her Daddy! When you come back, I want to be so joyful that I dance, giggle and squeal until I am enveloped in your arms."
"Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." ~Paul
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Submitting For Good
"Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you." ~ The Lord God
There was a woman in a ladies Bible study that carried on and on about a grandiose good work that she wanted to start. Yes, it would be an all consuming project but she was certain she was going to reach thousands of people for Christ. Exciting right? If only her husband wasn't dead set against it, she fumed. She was plotting to push through with her ideas anyway and risk her marriage because she just knew that this was a good plan. She was convinced that he was being unreasonable by insisting that she was already spread too thin with her time and resources. In her eyes, by denying her the green light, he was disobeying the Lord. In my eyes, he was protecting her from burn out. She asked us what we thought.
I told her that if she went ahead with this that it would be HER disobeying the Lord not him. Her eyes grew wide at my obviously unexpected answer. The Bible says, "Wives, submit to your husband, as is fitting in the Lord". If you reject this word of the Lord, what kind of wisdom do you have? If your foundation for good works is rebellion how good are those works really? Be careful whose wisdom you embrace by disobeying God. Especially, if you are deceived into thinking that you're doing it for Him.
"For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry." ~Samuel
There was a woman in a ladies Bible study that carried on and on about a grandiose good work that she wanted to start. Yes, it would be an all consuming project but she was certain she was going to reach thousands of people for Christ. Exciting right? If only her husband wasn't dead set against it, she fumed. She was plotting to push through with her ideas anyway and risk her marriage because she just knew that this was a good plan. She was convinced that he was being unreasonable by insisting that she was already spread too thin with her time and resources. In her eyes, by denying her the green light, he was disobeying the Lord. In my eyes, he was protecting her from burn out. She asked us what we thought.
I told her that if she went ahead with this that it would be HER disobeying the Lord not him. Her eyes grew wide at my obviously unexpected answer. The Bible says, "Wives, submit to your husband, as is fitting in the Lord". If you reject this word of the Lord, what kind of wisdom do you have? If your foundation for good works is rebellion how good are those works really? Be careful whose wisdom you embrace by disobeying God. Especially, if you are deceived into thinking that you're doing it for Him.
"For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry." ~Samuel
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Heaven's Scent
"For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing." ~Paul
I've always thought that it would be easier to serve people if I didn't have a sense of smell. I could change unending diapers and clean up any rank mess if I didn't have to smell it. I am convinced. But yesterday, I realized what a wonderful gift my sense of smell is.
I got to the top of the hill after leaving the ferry and fell into the arms of my good friend, her intoxicating smell clung to my sweater. It's a delicate, earthy and exotic smell that is uniquely her. All day long, I felt enveloped in her simply because of the aroma. This morning the smell still lingers in my sweater and one whiff brought back years of memories with one more day added. The lingering scent made me realize how much I can miss when I only keep in contact with someone online.
I began to think of the many Sundays at church when I would get multiple hugs and come home wearing each persons' smell mingled with my own. Every waft would make me smile as I thought about the person it belonged to. We are the aroma of Christ to God. A beautiful perfume of mingled scents to those who are being saved. Just another blessing missed when I don't gather together with other believers!
Today, I'm imagining what Jesus smells like. I wonder if he has a musky wood smell mixed with the sweat of a carpenter. Perhaps he smells like the incense the magi presented to him at his birth. I know when I fall into his arms I will be engulfed in it, comforted by it and home forever. Ah... the smells of heaven!
"Pleasing is the fragrance of your perfumes; your name is perfume poured out. No wonder the maidens love you!" ~Solomon
I've always thought that it would be easier to serve people if I didn't have a sense of smell. I could change unending diapers and clean up any rank mess if I didn't have to smell it. I am convinced. But yesterday, I realized what a wonderful gift my sense of smell is.
I got to the top of the hill after leaving the ferry and fell into the arms of my good friend, her intoxicating smell clung to my sweater. It's a delicate, earthy and exotic smell that is uniquely her. All day long, I felt enveloped in her simply because of the aroma. This morning the smell still lingers in my sweater and one whiff brought back years of memories with one more day added. The lingering scent made me realize how much I can miss when I only keep in contact with someone online.
I began to think of the many Sundays at church when I would get multiple hugs and come home wearing each persons' smell mingled with my own. Every waft would make me smile as I thought about the person it belonged to. We are the aroma of Christ to God. A beautiful perfume of mingled scents to those who are being saved. Just another blessing missed when I don't gather together with other believers!
Today, I'm imagining what Jesus smells like. I wonder if he has a musky wood smell mixed with the sweat of a carpenter. Perhaps he smells like the incense the magi presented to him at his birth. I know when I fall into his arms I will be engulfed in it, comforted by it and home forever. Ah... the smells of heaven!
"Pleasing is the fragrance of your perfumes; your name is perfume poured out. No wonder the maidens love you!" ~Solomon
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
City Boys
Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor."
Meditating on the relationship that Jesus had with his cousin John, it brought to mind family reunions and celebrations. I can picture the two of them as boys running through the streets of Jerusalem during the Passover and other holidays that the families were required by law to gather together. I can imagine the two of them playing games and talking long into the night while gazing up at the stars from an upper room. I'll bet they picked on each other and rough housed just like all boys. Laughing at gross bodily functions and carrying on about masculine endeavors. Male friendships are a fascinating and foreign world to me as a woman.
I wonder if they went and visited old Anna in the temple or saw Simeon. I wonder if the shepherds kept track of him over the years. I know I would've if I had seen a great company of angels singing about him! I'm grateful for the silence of scripture concerning his childhood because I like to believe that Jesus had a happy childhood free from the scrutiny that his incredible life has been subject to over the centuries. I'm certain that he and John knew blind, lame and deaf people from just being kids running around during family gatherings. How wonderful for John to imagine them healed!
This is the one about whom it is written; " 'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' " ~Jesus
Meditating on the relationship that Jesus had with his cousin John, it brought to mind family reunions and celebrations. I can picture the two of them as boys running through the streets of Jerusalem during the Passover and other holidays that the families were required by law to gather together. I can imagine the two of them playing games and talking long into the night while gazing up at the stars from an upper room. I'll bet they picked on each other and rough housed just like all boys. Laughing at gross bodily functions and carrying on about masculine endeavors. Male friendships are a fascinating and foreign world to me as a woman.
I wonder if they went and visited old Anna in the temple or saw Simeon. I wonder if the shepherds kept track of him over the years. I know I would've if I had seen a great company of angels singing about him! I'm grateful for the silence of scripture concerning his childhood because I like to believe that Jesus had a happy childhood free from the scrutiny that his incredible life has been subject to over the centuries. I'm certain that he and John knew blind, lame and deaf people from just being kids running around during family gatherings. How wonderful for John to imagine them healed!
This is the one about whom it is written; " 'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' " ~Jesus
Friday, October 11, 2013
Giving Up
"For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." ~Paul
Reading a book on how to get started writing, the first thing it asked was what I was willing to give up to write. I thought about that for a long time and came to the conclusion at that time in my life that I wasn't willing to give up anything that I was using my time for. I had carefully balanced my life and was happy with the way it was proceeding. I didn't want to write bad enough.
Fast forward a few years and the urge to write became strong once again. That's when I began contemplating starting a blog. The question tugged at my mind. What was I willing to give up? This time the Spirit intervened and led me to the verse above in the letter to Timothy. My physical training was of some value but speaking forth God's word and sharing the wonderful things he has taught me and the amazing things he has shown me hold promise for all eternity! I had to use the time I had set aside for my workouts and replace it with writing. I have to admit, I wish I could've given up housework instead.
"Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress." ~Paul
Reading a book on how to get started writing, the first thing it asked was what I was willing to give up to write. I thought about that for a long time and came to the conclusion at that time in my life that I wasn't willing to give up anything that I was using my time for. I had carefully balanced my life and was happy with the way it was proceeding. I didn't want to write bad enough.
Fast forward a few years and the urge to write became strong once again. That's when I began contemplating starting a blog. The question tugged at my mind. What was I willing to give up? This time the Spirit intervened and led me to the verse above in the letter to Timothy. My physical training was of some value but speaking forth God's word and sharing the wonderful things he has taught me and the amazing things he has shown me hold promise for all eternity! I had to use the time I had set aside for my workouts and replace it with writing. I have to admit, I wish I could've given up housework instead.
"Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress." ~Paul
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Kept Well
"Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord." ~Solomon
Someone I admire the opinion of gushed on and on about her new friend she had met on a cruise. Apparently, this new friend was a rich man's mistress. He had supplied her with an upscale apartment and an allowance that was enough for her to live comfortably without having to work. He showered her with flowers and jewelry. She was a kept woman who didn't have to be a fulltime worker, wife, or mother. She got to go on cruises and travel too. She could shop every day if she wanted and actually buy things!
I'm not sure if it was the glazed dreamy look of the person regaling me with the wonderful life this "kept woman" lived or what but a small seed of envy sprang a root in my heart. Envy of a woman whom I had never met. The Lord asked, "Why?" I searched my heart for an answer and discovered that God had given me so much more than what the kept woman had. I don't work outside my custom home. I have fields of flowers and all sorts of jewelry. I've traveled. Even better though, I have a husband that loves me and is home every night. I have children and grandchildren. I am truly a kept woman. Kept by God!
"For your Maker is your husband- the Lord Almighty is his name..." ~Isaiah
Someone I admire the opinion of gushed on and on about her new friend she had met on a cruise. Apparently, this new friend was a rich man's mistress. He had supplied her with an upscale apartment and an allowance that was enough for her to live comfortably without having to work. He showered her with flowers and jewelry. She was a kept woman who didn't have to be a fulltime worker, wife, or mother. She got to go on cruises and travel too. She could shop every day if she wanted and actually buy things!
I'm not sure if it was the glazed dreamy look of the person regaling me with the wonderful life this "kept woman" lived or what but a small seed of envy sprang a root in my heart. Envy of a woman whom I had never met. The Lord asked, "Why?" I searched my heart for an answer and discovered that God had given me so much more than what the kept woman had. I don't work outside my custom home. I have fields of flowers and all sorts of jewelry. I've traveled. Even better though, I have a husband that loves me and is home every night. I have children and grandchildren. I am truly a kept woman. Kept by God!
"For your Maker is your husband- the Lord Almighty is his name..." ~Isaiah
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Escape Plan
"So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!" ~Paul
It's when I think that I'm doing pretty good in my constant battle to be better that pesky temptations sneak in. The temptation to think I'm doing it all by myself is one of the worst. I'm getting better at recognizing those sneaky darts for what they are and extinguishing them before they can consume too much of my thoughts or begin smoldering in my desires. It's comforting to know that God will not let me be tempted beyond what I can bear. He always provides a way out.
I've started looking for those escape routes ahead of time now. I can't say that I think about avoiding temptation as much as I seek the way out the Lord provides so that I can stand up under it. I've found it impossible to completely avoid temptation but I have found God to be faithful in always providing a clear way of escape. I just have to be willing to take it and not get entangled with the sin that so easily ensnares me. I want to be careful not to fall!
"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'" ~Isaiah
It's when I think that I'm doing pretty good in my constant battle to be better that pesky temptations sneak in. The temptation to think I'm doing it all by myself is one of the worst. I'm getting better at recognizing those sneaky darts for what they are and extinguishing them before they can consume too much of my thoughts or begin smoldering in my desires. It's comforting to know that God will not let me be tempted beyond what I can bear. He always provides a way out.
I've started looking for those escape routes ahead of time now. I can't say that I think about avoiding temptation as much as I seek the way out the Lord provides so that I can stand up under it. I've found it impossible to completely avoid temptation but I have found God to be faithful in always providing a clear way of escape. I just have to be willing to take it and not get entangled with the sin that so easily ensnares me. I want to be careful not to fall!
"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'" ~Isaiah
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Avoiding the Net
"Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one." ~Jesus
To be a person of my word is something I've aspired to for a long time because of this verse. I thought I was doing pretty good until this past weekend. My sin was laid bare before my eyes. Yuck. A friend asked for help unloading and stacking wood. I said, "No" when I should have said, "Yes". I found myself carrying on with some elaborate excuse for doing so. After she left, the Lord whispered, "What was that about?" My spirit squirmed a little and then answered, "A lie." Ugh, I'm sorry Lord.
I realized that I had already been planning on doing the same thing the next day. I had made a commitment and something more fun had presented itself. I had enthusiastically accepted the invitation and was already embroiled in how I was going to get out of my commitment. I had said, "Yes", when I should have said, "No". Seeing it for the trap it was didn't keep me from wrestling with it all night though. I'm a pro at justifying myself but God is a pro at tearing down my arguments. I relented and bowed out of the trip and did what I knew was right. I pray that the Lord will continue to reveal where I fall short in this. I really want my "yes" to be "yes" and my "no to be "no". No excuses!
"How useless to spread a net in full view of all the birds!" ~Solomon
To be a person of my word is something I've aspired to for a long time because of this verse. I thought I was doing pretty good until this past weekend. My sin was laid bare before my eyes. Yuck. A friend asked for help unloading and stacking wood. I said, "No" when I should have said, "Yes". I found myself carrying on with some elaborate excuse for doing so. After she left, the Lord whispered, "What was that about?" My spirit squirmed a little and then answered, "A lie." Ugh, I'm sorry Lord.
I realized that I had already been planning on doing the same thing the next day. I had made a commitment and something more fun had presented itself. I had enthusiastically accepted the invitation and was already embroiled in how I was going to get out of my commitment. I had said, "Yes", when I should have said, "No". Seeing it for the trap it was didn't keep me from wrestling with it all night though. I'm a pro at justifying myself but God is a pro at tearing down my arguments. I relented and bowed out of the trip and did what I knew was right. I pray that the Lord will continue to reveal where I fall short in this. I really want my "yes" to be "yes" and my "no to be "no". No excuses!
"How useless to spread a net in full view of all the birds!" ~Solomon
Friday, October 4, 2013
Seeking Wisdom
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." ~James
I constantly ask God for wisdom before I read his word then I rest in the knowledge that he gives it. The Spirit breathes life into each nugget of truth that flows out of the pages and into my heart. Every morning when I read a chapter of Proverbs it rings with pure wisdom and every verse is golden. They wash over me and cleanse me, heal me, and rebuke me. I seek it out and have become enchanted by it.
I can see why the queen of Sheba sought an audience with Solomon so many years ago. How wonderful it would have been to listen to the discussions amid the splendor of the royal palace. Being a scribe and carefully recording the Proverbs for the king would have been an amazing position. When she departed back to her country, she expressed envy of the servants in his presence and I can totally relate to that sentiment. How grateful I am that his words were preserved through the centuries and I can marinate in their wisdom every day!
"Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom." ~Solomon
I constantly ask God for wisdom before I read his word then I rest in the knowledge that he gives it. The Spirit breathes life into each nugget of truth that flows out of the pages and into my heart. Every morning when I read a chapter of Proverbs it rings with pure wisdom and every verse is golden. They wash over me and cleanse me, heal me, and rebuke me. I seek it out and have become enchanted by it.
I can see why the queen of Sheba sought an audience with Solomon so many years ago. How wonderful it would have been to listen to the discussions amid the splendor of the royal palace. Being a scribe and carefully recording the Proverbs for the king would have been an amazing position. When she departed back to her country, she expressed envy of the servants in his presence and I can totally relate to that sentiment. How grateful I am that his words were preserved through the centuries and I can marinate in their wisdom every day!
"Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom." ~Solomon
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Good Things
"I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ." ~Paul
I was expounding on the beauty and uniformity of creation to an atheist. I could see that he wanted to believe in a creator but couldn't push past his prejudices. He had carefully constructed scientific arguments that he leveled at me with genuine curiosity mixed with skepticism. I replied to each with a combination of scripture, common sense, and answers I had learned from my own searches. After about fifteen minutes of this spirited conversation, I felt the Holy Spirit take over. I could actually feel the light pouring out my eyes. Sunshine broke through the clouds, tumbled through the skylight and clothed me in gold. I will never forget the look on that man's face. His jaw dropped and his eyes grew round as he exclaimed, "Your AURA is HUGE right now!" I giggled involuntarily, "It's the Holy Spirit. He's one of the best parts of knowing the creator!" God had used me to make himself real to this gentleman. Just by sharing my faith, I began to understand more and more every good thing I have in Christ. How awesome is that?
Since that conversation, this man confessed Jesus as his savior and now his aura is huge too! We still have some pretty lively conversations which I thoroughly enjoy. As a brother, he's another good thing I have in Christ!
"Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints." ~Paul
I was expounding on the beauty and uniformity of creation to an atheist. I could see that he wanted to believe in a creator but couldn't push past his prejudices. He had carefully constructed scientific arguments that he leveled at me with genuine curiosity mixed with skepticism. I replied to each with a combination of scripture, common sense, and answers I had learned from my own searches. After about fifteen minutes of this spirited conversation, I felt the Holy Spirit take over. I could actually feel the light pouring out my eyes. Sunshine broke through the clouds, tumbled through the skylight and clothed me in gold. I will never forget the look on that man's face. His jaw dropped and his eyes grew round as he exclaimed, "Your AURA is HUGE right now!" I giggled involuntarily, "It's the Holy Spirit. He's one of the best parts of knowing the creator!" God had used me to make himself real to this gentleman. Just by sharing my faith, I began to understand more and more every good thing I have in Christ. How awesome is that?
Since that conversation, this man confessed Jesus as his savior and now his aura is huge too! We still have some pretty lively conversations which I thoroughly enjoy. As a brother, he's another good thing I have in Christ!
"Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints." ~Paul
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Silly Speculating
"When the turn came for Esther (the girl Mordecai had adopted, the daughter of his uncle Abihail) to go to the king, she asked for nothing other than what Hegai, the king's eunuch who was in charge of the harem, suggested." ~Esther
An orphan that had been raised by her cousin, Esther won the favor of everyone who saw her. She had been given a year of beauty treatments, special food, seven maids and the best place in the harem. As a favorite of the eunuchs, she was able to use their knowledge of the king when choosing the one thing that she was allowed to take with her from the harem when she was presented to him. I've often speculated what it was that she took that made her memorable to a man who had his choice of any woman in the land.
I've wondered if perhaps it was a musical instrument or a special lotion. There have been times that I've thought a game or a dazzling costume might have intrigued him. Scripture is silent about it and it's not all that "spiritual" to think about but silly speculating is fun sometimes. Whatever it was, she went from being an orphan of exiled parents to the queen of 127 provinces stretching from India to the upper Nile, won the heart of a king, and saved her people from persecution. I doubt it was just the beauty treatments!
"The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord." ~Sons of Korah
An orphan that had been raised by her cousin, Esther won the favor of everyone who saw her. She had been given a year of beauty treatments, special food, seven maids and the best place in the harem. As a favorite of the eunuchs, she was able to use their knowledge of the king when choosing the one thing that she was allowed to take with her from the harem when she was presented to him. I've often speculated what it was that she took that made her memorable to a man who had his choice of any woman in the land.
I've wondered if perhaps it was a musical instrument or a special lotion. There have been times that I've thought a game or a dazzling costume might have intrigued him. Scripture is silent about it and it's not all that "spiritual" to think about but silly speculating is fun sometimes. Whatever it was, she went from being an orphan of exiled parents to the queen of 127 provinces stretching from India to the upper Nile, won the heart of a king, and saved her people from persecution. I doubt it was just the beauty treatments!
"The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord." ~Sons of Korah
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Story Motives
"All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth." ~Nebuchadnezzar
In the book of Luke I'm told there was a group of people that went to Jesus and told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. I've often wondered what their motive was for this. Were they trying to garner his support for an anti-government campaign? Maybe rile him up to become the conquering messiah they wanted him to be? Force his hand? Did they wish to slander the victims because Jesus knew them? He was from Galilee and must have known several Galileans after all. Maybe a sort of "wink, wink" type move. Regardless of their intentions, I'm sure they didn't expect his answer. He said, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish."
"There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." ~Paul
In the book of Luke I'm told there was a group of people that went to Jesus and told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. I've often wondered what their motive was for this. Were they trying to garner his support for an anti-government campaign? Maybe rile him up to become the conquering messiah they wanted him to be? Force his hand? Did they wish to slander the victims because Jesus knew them? He was from Galilee and must have known several Galileans after all. Maybe a sort of "wink, wink" type move. Regardless of their intentions, I'm sure they didn't expect his answer. He said, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish."
"There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." ~Paul
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