The Kingdom of God transcends and invades every kingdom, continent, country, state, village and town of this planet yet is not held by boundaries or contained within buildings.
It is not advanced by man’s deeds or manipulations but by humility.
It is not held by the “wheelers and dealers” of any earthly kingdom but by those that are the lowest or least important in the eyes of earthly powers.
It cannot be overthrown in a coup or held hostage by any man.
Its power is beyond anything we have ever experienced in earthly kingdoms and yet its power is not motivated and fueled by greed or self preservation.
There are no political parties vying for power in this Kingdom- just One rule, One power, One authority.
Truth, not deception, is its foundation.
Entrance into this Kingdom is not by way of a broad boulevard; a valid passport purchased by the individual; or obtained by any governments nod of approval.
Entrance has been obtained by the Owners Sons life…it is by his life we have life...his life we have citizenship. It is this same Son who will be the light of this Kingdom.
The authority and power of the Owner is automatically transferred to all its citizens.
All are welcome but not everyone will choose to enter.
It is displayed through simplistic yet explosive power.
As citizens of this Kingdom, it is displayed through you and me…AMAZING!!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Wonderings
Recently I heard a sermon where the preacher suggested a reason for the Israelites 40 year desert wonderings was in order to get the Egyptian culture out of them. The Israelites had been in Egypt for such a long time and had absorbed so much of its culture they could no longer be recognized as the chosen children of the Most High God. So much did the culture overtake what God had instilled in them that it took 40 years for the “culture cleansing” process to be accomplished. Influence, good or bad, has a way of lingering from one generation to another.
I sometime think God uses the wonderings of our lives, those situations we question that come into our life journey, to cleanse our pre-conceived ideas of how and when He SHOULD work in and through us. In doing this, God once again seems to remind us that He alone, not the “action”, is to be our heart's desire. He will lead us into the land of His promise that He prepared for us way before we were even born.
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. Jeremiah 29:11
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will. Eph 1:11
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Eph 2:10
It is in this land of His promise we will reveal to those around us who God is and the blessed hope he has for them. But this can only happen as we take on His character---His culture.
And as with the Israelites we too may think the process, the journey is taking way too long. But God's timing is perfect in ALL things...even in our wonderings.
I sometime think God uses the wonderings of our lives, those situations we question that come into our life journey, to cleanse our pre-conceived ideas of how and when He SHOULD work in and through us. In doing this, God once again seems to remind us that He alone, not the “action”, is to be our heart's desire. He will lead us into the land of His promise that He prepared for us way before we were even born.
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. Jeremiah 29:11
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will. Eph 1:11
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Eph 2:10
It is in this land of His promise we will reveal to those around us who God is and the blessed hope he has for them. But this can only happen as we take on His character---His culture.
And as with the Israelites we too may think the process, the journey is taking way too long. But God's timing is perfect in ALL things...even in our wonderings.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Lord, I want to see your face
My hearts cry has been, “Lord I want to see your face.” Not that I don’t want to see His hands working through signs and miracles, but there is something about looking into someone’s eyes when they speak and observing their facial expressions when they look to you.
But could it be that I am looking for the wrong “face”?
Could it be that all along I have been looking into the face of God when I see a child crying…the beggar on the street searching for food….the alcoholic lost and stumbling...the teenager pregnant scared and not sure what to do….the mother so overwhelmed by tragedy she is willing to sell her children to survive….
And could it be they are looking to me to see the hands, arms and compassion of God?
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory and all his angels are with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. The people of every nation will be gathered in front of him. He will separate them as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right but the goats on his left. “Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, my Father has blessed you! Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger, and you took me into your home. I needed clothes, and you gave me something to wear. I was sick, and you took care of me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ “Then the people who have God’s approval will reply to him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you or see you thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you as a stranger and take you into our homes or see you in need of clothes and give you something to wear? When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ “The king will answer them, ‘I can guarantee this truth: Whatever you did for one of my brothers or sisters, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did for me.’
“Then the king will say to those on his left, ‘Get away from me! God has cursed you! Go into everlasting fire that was prepared for the devil and his angels! I was hungry, and you gave me nothing to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me nothing to drink. I was a stranger, and you didn’t take me into your homes. I needed clothes, and you didn’t give me anything to wear. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t take care of me.’ “They, too, will ask, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or as a stranger or in need of clothes or sick or in prison and didn’t help you?’ “He will answer them, ‘I can guarantee this truth: Whatever you failed to do for one of my brothers or sisters, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you failed to do for me.’
“These people will go away into eternal punishment, but those with God’s approval will go into eternal life.” (Matthew 25:31-46)
But could it be that I am looking for the wrong “face”?
Could it be that all along I have been looking into the face of God when I see a child crying…the beggar on the street searching for food….the alcoholic lost and stumbling...the teenager pregnant scared and not sure what to do….the mother so overwhelmed by tragedy she is willing to sell her children to survive….
And could it be they are looking to me to see the hands, arms and compassion of God?
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory and all his angels are with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. The people of every nation will be gathered in front of him. He will separate them as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right but the goats on his left. “Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, my Father has blessed you! Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger, and you took me into your home. I needed clothes, and you gave me something to wear. I was sick, and you took care of me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ “Then the people who have God’s approval will reply to him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you or see you thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you as a stranger and take you into our homes or see you in need of clothes and give you something to wear? When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ “The king will answer them, ‘I can guarantee this truth: Whatever you did for one of my brothers or sisters, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did for me.’
“Then the king will say to those on his left, ‘Get away from me! God has cursed you! Go into everlasting fire that was prepared for the devil and his angels! I was hungry, and you gave me nothing to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me nothing to drink. I was a stranger, and you didn’t take me into your homes. I needed clothes, and you didn’t give me anything to wear. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t take care of me.’ “They, too, will ask, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or as a stranger or in need of clothes or sick or in prison and didn’t help you?’ “He will answer them, ‘I can guarantee this truth: Whatever you failed to do for one of my brothers or sisters, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you failed to do for me.’
“These people will go away into eternal punishment, but those with God’s approval will go into eternal life.” (Matthew 25:31-46)
Monday, June 21, 2010
Gratitude
“When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot me.” Hosea 13:5
Lord, keep me hungry enough to remember you are the source and supplier of everything I need… never too full or satisfied I forget it is from your gracious hands I have received.Teach me humility so I will not become too dependent on myself that I forget You. Surround me with opportunities to open my eyes, ears, heart and hands to those who are hungry and thirsty around me so they may see You.
Monday, June 14, 2010
BEWARE OF THE SLIPPERY SLOPE
This morning I was reading in 2 Kings 6 of when the enemy surrounded the city Elisha was in. Alarmed, Elisha’s servant, Gehazi, asked, “Oh, my lord, what shall we do?” I love Elisha’s response, “Don’t be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
Elisha then prayed for the Lord to open Gehazi's eyes and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all surrounding the city.
I don’t know about you, but when the enemy appears to be unrestrained and bringing havoc in my life or those I love, it becomes a task to keep my eyes focused on the unseen army of God. The fear and frustration the physical brings can overwhelm the faith and contentment only the spiritual can give.
This can become a very slippy road if our eyes are only focused on the natural. Asaph said it best when he wrote in Psalm 73, “…my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.”
He continues to describe the carefree lifestyle the wicked live, the increase of their wealth, and jeering at God with no apparent consequences. He tried to understand how the wicked could prosper, but couldn’t. It is at this point many people would give up on God because they don’t see any retaliation from God to the wicked. “What’s the use” becomes the battle cry of the frustrated.
Not so with Asaph. He knew the key to this conflict: “When I tried to understand all this it was oppressive to me TILL I ENTERED THE SANCTUARY OF GOD; then I understood their final destiny.”
Asaph didn’t look to the natural but placed his trust in the One and True God and in His timing.
It was here, in the sanctuary of God, Asaph realized his heart was bitter that he was being foolish and ignorant to God. It was here, in the sanctuary of God, he realized God was holding and leading him; that no matter what happened to him God would forever be the strength of his heart.
As with Asaph, it is only when we enter the presence of the Living God and allow Him to invade our minds and hearts, to be the standard by which we measure all that is around us, we will ultimately see what evil has to offer—emptiness and destruction. In the presence of God we receive renewed hope and strength.
“But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.’” (vs 28)
Elisha then prayed for the Lord to open Gehazi's eyes and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all surrounding the city.
I don’t know about you, but when the enemy appears to be unrestrained and bringing havoc in my life or those I love, it becomes a task to keep my eyes focused on the unseen army of God. The fear and frustration the physical brings can overwhelm the faith and contentment only the spiritual can give.
This can become a very slippy road if our eyes are only focused on the natural. Asaph said it best when he wrote in Psalm 73, “…my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.”
He continues to describe the carefree lifestyle the wicked live, the increase of their wealth, and jeering at God with no apparent consequences. He tried to understand how the wicked could prosper, but couldn’t. It is at this point many people would give up on God because they don’t see any retaliation from God to the wicked. “What’s the use” becomes the battle cry of the frustrated.
Not so with Asaph. He knew the key to this conflict: “When I tried to understand all this it was oppressive to me TILL I ENTERED THE SANCTUARY OF GOD; then I understood their final destiny.”
Asaph didn’t look to the natural but placed his trust in the One and True God and in His timing.
It was here, in the sanctuary of God, Asaph realized his heart was bitter that he was being foolish and ignorant to God. It was here, in the sanctuary of God, he realized God was holding and leading him; that no matter what happened to him God would forever be the strength of his heart.
As with Asaph, it is only when we enter the presence of the Living God and allow Him to invade our minds and hearts, to be the standard by which we measure all that is around us, we will ultimately see what evil has to offer—emptiness and destruction. In the presence of God we receive renewed hope and strength.
“But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.’” (vs 28)
Monday, May 24, 2010
The Key
Once there was an old man who would walk through the neighborhood with a mysterious small drawstring bag attached to his belt. These were hard times and a lot of people were out of work. Like clockwork, he would come in to town early in the morning knocking on doors looking for odd jobs and in return be paid with food.
Rumor had it that he lived by the railroad tracks underneath a bridge with the other homeless people whom he would share some of his days ‘wages’ with.
Everyday he would walk the streets of our small town scavenging through the garbage occasionally finding treasures, even if they were only that in his own eyes.
He was an odd man. Humped over, his clothing and shoes always larger than his frame could hold. He had a scuffle when he walked that was slow, never in a hurry, never seemingly going anywhere in particular. He bore the signs of age, his face and hands hardened through years of hard labor and weather. Yet there was a kindness that showed through in his almost toothless smile and the gentleness with which he would pat a child’s head as he walked by. The only name we ever knew him by was George.
Over the years, he became a fixture within our little bedroom community.
I remember the time a fire started in a neighbor’s house and George was one of the first people there. He certainly couldn’t help put out the fire but his words of encouragement and hope were perfect to squelch the fear in our neighbors.
At the other end of town stood an old Victorian mansion. My mother told us of stories her mother told them about how it was the showcase of the town when she had been a young girl. Its beauty and elegance would have made the mansions of today pale by comparison. Inside the ornate trim, marble flooring imported from Italy and woven tapestries from around the world hung in the grand hall and were breathtaking. The sounds of laughter and music from the conservatory filled the air like an enchanting melody. Beautifully manicured gardens were the envy of the towns’ people. To receive an invitation for afternoon tea was the highlight of the year for anyone. The family who lived there had died a long time ago and the grandeur of the mansion had been lost due to neglect.
One cold wintry day we noticed George didn’t come into town. Although it seemed out of character we didn’t think anything more about it. Two more days passed and George was no where to be found. Finally the third day came and still no George. My dad and a couple of other men from our street thought maybe something had happened to George and decided to go down to the bridge to look for him.
No one and nothing was in sight except for a lonely box wrapped with old strips of plastic tarp to help shield against the cold wind and snow. It seemed the people who had lived there during the year had gone for shelter elsewhere now that winter was upon us. There were signs around the box that showed someone had recently been there.
When they removed the plastic tarp and opened the box their hearts were saddened to discover the lifeless body inside was George. The cause of his death was exposure to the elements—George froze to death. Attached to his belt was the small bag that had been his constant companion and inside the small bag was a key.
It took weeks of investigation to realize the key found on George’s body was for the old Victorian mansion. Much to everyone’s surprise, George was the adopted son of the mansions owners. Upon his father’s death, the mansion had been given to George as an inheritance but he never claimed his inheritance. He used to tell us that he had a grand inheritance waiting for him but we always thought he was just imagining it. When asked why he didn’t claim it he would say he didn’t want to lose the ‘lifestyle’ he had chosen…thought he would lose his freedom. Of course as much as we liked George we all thought he was making it up. Why would someone choose a life of poverty when they could have such wealth? All those years of living so close but never assuming rightful ownership, it just didn’t make sense.
Reading the above story, it is easy to think how foolish of George to choose poverty over wealth and protection had he only accepted and received his inheritance.
Some of our choices, like George’s don’t make sense either. We have been given citizenship in a Kingdom that is beyond any description we know. A Kingdom where safety, peace, restoration and rest are the norm and yet by accepting the “Key” to that Kingdom we think our ‘lifestyle and freedom’ will be infringed upon. We did nothing to earn or deserve this Kingdom. Yet it was purchased for us by the giving of the owner’s Sons life. Like George we too are an adopted heir to this Kingdom. The Key to entering this Kingdom:
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in 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. You know the way to the place where I am going—I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Signed….Jesus
(John 3:16;14:1-7)
Rumor had it that he lived by the railroad tracks underneath a bridge with the other homeless people whom he would share some of his days ‘wages’ with.
Everyday he would walk the streets of our small town scavenging through the garbage occasionally finding treasures, even if they were only that in his own eyes.
He was an odd man. Humped over, his clothing and shoes always larger than his frame could hold. He had a scuffle when he walked that was slow, never in a hurry, never seemingly going anywhere in particular. He bore the signs of age, his face and hands hardened through years of hard labor and weather. Yet there was a kindness that showed through in his almost toothless smile and the gentleness with which he would pat a child’s head as he walked by. The only name we ever knew him by was George.
Over the years, he became a fixture within our little bedroom community.
I remember the time a fire started in a neighbor’s house and George was one of the first people there. He certainly couldn’t help put out the fire but his words of encouragement and hope were perfect to squelch the fear in our neighbors.
At the other end of town stood an old Victorian mansion. My mother told us of stories her mother told them about how it was the showcase of the town when she had been a young girl. Its beauty and elegance would have made the mansions of today pale by comparison. Inside the ornate trim, marble flooring imported from Italy and woven tapestries from around the world hung in the grand hall and were breathtaking. The sounds of laughter and music from the conservatory filled the air like an enchanting melody. Beautifully manicured gardens were the envy of the towns’ people. To receive an invitation for afternoon tea was the highlight of the year for anyone. The family who lived there had died a long time ago and the grandeur of the mansion had been lost due to neglect.
One cold wintry day we noticed George didn’t come into town. Although it seemed out of character we didn’t think anything more about it. Two more days passed and George was no where to be found. Finally the third day came and still no George. My dad and a couple of other men from our street thought maybe something had happened to George and decided to go down to the bridge to look for him.
No one and nothing was in sight except for a lonely box wrapped with old strips of plastic tarp to help shield against the cold wind and snow. It seemed the people who had lived there during the year had gone for shelter elsewhere now that winter was upon us. There were signs around the box that showed someone had recently been there.
When they removed the plastic tarp and opened the box their hearts were saddened to discover the lifeless body inside was George. The cause of his death was exposure to the elements—George froze to death. Attached to his belt was the small bag that had been his constant companion and inside the small bag was a key.
It took weeks of investigation to realize the key found on George’s body was for the old Victorian mansion. Much to everyone’s surprise, George was the adopted son of the mansions owners. Upon his father’s death, the mansion had been given to George as an inheritance but he never claimed his inheritance. He used to tell us that he had a grand inheritance waiting for him but we always thought he was just imagining it. When asked why he didn’t claim it he would say he didn’t want to lose the ‘lifestyle’ he had chosen…thought he would lose his freedom. Of course as much as we liked George we all thought he was making it up. Why would someone choose a life of poverty when they could have such wealth? All those years of living so close but never assuming rightful ownership, it just didn’t make sense.
Reading the above story, it is easy to think how foolish of George to choose poverty over wealth and protection had he only accepted and received his inheritance.
Some of our choices, like George’s don’t make sense either. We have been given citizenship in a Kingdom that is beyond any description we know. A Kingdom where safety, peace, restoration and rest are the norm and yet by accepting the “Key” to that Kingdom we think our ‘lifestyle and freedom’ will be infringed upon. We did nothing to earn or deserve this Kingdom. Yet it was purchased for us by the giving of the owner’s Sons life. Like George we too are an adopted heir to this Kingdom. The Key to entering this Kingdom:
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in 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. You know the way to the place where I am going—I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Signed….Jesus
(John 3:16;14:1-7)
Monday, May 10, 2010
I've got you covered!
“Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered” is a common phrase heard not only in movies but between friends. It can be a comfort to know someone will be there to protect you when entering a dangerous or uncomfortable situation.
How much greater the impact of this phrase when it comes from the very mouth of God and is directed toward you and me.
David records these thoughts in Psalms 32:1-5, “Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit….then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord”—and you forgave the guilt of my sin.”
Throughout the Psalms David opens his heart and mind like a book to us, the readers, and we are allowed to enter into the pages of his private and personal thoughts. At times this may even seem like an intrusion into very intimate moments between David and his God. At other times it would appear David is at the front door of his heart opening it wide to welcome us into the inexpressible joy that can be realized from a sin forgiven which overwhelming had taken away the light and hope of his heart.
David understood his sin had been forgiven, covered and forgotten. The covering David speaks about was twofold: a present and recurring covering through the blood of an animal but also of a promise yet to come of a “complete covering.” A promise not yet seen by David, but for us it is a reminder of an unselfish and sacrificing covering through the blood Jesus Christ shed on the cross. Our sins were not only forgiven but also covered…buried…to be remembered no more by God!
There is yet another part to forgiveness we tend to struggle with even today. Equally important to the acceptance of forgiveness and the covering is to let go of the guilt surrounding the sin. We tend to resurrect guilt that was meant to be covered and buried with the sin.
I believe in Psalm 32 David knew the keys to burying guilt:
1. Don’t give time for guilt to be planted…he acknowledged and didn’t cover up his sin from God (verse 5)
2. Don’t give fertile soil for guilt to grow…he confessed (verse 5) and accepted God's grace and forgiveness
3. Don’t give guilt a permanent address…he allowed God to be his hiding place (verse 7) rather than dwelling and inviting guilt to stay as an "unwanted guest"
4. Don’t give guilt the key to our heart and mind…he was careful what he listened and dwelt upon (verse 7-8) …"rejoice in the Lord and be glad…” (verse 11) He didn't "revisit" the offense that would bring guilt
Although we may have to deal with consequences for our sin, letting go of guilt is a choice.
Whose covering are you under today? Is it bringing freedom, hope and life or slavery and bondage to “past”?
“He who dwells (remains) in the shelter of the most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty…He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” (Psalm 91:1, 4)
How much greater the impact of this phrase when it comes from the very mouth of God and is directed toward you and me.
David records these thoughts in Psalms 32:1-5, “Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit….then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord”—and you forgave the guilt of my sin.”
Throughout the Psalms David opens his heart and mind like a book to us, the readers, and we are allowed to enter into the pages of his private and personal thoughts. At times this may even seem like an intrusion into very intimate moments between David and his God. At other times it would appear David is at the front door of his heart opening it wide to welcome us into the inexpressible joy that can be realized from a sin forgiven which overwhelming had taken away the light and hope of his heart.
David understood his sin had been forgiven, covered and forgotten. The covering David speaks about was twofold: a present and recurring covering through the blood of an animal but also of a promise yet to come of a “complete covering.” A promise not yet seen by David, but for us it is a reminder of an unselfish and sacrificing covering through the blood Jesus Christ shed on the cross. Our sins were not only forgiven but also covered…buried…to be remembered no more by God!
There is yet another part to forgiveness we tend to struggle with even today. Equally important to the acceptance of forgiveness and the covering is to let go of the guilt surrounding the sin. We tend to resurrect guilt that was meant to be covered and buried with the sin.
I believe in Psalm 32 David knew the keys to burying guilt:
1. Don’t give time for guilt to be planted…he acknowledged and didn’t cover up his sin from God (verse 5)
2. Don’t give fertile soil for guilt to grow…he confessed (verse 5) and accepted God's grace and forgiveness
3. Don’t give guilt a permanent address…he allowed God to be his hiding place (verse 7) rather than dwelling and inviting guilt to stay as an "unwanted guest"
4. Don’t give guilt the key to our heart and mind…he was careful what he listened and dwelt upon (verse 7-8) …"rejoice in the Lord and be glad…” (verse 11) He didn't "revisit" the offense that would bring guilt
Although we may have to deal with consequences for our sin, letting go of guilt is a choice.
Whose covering are you under today? Is it bringing freedom, hope and life or slavery and bondage to “past”?
“He who dwells (remains) in the shelter of the most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty…He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” (Psalm 91:1, 4)
Monday, April 26, 2010
IF
Then if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, if they will pray and seek me and stop their evil ways, I will hear them from heaven. I will forgive their sin, and I will heal their land. Now I will see them, and I will listen to the prayers prayed in this place.
2 Chronicles 7:14-15
HUMBLE MYSELF: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Romans 12:3
PRAY…SEEK (ASK) GOD: While Jeremiah was still locked up in the courtyard of the guards, the LORD spoke his word to him a second time: "These are the words of the LORD, who made the earth, shaped it, and gave it order, whose name is the LORD: 'Judah, pray to me, and I will answer you. I will tell you important secrets you have never heard before.' Jeremiah 33:1-3
STOP: We are surrounded by a great cloud of people whose lives tell us what faith means. So let us run the race that is before us and never give up. We should remove from our lives anything that would get in the way and the sin that so easily holds us back. Let us look only to Jesus, the One who began our faith and who makes it perfect. He suffered death on the cross. But he accepted the shame as if it were nothing because of the joy that God put before him. And now he is sitting at the right side of God's throne. Think about Jesus' example. He held on while wicked people were doing evil things to him. So do not get tired and stop trying.
Hebrews 12:1-3
Choices I make with results that will affect a nation…one person at a time…because I AM has spoken and promised!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Exist or live?
“There was a time when I didn’t exist, but there will never again be a time when I won’t exist.”
This was quoted at a seminar I recently attended and I can’t seem to get it out of my mind. I have been thinking about life and existence all week. I didn’t have a choice in my conception and birth that was my parent’s choice. However, it is my choice that will determine my existence as living or dead AFTER my last breath on earth. What I do with my life from the time I came out of my mother’s womb until I breathe my last breath is in preparation for a time when I won’t physically exist…yet I will still exist.
Sounds like a riddle? Jesus often spoke in physical terms to explain an eternal/spiritual concept. What to the physical ear can sound like a riddle is revealed as truth to the spiritual ear. Two examples:
1. Jesus speaking to Martha after her brother Lazarus died:
Jesus told her, “Your brother will rise again.” “Yes,” Martha said, “he will rise when everyone else rises, at the last day.” Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this, Martha?” (John 11:23-26)
2. Jesus speaking to Nicodemus explaining that unless he was born again he could not see the Kingdom of God. To which Nicodemus explained, “Huh???”…well, not exactly that word.
Nicodemus said, "But if a person is already old, how can he be born again? He cannot enter his mother's womb again. So how can a person be born a second time?” (John 3:1-16)
What sounded like a logical question from Nicodemus, Jesus used as a segue into explaining the lives in of John 11:26. "I tell you the truth, unless you are born from water and the Spirit, you cannot enter God's kingdom. Human life comes from human parents, but spiritual life comes from the Spirit. Don't be surprised when I tell you, 'You must all be born again.’ No one has ever gone to heaven and returned. But the Son of Man (Jesus) has come down from heaven. And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life. For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
So what does all this have to do with my opening statement?
Knowing at some point in time I would be born, God had a plan for my life. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Knowing exactly what I would need for my body to be formed and grow, God was there when I was conceived. (Psalm 139)
Knowing the number of days I would live on earth….God determined my beginning from my end. (Psalm 139)
Knowing eternal life past my earthly existence….God gave His Son so I could always live (eternal life) not just exist (decaying yet remaining alive…forever). (John 3:16-21)
“In the beginning…God” are the first words written in the Bible. "Come!" Let whoever is thirsty…whoever wishes may have the water of life as a free gift…Jesus, the One who says these things are true, says, "Yes, I am coming soon." These are some of the last words written in the Bible. In between are all the answers we will ever need to make an eternal choice.
There may have been a time when I didn’t exist, but there was never (nor ever will be) a time when God did not exist. One question remains for you and me: do I want to “live” or just “exist” after I die and leave this earth? That choice will always remain ours.
This was quoted at a seminar I recently attended and I can’t seem to get it out of my mind. I have been thinking about life and existence all week. I didn’t have a choice in my conception and birth that was my parent’s choice. However, it is my choice that will determine my existence as living or dead AFTER my last breath on earth. What I do with my life from the time I came out of my mother’s womb until I breathe my last breath is in preparation for a time when I won’t physically exist…yet I will still exist.
Sounds like a riddle? Jesus often spoke in physical terms to explain an eternal/spiritual concept. What to the physical ear can sound like a riddle is revealed as truth to the spiritual ear. Two examples:
1. Jesus speaking to Martha after her brother Lazarus died:
Jesus told her, “Your brother will rise again.” “Yes,” Martha said, “he will rise when everyone else rises, at the last day.” Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this, Martha?” (John 11:23-26)
2. Jesus speaking to Nicodemus explaining that unless he was born again he could not see the Kingdom of God. To which Nicodemus explained, “Huh???”…well, not exactly that word.
Nicodemus said, "But if a person is already old, how can he be born again? He cannot enter his mother's womb again. So how can a person be born a second time?” (John 3:1-16)
What sounded like a logical question from Nicodemus, Jesus used as a segue into explaining the lives in of John 11:26. "I tell you the truth, unless you are born from water and the Spirit, you cannot enter God's kingdom. Human life comes from human parents, but spiritual life comes from the Spirit. Don't be surprised when I tell you, 'You must all be born again.’ No one has ever gone to heaven and returned. But the Son of Man (Jesus) has come down from heaven. And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life. For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
So what does all this have to do with my opening statement?
Knowing at some point in time I would be born, God had a plan for my life. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Knowing exactly what I would need for my body to be formed and grow, God was there when I was conceived. (Psalm 139)
Knowing the number of days I would live on earth….God determined my beginning from my end. (Psalm 139)
Knowing eternal life past my earthly existence….God gave His Son so I could always live (eternal life) not just exist (decaying yet remaining alive…forever). (John 3:16-21)
“In the beginning…God” are the first words written in the Bible. "Come!" Let whoever is thirsty…whoever wishes may have the water of life as a free gift…Jesus, the One who says these things are true, says, "Yes, I am coming soon." These are some of the last words written in the Bible. In between are all the answers we will ever need to make an eternal choice.
There may have been a time when I didn’t exist, but there was never (nor ever will be) a time when God did not exist. One question remains for you and me: do I want to “live” or just “exist” after I die and leave this earth? That choice will always remain ours.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Prized possession
Mr. Jenkins was the old eccentric that lived at the end of Dead End Alley. The street name was actually Prince Avenue but it had never looked like a description of royalty! Mr. Jenkins would rummage through peoples garbage and bring home…stuff. Always had stuff just lying around his yard. Never could understand why anyone would want an old tub in their yard filled with dirt and flowers, the neighbors all complained that it looked just plain tacky! Mr. Jenkins was once asked, “What value is there in old rusted pieces of broken down appliances, scraps of ‘who-knows-what’, some of it unrecognizable through years of exposure from the weather. Why do you hang on to this stuff? It is an embarrassment to the neighborhood.”
The old man paused and then carefully choosing his words replied, “These were once prized possessions of someone…someone who saved money to buy them, who cared for them, cleaned them, and showed them off as bran-spankin’-new. Time was when they all had a purpose and value to them; when people would fix things that were broken, now everyone just wants to throw away…seems like EVERYTHING is disposable now. See this rockin’ chair? To you it is a broken piece of furniture, of no use or value. But I imagine a momma once sittin’ here and rockin’ her baby…singin’ and tenderly caressing a precious gift given to her by the Almighty. You see this ‘junk’, as you call it, just needed some tender loving care and it could have been restored back to its original purpose. Kinda like you and me. Just like I clean the dirt and tarnish away from this junk, God did the same for me. He used my tears to clean out the dirt I been collectin’ over the years. We need to stop lookin’ at each other as ‘junk’…need to stop throwin’ each other away when life gets tough. When we can get past the outside dirt we are all carryin’ then we’ll see the beauty…the treasure inside each other. We’ll take time to help fix the broken in all of us instead of throwin’ in the towel and throwin’ each other out.”
People can be seen as “junk”. Children in and out of foster care because parents no longer are able or desire to care for them; abandoned like a piece of trash along the street. Marriages torn apart…looking for something (someone) better, younger, more interesting; adult children giving up on their parents once they hit the “golden years”, and the list could go on.
Perhaps you feel like you are living in a “junk yard” today, discarded for reasons you had no control over. You may even have thought God has forsaken you. Let me reassure you…HE HAS NOT!!
When others let go of us, God will never forget us.
"Can a mother forget her baby...have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands." Isaiah 49:15-16
"The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17
Friend, you are of such great worth and value that the God of all creation...of all created beings is singing over you today!! He sent his only son, Jesus, to pay the penalty of all our past, present and future sin. He has not thrown you away, but rescued you from the junk yard of life, cleaned you and restored you to your original purpose: to give God glory in everything you do.
The old man paused and then carefully choosing his words replied, “These were once prized possessions of someone…someone who saved money to buy them, who cared for them, cleaned them, and showed them off as bran-spankin’-new. Time was when they all had a purpose and value to them; when people would fix things that were broken, now everyone just wants to throw away…seems like EVERYTHING is disposable now. See this rockin’ chair? To you it is a broken piece of furniture, of no use or value. But I imagine a momma once sittin’ here and rockin’ her baby…singin’ and tenderly caressing a precious gift given to her by the Almighty. You see this ‘junk’, as you call it, just needed some tender loving care and it could have been restored back to its original purpose. Kinda like you and me. Just like I clean the dirt and tarnish away from this junk, God did the same for me. He used my tears to clean out the dirt I been collectin’ over the years. We need to stop lookin’ at each other as ‘junk’…need to stop throwin’ each other away when life gets tough. When we can get past the outside dirt we are all carryin’ then we’ll see the beauty…the treasure inside each other. We’ll take time to help fix the broken in all of us instead of throwin’ in the towel and throwin’ each other out.”
People can be seen as “junk”. Children in and out of foster care because parents no longer are able or desire to care for them; abandoned like a piece of trash along the street. Marriages torn apart…looking for something (someone) better, younger, more interesting; adult children giving up on their parents once they hit the “golden years”, and the list could go on.
Perhaps you feel like you are living in a “junk yard” today, discarded for reasons you had no control over. You may even have thought God has forsaken you. Let me reassure you…HE HAS NOT!!
When others let go of us, God will never forget us.
"Can a mother forget her baby...have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands." Isaiah 49:15-16
"The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17
Friend, you are of such great worth and value that the God of all creation...of all created beings is singing over you today!! He sent his only son, Jesus, to pay the penalty of all our past, present and future sin. He has not thrown you away, but rescued you from the junk yard of life, cleaned you and restored you to your original purpose: to give God glory in everything you do.
Monday, April 5, 2010
The dynamic duo
Fear and worry are the dynamic duo that once given an inch will take the preverbal mile in our lives! Much is written on fear and worry throughout God’s Word. Isaiah wrote, “So do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed (worried) for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
I find it interesting that an antonym for fear and panic is self-control. I don’t know about you, but I must admit that sometimes I don’t like that word, self-control!! Could it be that it makes me accountable for my actions (as in one scoop of ice cream instead of three!)? That it requires I make a choice and ultimately the consequences of that choice cannot be blamed on someone else? “I can’t help but worry” has been an excuse I’ve heard a thousand times….yes you can! It is called, “choice”, as in SELF control.
Solomon reminds us of the danger of not having self-control: “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” Prov 25:28
When we allow fear and panic to invade and take control of our thoughts we are opening the doorway of our hearts and minds for physical, spiritual and mental attacks. As in the city walls , WE cause a break in the seal placed around our hearts and minds through which the Holy Spirit was sent to bring safety and security.
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice (this includes fear and worry!).” Eph 4:29-31
“Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: ‘The Lord knows those who are his,’ and, ‘Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness (this includes fear and worry!).’ 2 Timothy 2:19
Picture your heart and mind as a fortress and above the door is the inscription, “The Lord knows and guards this entrance.”
Jesus said out of the overflow of the heart our mouths speak (Luke 6:45). Ultimately what we believe and live will be revealed through our speech and our actions.
In other words, whoever has control of our mind and heart also has control of our actions. If fear and panic are the foundation our walls are built upon, our actions throughout the day will be aligned with anxiety, paranoia, anger, jealousy, etc. because those are the byproducts of fear and panic. But if we allow God to be the foundation faith, hope and trust will be the walls built around our city (our heart and mind). This will then result in actions such as “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law (or no limit).” Galatians 5:22-24.
It is our choice…..fear and worry or trust and faith. Both options are placed upon the unknown, but only One option gives life.
Be humble under God's powerful hand so he will lift you up when the right time comes. Give all your worries to him, because he cares about you. Control yourselves and be careful! The devil, your enemy, goes around like a roaring lion looking for someone to eat. (1 Peter 5:6-8)
I find it interesting that an antonym for fear and panic is self-control. I don’t know about you, but I must admit that sometimes I don’t like that word, self-control!! Could it be that it makes me accountable for my actions (as in one scoop of ice cream instead of three!)? That it requires I make a choice and ultimately the consequences of that choice cannot be blamed on someone else? “I can’t help but worry” has been an excuse I’ve heard a thousand times….yes you can! It is called, “choice”, as in SELF control.
Solomon reminds us of the danger of not having self-control: “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” Prov 25:28
When we allow fear and panic to invade and take control of our thoughts we are opening the doorway of our hearts and minds for physical, spiritual and mental attacks. As in the city walls , WE cause a break in the seal placed around our hearts and minds through which the Holy Spirit was sent to bring safety and security.
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice (this includes fear and worry!).” Eph 4:29-31
“Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: ‘The Lord knows those who are his,’ and, ‘Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness (this includes fear and worry!).’ 2 Timothy 2:19
Picture your heart and mind as a fortress and above the door is the inscription, “The Lord knows and guards this entrance.”
Jesus said out of the overflow of the heart our mouths speak (Luke 6:45). Ultimately what we believe and live will be revealed through our speech and our actions.
In other words, whoever has control of our mind and heart also has control of our actions. If fear and panic are the foundation our walls are built upon, our actions throughout the day will be aligned with anxiety, paranoia, anger, jealousy, etc. because those are the byproducts of fear and panic. But if we allow God to be the foundation faith, hope and trust will be the walls built around our city (our heart and mind). This will then result in actions such as “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law (or no limit).” Galatians 5:22-24.
It is our choice…..fear and worry or trust and faith. Both options are placed upon the unknown, but only One option gives life.
Be humble under God's powerful hand so he will lift you up when the right time comes. Give all your worries to him, because he cares about you. Control yourselves and be careful! The devil, your enemy, goes around like a roaring lion looking for someone to eat. (1 Peter 5:6-8)
Monday, March 29, 2010
Why do you ask my name? It is beyond understanding
Usually the first thing I say and ask when meeting someone is, “Hello, my name is Kay and you are?” A name is the doorway into discovering and connecting with another person. In biblical times names were descriptive of anything from the circumstances in which the child was conceived or born to the times they were living in. For example, when Jacob’s wife Leah gave birth to her children they were given names describing how God heard and knew Jacob’s relationship with her.
How would you like to go through life with names that meant: “he has seen my misery (Reuben)” or “my struggle (Naphtali)?”
Don’t know about you but that sounds like the makings of a country song, “Here comes Misery and Struggle” complete with banjo and harmonica background...sorry, I digress!!
So what is in a name? When God called Moses to lead his children out of Egypt, Moses asked God, “When the Israelites ask me ‘What is his name?’ what shall I tell them?” God answered, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” (Genesis 3:13-14) God’s name was and still is indicative of action…past, present and future. God was giving them the promise of faithfully loving and caring for them, of always being with them not far away and it was all in His Name. He continued by saying, “this is my name FOREVER, the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation.” (Genesis 13:15)
It was not by chance Isaiah foretold Jesus birth and that he would be called ‘Immanuel’—which means ‘God with us.’ (Isaiah 7:14) This was also reaffirmed to Joseph in a dream prior to taking Mary as his wife (Matthew 1:19-15). God was once again reminding his people, ‘I AM is still with you…I haven’t left you.’
Upon given the promise of a son (Samson), Manoah asked the angel of the Lord, “What is your name, so that we may honor you when your word comes true?” The angel replied, “Why do you ask my name? It is beyond understanding.” (Judges 13:17-18)
This verse intrigued me and I started thinking if we cannot understand the meaning of a name, particularly the names of Jesus and God, how then can we understand the why’s and how’s of the actions of the One bearing that name? Yet we are forever analyzing God’s actions so we can somehow justify those actions when they don’t meet our expectations.
Isaiah reminds us, “Who has understood the mind of the LORD, or instructed him as his counselor? Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge or showed him the path of understanding?” (Isaiah 40:13-14)
God goes beyond our comprehension to do the impossible in our lives and when He does this our only response should be like that of Job (Job 1:20), Manoah and his wife (Judges 13:20), Mary (Luke 1:38) and numerous others—falling before the Lord in worship and submission.
If we wait until we understand, we will miss out in the most amazing part of bearing His Name (Christians)--the anticipation of the power of God working in and through us. “And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well…and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.” (Mark 16:17-20)
Where do you find yourself today? Are you still trying to understand before you submit to God or have you “fallen before the Lord in worship and submission” giving God the freedom to use you to display His Name...whether you understand or not?
How would you like to go through life with names that meant: “he has seen my misery (Reuben)” or “my struggle (Naphtali)?”
Don’t know about you but that sounds like the makings of a country song, “Here comes Misery and Struggle” complete with banjo and harmonica background...sorry, I digress!!
So what is in a name? When God called Moses to lead his children out of Egypt, Moses asked God, “When the Israelites ask me ‘What is his name?’ what shall I tell them?” God answered, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” (Genesis 3:13-14) God’s name was and still is indicative of action…past, present and future. God was giving them the promise of faithfully loving and caring for them, of always being with them not far away and it was all in His Name. He continued by saying, “this is my name FOREVER, the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation.” (Genesis 13:15)
It was not by chance Isaiah foretold Jesus birth and that he would be called ‘Immanuel’—which means ‘God with us.’ (Isaiah 7:14) This was also reaffirmed to Joseph in a dream prior to taking Mary as his wife (Matthew 1:19-15). God was once again reminding his people, ‘I AM is still with you…I haven’t left you.’
Upon given the promise of a son (Samson), Manoah asked the angel of the Lord, “What is your name, so that we may honor you when your word comes true?” The angel replied, “Why do you ask my name? It is beyond understanding.” (Judges 13:17-18)
This verse intrigued me and I started thinking if we cannot understand the meaning of a name, particularly the names of Jesus and God, how then can we understand the why’s and how’s of the actions of the One bearing that name? Yet we are forever analyzing God’s actions so we can somehow justify those actions when they don’t meet our expectations.
Isaiah reminds us, “Who has understood the mind of the LORD, or instructed him as his counselor? Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge or showed him the path of understanding?” (Isaiah 40:13-14)
God goes beyond our comprehension to do the impossible in our lives and when He does this our only response should be like that of Job (Job 1:20), Manoah and his wife (Judges 13:20), Mary (Luke 1:38) and numerous others—falling before the Lord in worship and submission.
If we wait until we understand, we will miss out in the most amazing part of bearing His Name (Christians)--the anticipation of the power of God working in and through us. “And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well…and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.” (Mark 16:17-20)
Where do you find yourself today? Are you still trying to understand before you submit to God or have you “fallen before the Lord in worship and submission” giving God the freedom to use you to display His Name...whether you understand or not?
Monday, March 22, 2010
Into the obstacle
“And as soon as the priests who were carrying the ark of the Lord—the Lord of all the earth—set foot in the Jordan, its waters flowing downstream will be cut off and stand up in a heap.” Joshua 3:13
A new generation of Israelites is at the threshold of entering a land promised by God to their forefathers and their parents. The miracles and stories of how God delivered them from Egypt, provided for them, watched over them and directed them during that time has been passed on to this generation from their parents.
Now they stand at the bank of the Jordan River, the gateway to that Promised Land. A land inhabited by people who did not worship Jehovah God; a people whose only means of relinquishing their land would be through hostile encounters.
This was a land so bountiful it has been described as “flowing with milk and honey”, a land already planted with everything the Israelites will need the moment their feet step on it.
One obstacle remained: in order to enter they must first…step.
Step into a river that was running at flood stage (Joshua 4:18). Step into a river that would not stop flowing UNTIL the first priest carrying the ark would enter it.
The one thing we tend to overlook in this passage is that God not only gave the conditions of the water being stopped, He also reminded them I OWN ALL THE EARTH…INCLUDING THE WATER!
“And as soon as the priests who were carrying the ark of the Lord—the Lord of all the earth—set foot in the Jordan, its waters flowing downstream will be cut off and stand up in a heap.” Joshua 3:13
The Israelites are going to be faced with difficult situations and hostile people the moment their feet hit the other side of the bank. God’s power has already preceded the Israelites entrance to the Promised Land. When Joshua sent the two spies into Jericho, Rahab testified, “We have HEARD how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea…what you did to the …two kings of the Amorites. When we HEARD of it, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed…for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.” (Joshua 2:10-11)
This verbal confirmation from outside the camp of Israel about the power of God along with the miracle God was about to perform in their crossing of the Jordan will once again strengthen the people’s faith in God’s promises and fulfillment of those promises. This will be the foundation upon which God will move in the conquering of the Promised Land.
Where do you stand today? What is God calling you to do that seems impossible? What obstacles are you facing that are standing between you and the abundant life God has promised you? Will you stand on the banks shaking your head and wringing your hands waiting for ‘it’ to slow down, go away or possibly someone else come in to rescue you? Or will you ‘step in’ to the unknown EXPECTING God to fulfill His promise to you BEFORE it happens? Rest assured, God owns ALL the earth and EVERYTHING in it…including the obstacle standing in your way.
A new generation of Israelites is at the threshold of entering a land promised by God to their forefathers and their parents. The miracles and stories of how God delivered them from Egypt, provided for them, watched over them and directed them during that time has been passed on to this generation from their parents.
Now they stand at the bank of the Jordan River, the gateway to that Promised Land. A land inhabited by people who did not worship Jehovah God; a people whose only means of relinquishing their land would be through hostile encounters.
This was a land so bountiful it has been described as “flowing with milk and honey”, a land already planted with everything the Israelites will need the moment their feet step on it.
One obstacle remained: in order to enter they must first…step.
Step into a river that was running at flood stage (Joshua 4:18). Step into a river that would not stop flowing UNTIL the first priest carrying the ark would enter it.
The one thing we tend to overlook in this passage is that God not only gave the conditions of the water being stopped, He also reminded them I OWN ALL THE EARTH…INCLUDING THE WATER!
“And as soon as the priests who were carrying the ark of the Lord—the Lord of all the earth—set foot in the Jordan, its waters flowing downstream will be cut off and stand up in a heap.” Joshua 3:13
The Israelites are going to be faced with difficult situations and hostile people the moment their feet hit the other side of the bank. God’s power has already preceded the Israelites entrance to the Promised Land. When Joshua sent the two spies into Jericho, Rahab testified, “We have HEARD how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea…what you did to the …two kings of the Amorites. When we HEARD of it, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed…for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.” (Joshua 2:10-11)
This verbal confirmation from outside the camp of Israel about the power of God along with the miracle God was about to perform in their crossing of the Jordan will once again strengthen the people’s faith in God’s promises and fulfillment of those promises. This will be the foundation upon which God will move in the conquering of the Promised Land.
Where do you stand today? What is God calling you to do that seems impossible? What obstacles are you facing that are standing between you and the abundant life God has promised you? Will you stand on the banks shaking your head and wringing your hands waiting for ‘it’ to slow down, go away or possibly someone else come in to rescue you? Or will you ‘step in’ to the unknown EXPECTING God to fulfill His promise to you BEFORE it happens? Rest assured, God owns ALL the earth and EVERYTHING in it…including the obstacle standing in your way.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Memorial stones or grave markers?
Throughout the Old Testament are examples of memorial stones set up representing situations the Israelites found themselves in so future generations would be able to know the power and presence of Jehovah God. Had they not experienced these situations, there would have been no memorial stones for future generations--no lessons to pass on.
Don’t know about you but there are things in my past that I would just as soon remain in my past…buried! “Remember the good ole days” has become a much trumped slogan when our today starts to become overwhelming or perhaps doesn’t play out how we had hoped it would. The “good ole days” held challenges as well, although we tend to forget them when comparing to today. When reminiscing on the past we also tend to focus on the positive rather than the negative.
Perhaps by not reflecting on some of the past we then won’t have to deal with the consequences or even possible reconciliations. But in doing this we could also be shortchanging future generations from lessons learned.
“In the middle of the Jordan…take up a stone…to serve as a sign among you. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.” Joshua 4:4-7
A new generation of Israelites is at the threshold of entering a land that was promised by God to their forefathers and their parents. Joshua and Caleb are the only remaining people from the generation (20 years or older) that left Egypt to enter the Promised Land, a generation that wandered in the wilderness for 40 years until they died. The miracles and stories of how God delivered them from Egypt, provided for them, watched over them and directed them during that time has been passed on to this generation from their parents. This generation has never known anything but wandering, never been part of a permanent community to be able to show their children where they played or worked. They have never known or suffered at the hands of the Egyptian taskmasters as their parents had; nor tasted the first of a crop their own hands planted and harvested.
Now they stand at the bank of the Jordan River, the first obstacle before they step foot onto promised soil. A land that is so bountiful it has been described as “flowing with milk and honey”. Land that has already been planted with everything they will need the moment their feet step on it.
When reading the above verse, I started thinking, “Do I erect memorial stones or grave markers representing my past?”
Romans 15:4, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”
I am a firm believer of not living in the past, rather using our past as a tool of warning or encouragement to future generations. When we bury our past and any pain it brought it becomes of no value to anyone including us—it becomes a grave marker representing something that is dead and buried. But, if we allow our past to be as an encouragement to others it then becomes a memorial stone—something that is remembered and can be used to help others. We can use our past to tell of the faithfulness of God OR perhaps what happened when we didn’t allow God to work in our lives.
What about you? Are you erecting memorial stones or grave markers with your past?
Don’t know about you but there are things in my past that I would just as soon remain in my past…buried! “Remember the good ole days” has become a much trumped slogan when our today starts to become overwhelming or perhaps doesn’t play out how we had hoped it would. The “good ole days” held challenges as well, although we tend to forget them when comparing to today. When reminiscing on the past we also tend to focus on the positive rather than the negative.
Perhaps by not reflecting on some of the past we then won’t have to deal with the consequences or even possible reconciliations. But in doing this we could also be shortchanging future generations from lessons learned.
“In the middle of the Jordan…take up a stone…to serve as a sign among you. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.” Joshua 4:4-7
A new generation of Israelites is at the threshold of entering a land that was promised by God to their forefathers and their parents. Joshua and Caleb are the only remaining people from the generation (20 years or older) that left Egypt to enter the Promised Land, a generation that wandered in the wilderness for 40 years until they died. The miracles and stories of how God delivered them from Egypt, provided for them, watched over them and directed them during that time has been passed on to this generation from their parents. This generation has never known anything but wandering, never been part of a permanent community to be able to show their children where they played or worked. They have never known or suffered at the hands of the Egyptian taskmasters as their parents had; nor tasted the first of a crop their own hands planted and harvested.
Now they stand at the bank of the Jordan River, the first obstacle before they step foot onto promised soil. A land that is so bountiful it has been described as “flowing with milk and honey”. Land that has already been planted with everything they will need the moment their feet step on it.
When reading the above verse, I started thinking, “Do I erect memorial stones or grave markers representing my past?”
Romans 15:4, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”
I am a firm believer of not living in the past, rather using our past as a tool of warning or encouragement to future generations. When we bury our past and any pain it brought it becomes of no value to anyone including us—it becomes a grave marker representing something that is dead and buried. But, if we allow our past to be as an encouragement to others it then becomes a memorial stone—something that is remembered and can be used to help others. We can use our past to tell of the faithfulness of God OR perhaps what happened when we didn’t allow God to work in our lives.
What about you? Are you erecting memorial stones or grave markers with your past?
Monday, March 8, 2010
Power in Praise
Mention character and what comes into your mind? Possibly phrases such as, “she/he is quite a character!” or perhaps a particular definition such as “they have a generous, patient or weak character; they have a strong personality; they have a character flaw.” A child’s character is sometimes described as being strong-willed.
Our character is influenced by many things and/or people early in our life; parents, teachers, peers, television, movies, Sunday school teachers, etc. The strength of one’s character includes forgiveness, not getting even for wrongs that have been done to us; helping those who are less fortunate than us; standing in the face of adversity and determining never to give up; being honest when confronted with an opportunity to lie or cheat…even when no one is watching.
Galatians 5:22-26 reveals not only an inward but also an outward manifestation of a character that has been renewed by the Spirit of God--love, joy, peace, patience, kindness and self-control. At any given moment in our day, these characteristics will be tested by those around us, sometimes unintentional and others times very much intentional. It has been said if we want to learn patience we need to be around those who will push us to the limit. We almost come to expect the testing of these characteristics.
But the hidden test to the strength or quality of our character is one we don’t expect. One that can so easily sneak up behind us and knock us off balance when we least expect it. It is the test of praise we receive from others. Praise from others can bring moments of awkwardness or embarrassment, but I never thought of it as a test of my character until I read this verse: “The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise he receives.” (Prov 27:21).
Praise…admiration…applause…honor from others can very quickly turn into self-importance, smugness and even pride. If not careful, we can even determine our self-worth based upon the praise we receive from others. What we do with praise is as critical as how and why we use the gifts and talents that resulted in the praise.
After Paul described the Spirit controlled life he gave this admonition: “Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”(Gal 5:26 NIV) Other versions say; “not become boastful, challenging one another; compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better than the other; competitive, irritating to one another, being jealous of one another.”
Paul has just described release from a sinful nature into the glorious fruit of Christ’s nature within us and almost is the same breath ends with this warning. Why? Because even Paul understood the fragility of our human nature. Not always, but there are times when God moves in and through us to those around us that our old nature will raise its ugly head and enjoy, if not seek, the approval and admiration of others.
Dare I say even Paul struggled with this when he said, “To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh.” (2 Cor 12:7)
So how do we guard against self deception and come through the test of praise?
1. First and foremost praise is reserved for God. Of the over 350 mentions of praise in the Bible at least 99% are directed to God. Praise is a form of worship. When we seek out praise from others, we make an idol of ourselves and God said there is to be no other Gods before us but Him.
2. We are to encourage one another…not praise one another—“that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith.” Romans 1:11-13; Moses encouraged Joshua (Deut 1:32); the early believers encouraged one another in their faith, using the gifts and talents God gave (Acts 15:32; Acts 3:15; 16:40; 18:27; 20:2). Be cautious how we offer encouragement so the “praise” will always go to God working in and through the individual.
3. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. (Col 3:23)
4. It is the Lord we are serving, and the reward we receive from God will far outweigh any praise from men (Col 3:24)
5. Let us not become weary in doing good…even when no one notices, God does! (Gal 6:9)
6. Let the praise bestowed upon us be an opportunity to boast about the power of Christ. (2 Cor 12:7-10)
There is power in praise! Satan will use anything to deflect the praise away from God. Let us be careful whose power we welcome and want to be aligned with.
Our character is influenced by many things and/or people early in our life; parents, teachers, peers, television, movies, Sunday school teachers, etc. The strength of one’s character includes forgiveness, not getting even for wrongs that have been done to us; helping those who are less fortunate than us; standing in the face of adversity and determining never to give up; being honest when confronted with an opportunity to lie or cheat…even when no one is watching.
Galatians 5:22-26 reveals not only an inward but also an outward manifestation of a character that has been renewed by the Spirit of God--love, joy, peace, patience, kindness and self-control. At any given moment in our day, these characteristics will be tested by those around us, sometimes unintentional and others times very much intentional. It has been said if we want to learn patience we need to be around those who will push us to the limit. We almost come to expect the testing of these characteristics.
But the hidden test to the strength or quality of our character is one we don’t expect. One that can so easily sneak up behind us and knock us off balance when we least expect it. It is the test of praise we receive from others. Praise from others can bring moments of awkwardness or embarrassment, but I never thought of it as a test of my character until I read this verse: “The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise he receives.” (Prov 27:21).
Praise…admiration…applause…honor from others can very quickly turn into self-importance, smugness and even pride. If not careful, we can even determine our self-worth based upon the praise we receive from others. What we do with praise is as critical as how and why we use the gifts and talents that resulted in the praise.
After Paul described the Spirit controlled life he gave this admonition: “Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”(Gal 5:26 NIV) Other versions say; “not become boastful, challenging one another; compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better than the other; competitive, irritating to one another, being jealous of one another.”
Paul has just described release from a sinful nature into the glorious fruit of Christ’s nature within us and almost is the same breath ends with this warning. Why? Because even Paul understood the fragility of our human nature. Not always, but there are times when God moves in and through us to those around us that our old nature will raise its ugly head and enjoy, if not seek, the approval and admiration of others.
Dare I say even Paul struggled with this when he said, “To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh.” (2 Cor 12:7)
So how do we guard against self deception and come through the test of praise?
1. First and foremost praise is reserved for God. Of the over 350 mentions of praise in the Bible at least 99% are directed to God. Praise is a form of worship. When we seek out praise from others, we make an idol of ourselves and God said there is to be no other Gods before us but Him.
2. We are to encourage one another…not praise one another—“that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith.” Romans 1:11-13; Moses encouraged Joshua (Deut 1:32); the early believers encouraged one another in their faith, using the gifts and talents God gave (Acts 15:32; Acts 3:15; 16:40; 18:27; 20:2). Be cautious how we offer encouragement so the “praise” will always go to God working in and through the individual.
3. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. (Col 3:23)
4. It is the Lord we are serving, and the reward we receive from God will far outweigh any praise from men (Col 3:24)
5. Let us not become weary in doing good…even when no one notices, God does! (Gal 6:9)
6. Let the praise bestowed upon us be an opportunity to boast about the power of Christ. (2 Cor 12:7-10)
There is power in praise! Satan will use anything to deflect the praise away from God. Let us be careful whose power we welcome and want to be aligned with.
Hallelujah! You who serve GOD, praise GOD!
Just to speak his name is praise!
Just to remember GOD is a blessing—
now and tomorrow and always.
From east to west, from dawn to dusk,
keep lifting all your praises to GOD!
Just to speak his name is praise!
Just to remember GOD is a blessing—
now and tomorrow and always.
From east to west, from dawn to dusk,
keep lifting all your praises to GOD!
Psalms113:1-3 (The Message)
Monday, March 1, 2010
Alright…already
“Alright, already…that is only the ONE HUNDRETH time you have told me!”
Let’s face it, as a child, some instructions our parents gave us either didn’t make sense or we never thought we would need those pearls of wisdom. My all time favorite was “make sure you have clean underwear on before you leave the house.” Now, I always had clean underwear on everyday and if this instruction was given me in case, God forbid, I should be in an accident or aliens from the mother ship kidnap me¬—it wouldn’t matter because I probably would soil my undies anyway!! And would those who found me look at my undies first and shake their heads in dismay because they couldn’t determine if I had started with “clean or soiled”?!?!?!
On a more serious note, I could always detect the importance of an instruction by the number of times my parents would say it. They loved me and wanted to ingrain the thought to make sure I would be safe.
This year, I’ve been reading through The Daily Bible in Chronological Order as my devotional and am currently in the books of Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy (ok, I can hear the yawning as you read this ). Since many of the laws are repeated throughout these books, for the daily reading they are combined in that particular days reading. As much as I love the Word, I must admit when I get to these passages, I usually skim over them. However, I have been reading each word and even though I may not completely understand all the details I have discovered this: God is extremely interested in even the most minuscule details of not only the Israelites life, but mine as well. Throughout His Word and particularly in Psalms 139, there is a clear reminder that there is no place we can go but that God knows us, searches us and sees us…from our physical location down to the very thoughts we have even before words are formed to express those thoughts. He was watching over us as we were being formed inside our mother’s womb—before Mom even knew we were there, God knew. He has a plan He crafted just for you and just for me (Jeremiahs 29:11), He knows what our today will hold for us as well as our tomorrow and He will be there to guide and encourage us all the way.
God may not be reminding us to put clean undies on today, but He does ask us for a clean heart…one that is tuned in to His heart and our ears tuned into His voice.
“See I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.” (Deut 30:15-17)
May our response to God’s instruction be one of gratitude, “Speak, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10) rather than annoyance, “Alright, already…that is only the ONE HUNDRETH time you have told me!”
Let’s face it, as a child, some instructions our parents gave us either didn’t make sense or we never thought we would need those pearls of wisdom. My all time favorite was “make sure you have clean underwear on before you leave the house.” Now, I always had clean underwear on everyday and if this instruction was given me in case, God forbid, I should be in an accident or aliens from the mother ship kidnap me¬—it wouldn’t matter because I probably would soil my undies anyway!! And would those who found me look at my undies first and shake their heads in dismay because they couldn’t determine if I had started with “clean or soiled”?!?!?!
On a more serious note, I could always detect the importance of an instruction by the number of times my parents would say it. They loved me and wanted to ingrain the thought to make sure I would be safe.
This year, I’ve been reading through The Daily Bible in Chronological Order as my devotional and am currently in the books of Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy (ok, I can hear the yawning as you read this ). Since many of the laws are repeated throughout these books, for the daily reading they are combined in that particular days reading. As much as I love the Word, I must admit when I get to these passages, I usually skim over them. However, I have been reading each word and even though I may not completely understand all the details I have discovered this: God is extremely interested in even the most minuscule details of not only the Israelites life, but mine as well. Throughout His Word and particularly in Psalms 139, there is a clear reminder that there is no place we can go but that God knows us, searches us and sees us…from our physical location down to the very thoughts we have even before words are formed to express those thoughts. He was watching over us as we were being formed inside our mother’s womb—before Mom even knew we were there, God knew. He has a plan He crafted just for you and just for me (Jeremiahs 29:11), He knows what our today will hold for us as well as our tomorrow and He will be there to guide and encourage us all the way.
God may not be reminding us to put clean undies on today, but He does ask us for a clean heart…one that is tuned in to His heart and our ears tuned into His voice.
“See I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.” (Deut 30:15-17)
May our response to God’s instruction be one of gratitude, “Speak, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10) rather than annoyance, “Alright, already…that is only the ONE HUNDRETH time you have told me!”
Friday, February 26, 2010
HOW CAN WE CONTROL OUR TONGUES…WITHOUT DUCT TAPE? (Part 2 of 2)
Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Proverbs 18:21
FIRST, HERE ARE THREE THINGS WE AS PARENTS CAN DO FOR OURSELVES:
1. Be willing to admit we are not perfect...and neither is anyone else!
No one person has all the answers…always speaks PERFECT wisdom! Yet we tend to put unrealistic expectation on others and sometimes on ourselves. We ALL blow it from time to time.
I don’t believe anyone in this room would intentionally start the day with, “Hmmm who can I be irritable with today? Yesterday I picked Aunt Matilda and it was so much fun”!!
The best gift we can give our children is to let them know, “Mom is not perfect…although if they are old enough, trust me they already know that---possibly have already TOLD you this!!
2. Don’t live in the past!
I have a friend that just can’t seem to get out of the past. She has CHOSEN to keep the emotional wounds open by reliving over and over the hurts that were said and done to her 25+ years ago.
The past is HISTORY and meant to teach us...BUT NEVER MEANT TO BE LIVED IN!
Today is a NEW day. It is our choice to make if we want to continue living/speaking in a manner that was done to us and continue in pain (and thereby inflicting that same pain on someone else) OR start speaking life and hope. You and I already know what it feels like to have devastating words spoken to us, we don’t have to continue for the next generation.
The circumstances that come into our lives are not nearly as important as how we CHOOSE to react to them. This is not a perfect world we live in. Our choices do affect those around us…either for good or for bad.
Let go of what is strangling you. People are human and will make mistakes (I’m not making excuses for their behavior), but we don’t have to be a willing prisoner of their choices!
Hurting people…hurt people.
Forgiveness is the key to that prison cell. I’ve often thought forgiveness is more for OUR release than those we forgive. Will this be easy...NO; will it be hard….YES; will it be worth it….YES! For your emotional/physical well being, and those around you, don’t let your past dictate your behavior toward your children.
3. You can’t do it alone!
No one is an island unto themselves and able to live—they will only exist.
An island that stands alone has no protection. Find someone in whom you admire the qualities they do life. Ask them to come along side of you...to encourage, teach and hold you accountable for your actions and words.
It just may be time to take inventory of those who have influence over you. May be time to clean out the “friend and influence” closet! If we don’t have someone who can challenge us to be and do better, then we will become stagnate.
Eccl 12:11 “The words of the wise are like cattle prods—painful but helpful.”
As mothers, you and I set the tone of our homes. These three things will take time so realizing we live in a “microwave” age (we want it done NOW), here are some things we can do today in our homes: DOESN’T MATTER WHAT AGE OUR CHILDREN ARE…JUST START!
Some of these will be actions that teach the value of a certain word:
• When you feel the urge to speak an unkind word….STOP.
Would you want someone saying that to you? Count to 10 before you speak. THINK about the effect your words will have. Children need to be taught HOW to communicate and HOW to handle conflict and they will learn by observing how we do it. Bullies are not born, they are trained by those who have influence over them. Likewise, gossipers are not born, but learn from those around them.
• Don’t let Hollywood---the TV raise or set the standards for our children.
• When you blow it, admit it, don’t make excuses. Apologize—and mean it! Ask them to forgive you and tell them you will try to not do that again. In doing this, you will be teaching them the value of the word mercy.
• Speak success/acceptance into your children. Allow mistakes. When we don’t own up to our mistakes, or belittle our children for theirs, we teach our children that failure is not an option. Mistakes/failure are breeding grounds for learning and for success. I learn best through my mistakes. Don’t compare your children to each other. In allowing failure, we teach our children the value of the word grace.
• Label your children with love. Call a child something and he/she will believe it AND live it out beyond our expectations—good or bad.
• Set boundaries…and STICK to them. NO NOT EVERYONE IS DOING________!! Just as we fence in our yards to protect our children, boundaries are set in place to protect them. And just as they will try to climb the fence…they will try to climb the boundaries. In saying “No” we teach our children the value of love.
• Know that some battles are just not worth fighting.
• TELL your children how special they are; whether they were planned or an “oops” (and NEVER tell them this!!) you have been given an amazing gift. We ALL need to know how valuable we are. You may never have been told this, so let me remind you…Doesn’t matter how you were conceived—planned or otherwise, what matter is you are here.
In all the billions of people ever born you were uniquely and amazingly created—no one else has the same dna as you—the exact same looks, characteristics!! God lovingly thought long and hard about you. He watched each step of your development in your mothers womb. YOU ARE SPECIAL!! Don’t ever think you are not!! You were placed here, at this moment for a reason.
Likewise, your children are one-of-a-kind! (some of you just may be thinking, “Oh thank God for that!”) Celebrate their uniqueness!
• If you pack lunches for your children, add a love note. OR..if you don’t pack, put notes on their mirror the night before. Text them a note during the day to let them know you are thinking of them.
If you work outside the home, put notes they will see when they get home from school.
Your children are going to be in a world that doesn’t always value and appreciate them—give them encouragement-away-from-home—give them a reason to come home.
• Give your children your TIME. Go to the park, crayon with them, hold them, have a tea party with them, plan a “non-birthday-day” complete with hats and cake/cupcakes and candles. In doing this you put feet to your words that they are special. TODAY IS TOMORROWS PAST…CAN’T RELIVE IT.
• With all the electronic conveniences, don't forget to TALK WITH YOUR CHILDREN!
• Let them help you bake a cake or casserole for someone who is sick, or let your child pick that someone. In doing this you put feet to words like, “compassion and kindness”…
• BREATH. Our responses will make/break our homes. Hug someone before you speak. Tell them you love them before any discipline has to be done. AND SPEAK DON’T YELL!!
Words. They don’t cost us a penny, but could bring rewards that are immeasurable…they can change the course of future generations.
Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips. Don’t let me drift toward evil or take part in acts of wickedness. Don’t let me share in the delicacies of those who do wrong. Psalms 141:3-4
Let us be women that raise up a new generation with words of hope, encouragement and life to those we have influence over.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Proverbs 18:21
FIRST, HERE ARE THREE THINGS WE AS PARENTS CAN DO FOR OURSELVES:
1. Be willing to admit we are not perfect...and neither is anyone else!
No one person has all the answers…always speaks PERFECT wisdom! Yet we tend to put unrealistic expectation on others and sometimes on ourselves. We ALL blow it from time to time.
I don’t believe anyone in this room would intentionally start the day with, “Hmmm who can I be irritable with today? Yesterday I picked Aunt Matilda and it was so much fun”!!
The best gift we can give our children is to let them know, “Mom is not perfect…although if they are old enough, trust me they already know that---possibly have already TOLD you this!!
2. Don’t live in the past!
I have a friend that just can’t seem to get out of the past. She has CHOSEN to keep the emotional wounds open by reliving over and over the hurts that were said and done to her 25+ years ago.
The past is HISTORY and meant to teach us...BUT NEVER MEANT TO BE LIVED IN!
Today is a NEW day. It is our choice to make if we want to continue living/speaking in a manner that was done to us and continue in pain (and thereby inflicting that same pain on someone else) OR start speaking life and hope. You and I already know what it feels like to have devastating words spoken to us, we don’t have to continue for the next generation.
The circumstances that come into our lives are not nearly as important as how we CHOOSE to react to them. This is not a perfect world we live in. Our choices do affect those around us…either for good or for bad.
Let go of what is strangling you. People are human and will make mistakes (I’m not making excuses for their behavior), but we don’t have to be a willing prisoner of their choices!
Hurting people…hurt people.
Forgiveness is the key to that prison cell. I’ve often thought forgiveness is more for OUR release than those we forgive. Will this be easy...NO; will it be hard….YES; will it be worth it….YES! For your emotional/physical well being, and those around you, don’t let your past dictate your behavior toward your children.
3. You can’t do it alone!
No one is an island unto themselves and able to live—they will only exist.
An island that stands alone has no protection. Find someone in whom you admire the qualities they do life. Ask them to come along side of you...to encourage, teach and hold you accountable for your actions and words.
It just may be time to take inventory of those who have influence over you. May be time to clean out the “friend and influence” closet! If we don’t have someone who can challenge us to be and do better, then we will become stagnate.
Eccl 12:11 “The words of the wise are like cattle prods—painful but helpful.”
As mothers, you and I set the tone of our homes. These three things will take time so realizing we live in a “microwave” age (we want it done NOW), here are some things we can do today in our homes: DOESN’T MATTER WHAT AGE OUR CHILDREN ARE…JUST START!
Some of these will be actions that teach the value of a certain word:
• When you feel the urge to speak an unkind word….STOP.
Would you want someone saying that to you? Count to 10 before you speak. THINK about the effect your words will have. Children need to be taught HOW to communicate and HOW to handle conflict and they will learn by observing how we do it. Bullies are not born, they are trained by those who have influence over them. Likewise, gossipers are not born, but learn from those around them.
• Don’t let Hollywood---the TV raise or set the standards for our children.
• When you blow it, admit it, don’t make excuses. Apologize—and mean it! Ask them to forgive you and tell them you will try to not do that again. In doing this, you will be teaching them the value of the word mercy.
• Speak success/acceptance into your children. Allow mistakes. When we don’t own up to our mistakes, or belittle our children for theirs, we teach our children that failure is not an option. Mistakes/failure are breeding grounds for learning and for success. I learn best through my mistakes. Don’t compare your children to each other. In allowing failure, we teach our children the value of the word grace.
• Label your children with love. Call a child something and he/she will believe it AND live it out beyond our expectations—good or bad.
• Set boundaries…and STICK to them. NO NOT EVERYONE IS DOING________!! Just as we fence in our yards to protect our children, boundaries are set in place to protect them. And just as they will try to climb the fence…they will try to climb the boundaries. In saying “No” we teach our children the value of love.
• Know that some battles are just not worth fighting.
• TELL your children how special they are; whether they were planned or an “oops” (and NEVER tell them this!!) you have been given an amazing gift. We ALL need to know how valuable we are. You may never have been told this, so let me remind you…Doesn’t matter how you were conceived—planned or otherwise, what matter is you are here.
In all the billions of people ever born you were uniquely and amazingly created—no one else has the same dna as you—the exact same looks, characteristics!! God lovingly thought long and hard about you. He watched each step of your development in your mothers womb. YOU ARE SPECIAL!! Don’t ever think you are not!! You were placed here, at this moment for a reason.
Likewise, your children are one-of-a-kind! (some of you just may be thinking, “Oh thank God for that!”) Celebrate their uniqueness!
• If you pack lunches for your children, add a love note. OR..if you don’t pack, put notes on their mirror the night before. Text them a note during the day to let them know you are thinking of them.
If you work outside the home, put notes they will see when they get home from school.
Your children are going to be in a world that doesn’t always value and appreciate them—give them encouragement-away-from-home—give them a reason to come home.
• Give your children your TIME. Go to the park, crayon with them, hold them, have a tea party with them, plan a “non-birthday-day” complete with hats and cake/cupcakes and candles. In doing this you put feet to your words that they are special. TODAY IS TOMORROWS PAST…CAN’T RELIVE IT.
• With all the electronic conveniences, don't forget to TALK WITH YOUR CHILDREN!
• Let them help you bake a cake or casserole for someone who is sick, or let your child pick that someone. In doing this you put feet to words like, “compassion and kindness”…
• BREATH. Our responses will make/break our homes. Hug someone before you speak. Tell them you love them before any discipline has to be done. AND SPEAK DON’T YELL!!
Words. They don’t cost us a penny, but could bring rewards that are immeasurable…they can change the course of future generations.
Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips. Don’t let me drift toward evil or take part in acts of wickedness. Don’t let me share in the delicacies of those who do wrong. Psalms 141:3-4
Let us be women that raise up a new generation with words of hope, encouragement and life to those we have influence over.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
HOW CAN WE CONTROL OUR TONGUES…WITHOUT DUCT TAPE? (Part 1 of 2)
Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Proverbs 18:21
I love getting cards whether they are birthday cards or "no occasion cards". They are just
words…written words. But the joy, laughter, thoughtfulness, and sometimes tears they bring are precious.
Words…how would we communicate without them? Whether the form is verbal, written, Braille, sign language, the point of reference is always a WORD and the meaning and/or expression that word brings to our minds and emotions.
I grew up with a clear understanding of the power of words….although at the time I didn't fully understand how the impact of those words would shape my life.
We lived in what was considered the "other side of the tracks"…had an outhouse until I was in 7th grade; my dad never graduated from High School and always had 2 jobs to provide for a family of 5 children.
We grew up not having a lot although as kids we didn't know that…UNTIL I started school.
I remember one girl in particular that made fun of my clothes---isn't it interesting how we usually always remember the negative?
By the time I entered High School, I was so shy that if a teacher called on me I had to fight back tears…would rather have crawled in a hole than answer a question---even if I knew the answer. I was so afraid of making a mistake and being laughed at.
Around my senior year, I was befriended by a girl that through her acceptance and fun spirit, taught me the value of being ALLOWED to make a mistake—and be able to laugh about it! This was huge!
I realized the ability to be able to accept that I wasn't perfect, NOR EXPECTED TO BE, would also allow me to then view, accept and realize others were not perfect either.
This didn't happen overnight, but it was a step in releasing the power of certain words others had spoken to me.
WORDS. They have the power to make or break someone; have the power to create or destroy a person's character.
Adolf Hitler spoke words that divided a world…words that terrorized and nearly obliterated a people.
Abraham Lincoln spoke words that brought hope to a people and ultimately prevented a territorially divided nation.
Advertisers use words and phrases that appeal to our "need" syndrome.
We all grew up with sayings like:
"Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words will never hurt you!"
"If you can't say anything nice, then don't say anything at all."
- Well, if sticks and stones hurt but words don't then why does it feel like a bolder has just run over us when certain words or phrases are spoken to us?
- And why don't we keep our mouths shut if what we are about to say isn't nice…and if we are honest with ourselves, why does it "feel" good to go ahead and say something (at times knowing or not knowing) how it will hurt the person we are speaking to?
I would venture to say every one of us has been on the receiving end of hurtful—crushing words at least once in our lives. And unfortunately may have at one point been the one hurling hateful words—possibly out of revenge or our own hurt.
The spoken word is POWERFUL. Of all the created beings as humans, we were given the privilege and wonderful gift of WORDS no matter the form.
The words we speak should bring hope, encouragement, safety; healing of broken hearts, helping to release unhealthy holds in our lives.
When encouraging words are spoken to a sick person, their spirits are lifted as if given a dose of medicine.
As wives, mothers, sisters, aunts, we have the amazing opportunity:
to speak hope and future into our children…
to speak and bring or begin healing in our families…
to bring or initiate change to environments in our neighbors or coworkers…
to bring about change in our marriages…and not through nagging. (my husband once told me that guilt does not motivate him to do anything…better believe I let go of that avenue!!)
Listen to what the book of James in the Bible tells us:
3:3-10 A bit in the mouth of a horse controls the whole horse. A small rudder on a huge ship in the hands of a skilled captain sets a course in the face of the strongest winds. A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it!
5-6It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire. A careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can do that. By our speech we can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation, send the whole world up in smoke and go up in smoke with it.
This is scary: You can tame a tiger, but you can't tame a tongue—it's never been done. The tongue runs wild, a wanton killer.
TUNE IN TOMORROW FOR SOME SUGGESTIONS………..
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
GET UP…GET GOING
This morning I was reading about Israel's exodus from Egypt in Exodus 14 and was impressed with the following thoughts:
Vs18 "…The Israelites went up out of Egypt armed for battle." As believers in Jesus Christ, we too have been armed for battle. Ephesians 6:10-18 "…be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness; feet fitted with the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit, and PRAY in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.
V1Then the Lord told Moses, "Tell the Israelites to…encamp…by the sea, directly opposite Baal Zephon." The Israelites were going into enemy territory…which is the perfect grounds for God to prove He alone is God and above Him there is no other. The Egyptians worshipped many gods and the lord of this region was no exemption. What better place for God to prove himself not only to the Egyptians but to the Israelites that: (1) He alone is God in the face of what they will encounter in their journey to the Promised Land (2) God will be their protector and provider all along the way.
V5-10 When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds about them and said, "What have we done? We have let the Israelites go and have lost their services!" Pharaoh took six hundred of his the best chariots…officers…and pursued the Israelites. As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified…cried out to the Lord… "it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than die in the desert!" Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." When faced with adversity, the Israelites response to this crisis is not all that different from ours today. Jesus clearly told us, "I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble, but take heart I have overcome the world." (Jo 16:33) Just as God told Moses exactly what was going to happen and how He was going to intervene BEFORE it did, so God has prepared us for what will come against us because we bear His name. And yet, do we not terrified cry out to the Lord, "I don't understand why this has to happen to me…where are you God…I don't remember having problems before…maybe this Christ following isn't worth is!" And just as the Israelites suffered from "short term memory", we sometimes do the same.
V15 Then the Lord said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground…the Israelites will go in after them. And I will gain glory through Pharaoh and all his army….the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord."
V19-25 So the angel of God moved from in front of Israel's army and stood behind them coming between the armies of Egypt and Israel.
I love God's response! Almost like he is saying, "Have you not just witnessed my power to release you from Egypt? Did I not promise I would take you to a better place? Get up and get going!!"
And again, does God not say that to us, "stop moaning…stop focusing on the Pharaoh in your life. Get your "armor" on and watch me fight for you, through you so you can be more than conquerors in the land I am giving you!" How many times do the "Egyptians" around us not know God is Lord because we freeze in our boots?
So today, it doesn't matter where you may find yourself; whether physically strong or challenged the message is the same: put your armor on and GET UP…GET GOING…and witness the power of God. How else are the pharaoh's and the Egyptians in our lives to know and see the glory of God?
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