Some mornings, as I make my way to work, I inevitably pass by this little old woman wandering about on the street corner. As I drive by I often hear, “stop and see if you can help.” My response, however, is always something less than Christ like – “I don’t have time today Lord, I’m running late for work” and I go about my day, forgetting all about my encounter with the woman.
Just the other day I was driving my usual route to work again, and the little old woman was again on the street corner, walking about dazed and confused. As I passed by her again, I heard the voice of the Lord prompting me, “go and buy her some new shoes, the one’s she has are falling apart. And while you’re at it, buy her a new coat. Put cash in the box, and the next time you pass her, give it to her.” Again my response goes, “Lord, I don’t even know what size shoes this woman wears, how silly it would be for me to buy her shoes! And besides, I’m running late for work again, I don’t have time.”
As I was reading my daily Word in Matthew 25 this morning, I was again reminded of the woman on the street corner, walking aimlessly, frightfully confused, and surely downtrodden. As it says in verse 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mind, you did for me.’”
The passage in Matthew 25 was long forgotten after I read it, until my co-worker and fellow Jesus lover came up to me and said, “Did I tell you about the lady I gave a ride to this morning on my way to work?” I replied, “no – who was that?”. As she spoke of this little old woman that she’s seen day after day wandering aimlessly about - my breath was taken away. That same woman that Jesus had laid on my heart over and over and over again that I kept denying was touched by my dear co-worker this morning. And I realized that I need to get my act in together and do what the Lord has called me to do for this woman. That I may clothe her, feed her, and love her during this time. That somehow her circumstances would change through the touch and care of my co-worker and I.
Talk about a word from the Lord! How He would put the same woman in both of our lives and really convict us to love on her and help her during this season of her life is amazing – an absolute miracle. And the fact that I kept pushing something so important aside and allowing my own selfish, sinful nature drive me rather than my Father’s calling, frustrates me to the core. He speaks to us on a daily basis… he prompts our hearts to action – and it’s then up to us to decide how we will respond. I should have responded a month ago to this calling, but I’m choosing to respond today.
Is there anything in your life that God’s telling you to do, but you just can’t convince yourself to do it? Is there a “little old woman” that is “the least of these” in your life that you just keep passing by? What is God prompting your heart to do right now, right away, today?? There’s a reason He’s called you to act and respond… respond faithfully.
God is SOOOO good!! And SO amazing at how He speaks and gives confirmation! Amen! :-)
Friday, May 29, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Doubts & Questions
Doubts and Questions are an everyday part of faith. Recently, I’ve been listening to sermons on Abraham and reading throughout Genesis and the promises God gives to Abraham throughout his life. The interesting part of the Bible that we don’t really realize how much time goes by in the stories. As we look at the life of Abraham, he’s well into his 100’s before he gets the promised son from 25 years earlier. Think about it, it takes 25 years for Abraham to get his blessed son Isaac. Waiting constantly for 25 years, just trusting that what God has said will come to pass. Incredible… 25 years!
As I was reading specifically in Chapter 15, I found that Abraham had his doubts in the promises of God. Let me clarify, Abraham had questions – not unbelief in that he didn’t turn his back on the promises of God, but honestly asks the Lord, “O Sovereign Lord, how can I know that I will get it?”. The fact of our faith is that it’s normal to ask questions, it’s normal to not understand the ways of God, and it’s completely okay and acceptable to be honest with God and say, “what’s the deal? I want to trust you, but I’m not sure how to do this because it seems like things aren’t really falling into place here, Lord.” Asking God for clarity and understanding, patience and endurance, faith and trust – are absolutely necessary and appropriate.
However, we then need to do as Abraham does in verse 6, “Abram believed the Lord.” When God tells us something or lays a desire on our heart and it just never seems to come to pass, we need to trust in the promise he has spoken. It’s so hard for us in our instant gratification society to wait and do it patiently. But the thing is, with God ALL things are possible as promised in Phil. 4:13. He is able to pick us up out of any situation and give us anything and everything we desire, but sometimes He has something better for us to learn while walking through the valley’s of life.
There are three ways then, to go about facing the obstacles in our lives:
1. Passively – hence trusting in God’s sovereignty. Trusting the word/promise He has laid on your heart and letting go of it until it comes to fruition- thus completely relying on and trusting in Him. The story that matches with this is when Abraham allows Lot to choose his land 1st after they are kicked out of Egypt. Lot chooses the richer land, but it’s not the land God promised to Abraham. So Abraham sits back and waits, trusting that the land God gave him is the land of His promise.
2. Actively – we go after the things that He has called us to. This is the story of Abraham saving Lot – when Abraham says, “Lord, I need to go and do this, so I’m trusting that you will be with me as I fight for Lot.” Stepping out in faith and trusting that God will carry you through that circumstance.
3. Prayerfully – this is when we go to the Lord in prayer and ask for a miracle in a certain circumstance. This is when Abraham goes to war against the nation of Sodom and through prayer and petition he pretty much says, “God, you have placed me in this battle that I cannot win, you know I can’t win, but I trust that with you by my side I will be victorious. Please do a miracle here, for without you I’m nothing.”
Where, in your life, do you currently find yourself when it comes to God's promises? Doubting? Or faithfully waiting passively, actively pursuing His plans and Goals, or Trusting prayerfully for a miracle?
We need to always remember that there is nothing that's too big for God. He has the ability to do anything and take the impossible and make them possible in our lives. Miracles still happen, and each of them are to be testament's to the blessings and care of God in our lives.
Check out Genesis 12 & 13 for more on all of this... good words! :-)
As I was reading specifically in Chapter 15, I found that Abraham had his doubts in the promises of God. Let me clarify, Abraham had questions – not unbelief in that he didn’t turn his back on the promises of God, but honestly asks the Lord, “O Sovereign Lord, how can I know that I will get it?”. The fact of our faith is that it’s normal to ask questions, it’s normal to not understand the ways of God, and it’s completely okay and acceptable to be honest with God and say, “what’s the deal? I want to trust you, but I’m not sure how to do this because it seems like things aren’t really falling into place here, Lord.” Asking God for clarity and understanding, patience and endurance, faith and trust – are absolutely necessary and appropriate.
However, we then need to do as Abraham does in verse 6, “Abram believed the Lord.” When God tells us something or lays a desire on our heart and it just never seems to come to pass, we need to trust in the promise he has spoken. It’s so hard for us in our instant gratification society to wait and do it patiently. But the thing is, with God ALL things are possible as promised in Phil. 4:13. He is able to pick us up out of any situation and give us anything and everything we desire, but sometimes He has something better for us to learn while walking through the valley’s of life.
There are three ways then, to go about facing the obstacles in our lives:
1. Passively – hence trusting in God’s sovereignty. Trusting the word/promise He has laid on your heart and letting go of it until it comes to fruition- thus completely relying on and trusting in Him. The story that matches with this is when Abraham allows Lot to choose his land 1st after they are kicked out of Egypt. Lot chooses the richer land, but it’s not the land God promised to Abraham. So Abraham sits back and waits, trusting that the land God gave him is the land of His promise.
2. Actively – we go after the things that He has called us to. This is the story of Abraham saving Lot – when Abraham says, “Lord, I need to go and do this, so I’m trusting that you will be with me as I fight for Lot.” Stepping out in faith and trusting that God will carry you through that circumstance.
3. Prayerfully – this is when we go to the Lord in prayer and ask for a miracle in a certain circumstance. This is when Abraham goes to war against the nation of Sodom and through prayer and petition he pretty much says, “God, you have placed me in this battle that I cannot win, you know I can’t win, but I trust that with you by my side I will be victorious. Please do a miracle here, for without you I’m nothing.”
Where, in your life, do you currently find yourself when it comes to God's promises? Doubting? Or faithfully waiting passively, actively pursuing His plans and Goals, or Trusting prayerfully for a miracle?
We need to always remember that there is nothing that's too big for God. He has the ability to do anything and take the impossible and make them possible in our lives. Miracles still happen, and each of them are to be testament's to the blessings and care of God in our lives.
Check out Genesis 12 & 13 for more on all of this... good words! :-)
Friday, May 22, 2009
Legacy
As I made my way North yesterday to attend my grandma’s Memorial Services, I realized the power and grace of the Lord. My morning started at 5:30am, and my drive to the family home was filled with beautiful sunshine and the reminder of the goodness of God at every turn. After picking up my dear grandpa from his Alzheimer’s care home we headed North to grandma’s grave site. The time I was able to spend with my grandpa that morning showed me the family legacy that him and grandma Bette left in place for their children, and their children’s children. In my grandpa I see where my sarcasm came from. Even though he’s not all there anymore, he’s still one of the most hilarious people I know. The whole way to the funeral he kept telling me jokes and calling me, “pretty girl” since he has long forgotten my name.
The cemetery drew near, and I was amazed at the beautiful sight of Mt. Baker in the background, covered in snow and reflecting it’s incredible beauty to all that could see it. At that very moment I understood that God does walk us through the valley’s of life, and even in the middle of life’s struggles, He gives us a sight/view of what’s to come. As I looked off to that beautiful mountain I realized that the Lord has placed desires and passions in my heart to be the “mountain in the distance” during the times of trials in my life. And along the journey, I am blessed by his “flowers” along the way which are my friends, His “paths” who are my mentors, His “trees” who are my family, and His “water” which are His word and promises refreshing my heart along the way.
As I made my way to the area where grandma is now buried, I saw the gravestones of not only my grandma, but my great-grandparents, and even my great-great grandparents – all laid in the same place for their final rest. It hit me as I stood there looking at the generations of my family’s past - that without one of those people and their influence, love, and care for our family I would not be here today. If one link was missing, one person out of the lineage the entire family of Tenacious would have never been. Then I realized the traditions that my grandmother had passed along to me and her encouragment for me to “keep the family legacy going” came directly from her parents, and her grandparents – generation after generation. What an incredible legacy to leave! And what an incredible amount of work I have to do to preserve the family traditions. And what a GREAT honor for me to have my grandma pass this responsibility on. Truly amazing – and I can’t stop being excited and thrilled for my future... no, God’s future that He has laid on my heart.
The day progressed with many more blessings as the Memorial Service at Grandma’s church came. I walked in the doors of that tiny Lutheran Church and remembered all those Sunday’s spent with grandma and grandpa when I was young. The Church filled with people, and I was asked to be the one to give the Eulogy address for my dear, sweet grandma. As I stood before the congregation of about 100 people, I shared the memories and the legacy/responsibility grandma had passed along to me in her last days through the gift of her hope chest. And I described the last dear months I had with such an incredible woman. Tearily, I fought through my speech, and shared the very things the Lord had laid on my heart that one weekend with grandma, “I have you here for a reason, for your grandma’s time is short. Love her as I would love her. Spend time with her, for you won’t have her much longer.” God works in amazing ways!
I left my Northward home feeling relieved and incredibly blessed to have restored my relationship with a family once lost, but now found. My heart was sad for the loss of grandma, but rejoiced in the fact that she’s in a place of forever rest and protection. And in all honesty, I’m slightly jealous that she gets to see Jesus and be with Him as I am here on the earth. However, I was reminded that I still have work to do, I still have people to love, and I still have a legacy to leave to not only this generation, but the next.
Another life verse:
“Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.” – Ps. 71:18
The cemetery drew near, and I was amazed at the beautiful sight of Mt. Baker in the background, covered in snow and reflecting it’s incredible beauty to all that could see it. At that very moment I understood that God does walk us through the valley’s of life, and even in the middle of life’s struggles, He gives us a sight/view of what’s to come. As I looked off to that beautiful mountain I realized that the Lord has placed desires and passions in my heart to be the “mountain in the distance” during the times of trials in my life. And along the journey, I am blessed by his “flowers” along the way which are my friends, His “paths” who are my mentors, His “trees” who are my family, and His “water” which are His word and promises refreshing my heart along the way.
As I made my way to the area where grandma is now buried, I saw the gravestones of not only my grandma, but my great-grandparents, and even my great-great grandparents – all laid in the same place for their final rest. It hit me as I stood there looking at the generations of my family’s past - that without one of those people and their influence, love, and care for our family I would not be here today. If one link was missing, one person out of the lineage the entire family of Tenacious would have never been. Then I realized the traditions that my grandmother had passed along to me and her encouragment for me to “keep the family legacy going” came directly from her parents, and her grandparents – generation after generation. What an incredible legacy to leave! And what an incredible amount of work I have to do to preserve the family traditions. And what a GREAT honor for me to have my grandma pass this responsibility on. Truly amazing – and I can’t stop being excited and thrilled for my future... no, God’s future that He has laid on my heart.
The day progressed with many more blessings as the Memorial Service at Grandma’s church came. I walked in the doors of that tiny Lutheran Church and remembered all those Sunday’s spent with grandma and grandpa when I was young. The Church filled with people, and I was asked to be the one to give the Eulogy address for my dear, sweet grandma. As I stood before the congregation of about 100 people, I shared the memories and the legacy/responsibility grandma had passed along to me in her last days through the gift of her hope chest. And I described the last dear months I had with such an incredible woman. Tearily, I fought through my speech, and shared the very things the Lord had laid on my heart that one weekend with grandma, “I have you here for a reason, for your grandma’s time is short. Love her as I would love her. Spend time with her, for you won’t have her much longer.” God works in amazing ways!
I left my Northward home feeling relieved and incredibly blessed to have restored my relationship with a family once lost, but now found. My heart was sad for the loss of grandma, but rejoiced in the fact that she’s in a place of forever rest and protection. And in all honesty, I’m slightly jealous that she gets to see Jesus and be with Him as I am here on the earth. However, I was reminded that I still have work to do, I still have people to love, and I still have a legacy to leave to not only this generation, but the next.
Another life verse:
“Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.” – Ps. 71:18
Sunday, May 17, 2009
In Memory
It's been one of those months - where so much has happened that I feel like I'm wandering around aimlessly, not really feeling the effects of what's gone on around me. There is a time and a season for everything - a time to be born and a time to die. In my life, this week was the latter of the two. My dear grandma who I love and cherish very much, went to be with Jesus.
I can't even begin to describe the overwhelming sense of loss that I feel. So often death seems so trivial, until you walk through a loss yourself. When I received the phone call about her passing, I heard the voice of my aunt and new instantly what had happened. My grandma had been struggling for awhile with a cold that just never went away. I look back and just a month ago she was up and in her house with me sharing the stories of her youth, encouraging me to "find a good man that loves you more than anything" - and a few short weeks later... she's gone. I remember vividly the weekend I spent with her back in April, and I remember the conversation I had with the Lord before going to bed that Friday night, asking, "Lord, why am I here? Why does it seem that everything in my life is going out of control? What's going on?". And the Lord, in His amazing goodness and grace spoke to my heart, "My child, the reason I have you here at this point is because your grandma is not going to be around much longer, and I want you to love her as I would love her, pray for her, and spend as much time with her as you can.".
What I didn't realize is that her death would come so quickly. I feel that I just started re-building my relationship with her. However, I am reminded of the time I did have with her and the legacy she left in my life. One of the most incredible parts of re-building my relationship with her is that she passed down her hope chest to me. It may sound silly, but this was one of the biggest honors someone in our family could receive. That hope chest was what she placed everything for her future, her family, and her dreams into before she got married. She based our family legacy off of the items in that chest - and carried on her own family traditions through it. By passing on her hope chest, she was passing on the responsibility of carrying on our family traditions and legacy. And for those of you that know me - legacy, tradition, and hospitality are what I live for - what I was created for. To have the last few months with my grandmother and for her to pass on this family heirloom is the greatest gesture of honor and love she could have ever given me.
As I look back on my 23 years of life, I see and remember my incredible grandma. She's the one that taught me to bake. She shared with me our family heritage and where we came from. She taught me how to be a respectable young woman (mainly by going and getting our hair done together when I was 5 :-) ). And she showed me the love and pride that only comes from a grandmother for her grandchild. Her incredible legacy lives on in my life today, and I'm so incredibly grateful for the years I had with this woman. I miss her terribly, but I know that with her memory and legacy, I can carry on the family traditions so that I may share them with the next generation of grandchildren.
I praise Jesus for His amazing perspective on the life and death of my grandma, and for His love, care, and support as I go through this time of loss. For without Christ I would have no hope for seeing grandma again, but with Him I'm excited to know that I will be able to see her once more someday - re-united again, sharing stories, and praising Jesus forever - together. What an incredible gift!
I miss you Grandma and love you very much.
I can't even begin to describe the overwhelming sense of loss that I feel. So often death seems so trivial, until you walk through a loss yourself. When I received the phone call about her passing, I heard the voice of my aunt and new instantly what had happened. My grandma had been struggling for awhile with a cold that just never went away. I look back and just a month ago she was up and in her house with me sharing the stories of her youth, encouraging me to "find a good man that loves you more than anything" - and a few short weeks later... she's gone. I remember vividly the weekend I spent with her back in April, and I remember the conversation I had with the Lord before going to bed that Friday night, asking, "Lord, why am I here? Why does it seem that everything in my life is going out of control? What's going on?". And the Lord, in His amazing goodness and grace spoke to my heart, "My child, the reason I have you here at this point is because your grandma is not going to be around much longer, and I want you to love her as I would love her, pray for her, and spend as much time with her as you can.".
What I didn't realize is that her death would come so quickly. I feel that I just started re-building my relationship with her. However, I am reminded of the time I did have with her and the legacy she left in my life. One of the most incredible parts of re-building my relationship with her is that she passed down her hope chest to me. It may sound silly, but this was one of the biggest honors someone in our family could receive. That hope chest was what she placed everything for her future, her family, and her dreams into before she got married. She based our family legacy off of the items in that chest - and carried on her own family traditions through it. By passing on her hope chest, she was passing on the responsibility of carrying on our family traditions and legacy. And for those of you that know me - legacy, tradition, and hospitality are what I live for - what I was created for. To have the last few months with my grandmother and for her to pass on this family heirloom is the greatest gesture of honor and love she could have ever given me.
As I look back on my 23 years of life, I see and remember my incredible grandma. She's the one that taught me to bake. She shared with me our family heritage and where we came from. She taught me how to be a respectable young woman (mainly by going and getting our hair done together when I was 5 :-) ). And she showed me the love and pride that only comes from a grandmother for her grandchild. Her incredible legacy lives on in my life today, and I'm so incredibly grateful for the years I had with this woman. I miss her terribly, but I know that with her memory and legacy, I can carry on the family traditions so that I may share them with the next generation of grandchildren.
I praise Jesus for His amazing perspective on the life and death of my grandma, and for His love, care, and support as I go through this time of loss. For without Christ I would have no hope for seeing grandma again, but with Him I'm excited to know that I will be able to see her once more someday - re-united again, sharing stories, and praising Jesus forever - together. What an incredible gift!
I miss you Grandma and love you very much.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
I John 2:19-29
This particular section of scripture is entitled “Warning against Antichrists”. That’s a pretty big statement to make, especially as you read through the rest of the text. This text describes how people look like they come out of the Church as Christians, but they never really did accept Christ as their Savior. In essence, if you love Jesus, you will persevere through hardships, you will stand up against the schemes of the devil, and you will be able to carry on in tough circumstances (with the help of Jesus as stated in Eph. 6:10-20). By accepting Christ you know that He is THE way, the TRUTH, and the LIFE. By the power of the Holy Spirit we are guided in our everyday life.
How do you know you have the Holy Spirit? You know and accept Jesus as God. No one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. If someone you know can’t say that Jesus is the Christ and He is God, then that person does not have a true relationship with Christ. Have you ever thought of that before? Or have you ever questioned those people that seem to be Christians, but you’re unsure? I’d say the easiest way to find out is to ask them what their thoughts on Jesus are. You’ll get your answer – and by the Power of the Holy Spirit, so comes discernment on knowing if someone is telling the truth or lying.
Anyone who denies that Jesus is the Christ is a liar. John actually calls these people antichrists – because by denying the Son of God, he is actually denying God himself as well. As it says in verse 23, “No one who denies the Son has the Father…”. This is kind of intense and a bit scary to a certain degree, but what I believe is being said here is that anyone who doesn’t love Jesus and know Him as their Savior is an antichrist. If you’re not for God, you’re against. You’re anti- God. If you’re not for Christ, you’re against then you’re an antichrist.
This is where things get interesting. Even within the Church as a whole there are antichrists. There are pastors in this world that don’t believe in Jesus. There are deacons, elders, members of Churches that don’t know Christ as their Savior. There are millions of people that believe that Jesus is a “prophet” and not the true Son of God. And the fact of the matter is that all of these people are antichrists. Their testimony is false, their hope is void, and their lives are darkness. Often times these people come up with their own philosophies, or claim that they have the “spirit” and are able to do signs and wonders – but they are not of God, they are of the ruler of this world – the devil. There is a great example of this in the story of Moses and how Pharoah’s anger burned against Israel and their God (Exodus 7-12). The God of the universe would send plagues out on the land of Egypt, but Pharoah’s own sorcerers and leaders were able to perform signs and wonders as well – not by the power of God, but by the power of satan. What we need to realize is that there is Christ or there is the multitude of satan’s demons. Good and evil - that's it.
Recently, I’ve been reminded that anything good comes from God and anything negative comes from the devil. God would never have us doubt, but believe. Jesus would never have us question His love, but trust in His word. Any question, any doubt, any unbelief comes from satan. Any trouble, any trial, any pain comes from the sinful nature of this world. Did we get that? God only wants GOOD and God is GOOD. Satan only wants evil and everyone to suffer and go down to the depths of despair with him. With God all things are possible, without him we’re lost in the darkness of this world.
Okay, a lot to take in this time, and I'm aware that this is a rather sticky subject. This whole section of scripture got me to thinking after I listened to the audio version at Mars Hill. You too can take a listen below... really interesting - mind boggling stuff here. I have so many questions for the Lord on the day that I get to be with Him forever - good thing we'll have all eternity to get them answered. :-)
http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/epistles-of-john/1-john-2-18-29
Praying for you tonight blogging community - that the Lord would reveal Himself and love you through everything you face in life. Blessings! :-)
How do you know you have the Holy Spirit? You know and accept Jesus as God. No one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. If someone you know can’t say that Jesus is the Christ and He is God, then that person does not have a true relationship with Christ. Have you ever thought of that before? Or have you ever questioned those people that seem to be Christians, but you’re unsure? I’d say the easiest way to find out is to ask them what their thoughts on Jesus are. You’ll get your answer – and by the Power of the Holy Spirit, so comes discernment on knowing if someone is telling the truth or lying.
Anyone who denies that Jesus is the Christ is a liar. John actually calls these people antichrists – because by denying the Son of God, he is actually denying God himself as well. As it says in verse 23, “No one who denies the Son has the Father…”. This is kind of intense and a bit scary to a certain degree, but what I believe is being said here is that anyone who doesn’t love Jesus and know Him as their Savior is an antichrist. If you’re not for God, you’re against. You’re anti- God. If you’re not for Christ, you’re against then you’re an antichrist.
This is where things get interesting. Even within the Church as a whole there are antichrists. There are pastors in this world that don’t believe in Jesus. There are deacons, elders, members of Churches that don’t know Christ as their Savior. There are millions of people that believe that Jesus is a “prophet” and not the true Son of God. And the fact of the matter is that all of these people are antichrists. Their testimony is false, their hope is void, and their lives are darkness. Often times these people come up with their own philosophies, or claim that they have the “spirit” and are able to do signs and wonders – but they are not of God, they are of the ruler of this world – the devil. There is a great example of this in the story of Moses and how Pharoah’s anger burned against Israel and their God (Exodus 7-12). The God of the universe would send plagues out on the land of Egypt, but Pharoah’s own sorcerers and leaders were able to perform signs and wonders as well – not by the power of God, but by the power of satan. What we need to realize is that there is Christ or there is the multitude of satan’s demons. Good and evil - that's it.
Recently, I’ve been reminded that anything good comes from God and anything negative comes from the devil. God would never have us doubt, but believe. Jesus would never have us question His love, but trust in His word. Any question, any doubt, any unbelief comes from satan. Any trouble, any trial, any pain comes from the sinful nature of this world. Did we get that? God only wants GOOD and God is GOOD. Satan only wants evil and everyone to suffer and go down to the depths of despair with him. With God all things are possible, without him we’re lost in the darkness of this world.
Okay, a lot to take in this time, and I'm aware that this is a rather sticky subject. This whole section of scripture got me to thinking after I listened to the audio version at Mars Hill. You too can take a listen below... really interesting - mind boggling stuff here. I have so many questions for the Lord on the day that I get to be with Him forever - good thing we'll have all eternity to get them answered. :-)
http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/epistles-of-john/1-john-2-18-29
Praying for you tonight blogging community - that the Lord would reveal Himself and love you through everything you face in life. Blessings! :-)
Friday, May 8, 2009
SO Blessed!
Happy Friday all - God is GOOD! :-) This week has been crazy busy, but I've been so blessed by the life I have and the friends I'm surrounded by. I'm learning so much from everyone in my life, and am sad that I've let my busyness prevent me from building into the lives of others.
Recently, I've had a family friend on my mind and heart, and tonight I went and spent the entire evening chatting with her about life and family. I actually call her "Grandma" because she's my brother's biological grandma. Okay - way too much history to get into here... so we're just going to go with I went to visit Grandma Bart tonight. What an incredible woman! She's in her 80's and she is still just enjoying and living her life to the absolute fullest. She lost her husband of over 60 years two summers ago, and the woman is still as happy, smart, diligent, and determined as she was when he was around. She admitted to me that it's tough without Robert, but she just keeps her days filled with luncheon's, visits to friends houses, and serving in civic organizations. This woman has Gusto - and I LOVE IT!! :-)
As we sat at her kitchen table eating oatmeal/peanut butter/chocolate chip cookies and drinking milk she started sharing the memories and wisdom of her life with me. She shared her relationship with grandpa and how it began and bloomed into a lifelong love and marriage. She recalled his time in the army during WWII and how she missed him so dearly. She also shared how when he got home from the army they elloped two days later because they were so in love. I learned about her life as a mother of 4 children, and watching her kids go through the times of blessing and times of trouble in their lives. And I learned how she's the mother of 4, the grandmother of 10, and the great grandmother of 5 (including my neice Katie). Talk about legacy - she has four generations all within her reach. INCREDIBLE!
As I listened, I was so encouraged by her stories and insight on life. My desire for leaving a legacy for my future family became more and more realized as she spoke. And she kept giving me more encouragement and more guidance on how I should "live life to the fullest" and "theres' no reason to always be down - but keep your attitude up, no matter what happens".
I came into her house weary from a busy week and left blessed. God has blessed me with amazing people with incredible wisdom and insight to share. He is SO good and SO loving!!
Throughout this week I've been thinking about my own life and areas in which I struggle and need to work on. One such area is that of humility. As I read the story of Christ washing His disciples feet, I realized that I so often am like Peter. Where I try and tell the Lord what to do... and I was reminded that it's no my plan, it's no my will, but His will that needs to be done in every circumstance... here's a bit of what I learned about myself:
Humility is not doing something to gain something or gain success – humility is doing something because you love God and are called to love others. Humilty is not a waste of time or energy, it’s glorifying to the Father in heaven. Humility is not a competition – it’s a choice you make everyday, and it’s not for you to get praise, but that God would get glory and praise through your efforts to love, support, and encourage others.
I’m the girl that helps others, but has a really hard time letting others help me. I often don’t realize that I’m doing it – and I often push other people who are trying to help me to the side, without even realizing it. Whether it’s someone helping me carry something, or someone asking me if there is anything they can pray for me on – I always have a hard time taking the help of others. Just like Peter in John 13 as Christ is washing his disciples feet – I even tell Jesus what to do (and sometimes that I can do things myself) but don’t allow Him to help me often times. What a sinner I am! I have a problem with humility, being able to be real and open with people. I can sit here and say that I’m the way I am because I’ve had to be responsible for myself since I was 10, and that independence is the only way I know how to live. But the fact of the matter is that I long for help and support of others. Even when I say I don’t, or act like I’m just fine without others – the fact is that I need friendship, I need those people that Christ has blessed me with to help carry the burdens of my life as it says in Gal. 6:2 "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ". Receiving grace and love is the hardest thing for me to do, but it’s also the greatest thing my heart desires.
So how do I go about correcting this in my own life? By prayer and by asking people for help even though it's the hardest thing in the world for me to do. Realizing that I was created for community and to live with others by carrying each other's burdens. Just like I want to help those that are hurting or struggling, others want to help me as well. I need to lay down my pride and my independence sometimes and let the love of Christ and the love of others envelop me - and be humble as I receive the grace and kindness.
Have I said that God is good?? WOOT! :-)
Song of the night - John Mark McMillian "How He Loves":
He is jealous for me,
Loves like a hurricane,
I am a tree,'
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.
When all of a sudden,
I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
And I realise just how beautiful You are,
And how great Your affections are for me.
Yeah, He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves.
Yeah, He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves.
We are His portion and He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes,
If grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking.
So Heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss,
And my heart turns violently inside of my chest,
I don’t have time to maintain these regrets,
When I think about, the way…
He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us,
Oh how He loves.
Yeah, He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves.
Well, I thought about You the day Stephen died,
And You met me between my breaking.
I know that I still love You, God, despite the agony. ...
They want to tell me You're cruel,
But if Stephen could sing, he'd say it's not true, cause...
Cause He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us.
Whoa! how He loves us.
Whoa! how He loves.
Yeah, He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves.
HE LOVES US!!! :-) Happy weekend!
Recently, I've had a family friend on my mind and heart, and tonight I went and spent the entire evening chatting with her about life and family. I actually call her "Grandma" because she's my brother's biological grandma. Okay - way too much history to get into here... so we're just going to go with I went to visit Grandma Bart tonight. What an incredible woman! She's in her 80's and she is still just enjoying and living her life to the absolute fullest. She lost her husband of over 60 years two summers ago, and the woman is still as happy, smart, diligent, and determined as she was when he was around. She admitted to me that it's tough without Robert, but she just keeps her days filled with luncheon's, visits to friends houses, and serving in civic organizations. This woman has Gusto - and I LOVE IT!! :-)
As we sat at her kitchen table eating oatmeal/peanut butter/chocolate chip cookies and drinking milk she started sharing the memories and wisdom of her life with me. She shared her relationship with grandpa and how it began and bloomed into a lifelong love and marriage. She recalled his time in the army during WWII and how she missed him so dearly. She also shared how when he got home from the army they elloped two days later because they were so in love. I learned about her life as a mother of 4 children, and watching her kids go through the times of blessing and times of trouble in their lives. And I learned how she's the mother of 4, the grandmother of 10, and the great grandmother of 5 (including my neice Katie). Talk about legacy - she has four generations all within her reach. INCREDIBLE!
As I listened, I was so encouraged by her stories and insight on life. My desire for leaving a legacy for my future family became more and more realized as she spoke. And she kept giving me more encouragement and more guidance on how I should "live life to the fullest" and "theres' no reason to always be down - but keep your attitude up, no matter what happens".
I came into her house weary from a busy week and left blessed. God has blessed me with amazing people with incredible wisdom and insight to share. He is SO good and SO loving!!
Throughout this week I've been thinking about my own life and areas in which I struggle and need to work on. One such area is that of humility. As I read the story of Christ washing His disciples feet, I realized that I so often am like Peter. Where I try and tell the Lord what to do... and I was reminded that it's no my plan, it's no my will, but His will that needs to be done in every circumstance... here's a bit of what I learned about myself:
Humility is not doing something to gain something or gain success – humility is doing something because you love God and are called to love others. Humilty is not a waste of time or energy, it’s glorifying to the Father in heaven. Humility is not a competition – it’s a choice you make everyday, and it’s not for you to get praise, but that God would get glory and praise through your efforts to love, support, and encourage others.
I’m the girl that helps others, but has a really hard time letting others help me. I often don’t realize that I’m doing it – and I often push other people who are trying to help me to the side, without even realizing it. Whether it’s someone helping me carry something, or someone asking me if there is anything they can pray for me on – I always have a hard time taking the help of others. Just like Peter in John 13 as Christ is washing his disciples feet – I even tell Jesus what to do (and sometimes that I can do things myself) but don’t allow Him to help me often times. What a sinner I am! I have a problem with humility, being able to be real and open with people. I can sit here and say that I’m the way I am because I’ve had to be responsible for myself since I was 10, and that independence is the only way I know how to live. But the fact of the matter is that I long for help and support of others. Even when I say I don’t, or act like I’m just fine without others – the fact is that I need friendship, I need those people that Christ has blessed me with to help carry the burdens of my life as it says in Gal. 6:2 "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ". Receiving grace and love is the hardest thing for me to do, but it’s also the greatest thing my heart desires.
So how do I go about correcting this in my own life? By prayer and by asking people for help even though it's the hardest thing in the world for me to do. Realizing that I was created for community and to live with others by carrying each other's burdens. Just like I want to help those that are hurting or struggling, others want to help me as well. I need to lay down my pride and my independence sometimes and let the love of Christ and the love of others envelop me - and be humble as I receive the grace and kindness.
Have I said that God is good?? WOOT! :-)
Song of the night - John Mark McMillian "How He Loves":
He is jealous for me,
Loves like a hurricane,
I am a tree,'
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.
When all of a sudden,
I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
And I realise just how beautiful You are,
And how great Your affections are for me.
Yeah, He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves.
Yeah, He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves.
We are His portion and He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes,
If grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking.
So Heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss,
And my heart turns violently inside of my chest,
I don’t have time to maintain these regrets,
When I think about, the way…
He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us,
Oh how He loves.
Yeah, He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves.
Well, I thought about You the day Stephen died,
And You met me between my breaking.
I know that I still love You, God, despite the agony. ...
They want to tell me You're cruel,
But if Stephen could sing, he'd say it's not true, cause...
Cause He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us.
Whoa! how He loves us.
Whoa! how He loves.
Yeah, He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves.
HE LOVES US!!! :-) Happy weekend!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Rain of Redemption
God is so good - have I reiterated that enough?
Tonight, I got home from work and decided it was time for another long, hard run. As I put on my gear, I realized that it had started pouring outside. Determined to exercise, I faced the rain and hit the road at a fast pace. As I had my worship mix playing on my iPod, I was reminded of the grace and redemption of Christ.
As the rain fell on me, I truly felt like it was God's blessing of care and protection being showered over me. The rain was His reminder that He's always faithful, and even when showers come our way, He still uses those showers for good. As I trudged through my 4 miles, running through puddles and pushing myself to keep going, I couldn't help but start praising the Lord for His blessings in my life. For the friendships he's given me, the family he's restored, the job that keeps me growing, the Cheerleaders I get the privilege of leading, the car I get to drive, and the roof over my head each night - God has blessed me far beyond I could ever imagine. Sometimes society makes it look like I need something more, or that I can't be satisfied unless I have the newest, latest, greatest gadget- but the truth of it all, for me, was found in my run in the rain. . .
I am blessed.
I am grateful.
I am saved.
And all of this has come from the great I AM.
The rain of redemption poured on my life today. The reminder of His grace and His peace, were my companion at each step. And the further I got away from the everyday of this world, the closer I drew to the Heavenly destination that will soon come to pass. Peace, understanding, joy, and love were the guiding lights of my run in the rain. And at the end of it all... I felt... relieved. A burden was lifted as I walked through my front door, and I found the real me hiding beneath the pressures of life.
Praise God for the days of rain - for through the rain of life comes the hope for redemption. Through the struggles, come understanding. And through Christ, the sun shines through the rain.
"20 Guard my life and rescue me;
let me not be put to shame,
for I take refuge in you.
21 May integrity and uprightness protect me,
because my hope is in you." - Ps. 25:20-21
Tonight, I got home from work and decided it was time for another long, hard run. As I put on my gear, I realized that it had started pouring outside. Determined to exercise, I faced the rain and hit the road at a fast pace. As I had my worship mix playing on my iPod, I was reminded of the grace and redemption of Christ.
As the rain fell on me, I truly felt like it was God's blessing of care and protection being showered over me. The rain was His reminder that He's always faithful, and even when showers come our way, He still uses those showers for good. As I trudged through my 4 miles, running through puddles and pushing myself to keep going, I couldn't help but start praising the Lord for His blessings in my life. For the friendships he's given me, the family he's restored, the job that keeps me growing, the Cheerleaders I get the privilege of leading, the car I get to drive, and the roof over my head each night - God has blessed me far beyond I could ever imagine. Sometimes society makes it look like I need something more, or that I can't be satisfied unless I have the newest, latest, greatest gadget- but the truth of it all, for me, was found in my run in the rain. . .
I am blessed.
I am grateful.
I am saved.
And all of this has come from the great I AM.
The rain of redemption poured on my life today. The reminder of His grace and His peace, were my companion at each step. And the further I got away from the everyday of this world, the closer I drew to the Heavenly destination that will soon come to pass. Peace, understanding, joy, and love were the guiding lights of my run in the rain. And at the end of it all... I felt... relieved. A burden was lifted as I walked through my front door, and I found the real me hiding beneath the pressures of life.
Praise God for the days of rain - for through the rain of life comes the hope for redemption. Through the struggles, come understanding. And through Christ, the sun shines through the rain.
"20 Guard my life and rescue me;
let me not be put to shame,
for I take refuge in you.
21 May integrity and uprightness protect me,
because my hope is in you." - Ps. 25:20-21
Monday, May 4, 2009
Monday's Revelation
Hi Friends- what a truly incredible day it's been. I've just been so blessed and encouraged by the love of the Lord. God is SO good! I have a lot of ramblings to share... and half of this probably won't even make sense. But enjoy and for what it's worth - it made sense to me? :-)
I'm currently listening to the Mars Hill sermon from yesterday. SO GOOD! It speaks of the need to be humble, especially in positions of leadership. As Jesus says, If you want to be 1st - be last. God gives grace to the humble, but opposes the proud. Do you realize that in our American society we are some of the worst people when it comes to humility. We think we're better than others. We lift ourselves up over others - and our 'self-esteem' is what is our motivating factor in life. Often we're told, "we can't love others until we love ourselves". The truth of the matter is that until we're humble before the Lord and are loving Jesus 1st and foremost - we can't love others. AMEN!!! Jesus needs to be #1 on our list of priorities, and as we learn to love Him more and have His plans take place in our lives we'll know how to love and serve others better.
There's a song by Brandon Heath that speaks of this, saying "give me your eyes for just one second, give me your eyes so I can see...". As we draw near to the Lord - He shows us how we can touch the lives of those around us. He lets His desires become our desires. As it says in Ps. 37:4 "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." As we delight or draw near to Him, His desires become our desires. I'm SO incredibly blessed by this word. God has big plans for our lives, if only we would let Him use us in the way He's called us to be used. That we may have His eyes to bring people to His light and blessings.
End of 1st train of thought. :-)
Next....
We often don’t like what the Lord tells us. Whether it’s His firm answer of “no” or “it’s not time, wait it out” we find ourselves frustrated with the answer we receive and try and convince the Lord to tell us something different.
A great analogy is that of a parent-child relationship. Have you ever noticed how kids will ask for something, and the parent says “no” or “later”, only to have the child come back again in 5 minutes and be uber nice or persuasive – but asking the SAME question again? The fact of the matter is that if the Parent knows best, and loves their child, they will stick to their original answer, no matter what or how the child does to persuade them otherwise. The parents stick to their guns out of LOVE and PROTECTION for the child.
This is the same thing with the Lord. We can keep going back to Him and begging him to answer our prayers or give us our demands. But just like any good parent, He’ll keep telling us to wait for a later time or that no, the prayer will not be answered in that specific way. The thing is, God sees the big picture. He knows what we need before we need it. Our finite human minds cannot comprehend the pros and cons of every situation in our life, and some things are taken out of our life to protect us and bless us in some other way.
Jesus speaks specifically of this in John 6 by telling the Jews to “stop grumbling among yourselves”. What I feel like he’s saying is, “Stop trying to convince me that you know better than I do what’s best for your life.” I bet the Lord just sits up in heaven and laughs because we try so much to demand things from Him. How in the world are we able to even understand what’s best in our lives, when we don’t know what tomorrow holds for us? It's called Trusting God. Because the fact of the matter is that we don't know what tomorrow holds. We don't have the power to understand or comprehend the Plans and Ways of the Lord. Just as a child trusts that his parent has his best interests at hand - we should trust Christ and His word, that He has our best interests at heart in all that He does for us.
Trust is us placing our confidence, faith, and hope in the Lord. Letting him be the director of our lives, not ourselves. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In ALL your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." - Prov. 3:5-6 That means that we need to let Christ shine and have ALL the areas of our life. Even those areas we feel like we can't give up because they are too dear to us. The success, the job, the title, the friendships, the material things, the relationships - everything - needs to be surrendered to Jesus for His purposes. So that through our surrender God can use our gifts to bless the lives of others.
SO GOOD! God is SO Good and worthy of Praise! Amen!
Song of the moment: Lifehouse = Everything
Find me here
And speak to me
I want to feel You
I need to hear You
You are the light
That's leading me
To the place
Where I find peace again
You are the strength
That keeps me walking
You are the hope
That keeps me trusting
You are the life
To my soul
You are my purpose
You're everything
And how can I stand here with You And not be moved by You
Would You tell me how could it be Any better than this
You calm the storms
And You give me rest
You hold me in your hands
You won't let me fall
You steal my heart
And You take my breath away
Would You take me in
Would You take me deeper, now
And how can I stand here with You And not be moved by You
Would You tell me how could it be Any better than this
And how can I stand here with You And not be moved by You
Would You tell me how could it be Any better than this
Cause you're all I want You're all I need You're everything, everything
You're all I want You're all I need You're everything, everything
How can I stand here with You And not be moved by You
Would you tell me how could it be Any better than this
I'm currently listening to the Mars Hill sermon from yesterday. SO GOOD! It speaks of the need to be humble, especially in positions of leadership. As Jesus says, If you want to be 1st - be last. God gives grace to the humble, but opposes the proud. Do you realize that in our American society we are some of the worst people when it comes to humility. We think we're better than others. We lift ourselves up over others - and our 'self-esteem' is what is our motivating factor in life. Often we're told, "we can't love others until we love ourselves". The truth of the matter is that until we're humble before the Lord and are loving Jesus 1st and foremost - we can't love others. AMEN!!! Jesus needs to be #1 on our list of priorities, and as we learn to love Him more and have His plans take place in our lives we'll know how to love and serve others better.
There's a song by Brandon Heath that speaks of this, saying "give me your eyes for just one second, give me your eyes so I can see...". As we draw near to the Lord - He shows us how we can touch the lives of those around us. He lets His desires become our desires. As it says in Ps. 37:4 "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." As we delight or draw near to Him, His desires become our desires. I'm SO incredibly blessed by this word. God has big plans for our lives, if only we would let Him use us in the way He's called us to be used. That we may have His eyes to bring people to His light and blessings.
End of 1st train of thought. :-)
Next....
We often don’t like what the Lord tells us. Whether it’s His firm answer of “no” or “it’s not time, wait it out” we find ourselves frustrated with the answer we receive and try and convince the Lord to tell us something different.
A great analogy is that of a parent-child relationship. Have you ever noticed how kids will ask for something, and the parent says “no” or “later”, only to have the child come back again in 5 minutes and be uber nice or persuasive – but asking the SAME question again? The fact of the matter is that if the Parent knows best, and loves their child, they will stick to their original answer, no matter what or how the child does to persuade them otherwise. The parents stick to their guns out of LOVE and PROTECTION for the child.
This is the same thing with the Lord. We can keep going back to Him and begging him to answer our prayers or give us our demands. But just like any good parent, He’ll keep telling us to wait for a later time or that no, the prayer will not be answered in that specific way. The thing is, God sees the big picture. He knows what we need before we need it. Our finite human minds cannot comprehend the pros and cons of every situation in our life, and some things are taken out of our life to protect us and bless us in some other way.
Jesus speaks specifically of this in John 6 by telling the Jews to “stop grumbling among yourselves”. What I feel like he’s saying is, “Stop trying to convince me that you know better than I do what’s best for your life.” I bet the Lord just sits up in heaven and laughs because we try so much to demand things from Him. How in the world are we able to even understand what’s best in our lives, when we don’t know what tomorrow holds for us? It's called Trusting God. Because the fact of the matter is that we don't know what tomorrow holds. We don't have the power to understand or comprehend the Plans and Ways of the Lord. Just as a child trusts that his parent has his best interests at hand - we should trust Christ and His word, that He has our best interests at heart in all that He does for us.
Trust is us placing our confidence, faith, and hope in the Lord. Letting him be the director of our lives, not ourselves. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In ALL your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." - Prov. 3:5-6 That means that we need to let Christ shine and have ALL the areas of our life. Even those areas we feel like we can't give up because they are too dear to us. The success, the job, the title, the friendships, the material things, the relationships - everything - needs to be surrendered to Jesus for His purposes. So that through our surrender God can use our gifts to bless the lives of others.
SO GOOD! God is SO Good and worthy of Praise! Amen!
Song of the moment: Lifehouse = Everything
Find me here
And speak to me
I want to feel You
I need to hear You
You are the light
That's leading me
To the place
Where I find peace again
You are the strength
That keeps me walking
You are the hope
That keeps me trusting
You are the life
To my soul
You are my purpose
You're everything
And how can I stand here with You And not be moved by You
Would You tell me how could it be Any better than this
You calm the storms
And You give me rest
You hold me in your hands
You won't let me fall
You steal my heart
And You take my breath away
Would You take me in
Would You take me deeper, now
And how can I stand here with You And not be moved by You
Would You tell me how could it be Any better than this
And how can I stand here with You And not be moved by You
Would You tell me how could it be Any better than this
Cause you're all I want You're all I need You're everything, everything
You're all I want You're all I need You're everything, everything
How can I stand here with You And not be moved by You
Would you tell me how could it be Any better than this
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Proverbs 2:1-8
Moral Benefits of Wisdom
1 My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,
2 turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding,
3 and if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
4 and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the LORD gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He holds victory in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
8 for he guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones.
As I was reading this passage this morning, I recevied a whole new perspective on it. I'm sure I've read over it numerous times, but this time I really took the words listed to heart. What it boils down to is that we're called to fervently, desperately, passionately look for God's guidance and wisdom throughout our life.
As Solomon describes in verse 4 "...look for it as for silver". So often in this world we're looking for the fame, the prestige, and the riches that the world offers. We're searching for "silver and gold" here on the earth. What Solomon is saying here is that we need to be seeking the Lord and His plan and will for our lives as we would strive and desire the riches of the world. Great application here! It's funny though, so often in life we get sidetracked, and lose sight of our passion and desire for God. Whether it's unanswered prayers, struggles, or even just being blessed - we often forget to cry out to Jesus in EVERY circumstance of life.
As this section of proverbs continues it describes how the Lord gives us wisdom. Our human selves cannot fathom or comprehend the wisdom of the Lord. We can think we have wisdom, but in reality it's petty trivia. From the Lord comes knowledge and understanding. So how are we going to get the wisdom of God, His understanding, and His knowledge? Pretty much by filling your life with His Word, prayer, and the power of the Holy Spirit, which is our earthly portion of the Trinity (standing beside us and leading our paths in every step we should take).
The most exciting part of this passage are verses 7 & 8 - at least for me. It describes how blessings, victory, and protection come out of those whose walks are blameless before the Lord. He brings victory to the upright. He is a shield to the blameless. He guards the course of the just, and He protects the way of His faithful ones. What an incredible testament to the grace of God! Even though I mess up all the time and face opposition while I'm here - God still cares enough to protect me and give me victory - even in my times of trouble.
And again I say, with God all things are possible. Without Him we're nothing! Did you get that? Without Christ - we are NOTHING. My prayer is that anyone that reads this would come to know the neverending peace, love, grace, and even blessings that the Lord pours out over those that love Him. Do you want to feel that surety and rest? Call out to Jesus and you can have it. With Him we have hope and a future. Without him we have damnation. Jesus is THE way THE truth and THE life. No one get's to the Father, except through Jesus. AMEN! And Praise the Lord for his eternal sacrifice - for without his death we would never have his grace and peace.
And last - I've found some INCREDIBLE new music... and just made another EPIC Worship CD. One such song is by Justin Byrne, called "I have found". Take a listen on iTunes and enjoy the lyrics below. SO GOOD! Our God is faithful, just, righteous and loving!
I have found a peace that ploughs on through the storm.
I have found a joy that jumps over sadness.
I have found a love that lights up every room.
I have found, I've found You!
Chorus:
You are all I want,
You are all I need,
Everything my heart could hope for.
We are longing for, the Glory of the Lord,
Cause we know there's so much more!
I have found a trust that teaches how to rest.
I have found a grace that guides me by the hand.
I have found a strength that stands like a mountain.
And I have found, I've found You!
Only You, fill my soul!
1 My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,
2 turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding,
3 and if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
4 and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the LORD gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He holds victory in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
8 for he guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones.
As I was reading this passage this morning, I recevied a whole new perspective on it. I'm sure I've read over it numerous times, but this time I really took the words listed to heart. What it boils down to is that we're called to fervently, desperately, passionately look for God's guidance and wisdom throughout our life.
As Solomon describes in verse 4 "...look for it as for silver". So often in this world we're looking for the fame, the prestige, and the riches that the world offers. We're searching for "silver and gold" here on the earth. What Solomon is saying here is that we need to be seeking the Lord and His plan and will for our lives as we would strive and desire the riches of the world. Great application here! It's funny though, so often in life we get sidetracked, and lose sight of our passion and desire for God. Whether it's unanswered prayers, struggles, or even just being blessed - we often forget to cry out to Jesus in EVERY circumstance of life.
As this section of proverbs continues it describes how the Lord gives us wisdom. Our human selves cannot fathom or comprehend the wisdom of the Lord. We can think we have wisdom, but in reality it's petty trivia. From the Lord comes knowledge and understanding. So how are we going to get the wisdom of God, His understanding, and His knowledge? Pretty much by filling your life with His Word, prayer, and the power of the Holy Spirit, which is our earthly portion of the Trinity (standing beside us and leading our paths in every step we should take).
The most exciting part of this passage are verses 7 & 8 - at least for me. It describes how blessings, victory, and protection come out of those whose walks are blameless before the Lord. He brings victory to the upright. He is a shield to the blameless. He guards the course of the just, and He protects the way of His faithful ones. What an incredible testament to the grace of God! Even though I mess up all the time and face opposition while I'm here - God still cares enough to protect me and give me victory - even in my times of trouble.
And again I say, with God all things are possible. Without Him we're nothing! Did you get that? Without Christ - we are NOTHING. My prayer is that anyone that reads this would come to know the neverending peace, love, grace, and even blessings that the Lord pours out over those that love Him. Do you want to feel that surety and rest? Call out to Jesus and you can have it. With Him we have hope and a future. Without him we have damnation. Jesus is THE way THE truth and THE life. No one get's to the Father, except through Jesus. AMEN! And Praise the Lord for his eternal sacrifice - for without his death we would never have his grace and peace.
And last - I've found some INCREDIBLE new music... and just made another EPIC Worship CD. One such song is by Justin Byrne, called "I have found". Take a listen on iTunes and enjoy the lyrics below. SO GOOD! Our God is faithful, just, righteous and loving!
I have found a peace that ploughs on through the storm.
I have found a joy that jumps over sadness.
I have found a love that lights up every room.
I have found, I've found You!
Chorus:
You are all I want,
You are all I need,
Everything my heart could hope for.
We are longing for, the Glory of the Lord,
Cause we know there's so much more!
I have found a trust that teaches how to rest.
I have found a grace that guides me by the hand.
I have found a strength that stands like a mountain.
And I have found, I've found You!
Only You, fill my soul!
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