Incorruptible
Romans 6:10-11 For the death He died, He died to to sin once for all; but the life He lives, He lives to God. Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Once again, my little "31 Days of Praise" book has awakened a new understanding and revelation to my heart and mind. I highly recommend getting this book. It's by Ruth Myers, with her husband Warren.
So today's truth came at a particularly difficult time for me, a time when I have been battling depression, getting irritated at everything, and complaining so much, that I am sick of hearing myself!!
Before His death, Jesus was able to be tempted by sin. He lived in a human body, "was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin." (Hebrews 4:15) Thankfully, for me and you, He was always strong and never fell. After He was raised from the dead, He became incorruptible. His humanness was no longer able to be tempted.
1 Corinthians 15:54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written; "Death is swallowed up in victory."
As long a Jesus was alive before the Crucifixtion, He was subject to the whole of the human condition; temptation, mortality, hunger, tiredness...But after He was raised, this ceased to be the case. He was raised glorified, incorruptible and immortal. (I don't know whether He still gets hungry LOL)
So too, this is the way I am to see myself, united with Him in death, I am no longer bound to sin. The power that raised Him from the dead, lives in me and lifts me from the deadness of sin. I too, can live for God. I need to wrap my mind around this and not ever ever ever let go!
Lately, I have been feeling really discouraged, like I am never going to change. Never going to overcome the besetting sin in my life. But what really needs to change is my thinking, my mind. If I think I am chained to certain behavior patterns, then of course I will never have victory over them. It's as if I let them define me. But if I start seeing myself as dead to those things, as those sins being buried with Christ, then there hold over me will start to diminish and eventually subside all together. Ruth Warren puts it this way: "...sin still indwells us; the old sinful patterns and potential are still written in our minds and bodies. But we are to see ourselves in the light of the cross and the empty tomb." Ah ha! I need new glasses! My focus and my filter now changes to how do I live for God, or more accurately how do I allow God to live through me.
I realize that this may be basic for some. And some parts of this are not altogether new for me either. But perhaps it needed to be refreshed in our minds today. God has a way of visiting with old truths in a new light that encourages and strengthens us to be the people He designed us to be. I am so glad He keeps at it. Thank You Lord for Your continual care and teaching.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Grieving
It's been a hard couple of weeks. The grieving process has been taking it's toll. Between that and trying to take care of all the little things that life entails, plus all the details of wrapping up another's earthly life....it's been overwhelming and difficult. I alternately go from weeping to completely numb and dead feeling. Sometimes I find myself unable to do anything at all. I just sit there. The feelings of lost-ness and disconnectedness, even in a roomful of people are disorienting and sad. It's as if being part of the human race is too much for me.
At one point I was just frozen. I sat down and just could no longer function. Making any more decisions, doing anymore tasks seemed beyond my ability. I didn't go to work. I just sat. And then reality kicks back in and the hundred little jobs needing doing come rushing back into my head so I force myself up and start doing, again.
Now, I know I am supposed to be leaning on the Lord, drawing on His strength. But it's really just not that simple. It's not some magic words or prayers to make that happen. Consciously making that decision is part of it, but it still does not quell the feelings of depression, hopelessness, apathy and exhaustion.
But in all this God is still here. Still visiting. And I am grateful. One day, as I was trying to accomplish those hundred little jobs (feeling of course completely overwhelmed by all of them), I was in my bedroom where I have one of those flip calendars, this one happens to be from In Touch Ministries. That day's inspiration was this: " What should we do when anxiety strikes? First and foremost, we must ask God to give us His peace and His truth. Very specifically we must ask God to deal with the problems that are filling both our conscious and unconscious minds. This is not something we do just once. It is something we may have to do many times throughout the day. We must ask the Lord to help us focus all of our thoughts and energy on the immediate situation at hand." Wow, did that speak directly to the heart of my situation. Zeroed right in on it. Like God just took an arrow and hit the perfect bullseye! I may be grieving but He is still with me. Focusing on that fact will bring peace. And just putting my full attention into the task at hand instead of allowing my brain to fast-forward ahead to all the other things written on the to-do list in my head, will calm my mind and help me think clearly.
A couple of days later, as I was getting ready to leave for work I happened on my "God is Faithful" box and felt compelled to open it and take out one of the little cards. It said, "God is bigger than any problem we face, stronger than any doubt we can imagine." This was based on the Scripture Phil. 4:19 God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." How faithful and loving is our God? He ministers to us right where we are, wrapping us in His love and kindness.
Amidst all the anguish and the sorrow, the confusion and feelings of drowning in a sea of busyness and responsibility, God is there. He hasn't let go. He hasn't moved on to someone else. He never does. And I am comforted and grateful.
And just when I think I have reached the end of this entry (sorry, I know it is a little lengthy!), He brings one more thing to my attention, the Scripture verse that was the basis for the In Touch calendar saying which I didn't notice until just now.
1 Chronicles 16:9 The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.
All I can say is thank You. My feelings may not change, I may still struggle, but I can rest in Him and know that Jesus is holding on to me and I will be okay. I love You Lord.
It's been a hard couple of weeks. The grieving process has been taking it's toll. Between that and trying to take care of all the little things that life entails, plus all the details of wrapping up another's earthly life....it's been overwhelming and difficult. I alternately go from weeping to completely numb and dead feeling. Sometimes I find myself unable to do anything at all. I just sit there. The feelings of lost-ness and disconnectedness, even in a roomful of people are disorienting and sad. It's as if being part of the human race is too much for me.
At one point I was just frozen. I sat down and just could no longer function. Making any more decisions, doing anymore tasks seemed beyond my ability. I didn't go to work. I just sat. And then reality kicks back in and the hundred little jobs needing doing come rushing back into my head so I force myself up and start doing, again.
Now, I know I am supposed to be leaning on the Lord, drawing on His strength. But it's really just not that simple. It's not some magic words or prayers to make that happen. Consciously making that decision is part of it, but it still does not quell the feelings of depression, hopelessness, apathy and exhaustion.
But in all this God is still here. Still visiting. And I am grateful. One day, as I was trying to accomplish those hundred little jobs (feeling of course completely overwhelmed by all of them), I was in my bedroom where I have one of those flip calendars, this one happens to be from In Touch Ministries. That day's inspiration was this: " What should we do when anxiety strikes? First and foremost, we must ask God to give us His peace and His truth. Very specifically we must ask God to deal with the problems that are filling both our conscious and unconscious minds. This is not something we do just once. It is something we may have to do many times throughout the day. We must ask the Lord to help us focus all of our thoughts and energy on the immediate situation at hand." Wow, did that speak directly to the heart of my situation. Zeroed right in on it. Like God just took an arrow and hit the perfect bullseye! I may be grieving but He is still with me. Focusing on that fact will bring peace. And just putting my full attention into the task at hand instead of allowing my brain to fast-forward ahead to all the other things written on the to-do list in my head, will calm my mind and help me think clearly.
A couple of days later, as I was getting ready to leave for work I happened on my "God is Faithful" box and felt compelled to open it and take out one of the little cards. It said, "God is bigger than any problem we face, stronger than any doubt we can imagine." This was based on the Scripture Phil. 4:19 God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." How faithful and loving is our God? He ministers to us right where we are, wrapping us in His love and kindness.
Amidst all the anguish and the sorrow, the confusion and feelings of drowning in a sea of busyness and responsibility, God is there. He hasn't let go. He hasn't moved on to someone else. He never does. And I am comforted and grateful.
And just when I think I have reached the end of this entry (sorry, I know it is a little lengthy!), He brings one more thing to my attention, the Scripture verse that was the basis for the In Touch calendar saying which I didn't notice until just now.
1 Chronicles 16:9 The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.
All I can say is thank You. My feelings may not change, I may still struggle, but I can rest in Him and know that Jesus is holding on to me and I will be okay. I love You Lord.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
The littlest things.
Once again this weekend I was struck by how this all powerful, sustaining force of every aspect, from the largest star and ecosystem to the smallest molecule, actually takes time to visit this little speck of a being, on this little speck of a planet full of other little specks in the vast universe that we call home.
It started Saturday morning. I woke up that morning and once again "I Can Only Imagine" made an appearance. As I opened my eyes that song was playing on the radio of my brain. This happens a lot for me, it's like I have a juke box, (er, am I dating myself?) in my head. So I went about my routine, getting my coffee (need that !!), putting the grocery day supplies together so I can do my part of "gatherer" for the family. List and coupons in hand off I go! I get in the car, turn on the radio, and yes, you guessed it, "I Can Only Imagine" was on the radio!!
Now you have to understand, Friday my Dad was gone 24 years. And this particular Saturday was their wedding anniversary, the first they have gotten to celebrate together in all that time. So for God to reach down His hand to touch and comfort me was just the sweetest thing. It has been a rough week. The mourning has been settling in and I needed, once again, the reminder that my Mom is indeed, dancing in Heaven, and not just with her Lord and Savior, but with my Dad as well.
Moving on to Sunday morning service. One of the songs we sang was "How Great Thou Art." And that is when I was just reminded once again, how this awesome God of the Universe is intimately and lovingly involved in my life. I was once again, visited by the lover of my soul. Out of all this huge, endless universe, He takes the time to comfort one lowly being. Truly, how great He is! Enjoy this beautiful song below. And remember, that He cares for each and every one of us as if we were the only thing on His mind.
O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made;
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.
Chorus:
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
Verse 2:
When through the woods, and forest glades I wander,
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees.
When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur
[- From: http://www.elyrics.net -]
And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze.
Chorus
Verse 3:
And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing;
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.
Chorus
Verse 4:
When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
And then proclaim: "My God, how great Thou art!"
Chorus
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made;
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.
Chorus:
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
Verse 2:
When through the woods, and forest glades I wander,
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees.
When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur
[- From: http://www.elyrics.net -]
And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze.
Chorus
Verse 3:
And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing;
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.
Chorus
Verse 4:
When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
And then proclaim: "My God, how great Thou art!"
Chorus
Thursday, January 16, 2014
I can only imagine
Sunday service. Our wonderful worship team picked the right songs, once again. Gee, I wonder how they do that? (God visit, ya think !?!?!)
The heart touching song of "I Can Only Imagine" was one of them. One of the lines in the song says: "will I dance for you Jesus..." And being reminded of my Mom's vision of dancing with Jesus, and how much those words played a part in her funeral services, it truly was a bittersweet reminder of her new life in Heaven.
Also played was "We Will Dance", another song that creates visions in the mind of us dancing on streets of gold with our Lord. And these are beautiful, comforting pictures for me.
As I drove home from church that day, the radio was playing "I Can Only Imagine" as well, and the expanse of clouds in the sky was absolutely stunning. I could just hear my Mom commenting on their beauty, as she had many times on the way home from church. God is so good.
The last few days have been a struggle. I think I have spent so much time, "rejoicing" for her, that I have not really been grieving for me. And I am hurting.
But I know that I have a Father who is my comforter. And it is ok to grieve as well.
Thank You Lord for everything. For the comfort and the grief. I praise You this moment. I look forward to the day when I too can join the dance. But until then, please let me glorify You even in the grieving times.
And now, If I can find a way to attach those 2 songs to THIS post, as opposed to having to put them in separate posts.......Oh, my I think I did it !!!
His righteousness
Back to basics today. I guess I sometimes need that, need to be reminded of God's way of looking at things and my place in Him. Maybe someone else needs it as well.
Yesterday I was reading "The Story" and I was up to the part where the Israelites were about to be set free from Egypt. You know the story, where the Lord institutes the Passover. The Israelites were to kill a perfect lamb and smear the blood upon the door frame of their homes, this way when the Angel of Death came through Egypt, they would be passed over and only the 1st born of the Egyptians would die. Of course this story reminds me that in the same way, the shed blood of Jesus Christ is applied to my life, and God passes me over for the penalty of my sins.
Fast forward to today. Taking a break from "The Story", I went back to working on my Scriptures from "31 Days of Praise". I have been meditating on Isaiah 53"1-12 and today was still led to stay on it for a while longer. Specifically the verses 10-11 which say: Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin. He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand. He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, for He shall bear their iniquities.
God was satisfied with the offering Jesus made for my sin. His labor has bought my pardon, and I have been justified. As has anyone who has applied His sacrifice to their hearts and lives.
On to 2 Corinthians 5:21: For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Once again, God reassures me that I walk around in His righteousness. I go back to living out of a place of victory. That victory being that I have become the righteousness of God in Him.
Isn't our God wonderful. Not only did He do all this, plan all this. You can see this plan woven back 3500 years. And it is amazing. In those little lambs that died on the 1st Passover night, we see Jesus, thousands of years later, dying for us, who would not come to being until thousands of years after His death and resurrection.
And then, this awesome God of ours, shares this plan in His written Word, and patiently reaffirms it again and again. I like Him !!
Thank You Lord for never tiring of teaching your children, even when we need to go back to basics. Thank You for not seeing the ugly stains of my sin, but instead, washing them away with the shed blood of Jesus Christ and for giving me Your own righteousness, something I could never earn or achieve on my own.
Back to basics today. I guess I sometimes need that, need to be reminded of God's way of looking at things and my place in Him. Maybe someone else needs it as well.
Yesterday I was reading "The Story" and I was up to the part where the Israelites were about to be set free from Egypt. You know the story, where the Lord institutes the Passover. The Israelites were to kill a perfect lamb and smear the blood upon the door frame of their homes, this way when the Angel of Death came through Egypt, they would be passed over and only the 1st born of the Egyptians would die. Of course this story reminds me that in the same way, the shed blood of Jesus Christ is applied to my life, and God passes me over for the penalty of my sins.
Fast forward to today. Taking a break from "The Story", I went back to working on my Scriptures from "31 Days of Praise". I have been meditating on Isaiah 53"1-12 and today was still led to stay on it for a while longer. Specifically the verses 10-11 which say: Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin. He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand. He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, for He shall bear their iniquities.
God was satisfied with the offering Jesus made for my sin. His labor has bought my pardon, and I have been justified. As has anyone who has applied His sacrifice to their hearts and lives.
On to 2 Corinthians 5:21: For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Once again, God reassures me that I walk around in His righteousness. I go back to living out of a place of victory. That victory being that I have become the righteousness of God in Him.
Isn't our God wonderful. Not only did He do all this, plan all this. You can see this plan woven back 3500 years. And it is amazing. In those little lambs that died on the 1st Passover night, we see Jesus, thousands of years later, dying for us, who would not come to being until thousands of years after His death and resurrection.
And then, this awesome God of ours, shares this plan in His written Word, and patiently reaffirms it again and again. I like Him !!
Thank You Lord for never tiring of teaching your children, even when we need to go back to basics. Thank You for not seeing the ugly stains of my sin, but instead, washing them away with the shed blood of Jesus Christ and for giving me Your own righteousness, something I could never earn or achieve on my own.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
God's wisdom, His way, my way
Recently we started a program at my church called The Story. It is based on the Bible written in the form of a novel, and goes from Genesis to Revelation. The Lord visited with some eye opening revelations for me regarding the fall of man, and the similarity with which I live my own life. It is so easy for me to look back at Adam and Eve and criticize and wonder how in the heck they could ever have fallen, yet I do much the same thing and I have access to God's written Word any time I want, along with the incredible gift of the Holy Spirit living inside of me.
In Genesis 3:4-5 we see the serpent tell Eve: "...You will surely not die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." Satan promises wisdom. In James we are told "this wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic" Wisdom from Satan brings about bitter envy and self-seeking, confusion and every evil thing. (see James 3:14-16) But oh at the time, it seems so logical, it plays on our feelings and our senses and is so easy to be deceived by.
Anytime I go outside God's ordained boundaries, I am going to get into trouble. Like Adam and Eve, I become "drawn away by my own desires and enticed." This desire "...when conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death." (James 1:14-15).
So the question is, what desires of my heart do not line up with God? These are the ones that need to be submitted to Him. In what ways am I seeking self-government and self-determination? Idolatry. Recently a dear friend mentioned that perhaps the reason the 1st Commandment was that we shall have no other God before Him is because we tend to make a "god" out of ourselves, wanting our ways and our wills.
These are some very hard question, along with how much of myself, of my life do I want to hand over control of? I am having a very hard time laying ALL of it at His feet. But I know that is what the Lord is calling me to do. This is a hard visit.
My prayer is simply this: Search me, O God and know my heart; try me and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way of everlasting. Ps 139:23-24.
Ps 37:4 Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.
When my delight is You, the desires of my heart will be healthy, holy and in line with Your will for my life. As Capt. Picard of the starship Enterprise used to say: "Make it so."
Recently we started a program at my church called The Story. It is based on the Bible written in the form of a novel, and goes from Genesis to Revelation. The Lord visited with some eye opening revelations for me regarding the fall of man, and the similarity with which I live my own life. It is so easy for me to look back at Adam and Eve and criticize and wonder how in the heck they could ever have fallen, yet I do much the same thing and I have access to God's written Word any time I want, along with the incredible gift of the Holy Spirit living inside of me.
In Genesis 3:4-5 we see the serpent tell Eve: "...You will surely not die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." Satan promises wisdom. In James we are told "this wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic" Wisdom from Satan brings about bitter envy and self-seeking, confusion and every evil thing. (see James 3:14-16) But oh at the time, it seems so logical, it plays on our feelings and our senses and is so easy to be deceived by.
Anytime I go outside God's ordained boundaries, I am going to get into trouble. Like Adam and Eve, I become "drawn away by my own desires and enticed." This desire "...when conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death." (James 1:14-15).
So the question is, what desires of my heart do not line up with God? These are the ones that need to be submitted to Him. In what ways am I seeking self-government and self-determination? Idolatry. Recently a dear friend mentioned that perhaps the reason the 1st Commandment was that we shall have no other God before Him is because we tend to make a "god" out of ourselves, wanting our ways and our wills.
These are some very hard question, along with how much of myself, of my life do I want to hand over control of? I am having a very hard time laying ALL of it at His feet. But I know that is what the Lord is calling me to do. This is a hard visit.
My prayer is simply this: Search me, O God and know my heart; try me and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way of everlasting. Ps 139:23-24.
Ps 37:4 Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.
When my delight is You, the desires of my heart will be healthy, holy and in line with Your will for my life. As Capt. Picard of the starship Enterprise used to say: "Make it so."
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Not so final after all
Today is Mom's 85th Birthday !! I imagine the party in Heaven will be awesome.
I have a few more God visits...just the Lord fantastically and beautifully orchestrating everything. He is so amazing and compassionate. So here they are:
As we were preparing for Mom's funeral, my cousin went out front for a smoke. As she was out there, a pretty little bird perched on the fence. She began to speak to it and as she did, it was as if the little guy was listening to her intently. Little did Marilyn know that my Mom used to talk to them all the time, as the birds nest in our attic vent and are always busy back and forth in front of my house. Silly, maybe, but I think it's special and beautiful.
The day my Mom was buried, we were all out at Calverton for her final prayers and goodbyes. As Ron was finishing up his prayer, you could hear taps playing softly in the background....and the Lord reminded all of us that we are warriors in His army, and one of His soldiers had gone home.
The final verse I read yesterday during my quiet time with the Lord was:
John 14:18 No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you.
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Final (maybe???) visit for Mom's "homegoing"
Just another astounding "Godincidence" that has occurred this week. And this is truly amazing and wonderful. A few weeks or so ago, my cousin and Mom went out to Calvary National Cemetery to visit some family graves. As they were coming back from the site of Mom's old friends who are interred there, my Mom noticed the sayings on the stone markers that stood at each grave. She remarked to my cousin Marilyn, that she knew exactly what she wanted on hers. She wanted it to say "dancing with Jesus."
Yesterday, as I was talking with Marilyn, she relayed this story to me. She said she had forgotten all about it until that morning. And even though Marilyn was there when we made Mom's arrangements, it never came to her mind. But, and here is the amazing part, that is exactly what I told them to put on her marker!! I didn't even hesitate or have to think about it. That saying came to mind immediately when the funeral planner asked, as it did the morning she died, as I drove home from the hospital.
Now if that isn't God in control, well then I don't know what is. He has been in every detail, every circumstance, part and plan! He has taken care of everything. Even to the point of my cousin Carol needing a new small coffee pot because her's broke right before she left to come here and now she has my Mom's !!
This is the awesome God we serve. The magnificent Father who loves us and cares for every little speck of our lives. Nothing is to small for His notice, nor to big for Him to handle. I am beyond words at the care He has exhibited during this time, and how He has worked all things out. Thank You Thank You Thank You.
Don't ever think you are alone or that He isn't there and involved and working, even, or maybe especially when you don't see it. His love never fails.
Just another astounding "Godincidence" that has occurred this week. And this is truly amazing and wonderful. A few weeks or so ago, my cousin and Mom went out to Calvary National Cemetery to visit some family graves. As they were coming back from the site of Mom's old friends who are interred there, my Mom noticed the sayings on the stone markers that stood at each grave. She remarked to my cousin Marilyn, that she knew exactly what she wanted on hers. She wanted it to say "dancing with Jesus."
Yesterday, as I was talking with Marilyn, she relayed this story to me. She said she had forgotten all about it until that morning. And even though Marilyn was there when we made Mom's arrangements, it never came to her mind. But, and here is the amazing part, that is exactly what I told them to put on her marker!! I didn't even hesitate or have to think about it. That saying came to mind immediately when the funeral planner asked, as it did the morning she died, as I drove home from the hospital.
Now if that isn't God in control, well then I don't know what is. He has been in every detail, every circumstance, part and plan! He has taken care of everything. Even to the point of my cousin Carol needing a new small coffee pot because her's broke right before she left to come here and now she has my Mom's !!
This is the awesome God we serve. The magnificent Father who loves us and cares for every little speck of our lives. Nothing is to small for His notice, nor to big for Him to handle. I am beyond words at the care He has exhibited during this time, and how He has worked all things out. Thank You Thank You Thank You.
Don't ever think you are alone or that He isn't there and involved and working, even, or maybe especially when you don't see it. His love never fails.
Friday, January 3, 2014
Scripture
I wanted to share some Scripture verses that have touched my heart over the last few days. All the people that spoke, my cherished brother-in-law, our wonderful Elder Kirk, and dear friend Ron used God's Word to bring comfort, understanding and reassurance to this sad time in my life. They too, brought forth the message of hope that my Mom lived for.
2 Tim 4:6-8 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.
1 Thess 4:13-18 Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him. According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore, encourage one another with these words.
1 Cor 13:4-7 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self- seeking it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Micah 6:8 He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Psalm 121 I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip--He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you--the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm--He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
1 Cor 15:42-44 so will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory, it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.
1 Cor 15:54-55 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortal, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory." Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death is your sting?
All these sum up my Mom's life and her passing. The tell of how she lived and the hope she had in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. God has woven together a beautiful story in her life and death. And one day, we His children who share in this resurrection, will join her in Heaven. Her hope for each of you is that you would come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior, to share the joy and hope she had in Him.
I echo her prayer for you all, that you be drawn to the Lord. Whether to a closer, deeper walk with Him if He is already Your Savior, or to Him as the One who can save and change your life, the one who can make you new, not in a physical, perishable body, by in your imperishable spirit. Amen
I wanted to share some Scripture verses that have touched my heart over the last few days. All the people that spoke, my cherished brother-in-law, our wonderful Elder Kirk, and dear friend Ron used God's Word to bring comfort, understanding and reassurance to this sad time in my life. They too, brought forth the message of hope that my Mom lived for.
2 Tim 4:6-8 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.
1 Thess 4:13-18 Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him. According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore, encourage one another with these words.
1 Cor 13:4-7 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self- seeking it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Micah 6:8 He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Psalm 121 I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip--He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you--the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm--He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
1 Cor 15:42-44 so will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory, it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.
1 Cor 15:54-55 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortal, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory." Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death is your sting?
All these sum up my Mom's life and her passing. The tell of how she lived and the hope she had in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. God has woven together a beautiful story in her life and death. And one day, we His children who share in this resurrection, will join her in Heaven. Her hope for each of you is that you would come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior, to share the joy and hope she had in Him.
I echo her prayer for you all, that you be drawn to the Lord. Whether to a closer, deeper walk with Him if He is already Your Savior, or to Him as the One who can save and change your life, the one who can make you new, not in a physical, perishable body, by in your imperishable spirit. Amen
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Silly Remembrance
Today we bury my dearest Mom. And this morning was no exception to God visits. Lately my Mom has been trying to tell us about this commercial she kept seeing. It was a car commercial and she was saying to us how she loved the voice of the guy who did the singing in it. "he was someone famous, I can't remember what type of car they were advertising" she'd say. Well, a few minutes ago, guess what commercial came on the tv? Of course it was the Honda Days car commercial with Michael Bolton singing!! How funny is this. Neither me nor my husband usually watch commercials (channel surfing), but unbelievably this one came on when we were both in the room to watch the weather report. Too funny!!
Thank You Lord, for everything.
Today we bury my dearest Mom. And this morning was no exception to God visits. Lately my Mom has been trying to tell us about this commercial she kept seeing. It was a car commercial and she was saying to us how she loved the voice of the guy who did the singing in it. "he was someone famous, I can't remember what type of car they were advertising" she'd say. Well, a few minutes ago, guess what commercial came on the tv? Of course it was the Honda Days car commercial with Michael Bolton singing!! How funny is this. Neither me nor my husband usually watch commercials (channel surfing), but unbelievably this one came on when we were both in the room to watch the weather report. Too funny!!
Thank You Lord, for everything.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Hope
It's so fitting that today, as I prepare for my Mom's funeral the Lord led me to the 20th chapter in John. The 1st verse that stood out to me was verse 21: Again, Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me I am sending you." As I read the surrounding verses they spoke of Mary Magdalene (funny it should be her, as the one of the origins of the name Madeline is Magdalene) learning her Lord was no longer in the grave but had been resurrected. The job He gave her at that point was to tell of His resurrection to His apostles. After Jesus appeared to the disciples He gave them the same instruction and commission. Tell the Good News! The message of hope was to be shared.
That has been such a continuing theme for me this week. Knowing my Mom had that hope. Knowing that by her words and her life, she shared that hope with others. It was so important to her that people knew they could have eternal life, they could live in hope and expectation. For her, this hope has been realized.
And I feel that even as her work here is done, she has passed on this hope to me and many members of our family. And now it is our time to pass it on to others.
For her, she has become a new creation in Christ, "The old has passed away;behold the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17 She wears her robe of righteousness and dances with her Savior.
John 20:11-22
It's so fitting that today, as I prepare for my Mom's funeral the Lord led me to the 20th chapter in John. The 1st verse that stood out to me was verse 21: Again, Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me I am sending you." As I read the surrounding verses they spoke of Mary Magdalene (funny it should be her, as the one of the origins of the name Madeline is Magdalene) learning her Lord was no longer in the grave but had been resurrected. The job He gave her at that point was to tell of His resurrection to His apostles. After Jesus appeared to the disciples He gave them the same instruction and commission. Tell the Good News! The message of hope was to be shared.
That has been such a continuing theme for me this week. Knowing my Mom had that hope. Knowing that by her words and her life, she shared that hope with others. It was so important to her that people knew they could have eternal life, they could live in hope and expectation. For her, this hope has been realized.
And I feel that even as her work here is done, she has passed on this hope to me and many members of our family. And now it is our time to pass it on to others.
For her, she has become a new creation in Christ, "The old has passed away;behold the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17 She wears her robe of righteousness and dances with her Savior.
John 20:11-22
11 Mary was standing outside the tomb crying, and as she wept, she stooped and looked in. 12 She saw two white-robed angels, one sitting at the head and the other at the foot of the place where the body of Jesus had been lying. 13 “Dear woman, why are you crying?” the angels asked her.
“Because they have taken away my Lord,” she replied, “and I don’t know where they have put him.”
14 She turned to leave and saw someone standing there. It was Jesus, but she didn’t recognize him.15 “Dear woman, why are you crying?” Jesus asked her. “Who are you looking for?”
She thought he was the gardener. “Sir,” she said, “if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and get him.”
16 “Mary!” Jesus said.
She turned to him and cried out, “Rabboni!” (which is Hebrew for “Teacher”).
17 “Don’t cling to me,” Jesus said, “for I haven’t yet ascended to the Father. But go find my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
18 Mary Magdalene found the disciples and told them, “I have seen the Lord!” Then she gave them his message.
Jesus Appears to His Disciples
19 That Sunday evening[a] the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! “Peace be with you,” he said.20 As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord! 21 Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” 22 Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
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