I Can Only Imagine....Part 2
This week we lost another much loved family member, my Uncle Will. I was fortunate enough to be able to spend some time with him in the days before his passing and actually prayed with him the last time I had seen him.
Now, I firmly believe the reason God kept him here on this earth for so long (he was 91!) was because He was waiting for Uncle Will to reconcile his heart to the Lord. Our God is so faithful, that even a life that seems difficult, has meaning to Him, and His eternal plan is for good. Many a time in the years past my Mom had shared the Gospel with Uncle Will, and those seeds she was planting were sure to some day take root and blossom.
If you have followed my posts in the past, you would have seen the one God visit from Jan 16th, where God gave me the song "I Can Only Imagine" to reassure and comfort of my Mom's dancing with Jesus shortly after she went home to be with Him. And once again, God has used this song to comfort and strengthen my heart. He truly is compassionate and faithful.
I was grocery shopping yesterday morning, and I was asking the Lord, "please Father, give me something, a sign that You have worked in Uncle Will's heart, and that he is safe and at rest with You." I told the Lord I would trust Him regardless, but I really would appreciate something. Well, my loving, patient heavenly Father honored me with a sign. Right after I asked this, I got into the car, turned on the radio, and you guessed it....."I Can Only Imagine" was playing on the radio!! I was so blown away, so comforted. God is so faithful. And to top it off I actually heard the song again later on the same day !! I haven't heard this song since I last posted on it during the time of my Mom's passing.
Thank You. I am so grateful. You are so good.
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
God visits....right where I am
On Saturday I had the wonderful opportunity to her Anne Beiler tell her story. Most of us know her as Auntie Anne from the pretzel store. And they are the best best best pretzels!! I want to head over to the mall and grab a sour cream and onion right now, but I digress LOL
Well, not only does she make great pretzels, she had a pretty amazing testimony as well. She spoke on forgiveness, and coming out of the dark places of guilt, shame and blame. I know I have lived in those places for so long. And what amazes me is that God knew exactly who needed to be at the conference and exactly what we all needed to hear. As I looked around the audience, you could see person after person touched and being healed, and I was no exception.
I won't go into all the details of her story, nor my own, but it is the way God set things up that amaze and enthrall me. He truly has this road map for my life that is perfect, even when I am not.
A few weeks ago, a dear friend and sister in the Lord told me she felt God speak to her regarding me. She said that even though I had confessed my past mistakes and sins to God and I was forgiven, I had to confess to another so that I might be healed. As it says in James 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Forgiveness I had, the healing I so desperately need, not so much !
And so as I sat and listened to this woman of God speak on Saturday, it was as if God had written down exactly what would bring my heart to the place of surrender and gave it to Anne to speak. Down to specific words and sentiments that were precisely how I felt. Her words gave me the strength and courage to speak the confession to others I so desperately needed to start to bring healing in my life.
As we were leaving the building after a day of cleansing, sharing and prayer, one of the ladies and I walked past a car in the parking lot...and it had one word on the back of it: HOPE. Wow...It's that neon sign thing again that I spoke about in one of the posts during my Mom's arrangements. I wonder how many other ladies walked past that same car and were encouraged by that one simple word. And then to top that off...and God does keep topping Himself...the next day I sat at a light in Massapequa and on the telephone pole right next to me was a big star with the word...you guessed it...HOPE written on it. Double wow.
Here are some questions that the Lord spoke to my heart to help facilitate the healing and restoration He desires for my life. Perhaps they can help someone else as well.
Am I broken? Is my life broken?
Truth sets me free. What is true in my life that I can build on?
What is my excuse for not getting well?
Thank You Lord for having it all figured out. For desiring and orchestrating our restoration and healing. Thank You for meeting us right where we are. You are awesome!!
This is a great song. I posted it here and in a separate entry, just in case this one didn't work....I am so technically illiterate !! LOL
http://youtu.be/zq8xG6yAZ1Q
On Saturday I had the wonderful opportunity to her Anne Beiler tell her story. Most of us know her as Auntie Anne from the pretzel store. And they are the best best best pretzels!! I want to head over to the mall and grab a sour cream and onion right now, but I digress LOL
Well, not only does she make great pretzels, she had a pretty amazing testimony as well. She spoke on forgiveness, and coming out of the dark places of guilt, shame and blame. I know I have lived in those places for so long. And what amazes me is that God knew exactly who needed to be at the conference and exactly what we all needed to hear. As I looked around the audience, you could see person after person touched and being healed, and I was no exception.
I won't go into all the details of her story, nor my own, but it is the way God set things up that amaze and enthrall me. He truly has this road map for my life that is perfect, even when I am not.
A few weeks ago, a dear friend and sister in the Lord told me she felt God speak to her regarding me. She said that even though I had confessed my past mistakes and sins to God and I was forgiven, I had to confess to another so that I might be healed. As it says in James 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Forgiveness I had, the healing I so desperately need, not so much !
And so as I sat and listened to this woman of God speak on Saturday, it was as if God had written down exactly what would bring my heart to the place of surrender and gave it to Anne to speak. Down to specific words and sentiments that were precisely how I felt. Her words gave me the strength and courage to speak the confession to others I so desperately needed to start to bring healing in my life.
As we were leaving the building after a day of cleansing, sharing and prayer, one of the ladies and I walked past a car in the parking lot...and it had one word on the back of it: HOPE. Wow...It's that neon sign thing again that I spoke about in one of the posts during my Mom's arrangements. I wonder how many other ladies walked past that same car and were encouraged by that one simple word. And then to top that off...and God does keep topping Himself...the next day I sat at a light in Massapequa and on the telephone pole right next to me was a big star with the word...you guessed it...HOPE written on it. Double wow.
Here are some questions that the Lord spoke to my heart to help facilitate the healing and restoration He desires for my life. Perhaps they can help someone else as well.
Am I broken? Is my life broken?
Truth sets me free. What is true in my life that I can build on?
What is my excuse for not getting well?
Thank You Lord for having it all figured out. For desiring and orchestrating our restoration and healing. Thank You for meeting us right where we are. You are awesome!!
This is a great song. I posted it here and in a separate entry, just in case this one didn't work....I am so technically illiterate !! LOL
http://youtu.be/zq8xG6yAZ1Q
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Aging
This entry is from Mom. She had read a entry from "Our Daily Bread" that spoke to her heart and took the time to write about it. I know she struggled with her aging, the physical problems and the emotional issues that came with losing her ability to do things, and having to give up her independence. I probably wasn't always as sympathetic as I could have been, and she had to deal with that as well. On the side of the page she took from the Daily Bread devotional she wrote "AGING/ Reality, living w/pain"
This is the devotional she tore out.
THE HEAVENLY ALTERNATIVE
Read 2 Corinthians 5:1-11
We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. 2 Cor 5:8
Recenty, I wished a young friend "happy birthday" and asked him how it felt to be ayear older. His playful response? "Well, I guess it's better than the alternative!"
We laughed together, but I later stopped to think--is it really? Don't misunderstand me, I 'm happy to live and to watch my kids and grandkids grown and experience life. I'm not excited about the inevitability of death. But as a believer, the alternative to getting older is heaven--and that's not bad!
In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul talks about the reality of living with thea ches and pains of our physical bodies, our "tents" of flesh. But we should not live in despair about aging. In fact, the apostle calls us to just the opposite. He wrote, "We are confident, yes, well leased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord" (v8). Confident! Pleased! Why? Because our alternative to earthy life is that we will be present with the Lord--forever! The heavenly perspective of what awaits us can give us confidence for living now.
If you know Christ, His promise can give you what the hymn writer called, "Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow." What a great alternative!
Bill Crowder
He's gone "to prepare a place for you"
That where He is, "there you may be."
Our death is not the end of life--
We'll be with Christ eternally. Hess
Death is gain because it means heaven, holiness and Him!
Mom, then penned her own thoughts based on this devotion.
From Psalm 39
v5: Indeed You have made my days as handbreadths and my age is as nothing before You. Every man at his best state is but a vapor.
v7...My hope is in You
v12 Hear my prayer, Oh Lord...
v13...Before I go away and am no more.
age/old Matt 28:20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Websters Dictionary
Age: old, elderly. One who is advanced in years
Old: having lived till toward the end of the the ordinary term of living
Death: The cessation of all vital functions without capability of resuscitation.
My hope: Life after death, with Jesus (2 Cor 5:1-11) Assurance of the Resurrection.
v 8: I am confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with my Lord.
In 2 Cor 5 Paul tells about the reality of living with the aches and pains of our physical body, our tents of flesh. But I will not live in despair (as Paul says) about my aches and pains and aging. Death is gain because it means heaven, holiness and him.
Me:
Mom lived with the hope of heaven. That was a big theme and comfort for me when dealing with her death. She understood that her earthly life was just temporary and her ultimate destination was heaven. I know she had her bad days here, the pain got to her. But like she said her, she would not live in despair. That was not where she wanted to stay. I will include the Bible passages that are mentioned in this entry so you all can read and hopefully meditate on them and find the comfort you need as you deal with your own aging or the aging of parents and loved ones in your life.
I miss my Mom terribly, but I know where she is and I know I will be there too one day. Thank You Lord for the hope of heaven.
Psalm 39
This entry is from Mom. She had read a entry from "Our Daily Bread" that spoke to her heart and took the time to write about it. I know she struggled with her aging, the physical problems and the emotional issues that came with losing her ability to do things, and having to give up her independence. I probably wasn't always as sympathetic as I could have been, and she had to deal with that as well. On the side of the page she took from the Daily Bread devotional she wrote "AGING/ Reality, living w/pain"
This is the devotional she tore out.
THE HEAVENLY ALTERNATIVE
Read 2 Corinthians 5:1-11
We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. 2 Cor 5:8
Recenty, I wished a young friend "happy birthday" and asked him how it felt to be ayear older. His playful response? "Well, I guess it's better than the alternative!"
We laughed together, but I later stopped to think--is it really? Don't misunderstand me, I 'm happy to live and to watch my kids and grandkids grown and experience life. I'm not excited about the inevitability of death. But as a believer, the alternative to getting older is heaven--and that's not bad!
In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul talks about the reality of living with thea ches and pains of our physical bodies, our "tents" of flesh. But we should not live in despair about aging. In fact, the apostle calls us to just the opposite. He wrote, "We are confident, yes, well leased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord" (v8). Confident! Pleased! Why? Because our alternative to earthy life is that we will be present with the Lord--forever! The heavenly perspective of what awaits us can give us confidence for living now.
If you know Christ, His promise can give you what the hymn writer called, "Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow." What a great alternative!
Bill Crowder
He's gone "to prepare a place for you"
That where He is, "there you may be."
Our death is not the end of life--
We'll be with Christ eternally. Hess
Death is gain because it means heaven, holiness and Him!
Mom, then penned her own thoughts based on this devotion.
From Psalm 39
v5: Indeed You have made my days as handbreadths and my age is as nothing before You. Every man at his best state is but a vapor.
v7...My hope is in You
v12 Hear my prayer, Oh Lord...
v13...Before I go away and am no more.
age/old Matt 28:20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Websters Dictionary
Age: old, elderly. One who is advanced in years
Old: having lived till toward the end of the the ordinary term of living
Death: The cessation of all vital functions without capability of resuscitation.
My hope: Life after death, with Jesus (2 Cor 5:1-11) Assurance of the Resurrection.
v 8: I am confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with my Lord.
In 2 Cor 5 Paul tells about the reality of living with the aches and pains of our physical body, our tents of flesh. But I will not live in despair (as Paul says) about my aches and pains and aging. Death is gain because it means heaven, holiness and him.
Me:
Mom lived with the hope of heaven. That was a big theme and comfort for me when dealing with her death. She understood that her earthly life was just temporary and her ultimate destination was heaven. I know she had her bad days here, the pain got to her. But like she said her, she would not live in despair. That was not where she wanted to stay. I will include the Bible passages that are mentioned in this entry so you all can read and hopefully meditate on them and find the comfort you need as you deal with your own aging or the aging of parents and loved ones in your life.
I miss my Mom terribly, but I know where she is and I know I will be there too one day. Thank You Lord for the hope of heaven.
2 Corinthians 5:1-11
New Living Translation (NLT)
New Bodies
5 For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. 2 We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. 3 For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies.[a]4 While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life. 5 God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit.
6 So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. 7 For we live by believing and not by seeing. 8 Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him. 10 For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.We Are God’s Ambassadors
11 Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too.
Psalm 39
5 You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand.
My entire lifetime is just a moment to you;
at best, each of us is but a breath.” Interlude
My entire lifetime is just a moment to you;
at best, each of us is but a breath.” Interlude
6 We are merely moving shadows,
and all our busy rushing ends in nothing.
We heap up wealth,
not knowing who will spend it.
7 And so, Lord, where do I put my hope?
My only hope is in you.
8 Rescue me from my rebellion.
Do not let fools mock me.
9 I am silent before you; I won’t say a word,
for my punishment is from you.
10 But please stop striking me!
I am exhausted by the blows from your hand.
11 When you discipline us for our sins,
you consume like a moth what is precious to us.
Each of us is but a breath. Interlude
and all our busy rushing ends in nothing.
We heap up wealth,
not knowing who will spend it.
7 And so, Lord, where do I put my hope?
My only hope is in you.
8 Rescue me from my rebellion.
Do not let fools mock me.
9 I am silent before you; I won’t say a word,
for my punishment is from you.
10 But please stop striking me!
I am exhausted by the blows from your hand.
11 When you discipline us for our sins,
you consume like a moth what is precious to us.
Each of us is but a breath. Interlude
12 Hear my prayer, O Lord!
Listen to my cries for help!
Don’t ignore my tears.
For I am your guest—
a traveler passing through,
as my ancestors were before me.
13 Leave me alone so I can smile again
before I am gone and exist no more.
Listen to my cries for help!
Don’t ignore my tears.
For I am your guest—
a traveler passing through,
as my ancestors were before me.
13 Leave me alone so I can smile again
before I am gone and exist no more.
It Ain't Easy !
Life. It ain't easy. The little things get to me. The spills, the computer problems, signing on to websites that keep looping you around in circles,the interrupting phone calls from charities, dropping things, covers that don't want to come off the jars, stubbing my toe, papers that stick together, on and on. The 1000 little irritations a day that build up to drive me crazy! Then throw in a couple of more "major" problems like appliances breaking down when you don't have the money to fix them (and when do you ever???) or plumbing gone awry and the day just seems to go downhill faster than those bobsledders in the Olympics!! And of course after all these things, as you are running out the door (late once again) one of the cats decides it's time to get sick on the carpet. Oh yeah, great day!! And what does God call us to do??? Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in ALL circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess 5:18 WHAAAT!!!!
So as I was reading today's devotion from "31 Days of Praise", (and today's is one of my favorites), Ruth Meyers wrote: "I'm grateful that You look beyond my superficial desire for a trouble-free life; instead, You fulfill my deep-down desire to glorify You, enjoy Your warm fellowship, and become more like Your Son."
And it is so true. My God visit today was a reminder of what my heart really wants, and it is to be like Jesus and glorify God. And He can take these little aggravations and use them as a vehicle to show His glory in my life as I react to them as Jesus would and as He instructs in His Word. But I so often focus on the difficulty, allowing myself to become agitated and aggravated, displaying anger and annoyance instead of the peace and joy I am supposed to. And what does that show the world? I really want to allow ALL things, small and big to shape me into the image of my Savior.
How I would love to be one of those people who just let life roll off their backs like water off a duck. I am envious of their ability to roll with the punches. (loving the cliches here LOL). My husband is one of those people. Nothing seems to get to him, or ruffle his feathers (hahaha, had to throw in another one). But it is an area I have to work at. I have to keep reminding myself to focus on Jesus. And it is little visits from the Lord like this one that help me do that. And I am so so grateful, not only for the reminder, but for the patience my heavenly Father shows me in this area. I want to be that frame that shows a beautiful picture of Jesus to the world. Ruth Meyers ended today's devotion with a little poem from Florence White Willett which I just love, and I include it here in hopes that it will inspire and comfort others as it does me.
I thank you for the bitter things
They've been a friend to grace
They've driven me from the paths of ease
To storm the secret place
From spilling my morning coffee to the death of a loved one, all these things are to drive me to the secret place of God. The place where I meet Him and am covered by His love. Nothing is to big or to small for my Father to work in and through. Make me like Jesus Lord. Have Your way in me today, in all things.
As I read on a little chapter 1 of 1 Thess., I noticed that the next verse says "Do not put out the Spirit's fire;" I am kind of thinking that when I allow the little vexations of life to get to me, not following the teachings in the previous verse, I do just that. I put our the Spirit's fire. I walk in anger and not in peace. And I forfeit the warm, comforting fellowship of the Lord. It's amazing how the Lord, just brings all this together.
This was not what I had intended to write in the blog today. Yet here it all is. This is His message for me and hopefully for someone else who needs to hear it as well. (I can't be the only one who suffers from littleirritationitis!!). I pray that we all can just rest in the Lord throughout the day, whatever circumstances come our way, and give thanks because He is at work in everything !!
Romans 8:28-29 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers.
Life. It ain't easy. The little things get to me. The spills, the computer problems, signing on to websites that keep looping you around in circles,the interrupting phone calls from charities, dropping things, covers that don't want to come off the jars, stubbing my toe, papers that stick together, on and on. The 1000 little irritations a day that build up to drive me crazy! Then throw in a couple of more "major" problems like appliances breaking down when you don't have the money to fix them (and when do you ever???) or plumbing gone awry and the day just seems to go downhill faster than those bobsledders in the Olympics!! And of course after all these things, as you are running out the door (late once again) one of the cats decides it's time to get sick on the carpet. Oh yeah, great day!! And what does God call us to do??? Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in ALL circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess 5:18 WHAAAT!!!!
So as I was reading today's devotion from "31 Days of Praise", (and today's is one of my favorites), Ruth Meyers wrote: "I'm grateful that You look beyond my superficial desire for a trouble-free life; instead, You fulfill my deep-down desire to glorify You, enjoy Your warm fellowship, and become more like Your Son."
And it is so true. My God visit today was a reminder of what my heart really wants, and it is to be like Jesus and glorify God. And He can take these little aggravations and use them as a vehicle to show His glory in my life as I react to them as Jesus would and as He instructs in His Word. But I so often focus on the difficulty, allowing myself to become agitated and aggravated, displaying anger and annoyance instead of the peace and joy I am supposed to. And what does that show the world? I really want to allow ALL things, small and big to shape me into the image of my Savior.
How I would love to be one of those people who just let life roll off their backs like water off a duck. I am envious of their ability to roll with the punches. (loving the cliches here LOL). My husband is one of those people. Nothing seems to get to him, or ruffle his feathers (hahaha, had to throw in another one). But it is an area I have to work at. I have to keep reminding myself to focus on Jesus. And it is little visits from the Lord like this one that help me do that. And I am so so grateful, not only for the reminder, but for the patience my heavenly Father shows me in this area. I want to be that frame that shows a beautiful picture of Jesus to the world. Ruth Meyers ended today's devotion with a little poem from Florence White Willett which I just love, and I include it here in hopes that it will inspire and comfort others as it does me.
I thank you for the bitter things
They've been a friend to grace
They've driven me from the paths of ease
To storm the secret place
From spilling my morning coffee to the death of a loved one, all these things are to drive me to the secret place of God. The place where I meet Him and am covered by His love. Nothing is to big or to small for my Father to work in and through. Make me like Jesus Lord. Have Your way in me today, in all things.
As I read on a little chapter 1 of 1 Thess., I noticed that the next verse says "Do not put out the Spirit's fire;" I am kind of thinking that when I allow the little vexations of life to get to me, not following the teachings in the previous verse, I do just that. I put our the Spirit's fire. I walk in anger and not in peace. And I forfeit the warm, comforting fellowship of the Lord. It's amazing how the Lord, just brings all this together.
This was not what I had intended to write in the blog today. Yet here it all is. This is His message for me and hopefully for someone else who needs to hear it as well. (I can't be the only one who suffers from littleirritationitis!!). I pray that we all can just rest in the Lord throughout the day, whatever circumstances come our way, and give thanks because He is at work in everything !!
Romans 8:28-29 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Mom's cactus
A couple of years ago, Mom commented on how beautiful a friends Christmas cactus was. She loved the flowers on it. She was blessed to receive one of her own and was thrilled by the first time it bloomed. I can remember her excitedly pointing out the buds and then celebrating the first blossoms.
About a week ago I once again noticed buds on it. And this week the flowers came popping out. It just reminded me that she is still with me.
As I go through updating her apartment to make it ready to rent out (something I am not completely happy or at ease with but a necessity all the same), I almost feel invasive of her space. And of course there are all the memories that are so very alive there. But I believe that God allowed that little cactus to bloom as sign from Him and her, that it's ok. It is as it is meant to be. I feel it is a stamp of approval on what I am doing.
Thank you for this Lord, for Your encouragement.
A couple of years ago, Mom commented on how beautiful a friends Christmas cactus was. She loved the flowers on it. She was blessed to receive one of her own and was thrilled by the first time it bloomed. I can remember her excitedly pointing out the buds and then celebrating the first blossoms.
About a week ago I once again noticed buds on it. And this week the flowers came popping out. It just reminded me that she is still with me.
As I go through updating her apartment to make it ready to rent out (something I am not completely happy or at ease with but a necessity all the same), I almost feel invasive of her space. And of course there are all the memories that are so very alive there. But I believe that God allowed that little cactus to bloom as sign from Him and her, that it's ok. It is as it is meant to be. I feel it is a stamp of approval on what I am doing.
Thank you for this Lord, for Your encouragement.
Friday, March 7, 2014
All Scripture is inspired...
Did you ever read a verse of Scripture and feel like nothing resonates with you or strikes a chord in your heart. You read it again, and still it doesn't seem to speak or settle in. It's a great verse, that's not the problem. I mean, they are all great verses aren't they...they were written by God! But still you are left void of attachment, enlightenment or movement of any kind. Nothing clicks. Well that happened to me this morning as I read Hebrews 1:3. "who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the majesty on high."
Great verse, right? I tried breaking it down. Jesus is....All wonderful stuff, still nothing though. Then the Holy Spirit brought to mind the verse at the end of today's "31 Days of Praise", devotional, which is Day 7. (And yes, there is that little book again, I'm telling you it is an awesome little book!!) The verse from Day 7 was 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
All Scripture!! That includes the ones that don't reach us right away. That includes Hebrews 1:3 for me today. So I got to thinking (uh-oh, always scary!!), maybe a good way to look at a verse is through 2 Tim 3:16-17. You know all those little helpful hints about reading and understanding God's Word, like: "who is it speaking to. Is there a promise? Is there instruction or warning? How can I apply what I learn...." Well that is what I mean by looking at all verses through the filter of 2 Tim 3:16-17. We could use the questions: Is this verse teaching me something? Correcting a thought pattern or behavior? Does it bring conviction about something in my life? How does it lead me to right living? How does it help equip me and make me adequate for every good work? Do you see what I mean? So now in looking at this verse that caused me to get stuck today through this I can find illumination and revelation, it can help me grow.
Isaiah 55:10-11 For as the rain comes down and the snow from heaven and do not return there, but water the earth and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My Word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
God's Word is always profitable. Always bearing fruit. Maybe we won't see it right away, but it's there working in us, changing us, bringing us to reflect Jesus more and more. The changes may be slow to us, but they are evolving all the same. The next time you are stuck on a verse, try looking at it from this perspective. Maybe it'll help stir something up.
Lord, thank You for Your Word. Thank You for using it to change us, teach us, and to enable us to glorify You when we live by it. Help it to become more and more alive in our lives.
Did you ever read a verse of Scripture and feel like nothing resonates with you or strikes a chord in your heart. You read it again, and still it doesn't seem to speak or settle in. It's a great verse, that's not the problem. I mean, they are all great verses aren't they...they were written by God! But still you are left void of attachment, enlightenment or movement of any kind. Nothing clicks. Well that happened to me this morning as I read Hebrews 1:3. "who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the majesty on high."
Great verse, right? I tried breaking it down. Jesus is....All wonderful stuff, still nothing though. Then the Holy Spirit brought to mind the verse at the end of today's "31 Days of Praise", devotional, which is Day 7. (And yes, there is that little book again, I'm telling you it is an awesome little book!!) The verse from Day 7 was 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
All Scripture!! That includes the ones that don't reach us right away. That includes Hebrews 1:3 for me today. So I got to thinking (uh-oh, always scary!!), maybe a good way to look at a verse is through 2 Tim 3:16-17. You know all those little helpful hints about reading and understanding God's Word, like: "who is it speaking to. Is there a promise? Is there instruction or warning? How can I apply what I learn...." Well that is what I mean by looking at all verses through the filter of 2 Tim 3:16-17. We could use the questions: Is this verse teaching me something? Correcting a thought pattern or behavior? Does it bring conviction about something in my life? How does it lead me to right living? How does it help equip me and make me adequate for every good work? Do you see what I mean? So now in looking at this verse that caused me to get stuck today through this I can find illumination and revelation, it can help me grow.
Isaiah 55:10-11 For as the rain comes down and the snow from heaven and do not return there, but water the earth and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My Word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
God's Word is always profitable. Always bearing fruit. Maybe we won't see it right away, but it's there working in us, changing us, bringing us to reflect Jesus more and more. The changes may be slow to us, but they are evolving all the same. The next time you are stuck on a verse, try looking at it from this perspective. Maybe it'll help stir something up.
Lord, thank You for Your Word. Thank You for using it to change us, teach us, and to enable us to glorify You when we live by it. Help it to become more and more alive in our lives.
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Between the prayer closet and the door...
The last question for Chapter 9 of "The Story"--"What steps can you take to become a more selfless, loving person?" got me thinking. Of course the usual answers came to mind; ask the Holy Spirit's help, make the choice to love and prefer others...But something has been nagging at me since yesterday. A verse I read just keeps replaying, needling away in my thoughts. Mark 4:24 Then He said to them, "Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given."
Something about these 2 separate pieces fit together for me (and isn't that just what You do Lord?). When I hear or read a Scripture (and perhaps more out loud reading is in order for the Scriptures tell us that faith comes by hearing), how much time am I devoting to letting that Scripture settle in before moving on the next thing on my checklist for "God time"?
Now, I know sometimes I pull apart Scripture, as in my "31 Days of Praise" study. And that is good. But even them I am writing or "doing". Other times I just speed through, giving no time to, ugh, meditation or double ugh, listening quietly. Maybe this is one of the reasons my follow through falls so short and my lessons from the Lord are so easily forgotten amid the hurry and busy of the day. I get great teaching, write it all out, rejoice and then close the note book, going on my merry way. No time to sit and let it sink in. Too much to do, I'll think about it while I am working through my to do list!! Too busy to take the time to let it find it's home in my heart. Of course mulling over the things God shows me as I go about my day is a great idea. But if I don't take time to let it settle in before hand, the business of the day and the distractions of the enemy easily snatch it from my mind and heart. Perhaps this is the root cause of my struggle to put into practice the things my Father teaches.
It is very hard for me to just sit. I want to be writing, typing, thinking, doing. Sitting quietly makes me want to jump out of my skin!! But I think it is something I desperately need. How long do I sit? I don't know. Long enough to let the Holy Spirit knit the teaching and Word into my soul. However long that is.
Jesus taught that the seeds of His Word can be choked out by the cares of this world or snatched away by Satan. If the Word does not have time to take root in my heart, I easily stumble and fall when tribulation comes. This God visit has shown me that this is what happens to me when I don't take the time to sit and let the Word have its work in my heart. The Holy Spirit needs time to let the planted seed take root.
One of the things I've been crying out for is more of God. And this verse promises more will be given when I take care to hear. It's time for me to take time. To take heed. Lord, I don't want to lose my seed, and lose my follow through between my prayer closet and the door. I want Your Word to bear fruit in my life. It's amazing how you have fit all these things together this week. As usual, You are an amazing God. Thank You.
The last question for Chapter 9 of "The Story"--"What steps can you take to become a more selfless, loving person?" got me thinking. Of course the usual answers came to mind; ask the Holy Spirit's help, make the choice to love and prefer others...But something has been nagging at me since yesterday. A verse I read just keeps replaying, needling away in my thoughts. Mark 4:24 Then He said to them, "Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given."
Something about these 2 separate pieces fit together for me (and isn't that just what You do Lord?). When I hear or read a Scripture (and perhaps more out loud reading is in order for the Scriptures tell us that faith comes by hearing), how much time am I devoting to letting that Scripture settle in before moving on the next thing on my checklist for "God time"?
Now, I know sometimes I pull apart Scripture, as in my "31 Days of Praise" study. And that is good. But even them I am writing or "doing". Other times I just speed through, giving no time to, ugh, meditation or double ugh, listening quietly. Maybe this is one of the reasons my follow through falls so short and my lessons from the Lord are so easily forgotten amid the hurry and busy of the day. I get great teaching, write it all out, rejoice and then close the note book, going on my merry way. No time to sit and let it sink in. Too much to do, I'll think about it while I am working through my to do list!! Too busy to take the time to let it find it's home in my heart. Of course mulling over the things God shows me as I go about my day is a great idea. But if I don't take time to let it settle in before hand, the business of the day and the distractions of the enemy easily snatch it from my mind and heart. Perhaps this is the root cause of my struggle to put into practice the things my Father teaches.
It is very hard for me to just sit. I want to be writing, typing, thinking, doing. Sitting quietly makes me want to jump out of my skin!! But I think it is something I desperately need. How long do I sit? I don't know. Long enough to let the Holy Spirit knit the teaching and Word into my soul. However long that is.
Jesus taught that the seeds of His Word can be choked out by the cares of this world or snatched away by Satan. If the Word does not have time to take root in my heart, I easily stumble and fall when tribulation comes. This God visit has shown me that this is what happens to me when I don't take the time to sit and let the Word have its work in my heart. The Holy Spirit needs time to let the planted seed take root.
One of the things I've been crying out for is more of God. And this verse promises more will be given when I take care to hear. It's time for me to take time. To take heed. Lord, I don't want to lose my seed, and lose my follow through between my prayer closet and the door. I want Your Word to bear fruit in my life. It's amazing how you have fit all these things together this week. As usual, You are an amazing God. Thank You.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Follow thru...trying so hard
I heard the greatest song yesterday. It spoke exactly of what I experience on a daily basis. So many days I spend my morning time with You Lord, and You speak to me and show me the great and wonderful, the small and simple and yet when I get up from my seat and walk out the door, it all seems to fall by the wayside. Somehow life invades the peace, and steals the seeds You plant in my heart. I end up frustrated, fruitless and feeling yet again, like a failure.
I know that You love me just as I am. You are patient with me. And I know that You are working this out. But I do want to shine for You. For others to see You in me. More of You, like I said yesterday.
So, this is the God visit. Yesterday as I drove to pick up a friend so we could head over to the kitten shelter, I heard this awesome song, that I could have written myself (if I had the talent to do such a thing). It's called Between the Altar and the Door by Casting Crowns. And I thought to myself, "now that is exactly what I feel like; I lose it when I leave the prayer closet." I thought about how I want it to be different, how I want to take the things You show me and run with them, letting them change me into the image of Jesus. As the song ended, I looked around at the other cars sitting at the light (the very, very looooonnnngg light!) and lo and behold one of them had a license plate that said......UKONDOIT...(You can do it). How absolutely cool was that ?!?!?!? You were encouraging me yet again Lord. And I was so blessed and happy for that.
Am I going to get all this right away? Probably not. Am I going to change overnight? Very doubtful. Is God working on me? Absolutely. Am I being changed from glory to glory? Most certainly. Thank You Lord for doing it Your way.
I am not sure if this will work to add the link for the song. I will post it in a separate entry just to be sure you can all listen. It is a fantastic song. This band always seems to be right on the money.
http://youtu.be/J7HkcxkUOjI
I heard the greatest song yesterday. It spoke exactly of what I experience on a daily basis. So many days I spend my morning time with You Lord, and You speak to me and show me the great and wonderful, the small and simple and yet when I get up from my seat and walk out the door, it all seems to fall by the wayside. Somehow life invades the peace, and steals the seeds You plant in my heart. I end up frustrated, fruitless and feeling yet again, like a failure.
I know that You love me just as I am. You are patient with me. And I know that You are working this out. But I do want to shine for You. For others to see You in me. More of You, like I said yesterday.
So, this is the God visit. Yesterday as I drove to pick up a friend so we could head over to the kitten shelter, I heard this awesome song, that I could have written myself (if I had the talent to do such a thing). It's called Between the Altar and the Door by Casting Crowns. And I thought to myself, "now that is exactly what I feel like; I lose it when I leave the prayer closet." I thought about how I want it to be different, how I want to take the things You show me and run with them, letting them change me into the image of Jesus. As the song ended, I looked around at the other cars sitting at the light (the very, very looooonnnngg light!) and lo and behold one of them had a license plate that said......UKONDOIT...(You can do it). How absolutely cool was that ?!?!?!? You were encouraging me yet again Lord. And I was so blessed and happy for that.
Am I going to get all this right away? Probably not. Am I going to change overnight? Very doubtful. Is God working on me? Absolutely. Am I being changed from glory to glory? Most certainly. Thank You Lord for doing it Your way.
I am not sure if this will work to add the link for the song. I will post it in a separate entry just to be sure you can all listen. It is a fantastic song. This band always seems to be right on the money.
http://youtu.be/J7HkcxkUOjI
Sunday, March 2, 2014
More
I have a need in my heart. It's a need for more. This isn't really about a God visit. It's just me praying. I don't understand the gravity of my sin. I don't understand the depth of God's love. I don't comprehend the actual devastating loss of Eden and complete, unhindered fellowship with God. And the cost of the Cross does not totally register with me. But I want to. I want to understand, to grasp the reality of it. Lord, make it real to me. Make it vivid and deeply personal. We know in part, the Bible says. And it is so true. Help me to know more. Help me to feel more. Help me realize the meaning of all this. I want to go below the surface. Take me to the deep, where You are. I feel so unaware of the extent and intensity of all these concepts, no more than concepts, realities. Lord I need more.
I have a need in my heart. It's a need for more. This isn't really about a God visit. It's just me praying. I don't understand the gravity of my sin. I don't understand the depth of God's love. I don't comprehend the actual devastating loss of Eden and complete, unhindered fellowship with God. And the cost of the Cross does not totally register with me. But I want to. I want to understand, to grasp the reality of it. Lord, make it real to me. Make it vivid and deeply personal. We know in part, the Bible says. And it is so true. Help me to know more. Help me to feel more. Help me realize the meaning of all this. I want to go below the surface. Take me to the deep, where You are. I feel so unaware of the extent and intensity of all these concepts, no more than concepts, realities. Lord I need more.
Closer
A couple of days I ago, I was feeling very down. In my mind I was counting, almost 2 months since I've seen Mom, in April it will be a year since I've seen Sam, and it's been over 5 months since I've seen Tonto. I felt they were getting further and further (hope it's not farther, but I don't think it is lol) away from me, like I would lose sight of them eventually. But God (don't you love that saying, "but God...") immediately popped a wonderfully comforting thought in my head, "You are not getting further from them, but closer, closer to the day you will see them again." And that was so true. Everyday brings me closer to the day I am reunited with my loved ones and brings me closer to the day I see my Lord face to face and that is an awesome thought.
Thank You Lord for Your comfort. Thank You for the hope of heaven.
A couple of days I ago, I was feeling very down. In my mind I was counting, almost 2 months since I've seen Mom, in April it will be a year since I've seen Sam, and it's been over 5 months since I've seen Tonto. I felt they were getting further and further (hope it's not farther, but I don't think it is lol) away from me, like I would lose sight of them eventually. But God (don't you love that saying, "but God...") immediately popped a wonderfully comforting thought in my head, "You are not getting further from them, but closer, closer to the day you will see them again." And that was so true. Everyday brings me closer to the day I am reunited with my loved ones and brings me closer to the day I see my Lord face to face and that is an awesome thought.
Thank You Lord for Your comfort. Thank You for the hope of heaven.
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