"Overlook the offenses, and keep doing the right thing. If you’ll do this, in the end you’ll be vindicated, promoted, and honored." Joel Osteen Ministries.
Yes, that is the candid message I received Friday night from the Lord. It was business as usual at work....people disappearing when they should be helping, supervisor not dealing with the problems....Like I said business as usual. It had been a long day, a long week and I was definitely not in the mood for this nonsense yet again. So of course my mind goes down that road...."well I'm not gonna kill myself here. Why should I be doing the work if others don't have to...." Blah blah blah.
And then the little message notification sound beeped on my phone. And those words appeared on the face of my phone....ugh, like I really wanted to hear that!! Overlook the offenses!! Keep doing the right thing!!! WHAT!!!! Why do I have to be the one!! Lord, I hurt. Lord I'm tired. Lord, I've put up with this from day 1. But the Lord says, keep doing the right thing. Forgive others the way I forgive you. Overcome evil with good.
This is not something I wanted to listen to or obey. And trust me, I struggle with the obey part. But this God visit was very straightforward and to the point. The Lord had something to say and He used a friend to send His message.
Thank You Lord for clear direction, even when I don't want to hear it. Thank You for visits that correct and direct. Help me to be obedient and leave the rest up to You.
Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Matthew 6:14 For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Friday, March 27, 2015
Brightspots
Little God visits...throughout the day. That's one of the purposes of this blog. To take notice and enjoy them. To acknowledge God's presence and involvement and blessings in the large and small of the day. Here are three bright spots I experienced this week that gave a smile to my face. God is so good.
A few nights ago at work, the normal annoyances. Me getting agitated. Grumbling to myself. An all to familiar scenario at play here. I decide to change the radio station. Wonder of wonders...I find a Christian station and what song is playing??? "With Every Act of Love." That's the song with the great line in it..."God put a million doors in the world for His love to walk through, one of those doors is you." God reminder!! I am supposed to be loving and be a blessing. Stop grumbling and complaining and be kind!! Yup, got the message. And enjoyed the song!! God had spoken to me about this complaining attitude earlier in the week as well. Hmmmm, theme here?
Next up, confirmation on change being OKAY. (Ugh, change is scary and nerve wracking, and uncomfortable and scary......) I know I said scary twice...because it's just that scary. I've mentioned that we have rented our apartment and that I am somewhat apprehensive (hahaha) about becoming a landlord. Well, I turn on the radio leaving church Thursday morning and there is a commercial on for an upcoming radio show....the teacher is talking about how God is in change and that it's not necessarily a bad thing. Our heavenly Father brings good out the changes in our lives, even when that change comes from a place of loss and sorrow. WOW!! This change in our lives has come about through my Mom's death and I really felt this was an arrow shot right at my fears in this area by the Lord.
On to this morning. I have a million things to do today. I have to go trap a cat at my colony for veterinary care, do grocery shopping (hopefully) and stop at the craft store for some supplies for the church bulletin board, all in addition to the normal routine of getting ready and going to work. Soooo, of course where do I decide to "cut a little time?" You guessed it, my "God time." I can listen to Christian radio and get it in there right? Hahaha....Jesus had another plan. This directly from my reading in "Jesus Calling" today: " Be still in My presence even though countless tasks clamor for you attention. Nothing is as important as spending time with Me....If you skimp on this time with Me, you may plunge headlong into the wrong activities, missing the richness of what I have planned for you."
Oh my. Was that a direct hit? Why do I time and time again give the Lord second billing to the busyness of my day? I know that He will make my day work out if I just give Him the reigns. So here I am, spending my time with Him and hopefully being the blessing He desires.
Look out for the little visits in your day today. I am sure there hundreds we miss, but I know that if we are looking, we will see more and more of His Presence in the moments that make up our day.
Thank You Lord for being present and active in my day. I love that You are here. Please take control and use my and my time as You will, for Your glory. In Jesus name, Amen.
A few nights ago at work, the normal annoyances. Me getting agitated. Grumbling to myself. An all to familiar scenario at play here. I decide to change the radio station. Wonder of wonders...I find a Christian station and what song is playing??? "With Every Act of Love." That's the song with the great line in it..."God put a million doors in the world for His love to walk through, one of those doors is you." God reminder!! I am supposed to be loving and be a blessing. Stop grumbling and complaining and be kind!! Yup, got the message. And enjoyed the song!! God had spoken to me about this complaining attitude earlier in the week as well. Hmmmm, theme here?
Next up, confirmation on change being OKAY. (Ugh, change is scary and nerve wracking, and uncomfortable and scary......) I know I said scary twice...because it's just that scary. I've mentioned that we have rented our apartment and that I am somewhat apprehensive (hahaha) about becoming a landlord. Well, I turn on the radio leaving church Thursday morning and there is a commercial on for an upcoming radio show....the teacher is talking about how God is in change and that it's not necessarily a bad thing. Our heavenly Father brings good out the changes in our lives, even when that change comes from a place of loss and sorrow. WOW!! This change in our lives has come about through my Mom's death and I really felt this was an arrow shot right at my fears in this area by the Lord.
On to this morning. I have a million things to do today. I have to go trap a cat at my colony for veterinary care, do grocery shopping (hopefully) and stop at the craft store for some supplies for the church bulletin board, all in addition to the normal routine of getting ready and going to work. Soooo, of course where do I decide to "cut a little time?" You guessed it, my "God time." I can listen to Christian radio and get it in there right? Hahaha....Jesus had another plan. This directly from my reading in "Jesus Calling" today: " Be still in My presence even though countless tasks clamor for you attention. Nothing is as important as spending time with Me....If you skimp on this time with Me, you may plunge headlong into the wrong activities, missing the richness of what I have planned for you."
Oh my. Was that a direct hit? Why do I time and time again give the Lord second billing to the busyness of my day? I know that He will make my day work out if I just give Him the reigns. So here I am, spending my time with Him and hopefully being the blessing He desires.
Look out for the little visits in your day today. I am sure there hundreds we miss, but I know that if we are looking, we will see more and more of His Presence in the moments that make up our day.
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Letting Go of Control
Seems we have rented our apartment. The lady who will be renting from us is really nice and both Vinny and I liked her and her boyfriend that came with her to check out the apartment. But I am a nervous wreck...not about our potential tenant, but the whole responsibility of being a landlord....
Today's reading...."This is a time in your life when you must learn to let go"....."as you release more and more things into My care, remember that I never let go of your hand."
These are the words from today's devotional. And this is just what I needed to hear. Let go and let Jesus take care of me. It's what He does. The prayers that I had concerning this apartment have been answered....a person recommend by someone I know and trust. Now leave it into God's hands show me how to be a good landlord and take care of our home.
Isaiah 41:13 "For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, 'Fear not, I will help you."
Thank You Lord for Your comfort and care. You truly see our every need and concern. I trust You.
Today's reading...."This is a time in your life when you must learn to let go"....."as you release more and more things into My care, remember that I never let go of your hand."
These are the words from today's devotional. And this is just what I needed to hear. Let go and let Jesus take care of me. It's what He does. The prayers that I had concerning this apartment have been answered....a person recommend by someone I know and trust. Now leave it into God's hands show me how to be a good landlord and take care of our home.
Isaiah 41:13 "For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, 'Fear not, I will help you."
Thank You Lord for Your comfort and care. You truly see our every need and concern. I trust You.
Christianity: By Mom
1 John 5:1-5
5 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ[a] has become a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves his children, too. 2 We know we love God’s children if we love God and obey his commandments. 3 Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. 4 For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. 5 And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
Genuine Christian: Positive
1 John 4:2 This is how we know if they have the Spirit of God: If a person claiming to be a prophet acknowledges that Jesus Christ came in a real body, that person has the Spirit of God.
1 John 2:3 And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments.
1 John 4:20 If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see?
Profess to be a Christian, but....Negative
1 John 2:22 And who is a liar? Anyone who says that Jesus is not the Christ. Anyone who denies the Father and the Son is an antichrist.
1 John 1:6 So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth.
1 John 4:20 If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see?
True Christianity is characterized by: correct belief, godly obedience, brotherly love.
The deity and humanity of Jesus and Christianity.
1 John 4:2,15 and 5:1--Correct belief about the "Incarnation."
4:2 This is how we know if they have the Spirit of God: If a person claiming to be a prophet[a] acknowledges that Jesus Christ came in a real body, that person has the Spirit of God.
v15 All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God.
5:1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ[a] has become a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves his children, too.
Correct belief about the Holy Spirit and threefold ministry
First: He is God's gift and assures us of our relationship to Christ.
1 John 3:24 Those who obey God’s commandments remain in fellowship with him, and he with them. And we know he lives in us because the Spirit he gave us lives in us.
He abides in us and we abide in Him. v4:13 And God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in us.
Second: The Holy Spirit testifies to the reality of the incarnation of Christ.
1 John 4:2 This is how we know if they have the Spirit of God: If a person claiming to be a prophet acknowledges that Jesus Christ came in a real body, that person has the Spirit of God.
1 John 5:6-8 And Jesus Christ was revealed as God’s Son by his baptism in water and by shedding his blood on the cross—not by water only, but by water and blood. And the Spirit, who is truth, confirms it with his testimony. 7 So we have these three witnesses— 8 the Spirit, the water, and the blood—and all three agree.
Jesus Christ has come in the flesh and is of God. Jesus came by water and blood and three bear witness.
Third: The Holy Spirit is given to us.
1 John 2:20 But you are not like that, for the Holy One has given you his Spirit, and all of you know the truth.
1 John 4:4 But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.
The true Christian believes, through the Holy Spirit, has a full realization of the truth concerning Jesus, so that we may successfully oppose the heretics who deny the truth.
That was Mom's take on the believes that characterize true Christians. A firm understanding of who Christ was, and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. This wasn't to say that she believed, nor do I that we get it right all the time...but because we believe these truths, we continually work with the Lord to become all He desires us to be and to grow in our knowledge of Him. He is so vast, so beyond our understanding...it will take an eternity to discover Him. She believed we should be grounded enough to give an answer to those who would oppose this truth...and honestly that takes time in the Word and studying it's truth, meditating and allowing the Holy Spirit to enlighten us and plant it's truths in our hearts.
Lord, keep us in Your Word, keep us by Your Holy Spirit.
Christian, Continued: By Mom
Christian
Christ wants to be in your life, to help with your day to day living.
Continue to follow Jesus, His leadership by faith and become rooted in His Word.
Absorb elementary truths of faith. Begin meditating on His Word.
Allow God, through the Holy Spirit to speak to you.
Bring all situations, problems, stress, trials, et al to Him immediately.
This was Mom's idea of being a Christian, of how to live the Christian life. Good and true statements...being in the Word and relying on the Holy Spirit...that's the way to get through each and every day of our lives.
Christ wants to be in your life, to help with your day to day living.
Continue to follow Jesus, His leadership by faith and become rooted in His Word.
Absorb elementary truths of faith. Begin meditating on His Word.
Allow God, through the Holy Spirit to speak to you.
Bring all situations, problems, stress, trials, et al to Him immediately.
This was Mom's idea of being a Christian, of how to live the Christian life. Good and true statements...being in the Word and relying on the Holy Spirit...that's the way to get through each and every day of our lives.
Spring's A Comin'
Trying to get back into the normal routine of life since vacation. When we were on our cruise the weather was warm, sunny....shorts and flip flops, beaches and books....aaaahhhh. Just my kind of perfection! And then we came home. Not only does the rush and hurry, to do lists a mile long start up....it's cold. Long johns, scarves, boots and layers upon layers of clothing. And then to top that off, we had another snow storm...on the first day of spring mind you!! Back to sloshing through the snow and cleaning off the cars!!
So I walked out of my house Saturday morning, this cold, snow covered Saturday morning and sitting across from me in the bare winter woods was Mr. Robin. Our little harbinger of spring. Bright orange chest puffed out, contrasting beautifully against the stark brown leafless trees of winter. What a welcome sight. And I thought to myself what a wonderful visit from the Lord. Spring comes. Coldness ends. In the seasons and in our lives. Newness is just around the corner.
I know he is probably not too visible, but just to the right of the garbage can cover is my little friend. It seemed like he was staring right at me, standing up on this root that was sticking up out of the ground. Yaaay. What a welcome sight!!
Thank You Lord for the promise of newness, of new birth and renewal. New new new. You make all things new.
So I walked out of my house Saturday morning, this cold, snow covered Saturday morning and sitting across from me in the bare winter woods was Mr. Robin. Our little harbinger of spring. Bright orange chest puffed out, contrasting beautifully against the stark brown leafless trees of winter. What a welcome sight. And I thought to myself what a wonderful visit from the Lord. Spring comes. Coldness ends. In the seasons and in our lives. Newness is just around the corner.
I know he is probably not too visible, but just to the right of the garbage can cover is my little friend. It seemed like he was staring right at me, standing up on this root that was sticking up out of the ground. Yaaay. What a welcome sight!!
Thank You Lord for the promise of newness, of new birth and renewal. New new new. You make all things new.
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Madeline Visit
I have to say, this week has been especially hectic, filled with activity and out of the normal routine "stuff." Coming back from vacation means extra laundry, extra clean up, and put away. A pile of mail to deal with, messages to return and an empty frig needing to be filled. (I still have to move the stuff from the upstairs refrigerator into the new one down stairs, it's only about half done!) Throw in there making soda bread for St. Patty's day (a family tradition that I love) and a day at the cat shelter, going back to work.....my normal routine has been out the window. I'm pretty sure that normal routine is not only out the window, but running down the block and jumping on a train bound for destinations unknown, it's gotten completely away from me! So of course my time with the Lord has suffered. Not sure why He is the first to get cut sometimes, when we absolutely know that it is the most precious of time and does us the most good of all that we can do in a given day.
Last night, I finally could sit during lunch and open my Bible for some study time. And I can't tell you, it felt like my spirit was jumping up and down and dancing inside of me. I stopped in the crazy race of to do, and spent time with my Father and was filled with joy at my "visit" with Him. Oh how I needed this. Like cool water to a parched mouth, refreshment was mine!!
Lord, remind me again and again how important, how joy-giving and soul soothing spending time with You is. It is the best form of time management I can practice. I am sorry that You got placed on the back burner, relegated to a quick reading and prayer in the morning. Thank You for being there waiting patiently for me to stop and be still with You. You are amazing. Thank You.
Last night, I finally could sit during lunch and open my Bible for some study time. And I can't tell you, it felt like my spirit was jumping up and down and dancing inside of me. I stopped in the crazy race of to do, and spent time with my Father and was filled with joy at my "visit" with Him. Oh how I needed this. Like cool water to a parched mouth, refreshment was mine!!
Lord, remind me again and again how important, how joy-giving and soul soothing spending time with You is. It is the best form of time management I can practice. I am sorry that You got placed on the back burner, relegated to a quick reading and prayer in the morning. Thank You for being there waiting patiently for me to stop and be still with You. You are amazing. Thank You.
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
God Is Everywhere
Hello all!!
We are back from an terrific vacation. God is so good. Besides the beautiful scenery and seeing this amazing world the Lord created, there were are few "special" visits thrown in for me. Whenever I go on vacation, I always come back feeling a little distant from the Lord. I know the reason is because I spend much more time sight seeing the world than having the normal prayer and study times I would at home. But God is good, He made His presence known all the same.
As I said the scenery was breathtaking. Our God is the ultimate creator and artist. His intelligence and imagination never cease to astound. I will post some pictures. But the highlight was when we were walking back to our ship in St. Thomas after a day of shopping and saw the most beautiful rainbow. You could actually see it from one end to the other where it disappeared into the mountains. It was stunning. I do have pictures, but I have to do some set on this computer so I can download them.
God's theme for my readings this week were hope. And I know that is something He wants me to keep in my heart. He even sent and exclamation point to this message when He sent a big burly bare chested guy walking past with a giant tattoo of the word HOPE going across his shoulder and chest!! Like I said my heavenly Father made His presence known all the way through the vacation.
We were talking on the ship about how important it is to do something for others in the life we are given. Volunteering at a soup kitchen, animal shelter, at church....whatever....just something to take us out of our own lives and pour His blessings into someone else's And thankfully my husband and I actually had the opportunity to do that on this trip. The cruise line we were on had a mini walkathon and we happily participated! It was just a mile, but we were able to help the Make A Wish foundation. I was so glad the Lord provided this opportunity. How awesome is He.
Seeing God's amazing creation in the stunningly blue and green Caribbean, sparkling water, mountainous islands, iguanas and peaceful beaches, He is the master artist!! What a blessing. Thank You Lord.
We are back from an terrific vacation. God is so good. Besides the beautiful scenery and seeing this amazing world the Lord created, there were are few "special" visits thrown in for me. Whenever I go on vacation, I always come back feeling a little distant from the Lord. I know the reason is because I spend much more time sight seeing the world than having the normal prayer and study times I would at home. But God is good, He made His presence known all the same.
As I said the scenery was breathtaking. Our God is the ultimate creator and artist. His intelligence and imagination never cease to astound. I will post some pictures. But the highlight was when we were walking back to our ship in St. Thomas after a day of shopping and saw the most beautiful rainbow. You could actually see it from one end to the other where it disappeared into the mountains. It was stunning. I do have pictures, but I have to do some set on this computer so I can download them.
God's theme for my readings this week were hope. And I know that is something He wants me to keep in my heart. He even sent and exclamation point to this message when He sent a big burly bare chested guy walking past with a giant tattoo of the word HOPE going across his shoulder and chest!! Like I said my heavenly Father made His presence known all the way through the vacation.
We were talking on the ship about how important it is to do something for others in the life we are given. Volunteering at a soup kitchen, animal shelter, at church....whatever....just something to take us out of our own lives and pour His blessings into someone else's And thankfully my husband and I actually had the opportunity to do that on this trip. The cruise line we were on had a mini walkathon and we happily participated! It was just a mile, but we were able to help the Make A Wish foundation. I was so glad the Lord provided this opportunity. How awesome is He.
Seeing God's amazing creation in the stunningly blue and green Caribbean, sparkling water, mountainous islands, iguanas and peaceful beaches, He is the master artist!! What a blessing. Thank You Lord.
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Bumper Stickers !!
I just posted about my outlook on the future and how it is rebellion for me to think negatively towards it and not trust in the Lord's promises. Well once again the Lord took the time to hammer the point home, almost as if He was added some exclamation points to His message.
As I was coming back from Target on lunch last night, a car pulled in front of me and started driving annoyingly slow. Ugh!! I was trying not to be late and really didn't have time to deal with slow drivers puttering along in front of me. Or so I thought. But God had a reason for this development.
As I am staring at the back of this "careful" driver I notice a bumper sticker...."GOD HAS PLANS FOR YOU." Okay, is that not exactly, precisely and specifically what He has been telling me? How utterly amazing is that. And then it got even better. I then noticed there was another bumper sticker and this one said, "TRUST IN THE LORD." I am quite speechless at this point. And wouldn't you know it as soon as I pulled into the turn off lane for my building, that same slow pokey driver sped up!! Ya think Jesus was trying to get a message across!?!? LOL
Thank You Jesus for loving me and using a myriad of ways to speak to Your children. Help me and all of us to listen and search out Your thoughts and ways.
I don't know if this will be my last post before vacation....that is up to the Lord. But if it is, I will talk to you all when I get back.
As I was coming back from Target on lunch last night, a car pulled in front of me and started driving annoyingly slow. Ugh!! I was trying not to be late and really didn't have time to deal with slow drivers puttering along in front of me. Or so I thought. But God had a reason for this development.
As I am staring at the back of this "careful" driver I notice a bumper sticker...."GOD HAS PLANS FOR YOU." Okay, is that not exactly, precisely and specifically what He has been telling me? How utterly amazing is that. And then it got even better. I then noticed there was another bumper sticker and this one said, "TRUST IN THE LORD." I am quite speechless at this point. And wouldn't you know it as soon as I pulled into the turn off lane for my building, that same slow pokey driver sped up!! Ya think Jesus was trying to get a message across!?!? LOL
Thank You Jesus for loving me and using a myriad of ways to speak to Your children. Help me and all of us to listen and search out Your thoughts and ways.
I don't know if this will be my last post before vacation....that is up to the Lord. But if it is, I will talk to you all when I get back.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
Vacation!!!
On Saturday, my husband and I will be joining some dear friends on a cruise. We are sooooo looking forward to being away. I myself I declared that my mantra for the week will be, "I don't have to." I don't have to think. I don't have to decide. I don't have to clean. I don't have to get up early. I don't have to do....." LOL
Life is always such a whirlwind....and it will be nice to have some real downtime. I am excited to have mornings where I can sit on the deck and spend time with the Lord with no chores or attention needing problems beckoning me.
So, I will talk to you all when we get back. I expect to have some great visits with the Lord. He has blessed us so.
Life is always such a whirlwind....and it will be nice to have some real downtime. I am excited to have mornings where I can sit on the deck and spend time with the Lord with no chores or attention needing problems beckoning me.
So, I will talk to you all when we get back. I expect to have some great visits with the Lord. He has blessed us so.
I'm Okay!
I struggle. I know, news to many of you....LOL The nagging question is always there, "am I going the right way?" My deepest doubt and sorrow is that I have a dark future, one with joyless sameness, like all the problems of today will continue and there is nothing good going to happen.
Last weeks reading in "Jesus Calling" said this: "Secret things belong to the Lord and future things are secret things. When you try to figure out the future, you are grasping at things that are mine. This, like all forms of worry is an act of rebellion and doubting My promises to care for you."
Gulp. Rebellion!! I'm in rebellion when I doubt His plan for a good future. When I look forward in mistrust, and hopelessness I am, in essence, calling Jesus a liar. Oh my!!! Did not God Himself say, "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11) Yet I choose to ignore this. I choose to see and believe there is no hope.
Some visits from the Lord bring joy, bring encouragement. Some bring correction. And this was one of those. But even in His correction, He is tender. There was no condemnation here, only enlightenment. And this message did not stop there. After the correction, come the encouragement.
A few days go by, this messages slips from my mind...not doubting mind you, just getting caught up in the busyness of life, and two lines jump out at me from two separate readings: "You are on the right path." And, "I love you for who you are, not what you do."
I absolutely love the way the Lord weaves these visits together, over days, over weeks and months....I think most of us have heard of the story of our lives being like a tapestry...we only see the threads hanging down, some dark, some light,.It looks quite the mess. All the while God is working on a beautiful picture which will only be clear when we see it from the other side in Heaven. And that is what this feels like. Like He is weaving together all these visits, all His encouragement and correction to form a complete picture in my heart. Individually these instances are great...but when woven together, they form a strong promise to hold onto. A comfort to remain in.
Thank You Lord for the way You discipline and teach. Thank You for the masterpiece You are creating in each of our lives. Help me, us, to trust and believe the best, believe with a good hope.
Psalm 32:8 The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you."
Last weeks reading in "Jesus Calling" said this: "Secret things belong to the Lord and future things are secret things. When you try to figure out the future, you are grasping at things that are mine. This, like all forms of worry is an act of rebellion and doubting My promises to care for you."
Gulp. Rebellion!! I'm in rebellion when I doubt His plan for a good future. When I look forward in mistrust, and hopelessness I am, in essence, calling Jesus a liar. Oh my!!! Did not God Himself say, "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11) Yet I choose to ignore this. I choose to see and believe there is no hope.
Some visits from the Lord bring joy, bring encouragement. Some bring correction. And this was one of those. But even in His correction, He is tender. There was no condemnation here, only enlightenment. And this message did not stop there. After the correction, come the encouragement.
A few days go by, this messages slips from my mind...not doubting mind you, just getting caught up in the busyness of life, and two lines jump out at me from two separate readings: "You are on the right path." And, "I love you for who you are, not what you do."
I absolutely love the way the Lord weaves these visits together, over days, over weeks and months....I think most of us have heard of the story of our lives being like a tapestry...we only see the threads hanging down, some dark, some light,.It looks quite the mess. All the while God is working on a beautiful picture which will only be clear when we see it from the other side in Heaven. And that is what this feels like. Like He is weaving together all these visits, all His encouragement and correction to form a complete picture in my heart. Individually these instances are great...but when woven together, they form a strong promise to hold onto. A comfort to remain in.
Thank You Lord for the way You discipline and teach. Thank You for the masterpiece You are creating in each of our lives. Help me, us, to trust and believe the best, believe with a good hope.
Psalm 32:8 The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you."
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Stuck Songs
When I went to bed a few days ago, I had a dopey song stuck in my head. It was driving me crazy and to top it of it was a secular song (Don't You Cry, by Guns and Roses--love the song, btw, but still) and I told the Lord I would really prefer to fall asleep with something other than that circling around my brain.
As I lay down, I heard my phone beep. For some reason I decided to go check it and it was actually someone commenting on a song I had posted on FB....Our God is Greater. Yaaay, GNR, unstuck....praise song floating through my head to fall asleep with. AWESOME!!
Answer!
Yesterday I prayed for the Lord's help. We had so many things breaking down lately and I just asked for some deliverance. I actually mentioned something about paying of that darn credit card! Well, He didn't quite do that, but I did get a wonderful surprise in the mail. A substantial check from a dear friend!! This kind of thing just never happens to me!! It was actually enough to get a new computer!! Can you believe that kind of God visit!?!
As I continued to go through the mail, I came across another letter, this one informing me that a loan I though still had another month to go was actually paid off and I was getting a small (about $10) refund for over payment!!
Yesterday I did a reading on how the Lord blesses us so that we can be a blessing to others. And I just love that.
Oh, and to top this all off, a few days later the truck needed to go in for some work....turns out it only cost me $75!! I really was expecting closer to $1000.
I just stand in awe of the Lord here. Like I said, these things just don't happen to me. I am so so so grateful. Thank You Lord!!
As I continued to go through the mail, I came across another letter, this one informing me that a loan I though still had another month to go was actually paid off and I was getting a small (about $10) refund for over payment!!
Yesterday I did a reading on how the Lord blesses us so that we can be a blessing to others. And I just love that.
Oh, and to top this all off, a few days later the truck needed to go in for some work....turns out it only cost me $75!! I really was expecting closer to $1000.
I just stand in awe of the Lord here. Like I said, these things just don't happen to me. I am so so so grateful. Thank You Lord!!
Jesus, He Loves Me
You know how you seem to be making progress, feel like you've grown past some of the immaturity and are finally getting this Christian walk thing down pat? Well I was at that place, some ups and downs, but mostly feeling pretty secure in my relationship with the Lord. It's been kind of bumpy lately, and though I've had some set backs I've been able to (with the Lord's help of course) pull myself up and keep going forward.
I've chronicled here about the financial hits that have been slamming into our pocketbooks and the fact that work is, as always, a testing ground for me. Well for some reason as I drove to work this day I completely lost it. All that security, the maturity I thought I was walking in fell by the wayside and I reverted to my old refrains of "it must be all my fault. All of these troubles are punishment for the bad choices I've made. I am destined to live this life under the curse of consequence." It was really, really bad.
Okay. So I made it through my day relatively sane and in one piece. Woke up the next morning and started my devotions. I "mistakenly" opened up to Zechariah 3:1-5 Then the angel showed me Jeshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord. The Accuser, Satan, was there at the angel’s right hand, making accusations against Jeshua. And the Lord said to Satan, “I, the Lord, reject your accusations, Satan. Yes, the Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you. This man is like a burning stick that has been snatched from the fire.”
Jeshua’s clothing was filthy as he stood there before the angel. So the angel said to the others standing there, “Take off his filthy clothes.” And turning to Jeshua he said, “See, I have taken away your sins, and now I am giving you these fine new clothes.”
Then I said, “They should also place a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean priestly turban on his head and dressed him in new clothes while the angel of the Lord stood by.
Acceptance. Forgiveness. Cleansing. The Lord Himself rejects the accusations brought against me (by Satan or even myself).
About a week before all this, I had driven to work and felt so strongly the sorrow Jesus had over my inability to grasp and accept His love for me. I knew He so wanted me to understand that He sees me as perfect and acceptable just as I am. I am not a failure in His eyes. I had forgotten all about this encounter as I drove to work that day under a cloud of rejection and despair.
Lord, thank You. I cannot tell You how much it means to me to have Your love and acceptance. I am amazed that You care so much, love so much and repeat the same message of love again and again to someone so thick headed.
I've chronicled here about the financial hits that have been slamming into our pocketbooks and the fact that work is, as always, a testing ground for me. Well for some reason as I drove to work this day I completely lost it. All that security, the maturity I thought I was walking in fell by the wayside and I reverted to my old refrains of "it must be all my fault. All of these troubles are punishment for the bad choices I've made. I am destined to live this life under the curse of consequence." It was really, really bad.
Okay. So I made it through my day relatively sane and in one piece. Woke up the next morning and started my devotions. I "mistakenly" opened up to Zechariah 3:1-5 Then the angel showed me Jeshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord. The Accuser, Satan, was there at the angel’s right hand, making accusations against Jeshua. And the Lord said to Satan, “I, the Lord, reject your accusations, Satan. Yes, the Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you. This man is like a burning stick that has been snatched from the fire.”
Jeshua’s clothing was filthy as he stood there before the angel. So the angel said to the others standing there, “Take off his filthy clothes.” And turning to Jeshua he said, “See, I have taken away your sins, and now I am giving you these fine new clothes.”
Then I said, “They should also place a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean priestly turban on his head and dressed him in new clothes while the angel of the Lord stood by.
Acceptance. Forgiveness. Cleansing. The Lord Himself rejects the accusations brought against me (by Satan or even myself).
About a week before all this, I had driven to work and felt so strongly the sorrow Jesus had over my inability to grasp and accept His love for me. I knew He so wanted me to understand that He sees me as perfect and acceptable just as I am. I am not a failure in His eyes. I had forgotten all about this encounter as I drove to work that day under a cloud of rejection and despair.
Lord, thank You. I cannot tell You how much it means to me to have Your love and acceptance. I am amazed that You care so much, love so much and repeat the same message of love again and again to someone so thick headed.
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