Once again the Lord has strung together various readings to make a sweet God visit message that will encourage and strengthen our hearts. Our God is a planner! He plans out His teaching. He opens His heart to us, leading us into His will and showering us with His love step by step by step. This is probably one of my favorite things about our Lord.
Recently I listened to a teaching on trusting God in weaknesses by Joyce Meyer. In it she brought up the example of Paul, and how he had a "thorn in the flesh" that he asked God to remove. The Lord did not remove it, but instead told Paul, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” Paul's reply came in the second part of the verse: "So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me." (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Sometimes the things we ask for are not God's will for us. They may seem good, they may seem right, but the Father (that wonderful planner we mentioned in the first paragraph) has a different, more excellent plan. His answer to our prayer is not what we think it should be but it is exactly what we need, when we need it. Not what we want to hear, but that doesn't make it any less true. Our job is to trust when we see, think and feel anything but, trust that God will work in our problems, weaknesses and circumstances to bring about His perfect will for our life.
Now to the second part of this visit. I was reading a devotional a couple of days ago and came across a sentence (yes, one of those "one-liners") that caused me to stop and ponder for a moment. The devotional was about praising God for the difficulties we see in the lives of our loved ones because we know they are designed or allowed by God for their good. When I came across the line "all things are your servants" I just stopped. Wow. Yes. That's exactly true. All things are in service to the Lord. Good things, bad things, hard things, easy things....people, situations, troubles, trials....All things. God causes them all to work for His purposes.
The Bible tells us in Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. It says "everything." There are no exceptions mentioned in this verse. All of what we go through, all of what we see our loved ones go through, everything serves God's purpose. And anything we go through, His strength will carry us through. But we have to let it. Sometimes we may loose faith, we may question and falter, but we don't stay in that place of hopelessness. We get back up, dust ourselves off and start believing again.
Our life truly is a journey with the Lord. Bible verses become stepping stones to a strong walk with Jesus, where we grow in character and fruitfulness until the day we walk through the door of death into His loving arms hearing His sweet voice, "Well done my good and faithful servant..." (Matthew 25:21).
Thank You Lord for staying with us, leading and guiding through life, bringing encouragement to Your children as we walk through our time on this earth. Thank You for helping us to grow, being our strength. Thank You for the good plans and purpose You have for each of us and for those we love. Help us to keep the faith, strengthen our trust, fill us with hope even when we can't see and especially when it hurts. In Jesus Name, amen.
Memorize 2 Corinthians 12:9 and Romans 8:28.
Thursday, September 26, 2019
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
Others
Being a blessing sometimes get lost in the busyness and task focused lives we lead. We want to be helpful, kind and caring, but our to do lists get in the way of noticing the needs around us. We forget. But what if we could just remember one word. A "nudge" word to give our memories a little tap during the whirlwinds of our days. Others.
On Christmas Eve of 1910, General William Booth was unable to attend the annual convention of the Salvation Army he started due to failing health. He was asked to send a telegram to encourage the "soldiers" of the Salvation Army. General Booth, feeling the telegrams were expensive and charged by the word sent a one word message to his fellow soldiers, "Others." This story came on the heels of my Pastor's sermon a couple of Sundays ago. I know when I am hearing things repeated from different sources that the Lord wants me to pay attention.
Titus 2:9 was part of that sermon, and this verse struck a chord of admonishment in my heart that I pray will resonate throughout each day of my life. Titus 2:9 Slaves must obey their masters and do their best to please them. They must not talk back or steal but must show themselves to be entirely trustworthy and good. Then they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive in every way.
The part that really got me going in that verse was the last sentence. "Then they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive in every way." Wow. That is the full desire of my heart and I get frustrated because I fail so often at doing this.
My prayer is to always be a blessing and bring glory to my Savior. I think the Lord sent the story about General Booth's message just to give me a way to remember my mission in life. Others. Be a blessing. Philippians 2:3-4 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
God's Word is filled with ways to be a blessing to others...to think of others over ourselves. When we do this we follow the example set by our Savior Jesus Christ who spent His time here on earth loving and helping people everywhere He went. By imitating Jesus, we shine God's love and character wherever we are, work, home,school, out in the hustle and bustle of life.
Joyce Meyer said that focusing on and living for self is a joy-stealer (my paraphrase). If we want to have the joy filled life Jesus promises then we must practice the "others" philosophy. Too often I let my pride get in the way of humbling serving others. I let my pride dictate what I will or will not do to help another. I let my judgement of what I think others deserve or don't deserve be the meter by which I dole out help. Ugh! Ow! I wonder how many less people would have been healed by Jesus if He used any of these ways to determine who would get His help. I'm pretty sure I would have been one of those left out if God was looking for the "deserve-eds."
Lord, teach us to live for You and to focus on blessing others. Help us to lay aside our pride, knowing You desire humility. Help us to care for those around us, knowing You will meet our needs. Give us hearts to love as You love us. Teach us to be humble as Jesus was humble. Lord, put this word, "others" in our hearts today that we may "make the teaching about God our Savior attractive in every way." In Jesus Name. Amen
Others.
On Christmas Eve of 1910, General William Booth was unable to attend the annual convention of the Salvation Army he started due to failing health. He was asked to send a telegram to encourage the "soldiers" of the Salvation Army. General Booth, feeling the telegrams were expensive and charged by the word sent a one word message to his fellow soldiers, "Others." This story came on the heels of my Pastor's sermon a couple of Sundays ago. I know when I am hearing things repeated from different sources that the Lord wants me to pay attention.
Titus 2:9 was part of that sermon, and this verse struck a chord of admonishment in my heart that I pray will resonate throughout each day of my life. Titus 2:9 Slaves must obey their masters and do their best to please them. They must not talk back or steal but must show themselves to be entirely trustworthy and good. Then they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive in every way.
The part that really got me going in that verse was the last sentence. "Then they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive in every way." Wow. That is the full desire of my heart and I get frustrated because I fail so often at doing this.
My prayer is to always be a blessing and bring glory to my Savior. I think the Lord sent the story about General Booth's message just to give me a way to remember my mission in life. Others. Be a blessing. Philippians 2:3-4 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
God's Word is filled with ways to be a blessing to others...to think of others over ourselves. When we do this we follow the example set by our Savior Jesus Christ who spent His time here on earth loving and helping people everywhere He went. By imitating Jesus, we shine God's love and character wherever we are, work, home,school, out in the hustle and bustle of life.
Joyce Meyer said that focusing on and living for self is a joy-stealer (my paraphrase). If we want to have the joy filled life Jesus promises then we must practice the "others" philosophy. Too often I let my pride get in the way of humbling serving others. I let my pride dictate what I will or will not do to help another. I let my judgement of what I think others deserve or don't deserve be the meter by which I dole out help. Ugh! Ow! I wonder how many less people would have been healed by Jesus if He used any of these ways to determine who would get His help. I'm pretty sure I would have been one of those left out if God was looking for the "deserve-eds."
Lord, teach us to live for You and to focus on blessing others. Help us to lay aside our pride, knowing You desire humility. Help us to care for those around us, knowing You will meet our needs. Give us hearts to love as You love us. Teach us to be humble as Jesus was humble. Lord, put this word, "others" in our hearts today that we may "make the teaching about God our Savior attractive in every way." In Jesus Name. Amen
Others.
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
Repentance Verses, from Mom
Mom had a short list of Scripture that went with her entry on repentance. I believe God wants us to immerse ourselves in His Word and let it do a mighty work in us. This morning, let the Lord lead you into that work through these Scriptures. And certainly seek out other verses as the Spirit leads.
Mark 1:14-15 Later on, after John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee, where he preached God’s Good News. 15 “The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”
John 3:1 There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. 2 After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. “Rabbi,” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.” 3 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” 4 “What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?”
5 Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. 6 Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.
Luke 15:11-24 To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story: “A man had two sons. 12 The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons. 13 “A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. 14 About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. 15 He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. 16 The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything. 17 “When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, 19 and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”’ 20 “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. 21 His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’ 22 “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23 And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, 24 for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.
Matthew 4:17 From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.
2 Chronicles 7:14 Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.
Acts 2:38-41 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” 40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”
These verses show the need to turn from sin and turn to the Lord. Read through these Scriptures today and find one or two you feel the need to spend time with. Listen for the Lord's sweet voice as you do. We all need repentance, we all fail and turn from the ways of the Lord. We can all see ourselves in the son who went far from his home and followed the ways of the world. But look at the joy it brings our Father when we once again return to His embrace.
Lord, let us hear Your loving correction, follow Your voice to a place of restoration. Give us hearts to turn from our sin, put away our rebellion and live holy, redeemed, blessed lives. Thank You that You are quick to forgive.
Take time with this verses today and listen for the Lord's conviction, feel the embrace of His loving forgiveness.
Mark 1:14-15 Later on, after John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee, where he preached God’s Good News. 15 “The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”
John 3:1 There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. 2 After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. “Rabbi,” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.” 3 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” 4 “What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?”
5 Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. 6 Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.
Luke 15:11-24 To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story: “A man had two sons. 12 The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons. 13 “A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. 14 About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. 15 He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. 16 The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything. 17 “When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, 19 and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”’ 20 “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. 21 His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’ 22 “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23 And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, 24 for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.
Matthew 4:17 From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.
2 Chronicles 7:14 Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.
Acts 2:38-41 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” 40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”
These verses show the need to turn from sin and turn to the Lord. Read through these Scriptures today and find one or two you feel the need to spend time with. Listen for the Lord's sweet voice as you do. We all need repentance, we all fail and turn from the ways of the Lord. We can all see ourselves in the son who went far from his home and followed the ways of the world. But look at the joy it brings our Father when we once again return to His embrace.
Lord, let us hear Your loving correction, follow Your voice to a place of restoration. Give us hearts to turn from our sin, put away our rebellion and live holy, redeemed, blessed lives. Thank You that You are quick to forgive.
Take time with this verses today and listen for the Lord's conviction, feel the embrace of His loving forgiveness.
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
Repentance, from Mom
Mom has a journal entry entitled "Repentance." I thought it would be a good place to go after last weeks entry on forgiveness. Before we seek forgiveness we must see that we've sinned and repent from those mistakes. I mean, why would anyone think they need forgiveness if they don't first feel they've done something wrong.
Matthew 3:1-2 In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, 2 “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.
Matthew 4:17 From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.
According to the Strongs concordance, repentance is a decision that results in a change of mind, which in turn leads to a change of purpose and action.
There is no birth into the kingdom without salvation, turn from sin to Christ. Acts 3:18 Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.
There is no growth in the kingdom without obedience to Jesus' commandments and a childlike responsiveness of yielding to the teaching of God's Word. James 1:21-25 21 So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. 22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.
There is no lifelong increase of fruit as a citizen of the kingdom without a willingness to accept the Holy Spirit's correction and guidance. Ephesians 4:30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
From me:
The first step toward becoming a child of God is to recognize our need, repent of our sins and rebellion and accept the beautiful gift of salvation found only in Jesus Christ. His work on the cross alone paid the price for our sins, and set us free from it's power. His resurrection brought us life and set us free from the power of death.
As a Christian who desires to bear fruit, we must make it a point to keep short accounts with God. What I mean by that is, if you know you've done something wrong, something against God's standards...turn to Him and admit your sin, ask for and receive His forgiveness and do it quickly...don't procrastinate. Accept His cleansing and get back to working (through the power of the Holy Spirit) for the kingdom. Sometimes we've been doing something a certain way so long that we don't recognize it as sin. It's become a habit, and a hindrance. When the Lord reveals a sin that has been entrenched in our lives for a long time, ridding ourselves of it may not come overnight, but it's our job to keep working with the Holy Spirit to eliminate it from our life.
John 15:1-5 “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 3 You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. 5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.
Remaining in Jesus, keeping in close connection with God through prayer, study, Bible reading, worship, and thanksgiving, we become sensitive to His touch and leading. When we fall short we can hear His voice calling us back to holiness. Don't be afraid of this voice. Correction is hard to hear, and often it hurts to receive. I'm so glad for the correction the Lord brought to me last week. It was hard to hear, but I find so much joy in striving to live for Him, in leaving those sins behind and basking in His love and forgiveness.
Lord, thank You that You so freely offer us the gift of forgiveness. Whether it's for the first time or the thousandth time...Your heart is for us, Your forgiveness instant and Your love constant. You are amazing. I'm so grateful we need not wallow in our sin and guilt, but only come to You for cleansing and restoration. What a beautiful Savior You are!
Examine yourself today...confess where needed, receive the Father's forgiveness.
Matthew 3:1-2 In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, 2 “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.
Matthew 4:17 From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.
According to the Strongs concordance, repentance is a decision that results in a change of mind, which in turn leads to a change of purpose and action.
There is no birth into the kingdom without salvation, turn from sin to Christ. Acts 3:18 Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.
There is no growth in the kingdom without obedience to Jesus' commandments and a childlike responsiveness of yielding to the teaching of God's Word. James 1:21-25 21 So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. 22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.
There is no lifelong increase of fruit as a citizen of the kingdom without a willingness to accept the Holy Spirit's correction and guidance. Ephesians 4:30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
From me:
The first step toward becoming a child of God is to recognize our need, repent of our sins and rebellion and accept the beautiful gift of salvation found only in Jesus Christ. His work on the cross alone paid the price for our sins, and set us free from it's power. His resurrection brought us life and set us free from the power of death.
As a Christian who desires to bear fruit, we must make it a point to keep short accounts with God. What I mean by that is, if you know you've done something wrong, something against God's standards...turn to Him and admit your sin, ask for and receive His forgiveness and do it quickly...don't procrastinate. Accept His cleansing and get back to working (through the power of the Holy Spirit) for the kingdom. Sometimes we've been doing something a certain way so long that we don't recognize it as sin. It's become a habit, and a hindrance. When the Lord reveals a sin that has been entrenched in our lives for a long time, ridding ourselves of it may not come overnight, but it's our job to keep working with the Holy Spirit to eliminate it from our life.
John 15:1-5 “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 3 You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. 5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.
Remaining in Jesus, keeping in close connection with God through prayer, study, Bible reading, worship, and thanksgiving, we become sensitive to His touch and leading. When we fall short we can hear His voice calling us back to holiness. Don't be afraid of this voice. Correction is hard to hear, and often it hurts to receive. I'm so glad for the correction the Lord brought to me last week. It was hard to hear, but I find so much joy in striving to live for Him, in leaving those sins behind and basking in His love and forgiveness.
Lord, thank You that You so freely offer us the gift of forgiveness. Whether it's for the first time or the thousandth time...Your heart is for us, Your forgiveness instant and Your love constant. You are amazing. I'm so grateful we need not wallow in our sin and guilt, but only come to You for cleansing and restoration. What a beautiful Savior You are!
Examine yourself today...confess where needed, receive the Father's forgiveness.
Thursday, September 12, 2019
Forgiveness
Yesterday was a day of repentance. The Lord called me on a few serious sins. Yes, that's the word, SIN. I was looking for a less harsh word, but truth is truth. This correction was coming to me while I was out jogging yesterday. And then, as I sat down to eat some breakfast I was playing a word game on my phone where you have to arrange the random letters to make words, well the letters spelled out the word "REPENT." Could the good Lord have been any clearer than that! LOL The thing is I knew, deep in my heart that what I was doing was wrong, I knew the Lord wanted me to behave differently, but I made excuses, told myself justifications...I just buried the still, small voice under lies I was telling myself.
I misrepresented a situation to get what I wanted, to save some time and some money. I really felt I had no other solution, no help with the situation so I basically justified lying because I was doing so much good. Perhaps we may as well throw stealing in there as well since, no matter how I justify it I used services I was not entitled to in this situation. SIN
Not keeping my word. My yes did not mean yes. John 5:37 But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one. I made an appointment and then didn't keep it. This in and of itself was not wrong, but not calling to inform the other party as soon as possible was. SIN
Being an un-peacer. I know that's not a real word, but it fits. Yesterday we talked about being a peacemaker and I realized there is a big part of my day where I am anything but. My partner and I at work really care about getting things done right. We want our building to succeed, and we want to give the best service to our customers. We always discuss ways to improve our operations. But I realized after the whole "being a peacemaker" question this week, that the way I was going about this was not peaceful. It was geared towards criticizing instead of improving. It was a "our way is better" mentality more than "how do we change this for a positive outcome" thinking.
Wow, what a bad day was yesterday. Our heavenly Father was very strict with me...and as much as I didn't like looking at myself in this light, I know it's what I needed to see. You see, I feel when the Lord starts really holding us to higher standards it's because He wants us to be so much more than we are for Him...He expects His children to come up to a higher level. He's got bigger plans that require those higher standards. My prayer is always to shine for Him, and since a lot of this was not done in secret, I looked just like the world to those around me instead of looking like the redeemed child of God that I am. No matter how good my intentions were, I went about things in the wrong way and left God out of the equation.
I am so grateful that the Lord convicted me. With all my heart I aspire to come up to a higher level of living for Him. And I know this is part of the process. I am also forever grateful that He has "He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. (Psalm 103:12) And hallelujah! But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. (1 John 1:9). I have been forgiven! I have been cleansed! Our sweet heavenly Father takes the sacrifice of our beautiful Savior Jesus and applies it to our account. What a wonderful God we serve.
This was a hard entry to write. I had to face my sins and instead of hiding them, I shared them here to let others know they don't have to hide, that forgiveness is always available, and that we can grow from our mistakes.
Lord, thank You for conviction, thank You forgiveness, and thank You for not leaving me the way I am.
Embrace the Lord's correction.
I misrepresented a situation to get what I wanted, to save some time and some money. I really felt I had no other solution, no help with the situation so I basically justified lying because I was doing so much good. Perhaps we may as well throw stealing in there as well since, no matter how I justify it I used services I was not entitled to in this situation. SIN
Not keeping my word. My yes did not mean yes. John 5:37 But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one. I made an appointment and then didn't keep it. This in and of itself was not wrong, but not calling to inform the other party as soon as possible was. SIN
Being an un-peacer. I know that's not a real word, but it fits. Yesterday we talked about being a peacemaker and I realized there is a big part of my day where I am anything but. My partner and I at work really care about getting things done right. We want our building to succeed, and we want to give the best service to our customers. We always discuss ways to improve our operations. But I realized after the whole "being a peacemaker" question this week, that the way I was going about this was not peaceful. It was geared towards criticizing instead of improving. It was a "our way is better" mentality more than "how do we change this for a positive outcome" thinking.
Wow, what a bad day was yesterday. Our heavenly Father was very strict with me...and as much as I didn't like looking at myself in this light, I know it's what I needed to see. You see, I feel when the Lord starts really holding us to higher standards it's because He wants us to be so much more than we are for Him...He expects His children to come up to a higher level. He's got bigger plans that require those higher standards. My prayer is always to shine for Him, and since a lot of this was not done in secret, I looked just like the world to those around me instead of looking like the redeemed child of God that I am. No matter how good my intentions were, I went about things in the wrong way and left God out of the equation.
I am so grateful that the Lord convicted me. With all my heart I aspire to come up to a higher level of living for Him. And I know this is part of the process. I am also forever grateful that He has "He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. (Psalm 103:12) And hallelujah! But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. (1 John 1:9). I have been forgiven! I have been cleansed! Our sweet heavenly Father takes the sacrifice of our beautiful Savior Jesus and applies it to our account. What a wonderful God we serve.
This was a hard entry to write. I had to face my sins and instead of hiding them, I shared them here to let others know they don't have to hide, that forgiveness is always available, and that we can grow from our mistakes.
Lord, thank You for conviction, thank You forgiveness, and thank You for not leaving me the way I am.
Embrace the Lord's correction.
Tuesday, September 10, 2019
One of Those Questions
Uh-oh...it's one of those questions again. You know, the tough ones God puts in our path that we don't always like our answers to. He did it again on Sunday.
We are in the book of Ephesians as part of a sermon series my Pastor is preaching. We've been delving into our Christian walk and this week was centered around marriage and unity. My Pastor asked the dreaded "hard question" that was more than a little bit uncomfortable to answer, the type that makes one squirm in the pew a some. "Am I the answer to Jesus' prayer for peace?" Now there's a question to make one examine their lives and perhaps feel a disquieting conviction in the soul.
Needless to say I did not like my answer. I am not always the instrument of peace I should be. Not in the home, nor the workplace or just in general. In John 17:21 Jesus prayed "that they may be one, just as You and I are one..." Jesus was praying for the fellowship of future believers to be united and in Him, showing that harmony and cooperation to the world, so that the world would believe Jesus was who He said He was.
Matthew 5:9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. Sometimes we have to work for peace with others. It doesn't come naturally to put our own desires and needs aside in order to keep the peace and seek the best for others. Ephesians 4:2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. Humility doesn't come easy. Overlooking the shortcomings of others takes effort. But imagine how peaceful and serene life would be if we let the little stuff go. One of the things I struggle with in dealing with others is speed. I have a tendency to rush through tasks at 100 mph. Others take more time, go slowly...I am not always as patient as I could be, but I have learned to keep it to myself better. LOL I have to rein my impatience in at the supermarket when those around me walking very slowly and I need to just get done and get out of there!
Ephesians 4:29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 5:1-2 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered Himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Words and deeds.
Make every effort to be at peace with others without compromising your walk with the Lord. This is a tall order. It means letting go of our way of doing things, sometimes letting go of what's important to us, giving of ourselves and our time...it's certainly not always easy...but through Christ we can do all things!
Lord, make us peacemakers. Forgive me for being argumentative, selfish, self centered and reluctant to cede my desires and ways of doing things. I am not always right. Help me to be the person You want me to be, the peacemaker who reflects Your glory and Your character. In Jesus' Name. Amen
Are you the answer to Jesus' prayer for harmony?
We are in the book of Ephesians as part of a sermon series my Pastor is preaching. We've been delving into our Christian walk and this week was centered around marriage and unity. My Pastor asked the dreaded "hard question" that was more than a little bit uncomfortable to answer, the type that makes one squirm in the pew a some. "Am I the answer to Jesus' prayer for peace?" Now there's a question to make one examine their lives and perhaps feel a disquieting conviction in the soul.
Needless to say I did not like my answer. I am not always the instrument of peace I should be. Not in the home, nor the workplace or just in general. In John 17:21 Jesus prayed "that they may be one, just as You and I are one..." Jesus was praying for the fellowship of future believers to be united and in Him, showing that harmony and cooperation to the world, so that the world would believe Jesus was who He said He was.
Matthew 5:9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. Sometimes we have to work for peace with others. It doesn't come naturally to put our own desires and needs aside in order to keep the peace and seek the best for others. Ephesians 4:2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. Humility doesn't come easy. Overlooking the shortcomings of others takes effort. But imagine how peaceful and serene life would be if we let the little stuff go. One of the things I struggle with in dealing with others is speed. I have a tendency to rush through tasks at 100 mph. Others take more time, go slowly...I am not always as patient as I could be, but I have learned to keep it to myself better. LOL I have to rein my impatience in at the supermarket when those around me walking very slowly and I need to just get done and get out of there!
Ephesians 4:29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 5:1-2 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered Himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Words and deeds.
Make every effort to be at peace with others without compromising your walk with the Lord. This is a tall order. It means letting go of our way of doing things, sometimes letting go of what's important to us, giving of ourselves and our time...it's certainly not always easy...but through Christ we can do all things!
Lord, make us peacemakers. Forgive me for being argumentative, selfish, self centered and reluctant to cede my desires and ways of doing things. I am not always right. Help me to be the person You want me to be, the peacemaker who reflects Your glory and Your character. In Jesus' Name. Amen
Are you the answer to Jesus' prayer for harmony?
Friday, September 6, 2019
Practice
The past few weeks I have had three kittens in my house. I've been attempting to socialize them...in other words, make them people friendly so they will be adoptable to forever homes. They were trapped by me in the yard of my brother-in-law and sister-in-law. Two of them are really pretty sweet, but a little scared. The other is a fresh little boy! While he will lets me pet him and feed him...he still gets freaked out when I try to pick him up. And he still likes to swat from time to time. (which is actually a big improvement from all the time. LOL) If the kittens do not respond to human interaction they will be returned, spayed or neutered, to the yard of my in-laws, where they will have housing and food. This is not an optimal solution, but sometimes the only one. This outcome certainly breaks my heart.
Okay, so that is the lesson on cat rescue for the day. LOL This is the God visit part of all this. Yesterday I dropped the kittens off to be spayed or neutered. The place I dropped them off will evaluate them for possible adoptability. I left there broken, feeling hopeless. My hearts desire is for these little ones to be placed into loving forever homes where they will be cherished members of a family. I left there thinking every possible negative outcome.
And then I realized I was doing it again. The negative focus, the hopeless thinking, speaking the worst case scenario. Oh!! God visit to the rescue. The Lord impressed upon my heart to think positive thoughts and speak words of faith. Instead of saying things like, "this is breaking my heart, these kittens will have to go back outside." I could be thinking God knows what He is doing, and saying, "I trust You Lord for these sweet babies."
Now, it's not that positive thinking will solve everything, but trusting that God has the best outcome for this situation brings peace and may indeed usher in the blessing I want to see for these kittens. It shows God that I believe Him to be who He says He is...the giver of good, the blessing maker and that I believe Him to be what He says He is, faithful and loving.
I don't know what will happen. I only know I am thinking and speaking the fact that my Father has this situation well under control. I trust Him and I am saying it out loud. I'm putting into practice they things He has been teaching me. These little creatures of His could not be in any better hands than the loving hands of Jesus.
Lately, I've been starting the day with the prayer to help me stay in faith. "Lord, help me trust." I say many times throughout the day. I know I fall from faith so often I need help staying on the wagon. I'm thankful the Lord has brought me this far in this area. I'm growing. And I hope that through these lessons and visits of mine that I've shared here others are growing as well. We are all getting there together! (I'm thinking "there" being a place of maturity in our walk with the Lord that is characterized by peace, joy, faith and shining for Jesus!)
Lord, thank You that you have these babies in Your tender hands. Even the littlest being is precious to You. My prayer is that You find these kittens loving homes. I thank You that You are working in this situation right now. Lord, help all of us grow in our faith and trust. You are a loving, caring, involved Father. Not just involved in the big picture of the universe, but in the tiniest bits of our lives. All is important to You, even three little kittens. Thank You for letting me share this today. Thank You for this teaching moment in my life. Jesus, I trust You.
Please pray for these kittens. A verse to hide on our hearts. 1 Peter 5:7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
Okay, so that is the lesson on cat rescue for the day. LOL This is the God visit part of all this. Yesterday I dropped the kittens off to be spayed or neutered. The place I dropped them off will evaluate them for possible adoptability. I left there broken, feeling hopeless. My hearts desire is for these little ones to be placed into loving forever homes where they will be cherished members of a family. I left there thinking every possible negative outcome.
And then I realized I was doing it again. The negative focus, the hopeless thinking, speaking the worst case scenario. Oh!! God visit to the rescue. The Lord impressed upon my heart to think positive thoughts and speak words of faith. Instead of saying things like, "this is breaking my heart, these kittens will have to go back outside." I could be thinking God knows what He is doing, and saying, "I trust You Lord for these sweet babies."
Now, it's not that positive thinking will solve everything, but trusting that God has the best outcome for this situation brings peace and may indeed usher in the blessing I want to see for these kittens. It shows God that I believe Him to be who He says He is...the giver of good, the blessing maker and that I believe Him to be what He says He is, faithful and loving.
I don't know what will happen. I only know I am thinking and speaking the fact that my Father has this situation well under control. I trust Him and I am saying it out loud. I'm putting into practice they things He has been teaching me. These little creatures of His could not be in any better hands than the loving hands of Jesus.
Lately, I've been starting the day with the prayer to help me stay in faith. "Lord, help me trust." I say many times throughout the day. I know I fall from faith so often I need help staying on the wagon. I'm thankful the Lord has brought me this far in this area. I'm growing. And I hope that through these lessons and visits of mine that I've shared here others are growing as well. We are all getting there together! (I'm thinking "there" being a place of maturity in our walk with the Lord that is characterized by peace, joy, faith and shining for Jesus!)
Lord, thank You that you have these babies in Your tender hands. Even the littlest being is precious to You. My prayer is that You find these kittens loving homes. I thank You that You are working in this situation right now. Lord, help all of us grow in our faith and trust. You are a loving, caring, involved Father. Not just involved in the big picture of the universe, but in the tiniest bits of our lives. All is important to You, even three little kittens. Thank You for letting me share this today. Thank You for this teaching moment in my life. Jesus, I trust You.
Please pray for these kittens. A verse to hide on our hearts. 1 Peter 5:7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
Tuesday, September 3, 2019
Encourage God
Well, I have a bit of a convoluted entry today. This week KLOVE (a contemporary Christian music station I listen to) has started a "30 Days of Encouragement" challenge. They are asking us to "Say yes to encouraging someone today." Okay, I accept that challenge, it's a great idea and I urge my readers here to take up the challenge as well. Let's do this!
So I said this was a bit convoluted, right. Well here is the second part to this entry. Each week in our Sunday church bulletin we get an insert that gives us an uplifting, convicting, and/or encouraging message written by various authors. This week's message talked about how instead of just bringing our laundry list of needs to the Lord, we should take some time to just sit with Him and love on Him.
Well, here's my thought...what if we spent the next 30 days encouraging God? (this is by no means an encourage God or encourage people challenge....we can do both). After reading this short message from Sunday's bulletin I thought about my own "talks" with God....many times I bring my needs, my complaints, my hurts to Him...all that is good, all that is Biblical (okay, maybe not the complaining part), all that is necessary. But what about just taking time to tell Him I appreciate Him. I am glad He is in my life. I like what He is doing. How about telling God how beautiful a sunset is. Or that You like the way He ordered your day. How about mentioning that you think He is wonderful for that way He worked out an impossible situation. What about saying that He does "good work" in providing for your needs. Maybe just reminding God that you love Him. You can see where I'm going with this.
Now, I realize that God doesn't need our encouragement or affirmation...but does that mean He doesn't want it? Does that mean He doesn't appreciate appreciation? I don't think so! So often we get caught up in our "stuff." Whether it's our own needs, the needs of others, national disasters....and all that is important to bring to Jesus...He asks us to bring our needs to Him. But we can easily forget to tell God how much we love and appreciate Him. I know, another way of saying to praise and thank Him...but it's so much more than just that. It's a acknowledgment of the love our heavenly Father showers on our lives. It's amazing how the Lord has taken a series of seemingly unrelated messages and tied them together to make His desires known.
And so it is only fitting that I close with this song from Sunday's service. Again, reinforcing the message of this entry...Appreciate and encourage our beautiful Lord.
Lord, thank You for being You. I love You. And I am so glad to be Your child.
Take time to encourage the Lord and others today. And please, let's all keep those in the path of Hurricane Dorian in prayer. This storm is devastating.
Psalm 145:1-3 I will exalt You, my God the King; I will praise Your name forever and ever. Every day I will praise You and extol Your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom.
So I said this was a bit convoluted, right. Well here is the second part to this entry. Each week in our Sunday church bulletin we get an insert that gives us an uplifting, convicting, and/or encouraging message written by various authors. This week's message talked about how instead of just bringing our laundry list of needs to the Lord, we should take some time to just sit with Him and love on Him.
Well, here's my thought...what if we spent the next 30 days encouraging God? (this is by no means an encourage God or encourage people challenge....we can do both). After reading this short message from Sunday's bulletin I thought about my own "talks" with God....many times I bring my needs, my complaints, my hurts to Him...all that is good, all that is Biblical (okay, maybe not the complaining part), all that is necessary. But what about just taking time to tell Him I appreciate Him. I am glad He is in my life. I like what He is doing. How about telling God how beautiful a sunset is. Or that You like the way He ordered your day. How about mentioning that you think He is wonderful for that way He worked out an impossible situation. What about saying that He does "good work" in providing for your needs. Maybe just reminding God that you love Him. You can see where I'm going with this.
Now, I realize that God doesn't need our encouragement or affirmation...but does that mean He doesn't want it? Does that mean He doesn't appreciate appreciation? I don't think so! So often we get caught up in our "stuff." Whether it's our own needs, the needs of others, national disasters....and all that is important to bring to Jesus...He asks us to bring our needs to Him. But we can easily forget to tell God how much we love and appreciate Him. I know, another way of saying to praise and thank Him...but it's so much more than just that. It's a acknowledgment of the love our heavenly Father showers on our lives. It's amazing how the Lord has taken a series of seemingly unrelated messages and tied them together to make His desires known.
And so it is only fitting that I close with this song from Sunday's service. Again, reinforcing the message of this entry...Appreciate and encourage our beautiful Lord.
Lord, thank You for being You. I love You. And I am so glad to be Your child.
Take time to encourage the Lord and others today. And please, let's all keep those in the path of Hurricane Dorian in prayer. This storm is devastating.
Psalm 145:1-3 I will exalt You, my God the King; I will praise Your name forever and ever. Every day I will praise You and extol Your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom.
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