"Teacher,' his disciples asked him, 'why was this man born blind? Was it a result of his sins or his parents?" John 9:2.
Did you realize that people still question someone's misfortune being a cause from their sin? And I'm not talking the consequences of a sin, I'm talking a miscarriage, cancer, being born blind, being born deaf, being born without a limb. These are all flaws, but not of our sins. Usually it is legalists that try and tell us we have this flaw because of some past sin either on our own right or our families sin, but sometimes we do this even to ourselves. Have you ever wondered why you are the way you are, why you of all people have a flaw that hinders you from doing something you enjoy, or what have you done that has caused you or someone dear to you to suffer an illness or a misfortune? Well Jesus tells us things of this sort have nothing to do with sin. "It was not because of his sin or his parents' sins,' Jesus answered. 'He was born blind so the power of God could be seen in him." John 9:3.
When I had my miscarriage my first few weeks of thought kept going back to everything I could have done differently. I even thought, maybe God is punishing me for all of my past sins, not allowing me to have another child, but in the mist of all this I realized God wasn't blaming me or punishing me, he was carrying me. "Praise the Lord; praise God our Savior! For each day He carries us in his arms." Psalm 68:19. And He was carrying me so that He could prepare me to stand on my feet stronger than before, ready for the task He had set ahead of me. "All of us must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent me, because there is little time left before the night falls and all work comes to an end." John 9:4.
We can't allow these hindrances to become excuses for the work God has planned out for us from before we were born. We must use our hindrances to glorify Him, and He will bless us in a way that will make our deficiency seem like a new blessing. God gives us things that we may see as blemishes, problems, and hindrances to be used to show His power and majesty. He created each of us special, with a preplanned agenda, and if we allow our flaws to hold us back we can't glorify Him in the way He wanted to use us.
My miscarriage ended up becoming a way for me to grow closer to Him, so that He could speak to my heart, heal my inner feelings, and create a testimony to Glorify Him.
Your flaws and my flaws are not a sin of the past, but a blessing for the future. Look to Him to see how He wants to use you and work with the end in sight! Because in the end He made the Blind Man See, He gave me Twin Girls, and He will make all of us perfect in our weaknesses.
"9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. ” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Faithful Disciple
Have you ever thought, "Am I truly being a disciple of Jesus?" Or have you ever wondered what your life should look like if you were being a faithful disciple? Jesus firms up all these questions in your heart when he was talking about the true children of God.
"Jesus said to the people who believed in Him, "You are truly my disciples if you keep obeying my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31-32.
We are truly, fully disciples of Jesus when we obey His Word. "Disciple" defined is a student or follower; an adherent to the teachings of a particular teacher or school of thought.-Women of Faith NIV Study Bible. Just like being a good student to any teacher we must listen, understand, and obey our teacher. In the Case of Jesus we must follow after Him, and once we do this, once we become a disciple of His, we will know the truth "Jesus" and the truth will set us free. Like the Jesus followers in his day, you may be thinking, but I'm not a slave. Well Jesus says, anyone who sins is a slave to sin, but when we are His disciples, fully following after Him, we are transformed into His likeness, and no longer sinning and no longer a slave. Now, if we are being disobedient to God, sinning, then we are a slave, and Jesus also says, "A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever." John 8:35.
So, when we are being Jesus disciple we will know the truth, the truth will end our enslavement to sin, the chains will be broken that hold us to this world, and we will be the Children of God. The life of a faithful disciple will be in the family of Christ, the House of God, and the Kingdom of Heaven.
Our sins or disobedience to God only forge a gap, sometimes a trench, other times a ravine, and every once in a while a canyon between us and God. But when we begin to follow after Jesus or turn back to His Word he will build a bridge strong enough and long enough to reach any distance filling us with His truth and adopting us into His family. The more of the truth we believe, the more we follow, the more we will look like Jesus, and the more we will resemble our brother, Christ.
"Then he said to the crowd, 'If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross daily, and follow me." Luke 9:23.
Don't lose your life to sin, but gain new life, eternal life, by following Christ and being His Disciple!
"Jesus said to the people who believed in Him, "You are truly my disciples if you keep obeying my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31-32.
We are truly, fully disciples of Jesus when we obey His Word. "Disciple" defined is a student or follower; an adherent to the teachings of a particular teacher or school of thought.-Women of Faith NIV Study Bible. Just like being a good student to any teacher we must listen, understand, and obey our teacher. In the Case of Jesus we must follow after Him, and once we do this, once we become a disciple of His, we will know the truth "Jesus" and the truth will set us free. Like the Jesus followers in his day, you may be thinking, but I'm not a slave. Well Jesus says, anyone who sins is a slave to sin, but when we are His disciples, fully following after Him, we are transformed into His likeness, and no longer sinning and no longer a slave. Now, if we are being disobedient to God, sinning, then we are a slave, and Jesus also says, "A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever." John 8:35.
So, when we are being Jesus disciple we will know the truth, the truth will end our enslavement to sin, the chains will be broken that hold us to this world, and we will be the Children of God. The life of a faithful disciple will be in the family of Christ, the House of God, and the Kingdom of Heaven.
Our sins or disobedience to God only forge a gap, sometimes a trench, other times a ravine, and every once in a while a canyon between us and God. But when we begin to follow after Jesus or turn back to His Word he will build a bridge strong enough and long enough to reach any distance filling us with His truth and adopting us into His family. The more of the truth we believe, the more we follow, the more we will look like Jesus, and the more we will resemble our brother, Christ.
"Then he said to the crowd, 'If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross daily, and follow me." Luke 9:23.
Don't lose your life to sin, but gain new life, eternal life, by following Christ and being His Disciple!
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Wisdom in the Silence
Don't you just abhor being taunted? I know I do, and there are some people in my life who just feel it is their life duty to pick and pick and pick at me. These people are wanting to see how long it will take me to crack my calmness and plain out rouse me.
These people knew me before my walk with Christ and knew at one point in my life I could be a real hothead. They want to be able to prove I'm still the same person I once was. Ultimately, they are trying to prove that God didn't do a major work in me (Philippians 1:6) and transform me into a new person (Romans 12:2). But God did! He is molding me into Christ's likeness, and no matter how much I am taunted, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I may mess up every once in a while, I might have a slip of the tongue on the harsh side, but I know God is working this all out. "The godly think before speaking; the wicked sport evil words." Proverbs 15:28.
Jesus is our example, and we should follow Him. When the Pharisees were trying to capture Him and use His own words against Him, Jesus was staying calm. The Pharisees were taunting Jesus, yet Jesus was ignoring them. "They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger." John 8:6. When Jesus was ready to speak he would only speak from Wisdom and calmness, not rashness on the side of rage. He knew that Silence was Golden, He didn't have to go to the AMC. "They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, 'All right, stone her. But let those who have never sinned throw the first stones! Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust." John 8:7-8. Jesus wasn't about to let them change His attitude of holiness to anger. He wasn't going to let their taunts drag Him to the ground. He was acting out of silence to be able to give Wisdom, knowing that His calmness would eventually break their pestering instead of them breaking His joy. "When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman." John 8:9.
When we are following Jesus fully, we should be transformed into His likeness. And if we are transformed into His likeness we should be more like "Him". So, the next time someone is trying to break the peace and joy that God has built within you, follow Jesus' example and remain silent. For in the silence Wisdom is grown!
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19-20.
These people knew me before my walk with Christ and knew at one point in my life I could be a real hothead. They want to be able to prove I'm still the same person I once was. Ultimately, they are trying to prove that God didn't do a major work in me (Philippians 1:6) and transform me into a new person (Romans 12:2). But God did! He is molding me into Christ's likeness, and no matter how much I am taunted, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I may mess up every once in a while, I might have a slip of the tongue on the harsh side, but I know God is working this all out. "The godly think before speaking; the wicked sport evil words." Proverbs 15:28.
Jesus is our example, and we should follow Him. When the Pharisees were trying to capture Him and use His own words against Him, Jesus was staying calm. The Pharisees were taunting Jesus, yet Jesus was ignoring them. "They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger." John 8:6. When Jesus was ready to speak he would only speak from Wisdom and calmness, not rashness on the side of rage. He knew that Silence was Golden, He didn't have to go to the AMC. "They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, 'All right, stone her. But let those who have never sinned throw the first stones! Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust." John 8:7-8. Jesus wasn't about to let them change His attitude of holiness to anger. He wasn't going to let their taunts drag Him to the ground. He was acting out of silence to be able to give Wisdom, knowing that His calmness would eventually break their pestering instead of them breaking His joy. "When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman." John 8:9.
When we are following Jesus fully, we should be transformed into His likeness. And if we are transformed into His likeness we should be more like "Him". So, the next time someone is trying to break the peace and joy that God has built within you, follow Jesus' example and remain silent. For in the silence Wisdom is grown!
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19-20.
Friday, May 25, 2012
I LOVE BREAD!
Confession time: I am a Carbaholic! Yes, I said it, I don't mind not eating meat because I love me some carbs. And my favorite carb is some good ole' fashioned Bread! I like all bread...any bread....But I do have some favorites as well. I love a loaf or 2 from Carraba's, some sourdough from Panera, a Bagel straight from NYC, and I could just go with 3 loaves of the wonderful hot sourdough bread from Mitchel's Seafood Market...mmm yummy! Even though I love all these breads, my favorite, the love of my life, is the Bread of Life...Jesus!
"Yes, I am the bread of life!" John 6:48. I can eat and eat and eat of Him and never get enough. I don't need to wash Him down with a glass of ice tea or add any butter, cream cheese, or salt (if you know me well enough you know what I mean). Jesus, the Bread of Life, is the best carb I could need or ever want. He is just enough, Perfect in Every Way (as Mary Poppins would say). He is flavored just right and always multiplying, never ending. I never need to beg for more bread because He is forever providing. I don't have to purchase Him because He gives of Himself freely. His bread won't give me love handles, a pooch in the front, or a lump in the rear. The only thing He adds to my life is eternal life. "I am the living bread that came down out of heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; this bread is my flesh, offered so the world may live." John 6:51.
I have many friends and family that stay away from the dreaded carb, they like to stick to the Atkins diet with meat only, but in the eternal world meat alone is human effort. You have to raise the meat and kill the meat, but only the Spirit can give life. "It is the Spirit who gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life." John 6:63. So, if your diet of human effort is leaving you starving, why don't you take a break, and try the Bread?
"Yes, I am the bread of life!" John 6:48. I can eat and eat and eat of Him and never get enough. I don't need to wash Him down with a glass of ice tea or add any butter, cream cheese, or salt (if you know me well enough you know what I mean). Jesus, the Bread of Life, is the best carb I could need or ever want. He is just enough, Perfect in Every Way (as Mary Poppins would say). He is flavored just right and always multiplying, never ending. I never need to beg for more bread because He is forever providing. I don't have to purchase Him because He gives of Himself freely. His bread won't give me love handles, a pooch in the front, or a lump in the rear. The only thing He adds to my life is eternal life. "I am the living bread that came down out of heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; this bread is my flesh, offered so the world may live." John 6:51.
I have many friends and family that stay away from the dreaded carb, they like to stick to the Atkins diet with meat only, but in the eternal world meat alone is human effort. You have to raise the meat and kill the meat, but only the Spirit can give life. "It is the Spirit who gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life." John 6:63. So, if your diet of human effort is leaving you starving, why don't you take a break, and try the Bread?
Bring on the Rain
"From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky all that God had made. They can clearly see His invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God." Romans 1:20
How can anyone say that they have never seen evidence of God? Look Around! He has shown us His creation. Look at each other! He has shown us His likeness.
We as people can so easily justify athletes, actors, and billionaires as gods; And we can make cars, boats, and money as gods as well. But we have such a hard time seeing the One True God in the world around us.
Paul and Barnabas were traveling around preaching the Good News across the land when they ended up in Lystra. They came upon a crippled man who had been unable to walk for years. They noticed his abundant faith and immediately Paul said to him, "Stand up" and he did. The people of Lystra, however, witnessed this amazing miracle and began to comment how Paul and Barnabas must be gods (Zeus and Hermes to be exact.) These 2 men of God became very distraught and saddened by these comments. So, in their dismay, they tore their clothes and ran into the crowd preaching on seeing the Real Living God. "In earlier days he permitted all nations to go their own ways, but he never left himself without a witness. There were always his reminders, such as sending rain and good crops and giving you food and joyful hearts." Act 14:17-18. In our verbage they were saying, "Can't you see Him? We aren't gods, God is God, and He has left us with so many reminders."
Even the first Christians had a hard time realizing who God was, but Paul said, See the rain? God reveals himself throughout all of creation. Just recently we have been in a major drought. A drought, so bad that the grass isn't even growing for the cows. I can't walk outside without having dust accumulate on my legs, my allergies going crazy, and my poor plants needing an extra dose of water without them withering. But when it rains, and every once in a while it does, my heart dances and my soul sings because all of my outdoor issues subside. God is revealing himself to me and to anyone else that is looking through these rain showers. How would I not be able to see Him fixing the problem at hand, a problem that is a problem to us, but that is just part of his creation to Him.
"You take care of the earth and water it, making it rich and fertile. The rivers of God will not run dry; they provide a bountiful harvest of grain, for you have ordered it so. You drench the plowed ground with rain, melting the clods and leveling the ridges. You soften the earth with showers and bless its abundant crops. You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance. The wilderness becomes a lush pasture, and the hillsides blossom with joy. The meadows are clothed with flocks of sheep, and the valleys are carpeted with grain. They all shout and sing for joy." Psalm 65:9-13. And the earth is probably singing, "Bring on the rain!"
I can see God all through the rain. He calms us with its rhythm, He provides for us with its growing power, and He refreshes us with its cleansing showers. If you are having a hard time seeing God or explaining His Majesty or feeling His Presence....Pray that He will Bring on the Rain!
How can anyone say that they have never seen evidence of God? Look Around! He has shown us His creation. Look at each other! He has shown us His likeness.
We as people can so easily justify athletes, actors, and billionaires as gods; And we can make cars, boats, and money as gods as well. But we have such a hard time seeing the One True God in the world around us.
Paul and Barnabas were traveling around preaching the Good News across the land when they ended up in Lystra. They came upon a crippled man who had been unable to walk for years. They noticed his abundant faith and immediately Paul said to him, "Stand up" and he did. The people of Lystra, however, witnessed this amazing miracle and began to comment how Paul and Barnabas must be gods (Zeus and Hermes to be exact.) These 2 men of God became very distraught and saddened by these comments. So, in their dismay, they tore their clothes and ran into the crowd preaching on seeing the Real Living God. "In earlier days he permitted all nations to go their own ways, but he never left himself without a witness. There were always his reminders, such as sending rain and good crops and giving you food and joyful hearts." Act 14:17-18. In our verbage they were saying, "Can't you see Him? We aren't gods, God is God, and He has left us with so many reminders."
Even the first Christians had a hard time realizing who God was, but Paul said, See the rain? God reveals himself throughout all of creation. Just recently we have been in a major drought. A drought, so bad that the grass isn't even growing for the cows. I can't walk outside without having dust accumulate on my legs, my allergies going crazy, and my poor plants needing an extra dose of water without them withering. But when it rains, and every once in a while it does, my heart dances and my soul sings because all of my outdoor issues subside. God is revealing himself to me and to anyone else that is looking through these rain showers. How would I not be able to see Him fixing the problem at hand, a problem that is a problem to us, but that is just part of his creation to Him.
"You take care of the earth and water it, making it rich and fertile. The rivers of God will not run dry; they provide a bountiful harvest of grain, for you have ordered it so. You drench the plowed ground with rain, melting the clods and leveling the ridges. You soften the earth with showers and bless its abundant crops. You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance. The wilderness becomes a lush pasture, and the hillsides blossom with joy. The meadows are clothed with flocks of sheep, and the valleys are carpeted with grain. They all shout and sing for joy." Psalm 65:9-13. And the earth is probably singing, "Bring on the rain!"
I can see God all through the rain. He calms us with its rhythm, He provides for us with its growing power, and He refreshes us with its cleansing showers. If you are having a hard time seeing God or explaining His Majesty or feeling His Presence....Pray that He will Bring on the Rain!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Conquering the Giants
NINE FEET TALL! Now that's a giant of a man. When I think of big men, I think of men around my husband's size, 6'5, and I think about those little girls and boys at church that get afraid as he comes around. One little girl, that now loves Mr. Brett, used to cry every time he came near, and would hide behind her mom's legs, always peaking through to make sure Brett wouldn't get to close. And I can never forget what Hunter's best little buddy used to say when he was 4, "I bet Mr. Brett is taller than the mountains."(He's definitely from Florida.) But even though this can be very scary and /or humorous for little kids, Giants are in fact all around us.
As a small boy, King David faced his own giant. He had been out in the field tending to the sheep when his dad asked him take food to his brothers and the commanders of the army that were at battle. Being a curious youth, he walked right up to the battle as the Israelites were facing the Philistines because he was eager to get to the front lines and see the action. When all of a sudden, David sees Golaith, a giant, 9 feet tall. Goliath came out to the front and began to taunt the Israelites and mocked their ability to fight. At this point your average youth would tuck his tail between his legs and run back the way he came, but instead David decided to question his people. "Who is this pagan Philistine anyway, that is allowed to defy the armies of the living God?" 1 Samuel 17:26b. He was no coward, he had a courage that was definitely from God. David didn't care what the giant looked like, you don't mock his God. You don't come up to the people of God and threaten them! David trusted God fully.
Like any giant, he saw this puny little runt of a boy and laughed. He made fun of Israel even more for sending out a child, but David didn't care, he stood strong on his foundation of Faith. "David shouted in reply, 'You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord Almighty - the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied." 1 Samuel 17:45. David didn't coward away or ask for more armies; he ran right at the giant with God at his side. "As Goliath moved closer to attack, David quickly ran out to meet him." 1 Samuel 17:48. And David with the courage, strength, and power of God, defeated Golaith. "So David triumphed over the Philistine giant with only a stone and a sling." 1 Samuel 17:50a.
In life we are going to come across many giants. Giants of all different sizes and matters. These giants could be cancer, work, finances, drugs, family, alcohol, friendships, spouses, lack of faith, unplanned pregnancies, miscarriages, abuse, and the list could go on and on...And when the giant begins to approach us we may want to back down, but we need to take on the courage of David. We need to remember we have the shield of God's protection and the sword of God's word. We must trust in what we cannot see, even if all we have is a stone and a sling. God is mightier, taller, stronger, and fiercer than any giant that could come our way. "You formed the mountains by your power and armed yourself with mighty strength." Psalm 65:6. Our Faith will bring Him to our side. He wins every battle He is up against, and He beats down every giant in the way. Remember, we are never fighting alone. "Do not be afraid of the nations there, for the Lord your God will fight for you." Deuteronomy 3:22. The giant is going to try and tear you down by putting a fear in your head and a distrust in your heart, but if you stand strong on the Word of God, the foundation He has laid before you, nothing is impossible. "For nothing is impossible with God." Luke 1:37.
As a small boy, King David faced his own giant. He had been out in the field tending to the sheep when his dad asked him take food to his brothers and the commanders of the army that were at battle. Being a curious youth, he walked right up to the battle as the Israelites were facing the Philistines because he was eager to get to the front lines and see the action. When all of a sudden, David sees Golaith, a giant, 9 feet tall. Goliath came out to the front and began to taunt the Israelites and mocked their ability to fight. At this point your average youth would tuck his tail between his legs and run back the way he came, but instead David decided to question his people. "Who is this pagan Philistine anyway, that is allowed to defy the armies of the living God?" 1 Samuel 17:26b. He was no coward, he had a courage that was definitely from God. David didn't care what the giant looked like, you don't mock his God. You don't come up to the people of God and threaten them! David trusted God fully.
Like any giant, he saw this puny little runt of a boy and laughed. He made fun of Israel even more for sending out a child, but David didn't care, he stood strong on his foundation of Faith. "David shouted in reply, 'You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord Almighty - the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied." 1 Samuel 17:45. David didn't coward away or ask for more armies; he ran right at the giant with God at his side. "As Goliath moved closer to attack, David quickly ran out to meet him." 1 Samuel 17:48. And David with the courage, strength, and power of God, defeated Golaith. "So David triumphed over the Philistine giant with only a stone and a sling." 1 Samuel 17:50a.
In life we are going to come across many giants. Giants of all different sizes and matters. These giants could be cancer, work, finances, drugs, family, alcohol, friendships, spouses, lack of faith, unplanned pregnancies, miscarriages, abuse, and the list could go on and on...And when the giant begins to approach us we may want to back down, but we need to take on the courage of David. We need to remember we have the shield of God's protection and the sword of God's word. We must trust in what we cannot see, even if all we have is a stone and a sling. God is mightier, taller, stronger, and fiercer than any giant that could come our way. "You formed the mountains by your power and armed yourself with mighty strength." Psalm 65:6. Our Faith will bring Him to our side. He wins every battle He is up against, and He beats down every giant in the way. Remember, we are never fighting alone. "Do not be afraid of the nations there, for the Lord your God will fight for you." Deuteronomy 3:22. The giant is going to try and tear you down by putting a fear in your head and a distrust in your heart, but if you stand strong on the Word of God, the foundation He has laid before you, nothing is impossible. "For nothing is impossible with God." Luke 1:37.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Down and Dirty
Have you ever walked into a model home and just thought, "Wow! I wish my house looked like this." I've done it, and I bet most of you have too. Those homes are perfectly done. Tidy and decorated just right. Nothing is out of place. Then, if you are like me, you will walk into your house, and say, "Whoa! What happened here? It looks like a tornado wreaked havic at the Hitchcock Home." Plates line the table where breakfast was once served as a family, little hairs cover the woodfloors from your dog coming to greet you at the door, and nice little piles of clothes and toys lay scattered across the room where your kids have laid them since the activity they were doing last. Thinking on it, it sure would be nice to walk into that nice model home, but the model home is missing something even more special...the existence of life.
"An empty stable stays clean, but no income comes from an empty stable." Proverbs 14:4.
Just as the empty home may stay clean, so can an empty life; anything empty is essentially clean, but emptiness lacks meaning, memories, and thought. We shouldn't let our lives become empty just because we have been cleansed by the blood of Christ. He emptied us of our sins so we could be filled with His Spirit. And when we are filled with His Spirit our life will be filled with life, a busy home, and work for the Lord.
When we try to exclude everything of the world we may be found clean, but we aren't doing what Jesus asked us to do. Jesus didn't come for the healthy and clean, but for the sick and dirty. He came so that they could be made clean. We need to go into the world with this attitude, not letting the world corrupt us, but working to heal the world. Jesus already gave us the great commission and told us that the harvest was plentiful, but we need to be ready to get a little dirty along the way.
We must be willing to open up our model homes, the ones Jesus washed clean, and use this for His Kingdom Work. We need to make memories and save lives, knowing that nothing is perfect. We need to allow our stables to be filled with animals realizing that God is working among them and has already planned how He will be using them in the process of harvesting more crops. God is at work around us, cleaning up the mess already made, and we need to join Him fully understanding that when He is done everything will be made clean again.
At one point in Jesus' journey He came along a crowd of righteous, clean, religious people who were planning on stoning an adulterous, dirty woman to death. Jesus was willing to get down in the dirt to save her life...."They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, "All right, stone her. But let those who have never sinned throw the first stone!" Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust." John 8:7-8. We have all been dirty with sin at some point in our life, BUT Jesus did an amazing thing and cleansed us of our sins. So, we must be willing to deal with the dirt of another soul, so Jesus can clean them too!
Next time you are feeling to clean, almost like that model home, don't waste the clean space, and invite others in.
"An empty stable stays clean, but no income comes from an empty stable." Proverbs 14:4.
Just as the empty home may stay clean, so can an empty life; anything empty is essentially clean, but emptiness lacks meaning, memories, and thought. We shouldn't let our lives become empty just because we have been cleansed by the blood of Christ. He emptied us of our sins so we could be filled with His Spirit. And when we are filled with His Spirit our life will be filled with life, a busy home, and work for the Lord.
When we try to exclude everything of the world we may be found clean, but we aren't doing what Jesus asked us to do. Jesus didn't come for the healthy and clean, but for the sick and dirty. He came so that they could be made clean. We need to go into the world with this attitude, not letting the world corrupt us, but working to heal the world. Jesus already gave us the great commission and told us that the harvest was plentiful, but we need to be ready to get a little dirty along the way.
We must be willing to open up our model homes, the ones Jesus washed clean, and use this for His Kingdom Work. We need to make memories and save lives, knowing that nothing is perfect. We need to allow our stables to be filled with animals realizing that God is working among them and has already planned how He will be using them in the process of harvesting more crops. God is at work around us, cleaning up the mess already made, and we need to join Him fully understanding that when He is done everything will be made clean again.
At one point in Jesus' journey He came along a crowd of righteous, clean, religious people who were planning on stoning an adulterous, dirty woman to death. Jesus was willing to get down in the dirt to save her life...."They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, "All right, stone her. But let those who have never sinned throw the first stone!" Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust." John 8:7-8. We have all been dirty with sin at some point in our life, BUT Jesus did an amazing thing and cleansed us of our sins. So, we must be willing to deal with the dirt of another soul, so Jesus can clean them too!
Next time you are feeling to clean, almost like that model home, don't waste the clean space, and invite others in.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Un-Abandoned
I deal with abandoned children everyday. They are abandoned by their parents, but they aren't alone. Everyone, at some point in time experiences some type of dissapointment, and you can choose 2 different routes in this crisis. One, is to believe that God is with you and will help you, and the other is to believe God has abandoned you and you have nothing left.
Right now, this very moment, I can't even count on my 2 hands and 2 feet the amount of crisis that is wreaking havic on my friends, family, and even in my own life. I am so thankful that I have a promise from God and I know without a doubt that He is with me and will never leave me. But in this time I have found that many of these dear people believe God has abandoned them. That when they sinned or that when a crisis occured that God left the arena. Did you know that this isn't a new phenomena? The Israelites thought this same thing.
The Israelites had been in the promised land for a while and started doing what was easy. They began following other Gods and trusting in themselves. Amidst their new found freedom the Philistines overtook them and stole their Ark of the Covenant. The people fell into depression and totally out of hope. Then out of no where (well actually God had placed a plague upon the Philistines) the Ark of the Covenant came riding back into Israel on a cart pulled by cows (the Philistines were trying to get the plague to leave them). But even with the Ark back no blessings were bestowing the Israelites. "During that time, all Israel mourned because it seemed that the LORD had abandoned them." 1 Samuel 7:2b. So Samuel, the Judge of Israel at the time went to the people to discuss this matter. "Then Samuel said to all the people of Israel, 'If you are really serious about wanting to return to the LORD, get rid of your foreign gods and your images of Ashtoreth. Determine to obey only the LORD; then he will rescue you from the Philistines." 1 Samuel 7:3. Samuel saw through the fog, he looked out of the box, and realized the reason God seemed so far was because the people had ventured off from Him. They had so many issues going on around them that they were trusting other gods, not the One True God.
Putting our trust in other things can be the simple thing to do when we are in a crisis, but when we look up we can be so deep that we can no longer see God and feel He has abandoned us. That trust that we put in things, friends, money, family, chance....really only can manifest power and strength if it is found in God alone. He is the only Rock and foundation that will be there and never leave. God has made a beautiful promise to us when we are going through rough times. "When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you." Isaiah 43:2. And that is a promise I trust in and have lived through. I have walked in deep waters and God always kept my hair dry. A dear friend of mine has literally been stuck under the rapids of a river and in life, and God pulled her free and lifted her out. Another friend has walked through fires in her marriage and God had his hand over her blocking the flames and she came out unburned with a beautiful tan. The one thing we have in common is that in all this we knew God was with us. He was our comfort and the only one we could trust. We knew he never abandoned us.
He has made this same promise to you. If you are feeling that God has abandoned you and you are thinking about just walking away. The farther you walk from God the harder things will get. If you don't think you are hearing from Him, maybe you are just out of His Will, not doing what He has asked. Try and return to Him, I promise He has never left you and He really isn't that far. In Isaiah 43:5a, God says, "Do not be afraid, for I am with you." Trust Him, you aren't Abandoned!
Right now, this very moment, I can't even count on my 2 hands and 2 feet the amount of crisis that is wreaking havic on my friends, family, and even in my own life. I am so thankful that I have a promise from God and I know without a doubt that He is with me and will never leave me. But in this time I have found that many of these dear people believe God has abandoned them. That when they sinned or that when a crisis occured that God left the arena. Did you know that this isn't a new phenomena? The Israelites thought this same thing.
The Israelites had been in the promised land for a while and started doing what was easy. They began following other Gods and trusting in themselves. Amidst their new found freedom the Philistines overtook them and stole their Ark of the Covenant. The people fell into depression and totally out of hope. Then out of no where (well actually God had placed a plague upon the Philistines) the Ark of the Covenant came riding back into Israel on a cart pulled by cows (the Philistines were trying to get the plague to leave them). But even with the Ark back no blessings were bestowing the Israelites. "During that time, all Israel mourned because it seemed that the LORD had abandoned them." 1 Samuel 7:2b. So Samuel, the Judge of Israel at the time went to the people to discuss this matter. "Then Samuel said to all the people of Israel, 'If you are really serious about wanting to return to the LORD, get rid of your foreign gods and your images of Ashtoreth. Determine to obey only the LORD; then he will rescue you from the Philistines." 1 Samuel 7:3. Samuel saw through the fog, he looked out of the box, and realized the reason God seemed so far was because the people had ventured off from Him. They had so many issues going on around them that they were trusting other gods, not the One True God.
Putting our trust in other things can be the simple thing to do when we are in a crisis, but when we look up we can be so deep that we can no longer see God and feel He has abandoned us. That trust that we put in things, friends, money, family, chance....really only can manifest power and strength if it is found in God alone. He is the only Rock and foundation that will be there and never leave. God has made a beautiful promise to us when we are going through rough times. "When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you." Isaiah 43:2. And that is a promise I trust in and have lived through. I have walked in deep waters and God always kept my hair dry. A dear friend of mine has literally been stuck under the rapids of a river and in life, and God pulled her free and lifted her out. Another friend has walked through fires in her marriage and God had his hand over her blocking the flames and she came out unburned with a beautiful tan. The one thing we have in common is that in all this we knew God was with us. He was our comfort and the only one we could trust. We knew he never abandoned us.
He has made this same promise to you. If you are feeling that God has abandoned you and you are thinking about just walking away. The farther you walk from God the harder things will get. If you don't think you are hearing from Him, maybe you are just out of His Will, not doing what He has asked. Try and return to Him, I promise He has never left you and He really isn't that far. In Isaiah 43:5a, God says, "Do not be afraid, for I am with you." Trust Him, you aren't Abandoned!
Thursday, May 17, 2012
The Father's Love
Alright now say it with me: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16. This one verse has be said and resaid over the past couple of years, and so many people now have heard it. But let's not let that weaken it's worth and leverage. Can you even picture what this meant and means? Can you even imagine how much God loves us?
He is contantly giving us our every need, helping us when we can't even bear to lift our head off the pillow.He loves us through the muck and the mire, through the rain and the fire. God loves us so much that He sent His ONE and ONLY Son to this earth for us. And, "God did not send His Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it." John 3:17. Where other religions believe God sent someone to this earth to rid the world of people that don't follow their religion, God actually sent His Son to gather those that were lost. Before Christ we were all dieing in our sins, being buried to never rise again. God, however, had compassion on us and gave us just what we needed, a Savior!
God has loved all of us from creation. And if everyone could grasp that love they would surely believe in Him. This belief isn't a superficial belief, but a belief that encompasses full trust and confidence in Him. Knowing He will take care of our every need and allowing Him to lead our life.
Please ponder on these questions for a minute: If you have a great relationship with your earthly father don't you trust he will help you whenever you need Him? Don't you count His counsel as wise? Wouldn't you follow his advice to please him and show your love to him? This is the type of love we should have for God. Now think about the relationship and the love you have for your child or a special child in your life. Doesn't your heart yearn to give them the world? Don't you try and raise them up in the way they should go? Don't you love them so much that you would do whatever possible? This is the same type of love that God has for us.
He put His Son through torture to adopt us into His family. Isn't it time we start trusting Him fully, loving the way He loves us, and obeying His counsel? I no longer imagine the love He has for me....I know the love He has for me. And I have come Together with Him to Work with Him out of Love for Him.
He is contantly giving us our every need, helping us when we can't even bear to lift our head off the pillow.He loves us through the muck and the mire, through the rain and the fire. God loves us so much that He sent His ONE and ONLY Son to this earth for us. And, "God did not send His Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it." John 3:17. Where other religions believe God sent someone to this earth to rid the world of people that don't follow their religion, God actually sent His Son to gather those that were lost. Before Christ we were all dieing in our sins, being buried to never rise again. God, however, had compassion on us and gave us just what we needed, a Savior!
God has loved all of us from creation. And if everyone could grasp that love they would surely believe in Him. This belief isn't a superficial belief, but a belief that encompasses full trust and confidence in Him. Knowing He will take care of our every need and allowing Him to lead our life.
Please ponder on these questions for a minute: If you have a great relationship with your earthly father don't you trust he will help you whenever you need Him? Don't you count His counsel as wise? Wouldn't you follow his advice to please him and show your love to him? This is the type of love we should have for God. Now think about the relationship and the love you have for your child or a special child in your life. Doesn't your heart yearn to give them the world? Don't you try and raise them up in the way they should go? Don't you love them so much that you would do whatever possible? This is the same type of love that God has for us.
He put His Son through torture to adopt us into His family. Isn't it time we start trusting Him fully, loving the way He loves us, and obeying His counsel? I no longer imagine the love He has for me....I know the love He has for me. And I have come Together with Him to Work with Him out of Love for Him.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
A Bandwagon Fan
From the time my first born was 2 until he was 6 he loved the Florida Gators. His dad (LSU Alumni) would get so upset and try and change his opinion, but Hunter stuck to his guns and cheered the Gators on. Then, as soon as the Gators lost Tebow and began losing games, Hunter's allegience turned. First, it was Auburn, then it was LSU, and then it was Alabama. Did you catch the trend? He was jumping from one bandwagon to the next of each winning team, and he would ride it as far as it would go.
Have you ever done this with your beliefs? Are you a bandwagon Christian? As long as it is the "It" thing to do, you will follow Christ, but when the tides turn you ride another wave?
After Jesus began performing miracles in Jerusalem many people jumped on the "Jesus Craze". They began following Him and praising Him and bringing others along with them. Jesus wasn't buying it, however, because He knew their heart. "But Jesus didn't trust them, because he knew what people were really like. No one needed to tell him about human nature." John 2:24-25.
It is out human nature to want to be part of the winning team. To want to show others we have chosen the best. But God wants us to choose what is right and good. God wants us to choose His Son not just with the shirts we wear, the bumper stickers we have, the crosses we wear, or the Bibles we carry, BUT with our whole heart. "And you must love the LORD your God with all of your heart, all your soul, and all your strength." Deuteronomy 6:5. Because when we follow God with only our flesh there has been no heart change, and we will eventually go back to whatever our hearts says.
Now I want you to be honest. Have you jumped onto the Jesus bandwagon or do you bleed Jesus? If you don't follow Christ with all of your heart, soul, and mind you will never feel the full redeeming power of Jesus. "What can wash away our sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus."
Have you ever done this with your beliefs? Are you a bandwagon Christian? As long as it is the "It" thing to do, you will follow Christ, but when the tides turn you ride another wave?
After Jesus began performing miracles in Jerusalem many people jumped on the "Jesus Craze". They began following Him and praising Him and bringing others along with them. Jesus wasn't buying it, however, because He knew their heart. "But Jesus didn't trust them, because he knew what people were really like. No one needed to tell him about human nature." John 2:24-25.
It is out human nature to want to be part of the winning team. To want to show others we have chosen the best. But God wants us to choose what is right and good. God wants us to choose His Son not just with the shirts we wear, the bumper stickers we have, the crosses we wear, or the Bibles we carry, BUT with our whole heart. "And you must love the LORD your God with all of your heart, all your soul, and all your strength." Deuteronomy 6:5. Because when we follow God with only our flesh there has been no heart change, and we will eventually go back to whatever our hearts says.
Now I want you to be honest. Have you jumped onto the Jesus bandwagon or do you bleed Jesus? If you don't follow Christ with all of your heart, soul, and mind you will never feel the full redeeming power of Jesus. "What can wash away our sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus."
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Dreaming
Cinderella once said,
"A dream is a wish your heart makes
When you're fast asleep
In dreams you lose your heartaches
Whatever you wish for, you keep
Have faith in your dreams and someday
Your rainbow will come smiling thru
No matter how your heart is grieving
If you keep on believing
the dream that you wish will come true"
What did you dream of becoming or doing as a child? We all have had dreams, some probably bigger than others. Mine was to either be an actress or a singer (Good thing I didn't strive to hard for this one, most of the time I sound like a sick duck...squawking instead of quacking.) But it was a dream, and maybe yours was to be a doctor, nurse, athlete, fireman, librarian, hair stylist, teacher, and the list could go on and on.
Did any of your dreams come true? When dreams are attained it is so fulfilling, so joyful, they give you purpose, and you are delighted. Sometimes, however, dreams are attainable, but you miss them because you went down the wrong path at the pivotal moment, you made a turn right before you grabbed the prize. You got mixed up in the wrong crowd or began partaking in your sinful desires, and these drew you away from the dream that was in sight. "It is pleasant to see dreams come true, but fools will not turn from evil to attain them." Proverbs 13:19. Maybe your dreams have changed over the years, maybe the dream you once had may be out of reach, but now a new dream is within view. You still have a chance to make your dreams come true. All you have to do is let go of any sin that is holding you back, grab a hold of the Savior that put the dream in your heart, and follow Him. "For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need." Philippians 4:13.
My own dream changed many times over the years, sometimes because God changed my route and sometimes because I was following the wrong path. I went from wanting to be an actress to wanting to be a doctor, but somewhere in the middle of it all God gave me a glimpse at the dream He had beset in my heart, to use my speaking ability to help others. (A good combo of performing and doctoring, right?) In the midst of my own sins He began leading my heart, and once He washed away my sins my hope came back, and He is leading me on the pathway to that dream being achieved. "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when dreams come true, there is life and joy." Proverbs 13:12.
God has beset a dream in each of us, and when we allow sin to hold us back from our dreams we are not following in God's way. Allow God's Will to be worked out in your life, and keep dreaming.
"A dream is a wish your heart makes
When you're fast asleep
In dreams you lose your heartaches
Whatever you wish for, you keep
Have faith in your dreams and someday
Your rainbow will come smiling thru
No matter how your heart is grieving
If you keep on believing
the dream that you wish will come true"
What did you dream of becoming or doing as a child? We all have had dreams, some probably bigger than others. Mine was to either be an actress or a singer (Good thing I didn't strive to hard for this one, most of the time I sound like a sick duck...squawking instead of quacking.) But it was a dream, and maybe yours was to be a doctor, nurse, athlete, fireman, librarian, hair stylist, teacher, and the list could go on and on.
Did any of your dreams come true? When dreams are attained it is so fulfilling, so joyful, they give you purpose, and you are delighted. Sometimes, however, dreams are attainable, but you miss them because you went down the wrong path at the pivotal moment, you made a turn right before you grabbed the prize. You got mixed up in the wrong crowd or began partaking in your sinful desires, and these drew you away from the dream that was in sight. "It is pleasant to see dreams come true, but fools will not turn from evil to attain them." Proverbs 13:19. Maybe your dreams have changed over the years, maybe the dream you once had may be out of reach, but now a new dream is within view. You still have a chance to make your dreams come true. All you have to do is let go of any sin that is holding you back, grab a hold of the Savior that put the dream in your heart, and follow Him. "For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need." Philippians 4:13.
My own dream changed many times over the years, sometimes because God changed my route and sometimes because I was following the wrong path. I went from wanting to be an actress to wanting to be a doctor, but somewhere in the middle of it all God gave me a glimpse at the dream He had beset in my heart, to use my speaking ability to help others. (A good combo of performing and doctoring, right?) In the midst of my own sins He began leading my heart, and once He washed away my sins my hope came back, and He is leading me on the pathway to that dream being achieved. "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when dreams come true, there is life and joy." Proverbs 13:12.
God has beset a dream in each of us, and when we allow sin to hold us back from our dreams we are not following in God's way. Allow God's Will to be worked out in your life, and keep dreaming.
“If you can dream it, you can do it. Always remember that this whole thing was started with a dream and a mouse.” - Walt Disney
Monday, May 14, 2012
Light and Life
"Life itself was in Him, and this life gives light to everyone." John 1:4.
Have you ever wondered how life began? God must have been pretty creative to set it all into being. Well, I guess, that's where we get the word creation. "He created everything there is. Nothing exists that he didn't make." John 1:3. He created what he already knew because it was within Him. Just like when we have ideas growing within us, if we put those ideas into action we would create something out of our creativity and into creation. God was the first Imagineer. And life, breath, the living, were all, and are all a part of Jesus. This life that lived in him gives light to everyone. A light that shines through the darkness. "The light shines through the darkness and the darkness can never extinguish it." John 1:5. The light that Jesus gives off and gives out, is a light that is unsquelchable. It is a light that lives in the world and the Devil has never been able to extinguish it. He has tried his hardest, and he has done a good job at blocking the light from some peoples eyes, but it only takes one person to reveal the light and the darkness is gone.
As a child, I grew up singing, "This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine. This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine. This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine." This song speaks of the light Jesus has placed within us. He has put His light into our souls and given us life. We need to allow His light to shine out of us and others in the way we should go. "Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light for my path." Psalm 119:105. And this word is Jesus, "In the beginning the Word already existed. He was with God, and He was God." John 1:1. So, let's step up, step out, and hold our light high, allowing all to see the life God has given us.
"I won't let Satan blow it out. I'm going to let it shine."
Have you ever wondered how life began? God must have been pretty creative to set it all into being. Well, I guess, that's where we get the word creation. "He created everything there is. Nothing exists that he didn't make." John 1:3. He created what he already knew because it was within Him. Just like when we have ideas growing within us, if we put those ideas into action we would create something out of our creativity and into creation. God was the first Imagineer. And life, breath, the living, were all, and are all a part of Jesus. This life that lived in him gives light to everyone. A light that shines through the darkness. "The light shines through the darkness and the darkness can never extinguish it." John 1:5. The light that Jesus gives off and gives out, is a light that is unsquelchable. It is a light that lives in the world and the Devil has never been able to extinguish it. He has tried his hardest, and he has done a good job at blocking the light from some peoples eyes, but it only takes one person to reveal the light and the darkness is gone.
As a child, I grew up singing, "This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine. This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine. This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine." This song speaks of the light Jesus has placed within us. He has put His light into our souls and given us life. We need to allow His light to shine out of us and others in the way we should go. "Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light for my path." Psalm 119:105. And this word is Jesus, "In the beginning the Word already existed. He was with God, and He was God." John 1:1. So, let's step up, step out, and hold our light high, allowing all to see the life God has given us.
"I won't let Satan blow it out. I'm going to let it shine."
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Wings like a Dove!
Two days ago, I witnessed the most beautiful expression of complete peace. Last week, a beautiful young woman, Laurie Madonia, lost her battle with cancer, but won peace with God in Heaven. At the end of the most amazing Mass funeral, her family released doves to soar through the air resembling the fact that she is now resting with the Lord. "Oh, how I wish I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest! I would fly far away to the quiet of the wilderness." Psalm 55:6-7.
There is something about a bird soaring through the air that truly personifies peace. In the movie, Forrest Gump, I will never forget Jenny, who afraid for her life, ran away from her abusive father, through the corn field, begging Forrest to pray with her. "Dear God, Make me a bird. So I can fly far far away from here." Jenny knew what it was like to be in fear of a very dangerous enemy, and she also knew that she could cry out to God to make her like a peaceful bird to fly away from the danger. I can remember doing the exact same thing as a child, just wanting so badly to sprout wings and fly me away to heaven where I could be in the peaceful arms of my Savior. And at some point I even began dreaming in this way as well. Almost every dream I had, I would be chased by someone wanting to hurt me, and all I had to do was reach out my arms as wings and begin to fly to safety.
On the ground, birds are easy pray, but in the air not much can harm them. They soar across the sky with peaceful glides.
When we grow weary or afraid, God sees ours troubles and he will grant us peace. "But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31.
No matter what you are going through today, no matter what battle is up against you, pray for God to give you wings like a dove to fly high into His peaceful, comforting, and strong embrace.
There is something about a bird soaring through the air that truly personifies peace. In the movie, Forrest Gump, I will never forget Jenny, who afraid for her life, ran away from her abusive father, through the corn field, begging Forrest to pray with her. "Dear God, Make me a bird. So I can fly far far away from here." Jenny knew what it was like to be in fear of a very dangerous enemy, and she also knew that she could cry out to God to make her like a peaceful bird to fly away from the danger. I can remember doing the exact same thing as a child, just wanting so badly to sprout wings and fly me away to heaven where I could be in the peaceful arms of my Savior. And at some point I even began dreaming in this way as well. Almost every dream I had, I would be chased by someone wanting to hurt me, and all I had to do was reach out my arms as wings and begin to fly to safety.
On the ground, birds are easy pray, but in the air not much can harm them. They soar across the sky with peaceful glides.
When we grow weary or afraid, God sees ours troubles and he will grant us peace. "But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31.
No matter what you are going through today, no matter what battle is up against you, pray for God to give you wings like a dove to fly high into His peaceful, comforting, and strong embrace.
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