graphic courtesy: www.heartlight.org
Showing posts with label life's lessons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label life's lessons. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
True Beauty & Talent . . . Beyond the Surface!
How often have you and I looked at an individual and immediately sized them up? We're all guilty of this.
Yesterday I was checking my email, I saw the recent video from Britain's Got Talent where Susan Boyle had literally amazed the audience and judges. It's a vivid reminder how we as a society look at the outward appearance rather than looking at the individual.
Please understand that I'm not a fan of Britain's Got Talent or American Idol, however, this video truly blessed me. It brought to my mind how God looks at the inward appearances and not the outward appearances.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
It's a Psalm Time for Me!
Not too long after our precious daughter was born, I can remember having a most difficult time emotionally. It's not uncommon for mothers to experience postpartum. A dear friend who I call my "mother mentor," shared with me that I should read through the Psalms. For a long period of time, that is exactly what I did. One day in a conversation with Leigh, I asked, "will I ever get out of them?" Her reply way, "God will have you there as long as you need them, do not be overly concerned as to a particular time frame." How comforting God's Word is for all our needs, concerns, frustrations, questions and the deepest hurts we have. Through out my walk with the Lord, I find continually find comfort anytime I visit the Psalms. If you were to pick up my Bible, you would see firsthand just how precious these tender words are to me.
Recently, we received some unsettling news in regards to a condition our daughter has. These past days have been very emotionally draining for each of us. Earlier in the evening, I was at our church practicing the prelude and offertory for Sunday. God used both the songs that I played along with some familiar passages in the Psalms to show me that He knows all what we are going through.
There is a song that I heard a long time ago, "I've Never Been Out of His Care." One can read any Psalm and realize that reality immediately. So dear one, if you're having a "Psalm Time," rejoice and savor the time with our Heavenly Father. The sufferings we encounter fail in comparison to what our Savior Jesus Christ suffered. Yet we're human and it hurts.
I cannot reverse or change the news we recently received. However, I can recommit myself to the Lord and trust Him for what only He can do. All I know that this situation is so much bigger than our family and only He will see our through.
God's promises are true and He's a mighty God, worthy of our praise even when things are not going our way.
Click here to listen the Natalie Grant's song, "I Am Not Alone." For indeed, you and I are not alone. In the Psalms, the Lord gently reminds us of that reality. Let our hearts, minds, and spirits soak in that reality, "I Am Not Alone."
(graphic courtesy: www.heartlight.org)
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
One of those days . . .
Have you ever had one of those days? Earlier my day was not going the way I would desire. After a shower and in God's Word, He has redirected and corrected my thoughts.
Oh I'm thankful for His Word and for my copy of "Streams in the Desert, #2." God uses a myriad of tools by which to get our attention.
Then the most precious thing occurred, Christine asked to pray over me. Umm. Wonderful where she learned that? This is one of those times, you want your children to repeat what they heard you say.
Asking the Lord to remind me of the "whatsoevers," found in Philippians 4.
Basking in His Love!
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Lessons From A Dryer
Ah . . . perhaps you think that I have taken leave of my senses when you read the title of my posting, I have not. For the past two weeks we have been without a dryer. The appliance person who came to repair it was not the most honest person neither was the company he represented. Along with our experience, we took a loss of funds from our family budget which disturbed us greatly especially during the Christmas season.
Yet I can rejoice that all of this is working for our own good. You ask, "how?" So glad you asked. A couple of factors come immediately to my mind. First our dryer vent system was too long and was causing the lint to become trapped. Secondly, it could have created a dryer fire. Indeed we consider this a major PRAISE!
The Israelites often reflected back on how God worked in the past, the present and the future. How many times when circumstances do not go the way we want them to go, we either panic or get stressed. I must confess that at the beginning of this situation, I was not a happy camper. However, the Lord has given me the strength to look at it through different eyes and now see it as an adventure and an opportunity to trust Him.
Thursday evening, we went to Lowe's and purchased our new one. This Sunday afternoon, it will be delivered. A funny or perhaps to some an insignificant fun fact, we were able to use the $25 gift card from Lowe's that Rob won at his company's Christmas party. Although not a large amount, but it was nice to be able to apply the card to a major purchase.
Some final thoughts are, God has given us the body of Christ to encourage, strengthen, pray for one another and to help one another. He did not intend for us to go it "alone." We all have various gifts and abilities and it is God's Will that we put them into action both inside the body of Christ and outside.
My challenge to each of us, what do we have in our hands or possession that we can use to bless others? Is our physical vision and spiritual vision in check whereby we can look for the daily blessings God sends our way? The lessons of life come in various ways. Are we ready to receive them? It does not matter if we understand them.
Here's a familiar passage that my late Mom prayed over me throughout my life and now I share this with our sweet Christine and each of you.
In Jeremiah 29:11-13, we read the following from the Amplified Bible.
(11) For I know the thoughts, and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.
(12) Then you will call upon Me, and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear and heed you.
(13) Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity] and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. [Deut. 4:29-30].
God wants us to seek Him as our vital necessity for living not just when we get in a crunch or in difficulty.
What lessons are you learning today?
Yet I can rejoice that all of this is working for our own good. You ask, "how?" So glad you asked. A couple of factors come immediately to my mind. First our dryer vent system was too long and was causing the lint to become trapped. Secondly, it could have created a dryer fire. Indeed we consider this a major PRAISE!
Most importantly God used dear brothers and sisters in Christ to bless and encourage us as well as strangers. One family came by the first Thursday evening of our dilemma to pick up 3 baskets of laundry to dry. Then they graciously delivered the laundry back to us the following night. Mind you, the weather that evening was wet and cold, but still they went out of their way to insure we had our laundry back.
Last Saturday, the second family came over and made some minor adjustments to our dryer and wah-lah it worked long enough for me to dry everything that needed to be dried. Then it stopped. When I called back to this particular family, they shared that perhaps it is indeed the motor and it's best to purchase a new machine. My friend said to me, "at least you now have resolution that you have worked through all the options and now have closure." Indeed she was right.
The Israelites often reflected back on how God worked in the past, the present and the future. How many times when circumstances do not go the way we want them to go, we either panic or get stressed. I must confess that at the beginning of this situation, I was not a happy camper. However, the Lord has given me the strength to look at it through different eyes and now see it as an adventure and an opportunity to trust Him.
Thursday evening, we went to Lowe's and purchased our new one. This Sunday afternoon, it will be delivered. A funny or perhaps to some an insignificant fun fact, we were able to use the $25 gift card from Lowe's that Rob won at his company's Christmas party. Although not a large amount, but it was nice to be able to apply the card to a major purchase.
Some final thoughts are, God has given us the body of Christ to encourage, strengthen, pray for one another and to help one another. He did not intend for us to go it "alone." We all have various gifts and abilities and it is God's Will that we put them into action both inside the body of Christ and outside.
My challenge to each of us, what do we have in our hands or possession that we can use to bless others? Is our physical vision and spiritual vision in check whereby we can look for the daily blessings God sends our way? The lessons of life come in various ways. Are we ready to receive them? It does not matter if we understand them.
Here's a familiar passage that my late Mom prayed over me throughout my life and now I share this with our sweet Christine and each of you.
In Jeremiah 29:11-13, we read the following from the Amplified Bible.
(11) For I know the thoughts, and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.
(12) Then you will call upon Me, and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear and heed you.
(13) Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity] and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. [Deut. 4:29-30].
God wants us to seek Him as our vital necessity for living not just when we get in a crunch or in difficulty.
What lessons are you learning today?
Monday, November 05, 2007
When All Fails . . . Read The Directions!
In our technological day and age, we oftentimes find ourselves inpatient and in a tremendous rush to accomplish our goals we have established our lives. Even to the point, we rush rough-shod over others.
Consider this example, recently we had invited a dear friend over for lunch and I needed to prepare 2 desserts. As I read the directions for the pound cake, it clearly stated, that if you loaf pan is too small, please use two. Otherwise, it will overflow. Well because I needed to prepare the other dessert, I chose to overlook that instructions and wah-lah, it overflowed. Each of us are are familiar with that lovely smell of burnt batter. Yummy! I think not. All because I was in too big of a hurry and decided to do it my way.
You would think that I would learn my lesson . . . quite the opposite my friends. I found an Apple Gingerbread Recipe from the apple cookbook our land lady in Schenectady, New York had given us. I knew I had all the ingredients so I begin to follow the directions. So I thought until I rechecked the amount of molasses that should be measured for the recipe. In clear print it stated, "2/3 cups molasses." Instead, I used the 1/2 cup instead of the 1/3. If it were dry measurements, it might be a little easier. Needless to say, the volume of sticky molasses made it interesting at best. I could blame it on my age or not having my glasses on. Bottom line, I was trying to do too many things at once and was in a big hurry.
Likewise, dear ones, we do this so often in our relationship with our Heavenly Father. We go to our local Christian bookstore or on line to see what is the most popular book or books that folks are reading. My late Dad always admonished me when he stated, "beware when all men speak well of you." If your criteria is because it's the most favorite author or book to read; then your rationale is not a true test for discernment. When we neglect to discern, we put ourselves at risk to be tricked by the enemy and those who are trying to re-think the Gospel. God's Word never changes and if we change one word, we water down the message and thus we have ERROR.
Think back to our days in school whenever the teacher and/or instructor gave a "true or false," test. If one portion of the statement was false, then the whole statement is false.
Paul writes in this in 1 Corinthians 1:11-16 ~
~ 11 For what person perceives (knows and understands) what passes through a man's thoughts except the man's own spirit within him? Just so no one discerns (comes to know and comprehend) the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.
~ 12 Now we have not received the spirit [that belongs to] the world, but the [Holy] Spirit Who is from God, [given to us] that we might realize and comprehend and appreciate the gifts [of divine favor and blessing so freely and lavishly] bestowed on us by God.
~ 13 And we are setting these truths forth in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the [Holy] Spirit, combining and interpreting spiritual truths with spiritual language [to those who possess the Holy Spirit].
~14 But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated.
~ 15 But the spiritual man tries all things [he examines, investigates, inquires into, questions, and discerns all things], yet is himself to be put on trial and judged by no one [he can read the meaning of everything, but no one can properly discern or appraise or get an insight into him].
~ 16 For who has known or understood the mind (the counsels and purposes) of the Lord so as to guide and instruct Him and give Him knowledge? But we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart. [Isa 40:13.] AMP
The veil was torn and we can go boldly to the Father through Jesus Christ. We do not need a professional to interpret Scripture. We can read and understand the Scriptures. The reality is that we substitute devotional readings for actual Bible study. Oh that we would have a new joy for God's Word and to truly hunger after His righteousness. Rather than just going for what is newest and best thing with "popular Christianity." Please read along with me from 2 Timothy 3:16-17,
~ 16 Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose, and action),
~ 17 So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work. AMP
Where the problem lies is that we have become "spiritually unfit and just plain lazy," in the Christian disciplines. Where Scripture is clear, we either water it down or have "selective hearing as well as selective reading." Martin Luther believed the person in the pew could understand God's Word. What we need is not more trendy, popular, ear-tickling literature but for Christians to humble themselves before our Holy Father and repent and "read the instructions!"
We often hear folks in churches say, "it's not about me, but about Him." Really? If it was truly about Him and what Scripture actually says, our attitudes and mindsets would be totally different. God is a personal God but He is not some one's "best friend, chummy type person." I want to crawl out of my skin whenever I hear God reverenced with such informality.
When I think of the old hymn, "I Stand Amazed in the Presence." My head is not lifted up nor my ego, in fact, the song causes me to ponder my sinfulness and just how holy my God. Back during my seminary years (1980-1983), Dr. William Reynolds gave us caution to some of the lyrics of Christian music. That some songs have become "me focus" instead of "God focused." What sage wisdom he gave us.
My closing thoughts are, are you living your life in and for Christ? Or are you checking to see what the latest "Christian or most popular "buzz words" are? Please keep in mind that whatever is truly done for Christ, His way, will last. Our Lord does not need a "new improved Gospel," or "Gospel-Lite." He needs godly men and women to get serious about reading, heading, obeying God's Word. I do believe we have lost our spiritual GPS and accept just any kind of direction just as long as it has "Christian" attached to it.
Remember, the road is narrow and few there be that find it. And yes, you might at times feel alone but as a blood bought believer, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Do not allow the enemy to trick you.
To conclude, let's read Ephesians 6:10-24. I encourage you not to glibly read over it and perhaps say out loud, "I already know this passage or have read it." God Word is a two edged sword, beware my friend whenever giving into pride or "spiritual elitism." Haughtiness is not one of the fruit of the spirit. Christ has allowed me some field experience in this area. Some lessons have been learned the hard way while others have been a little easier. I think of Pastor Maurice Timberlake, he was indeed a man of true humility. Guess what? Never did we hear him state how humble he was. I believe once we say we're humble, then we are not.
~ 10 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].
~ 11 Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.
~ 12 For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.
~ 13 Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].
~ 14 Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God,
~ 15 And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace. [Isa 52:7.]
~ 16 Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one].
~ 17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God.
~ 18 Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people).
~ 19 And [pray] also for me, that [freedom of] utterance may be given me, that I may open my mouth to proclaim boldly the mystery of the good news (the Gospel),
~ 20 For which I am an ambassador in a coupling chain [in prison. Pray] that I may declare it boldly and courageously, as I ought to do.
~ 21 Now that you may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord [and His service], will tell you everything.
~ 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may console and cheer and encourage and strengthen your hearts.
~ 23 Peace be to the brethren, and love joined with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed one).
~ 24 Grace (God's undeserved favor) be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with undying and incorruptible [love]. Amen (so let it be). AMP
Consider this example, recently we had invited a dear friend over for lunch and I needed to prepare 2 desserts. As I read the directions for the pound cake, it clearly stated, that if you loaf pan is too small, please use two. Otherwise, it will overflow. Well because I needed to prepare the other dessert, I chose to overlook that instructions and wah-lah, it overflowed. Each of us are are familiar with that lovely smell of burnt batter. Yummy! I think not. All because I was in too big of a hurry and decided to do it my way.
You would think that I would learn my lesson . . . quite the opposite my friends. I found an Apple Gingerbread Recipe from the apple cookbook our land lady in Schenectady, New York had given us. I knew I had all the ingredients so I begin to follow the directions. So I thought until I rechecked the amount of molasses that should be measured for the recipe. In clear print it stated, "2/3 cups molasses." Instead, I used the 1/2 cup instead of the 1/3. If it were dry measurements, it might be a little easier. Needless to say, the volume of sticky molasses made it interesting at best. I could blame it on my age or not having my glasses on. Bottom line, I was trying to do too many things at once and was in a big hurry.
Likewise, dear ones, we do this so often in our relationship with our Heavenly Father. We go to our local Christian bookstore or on line to see what is the most popular book or books that folks are reading. My late Dad always admonished me when he stated, "beware when all men speak well of you." If your criteria is because it's the most favorite author or book to read; then your rationale is not a true test for discernment. When we neglect to discern, we put ourselves at risk to be tricked by the enemy and those who are trying to re-think the Gospel. God's Word never changes and if we change one word, we water down the message and thus we have ERROR.
Think back to our days in school whenever the teacher and/or instructor gave a "true or false," test. If one portion of the statement was false, then the whole statement is false.
Paul writes in this in 1 Corinthians 1:11-16 ~
~ 11 For what person perceives (knows and understands) what passes through a man's thoughts except the man's own spirit within him? Just so no one discerns (comes to know and comprehend) the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.
~ 12 Now we have not received the spirit [that belongs to] the world, but the [Holy] Spirit Who is from God, [given to us] that we might realize and comprehend and appreciate the gifts [of divine favor and blessing so freely and lavishly] bestowed on us by God.
~ 13 And we are setting these truths forth in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the [Holy] Spirit, combining and interpreting spiritual truths with spiritual language [to those who possess the Holy Spirit].
~14 But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated.
~ 15 But the spiritual man tries all things [he examines, investigates, inquires into, questions, and discerns all things], yet is himself to be put on trial and judged by no one [he can read the meaning of everything, but no one can properly discern or appraise or get an insight into him].
~ 16 For who has known or understood the mind (the counsels and purposes) of the Lord so as to guide and instruct Him and give Him knowledge? But we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart. [Isa 40:13.] AMP
The veil was torn and we can go boldly to the Father through Jesus Christ. We do not need a professional to interpret Scripture. We can read and understand the Scriptures. The reality is that we substitute devotional readings for actual Bible study. Oh that we would have a new joy for God's Word and to truly hunger after His righteousness. Rather than just going for what is newest and best thing with "popular Christianity." Please read along with me from 2 Timothy 3:16-17,
~ 16 Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose, and action),
~ 17 So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work. AMP
Where the problem lies is that we have become "spiritually unfit and just plain lazy," in the Christian disciplines. Where Scripture is clear, we either water it down or have "selective hearing as well as selective reading." Martin Luther believed the person in the pew could understand God's Word. What we need is not more trendy, popular, ear-tickling literature but for Christians to humble themselves before our Holy Father and repent and "read the instructions!"
Consider these words pinned by the Apostle Paul from 2 Timothy 2:15-16.
~ 15 Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth. AMP
We often hear folks in churches say, "it's not about me, but about Him." Really? If it was truly about Him and what Scripture actually says, our attitudes and mindsets would be totally different. God is a personal God but He is not some one's "best friend, chummy type person." I want to crawl out of my skin whenever I hear God reverenced with such informality.
When I think of the old hymn, "I Stand Amazed in the Presence." My head is not lifted up nor my ego, in fact, the song causes me to ponder my sinfulness and just how holy my God. Back during my seminary years (1980-1983), Dr. William Reynolds gave us caution to some of the lyrics of Christian music. That some songs have become "me focus" instead of "God focused." What sage wisdom he gave us.
My closing thoughts are, are you living your life in and for Christ? Or are you checking to see what the latest "Christian or most popular "buzz words" are? Please keep in mind that whatever is truly done for Christ, His way, will last. Our Lord does not need a "new improved Gospel," or "Gospel-Lite." He needs godly men and women to get serious about reading, heading, obeying God's Word. I do believe we have lost our spiritual GPS and accept just any kind of direction just as long as it has "Christian" attached to it.
Remember, the road is narrow and few there be that find it. And yes, you might at times feel alone but as a blood bought believer, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Do not allow the enemy to trick you.
To conclude, let's read Ephesians 6:10-24. I encourage you not to glibly read over it and perhaps say out loud, "I already know this passage or have read it." God Word is a two edged sword, beware my friend whenever giving into pride or "spiritual elitism." Haughtiness is not one of the fruit of the spirit. Christ has allowed me some field experience in this area. Some lessons have been learned the hard way while others have been a little easier. I think of Pastor Maurice Timberlake, he was indeed a man of true humility. Guess what? Never did we hear him state how humble he was. I believe once we say we're humble, then we are not.
~ 10 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].
~ 11 Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.
~ 12 For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.
~ 13 Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].
~ 14 Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God,
~ 15 And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace. [Isa 52:7.]
~ 16 Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one].
~ 17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God.
~ 18 Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people).
~ 19 And [pray] also for me, that [freedom of] utterance may be given me, that I may open my mouth to proclaim boldly the mystery of the good news (the Gospel),
~ 20 For which I am an ambassador in a coupling chain [in prison. Pray] that I may declare it boldly and courageously, as I ought to do.
~ 21 Now that you may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord [and His service], will tell you everything.
~ 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may console and cheer and encourage and strengthen your hearts.
~ 23 Peace be to the brethren, and love joined with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed one).
~ 24 Grace (God's undeserved favor) be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with undying and incorruptible [love]. Amen (so let it be). AMP
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