οὕτω… That’s pronounced hoo'-to. It’s a Greek word that means ‘like this’.
Jesus used it when He spoke the words recorded in Matthew 6:9.. “"This is how you should….”
Jesus lived a perfect life. He fleshed out a perfect example of ‘how you should..’ ( makes me think again of that WWJD thing..)
We have some of that recorded in the naratives of scripture. One of the ‘how you should..’s is about praying.
Our enemy would have us deceived about praying. He convinced Eve in the garden that she had misunderstood God. He made her question God’s instructions and His motive. And Eve failed to communicate with God about the issues to get some clarity.
Let us not fall into that same trap.
Our enemy is as real today as then. He is still a liar. He is still a deciever. His intent is still to cut us off from our Creator God.
Jesus’ teachings in this passage instructs us about prayer. I have studied it phrase by phrase more than once. It is rich.
As always, Jesus is The Teacher, and He is Master of it.
Asking God to open my understanding to deeper levels, to open my eyes to see relevant and personal applications, I look again to my Lord Jesus to teach me ‘..how I should..’ pray.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Monday, December 24, 2012
Mindful....
The moon has a giant ring around it tonight. I am told this is the third night in a row for such a sight from our viewpoint. I didn't see it on the other nights, but on this Christmas Eve, I have witnessed it.
"When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?" (Psalm 8:3-4)
Our Creator God, in all His divinity, capable of speaking into existence that same moon....cares for me.
And you.
We are decieved sometimes when we believe the enemy lies that God doesn't see or care about our situations.
But on this Eve of celebrating His birth, one look at that moon brings His truth and promise back to my mind.
He IS mindful of me.
So mindful that He saw fit to speak into existence a Son.
A Son born to die. Not just His own human death, but the death due me because of my own shortcomings.
"..the wages of sin is death.." (Romans 6:23)
I am assured that You are able to "Create in me a pure heart.... and renew a steadfast spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10) "Your Hand will sustain me; Your arm will strengthen me." (Psalm 89:21 personalized by me)
As my eyes gaze up at the moon, I see evidence.
And as I reflect my life and the lives of those so dear to me...I see evidence.
I see Your fingerprints and Your handiwork.
Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars.
Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies.
Let them praise the name of the LORD, for at his command they were created,
and he established them for ever and ever— he issued a decree that will never pass away.
Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,
lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding,
you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars,
wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds,
kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth,
young men and women, old men and children.
Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.
And he has raised up for his people a horn, the praise of all his faithful servants, of Israel, the people close to his heart. Praise the LORD. (Psalm 148)
Hallelujah
Reflections: Ponder...
Reflections: Ponder...: "Twas the night before Christmas, when all thru the house..." "...the time came for the baby to be born"(Luke 2:6 NIV) This Eve of C...
Reflections: Mary, did you know?....
Reflections: Mary, did you know?....: Mary, did you know? Again at Christmas time, I find myself trying to put myself in Mary’s place. Young, common, the future settled… Or s...
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Occupy....
Occupy.... Webster says it means to hold. To use. To take possession.
In Genesis 13, God pointed in all directions and told Abraham that everything he saw would be his.
"The LORD said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, "Now lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward; for all the land which you see, I will give it to you and to your descendants forever."
(Genesis 13:14-15)
How could all that land be Abrams? There were people living there. On top of that, Lot had gone in one of those directions, with all his belongings, and claimed part of that same land.
Lot had originally tagged along with Abram. Abram had followed in obedience when God directed him to leave his homeland and go "...to a place I will show you." (Genesis 12:1)
Lot followed Abram. (...and Lot benefited from following an uncle who followed God.)
Now, Lot has the best pastures, and Abram has the promise of God.
And Abram had instructions.... "Go, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I am giving it to you." (Gen. 12:17)
As I studied that passage, I thought about Jesus parable about the ten servants who were given ten pounds. They were told to "...Occupy till I come." (Luke 19:13 KJV)
Each of the ten servants were provided with equal resource to 'occupy til I come'.
Abram was given resources.
Abram was given promises.
And Abram was instructed to walk out and into that promise.
He was told to occupy what was given to him.
Today, I am given resources. I have the Holy Spirit of God, and His Sword of the Spirit, recorded in scripture.
I am given salvation. Free for the taking.
I just have to believe it is mine, and walk in it.
I purpose today to walk in the promised land of my salvation.
In Genesis 13, God pointed in all directions and told Abraham that everything he saw would be his.
(Genesis 13:14-15)
Lot had originally tagged along with Abram. Abram had followed in obedience when God directed him to leave his homeland and go "...to a place I will show you." (Genesis 12:1)
Lot followed Abram. (...and Lot benefited from following an uncle who followed God.)
Now, Lot has the best pastures, and Abram has the promise of God.
And Abram had instructions.... "Go, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I am giving it to you." (Gen. 12:17)
As I studied that passage, I thought about Jesus parable about the ten servants who were given ten pounds. They were told to "...Occupy till I come." (Luke 19:13 KJV)
Each of the ten servants were provided with equal resource to 'occupy til I come'.
Abram was given resources.
Abram was given promises.
And Abram was instructed to walk out and into that promise.
He was told to occupy what was given to him.
Today, I am given resources. I have the Holy Spirit of God, and His Sword of the Spirit, recorded in scripture.
I am given salvation. Free for the taking.
I just have to believe it is mine, and walk in it.
I purpose today to walk in the promised land of my salvation.
Friday, December 7, 2012
Lips....
-
Lips….
- Lips are attached to my mouth.
- Words come out of my mouth.
- Knowledge comes from the task of learning, either by exercise of mind and resources……or experience.
- What I learn from study or observation is stored in my mind….( granted, hard to recall sometimes. )
- What I learn by experience is never forgotten. (….especially the hard painful lessons…!! )
I hadn’t really noticed that word in scripture before. Recently, I heard a radio speaker quote a passage that got my attention.
"There is gold, and an abundance of jewels; But the lips of knowledge are a more precious thing” (Proverbs 20:15)
What in the world are lips of knowledge? Whatever it is…it is very valuable. Obviously.
Well, let’s see…..
So…why the high value?
What I speak and communicate out of what I have learned is valuable.
What I speak and communicate out of what I know that I know I know…..is priceless to me. And valuable to others.
Those of us who understand the language of Christianese call it ‘testimony’
And those who listen to testimonies from those who know that they know that they know Jesus Christ….must find an audience. An audience who may or may not recognize the value of ‘lips of knowledge’.
Those of us who know that we know that we know Jesus Christ have something very valuable, and we must speak that valuable knowledge of Him, especially to those who do not know that they know Him.
(….and yes, I know that I know that I know that I know Him. Do you? )
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Gimme.....
Gimme…
Yep. It’s a word. I Googled it.
It is a golf term, but unless you are a golfer, you define it as demanding material things. At least I do….
We live in a gimme world. Enough is never enough it seems. Christmas magnifies it.
Think about the ‘gimme’ mentality of the young man we call ‘the prodigal son’. Jesus tells the story in Luke 15.
"There was once a man who had two sons. The younger said to his father, 'Father, I want right now what's coming to me.' "So the father divided the property between them. It wasn't long before the younger son packed his bags and left for a distant country. (Luke 15:11-13)
An insult really. Inheritances are to be had AFTER the death of someone, and this young man can’t wait for his father to die. Gimme.
What is even more incredible is that the father did give. It causes me to wonder what I would have done. My mind plays out several scenarios, the first of them being an insulted hissy fit. (…if you know what ‘gimme’ means, you’ll know what a ‘hissy fit’ is….)
This father trusted God to deal with his son. In the face of rebellion and disrespect, he allowed the son to have his way. Really…what good would it have done to have refused? The desire was there in the son’s heart.
And only God can change a heart.
Yep. It’s a word. I Googled it.
It is a golf term, but unless you are a golfer, you define it as demanding material things. At least I do….
We live in a gimme world. Enough is never enough it seems. Christmas magnifies it.
Think about the ‘gimme’ mentality of the young man we call ‘the prodigal son’. Jesus tells the story in Luke 15.
An insult really. Inheritances are to be had AFTER the death of someone, and this young man can’t wait for his father to die. Gimme.
What is even more incredible is that the father did give. It causes me to wonder what I would have done. My mind plays out several scenarios, the first of them being an insulted hissy fit. (…if you know what ‘gimme’ means, you’ll know what a ‘hissy fit’ is….)
This father trusted God to deal with his son. In the face of rebellion and disrespect, he allowed the son to have his way. Really…what good would it have done to have refused? The desire was there in the son’s heart.
And only God can change a heart.
Trust...
Preparing to speak to 2 & 3 year old children, I found myself trying to find a way to communicate the idea of trust.
One of my most treasured Words from God is about trust. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding..."(Proverbs 3:5)
We speak of faith and trust. We sing about trust and obedience. But even when I am obeying, am I really trusting?
I must confess that often, my obedience is not bathed in trust. Sometimes my obedience is out of pure choice, hoping for the best...often after I've exhausted all my own resources.
Again, I thank God for showing me how Jesus deals with my issue.
This man had a problem he couldn't fix. He knew Jesus had done some pretty awesome things, and asked for His help.
That little word 'if' this father uttered brought him face to face with a crisis of faith. He was challenged to believe that Jesus can do ANY thing....and trust Jesus.
Trust that He will do the RIGHT thing.
Oh Lord God, help my unbelief.
One of my most treasured Words from God is about trust. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding..."(Proverbs 3:5)
We speak of faith and trust. We sing about trust and obedience. But even when I am obeying, am I really trusting?
I must confess that often, my obedience is not bathed in trust. Sometimes my obedience is out of pure choice, hoping for the best...often after I've exhausted all my own resources.
Again, I thank God for showing me how Jesus deals with my issue.
"... if You can do anything, take pity on us and help us!" And Jesus said to him,
" 'If You can?' All things are possible to him who believes." Immediately the boy's father cried out and said, "I do believe; help my unbelief." (Mark 9:222-25)
This man had a problem he couldn't fix. He knew Jesus had done some pretty awesome things, and asked for His help.
That little word 'if' this father uttered brought him face to face with a crisis of faith. He was challenged to believe that Jesus can do ANY thing....and trust Jesus.
Trust that He will do the RIGHT thing.
Oh Lord God, help my unbelief.
Friday, November 23, 2012
Want...
Seems it is official. The Christmas season is in full swing.
I think of that silly little song, "..all I want for Christmas is my two front teeth..."
Sadly, most Christmas wishes are not that basic.
I again this year challenge myself to consider my wants. I purpose to continue to be thankful rather than wanting.....
"All I want for Christmas is_________________________________"
What goes in that blank?
I think of that silly little song, "..all I want for Christmas is my two front teeth..."
Sadly, most Christmas wishes are not that basic.
I again this year challenge myself to consider my wants. I purpose to continue to be thankful rather than wanting.....
"All I want for Christmas is_________________________________"
What goes in that blank?
Thankful 23...
I am thankful for babies.
There is nothing sweeter, nothing more precious...Now, don't misunderstand...I do not want one ! Not for more than a few hours at a time !!
I raised two baby boys. I watched two baby grand-daughters grow up. I watched nephews and nieces meet the world, and grow into adults. I am now watching from afar as a baby great-nephew changes from an infant to a little boy, and will love every minute of seeing his daddy have his perspective go thru a dramatic change....
Babies draw me, I want to look into their eyes, talk to them (...and talk FOR them as if I am the only one who knows what they would say, if only they could...), and I love seeing them respond to me, hopefully with a smile !
It is incredible to me that a baby human is so utterly helpless when born, yet every other life that God created comes into the world mobile. Within minutes, or seconds, every other living creature is capable of seeking shelter and nourishment, all by itself.....
Puppies, with eyes sealed shut, can manage to snuggle up to their mother and nuzzle for her nourishment. Colts and calves, within minutes, can stand up, walk, and run.
As the season of thanksgiving closes, my thoughts turn to babies.
I am thankful for babies. Most especially The One Baby Who changed my life, and the world.....
Thank You Father for baby Jesus.
Thank You Jesus, for leaving the throne of heaven and manifesting Yourself into the womb of a young virgin and the flesh of a human baby...
Hallelujah.
There is nothing sweeter, nothing more precious...Now, don't misunderstand...I do not want one ! Not for more than a few hours at a time !!
I raised two baby boys. I watched two baby grand-daughters grow up. I watched nephews and nieces meet the world, and grow into adults. I am now watching from afar as a baby great-nephew changes from an infant to a little boy, and will love every minute of seeing his daddy have his perspective go thru a dramatic change....
Babies draw me, I want to look into their eyes, talk to them (...and talk FOR them as if I am the only one who knows what they would say, if only they could...), and I love seeing them respond to me, hopefully with a smile !
It is incredible to me that a baby human is so utterly helpless when born, yet every other life that God created comes into the world mobile. Within minutes, or seconds, every other living creature is capable of seeking shelter and nourishment, all by itself.....
Puppies, with eyes sealed shut, can manage to snuggle up to their mother and nuzzle for her nourishment. Colts and calves, within minutes, can stand up, walk, and run.
As the season of thanksgiving closes, my thoughts turn to babies.
I am thankful for babies. Most especially The One Baby Who changed my life, and the world.....
Thank You Father for baby Jesus.
Thank You Jesus, for leaving the throne of heaven and manifesting Yourself into the womb of a young virgin and the flesh of a human baby...
Hallelujah.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Thankful 22....
I am thankful for a job I love, and plenty of work to do.
I am thankful for so many wonderful client-friends, those who sit in my chair, and those who sit in the other chairs of our salon.
Tonight, as I count those blessings, I must admit I'm thankful for the next few days off !! Whew.....I am a pooped out blessed woman !!!
I am thankful for so many wonderful client-friends, those who sit in my chair, and those who sit in the other chairs of our salon.
Tonight, as I count those blessings, I must admit I'm thankful for the next few days off !! Whew.....I am a pooped out blessed woman !!!
Thankful 21...
I am thankful for pictures.
Photography is a complicated craft. Amazing things can be captured...a moment in time snatched and recorded....often becoming a treasured piece of our past. Looking back at photographs can put us back in that same moment, bring back emotions of the moment...
Modern photography can make us look really good. If you know how, you can look slimmer, have a flawless complexion, or enhance the image in dozens of other ways.
A photograph, untouched, shows us what we look like. It mirrors that moment of time, snatched away and documented.
It seems I photograph pretty well. Photographs of me look better than the real deal ! I'm not sure why that is.....I look at photographs of myself, and even I think "...you don't really look like that..." Perhaps I have a knack for posing...
This morning, I am also thankful for the picture of me that my Creator God sees.
He doesn't see my flaws, He sees me flawless.
He doesn't see my bumps and bulges, He sees me perfect.
A snapshot of me, made at the foot of the cross...
A snapshot of me, a moment in time, when I was snatched away, rescued and redeemed....
It is documented. My name is on The Lamb's Book of Life. My name written on the palm of His Hand.
"For the LORD's portion is his people....In a desert land He found me, in a barren and howling waste.
He shielded me and cared for me..
He guarded me as the apple of is Eye..
Like an eagle that stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, that spreads its wings to catch them and carries them on its pinions...The LORD alone led me..."(Deut. 32:9-12, personalized by me)
I believe my picture might just be on His mantle......
Photography is a complicated craft. Amazing things can be captured...a moment in time snatched and recorded....often becoming a treasured piece of our past. Looking back at photographs can put us back in that same moment, bring back emotions of the moment...
Modern photography can make us look really good. If you know how, you can look slimmer, have a flawless complexion, or enhance the image in dozens of other ways.
A photograph, untouched, shows us what we look like. It mirrors that moment of time, snatched away and documented.
It seems I photograph pretty well. Photographs of me look better than the real deal ! I'm not sure why that is.....I look at photographs of myself, and even I think "...you don't really look like that..." Perhaps I have a knack for posing...
This morning, I am also thankful for the picture of me that my Creator God sees.
He doesn't see my flaws, He sees me flawless.
He doesn't see my bumps and bulges, He sees me perfect.
A snapshot of me, made at the foot of the cross...
A snapshot of me, a moment in time, when I was snatched away, rescued and redeemed....
It is documented. My name is on The Lamb's Book of Life. My name written on the palm of His Hand.
He shielded me and cared for me..
He guarded me as the apple of is Eye..
Like an eagle that stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, that spreads its wings to catch them and carries them on its pinions...The LORD alone led me..."(Deut. 32:9-12, personalized by me)
I believe my picture might just be on His mantle......
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Thankful 20...
I am thankful for harmony.
There's not anything I can think of offhand that I enjoy more than good four part harmony. I love voices blended, complimenting one another, completing each other....connecting to make a whole.
It isn't really logical. How can sounds that are completely different be so absolutely perfect?
But there is something you can actually feel when perfect harmony happens, you don't just hear it....and you don't just feel the vibrations of your own voice or someone else's. It isn't just 'pretty'...it is absolutely spiritual, (especially if the message of the song is positive, and even if it is negative, the spiritual aspect of the song's message is still there and is dangerous).
The harmony of music mirrors what happens in the universe around us. Each aspect of nature compliments the rest, making complete. The cycle of life....
There is another kind of harmony found on the pages of scripture. Our Bibles contain the complete harmony of God's Voice. His Triune Deity speaks and sings to us thru what is recorded. From Genesis to Revelation, the harmony of His Song is perfect.
I purpose to listen to the entire Song, not just a little phrase or two, not just the lead melody, not just the high harmonious parts, but entirely.
God is so creative.
There's not anything I can think of offhand that I enjoy more than good four part harmony. I love voices blended, complimenting one another, completing each other....connecting to make a whole.
It isn't really logical. How can sounds that are completely different be so absolutely perfect?
But there is something you can actually feel when perfect harmony happens, you don't just hear it....and you don't just feel the vibrations of your own voice or someone else's. It isn't just 'pretty'...it is absolutely spiritual, (especially if the message of the song is positive, and even if it is negative, the spiritual aspect of the song's message is still there and is dangerous).
The harmony of music mirrors what happens in the universe around us. Each aspect of nature compliments the rest, making complete. The cycle of life....
There is another kind of harmony found on the pages of scripture. Our Bibles contain the complete harmony of God's Voice. His Triune Deity speaks and sings to us thru what is recorded. From Genesis to Revelation, the harmony of His Song is perfect.
I purpose to listen to the entire Song, not just a little phrase or two, not just the lead melody, not just the high harmonious parts, but entirely.
God is so creative.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Thankful 19...
I am thankful for persistence......
Thankful for the persistence of my alarm clock as I hit the snooze button 5 times every morning. Every morning it prods and encourages me to wake up, get up, and go on with the agenda at hand.
Thankful even more for the the persistence of The Holy Spirit of God, Who nudges me over and over again, prodding me and encouraging me to get up and go on with Him with the agenda at His Hand.
As always, it is my choice. Often, I slap the snooze button a few times...but He is the hound of heaven, and persists in encouraging me to obedience.
Both personally, and as a nation, I am reminded of Jeremiah's recorded warning and it's actuality....
".......the LORD has sent all his servants the prophets to you again and again, you have not listened or paid any attention.
Those prophets and servants said, "Turn now, each of you, from your evil ways and your evil practices......Do not follow other gods to serve and worship them; do not provoke me to anger with what your hands have made. Then I will not harm you."
"But you did not listen to me," declares the LORD, "and you have provoked me with what your hands have made, and you have brought harm to yourselves."
Therefore the LORD Almighty says this: "Because you have not listened to my words, I will......" (Jer. 25:4-9)
Our God is persistent. His desire is that we obey Him. Not because He is domineering, mean, and nasty....but because He knows the best and wants the best for us.
My God is persistent. His desire is that I be involved in what He is doing, hand in hand with Him throughout my every day.
I purpose to stop slapping the snooze button so often......
Thankful for the persistence of my alarm clock as I hit the snooze button 5 times every morning. Every morning it prods and encourages me to wake up, get up, and go on with the agenda at hand.
Thankful even more for the the persistence of The Holy Spirit of God, Who nudges me over and over again, prodding me and encouraging me to get up and go on with Him with the agenda at His Hand.
As always, it is my choice. Often, I slap the snooze button a few times...but He is the hound of heaven, and persists in encouraging me to obedience.
Both personally, and as a nation, I am reminded of Jeremiah's recorded warning and it's actuality....
Those prophets and servants said, "Turn now, each of you, from your evil ways and your evil practices......Do not follow other gods to serve and worship them; do not provoke me to anger with what your hands have made. Then I will not harm you."
"But you did not listen to me," declares the LORD, "and you have provoked me with what your hands have made, and you have brought harm to yourselves."
Therefore the LORD Almighty says this: "Because you have not listened to my words, I will......" (Jer. 25:4-9)
Our God is persistent. His desire is that we obey Him. Not because He is domineering, mean, and nasty....but because He knows the best and wants the best for us.
My God is persistent. His desire is that I be involved in what He is doing, hand in hand with Him throughout my every day.
I purpose to stop slapping the snooze button so often......
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Thankful 18...
I am thankful for the church.
I am thankful for the church family.
And most of all, I am thankful to have come to understand that my secure salvation does not lie with either, but is in Christ Jesus alone.
Now....I better get busy or I'm going to be late getting there to be with all of them today !!
I am thankful for the church family.
And most of all, I am thankful to have come to understand that my secure salvation does not lie with either, but is in Christ Jesus alone.
Now....I better get busy or I'm going to be late getting there to be with all of them today !!
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Thankful 17...
I am thankful for taste.
I have known people who have lost their sense of taste. Hard to imagine...
I am not as much a fan of food as some people, but I do enjoy a good meal.
I love chocolate.
As I sit and reflect this cool November morning, with my pumpkin spice coffee in hand, I am thankful to be able to enjoy taste.
God is so creative...............
I have known people who have lost their sense of taste. Hard to imagine...
I am not as much a fan of food as some people, but I do enjoy a good meal.
I love chocolate.
As I sit and reflect this cool November morning, with my pumpkin spice coffee in hand, I am thankful to be able to enjoy taste.
God is so creative...............
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Thankful 16....
I am thankful for a great staff.
I've been working behinf a styling chair in a hair salon since 1973. I've worked with quite a few people. I've learned from each and every one of them. Some, from the negative.....
I'm not the greatest hairdresser there is.
I'm not the greatest business owner...
I'm not the greatest teacher, or mentor.
I'm not the greatest anything for that matter !
So, why I've been so blessed has nothing to do with my greatness.
Why God has chosen to bless me in the ways He has is beyond my comprehension.
Tonight, as I reflect on the 16th day of thankfulness, I again count my co-workers as great blessings.
They do good work.
They care for people.
They support each other.
They trust.
They love.
They have my back.
They endure.
They don't give up or give in.
They strive toward their goals.
I've been so blessed to see them reach some of those goals, and enjoy watching them grow toward new goals.
I have a great staff. And am blessed to call them friends.
I've been working behinf a styling chair in a hair salon since 1973. I've worked with quite a few people. I've learned from each and every one of them. Some, from the negative.....
I'm not the greatest hairdresser there is.
I'm not the greatest business owner...
I'm not the greatest teacher, or mentor.
I'm not the greatest anything for that matter !
So, why I've been so blessed has nothing to do with my greatness.
Why God has chosen to bless me in the ways He has is beyond my comprehension.
Tonight, as I reflect on the 16th day of thankfulness, I again count my co-workers as great blessings.
They do good work.
They care for people.
They support each other.
They trust.
They love.
They have my back.
They endure.
They don't give up or give in.
They strive toward their goals.
I've been so blessed to see them reach some of those goals, and enjoy watching them grow toward new goals.
I have a great staff. And am blessed to call them friends.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Thankful 15....
I am thankful for purposes.
And I am especially thankful to understand a little of what mine is......
"...For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. .." (Jeremiah 29:11)
Who I am is not just an accident or a coincidence. Certainly, who I have become is a product of the choices I have made. Some of them wrong ones....
But God has created me with the possibility to choose an incredible life.
God's truth is that when my life was first sparked, when it first began in my mother's womb... He assigned a plan for my life. He knew who I would be, and what I could accomplish with His help and guidance.
He also knew what I would be without Him. And as from the very beginning, it is my choice to take that path, or devise my own.
I am thankful that none of us are left to our own devices. We aren't just thrown into life without purpose. Neither are we without help and guidance.
"But...... my people wouldn't listen to me.....wouldn't obey me...So I let them go their own stubborn way. I let them follow their own sinful plans"(Ps. 81:11-12)
Somewhere along the way, thru the struggles and wrong choices, I began to understand the purpose of my life. It is a process.
and an adventure....
And I am especially thankful to understand a little of what mine is......
"...For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. .." (Jeremiah 29:11)
Who I am is not just an accident or a coincidence. Certainly, who I have become is a product of the choices I have made. Some of them wrong ones....
But God has created me with the possibility to choose an incredible life.
God's truth is that when my life was first sparked, when it first began in my mother's womb... He assigned a plan for my life. He knew who I would be, and what I could accomplish with His help and guidance.
He also knew what I would be without Him. And as from the very beginning, it is my choice to take that path, or devise my own.
I am thankful that none of us are left to our own devices. We aren't just thrown into life without purpose. Neither are we without help and guidance.
Somewhere along the way, thru the struggles and wrong choices, I began to understand the purpose of my life. It is a process.
and an adventure....
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Thankful 14...
I am thankful I can comprehend.
Now...I can't comprehend everything ! Some things just go smooth over my blonde head !!!
But I am so very thankful I can open my Bible and comprehend the printed words.
I am thankful that I can comprehend, but even more than that.....I am thankful to have the Holy Spirit of God to aid my understanding.
I am thankful that He brings to my mind whatever I have comprehended.
I am thankful He shows me how to apply what I comprehend and remember.
"....the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you..." (John 14:26)
Now...I can't comprehend everything ! Some things just go smooth over my blonde head !!!
But I am so very thankful I can open my Bible and comprehend the printed words.
I am thankful that I can comprehend, but even more than that.....I am thankful to have the Holy Spirit of God to aid my understanding.
I am thankful that He brings to my mind whatever I have comprehended.
I am thankful He shows me how to apply what I comprehend and remember.
"....the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you..." (John 14:26)
Thankful 13....
I am thankful for thermostats.
I am thankful it is so easy to change the temperature in my house. I am thankful to be cool enough, and thankful to be warm enough.
That little device regulates the environment of my home.
I am thankful for the Holy Spirit of God. His Presence and power regulates the environment of my spirit. He keeps me cool when things in my life heat up. He keeps me warm when I am chilled to the bone with anxiety, dread, or fear. He is able to do all that and more....
......if I ask, allow, and obey.
"Dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.
Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.
To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before hHs glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior, be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen (Jude 1:20-25)
Hallelujah.
I am thankful it is so easy to change the temperature in my house. I am thankful to be cool enough, and thankful to be warm enough.
That little device regulates the environment of my home.
I am thankful for the Holy Spirit of God. His Presence and power regulates the environment of my spirit. He keeps me cool when things in my life heat up. He keeps me warm when I am chilled to the bone with anxiety, dread, or fear. He is able to do all that and more....
......if I ask, allow, and obey.
Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.
To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before hHs glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior, be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen (Jude 1:20-25)
Hallelujah.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)