Love… I ran across a list of quotes about love. Reading them made me wonder how differently we define love....just what does it means to love, what does it look like to be loved.... What do you say?
I think lots of us have some very skewed perceptions about love. Some of the quotes I can’t agree with, some of them don’t measure up with the teaching of Jesus.
“God IS love.” (1John 4:16 emphasis mine)
He invented the whole concept, it defines Him…and He gets to define what love is, not me
Or you.
One of the quotes I read is : “Love is the condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.”
Interesting quote to think about.
How does the happiness of another person effect me? What person’s happiness matters to me?
Jesus said we are to love God first and foremost. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' …..”
And He said we are to “Love your neighbor as yourself.'…” (Mark 12:30-31)
Loving other people is second only to loving God. I’d say that’s a pretty important matter to consider.
“ There is no commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:31)
I tried hard to love a god I didn’t really know. I knew facts of history, not character and nature.
I was afraid of Him, knew I was supposed to love Him but didn’t find Him very loveable. Nor did I grasp His love for me. I didn’t know it, and certainly didn’t live in it.
All the dissatisfaction within me was a symptom of my need to know and live in His love. God loves us with a love we can not fathom, nor can we duplicate it. Man was created to live in His love…we are never complete and happy any other way.
His capacity to love is beyond human capacity, but He DOES enable us to love beyond our nature.
His love is essential to my happiness.
Loving Him is essential to my happiness.
If you don’t love Him, you wonder that you don’t know really Him.
Find Him today. He is so good.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
Names...
Name… Everybody gets one at birth. For us gals, most of us get a name change when we marry. Some folks get a name for themselves…whether a name for good or not so good…
In my religious heritage, the name of the church was an important issue. I mean the name that is on the sign out front. I have heard lots of sermons about names. I have come to understand that the only name that is important in that regard is the Name of Jesus the Christ. But, some folks are convinced otherwise, so whatever….
When we named our children, we considered lots of options. But we never thought past the sound of the name. Frequently, we didn’t like a name because it reminded us of someone else.
In scripture, names were very important, and had lots of meaning. They were words…they communicated something. Often, they indicated something to come to pass about the child….prophetic.
Hanna named her son Shmuel, in English spelled Samuel. It comes from the two Hebrew words ‘shama’ meaning to hear, and ‘el’ meaning almighty, which referred to diety. Samuel means heard of God. Hanna had no children, prayed fervently for a child, and she heard from God an answer to her prayer, conceived and bore a son. (1 Samuel 1:20)
Jesus, Jehovah saves. Immanuel, God with us.
Eve, Noah, Moses….I could write dozens of examples like this.
Have we lost something in the way we name our children? Maybe, maybe not….
When our youngest grand-daughter was to be born, the name was discussed almost every day. I can’t explain to you the why of it, but I knew her name. Her name was Caroline. I finally gave my suggestion, and eventually announced to my precious children that I would be calling this unborn child Caroline until I was told differently and informed of the name she would be given.
I looked the name up one day, and upon reading what the name means, was even more convinced that Caroline was indeed her name…… she was a ‘bringer of joy’.
And indeed she was and is.
Connie…. ?
“constant; steadfast”
In my religious heritage, the name of the church was an important issue. I mean the name that is on the sign out front. I have heard lots of sermons about names. I have come to understand that the only name that is important in that regard is the Name of Jesus the Christ. But, some folks are convinced otherwise, so whatever….
When we named our children, we considered lots of options. But we never thought past the sound of the name. Frequently, we didn’t like a name because it reminded us of someone else.
In scripture, names were very important, and had lots of meaning. They were words…they communicated something. Often, they indicated something to come to pass about the child….prophetic.
Hanna named her son Shmuel, in English spelled Samuel. It comes from the two Hebrew words ‘shama’ meaning to hear, and ‘el’ meaning almighty, which referred to diety. Samuel means heard of God. Hanna had no children, prayed fervently for a child, and she heard from God an answer to her prayer, conceived and bore a son. (1 Samuel 1:20)
Jesus, Jehovah saves. Immanuel, God with us.
Eve, Noah, Moses….I could write dozens of examples like this.
Have we lost something in the way we name our children? Maybe, maybe not….
When our youngest grand-daughter was to be born, the name was discussed almost every day. I can’t explain to you the why of it, but I knew her name. Her name was Caroline. I finally gave my suggestion, and eventually announced to my precious children that I would be calling this unborn child Caroline until I was told differently and informed of the name she would be given.
I looked the name up one day, and upon reading what the name means, was even more convinced that Caroline was indeed her name…… she was a ‘bringer of joy’.
And indeed she was and is.
Connie…. ?
“constant; steadfast”
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Quote 13...
Quote 13… “Mama always had a way of explaining things so I could understand them.” …
Communication is vital isn’t it? You can lecture for hours, read a zillion words, write a zillion more…But unless the thoughts are conveyed, you’ve just wasted time, energy, and ink. (…or in my case, memory on a computer.)
Sometimes, I get an attitude and mindset that I need to be right about every single thing, as well as make sure you are correct too. Sometimes, I skip right over the message, and focus on the method.
I’m sure I’m the only one guilty….
Don’t misunderstand me. Being correct is of the utmost importance, but sometimes I correct form, when form doesn’t make a bit of difference.
Mama talks baby talk so baby can understand. THAT is the important thing. Understanding. And baby talk is far from correct grammar !
I’ve heard folks argue over which translation of written scripture to use, as if Jesus used one of them. (He did use one, and I understand it was Hebrew….I don’t understand Hebrew much better than I understand the original KJV.)
Translations line the shelves of bookstores now. There are groups of scholars from all over the globe who regularly gather to examine the old documents and manuscripts. They study the language of the era, and they consider how words were used in all sorts of literature of that day.
They consider what words we use today, and how we use them. Which, by the way, changes from generation to generation. Big time.
Scholars’ goal is to take the message in that old manuscript, written to that ancient world, a document that used their language and their words, and then communicate the message of it to our world today, using our language and our words.
I bet the people of other foreign languages don’t have this axe to grind….I’m pretty sure there’s not a lot of Bibles written in Chinese. Certainly not the King James Version ! And I’m glad I don’t have to read either of them. But I am thrilled that the Chinese can read and understand what was once only written in Hebrew or Greek.
It is certainly a good thing to be educated in the correct use and form or words. It’s a far better thing to be able to use all of them to effectively transfer a thought from one mind and heart to another.
We are told to “ …grow in the grace and knowledge…”(2Peter 3:18)
I wonder if some of us don’t need some refresher courses in grace. Are we impressed with our knowledge and the other person’s lack of it ?
Might we need to heed the words of Paul…. Certainly I do.
“ Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up…” (2 Cor. 8:1)
It is the message that is important. Not the method, not the pronunciation, not the spelling, not the punctuation, not the grammer.
Father, may our desire be to grow in grace and not simply knowledge. May our knowledge be only a tool to help us build others up and communicate the message of Jesus Christ.
Communication is vital isn’t it? You can lecture for hours, read a zillion words, write a zillion more…But unless the thoughts are conveyed, you’ve just wasted time, energy, and ink. (…or in my case, memory on a computer.)
Sometimes, I get an attitude and mindset that I need to be right about every single thing, as well as make sure you are correct too. Sometimes, I skip right over the message, and focus on the method.
I’m sure I’m the only one guilty….
Don’t misunderstand me. Being correct is of the utmost importance, but sometimes I correct form, when form doesn’t make a bit of difference.
Mama talks baby talk so baby can understand. THAT is the important thing. Understanding. And baby talk is far from correct grammar !
I’ve heard folks argue over which translation of written scripture to use, as if Jesus used one of them. (He did use one, and I understand it was Hebrew….I don’t understand Hebrew much better than I understand the original KJV.)
Translations line the shelves of bookstores now. There are groups of scholars from all over the globe who regularly gather to examine the old documents and manuscripts. They study the language of the era, and they consider how words were used in all sorts of literature of that day.
They consider what words we use today, and how we use them. Which, by the way, changes from generation to generation. Big time.
Scholars’ goal is to take the message in that old manuscript, written to that ancient world, a document that used their language and their words, and then communicate the message of it to our world today, using our language and our words.
I bet the people of other foreign languages don’t have this axe to grind….I’m pretty sure there’s not a lot of Bibles written in Chinese. Certainly not the King James Version ! And I’m glad I don’t have to read either of them. But I am thrilled that the Chinese can read and understand what was once only written in Hebrew or Greek.
It is certainly a good thing to be educated in the correct use and form or words. It’s a far better thing to be able to use all of them to effectively transfer a thought from one mind and heart to another.
We are told to “ …grow in the grace and knowledge…”(2Peter 3:18)
I wonder if some of us don’t need some refresher courses in grace. Are we impressed with our knowledge and the other person’s lack of it ?
Might we need to heed the words of Paul…. Certainly I do.
“ Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up…” (2 Cor. 8:1)
It is the message that is important. Not the method, not the pronunciation, not the spelling, not the punctuation, not the grammer.
Father, may our desire be to grow in grace and not simply knowledge. May our knowledge be only a tool to help us build others up and communicate the message of Jesus Christ.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Quotes 12....
Quotes 12.…“A place where there isn't any trouble. Do you suppose there is such a place, Toto? There must be. It's not a place you can get to by a boat or a train. It's far, far away. Behind the moon, beyond the rain…”
Have you ever been in such a place? Ever longed for such a place?
I tried for years to make such a place. Didn’t happen.
There is a such a place though. And it is indeed beyond the moon, beyond the rainbow… somewhere.
I find my mind going to the old hymns….
“Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin? The blood of Jesus whispers peace within….”
“When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.”
“The winds and the waves shall obey Thy will, peace be still.
Whether the wrath of the storm-tossed sea, or demons, or men, or whatever it be.
No water can swallow the ship where lies, the Master of ocean and earth and skies;
they shall sweetly obey Thy will, peace be still, peace be still.”
I do long for a place where there is no trouble. No global trouble, national or international… political, cultural….personal.
I have known people who lived in circumstances that looked so distressing…like there was not a moment of peace. Yet, they exhibited joy.
How often I have said ‘I don’t know how you do it…’.
“Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, blessings all mine, with then thousand, ten thousand beside….” Great is His faithfulness.
There is peace for our now and for all of eternity for those who have The Holy Spirit of God dwelling within.
We all have eternity in our hearts. Will your eternity be one of peace?
No need to search for peace over the rainbow, no need to try to orchestrate it for yourself, you can’t.
Jesus Christ says “I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me”
He is waiting. Let Him in….“and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds…” (Phillipians 4:7)
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Quotes 11....
Quotes 11.…. “….you are under the unfortunate impression that just because you run away you have no courage; you’re confusing courage with wisdom.”
The speaker of that quote was not at all what he pretended to be. He hid behind curtains, used bells and whistles of all sorts to make himself appear to be THE grand, all knowing, and all powerful one. Some wizard he was….
He was pretty ordinary….pity he didn’t apply his words of wisdom to his own life and come out from hiding behind that curtain sooner…. It takes courage to step out of hiding and be real.
We have an enemy who is a liar and a deceiver of the brethren ( John 8:44, Rev.12:10, Rev. 13:14, Gen. 3:13) He prefers to keep us in pretense.
One of the enemy’s most effective weapons against most of us is fear. Satan deceives us, we choose to believe him over believing God, we find the truth out for ourselves by experience, then instead of running TO God, we hide behind our own curtain, displaying our own bells and whistles…those of denial, pretense, and excuse.
We too are often under the unfortunate impression that running and hiding means we are weak and cowardly. A usual tactic of the enemy...take a little truth and twist it....
Hiding our sin from God IS cowardly. And futile.
“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:13)
Hiding our sin from ourselves is not only cowardly but catastrophically unwise.
It does takes courage to evaluate ourselves in the Light of the holiness of God because we …“all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”(Romans 3:23)
I am convinced that only when we KNOW the love of God can we come out of hiding.
Only when we have the Presence of Jesus Christ by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, can we see ourselves both as we are, (sinful to the core….), as well as loved by our Creator God beyond human capacity and beyond human understanding.
Don’t confuse courage with wisdom, nor fear and hiding with safety.
There is only one safe place to hide. ….“hidden with Christ in God”(Col. 3:3) “We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body..” (Hebrews. 10:18-20)
The speaker of that quote was not at all what he pretended to be. He hid behind curtains, used bells and whistles of all sorts to make himself appear to be THE grand, all knowing, and all powerful one. Some wizard he was….
He was pretty ordinary….pity he didn’t apply his words of wisdom to his own life and come out from hiding behind that curtain sooner…. It takes courage to step out of hiding and be real.
We have an enemy who is a liar and a deceiver of the brethren ( John 8:44, Rev.12:10, Rev. 13:14, Gen. 3:13) He prefers to keep us in pretense.
One of the enemy’s most effective weapons against most of us is fear. Satan deceives us, we choose to believe him over believing God, we find the truth out for ourselves by experience, then instead of running TO God, we hide behind our own curtain, displaying our own bells and whistles…those of denial, pretense, and excuse.
We too are often under the unfortunate impression that running and hiding means we are weak and cowardly. A usual tactic of the enemy...take a little truth and twist it....
Hiding our sin from God IS cowardly. And futile.
“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:13)
Hiding our sin from ourselves is not only cowardly but catastrophically unwise.
It does takes courage to evaluate ourselves in the Light of the holiness of God because we …“all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”(Romans 3:23)
I am convinced that only when we KNOW the love of God can we come out of hiding.
Only when we have the Presence of Jesus Christ by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, can we see ourselves both as we are, (sinful to the core….), as well as loved by our Creator God beyond human capacity and beyond human understanding.
Don’t confuse courage with wisdom, nor fear and hiding with safety.
There is only one safe place to hide. ….“hidden with Christ in God”(Col. 3:3) “We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body..” (Hebrews. 10:18-20)
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Quote 10....
Quote 10.… “Houston we have a problem.”…….
Houston, LA, Seattle, New York, Miami…Hong Kong, London, Cairo…
New Boston, Foreman, DeKalb, Simms…
Every person in every city….we all have a problem.
“You know the story of how Adam landed us in the dilemma we're in…”(Romans 5:12 The Message)
Our problem is that we can not be perfect. No matter how bad we want to, no matter how hard we try.
"…….What I don't understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise.
So if I can't be trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it becomes obvious that God's command is necessary. But I need something more!
For if I know the law but still can't keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help!
I realize that I don't have what it takes. I can will it, but I can't do it.
I decide to do good, but I don't really do it;
I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway.
My decisions, such as they are, don't result in actions.
Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time. It happens so regularly that it's predictable. (Romans 7:14-21 The Message)
The apostle Paul had the problem, we all share it. And Houston can’t fix it….
So what to do?
“Who will save me from this sin that brings death to my body? I give thanks to God. He will do it through Jesus Christ our Lord…”(Romans 7:24-25)
“With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved.”(Romans 8:1 The Message)
Hallelujah.
Houston, LA, Seattle, New York, Miami…Hong Kong, London, Cairo…
New Boston, Foreman, DeKalb, Simms…
Every person in every city….we all have a problem.
“You know the story of how Adam landed us in the dilemma we're in…”(Romans 5:12 The Message)
Our problem is that we can not be perfect. No matter how bad we want to, no matter how hard we try.
"…….What I don't understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise.
So if I can't be trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it becomes obvious that God's command is necessary. But I need something more!
For if I know the law but still can't keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help!
I realize that I don't have what it takes. I can will it, but I can't do it.
I decide to do good, but I don't really do it;
I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway.
My decisions, such as they are, don't result in actions.
Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time. It happens so regularly that it's predictable. (Romans 7:14-21 The Message)
The apostle Paul had the problem, we all share it. And Houston can’t fix it….
So what to do?
“Who will save me from this sin that brings death to my body? I give thanks to God. He will do it through Jesus Christ our Lord…”(Romans 7:24-25)
“With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved.”(Romans 8:1 The Message)
Hallelujah.
Quote 9....
Quote 9... “What we’ve got here is a failure to communicate.”……
Paul Newman’s portrayal of a cool handed Luke demonstrated that Luke communicated quite well. He chose his own way, regardless of the personal cost.
Over and over he breaks the rules and pays the price for it… being imprisoned.
Over and over he challenges that prison. He managed to escape it, but it was a short-lived freedom…he would only be re-shackled, bound heavier and tighter.
At one point, after an escape, he finds himself in a church building and speaks to God, accusing Him, “You made me like I am.”
Our shortcomings are not God’s fault. He only allows us the freedom to choose poorly.
Luke’s communication was one sided. He communicated his will, but failed to understand the communication from the other side of that church house ceiling.
He insisted on his own way, refused to accept the consequences of his choices, and challenged the wrong in others while accepting, even excusing the faults in himself.
When caught up with yet again, he found himself with no way to escape. “…all you’ve got to do is give up.”, his friend told him.
I don’t claim complete understanding. I don’t claim to be able to communicate perfectly.
But how very thankful I am that my Lord’s message makes sense to me.
I am so grateful to understand what He has gone to such great length and cost to communicate to us.
I continue to learn to communicate…..in both hearing and listening to Him. I continue to learn to communicate with Him in prayer, doing my best to bring an open and honest heart, even though at times, it is not at all cool.
In fact, it’s pretty ugly sometimes…..
Friday, September 16, 2011
Quote 8....
Quote 8.… “I’ll be back….” I bet you read that with a certain accent.
The two looked human, but were not.
The two had different missions. To kill. To save.
When the character uttered the line in the movie, he usually came back in some vehicle, crashing thru walls or windows.
He demolished whatever was in the way of his mission….saving a young woman’s life.
As the movie progresses, she goes from not trusting him at all, to complete trust and following his direction.
Jesus was human, yet was not. He is unique in that….completely both. Completely human. Completely divine.
He too had a mission, and He has a foe that counters that mission, trying to thwart it in any way he can.
The enemy? “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy…”
The Savior has “…come so they can have life….in the fullest possible way.” (John 10:10)
And He WILL be back.
“I will come back. And I will take you to be with Me. Then you will also be where I am.” (John 14:3)
The two looked human, but were not.
The two had different missions. To kill. To save.
When the character uttered the line in the movie, he usually came back in some vehicle, crashing thru walls or windows.
He demolished whatever was in the way of his mission….saving a young woman’s life.
As the movie progresses, she goes from not trusting him at all, to complete trust and following his direction.
Jesus was human, yet was not. He is unique in that….completely both. Completely human. Completely divine.
He too had a mission, and He has a foe that counters that mission, trying to thwart it in any way he can.
The enemy? “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy…”
The Savior has “…come so they can have life….in the fullest possible way.” (John 10:10)
And He WILL be back.
“I will come back. And I will take you to be with Me. Then you will also be where I am.” (John 14:3)
Quotes 7....
Quote 7... “May the force be with you.”……..
I didn’t think much about that line back way back when…and I really don’t know now just what that meant.
But, it’s a line that most people recognize.
It is something found in most all my prayers of intercession.
It was something that Paul prayed in many of his letters. I consider those prayers to be prayers for ME.
“May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus….equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Hebrews 13:20-21)
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
“May the Lord be with your spirit. May God's grace be with you.”( 2 Tim. 4:22)
The force IS with me. Just as was promised to those early Christians, the power and Presence of Jesus Christ thru the Holy Spirit of God is with me.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you. Then you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem. You will be My witnesses in all Judea and Samaria. And you will be My witnesses from one end of the earth to the other." (Acts 1:8)
Is The Force with you?
There is no reason to live a defeated life, no reason to not have peace even in a storm of life.
If He is not with you, you can not know what you are missing….
Find out today. He is so good. He wants ONLY good, even better and best, for all of His creation. He WANTS to be with you. The God of the universe WANTS to be with and in you!
“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. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD..”(Jer. 29:11-14)
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Quote 6...
Quotes 6... “There’s no place like home.”….
The older I get, the more I find that to be true. Home, however, is not where ‘home’ once was. Foreman, Arkansas was ‘home’ for many years. New Boston, Texas is ‘home’ now…Daniels Chapel to be exact.
I still like to go places, but I don’t like to stay as long any more. I like to be at ‘home’.
But even here at ‘home’, there are times when I feel so out of sorts, even out of place. So many times, especially when the struggles come, I get this hard to describe yearning…..
Neither my ‘home’ nor my life is perfect. No part of it. But I know there IS a ‘home’ that is perfect.
I am not speaking about dissatisfaction..I’m not talking about wanting something I don’t have, or not having every need met, Paul lived it out, and said it very well…
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Phil. 4:11-13)
Thank You Lord for Paul and for the recorded words he penned.
You see, God “ has also set eternity in the hearts of men..” (Ecc. 3:11)
This place will never fully meet the ache inside. Nor will there ever be ‘enough’ to satisfy. There will always be a bigger house, another toy, the latest gadget.
They will come out with a better car, a new design label.
They will build a new tourist spot and a more luxurious way to get there.
A secret of living life in this body of flesh is finding contentment and purpose exactly where you are.
….‘cause there’s no place like home…
“Sometimes we can hardly wait to move--and so we cry out in frustration. Compared to what's coming, living conditions around here seem like a stopover in an unfurnished shack, and we're tired of it! We've been given a glimpse of the real thing, our true home, our resurrection bodies! The Spirit of God whets our appetite by giving us a taste of what's ahead. He puts a little of heaven in our hearts so that we'll never settle for less.” (2Cor. 5:2-5 The Message)
There IS no place like home, and eternity is in this heart…
The older I get, the more I find that to be true. Home, however, is not where ‘home’ once was. Foreman, Arkansas was ‘home’ for many years. New Boston, Texas is ‘home’ now…Daniels Chapel to be exact.
I still like to go places, but I don’t like to stay as long any more. I like to be at ‘home’.
But even here at ‘home’, there are times when I feel so out of sorts, even out of place. So many times, especially when the struggles come, I get this hard to describe yearning…..
Neither my ‘home’ nor my life is perfect. No part of it. But I know there IS a ‘home’ that is perfect.
I am not speaking about dissatisfaction..I’m not talking about wanting something I don’t have, or not having every need met, Paul lived it out, and said it very well…
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Phil. 4:11-13)
Thank You Lord for Paul and for the recorded words he penned.
You see, God “ has also set eternity in the hearts of men..” (Ecc. 3:11)
This place will never fully meet the ache inside. Nor will there ever be ‘enough’ to satisfy. There will always be a bigger house, another toy, the latest gadget.
They will come out with a better car, a new design label.
They will build a new tourist spot and a more luxurious way to get there.
A secret of living life in this body of flesh is finding contentment and purpose exactly where you are.
….‘cause there’s no place like home…
“Sometimes we can hardly wait to move--and so we cry out in frustration. Compared to what's coming, living conditions around here seem like a stopover in an unfurnished shack, and we're tired of it! We've been given a glimpse of the real thing, our true home, our resurrection bodies! The Spirit of God whets our appetite by giving us a taste of what's ahead. He puts a little of heaven in our hearts so that we'll never settle for less.” (2Cor. 5:2-5 The Message)
There IS no place like home, and eternity is in this heart…
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Quotes 5....
Quotes 5.…“You’ve no idea how far I’ve come to be with you.”
That quote is from my favorite movie. It’s a story about Elise McKenna and Richard Collier. He traveled time and space to be with her.
Another line I really love… “…come back to me…”
Time had separated them.
Only God is sovereign over time. The movie it fiction. Extreme fiction…
God’s sovereignty is not. God’s sovereignty is truth. Absolute truth.
Do you have any idea how far He came to be with us?
“For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.” (John 6:38)
Have you heard Him whisper to you, “come back to Me.”?
“….come to me to have life.” (John 5:40)
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Mt. 11:28-30)
He left the perfection of heaven to rescue me and restore my damaged and broken relationship with my Creator God.
I can’t fathom how far He came and all that He gave up. For me.
And you.
Quotes 4....
Quotes 4... “I hate rude behavior in a man. I won't tolerate it.”….
I forget the details of the scene this was from, but I do remember that the character who said it had his own brand of rude behavior. He tolerated that just fine….
We are all guilty of setting the standard for ‘rude behavior’. We are all guilty of tolerating our own just fine. Maybe it’s just me….but I doubt it.
The standard of behavior is set. Not by you, or me. We have been given a written definition, and we have had it fleshed out to us in Jesus Christ. He is the standard for all human behavior. God Himself is the standard.
You won’t measure up any better than I do, don’t kid yourself.
And He will not tolerate our ‘rude behavior’….our sin will not go without notice nor without punishment.
UNLESS we have One to bear the penalty in our stead.
“For God WILL bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” (Ecc. 12:14 emphasis mine)
Don’t think you can get away with anything less than the perfection of a holy God. And you have already messed that up….no way around it, no way to go back and un-do it, no way to prevent sin from sticking its ugly head up again today, and tomorrow, and the next day….
Even though God loves everyone of us with a passion beyond our comprehension, He can not, and will not tolerate ‘rude behavior’. He can not and will not allow sin to go without it’s reward.
He didn’t even do it for the angels… “ the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their own home—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day.” (Jude 1:6) They too will be held to account.
He spoke over and over to His chosen nation of Israel, warning them that He would not forever tolerate their sin and rebellion. “ When the LORD could no longer endure your wicked actions and the detestable things you did, your land became an object of cursing and a desolate waste without inhabitants, as it is today” (Jer. 44:22)
I wonder this morning how much longer He will tolerate….. I wonder that He has not begun to bring discipline on our land.
I forget the details of the scene this was from, but I do remember that the character who said it had his own brand of rude behavior. He tolerated that just fine….
We are all guilty of setting the standard for ‘rude behavior’. We are all guilty of tolerating our own just fine. Maybe it’s just me….but I doubt it.
The standard of behavior is set. Not by you, or me. We have been given a written definition, and we have had it fleshed out to us in Jesus Christ. He is the standard for all human behavior. God Himself is the standard.
You won’t measure up any better than I do, don’t kid yourself.
And He will not tolerate our ‘rude behavior’….our sin will not go without notice nor without punishment.
UNLESS we have One to bear the penalty in our stead.
“For God WILL bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” (Ecc. 12:14 emphasis mine)
Don’t think you can get away with anything less than the perfection of a holy God. And you have already messed that up….no way around it, no way to go back and un-do it, no way to prevent sin from sticking its ugly head up again today, and tomorrow, and the next day….
Even though God loves everyone of us with a passion beyond our comprehension, He can not, and will not tolerate ‘rude behavior’. He can not and will not allow sin to go without it’s reward.
He didn’t even do it for the angels… “ the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their own home—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day.” (Jude 1:6) They too will be held to account.
He spoke over and over to His chosen nation of Israel, warning them that He would not forever tolerate their sin and rebellion. “ When the LORD could no longer endure your wicked actions and the detestable things you did, your land became an object of cursing and a desolate waste without inhabitants, as it is today” (Jer. 44:22)
I wonder this morning how much longer He will tolerate….. I wonder that He has not begun to bring discipline on our land.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Quotes 3....
Quotes 3.… “Are we lost, daddy?”…..
That quote is from a children’s book. I read it dozens of times. I don’t remember where it came from, and unfortunately, I don’t know what happened to it. It is out of print, so I’ve given up on having a copy again. As many times as I read it, I should be able to quote every page :)
The story was about a family going on vacation. They drove and drove, the father navigating just on the information he had HEARD about the destination and how to get there.
Soon, they began to see the same sights they had driven past already. They weren’t getting any closer to the vacation spot.
Eventually, they stopped and asked someone along the way. But the information given was incorrect. They ended up making yet another round, ending up no closer than before.
Finally, the father pulled out a map. Duh.
Are we lost? You bet.
Whose information are you basing your journey on?
Who are you asking direction from?
Ever think about pulling out the map? It’s probably laying around somewhere. It has the letters B-I-B-L-E printed on the outside.
“…the Holy Scriptures… are able to teach you how to be saved by believing in Christ Jesus. God has breathed life into all of Scripture.
It is useful for teaching us what is true.
It is useful for correcting our mistakes.
It is useful for making our lives whole again.
It is useful for training us to do what is right.
By using Scripture, a man of God can be completely prepared to do every good thing. (2 Tim. 3:15-17)
Monday, September 12, 2011
Quote 2...
Quotes 2... I continue to think about the common practice of quoting…lyrics, poems, some well known person or author…a line taken from a movie, or just out of an ordinary conversation…
Today I heard from a friend who felt like nobody cared really…unless they wanted something. I think we probably all feel that way from time to time. Used and abused. We can respond by making our heart harder, deciding to not care….or maybe even having a pity party, which I’m usually guilty of.
I was troubled that my friend felt like that today. He knows in his heart of heart that it’s simply not true…but sometimes we just need to hear it from those who do care, from those who have no strings attached to their love for us.
As I thought about it, I remembered a movie I watched once.
One of the scenes portrayed a young man talking to God. He was asking God how he could get someone to love him. He had lost his girlfriend, and had tried roping the moon for her along with all kinds of other tricks and tactics, only to have her refuse him.
“How do you make somebody love you?” the guy asked of God.
“I don’t know…”, answered God.
That is so profound to me.
If God chose to force us to love Him, love would no longer be love would it?
We get to pick…. Love Him, or not love Him. He won’t force us.
“… I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him and he with Me.
To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame and have sat down with My Father in His throne.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. (Rev. 3:20-22)
Friday, September 9, 2011
Quotes....
Quotes… It is a common practice these days to use a line from some song, a movie, or some little or well known person…
One of the quotes I often here is ‘How’s this gonna work, if you don’t do what I say…?”
I’ll let you guess where that quote comes from.
My God has a sense of humor. This morning, He says the same thing to me.
"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and still don't do what I say?” That is quoting the words of Jesus as recorded in Luke 6:46.
Maybe I’m the only one He has to keep saying that to…but I doubt it.
How’s this gonna work, if you don’t do what I say…..
One of the quotes I often here is ‘How’s this gonna work, if you don’t do what I say…?”
I’ll let you guess where that quote comes from.
My God has a sense of humor. This morning, He says the same thing to me.
"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and still don't do what I say?” That is quoting the words of Jesus as recorded in Luke 6:46.
Maybe I’m the only one He has to keep saying that to…but I doubt it.
How’s this gonna work, if you don’t do what I say…..
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Follow...
Follow… Or would you rather lead, be in front, choose the direction…
I admit it. I like to lead. I like to pick the way to go. And I also admit that if I’m not leading, I’m prone to tell you how to get there too.
“Be careful to follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live and increase and may enter and possess the land the LORD promised on oath to your ancestors.” (Deut. 8:1)
I fully realize that these words were spoken to a nation of people concerning a literal, geographical piece of property…land. But I believe every word of scripture has a message for every person of every time. This morning, I hear Him saying once again…. ‘…follow Me Connie. Listen and remember what I have said so you can have a fuller and fuller life. Follow Me, don’t get ahead of Me. You will never be able to get there on your own….please, listen to Me, I know what I‘m talking about.”
Sigh…sometimes He just doesn’t go fast enough. Sometimes He picks a road with too many curves and bumps. And I complain and whine.
“Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commands.” (verse 2)
So I’ve make another round in the wilderness, learning…and this morning, I want the ‘so that’ of verse 1.
So, I purpose in my heart once again to follow.
Even though it seems to me He is going waaaaay too slow….
.
I admit it. I like to lead. I like to pick the way to go. And I also admit that if I’m not leading, I’m prone to tell you how to get there too.
“Be careful to follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live and increase and may enter and possess the land the LORD promised on oath to your ancestors.” (Deut. 8:1)
I fully realize that these words were spoken to a nation of people concerning a literal, geographical piece of property…land. But I believe every word of scripture has a message for every person of every time. This morning, I hear Him saying once again…. ‘…follow Me Connie. Listen and remember what I have said so you can have a fuller and fuller life. Follow Me, don’t get ahead of Me. You will never be able to get there on your own….please, listen to Me, I know what I‘m talking about.”
Sigh…sometimes He just doesn’t go fast enough. Sometimes He picks a road with too many curves and bumps. And I complain and whine.
“Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commands.” (verse 2)
So I’ve make another round in the wilderness, learning…and this morning, I want the ‘so that’ of verse 1.
So, I purpose in my heart once again to follow.
Even though it seems to me He is going waaaaay too slow….
.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Supplication...
Supplication… Webster says it is an earnest request….
I don’t use the word in conversation, don’t hear anyone else use it really. It is one of those Bible words, a word connected to prayer, directed toward God.
As I complete my reflecting on Psalm 119 this morning, I am challenged about my prayer life…. “Let my supplication come before Thee…” (verse 170) “…Give my request your personal attention.” (v. 170 from The Message)
I regularly present my prayer list to God, and I often find myself giving Him suggestions about how He should fill my needs….or to be truthful, my wants. Selfish, short-sighted, self-centered wants…
While it is certainly true that God is interested in my every need and desire, He sees far beyond my moment, and knows far better than I how to answer and how to fulfill my requests. He has an uncanny way of bringing about what I ask for, but in ways I don’t expect and never see coming.
In this last section of the psalm, I am reminded… He is God. I am not.
“….give me wisdom according to Your Word” (v. 169)
“….deliver me according to Your Word.” (v. 170)
“….You have taught me Your Precepts.” (v. 171)
“….all Your Commandments are righteousness.” (v. 172)
“….I have chosen Your Precepts.” (v. 173)
“….Your Law is my delight.” (v. 174)
“….let Your judgments help me.” (v. 175)
This book we call The Bible is very unique. It is only paper and ink, maybe a leather cover…but the message it communicates is incredible. The more I read and study it, the more I realize how bottomless it’s teaching is. His Word, what He has said….is. Period. The epitome of ‘it is what it is…’. God’s Word IS. It is the source of wisdom, deliverance, right-ness…
And I for one need all that. Desperately.
“I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Your servant; for I do not forget Your Commandments.” (v. 176)
How thankful I am that He does come looking for me, calling me back close to Him. If you hear Him, whether it is a shout or a whisper…listen for Him. And go to Him. Run to Him.
He is so good.
I don’t use the word in conversation, don’t hear anyone else use it really. It is one of those Bible words, a word connected to prayer, directed toward God.
As I complete my reflecting on Psalm 119 this morning, I am challenged about my prayer life…. “Let my supplication come before Thee…” (verse 170) “…Give my request your personal attention.” (v. 170 from The Message)
I regularly present my prayer list to God, and I often find myself giving Him suggestions about how He should fill my needs….or to be truthful, my wants. Selfish, short-sighted, self-centered wants…
While it is certainly true that God is interested in my every need and desire, He sees far beyond my moment, and knows far better than I how to answer and how to fulfill my requests. He has an uncanny way of bringing about what I ask for, but in ways I don’t expect and never see coming.
In this last section of the psalm, I am reminded… He is God. I am not.
“….give me wisdom according to Your Word” (v. 169)
“….deliver me according to Your Word.” (v. 170)
“….You have taught me Your Precepts.” (v. 171)
“….all Your Commandments are righteousness.” (v. 172)
“….I have chosen Your Precepts.” (v. 173)
“….Your Law is my delight.” (v. 174)
“….let Your judgments help me.” (v. 175)
This book we call The Bible is very unique. It is only paper and ink, maybe a leather cover…but the message it communicates is incredible. The more I read and study it, the more I realize how bottomless it’s teaching is. His Word, what He has said….is. Period. The epitome of ‘it is what it is…’. God’s Word IS. It is the source of wisdom, deliverance, right-ness…
And I for one need all that. Desperately.
“I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Your servant; for I do not forget Your Commandments.” (v. 176)
How thankful I am that He does come looking for me, calling me back close to Him. If you hear Him, whether it is a shout or a whisper…listen for Him. And go to Him. Run to Him.
He is so good.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Shalom....
Shalom… It is a Hebrew word. Most people know it means peace, but what is peace?
Is peace simply absence of conflict or war? What steals peace away, what prevents it from being the norm for us?
People search for it…try all sorts of methods to gain it, trying to chase away the inner conflict and be complete… somehow….ANY how…any way.
The problem is that we can not stand alone against life’s daily pressures for very long. We run into the unfriendly, the unhealthy, the incomplete, the discontent…and it takes our peace.
Oh, we may convince ourselves that we do in fact have peace, that we do not CARE about the unfriendly, unhealthy, incomplete, and discontent…
And maybe you don’t.
But IF you don’t, your peace is diminished whether you admit it or not. You are less than you were created to be if you become calloused to those unfriendly, unhealthy, incomplete……
But knowing the love of God, and living in relationship with HIM, is the single way to true peace. He is the single answer. The enemy will give you some attractive alternatives, fashion some good counterfeits for you, and present some misleading choices that will give you a short lived ‘peace’ that will blow up in your face eventually.
As I continue to reflect on Psalm 119,I read the section of verses 161-168 and I find great comfort for my lack of peace this hour….(He's so good,He sends the right Word every time…)
“Great peace have they who love Your law, and nothing can make them stumble.” (Ps. 119: 165)
My peace is not in a perfect life, because I don’t have one.
My peace is not because there is no conflict, there is plenty.
My peace is not because I have no aches and pains, no unfriendly people to deal with, or situations that make me wish for a different one…. I have plenty situations that I’d just as soon not have to deal with. My hands and feet are old, tired, and about worn out. My life does not always unfold as I expected.
But my peace does not depend on any of those things, I have peace because I have a God Who will always act toward the welfare of His children. I serve a God Who defines what it is to be complete.
And He loves me. I am in covenant relationship with Him.
As for me, I’ll just take up the cross and follow…(Mt. 16:24) I will know His peace even in a raging storm.
“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24:15)
I do not comprehend why so many refuse Him….why they refuse to accept the peace and security that is found in living by His design standard.
But I can’t want it bad enough for you…You get to pick.
Is peace simply absence of conflict or war? What steals peace away, what prevents it from being the norm for us?
People search for it…try all sorts of methods to gain it, trying to chase away the inner conflict and be complete… somehow….ANY how…any way.
The problem is that we can not stand alone against life’s daily pressures for very long. We run into the unfriendly, the unhealthy, the incomplete, the discontent…and it takes our peace.
Oh, we may convince ourselves that we do in fact have peace, that we do not CARE about the unfriendly, unhealthy, incomplete, and discontent…
And maybe you don’t.
But IF you don’t, your peace is diminished whether you admit it or not. You are less than you were created to be if you become calloused to those unfriendly, unhealthy, incomplete……
But knowing the love of God, and living in relationship with HIM, is the single way to true peace. He is the single answer. The enemy will give you some attractive alternatives, fashion some good counterfeits for you, and present some misleading choices that will give you a short lived ‘peace’ that will blow up in your face eventually.
As I continue to reflect on Psalm 119,I read the section of verses 161-168 and I find great comfort for my lack of peace this hour….(He's so good,He sends the right Word every time…)
“Great peace have they who love Your law, and nothing can make them stumble.” (Ps. 119: 165)
My peace is not in a perfect life, because I don’t have one.
My peace is not because there is no conflict, there is plenty.
My peace is not because I have no aches and pains, no unfriendly people to deal with, or situations that make me wish for a different one…. I have plenty situations that I’d just as soon not have to deal with. My hands and feet are old, tired, and about worn out. My life does not always unfold as I expected.
But my peace does not depend on any of those things, I have peace because I have a God Who will always act toward the welfare of His children. I serve a God Who defines what it is to be complete.
And He loves me. I am in covenant relationship with Him.
As for me, I’ll just take up the cross and follow…(Mt. 16:24) I will know His peace even in a raging storm.
“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24:15)
I do not comprehend why so many refuse Him….why they refuse to accept the peace and security that is found in living by His design standard.
But I can’t want it bad enough for you…You get to pick.
Affllicted...
Afflicted… Webster says: affected with continued or often repeated pain, either of body or mind ….
My parents and grandparents called people ‘afflicted’ when today we say ‘handicapped’ or ‘special needs’.
Tonight, as I am afflicted with sleeplessness, I got up to continue my reflecting on Psalm 119. I find verse 153...“Look on my affliction, and deliver me..”
I am so thankful God continues to love, continues to care, and continues to listen. Aren’t you? He could stop.
The word in the original language is ‘oniy’. It is defined as a state of oppression or extreme discomfort, physically, mentally, or spiritually. Depression. Misery.
It made me think of the song on Hee Haw from years ago…
“Gloom, despair, and agony on me,
Deep dark depression, excessive misery,
If it weren’t for bad luck, I’d have no luck at all,
Gloom, despair, and agony on me….”
Those hillbilly characters were afflicted. (…and maybe a little lazy. )
When the afflicted cry out to God for deliverance, God hears, and answers. He cares…. “Lord, You have deep concern for me. Keep me alive as You have promised. (v.156)
How well do the afflicted listen for His answer, how well do they follow His instructions as He provides deliverance?
When affliction comes, we can’t sit around with a jug and a gang of buddies, wallowing in self pity.
When affliction comes, it is more important than ever to kneel at The Throne of grace and mercy…It is the ONLY place to find help, true deliverance, and recovery. The only way to remove the deep darkness…
Excessive misery and all….
My parents and grandparents called people ‘afflicted’ when today we say ‘handicapped’ or ‘special needs’.
Tonight, as I am afflicted with sleeplessness, I got up to continue my reflecting on Psalm 119. I find verse 153...“Look on my affliction, and deliver me..”
I am so thankful God continues to love, continues to care, and continues to listen. Aren’t you? He could stop.
The word in the original language is ‘oniy’. It is defined as a state of oppression or extreme discomfort, physically, mentally, or spiritually. Depression. Misery.
It made me think of the song on Hee Haw from years ago…
“Gloom, despair, and agony on me,
Deep dark depression, excessive misery,
If it weren’t for bad luck, I’d have no luck at all,
Gloom, despair, and agony on me….”
Those hillbilly characters were afflicted. (…and maybe a little lazy. )
When the afflicted cry out to God for deliverance, God hears, and answers. He cares…. “Lord, You have deep concern for me. Keep me alive as You have promised. (v.156)
How well do the afflicted listen for His answer, how well do they follow His instructions as He provides deliverance?
When affliction comes, we can’t sit around with a jug and a gang of buddies, wallowing in self pity.
When affliction comes, it is more important than ever to kneel at The Throne of grace and mercy…It is the ONLY place to find help, true deliverance, and recovery. The only way to remove the deep darkness…
Excessive misery and all….
Friday, September 2, 2011
Insomnia....
Insomnia… Webster says it is a “prolonged and usually abnormal inability to obtain adequate sleep”. Seems like my inability to obtain adequate sleep has become pretty normal….
I remember being chastised for sleeping too much. Still asleep at noon on Saturday, my folks complained loudly, ‘You are sleeping your life away!’
I can’t sleep til midnight sometimes now, much less noon !
So I get up and continue to reflect on the next section of Psalm 119 and look what I find….
“Lord, I call out to You with all my heart. Answer me, and I will obey Your orders.
I call out to You. Save me, and I will keep Your covenant laws.
I get up before the sun rises. I cry out for help. I've put my hope in Your Word.
My eyes stay open all night long. I spend my time thinking about Your promises.
Listen to me, because You love me. Lord, keep me alive as You have promised.
Those who think up evil plans are near. They have wandered far away from Your law.
But Lord, You are near. All Your commands are true.
Long ago I learned from Your covenant laws that You made them to last forever.”
(Psalm 119:145-152)
It brings a smile to my heart that He is so sweet in His perfect timing. He speaks. On time. Every time.
On sleepless nights, my brain bounces back and forth with all the concerns of my life. I discuss it with Him, complain to Him, whine to Him…
And every single time, if I will just go to His Word…..every single time, if I will just shush my spirit and listen….
He speaks.
He is near. All His words are true and eternal.
I must just keep my hope in that Word and focus on His promises….they do indeed last forever.
Now…..let’s get some sleep !!!
I remember being chastised for sleeping too much. Still asleep at noon on Saturday, my folks complained loudly, ‘You are sleeping your life away!’
I can’t sleep til midnight sometimes now, much less noon !
So I get up and continue to reflect on the next section of Psalm 119 and look what I find….
“Lord, I call out to You with all my heart. Answer me, and I will obey Your orders.
I call out to You. Save me, and I will keep Your covenant laws.
I get up before the sun rises. I cry out for help. I've put my hope in Your Word.
My eyes stay open all night long. I spend my time thinking about Your promises.
Listen to me, because You love me. Lord, keep me alive as You have promised.
Those who think up evil plans are near. They have wandered far away from Your law.
But Lord, You are near. All Your commands are true.
Long ago I learned from Your covenant laws that You made them to last forever.”
(Psalm 119:145-152)
It brings a smile to my heart that He is so sweet in His perfect timing. He speaks. On time. Every time.
On sleepless nights, my brain bounces back and forth with all the concerns of my life. I discuss it with Him, complain to Him, whine to Him…
And every single time, if I will just go to His Word…..every single time, if I will just shush my spirit and listen….
He speaks.
He is near. All His words are true and eternal.
I must just keep my hope in that Word and focus on His promises….they do indeed last forever.
Now…..let’s get some sleep !!!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Try.....
Try…. Over and over. Again and again.
I get tired of trying. Don’t you?
It is so tempting to just throw down the towel and say ‘forget it’.
Sometimes, I just don’t want to care anymore…just wish I could NOT care.
But I have prayed so many times for God to use me. I have asked Him to help me submit myself to Him, that He could do His work thru me, ministering to others.
As I continue to reflect on Psalm 119 I read “ My zeal wears me out, for my enemies ignore your words.” (v. 139)
My zeal. There lies the problem…
It is not about me…. I know this. I have had to re-take this course over and over, again and again. I am not the one who gets a single thing accomplished in another person’s life. Ever.
He asks me to follow. Not navigate or drive….
"Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am.
Don't run from suffering; embrace it.
Follow me and I'll show you how.
Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self.
What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you?
What could you ever trade your soul for?
"If any of you are embarrassed over me and the way I'm leading you when you get around your fickle and unfocused friends, know that you'll be an even greater embarrassment to the Son of Man when he arrives in all the splendor of God, his Father, with an army of the holy angels.
( The words of Jesus, Mark 8:34-38 The Message)
Lord Jesus, forgive me as I again get out of the driver’s seat.
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