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…..
Friday, September 9, 2011
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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