This time of the year brings out the love. Not the love that is commercialized by sexy, smoky scenes of lovers exchanging gifts, although that is seen everywhere; I'm not talking about that kind of love.
I'm talking about the true love that Christ brings into our lives. You see love is an integral theme to Christmas. God sent his son to earth to live and dwell among us to show us how we should live in this world so that we could gain eternal life. God sent his son into this world in a way that would be questioned, ridiculed and mocked until the day he died. Let's examine some things. Put yourself in his shoes and see how they would fit if this were to be you today.
Jesus' mother, Mary, was pregnant and not married. Jesus was born in the lowliest of places amongst animals. Jesus was a very controversial figure stirring up the traditions of men and challenging the beliefs and standards of the day. He plucked corn and ate it on the Sabbath. He sat with publicans and sinners. He consorted with the lowly and despised tax collectors. He healed on the Sabbath day. He talked to Samaritan women and prostitutes. He was very angry and acted out and chased merchants out of the temple. The spiritual leaders of the day sought to kill him and turned others against him.
Jesus also turned the water into wine at a wedding so that the host would not be embarrassed by running out. Jesus had compassion on the blind, the deaf and the lame and healed them. Jesus gave water to a thirsty woman and gave her an everlasting hope. Jesus rebuked those who would have turned children away from him. Jesus provided food for hungry travelers and opened the spiritual eyes of those around him to see and believe the miraculous!
The Bible talks about it this way in I Corinthians 14: 4 - 8. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."
I know, you usually hear this at weddings and anniversary celebrations and it certainly applies. But it's not written in that context. This chapter of the Bible, known as the love chapter, is sandwiched between two chapters teaching on spiritual gifts. Boy that gets me to thinking. Why are we told about the importance of love while teaching on spiritual gifts? Because true spiritual gifts can only prosper and minister when love is the motivation.
This love is not easy to possess. This type of love only comes through self-sacrifice. Jesus' example of love and restoration was the core mission of his ministry. Jesus could have and probably should have in many of our minds, demonstrated his Godliness by exposing their thoughts and motives to their peers. But, that is not the way to do things. Jesus demonstrated love to all humanity. You see, Christ's life was not easy by no means. Can you imagine knowing what people were saying about you, not to mention knowing the thoughts they have and are not saying, and then not exposing that? If you're anything like me, I THINK I know what you are thinking and therefore I respond to that. And I can't really read your thoughts. Jesus could read their unspoken words and they were as human as you and I are so I know that they were not charitable, loving thoughts all the time. Yet, he let them be and he taught them the right way to act and respond. Now that took true love. If someone thought of me as less than acceptable and I could read their thoughts, believe me I would be setting them straighter than an arrow so fast their head would swim.
The religious leaders of that day were jealous of Jesus. They could not compete with what Jesus was doing for and through the people and they were losing their foothold and income. They were not happy with the way things were challenged and traditions were exposed as needless. Their tyranny and power was exercised through the rituals and traditions of men. Maybe some would even brand this as charismatic in his day. People loved him and flocked to hear him preach and minister.
What challenges you today? Better yet, who are you envious of? Who are you holding a grudge against because they think they are better than you? Who are you no longer friends with because you feel intimidated by their talent or their ability to minister in a certain gift? Who have you talked about in such a way as to have made them look less than perfect to others so that, hopefully, you will still look good? Or, who has wronged you and you have not extended forgiveness to them because they are the ones that should be asking you to forgive them, not the other way around?
The beauty of this kind of love is that it is possible for you and I to live like this. Really! Jesus Christ in us brings about such a change that this type of unselfish love is no longer impossible but possible through Christ's forgiveness. Because he forgives us all things, we can extend that grace and forgiveness to others.
It takes three simple words. I forgive you. WOW! Why are those three simple words so hard to say? Why would you want to hold on to grudges and perceived wrongs and even real injustices when you can have a true heart of love through three simple words? It's hard. I've been there. I've had to forgive so many times when I've not truly been at fault. BUT I did it. Why? Because I'd rather extend forgiveness and move on with a friend instead of holding those grudges and wrongs inside and becoming contaminated by greed, hate, bitterness, evil, envy and pride. Those things will eat away at you until you are destroyed and have no hope or joy to sustain you in this life.
So, in the true spirit of Christmas, I am asking you to say these three simple words to those who need to hear them. "I forgive you." It will cost you something. It will cost you your hate, bitterness, envy and pride. It will cost you your need to seek retribution. But the reward of saying those three simple words are a love and joy that is boundless! Lose yourself in forgiveness so that you can find yourself in love!!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
What's the hurry?
I don't believe every thing I hear. I don't always agree with other's assessment of risk. I would venture to say you don't either. When I'm encouraged to read a book about a topic I'm interested in, I ask, "Who's the author?" When I'm talking to someone about a class they took or a conference they attended, I'm usually asking who the speaker or teacher was. Why? Because there are some authors, speakers and educators that I won't spend the time with.
Let me share with you a portion of an email our company sent out. We get these weeklyl "fun" emails that get you thinking; This one sure did.
The photographer for a national magazine was assigned to get photos of a great forest fire. Smoke at the scene was too thick to get any good shots, so he frantically called his home office to hire a plane. "It will be waiting for you at the airport!" he was assured by his editor. As soon as he got to the small, rural airport, sure enough, a plane was warming up near the runway. He jumped in with his equipment and yelled, "Let's go! Let's go!" The pilot swung the plane into the wind and soon they were in the air. "Fly over the north side of the fire," said the photographer, "and make three or four low level passes." "Why?" asked the pilot. "Because I'm going to take pictures! I'm a photographer, and photographers take pictures!" said the photographer with great exasperation. After a long pause the pilot said, "You mean you're not the instructor?"
WOW! I'm thinking what a really stupid thing to do.
How does a normally rational person get into these sitautions? Is it that they don't use common sense? Is it that they don't have the skills to evaluate the potential risk and make a factual-based decision? I don't think that's it. I believe that in these moments we are not thinking at all. We have let our emotions control us and we have overridden our normal rational thinking.
In the joke above, the photographer was in such a hurry to get that perfect picture that he forgot to ensure he was getting into the right airplane. Perhaps he saw this as his one chance at the Pulitzer Prize or a promotion to the senior correspondent for his newspaper. His frantic actions to get those pictures overrode his common sense.
Paul Harvey would have given us the "rest of the story." We didn't get that. So indulge me for a moment. I'd like to think that they reached the control tower and were patched through to a seasoned instructor who was able to guide them through getting back on the ground quickly and safely. The photographer didn't get the picture, but he did learn some valuable lessons about letting the power of the moment or the emotions override the normal check points to ensure safety.
I wish I could say that I never get into those emotional situations where all my normal fact-based reasoning is short circuited. I can't. What I do see is that I'm in too much of a hurry and I allow the "moment" to seize my emotions and I'm off chasing a wild fire.
There is a Bible character that I admire very much. It's Mary the mother of Jesus. In Luke 2:19, the Bible says "But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart". This passage is written right after Mary had delivered the baby Jesus and the angels and shepherds were praising and worshipping. In verse 51, Mary had another occasion to talk about Jesus' when they found him talking with the leaders in the temple when he was twelve years old. The Bible says they were "astonished" at his understanding and answers. Again, the scripture says Mary kept these things to herself.
I can only imagine the emotions that were clamoring for attention in her life. SHE was the mother of the great and long-awaited Messaiah. HER baby was going to deliver Israel. THIS child was special! But she kept quiet and waited until the time was right. Not until the wedding in Cana did she speak out. Her knowledge of who Jesus really was evidenced by her words "Do whatever he tells you." By this time, we're told Jesus was about 30 years old. That's a long time to hold all these thoughts inside!
My question is then, what's the hurry? The situation didn't happen over night. The fire is still burning. That fantastic money-making opportunity will be there tomorrow. That friends problem will work itself out without your "immediate" intervention. Take time to think about it. Take time to ponder the facts and things you have learned over the years before making those decisions. Use your life's experiences to evaluate the facts; use your common sense. I guarantee you, it's much better to know who you're flying with BEFORE you take off!
Let me share with you a portion of an email our company sent out. We get these weeklyl "fun" emails that get you thinking; This one sure did.
The photographer for a national magazine was assigned to get photos of a great forest fire. Smoke at the scene was too thick to get any good shots, so he frantically called his home office to hire a plane. "It will be waiting for you at the airport!" he was assured by his editor. As soon as he got to the small, rural airport, sure enough, a plane was warming up near the runway. He jumped in with his equipment and yelled, "Let's go! Let's go!" The pilot swung the plane into the wind and soon they were in the air. "Fly over the north side of the fire," said the photographer, "and make three or four low level passes." "Why?" asked the pilot. "Because I'm going to take pictures! I'm a photographer, and photographers take pictures!" said the photographer with great exasperation. After a long pause the pilot said, "You mean you're not the instructor?"
WOW! I'm thinking what a really stupid thing to do.
How does a normally rational person get into these sitautions? Is it that they don't use common sense? Is it that they don't have the skills to evaluate the potential risk and make a factual-based decision? I don't think that's it. I believe that in these moments we are not thinking at all. We have let our emotions control us and we have overridden our normal rational thinking.
In the joke above, the photographer was in such a hurry to get that perfect picture that he forgot to ensure he was getting into the right airplane. Perhaps he saw this as his one chance at the Pulitzer Prize or a promotion to the senior correspondent for his newspaper. His frantic actions to get those pictures overrode his common sense.
Paul Harvey would have given us the "rest of the story." We didn't get that. So indulge me for a moment. I'd like to think that they reached the control tower and were patched through to a seasoned instructor who was able to guide them through getting back on the ground quickly and safely. The photographer didn't get the picture, but he did learn some valuable lessons about letting the power of the moment or the emotions override the normal check points to ensure safety.
I wish I could say that I never get into those emotional situations where all my normal fact-based reasoning is short circuited. I can't. What I do see is that I'm in too much of a hurry and I allow the "moment" to seize my emotions and I'm off chasing a wild fire.
There is a Bible character that I admire very much. It's Mary the mother of Jesus. In Luke 2:19, the Bible says "But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart". This passage is written right after Mary had delivered the baby Jesus and the angels and shepherds were praising and worshipping. In verse 51, Mary had another occasion to talk about Jesus' when they found him talking with the leaders in the temple when he was twelve years old. The Bible says they were "astonished" at his understanding and answers. Again, the scripture says Mary kept these things to herself.
I can only imagine the emotions that were clamoring for attention in her life. SHE was the mother of the great and long-awaited Messaiah. HER baby was going to deliver Israel. THIS child was special! But she kept quiet and waited until the time was right. Not until the wedding in Cana did she speak out. Her knowledge of who Jesus really was evidenced by her words "Do whatever he tells you." By this time, we're told Jesus was about 30 years old. That's a long time to hold all these thoughts inside!
My question is then, what's the hurry? The situation didn't happen over night. The fire is still burning. That fantastic money-making opportunity will be there tomorrow. That friends problem will work itself out without your "immediate" intervention. Take time to think about it. Take time to ponder the facts and things you have learned over the years before making those decisions. Use your life's experiences to evaluate the facts; use your common sense. I guarantee you, it's much better to know who you're flying with BEFORE you take off!
Monday, October 19, 2009
What is this?
I gave an assignment out the other day. It was pretty simple and direct. It should have taken about 3 - 4 hours to complete and we'd have an automated monitoring report. I wasn't looking for bells and whistles. I just needed a daily report with the facts.
Towards the end of the day I realized that I still had not received the results. So I walk over to check on how things were going. What a surprise! There were three people around a desk in deep discussion. Now I'm really curious as to what is going on. What I find is that the report is still not done and it's now being coded with automated notification by email and some other 'cool' things. And oh by the way, we added some other things that would be nice to have too.
You can imagine my dismay. What I wanted was a very quick way to get to a specific set of facts that could be used in gauging the health of our new system. What I was going to get was this report with some fancy wrapping paper and sparkling bows. By the way, when I did get it, some of the important facts were missed. Too much time was spent on how 'cool' the technology was and I needed the facts which were totally missed.
When I began to question the developer, I found that his intentions were in the right place. But he wanted something that had "his name on it" to have the latest and greatest techniques. He wanted to make sure that his peers knew, when they would maintain the program, that he used the newest technologies available to him. Bottom line, his pride got in the way of getting the job done and producing the exact results that I was looking for.
As I sit here this morning thinking about this, my mind ponders the similarities between work and the kingdom of God. God has spoken to my heart. I know what he wants. So I go off and begin to do those things. But I don't see the results that I am sure God showed to me. I'm even frustrated because I am getting some results but nothing like the vision God gave to me.
So I wonder. Have I done exactly what God has asked of me? Have I done it the way he told me to? Or, have I in my pride, tried to make the assignment cooler than what it truly is because of what my peers will think or say? Is God looking down on this work and asking "What is this?" Is God wondering what in the world is taking me so long to accomplish a simple assignment?
Towards the end of the day I realized that I still had not received the results. So I walk over to check on how things were going. What a surprise! There were three people around a desk in deep discussion. Now I'm really curious as to what is going on. What I find is that the report is still not done and it's now being coded with automated notification by email and some other 'cool' things. And oh by the way, we added some other things that would be nice to have too.
You can imagine my dismay. What I wanted was a very quick way to get to a specific set of facts that could be used in gauging the health of our new system. What I was going to get was this report with some fancy wrapping paper and sparkling bows. By the way, when I did get it, some of the important facts were missed. Too much time was spent on how 'cool' the technology was and I needed the facts which were totally missed.
When I began to question the developer, I found that his intentions were in the right place. But he wanted something that had "his name on it" to have the latest and greatest techniques. He wanted to make sure that his peers knew, when they would maintain the program, that he used the newest technologies available to him. Bottom line, his pride got in the way of getting the job done and producing the exact results that I was looking for.
As I sit here this morning thinking about this, my mind ponders the similarities between work and the kingdom of God. God has spoken to my heart. I know what he wants. So I go off and begin to do those things. But I don't see the results that I am sure God showed to me. I'm even frustrated because I am getting some results but nothing like the vision God gave to me.
So I wonder. Have I done exactly what God has asked of me? Have I done it the way he told me to? Or, have I in my pride, tried to make the assignment cooler than what it truly is because of what my peers will think or say? Is God looking down on this work and asking "What is this?" Is God wondering what in the world is taking me so long to accomplish a simple assignment?
The passage in Matthew 7:21-23 comes to my mind. The Message version of the Bible says it like this, "Knowing the correct password—saying 'Master, Master,' for instance— isn't going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doing what my Father wills. I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, 'Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.' And do you know what I am going to say? 'You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don't impress me one bit. You're out of here."
I am humbled again by the way God takes the simple things in my life and speaks directly to my heart. His word goes but right to the root of the issue, doesn't it?
Pride. It's a trait that you want to have. We should take pride in our work, our appearance, and our heritage. We should value who we are and what we have accomplished in life. But that proverbial fine line is there. Pride can become the biggest monster in our closet too. It can destroy who we are and turn us into ugly, self-centered people that no one wants to be around.
When it comes right down to it, God is really looking for simple obedience to his direction. He's not looking for us to embellish on his plan. He's looking for people who will just obey.
So I ponder these things. Is the reason for the lack of results because God doesn't recognize the program? Have I taken the direction of God and tried to embellish it to the point that God no longer recognizes it? Is God looking down on my work and asking "What is this?"
I am humbled again by the way God takes the simple things in my life and speaks directly to my heart. His word goes but right to the root of the issue, doesn't it?
Pride. It's a trait that you want to have. We should take pride in our work, our appearance, and our heritage. We should value who we are and what we have accomplished in life. But that proverbial fine line is there. Pride can become the biggest monster in our closet too. It can destroy who we are and turn us into ugly, self-centered people that no one wants to be around.
When it comes right down to it, God is really looking for simple obedience to his direction. He's not looking for us to embellish on his plan. He's looking for people who will just obey.
So I ponder these things. Is the reason for the lack of results because God doesn't recognize the program? Have I taken the direction of God and tried to embellish it to the point that God no longer recognizes it? Is God looking down on my work and asking "What is this?"
Friday, October 2, 2009
I'm Expecting!
I'm expecting! That's right. I'm expecting God to do great things! Now that you know what I'm expecting, let's ponder on it for just a moment.
The first definition of the verb expecting, according to Dictionary.com, means "to look forward to; regard as likely to happen; anticipate the occurrence or the coming of". I know some of you hit the down arrow to read this pondering because the first definition you thought of with that phrase was the fourth definition. "to anticipate the birth of (one's child)" LOL
The first Chiropractor that my husband and I visited in Illinois was Dr. Weide. He truly believed in expectations. When you lay down with your face to the ceiling in his examination room, you saw a sign taped to the ceiling that said "Expect a miracle." He firmly believed that this act of expecting was part of the healing process.
Expectations are set by what we hear or what we know about something. I've had my expectations exceeded many times and experienced bliss so yummy you could almost taste it. Reliving that experience brings a smile even today. On the flip side of this, I've had my expectations blown away in a shattering moment of disappointment so intense that tears flow freely and today to relive that moment puts a lump in my throat it's hard to swallow the feelings.
So why am I expecting God to do great things? Because I know Him. He is the Master Redeemer! He is the Great Physician! He is the God of second chances! He is the Restorer of our faith! He is Whatever!
Never in my life time have I been faced with people in my home, in my family, in my church, in my work place and community with such great and diverse needs. Our economy and our world is in such turmoil and unrest it is literally breeding an environment of need beyond anything I've ever seen.
And in this environment, God is the "I Am that I Am". In the language of today, God is Whatever. You basically get a blank check here. Honest! You get to fill it out! I am expecting God to meet the need.
Now before you get so excited, let me share one more very important thing. Let me set your expectations correctly so you clearly understand and you are not disappointed. God doesn't do things in the way that we would. It's true!! God does things in ways that we can't even imagine. So before you go replying to this little pondering message with all your notes about the many times you prayed and didn't get what you asked for, let's get something straight. God is your Father. He loves you more than life itself; literally! So sometimes the way he does things is to say no! And sometimes God's yes is so far out of our understanding that we miss his answer.
Let's review just a few examples:
God's Word is true! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. If:
My God cannot ignore the world where I am living at. There are so many opportunities for him to work in and through that he cannot NOT do something. But the key is, are we asking and expecting! He's right there waiting to be asked!
I'm expecting! I am looking forward to miracles, regarding things as likely to happen quickly, and I am anticipating the occurrence or the coming of God on the scene! My expectation is so intense that my heart is pounding in anticipation! I can hardly wait to see and experience the unbelievably unique solutions God will provide! What about you? Are you expecting?
The first definition of the verb expecting, according to Dictionary.com, means "to look forward to; regard as likely to happen; anticipate the occurrence or the coming of". I know some of you hit the down arrow to read this pondering because the first definition you thought of with that phrase was the fourth definition. "to anticipate the birth of (one's child)" LOL
The first Chiropractor that my husband and I visited in Illinois was Dr. Weide. He truly believed in expectations. When you lay down with your face to the ceiling in his examination room, you saw a sign taped to the ceiling that said "Expect a miracle." He firmly believed that this act of expecting was part of the healing process.
Expectations are set by what we hear or what we know about something. I've had my expectations exceeded many times and experienced bliss so yummy you could almost taste it. Reliving that experience brings a smile even today. On the flip side of this, I've had my expectations blown away in a shattering moment of disappointment so intense that tears flow freely and today to relive that moment puts a lump in my throat it's hard to swallow the feelings.
So why am I expecting God to do great things? Because I know Him. He is the Master Redeemer! He is the Great Physician! He is the God of second chances! He is the Restorer of our faith! He is Whatever!
Never in my life time have I been faced with people in my home, in my family, in my church, in my work place and community with such great and diverse needs. Our economy and our world is in such turmoil and unrest it is literally breeding an environment of need beyond anything I've ever seen.
And in this environment, God is the "I Am that I Am". In the language of today, God is Whatever. You basically get a blank check here. Honest! You get to fill it out! I am expecting God to meet the need.
Now before you get so excited, let me share one more very important thing. Let me set your expectations correctly so you clearly understand and you are not disappointed. God doesn't do things in the way that we would. It's true!! God does things in ways that we can't even imagine. So before you go replying to this little pondering message with all your notes about the many times you prayed and didn't get what you asked for, let's get something straight. God is your Father. He loves you more than life itself; literally! So sometimes the way he does things is to say no! And sometimes God's yes is so far out of our understanding that we miss his answer.
Let's review just a few examples:
- Abraham and Sarah had a baby at the age of 99/100. Sara laughed when she heard about it.
- Joseph was sold by his brothers, falsely accused by his employer's wife, jailed and forgotten by those he helped before he ever realized his dreams. Joseph's family hated him and laughed and pondered about his dreams.
- David, the shepherd boy, became King of Israel. No body would have believed it when the boy was brought to the prophet to be anointed.
- The widow and her son were saved because she agreed to cook for the prophet of God. Scandalous request by the prophet when he KNEW that the corn and oil she had was for the last cake of all before they were to die.
- Lepers found food and saved a whole city for siege by the enemy. How? Because this pack of pathetic, sick and crippled lepers sounded like a large reinforcement coming to attack them and the enemy fled in terror!
God's Word is true! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. If:
- he could give a child to a couple that are past child bearing days,
- he can take a shepherd boy and make him into a king,
- he can take childhood dreams and bring them to fruition after great personal adversity,
- he can take a little oil and meal and sustain a family until the economy changes, and,
- he can take sick people and use them to overwhelm the odds and bring deliverance to an entire city
My God cannot ignore the world where I am living at. There are so many opportunities for him to work in and through that he cannot NOT do something. But the key is, are we asking and expecting! He's right there waiting to be asked!
I'm expecting! I am looking forward to miracles, regarding things as likely to happen quickly, and I am anticipating the occurrence or the coming of God on the scene! My expectation is so intense that my heart is pounding in anticipation! I can hardly wait to see and experience the unbelievably unique solutions God will provide! What about you? Are you expecting?
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Love in with the Apples
My daughter, Vanessa, came home last night with some apples. Actually, Vanessa came home with a whole lot of apples last night. Her crew were creating boxes to send to our American troops and they sent the leftovers home with every one.
When I got up this morning I realized that we needed to do something with them otherwise they would spoil. We eat apples here and there, but not that many, and we're leaving for St. Louis tomorrow. So what to do.
Looking at them more closely, I realized they were not store bought. These apples were a mixture of varieties, sizes, shapes and quality. I started examining them and found scars, bruised spots and very odd shapes. They certainly are not what I buy in the store. You know what I'm talking about. You go down the fruit isle in the store and your mouth waters because they are perfectly shaped and have a consistent, beautiful, shiny red very appealing skin. Not these. These looked like they'd lived and could tell us some stories. LOL
I decided that I could make some pies. I had some leftover pie crusts from a holiday and got excited thinking who I could bless today with some apple pie. You might wonder why I don't just fix if for my family. Guess what? They don't like pie. :-)
So I start washing the apples. I tossed out some bruised ones and there were a couple I threw out because they just had some icky looking scars. As I worked through the pile I started thinking about those I threw away. I'm going to be peeling them. There's bound to be a good part of that apple that's usable. I could make more than one pie if I get those back out and cut off those areas that were not usable.
So I grab those out of the trash. I washed them again and worked on them to get to the usable parts. Some of the apples that looked good on the outside, when I halved them, were actually very scarred on the inside around the core. I didn't see that from the outside. Some apples had very large core areas with less fruit. Some had very small cores and a lot of fruit.
By the time I had them peeled, cored, and sliced I had way more apple than I can use in two pies. So I decide to make some apple crisp too. Then I remembered that Pastor Anthony was coming over to spend some time with Ryan today. So I made a couple apple crisp desserts. I can't believe how many desserts I was able to make with a bag of apples. I ended up with 2 apple pies and 3 apple crisp desserts.
I put the apple crisp in the oven first and they started cooking and I began to clean up the area. I'm not Sally Homemaker so I did throw all the cores out and all the peelings. I know, I have a friend who's reading this and can't believe I wasted all those peelings .......... I hear her loud and clear..there's a use for all apple parts. You're wasting good usable parts.
Wouldn't you know it? God started talking to me. As the smell of cinnamon and apples begins to fill the house, I start hearing God. We're just like those apples.
There are so many different types of people. People come in all different shapes and sizes. Some are so beautiful on the outside. We see them and think they're really going to do great things for God. They have it so together that very shortly they're going to be so useful in the Kingdom. We see others and their scars and bruises are very apparent from the outside. We know God can use them but we also know it's going to take a good long time before they're productive. Some we look at and we throw them away immediately. We don't see anything good in saving that one and we throw them out before spending much time looking.
But God does it different. He starts by washing us off gently. Then He starts working on those areas that are not very appealing. He smooths out the scars and heals the bruised areas. And by the time He's finished, we are actually quite appealing. He too finds pretty ones that have very little fruit on the inside, but he uses what there is. And He also finds the not so pretty ones that inside are just full of precious fruit.
Best of all, God's not surprised at the harvest. He's not surprised that so little becomes so much when He completes the process of preparation. And He has so many things that people of all shapes, sizes and tastes can do that it's impossible not to be fruitful if you want to be.
God, the Master Creator and Reconstructor, with love changes lives. He's the only one that can love me when I'm not so pretty or my bruised ego or attitude needs some adjustments. He's the only one that can take what I am and who I am and change me to be what He sees in me. He loves us so much and He knows just how much peeling, coring and slicing we need in order to bring enjoyment to those around us.
You see, I found love in the apples today!
When I got up this morning I realized that we needed to do something with them otherwise they would spoil. We eat apples here and there, but not that many, and we're leaving for St. Louis tomorrow. So what to do.
Looking at them more closely, I realized they were not store bought. These apples were a mixture of varieties, sizes, shapes and quality. I started examining them and found scars, bruised spots and very odd shapes. They certainly are not what I buy in the store. You know what I'm talking about. You go down the fruit isle in the store and your mouth waters because they are perfectly shaped and have a consistent, beautiful, shiny red very appealing skin. Not these. These looked like they'd lived and could tell us some stories. LOL
I decided that I could make some pies. I had some leftover pie crusts from a holiday and got excited thinking who I could bless today with some apple pie. You might wonder why I don't just fix if for my family. Guess what? They don't like pie. :-)
So I start washing the apples. I tossed out some bruised ones and there were a couple I threw out because they just had some icky looking scars. As I worked through the pile I started thinking about those I threw away. I'm going to be peeling them. There's bound to be a good part of that apple that's usable. I could make more than one pie if I get those back out and cut off those areas that were not usable.
So I grab those out of the trash. I washed them again and worked on them to get to the usable parts. Some of the apples that looked good on the outside, when I halved them, were actually very scarred on the inside around the core. I didn't see that from the outside. Some apples had very large core areas with less fruit. Some had very small cores and a lot of fruit.
By the time I had them peeled, cored, and sliced I had way more apple than I can use in two pies. So I decide to make some apple crisp too. Then I remembered that Pastor Anthony was coming over to spend some time with Ryan today. So I made a couple apple crisp desserts. I can't believe how many desserts I was able to make with a bag of apples. I ended up with 2 apple pies and 3 apple crisp desserts.
I put the apple crisp in the oven first and they started cooking and I began to clean up the area. I'm not Sally Homemaker so I did throw all the cores out and all the peelings. I know, I have a friend who's reading this and can't believe I wasted all those peelings .......... I hear her loud and clear..there's a use for all apple parts. You're wasting good usable parts.
Wouldn't you know it? God started talking to me. As the smell of cinnamon and apples begins to fill the house, I start hearing God. We're just like those apples.
There are so many different types of people. People come in all different shapes and sizes. Some are so beautiful on the outside. We see them and think they're really going to do great things for God. They have it so together that very shortly they're going to be so useful in the Kingdom. We see others and their scars and bruises are very apparent from the outside. We know God can use them but we also know it's going to take a good long time before they're productive. Some we look at and we throw them away immediately. We don't see anything good in saving that one and we throw them out before spending much time looking.
But God does it different. He starts by washing us off gently. Then He starts working on those areas that are not very appealing. He smooths out the scars and heals the bruised areas. And by the time He's finished, we are actually quite appealing. He too finds pretty ones that have very little fruit on the inside, but he uses what there is. And He also finds the not so pretty ones that inside are just full of precious fruit.
Best of all, God's not surprised at the harvest. He's not surprised that so little becomes so much when He completes the process of preparation. And He has so many things that people of all shapes, sizes and tastes can do that it's impossible not to be fruitful if you want to be.
God, the Master Creator and Reconstructor, with love changes lives. He's the only one that can love me when I'm not so pretty or my bruised ego or attitude needs some adjustments. He's the only one that can take what I am and who I am and change me to be what He sees in me. He loves us so much and He knows just how much peeling, coring and slicing we need in order to bring enjoyment to those around us.
You see, I found love in the apples today!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
The Faithless Wife vs. The Harlot
I love to read the Bible and learn the principles that create a great foundation for a successful life. My husband taught me a long time ago the value of reading Proverbs every day. I love it. What I find difficult, however, is the prophets in the Old Testament. All the types and shadows, allegory's and prophesy challenge me so much that I honestly lose interest. BUT......
I decided to try once more to read one of them. Actually, a message I heard recently tweaked my interest and I thought I'd try to read Ezekiel. I mean, really, if these books were not important in some way, then God would never have moved upon folks to write them. Right?
Right! Man did the Word of God speak to my heart today. You see I'm in chapter 16 of Ezekiel. God is talking to him about Judah, and how she played the harlot. God took Judah and created something wonderful out of nothing. He gave them embroidered clothing, jewels fit for a king, fed them with the tastiest of pastries and sweets and gave them beauty as well. Judah was the envy of all the people around them. She had everything!
Then it all fell apart. Judah played the role of a harlot. She began taking the things she was given and created images and began worshiping idols instead of the God who created her beauty and provided for her. She began trusting in herself instead of the God who provided all things. Judah began to praise and promote herself. But it didn't stop there, Judah also taught the next generation to do the same.
What really grabbed my attention, however, is the fact that God changes His characterization of Judah in this chapter. Instead of being a harlot, he says, you are a faithless wife. You are giving it away free. You are not even charging for your harlotry. So you've taken your wickedness to a more depraved state. You're a wife who should be committed to your relationship, but you are throwing it all away for nothing!
Then I stop to think about this. What role am I playing today? Am I the real deal? Am I living like royalty and appreciating the blessings and beauty that God has created in my life? Am I appreciating His provisions in my life and walking in the way I know I should? Am I trusting God to provide my needs? Am I promoting myself instead of letting God promote me? Am I teaching my children to live for God in a way that brings glory to Him and appreciates the life He has blessed us with?
Or am I the faithless wife or harlot? Have I lost sight of the value of God's blessings and provisions and become just like Judah? Am I acting like a faithless wife? Worse than a harlot? I made my life's commitment to walk with God, love Him and serve Him. So He forgave me of my sins and washed me with His blood and gave me salvation. Am I faithful? Is my relationship with God a priority? Do I talk to Him every day? Do I seek His favor in all I do and say? Do I take my daily needs to the Lord and trust Him to take care of them? You know, leave it there?
The NEB version of the Bible puts it this way. "We are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to devote ourselves to the good deeds for which God has designed us". (Eph. 2:10) I need to remember that I am significant and unique, not because of what I do, but because of whose I am.
I decided to try once more to read one of them. Actually, a message I heard recently tweaked my interest and I thought I'd try to read Ezekiel. I mean, really, if these books were not important in some way, then God would never have moved upon folks to write them. Right?
Right! Man did the Word of God speak to my heart today. You see I'm in chapter 16 of Ezekiel. God is talking to him about Judah, and how she played the harlot. God took Judah and created something wonderful out of nothing. He gave them embroidered clothing, jewels fit for a king, fed them with the tastiest of pastries and sweets and gave them beauty as well. Judah was the envy of all the people around them. She had everything!
Then it all fell apart. Judah played the role of a harlot. She began taking the things she was given and created images and began worshiping idols instead of the God who created her beauty and provided for her. She began trusting in herself instead of the God who provided all things. Judah began to praise and promote herself. But it didn't stop there, Judah also taught the next generation to do the same.
What really grabbed my attention, however, is the fact that God changes His characterization of Judah in this chapter. Instead of being a harlot, he says, you are a faithless wife. You are giving it away free. You are not even charging for your harlotry. So you've taken your wickedness to a more depraved state. You're a wife who should be committed to your relationship, but you are throwing it all away for nothing!
Then I stop to think about this. What role am I playing today? Am I the real deal? Am I living like royalty and appreciating the blessings and beauty that God has created in my life? Am I appreciating His provisions in my life and walking in the way I know I should? Am I trusting God to provide my needs? Am I promoting myself instead of letting God promote me? Am I teaching my children to live for God in a way that brings glory to Him and appreciates the life He has blessed us with?
Or am I the faithless wife or harlot? Have I lost sight of the value of God's blessings and provisions and become just like Judah? Am I acting like a faithless wife? Worse than a harlot? I made my life's commitment to walk with God, love Him and serve Him. So He forgave me of my sins and washed me with His blood and gave me salvation. Am I faithful? Is my relationship with God a priority? Do I talk to Him every day? Do I seek His favor in all I do and say? Do I take my daily needs to the Lord and trust Him to take care of them? You know, leave it there?
The NEB version of the Bible puts it this way. "We are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to devote ourselves to the good deeds for which God has designed us". (Eph. 2:10) I need to remember that I am significant and unique, not because of what I do, but because of whose I am.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Two for one
I love bargains. Actually, I love bargains that are truly a bargain. The reason I say that is that some of these fast food restaurants have "meal" deals. Some times when you add up the items separately, they are really not a bargain at all. They are just wrapped up with pretty packaging that makes you feel like you just got a bargain.
There's a scripture that talks about two for one. Matthew 5:41 says "If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles." Now just so we get this right let's talk a bit about what was going on here. Jesus was teaching and he was using law of that day as his reference in teaching. This law was that if a soldier required you to carry his pack, then you had to do it. But it put a cap on how far; one mile. Jesus was teaching the people to go the second mile. Do more than you are asked to do.
This is truly a valuable principle to learn. One story that uses this scripture says that if you only go the first mile you only get what's expected, but when you go the second mile, you make a friend.
Service to one another is rewarding. It is work too. Doing more than is required, going the extra mile, giving more than was asked for takes a special kind of mentality. It's called a servants heart. Jesus Christ declared that he came to serve and tells us we should also seek to serve. Serving one another takes love and compassion.
Matter of fact, out of all of the fruit of the spirit, love is the greatest. Why? Because by this trait, Jesus says, they will know you are my disciples. He also states that if we don't have love, then we are not his.
Love is the only trait that I know of that will cause you to go the second mile. Love is the only trait that will motivate you to sacrifice your time, energy, and money for another person or a worthy cause.
So where's the bargain in this? How is this "Two for One" principle a bargain? I think it's because first you are helping another person and second you reap the benefits of discipleship.
Lest we forget those benefits, let me list just a few.
There's a scripture that talks about two for one. Matthew 5:41 says "If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles." Now just so we get this right let's talk a bit about what was going on here. Jesus was teaching and he was using law of that day as his reference in teaching. This law was that if a soldier required you to carry his pack, then you had to do it. But it put a cap on how far; one mile. Jesus was teaching the people to go the second mile. Do more than you are asked to do.
This is truly a valuable principle to learn. One story that uses this scripture says that if you only go the first mile you only get what's expected, but when you go the second mile, you make a friend.
Service to one another is rewarding. It is work too. Doing more than is required, going the extra mile, giving more than was asked for takes a special kind of mentality. It's called a servants heart. Jesus Christ declared that he came to serve and tells us we should also seek to serve. Serving one another takes love and compassion.
Matter of fact, out of all of the fruit of the spirit, love is the greatest. Why? Because by this trait, Jesus says, they will know you are my disciples. He also states that if we don't have love, then we are not his.
Love is the only trait that I know of that will cause you to go the second mile. Love is the only trait that will motivate you to sacrifice your time, energy, and money for another person or a worthy cause.
So where's the bargain in this? How is this "Two for One" principle a bargain? I think it's because first you are helping another person and second you reap the benefits of discipleship.
Lest we forget those benefits, let me list just a few.
- Peace knowing Jesus is in control of every situation.
- Courage knowing that I'm never alone.
- All my needs provided for because Jesus is my provider.
- Friendship knowing that Jesus is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.
- Health because Jesus heals.
- Salvation and hope for tomorrow because He has saved me by his blood.
Are you a fool?
I read a joke my sister sent me the other day about there being a holiday for everyone...even fools. The scripture reference in that joke was this Psalm 14:1 "The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." ....."
As I laughed at the joke, I also wondered if there are times that I am the fool saying there is no God? Ok, I've not said it out loud, but have my actions said that. When I was growing up, my parents would quote that little phrase "actions speak louder than words". They would warn us that who we were with and what we did in times of stress or play actually said more about us than our actual words.
There's a new phrase I've been hearing more frequently. Living out loud. So I wonder what God hears in my actions.
When I participate in gossip, am I really saying that I don't believe God hates gossipers?
When I omit some important fact in a conversation that would otherwise, if shared, place the responsibility or blame on me, do I really think God doesn't know I am lying through my front teeth? Do I really think that God excludes me from His wrath for lying?
When I am unkind and have no compassion for those people I come into contact with everyday, including the people I live with, am I thumbing my nose at God and ignoring His commandments?
I have to wonder about this. Because if you look at the entire verse of that scripture it says, "Psalm 14:1 "The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good."
So I take a little closer look at two words; corrupt and vile. Corrupt means "guilty of dishonest practices, as bribery; lacking integrity; crooked" Vile means "wretchedly bad or highly offensive, unpleasant, or objectionable."
So, I conclude that my actions are saying "There is no God". Because I have not always refrained from gossip. I have not always told the truth all the time. I have not always chosen to take the higher standard and walk away when others are engaged in questionable conversations. By association, by staying around, I am guilty by association. Verdict: I am a fool.
But there is hope!! God loves us! He will and does forgive us the moment we repent and ask Him. God is hearing my actions BUT He's also right there when we need to ask for forgiveness. One of the greatest scriptures of all times says it all. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9)
Put another way by the Message version of the Bible "If we claim that we're free of sin, we're only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins—make a clean breast of them—he won't let us down; he'll be true to himself. He'll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing. If we claim that we've never sinned, we out-and-out contradict God—make a liar out of him. A claim like that only shows off our ignorance of God. ".
The question is "Are you a fool?" I am. I am a repented fool. I am thankful that God is there waiting to hear my confession and extend grace and mercy when I repent.
As I laughed at the joke, I also wondered if there are times that I am the fool saying there is no God? Ok, I've not said it out loud, but have my actions said that. When I was growing up, my parents would quote that little phrase "actions speak louder than words". They would warn us that who we were with and what we did in times of stress or play actually said more about us than our actual words.
There's a new phrase I've been hearing more frequently. Living out loud. So I wonder what God hears in my actions.
When I participate in gossip, am I really saying that I don't believe God hates gossipers?
When I omit some important fact in a conversation that would otherwise, if shared, place the responsibility or blame on me, do I really think God doesn't know I am lying through my front teeth? Do I really think that God excludes me from His wrath for lying?
When I am unkind and have no compassion for those people I come into contact with everyday, including the people I live with, am I thumbing my nose at God and ignoring His commandments?
I have to wonder about this. Because if you look at the entire verse of that scripture it says, "Psalm 14:1 "The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good."
So I take a little closer look at two words; corrupt and vile. Corrupt means "guilty of dishonest practices, as bribery; lacking integrity; crooked" Vile means "wretchedly bad or highly offensive, unpleasant, or objectionable."
So, I conclude that my actions are saying "There is no God". Because I have not always refrained from gossip. I have not always told the truth all the time. I have not always chosen to take the higher standard and walk away when others are engaged in questionable conversations. By association, by staying around, I am guilty by association. Verdict: I am a fool.
But there is hope!! God loves us! He will and does forgive us the moment we repent and ask Him. God is hearing my actions BUT He's also right there when we need to ask for forgiveness. One of the greatest scriptures of all times says it all. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9)
Put another way by the Message version of the Bible "If we claim that we're free of sin, we're only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins—make a clean breast of them—he won't let us down; he'll be true to himself. He'll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing. If we claim that we've never sinned, we out-and-out contradict God—make a liar out of him. A claim like that only shows off our ignorance of God. ".
The question is "Are you a fool?" I am. I am a repented fool. I am thankful that God is there waiting to hear my confession and extend grace and mercy when I repent.
Friday, September 11, 2009
What are you waiting for?
Riding the train to and from work has its curses and blessings. The curse is its noisy and prolongs my commute time. I'm tired and people annoy me. The blessings are that there's less wear and tear on my car, the commute is cheaper and I don't have to fight the traffic. I also have about an hour just to "zone" if I want.
Another blessing is the people. Ok, I know I said that I'm tired and the people annoy me, but sometimes it is rather entertaining. Last night I was trying to get in the "zone" and that's when I begin to hear the people. See when I zone, I hear everything until my mind finally cops out and I "zone". So in that time of hearing everyone I must of heard 2 to 3 people talk about what they are waiting on. One was waiting on her daughter, one was waiting on the boss, you get the picture.
For some reason, my mind jumped to a lady I talked to in church recently. I asked how she was doing and she told me she was waiting on a specific minister to come back to our church to pray for her. Then she knew she'd get what she was waiting for. Huh? I was stunned.
I remembered a time in the Bible when Jesus healed a man that was waiting. He was waiting for several years for the water in the pool of Bethesda to move all by itself. If memory serves me correctly, it moved only about once a year. Why had he been waiting for so long? He needed someone to help him into the water. Because only the first person in the water at the time it moved on its own was healed. Because he was dependent on others to help him, he never made it in time. So he was still waiting. But now that Jesus was on the scene, as we know, he healed the man there and then and he left completely made whole. A completely changed man.
So, what bothers me is this, why is that lady at church waiting? She's waiting on some one to be here before God can heal her. Why? If Jesus is "in the house" or in our midst all the time, then I'm confused. Why is she waiting? We know that healing comes from God. We know that all we need is found in God. Don't we?
Now I have to ask myself, is there something that I'm waiting for before I __________? Are you waiting for _________ before God can move? before God can provide? before God can....................you fill in the blank. Now my criticism for the lady in my church turns inward. Why am I waiting? Waiting for what? Waiting for who? Is my inability to be completely changed and made whole because I'm waiting when there is really no need to? What am I waiting for?
Another blessing is the people. Ok, I know I said that I'm tired and the people annoy me, but sometimes it is rather entertaining. Last night I was trying to get in the "zone" and that's when I begin to hear the people. See when I zone, I hear everything until my mind finally cops out and I "zone". So in that time of hearing everyone I must of heard 2 to 3 people talk about what they are waiting on. One was waiting on her daughter, one was waiting on the boss, you get the picture.
For some reason, my mind jumped to a lady I talked to in church recently. I asked how she was doing and she told me she was waiting on a specific minister to come back to our church to pray for her. Then she knew she'd get what she was waiting for. Huh? I was stunned.
I remembered a time in the Bible when Jesus healed a man that was waiting. He was waiting for several years for the water in the pool of Bethesda to move all by itself. If memory serves me correctly, it moved only about once a year. Why had he been waiting for so long? He needed someone to help him into the water. Because only the first person in the water at the time it moved on its own was healed. Because he was dependent on others to help him, he never made it in time. So he was still waiting. But now that Jesus was on the scene, as we know, he healed the man there and then and he left completely made whole. A completely changed man.
So, what bothers me is this, why is that lady at church waiting? She's waiting on some one to be here before God can heal her. Why? If Jesus is "in the house" or in our midst all the time, then I'm confused. Why is she waiting? We know that healing comes from God. We know that all we need is found in God. Don't we?
Now I have to ask myself, is there something that I'm waiting for before I __________? Are you waiting for _________ before God can move? before God can provide? before God can....................you fill in the blank. Now my criticism for the lady in my church turns inward. Why am I waiting? Waiting for what? Waiting for who? Is my inability to be completely changed and made whole because I'm waiting when there is really no need to? What am I waiting for?
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Dress Code
Back to school month, that is what September has become here in the United States of America. The stores are filled with uniforms and school supplies. It seems that more and more schools are requiring that students wear uniforms.
I get to work on Wednesday and open my email and see a company wide notice. It's all about dress code. The opening paragraph states, "We want to remind all employees of the importance of projecting a professional image to customers, business associates and co-workers through the clothes we wear." As you read through the note, it goes so far as to state guidelines/rules regarding frayed pants, flip flops, length of shorts (for those areas of the company where they are allowed), and modesty of tops women may wear. It even gives definitions for what a flip flop is. AND to top if all off, those in management may not have a casual day on Friday. There is never a day for those in management to be casual in the work place.
So, I have to ask, why do we balk at church when there are standards set for those in leadership or for those participating on the platform in a service? What is wrong if the church sets requirements for apparrel when on church trips or when representing the church in functions it supports. If our workplace sets standards to project a professional image and we comply without issue, then what's wrong with churches setting standards?
Modesty in all things is a Biblical principle. Creating an environment where those in leadership or those participating on the platform are modest is important to creating an environment where God is the focus. Is that too much to ask?
I get to work on Wednesday and open my email and see a company wide notice. It's all about dress code. The opening paragraph states, "We want to remind all employees of the importance of projecting a professional image to customers, business associates and co-workers through the clothes we wear." As you read through the note, it goes so far as to state guidelines/rules regarding frayed pants, flip flops, length of shorts (for those areas of the company where they are allowed), and modesty of tops women may wear. It even gives definitions for what a flip flop is. AND to top if all off, those in management may not have a casual day on Friday. There is never a day for those in management to be casual in the work place.
So, I have to ask, why do we balk at church when there are standards set for those in leadership or for those participating on the platform in a service? What is wrong if the church sets requirements for apparrel when on church trips or when representing the church in functions it supports. If our workplace sets standards to project a professional image and we comply without issue, then what's wrong with churches setting standards?
Modesty in all things is a Biblical principle. Creating an environment where those in leadership or those participating on the platform are modest is important to creating an environment where God is the focus. Is that too much to ask?
Sunday, August 2, 2009
What's up with the fence?
We went to California on a family vacation this year. It was wonderful and refreshing. We grew up there, well....we were born and raised there and left when we were both 21. I think the true growing up came later. LOL There are things that really "reach out and grab you" when you return to the place where you were born and raised. For me, this year, it was the architecture; especially the residential areas. It was the fences.
In Illinois here, we have a fence around our backyard. It's very nice since we have a dog. The fence keeps him inside and we can let him out to roam around and laze in the sun (when there is sun..ha).
California is a different story, however. Just about every one has a fence around their back yard there. Matter of fact, I don't recall seeing any residential property without a fence around their backyard.
Looking at all the various fences you would say that some were truly functional and providing a greater level of protection and security. I did wonder if these would really protect the families behind them or if the trust they placed in them was warrented. Still many others use them more for boundary marking and perhaps for adding additional beauty to the property.
Researching a bit on google, I found some interesting things. There are cities, towns, and counties with laws and fines regarding fences. They truly care about the fence height in your front yard versus your backyard. They even dictate whether you can have a fence. There are areas that have rules about the material the fence is constructed with.
My mind started thinking about fences that people build around themselves. You can't truly see them, but they are there none the less. You know how I know? Because some of us can't trust anyone. Some of us can't laugh and joke with others. Some of us are afraid to even get around a sinner for fear that their "sin" will corrupt us.
Oh, don't get me wrong, I think we better have some fences built. We have to protect our minds in what we see and allow ourselves to think about. The Bible has a lot to say on this subject. In a world that is exposed to constant visual stimulants of sex, drugs, and violence, you better have some pretty strong fortified fences to protect yourself with.
But those are not the fences that I am talking about. The fences that I am talking about are those that keep people out. How can we be salt and light in this world when we are fencing them out? How can we show them Jesus if we refuse to get involved with them?
Jesus sat with prostitutes and offered them living water. Jesus ate dinner with dirty politicians. Jesus took his disciples out for times of mentoring and had enough love in his heart to address their egotistical thinking.
I ask you now, "What's up with the fence?" Remember, most things can be used for both evil and good. What's the purpose of your fence?
In Illinois here, we have a fence around our backyard. It's very nice since we have a dog. The fence keeps him inside and we can let him out to roam around and laze in the sun (when there is sun..ha).
California is a different story, however. Just about every one has a fence around their back yard there. Matter of fact, I don't recall seeing any residential property without a fence around their backyard.
Looking at all the various fences you would say that some were truly functional and providing a greater level of protection and security. I did wonder if these would really protect the families behind them or if the trust they placed in them was warrented. Still many others use them more for boundary marking and perhaps for adding additional beauty to the property.
Researching a bit on google, I found some interesting things. There are cities, towns, and counties with laws and fines regarding fences. They truly care about the fence height in your front yard versus your backyard. They even dictate whether you can have a fence. There are areas that have rules about the material the fence is constructed with.
My mind started thinking about fences that people build around themselves. You can't truly see them, but they are there none the less. You know how I know? Because some of us can't trust anyone. Some of us can't laugh and joke with others. Some of us are afraid to even get around a sinner for fear that their "sin" will corrupt us.
Oh, don't get me wrong, I think we better have some fences built. We have to protect our minds in what we see and allow ourselves to think about. The Bible has a lot to say on this subject. In a world that is exposed to constant visual stimulants of sex, drugs, and violence, you better have some pretty strong fortified fences to protect yourself with.
But those are not the fences that I am talking about. The fences that I am talking about are those that keep people out. How can we be salt and light in this world when we are fencing them out? How can we show them Jesus if we refuse to get involved with them?
Jesus sat with prostitutes and offered them living water. Jesus ate dinner with dirty politicians. Jesus took his disciples out for times of mentoring and had enough love in his heart to address their egotistical thinking.
I ask you now, "What's up with the fence?" Remember, most things can be used for both evil and good. What's the purpose of your fence?
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
A Time for Change vs. an Unchangeable God
I've read many things lately about the need for change in our world. Let's face it, the message our president won his election on was the need for change and his perceived ability to make that happen. The Sotomayor hearings are filled with questions that are trying to filter through all the "things we think we know about her" and her answers to the questions the committee asks her over a fews days time. From what I can tell, it seems they are all trying to determine how much her addition to the Supreme Court may actually change the rulings handed down by the court.
No matter what your political leanings are in these matters, the truth is we are in a culture that is seeking change. I would even agree that we need change in our world. I don't like many of our tax and spend policies. I don't like some of the decisions made by our highest court. I do not subscribe to the philosphy that there are no absolutes. In these things we certainly need change and I embrace those that are trying to make a difference in these areas.
The thought of change is a challenging one. How far will "change" go in our world? Our president has taken liberties of power that the office was never designed to have, but he, without any real resistance, has done things that has set the United States in a tailspin. Where it will end it not determined. What will the final outcomes be of this quick decisions and unprecedented use of his power will be are not clear. What we do know is that we are getting the change that the majority of the voters asked for.
With that being said, I do know that there are some things that should not be changed. Matter of fact, they are 100% unchangeable. Those things are the laws of God. They will never change. I'm not sure how you feel about that fact, however, it gives me great hope and security. Our God is unchangeable! He is the Creator of all mankind and the Author of the laws of reciprocity. Therefore, there are consequences of all decisions that bring about change. That's why the Bible is accurate when it states that God is in control. No matter who is in power or what occurs, God will have the last word. For this I am grateful.
So to encourage and increase my faith and yours, I give you some thoughts about our unchangeable God.
God does not change. Malachi 3:6 states "I am the Lord, I do not change;...."
God is always the same. Hebrews 13:8 states "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."
Sin brings death & the gift of God is eternal life. In Romans 6:23 it states, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
I quote all these scriptures to make this point, some things will and should never change. God's word, His promises, His power, His redeeming blood, His judgements, His love, His mercy, His forgiveness, His provisions, and His blessings will never change. I know that I can depend on, trust in and hope in God.
The changes our president or local governments make that affect our taxes, pay, health insurance or individual "rights" will never limit my needs being supplied. God supplies all my needs according to His riches in glory.
The laws of reciprocity that govern the outcomes of sin will not change. Sin brings death. It's really that simple. Those that engage in sinful practices are only enjoying them "for a season". The outcome is death. Never forget that.
The laws of reciprocity that govern the outcomes of living for God will not change. It's really that simple. Live by the principles of the Word of God and you will have good success. You will receive eternal life. Never, ever forget that.
Are there prices to pay for these two opposing life-styles? YES! That is an absolute. NEVER forget that. You are what you read, eat, think and do. Your choices today determines your tomorrow. Change your choices today and you change your tomorrows.
In summary, it is time for change. We need to change who we are looking to for answers. We need to remember that this world is not our home; we are just passing through. Our choices should be thoughfully considered and with the clear understanding that the laws of reciprocity will always be applied. AND most of all, that our God is unchangeable. We need to change to be more like Him!! We need to believe His word and develop a relationship with Him so we can hear His voice and know with clarity and assurance what changes we need to make in order to find fulfillment and the promise of eternal life.
No matter what your political leanings are in these matters, the truth is we are in a culture that is seeking change. I would even agree that we need change in our world. I don't like many of our tax and spend policies. I don't like some of the decisions made by our highest court. I do not subscribe to the philosphy that there are no absolutes. In these things we certainly need change and I embrace those that are trying to make a difference in these areas.
The thought of change is a challenging one. How far will "change" go in our world? Our president has taken liberties of power that the office was never designed to have, but he, without any real resistance, has done things that has set the United States in a tailspin. Where it will end it not determined. What will the final outcomes be of this quick decisions and unprecedented use of his power will be are not clear. What we do know is that we are getting the change that the majority of the voters asked for.
With that being said, I do know that there are some things that should not be changed. Matter of fact, they are 100% unchangeable. Those things are the laws of God. They will never change. I'm not sure how you feel about that fact, however, it gives me great hope and security. Our God is unchangeable! He is the Creator of all mankind and the Author of the laws of reciprocity. Therefore, there are consequences of all decisions that bring about change. That's why the Bible is accurate when it states that God is in control. No matter who is in power or what occurs, God will have the last word. For this I am grateful.
So to encourage and increase my faith and yours, I give you some thoughts about our unchangeable God.
God does not change. Malachi 3:6 states "I am the Lord, I do not change;...."
God is always the same. Hebrews 13:8 states "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."
Sin brings death & the gift of God is eternal life. In Romans 6:23 it states, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
I quote all these scriptures to make this point, some things will and should never change. God's word, His promises, His power, His redeeming blood, His judgements, His love, His mercy, His forgiveness, His provisions, and His blessings will never change. I know that I can depend on, trust in and hope in God.
The changes our president or local governments make that affect our taxes, pay, health insurance or individual "rights" will never limit my needs being supplied. God supplies all my needs according to His riches in glory.
The laws of reciprocity that govern the outcomes of sin will not change. Sin brings death. It's really that simple. Those that engage in sinful practices are only enjoying them "for a season". The outcome is death. Never forget that.
The laws of reciprocity that govern the outcomes of living for God will not change. It's really that simple. Live by the principles of the Word of God and you will have good success. You will receive eternal life. Never, ever forget that.
Are there prices to pay for these two opposing life-styles? YES! That is an absolute. NEVER forget that. You are what you read, eat, think and do. Your choices today determines your tomorrow. Change your choices today and you change your tomorrows.
In summary, it is time for change. We need to change who we are looking to for answers. We need to remember that this world is not our home; we are just passing through. Our choices should be thoughfully considered and with the clear understanding that the laws of reciprocity will always be applied. AND most of all, that our God is unchangeable. We need to change to be more like Him!! We need to believe His word and develop a relationship with Him so we can hear His voice and know with clarity and assurance what changes we need to make in order to find fulfillment and the promise of eternal life.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Are you too big for your body?
I read a devotional today that has really caught my attention. A young child was rough housing around with his uncle and having all kinds of fun when the little guy looked up and said, "You know what's wrong with you? You're skin is too big for your body."
Yes, we do take ourselves too seriously and forget to have plain old fun with our children. Here we are on vacation, back where we grew up. So many things have changed and so many things I've forgotten. What surprises me most are the simple things that I've forgotten, which when remembered now, causes a belly laugh that's hard to control.
I remember a summer when it was so hot and we needed rain so badly. My grandfather came by during his lunch hour and told us that we needed to do the rain dance. He then procededed to teach us how. He proceeded to dance on one foot to another circling the old barrel we used outside to burn trash. He told us if we all did that it would rain. We danced around it with him like a bunch of indians and sure enough it rained that night. Ha! We thought he was magic!!
I remember camping vacations in Yosemite with my family. Daddy would rope us all together and take us on 1/2 day hiking trips. That rope kept us safe and secure as we climbed up trails and we saw some of the most beautiful sights in the world.
Both of these memories remind me of the simple trust and faith we had in the adults in our lives. When my grandfather told us to dance and it would rain we laughed and cavorted and wore ourselves out. We had so much fun with him. It rained! It was awesome. When dad roped us together and told us that the rope would keep us together so we wouldn't get lost and help us to be safe as we climbed up those trails, we gladly roped ourselves together and trusted that we'd be safe and we'd make it to the top.
I think that is what God meant when he said we were to become as little children. The ability to believe anything that you were told and to do it without questioning it's possibilities. Just do it. Just believe it AND most of all, expect it to happen. Simple faith and trust.
But have we gotten too big for our bodies? Are we able to be as little children? Can we go back to the time when we could believe that we could just dance and the rain would come? Do I have the ability to believe that God's word said it and therefore it so? Lord I hope not!!
God's word says He is the supplier of all our needs. God's word says that He is the healer of all our diseases. God's word says that a sparrow will only fall to the ground if He wills it and He knows the number of hairs on our head....so we are not to be afraid because He cares even more for us than the sparrows. (Matthew 10:29-31). He knows where I am and cares for me!!
God's word tells me to sing songs, praise, dance and give thanks in the middle of my troubles. (Eph 5:15-21) Ok, it doesn't say in the middle of my troubles....it says "in all things". So am I too big to take this simply as it's stated? If not, then that means that I should sing and make a melody in my heart no matter what or where I am. I SHOULD thank Him when my job is stressful and I have too much work. I SHOULD sing a song and have a joyful heart when the kids are fighting in the back seat and we have just begun a 4-hour road trip. It means that if God said he would supply all my needs, then I should be singing and dancing and thanking Him for doing just that.
I have to remember the life lessons I was taught without ever being in the classroom. My grandfather knew it was going to rain that evening because he saw the clouds coming and knew the signs and could interpret those accurately. So he had us dance before it ever began; joyful in the knowledge that it was coming. That's just like God. God has already supplied all my needs. I need to dance in anticipation of the final outcome.
My father knew that his strength along with that rope tied around his children would keep us safe and secure and following in his footsteps. God knows that if we do as His word commands that nothing can ever separate us from His love and security. God will lead us in the pathway that is ours to travel and experience life in a beautiful way.
It's simple really. Become as a little child. Laugh and play and believe all the words you read in the Bible. They are not stories. They are true! They are mine to live!! They are mine to have!!
Am I too big for the things that God has in store for me? Unless I become as a little child.......I think I may be.
Yes, we do take ourselves too seriously and forget to have plain old fun with our children. Here we are on vacation, back where we grew up. So many things have changed and so many things I've forgotten. What surprises me most are the simple things that I've forgotten, which when remembered now, causes a belly laugh that's hard to control.
I remember a summer when it was so hot and we needed rain so badly. My grandfather came by during his lunch hour and told us that we needed to do the rain dance. He then procededed to teach us how. He proceeded to dance on one foot to another circling the old barrel we used outside to burn trash. He told us if we all did that it would rain. We danced around it with him like a bunch of indians and sure enough it rained that night. Ha! We thought he was magic!!
I remember camping vacations in Yosemite with my family. Daddy would rope us all together and take us on 1/2 day hiking trips. That rope kept us safe and secure as we climbed up trails and we saw some of the most beautiful sights in the world.
Both of these memories remind me of the simple trust and faith we had in the adults in our lives. When my grandfather told us to dance and it would rain we laughed and cavorted and wore ourselves out. We had so much fun with him. It rained! It was awesome. When dad roped us together and told us that the rope would keep us together so we wouldn't get lost and help us to be safe as we climbed up those trails, we gladly roped ourselves together and trusted that we'd be safe and we'd make it to the top.
I think that is what God meant when he said we were to become as little children. The ability to believe anything that you were told and to do it without questioning it's possibilities. Just do it. Just believe it AND most of all, expect it to happen. Simple faith and trust.
But have we gotten too big for our bodies? Are we able to be as little children? Can we go back to the time when we could believe that we could just dance and the rain would come? Do I have the ability to believe that God's word said it and therefore it so? Lord I hope not!!
God's word says He is the supplier of all our needs. God's word says that He is the healer of all our diseases. God's word says that a sparrow will only fall to the ground if He wills it and He knows the number of hairs on our head....so we are not to be afraid because He cares even more for us than the sparrows. (Matthew 10:29-31). He knows where I am and cares for me!!
God's word tells me to sing songs, praise, dance and give thanks in the middle of my troubles. (Eph 5:15-21) Ok, it doesn't say in the middle of my troubles....it says "in all things". So am I too big to take this simply as it's stated? If not, then that means that I should sing and make a melody in my heart no matter what or where I am. I SHOULD thank Him when my job is stressful and I have too much work. I SHOULD sing a song and have a joyful heart when the kids are fighting in the back seat and we have just begun a 4-hour road trip. It means that if God said he would supply all my needs, then I should be singing and dancing and thanking Him for doing just that.
I have to remember the life lessons I was taught without ever being in the classroom. My grandfather knew it was going to rain that evening because he saw the clouds coming and knew the signs and could interpret those accurately. So he had us dance before it ever began; joyful in the knowledge that it was coming. That's just like God. God has already supplied all my needs. I need to dance in anticipation of the final outcome.
My father knew that his strength along with that rope tied around his children would keep us safe and secure and following in his footsteps. God knows that if we do as His word commands that nothing can ever separate us from His love and security. God will lead us in the pathway that is ours to travel and experience life in a beautiful way.
It's simple really. Become as a little child. Laugh and play and believe all the words you read in the Bible. They are not stories. They are true! They are mine to live!! They are mine to have!!
Am I too big for the things that God has in store for me? Unless I become as a little child.......I think I may be.
Friday, June 26, 2009
No Password Necessary!
I had to change my password today. Every 30 days this event occurs. There are rules that you have to follow for changing your password. It has to be a certain length. It has to have at least 7 characters. It cannot be all letters. It must contain 1 number. It cannot be similar in any way to a prior password, etc. Oh, and by the way, don't write it down anywhere!
When you question this practice, it's all about being secure. Security provides safety or a freedom from risk. It lessens the danger of someone being able to break through the walls of your defense. Basically, it is there for your protection. My corporation requires a password in order to protect me and them from tampering by another co-worker or an outside entity. A lot of corporate resources are assigned, both financial and physical, to ensuring that I and the company are safe from intruders and risk.
The password is such an important element in providing technical security that you only get a certain number of chances to remember it and enter it correctly. After your chances expire, you are totally locked out of the system and you must call to have it "reset" so you can once again have access to the system.
AND as it that's not enough, there are certain applications in our system that require a different password to gain access. Even some levels of operation that limit you by your user ID. So just because you get through the first set of "security measures" doesn't mean you have access to everything that's available.
These thoughts caused me to ponder just a moment. No password is necessary in God's kingdom. God never locks us out. He does not have a limit on the number of times you try to gain access to Him. What an awesome thought!
God's kingdom and access into His realm is totally secure. There is no risk of intruders sabatoging His "system". When you're in His "system" you have the freedom to go anywhere and access any level of operation you desire. God's Kingdom is secure! He paid the price one time for all of us forever!!
God will never lock us out no matter how many times we forget some of the steps or measures. God will never prevent us from going to the next level. God is totally transparent and provides all things for all people who seek him and desire more. His Kingdom is limitless and you can reach for the stars and attain the greatest heights. It's all up to you!
I have full access to everything in God's Kingdom 24.7.365!!
When you question this practice, it's all about being secure. Security provides safety or a freedom from risk. It lessens the danger of someone being able to break through the walls of your defense. Basically, it is there for your protection. My corporation requires a password in order to protect me and them from tampering by another co-worker or an outside entity. A lot of corporate resources are assigned, both financial and physical, to ensuring that I and the company are safe from intruders and risk.
The password is such an important element in providing technical security that you only get a certain number of chances to remember it and enter it correctly. After your chances expire, you are totally locked out of the system and you must call to have it "reset" so you can once again have access to the system.
AND as it that's not enough, there are certain applications in our system that require a different password to gain access. Even some levels of operation that limit you by your user ID. So just because you get through the first set of "security measures" doesn't mean you have access to everything that's available.
These thoughts caused me to ponder just a moment. No password is necessary in God's kingdom. God never locks us out. He does not have a limit on the number of times you try to gain access to Him. What an awesome thought!
God's kingdom and access into His realm is totally secure. There is no risk of intruders sabatoging His "system". When you're in His "system" you have the freedom to go anywhere and access any level of operation you desire. God's Kingdom is secure! He paid the price one time for all of us forever!!
God will never lock us out no matter how many times we forget some of the steps or measures. God will never prevent us from going to the next level. God is totally transparent and provides all things for all people who seek him and desire more. His Kingdom is limitless and you can reach for the stars and attain the greatest heights. It's all up to you!
I have full access to everything in God's Kingdom 24.7.365!!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Just begin....
I've wanted to have a blog for a long time. What stopped me? The commitment. I would begin to check into it and read other blogs and think how cool it would be to have one of my own. I would envy them the time and the thoughts. I would dream about "the day" that I would have a blog. I'd more often than not stop dreaming and get back to the "real world".
Then this morning I began on that same ol' track of thinking again. I really want to blog. I wish I had the time and could do it. Then reality hit me. I'll never do it. I keep coming here to this point and stop before I ever really commit to creating it. This is a cycle that needs breaking. I'll never accomplish something if I never try, never begin. So, I've begun.
How many things have you wanted to do but never have because of the commitment would be too much? How do you know if you never try?
Then this morning I began on that same ol' track of thinking again. I really want to blog. I wish I had the time and could do it. Then reality hit me. I'll never do it. I keep coming here to this point and stop before I ever really commit to creating it. This is a cycle that needs breaking. I'll never accomplish something if I never try, never begin. So, I've begun.
How many things have you wanted to do but never have because of the commitment would be too much? How do you know if you never try?
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