"Let me tell you what the truth is!" Then the list of circumstances began. This had begun when I made the comment that it sounded like Spiritual warfare and the first piece of armor is the belt of truth.
Sometimes it's confusing when you read in the Bible about putting on the belt of truth, or, "you will know the truth and the truth will set you free". This word truth is misunderstood for the undeniable things that are happening in our life. But I don't believe that is what it means.
Sometimes the very real circumstances of my life trip me up and make me feel anything bur free. In fact they can make me feel in bondage. For instance, when I have sinned against God and the consequence of my sin has changed the landscape of my life, the truth goes beyond what I see and what I feel. I'm sure the children of Israel must have felt that they were hopeless when they were on their way to Babylon. They had disobeyed God. Not only had they not listened to the prophets they killed them! Now they were getting what they deserved. I would have felt that way if it were me. Yet, this is where I find God's reassurance,"For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 So what is the truth here? God is bigger than my failures.
Sometimes I'm not only living with my own brokenness but the brokenness of those I love. I keep going back to the story of the father who brough his son to Jesus. What was the reality that the father was living with? Over and over and over again the father witnessed his son foaming at the mouth becoming rigid rolling into the fire or water. The father had tried everything. He had even brought his son to Jesus' disciples but they hadn't been able to help. This was his reality but what was the truth Jesus confronted him with? "All things are possible for one who believes."
Sometimes the circumstances of my life bind me and make me feel helpless. Sometimes my circumstances cause me to trip and lose my confidence of ever being able to succeed. But the scripture teaches me that truth should be worn like a belt to keep me from tripping and that truth is something that sets me free. The truth I read in James 4:2 is,"You do not have because you do not ask." Sometimes my payer reflects the prayer of the father who responded to Jesus by saying,"Lord, I believe help my unbelief." The truth is he hears my prayers and he understands my human weakness.
Whenever I need to see people who based their life on truth not circumstances I turn to Hebrews 11. There I read that the fact that Sarah and Abraham were past childbearing years did not keep them from the truth that He who had promised is faithful and is able to keep his promises. What I see in this chapter is that people who base their life on the truth of God are made strong out of weakness. I want to be like them and live beyond my circumstances and take hold of the truth of God.
Lord Jesus, the truth is I have this treasure in a jar of clay. Sometimes I am hard pressed, but never crushed. Sometimes I am perplexed, but not in despair. The truth is that the all surpassing power to live this Christian life is not from me but from you and you have promised to never leave me or forsake me. By this truth I choose to live regardless of how difficult my circumstances are.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Saturday, August 27, 2011
"...but not without hope"
Her grandson sat beside her, weeping. Her voice was weak, but her words were strong. She was dying, and she was saying goodbye. She told him he didn't have to hold back the tears; it was okay for him to cry. She gently explained that her body was worn out and the time had come for her to die. Then she turned to me and said goodbye.
As I sat there, the words of Ecclesiastes 3 flooded my mind. "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die...a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn..." Yesterday, we got the call that Anne had died, and it was time to weep and time to mourn.
The sorrow is real, the grief is real, and yet we don't grieve like those who have no hope. When I think about the last time I saw Anne, and her parting words to me knowing this would probably be our last meeting here on earth I also think about how Jesus prepared His disciples for His death. "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also..." (John 14 1-3)
Last year I taught a Bible Study on Heaven. Anne was in the class. We talked about the mystery and the victory of what God has prepared for us. We talked about how the perishable body must put on the imperishable, and how this mortal body must put on immortality. Anne is the first of the class to graduate. She now knows the victory that is hers in our Lord Jesus Christ. For Anne,"Death is swallowed up in victory."
I stand on this side of eternity peering through a veil of tears. I see dimly but I believe that Anne now beholds her Savior face to face.
Lord Jesus, You are the Resurrection and the Life yet you stood at Lazarus' tomb and wept. Thank you that your plans for us go beyond the grave.
https://youtu.be/z4F_cXGQN9k
As I sat there, the words of Ecclesiastes 3 flooded my mind. "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die...a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn..." Yesterday, we got the call that Anne had died, and it was time to weep and time to mourn.
The sorrow is real, the grief is real, and yet we don't grieve like those who have no hope. When I think about the last time I saw Anne, and her parting words to me knowing this would probably be our last meeting here on earth I also think about how Jesus prepared His disciples for His death. "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also..." (John 14 1-3)
Last year I taught a Bible Study on Heaven. Anne was in the class. We talked about the mystery and the victory of what God has prepared for us. We talked about how the perishable body must put on the imperishable, and how this mortal body must put on immortality. Anne is the first of the class to graduate. She now knows the victory that is hers in our Lord Jesus Christ. For Anne,"Death is swallowed up in victory."
I stand on this side of eternity peering through a veil of tears. I see dimly but I believe that Anne now beholds her Savior face to face.
Lord Jesus, You are the Resurrection and the Life yet you stood at Lazarus' tomb and wept. Thank you that your plans for us go beyond the grave.
https://youtu.be/z4F_cXGQN9k
Thursday, August 25, 2011
My Sparring Partner
From my earliest memories, depression has been my sparing partner. These are a few things I have learned along the way.
One of my first lessons in dealing with depression was taught me by my mother. When mother saw me becoming depressed, she would send me on a walk to a nursing home that was near where I lived. Getting outside, walking, focusing on someone else, all these things helped me as a child.
While visiting at a nursing home one day, an elderly lady told me how she handled depression. She told me the verse about offering to God the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. I confess, it is a sacrifice to praise and thank God when your mind is overcome with gloomy thoughts. However, over the years I have learned that I have a choice. Depression and I meet face to face; the wrestling match begins. "You have no hope.” he whispers in my ear. I combat the lie with the truth, and thank Jesus that He promised to never leave me or forsake me. On and on it goes, until at last I have the victory!
Another tactic my sparing partner uses is to try and attack me as I'm falling asleep. Sometimes he even wake me in the middle of the night. Usually in the night he comes and tries to bind me with fear. He reminds me at these times of my weakness and my failure. He is so good at this. He's like a ventriloquist who throws his voice into my mind. I counter this attack with the verse that says," I will remember you on my bed, I will meditate on you through the watches of the night." (Psalm 63:6)
Not long ago, I found a weapon he was using against me to pull me down into depression. It was my own tongue! I was letting his words come out of my mouth. This has been a very effective weapon in his arsenal. Again, I turned to the the Word of God to gain victory. "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." (Ephesians 4:29)
Would you believe he has even garbed the weapons I'm using against him and tried to turn them against me? "You are such a failure.” he whispers in my ear. "Look at what you believe and look at yourself. You don't measure up and you never will.” This attack can really cripple me, because I see the truth of my sin. With tears in my eyes I go to 1 John 1:9 and whisper back, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
I have had a genetic dispossession towards depression since my earliest memories, and there have been times I have felt like I lost the battle. There have been times I didn't think I could hold on any more, and I was falling into a dark slimy pit that that had no bottom. That is when I discovered my greatest weapon against depression. "If the Lord delight in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand." (Psalm 37:23,24) Did you get that? It's not me holding His hand. It's HIM holding my hand. His grip is strong and sure and loving. With Him on my side holding my hand the victory is mine.
Lord Jesus, I thank you for my weakness because in my weakness I see Your strength manifested again and again and again.
One of my first lessons in dealing with depression was taught me by my mother. When mother saw me becoming depressed, she would send me on a walk to a nursing home that was near where I lived. Getting outside, walking, focusing on someone else, all these things helped me as a child.
While visiting at a nursing home one day, an elderly lady told me how she handled depression. She told me the verse about offering to God the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. I confess, it is a sacrifice to praise and thank God when your mind is overcome with gloomy thoughts. However, over the years I have learned that I have a choice. Depression and I meet face to face; the wrestling match begins. "You have no hope.” he whispers in my ear. I combat the lie with the truth, and thank Jesus that He promised to never leave me or forsake me. On and on it goes, until at last I have the victory!
Another tactic my sparing partner uses is to try and attack me as I'm falling asleep. Sometimes he even wake me in the middle of the night. Usually in the night he comes and tries to bind me with fear. He reminds me at these times of my weakness and my failure. He is so good at this. He's like a ventriloquist who throws his voice into my mind. I counter this attack with the verse that says," I will remember you on my bed, I will meditate on you through the watches of the night." (Psalm 63:6)
Not long ago, I found a weapon he was using against me to pull me down into depression. It was my own tongue! I was letting his words come out of my mouth. This has been a very effective weapon in his arsenal. Again, I turned to the the Word of God to gain victory. "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." (Ephesians 4:29)
Would you believe he has even garbed the weapons I'm using against him and tried to turn them against me? "You are such a failure.” he whispers in my ear. "Look at what you believe and look at yourself. You don't measure up and you never will.” This attack can really cripple me, because I see the truth of my sin. With tears in my eyes I go to 1 John 1:9 and whisper back, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
I have had a genetic dispossession towards depression since my earliest memories, and there have been times I have felt like I lost the battle. There have been times I didn't think I could hold on any more, and I was falling into a dark slimy pit that that had no bottom. That is when I discovered my greatest weapon against depression. "If the Lord delight in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand." (Psalm 37:23,24) Did you get that? It's not me holding His hand. It's HIM holding my hand. His grip is strong and sure and loving. With Him on my side holding my hand the victory is mine.
Lord Jesus, I thank you for my weakness because in my weakness I see Your strength manifested again and again and again.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
HELP! There is a tick on my shoulder blade
I felt something biting or stinging but when I looked I couldn't see anything. It was my left shoulder blade and I couldn't reach it. First, I tried with my right hand reaching down behind my head, no luck. Next, I tried to reach my left hand back and up but to no avail. No matter how I twisted or contorted my body I could neither see nor reach the spot. Finally, I asked my husband for help and within moments the tick was removed.
Sometimes in my spiritual life I feel like something is wrong. I can't tell exactly what but something just seems out of place. That's when I go to one of my brothers or sisters in Christ and ask for help. When I look at the Scriptures I see that God chose to put me in a community of believers.
There are at least 59 one another verses in the Bible. Here are some of them:
"Wash one another's feet" John 13:14
"Instruct one another" Romans 15:14
"Carry each other's burdens" Galatians 6:2
"Admonish one another" Colossians 3:16
"Encourage one another" Hebrews 3:13
"Spur one another on towards love and good deeds" Hebrews 10:24
Community can be messy but community is necessary. Sometimes I just need the people around me to help me understand what's going on. It is humbling to need other people I would prefer to have all the answers and not need anyone, but that's my pride. And I've learn over and over again," Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall." Proverbs 16:18
Lord Jesus, thank you for not leaving me down here all by myself on this pilgrim's journey. Thank you for letting me be part of a family of believers.
Sometimes in my spiritual life I feel like something is wrong. I can't tell exactly what but something just seems out of place. That's when I go to one of my brothers or sisters in Christ and ask for help. When I look at the Scriptures I see that God chose to put me in a community of believers.
There are at least 59 one another verses in the Bible. Here are some of them:
"Wash one another's feet" John 13:14
"Instruct one another" Romans 15:14
"Carry each other's burdens" Galatians 6:2
"Admonish one another" Colossians 3:16
"Encourage one another" Hebrews 3:13
"Spur one another on towards love and good deeds" Hebrews 10:24
Community can be messy but community is necessary. Sometimes I just need the people around me to help me understand what's going on. It is humbling to need other people I would prefer to have all the answers and not need anyone, but that's my pride. And I've learn over and over again," Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall." Proverbs 16:18
Lord Jesus, thank you for not leaving me down here all by myself on this pilgrim's journey. Thank you for letting me be part of a family of believers.
Monday, August 22, 2011
The Dark Shadow verses the Light
I'm reading the book of Job again. Every year at this time in my One Year Bible I come to the book of Job. This book brings up the question we all ask,"How do I interpret the things that happen to me." Things happen, bad things happen but then how do we process them as Christians?
There was a song I heard when I was younger it was a funny song but the chorus reflects a way I often interpret the things that happen in my life. "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." We live in a fallen world bad things happen but when I let this chorus interpret my life I am listening to a Dark Shadow.
The Dark Shadow tells tells me that there is no hope. In the darkness of that shadow things look bleak. A shadow is cast when something is blocking the light. This is exactly what happens when I let the enemy of my soul block the light of truth and cast his shadow on the events of my life. "What you see is what you get", he whispers in the cold darkness. "Nothing will ever change. There is no hope. Things will only get worse". What happens when I listen to the Dark Shadow's interpretation of my life is that I feel sucked into the vortex of gloom.
There is another voice that calls to me. It is the voice of light. In Psalm 36:9 I read," For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light." I think about this when I think about Jesus on the Mountain of Transfiguration bathed in light. Jesus was transfigured before Peter,James and John. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. However, when He came off the mountain He encountered a man wrapped in grief who had brought his demon-possessed son to be healed. The father was consumed with the plight of his son and did not see who Jesus really was.
3 John 4 says," I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." So what is it to walk in the truth? I believe walking in the truth is to live my life interpreting all the parts of my life, both the good and the painful parts, in the light. The father who brought his son to Jesus did not see Jesus for who He is. When all the broken pieces of my life are spread out in the presence of Jesus they are spread before the Savoir and the Redeemer. When I see my life interpreted though the light of who Jesus is that I can gain true understanding.
Lord Jesus, help me today by faith to listen to the truth and walk in the light. Help me remember that although the Dark Shadow can hide the light he can never extinguish it!
There was a song I heard when I was younger it was a funny song but the chorus reflects a way I often interpret the things that happen in my life. "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." We live in a fallen world bad things happen but when I let this chorus interpret my life I am listening to a Dark Shadow.
The Dark Shadow tells tells me that there is no hope. In the darkness of that shadow things look bleak. A shadow is cast when something is blocking the light. This is exactly what happens when I let the enemy of my soul block the light of truth and cast his shadow on the events of my life. "What you see is what you get", he whispers in the cold darkness. "Nothing will ever change. There is no hope. Things will only get worse". What happens when I listen to the Dark Shadow's interpretation of my life is that I feel sucked into the vortex of gloom.
There is another voice that calls to me. It is the voice of light. In Psalm 36:9 I read," For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light." I think about this when I think about Jesus on the Mountain of Transfiguration bathed in light. Jesus was transfigured before Peter,James and John. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. However, when He came off the mountain He encountered a man wrapped in grief who had brought his demon-possessed son to be healed. The father was consumed with the plight of his son and did not see who Jesus really was.
3 John 4 says," I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." So what is it to walk in the truth? I believe walking in the truth is to live my life interpreting all the parts of my life, both the good and the painful parts, in the light. The father who brought his son to Jesus did not see Jesus for who He is. When all the broken pieces of my life are spread out in the presence of Jesus they are spread before the Savoir and the Redeemer. When I see my life interpreted though the light of who Jesus is that I can gain true understanding.
Lord Jesus, help me today by faith to listen to the truth and walk in the light. Help me remember that although the Dark Shadow can hide the light he can never extinguish it!
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Trust the instrument panel
"He thought his plane was horizontal but in reality it was plunging toward the Ocean." A pilot of a major air line was explaining to the class I was in what the expression "flying by the seat of your pants" meant. The pilot explained how a person's instincts can tell them one thing while the instrument panels gives them a completely different picture of the position of the plane. He suggested that when the two are contradictory trust the instrument panel.
Sometimes I get confused about very basic things. It's almost embarrassing but I wonder if it's true for other people as well. One of the most basic instincts I can be confused about is how to express love. Maybe it's because I was a child in the 1960's when this was a hot topic.
Sometimes what I feel is right and what the Bible teaches don't line up. I can be going in the opposite direction of Biblical teaching and feel like I'm going in the correct direction. It's times like these I need to stop and look carefully and prayerfully at my instrument panel and change my course accordingly.
This happens almost every time I read 1 Corinthians 13. This morning I was looking at the part that says,"Loves always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." I had memorized it a little differently, "love bears all things". Either way the truth of the matter is I didn't know what it meant.
In trying to gain a better understanding I looked the Greek word and found, "Beareth all things - Παντα στεγει. This word is also variously interpreted: to endure, bear, sustain, cover, conceal, contain." It went with 1 Peter where it says," love covers a multitude of sins". It was a picture of a roof that keeps the rain out, or of a ship that keeps it's cargo safe. I see this picture of love as a vessel were something is safe and protected as apposed to Plato's picture of a fool's soul which he said was like a sieve.
One of the translations I found said," She knows how to be silent." The "she" was love. Love seems so simple but when I look at it's description in 1 Corinthians 13 I see that love is so much more than an instinctual feeling!
Lord Jesus, when what I feel is right conflicts with what your word says is right grant me the grace to obey your word.
Sometimes I get confused about very basic things. It's almost embarrassing but I wonder if it's true for other people as well. One of the most basic instincts I can be confused about is how to express love. Maybe it's because I was a child in the 1960's when this was a hot topic.
Sometimes what I feel is right and what the Bible teaches don't line up. I can be going in the opposite direction of Biblical teaching and feel like I'm going in the correct direction. It's times like these I need to stop and look carefully and prayerfully at my instrument panel and change my course accordingly.
This happens almost every time I read 1 Corinthians 13. This morning I was looking at the part that says,"Loves always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." I had memorized it a little differently, "love bears all things". Either way the truth of the matter is I didn't know what it meant.
In trying to gain a better understanding I looked the Greek word and found, "Beareth all things - Παντα στεγει. This word is also variously interpreted: to endure, bear, sustain, cover, conceal, contain." It went with 1 Peter where it says," love covers a multitude of sins". It was a picture of a roof that keeps the rain out, or of a ship that keeps it's cargo safe. I see this picture of love as a vessel were something is safe and protected as apposed to Plato's picture of a fool's soul which he said was like a sieve.
One of the translations I found said," She knows how to be silent." The "she" was love. Love seems so simple but when I look at it's description in 1 Corinthians 13 I see that love is so much more than an instinctual feeling!
Lord Jesus, when what I feel is right conflicts with what your word says is right grant me the grace to obey your word.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Divine appointments
I don't believe in chance. I do believe in a Sovereign God. I guess that's why I believe in Divine appointments.
Divine appointments don't come with trumpets announcing them but sometimes with a simple prayer,"Lord what do You want me to do?” Once I was trying to get a photograph of my children at the mall. The photography kiosk was closed so I started praying for guidance. That's when I met a woman from out of town who was a new Christian. Her son was dying in the hospital. I ended up spending the next day at the hospital with her simply being her Christian sister. I sat with her, prayed with her, cried with her. I was with her when she said goodbye to her son for the last time. It was a Divine appointment.
Another time I was at the grocery store. My groceries were in the trunk I was driving away when I saw him. A man laying under his car. I got there the same time his wife did. She began shaking him violently. I was concerned that this might hurt him and ask if I could help. I was there, holding his head as he took his last breath. The couple had been from out of town. I spent the rest of the day with man's widow as we waited for her family to come. She was a Christian and I sat at the hospital with her, praying with her, crying with her, simply being her Christian sister. It just seemed like my assignment for that day.
Once I met my Divine appointment in the form of a thirteen year old boy standing in the middle of my path. I was taking a walk in my neighborhood. From that simple meeting came a deep friendship. Over the course of years he became part of my life. I was there when his son was born. I have been with him through his times of joy and times of deep sorrow. It all began with a prayer. I had met his mother day before and she told about her son. The next morning I had written in my prayer journal, "Lord, if you want me to be part of this boy's life put him in the middle of my path." So God did, literally, put him in the middle of my path.
Father, I do believe that You are the Sovereign Lord. Please help me live my life with an open heart. Show me how to serve You in my generation. Not seeing the interruption of my plans as an irritation but instead and invitation to a Divine appointment.
Divine appointments don't come with trumpets announcing them but sometimes with a simple prayer,"Lord what do You want me to do?” Once I was trying to get a photograph of my children at the mall. The photography kiosk was closed so I started praying for guidance. That's when I met a woman from out of town who was a new Christian. Her son was dying in the hospital. I ended up spending the next day at the hospital with her simply being her Christian sister. I sat with her, prayed with her, cried with her. I was with her when she said goodbye to her son for the last time. It was a Divine appointment.
Another time I was at the grocery store. My groceries were in the trunk I was driving away when I saw him. A man laying under his car. I got there the same time his wife did. She began shaking him violently. I was concerned that this might hurt him and ask if I could help. I was there, holding his head as he took his last breath. The couple had been from out of town. I spent the rest of the day with man's widow as we waited for her family to come. She was a Christian and I sat at the hospital with her, praying with her, crying with her, simply being her Christian sister. It just seemed like my assignment for that day.
Once I met my Divine appointment in the form of a thirteen year old boy standing in the middle of my path. I was taking a walk in my neighborhood. From that simple meeting came a deep friendship. Over the course of years he became part of my life. I was there when his son was born. I have been with him through his times of joy and times of deep sorrow. It all began with a prayer. I had met his mother day before and she told about her son. The next morning I had written in my prayer journal, "Lord, if you want me to be part of this boy's life put him in the middle of my path." So God did, literally, put him in the middle of my path.
Father, I do believe that You are the Sovereign Lord. Please help me live my life with an open heart. Show me how to serve You in my generation. Not seeing the interruption of my plans as an irritation but instead and invitation to a Divine appointment.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Making wise the simple
It all began with a statement I made to my Mother when I was thirteen. "Mom, I want to have more faith." "That's easy Sarah, faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. I'll wake you up tomorrow and you can begin reading your Bible with me."
It was forty five years ago I began this journey of reading God's word. Mother was right it has increased my faith. It has become my passion. "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:11 I have discovered that while I was reading God's word it was reading me.
Often when friends come over I see them checking out my book selves. I sometimes feel a little embarrassed, my friends are avid readers. I have heard them say that you can tell a lot about a person by the books they have in their library. My problem is that I am dyslexic and reading isn't easy for me. That's why I am so amazed when it comes to reading the Bible. This seems to be the exception. I plan my day around when I will be able to read it. I resonate with the verses in Psalm 19 "The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart...More to be desired are they than gold,even much fine gold; sweeter than honey and drippings of the honeycomb."
My life has been shaped by my reading of God's word."All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16,17 When I read I inhale deeply of the breath of God.
Nine years ago I drove my son to college. "Mom, you ought to write." I smiled because I know that if you are going to be a writer you can't be someone like me, you need to be smart. I knew I knew I could speak and I knew I wanted to share the treasures I had discovered from God's word but I also knew I couldn't write. Nine years later my son set up this Blog for me and said,"Mom, you ought to write."
When Andrew set up the Blog for me I was studying 1 Corinthians. That's why I am writing this Blog. What I read was, "For consider your calling, brothers; not many of you were wise according to worldly standers, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in this world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in this world to shame the strong." When I read these verses I felt qualified.
Lord Jesus, I come to you in all my simplicity. By faith I want to share the treasures of your word.
It was forty five years ago I began this journey of reading God's word. Mother was right it has increased my faith. It has become my passion. "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:11 I have discovered that while I was reading God's word it was reading me.
Often when friends come over I see them checking out my book selves. I sometimes feel a little embarrassed, my friends are avid readers. I have heard them say that you can tell a lot about a person by the books they have in their library. My problem is that I am dyslexic and reading isn't easy for me. That's why I am so amazed when it comes to reading the Bible. This seems to be the exception. I plan my day around when I will be able to read it. I resonate with the verses in Psalm 19 "The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart...More to be desired are they than gold,even much fine gold; sweeter than honey and drippings of the honeycomb."
My life has been shaped by my reading of God's word."All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16,17 When I read I inhale deeply of the breath of God.
Nine years ago I drove my son to college. "Mom, you ought to write." I smiled because I know that if you are going to be a writer you can't be someone like me, you need to be smart. I knew I knew I could speak and I knew I wanted to share the treasures I had discovered from God's word but I also knew I couldn't write. Nine years later my son set up this Blog for me and said,"Mom, you ought to write."
When Andrew set up the Blog for me I was studying 1 Corinthians. That's why I am writing this Blog. What I read was, "For consider your calling, brothers; not many of you were wise according to worldly standers, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in this world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in this world to shame the strong." When I read these verses I felt qualified.
Lord Jesus, I come to you in all my simplicity. By faith I want to share the treasures of your word.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Humility in the cockpit
“Sometimes it is not so easy in bad weather at this airport to see the runway.” A transcript from the Korean Airlines shows the second officer saying something like this to the captain right before the plane crashed into the side of a hill.
The Korean Air Lines had been plauged with a high number of airplane crashes. The problem was traced back to the fact that the pilots were responding to the strongly hierarchical nature of Korean culture. Once Korean Airlines realized what was going on, they were able to retrain their Korean pilots and their crash rate immediately declined to typical industry-wide levels.
"Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." Proverbs 11:14 This isn't the only Proverb that talks about how important it is to have counselors. However, sometimes it's hard to hear them because it involves humility. I often find when someone dares to tell me they think I'm doing something wrong a strong since of pride arises from within me. It's as if they have wakened a sleeping giant.
It's not only receiving counsel I have trouble with I also have trouble giving it. Ephesians 4:15 says we are to speak the truth in love. Yet I often hesitate because I am more uncomfortable with someones displeasure than I am concerned with their well being. This self protection shows a lack of love on my part.
When I look at the teaching of scripture I see how God choose to put me in a community of believers. As part of this community I need the counsel of others. I also need to care enough to give counsel when it's appropriated. Above all I need humility to receive what is said to me. I also need wisdom and courage to know when to speak and when to be silent.
Lord Jesus, your word teaches that both safety and victory are found were there is an abundance of counselors. Please help me be humble enough to hear wise counsel and loving enough to give it.
The Korean Air Lines had been plauged with a high number of airplane crashes. The problem was traced back to the fact that the pilots were responding to the strongly hierarchical nature of Korean culture. Once Korean Airlines realized what was going on, they were able to retrain their Korean pilots and their crash rate immediately declined to typical industry-wide levels.
"Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." Proverbs 11:14 This isn't the only Proverb that talks about how important it is to have counselors. However, sometimes it's hard to hear them because it involves humility. I often find when someone dares to tell me they think I'm doing something wrong a strong since of pride arises from within me. It's as if they have wakened a sleeping giant.
It's not only receiving counsel I have trouble with I also have trouble giving it. Ephesians 4:15 says we are to speak the truth in love. Yet I often hesitate because I am more uncomfortable with someones displeasure than I am concerned with their well being. This self protection shows a lack of love on my part.
When I look at the teaching of scripture I see how God choose to put me in a community of believers. As part of this community I need the counsel of others. I also need to care enough to give counsel when it's appropriated. Above all I need humility to receive what is said to me. I also need wisdom and courage to know when to speak and when to be silent.
Lord Jesus, your word teaches that both safety and victory are found were there is an abundance of counselors. Please help me be humble enough to hear wise counsel and loving enough to give it.
Monday, August 15, 2011
I think God does give us more than we can handle
"God will never give me more than I can handle!"
I have lost count of how many times I've heard this statement. It has more often then not been followed by,"That's what the Bible teaches." Sometimes I just want to let it go but I can't so I say, "Actually, that verse is about temptations.'God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.'"1 Corinthians 10:13
I believe that the difficult things I encounter draw me into the love of God. The overwhelming circumstances of life cause me to seek a God outside myself. If God never gave me more than I could handle I would be God,wouldn't I?
What I believe is that nothing can separate me from the love of God. "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?...No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loves us. For I am sure that neither death nor life nor angels nor rulers, nor things present not things to come, nor powers, nor heights nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:35-39 I believe this because I have asked Jesus to be my Savior.
The difficulties of this life do not show my independence but instead they show my dependence. God often gives me more than I can handle but never more than He can handle. When I encounter difficulties I also encounter a loving God. "When we were utterly helpless,Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners."Romans 5:6-8
Lord Jesus, thank you for coming to me when I was utterly helpless. Thank you for letting the trail of this life press deeper and deeper into your love. Thank you that neither death nor life can separate me from you love.
I have lost count of how many times I've heard this statement. It has more often then not been followed by,"That's what the Bible teaches." Sometimes I just want to let it go but I can't so I say, "Actually, that verse is about temptations.'God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.'"1 Corinthians 10:13
I believe that the difficult things I encounter draw me into the love of God. The overwhelming circumstances of life cause me to seek a God outside myself. If God never gave me more than I could handle I would be God,wouldn't I?
What I believe is that nothing can separate me from the love of God. "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?...No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loves us. For I am sure that neither death nor life nor angels nor rulers, nor things present not things to come, nor powers, nor heights nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:35-39 I believe this because I have asked Jesus to be my Savior.
The difficulties of this life do not show my independence but instead they show my dependence. God often gives me more than I can handle but never more than He can handle. When I encounter difficulties I also encounter a loving God. "When we were utterly helpless,Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners."Romans 5:6-8
Lord Jesus, thank you for coming to me when I was utterly helpless. Thank you for letting the trail of this life press deeper and deeper into your love. Thank you that neither death nor life can separate me from you love.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Love is a verb
When I was a little girl I liked to read books about saints. This is probably because I went to a Catholic school. The books had an effect on me I wanted to be like the people I read about. I remember getting up to clean the kitchen when everyone had gone to bed because that's what a saint would do. I also would get up early and help Mother make lunches for everyone. That was no small job since there were nine children in my family. Of course sometimes I'd forget to put the meat in the sandwich and someone would get two slices of bread for lunch,oops.
What I learned from this was that often feelings followed actions. However, I was a teenage in the 1960's and the message was just the opposite. As a teenager I was bombarded with the message that love is a warm fuzzy feeling. I have to confess that these two opposing ideas of love have been somewhat like a tennis game in my life with the ball going back and forth from one side of the court to the other.
When I got married I remember having a conversation with my husband. He made a statement I thought was helpful. He said,"Love is a verb." This made since to me. When I read 1 Corinthians 13 I see what love does and doesn't do. When I read about God's love in John 3:16 I read God so loved the world he gave. In Jesus I see the one who came to seek and to saved the lost.
One time a man told me that part of his wedding vows were,"I promise to stay with you till love grows cold." If that had been my vow I would be long gone. My feeling of love can be as unstable as the weather in Georgia. The bases of my love has to come from the source of love. 1 John tells me that God is love. When I base my action on the source the feelings follow.
Lord Jesus, thank you for loving me. You are the manifestation of the love of God. Please let your love be manifested in my life as I choose to love others by my actions.
What I learned from this was that often feelings followed actions. However, I was a teenage in the 1960's and the message was just the opposite. As a teenager I was bombarded with the message that love is a warm fuzzy feeling. I have to confess that these two opposing ideas of love have been somewhat like a tennis game in my life with the ball going back and forth from one side of the court to the other.
When I got married I remember having a conversation with my husband. He made a statement I thought was helpful. He said,"Love is a verb." This made since to me. When I read 1 Corinthians 13 I see what love does and doesn't do. When I read about God's love in John 3:16 I read God so loved the world he gave. In Jesus I see the one who came to seek and to saved the lost.
One time a man told me that part of his wedding vows were,"I promise to stay with you till love grows cold." If that had been my vow I would be long gone. My feeling of love can be as unstable as the weather in Georgia. The bases of my love has to come from the source of love. 1 John tells me that God is love. When I base my action on the source the feelings follow.
Lord Jesus, thank you for loving me. You are the manifestation of the love of God. Please let your love be manifested in my life as I choose to love others by my actions.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
An eclipse can only hide the light it can never extinguish it
Thinking back, I can remember several eclipses.
The eclipses of my life have included times when the darkness surrounding me felt as if it would smother me. During these times of darkness I have at in silence. I have sat in silence waiting, waiting, waiting. The Bible says that faith is being sure of what you hope for and confident about what you don't see. An eclipse is an invitation to experience God by faith. The darkness of the eclipse invites me to base my relationship with God not on what I can see but what I believe.
"For whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." (Hebrews 11:6 ) Difficult times force me to draw near to God or away from Him. When faith is required I have to seek God because sometimes I don't feel His presence. When light is hidden by the darkness and my soul reaches out to God in faith, something happens.
Often in the silent stillness of the dark, all my brokenness becomes apparent. By faith and not sight, my heart cries out, and my cry is answered by the One who came to bind up the brokenhearted. When light is hidden from my view and I draw near to God by faith, I find in Him the One who gives rest to my soul.
He gives,"beauty for ashes,and the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit" (Isiah 61:3) The reward I find when I seek God during the eclipses of my life is that, sometime during the darkness, my weakness has been exchanged for His strength. When my heart has sought by faith what my eye cannot see, I am given the privilege of bringing glory to my Lord.
Lord Jesus, sometimes the path You lead me on is flooded with such glorious light. Sometimes I walk in darkness. Thank You for Your promise to never leave me or forsake me. In the light or in the darkness, let me always walk with you.
The eclipses of my life have included times when the darkness surrounding me felt as if it would smother me. During these times of darkness I have at in silence. I have sat in silence waiting, waiting, waiting. The Bible says that faith is being sure of what you hope for and confident about what you don't see. An eclipse is an invitation to experience God by faith. The darkness of the eclipse invites me to base my relationship with God not on what I can see but what I believe.
"For whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." (Hebrews 11:6 ) Difficult times force me to draw near to God or away from Him. When faith is required I have to seek God because sometimes I don't feel His presence. When light is hidden by the darkness and my soul reaches out to God in faith, something happens.
Often in the silent stillness of the dark, all my brokenness becomes apparent. By faith and not sight, my heart cries out, and my cry is answered by the One who came to bind up the brokenhearted. When light is hidden from my view and I draw near to God by faith, I find in Him the One who gives rest to my soul.
He gives,"beauty for ashes,and the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit" (Isiah 61:3) The reward I find when I seek God during the eclipses of my life is that, sometime during the darkness, my weakness has been exchanged for His strength. When my heart has sought by faith what my eye cannot see, I am given the privilege of bringing glory to my Lord.
Lord Jesus, sometimes the path You lead me on is flooded with such glorious light. Sometimes I walk in darkness. Thank You for Your promise to never leave me or forsake me. In the light or in the darkness, let me always walk with you.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
What are you doing today?
This is the story of the three brick layers.
The story goes, that three bricklayers were working side by side.
When asked, "What are you doing?", the first bricklayer replied:
"I'm laying bricks."
The second bricklayer was asked. He answered,
"Feeding my family."
The third bricklayer when asked the question,
"What are you doing?", responded,
"I'm building a cathedral."
Lord Jesus, as I surrender this day to you help me see my life with eyes of faith. As I surrender my vision of what my life should look like help me see the outcome with eternity in view.
The story goes, that three bricklayers were working side by side.
When asked, "What are you doing?", the first bricklayer replied:
"I'm laying bricks."
The second bricklayer was asked. He answered,
"Feeding my family."
The third bricklayer when asked the question,
"What are you doing?", responded,
"I'm building a cathedral."
Lord Jesus, as I surrender this day to you help me see my life with eyes of faith. As I surrender my vision of what my life should look like help me see the outcome with eternity in view.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Perspective,perspective perspective
It wasn't about my honor it was about His honor.
I woke up but I didn't want to get out of bed. I had discovered that someone at our church had used our absence to gossip about us. The hurt I felt was so deep. I didn't want to face the day and I didn't want to face anyone else either.
I lay there hurting but trying to pray. I was struggling to find the words. I decided to just say the words Jesus used when he taught his disciples to pray. "Our Father, who art in Heaven", the reality of these words intersected my pain. For a moment I just lay there letting the truth of having access to the throne of Heaven penetrate my mind. But Jesus didn't just give me access he gave me permission to approach the throne with the relationship of a child to her father.
"Hallowed be Thy name." Because of the gossip and slander that had occurred I felt dishonored. Suddenly, as I prayed I became aware of the truth. I wasn't praying ,"Hallowed be my name",I was praying," Hallowed be Thy name". Suddenly the focus of my prayer shifted. I began to pray that God would redeem the situation and use it to bring Himself honor.
In the Bible there are sacrifices that are put on the alter and God sends down fire to consume them as a sign that He has accepted what was offered. I had in prayer lay my humiliation on the alter and asked my Heavenly Father to redeem it and use it for His glory. I felt as if a ray from Heaven came down and my prayer was excepted.
When I saw the day through the lens of faith my view was altered. When I bowed in prayer before my Heavenly Father I received the courage I needed to face the day.
I woke up but I didn't want to get out of bed. I had discovered that someone at our church had used our absence to gossip about us. The hurt I felt was so deep. I didn't want to face the day and I didn't want to face anyone else either.
I lay there hurting but trying to pray. I was struggling to find the words. I decided to just say the words Jesus used when he taught his disciples to pray. "Our Father, who art in Heaven", the reality of these words intersected my pain. For a moment I just lay there letting the truth of having access to the throne of Heaven penetrate my mind. But Jesus didn't just give me access he gave me permission to approach the throne with the relationship of a child to her father.
"Hallowed be Thy name." Because of the gossip and slander that had occurred I felt dishonored. Suddenly, as I prayed I became aware of the truth. I wasn't praying ,"Hallowed be my name",I was praying," Hallowed be Thy name". Suddenly the focus of my prayer shifted. I began to pray that God would redeem the situation and use it to bring Himself honor.
In the Bible there are sacrifices that are put on the alter and God sends down fire to consume them as a sign that He has accepted what was offered. I had in prayer lay my humiliation on the alter and asked my Heavenly Father to redeem it and use it for His glory. I felt as if a ray from Heaven came down and my prayer was excepted.
When I saw the day through the lens of faith my view was altered. When I bowed in prayer before my Heavenly Father I received the courage I needed to face the day.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
When the yellow jackets swarm
All I knew was pain. I ran without direction driven by terror. I had stepped into a yellow jackets' nest.
That was many years ago when I looked down and saw my legs covered with yellow jackets but the memory still causes me to shiver. I was reminded of this yesterday when I felt like bees were buzzing around my head. They weren't literal bees. They were negative thoughts. Fear, anger, hopelessness, stung my mind. I am no longer a child. I have learned what to do when I am tormented by negative thoughts.
In the book of Ezra God's people are rebuilding the temple after they came back from captivity. The people around them set out to discourage them and make them afraid. They wrote letters to the king accusing them. They succeeded at bringing the work to a standstill. That is until Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the prophet came on the scene.
It was as if these two prophets took the curtains of Heaven and pulled them back revealing God on the throne. Once they saw themselves with an eternal perspective they were filled with courage. The people set to work and the prophets of God were with them, helping them.
What I have learned over the years is that I am not at the mercy of the painful, hurtful things that happen in my life. Do they happen? Yes. Still, I am not at their mercy. I have a choice. One of the promises Jesus made was that He would send a Helper. He promised to send His Spirit and He did.
Haggai and Zechariah caused God's people to refocus. I too must choose daily to focus my mind on the truth of what God has done for me. I find new mercy every morning as I renew my mind according to His Word. I see the yellow jackets stinging my legs, I feel the pain, but with the hand of faith I knock them off.
Lord Jesus, here I am again. I am weak but You are strong. Show me today how to be strong with Your strength. Please redeem my sorrow and use it for Your glory.
That was many years ago when I looked down and saw my legs covered with yellow jackets but the memory still causes me to shiver. I was reminded of this yesterday when I felt like bees were buzzing around my head. They weren't literal bees. They were negative thoughts. Fear, anger, hopelessness, stung my mind. I am no longer a child. I have learned what to do when I am tormented by negative thoughts.
In the book of Ezra God's people are rebuilding the temple after they came back from captivity. The people around them set out to discourage them and make them afraid. They wrote letters to the king accusing them. They succeeded at bringing the work to a standstill. That is until Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the prophet came on the scene.
It was as if these two prophets took the curtains of Heaven and pulled them back revealing God on the throne. Once they saw themselves with an eternal perspective they were filled with courage. The people set to work and the prophets of God were with them, helping them.
What I have learned over the years is that I am not at the mercy of the painful, hurtful things that happen in my life. Do they happen? Yes. Still, I am not at their mercy. I have a choice. One of the promises Jesus made was that He would send a Helper. He promised to send His Spirit and He did.
Haggai and Zechariah caused God's people to refocus. I too must choose daily to focus my mind on the truth of what God has done for me. I find new mercy every morning as I renew my mind according to His Word. I see the yellow jackets stinging my legs, I feel the pain, but with the hand of faith I knock them off.
Lord Jesus, here I am again. I am weak but You are strong. Show me today how to be strong with Your strength. Please redeem my sorrow and use it for Your glory.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Jack's door
"Jack, why do you have a shoe hanging on your door?"
Jack pointed out the other things he had hung on his door. At church they had talked about the armor of God. He had made a shield of faith out of cardboard; it hung on the door. He also had a wooden sword stuck in his back pack hanging on the door. As Jack pointed out the different items and why they were there, I smiled.
Doors lead somewhere. Jack's door reminds me of the truth of Ephesians 6:10-20. We are to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. The strength of the Lord is something I put on or forget to put on. If I fail to put it on. If I fail to put it on, I fail to stand against the schemes of the devil.
I had trouble with this yesterday. I forgot that I wasn't just wrestling with flesh and blood. I forgot that my real battle was with rulers, against authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness. I forgot that Scripture tells me that there are spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. I left my armor hanging on the door and went into the world unarmed.
Lord Jesus, help me to be strong in the strength You give me. You have provided every thing I need to be more than a conqueror through You. Oh yes, and please help Jack to remember to always wear Your armor.
Jack pointed out the other things he had hung on his door. At church they had talked about the armor of God. He had made a shield of faith out of cardboard; it hung on the door. He also had a wooden sword stuck in his back pack hanging on the door. As Jack pointed out the different items and why they were there, I smiled.
Doors lead somewhere. Jack's door reminds me of the truth of Ephesians 6:10-20. We are to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. The strength of the Lord is something I put on or forget to put on. If I fail to put it on. If I fail to put it on, I fail to stand against the schemes of the devil.
I had trouble with this yesterday. I forgot that I wasn't just wrestling with flesh and blood. I forgot that my real battle was with rulers, against authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness. I forgot that Scripture tells me that there are spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. I left my armor hanging on the door and went into the world unarmed.
Lord Jesus, help me to be strong in the strength You give me. You have provided every thing I need to be more than a conqueror through You. Oh yes, and please help Jack to remember to always wear Your armor.
Friday, August 5, 2011
The key to the dungeon
I can't believe it happened again! This time Jack wanted not only me to go on his Plgrim's Progress, but his mother as well. Once more I was reluctant to leave the comfort of the couch for the journey into the woods.
Jack had been excited to see that I had written about my last journey with him, and he wanted to do it again. Into the woods we went. Deeper and deeper into the woods we went. "I added more,” Jack said. "I can tell,” I responded.
Suddenly, Jack stopped. "You are now in the dungeon of Giant Despair. Pretend it's dark and you feel hopeless and you can't see a way out." It wasn't that hard to pretend. I had been feeling that way all week. I did feel I was being held captive by something bigger than me, and I was having a hard time getting free.
Jack bent down and picked up a stick."This is the only key that can get you out of the giant's dungeon. This key is God's promises." I had forgotten. I had forgotten that I needed to meditate on God's promises. I had just been drifting with the situations that overwhelmed me. It took my eight year old grandson holding up a stick to set me free.
That night I was tucking Jack into bed. "You've been going through some hard things, haven't you?" Suddenly Jack looked very vulnerable and nodded his head yes. "Remember what you told me in the woods today about the key? It's true." I told him I would bring him a box of promises I had from God's word. "We can read one every night. It will help all of us stay out of Giant Despair’s dungeon."
Lord Jesus, I keep forgetting the things You’ve told me. I keep finding myself imprisoned by fear and doubt. Thank You for sending me an eight year old grandson who knew where to find the key.
Jack had been excited to see that I had written about my last journey with him, and he wanted to do it again. Into the woods we went. Deeper and deeper into the woods we went. "I added more,” Jack said. "I can tell,” I responded.
Suddenly, Jack stopped. "You are now in the dungeon of Giant Despair. Pretend it's dark and you feel hopeless and you can't see a way out." It wasn't that hard to pretend. I had been feeling that way all week. I did feel I was being held captive by something bigger than me, and I was having a hard time getting free.
Jack bent down and picked up a stick."This is the only key that can get you out of the giant's dungeon. This key is God's promises." I had forgotten. I had forgotten that I needed to meditate on God's promises. I had just been drifting with the situations that overwhelmed me. It took my eight year old grandson holding up a stick to set me free.
That night I was tucking Jack into bed. "You've been going through some hard things, haven't you?" Suddenly Jack looked very vulnerable and nodded his head yes. "Remember what you told me in the woods today about the key? It's true." I told him I would bring him a box of promises I had from God's word. "We can read one every night. It will help all of us stay out of Giant Despair’s dungeon."
Lord Jesus, I keep forgetting the things You’ve told me. I keep finding myself imprisoned by fear and doubt. Thank You for sending me an eight year old grandson who knew where to find the key.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
The healing touch of truth
She woke up but she didn't want to. She had been having her favorite dream. In it she was a wife and mother, she was loved and respected. She was awake now. It was hot and there were chores to do. In her dream she was loved and respected but in her reality she felt a deep since of failure and shame. It was late, she was thirsty, her escape of sleep would have to wait till later.
The book of Isaiah says," He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sickness." Throughout the Scriptures I see Jesus healing by reaching out His hand and touching the one who is sick. When the leper came to Jesus in Mark 1:40 he knelt before Jesus and said," If you will, you can make me clean." Jesus was moved with compassion and He reached out and touched him and said," I will, be clean."
Blindness, deafness, leprosy, these were not the only infirmities Jesus bore. There is also an infirmity of the heart and a sickness of the soul. It is often hidden from the eye but it cripples just the same.
When she reached the well she saw him there. She was startled when he asked for a drink. Jews didn't talk to Samaritans. Then he offered her the gift. He said," If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you,' Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water." She was intrigued," Sir, give me this water so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water."
She was surprised when he told her to get her husband. She replied honestly,” I don’t have one.” That’s when his words touched her wounded soul. “You are right in saying, ’I have no husband’; for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.” That was to personal so she asked a question about religion. However, Jesus kept it personal when he referred to God as Father. “The Father’, said Jesus,’ is seeking people to worship him in spirit and in truth.”
Her heart was pounding now she could hardly form the words,” I know the Messiah is coming. When he comes, he will tell us all things.” Jesus said to her,” I who speak to you am he.” Her wounded soul was touched. Her thirst was quenched.
Lord Jesus, you know my wounded thirsty soul as well. You alone see the hidden hurts your word reaches in to touch what only you can see. Your words of truth bring healing and the refreshment of living water.
The book of Isaiah says," He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sickness." Throughout the Scriptures I see Jesus healing by reaching out His hand and touching the one who is sick. When the leper came to Jesus in Mark 1:40 he knelt before Jesus and said," If you will, you can make me clean." Jesus was moved with compassion and He reached out and touched him and said," I will, be clean."
Blindness, deafness, leprosy, these were not the only infirmities Jesus bore. There is also an infirmity of the heart and a sickness of the soul. It is often hidden from the eye but it cripples just the same.
When she reached the well she saw him there. She was startled when he asked for a drink. Jews didn't talk to Samaritans. Then he offered her the gift. He said," If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you,' Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water." She was intrigued," Sir, give me this water so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water."
She was surprised when he told her to get her husband. She replied honestly,” I don’t have one.” That’s when his words touched her wounded soul. “You are right in saying, ’I have no husband’; for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.” That was to personal so she asked a question about religion. However, Jesus kept it personal when he referred to God as Father. “The Father’, said Jesus,’ is seeking people to worship him in spirit and in truth.”
Her heart was pounding now she could hardly form the words,” I know the Messiah is coming. When he comes, he will tell us all things.” Jesus said to her,” I who speak to you am he.” Her wounded soul was touched. Her thirst was quenched.
Lord Jesus, you know my wounded thirsty soul as well. You alone see the hidden hurts your word reaches in to touch what only you can see. Your words of truth bring healing and the refreshment of living water.
Monday, August 1, 2011
True intimacy and the intimacy of truth
The first blog I wrote was,"Sarah, you are the most arrogant person I know." Hearing those words spoken by one of my brothers sent me on a journey. My first question was,"How dare he say something like that to me?" My next thought was,"Is there truth in what he said?"
In response to my brother's words I have begun to pray for humility on a regular basis. It has been an interesting journey. One of the things I have discovered is that my intimacy with another person can be measured by the level of truth in our relationship.
Several times since I have been consciously praying for humility people have said very hurtful things to me. My first response is always the same, ANGER. My next response is that I want to defend myself and point out something I don't like about them in the process. Lastly, I want to put distance between myself and that other person so they won't be close enough to hurt me again.
What I am finding is that pride causes me to put walls around my heart so that people can't hurt me. The end result is that I am safe at last! I am safe,safe and very much alone. I think God created me with a desire to know and to be known. I think I was created with a desire to be understood and to understand. I think I was created for intimacy yet intimacy is very risky.
One of the by products of praying for humility this year is that I have found my relationships with the people around me deepening. At times it has been painful yet in the end it has been worth it.I realized that not only had I ceased to hear truth about myself I had also stopped caring enough to risk telling the truth. The end result was that my relationships had become superficial.
Lord Jesus, please teach me to be humble. Open my heart to give and receive the truth.
In response to my brother's words I have begun to pray for humility on a regular basis. It has been an interesting journey. One of the things I have discovered is that my intimacy with another person can be measured by the level of truth in our relationship.
Several times since I have been consciously praying for humility people have said very hurtful things to me. My first response is always the same, ANGER. My next response is that I want to defend myself and point out something I don't like about them in the process. Lastly, I want to put distance between myself and that other person so they won't be close enough to hurt me again.
What I am finding is that pride causes me to put walls around my heart so that people can't hurt me. The end result is that I am safe at last! I am safe,safe and very much alone. I think God created me with a desire to know and to be known. I think I was created with a desire to be understood and to understand. I think I was created for intimacy yet intimacy is very risky.
One of the by products of praying for humility this year is that I have found my relationships with the people around me deepening. At times it has been painful yet in the end it has been worth it.I realized that not only had I ceased to hear truth about myself I had also stopped caring enough to risk telling the truth. The end result was that my relationships had become superficial.
Lord Jesus, please teach me to be humble. Open my heart to give and receive the truth.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)